Mexico
Legalizes Drugs
No. 29 - www.mexicolivingguide.com
TA F R KE EE ON E October / octubre 2009
■ World-Class Health Care at 60 Percent of U.S. Prices ■ Unbelievable Health Insurance for ONLY $250 a Year! ■ Foreigners rip off Mexican medical, even after life-saving procedures
MEDICAL TOURISM
Why are Thousands of Americans Crossing the Border for Medical and Dental Care?
Special Report
Hurricane Jimena Wreaks Havoc on Baja Sur and Sonora
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* Mexico Highway 19 is only 96 miles/154 km.
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www.mexicoliving.info www.mexicolivingguide.com
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Purple area represents the region covered in Mexico Living.
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Cabo San Lucas 2
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
GD
San Jose del Cabo
6–7
p. Calendar
8–9
p. National NewS
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10–16
Medical
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p. City Guides
Crossing the Line
’S R O T LE I D E NG A
31–32
p. People & Voices
You have probably heard the phrase, “You’ve crossed the line,” many times in your life. Well, at least I have . . . especially when I was a child. Most often it came from my mother . . . “Young lady, you’ve crossed the line this time!” And that usually meant BIG trouble for me! I’m quite sure that in one of their movies, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford or Robert De Niro mumbled, “You’ve crossed the line,” just before beating the crap out of one of their nemeses. And, if they didn’t, I’m willing to bet they were thinking it. That phrase has been spoken over and over again—countless times—throughout multiple generations, however, “Crossing the line” can have many connotations. So, it was truly an honor for me to edit this edition of Mexico Living, because I found out that thousands (maybe over a million) of people are crossing the line every year. But, I don’t think it will have the same negative impact on the world that it had on me as a child or Arnold Schwarzenegger had on his rivals. In this month’s edition, you’ll find out why thousands of Americans, Canadians, and others, are “crossing the line” to obtain medical and dental care in Mexico. The media usually focuses on topics such as diseases that threaten both the U.S. and Mexico, U.S. programs that aid the Mexican health care system, and residents of Mexico that obtain medical care from the U.S. Rarely mentioned is the fact that thousands (again, it could be over a million) cross the border into Mexico each year to obtain quality health care at affordable prices. But, wait . . . medical and dental care is just the start. Make sure you read this edition cover-to-cover; don’t skip a page. Read about Hurricane Jimena, the New Mexican Drug Law, the Oldest Man in Sonora and, my personal favorites, Around Town—local news, events and gossip! As you may have noticed, Mexico Living has been “crossing the line” as well. We’ve made a lot of changes to our format and are still working diligently to provide you with a quality Guide to the Good Life! I hope you enjoy the articles and the new format, and we truly appreciate your feedback. To Your Health!
“It was truly an honor for
p.
33–34 Fishing
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p. Classifieds
Mexico Living Weekly Visit www.mexicolivingweekly.com and start receiving your personal copy of Mexico Living Weekly every Monday morning. Our weekly newsletter contains exclusive articles, current events, coupons and discounts to your favorite establishments and destinations, and much more.
Take a sneak peek of the stories we’ll be covering in October:
Mediation Court For Expatriates and Tourists
The first mediation court to hear complaints between businesses and English-speaking non-nationals opens in Playas de Rosarito.
me to edit this edition of Mexico Living, because
I found out that thousands (maybe over a million) of people are crossing
Padres & Emerson College Project Host Rosarito Students
Rosarito students were treated to an afternoon at San Diego’s PETCO Park, courtesy of the Padres Foundation and in conjunction with an Emerson College project.
the line every year. But, I
don’t think it will have the same negative impact on the world that it had on
Excellent News for Dogs and Cats!
Thanks to members of MHTA, United Hope for Animals, Dr. Marco Antonio Tapia Miranda and David Ibarra Ojeda, euthanasia by electrocution has ended in Mexacali.
me as a child or Arnold Schwarzenegger had on
”
his rivals.
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 editor@mexicoliving.info.
USA: 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 Ensenada: 646-192-6965 San Felipe: 686-2314921 Published by John Benjamin Pack Publisher/Editor John Pack john@mexicoliving.info Publisher Rachel Pack rachel@mexicoliving.info Editor, Brenda Judy, editor@mexicoliving.info Golf Editor, Hal “Paco” Clark, bajapaco@gmail.com
Puerto Peñasco: 638-150-4512 San Carlos: 622-111-2624 Rosarito: 661-614-3019
Website: www.mexicolivingguide.com Email: info@mexicoliving.info
Regional Sales Associates Carlos Duran, Rosarito Beach, carlos@mexicoliving.info Bill Maine, San Felipe, billmaine@gmail.com Rachel Pack, Ensenada, rachel@mexicoliving.info Lynn Prince, San Carlos, lynnprinceformlg@gmail.com Distribution Gene & Darcy Jensen, Regional Bill Maine, San Felipe Nuria Holly Bocanegra, Ensenada Carlos Duran, Gold Coast Russ Black, Puerto Penasco
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.
Writers Steve Dryden, Carlos Durán, Gretchen Ellinger, Benjamin Eugene, Steven Forman, Rosie Glover, Bob Ham, Lynn Hamman, Stockton Hill, La Huerita, Lucy E. Jackson, Anita Kaltenbaugh, Penny Nask, John Pack, Rachel Pack, Rita Pizarro, Lynn Prince, Lisa Shannon, Linda Shiflett, June Snow and Christa Thomas. Ad Graphics, GreetScape, adart@mexicoliving.info Production Layout, Carolyn Sheltraw, info@csheltraw.com
Mexico Mailing Address Yetmail Box #460, San Felipe, B.C. Mexico 21850 USA Mailing Address PO 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.
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
3
Welcome to Northwest Mexico
Live, Work and Play in Paradise!
T
he 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
4
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
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 information 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 tourist (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
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
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 merchandise 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 Tourists staying 72 hours or less within “the border zone” do not need a visa. Those traveling beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FMT, available from Mexican 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. VEHICLE PERMITS Tourists traveling with their vehicle beyond the border zone north of Ensenada, San Felipe or Puerto Peñasco must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials. 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 inspection 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 vehicle 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.
Mailbag News and Politics I want to change my vote. I just answered your survey and voted no to articles about news and politics. However, I have just finished reading Christa Thomas’ “Paving the Way for Growth and Tourism” in the July edition. Christa’s article was very informative and well written. Good choice of subject, which I realized is News and Politics, so change my vote and give us more of this kind of article. —Sean H. Sean, thank you for changing your vote. Yes, Christa does have a way with words and getting the “News” across that makes you want to read more. Be sure to read her article on Medical Tourism in this issue.
Stop . . . You’re Making Us Blush I had a chance to read your latest issue of Mexico Living and I could not put it down. I live in Rancho LaBufadora and I’m not sure if I have ever seen a paper version, but I sure LOVE the online one. It’s like the Encyclopedia of Mexico! Thank you! —Lynn Rosa, La Bufadora
Lynn, thank you for the compliment. I’ve passed along your wonderful words to the writers and publishers and we all THANK YOU very much!
Good Read Over Coffee Read your magazine over coffee this morning and it has inspired me to do some more traveling locally especially the vineyards . . . thanks! —Karen Shiels, Loreto I always start my day with some MLG.
Crossing the Border How about a story on what we can and cannot bring across the border under the rules. Glad to pay my duty just don’t want to get turned around because I am $50 over the limit on what I can bring in. If you have imported your boat what are you allowed to bring? Thanks. —Ron Beitelspcher Ron, that’s a good article idea. It’s probably getting close to an update because they are starting to change things again and the Mexican government is trying to stop tax evasion by stopping more people at the border. We did the story on boating in June, and in the welcome section of the guide is the current import information.
We’ll see what we can do in the next couple editions.
There have been humorous moments as well . . . like me squealing like a girl every time I reach my hands into mud to pick up articles of clothing and find a scorpion, tarantula or cockroach. Or going mid-evil on the eat-your-child-sized rat that appeared when we tried to upright a toppled over fridge. Or convincing the Mexicans, in Spanish, that they don’t need to kill every Mexican Blind Cave Snake or King Snake (they mistake them for Coral snakes) that they find. —Peter ODwyer, San Carlos
Hurricane Jimena We worked 13 hours during the storm keeping water out of our home (leaky windows, doors and roof . . . nothing flowed in from the yard or the street). Now just the campy smell of damp walls to deal with . . . no big deal at all. We got electricity back on (very fast!) and phone and internet. Should have water somtime around September 23. Mini-split burned out, air-mover floor fan burned out . . . so that’s hampering the drying process (I think excessively low voltage is the culprit). I’ve been in San Jose de Guaymas and El Arroyo cleaning up homes. It’s devastating. Literally shoveling a foot of mud out of rooms at times. Power washing, bleaching, sorting, tossing, etc. For cleanup, we’ve been pulling water from a nearby arroyo that is still flowing with storm water from the desert/mountains. Hot, smelly (the stench is incredible), filthy, mosquitoes and flies everywhere. Sometimes, I’ve had to find a lonely corner when it becomes just too overwhelming (a shovel full of mud and baby pictures for instance). My wife and I did a three-week stint in Mississippi rebuilding homes following Katrina in 2005 and this feels so much worse.
Peter, thank you for the update. It’s always nice to hear from the people actually living with the disaster. I, personally, enjoyed your humorous take on the situation. Please, keep us updated on the clean up efforts.
Us Send a k c b d ee F As always, we are interested in hearing from you, what you think of Mexico Living and the topics you would like for us to cover. Send your suggestions and comments to editor@mexicoliving.info.
Saturday, November 21st 2009, San Felipe Baja California
Live The Dream!
Get Answers, Find Solutions and Live Your Dream. The Mexico Living Home Show is an event designed for anyone considering playing, living, or investing in Mexico. The event includes exhibitors with merchandise, sample interior and exterior vignettes, professional services and product demonstrations, developments and tours. With combination of new products and expert advice from the pros, the Mexico Living Home Show will inspire, answer questions, inform, educate and provide countless ideas on enhancing your home’s comfort and functionality, as well as its aesthetic appeal and overall value.
Expert Speakers Discuss • • • • • • • • • • • •
Moving to Mexico Buying & Selling Property in Mexico Building a Home in Mexico Owning & Operating a Business Importing or Exporting Remodeling Landscaping Decorating Your Home Investing in Mexico Healthcare & Medicine Leasing Land Working
www.mexicolivinghomeshow.com MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
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{Calendar}
Wellness for Cancer Walk to the “Malecon” in Puerto Peñasco
IMPORTANT DATES Oct. 31: Halloween Nov. 1: All Saints’ Day Nov. 2: El Dia de Los Muertos / Day of the Dead or All Souls’ Day Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day (U.S.) Nov. 20: Mexican Revolution Day Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day (U.S.)
LOCAL WEEKLY EVENTS
See the Community Calendar on www.mexicolivingguide.com for a weekly schedule of events for each city.
PLAYAS DE ROSARITO Oct. 3: Fall Motocross Series Round 2. A specially designed race track with jumps and obstacles in a circuit of approximately two miles. US (619) 819-6323
On October 31, join San Peregrino for the Wellness for Cancer Walk to the “Malecon,” as they raise funds by selling “Luminaries” with a person’s name on the bag and placed at the Governors Plaza at the Malecon that night as a sign of gratitude for the survivers of cancer, and for a universal prayer to those who still have it. The group, San Peregrino, is formed by cancer patients, cancer survivors, terminal cancer patients and volunteers. This group was formed by Priest Arnoldo Noriega in 2005 and is made up of people from all religions. The principal purpose and mission of the group is giving emotional and spiritual help to
Oct. 3–4: The Gertrude Pearlman Theatre presents “The Cemetery Club” Oct 11: Puerto Nuevo Festival. Traditional Baja California fiesta featuring the worldfamous Puerto Nuevo-style Lobster! US (800) 962-2252 Oct 11: 22-Caliber Shooting Competition. (661) 612-1028 Oct 17: Flamenco Night. Cover $10. US (800) 343-8582 Oct. 29 & Nov 19: Portofino Restaurant Pairing Dinner. $38, 7 p.m. at the Hotel Festival Plaza. Reservation required. US (800) 453-8606 Nov. 7: Half Marathon. The RosaritoPuerto Nuevo Half Marathon is Back! (800) 962-2252
ENSENADA Nov. 4–7: Baja Epic MTB Race. A grueling four-day mountain bike competition. (619) 819-6323 Nov. 19–22: Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. The granddaddy of all Baja Races, where intrepid drivers travel over 1,000 miles through mountains, valleys, deserts, forests and beaches. www.score-international.com
cancer patients. They’re a non-profit organization and, therefore, need assistance from the general public, businesses and the government for the group’s sustainability and growth. They are currently in the preconstruction of a hospice in Puerto Peñasco—a place for the care of terminally ill patients as well as follow-up treatment and care for those needing chemotherapy. It will also include a dispensary, administrative office, reception area, conference/ meeting room, chapel, reading and entertainment area, green areas, dining room and kitchen. Help this project by joining them on October 31 or by donating to San Peregrino.
To Make a Donation: Bancomer Bank—payable to: San Miguel de Todos los Santos, Enfermos de Cancer de Puerto Peñasco A.C.; Account number: 00161823043 Dr. Armida Gonzalez at (638) 383-7571 Maria Adela Arocha (Survivor) at (638) 1045379 President’s Telephone: Sra. Glenda Lopez M., (638) 383-2414
Fifth Annual Cantina Cup Fishing Tournament San Carlos
Hosted by Marina Cantina and Deli and Cirrus Visual Communications, the purpose of the Cantina Cup Fishing Tournament is to raise funds for local charities while, at the same time, taking advantage of great fishing in San Carlos during the month of October. This is a Jackpot Fishing Tournament. Registration begins at the Marina Cantina at Marina San Carlos from 5–8 p.m., October 9. Entry fee is $80 per person plus the jackpot entry of $1,000 per boat team. This is a boat team event with the maximum of six anglers per boat. In addition, there is an optional $500 daily team jackpot.
The Cantina Cup is an IGFA Offshore Qualifying Event and International Angling Rules govern this tournament. The tournament is limited to sailfish, marlin, dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo.
Visit www.cantinacup.com for rules, registration, sponsorship and additional information.
The Gertrude Pearlman Theatre presents:
The Cemetary Club Ensendada – Brought to us by the Rosarito Theatre Guild
SAN FELIPE Oct. 2–4: Paco and Maria Garcia Oil Painting Playshop Oct. 10: Too Much Fun Pete’s Camp Poker Run. renel@petescamp.com or US (951) 694-6704 Oct. 17: Recorrido Off Road “Pesados Team”/ Tour Off Road “Heavy Team” Oct. 23: Tequila Tasting. 2 p.m. Try the Reposado, Anejo or EXTRA Anejo. (686) 209-0074 Oct. 23–24: Tequila Festival at Lighthouse Lounge. 2–11 p.m. www.lighthousetequilafestival.com or (686) 577-2540 6
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
Written by Ivan Menchell and directed by John Bell, this comedy/drama is the story of three lifetime friends, Ida, Doris and Lucille; who meet monthly at Ida’s house for tea, then trundle off to the cemetery to pay their respects to their dead husbands. Lucille is a flamboyant flirt whose marriage wasn’t happy and she just wants to have fun and move on. Doris is steadfastly loyal to the memory of her marriage and meticulously tends her husband’s grave. Ida is a lonely homebody, who is ready to open a new chapter in her life.
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
Sam, the local butcher, strikes up a relationship with Ida when visiting his wife’s grave. The other two intervene when the “club” is threatened. See what happens when the widows’ usual routine gets a live man thrown in the mix! It is full of hilarious moments and unforgettable characters! This funny, sweet and moving play will make you glad that you attended this presentation. Place: Gertrude Pearlman Theatre, 16 km south of Ensenada on the road to La Bufadora
Date/Time: Saturday, October 3, 7 p.m.; Sunday, October 4, 2 p.m. Donation: US$10 or 130 pesos per person at the door, or presale tickets are available at Villarino’s Mini Mart for US$9 or 120 pesos. For reservations, call Heather Hamilton at (646) 154-2452 or email:heather1@prodigy.net.mx.
