Edition 34 - March 2010

www.mexicolivingguide.com – No. 34 March / marzo 2010

■ Turn Your Home & Garden Into Paradise Home and Garden business profiles

■ Baja Fashion From Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas, Baja transcends the international market

■ Mexico’s Socorro Island One of the best diving spots on Earth!

■ Baja’s Saltwater Scorpion This venomous fish offers a gourmet delicacy

■ Are You Safe? New reports reveal that Mexico is as safe or safer than the U.S.

Baja’s Biggest Blues Festival—Changing Lives Through Music & Art

Baja’s Biggest Blues Festival—

2 March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

New Coastal Hwy

2D

8

Bahia Tortugas

Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino

LagunaOjo

de Liebre

Bahia Rosario

Bahia Blanco

Bahia Maria

Bahia Santa Rosalillita

Bahia de Los Angeles

Bahia San Luis Gonzaga

Bahia Colonet

BahiaTodos Santos

Bahia San Rafael

Tijuana Tecate Yuma

Carborca

San Quintin

El Rosario

Guerrero Negro

SonoytaLukeville, AZ

Gulfo de Santa Clara

PUNTA FALSAPUNTA

EUGENIA

Lighthouse

BAHIA TORTUGAS

Rosarito Beach

Ensenada

Puerto de Santo Domingo

Puerto Penasco(Rocky Point)

GD

GD

GD

Colonia Vicente Guerrero

GD

ColonetGD

GD

GD

Villa Jesus Maria

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Baja California

SonoraG

ULF O

F CALIFO

RNIA

San Felipe

MexicaliLos Algodones

Puertecitos

Valle de Guadalupe

La Bufadora

Santo Tomas

VicentVic t

SAN PEDRO MARTIRNATIONAL PARK

National Astronomic Observatory

CONSTITUTION OF 1857NATIONAL PARK

Cataviña

Punta Prieta

Santa Rosalillita

Vizciano

Isla Angel de la Guarda

Isla Tiburon

Isla San EstebanIsla San Lorenzo

Isla MiramarIsla Lobos

Isla EncantadaIsla San Luis

PACIFIC OCEAN

6

5

5

53 miles

29 M

18 M

23 M

35 M

get gas if southbound

get gas if northbound

77 M

64 M

Bahia LA turnoff

40 M33 M

Laguna

cacaca

BAHIA AHIA

GU

LF OF

BAJA NORTE

Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010 www.mexicolivingguide.com 3CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Bahia Asuncion

Bahia Tortugas

Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino

LagunaOjo

de Liebre

Bahia las Palmas

Bahia Muertos

Bahia la Ventana

Bahia de la Paz

Bahia Santa MariaBahia Magdalena

Bahia San Nicolas

Bahia San Basilio

Bahia de Concepcion

Bahia Santa Ines

Guerrero Negro

La Paz

Loreto

Santa Rosalia

Mulegé

El Coyote

San Ignacio

Todos Santos

San Jose del CaboCabo San Lucas

LA BOCANA

PUNTA ABREOJOS

PUNTA PRIETA

PUNTA FALSAPUNTA

EUGENIA

Lighthouse

BAHIA TORTUGAS

Santa Rita

CIUDADCONSTITUCION

Ciudad Insurgentes

Puerto de Santo Domingo

Bahia Almejas

GuaymasSan Carlos

GD

Villa Jesus Maria

BAHIA ASUNCION

GGD

GD

GD

GD

GD

GD

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La PurismaG

Baja Cali E

ali El

ali l f Ef El f l ofof rnia Sur

ismania Sur

isma

GU

LF OF CA

LIFORN

IA(Sea of Cortez)

Bahiade Ballenas

Bahia San Hipolito

Bahiade Ballenas

Los Barriles

Pescadero

SIERRA DE LA LAGUNANATIONAL PARK

Vizciano

Isla del Carmen

Isla Danzante

Isla Monserrat

Isla Santa Catalina

Isla Santa Cruz

Isla San Jose

Isla San Francisco

Isla Espiritu Santo

Isla Cerralvo

Isla Santa Margarita

Isla San Marcos

Isla Tortuga

PACIFIC OCEAN

LEGEND:1 - Page of city map & directory

GD - Pemex Gas and/or Diesel

- International Airport

- Highway Sign

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10

8

9

8

7

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91 M

46 M

46 M

86 M

12 M

80 M

133 M

70 M

49 M

19 M

48 M

Sebastian VizcainoVizcainoV

BAJA SUR


WElcOME TO BAJAThe Mexican states of Baja california, Baja california

sur and sonora make up northwest Mexico as covered by our guide. The region features an enormous diversity of landscapes like no place on earth—a land of quiet, colorful deserts, endless beaches, majestic mountains, forests, unexplained rock formations, brilliant clear skies, an average temperature of 75 degrees fahrenheit and some of the most welcoming people in the world.

northwest Mexico is the destination of choice for retirees, investors, entrepreneurs, travelers and vacationers alike. The U.s. state Department says that more americans retire in Mexico than any other place on the globe; 51 percent of all U.s. retirees who live outside of the U.s. live in Mexico.

Mexico is economical; the dollar goes further here than it does in europe, canada and the most popular destinations of asia. The people of Mexico are accustomed to americans and vice versa. Mexico welcomes american retirees and tourists and is increasingly prepared to offer the foods, goods and services that americans like and expect.

Whether you’re looking to retire, invest, vacation or operate a business, northwest Mexico is the place.

We hope our guide helps you to enjoy

Northwest Mexico to the fullest. Explore!

visitmexico.com

15%OFFHomeownersInsurance

Mail - YETMAIL [email protected]

Call or e-mail TODAY!

DRIVER LICENSE INSURANCE

686-577-2464 • FAX 686-577-2916

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS

Mexico city: (011) 52-55, plus the 8-digit telephone number.

guadalajara: (011) 52-33, plus the 8-digit telephone number.

Tijuana: (011) 52-664, plus the 7-digit telephone number.

Usa to Mx cell Phone: 011+52+1+area code+(Tel #)

Usa to Mx Landline: 011+52+area code+(Tel #)

Mx to Usa: 001+area code+(Tel #)

Mx Landline to Mx cell Phone: 045 or 044+area code+(Tel #)

Mx cell Phone to Mx Landline: area code+(Tel #)

DIALING 800 NUMBER:

Some charges may apply when call 800 numbers internationally, please check with the telephone carrier.

800 DiaLing to the Usa from Mx (dial 001+)

To Dial Usa 800 ................... dial 880

To Dial Usa 866 ................... dial 883

To Dial Usa 877 ................... dial 882

To Dial Usa 888 ................... dial 881

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

emergency dial 132 free from any phone and Mexican cell phone carriers

red cross .................................. 066

Police Dept. ............................... 060

fire dept. .................................... 068

electricity (emergency and non-emergency) ............................... 071

Legal assistance ........................ 061

Tourist assistance ...................... 078

Tourism Department ................... 078

secretary of Tourism - Bc

arturo Martínez esquer (facilitation and Tourist assistance sub Direction) [email protected]

secretary of Tourism - Bcs ....612-24-0100

WHAT DO I NEED?PASSPORT. on june 1, 2009, the U.s. government

implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTi. The new rules require most U.s. citizens entering the United states at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland security. additional infor-mation can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/passport. WHAT CAN I BRING INTO MEXICO?

as you approach the border, there are generally multiple lanes labeled “nothing to Declare - nada que Declarar” and “Declaration Lane - carril de Declaración.”

Nothing to Declare Lane This lane is used when you are bringing, as a tour-

ist (fMT) $75 or less. Your personal luggage and other merchandise up to the allowed exemption - Us$75 per person. The amount is cumulative per number of people in the vehicle. for example two people would have a $150 exemption. You must have receipts and invoices to qualify for the exemption.

Personal Items Allowed:new or used such as clothes, shoes and toiletries in •quantities that would be considered not for resale.Two photographic or video cameras and charger.•Two cellular phones or walkie-talkies. •Laptop, notebook, etc. •Two sports equipment items. •Portable radio recorder and/or player, speakers and •accessories.five laser discs, 10 DvDs, 30 cDs or cassette tapes. •five storage devices or memory cards.Books and magazines in quantities that would be •considered not for resale.five toys, video game console and video games.•Medicine for personal use, one blood pressure instrument, •one glucose testing device. in the case of psychotropic drugs, make sure you bring the prescription. note: Be careful not to bring a large quantity of your prescription medication.one set of binoculars, one telescope.•Two cartons of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of •tobacco if you are of age (if bringing more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties).Up to three liters of liquor and six liters of wine (if bringing •more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties).strollers and baby walkers.•Two musical instruments and accessories.•Tent and equipment for camping.•crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs for personal •use.Tool sets including hand drills, wire cutters, wrenches, •screwdrivers, cables, etc.Bedding sets including one sheet set, one towel set, a •set of table linens.Two dogs or cats and pet items.•Up to $10,000 in U.s. currency or equivalent in other •currencies, foreign or national checks, and/or other monetary instruments.

Declaration Lane ($75–$1,000)if you are bringing more than Us$75 worth of mer-

chandise per person, but not more than Us$1,000, you may declare it by driving into the customs facility through the declaration lane (carril de declaración). There you will be able to fill out the proper documents and pay any duty. Duty can be between 15 percent and 25 percent of the value of the merchandise.

IMPORTANT NOTES:guns are illegal in Mexico. Do not attempt to cross the •border with a gun and/or ammunition. You will be put in jail even if you were not aware of the Mexican law.if you have more than $10,000 in U.s. currency or •equivalent, or other monetary instruments, you must declare this with Mexican customs, otherwise it is a crime.You must declare if you are bringing any animals, •agricultural products or medicines for other than personal use.amounts over Us$1,000 require the use of a Mexican •customs broker.

WHAT CAN I TAKE HOME?You can take home Us$800 of duty-free merchandise

per person, per month, including one liter of alcohol. Mexican arts and crafts, including handcrafted furniture, are duty-free and do not count toward the $800 limit.

TOURIST VISA and VEHICLE PERMITTourists staying 72 hours or less within “the border

zone” do not need a visa. Those traveling beyond the bor-der zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an fMT, available from Mexi-can consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. Please note that travelers not in possession of their fMT card at the point of exit from Mexico may face a fine from Mexican immigration.

a vehicle permit is noT required to travel the Baja Pen-insula; however, you must obtain a vehicle permit if you travel to Mexico’s mainland. MILITARY CHECKPOINTS

There are military checkpoints along the way to all the northwest border cities. These checkpoints serve the same purpose as the california and arizona highway in-spection stops you’ll encounter on the return north. The soldiers will be carrying weapons, but there is nothing to be concerned about, the soldiers are looking for drugs and guns. You’ll find them to be polite and friendly. They may ask to look inside your or rv. checkpoints on both sides of the border were established based on an agreement between the United states and Mexico to fight the war on drugs.

(686) 122-2668

Silver and Bone-carvedJewelry Creations

El Caballo Blanco

613-116-5374www.bajacaballobooks.com

Loreto BCS Mexico

01(661)614-0513www.bajasclick-on.com

Copies • Internet • EmailSnail mail • Coffee • Muffins

Soda • Snacks

Internet Café & Business Center


{WElcOME TO BAJA}

MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPALairport “abelardo L rodriguez international airport” .................................... 664-607-8200 immigration ................................................. 661-612-7262

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z

DENTISTconsultorio Dental ........................................ 661-612-4204

DOG GROOMERSD’ Groomer Dog Grooming (See ad on page 26) .. 661-100-6218

ELEVATORS/ELEVADORES Baja Lifts (See ad on page 37)....................661-614-1434

FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company (See ad on page 37) ...686-576-0653

MAILING SERVICES

Click On (See ad on page 4) ......................661-614-0513

REAL ESTATE SERVICESBaja closing & escrow services ................... 760-494-7053

SATELLITE TV INSTALLATIONcisco-sat ..................................................... 661-616-0779

STORAGE SERVICESBaja Public storage ...................................... 619-616-0779

UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PúBLICOScfe ................................. 612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TeLMex ...................................................... 612-142 0001 caLigas ...................................................... 612-142 0122

Playas de rosarito, or rosarito Beach as it is referred to in english, is a city in the Mexican state of Baja california. it is located between the Pacific ocean and the coastal foothills, just 20 minutes south of the U.s. border in Tijuana and is a popular destination for tourists, snowbirds and expatriates from the United states.

With 20 miles of white, sandy beaches with endless activities, rosarito offers a large variety of places to stay and things to do, including incredible shopping in the artisan shops with some of Mexico’s finest leather goods, furniture, wrought iron, pottery, marble and traditional Mexican crafts.

You’ll find a culinary paradise of internation-al cuisine from traditional Mexican, sensational seafood and delicious steaks to american, chinese, french and italian specialties. Be sure to visit the well-known lobster village, Puerto nuevo, just 15 minutes south of rosarito—a tourist and culinary destination. Whether stay-ing for vacation or life, you will enjoy Playas de rosarito.

ATM/GETTING CASHBanamex, Bancomer and Bital have 24-hour

aTMs that accept most U.s. bank cards all along the Tijuana–rosarito–ensenada corridor. only pesos are dispensed; you can get dollars from an HsBc aTM. Your account in the U.s. is charged that day’s rate of exchange. a service fee will also be deducted from your account.

Welcome to Baja – city Maps & Business Directory

ROSARITO BEAcH, BAJA cAlIFORNIA

BAJA CALIFORNIA

ENSENADA, BAJA cAlIFORNIAenergy. ensenada is easy to navigate with all numbered streets running north and south, and celebrity-named streets running east and west.

ensenada has the accommodations to meet any level of comfort or amenities. Prices can range depending on the time of year from $30 to $250 plus. The best hotels are located to the north and south of town, along the beach, and are not within walking distance from downtown shopping and attractions; but taxi and shuttles are available in most locations.

ensenada is the third-largest city in the state of Baja california. about 70 miles south of the san Diego/Tijuana border, located in the Bahía de Todos santos—an inlet of the Pacific ocean—ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship stop. The city is backed by small mountain ranges, and due to its location on the Pacific ocean and Mediterranean latitude, the weather tends to be mild year round.

Most of the shopping is at sea level, making it a great city for getting around on your own

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-ZAEROPUERTO/AIRPORT

aeropuerto ...................................................646-273-1984

ART GALLERY garery art & stuff .........................................646-175-8859

ARTIST alfonso arambulua ........................................646-149-3866

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE FRACCIONAMIENTOS

Baja Mar country club ............................. 1-800-434-2252

FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending company .................................686-576-0653

FISHINGDann Manz (See ad on page 34)

HEALTH SPA La fonda .......................................................646-155-0394

MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS isssTe ........................................................646-176-2230 iMss ...........................................................646-120-7771 centro de salud ............................................646-152-1371

MUSIC/MUSICA Pharmacy regia & House of Music ...............646-174-0557

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Psn Mexico Professional services ................646-178-8280Legal/immigration assist fM3/fM2/fMT import documentation www.psnmexico.com

POLICE/POLICÍA Policia Ministerial ..........................................646-176-3636 Policia federal caminos ............................... 646-683-8040 Policia federal Preventiva .............................646-176-2579 Prefectura naval ......................................... 469-0376/2948

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION/EL TRANSPORTE PúBLICO Terminal de Buses .........................................646-224-1041

REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES nicolas santos (rosarito) ..............................619-917-5695

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja closing & escrow services ....................760-494-7053

RENTALSPOPOTLA RV VILLAGE (See ad on page30) .. 661-612-1501

UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PúBLICOS cfe ..................................612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TeLMex ....................................................... 612-142 0001 caLigas ....................................................... 612-142 0122

WINERYBaja Wine Tours (See ad on page 21) vinos fuentes Winery ...................................646-171-7070

{WElcOME TO BAJA}


CHURCHMission san felipe ....................................... 686-577-0877

CITY SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE LA CIUDAD District attorney’s ........................................ 686-577-1110Mayors office .............................................. 686-577-1021

COMPUTER SERVICES

csi–computer & satellite installation (See ad on page 35) ................................ 686-577-2928

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN Sweitzer Construction Management (See ad on page 37) ..................................686-577-0195Perez Construction (See ad on page 35) .....686-576-0650

COUNSELING-THERAPY/CONSULTA TERAPÉUTICA inner connection .......................................... 686-172-8851

DELISunDance Deli (See ad on page 27) ...........686-576-0369

DENTIST/DENTISTA California Dental Spa (See ad on page 31) ...686-577-0708Consultorio Dental Y de Ortodoncia (See ad on page 31) ..................................686-577-6212 Dr Felix Rodriguez (See ad on page 4) .........686-577-1919

DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS el Dorado ranch .......................................... 686-577-0015Oasis de Cortez (See ad on page 35) ..........760-208-1700 Playa de Oro (See ad on page 36) ..............686-576-0223Playa del Paraiso ................................ 888-647-5292 x 704san rafael ................................................... 686-576-0223

DOCTORS/DOCTORES

Dr. victor abasolo ............ 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174

ENTERTAINMENT/ENTRETENIMIENTO name That Tune - Denny flannigan ............... 686-576-1683The singout sisters & chuey (Karaoke) ........ 686-576-0047

EVENT SERVICES/SERVICIOS ACONTECIMIENTO Produciones Baja ......................................... 686-576-1683

FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company (See ad on page 26 & 36) .. ......................686-576-0653

FILM DEVELOPMENT/IMPRESION DE FOTOSFotografia Alvarez (See ad on page 30) ......686-577-1144

FISHING

Pablo's Sport Fishing (English Spoken) (See ad on page 33) ................................686-117-6974Azteca Sport Fishing and Tours (See ad on page 33) ................................686-577-0741

FURNITURE/MUEBLERÍA Baja Nueva (See ad on page 34 & 36) ........686-187-7795

GIFTBajaglitz....................................................... 686-175-5420

GOLF/GOLFLas caras de Mexico .................................... 686-576-0517

GRAPHIC DESIGN/DISEñO GRáFICOgreetscape .................................................. 686-188-2393

HATS/SOMBREROSBand It (See ad on page 4) ......................... 686-123-5147

HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS Oscar Parra (See ad on page 36) ...............686-120-6506Perez construction ....................................... 686-236-4927San Felipe Home Builders (See ad on page 35 & 40) ........................686-577-3176

HOME IMPROVEMENTSsan felipe Home improvement ..................... 686-222-4507

IMPORT SERVICES/SE RVICIOS DE IMPORTACIÓNSan Felipe Moving & Storage (See ad on page 36) ...............................686-576-0432

INSURANCEAlani’s Mexican Insurance (See ad on page 4) ..686-577-2464

INTERIOR DESIGN/DISEñO INTERIOR Baja Nueva (See ad on page 34 & 36) ........686-211-4676 san felipe interior Design ............................. 686-577-3176

JEWELRYBaja Treasures (See ad on page 4) .............686-122-2668

LANDSCAPING/JARDINERÍA versoleil ....................................................... 686-576-0664

MASSAGE/MASAJE Casey’s Place (Massage) (See ad on page 22) ..686-577-1431

MEAT MARKETS/CARNECERIAS MERCADOSZsamaniegos carnecerias (Z Market) ............ 686-577-1676

MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS ambulance................................................... 686-577-0500Health center .............................................. 686-577-1521red cross .................................................... 686-577-1544Dr. victor abasolo ............ 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174

MOVING SERVICESSan Felipe Moving & Storage (See ad on page 36) ................................686-576-0432

OPTOMETRISTS/OPTHAMOLOGISTSCalifornia Optical (See ad on page 31) .......686-577-0708Maxivisionoptical = opticaMaxivision .......... 686-577-0320

PHARMACY/FARMACIABotica “Sagrado Corazon” (See ad on page 31) .686-577-1294Santa Fe Pharmacy (See ad on page 4) ......686-576-0546

POLICE/POLICÍA federal Preventive Police ............................. 686-577-1045Police ......................................................... 686-577-1134

POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALESYet Mail (See ad on page 13) .......................... 686-577-1255SunRunner Mail Center (See ad on page 13) .. 686-147-6752

PRINTERS/IMPRESORAS

Papeleria Copicentro (See ad on page 30) .686-577-1402The Print supplier ......................................... 686-230-9933

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE PROPIEDADES

custom vacation Homes .............................. 928-277-6863928-277-7559 & visit www.sanfelipevacations.com redwagon Property services ....................... 686-576-0081

PUBLICATIONS/PUBLICACIONESGringo Gazette (See ad on page 13) ........... 686-111-3692Mexico Living Magazine ............................... 686-577-1377

REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Bill Maine ..................................................... 686-231-4921 jim Moore .......................................Mx cell 686-184-9237

REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCESBaja 24/7 construction & real estate (See ad on page 36) ................................ 686-577-6196

REAL ESTATE SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE BIENES RAÍCESBaja Closing & Escrow Services (See ad on page 26 & 36) ........................686-576-0653

RECREATION/RECREACIÓNaerodynamic - Ultralight flights .................... 686-116-2933

RENTALSRed Lobster Hotel (See ad on page 30)........ 686-577-0483Kiki's RV and Hotel (See ad on page 30) ....... 686-577-2021

SATELLITE TELEVISION & INTERNET/ TELEVISION SATELITALES Y INTERNET

csi - computer & satellite installation........... 686-577-2928

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/ ORGANIZACIONES DE SERVICIO

club Las amigas .......................................... 686-202-0455San Felipe Lions Club (See ad on page 22) ....686-212-3599San Felipe Rotary (See ad on page 13 & 22) ..686-576-0112

SOLARBC Solar Cooking (See ad on page 27) .......686-106-9693

SPECIALTY STORESSea of Cortez Salt (See ad on page 27) ......686-209-0074

STORAGE/ALMACÉNSan Felipe Moving & Storage (See ad on page 35)..686-576-0432

TATTOOING/TATUAJESBaja ink spot Tattoo & Body Piercing ............ 686-577-0746

TRANSPORTATION/TRANSPORTACIÓNairport ......................................................... 686-577-1368Taxi service ................................................. 686-577-1293Bus station ................................................. 686-577-1516

UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PúBLICOS electric (cfe) ................... 686-577-1060 or 686-577-5602 estrella azul (Water Dispensery) ................... 686-577-1314Propane gas ................................................ 686-577-2373state com. of services Public ...................... 686-556-1383Telnor Phone co ........................................... 686-577-1000Water company ........................................... 686-577-1022

VETERINARY/VETERINARIOZaPP animal center ..................................... 686-111-1143

WASTE MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE DESHECHOSan Felipe Disposal (See ad on page 35) ...686-121-1004

SAN FElIPE, BAJA cAlIFORNIAfoot tides, exposing a kilometer or more of ocean floor—one of the largest tidal bores in the world. and directly behind san felipe is sierra san Pe-dro Martír, the tallest mountains in Baja.

The desert terrain is vast and offers incredible trails and exploration for aTvs, dirt bikes and off-road vehicles. just south of san felipe are exten-sive sand dunes ideal for buggies and rails.