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The Tequila Festival is Back in San Felipe The last Tequila festival was held in March 2007. There was talk circulating last year about the festival, but for some reason it never materialized. It appeared this year was going to be another absence of this great event, until the Lighthouse Restaurant and a handful of local promoters decided to take it on themselves. “The only way to get tourists down this 122-mile dead end street is to have events, like the Blues & Arts Fiesta, SCORE Baja 250, Shrimp Festival, etc. We have had a lot of tourists ask what happened to the Tequila Festival.” says Tim Outzen, owner of the Lighthouse Restaurant. The Tequila Festival will be held at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Entertainment will
Nov. 6–8: Aida Valencia Mosaics Playshop for Beginners
be provided by bands including a couple of local favorites, Tavo’s Revolution on Friday and Agave Blues on Saturday. The 2009 San Felipe Tequila Festival is a twoday event being held October 23 and 24 from 2 to 11 p.m. The cost will be $15 and will help out the Casa de Fe orphanage. In addition to live music and great San Felipe comradery, they will also have tequila sampling, tequila for sale, tequila-filled chocolate, cuban cigars, sea salt and much more. The festival is being brought to you by the Lighthouse Restaurant, Party Mix Promotions, VIP Earth Events, San Felipe Home Builders and Mexico Living. Get your tickets at the Lighthouse Restaurant or online at www.vipearthevents.com.
Nov 10, 11, 12: Aida Valencia Mosaics Playshop for previous Mosaic Playshoppers Nov 21: Mexico Living Home Show for more details go to www.mexicolivingguide.com Nov. 28: Percebu Poker Run
PUERTO PEÑASCO Oct. 9–11: Angler of the Year Tourney (Phase III) at JJ’s Cantina. www.jjscantina.com Oct. 9–11: The Thirsty Parrot Presents ALONZO Jamaica Reggae, calypso. A real crowd pleaser. 8 p.m. Fri & Sat and 5 p.m. on Sun. More info call 638 388 7068 or www.thethirstyparrot.net. Oct. 31: Bathtub Races at JJ’s Cantina. www.jjscantina.com Nov. 5–6: Rocky Point Annual Bike Rally. www.rockypointrally.com
SAN CARLOS Oct. 16–17: George Howards R&B Soul Review performs live on the beach. FREE admission. www.SonoraIsSafe.com.
LORETO Oct. 19-25: Fiestas de la Fundación de Loreto. The foundation of the city is celebrated. It is one of the most important cultural events in the state.
LA PAZ Oct. 12: Todos Santos Festivities. Come and get the feeling of this old town! Nov. 1–15: La Paz Construction Fair. This is a great show and an opportunity to come and see the best construction of the upcoming developments in Baja. Nov. 1: Valle 300 Car Race. Everyone is invited to this big off-road race.
LOS CABO Oct. 12: Cabo San Lucas Festivities. Big town festival, and you HAVE to be there. Oct. 13–17: Los Cabos Billfish Tournament. Playa Grande Resort from 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18: Patron Saint Festival Oct. 21–23: Off-Shore Bisbee Tournament. Come and get that big marlin! Nov. 25 - 27: Expo Los Cabos
TODOS SANTOS Oct. 12: Fiestas Patronales de Todos Santos/ Todos Santos Fair
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
7
{National News}
Hurricane Jimena Dumps on Baja and Sonora
▶ For information of on items needed, donating to the victims, food, water and supply drop off locations in the U.S. and Mexico, please visit www.jimenahurricane.info.
Heavy rain pounded down on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula and southern Sonora as the tropical storm Jimena moved through the region. Jimena, a once-powerful Category 4 hurricane, was further downgraded to a tropical storm, as it moved across the Baja peninsula. The storm made landfall in the afternoon of September 2 as a Category 1 hurricane between Puerto San Andresito and San Jaunico, a sparsely populated area of fishing villages on the Pacific Coast. It skirted the peninsula’s main resorts and then weakened to a tropical storm. The heavy rainfall of Jimena caused flash floods and mudslides, destroying and damaging property, roads and lives. Northern Baja California Sur and southern Sonora were some of the hardest hits areas. According to the Civil Protection Agency, Hurricane Jimena destroyed the community of Mulegé, with a population just under 10,000. The center of the village is full of rubble, and where there was once beautiful houses along the river, there is literally nothing. There’s
unfortunately no points for exaggeration, the bridge of Mulegé was covered by the river when the river rose to 30 feet above its normal height. Water flow in the residential areas reached six feet high, destroying houses. Foreign residents who managed to escape before the arrival of the phenomenon organized to help Mulegé residents. Work has begun to rebuild the roads, with the support of the authorities and the Baja Bush Pilots Club. The Los Cabos region was spared. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico says the tourism infrastructure in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo has returned to normal economic activities. In Sonora, electric begins to flow in much of the region, but water will take more time. Food and clean drinking water are the main priorities of the population of Guaymas, Empalme and San Carlos. Although several of the grocery and convenience stores had some type of damage, many are providing assistances to meet some of the basic needs. Gradually, public services are being restored and will continue with the passage of time, as the victims return to their battered homes to try to recover from the damages of nature. SAN CARLOS: 3 Houses completely collapsed in Costa del Mar.
Jimena Leaves 40,000 Homeless
Loreto is Spared
by Christa Thomas
8
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
Loreto was spared the onslaught struck the Sonoran coast early September, parking of Hurricane Jimena because of the itself over San Carlos, Guaymas and surrounding mountains. The mountains have protowns, and dumping as much as 50 inches of rain tected her from much damage through in some areas over a period of 36 hours—leaving many storms. us without electricity, communication or water, The water was turned off the night flooding roads and collapsing bridges. before Jimena made landfall. This was Some people had to swim out of their houses, a precautionary measure needed to escaping through their windows. Others waited ensure the well pump in the hills by on roofs or in trees for rescue. Many homes are San Juan would not be damaged. Even completely gone, leaving more than 40,000 people though Loreto has sub-stations for homeless. They are now living in shelters, or are MULEGE: Highway 1 sign blown over. electricity, they rely on San Carlos to forced to live in the shade of a tree or in the back send the main current. I was told approximately 80 towers went down between of a truck. As a testament to the strength and character of these com- San Carlos and Loreto. Workers were brought in from the mainland to fix the towers. In the meantime, munities and the resilience and courage of the people living here, everyone has come together to help wherever they can. two huge generators were brought in (the size of semi-trailers) to fire up the In San Carlos, the storm washed out a bridge, leaving a canyon sub station. It worked, so on September 5, Loreto’s electricity was back on and in the only road into or out of town. However, by the next day, a shortly afterward the water came back on. The people of Loreto know they are very, very lucky, and are very aware of bypass had been created allowing much needed workers and supplies to reach the area. The government also brought in the devastation made to nearby towns; donations are being accepted to take dozens of workers and restored the electricity to most areas food, clothing, medical supplies, water, etc., to outlining villages who have lost everything. within five days. Every day, progress is being made.
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
Photo by Carlos Milon
A flood of muddy water came pouring through my front door. Looking out to the street, I saw that a dark, angry river was beginning to engulf my house, and reSAN CARLOS: Washed out road alized that there was no way to stop the ensuing flood. I threw my couches and anything else I could lift onto countertops and bagged the legs of furniture that had to remain on the floor. Then I climbed onto the bed with my terrified cats and waited to see how high the water would come. Without electricity and with night upon us, we waited in the dark to see how this disaster would unfold. Though the water rose as high as seven inches and left a muddy mess throughout my house, I learned the next day that I was one of the lucky ones. The monster storm Jimena
by Lynn Hamman
{National News}
Legalizes Drug Use
Mexico Personal
by Benjamin Eugene and Karri Moser On August 21, Mexico quietly joined the increasing number of countries that have realized over-reliance on criminal justice is not the “solution.” The new Mexican law is part of a growing trend across Latin America to treat drug use as a public health problem, so that they can focus their efforts on violent drug traffickers. Mexico like other Latin American countries are following countries like Europe, the Netherlands and Switzerland that have led the way in decriminalizing possession. There is a growing global consensus that the results of the current drug policies are a disappointment and alternative policies need to be explored. Earlier this year, Latin-American Commission on Drugs and Democracy, led by three former Latin American presidents released a bitterly critical report condemning Washington’s “war on drugs” as a failure and urged Latin American countries to adopt drug policies found in some European countries that focus more on treatment than punishment. Last year the U.S. arrested 800,000 people for marijuana alone. On the U.S. side of the border, many feel the law contradicts President Felipe Calderón’s drug war, and some fear the tens of thousands of American college students that cross the border each year to party could make Mexico a drug destination for spring breakers and tourists. There is no evidence to back up any claims that allowing a “personal use” amount of drugs will entice tourist and spring break visitors to engage in any illegal activities or even try experimenting with substances they were otherwise planning to refrain from. If tourists and spring break students know in advance what the legal amount of certain drugs are, this alone could deter them from risking the transportation of larger amounts. Although the Mexican legislation makes personal drug use legal, officials say they are not legalizing drugs, rather they are drawing a
line between users, dealers and traffickers; and while personal drug use may be fine now, the selling of drugs is still illegal and any person dealing drugs will be sent to prison. The new law also empowers city and state police to investigate dealers, which was formerly the jurisdiction of the federal police. On August 25, The Supreme Court of Argentina decriminalized the private consumption of illicit drugs, becoming the latest Latin American country, after Mexico, to reject the American policies toward drug use. Colombia has decriminalized marijuana and cocaine for personal use, but kept penalties for other drugs. Brazil and Uruguay have already eliminated jail time for people carrying small amounts of drugs for personal use. Brazil still considers possession a crime and has some of the stiffest sentences in the region for drug traffickers, but still favors treatment and community service for users over incarceration.
Supporters of the change point to Portugal, which removed jail terms for drug possession for personal use in 2001 and still has one of the lowest rates of cocaine use in Europe. Although foreigners caught with drugs still face arrest in Portugal, it is a measure to prevent drug tourism. One only needs to remember the lessons learned from the United States’ attempt at prohibition. The zero-tolerance policies of the past statistically did not work then with alcohol. It did not deter use or abuse. Prohibition in the U.S. also did nothing to deter the underground crime sects that rose to power during that time, just like drug cartels today. This new legislation, while seen as controversial or counter productive by some, is a bold step to dramatically changing the landscape of a war the Mexican government seems unable to control. Seen as legalization by some, the new law is more aimed toward regulation. The new drug law basically says citizens can now legally possess an
One person can have approximately four
marijuana cigarettes, about four
lines of cocaine, 50 milligrams of heroin, 40 milligrams of
methamphetamine or 0.015 milligrams of LSD.
amount of drugs defined as being for “personal and immediate use.” The drugs deemed as permissible in the new law include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and LSD. The amounts allowed in one person’s possession are minor. One person can have approximately four marijuana cigarettes, about four lines of cocaine, 50 milligrams of heroin, 40 milligrams of methamphetamine or 0.015 milligrams of LSD. Someone possessing just one one-thousandth more of the personal use amount will be arrested. More importantly, someone with over 1,000 times that amount will be charged with trafficking. If someone is caught with a “personal use” amount three times, they will be given the rehabilitation treatment they probably need. It will still be illegal to use any drugs in public; but having a small amount on you will not cause you any problems. This new policy will hopefully change how the failing war on drugs is fought in Mexico. In 2006, a similar bill proposed in Mexico was nixed by former President Vicente Fox because the Bush administration criticized it. But this time under the Obama administration, Washington has stayed quiet, praising Calderón for his fight against drug cartels. Most of the overwhelming and frightening onslaught of violence occurred where drugs traffickers fought each other. Having a zerotolerance policy for all drugs and all amounts only created an underground criminal sect that held more power than law enforcement. Drug war executions, extortion and kidnapping were out of control under the old laws. This new law will give law enforcement back the power to focus on the big-time dealers and traffickers rather than waste time and resources chasing down the casual user or helpless addict. The pointless investigation and shakedowns of casual users and addicts not only wasted time, it inadvertently opened the door to
police corruption. Casual users and addicts would often pay officers bribes to keep from being harassed or arrested for possession of a small amount of illegal drugs. This low level corruption did nothing to advance the government cause of taking traffickers and dealers off the street. Common sense dictates that if an officer can be bought off by the casual smalltime user, he can be corrupted by the dangerous dealers and traffickers. Not only will law enforcement now be freed up to focus on the real criminals of the drug wars, but casual users and addicts will no longer be viewed as criminals needing locked away. They will be seen as open citizens needing public health assistance. They will basically be given the opportunity for free treatment, eventually taking them out of the scope of the drug war altogether. Getting them the help they need is a much more productive and successful approach than locking them up and throwing away the key. This treatment option also frees up much needed prison space for the real violent drug criminals. While U.S. President Obama praised Calderón’s drug war efforts in a visit to Mexico last month and promised more agents and southbound border controls to curb the flow of guns and cash to the cartels, the U.S. remains the main supplier of guns used by the cartel in Mexico and the leading consumers of drugs sold by the Mexican cartel, and lead the world in total drug use. There has always been an obvious difference between the addict or casual user and the drug traffickers, and Mexico has finally set a legal distinction. This approach to regulation can only be a win-win scenario for law enforcement and society as a whole. When all other avenues of the decade’s old war on drugs have been a miserable failure, this new approach might just be the refreshing change that makes a real difference.
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
9
{Mexican Medical}
Medical Tourism in Mexico by Christa Thomas
Mexico has more to offer than sandy beaches, great food and a lively culture. It can also be the perfect place to get inexpensive medical and dental care. For years I lived with three broken back teeth because I didn’t want to pay the $2,400 it would cost to have them fixed. I had dental insurance, but it only covered half the cost of crowns—leaving me with a co-pay that I just couldn’t swallow. When I moved to Mexico, I learned that dental care cost far less here. Dr. Maricela Arizmendi came highly recommended and I now know why—she offers professional, caring and affordable dental care in a clean, modern office. The total cost for all three teeth was $750—less than one-third the cost of having them done back home in Canada. I had learned what many before me already knew— medical tourism pays. Medical Tourism is the growing phenomenon of people traveling abroad for affordable health care. In 2008, more than 200,000 Americans traveled outside the U.S. for medical care, and that number is expected to double by 2010, according to Josef Woodman, in his book Patients Beyond Borders. They travel for procedures such as dental work, heart surgery, orthopedics, cosmetic surgery, neurosurgery, fertility treatments, LASIK eye repair, and cancer treatments. Mexico is one of the primary destinations for patients from the U.S. with shorter travel times and the potential to vacation before and after treatment adding to its allure. It’s not just individuals
considering overseas care. Insurers and employers are setting up cross-border health care plans to cover a wide range of elective medical procedures. For example, Blue Shield and Health Net of California offers its members care in Mexico. The outsourcing of health care is turning into a big business. Medical tourists fall into several categories: 1) those that want elective surgery such as cosmetic or wellness treatments that are not covered by insurance plans; 2) those that are underinsured—high deductibles have many people who are in need of medical care running for the border; and 3) those that are uninsured. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 46 million Americans, or 18 percent of the population under the age of 65, were without health insurance in 2007, their latest data available. Since then, due to the recession, millions more have or will lose their health insurance coverage. Some medical tourists go abroad for immediate availability of procedures as wait-lists and limited physician choices at home force them to seek out alternative treatment centers. However, for most, the primary motivation is the significantly lower cost for health care found outside the U.S. or Canada. The cost of medical and dental procedures in Mexico is, on average, about 25 to 50 percent of U.S. costs. While these savings are alluring, they should only be considered in situations where quality of care is not sacrificed. Along with its many benefits, traveling for your medical treatments can create some additional risks. There is no regulatory oversight of the medical tourism industry, putting the onus on the consumer to determine whether the foreign facility and medical team are qualified. And keep in mind that in many countries, outside the U.S. and Canada, you may have very little legal recourse if something goes wrong. With sound planning and research, many of these risks can be minimized, if not eliminated. At its June 2008 Annual Meeting, the American Medical Association (AMA) discussed the issues facing Americans seeking medical care outside the U.S., and developed the AMA Guidelines on Medical Tourism. The guidelines are in favor of patient choice, and seek to inform and advise individuals, employers, insurers, and those coordinating international health care about how to ensure the quality and safety of patient care internationally. One recommendation is that people should only be referred for health care to institutions that have been accredited by recognized international accrediting bodies, such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) or the International Society for Quality in Health Care. The JCI is an arm of the U.S. hospital-accrediting body, the Joint
The primary motivation is the significantly lower cost for health care found outside the U.S. or Canada. The cost of medical and dental procedures in Mexico is, on average, about 25 to 50 percent of U.S. costs. Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends using JCI accredited hospitals, stating on its website that to “ensure a higher quality of care abroad, Joint Commission International attempts to continuously improve the safety and quality of care in the international community through the provision of education and consultation services and international accreditation.” The JCI sets over 350 standards of excellence for international hospitals to meet that ensure the quality and safety of patient care. These standards include patient satisfaction and quality outcomes, medical training of doctors and medical staff, nurse to patient ratios, overall hospital cleanliness, and innovation in medical technology and equipment. JCI has accredited more than 250 facilities in 36 countries, including eight in Mexico. Hospital CIMA in Hermosillo, Sonora, is JCI accredited. CIMA has partnered with a major U.S. insurance company to offer services to U.S. patients. Blue Cross and Blue Shield members of Companion Global Healthcare Inc. can now seek treatment at CIMA Hermosillo. Under the agreement, members are covered for procedures such as cardiology, gynecology and orthopedic surgeries. “These are typically very expensive procedures in the U.S., whether you have insurance or you don’t,” said Steven Foster, CIMA’s CEO. “Surgical procedures run about 60 percent less than the average U.S. procedure,” added Foster. An example of the cost savings—a hip replacement in the U.S. would cost $100,000
on average while the average cost at CIMA is $12,000. Doctors Robert Page and Curtis Page, in their book Mexico: Health and Safety Travel Guide, state that “CIMA, owned and operated by the International Hospital Corporation (IHC) of Dallas, Texas, has strong affiliation with Baylor University Medical School, a highly respected institution which provides updated educational and technical information to physicians and staff. CIMA has scores of highly qualified medical personnel and topnotch facilities that include a state-of-the-art cardiac-care unit and fully equipped emergency ward and intensive care unit. Travelers in need of medical attention will find themselves in excellent hands at CIMA.” International Hospital Corporation’s website states that doctors in their hospitals receive continuing education from the following educational affiliates and educational partners: Southwestern Medical Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UCLA, the Mayo Clinic and Children’s Hospital Boston. The website further states that the “hospitals are modeled after high-quality facilities operating in the United States and are held accountable by our management to U.S. quality care standards.” Since moving to Mexico, I have begun using Dr. Roberto Salazar López at CIMA as my family doctor. I am very impressed with both CIMA and Dr. Salazar—from the marble floors throughout the facility to Dr. Salazar’s clean and modern office with its own ultrasound CONTINUED ON PAGE 35.
10
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
{Mexican Medical}
My Weight Loss Surgery Experience in Baja by Pen Banfield
Medical care is of interest to those that live inside and outside Mexico. In April 2009, I had weight loss surgery in Mexicali. I am sharing my experience to add my voice to those who trust our care to the doctors in Mexico. Some do it because of inability to carry insurance in the U.S.; some do it because they have learned that quality care is available and that the physicians are well educated, and very caring and compassionate.
r I’ve never had a docto thank me before!
Dr. Alberto Aceves preformed the surgery. I had met with Dr. Aceves one year ago, but it took some time to make the decision. Dr. Aceves has a busy practice and does several different weight loss procedures, such as the lap band, gastric by-pass, and the sleeve, which is what I had. About two-thirds of the stomach is stapled and stitched off and no longer holds food. The doctor’s office set up accommodations at the Lucerna in Mexicali, a very nice hotel. The evening I arrived, along with another woman who was also scheduled for surgery, the doctor, his assistant and the anesthesiologist came to the hotel to discuss the procedure (again) and answer any and all questions we had. It put us both at ease. The morning I checked into the hospital, all the usual tests were run before surgery. The hospital was very clean and well run. The room was very comfortable and my
partner was allowed to stay there with me. The staff were wonderful and very professional. They provided a translation sheet with phrases like “I need a blanket,” “please bring me juice,” etc., in Spanish so we had no problem communicating. I was up walking the same day. I had the surgery and did not experience a great deal of pain. No narcotic pain killers were given. Before leaving, two tests are done to make sure there is no problem in the part of the stomach that is stapled off. It also allowed me to actually see the very small amount that could fill my new stomach. I was there for three days. Before I left, my doctor came by and said, “Thank you for trusting me with your medical care.” I’ve never had a doctor thank me before! In the time since I had the surgery (about 11 weeks), I’ve lost 50 pounds. The weight loss has relieved me of a lot of pain. It’s learning to eat differently, very small portions, chewing and
chewing some more. You start with clear liquids only, moving up to creamy liquid and mashed food. Some foods are just no longer tolerated. If you eat too much or the wrong food, it just comes back up. Emotionally it’s like a roller coaster. I’ve experienced anxiety when I realized I could no longer turn to food for comfort or out of boredom. Anger at myself, at my partner who encouraged me, at times, everyone who can just eat normally! I believe having strong support is important and a support group would be very helpful. Before and after surgery—learning what works for others is invaluable. By the end of summer I will lose approximately 100 pounds. I’m looking forward to having more stamina, more energy, and more years to enjoy my thinner and healthier life.
World-Class Hospital in Hermosillo by Christa Thomas
Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora, is home to a world-class hospital and has recently received international recognition as such. The Joint Commission International has designated Hospital Cima Hermosillo as a world-class hospital. The Joint Commission International regulates and evaluates hospitals worldwide. Hospital Cima Hermosillo is one of only about 100 hospitals in the world that has such accreditation. Cima has partnered with a major U.S. insurance company to offer services to U.S.
patients. Blue Cross and Blue Shield members of Companion Global Healthcare, Inc., can now seek treatment at Cima Hermosillo. Cima is now one of 20 hospitals in Global’s network. Under the agreement, members are covered for procedures such as cardiology, gynecology and orthopedic surgeries. “These are typically very expensive procedures in the U.S., whether you have insurance or you don’t,” said Steven Foster, the hospital’s CEO. “Surgical procedures run about 60 percent less than the average U.S. procedure,” added Foster.
Cima’s doctors are U.S.trained and speak English. Bilingual staff members accompany patients through the process. “You don’t need to know Spanish to come here,” Foster said. And that’s good news for U.S. patients seeking world-class care at a fraction of the cost.
illo Hospital Cima Herm10os0 is one of only about ld that hospitals in the wor on. has such accreditati
Loreto
Puerto Penasco
Global Medical Coverage
Luz de Montana Yoga
Available for yoga ~ massage ~ yoga therapy private & or groups
Karen Shiels ksonedaisy@gmail.com 011-521-613-110-2116
In Loreto, Luz de Montana Yoga is providing the total wellness package. Through the use of yoga, yoga therapy, ayurveda and massage, they will help you heal yourself at all levels of the body—emotional, spirit, mind and physical—using yoga postures, meditation, mudras, breathing techniques, massage and nutrition. They will not only make your body stronger, toned and more flexible, but also help you find relief from arthritis, heart disease, stress and addictions, and help you recover from sports injuries, carpal tunnel, traumas and more. Karen Sheils of Luz de Montana started yoga when she was 15 and is a certified bikram yoga instructor, certified yoga therapist, ayuveda and nutrition training certified, as well as a thai yoga massage therapist.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GROUP Global Medical = Global Peace of Mind With Global Medical you can choose any Doctor or Hospital Worldwide for Treatment We offer various plans to meet your needs. First Class Medical Protection & Service Globally Please contact: Tom Anderson camemeds@aol.com U.S. Tel: 520-250-7205 Mex 622-125-9865 More information go to www.azmexrealestate.com
International Medical Insurance Based out of Sonoita, Sonora, for 19 years, International Medical Group provides first-class medical coverage and services worldwide. Whether you’re living, traveling, working or studying abroad, they have a plan that will fit your particular needs and, most importantly, at an affordable price. They offer long-term and short-term coverage for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, individuals and groups. You may choose any hospital or physician globally for treatment if the need arises. International Medical Group has served more than a million people around the globe. They have 24/7 multilingual customer service representatives and an onsite chief medical officer, and staff that will afford you 24-hour access to highly qualified coordinators of emergency medical services and International treatment.
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
11
{Mexican Medical}
Broken Trust
Unpaid Medical Care by Gretchen Ellinger
Everyone who goes on vacation expects to pay for any emergency medical treatment they may need while away from home, right? Apparently not! Hundreds of thousands of dollars in accounts receivable are due to northwestern Mexican medical facilities that have provided care, in many cases life-saving care, to visitors. Vacationers, especially the weekend warriors, try to fit everything into two or three days, engaging in what is, for them, risky behavior because it is new and different. They drink too much alcohol, sleep too little and demand more than their poor bodies can possibly give. The result is usually wonderful good luck, and happy, if not hazy, memories of a great time in Mexico. Occasionally disaster strikes in the form of an accident or a serious physical event to an overtaxed system. First responders to accidents and physical events are usually police and Red Cross, who do a wonderful job of initial assessment and stabilization of the wounded or seriously ill. There are often complications or injuries, sometimes severe, that require medical treatment in a clinic or hospital setting, beyond the scope of first aid. Those patients are transported by Red Cross ambulance to a local medical facility, where doctors, nurses, and full compliments of staff such as lab and X-ray technicians, as well as on-call specialists, are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and who have the expertise and experience to successfully treat nearly any injury or major traumatic sudden-onset illness, such as a heart attack. After the initial treatment has been given, these patients seldom want to stay in a foreign medical environment any longer than necessary, and are released to the care of their own providers “at home.” Most walk out of the clinics, but some require transportation with medical attendants. You would expect to pay for all these services, correct? Or you would expect your medical insurance company to pay for them, correct? Apparently not! The Santa Fe Clinic & Hospital, directed by José L. Contreras Valle, M.D., is one of the clinics in Puerto Peñasco that accepts emergency patients for treatment 24 hours a day, and is holding over $100,000 in unpaid debt for treatment of foreigners. Despite the fact that the Santa Fe Clinic & Hospital has doctors who specialize in general medicine and surgery, trauma care, orthopedics, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and dentistry, and has on-site radiology, ultrasound and lab services, people who have been in accidents just want to go home! Dr. Contreras understands that! He remembers a 12
patient who was involved in a serious accident with a rented ATV, and was brought to the clinic by ambulance. His life-threatening wounds were managed, and it was felt that he should be flown to the neurological hospital in Hermosillo for further care of a head wound. The family insisted that he instead be flown to Arizona for care. Dr. Contreras and his staff arranged for transportation with medical attendants, and sent the patient to the USA via air ambulance, paid by the Santa Fe Clinic & Hospital. A family member paid the bill—less than $13,000 total, including transportation—with a credit card. As soon as he was back in the USA, he called the credit card company and claimed fraud, asking the company not to honor the payment. The company complied, and the Santa Fe Clinic & Hospital has yet to collect the money. Jesús Cota Ferra, DDS, Puerto Peñasco dentist and root canal specialist, has a similar story. He answered a call from a local dentist asking him to see a visitor from the USA who was in dire pain and in need of his care late on a Saturday afternoon. Dr. Cota re-opened his clinic for the visitor, and performed an emergency root canal. The patient paid with a personal check, then returned to Colorado and stopped payment on the check! After Dr. Cota’s kindness, and excellent medical care, the patient refuses to answer phone calls, and has refused to accept a registered letter attempting to collect the $500, which is, compared to prices for dental procedures in the USA, a give-away price for a root canal! While medical insurance billing is available in Mexico, generally U.S. insurance companies do not pay claims to Mexican providers. The result
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
Dr. Jesús Cota Ferra
Dr. José L. Contreras Valle
is “pay and collect,” with the patient or his family paying the bill in Mexico, and then collecting reimbursement from his insurance company at home. A surprising number of visitors to Mexico have no medical insurance at all, or have insurers who will not pay for care rendered outside their networks, or without prior approval from the insurer. Those people should be in tune with “pay as you receive” medical care, which works a bit like buying groceries: you get what you need, then you pay for it before leaving. Local clinics in Mexico do not ask about patients’ ability to pay before rendering emergency care. Their first concern is care of the patient. Collection for services rendered is generally done at discharge, with most medical clinics and hospitals accepting credit cards and personal checks, since they understand that visitors did not come prepared to pay cash for medical services. A few clinics treat their patients first, but because they have been “burned” so
many times, refuse to release patients until the bill is paid in full, in cash. Wise travelers probably want to consider how they will pay for any medical care they may need while they are vacationing in any foreign country, including Mexico. Medical providers such as Dr. Contreras and Dr. Cota, as well as all the other health care providers in northwestern Mexico, may be forced to reconsider how they provide emergency care to foreigners if visitors continue to take advantage of them. To cancel payment on a check, or to lodge a fraud complaint with the credit card company after receiving treatment is not only ungrateful and rude, it is called stealing! If you are reading this, and you have an unpaid medical bill in Mexico, perhaps you will consider contacting the practitioner to whom you owe money, and arrange to pay your bill. By doing so, you will be helping all those travelers who may need emergency care in Mexico in the future.
The sick Mexican man was lying on his death bed. He had only hours to live
R ea de r J ok e
when suddenly he smelled tamales.
He dearly loved tamales more than anything else in the world, especially his
wife Chita’s tamales. With every last bit of the energy left in his mind and body, the terminally ill man pulled himself out of bed, across the floor, down the hall and into the kitchen. Here, his wife was removing the fresh batch of tamales from the stove. As he reached for one of the freshly made tamales, his wife, Chita, smacked him on the back of the head with a wooden spoon and said, “Leave them alone, pendejo! They’re for the funeral!” —Submitted by Bruce Harmer
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
{Mexican Medical}
Using Medicare Benefits in Mexican Health Care Facilities Might Become a Reality for Americans Living Abroad by Benjamin Eugene
Over one million Americans call Mexico home. Of those U.S. citizens, it is estimated nearly half are of retirement age. Those retirees are covered under Medicare but currently can’t use those benefits in Mexico. Finding a way to utilize those benefits while they live across the border is being explored by several interested parties. While some see it as simply too complicated of an issue to even explore, groups such as Americans For Medicare In Mexico are lobbying members of Congress to at least look into it. The
Association of Americans Resident Overseas and several real estate developers are also behind a serious exploration of the idea. Currently, over half of the U.S. retirees living in Mexico actually travel back to the U.S. to seek medical care covered by Medicare. Those who don’t go back each time simply pay out of pocket for the care they receive in Mexico. When these Americans travel back to the U.S. for care, Medicare pays for the services they need. However, the services received in the U.S.
are a costly strain on the Medicare system. If these citizens received medical care in their local clinics or hospitals in Mexico, the overall cost would be significantly less. Covering U.S. citizens using Mexican facilities would actually save the Medicare system money in the long run. Legislation is being pushed to explore exactly how cost effective the option of Medicare use across the border really would be. Now that the national conversation is already focused heavily on health care, Paul Christ, founder of Americans
For Medicare In Mexico, is personally getting members of Congress interested and aware of the benefits to both the government that funds Medicare and the citizens living abroad. He has put together an informational booklet for members of congress to get the conversation going. Making this a reality will take time and involve many complicated health care cost issues; but it could eventually give U.S. citizens living in Mexico access to the health care options they have already earned over their lifetime.