The valley of the giants, the natural reserve of the thousand-year-old cardon cactus, has become

a major attraction. in addition, san felipe of-fers great bargain shopping for souvenirs, arts and much more.

san felipe is a small fishing village, situated on the sea of cortez, 118 miles south of the U.s. border, which was historically dependent upon fishing; however, today tourism and real estate provide the economic base. even as it grows into the next century with four-lane highways, it will remain a small fishing village in its heart and soul.

Today, san felipe is maturing into a sophis-ticated resort community with resorts, luxury condos, fine restaurants, sport fishing and world-class off-road adventures.

The beaches extend north and south with over 50 miles of shoreline to explore, including 23-

The San Felipe Arches

The monument at the entrance to san felipe was built in 1980 to represent the commitment of the four states around the sea of cortez (Baja california norte, Baja california sur, sinaloa, and sonora) to promote tourism and the regions beauty and charm.

MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPALcivil Protection Unit ...................................... 686-577-1433chamber of commerce ................................ 686-577-1104fire Dept/ambulance .................................... 686-577-1182federal Preventive Police .............................. 686-577-1045immigration office ........................................ 686-577-1083Port captain ................................................. 686-577-1577state judicial Police ..................................... 686-577-1203Tourism Department ..................................... 686-577-1155

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD CPE&A Accounting (See ad on page 26) ........686-577-0836

ALTERATIONS/SASTREsan felipe seamstress (vickie silva) ............ 686-175-5420

ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO rosa Lina ramos Lazcano ........................... 686-184-6172

ARTIST/ARTISTAandrena joyce ...............e-mail: [email protected] Waters ............................................... 686-115-0526

ADULT CARE/ATENCION DE ADULTOSsan felipe adult Living facility ...................... 686-576-0661

BAKERY/PANADERÍAPanaderia especial ....................................... 686-577-1902

BANK/BANCOBBva Bancomer ........................................... 686-577-2224 silvia elizabeth Urbea, Preferred customer’s Unit ext. 13

BANDS/BANDASagave Blues ................................................. 686-184-9237

BARS/CLUBSThe Beach Bar and grill ................................ 686-577-3144 fandangos ................................................... 686-477-0060 The Green Door Bar (Los Algodones) (See ad on page 28) ..............................658-517-7347Los Arcos - Happy Jackass (See ad on page 29) ..............................686-577-2585

BEAUTY SALONS/SALONES DE BELLEZA

Lilly ana’s Day spot ..................................... 686-577-6253Hair By nancy ............................................. .686-113-3682

BUILDING MATERIALS/MATERIALES DE CONTRUCCIÓNMaderas de San Felipe (See ad on page 36) ... 686-577-1515

CATERING The Latin garden .......................................... 686-209-6369

CHOCOLATE/CHOCOLATE Baja Chocolate Lovers (See ad on page 28) ..686-576-0348

{WElcOME TO BAJA}{WElcOME TO BAJA}

See Back Cover to Subscribe Today!

MEXICO LIVINGCO LIVINGGuide to Paci�c Baja & The Sea of Cortez

BAJA CALIFORNIAThe Baja Peninsula Community Newspaper


Mulegé is situated at the mouth of the río SantaRosalía(26°53´17˝N111°58´53˝W),inthe state of Baja california sur, 38 miles south of santa rosalia, at the mouth of Bahía de concepción. in 2005, the reported population was 3,317.

nestled between two hills in a lush tropic palm oasis divided by a shaded river that runs towards an estuary that flows to the sea, Mulegé is rich in history with lots of great sites to see, including the Misión santa rosalía de Mulegé, founded in 1705; the old state penitentiary, finished in 1907; and the sierra de guadalupe cave paintings.

outdoor activities abound, from mountain biking, scuba diving and kayaking to deep

MUlEGé, BAJA cAlIFORNIA SUR

Bcs Photo

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

sea fishing. The cold northern current and the warm southern current come together to create an environment great for catching some of the 100 different species of fish in the Mulegé waters.

By land, Mulegé is 650 miles south of the san Diego/Tijuana border crossing on Mexican Highway 1, and in 2010, via Highway 5 through san felipe.

By air, Mulegé is served by three airstrips: Hotel serenidad airstrip (el gallito), the Mulegé Municipal and Punta san Pedro. regional flights are available at the Palo verde airport, and international flights are available at the Loreto airport.

MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPALHealth center / issste ................................... 615-153-0298judicial Police .............................................. 615-153-0049Mexican red cross .........................615-153-0280 / 30110

Municipal Delegation ...................................615-15-3-0049 state Tourism ............................................... 615-124-0199 Taxi service ................................................. 615-153-0420Traffic Department ....................................... 615-153-0049

San Ignacio

MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPALfire Department ........................................... 613-135-1566immigration ................................................. 613-135-1266

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)AIRPORT

Loreto international airport ........................... 613-135-0565

BANKS / BANCOBancomer .................................................... 613-135-0739

BOOKSTORESEl Cadallo Blanco (See ad on page 4) ......... 613-116-5374

BUSLoreto Bus Terminal ..................................... 613-135-0767

HOME DECÓR

Gecko's Curios (See ad on page 34) ........... 613-135-2505

Holland America Cruise Ship 2010 ScheduleMarch 5 • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.March 30 • 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.April 29 • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m

When in need of an ambulance, please call the Police number first (they will dispatch the call) and then the Fire Department number. Police number is 135-0035 or 135-0036. By following this procedure, you can be assured of being assisted.

lORETO, BAJA cAlIFORNIA SURLoreto, founded in 1697 by jesuit

missionaries, was the first spanish settlement on the east coast of the Baja california peninsula. Loreto, situated on the sea of cortez, 26º00’46” n 111º20’36” W, served as the capital of the province of Las californias from its founding until the capital was moved to Monterey on february 3, 1777.

The 2005 census reported a population of 10,283. Today Loreto is a tourist resort, cater-ing mostly to U.s. travelers, with daily flights from california arriving at Loreto international airport. Many of the american tourists enjoy

fishing in “pangas” for “dorado” (Mahi-mahi or Dolphin fish). Local restaurants will even pre-pare the daily catch of the tourists. Loreto has an excellent museum alongside the historic, but still active, parish. The spanish fathers found a steady spring of fresh water on this site.

Loreto’s climate is hot and humid, with abundant sunshine (desert with some rainfalls in summer). The medium temperature is 76 degrees fahrenheit. The temperatures are hot from june through october. These summer days have highs around 93 degrees fahrenheit and high humidity.

MEDICALambulance................................................... 613-135-1566Hospital ....................................................... 613-135-0039issTe .......................................................... 613-135-0730red cross .................................................... 613-135-1111

REAL ESTATEAlexander Real Estate (See ad on page 36) ... 613-135-0212

RENTALSRentals Loreto (See ad on page 30) ...........613-135-2505Stay in Loreto (See ad on page 30)............. 613-135-0791

TOURISMLoreto Tourism office ....................................613-135-0411

TOURS/ADVENTURESBaja Tropicales ............................................. 615-153-0320 Mulegé sportfishing ..................................... 615-153-0482 cortez explorers ........................................... 615-153-0500



GD

LA PAZ DOWNTOWN

MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPALfire Department ............................................612-122-0054La Paz Tourism office ....................................612-124-0278Museum of anthropology ..............................612-122-0162Port captain ..................................................612-122-0243

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)FERRY SERVICE

Baja ferries ...................................................612-125-7443

GOVERNMENTseMaTUr .....................................................612-125-8899Baja california sur state government ............612-124-0199La Paz Post office

lA PAz, BAJA cAlIFORNIA SURLa Paz (“The Peace”) is the capital city

of Baja california sur located at 24.1405°n 110.3123°Wand is an important commercial center. its surrounding municipality, which is the fourth-largest municipality in Mexico in geographical size, in 2005 reported a popula-tion of 219,596 living on 7,828.2 square miles of land.

La Paz is typically dry and warm with aver-ages of 75–77 degrees fahrenheit, and 300 days or better of sunshine annually. summer months are often in the 90’s and can be humid. The winter months can drop below 60, but stays mostly in the mid-60’s. During the summer the cooling coromuel winds, a weather phenom-

enon unique to the La Paz area, blow from Bahia de La Paz keeping the temperature mild.

By air, La Paz is served by Manuel Márquez de León international airport with flights to the U.s., Mexico city, guadalajara and Monterrey. Two ferry services operate from Pichilingue outside the city, connecting the Baja california peninsula to the mainland at Mazatlán and Topolobampo.

By road, La Paz is served mainly by two highways, Highway 1 that links the south of the state from cabo san Lucas to the north of the peninsula until Tijuana, and Highway 19, which connects La Paz with the population of the south Pacific towns like Todo santos and el Pescadero.

HOME DECORRicky Ricardo’s Home Furnishings (See ad on page 25) .................................612-145-0379

POLICEcity Police .....................................................612-122-4692green angels ................................................612-125-9677fed. judicial Police ........................................612-125-2665Highway Patrol ...................612-12203-69 & 612-122-5735state jud. Police ................612-122-6610 & 612-122-1399

MEDICALcruz roja 065 or ...........................................612-122-1222isssTe Hospital ............................................612-122-2789iMss Hospital ...............................................612-122-7377salvatierra Hospital .............612-122-1496 & 612-1221596

REAL ESTATE SERVICESomni services ..............................................612-123-4888

TODOS SANTOS, BAJA cAlIFORNIA SURThe mission nuestra señora del Pilar de

La Paz was founded by father jaime Bravo in 1723. This mission contains the statue of the virgin of Pilar, which is the focus of the town’s main festival in october.

More recently, there has been an increase in tourist activity and a boom in real estate de-velopment. Handicraft shops, art galleries, up-scale restaurants, boutique hotels and restored colonial buildings have contributed to the gen-trification and redevelopment of the town.

There are many beautiful beaches within a 30-minute drive. Playa Las Palmas and Playa Los cerritos are great beaches for swimming and shell collecting, and Los cerritos attracts surfers from around the world.

named “Pueblo Mágico” in 2006, Todos santos is a small coastal town at the foothills of the sierra de la Laguna Mountains, on the Pacific coast of the Baja california Peninsula, about an hour’s drive north of cabo san Lu-cas and an hour south from La Paz. Located at 23°26´56˝N110°13´32˝W,TodosSantos isvery near the Tropic of cancer in the municipal-ity of La Paz. The population was 4,078 at the census of 2005.

During the 19th century Todos santos thrived as the Baja sugarcane capital. now the rich farmlands have been reworked and the town prospers from an abundance of avocado, vegetable and chili farming, papaya and mango orchards, fishing and ranching.

MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPALHospital ....................................................... 612-145-0095Mayor .......................................................... 612-145-0365Post office ................................................... 612-145-0330 state Police .................................................. 612-145-0198

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)ART GALLERIES

contemporary Mexican art .........................612-145-0215charles stewart gallery/studio ...................612-145-0265colores de Mexico .....................................612-145-0106ezra Katz gallery ........................................612-137-3473galeria arturo ............................................612-145-0773galeria de Kathleen gambogi ......................612-145-0460galeria La Poza ..........................................612-145-0400galeria n. e. Hayles ....................................612-145-0183galeria on-ce Photography .........................612-145-0550galeria Wall ................................................612-145-0527Jill Logan Galerîa (See ad on page 34) .....612-145-0151La Polilla ...............................................01-331-255-7965Michael cope .............................................612-145-0500Wendy faith, artist in glass .........................612-145-0255

HOME DECORRicky Ricardo’s Home Furnishings (See ad on page 25) .................................612-145-0379

SHOPPINGcactus arte Mexicano ................................612-145-0771casa juanita ..............................................612-140-0069La canada del Diablo Muebles rusticos .....612-140-0069curios Tony ................................................612-145-0356el Perico azul .............................................612-145-0538fenix de Todos santos ................................612-145-0808galeria santa fe .........................................612-145-0301Mangos .....................................................612-145-0451Manos Mexicanas ......................................612-145-0538ricky ricardo's Home furnishings..............612-145-0379regalos Diana-Dos glorias .........................612-145-0324Uguet Tiles and Marble ...............................612-127-2776Hotel california emporium ..........................612-145-0525

REAL ESTATEKing Y asociados .......................................624-151-5840amerimex ..................................................612-145-0050Maya roca ................................................612-145-0464Milagro real estate ....................................612-145-0219Moniely real estate ....................................612-145-0540Pescadero Properties .................................612-145-0756ricardo amigo real estate ........................612-145-0551

Santos Degoliado Ave.

Oscar Verdugo

Camino de la Poza

Punta Abreojos

Baja

Califo

rnia

Rafae

l Pedra

jo

Agustin O

lachea

Radio Antenna

Raul A. C

arrillo

Benito Ju

arez

Colegio

Milit

ar

Miguel Hidalgo

Alvaro Obregon

M. Marquez de LeonJose Maria Morelos Pavon

Av. Ignacio Zaragoza

GD

Todos Santos



MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPALfire Department ........................................... 624-143-9000United states consular agency emergency 24hrs. ............ 619-692-2154 or 624-143-3566

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

DENTISTScabo cosmetic DentaL ...............................624-143-0520

SAN JOSE DEl cABO, BAJA cAlIFORNIA SURnighttime entertainment you seek. or you can just relax on one of our many pristine white sand beaches.

for nature lovers, a beautiful protected estuary with a variety of fish, turtles, dolphins, exotic marine animals and over 100 species of birds is located on the southeast edge of the city. and the historic artist colony of Todos santos is an easy one-hour drive to the north, along the scenic Pacific ocean.

Local residents take pride in restoring the town’s 18th century architecture and preserving its quiet, laid-back ambiance.

san josé del cabo is located in Baja california sur and is the seat of the municipality of Los cabos at the south end of the Baja california peninsula. in the 2005 census it had a population of 48,518. Together with neighboring cabo san Lucas it forms a major tourist destination for travelers, particularly from north america. The two cities are served by Los cabos international airport.

san josé del cabo offers you tranquility and old world charm, wonderful gift shops showcasing the art of Mexico, fabulous restaurants, fishing, golf, surfing and all the

Blvd

. Ant

onio

Mija

res

PG

PGSan Jose del Cabo

Sea of Cortez

To Cabo San Lucas

Paseo Malecon San Jose

Mayan Resort Golf Course

Blvd

. Mau

ricio

Cas

tro

To Cabo San Lucas

Paseo de Los Cabos

Paseo de Las Misiones

Valerio Gonzalez Conseco

Ave. Centenario

MEDICALred cross .....................................................624-143-3300emergencies .................................................624-144-3434Hospital ........................................................624-143-7777cape air and Land first response ambulance ... 624-143-5900centro Medico cabo san Lucas.....................624-143-9727

POLICEPolice cabo san Lucas ..................................624-143-0057

TREAMENT & RECOVERYRehab in Mexico (See ad on page 31) ........................ +52 818-331-0911


A Service of Mexico Living

BAJA BUSINESS DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE

BAJA EVENT TICKET SALES

BAJA ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS

REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS

DOWNTOWNLOS BARRILES B.C.S.

San Jose d

el Cab

o -->

<-- La Paz

Calle Los Barriles

20 de N

oviemb

re

<-- Punta Pescadero

lOS BARRIlES, BAJA cAlIFORNIA SURLos Barriles is a quaint little town 45 minutes

north of the san jose Del cabo airport and 65 miles south of the La Paz airport, and only a 90-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of cabo san Lucas.

The consistent winds and beautiful, white sandy beaches make Los Barriles a hot spot for water and wind enthusiasts from late november until early March. one of the top Wind surfing and Kite Boarding destinations

in the world, Los Barriles offers postcard-perfect beaches and a couple of small, well maintained hotels ready to serve the needs of Baja travelers.

in addition to wind and water sports, Los Barriles is considered the Bill fishing capital of the world. During the summer months the area offers exceptional fishing for Marlin, sailfish, Dorado, Tuna and Wahoo.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)FISHING

Hotel Los Pescadores (See ad on page 30) .....624-121-8786HOTEL

Hotel Los Pescadores (See ad on page 30) ..... 624-121-8786

RV ParkParaiso del Mar RV Park (See ad on page 30) ................................624-355-5782

SALONNaty Salon (See ad on page 31) ................ 624-141-0346


Rosarito Beach, BCD’Groomer DogLa Bamba 50’s DinerMagañas RestaurantTo the Top ElevatorsClick-On MailBobby’s By the SeaR.B. Hotel Coffee ShopBaja Open HouseBaja MartWhale’s Tail DeliMedio Camino RestaurantInCare Casa El JardínBaja MedixConsultorio DentalRosarito-EnsenadaAlternative HealthcareFoxplorationCentro Turístico PopotlaSusanna's (btw El Nido & Sr.Froggs)Hotel Festival PlazaHotel Brisas del Mar.Buffet Ortega's RestaurantRosarito Beach HotelRestaurantr Rene's

Ensenada, BCBaja Country ClubEl Rey Sol HotelEl Rey Sol RestaurantCasaMar RestaurantHappy PharmacySteven Dryden - contactHotel St. IsabelTourism Office

San Felipe, BCAmor PropertyBaja NuevaBar MiramarBotica Sagrado CorazonCasey’s PlaceCharley @ southChumpos PizzaCSIDr JasonEl PelicanoFatBoysJackassLa VaquitaLillyAna’sPDO Beach BarRancho OtroRiviera LiquorsSan Felipe LiquorsSanta Fe PharmacySundanceSunrunnerYetMail

El RosarioCactus Hotel

CatavinaDesert Inn

San Quintin, BCEl Jardin Restaurant/Bar/Hotel

Get the Guide At:San Ignacio, BCSRice & Beans ResturantIgnacio Springs B&B

Mulege, BCSHotel SerenidadHotel HaciendaMely's RestaurantHotel MulegéLas Terrazas HotelLavamatica MulegéCarlos' InternetLos Equipales RestaurantRice & Beans &

More RestaurantLas Casitas Bar/Restaurant/

HotelAsadero Danny'sInternet MinitaEl Patron Bar & RestaurantPancho Villa's Bar

& RestaurantSaul's La TiendaEl Mesquite BarScott's El Candil Bar &

RestaurantTaco shop( (behind Hotel

Hacienda)La Palapa RestaurantTienda Vista AzulRestaurant Bar Del CortezMini Market GùeraCarmelita's RestaurantAna's Restaurant/Bar

(la playa Santispac)Bertha's Restaurant & Bar

(la play el Burro)

Loreto, BCSCoco CabanasHotel TipuiSilver ShopLa DaminanaLoreto IslasTiburon RentalsRentals LoretoGecko CuriosDali'sAlexander Real EstateMita GourmetEl Dorado MotelJuice GuyAugie'sMission HotelOasis HotelDesert InnRivera del Mar RV

La Paz, BCSHacinda del SolLand's End RealtyOMNI ServicesKettle CornTailhuntersLos Gaviotas HotelRancho ViejoTequilasToscano Pizza Gourmet

Corey ToursGorilla's GrillBaja ChallengeRickey Ricardos

Los Barriles, BCSBaja Beach InvenstmentsHome and Land of BajaGisela Talamantes Saenz,LLM Attorney at LawC & G BuildersBahia Real EstateBaja PropertiesParaiso del Mar RV ParkColdwell BankerHotel Los PescadoresTia Pablo's Grill & TiendaGaleria de LunaSea

San Jose del Cabo, BCSAngel´s Touch DentalColdwell BankerBlue MedicalNetLand's End RealtyHabenero's GrillPasquales PizzariaMi EnseladaDental Cabo CenterLa Fonda RestaurantDie Trying CaboTequila BoutiqueDream Home Real EstateCentury 21Shooter BarCabo RiveriaBaja PropertiesCabo CoffeeVilla ValentinaCynthia's Restaurant

Todos Santos, BCSAmeriMex RealtyLas Fuentes Bar & GrillA.Paraiso RealtyColdwell BankerVacation RentalsCentro CulturalJill Logan GalleryZen Garden RestaurantIl Giardino PizzariaMuseo de BarrioGaleria de HaylesMiguels RestaurantBodega Lizzarga MarcadoRickey Ricardo's GalleryCabo Linda Real EstateHotel California

Cabo San Lucas, BCSHappy Endings BarWild Canyon AdventuresCabo Cosmetic DentalCape RealtyRestaurant Mi CasaDoc wine barMama's Roal CafeHotel Mar de CortezPancho's Restaurant

Special Report

Hurricane Jimena Wreaks Havoc on Baja Sur and Sonora

■ World-Class Health Care at 60 Percent of U.S.

Prices ■ Unbelievable Health Insurance for

ONLY $250 a Year! ■

medical, even after life-saving procedures

Mexico Legalizes Drugs

MEDICAL

TOURISM

Why are Thousands of Americans

Crossing the Border for

Medical and Dental Care?

October / octubre 2009

No. 29 - www.mexicolivingguide.com

FREE TAKE ONE September / septiembre 2009

PLEASE TAKE ONE FREE/GRATIS

Eating tacos in Mexico

slEEping around in Baja & Sonora

day

LIVE • WORK • PLAY • INVEST • RETIRE

Hurricane Jimena Wreaks Havoc on Baja Sur and Sonora

Why are Thousands of Americans

October / octubre 2009

FREE TAKE ONE

TAKE ONE

Eating acos

in Mexico

slEEping aroundin Baja & Sonora in Baja & Sonora in Baja &

Eating




FREE

TAKE ONE

■ Holiday Traditions ■ Unique Gift Ideas ■ Shopping in Baja ■

December / diciembre 2009

Plus:

■ Mexico: Gold’s Next Powerhouse Player■ Snorkeling in the Underwater Playgrounds of Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez

Christmas in Baja

Baja News & Entertainment

Get the Guide At:

September / septiembre 2009September / septiembre 2009September / septiembre 2009

PLEASE TAKE ONE FREE/GRATIS

day day




January / enero 2010

Plus:■ The Origins of New Year’s Resolutions Page 31

■ Assisted Living in Mexico Health & Beauty

■ Banking Basics in Baja Page 25

■ Hell No, I Won’t Go! People & Voices

Baja News & Entertainment


cABO SAN lUcAS, BAJA cAlIFORNIA SURcabo san Lucas has the largest Marlin

tournament in the world. in the winter, pods of whales can be observed in the ocean bearing their calves in the warm waters.

served by the Los cabos international airport for general aviation flights and air taxi service, the town is also a popular port of call for many cruise ships.

exclusive hotels and gated residential communities attract the rich and famous in this wondrous region known as “The corridor.” considered some of Latin america’s top resorts, many of these properties have become havens to Hollywood stars, fortune 500 ceos and even the U.s. president during the 2002 asia-Pacific economic conference (aPec).

cabo san Lucas (aka Los cabos or san josé del cabo in Mexico, and cabo in the U.s.) is at the southern tip of the Baja california peninsula at 22.88°n 109.90°W, in the state of Baja california sur. as of the 2005 census, the population was 56,811. it is the largest community in Los cabos, and the second-largest in Baja california sur.

The warmth of the waters, the beauty of its beaches, the abundance of fish, the raucous party atmosphere, a resort studded Tourist corrider that stretcuhes between the twin towns of cabo san Lucas and san josé del cabo in miles of pristine white beaches, and other qualities is quickly making cabo san Lucas a highend vacation destination.

MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPALambulance........................ 066-624-142-0316 (red cross)consumer affairs (Profeco) La Paz 01 .......... 612-122-8088fire Dept ...........................................068 or 624-142-2466Taxis .....624-142-0580 or 624-142-0105 or 624-142-0401

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)POLICE

state Police ...................................................624-143-0296 Highway Patrol ..............................................624-143-3977 federal Police ................................................624-143-1210

MEDICAL

alcoholics anonymous ..................................624-147-5516ambulances ..................................................624-143-4020social security Hospital .................................624-143-1548 Health center ................................................624-143-0102red cross .....................................................624-143-3300

CITYchamber of commerce .................................624-143-0437family Protection ..........................................624-143-0586gas Leaks .....................................................624-143-1292

MARINE

Harbor Master ...............................................624-143-4771

nuseryjungle cactus...cel. 044(624)122-0324

POLICEfederal Highway Police..................................624-146-0573Municipal Police ............................................624-142-0361Police san jose del cabo ..............................624-142-0361Traffic Police .................................................624-142-3748

TREAMENT & RECOVERYRehab in Mexico (See ad on page 31) .....................MX 01-800-724-0911

Mal

econ

PuertoParaiso

Mall

PlazaBonita Boat Ramp

CaboWabo

Casa de la Cultura

Musuem

Customs Office (Aduana)

ATM

ATM

ATM

ATM

ATM

ATM

ATMATM

ATM

CaboMaritime

Center

HotelTesoro

Los Cabos

Plaza de la Danza

PlazaNautica

Plazadel Sol

Hotel Mar de

Cortez

ATM

ATM

PlazaVillade

Mexico

(under construction)

Blvd

. Mar

ina

Blvd

. Mar

ina

Blvd

. Mar

ina

L. Cár

denas

Cabo San Lucas

Miguel H

ildago

Ninos Heroes

Vincente Guerrero


“island Tunes” . . . i’m sure you know what those are . . . the music that immediately makes you think of Hawaii, jamaica or beautiful st. Thomas. Well, the closer we get to the Blues & arts fiesta, it started to make me think . . . what tunes evoke the feel of Baja? Then the other day, i was listening to Denny flannigan’s

cD, Don’t Need No Reason to Party, and “gata Loca” began to play. That’s it! . . . That makes me think, “Baja!”

Knowing there must be many more, i called Denny and asked him to tell me what tunes make HiM think of Baja. and . . . wouldn’t you know . . . he didn’t even think about it before responding.

The first words out of his mouth were, “at the far end of Baja in cabo san Lucas, sammy Hagar has a club called cabo Wabo. Lots of good Baja fun, spring breakers, girls in bikinis and drinks made of every variety of tequila imaginable, and the song ‘cabo Wabo’ just seems to reel them in!”

Wow . . . he just spurted that out off the top of his head. Being curious, i asked how many more he could come up with. His response, “How much time do you have?”

Being short on time, and knowing that he was serious, i told him to just give me his top six or seven. nevertheless, i had to stop him, but here’s a short recap of Denny’s response with his reasons; but note that he did make the disclaimer that they are definitely in no order and that he has ManY more on his mind!

“cabo Wabo,” sammy Hager: just reels them in. 1. “friends in Low Places,” garth Brooks: seems to 2. always pull in the crowds. “Baja”: This song was performed in a surf movie by 3. frankie avalon and annette funicello. While Vatos Locos does not perform the same piece, they do have the same surf-ability blues style. You can catch them at the Blues & Arts Fiesta. “He Drinks Tequila and she Talks Dirty in spanish,” 4. sammy Kershaw and Lorrie Morgan: a legendary

Baja country tune that has been played for years. “Black Magic Woman,” santana: anyone that has 5. been in san felipe for any length of time knows there is a spry “young” woman, Marguerite, who can bring any party to life with her wickedly sensual interpretation of this classic . . . both are timeless! “g’on Wit’cha Bad self,” gregg Wright: Being a 6. keyboard player, i dig good piano/organ driven blues tunes and this caught my attention. “a Pirate Looks at 40,” jimmy Buffett: it hits home 7. with a lot of elderly teenagers who refuse to limit their youthful activities despite their years on this planet. “Desperado,” the eagles: Particularly meaningful in 8. a peninsula that draws a crowd “just a little to the left of center.” “Donde esta,” Pink Martini: just plain ol’ fun Latin 9. music!

for those of you who don’t know who Denny flannigan is, he has appeared and played with over 250 major groups (including ricky nelson . . . i’m sure glad Denny wasn’t on that last plane ride!), written for aBc Television and currently holds the title of Mexico Living’s reader Poll for “Best entertainment” in Baja. To learn more about Denny, visit www.Dennyflannigan.com.

okay . . . yes, i know . . . only nine tunes are listed. However, #10 is the one that got me started telling you about this in the first place, “Gata Loca.” and my friend, Denny, has graciously allowed us to give you a FREE MP3 download of his “Baja Tune” for a limited time. visit http://community.mexicolivingguide.com to listen to it today!

P.S. As always, I’m interested in hearing from you, what you think of Mexico Living and any ideas or comments you may have to improve YOUR GUIDE TO THE GOOD LIFE. So, send your suggestions and comments to [email protected].

Top 10 Baja Tunes EDIT

OR’S

ANGLE

Publisher/Editor john Pack [email protected]

Publisher rachel Pack [email protected]

Editor Brenda judy [email protected]

Published by john Benjamin Pack

Mexico Living is a guide committed to promoting northwest Mexico to the limits of our abilities and to provide a valuable resource to visitors and residents, while showing that northwest Mexico is a great place not only to visit and play, but also to live and work—a place to call home.

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Regional Sales ManagerLisa shannon, [email protected]

Regional Sales Associates – Baja California NorteBill Maine, associate Publisher, [email protected] clark, Marketing associate, [email protected] Miron, Marketing associate, [email protected]

Regional Sales Associates – Baja California Surrachel Pack, Publisher, [email protected] Harrington, Marketing associate, [email protected]

Distributionregional, carlos Duránsan felipe, Bill Maine, san felipe

Writerssteve Dryden, carlos Durán, Benjamin eugene, steven forman, Tom gatch, Bob Ham, Lynn Hamman, stockton Hill, La Huerita, Lucy e. jackson, anita Kaltenbaugh, graham Mackintosh, David Mandich, Dann Manz, alexa Morgan, Karri Moser, Penny nask, greg niemann, john Pack, rachel Pack, Lisa shannon, june snow, christa Thomas, cai Tierra and robin Waters.

Production Layout, carolyn sheltraw, [email protected]

Mexico Mailing Address Mexico Living / Yet Mail, etc.ave. Mar de cortez #1049, san felipe, Bc 21850

USA Mailing AddressPo Box 9019, PMB#460, calexico, ca 92232

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. all contributors and advertisers assume responsibility and liability for the accuracy of their statements and claims. all readers assume responsibility for actions or decisions they might make as a result of reading this publication. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising.

p. 14–15 NewS

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Baja Report is a weekly Mexico Living newsletter featuring articles, news and community updates from readers like you. if you have something to report, simply send it to [email protected]. reports can be events, road trips, road conditions, free classified ads, community updates, news or anything Baja. find it online www.bajareport.com.

Baja Fashion Page 20 from Tijuana to cabo san Lucas, Baja transcends the international market

Mexico’s Socorro Island Page 21 one of the best diving spots on earth!

Baja’s Saltwater Scorpion Page 32 This venomous fish offers a gourmet delicacy

Are You Safe? Page 14 new reports reveal that Mexico is as safe or safer than the U.s.

Home & Garden Page 24 Profiles of some specialty Baja businesses

This Month’s Features


contributors Mexico Living is only possible through

the continued contributions from all these knowledgeable and talented people. if you would like to become a contributor, email [email protected].

steve Dryden, carlos Durán, Benjamin eugene, steven forman, Tom gatch, Bob Ham, Lynn Hamman, stockton Hill, La Huerita, Lucy e. jackson, anita Kaltenbaugh, graham Mackintosh, David Mandich, Dann Manz, alexa Morgan, Karri Moser, Penny nask, greg niemann, john Pack, rachel Pack, Lisa shannon, june snow, christa Thomas, cai Tierra and robin Waters.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Featured contributor:

greg nieMann

author and long-time Baja buff, greg niemann has penned for many Baja newspapers and magazines. He contributes regularly to several publications like the San Clemente Journal, where he writes the “south of the Border” column. Most of his articles are outdoors, travel or Baja related.

since retiring from UPs, where he edited company publications, greg has authored four books: Baja Fever, Baja Legends, Palm Springs Legends and Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS.

The memoirs brought out in Baja Fever created a loyal following of Baja fans. Baja Legends, which focuses on the characters, events and locations that put Baja california on the map, won an award from the outdoor Writers association of california (oWac) and is in its third printing. Palm Springs Legends is in its second printing, and Big Brown has been selling worldwide, including foreign versions.

greg enjoys fishing and other outdoor activities, like hiking and rafting. He and his wife reside in southern california, travel as much as possible and have a weekend Baja home south of rosarito Beach. www.gregniemann.com

Reader Connection

EVERYONE has a funny or embarrassing story, joke or tidbit to share with the world. Send your jokes, tidbits, anecdotes, questions and “Guide on the Go” photos to [email protected] and put a bit of sunshine in someone’s day! All contributions may be edited for content and language.

Have a humorous or creative picture of you and your guide to the good life? Email your photo to [email protected] and show the world!

We recently discovered this photo in the october 1930 Touring

Topics magazine (aaa s. cal edition).

The original caption: “a disheartening stretch of forty-seven miles,

of mud and salt deposits awaits the traveller along the tidal flats of

the gulf of california on the road to san felipe from Mexicali.”

We don’t think you would even consider san felipe a bump in the

road back then; but people complain about the road today . . . must

have been a two-day trip in 1930!

—submitted by russ and sara Wilson, arnold, california

The Road f rom Mexicali to San Felipe in 1930

The Road f rom Mexicali to San Felipe in 1930

When in Los Barriles, BCS, be sure to visit Hotel Los Pescadores and say “hola” to Sean Bonnefoy, a British

Columbia transplant that is likely to be standing behind the bar serving Los Barriles’ coldest cerveza, waiting tables, tending to the needs of hotel guests or just making someone laugh.

. . . .

Guide on the Go

Quote of the Monthsubmitted by Mary j., santa rosalia

“The blues was like that problem child that you may have had in the family. You was a little bit ashamed to let anybody see him, but you loved him. You just didn’t know how other people would take it.” —B.B. King, Blues guitarist and singer-songwriter

MP3 MusicFREE

visit http://community.mexicolivingguide.com to download a fresh and energizing “Baja Tune.” Denny flannigan’s “Gata Loca,” from his Don’t Need No Reason to Party, cD is the Baja fix that you’ve been waiting for . . . it doesn’t get much better than this! simply check the audio section for all the latest music and talk.

Don’t Need

the Baja fix that you’ve been


MailbagDISAPPOINTED IN DENVER

i subscribed thinking that your coverage included sonora as well as the Baja, and since then it seems that you’ve moved away from any mention or coverage of sonora, and mostly concentrate on san felipe. There’s a lot of snowbirds and expats on the east side of the Mar de cortez and there’s a lot less coverage in the press. i had submitted an ad to rent our condo in san carlos when we wouldn’t be using it in late March and not only didn’t it show up, looks like there isn’t even a san carlos section in the ads anymore.

—Dave Homerding, idledale, colorado

Dave, our goal from the start had always been to distribute and cover all the major port cities around the sea, including Baja California, Sonora and Sinaloa. The problem has always been logistics. The cost of transporting throughout the various states became very prohibitive. Baja is much easier to manage because of the open borders shipping. Therefore, Baja is logistically doable—the other side of the sea is not.

We’re truly sorry that you’re disappointed . . . as we are; however, to keep a quality guide, we had no alternative other than to change our plans a tad bit and focus upon Baja. I/we hope that you’ll continue reading and enjoy the news and articles that we provide to “expats” enjoying The Good Life!

The opinions are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. opinions are published to allow you, the reader, to decide.

OP-ED So . . . What do You REaLLY think?

There are hunters and there are killers; and i am sick of listening to killers. i was grocery shopping when some knucklehead, for what-ever reason, started to tell me about his lat-est kills; like i either looked like i cared or be-cause he just wanted some gringo he could blabber to . . . i don’t know, but it pissed me

off. He just had to let me know he caught nine Dorado, but didn’t really like eating fish.

i asked him if he was “catch and release” and he said, no he gave them to some guy on the beach when he came in. i wanted to punch him in the face! Why would anyone catch and not release nine fish if they just want to give them away or throw them away?

on nearly a daily basis i hear people around the bar talking about how many fish they caught; many catching three, five or more Dorado, when the limit is two. Don’t get me wrong, i love fishing and i love eating fish,

but when my refrigerator is full, why would i need to bring in more? Why bother to kill the fish if i have no desire to eat it? if all i wanted to do was catch and kill, so i could brag at the bar, then why not just take some pictures of the catch, which will provide years of brag-ging rights, and leave the fish in the sea.

i know that the waters off some of the more popular fishing areas in Baja are not monitored by the authorities, because they are nearly never seen, and even illegal com-mercial fishing takes place within view of the shore and still nothing is done. There is very

little we can do about the commercial fishing, unless the Mexican authorities step up, but at least we can police ourselves and others sportfishing and bragging about how they il-legally caught nine Dorado.

of course, i didn’t punch him in the face, but i did tell him he was an asshole and that there was a limit of Dorado and walked away. i’m not sure if there is anyone, or any orga-nization to complain to, or if anyone would even care, so here’s my two cents worth, if it’s worth that.

—D. Dawson, Baja california sur

Fish Killers vs. The FishermanI wanted to punch the killer in the face!

MISLEADING INFOi was reading page three of your December

2009 issue. it says “vehicle permits: Tourists traveling with their vehicle beyond the border zone north of ensenda, san felipe or Puerto

Peñasco must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials.” i believe this is wrong. if a person is driving in Baja, you do not need a vehicle permit. BUT, if you go into the mainland part of Mexico, then you would need the permit.

i was trying to get online to the inm.gob.nx web site and could not find anything about vehicle permits. i asked at the office where we are staying and they did not know. so, we drove downtown and someone that spoke mainly spanish explained if i was in the mainland of Mexico, i would need the permit. You might look into rephrasing the info about vehicle permits. i was a Mess until i found out it was okay without one.

—Michelle, grapeview, Wa

Michelle, we are extremely sorry about all the trouble you went through to find out you don’t need a vehicle permit in the Baja states. The permit used to be on the books for Baja Sur, but it was rarely enforced or even mentioned. We don’t believe that it exists any longer and have removed it from the Welcome section as of the January edition.

CALENDAR FAUX PAS first i want to congratulate you and your

publishers for changing with the times. i have watched your format change and think the idea to cover the peninsula is very sharp!

i have a question about your daylight saving’s date as March 8. My calendars all say March 14 and that Baja will be coordinating with the U.s. That’s a relief!

good Luck and Much success!—Martina, Baja norte The Baja Sun, editor

Martina, thank you for the kind words and for catching our typo. Yes, DST begis on March 14 in the U.S. and a few Baja cities.. for catching our typo. Yes, DST begis on March

InternetCopyFaxShippingForwardingStampsEnvelopes

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686-576-0370 KM 178.5, Plaza ParaisoSan Felipe, Baja

as always, we’re interested in your HonesT feedback. so, send your opinions and comments to [email protected]. Letters may be edited for length and content.

Make sure to visit us online or pick up a copy of next month’s edition to find out what others reaLLY THinK!

Send Us Feedback

Thank You ROTARY!The Rotary Club

of San Felipe Meets every

Monday 8 AM at the

Barefoot BarEl Cortez Hotel

For Information call 686-576-8974

Correction to February Edition in the article “Deep in clay Pottery” the pottery artist’s name is elwyn freeman, not Marti; Marti is his wife. We’re truly sorry for the error!


An Easy-to-Use Solution to communicate with People in the U.S. Whenever people travel outside the U.s., they encounter the challenge of staying in touch with friends and business associates back home. Globaltel Media took on the task of solving this need with the development of Cherple™.

cherple is the first application of its kind to allow for a two-way, real-time conversation between an online Pc anywhere in the world and any cell phone in the U.s. via text messages (sMs), and without the need for a subscription, registration or a special wireless plan. standard text messaging rates apply to the U.s. cell phone user, but there is no cost to the online user who initiates and maintains the conversation.

The application can be run directly from www.cherple.com or downloaded for free and used as a desktop application. The spanish version is soon to be released and is expected to fuel its success in our region.

for more information, visit www.globaltelmedia.com.

Nestle to Invest Big in Mexican coffeenestle, the world’s biggest food group, said it will invest 5 billion pesos (Us$390 million) in Mexico over the next three years to increase coffee processing capacity, part of a $1 billion expansion plan.

“The majority of these 5 billion pesos will be invested in the nescafe instant coffee processing plant,” nestle said in a statement, adding that the investment would increase capacity by 40 percent at the factory in Toluca near Mexico city.

Mexico, a major world coffee producer, has struggled to improve the quality of its beans in recent years but is positioning itself as a processor of coffee to serve U.s. and european markets.

Reputed Mexican Drug lord Teodoro Garcia Simental is capturedfederal troops stormed a seaside vacation home and captured one of the country’s most brutal drug lords. This is the second time in less than a month that Mexico has taken down one of its most powerful traffickers.

NEW BRIEFSTOP STORIES, LOCAL UPDATES

AND MEXICAN NEWS IN ENGLISH senD neWs To [email protected]

Mexico ciTY—Decapitated bodies dumped on the streets, drug-war shootings and regular attacks on police have obscured a significant fact: a falling homicide rate means people in Mexico are less likely to die violently now than they were more than a decade ago. it also means tourists as well as locals may be safer than many believe.

Mexico city’s homicide rate today is about on par with Los angeles and is less than a third of that for Washington, D.c. Yet many americans are leery of visiting Mexico at all. Drug violence and the swine flu outbreak contributed to a 12.5 percent decline in air travel to Mexico by U.s. citizens in 2009, according to the U.s. Department of commerce, a blow to Mexico’s third-largest source of foreign income.

Mexico, colombia and Haiti are the only countries in the hemisphere subject to a U.s. government advisory warning travelers about violence, even though homicide rates in many Latin american countries are far higher.

“What we hear is, ‘oh the drug war! The dead people on the streets, and the policeman losing his head,’” said Tobias schluter, 34, a civil engineer from Berlin having a beer at a cafe behind Mexico city’s 16th-century cathedral. “But we don’t see it. We haven’t heard a gunshot or anything.”

Mexico’s homicide rate has fallen steadily from a high in 1997 of 17 per 100,000 people to 14 per 100,000 in 2009, a year marked by an unprecedented spate of drug slayings concen-trated in a few states and cities, Public safety secretary genaro garcia Luna said. The national rate hit a low of 10 per 100,000 people in 2007, according to government figures compiled by the independent citizens’ institute for crime studies.

By comparison, venezuela, Honduras, el salvador and guatemala have homicide rates of

Amid Drug War, Mexico is less Deadly than a Decade Ago

by Alexandra Olson, The Associated Press

{NEWS}{NEWS}

Image of cocaine drug packs confiscated by the U.S. Federal Agency DEA. Public Domain work of a U.S. Federal Agency.

between 40 and 60 per 100,000 people, according to recent government statis-tics. colombia was close behind with a rate of 33 in 2008. Brazil’s was 24 in 2006, the last year when national figures were available.

Mexico city’s rate was about 9 per 100,000 in 2008, while Washington, D.c. was more than 30 that year.

“in terms of security, we are like those women

who aren’t overweight but when they look in the mirror, they think they’re fat,” said Luis de la Barreda, director of the citizens’ institute. “We are an unsafe country, but we think we are much more unsafe that we really are.”

of course, drug violence has turned some places in Mexico, including the U.s. border region and some parts of the Pacific coast, into near-war zones since President felipe calderón intensified the war against cartels with a massive troop deployment in 2006. That has made ciudad juarez, across the border from el Paso, Texas, among the most dangerous cities in the world.

“The violence, homicides and cruel and inhuman assassinations, which fill the pages of our media, make us feel that there has been much more violence since this war against drug trafficking,” said Bishop Miguel alba Diaz of La Paz, a vacation city at the tip of the Baja california peninsula.

Mexico’s violence is often more shocking than elsewhere in Latin america because powerful cartels go to extremes to intimidate the govern-ment and rival smugglers. in just one week in December, the severed heads of six police inves-tigators were dumped in a public plaza, kingpin arturo Beltran Leyva died in a two-hour shootout with troops at a luxury apartment complex in a resort city and gunmen slaughtered the family of the only marine killed in that battle.

in the new year, it’s become even more grotesque. Three weeks ago, a victim’s face was peeled from his skull and sewn onto a soccer ball. Days later, the remains of 41-year-old former police officer were divided into two separate ice chests.

authorities say the vast majority of victims are drug suspects, but bystanders, including children, sometimes get caught in the crossfire.

Mexico has the same problems with corrupt police, gang violence and poverty as other Latin

american countries with higher homicide rates. so why the decline in murders?

experts say while drug violence is up, land disputes have eased. Many farmers have migrated to the cities or abroad and the govern-ment has pushed to resolve the land disputes, some centuries old.

During the height of the Zapatista uprising in the mid 1990s—a rebellion fueled by land conflicts—southern chiapas state had a rate of nearly 40 per 100,000 people with 1,000 homi-cides a year. By 2008, that fell to 8 per 100,000 people with 364 killings.

De la Barreda attributes the downward trend to a general improvement in Mexico’s quality of life. More Mexicans have joined the ranks of the middle class in the past two decades, while education levels and life expectancy have also risen.

critics of calderón’s drug war say his frontal assault on cartels is giving Mexico a reputation as a violent country but doing little to stop the drug gangs’ work.

“it’s a bad international image that affects foreign tourism and foreign investment,” said jose Luis Pineyro, a sociologist at Mexico’s autonomous Metropolitan University who has studied the drug war.

Drug violence has encroached on the resort towns of Zihuatanejo, acapulco, Puerto vallarta and cancun. The millions of foreign tourists who visit each year are almost never targeted, but a handful have gotten caught in the cross-fire. in 2007, two canadians were grazed by bullets when someone fired into a hotel lobby in acapulco. in january, a canadian couple was shot and wounded in a robbery attempt just outside Zihuatanejo.

The U.s. state Department travel alert says dozens of U.s. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped over the years, and warns americans against traveling to the states of chihuahua and Michoacan.

chihuahua, home to ciudad juarez, had a horrifying homicide rate of 173 per 100,000 in the city of 1.3 million, or more than 2,500 murders last year.

Michoacan, famed for its Monarch butterfly refuge, Day of the Dead celebrations and pictur-esque colonial capital, is now also widely known as the place where five heads rolled across a dance floor. Drug violence is blamed for many of the state’s 660 killings last year.