Mexicare: Affordable and Quality Health Coverage in Mexico is Available to Americans by Benjamin Eugene
Since U.S. citizens living across the border can’t use their Medicare benefits if they visit a Mexican hospital or clinic, they need another health care option if they choose to be treated in a Mexican facility. While many American retirees in Mexico routinely travel back to the U.S. to use their Medicare benefits, it isn’t a very practical option for all medical care. It isn’t a very viable option in an emergency either. There are also many Americans living in Mexico who are not yet eligible for Medicare who still need a health insurance plan. The Mexican government offers the Mexican Institute of Social Security (known as IMSS) to all Mexican residents regardless of where they
came from. This health insurance option is basic but extremely affordable. For the average American living in Mexico, this plan is an unbeatable option. For $250 a year, you are fully covered. This annual payment includes free medicine, doctor visits, no deductibles, glasses, dental work, tests, labs and much more. With over 1,500 clinics and over 250 hospitals to choose from, it is a convenient and affordable option over traveling back to the U.S. for care. It literally costs nothing for you to be treated in Mexico after you pay the fee. While IMSS does not cover pre-existing conditions for the first two years, it covers everything else. Just like most plans in the U.S., IMSS assigns you a primary care physician and you can be referred to a specialist if needed. The
IMSS health care facilities in the larger cities are just as advanced as their American counterparts and provide top-notch care to their patients. The IMSS health care option is an extremely affordable and attractive health insurance plan for any U.S. citizen considering making Mexico their home. For additional information visit their English language website: www.imss.gob.mx/english.
For $250 a year, you are
fully covered.
www.tothetophomeelevators.net
Baja Lifts by To The Top Home Elevators providing accessibility lifts to all of Baja and the state of Sonora. For your home or for your office we can provide you: A wheelchair lift for, inside or outside, to move your family, staff or customers from one level to another A stairway chair lift for straight or curved stairs An elevator with up to 50’ of travel and 6 stops A dumbwaiter to carry groceries, laundry, office supplies or any heavy or bulky items Wheelchair Lift Baja Lifts by To The Top Home Elevators Carr. Tij-Ens KM 44.1 Rosarito, BC
Stairway Chair
We offer accessibility products manufactured by ThyssenKrupp, Otis, Waupaca, Bruno, Summit Lifts & Savaria. All our products are imported, installed, guaranteed and serviced by qualified To The Top Home Elevators staff.
Call (01-661) 614-1434 or USA 1-619-342-2483 Or email info@tothetophomeelevators.net
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
13
{Mexican Medical}
SkyMed Emergency Cabo San Lucas Medical Air Transportation
Attention American & Canadian Residents & Travelers! Do you rely upon health insurance, like a PPO, HMO, Medicare, VA or national healthcare to cover unexpected medical bills when you travel? Would you prefer to be air evacuated all the way HOME for treatment where your insurance covers you, and with your own doctors, hospital, & loved ones?
If you’ve answered YES to any of these questions, then SkyMed is for YOU!
Cathie Smith LoCicero, SkyMed VP Latin America, will assist you to choose the specific SkyMed program that suits you and your family’s particular needs.
Phone (US) 575-527-8227 and mobile 575-993-8227. Email cathie.smith@skymed.com
What would you do if faced with an unexpected medical emergency while traveling in Mexico? One question in the back of the mind of every traveler is “if something happens to me, how do I get home?” SkyMed offers short- and long-term emergency air evacuation protection programs for trips to Mexico; whether you fly, drive, or take a cruise. Suffering a critical accident or illness can not only ruin a vacation but cost you tens of thousands of dollars! Ardene Janssen of Eureka, CA., writes, “While at our condominium in Mexico in April of this year, my husband fell and fractured his left femur. Because he presents a very complicated and precarious medical case, it was essential that he could be airevacuated home where his primary care physician and his specialists could coordinate his care. It required 48 hours to stabilize him before surgery could be safely performed. Now, one month later, he is just home from acute hospitalization and inpatient rehabilitation care. He will be non-weight
bearing for some time yet, but the prognosis for recovery is favorable. “We had purchased a SkyMed emergency medical air transportation membership. Their services to us in this crisis were outstanding. After linking with the physicians in San Jose Del Cabo and Eureka, there was no doubt that he belonged at home if he could withstand the duration of the flight (he was bleeding internally). In order to minimize the time and risk to my husband and get him home, SkyMed sent a Lear Jet staffed by two very experienced travel nurses. The co-captain was fluent in Spanish and was able to expedite the departure of the aircraft. We were 4.5 hours in flight to cover the length of the Baja peninsula and the State of California! I truly believe that my husband survived because of the fine emergency medical care provided by Dr. Jose Cerda in San Jose Del Cabo and the professional and expeditious services of SkyMed.”
Cabo San Lucas
Angel’s Touch Dental Clinic
Finest Dental Care in Mexico at Affordable Prices Angel’s Touch Dental Clinic has been in business for over 20 years, since Dr. Rosy Peña first arrived in San Jose del Cabo. Throughout these years, their well-trained staff has provided their patients with “the Angel’s Touch,” which has made their clinic famous. Angel’s Touch has serviced local patients as well as patients coming in from the United States and Canada. In fact, about 80 percent of their patients are foreigners. Today, Angel’s Touch Dental Clinic features advanced facilities and equipment for dental care needs. Treatments offered in the clinic are a comprehensive range of dental care from basic dental work to orthodontics and surgeries. The clinic is affiliated with a number of hotels and lodging facilities for patient accommodations. The clinic has five professional dentists to consult with, each specializing in different dental areas.
Dr. Rosy Peña has won national prizes as “Dentist of the Year” and their clinic has been featured in The New York Times and ABC’s Good Morning America show as the finest dental clinic in Mexico. Come to Los Cabos, Baja Sur, Mexico, for great dental work and savings on cosmetic dentistry, crowns, veneers, bridges, partials, full dentures, implants, zoom laser whitening, amalgam removal, periodontics, orthodontics and more! Treatments are up to 50 percent less than in the States. Pay for your hotel or entire vacation with your savings. Featuring all new facilities and award-winning English speaking dentists. For more information, call (866) 331-3996, email info@angelsdental.com or visit www. angelsdental.com.
California Dental & Optical California Dental Spa ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION! DENTAL SERVICES
Melina California Fierros Z., DDS
White Fillings Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Dentistry Root Canals Implants Permanent Bridges
Removable Partials Extractions Dentures Metal and Porcelain Crowns
OPTICAL SERVICES
Licensed Optometrist Efrain Castellanos, OD, FCOVD Complete Eye Exams Vision Problem Evals Frames and Lenses Contacts
YOUR VISION SOLUTION
COME SEE US TODAY! Mar Caribe Sur #1088-4 Across from ABC Bus Depot Visit us online or e-mail for more information
Dental: californiadental@hotmail.com Optical: californiaoptical@hotmail.com
www.CADentalOptical.com 14
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
(686) 577-0708
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
and California Optical
Mexico is a very popular destination for specialty medical treatment. In the USA, for instance, people who are self insured regularly come to Mexico for dental and other medical care. Costs can be as much as 75 percent less than treatment in the USA. Americans, Canadians and others have been coming to Mexico for years for less expensive medicines, flu vaccines and specialist doctors such as dentists, plastic surgeons, optometrists, etc. California Dental Spa and California Optical are specialty medical businesses here in San Felipe. When voted as Best Dentist by the readers poll in Mexico Living’s “Best of San Felipe,” Melina California Fierros Zatarain was called the sweetest and most gentle dentist around. “We have been visited by many patients from all over the world. Many come from the U.S. (especially the northwest), Canada and even Ireland. Patients will
San Felipe
fly to San Diego in the United States and drive to San Felipe for their dental work. People just like to have a good experience with a dentist.” Melina says, “I think dentistry in Mexico is more personal. At my clinic, we care about every person, and we take the time and effort to make the dental visit a nice experience. I always have music playing while I’m working, it creates a relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes I sing while I’m working.” California Optical opened in August 2008 and has been gaining customers ever since. Both optical and dental services are under one roof located at 10884 Av. Mar Caribe Sur in San Felipe, BC. Melina’s husband David DesRochers manages the optical store and offers an attractive line of designer eyewear. Eye examinations and clinics are performed by Dr. Efrain Castellanos in the optician’s examination room at California Optical.
Feel Great Right Away!
FPO FPO
• Chelation • Ozone Therapy • Hiperbaric Chamber • Nutrition •Ortho Molecular Nutrition • Facial and Body Treatments
“We’ve got just what you need to start a new life.”
Rosarito Ensenada Alternative Health
{Mexican Medical}
Rosarito/Ensenada
The Anti-Aging H-Ultracell Vaccine
The injection that reverses the process of aging of the human body opens new doors in the new millennium. With the H-Ultracell vaccine, it is possible to feel 10 to 20 years younger and retain that youthful vigor for the rest of your life. It helps extend the vitality and the libido of youth that you may have thought was lost. What exactly happens in the aging process with the H-Ultracell vaccine? To put it simply, the injection of the vaccine introduces millions of cells and millions of cell assemblies into your body. H-Ultracell contains human placenta, the ideal source for the production of Bioestimulina, which completes a perfect anti-age function in the entire human body. The Bioestimulina are thermos-stable and contain ribonucleoid acid, which helps stimulate production of rejuvenating hormones quickly and naturally. Older people note an improvement of 70 percent in their physical condition and also report
the following: improvements in skin tone: capillary growth, color of hair, nails more porous and an increase in muscular mass without exercise. Additional improvements are noted in density of bones (prevention of osteoporosis), the immune system is stimulated (helping prevent illnesses) and a decrease in the absorption of excess fats (cholesterol and triglycerides). At present diverse hormones are being utilized on a worldwide basis with great success in the U.S. and Europe. The main advantage of this therapy, which is not a pharmaceutical, is that it can be processed and assimilated by humans without risk. Rosarito Ensenada Alternative Health offers the anti-aging H-Ultracell vaccine not to stop the passing of the years, but rather to help you conserve your physical, mental and spiritual youth and appearance.
Rosarito
Community Partnership Creates an In-Home Care Service
In addition to offering a warm atmosphere for the expat community for many years, Cha Cha of Cha Cha’s Cafe has been busy partnering with Baja Medix on the project of Casa El Jardín (Garden Home), an assisted living community home located in Rosarito. With Cha Cha’s experience of over 25 years in-home health care services and the Baja Medix team of doctors, they now offer an assisted living alternative for the Rosarito community. Membership includes an in-home personal preassessment, with a brief medical history and vital emergency information gathering. Private home care includes caring for a loved one at home, which often requires specialized training as well as assistance with daily living activities such as light housekeeping and meal preparation. Each of their caregivers is a professional and is
carefully screened to meet high standards of compassion, quality and integrity. At the Casa del Jardín assisted living community home, they provide residents with 24-hour a day caregivers, on-call physicians, meals, hygiene, medical supervision, mobility and rehabilitation, companionship, activities and outings, transportation and day-care/ respite-care services. The Garden Home is located north of Rosarito, five blocks west of Walmart on Calle Emiliano Zapata #600 of the Colonia Reforma. You can phone (661) 612-4595 or contact Hector Camacho (664) 206-1192, or leave Cha Cha a message at (949) 274-9899 (USA). She will return your call within 24 hours. For more information you can also visit www.incarebaja. com.
FPOFPO FPO FPOFPO FPO Quality Medical and FPO FPO BAJA MEDIX BAJA MEDIX FPO FPO Ambulance Services FPOFPO BAJA MEDIX FPO FPO FPO BAJA MEDIX FPO BAJA MEDIX Baja Medix
Rosarito
SERVICIOS MEDICOS SERVICIOS MEDICOS Y AMBULANCIAS Y AMBULANCIAS
Calle Mar del Norte SERVICIOS MEDICOS Calle Mar del Norte Baja Medix Medical and Ambulance Services Y AMBULANCIAS No. 484, No. 484, Zona Centro, was founded in 1996 with the vision of offering SERVICES WE PROVIDE: Zona Centro, SERVICIOS MEDICOS SERVICIOS MEDICOS Rosarito, B.C. Calle Mar del Norte AMBULANCIAS SERVICESCONSULTATION WEYPROVIDE: Y AMBULANCIAS the Rosarito community and its visitors quality Rosarito, B.C. SERVICES: HOSPITALIZATION: For More No. 484, • General Practitioner CONSULTATION SERVICES: HOSPITALIZATION: Surgeries medicalZona andCentro, ambulance services, without Information Call: Calle Mar del Norte ForMar More Calle del Norte • Internal Medicine Surgeries • General Practitioner Ambulance WE PROVIDE: No. 484, SERVICES Information Call: forgetting the important Rosarito, B.C. aspect of human warmth No. 484, 612-1266 • Laparoscopy Surgery • Internal Medicine ZonaAmbulance Centro, Open 24/7 HOSPITALIZATION: Zona Centro, • Obesity Surgery CONSULTATION SERVICES: ERVICES WE PROVIDE: and care. Rosarito, B.C. For More • Laparoscopy Surgery SERVICES WE PROVIDE: (Gastric Band) Rosarito, B.C. • General Practitioner Surgeries612-5850 HOSPITALIZATION: ION SERVICES: 24/7 The Rosarito community has embraced the Information Call: • Obesity Surgery ForOpen Orthopedic CONSULTATION• Traumatology SERVICES: HOSPITALIZATION: ASK •&More Internal Medicine actitioner Surgeries For More ABOUT OUR Ambulance (Gastric Band) Information Call: • Gynecology overall mission of providing emergency medical • General Practitioner Surgeries MEMBERSHIP dicine • Laparoscopy Surgery Information Call: Ambulance • Pre-Natal Care • Traumatology & Orthopedic • Internal Medicine ASK Open ABOUT OUR 612-1266 py Surgery 24/7 Ambulance SERVICE solutions as well as offering wellness and • Obesity Surgery • Urology • Gynecology Open• Laparoscopy 24/7 Surgery rgery MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES preventive services. They are convinced that the (Gastric Band) 24/7 • Endoscopy Open 612-5850 • Obesity Surgery • Pre-Natal Care nd) • Traumatology & Orthopedic SERVICE ABOUT gy & Orthopedic bestASK treatment lies inOUR prevention. • Urology (Gastric Band) ASK ABOUT OUR • Gynecology PACKAGES y ASK ABOUT OUR MEMBERSHIP • Endoscopy• Traumatology & Orthopedic MEMBERSHIP Baja Medix offers the following services: • Pre-Natal Care • Gynecology are MEMBERSHIP SERVICE SERVICE Consultation Services, Specialist Consultation, • Pre-Natal Care • Urology SERVICE PACKAGES PACKAGES • Urology • Endoscopy Traumatology and Orthopedic, Internal Medicine,
PO FPO FPO FPO
612-1266 612-5850
612-1266 612-5850
• Endoscopy
612-1266 612-5850
Pediatrics, Urology, and Nutrition. The clinic is also prepared to offer hospitalization, surgeries, X-rays, laboratory and ambulance services. They have health regimens to fit many insurance plans in the market, as well as medical memberships and discounts for the services that they offer. Baja Medix operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They’re located on Calle Mar del Norte # 484, Zona Centro just one block east of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. To contact them, call (661) 6121266 or (661) 612-5850.
PACKAGES
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
15
{Playas De Rosarito, Baja California}
ROSARITO DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions
- Pool/Spa
- Accept Credit Cards
- Pet Friendly
- Wi-Fi / Internet
- Serves Breakfast
- Kitchen/Restaurant
- Beer/Spirits
# - Map Number
- Reader Poll Winner
WHERE TO EAT American Food La Bamba ........................................... 661-100-2560 Steak & Seafood Bobby’s Baja by the Sea ..................... 661-614-1135 Vince’s Old Pier ............................ 661-612-1253
WHERE TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Baja Season RV Parks................................ 661-628-6128 Popotla R.V. Park....................................... 661-612-1501 Motel Camino Inn................................................ 661-612.2803 Hotel / Condo Baja Rentals.................................. www.BajaCatalina.com Bobby’s Baja by the Sea ................. 661-614-1135 Costa Azul ......................................... 800-800-9632 Grand Baja Resort (Puerto Nuevo) ............................................ 877-315-1002
BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z DOG GROOMERS D’ Groomer Dog Grooming .................. 661-100-6218 Certified Certified Certified Master Master Master Groomer Dog Groomer Dog Grooming Estética Canina DogGrooming Grooming-- Estética - EstéticaCanina Canina Groomer
Located just south of PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Jr. Located just south of of PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Jr.Jr. Located just south PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd. Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd. Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd. Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs
661-100-6218 661-100-6218• •125*317*7317 125*317*7317
Elevators/Elevadores To The Top Elevators.................................. 661-614-1434 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company........ ......................686-576-0653 FISH/PESCADERÍA Vince's Old Peir ......................................... 661-612-1253 INSURANCE Jorge Cuadros y Asociados........................ 661-612-1295
Playas de Rosarito
Mexico Living Contact Information Associate Publisher Carlos Durán 661-614-3019 / carlos@mexicoliving.info www.rosarito.org 011-52-661-612-0396 (661) 612-0396 (800) 962-2252 www.rosarito.org 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 international 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 staying for vacation or life, you will enjoy Playas de Rosarito. For more information on getting to Playas de Rosarito, visit www.mexicolivingguide.com. ATM/GETTING CASH Banamex, 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.
Kids in Need
of School Supplies
Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking)......... 686-577-1622 Click On
INTERNET .............................................. 661-614-0513
Click On
MAILING SERVICES .............................................. 661-614-0513
REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito)........................... 619-917-5695 Laura Miller . ...............Rosarito Beach 661-612-5844 .............Member NAR (US) AMPI (Mx) US 619-888-6171 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Ensenada Remax....................................... 661-612-1132 REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services................. 760-494-7053 Satellite TV Installation Cisco-Sat................................................... 661-616-0779 STORAGE SERVICES Baja Public Storage........... 619-272-3271, 661-614-1642 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos CFE .............................. 612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX . .................................................. 612-142 0001 CALIGAS.................................................... 612-142 0122
Get the Guide At:
16
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
La Bamba Restaurant Medio Camino (Halfway House) Rosarito Beach Hotel Lobby Coffee Shop D’Groomer - dog grooming Click On - Puerto Nuevo Baja Open House, km 38 Bobby’s Baja by the Sea, km 42 MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
The United Society of Baja California is still looking for donations of school supplies for their 250 children in Primo Tapia, a community situated in the Playas de Rosarito with about 4,000 inhabitants. They will be happy to pick up anything you have, or you may leave your donations with Dottie Farnham at the Mail Room at Rene’s—she is there Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, Amy Valenzuela is helping with the drive, and she can be contacted at amyv291@yahoo.com. The children’s needs are basic; notebook paper, composition books, pencils, blue and red ballpoint pens and glue sticks. Waldo’s and “Solo Un Precio” stores in town have tons of bargains, as well as the Dollar Store, Target, Walmart and several others. Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated.
{Ensenada, Baja California}
ENSENADA DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions
- Pool/Spa
- Accept Credit Cards
- Pet Friendly
- Wi-Fi / Internet
- Serves Breakfast
- Kitchen/Restaurant
- Beer/Spirits
# - Map Number
- Reader Poll Winner
WHERE TO EAT Mexican Casa Mar Restaurant Bar................................646-174-0417 www.restaurantcasamar.com Magana’s.......................................................646-155-0586 Steak & Seafood El Rey Sol......................................................646-178-1601 . ...............646-178-3271 La Mansion de Ensenada
Ensenada
Mexico Living Contact Information
WHERE TO STAY
Associate Rachel Pack MX 686-230-9933 / rachel@mexicoliving.info www.enjoyensenada.com 011-52-646-172-3022 (800) 310-9687 www.enjoyensenada.com
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 energy. 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. For more information on getting to Ensenada, visit www.mexicolivingguide.com.
RV Park/Parque de RV Mona Lisa RV Park.........................................646-177-5100 Popotla R.V. Park............................................661-612-1501 Motels/Moteles .........................................646-176-1333 America Motel . ..........................................646-176-3245 Rudis Motel Ensenada Inn.................................................646-176-1361 Hotel El Joker.................................................646-177-5151 Posada Don Fernando....................................646-177-0127 Azteca Inn......................................................646-177-4015 Hotel Best Western El Cid........................................646-178-2401 .........................................646-176-0901 Corona Hotel . ..................................800-800-9632 Costa Azul Grand Baja Resort (Puerto Nuevo) . ..............................................877-315-1002 Hotel Coral & Marina ........646-175-0000 ........................646-155-0007 Hotel La Fonda . ..................................646-178-1601 Posada El Rel Sol San Nicolas Hotel...........................................646-176-1901 Oxidox Cafe...................................................646-178-8827 Rentals Baja Rentals...................................... www.BajaCatalina.com
BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z
Aeropuerto/Airport Aeropuerto ...................................................646-273-1984 Art Gallery Garery Art & Stuff..........................................646-175-8859 ARTIST Alfonso Arambulua.........................................646-149-3866 DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE FRACCIONAMIENTOS ........................ 1-800-434-2252 Baja Mar Country Club FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company..................................686-576-0653 HEALTH SPA La Fonda........................................................646-155-0394 INSURANCE Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking).............686-577-1622 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.................646-178-8280 Legal/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 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos CFE ..................................612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX . ...................................................... 612-142 0001 CALIGAS........................................................ 612-142 0122 Vinos Fuentes Winery
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
Winery .............................646-171-7070
www.mexicolivingguide.com
17
{San Felipe, Baja California} 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 sophisticated 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-foot 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 Pedro 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 extensive 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 offers great bargain shopping for souvenirs, arts and much more. For more information on getting to San Felipe, visit www.mexicolivingguide.com.
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.
San Felipe
Mexico Living Contact Information Associate Publisher Bill Maine 686-231-4921 / billmaine@gmail.com
Get the Guide At: Baja Nueva Blowin’ Smoke BBQ Botica Sagrado Corazon Charley AM/PM Airport Road Chumpos Pizza & Ice Cream CSI Baja Fat Boy’s Pizza Juanitos Restaurant Lillyana’s Day Spa Lighthouse Los Arcos Happy Jackass Maderas de San Felipe Maxivision Optical Oasis Market Playa Azul Restaurant Rancho Otro Market Redwagon Rosita Resturant Santa Fe Ph. SunRunner Mail Srvc. Yetmail Z Market
SAN FELIPE DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions
- Pet Friendly
- Wi-Fi / Internet
- Serves Breakfast
- Kitchen/Restaurant
- Beer/Spirits
# - Map Number
sanfelipe.com.mx (COTUCO) 011-52-686-577-1104
- Pool/Spa
- Accept Credit Cards
- Reader Poll Winner
PLACES TO EAT American Los Arcos . .......................... 686-577-2585 Baja Java .................................... 686-577-2465 Baja Jimmys.............................................686-139-7373 Beach Bar & Grill ................... 686-577-3144 Blowin’ Smoke BBQ .................................. 686-576-0710 Breakfast The Bistro “Java Jitters” ....... 686-114-7735 Burgers Baja Burger................................................ 686-577-2465 Chilis & Burgers......................................... 686-577-6196 Ice Cream Chumpo’s Pizza and Ice Cream.................. 686-577-0085 Japanese Oshii Japanese Restaurant......................... 686-184-9790 Mexican The Beach Bar and Grill ......... 686-577-3144 El Apetito................................................... 686-139-1943 El Club....................................................... 686-577-1175 Juanitos (El Colorado) ....................... 686-133-6500 La Palapa Bar & Grill ............. 686-200-4083 Mi Casa es Tu Casa.................................... 686-577-1495 Rancho Alegre ........................ 686-576-0648 Restaurant Playa Azul ........................ 686-120-9051 Rice & Beans ....................................... 686-577-1770 Rosita . ......................................... 686-577-1903 Pizza Fatboy’s ............................ 686-577-4092 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass . .......... 686-577-2585 Popeye’s Pizza........................................... 686-577-1122 Rabbit Pizza Delivery.................................. 686-577-0987 Spanish Miguel & Paco ................................ 686-111-2257 Steak & Seafood Al’s Backstreet Cantina ................. 686-577-1580 Green House.............................................. 686-181-6358 El Nido ................................................ 686-577-1028 Lighthouse Restaurant ............ 686-577-2540 Los Arcos . ................................... 686-577-2585 Fine Dining The Latin Garden........................................ 686-209-6369 2-Highway 5 KM 183, San Felipe, BC Pavilion Restaurant ............... 686-577-0022
The Pavilion Restaurant
30% off
Any breakfast, lunch or dinner Excluding shrimp or scallops dishes. Not valid with any other special. Items only discounted off regular price. Contact cesar.quirarte@doradoranch.com.mx
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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
PLACES TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Club de Pesca............................................ 686-577-1180 Kiki's RV Park on the Beach........................ 686-577-2021
Rentals Baja Bill's Property Managment.................. 686-577-4014 Casey’s Place ....... 686-577-1431 MySanFelipeVacation.com........................(686) 109-0579
Rancho del Sol . ................... 686-231-4921 Redwagon Property Services..................... 686-576-0081
Sandollar Condotels................................... 686-123-7688 Places to Stay…Rentals…Sandollar Condotels Seaside Shangri-La Apartment................... 686-577-1573 Su Casa Elegante ........................ 686-577-0745 Motels/Hotels Marina Resort ........................... 686-577-1569
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)
ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD CP E&A Accounting......................................... 686-577-0836
Alterations/sastre San Felipe Seamstress (Vickie Silva).......... 686-175-5420 ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Rosa Lina Ramos Lazcano......................... 686-184-6172
{San Felipe, Baja California}
Around Town
in ipe l e F n a S
By the time this publication makes it to the streets, the weather should have changed, and we should be enjoying some really nice weather! That was a prayer, by the way. August brought many fun things to the San Felipe horizon. On August 3, Karen and Manuel’s Baja Agave Blues Rock! Java hosted a wine tasting at the North location. There was an amazing chef there from Tijuana and wines from Valle de Guadalupe. Desert Mother’s Playshop is such a wonderful thing for local women, a time to come together and learn new skills, this month was Design & Sewing with Marion Kendrick. The project is the brainchild of Donna Roberts, a way to give the community a new outlet of expression . . . through art. Rodger and Sherry celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary with their loyal karaoke followers and friends at the JollyMon on August 11. The place was PACKED, free draft beer and finger foods all night long! Congrats, Rodger and Sherry! Another event at the JollyMon brought by VIP Earth Events was Steel Drums & Rum on August 15. Only problem: no steel drum! Yeah. I guess the drummer couldn’t get his paperwork in order to be able to get back in the States, so he sent another guy. But the band was great and everyone had a really good time. Look for more events to come at the JollyMon! San Felipe’s own Agave Blues played at the 2nd Annual Ensenada Blues and Rock Festival on August 16. The band was the headliner for the event and received the only encore of the day’s events. Great job, guys! Coming up on October 23–24, Lighthouse is proud to present the First Annual Lighthouse Restaurant Tequila Festival! Yes! Tequila is back! Visit the festival website for tickets and information at www. lighthousetequilafestival.com. Proceeds of this event will benefit Casa de Fe Orphanage. The Mexicali-San Felipe highway has seen some major improvements over the last couple of months. Now there is only about three miles of dirt “by-way” to travel on. And the speed limit after the construction zone is a whopping 110 kph! NICE! There is another project in town that cannot go without mention. San Felipe Food Bank, founded by Mark LaPointe, will be having their first food drive during Shrimp Festival. They are also in the process of putting together a cookbook, Cookin’ San Felipe Style. For more information about that and the Christmas Box Project, stop by The Net. Kat has more details. MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
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{San Felipe, Baja California}
ART GALLERY Oasis Fine Art Gallery................................. 686-221-1245
church Mission San Felipe..................................... 686-577-0877
Mission San Felipe
ARTIST/ARTISTA Andrena Joyce ......E-mail: andrenajoyce@yahoo.com Melody Ashley............ E-mail: melodya2004@yahoo.com Robin Waters............................................. 686-115-0526 Sandy Colomb "The Gourd Lady" . ............. 686-576-0384 Watercolors by Mary Lou........................... 686-171-5513 ATTORNEY/ABOGADO Carlos A. Martinez Monges........................ 686-120-1650 Lic. Francisco Sosa Mendez....................... 686-577-0624 ADULT CARE/ATENCION DE ADULTOS San Felipe Adult Living Facility.................... 686-576-0661 BAKERY/PANADERÍA Panaderia Especial .............................. 686-577-2948 BANK/BANCO BBVA Bancomer......................................... 686-577-2224 Silvia Elizabeth Urbea, Preferred Customer’s Unit Ext. 13 BANDS/BANDAS Agave Blues............................................... 686-184-9237
FILM DEVELOPMENT/IMPRESION DE FOTOS Fotografia Alvarez....................................... 686-577-1144
San Felipe Home Builders........................... 686-577-3176
Non Denominational Church
(English Speaking)
2 Blocks west of the Glorietta at Chetumal and Mar de Irlanda
SUNDAY SERVICE 8:45 AM Please call 577-0877
CITY SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE LA CIUDAD District Attorney’s...................................... 686-577-1110 Mayors Office............................................ 686-577-1021
Baja Nueva
FURNITURE/MUEBLERÍA ......................................... 686-187-7795
IMPORT SERVICES/SE RVICIOS DE IMPORTACIÓN San Felipe Storage Company...................... 686-576-0432
COFFEE & TEA/CAFÉ Y TE The Bistro (Java Jitters)............................. 686-114-7735
Insurance Alani’s Mexican Insurance.......................... 686-577-2464
COMPUTER SERVICES Computing Integral Solutions...................... 686-577-2370 CSI Baja..................................................... 686-577-2928 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN San Felipe Management Services............... 686-576-0553
BARS/CLUBS Al’s Backstreet Cantina .................. 686-577-1580 The Beach Bar and Grill ........ 686-577-3144 V Lounge . ........................................... 707-237-1906 Fandango’s . ................................... 686-577-0060 JollyMon.................................................... 686-213-5647
GOLF/GOLF Las Caras de Mexico.................................. 686-576-0517 Graphic Design/Diseño Gráfico GreetScape................................................ 686-188-2393
Sweitzer Construction Management
..... 686-577-0195
HOME CLEANING/LIMPIEZA DE CASAS Redwagon Property Services..................... 686-576-0081 Housekeeping - Jackie’s Home Help........... 686-228-7480
686-577-2464 or FAX 686-577-2916
GYNECOLOGIST/GINECÓLOGO Annel Becerra Prado.................................. 686-577-6350
Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking)......... 686-577-1622 Orval Insurance...........................orvalquotes@gmail.com
HATS/sombreros Band It....................................................... 686-123-5147
INTERIOR DESIGN/DISEÑO INTERIOR Baja Nueva................................................ 686-211-4676 INTERNET CAFE/CAFE DE INTERNET Soluciones Integrales en Computacions...... 686-577-2370
SWEITZER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Kitchen/Bath Cocina/Bano Concepto Casa ..................... 686-576-0731
BJ Sweitzer Consultant Carlos Mora Contractor
Phone: 577-0195 USA: 011-52-686-577-0195 Email: bejota10@aol.com
Perez Construction..................................... 686-576-0650 COUNSELING-THERAPY/CONSULTA TERAPÉUTICA Inner Connection........................................ 686-255-5447 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass
............ 686-577-2585
BEAUTY SALONS/SALONES DE BELLEZA Lilly Ana’s Day Spot ............................ 686-577-6253 BUILDING MATERIALS/MATERIALES DE CONTRUCCIÓN Maderas de San Felipe ........................ 686-577-1515
DELI Sand & Sea Market & Deli .................... 686-577-3168 SunDance Deli ..................................... 686-576-0369 DENTIST/DENTISTA California Dental Spa . .......................... 686-577-0708 Dr. Felix Rodriguez...................................... 686-577-1919 Consultorio Dental Y de Ortodoncia ........... 686-577-6212
HEALTH & fitness/SALUD Y ejercicio Squats Gym ........................................ 686-125-1555 HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS M & O Construction................................... 686-124-3908 Oscar Parra................................................ 686-163-6514 Oscar Perez............................................... 686-120-6506 Perez Construction..................................... 686-236-4927
LANDSCAPING/JARDINERÍA Mauricio's Landscaping.............................. 686-151-8002 Prestige Landscape and Maintenance......... 686-170-8651 Your Paradise...My Passion
PMD Developments.................................... 638-105-9182
CHOCOLATE/CHOCOLATE Baja Chocolate Lovers . ....................... 686-576-0348
Order-in or Take out
DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS Casablanca................................................ 686-157-1728 Diamante Residencial................................. 686-569-2347 El Dorado Ranch........................................ 686-577-0015 La Perla Del Mar......................................... 760-458-7602 Playa de Oro ........................................ 686-576-0223 Playa del Paraiso.............................. 888-647-5292 x 704 San Rafael................................................. 686-576-0223 Discount Store El Cheap-O................................................. 686-577-6263 DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Victor Abasolo.......... 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174
Free Breakfast Sundays* Tortilla Soup DAILY
ENTERTAINMENT/ENTRETENIMIENTO Name That Tune - Denny Flannigan............. 686-576-1683 The Singout Sisters & Chuey (Karaoke) .686-576-0047
FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company........ ......................686-576-0653
Baked Ziti!