But in many parts of Mexico, villages are more tranquil than ever—a fact that retired nurse Marilyn Wells struggles to drive home with her american friends back home in LeMars, iowa. “We’re okay, there’s no problem,” Wells said she tells friends about the home she bought four years ago in cabo san Lucas. “i don’t feel any less safe down here than i did before.”


The arrest was considered another victory for enhanced electronic surveillance techniques that are being cultivated with the assistance of the United states.

garcía, known as “el Teo,” was arrested near the southern tip of the Baja california peninsula, where his gang had been bringing in planeloads of drugs to smuggle across the U.s. border, said ramón eduardo Pequeño, head of the federal police agency’s anti-drug unit.

garcía is connected to the deaths of at least 300 people and ordered his rivals disposed of in especially grisly ways: beheading them, hanging their bodies from bridges or dissolving them in caustic soda.

He is also believed to be behind many of the dozens of assassinations of Tijuana police officers in the last two years. Pequeño said garcía had recently stepped up efforts to kill Baja california’s attorney general and Tijuana’s public safety chief.

Major Marijuana Seizure in Bajaaccording to La jornada (Mexico city), the Mexican military in san felipe seized 12.4 tons of marijuana during a routine traffic inspection the first week of february. a truck, headed to the U.s., was found to have 203 packages of approximately 135 pounds each. The seizure is considered one of the most

important in the country, according to the army. Two previous seizures in the country last year weighed in at 10.3 and 11.4 tons.

cabo San lucas Airport Now capable of Handling large AircraftLos cabos airport completed a taxiway expansion that enables it to handle 747s and other wide-body aircraft. This allows the spain-based Barcelo chain, who recently opened their new 626-room Los cabos Palace Deluxe, to consider flights from europe, which would be a first for the destination.

One of Baja’s MostWanted criminalscapturedsaul camacho cota, alleged to be responsible for at least two kidnappings of businessmen from Mexacali valley and a commander of a drug trafficking organization in 2004, was captured in Los angeles.

The arrest resulted from collaboration between U.s. authorities and Mexico’s general attorney office. camacho cota will face a deportation trial in the U.s., and then be deported to Baja.

Around Town in loreto with lynn Hamman Darts anyone? There are many activities to

do here in Loreto, one of which is joining a Dart League. This year the Dart League is headed up by Belva Atkeson. anyone can sign up but they try to keep each team to four players. each player pays 150 pesos. There are six teams that make up this year’s league and each team has a “captain.” Matches are played in a win/lose order. sign-ups are usually done in november and this year the league began on november 25 and will end on March 3 with all matches played at Hotel oasis. a luncheon will conclude the Dart League for the year at a place yet to be determined. sometimes another Dart League forms to continue on during the summer months for those full-timers. But, if you still cannot

get enough dart throwing at Hotel oasis, then you can go over to Stroker’s Reef at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights. owners Jaime and Kathy Gonzalez provide a bon fire out back so you’ll be toasty warm while slinging your darts.

Loreto Bay may have more building activity since HOMEX has just recently purchased the development. The Loreto Bay community center has been completed and ready for use. it is located at #306 in Loreto Bay. english speaking aa Meetings take place every Monday, Wednesday and friday from 6–7 p.m. another Zumba class, with instructor Erika Plascencia, can be attended on Monday, Wednesday and friday at 11:30 a.m. but starting in March the classes will extend to Monday through friday.

The residents of Loreto Bay have been organizing other adult and children activities to take place at this facility.

The Second Annual Tripui Fishing Tournament will be held the last weekend in june. registration/check-in will be held Thursday, june 24, with fishing on june 25 and 26. There was a great turn out for 2009 and thanks to those who participated $10,000 was raised for Colonia Miramar School in Loreto. gifts were purchased for 564 kids as well as classroom supplies, and office and sports equipment for the school. so, mark your calendars for june 24, 25 and 26, 2010! for more information, visit www.tripuisportsfishing.com or contact Bud Dees at bajabud1947@ yahoo.com or Jim DeSmet at [email protected].

The charity of san felipe never ceases to amaze me. january was host to many events around town to help continue to support local as well as global needs. ZAPP raised $6,500 to fund the new cat and Kitten facility, Miss Kitty’s Cat House, at ZaPP animal center. Three hundred san felipians drag themselves every year to see Tootie & Her “Girls” from LIPS NightClub in san Diego. residents of

san felipe turned out in droves to the third annual event at the Pavillion at La Ventana del Mar in El Dorado Ranch, thanks to the generosity of Pat and Doreen Butler.

The Rotary Club of San Felipe raised $2,000 to assist the victims of the 7.2 earthquake that struck Haiti on january 12. The funds will go toward supplying two shelter Boxes to the disaster victims. among the first international relief workers to reach Haiti were volunteers from shelterBox, a U.K.-based disaster response organization supported by rotary clubs worldwide. each shelterBox kit contains a 10-person tent, a water purification system and other survival necessities. Donations to the relief effort can be made by calling Bob MacDonald at (686) 577-2049.

casa de fe hosted a Cowboy Ho-Down on january 17 to raise money for their orphanage, featuring live country-style music with the assistance of Agave Blues’ Jim Moore, Bill Maine and Isaac Diaz, and featured special guest

keyboardist, Dave Bourges, guitarist Eloy Miron, as well as the vocals of Jeri Pickett and Lisa Shannon. SFARP hosted the Tour of Homes on the same day with many people going to view some of el Dorado ranch’s finest specimens. saturday nights at La Vaquita are a lot of fun, with the music of Tavo’s revolution and dinner specials.

Super Bowl parties were not in short demand in san felipe this year. Los Arcos Happy Jackass had their amazing bash, huge spread of great food and all-you-can-drink beverages all day long; Playa de Oro had a great buffet-style meal and Happy Hour prices; JollyMon had the Big game on multiple big-screen Tvs and served food from Sandrail Pizza; FatBoys had their Best Pizza in san felipe on the fly and drink specials. There were events at Lighthouse and The Pavillion as well.

CORRECTION FROM FEBRUARY: funds raised by Lions Club Jail Cell Jingle went to Kuchie to help families in san felipe, not to sonshine Hacienda.

¿Qué Pasa San Felipe?

{NEWS}{NEWS}

Good Deeds to Good Times in la Pazby Alexa Verdugo Morgan

This month’s Foreign Business Owners meeting, held at the Dinghy Dock restaurant on january 12 saw a turnout of nearly 40 attendees. The meeting was led by Juli Goff, owner of the spanish language school Se Habla . . . La Paz and a well-known face among local

gringos. Lic. Herminio Corral Estrada, head of the Procuraduria Federal del Consumidor (Profeco) La Paz office, was the guest speaker and delivered a presentation on their role as a consumer protection agency/regulator of local business practices. following the question-and-answer session at the end of the meeting, many stayed to enjoy the Hotel Marina’s tasty dinners.

recently, the “orphans” at Baja Dogs Refuge in comitan (a suburb of La Paz) were given a wonderful and very much needed gift: new kennels! Years of rain, wind and sun damage had previously left the kennels in shambles and the dogs exposed to the harsh conditions. Through the generous efforts of local and U.s. residents, including Russ Alba from Tampa, enough funds were collected to build four concrete shelters. Baja Dogs founder Dhorea Ryon also collaborated with La Paz’s own Fern Corriani and others to plant saplings, which will provide crucial shade

for the dogs during the summer. However, the “shelter for The shelter” project still needs to build five more cement kennels. funds can be donated by visiting www.bajadogshelplneoflapaz.org. volunteers to clean the kennels, walk the dogs or simply to cuddle with the “orphans” are always welcome.

a fierce north wind didn’t stop the Club Cruceros de La Paz from throwing one heck of a beach party on sunday, january 24, at the Malecon hotspot Papas & Beer. The ‘60s themed bash included live music from the Baja South Band, led by local songbird Laura Lothian, a crucero herself. With tickets at only 70 pesos a piece, Papas & Beer filled up fast! But the beach party is only one of many events the club hosts each year. in fact, the valentine’s Day Dance, which will be held at the La Costa restaurant on february 14, is right around the corner.

A gorgeous view from the patio of the Dinghy Dock restaurant.

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Steve Forman, ZAPP Founder, and “Miss Tootie” at the ZAPP fundraiser event.

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LOCAL WEEKLY EVENTS

See the Community Calendar on www.mexicolivingguide.com for a weekly

schedule of events for each city.

ROSARITO BEACHMar. 4–6: Baja Coast to Coast Fun Ride.

(661) 612-2525Mar. 21: MX Grand Prix Rnd. 3. (661)

612-2525Mar. 27: Taco & Beer Festival. join the

festival with traditional tacos and iced beer. (661) 612-0700

ENSENADAMar. 1: De Aquí y de Allá/From Here and

There Art Exposition. artist Maricela alvarado exhibits her work in the lobby of centro estatal de las artes (cearTe). (646) 173-4307

Mar. 1–5: Lontananza/Far Horizon Art Exposition. artist armando franco exhibits acrylic paintings from 2009–2010 at the galería de la ciudad in the northern end of the riviera cultural center. (646) 177-3130.

Mar.1–Apr. 14: Guided Whale Watching Tours. (646) 172-5444

Mar. 12–14: 24th Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 Desert race. More than 225 cars, trucks, motorcycles and aTvs start and finish in san felipe. U.s. (818) 225-8402

Mar. 26–28: RECORD Off-Road Series El Alamo 200 race. a four-lap race on a 50-mile circuit course at el alamo, 50 miles southeast of ensenada. (646) 176-1637

IMPORTANT DATESMar. 8: Commonwealth Day (Canada)

Mar. 9–Apr 12: SPRING BREAK

Mar. 14: Daylight Savings Time begins (U.S., Mexacali, Tijuana)

Mar. 15: Anniversary of the birth of Benito Juarez - National Holiday (MX)

Mar. 17–23: Holy Week

Mar. 17: St. Patrick’s Day (U.S.)

Mar. 20: First Day of Spring

Mar. 21: Benito Juárez’ Birthday

Mar. 30: First day of Passover

Apr. 1: April Fool’s Day

Apr. 2: Viernes Santo/Good Friday

Apr. 4: Domingo de Resurreccion/Easter Sunday

Apr. 4: Daylight Savings Time begins (MX)

Apr. 4: Easter Sunday

Apr. 5: Easter Monday (Canada)

Send your calendar events to [email protected].

Please tell them you found their event in Mexico Living.

Hailing from the south Puget sound region of Washington state, Becki sue & her Big rockin’ Daddies!, formed in 2003 by guitarist Tom “T-Boy neal” Boyle, has risen to elite status among not only blues bands in the Pacific northwest region of the U.s., but among all bands in that region.

With awards ranging from “Best Blues Band” (Washington Blues society in 2006 and 2007), “Best regional Band” (oregon’s cascade Blues association in 2008) to “#1 Best Band in West-ern Washington” (seattle’s King 5 Tv in 2008 out of 300 bands, and second place in 2009 out of 475 bands), Becki sue & her Big rockin’ Daddies! is one tight outfit! in addition, they have numerous individual awards including “Performer of the Year” and “vocalist of the Year” for Becki sue, five “electric Blues guitarist of the Year” awards for T-Boy, three “Best Bass” awards for Les “Wildchild” White, and “Best sax” and “Best Drummer” awards for jim King and jeff Hayes, respectively.

after performing in the 2007 international Blues

challenge in Memphis, one judge commented, “out of all the bands that i saw at the 2007 international Blues challenge, Becki sue & her Big rockin’ Daddies! was the band that i enjoyed the most.”

Their new cD, Big Rockin’ Boogie, to be re-leased on Underworld records in june, will show

off the group’s “under the radar” songwriting

skills as well as significant musical growth. Becki sue & her Big rockin’ Daddies! will be

performing in san felipe on Friday, March 26, at Jolly Mon at 8pm and at The International Blues & Arts Fiesta on Saturday, March 27.

Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies!Rockin’ Down the House in San Felipe

by T. Neal Stratman

The Rotary Club of San Felipe’s 8th Annual Steak BBQ in the Park and Silent Auction will be held on Thursday, March 11, from 1–4 p.m., in the municipal park next to the centro De salud. The event in-cludes a complete steak dinner with dessert, and a no host bar serving beer, wine and soft drinks. The si-lent auction features quality items donated by rotary members, local businesses, artists and others. Tick-ets for a 50/50 drawing and chinese raffle will also be available for pur-chase.

This event helps raise funds for the various programs that aid the local population of san felipe. in-dividuals and businesses who wish

to make a cash donation will have a plaque dis- played at the event. This year’s event coincides with the Baja 250, which begins and ends in san felipe.

Tickets are Us$12.50 or Mn$160, and are for sale at The Peoples gal-lery, the saturday vendors’ Market at el Dorado ranch or from any rotar-ian. for more information, call Terry smith at 576-0484, (760) 554-7184 or email [email protected].

The rotary club’s 7th annual Taste of san felipe held on janu-ary 19 was a great success with 25 restaurants serving their specialties, and close to 300 people enjoyed their tasty samples.

Steak in the Park

Tom Boyle, Jim King, Becki Sue, Jeff Hayes and Les White

{cAlENDAR}{cAlENDAR}

Have you always wanted to learn to write or to polish your writing skills? The East Cape Asociación de Artes is considering offering a writer’s workshop beginning the week of March 15 for eight weeks. There are no mandatory writing or turn-in requirements. instead, you will be involved in discovering the fun of writing through group dis-cussions.

Topics during these two-hour sessions include finding your

voice, basic principles of writing, elements of style, writing a family memoir, writing non-fiction, writ-ing fiction, writing short stories, poetry, plays and children’s books. The cost is Us$50/Mn$600.

all proceeds benefit the asocia-ción de artes. Leading the discus-sions will be Walter Zapotoczny, east cape resident and profes-sional published writer. if you are interested, please email Walter at [email protected].

Fine Tune Your Writing Skills in East cape

by Baja Western Onion


Mark your calendars as we walk for “Prostate cancer” in our 4th annual “san felipe caminata contra el cancer” on Saturday, March 20, in san felipe, Baja california.

our goal this year is to have over 400 people walking together, starting at the arches and end-ing at the Malecon where there will be a celebra-tion with food, drink and entertainment.

registration: 8 a.m.opening ceremony: 9 a.m.Walk Begins: 9:30 a.m.fees: adult Us$25 (Mn$325); student Us$10 (Mn$130)funds raised will be used for local cancer edu-

cation, screening and assisting with treatment of san felipe residents.

Pre-registration forms are available and we can be reached at our “new” web site: [email protected]

We completed the 3rd annual Walk against cancer in san felipe on March 21, 2009, and continued the success from previous years by raising over Us$20,000.

The caminata contra el cancer was initiated in 2006 by founding members Freda Barber and Michele MacDonald in conjunction with a large group of caring individuals and the enthusiastic support of the San Felipe Association of Retired Persons, Club Las Amigas and the Rotary Club of San Felipe.

in february 2008, the caminata hired full-time cancer care nurse Edith Yolanda Fuentes Casillas, who has been provided office space by the San Felipe Centro de Salud. from february 2008 through March 2009, nurse fuentes casil-las has performed 1,018 PaP and palpable breast exams. The caminata has also provided funds to cover 77 mammograms and 15 ultrasounds. Based upon examination results, over 150 pa-tients have been referred for follow-up services, most of which required medical consultations, mammograms and ultrasounds. if these exams and treatments were not available through the government health care system, the caminata absorbed the cost.

coMe anD WaLK WiTH Us!

San Felipe Walk Against cancer San Felipe Caminata Contra El Cancer

Baja Blue Promotions is proud to present a fishing tournament in memory of Tony reyes—Pioneer of Baja sportfishing and well-known benefactor to many fishermen and their families in san felipe.

The tournament will be held in san felipe on sat-urday, March 6, at 7 a.m., leaving from rosita’s at the Malecon. cash awards will be given, and over

55 competitors are expected from northern Baja, imperial and Yuma valley. The event will also honor san felipe’s olympic team canoeing winners of Mexico’s recent competition held last year.

for more information, contact armando olea at (686) 577-6336, (686) 160-8516 or email [email protected].

Tony Reyes Memorial Fishing Tournament

{cAlENDAR}{cAlENDAR}

Benito Pablo juár-ez garcía (March 21, 1806–july 18, 1872) was a Zapo-tec/amerindian who served five terms as president of Mexico: 1858–1861 as in-terim, 1861–1865,

1865–1867, 1867–1871 and 1871–1872. Benito juárez was the first Mexican leader who

did not have a military background, and also the first full-blooded indigenous national ever to serve as President of Mexico and to lead a country in the Western Hemisphere.

for resisting the french occupation, overthrow-ing the empire, and restoring the republic, as well

as for his efforts to modernize the country, juárez is often regarded as one of Mexico’s greatest and most beloved leaders. in addition to Mexico’s na-tional holiday on March 15, several towns, schools, parks, streets and monuments have been named to honor and remember him.

as with many historic figures, his clean image and some of his achievements are more myth than reality. During his presidency, juárez was also known for refusing to leave power, manipulating election results and moving against political en-emies. in fact, juárez managed to hold to power for 14 years, second only to Porfirio Diaz. ironically, many of the military battles that allowed juárez to remain in power and win his reputation as a histori-cal figure were actually won by Diaz himself who is today vilified by Mexican history.

The Beloved President Benito Juárez

Mar. 27: 4th Annual International Blues & Arts Fiesta in San Felipe. general admission is $20dlls. (686) 577-3143 or U.s. toll-free 877-LUvMex1. www.bluesandarts.com

SAN FELIPE Mar. 5: Casino day El Dorado To Benefit

Cruz Roja. (686) 577-0022Mar. 6: Club “Las Amigas” Poker Run.

starts at rafael navarro’s property north of the ranch around Km 163. www.clublasamigas.com

Mar. 12–14: 24th Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 Desert race. More than 225 cars, trucks, motorcycles and aTvs start and finish in san felipe. (818) 225-8402

Mar. 20: The 4th Annual Caminata Contra el Cancer. 8 a.m.–noon, arches to the Malecon. contact stacy Dow, [email protected].

Mar. 26–28: The Hobie Cat Midwinters West Regatta will be held at the el cortez. http://members.cox.net/midwinterswest

Mar. 27: Charity Golf Classic (caras de Mexico) at the golf course. [email protected]

LOCAL WEEKLY EVENTS ENSENADA (CONT.)

Mar. 27: 4th Annual International Blues & Arts Fiesta. The Lion’s club of san felipe presents an extremely entertaining fundraising event that features numerous art exhibitors and an outdoor concert with nearly a dozen live blues bands from Mexico and the U.s. at the baseball stadium in downtown san felipe. General admission is $20dlls. (686) 577-3143 or U.S. toll-free 1-877-LUVMEX1. www.bluesand arts.com

Mar. 30: Full Moon Mixer at El Dorado Ranch. (686) 577-0022

Apr. 2: Las Amigas Luau. contact carol goddard [email protected]

Apr. 8: Mystery Theater & Dinner presented by san felipe cancer resource services. http://sfcancerwalk.org

MULEGÉMar.–Apr. 14: Whale Watching

Excursions in guerrero negro, Bcs. (615) 157-0100

LA PAZMar. 17–22: Festival Pax. The 4th festival

Pax international festival of art and culture features africa is the theme this year. (612) 122-0000 or email [email protected]

Mar. 21: Jazz event in San Jose del Cabo. The 6th annual LigaMac jazzfest is 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tropicana jockey club. [email protected]

Mar. 28: Arts Festival: The asociacion de artes del Mar de cortez presents the 17th annual festival of the arts 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at rancho Buena vista. for info, email joann at [email protected]

LOS CABO Every Thursday Night: San José del Cabo

Art Walk along obregon street behind the church, sipping wine and viewing fine art. 5–9 p.m.

Mar.–Apr.: Whale Watching Season. spectacular views of whales just offshore abound from october through april. of the world’s eleven species of whales, eight come to Los cabos to breed and nurse their young.

Mar. 13: Spring BajaHaHa Golf & BBQ with Moose, Pork, Beef. an east cape guild event. contact frank and Margy Harper, (624) 142-8014

Mar. 18–21: BajaShakespeare presents “Knight of the Mighty Rod.” [email protected] (Los Barrilles)

Mar. 28: 7th Annual Festival of the Arts. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at rancho Buena vista. asociacion de artes del Mar de cortez, a.c. contact joann at [email protected]

Mar. TBA: Baja Whales & Rock Art. U.s. (619) 232-3821 ext. 203

TODOS SANTOSMar. 1–14: 6th Annual Film Festival

(Cine de Todos Santos). [email protected]

BAJA TOUR10 city flamenco guitar and dance tour of Baja being presented by Mexico Living

www.bajaflamenco.com


Th

e B

an

ds AGAVE BlUES

This talented group of players creates a mix, of originals and favorites, delivered with pol-ish and style. They have won numerous awards and headlined the 2009 “ensenada Blues & rock fiesta” to standing ovations and encores. always “in the Pocket” their ap-

pearance promises to be another great show! DElTA HEAT

Delta Heat, featuring Ken schoppmeyer, is a dance blues band specializing in blues, r&B, Boogie, jazz and swing. This band plays a sophisticated style you don’t hear very often these days. Ken is the very tal-ented front man, singing soulful lyrics of

various styles and is one of the country’s premier harp players. BEcKI SUE & HER BIG ROcKIN’ DADDIES!

Winners of “Best Band” Western Washington state. This high energy blues band will get you up and dancing. They bring a great show with great music. We hope to have their new cD available at the event. enjoy!

cHET cANNON AND THE cOMMITTEE

san Diego’s Premier “Down and Dirty” Blues Band. These guys knocked us out last year and we are delighted to have them back again. They always bring their “a” game and will “groove on” with their smooth “roots blues” style. Look for their new cD at the fiesta!


Th

e A

rt

ist

s ANDRENA JOYcEandrena joyce says her style varies but she definitely enjoys whimsy in her art. she considers painting her form of therapy, and says, “Having a purpose to paint makes it just more meaningful to me.” ARTURO GOMEz arturo gomez’ reflects the flavor of Baja in a variety of mediums but his true love is painting. His work can be found at the cachinilla swap Meet, and in many of the shops downtown; and he paints custom designed murals in homes. BAJA NUEVA Baja nueva specializes in luxury contemporary home décor, accessories and furniture, and takes enormous pride in designing a unique setting for the discriminating buyer. Many of their items are custom made and one of a kind.

BAJA TREASURES vickie rama has been designing and carving for 25 years in a variety of mediums from porcelain to bone. vickie silva has been designing unique clothing and accessories for 20 years and sells her jean bags and purses in numerous U.s. boutiques. DESERT MOTHERS Desert Mothers is an organization building bridges between Mexican Women and foreign communities.

DIGITAl DESIGNS BY ROBIN When robin found a media that could transcend tra-ditional painting, she became a digital artist. Her new technique uses photography and digital painting—creating a timeless heirloom from your photograph.

Our Proud Sponsors

{BlUES & ARTS FIESTA}{BlUES & ARTS FIESTA}

2010 International Blues & ARts FiestaSan Felipe • Saturday, March 27

JAVIER BATIz Legendary guitar Player! He is the “godfather of Mexican rock.” This remarkable talent has been creating great music for many years with more than 30 albums to his cred-it, and he promises to rock the house. rumor has it that javier taught carlos

santana to play rock (not just a rumor). MIcHElE lUNDEEN

”The Queen of steam” herself! Michele has been nominated for “Best Blues” 2009 by the “san Diego Music awards” and was a nominee in 2006. This will be her fourth ap-pearance at the “fiesta.” High energy with a great voice. a blues treasure for sure!

RUTA 69 “ensenada’s Best Musicians.” an all-star cast, promises to be a great show. These guys reflect the popularity of rock and Blues in Mexico. “West coast style,” West coast Baja that is!

SEAN cARNEY BAND WITH PHIl BERKOWITz

”2007 international Blues challenge winner and albert King award winner as Most Promising guitar Player.” What an honor to have this great band in our “fiesta.” sean teams up with the legendary Phil Berkowitz, the “Master of the Blues Harmonica.” Hold

on to your seats, this promises to be a show to remember.

VATOS lOcOS This local san felipe band brings a surf mu-sic flavor to our event. They play “surfabilly” blues with a style of their own. This power trio promises to keep you in motion. This will be their fourth appearance.

820 Band This southern california favorite will get ya goin’. great Players create great Music! With the release of their new cD, this band will definitely leave a lasting impression. They have many credits and will knock you out!

ElIzABETH KAPA each of elizabeth Kapa’s paintings is an adventure, exploring each subject and how the light affects the form, whether it’s fleeting, spilling over, striking or glowing. Her brush creates an environment that draws you in, passionately kisses your eyes and inspires delight.

HUIcHOl ARTHuichol shaman, jose Hernandez sanchez brings the art made in his village of Tepic, nayarit: string and wax paintings, hand-beaded jewelry and textiles. MARIlYN PARDEE Marilyn is returning to the textile arts after a 20-year hiatus to raise her daughter. she designed and manufactured under the label “ParDee” and her line was carried in boutiques and prestigious stores throughout the U.s.

MARPIVISIONSMarie-Pierre creates fanciful designs in sewing cre-ations using color and textures of different fabrics. each piece is an original creation.

MARY MOBlEYMary Mobley found the art medium of clay in 1992 . . . or rather it found her. Her clay ideas are pressed, pulled, scored, rolled, dug out and attached with attention to the forms of nature as her inspiration.

PAI-PAI POTTERSDaria Mariscal makes traditional pit-fired pottery and quarries her own clay. she also weaves bas-kets with juncus, palm and pinon pine needles.

PEOPlES GAllERY Peoples gallery offers an assort-ment of handcrafted items by Mexican and american artists. Unique paintings, jewelery, stone and wood sculptures, wood carv-ings, funiture, wall hangings, cards and crafts are available. B-Dazzled by Debbie jewlery will be featured.

RUTH OlIVAR MIllAN internationally acclaimed, ruth is a chicana multimedia artist that expresses herself in acrylics, watercolors, wood block prints and ceramic sculpture. she calls her work “chicana espressionism.” SAM BRODERSEN sam Brodersen is a massage therapist, and utilizes both eastern and Western modalities and incor-porates different techniques to offer a unique full body or targeted area massage.

ScOTT O. KENNEDYWorldwide acclaimed marine artist, scott has now turned his attention to the colors and rhythm of Baja. His paintings always seek to capture the essence of the scene he is painting.

VAlENTINA RAGSDAlEvalentina was born and raised in russia. she has pro-duced work ranging from paintings to interior design. Her works are located in private collections in Mexico, russia, america, germany, israel and other countries.

Maderas san felipeThe Peoplesí galleryagave Blues Band

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Kiki’s r.v. camping HotelDel Desierto communications

george’s hotelPete’s camp

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{BlUES & ARTS FIESTA}{BlUES & ARTS FIESTA}Changing Lives Through Music & Art!

by Karri Moser

Ariel shot of the Blues & Arts stadium

aboard Rafael’s Ultralight

Mike Byrne of Vatos Locos captures the audience with his rockabilly blues guitar

Ariel shot of the Blues & Arts stadium

aboard Rafael’s Ultralight

Phot

o by

cas

ey H

amlin

Mike Byrne of Vatos Locos captures the audience with his rockabilly blues guitar

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1 Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010 www.mexicolivingguide.com CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1 CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Get Your Tickets NOW!

Call (US) 1-877-LUV-MEX1

or visit www.bluesandarts.com

With the mind-blowing musical talent and accomplished artists exhibiting

their work, the upcoming 2010 International Blues & Arts Fiesta just

may be the largest and most entertaining yet. on Saturday, March 27,

this will be the fourth year the fiesta has been held at the base of the

mountains right along the picturesque sea of cortez.

The spectacular efforts of the professional lighting and sound technicians

of the past fiestas will be on hand again to provide the crowd with

stunning visuals and astounding audio. The amazing stage will be the

centerpiece of the festival where visitors will be allured by the aromas

of the finest foods and drinks. With the best beach camping options

available in this part of the world, san felipe is the perfect locale for

hosting such an outdoor event.

The list of musical acts on the schedule this year is astounding, and if

the musical talent alone was not enough to ignite excitement and please

the senses, you will be able to browse and acquire a wide selection of

one-of-a-kind pieces by many local and not-so-local artists.

In the past, the International Blues and Arts Fiesta has raised over

$65,000 for the charities sustained by the San Felipe Lions Club. The

money has been vital to the building of an orphanage that gives abused or

abandoned children a safe place to rest their heads. Money from the fiesta

has also made a difference in the health of many san felipe residents

who could not have afforded basic health care without the clinics funded

by the Lions club. These free clinics give primary care, specialty care,

emergency care and health education to those who need it.

Marketed by Mexico Living, and John and Rachel Pack, this increasingly

popular and growing festival is only possible through the tireless efforts

of the San Felipe Lions Club, whose extraordinary volunteers work

many months to organize and produce it, and

countless organizations and behind-the-

scenes individuals who work to keep

it growing in talent and attendance.

General admission is ONLY $20, and $25 if purchased that day, so don’t miss the event of the year!


{BAJA FASHION}{BAJA FASHION}

Todos santos has a fabulous new fashionista hangout, Drool! Designer/owner Wendy Rains, known locally more for her architectural designs, is now expressing her much-admired fashion style with beautiful one-of-a-kind creations. for years Wendy has been collecting her sumptu-ous textiles, gathered from her travels all over the world, and has teamed up with local seamstress, Maricela, to create their Todos santos atelier. Wendy creates super comfortable yet unique ele-ments made to wear alone, or to layer . . . from classic day wear to vampy “night on the town” luxurious dresses and tops. Wendy’s designs de-fine sassy chic and edgy elegance, with a nod to days gone by . . . all with a Wendy twist. There’s something for everyone . . . even men!

Wendy’s accessory designs have been sold in the finest department stores in america—neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, and Bloomingdales, just to name a few . . . as well as in Paris boutiques. from quirky handbags and hats, to jewelry and watches, Wendy’s wit is present in everything she does. Her hand-painted chiffon scarves and famous butterfly hair ornaments have been featured in Paris vogue.

The word is out that Wendy has gone retail, and ladies are coming from all over southern Baja to Drool! They are thrilled to finally have an elegant place to shop for all the parties, tango classes and non-stop fundraisers that make up the whirling social life in Baja. visit Drool to find your “one-of-a-kind” must have! When a woman wears a piece from Drool, she glows!

Drool is located at casa Blanca, juarez y Hidalgo, Todos santos, and is open seven days a week, 11ish to 4ish. stop by or call (612) 140-1672 to make an appoint-ment.

Most people wouldn’t think of Baja when they think of fashion—Milan, yes . . . Paris, yes . . . even Buenos aires . . . but Tijuana, hardly. To many, the most readily conjured image is a black velvet paint-ing of elvis, or the humongous sombrero and requi-site serape bought by neophyte tourists.

even the americans who “hang out” there through frequent visits, or second homes, have not traditionally been thought of as being fashion pates. i mean flip flops are flip flops, and shorts only come in so many colors. The T-shirts can get a little cre-ative, but hardly the stuff for runway strutting.

one casual garment that sells for a few dollars everywhere is the “jerga” or the traditional Baja jacket, a heavy coarse cotton, long sleeved pullover with large hood and pocket.

Baja california, however, is responsible for much more than the ubiquitous Baja jacket. for years its factories have created and assembled clothing for apparel companies around the world. called ma-quilladoras, manufacturers have sprung up all over

Baja fulfilling global clothing needs and providing employment for the Mexican people.

in the ensenada area alone are Lamex fashion de Mexico, jean international, o’neill (Men’s and Boys’ clothing), L.a. ensenada fashion (Women’s, Misses, and junior), Uxma garment (Women’s and junior outerwear), and Diaco international (Wom-en’s dress clothes).

Baja clothing goes a bit beyond the maquillado-ras. The off-beat magic of the name “Baja” has led to any number of enterprises, including sportswear. Picking up on the Baja name are Baja gear, Baja fleece and Baja outback, mostly a lot of adventure gear, good for outdoor activities. casual wear for a casual place. But what about high fashion? The enigma is that Mexico can continually surprise one. and high fashion is one such awakening, relegating outdoors clothing to its auspicious niche market.

Mexico city, for example, draws over 10,000 of the world’s top fashion buyers, celebrities, design-ers and media to its semi-annual fashion Week

You’ll Drool Over Fashions in Todos Santos by Sunny Day

Fashion –

Drool owner Wendy Rains with a rack of her

fashions. Drool owner Wendy Rains with a rack

of her fashions. Phot

o by

alv

aro

colin

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Mexico (Dias de Moda). Hispanic designers are rapidly emerging on the global fashion scene and the prestige event focuses as much on them as it does the products.

over 30 designers appeared at a recent Mexico city show to introduce their modern designs with a clear Mexican flavor to the international fashion world. Many, like carla fernandez, borrow con-cepts from the indian culture, using a preponder-ance of squares and rectangles.

some, like Pineda covalin and carmen rion, have created large markets with their focus on global de-sign with a local touch. alana savoir is another young Mexican designer who has created an upbeat line of clothing that transcends international fashion.

Pineda covalin was founded by two young Mexi-can designers, cristina Pineda and ricardo cova-lin, and their unique designs are inspired by Pre-hispanic culture, Mexican traditions and mysticism. Their products have gone beyond the top Mexican boutiques and exclusive department stores and can be found in important U.s. museums such as the MoMa in san francisco, and museums in seattle and new York as well.

Mexico city designer adriana Hans, who created the trendy Wishes line that makes custom-decorat-ed tank-tops, noted that Mexico is in a transition and she is seeing more and more interest in Mexi-can fashion.

The spotlight on Hispanic fashion has even reached Tijuana where designers have crossed the border to bring fashion shows to san Diego pre-senting at the Museum of contemporary art.

now a regular event, the fashion shows are held at the museum on the first Thursday of each month. called the Thursday night Thing (TnT), some of Tijuana’s hottest designers are involved including Tania candiani, franklin collado, jorge sanchez and jorge Tellaeche. The dynamic and intriguing collections have helped make the event the dyna-mite it is named for. along with fashion, included in TnT are art, ceramics and musical entertainment.

What about shopping in Baja, if not high fash-ion, for at least more than touristy trinkets? With a growing number of upscale residents and visitors,

one can find all sorts of high-end fashion, primarily in both Tijuana to the north and cabo san Lucas in the south.

Most of the trendy boutiques in cabo border the marina, anchored by the Puerto Paraiso Plaza on the north end.

People might expect upscale shops in cabo, but many might be surprised to discover the depth of shopping in Tijuana. once one gets off of avenida revolucion and its cheek-to-jowl tourist shops, there is a surprising array of clothing finds.

The price of fine tailored suits and custom dresses is often about a third of what one might pay in the states. There are several shops that make brides’ and bridesmaids’ dresses for weddings (bodas). Most are located along ave. constitucion, around 3rd street (calle 3). With wedding dresses so pricy these days, savings of hundreds of dollars can be realized.

one shopper who pays about $75 for a tailored shirt in the states said he paid about $35 for the same shirt in Tijuana. You can bring your own fabric and allow the Mexican wizards to turn it into custom apparel while you sip a margarita around the corner.

for more conventional shopping in Tijuana, i rec-ommend the Plaza rio Tijuana, Plaza del Zapato, Pueblo amigo, and Plaza fiesta. There are depart-ment stores, fashion boutiques, shoe stores and much more. one of the largest department stores is Dorians, founded in 1959 and now with 28 stores throughout Mexico’s northwest. another depart-ment store in Tijuana is sara’s (revolucion and 3rd street), which has been around since 1929.

if those aren’t enough Baja shopping and clothing options, there are now Walmarts in the major cities, including Tijuana, ensenada and Mexicali. The goal of those Mexican Walmarts, it was announced, is to have a preponderance of its products made or grown in Mexico. Hey, maybe they’ll sell those Baja jackets there.

Greg Niemann has written extensively about Baja California for numerous publications, and is the author of Baja fever, Baja Legends, Palm springs Legends, and Big Brown: The Untold story of UPs. www.gregniemann.com

Baja Style

by Greg Niemann


{AcTIVITY GUIDE}{AcTIVITY GUIDE}

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With all the incredible diving around Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, why would anyone get on a boat and travel 240 miles south of the peninsula’s southern tip to dive? Well, it turns out that there are some really big reasons! Big—as in whales, sharks and huge manta rays. for divers seeking some adventure, a live-aboard trip to the remote island of socorro is a must.

The revillagigedo archipelago, known world-wide as the Mexican galapagos, is a group of four volcanic islands in the Pacific ocean recognized for its unique ecosystem and large concentra-tions of pelagic species. Most of the dive activity in the archipelago occurs around socorro, an island that rises abruptly from the sea to 1,050 meters (3,445 feet) above sea level at its sum-mit. The Mexican government is heavily involved in preservation efforts, making socorro island an ideal location for diving.

socorro is approximately 386 km (240 miles) south of cabo san Lucas and 600 km (372 miles) west of the Mexican mainland. it is only acces-sible by long-range, live-aboard boats, which depart cabo san Lucas november through May when the seas are the calmest. Tours typically last from 8 to 9 days and include 6 or 7 days of diving because the crossing between cabo and the island takes about 24 hours.

The live-aboard vessels that serve socorro range from 33 meters (110 feet) to 35 meters (116 feet) and offer all the luxuries a diver could want, including resident chefs, air conditioning and comfortable state rooms. The diving is con-sidered intermediate level, but less experienced divers are welcome on most dives.

Water temperatures at socorro range from 28 c (82 f) in november down to 21 c (70 f) in feb-ruary, and rise back to 25 c (77 f) by mid-May. visibilities vary, but they can be as much as 40 meters (130 feet) in the strikingly blue waters.

okay, so why go to the socorro area in the first place? as mentioned above, there are a number of large species that inhabit the waters around the island and they are often found in large quantities. one of the most amazing creatures you will see is the giant Pacific manta ray, which can grow to 7.5 meters (21 feet), wingtip to wingtip. These gentle giants are diver-friendly and up-close-and-personal encounters are quite common.

Bottlenose dolphins have always been spot-ted at socorro, but until recently they were “shy” and kept their distance. However, according to Mike Lever, captain of the nautilus explorer, all that changed about three years ago when they began imitating the mantas by interacting with divers and “. . . even hanging on ascent lines with divers at their safety stop. There is nothing quite like seeing a dolphin hanging at a safety stop with the ascent rope tucked underneath its pectoral fin!”

at least seven species of sharks inhabit the waters around socorro, including silky, galapa-gos, Hammerhead, Whitetip, silvertip, reef and Tiger. Whale sharks, as long as 13 meters (40 feet), can be seen in the early part of the season, and the winter months bring more than 1,200 humpback whales to the area to breed and calve.

You can also expect to see large yellow-fin tuna (the world record was caught near socorro), wahoo, turtles, octopus and large schools of jack. it’s little wonder that socorro has become known as the best big animal diving spot on earth! for underwater photographers and videographers, socorro is a true paradise. check out jason Heller’s recent expedition to socorro aboard the solmar v at www.divephotoguide.com/articles/video__dpg_expedition_report__socorro. He’s a professional underwater photographer and he’s posted some great photos from his trip.

as mentioned earlier, the only way to experi-ence the incredible diving at socorro is to book a trip with one of the excellent live-aboards that serve the area. We’ve provided the links, the rest is up to you!

Diving Mexico’s Socorro Islandby R.J. Archer

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Live-Aboard Vessels Serving Socorro Islandsea escape: www.clubcantamar.com/english/liveaboard

solmar v: www.solmarv.comnautilus explorer: www.nautilusexplorer.com

for more information about the fabulous diving available around the entire Baja Peninsula, visit www.BajaDivers.com.


centavo’s Two centsThe Rainbow Connection

by Penny Nask

la Huerita on . . . Everything! Adventures in Sp ani sh

by La Huerita

once upon a time i rode one of Mexico’s ex-cellent buses from cancun to Merida, just for the heck of it. if you don’t know, Mexico has a bus system that should make greyhound hang its head in shame: seats that recline nearly all the way back in case you want to snooze; movies; “flight” attendants; and they’re not only inexpen-sive, they’re very punctual. and you meet some very interesting people on those buses. But this isn’t about the bus system, it’s about language faux pas.

You see, attached above the windshield on the bus was a sign written in both spanish and english that said:

no fUMar no esMoKing

Those of you who have hung around in Mexico long enough to know the difficulty some Mexicans have in pronouncing the letter “s” when it begins a word will understand why that tickled my funny bone. But of course, that tick-ling goes both ways.

for instance, a Mexican friend of mine in cabo once offered to let me use her office as a return address for mail i sent home, on the theory that i was more likely to successfully receive mail in return that way. she worked in the sales office at a big company, so i duly noted that up in the left corner of the envelope:

oficina De venTanas When she saw it, she attempted not to smile

and gently told me, “i don’t think we have an office of Windows.”

Well heck. i meant oficina de ventas. “What’s a couple of extra letters between friends?” i opined out loud. i imagine she still smiles about that.

and there was my initial difficulty in keeping sound-alike words straight. More than once i

asked a maid for a bar of soup (sopa), or or-dered soap or japan (jabon, japon) with my eggs instead of ham (jamon).

Some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls: if the person you’re addressing doesn’t un-•derstand english, talking louder won’t help. The word Deportes on a building doesn’t •mean that’s where authorities take you if you’re being deported, it means “sports.” The phrase “Paradas continuas” on the •back of a bus doesn’t mean “continuous Parades,” it means “frequent stops.” if you want peaches (duraznos), you don’t •want to ask for naked men (desnudos). if you are hungry (tiene hambre), it won’t •do you any good to ask for men (tiene hombres). rolling those double “r’s” can sometimes •be very important; if you mean to say “Me gusta su perro” (i like your dog) and don’t roll those “r’s,” you might find yourself be-ing misunderstood as saying “Me gusta su pedo” (i like your fart). and here’s a biggie: Try to avoid the seem-•ingly compulsive inclination to add the letter “o” at the end of every english word, think-ing that will make it understandable. This can cause general hilarity in some cases. example: if you’re a man who’s embar-rassed about something, never ever say “i’m so embarrassado!” Unless, of course, you really are pregnant . . .

Well, it’s that time of year again. Leprechauns abound and there’s a pot o’ gold at the end of their rainbows. so goes the folklore.

if you live in the Baja, you don’t have to wait for the March winds to sail your kite. You can catch a breeze on the beach most days of the week.

if you’re irish, you’ll be celebrating on saint Paddy’s day with the rest of us and looking for your particular rainbow in the sky. rainbows are good metaphors for happy times and good luck.

i don’t really know how Leprechauns got attached to the idea of rainbows with pots of gold . . . or if they ever get to the end of them. a little research explained that the Leprechauns were aged little men who were shoe cobblers. They loved to smoke pipes and were usually intoxicated from home brew poteen. if the Leprechaun is not a cobbler, he is a banker and a guardian of ancient treasures. The treasure came from the Danes and the Leprechauns put the gold in pots and buried them. rainbows tell you where they are hidden.

scientifically, the rainbow is sunlight spread out into its spectrum of colors and diverted to the eye of the observer by water droplets. it is also a group of nearly circular arcs of color having a common center.

Descartes simplified the study of the rainbow by reducing it to the study of one water droplet

and how it reacts when light falls upon it. seven basic colors make up the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Those are the ones you can see. The purity of the colors depends on the size of the raindrops.

in san felipe, in january, we had a good share of rainfall for the season. every year as we “batten down the hatches” we are always told that it doesn’t rain much here. so far this theory has been wrong. i have seen plenty of rain . . . enough to make our desert bloom with unexpected flowers and vegetation year after year.

Because of a two-day rain storm, we were able to see quite a miraculous spectacle . . . a beautiful rainbow that stayed in a clear arc over the ocean for more than 10 minutes. if you were close enough to the water, as i was, it ap-peared that the rainbow was coming out of the ocean. from my view, it was the finest and most steadfast rainbow that i had ever seen! it was a complete arc, something that is rarely seen because trees, buildings and landmass usually interrupt it. if that wasn’t enough for the day, an-other rainbow sight appeared; not as a complete arc but as a double one!

if rainbows are lucky, we should be set for this year around our fishing town. How clever for those Leprechauns to bury their gold in the ocean where we’re not likely to get it!

Centavo aka Pamela esther nask

(“Penny”)

co-owner of simpatico arts, she is a writer and an art

historian, whose luck in these fields has given her an early retirement. she attributes “laughter” as the best possible stimulus for life. [email protected]

La Huerita

an artist and writer, La Huerita and her husband operated an online travel magazine for nearly a decade—

until they noticed they were doing more writing than traveling. Her philosophy: When it stops being fun, stop doing it. La Huerita now operates the blog rocky Point Tides, and she’s having fun! [email protected]

{PEOPlE & VOIcES}{PEOPlE & VOIcES}

Massage Therapy TherapyMassage TherapyMassage

686-577-1431Call for an appointment

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by John Pack

“What do i do, what do i do!?” rachel screamed over the roar of the 2-stroke outboard. The boat was racing out to sea at full throttle and dragging me behind. My body was bobbing up and down as i tried desperately to hang on and stay horizontal to the surface. i was just inches from the propeller blades that could effortlessly slice through me.

“Turn it off!” i screamed back to rachel as my mind was screaming internally “keep your balls out of the blades and don’t lose my prized sombrero.” The sombrero had been special for me every year at the Blues festival and this year with the new boat, i thought “this is the perfect fishing hat.” now, with the sombrero on my head, it was only these two thoughts that just keep repeating themselves in my head as i yelled back again, “Turn it off!”

every since we moved to Baja we had wanted a boat. We wanted either an inflatable or something small enough to carry on top of our car. When rachel’s parents moved to Baja, they brought a small aluminum fishing boat and 7.5-horse, 2-stroke outboard with them, which had belonged to rachel’s late uncle. They knew we wanted a boat, so they told us we could have it.