MEXICO LIVING
PIZZA
EVENT SERVICES/servicios acontecimiento Produciones Baja....................................... 686-576-1683
Best of
2008
*with purchase of one (1) alcoholic beverage
Mar de Cortez & Chetumal MexQuest Mortgage Corp..........Toll Free: 1-888-257-9162
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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
(686) 577-4092
{San Felipe, Baja California}
Versoleil
.............................................. 686-576-0664
LAUNDRY SERVICE/LAVANDERÍA Wash Tub................................................... 686-577-2001 LIFEGUARD/SALVAVIDAS San Felipe Lifeguards................................. 686-233-7730 Ask for Franscio LOCKSMITH/CERRAJERO Gomez Locksmith...................................... 686-221-8337 24 HR Service, Professional Service. Homes, Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, English Spoken Markets/Mercados Hipon/El Pelicano..............................686-577-0104/0204 Oasis BEST CIGARETTE PRICES................ 686-577-1276 MASSAGE/MASAJE Casey’s Place (Massage)........................... 686-577-1431
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
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{San Felipe, Baja California}
Meat Markets/Carnecerias Mercados Zsamaniegos Carnecerias (Z Market).......... 686-577-1676
POLICE/POLICÍA Federal Preventive Police ........................... 686-577-1045 Police ....................................................... 686-577-1134 PRINTERS/IMPRESORAS Papeleria Copicentro.................................. 686-577-1402 The Print Supplier....................................... 686-230-9933
MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance................................................ 686-577-0500 Baja Medical Center................................... 686-576-0200 Health Center............................................ 686-577-1521 Red Cross.................................................. 686-577-1544 Dr. Victor Abasolo.......... 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE PROPIEDADES Casey’s Place............................................ 686-577-1431 Custom Vacation Homes............................ 928-277-6863 928-277-7559 & visit www.sanfelipevacations.com Enjoy Baja.................................................. 686-576-0697 Redwagon Property Services..................... 686-576-0081 POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALES Yetmail....................................................... 686-577-1255
Sea Mexico Realty (SMR)........................... 686-576-0223 REAL ESTATE SERVICES/servicios DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services................. 686-576-0653 RECREATION/RECREACIÓN San Felipe Sailing-Sailing Lessons.............. 686-114-3259 Aerodynamic - Ultralight flights . ................ 686-116-2933
Computer & Satellite Installation • Dish Network TV • Satellite Internet
• Computers • DVD Rentals
686-577-2928 shane@csibaja.com
PHARMACY/FARMACIA Botica “Sagrado Corazon”.......................... 686-577-1294
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/ ORGANIZACIONES DE SERVICIO Club Las Amigas........................................ 686-202-0455 San Felipe Lions Club................................. 686-212-3599 San Felipe Rotary....................................... 686-576-0112 Sand & Sea................................................ 686-577-3168 SunRunner Mail Center ........................ 686-147-6752
SHOPPING MALL/CENTRO DE COMPRAS La Plazita................................................... 686-577-2119
PUBLICATIONS/PUBLICACIONES Gringo Gazette........................................... 686-111-3692
Solar Baja Solar Systems.................................... 686-111-0504 SPECIALTY STORES Sea of Cortez Salt...................................... 686-209-0074 STORAGE/ALMACÉN San Felipe Storage Company...................... 686-576-0432 TATTOOING/TATUAJES Baja Ink Spot Tattoo & Body Piercing.......... 686-577-0746
PHYSICAL THERAPY Adrienne Streppel.....................................(686) 576-0339
Mexico Living Magazine............................. 686-577-1377 San Felipe Newsletter................................. 686-577-2898 REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Bill Maine................................................... 686-231-4921 Jim Moore.....................................MX Cell 686 184-9237 US 619-209-8486 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Amor Property .................................... 686-577-0611 Baja 24/7 Construction & Real Estate......... 686-577-6196 Desert Hawk.............................................. 686-577-1244
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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
VETERINARY/VETERINARIO Desert Veterinary Group...........................(760) 355-0141
SATELLITE TELEVISION & INTERNET/ TELEVISION SATELITALES Y INTERNET CSI - Computer & Satellite Installation........ 686-577-2928
Optometrists/Opthamologists California Optical........................................ 686-577-0708
Santa Fe Pharmacy ................................... 686-576-0546
Propane Gas.............................................. 686-577-2373 State Com. of Services Public.................... 686-556-1383 Telnor Phone Co......................................... 686-577-1000 Water Company......................................... 686-577-1022
TIRE SHOP/lLANTERA Llantera Aguilar.......................................... 686-192-8462 TRANSLATION/TRADUCCIÓN Carlota Villagran B...................................... 686-212-9951 TRANSPORTATION/TRANSPORTACIÓN Airport....................................................... 686-577-1368 Taxi Service............................................... 686-577-1293 Bus Station ............................................... 686-577-1516 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos Electric (CFE)................. 686-577-1060 or 686-577-5602 Estrella Azul (Water Dispensery)................. 686-577-1314
Hospital Animal.......................................... 686-577-1688 PETS......................................................... 686-577-2155 Veterinaria Mundo Animal........................... 686-577-2663 WASTE MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE DESHECHO San Felipe Disposal.................................... 686-121-1004
{Mulegé, Baja California Sur} Mulegé is situated at the mouth of the Río Santa Rosalía (26°53´17˝N 111°58´53˝W), in the 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 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.
Mulegé DIRECTORY PLACES TO EAT
Mexican La Casitas...................................................615-153-0019 Tacos y Pollos “Del Castillo”........................615-153-0378
PLACES TO STAY Bed & Breakfasts Clementine's B&B.......................................615-153-0319 Casa del Los Suenos B&B...........................615-155-4087 Hotel Desert Inn...................................................200-124-9122 Hotel Serenidad...........................................615-153-0530 Mulegé Hotel...............................................615-153-0090 San Buenaventura Hotel..............................615-153-5616 Terrazas Hotel.............................................615-153-0009 RV Oasis Rio Baja............................................615-153-0425 Villa Maria Isabel RV Park............................615-153-0246
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) Tours/adventures Baja Tropicales................................................ 615-153-0320
Mulegé Sportfishing....................................615-153-0482 Cortez Explorers..........................................615-153-0500
{Loreto, Baja California Sur}
Around Town in Loreto
with mman Lynn Ha
Loreto has a monthly Ladies Birthday Caritas is located behind La Mision de Loreto, Luncheon to honor the ladies’ birthdays that are where they collect clothing every Tuesday from either full or part-timers. The attendee list runs 5–7 p.m. Rosa Davis is the president of this anywhere from 25 to 85 ladies (and growing) charitable organization. So when you go to clean and, of course, visitors are welcome as long as out that closet, take your clothing to Caritas, so they are female. that they can be passed on to a person in need. Each month different ladies volunteer to host the event—not that they pay for anything—they just find a place, develop a menu, price of the meal and, of course, order a cake! This is a chance for all the ladies to gather around and get caught up on everyone’s lives. Since most of the foreign community vacates during the hot summer months, the luncheons go by the wayside. This year a group of us got together just to catch up on the gossip. This picture Coco Cabañas is newly constructed, U.S. owned and is of one of the unofficial luncheons at operated and located in beautiful Loreto, Baja California Domingo’s Place. Sur, Mexico, Around the block from the Sea of Cortez, Caritas is a charitable organization to Marina and Public Beach and three blocks from downtown feed and clothe the needy in the nearby and historic district. Each of the fully furnished, individual cabañas are surrounding by a quiet, palm landscaped subdivision of Mira Mar. Similar to courtyard featuring a pool in the center and a BBQ area. “Loaves & Fishes” in the U.S., a kitchen is set up at La Mision de Loreto on Salvatierria daily to feed the elderly and families with four or more children. Many times this is the only meal of the day that some of these people will get. There are volunteers who visit homes of the ailing and home-bound in Mira Mar to offer supplies and medical attention. On August 22, Caritas held a fundraiser breakfast at the Hotel La Mision. There were over 100 people in attendance for the breakfast to contribute to the cause.
Private & Personal Paradise
Loreto, 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, catering 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 prepare 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.
Get the Guide At:
La Cas Cada Restaurant Silver Desert Jewelry & Gifts Bar Eclipse Hotel Luna El Canaveral Dali Gourmet Coco Cabanas La Damiana Inn
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
23
{La Paz, Baja California Sur}
{Loreto, Baja California Sur (Cont.)} PLACES TO EAT
Mediterranean Mediterraneo.............................................. 613-135-2571 Mexican 1697.......................................................... 613-135-2538 La Cascada Restauran............................... 613 135-0550 Mita Gourmet............................................. 613-135-2025
Seafood 1697.......................................................... 613-135-2538 Augie’s Bar and Bait Shop
PLACES TO STAY
Motel Motel El Dorado..................................686-613-135-1500
La Paz (“The Peace”) is the capital city of Baja California Sur located at 24.1405°N 110.3123°W and is an important commercial center. Its surrounding municipality, which is the fourth-largest municipality in Mexico in geographical size, in 2005 reported a population of 219,596 living on 7,828.2 square miles of land. La Paz is typically dry and warm with averages 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 phenomenon 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.
LA PAZ DIRECTORY
Hotel Hacienda Suites......................................... 613-135-1693 Hotel Coco Cabana.................................... 613-135-1729 Hotel Luna................................................. 613-135-2288 Hotel Oasis (in Mexico).........................01-800-624-9449 Toll free US: 1 866 482 0247 La Damiana Inn.......................................... 613-135-0356 La Daminanas............................................ 613-135-0356 La Mision Hotel.......................................... 613-134-0350 Tripui Hotel................................................. 613-133-0818
Hamman’s Vacaciones............................... 613-135-0791
PLACES TO EAT Cafe Capri...................................................624-123-3737 Gorilla’s Grill...............................................612-128-8095 Le Bistrot Francais......................................612-125-6080
PLACES TO STAY Hotels Araiza Inn Palmira $$..................................612-121-6200 Club El Moro $$..........................................612-122-4084 Crowne Plaza $$$.......................................612-124-0830 La Casa Jalisco...........................................612-12-84311 La Concha Beach Resort $$$......................612-121-6344 La Posada de Engelbert $$..........................612-122-4011 La Posada de Las Flores $$$$....................612-125-5871 Los Arcos $$$............................................612-122-2744 Marina Hotel $$$........................................612-121-6254 Mediterrane $..............................................612-125-1195 Seven Crown Hotel $$$$.............................612-128-7787
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) FERRY SERVICE Baja Ferries.................................................612-125-7443 GOVERNMENT SEMATUR...................................................612-125-8899 Baja California Sur State Government..........612-124-0199 La Paz Post Office
Beach-side Vacation condo or house rentals E njoy
Luxury Living
fuLL kitCHEns , privatE patios ,
W ifi & pooL .
HigH - spEEd i ntErnEt aCCEss , soLar - HEatEd sWimming
$72/ nigHt
to
$900/ WEEk
www.stayinloreto.com C ontaCt L ynn H amman 52-613-135-0791
L ynnHamman @ yaHoo . Com
Villas de las Palmas................................... 613-135-2256 US 760-603-8313
Augie’s Bar & Bait Shop! Where it feels like Home! Loreto’s Best Happy Hour Monday - Friday from 4pm - 7pm Featuring Augie’s Specials: Angus beef Hamburgers Fresh Sushi Chili Rellano’s Rid Eye Steaks Fabulous Fish Dinners
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www.augiesbARloreto.com 613-135-1224
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) AIRPORT Loreto International Airport......................... 613-135-0565 BUS Loreto Bus Terminal................................... 613-135-0767 Rentals Coco-cabanas........................................... 613-135-1729 El Tiburon Casitas.............................. US (805) 748-4566
TOURISM Loreto Tourism Office..................................613-135-0411 MEDICAL Red Cross...................................................613-135-1111 Centro de Salud
Hospital
{San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California Sur}
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 nighttime 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 JOSE DEL CABO Phone Numbers
Police 624-142-0361 Emergencies 066 Fire Dpt. 116 Airport - AEROPUERTO 624-146-5111 Ambulances. 624-143-4020 City Hall 624-142-2960 Consumer Protection (PROFECO) 624-42-8076 Chamber of Commerce (CANACO) 624-143-0437
Drinking Water Electric Power Co. - (CFE) Family Protection - (DIF) Federal Police - (PJF) Fire Department(116) Gas Leaks Harbor Master Health Center
624-142-1392 624-142-0337 624-142-0141 624-143-1210 624-142-2466 624-142-0122 624-142-0722 624-142-0241
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 resortstudded Tourist Corrider that stretches 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. Cabo 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).
Highway Patrol Immigration Public Services Red Cross Secretary of Tourism Social Security Hospital (IMSS) State Police TELMEX Tourist Assistance
624-146-0573 624-146-5229 624-142-0624 624-142-0316 624-142-3310 624-142-0180 624-142-4104 624-142-0001 624-142-0057
SAN JOSE DEL CABO DIRECTORY PLACES TO EAT American Applebee’s..................................................624-172-6472 Asian Baan Thai Pan Asian Restaurant and Bar.....624-142-3344 Burgers & More Baja Brewing Company...............................624-146-9995 Cactus Jack's Bar and Grill..........................624-142-5601 Die Trying Cafe...........................................624-142-5657 Coffee & Baked Correcaminos Cafe.....................................624-142-3510 International Local Eight Restaurant................................624-142-6655 Havana Supper Club....................................624-142-2603 Italian & Pizza Buon Appetito.............................................624-142 4040 La Dolce Italian Restaurant..........................624-142-6621 Mexican Don Emiliano Restaurant.............................624-142-0266 Casianos Restaurant................................... 624 142 5928 Brisa Beach Club and Restaurant...................624-142-244 Habanero's Restaurant................................624-142-2626 Jazmin Restaurant.......................................624-142-1760 Seafood La Panga Antigua Restaurant and Bar..........624-142-4041 Steak La Bodega Steak and wine house................624-142-6619
PLACES TO STAY Hotel Baja Vacations............................................877-462-2226 Barcelo Hotels and Resort........................ (624) 146-7500 Cabo Surf Hote...........................................624-142-2666 Desire Resort & Spa...................................624-142-9300 Posada Chabela..........................................624-172-6495 Posada Real Best Western.........................624-142 - 0155 Suites Las Palmas.......................................624-142-2131
{Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur}
Cabo San Lucas DIRECTORY PLACES TO EAT
Gas Leaks...................................................624-143-1292
Mexican Panchos.....................................................624-143-2891 Ay... Chihuahua...........................................624-143-3280 Baja Cantina................................................624-143-0225 Margaritaville..............................................624-143-7401 Mi Casa......................................................624-143-1933 Restaurant Pancho's & Tequila Bar...............624-143-2891 Seafood La Golondrina.............................................624-143-0542 Lorenzillo's..................................................624-105-0212 The Blue Turtle............................................624-143-1118 Villa Serena.................................................624-145-8244 International Peacocks....................................................624-143-1858
Marine Harbor Master.............................................624-143-4771 Cabo San Lucas Marina..............................624-143-1766 Utilities TELMEX......................................................624-143-0001 Tourist Assistance.......................................624-143-0016 Drinking Water............................................624-143-0228 Electric Power Co........................................624-143-0064 Tourism & Immigration Services Public Services...........................................624-143-2786 Immigration................................................624-146-5229
PLACES TO STAY Hotel Bahia Hotel.................................................624-143-1888 Best Western Cabo Las Flores Hotel............624-143-6199 Casa Pablito................................................624-143-1971 Hotel and Plaza Los Arcos .........................624-143-0702 Mar de Cortez Hotel....................................624-143-0032 Siesta Suites Hotel......................................624-143-2773
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) Police State Police.................................................624-143-0296 Highway Patrol............................................624-143-3977 Federal Police..............................................624-143-1210 Medical Alcoholics Anonymous................................624-147-5516 Ambulances................................................624-143-4020 Social Security Hospital...............................624-143-1548 Health Center..............................................624-143-0102 Red Cross...................................................624-143-3300 City Chamber of Commerce...............................624-143-0437 Family Protection........................................624-143-0586
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
25
{Puerto Peñasco, sonora}
Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a small city of approximately 42,000 people in the northern state of Sonora. Located on the shore of the Sea of Cortez, the town is known for its fishing and tourism industries. It is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those from Arizona. There are a wide variety of activities available for everyone, from the lazy days relaxing in the sun, to the action filled wild ride. Activities include shopping, scuba diving, sport fishing, sunset cruises, off-road adventures, horseback riding, kayaking, parasailing, watercraft rentals and much more. Puerto Peñasco is located in the “free zone” where tourists are not required currently to obtain immigration papers in order to visit. Puerto Peñasco has two main beach areas. To the west of the Old Port area, there is a wide, flat area known as Sandy Beach. This is the home to several large hotel/resorts. To the east there is a long coast with several areas, known in parts as El Mirador, Playa del Oro and then Las Conchas, an area of beachfront near condos, homes and time-shares. For more information on getting to Puerto Peñasco, visit www.mexicolivingguide.com.