With the help of rachel’s dad, richard, we built some cool racks for the top of the car out of

the broken rv awning arms, which richard had stored every since the wind tore the awning from their trailer a year earlier. With the boat securely attached to the top of the car, we headed south for the winter.

from san felipe to La Paz we carried the boat on top of the car, and although it was a small boat made by sears, i felt pretty cool with it up there . . . no one knew we had never actually had it in the water. We even took the san felipe Trail from Puertecitos to gonzaga, then past coco’s corner to Highway 1, and although our car and our kidney’s took a beating, the boat never budged.

in La Paz, we met gary and Patricia, just the two to get us motivated. Patricia was a nurse and would-be veterinarian and gary a fix-this, build-that kind of guy and both were avid fishing nuts. They had been traveling about an hour south of La Paz to “Bahia Los Muertos” (Bay of the Dead Men) to go fishing and, on this trip, we were going with them and taking the boat for its maiden voyage. The boat looked solid enough and, with gary’s help, we rigged up a walker normally used by the elderly to hang the outboard. it worked really well. not only did it have wheels to move it around, but it was just the right height to put the prop in a five-gallon bucket for rinsing.

The outboard is also a sears brand, circa 1970 or older, called a “Ted Williams.” from what i remembered, Ted Williams was a baseball player . . . i had no idea what he had to do with outboards. it was an odd little outboard, air-cooled, but after having sat unused for several years, it started on the second pull . . . oh my goodness, it was loud! i figure the only fish i’d catch with this outboard would be deaf.

also, going on the trip with us would be our new friends Don and ivonne, and they’d be bringing their huge Bayliner. This would be their maiden voyage in the sea of cortez also, and after dragging it down the Baja and getting seven flats on their boat trailer along the way (that’s seven tires in 700 miles . . . you do the math), i’m sure they were ready to put it into the water.

When we got to the bay, gary and Patricia were the first in, followed by Don and ivonne. By the time rachel and i got our boat off the car and the boat and outboard to the water, gary and Patrica were gone around the north end of the bay and out of sight, and Don and ivonne were out in the middle of the Bay, checking their systems, i guessed.

The sun was just coming up and the bay was glassy and flat, with the sky a beautiful light purple. The shoreline was lined with pangas and

few fishermen were preparing to go out. our preparations went smoothly as we loaded our ice chest, our dog cai, and effortlessly mounted the outboard. i decided that since i hadn’t any history with this outboard, i would stand outside the boat while starting it—just in case it took a bit to start, we wouldn’t float away from shore. i put the outboard in neutral and gave the outboard starter rope a tug . . . no go; another tug . . . no go; another tug and it roared to life. i climbed in and within a few minutes we motored, albeit loudly, into the bay.

We had decided we would hug the coastline, staying within swimming distance of shore . . . after all, this was a new boat, outboard and area to us. although the boat and outboard were both older than rachel, they ran great and we cruised from one end of the bay to the next, beaching it a couple of times so that i could nap while rachel combed the beach for shells and cai chased birds. once we got comfortable, we decided to head

out of the bay and cruise up the coast in search of new adventures.

after about the third small cove we started to feel pretty good about making beach landings and getting in and out of the boat. soon the tougher beaches were doable to us, we could navigate through the rocks and, although there were some waves breaking, we could still see the many rocks hiding just below the surface.

on our last cove, the beach was a real delight, from end to end the rocky beach was peppered with pieces of beautiful white coral, some were no bigger round than a bottle cap, but others were as large as a football. i had no idea what would cause this kind of coral debris, but the pieces were beautiful. of course, in addition to a piece of coral, we found many amazing stones and shells to add to rachel’s ever growing collection.

We loaded our new treasures in the boat and, once cai and rachel were aboard, i decided that it was important to stay outside the boat while i started it. after all, if it didn’t start right away, we would most certainly drift into one of the many rocks appearing dangerously above the waterline. i gave the outboard starter rope a tug . . . no go; another tug . . . no go; another tug and it roared to life like a racehorse being released from the gate.

“What do i do, what do i do!?” rachel’s voice was full of panic.

“Turn it off!” i yelled back, knowing we hadn’t gone over any of that prior to leaving shore.

“i don’t know how” she replied sounding a little frightened.

“Turn the throttle to off,” i replied trying to pull myself up high enough to reach the throttle myself.

With some effort, i was able to reach up and grab the throttle and give it a twist, immediately shutting the outboard down and bringing us to fast stop and causing me to hang on even harder to avoid sinking. The sea floor was somewhere below and the shore seemed like miles aways. i knew there was no way i could get into the boat without possibly flipping it or knocking rachel out, so i started swimming, pulling the boat with me.

fortunately the shore was only a few hundred yards and i had a pleasant swim, whilst listening to rachel laugh, and laugh and laugh some more. in retrospect, maybe i should have tried to get in. oh well, we made it back to shore, i climbed in and it started on the first pull . . . wouldn’t you know it!

John & Rachel Pack

after marrying john & rachel traveled the United states full time producing live events, until moving to san felipe Baja to slow

down. That only lasted a couple of months. since then they’ve dedicated themselves to sharing life in Mexico with the world. They have fallen in love with so many of you that they want you to join them as they explore the wonders of Mexico living.

Breaking in a New Boat

{PEOPlE & VOIcES}{PEOPlE & VOIcES}

John taking a nap in the boat after pulling it ashore!


HOME & GARDEN BUSINESS DIRECTORYART GALLERIESTodos Santosjill Logan [email protected]

ELEVATORSRosarito BeachBaja Lifts by To The Top elevators (661) 614-1434info@tothetophomeelevators.netwww.tothetophomeelevators.net

NURSERYSan Jose del Cabojungle cactus (624) 122-0324www.junglecactuscabo.com

HOME FURNISHINGSSan FelipeBaja nueva (686) 211-4676see display ad on page 34

La Pazrickey ricardos (612) 145 0379www.rickeyricardos.com

Loretogecko’s curious (613) 135-2505see display ad on page 3

HOME IMPROVEMENTSSan Felipesan felipe Home improvement (686) [email protected]

{BUSINESS & MONEY}{BUSINESS & MONEY}

Your home and garden are the embodi-ment of your paradise . . . the space where you spend most of your time in Baja . . . the space that is especially important to you.

Turning your home and garden into the paradise of your dreams can be both invigo-rating and relaxing; however, sometimes even the “handyman” in all of us needs a little help.

a vast peninsula extending some 1,250 km (775 miles), Baja has two time zones, the Pacific ocean and the gulf of califor-nia (or “sea of cortez”), four main desert areas, the Tropic of cancer . . . and that only includes the “garden” half of the equation.

Baja is also home to fine artists, craft workers, and professionals known for their

knowledge and abilities to build, create or construct products with high degrees of excellence, to help turn your dreams into real-ity. Baja’s diverse professionals provide you with as many quality choices as this vast pen-insula does in geography and life.

from turning that boring backyard into an outdoor oasis to making your bedroom an island paradise, when creating your space, look to the businesses and artists in your Baja community. Whether your paradise is tropical or desert, seaside or mountains, gulf or Pacific, you will find profession-als with a unique gift, product or service that will help you turn your space into a shangri-la!

Permanent & TemporaryConstruction WasteCommercial & ResidentialPortable ToiletsSeptic Pumping

686-121-1004 or 686-212-3599

South of Kilometer 187, San Felipe B.C.

68 Gallon Containers for Residence &

Business

Residential Pick Up

3 & 6 Yard Commercial

Containers

Portable Toilets

Competitive Rates

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For all your disposal needs

—BAJA INDUSTRY PROFILE—

Turn Your Home & Garden Into Paradise!Profiles of Some Specialty Businesses



Home Furnishings & Accessories

(612) 145 0379 • www.rickeyricardos.com

Floor Plans • Construction • DecoratingOutdoor Patio Furniture • Professional Design Services

Discounted Home and Condo Furniture PackagesNew Faster Shipping • Fine Art Gallery

Rickey Ricardos Home Furnishings and Accessories, now open in Todos santos, and still serving La Paz and Los cabos by appointment, has the best quality and style choices, pricing and service, in Baja!

Located at the corner of juarez and obregon, they’re open Tuesday–saturday, and available sunday and Mon-day for appointments anywhere in Baja sur.

unday and Mon-

Professional and courteous Home Improvement Services

Best landscaper in San Felipe

need improvements to your electrical, plumbing or gas system installations? call Baja Home improvement services! since 2006, they have provided professional and courteous service to their many customers, and provide free estimates.

They have recently added more products to their diversified offerings: instant hot water heaters, window treatments, johnson solar window film to protect your assets and save energy costs, made in the Usa clas-sic retractable screen doors—enjoy the sea breeze without the annoyance of pesky flies—and, coming soon, custom-made wood shutters.

Baja Home improvements takes pride in all they do, completing all they start. give them a try, you’ll be glad you did! call (686) 222-4507 for a consultation today. you did!

voted “san felipe’s Best Landscaper” by Mexico Living’s reader Poll for three consecutive years; so, as Versoleil begins their sixth year in Baja, they’re ex-tremely proud of the reputation they’ve gained.

guillermo (William) Duclos leads a staff of 20 ex-perienced landscaping and maintenance personnel. His personal resume includes such exotic landscaping design projects as several club Meds in italy; ishigaki, club Med Kabira in japan; and the King’s villas, and the Prince’s villas in ryadh, jeddah, saudi arabia.

visit www.versoleil.com for information about their latest projects. You can also sign up for their monthly e-newsletter, “in the garden,” which will keep you up to date on gardening and planting information for your Baja garden.

call versoleil at (686) 573-0526 or (686) 576-0664.

ersoleil at (686) 573-0526 or (686) 576-

San Felipe Interior DesignCustom Services at an Affordable Price

Jungle cactusSpecializing in Unique and Exotic Plants

san felipe interior Design has existed and been a part of san felipe Home Builders since its inception, but available only to their custom-home clients. They are now offering their design services to the public. You can now get the service you expect with the advantage of having access to local artisans and suppliers that have a proven track record.

They will help you with your dreams and ideas, with no sales pressure. They are not in the business of selling you products and services, they are here to help you achieve the look and feel you want, and also give you the advantage of buying through the network they’ve developed through their years of building in san felipe as well as california.

They offer the services of the best faux finish painter in all of northwest Mexico. Martin has done

faux work in some of the richest homes in Baja, as well as sonora and sinaloa. He has been in the san felipe area for the last five years and they feel privileged to have him working with their team.

imagine a mural over your stove, fireplace or on a wall as you enter your home. in addition to custom murals, they have custom doors and quality door hardware from all around the world, as well as window coverings from the U.s. and Mexico, all types of cabinets and accessories with over 100 door styles and finishes that can be imported for less than custom cabinets in the U.s. cabinetry is imported from Hertco Manufacturing in Washington with different price levels to suit your budget.

contact them for a consultation at (686) 577-3176 or, if calling from the U.s., (619) 200-6456.

jungle cactus is as unique and special as the product they produce. This family-owned nursery specializes in some of the more unusual palms, cycads and exotic plants from around the world.

although this alone sets them apart from many other nurseries or growers, the real distinction is their inventory of more than 40 varieties of palms and cycads, with new species continually being added. They are fully permitted with the secretariat of environment and natural resources (seMarnaT), the government agency whose main purpose is “to promote the protection, restoration and conservation of ecosystems and natural resources”; and even have a rare Unidad de Manejo para la conservación de vida silvestre, a Mexican wildlife conservation organization (UMa) permit to raise and sell endangered plants.

owner john Wenzel has enjoyed growing since his grandma planted the “seed” in him when he

was just a child. john is an ex-san Diego biologist that turned a passion for plants and Baja into jungle cactus. john moved to Los cabos in 2000, found some land and got a few thousand seeds of different species, “and the rest is history!” as john says. But it’s much more than that; john grows their plants from seed, and knows and understands which species thrive along the Tropic of cancer and Tropic of capricorn, and which plants do best with Baja sun and occasional hurricanes.

it’s their ambition to grow and produce the highest quality plants, and their knowledge and expertise of the growing conditions here in Baja california sur allows them to guarantee their plants.

Let jungle cactus help you create your own exotic jungle garden. To get started today, call (624) 122-0324, email [email protected] or visit www.junglecactuscabo.com. 0324, email [email protected] or visit

INTERIOR DESIGNSan Felipesan felipe interior Design (686) 577-3176www.sanfelipeinteriordesign.com

LANDSCAPINGSan Felipeversoleil Landscaping (686) 573-0526www.versoleil.com

WASTE MANAGEMENTSan Felipesan felipe Disposal (686) 121-1004

(HOME & GARDEN BUSINESS DIRECTORY CONT.)



day live my retirement years by the ocean.” When she decided on early retirement and made her move to Baja, her family and friends thought she was not in her right mind. even though she would be only a two-hour drive away, their primary concern was medical care and the question of who would look after her.

some doctors in this rosarito-ensenada area make house calls, and there are also excellent medical facilities throughout the state. Serena Senior Care is a corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life for senior residents in Baja; among their services are nursing assistance and doctor visits, which gives family members peace of mind. in addition, oceanfront developments in Baja are largely inhabited by expatriates, who look out for one another.

Karen is one of many americans discovering the benefits and lower cost of in-home services that the northern Baja region offers. furthermore, with the increased purchasing power of the U.s. dollar against the Mexican peso, they can lower their monthly expenses considerably.

Most of these coastal Baja developments are also located just 10 to 15 minutes from the newest

hospital in the area, shopping, and a 45 minute drive to the wine country, where on Wednesdays and saturdays they offer an organic farmers market. Living in these communities, americans have the same lifestyle as they currently enjoy in the U.s., but for much less.

Max Katz, a long-time reputable rosarito Broker says, “not only the newer developments are following the trends, even long-time established communities such as Las Gaviotas, an oceanfront community that has been a model of success for retirees over the last 35 years, are upgrading to larger gyms, creating social committees and having weekly golf and tennis tournaments.”

clearly, relocating to northern Baja california has become a solution for Baby Boomers and american retirees. especially for those who would like to remain closer to their families and the U.s. amenities.

Alejandra Esquivel is a News and Article Ghostwriter with over 10 years experience. She is currently part of Baja Real Estate Group marketing and sales services. www.bajarealestategroup.net

one who comes to Mexico must have either a tourist visa, an fM-3 or an fM-2; the first document is always a tourist visa (except if you requested and obtained an fM-3 at a Mexican consulate prior to entering the country). This being said, the general opinion that you cannot have an fM-2 without having first completed five years with an fM-3 is wrong; you can obtain an fM-2 at any time after you are in Mexico, the only requirement is that you prove that you have fully immigrated.

The length of time you can stay in Mexico under a tourist visa is decided by the immigration officer who revises the entry document, the maximum days allowed is 180; in the case that you have been given less than said time, you can request an extension; the extension is at the discretion of the immigration officer who authorizes the extension. in the case of an fM-3, the same rules apply regarding the number of days but, in general, the document is good for a one-year period. after five years you can choose to continue with an fM-3 or request an fM-2, which can be renewed for five years; after the fourth renewal of an fM-2, you are eligible for the immigrant status or you can ask for Mexican nationality.

a few years ago the rules regarding the process and requisites to obtain the said nationality were changed. Persons with an fM-3 could no longer be naturalized after five years; in 2009 the rules were changed again and, at this time, the new rules regarding the naturalization process are:

one must have had an fM-2 for five years, and must present himself with his request completed and having paid the government fees.

as per the rules, which you can read on http://sre.gob.mx/tramites/nacionalidad/tema1c.htm, one must present himself at the sre on the last day his fM-2 fourth extension expires and be prepared to pass the exam on said day if he has not reached his 60th birthday. (The age limit does not appear on the internet page. in the event that one has reached said age, the only requirement is that he must be able to speak spanish.) in the event that the fourth extension terminates on a non-working day, the person must then request “inmigrado” status at inM and, once obtained, present his request for naturalization at sre.

There are situations when you can request naturalization with less than five years with an fM-2: Marriage to a man or women of Mexican nationality (this can be interpreted not only for heterosexuals but also for same sex marriages); child adoption; having a child born in Mexico; being an adopted child by a Mexican person or that the tutor is Mexican; contributing toward the good of the country or having participated in cultural, social, scientific, technical, artistic, sport or business (in these cases it would be up to the authority to judge if the activity is to be considered sufficient to permit the emission of the naturalization card); born in Latin america or the iberia peninsula; be a descendent of a Mexican

person in direct line. The big question is: Do you need a lawyer

when requesting either immigration status or naturalization? The answer is “Yes.” You want to ensure that your rights are protected by a knowledgeable professional and to ensure you are not spending money for nothing. The second question is: is the request presented at the local sre office or directly to the sre headquarters in Mexico city? The answer is that you can obtain naturalization in a shorter time if the dossier is presented in Mexico city, but there are additional costs such as travel and lodging. no matter where the request is presented, you should always have a legal advisor with you.

More information can be obtained by contacting me at [email protected].

Lic. Jacques-Edouard Beaulne is an attorney with CAN-AM-MEX FIRMA JURIDICA/LAW FIRM. Abogado, Avocat, Lawyer, Miembro del Colegiado de Abogados en B.C.S. Member of Lawyer’s college in BCS, Senior member of the Firm, Notaria 8, Planta Alta, suite 4 & 6, Esq., Allende y Serdan, La Paz, BCS, Mexico.

Many americans with reduced and fixed incomes are looking outside of the U.s. for retirement and economic relief in these tough times, finding it just south of the border. Baja california, Mexico, is leading the trend to cater to retirees, by offering services at significantly lower prices than in the U.s.

U.s. stores such as Home Depot, Walmart, applebee’s and ashley furniture are becoming

Stretch Your Money . . . South of the Border by Alejandra Esquivel

Immigration And Naturalization Process by Lic. Jacques-Edouard Beaulne

more common in the area. state-of-the-art medical facilities equal to those in the U.s. have

been and are being constructed in order to provide quality medical care services

to the growing number of foreign residents, the only difference

being the lower cost.The area between rosarito

and ensenada, just 45 minutes south of the border, has become the preferred

area, where developers are also getting onboard by

bringing amenities to these new homeowners. Calafia Condos &

Villas is one of these developments, where their new tower offers more amenities and social atmosphere for people with an active lifestyle. Plus, it is pet friendly. some of these amenities include a clubhouse with a Tv room, game room, computer area, large gym, and a public and private jacuzzi.

a current resident of northern Baja, Karen Er-stad says, “i purchased a second home in Las gaviotas over 10 years ago with the intent to some-

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{DINING GUIDE}{DINING GUIDE}Baja Solar cooking

by Steve Dryden

The solar oven is a great appliance. it helps reduce energy costs and is environmentally friendly. it uses no fossil fuel or wood products, only the sun to cook. it is convenient, easy to use and portable.

You can take it with you on your boat, camping or anywhere you need to fix your next meal. You can use it anywhere there is sun. it does not have to be hot out to cook, they use them at the base camp in the Himalayan Mountains.

The oven works on the same principle as your car when all of the windows are rolled up and it is parked in the sun. The sun coming through the glass intensifies as it is trapped in the enclosed space.

The solar oven has been around for quite some time. History has it listed as far back as the 1700s. We all hear the comments about the science project where we made one ourselves, or as a boy scout used one on a camping trip.

Your food will not burn in the oven. You can place your food into the oven and go about the day’s ac-tivities and come back and the meal is done.

The solar oven is about 21 inches in each direction and weighs approximately 20 pounds. You control the heat by placing the oven directly facing the sun, then tip it up or down to get the fullest effect.

The oven has been accredited for saving lives of the women in africa. as mentioned in an article in Parade magazine in 2009, by using the sun, the women no longer had to go into the jungle to collect wood to cook with, where previously they had been attacked, beaten, raped and murdered when leaving their camps.

The sun oven group of manufacturers, dealers and distributors are committed to helping the developing countries of the world. just recently after the earthquake in Haiti, they, in conjunction with one of the charity groups, sent a container full of the sun ovens to the displaced people from the earthquake.

Booth display at the November 2009 Mexico Living Home Show in San Felipe, Baja California, at La Ventana del Mar, at El Dorado Ranch.

The oven being distributed by Bc solar cooking is manufactured in the Usa. it has polished aluminum reflective panels that reflect the sun into the oven. You can fold the panels flat onto the oven for moving.

The recipe that you use for regular oven cooking or slow cooking can be used in the solar oven. if you are unable to get the oven to the temperature of the recipe, the food will still cook, it will just take a short while longer.

The cost of the oven is Us$289, plus $29.85 for shipping and handling. They can be shipped directly to any U.s. address; or you can purchase one in san felipe, Baja california, along with lightweight dark pans. The 3-quart pan is on special for Us$10, regularly $12; and the 6-quart pan is on special for $12, regularly $15. for more information, call (686) 106-9693 in san felipe, (480) 720-1273 in the U.s., or email [email protected].

Stretch Your Money . . . South of the Border by Alejandra Esquivel

Immigration And Naturalization Process by Lic. Jacques-Edouard Beaulne


ROSARITO BEACHAmerican Food La Bamba ............................................. 661-100-2560

ENSENADAMexican Magana’s ..................................................... 646-155-0586Steak & Seafood el rey sol .................................................... 646-178-1601

SAN FELIPEAmerican Los arcos .................................................... 686-577-2585 Baja jimmys ................................................ 686-139-7373Blowin’ smoke BBQ .....................................686-576-0710 road runner cafe .........................................686-227-7668 The Beach Bar & grill. ...................................686-577-3144Burgers chilis & Burgers ........................................... 686-577-6196Mexican The Beach Bar and grill. ............................... 686-577-3144 rosita restaurant ........................................ 686-577-1903Pizza fatboy’s ....................................................... 686-577-4092 Los arcos - Happy jackass .......................... 686-577-2585 rabbit Pizza Delivery .................................... 686-577-0987 sand rail Pizza ............................................ 686-576-0441Steak & Seafood Baja Mar & Taco factory .............................. 686-577-2648 Los arcos .................................................... 686-577-2585 La vaquita .................................................... 686-577-2837Fine Dining The Latin garden .......................................... 686-209-6369 2-Highway 5 KM 183, san felipe, Bc Pavilion restaurant . ..................................... 686-577-0022juanitos (el colorado) .................................. 686-133-6500

LORETOBreakfast cafe sagitario ...............................................613-135-0718 Mexican1697 ............................................................ 613-135-2538Seafoodaugie’s Bar & Bait shop ............................... 613-135-1224

LA PAZcafe capri .....................................................624-123-3737gorilla’s grill1 ...............................................612-128-8095

CABO SAN LUCASAmericanapplebee’s ....................................................624-172-6472AsianBaan Thai Pan asian restaurant and Bar........624-142-3344Burgers & MoreBaja Brewing company .................................624-146-9995cactus jack's Bar and grill ............................624-142-5601Die Trying cafe..............................................624-142-5657Coffee & Baked correcaminos cafe .......................................624-142-3510InternationalLocal eight restaurant...................................624-142-6655Havana supper club ......................................624-142-2603Italian & PizzaBuon appetito .................... ...........................624-142 4040La Dolce italian restaurant ............................624-142-6621MexicanDon emiliano restaurant ...............................624-142-0266casianos restaurant ..................................... 624 142 5928Brisa Beach club and restaurant .....................624-142-244Habanero's restaurant ..................................624-142-2626jazmin restaurant .........................................624-142-1760SeafoodLa Panga antigua restaurant and Bar ............624-142-4041SteakLa Bodega steak and Wine House .................624-142-6619

SAN JOSE DEL CABOMexicanPanchos .......................................................624-143-2891 ay... chihuahua .............................................624-143-3280Baja cantina ..................................................624-143-0225Margaritaville ................................................624-143-7401Mi casa ........................................................624-143-1933restaurant Pancho’s & Tequila Bar ................624-143-2891SeafoodLa golondrina ...............................................624-143-0542Lorenzillo’s ...................................................624-105-0212The Blue Turtle ..............................................624-143-1118villa serena ...................................................624-145-8244InternationalPeacocks ......................................................624-143-1858

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{DINING GUIDE}{DINING GUIDE}

Gourmet Breads and Pastries at Hogaza Hogaza Bakery

by Steve Dryden

ensenada is a blessed with an excellent pastry chef via the skills and craftsmanship of Ms. Teresa Santiago of Hogaza Hogaza bakery. she and her husband, Roger, are pastry artisans who are creating gourmet delights that compliment and enhance this region’s revolution in becoming Mexico’s “wine and food capital.”

Hogaza artisan breads can be found on a diversity of tables along with Mexico’s best wines, as well as with the finest culinary dishes in the region. Many wineries in the region sell and serve Hogaza breads along with regional gourmet cheeses.

Teresa and roger have brought the quality of artisan pastries to new levels with several gourmet breads that have gained much attention and popularity with local wine and food lovers. Teresa’s organic nine-grain loaves and olive breads are the most popular. Her portfolio

of culinary delights also includes: Hogaza Mediterranea, Hogaza de ajo, Brioahe frutal, baguette Zen, Hogaza vendimia, sourdough, clabatta and Biscotti y focaccia. Local residents can purchase day-old bread at a reduced price and use the savings to indulge in her other dessert specials.

They also create a diverse assortment of gourmet delights to include cookies, muffins, specialty cakes, fruit tarts, pies and more. custom cakes can be created for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other special events.

The bakery is conveniently located across the street from Bodegas santo Tomas in downtown ensenada at av. Miramar 637-3. They’re open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through saturday. visit www.hogazahogaza.com or call (646) 177-9210.


{DINING GUIDE}{DINING GUIDE}

Hogaza Hogaza bakery was featured on a new wine and food show produced by varivision de Baja california, a cable Tv station in ensenada. cable Tv channel 8 began filming a unique new series in november featuring the wineries and gourmet culinary establishments in this region. The Grapevine is a promotional adventure show featuring an in-depth investigation into Mexico’s wine and food cultures.

cable Tv 8 producers decided to add some local flavor for their viewers by creating a bilingual program on wine and food awareness by offering spanish and english hosts with bilingual subtitles to reach each specific audience, and to build a bridge of understanding between the two cultures. every show features a different winery matched with a local restaurant, offering the audience an educational insight into wine and food pairing. The real “stars” of The Grapevine are the winemakers, chefs and other members of our regional wine and food cultures.

for interested readers who are not hooked into varivision channel 8 in ensenada and would like information on how to receive copies of the show, or if you want permission to broadcast this

show, please contact me directly at [email protected].

steve Dryden is a wine, food and travel writer living in Mexico’s premier wine country, where he guides private wine tours.

MEXICO LIVINGCO LIVINGGuide to Paci�c Baja & The Sea of Cortez

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ROSARITO BEACHRV Park/Parque de RV Popotla rv Park ........................................... 661-612-1501

ENSENADAHotel Posada el rel sol ..........................................646-178-1601

SAN FELIPERV Park/Parque de RV club de Pesca .............................................. 686-577-1180Kiki's rv Park on the Beach .......................... 686-577-2021

Rentalscasey’s Place .............................................. 686-577-1431 rancho del sol ............................................. 686-231-4921 redwagon Property services ....................... 686-576-0081 sandollar condotels ..................................... 686-123-7688su casa elegante ......................................... 686-577-0745

Motels/HotelsLa Hacienda de la Langosta roja .................. 686-577-0483olympia Motel (Los algodones) .................... 658-517-7347

MULEGÉRV oasis rio Baja ..............................................615-153-0425 villa Maria isabel rv Park ..............................615-153-0246

Hotel Hotel serenidad .............................................615-153-0530 Mulegé Hotel .................................................615-153-0090

LORETORV Park/Parque de RV rivera del Mar .............................................. 613-135-0718

Rentalscoco-cabanas.............................................. 613-135-1729 el Tiburon casitas ...................................Us 805-748-4566 Hamman’s vacaciones ................................. 613-135-0791rental Loreto ............................................... 613-135-2505

MotelMotel el Dorado ....................................686-613-135-1500

HotelHotel coco cabana .......................................613-135-1729 La Damiana inn .............................................613-135-0356 La Daminanas ...............................................613-135-0356 Tripui Hotel ....................................................613-133-0818rentals coco-cabanas...............................................613-135-1729 el Tiburon casitas .................................Us (805) 748-4566 Hamman’s vacaciones ..................................613-135-0791

LA PAZHotelsLa concha Beach resort ..............................612-121-6344Los arcos ....................................................612-122-2744Marina Hotel ................................................612-121-6254Mediterrane ..................................................612-125-1195 seven crown Hotel .......................................612-128-7787

CABO SAN LUCASHotel Baja vacations. ............................................ 877-462-2226Barcelo Hotels and resort ..........................(624) 146-7500cabo surf Hote ............................................ 624-142-2666Desire resort & spa..................................... 624-142-9300Posada chabela ........................................... 624-172-6495Posada real Best Western .......................... 624-142 - 0155suites Las Palmas ........................................ 624-142-2131

SAN JOSE DEL CABOHotel Bahia Hotel ......................................... .........624-143-1888Best Western cabo Las flores Hotel ........... 624-143-6199casa Pablito ........................................ .........624-143-1971Hotel and Plaza Los arcos ........................... 624-143-0702Mar de cortez Hotel ............................ .........624-143-0032siesta suites Hotel .............................. .........624-143-2773

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www.stayinloreto.com ContaCt Lynn Hamman [email protected]

{lODGING GUIDE}{lODGING GUIDE}

Old Baja charm and the Best Value in cabo! by Stockton Hill

Hotel Mar de Cortez is a charming and popular colonial-style hotel in the center of cabo san Lucas, just steps away from world-class restaurants, shopping and night clubs, such as the famous cabo Wabo.

This classic hotel with its 90 air-conditioned rooms provides great accommodations at the best value in cabo san Lucas. They have a large swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and the charm of old Baja, not found elsewhere.

Hotel Mar de cortez was among the first three hotels in cabo san Lucas when it was a quaint

fishing village. The architecture of its rooms and suites reflect the charming Mexican flavor of southern Baja, and each year the hotel upgrades various aspects of the facilities. each is attractively appointed and very popular. Many of the accommodations open up to the pool area, others to the courtyard.

family owned and operated for the past 30 years, the hotel has also re-tained many of its friendly staff mem-bers who recognize returning guests with an especially warm smile. in fact, their repeat clientele is signifi-cant, surely attributed to their great service, excellent rates and down-home hospitality.

What else do guests love about them? There is private parking behind the hotel, a satellite Tv in the bar, filtered drinking water in each room and a public phone in the lobby. There are safe deposit boxes at the front desk and security precautions throughout

the hotel 24/7. free wireless connections are available for your laptop and there are internet cafe hookups nearby for a reasonable fee. car rentals are available too and a multitude of activity reservations can be made at the front desk.

The rates at Hotel Mar de cortez are the best value offered in all of cabo san Lucas. “others may saY they have the best value, but when you consider that for the same rates we also have the large swimming pool, indoor-outdoor restaurant, and spacious bar,” says the owner’s son, Danny, “there is nothing like it in cabo san Lucas!”

Walking distances to North Beachfor all you Wind & Kite Surfers

www.fisheastcape.comLos Barriles BCS Mexico

Hotel Mar de Cortez Owner/Manager, Simon Yee and his son, Assistant Manager Danny Yee


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{HEAlTH & BEAUTY}{HEAlTH & BEAUTY}Safe and Affordable Obesity Surgery in Baja

by MaryJo

Many people don’t realize that many obesity surgical proce-

dures are not covered by medical insurance in the

U.s. However, hun-dreds of americans seek various pro-cedures, including bariatric surgery, sleeve gastrec-tomy, gastric bal-loon surgery, lap-aroscopic surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction south of the border to

Mexicali.facilities in this area

of Mexico are excellent and grow-ing increasingly popular with ameri-cans venturing to Latin american destinations for superlative, expe-rienced and affordable weight loss

and obesity surgical procedures.one of the most popular bar-

iatric surgeons in Mexicali is Dr. Marco Sarinana of Mexicali Obesity Solutions. Dr. sarinana offers afford-able bariatric surgery for individuals seeking a multitude of procedures, including those listed above, and for treatment to help reduce or eliminate symptoms like snoring, reflux dis-ease, sleep apnea, heart attacks and strokes.

Band surgery at Mexicali obe-sity solutions costs an average of $7,500, much less than the average cost in the U.s.

for safe, reliable and experienced care, don’t hesitate to look beyond the border. Your well-being is at stake.

MaryJo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. Prior to joining PlacidWay (www.placidway.com), she worked for the nation’s leading health care IT company as an implemen-tation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.


“What the heck kind of fish is this ugly sucker?” chirped the 16-year-old angler from arizona. He then turned from the rail of the ensenada sportfisher holding the blotchy, spike-finned toad by the lip, as if it were some type of freshwater bass.

“Watch out, amigo!” shouted out a nearby deckhand who immediately realized what was going on. “just drop the fish on the deck, my friend, i’ll take it . . .” But it was already too late.

“YeoWWWW!” shrieked the unfortunate young man. “He sTUcK me! oh, man . . . this really hurts!” he screamed as his fellow passengers looked on, stunned and frozen by the unexpected turn of events. Within five minutes he was lying on a bench inside the galley writhing in indescribable agony, his hand swollen to nearly twice its normal size. our trip was ultimately cut short; as the boat quickly headed back to port so that the passenger could receive much needed medical attention.

even though this event took place in the summer of 1965, almost 40 years ago, i still recall it just as clearly as if it happened last weekend. While growing up, i had always heard the horrible stories about what happened when unlucky anglers found themselves on the wrong end of a sculpin’s dorsal fin, but this was the first time that i had seen it in living color and it was not a pretty sight.

anyone who has ever spent much time around tide pools in northern Baja and southern california has probably noticed smaller members of the sculpin family. They dart quickly between limpets, barnacles and sea anemones, and nearly disappear when they sit motionless; their natural camouflage blending with the mottled rocks around them.

The most common of these, the wooly sculpin is generally only two to five inches in length. it is known for its tendency to lie motionless in one place to blend in with the terrain until it can quickly lunge at unsuspecting prey, such as small worms, crabs and snails that come within its range.

The sculpin’s body is stocky and slightly compressed, with a relatively large head and poisonous dorsal and pectoral fins, which can be painfully sharp. These fish range in color from a dark orange/brown to bright red, and rarely exceed four pounds. Most sculpin found in Baja california live in Pacific ocean waters, but there are also isolated populations that occur in the central and upper portions of the sea of cortez.

sculpin are generally caught over hard, rocky bottoms from just below the water’s surface, to depths of over 600 feet and occasionally over mud or sand. Their diet includes mussels, small crabs, squid, octopus and a variety of the small fish that share their territory. They will readily take a piece of squid, mussel or anchovy that has been

lowered to the bottom in one of the rocky areas that they are known to inhabit. a lot of time can be saved by using bait such as squid strips, which are harder for the fish to steal from the hook. at times, chumming with small pieces of squid, mussel or sea urchin will help attract them to the area.

as previously mentioned: after a sculpin has been landed, it must be handled very carefully! The sculpin is the most venomous member of the scorpionfish family on the Pacific coast of north america. all who come in contact with it should be forewarned that its dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines are connected to poison producing glands that are capable of causing an extremely painful wound. Penetration of the skin by any of these spines is followed almost immediately by intense and excruciating pain in the area of the wound. Many treatments have been used for sculpin stings, but immersion of the affected part in very hot water seems to be one of the most effective.

Having said that, sculpin can be safely handled by using a sharp pair of clippers to carefully snip off all of their dorsal and pectoral fins prior to placing them into a live well or onto a stringer. They can then be filleted in the usual manner. it is also a good idea to place a rag over the head while pressing down on the cutting board, so that your hand can be shielded from a few additional prongs and spikes.

once landed, sculpin are highly prized as table fare. My favorite way of preparing them is to lightly dust the small fillets in flour, dip them quickly in beaten egg and then roll them in panko-style, japanese breadcrumbs. Let them set up in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, then fry until golden brown in an equal mixture of olive oil and garlic butter. serve with fresh lemon wedges, rice pilaf, steamed vegetables and, if you like, a cold glass of crisp sauvignon Blanc.

good luck and Bon appétit!

Alex Herrera arrived in san felipe in 2000 looking to provide services that were not available in the area. establishing Azteca Sportfishing in 2004, they provide a safe, comfortable and reliable half- or full-day sportfishing trip. clients sometimes have their own boat but simply need knowledgeable and reliable guidance. in addition, azteca hosts fishing clinics for beginners and advanced fishermen alike at el Dorado ranch as an activity for residents and guests.

visitors can count on azteca to comply with all of the safety regulations and requirements set forth

by the government, and keeping in accordance with environmental and federal requirements, they strive to avoid fishing protected species. They are perhaps one of the only sportfishing crew who promotes “catch and release” fishing, simply for the sport of fishing and preserving the natural habitat to virtually hundreds of species in the sea of cortez. in 2008, the noaa came to san felipe to research the habitat and population of the Vaquita, and azteca was an integral participant in their study, providing boat services and information for their research. They continue

to support such organizations and maintain the highest regard for the environmental conscience of this community.

in addition to their integrity as fisherman, alex and his crew are dedicated to helping the san felipe community by donating fishing trips for raffles, donating funds to different charitable organizations, including casa de fe and ZaPP, and by attendance at fundraising events.

azteca is the exclusive sportfishing service for el Dorado ranch, but they provide adventures to anyone, with reasonable fees and a professional

staff for the best possible fishing experience in san felipe. alex is an amazing person with a warm smile and pleasant sense of humor, and he is sure to make your excursion one to remember.

azteca was voted Best Fishing Tours in San Felipe 2009 in Mexico Living readers’ Poll . . . for obvious reasons!

visit their website for more information or call: U.s. (760) 618-0521, Mx (686) 577-0741 or Mx cell (686) 946-1028.

Baja’s Saltwater Scorpion: Saga of the Sculpin

by Tom Gatch

Sportfishing with heart – azteca

{FISHIGN}{FISHING}

The sharp, poisonous dorsal fin of Baja’s notorious scorpion fish can inflict a painful wound to the unwary,yet its delicate white fillets offer a gourmet delicacy.

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Alex and the Catch of the DayFishing Class at El Dorado Ranch Very happy fishermen!

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CICESEMARZO 2010 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.Oceanografía Física (22 53 N, 109 55 W)

Hora del Meridiano:

Nivel de Referencia:

1er Cuarto: 23Luna LLena: 293er Cuarto: 7Luna Nueva: 15

237 -22

844 132

1458 -31

2111 125

317 -25

922 117

1523 -18

2139 126

357 -22

958 99

1545 -2

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1602 25

2300 102

615 17

1146 42

1528 33

2334 90

1026 25

111 78

1151 12

2017 65

2316 62

436 80

1218 1

1927 69

2355 48

541 90

1240 -8

1918 75

023 34

619 100

1301 -14

1924 82

049 21

650 107

1321 -19

1936 90

114 9

718 111

1340 -20

1950 97

139 -1

744 113

1400 -19

2006 103

205 -10

810 112

1419 -17

2024 110

231 -16

836 108

1436 -12

2043 115

259 -20

903 101

1453 -5

2103 118

328 -19

930 91

1509 3

2124 118

359 -15

959 79

1524 11

2146 115

433 -7

1029 64

1535 20

2210 110

516 5

1105 49

1533 29

2239 101

633 16

1247 34

1355 34

2329 89

1027 14

218 80

1125 -1

1838 67

2253 51

445 91

1159 -14

1834 79

2344 30

546 105

1229 -23

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026 8

632 116

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1938 121

145 -28

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1354 -20

2005 130

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833 111

1421 -11

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302 -38

910 99

1445 0

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http://oceanografia.cicese.mx/predmar MAR V0.9 2010 J.I. González

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8 42

14 0 2

CICESEMARZO 2010 La Paz, B.C.S.Oceanografía Física (24 10 N, 110 21 W)

Hora del Meridiano:



334 -2

930 101

1553 -7

2157 96

414 -5

1005 87

1607 7

2211 100

453 -3

1036 70

1613 18

2224 101

533 2

1104 54

1600 26

2237 100

619 10

1129 39

1519 29

2251 95

738 18

1144 25

1334 24

2259 87

1247 13

2238 77

1259 3

2110 70

114 62

500 67

1322 -5

2035 70

111 50

618 75

1346 -11

2035 71

128 39

658 82

1407 -13

2041 72

149 30

730 87

1425 -13

2048 74

210 21

759 89

1440 -10

2055 77

233 13

827 90

1455 -6

2102 81

259 6

854 87

1509 -1

2111 86

327 1

922 83

1525 4

2122 91

356 -2

949 75

1538 11

2134 96

427 -3

1016 66

1546 18

2149 99

458 -2

1044 55

1544 24

2205 100

534 -0

1113 43

1529 28

2224 99

621 4

1157 31

1416 28

2247 94

756 8

2313 85

1108 3

2341 72

1216 -8

2005 67

018 54

509 75

1256 -15

1952 72

054 35

630 85

1330 -18

2001 79

133 16

726 93

1401 -15

2017 87

213 -1

813 94

1428 -8

2035 95

252 -13

855 90

1450 2

2053 102

331 -19

933 81

1508 13

2108 106

408 -20

1009 69

1521 22

2123 108

105 W.G.

BMI








7


0 50100

BMI

NMM

PMS

8 9 10 11 12 13

14

0 50100

BMI

NMM

PMS

15 16 17 18 19 20

21

0 50100

BMI

NMM

PMS

22 23 24 25 26 27

28

0 50100

BMI

NMM

PMS

29 30 31

0 50100

BMI

NMM

PMS

0 50100

0

54

107

cms

19 26

4 0 1

8 42

14 0 2

CICESEMARZO 2010 Loreto, B.C.S.Oceanografía Física (26 01 N, 111 22 W)

Hora del Meridiano:



307 1

923 64

1527 -9

2158 62

350 -5

959 51

1535 5

2159 67

434 -7

1027 37

1524 15

2159 71

519 -6

1037 23

1422 17

2203 74

615 -1

1032 13

1318 9

2215 74

754 3

1010 5

1315 1

2231 71

1319 -6

2245 65

1318 -11

2223 58

1316 -15

2124 53

138 48

553 53

1323 -17

2107 50

103 39

642 58

1338 -18

2102 49

120 30

718 61

1355 -17

2101 49

143 21

749 63

1411 -13

2058 51

208 13

819 62

1426 -9

2056 54

234 5

848 59

1439 -3

2058 59

301 -2

917 55

1448 4

2104 65

331 -7

947 48

1455 10

2112 70

403 -11

1017 39

1455 15

2122 74

439 -12

1048 29

1438 18

2135 77

523 -9

1122 18

1335 16

2152 78

633 -6

2213 76

948 -6

2238 71

1144 -15

2257 63

1215 -23

2041 55

006 50

142 51

1243 -27

2019 54

030 35

621 56

1310 -27

2020 56

106 19

720 60

1336 -21

2028 59

145 2

812 60

1400 -11

2036 64

226 -11

901 55

1420 1

2044 69

306 -21

951 47

1432 14

2048 75

345 -25

1041 37

1429 23

2052 79

105 W.G.

BMI








7


0 40 80

BMI

NMM

PMS

8 9 10 11 12 13

14

0 40 80

BMI

NMM

PMS

15 16 17 18 19 20

21

0 40 80

BMI

NMM

PMS

22 23 24 25 26 27

28

0 40 80

BMI

NMM

PMS

29 30 31

0 40 80

BMI

NMM

PMS

0 40 80

0

44

88

cms

19 26

4 0 1

8 42

14 0 2

CICESEMARZO 2010 San Felipe, B.C.Oceanografía Física (31 01 N, 114 49 W)

Hora del Meridiano:



135 540

751-116

1354 519

2007-120

210 514

823-107

1433 501

2044 -76

244 465

854 -79

1516 459

2119 -13

316 403

924 -38

1559 400

2154 60

346 336

955 11

1652 335

2232 134

413 269

1028 64

1807 276

2338 198

421 210

1114 116

2146 272

510 157

926 181

1549 104

2252 315

528 112

1048 223

1640 67

2326 352

547 74

1122 266

1714 35

2352 381

603 43

1147 307

1742 8

013 402

620 16

1207 345

1806 -14

029 416

635 -7

1227 379

1830 -28

044 425

652 -27

1249 409

1854 -35

100 431

709 -44

1312 430

1918 -33

117 433

728 -55

1336 440

1941 -24

134 430

747 -60

1400 439

2004 -5

152 418

810 -56

1427 427

2029 22

211 398

836 -44

1458 402

2057 58

235 367

906 -22

1537 367

2129 102

303 326

943 9

1633 324

2215 152

337 275

1034 51

1812 289

001 195

456 219

1213 90

2042 304

354 146

851 235

1519 58

2157 358

435 77

1005 305

1618 2

2242 414

510 10

1056 382

1705 -47

2321 462

544 -48

1139 450

1749 -83

2357 496

616 -89

1219 502

1830-101

033 509

648-111

1258 530

1911 -98

108 499

719-113

1336 532

1948 -74

142 470

749 -97

1415 509

2024 -33

120 W.G.

BMI








7


0200400

BMI

NMM

PMS

8 9 10 11 12 13

14

0200400

BMI

NMM

PMS

15 16 17 18 19 20

21

0200400

BMI

NMM

PMS

22 23 24 25 26 27

28

0200400

BMI

NMM

PMS

29 30 31

0200400

BMI

NMM

PMS

0200400

0

204

408

cms

18 26

3 0 1

7 42

13 0 2

CICESEMARZO 2010 Ensenada, B.C.Oceanografía Física (31 51 N, 116 37 W)

Hora del Meridiano:



256 -2

900 173

1518 -22

2134 166

344 -7

946 152

1549 -3

2209 169

435 -5

1035 128

1619 17

2247 165

531 3

1131 103

1648 37

2327 155

639 13

1247 83

1715 56

018 143

813 20

1514 74

1731 72

129 132

1004 17

1837 84

1936 84

309 127

1118 8

1837 94

2237 80

436 131

1206 0

1856 102

2339 69

534 138

1241 -6

1914 108

019 57

618 144

1309 -8

1933 115

052 46

653 148

1334 -9

1951 121

123 35

725 150

1356 -6

2008 128

152 25

755 148

1416 -2

2026 136

222 16

824 143

1435 4

2045 143

253 9

855 135

1454 12

2106 149

326 5

927 125

1514 20

2130 153

402 3

1002 112

1533 30

2156 154

443 5

1044 97

1553 41

2227 152

534 10

1140 82

1612 52

2306 147

643 15

1317 70

1626 63

001 139

826 15

129 133

1004 6

1743 87

2047 82

315 135

1106 -7

1801 100

2238 67

438 145

1150 -18

1825 115

2340 46

540 156

1228 -24

1852 132

030 24

632 162

1302 -24

1921 149

117 3

720 162

1335 -19

1951 164

203 -14

807 155

1407 -9

2023 175

249 -24

853 143

1439 5

2055 180

335 -28

941 127

1509 21

2129 178

120 W.G.

BMI








7


0 75150

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NMMPMS

8 9 10 11 12 13

14

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BMI

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15 16 17 18 19 20

21

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Tide calendars are sponsored by these great companies:


“Big Surf”30” x 40” oil on canvas $2700

by JILL LOGAN

{ARTS}{ARTS}

What does a man search for so desperately in his middle years? This is the question that author Joel Guerrero Pimentel poses in The Baja Blues, a novel about a disfranchised dot-com-er from northern california who has escaped to Limon, Baja california, to figure out his failing life.