Puerto Peñasco
Mexico Living Contact Information Associate Publishers Ray & Annette Ramirez MX 638-150-4512 / US 480-704-4726 rayramirezmlg@gmail.com, annetteramirezmlg@gmail.com
www.cometorockypoint.com
Around Town in Puerto Peñasco by Rita Pizarro and Tom Thomas
Get the Guide At: La Cocina de Ramon Mariscos el Conchal Jerry’s Restaurant-Bar Pollo Lucas Betos Place Home Plate Seafood Aladinos Reggies 8-12 on Sinaloa St Reggies 8-12 on 13th St Capones Pizza Disenos Furniture Hotel Playa Inn Changos bar Debbies Restaurant Thirsty Parrot Charros JJ’s Cantina Tienda La Cholla Playa Inn - in the Mirador Sonora Market Viva Mexico Taco Stand Cosmos 2000 Pharmacies Licores el Crucero Restaurant Habana Vieja Boo Bar
with d Rita Tom an
Photo by Rosie Glover
My favorite month of the year is here, not only because I was born in October but also because the weather is great, the ocean water is still warm and perfect for swimming, snorkeling and all kinds of water sports; sunsets are amazing and sunrises crisp and beautiful. It is also a great month to sit outside
and look at the stars and the lights of the shrimp boats blending together on the horizon. If you are interested in social gathering, the fall is also known as “Event Season.” Come to Peñasco and share a little piece of paradise! The Uncommon Women on Common Ground group has gone Passionately Pink hosting a potluck dinner at the Princesa Condo’s Clubhouse, a small donation of $10 per person is being used to help build a hospice in Peñasco for victims of cancer. The land was donated with the stipulation that the facility has to be completed in 20 months. If you would like to help “San Peregrino,” contact Mariadela Arocha at arochaplayagal@ hotmail.com.
Alonso Peimbert and Vanessa Peimbert.
Kayak Rentals, Sales, & Tours
EcoFriendly way to expore, photograph, fish, & excerise
Sales
Rentals
Guided Kayak Tours, Snorkeling, Fishing, & Estuary Eco-Tours on theGuide MaintoBlvd. Benito entraceMEXICO to Old LIVING Port, Look for the2009 YELLOW building at the fork in the road on the right. 26 Located The Monthly Pacific Baja &Juarez the Seaatofthe Cortez – October
Local Cell: 044-638-103-2038 & 044-638-109-6894 free: 1-866-687-2510 toll US
www.kayakrockypoint.com
Photo by Rosie Glover
{Puerto Peñasco, sonora}
Lillian Vega during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for her second “Sex City” location.
The Real Estate Point in alliance with G+3 Intelligent Architecture had an interesting presentation at the Sonoran Sky. Whether you have a piece of land or are starting from scratch, they have financing up to 100 percent of the construction for custom architectural projects from homes to commercial space with a fixed cost guarantee. Scotiabank is the financial institution supporting this attractive enterprise that offers financing to foreign and national citizens,
INTEGRITY
resident or not, with attractive rates. CEO Alonso Peimbert, an architect with a masters in finance shared his knowledge and ideas during this event in which packages with DVDs were given to the invitees. We also had the pleasure to meet with Vanessa Peimbert, advisor executive, she can be contacted at gerencia@gmas3.com.mx. We have a perfect place to visit on your weekend getaways where you will be able to find anything from chocolate body finger paint, massage oil to
SERVICE
CHOICE
GSA CORPORATION Mexico Real Estate Financing
US & Canadian Citizens Residence Rates Low as Purchase Pre-finance Cash-out a 6 .750 s Up to 80% Financing % Lot Financing Fractionals
USA: (480) 704-4885 MEX: (638) 388-7632
sexy lingerie. Focused on romance, sensuality and eroticism, you can find it all at Sex City owned by the beautiful Lillian Vega. She has just opened a second location with her romantic and sexy touch on 13th street and Luis Encinas Corner, very easy to find it is the perfect location. If you don’t want to
go there, she will come to you: Gather six or more friends and she will bring the “sexy suitcase” to your home. Give your relationship an extra touch of eroticism! For appointments or more info, email sexcity09@hotmail.com.
Puerto Peñasco DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions
- Pool/Spa
- Accept Credit Cards
- Pet Friendly
- Wi-Fi / Internet
- Serves Breakfast
- Kitchen/Restaurant
- Beer/Spirits
# - Map Number
- Reader Poll Winner
PLACES TO EAT
American Maxs Cafe .................................................638-383-1011 Breakfast Giuseppe’s Coffee . ....................................638-383-5181 Giuseppi’s Espresso
What’s Healthier than a Salad?
Giuseppi’s Soup and Salad Bar
Blvd. Fremont, Puerto Peñasco
www.giuseppis.info
Marios Coffee – On the entrance to the Malecon Charbroiled Chicken Pollo Lucas – Blvd Benito Juarez “under the big Palapa” Cuban Food Restaurant Habana Vieja.......................... 638-383-6909 Leon de Barra #161 and Guillermo Prieto -Col Centro International Aladinos Restaurant....................................638-383-6175 Changos Bar and Cantina............................638-382-8648 In front of Sonora Spa Debbie’s Restaurant – On the Malecon upstairs Old Port
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
27
{Puerto Peñasco, sonora}
Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) Tourism & Visitor Assistance News by Rosie Glover
The Rocky Point Tourism & Visitor Assistance (TVA) office is now open and is working to increase tourismism, address image issues, provide a referral service to consumers, promote member businesses and offer free 24-hour emergency assistance to all visitors to Rocky Point. Walk-ins seeking help with copies, phone calls, and community information, and business owners stopping by to see the office, located in the California Building, in Suite 202, have kept us busy. Business memberships are also rolling in. Gina Jeffery has joined the team. In no time at all, Gina has made herself indispensible. Meeting her is reason enough to stop by sometime soon. The UK-based travel guide Rough Guides will include us in their next edition. All wishing to be included should contact us at (638) 388-8207 or rosie@proalliance.com.mx.
Thirsty Parrot .........................................636-388-7068 On the Malecon
Convienience Stores Reggies 8-12 – On Sinaloa Street across from Playa Inn Reggies 8-12 – On 13th Street and Luis Encinas
Gina Jeffery
The preevent season has begun and preparations are in place for much activity in the coming months. The HarleyDavidson Rocky Point Rally is scheduled for November 5–8. Jules Elliott and Linda Dahl of Quick Throttle magazine were here with great plans for this year’s rally. Jerry Canez, owner of Jerry’s in the Malecon, will host the magazine’s editorial team during the event. Come and have your picture taken with the team, meet the girls and watch the action from Jerry’s!
Mexican Betos Place ...............................................638-383-5198 On the Malecon Old Port #40 Charros Restaurant – Blvd Benito Juarez in the Jim Bur Plaza Cocodrilos .................................................638-383-6376 La Cocina de Ramon – Ave FCO Gonzales Boca Negra #261 La Curva . ..................................................638-383-3470 Manny’s Beach Club ..................................638-383-3605 Viva Mexico Taco stand just off the Malecon Fundadore Pizza Augustin’s Pizza and Wings.........................638-383-1699 13th Street in front of Kenos Capones Pizza – Sinaloa Street next to Playa Inn Steak & Seafood Bestos Place...............................................638-114-3917 El Conchal Seafood.....................................638-383-8173 Friendly Dolphin .........................................638-383-2608 Jerrys Restaurant – On the Malecon Old Port Lighthouse . ...............................................638-383-2389 Latitude 31 Rest. & Sports Bar....................638-383-4311 Mariscos el Conchal – Blvd Benito Juarez #79
Tienda La Cholla – In Cholla Bay DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS Bella Vista ..............................................638-388-7194 "Parayso" Desembembogue Devept..............638 388-5707 DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Luis Vasquez, M.D. ................................638 383-3014 Fire Department/Departamento de Bomberos Fire Department.................................. 638-383-2828/068 Fish Markets Home Plate Sea Food – On the Malecon next to Betos Place FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company......... ......................760-494-7053 GSA Corporation.........................................638-388-7632
PLACES TO STAY
National Recognition of Puerto Peñasco Realtors by Hildred Caywood
Puerto Peñasco real estate franchise Century 21 Sun & Sand, and Gretchen Ellinger, real estate agent and Cholla Bay sales manager, were honored at “Encuentro de Verano 2009,” the biannual Zone 1 gathering of Century 21 real estate professionals. Century 21 Sun & Sand, under the guidance of Heidi Wosak, earned the franchise award for third highest sales in Zone 1, and Gretchen Ellinger was recognized as the second top producing realtor in Zone 1, as well as 26th in the country. “I am so proud of my team, they just keep stepping up and meeting the market challenges!” says Wosak. Heidi also said that Gretchen has been an agent in Puerto Peñasco for over six years, and she has a long list of devoted clients and past awards. Congratulations to Century 21 Sun & Heidi Wosak, Designated Broker, Gretchen Ellinger, Cholla Bay Manager, Sand, Heidi Wosak, and Century 21 Sun & Sand Century 21 Sun & Sand Gretchen Ellinger!
28
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
RV Park/Parque de RV Bonita RV Park............................................638-383-1400 Rentals/Se Rente Casa Monica Cholla Bay..............................638-382-5147 Bed & Breakfast with First Class Accommodations on the Beach in Cholla Bay” Go 2 Rocky Point........................................602-748-4134 Motels/Moteles Sonoran Spa Resort....................................638-383-1044 Playa Inn.....................................................638-383-5015
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) ARTIST Marianne Menditto...................................... 638-383-7616 BARS/CLUBS ............................................ at Cholla Bay JJ’s Cantina BooBar....................................................... 683-476-2665 CAR RENTAL/alquiler de autos The Point Rent-A -Car..................................638 388-5823
Monex Financial......................................... .638-388-5764 FURNITURE/Mobiliario Disenos Furniture........................................ 638-383-8633 Designs by Eddie Wharez Consign and Design ...................................638-110-6121 Home Furnishings Alexa Home Furnishings.............................. 638-388-6409 Baja Nueva Decorating Studio..................... 686-211-4676 Custom contemporary furniture & home accessories Serving Rosarito, Ensenada, Puerto Penasco, San Felipe HOME INSPECTIONS Tom Thomas................................................602-748 4134 Immigration Services/Servicios de Inmigración Sun Valley Immigration Services ................ 638-383-8891 Ask for Bianey or Dynora INSURANCE Services/Servicios de SEGUROS Alejandro Portugal Insurance....................... 638-383-2390
church/iglesia Family of God Christian Fellowship Non-Denominational 044-638- 107-7150 Church Worship Services, Sundays at 9 a.m. Placita Melanie, Suite #211 Blvd. Fremont CONTRACTOR PMD Developments......................................638 105-9182
602-971-0166
Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking)..........686-577-1622 ProAlliance Insurance...................................638-383-2390 Liquor store/Tienda de licor Licores el Crucero.................................... 638-388-0578 Blvd Benito Juarez and the train tracks next to Cosmos 2000 LEATHER Manny’s Leather Factory............................. 638-388-0609 Rita Pizarro
MASSAGE/MASAJE ...........................................638-386-5203
MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Clinica Hospital........................................... 638-383-2447 City (Municipal) Hospital ............................638-383-2110 Central Clinic .............................................638-383-2110 Hospital IMSS ...........................................638-383-2777 Red Cross . ................................................638-383-2266 Pharmacy/Farmacia Cosmos 2000 Pharmacies....638-383-3896 Blvd Benito Juarez and the train tracks POLICE/POLICÍA City Police Department . .............................638-383-2626 State Police................................................ 638-383-2783 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Baja Lending Co..........................................760-494-7053 Century 21 Cholla Bay ..............................638-382-5147 From the US 602-412-3311 ask for Grechen GretchenEllinger@century21penasco.com
Century 21 Puerto Peñasco . ................638-388-1295 USA Office # 480-626-4687 Susie Flinn - Remax Puerto Penasco...........638-360-5876 REAL ESTATE SERVICES/servicios DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services..................686-576-0653 RECREATION/RECREACIÓN Kayak Rocky Point ...............................638-103-2038 del Mar Ocean tours – At the Marina........638-107-3739 Rocky Point Parasailing...............................638-107-5922 www.RockyPointParasailing.com Jet Ski rental, fishing charters Choya Bay at JJ’s Cantina OCEAN SPORTS in Marina San Carlos.........638-226-0696 E mail: deportesoceano@prodigy.net.mx We offer - Scub Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Margarita Cruises, & Private Charters.
Seamstress/Modista Naomi Black (habla ingles)..........................638-388-5004 naomi@rhipeo.com TEQUILA Manny’s Tequila Factory..............................638-388-0607 Translation / Transducciones Shandra (Sami) Keesecker-Rivero...............638-383-8217 www.recursosmexico.com info@recursosmexico.com utilities/empresas de servicios públicos Power Company ................................ 638-383-2492/071 Propane ....................................................638-383-2630 Telephone Office ........................................638-383-2288 Water Co. .................................................638-383-2060
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
www.mexicolivingguide.com
29
{San Carlos, sonora}
San Carlos
Mexico Living Contact Information Associate Agent Lynn Prince 622-111-2624 / lynnprinceformlg@gmail.com www.gotosonora.com/ san-carlos-son-mx.htm.
SAN CARLOS DIRECTORY
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)
Fire Department/Departamento de Bomberos Fire Department (call Rescate).................... 622-226-0911 Rescue Squad/EMT's (Rescate)................... 622-226-0911 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance......................662-255-9181 or 662-253-0776 Clinica San Carlos....................................... 622-226-0062 CIMA Hospital............................................. 662-259-0900 Surgical Medical Center............................... 662-222-0267
San Carlos is a beachfront subdivision within the port city of Guaymas, in the northern state of Sonora in Mexico. It is noted for the exceptional clarity and warmth of the ocean water in its shallow bays. It lies on the body of water known as the Gulf of California or Sea of Cortez. Given the size of the city, with nearly 7,000 inhabitants, there are nine hotels of diverse categories with 567 rooms, 280 RV spaces, 2 marinas with enough space to berth 570 boats, one 72 par 18 hole golf course and endless natural attractions. Due to the great diversity of marine species, San Carlos is the best place in the State of Sonora for the sport of diving.