When this frustrated gringo becomes enmeshed in the world of Limon and its colorful characters—and of the wise and mysterious el viejo—it seems that perhaps the answer is obvious. in fact, suggests Pimentel, the answer is all around us. Perhaps what the gringo seeks, and what we all hope to find, is just a little bit of magic.

certainly, magic abounds in this alluring tale of Baja california. from Mayan spacecraft that patrol the peninsular night skies, to Hector’s Too-expensive-or-out-of-it grocery store, to the fiesta of the Leaking Pangas, Pimentel weaves a story that is based upon charming vignettes of people and places. He gently draws the reader into a world where coyotes speak and the moon cries.

Like the novels of pre-eminent Baja author Daniel reveles, The Baja Blues pokes soft fun at human nature and our constant search for . . . well . . . for something better. Pimentel seems to come to the conclusion that sometimes,

in order to find true happiness, you’ve just got to believe, even if what you are believing in is simply unbelievable. it’s a story rich in wisdom, wit and laughter . . . and it could only happen in Baja california.

a resident of rosarito, Baja california, Pimentel is at once an architect, painter and writer, having authored five novels, three screenplays, several collections of short stories and a bilingual children’s book. The Baja Blues is available at www.booksurge.com, and at local stores including cha cha’s café, the Tamale inn and Usa Mailboxes. it is also available on amazon, www.amazon.com.

“somewhere between the desert and the sky,

the mountains and the sea,

is a timeless place where the lost soul is found.”

The Baja Blues: local Writer Pimentel Weaves a Magical Tale by Carla White

International Festival of Arts and culture

The 4th “festival internacional de arte y cultura por la Pax” takes place in La Paz, March 17–22.

This year africa will be the guest of honor, with active participation of the african embassies in Mexico and collaboration of the “festival de cul-tura africana, a.c.” More than 50 foreign artists will join the local talent.

The african percussion and dance group “colectivo Máiz negro” will perform on March 19 at 7 p.m, at the Teatro de la ciudad. Tickets will be on sale at the theater for only 80 pesos. The proceeds will benefit the fundación ayuda niños La Paz, a.c. (fanLaP).

The main programs of fanLaP are: a dining room in colonia Laguna azul, where an average of 150 children receive a hot lunch five days a week during the school year; scholarships for children who would not otherwise attend junior or senior high school because of the cost; and a library/study center, where students have a quiet place complete with computers to do their homework and small children have access to books and computers.

We are organizing e n g l i s h c l a s s e s for all l e v e l s from pre-school to c o l l e g e students, p a i n t c l a s s e s and others for whom we need volunteers. We are also looking for help with our newly formed “patronato,” much like a PTa in the U.s.

for more information about how to volunteer, sponsor a student or make a donation, visit www.lapazninos.org or call 121-2166, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Together we are making a difference.


{HOME & REAl ESTATE}{HOME & REAl ESTATE}

since it is widely acknowledged that the ma-jority of Baja coastal properties are bought by U.s. citizens, it would behoove us to overview the U.s. real estate and economic situation.

Data is accumulating indicating the U.s. economy is emerging from the greatest eco-nomic downfall since the Depression, this one dubbed the great recession. However, the same data indicates the recovery will be slower and with more uncertainty than past recessions due to the significant effects on the labor market and the loss of trillions of dollars of personal house-hold wealth.

families experienced falling home equity, in many cases house values dipped below mort-gage debt, coupled with the sharply reduced assets in the stock market, which amounted to trillions of dollars, and the biggest factor, the massive loss of jobs in all sectors with health care as the only exception. job losses led to

further massive home foreclosures that, in turn, fueled further job losses. The combination led to consumers’ inability to buy bigger ticket items such as cars and white products, again fur-thering job losses and adding to the deepen-ing recession.

To add fuel to the fire, during the great real estate boom, and the dramatic increase in home values, hun-dreds of thousands of homeowners refi-nanced their homes availing themselves to the equity so rapidly increasing. This put homeowners in a precari-ous position by carrying far more debt than they

could pay. so, when the bubble burst and banks and savings and loan institutions began to close under the weight of billions of dollars of non-per-

forming loans, followed by the greatest housing foreclosure numbers in the history of the U.s., the table was set for the great recession.

now, the evidence shows that families are attempting to strength-en their economic situ-ation by saving more, spending less and low-ering their debt. This indicates that growth will be slower as con-

sumers will exercise caution by spending less and will not rely on credit as much.

the 2010 Outlook for

Baja Retirement and Second Home Sales

by Patrick Osio

Baja real estate developers

and selling professionals must

be careful not to get over

optimistic, as the word on the

street is that real estate sales in

the U.s. are on the increase.

SWEITZER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

BJ Sweitzer ConsultantCarlos Mora Contractor

Phone: 577-0195 USA: 011-52-686-577-0195 Email: [email protected]

PC PPéérreezz CCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn““BBeesstt iinn BBaajjaa””

* * * * * El Dorado Ranch 5 Star Contractor

Lupe Pérez, General Contractor 011.521.686.170.3979

Jane Allen, Contract Manager US: 480.600.2114 or MX: 011.521.686.236.4927

www.sanfelipehomesbyperez.com

[email protected]

* * * * * El Dorado Ranch 5 Star Contractor

Lupe Pérez, General Contractor 011.521.686.170.3979

Jane Allen, Contract Manager US: 480.600.2114 or MX:

011.521.686.236.4927www.sanfelipehomesbyperez.com

[email protected]

PCPC* * * * *

Pérez Construction“Best in Baja”

Computer &Satellite Installation

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Also Computers, Cell Phones, and DVD RentalsAv. Mar de Cortez, Plaza San FelipeVisit us Online: www.csibaja.com

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{HOME & REAl ESTATE}{HOME & REAl ESTATE}Baja real estate developers and selling profes-

sionals must be careful not to get over optimistic, as the word on the street is that real estate sales in the U.s. are on the increase. analysis of those sales indicates that the trend does not translate into a potential high number of sales in Baja.

one needs to realize that U.s. home prices are well below peak levels as seen in 2005 and part of 2006. The biggest home sales numbers are taking place in those regions with the deepest decline in home prices. for instance, in the cali-fornia counties of riverside and san Bernardino home prices have reached levels where close to 70 percent of county residents can afford to buy; the percentage was below 15 percent during 2005/2006.

Due to a first Time Home Buyers Tax credit, home sales to that group accounted for over 47

percent of home sales throughout the U.s., with a median age of 30; whereas the repeat buyers’ median age was 48. However, new home pur-chases were at an eight year low of 18 percent. Homes were typically around 1,800 square feet, and 78 percent were single detached homes with a median price in the West of $240,000.

The “second-home” (vacation) buyer dropped to 1 percent. Those buying for retirement repre-sented 5 percent of ages 45 to 64; and 10 per-cent of those age 65 or older. The potential for Baja home sales is to be found within the retire-ment group, as the second-home/vacation buyer is all but gone for the foreseeable future.

The problem we face is that a large percent-age of those contemplating retirement have postponed their plans due to heavy losses in their retirement account portfolios and, in many

cases, the severe reduction of equity of their home that for most represents a large percent-age of their total assets.

older americans were not spared by the re-cession. There are today 6.6 million americans age 65 or older in the job market compared with 4.1 million in 2001. Less well known is that nearly half a million workers 65 or older cannot find work—representing more than five times the number of the early 2000s. for this group the figure represents the highest unemployment level since the Depression of the 1930s.

in times past, preparing for retirement meant paying or nearly paying off the 30-year mortgage to cash in on the equity for retirement use or to lower living costs. Unfortunately, the level of indebtedness among older americans has risen faster than for any other age group due to cashing

in on the equity when housing prices ballooned. Housing prices have dropped dramatically plac-ing many homes without equity and in jeopardy of foreclosure.

for Baja the opportunity is to present the lower cost of quality housing, coupled with the great savings in living expenses that, depend-ing on one’s income, will allow them to live with some quality of life and, above all, with dignity. The push must be on savings, savings and more savings with ocean views thrown in for free.

Patrick Osio is co-founder of TransBorder Communi-

cations (www.TransBorderCommunications.com) and

Editor of HispanicVista (www.HispanicVista.com).

LIVING IN BAJA HAS NEVER

BEEN EASIER

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{HOME & REAl ESTATE}{HOME & REAl ESTATE}SeaMexico Realty and RE/MAX San Felipe Join Forces

challenging times call for innovation and change, and change has come to Playa de Oro and Playa San Rafael’s sales programs. seaMexico realty (sMr) was created a few years ago to provide a “real estate” trade name for the two developments. in these economic times, the lack of brand recognition became an issue. so,

changes had to be made. Parkstrong, the developer,

has always been flexible, open to change and willing to do what it takes to continue providing stabil-ity and growth to its developments. sales have been difficult at best these last few years for develop-ers and sales professionals, both above and below the border. We all know that in an economy with-out sales, everyone loses. it is a buyer’s market and the buyers are looking for reassurance working with companies, brands and cre-dentials they recognize and trust. so, putting their heads together, they considered their options.

RE/MAX San Felipe was looking for legal, safe and secure property to list and sell to their clients. Parkstrong was looking for an honest, dependable and recognizable marketing vehicle. an affiliation between Parkstrong’s premium developments and re/Max san felipe became inevitable—both being highly successful and

“make-progress” companies. in november, Parkstrong contracted with, and

are excited to have, re/Max san felipe as the exclusive listing agent for the developments; a name that is known both north and south of the border. Parkstrong starts off a positive new

year with Giovanni Abatti, heading up the re/Max Playa de oro and san raphael sales office, and with Don Koontz, a re/Max agent, as the developments’ contract specialist. This joining of forces only strengthens both companies and they look forward to a long association.


Open HOuse us$199,900

WWW.MeXICOLIVInGGuIDe.COM/OpenHOuse

Home Sweet Home

Located in Playa de oro, voted Mexico Living readers’ choice for “Best Development in san felipe” for the last three consecutive years (2007, 2008, and 2009), this 1,500-square-foot house features a large kitchen, dining and living area; two large bedrooms, each with two queen-size beds; two full baths; walk-in closet in the master; and an over-sized shower in the master that has two shower heads.

There is tile throughout, and the interior of the house has just recently been repainted. The laundry area is located in the over-sized two-car garage.

asking price is onLY $199,900, and comes furnished as shown.

address any questions or enquiries to Don Koontz, reMax san felipe, at Mexico (686) 576-0223, U.s. (888) 433-5471, Mexican cell (686) 221-9858, or email [email protected].

San Felipe, Baja CaliforniaThis beautiful 2 Master suite home is located in the gated community of el Dorado ranch in san felipe, Baja california. front and back tiled patios offer sea and mountain views. The rooftop deck is perfect for stargazing and relaxing. includes great room, garage and billiard table. Home is fully furnished, ready to move in ToDaY! offered at $209k Bill Maine 686-231-4921 or 619-203-5129.

Los Barriles, Baja California Surensenada de Palmas, Buenos aires, Los Barriles, has lots, in a new community, nestled between the sierra Madre Mountains and the Beautiful sea of cortez with views to the north and the south. Lots range from 800 M2 to 1,500 M2, so you can build your dream home. Lots are near the town of Los Barriles. Prices from Us$40,000 to $100,000. Lots are also available in other communities. cell: (624) 355-5782, nextel 72*698805*3, ask for jorge ortiz, or email [email protected].

La Paz, Baja California SurThis stylish home must be seen to be appreciated! Located in el comitan roughly 15 Km north of La Paz. Has a large, bright living/dining area and an open kitchen with state-of-the art appliances. Master bed and bath are located on the main floor with a covered patio to the pool area. a separate stairwell takes you to the terrace with a guest bedroom, bath and outstanding views. approximately 1,700 sq. ft., fully furnished, professionally landscaped with an automatic irrigation system. PriceD To seLL at Us$340,900. contact alexander at 011 52 (613) 104-3625 or [email protected].

Loreta, Baja California SurBeachfront rental. Two bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, sleeps six. Unique, private home, five miles north of town. Kayaks, bikes, etc. $1,000/week or $3,500/month. email [email protected].

San Felipe, Baja Californiaone can truly appreciate the beauty and peace of Baja in this gorgeous, 2,100 sq. ft. home. it comes completely furnished, has a separate two-bedroom casita, and the amenities are too extensive to list them all; upgraded furniture and appliances, ceiling fans, entertainment center, 109-inch Projection DLP Home Theatre and many, many more. The outdoor living area is over 9,000 sq. ft., including pool, spa, shower, kitchen, and lots of privacy. This million dollar property is PriceD To seLL at only Us$499,000! To start living your dream, contact Bill Maine at (619) 203-5129; from the U.s. (760) 688-6238; or [email protected].

OPEN HOUSE PHOTO ADSPublish your real estate photo

ad for onLY $50. simply email

your copy and photo to sales@

mexicoliving.info and Mexico

Living will contact you. if you

have questions, please call

686-230-9933 in Mexico or

877-LUvMex1 from the Us.


Across1: Browning of pages of verse, for

example5: campaigned for office8: shortchange11: exhaust13: casting director’s assignments16: Hazarding a guess: doughy

metaphysician?18: cumbersome boats19: Displays clearly21: china purchase24: Player’s peg25: Long haul26: subordinate staffer27: Toil29: Heartburn cause, often30: geek’s cousin31: ‘caught you!’32: ___ fiber (flax, hemp, ramie, or jute)33: Take to court34: restricted36: choose39: ‘far out!’41: ‘sister act’ extra42: farm tower43: Bracelet fastener45: fender flaw46: Waiter’s tote47: Dagger handle48: garden tool49: cuts back on calories

50: Barnstormer52: injure badly54: Between earth and venus, e.g.59: judges60: similar version61: Undercover worker62: Hairdo helper63: Beaks

Down1: The old man2: some gametes3: slim swimmer4: Picked up the tab5: curling surface6: They may be liberal7: opposite of paleo-8: it may be full of lemons9: ranger smith’s cartoon nemesis10: supports for columns12: ripped apart14: Desk15: iron alloy17: onion’s cousin20: Biathlon need21: Bad reviews22: stead23: it may give you a rush24: new hire27: Be on standby28: electrical unit29: Lowlife

32: crooked34: full circle, on the track35: Merlot cask37: city map38: stocking stuffers40: They get left behind42: english cheese43: Dance part?44: furious45: village or hamlet48: Heavy and awkward-looking49: swordfight51: secretarial fill-in52: Lion’s pride53: Uptight, slangily55: fail to keep up56: Historical period57: Massage58: ‘sure thing!’

ALL FREE CLASSIFED ADS MUST BE EMAILED TO [email protected]

All ads must be 60 words or less and contain phone number, city and price.

HELP WANTEDDistributors Needed: Mexico Living is looking for distributors in cabo san Lucas, Bcs san jose del cabo Bcs, san Quintin Bc and el rosario Bc. email [email protected] if you’re interested.

RENTALSSan Felipe BC: MINI RV PARK, Long Term Rentals. newly developed: 8 rv sites within campo ocotillos, 5 miles north of san felipe. complete hook-ups $220 + elect; 2 full-size trailers already set-up $330 + elect. also trailer on private residential property with complete overhead cover, 8’x16’ deck and small fenced in yard for your pet. (686) 576-0347 or email [email protected]

La Paz BCS: House For Rent. new 2 bedroom house with pool for rent for june and 2 weeks in july. Directly on Bay of La Paz. Willing to rent at a reduced price in return for taking care of two outside dogs. Would prefer mature couple, no children please. also no other pets please. $1,000 per month. julie, [email protected].

Todos Santos BCS: Beach Cottage In Las Tunas. Brimwater Hollow Beach cottage is booked through february but some March dates are still available. Large cottage sleeps 3 and is right at the beach. contact jim elfers [email protected].

Ensenada BC: RENTAL WANTED. rv rental in ensenada for summer. We are looking for a spot to hang out in our rv. We have a 30-foot rv and would like a place with full hook up in the ensenada area. We are looking to pay $400 or less per month, july, august and september. if you have such a place, email [email protected], we have great references.

PROPERTY FOR SALE La Paz BCS: Lot for sale in the lovely community of

Bellaterra. Located in the hills above Marina Palmira. The ocean views are stunning, and it’s just a few minutes away from downtown La Paz. call Dax at (612) 140-3070 or, for pictures, email [email protected]

Loreto BCS: 2br Exciting Sports Fishing Casita at the Tripui Resort (www.tripuihotel.com.mx) #B-07/8 in La Mano de Dios, the heart of world-class big game sports fishing, cruising, sailing, off-roading and all kinds of recreation, security, solitude, serenity and all the comforts of home. Us$120,000. contact joe at [email protected] for details, directions and extensive pictures.

WANTEDBaja California: Car Dolley to pull car behind an RV. Please email [email protected].

Loreto BCS: Good home for a really nice small dog. He is a male and has been neutered with rusty and white colored long hair. He is warm and friendly, relatively quiet, but a good watch dog at night. He loves to be petted . . . a really good family dog! He is five years old, with all of his shots up to date. call Lorraine or Don Karsgaard at (613) 135-0772.

Los Barriles BCS: Woodworking equipment including woodworking quality table saw (not contractor’s table saw), radial arm saw, miter saw, joiner/planer, drill press, clamps, biscuit joiner, sanding station, etc. Looking for good quality equipment. Darby - La ribera [email protected]

Los Barriles BCS: Does anyone have the equipment to copy some VHS tapes onto a DVD? [email protected] or call (624) 141-0486.

Los Barriles BCS: Looking for a gently used Western saddle for a small rider/small horse. Please call (614) 141-0489 or vonage (949) 940-8928; or email [email protected]. Todos Santos BCS: Air Conditioning/Mini Splits. i am looking to put Mini splits into my casita in Pescadero. need info for how to have the units installed. Has anyone recently put in? Did you purchase in La Paz or csL? contact Brian Knott [email protected] or U.s. (949) 422-2090.

Todos Santos BCS: Sweetest Puppy Needs Home! she is clearly homeless, and yet is one of the coolest dogs i have

ever met. she has big brown eyes, and a nice golden brown coat with black trim. she is gentle, affectionate, playful, and very mellow. she is 5 months old and will be spayed next week. ann Pibal, [email protected], (612) 144-1656 or (612) 144-1672. La Paz BCS: VHS Tape Player In Good Condition. i’ve inherited a huge vHs library and would like to buy your oldie-but-goodie vHs player if you’ve gone digital. Lee Moore, [email protected], 122-8694.

FOR SALE San Felipe BC: 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 asking US$4,950. great condition! extended cab 2-wheel drive. air conditioner, power windows, power door locks, spray on bedliner, deluxe interior, automatic transmission, towing package, recent tires, Magnum 5.9L v8 engine, heated mirrors, and power mirrors. email [email protected]

La Paz BCS: If you are looking for a dog to adopt, please call between 11am and 4pm for directions or an appointment to visit our shelter “Baja Dogs La Paz” in el centenario: 044 (612) 155-8948 www.bajadogslapaz.org

La Paz BCS: Travel Trailer For Sale. 30-foot travel trailer in good condition; Built in 1995 by Prowler, it includes all factory options and comes with a microwave, ac, full awning, and more. room for 6, completely self-contained. asking Us$8,500 or best offer. casH onLY! call Dax at (612) 140-3070 or email [email protected].

Los Barriles BCS: Winfsurfing and Kite Equipment. all offers considered. email [email protected].

Buena Vista BCS: 16-foot Aluminum Boat w/30hp Johnson on a trailer ready to go. email [email protected].

Buena Vista BCS: 2001 Polaris Jet Ski. runs great, extremely low hours. email [email protected].

Cabo San Lucas BCS: 1994 Ford Taurus. 120,000 miles. ac and cruise. s.Dakota licensed. Pretty good condition. Us$1,500. call ron, (624) 125-5482 or email [email protected]

Cabo San Lucas BCS: 12-foot Zodiac with 35 horse motor.

Us$900, email David or sarah [email protected]

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Rosarito Beach BC: Free Spay/Neuter Clinic. (scaaT) Km 31.5, 2nd sunday of each month 9am to 1pm. call Karen Patonai (661) 613-0737 or email [email protected]

Rosarito Beach BC: Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at the Rosarito Beach Hotel at 8:30 a.m. This is a bilingual international club.

San Felipe BC: Rotary Club meets every Monday at the Barefoot Bar El Cortez Hotel, 8 a.m.

San Felipe BC: Lions Club 2nd and 4th Thursday each month (Sep.–Jun./Jul.–Aug. last Thurs) 5pm Los Arcos Rest.

San Felipe BC: Las Amigas 2nd and 4th Wed each month at Lodge Ocotillo, 10am

San Felipe BC: SFARP Club 1st and 3rd Wed each month at the Lodge Ocotillo, 10am

Loreto BCS: The Optimist Club of Loreto is looking for new members. enjoy the camaraderie of friends while having the satisfaction of helping the youth of Loreto. The club meets every 2nd Thursday of the month at the oasis Hotel Bar. join today and get a authentic Loreto optimist T-shirt! contact jupiter jones at 135-0143

BAJA TRAVEL San Felipe BC: Caravan to San Felipe with other seasoned travelers and first-timers. contact rich Mockabee at [email protected] or (831) 247-4093.

BAJA TRAVEL Rehab in Mexico, now in Los cabos, is looking for tourism promoters that want to earn extra money referring persons to our recovery centers for problems of alcohol or drug abuse, chemical dependency among others, contact us (624) 183 8217, www.rehabinmexico.com, email [email protected]

All ads must be placed online at www.mexicolivingforum.com. All Ads Must be posted by the last Friday of each month. All ads must be specific, no generic ads, All ads

must contain contact info and price. Mexico Living reserves the right to edit all ads for length, or to refuse any ads. We will not print ads submitted with ALL CAPS.

FRee CLAssIFIeD ADs


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Documents

Edition 34 - March 2010