San Carlos is approximately a five-hour drive (241 miles) from the United States on Mexican Interstate Highway 15, 20 minutes from Guaymas, and only an hour from the state capital Hermosillo and an International Airport. The trip from the United States requires that
foreigners obtain a tourist visa. Car permits are only required to travel south of Guaymas. For more information on getting to San Carlos, visit www.mexicolivingguide.com.
Tesoro Decoracion Tequila’s Seaside Reservations Paradiso Resort San Carlos Plaza Hotel Santa Rosa Market Rosa’s Cantina
Get the Guide At: La Palapa Griega Greek Restaurant Joyas de Country Long Realty Seaside
Around Town in San Carlos
with rince Lynn P
As the long hot summer draws to a close, I’m looking forward to the humidity leaving on October 15 as it normally does, and the fall homecoming of our residents that leave in May who can’t handle the heat . . . and new places, new faces, and new events happening in and around town in our little slice of paradise. Isis Magers, San Carlos’s own in-house psychologist has now gotten herself her very own half-hour radio show, A Moment of Help With Dr. Elizabeth Martinez and Psychologist Isis Magers. She had great response to the first shows that aired on August 15 and 20 . . . lots of “call-ins” and messages responding to the programs insight on how emotions effect our health. Isis and hubby, Jim, are new owners of Marina Cantina and have their hands full with that, but this is the love of Isis’ life—helping people. You can tune in every Saturday morning from 8:30–9 a.m. at 10.40AM on your radio dial and listen to Sonora’s “Dr. Laura”! New local from England, Paul Handover, also the delightful new love of long-time resident (28 years) Jeanie-Beanie Burch, started an interesting blog spot called Learning From Dogs at http://learningfromdogs.com. It started as an experiment, in the midst of all the change over the last 10–20 years; especially within investing and finance, over a sense of the loss of integrity in these areas. The blog is to generate thoughtful debate about how to help each other through these difficult times. The experiment needs feedback and comment from you, the reader, to work. So where do the dogs come 30
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
in? Well the website proclaims the virtues of integrity and dogs are held up as a canine classic of integrity as they don’t cheat or lie, are loyal, have no hidden agendas, forgive, and love unconditionally. You’ll enjoy this website. Two of San Carlos’s most beautiful of people, Matt and Myra Young will be departing from San Carlos on September 17 for permanent residency in beautiful Vera Cruz. This stunning couple will be greatly missed, but will be back in the spring to spend three months in their new little casita in Villa de San Carlos. Matt was the founder of What’s Up in San Carlos. Yours truly enjoyed the delightful company of Matt and Myra and the captivating Lillia Sanchez for an awesome birthday celebration of my “29th” at La Conquista Restaurante the other night. What an awesome meal and amazing birthday presentation of mango mousse! If you are having a birthday, this truly is the place to go if you want to impress someone. The Ya-Ya Sisterhood has grown in San Carlos . . . a bevy of beautiful single women of all ages has been seen around town having lunch, enjoying entertainment, and now swim together on a regular basis over in Vista Marina. A bit of a take-off on Mid-life Mavericks in Mexico, these post menopausal maidens of Mexico are the crème of the crop and wondering when the Ha-Ha Brotherhood is going to sit up and notice them! Well, that’s how the boat floats for this month.
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
Piccolo’s Baracuda Bob’s Captains Club Marinaterra Hotel Izzy’s Soggy Peso Bar Remax
Summer bird nest in a local Suagaro that is just blooming.
POLICE/POLICÍA San Carlos Policia.......................................622-226-1400 State Policia................................................622-226-1540 Commisario Sergio Garcia...........................622-226-0004 Real Estate Long Realty Seaside....................................622-226-2188 Siesta Realty, S.A. De C.V...........................622-226-2066 RECREATION OCEAN SPORTS in Marina San Carlos.........622-226-0696 E-mail: deportesoceano@prodigy.net.mx We offer - Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Margarita Cruises, & Private Charters STORAGE San Carlos Storage Services.......................622 226-0866 www.sancarlosstorageservice.com utilities/empresas de servicios públicos Power Company (CFE) ...............................622-229 4400 Telmex............................622-226-0026 or 622-226-0050 Water Co.(CEA)...........................................622-226-0909
{PEOPLE & VOICES}
Centavo’s Two Cents
WHAT’S UP DOC?
In an age when we depend on getting the services we believe we deserve, it is somewhat mind boggling that Americans wait anxiously for decisions on our health care. What we finally end up with may not matter if we don’t realize that our everyday choices are more paramount to our well-being than anything else. When I first arrived in Baja I certainly knew that there were adjustments to be made. Since I already had a language barrier, I was prepared to research everything that would make my life blissful here regardless of that. As an early retired “baby-boomer” I knew that there would be compromises, or so I thought, on the lifestyle that I wanted to live. Now that I am residing comfortably in my home, I am no longer afraid that a sudden illness, great or small, would wreck my daily plans. Many retirees who settled in Baja before me had already paved the way and gladly gave me the answers that I thought I needed for health care issues. Though I might take comfort in knowing that a Medical Center is right down the street from my home, it is not this knowledge that calms me. Learning that there are reliable doctors here was not what reassured me. I have learned that the magic of Baja health is just simply: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! I have never felt better in my life! The air is clean. I’m never in stressful traffic. There is plenty for me to do and many healthy food selections for my eclectic appetite. I can go to a local gym and find every exercise machine I could possibly need. I can hike, bike, swim, golf, play pickle ball or tennis, go out dancing or sailing, and involve myself in countless other physical activities. For relaxation, I can even watch a recent movie floating in a pool with popcorn and a drink! I can go back safely to the States any time I choose. Americans who are getting ready to retire have been given many financial challenges now and stretching their dollars to fit their retirement dreams may seem impossible. As I get older I realize that fear has been embedded into our psyche. We are not comfortable unless someone can predict the outcome of being too careless, too uninsured and too unsafe with personal decisions that guide our destinies. I can never know what is in store for me as I age and my physical heath declines. It is the inevitable circle of life. I recognize that my decision to move to Baja gave me complete control of my mental health and well-being. I have learned that this has everything to do with how I physically feel. My mind has been set free to explore choices not bound by a time frame or abilities. I have surrounded myself with beauty and peace and an assurance that my health will reflect this decision. Living in Baja is my health plan.
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. pennynask@yahoo.com
The Gypsy Journal by John and Rachel Pack
A Gypsy is defined as an itinerant: a laborer who moves from place to place as demanded by employment. One of the best things about being a gypsy and traveling to work is the discoveries and people along the way. One such discovery was San Javier Mission and the new friend we made in the process. Everyone we spoke to would say, “have you been to San Javier Mission?” Of course, we hadn’t, having just arrived and, at the time, only having bicycles for transportation. San Javier is 23 miles up into the Sierra Gigante mountains behind Loreto and we were not about to ride our bikes. We had heard the road was incomplete and the first portion is a vertical climb until you reach the high plateau at the mountain top. Fortunately, we met Brent Currier, a resident of the RV park, where we’re staying; he had made the trip many times and offered to give us a tour. At mile marker 7, we stopped to visit the rock paintings at a canyon oasis, and although the paintings were not too impressive, not for lack of talent, but rather because they were faded and worn, the oasis was very impressive. Even now, a hundred years or more later it was clear why this area was selected; tall palms, a creek that has run down through solid rock for hundreds of years, creating a deep channel and some great swimming holes. As it turned out, the road was completed nearly half way, turning to dirt at the 10 mile mark, which was nearly to the top. From there the road turned to gravel and rock, and it was clear to see why it hadn’t move beyond this point yet, 100 yards past the pavement was what appeared to be a very tough area for construction; a slope around a narrow, solid rock corner. Plus, it was August and very hot this time of the year. Fortunately, the day we took the trip, we had some cloud cover and it wasn’t too bad. At the top of the mountain were large ranches in a canyon of yet high mountain peaks and on the fare side of the canyon was our destination, the village of San Javier and the Spanish Mission of San Francisco Javier. This was one of the most well-preserved missions in Baja, standing proud and beautiful over 250 years old. Behind the mission are olive trees that were planted by the original Spaniards and there is an active aqueduct with running canals (see the September 2009 edition for the story of San Javier). On the road back to Loreto, just before reaching the highway, we stopped at Del Borracho Saloon and Grill for an ice cold draft Modelo Negro and a
Brent, Joe, Julie and John wading in clear warm waters of Isla de Coronado.
mouthwatering burger. Any trip to San Javier is not complete without a stop at this saloon. Our next discovery was the Isla de Coronado, which is on the northern end of the Bay of Loreto Marine Park. This is the third protected marine bioregion in the Gulf of California, joining ranks with the Upper Gulf/Lower Colorado Biosphere Reserve to the north above San Felipe and the Cabo Pulmo Reserve to the south. The park is fairly small, covering approximately 1,283 miles (roughly a half million acres) in the Sea of Cortez. The five islands lying within the designated Bay of Loreto Park boundaries include Islas Coronado, Carmen, Danzante, Montserrat and Santa Catalina. Our friend Brent, once again, took us on a tour, only this time on his boat. We were joined by our new friends Joe and Julie Whelan. The water of the island was as blue and clear as any I have seen. We spent the afternoon exploring around the amazing volcanic island and wading off the white sandy beach and diving off the boat into the crystal waters. We also discovered that during the hot summer months small jellyfish migrate in the Sea of Cortez. Some of these animals are so tiny that you’ll barely be able to see them. Fortunately, the sting isn’t painful, and for many people it isn’t much more than an itching sensation. Even our dog Cai made discoveries this month, she discovered she enjoyed boat rides and she discovered she actually could swim. Both of which were great discoveries of our own, because the water has always and will always be a big part of our life, and considering she is a desert dog and had never been on a boat before, this was a wonderful discovery. She enjoyed the island as much as we did and ran up and down the beach, exploring. But, the most surprising discover was finding out, after the fact, that bringing dogs on the island is a $2,000 fine. Ouch! John & Rachel Pack After marrying eight years ago, they traveled the United States full time producing live events and DVD titles for retail, then moved to San Felipe Baja to slow down. That only lasted a couple of months. Since then they’ve dedicated their lives to sharing Baja California and Sonora with the world, and have fallen in love with so many of you that they want you to join them as they explore the wonders of Baja California Sur.
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Photo by Rachel Pack
by Penny Nask
{PEOPLE & VOICES}
Oldest Man in Sonora Shares Colorful Life by Lynn Prince
“I don’t stay angry long
and
I
forgive
everyone immediately. And . . . I have made love
every
day
for
the last 78 years.”
As I entered the room, a thin, aging gentleman haltingly arose to greet me. As I reached out to shake his hand, he gently took my hand and graciously kissed it. I was stunned . . . here was Jose Ramon Valdez Romero, who turned 103 years young on August 23, and he appeared to be in his early 80s. Tastefully attired in a starched white shirt with a beautiful antique bollo gracing his neck, I quickly noticed he still had a fairly full head of dark brown hair, with little gray in it, that was spiked in the latest fashion for men. This charming man is currently the oldest living man in the state of Sonora, and as he proudly states, “Seventy-five percent of my body all still works!” As we started the interview over lunch, I was startled to find Jose’s mind was as sharp as ever, and his recall for dates and events was amazing. He spoke Spanglish—a combination of English and Spanish in a soft manner—but at one juncture in the interview he became annoyed with the waitress and his voice surprisingly boomed across the room as he bellowed for her to get over to the table. Jose had done some farming in his earlier years, but was a building engineer most of his life, and was one of the city planners for the layout for the City of Guiamas (he pointed out that this is the correct spelling for Guaymas). He has fathered over
one million meters of roads throughout Mexico, as well as dams. “Long ago,” he retorted, “I built the airport in Coahuila.” He has lived in 15 states throughout Mexico and is proud of his service to his country through his engineering talents, and has been honored by the Mexican government for his distinguished work with many awards and citations. Being the age he is, I wondered if he had ever met Pancho Villa, so I ventured out and he reminisced, “Yes, once while he was in jail in Guiamas. He had a huge sunbleached mop of hair and was very gordo (fat).” During the interview Jose’s sparkling blue eyes—which incidentally still function quite well . . . and no hearing aid or cane to walk with!—would lock on mine and he would smile and murmur, “I like you very much. I like to write too.” “What have you written?” I questioned. “I’ve authored 10 books.” The response later warranted a trip to his home in Hermosillo to show me books on the economy, Guiamas and a host of other topics that he had penned throughout the century. At one point he popped his computer on and had me read a charming poem on life and love that he had composed. Quaint old pictures of himself in his youthful six-foot frame (he now is only 5’5” tall) and his beautiful first wife graced the entrance hall in his home. Jose had finished his lunch before I had arrived, and now gingerly dabbed away at a piece of raspberry cheesecake as we talked. As I studied his face, I sat in wonderment at how very few wrinkles were in his face. Time had been good to him, as only a few fine lines etched his thin featured frame of about 110 pounds. Amazed at this man’s physical condition, I asked,
“Jose, what is the secret of your longevity?” He smiled and took my hand again, and kissed it tenderly once more and said, “Two things . . . I don’t stay angry long and I forgive everyone immediately.” Then with a little twinkle in his eye he added, “And . . . I have made love every day for the last 78 years.” “Wow, what kind of breakfast cereal do you eat!” I asked jokingly. He did not take my comment as a joke and seriously replied, “I eat healthy and well, and drink moderately.” Then the enchanting “prince of testosterone“ went on to inform me that he’d had three legal wives and five live-in girlfriends throughout the years. “What do you mean by legal wives, Jose?” He smiled and said in traditional Mexican machismo that he had been a Mormon for a while years ago and was involved with a sect that practiced polygamy . . . so he had seven wives at one point. “How was that?” I quizzed. “It is hard enough to take care of one wife, nevertheless seven!” “So are you currently married?” “Yes, my wife is 96 years old, but has Alzheimer’s disease.” And then a strange, but sad remark remorsefully came out of his mouth. “I have loved many women, but have never been in love. I have 14 children that I know about, I like to dance and have had 15 heart attacks.” We ended our interview at his home in Hermosillo amidst his treasured books and momentos, exchanged hugs and promised to meet again soon since we shared the same birthday. As I walked to my car in the intense Sonoran heat, I thought to myself, “What a wonderful life . . . sounds like a song to me!”
A Universe of Tide Pools by La Huerita
Remember in the movie Men in Black when Frank (the alien pug) admonished Agents J and K for their lack of imagination regarding the size and location of a galaxy? “The galaxy is here!” he said. “You humans! When’re you gonna learn that size doesn’t matter? Just ‘cause something’s important doesn’t mean it’s not very, very small.” Tide pools are like that. Often very, very small, they are whole galaxies unto themselves. If you peer into one long enough to become engrossed with the swirl and intricacy of life unfolding within its boundaries, you will realize that you have entered into a whole universe previously unknown to you, with each tide pool its own busy little galaxy. Puerto Peñasco is one of the best places I’ve ever known for the exploration of tide pools, and for the most part they are quite easy to access. Furthermore, because of the extreme tides, you can access all of the major intertidal subzones without difficulty, from the Spray/Splash Zone of barnacles and lichens to the High- and Mid-Tide Zones of hermit crabs, sea anemones, crabs and starfish to the Low-Tide Zone that teems with both vegetable and animal life of astonishing variety. The Mid Zone is the most active because it is fully covered and uncovered each day, with many creatures moving in and out in search of food. It is perhaps the most fun for kids of all ages. Here you can watch the drama of hermit crabs battling to defend their territories, star fish, sea stars, sea slugs, mussels, sea urchins, tiny brine shrimp, squid and more, all pursuing the minutiae of their daily lives. 32
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MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
If you’re lucky you can watch colorful sea anemones arguing over territory, their white “fighting” tentacles reaching out to sting each other over and over until one cries uncle. Once the war is over, the loser usually moves. It’s a great temptation to pick stuff up for closer examination (What is more exciting to kids than picking up a shell and discovering a crab living inside?); but make sure your children are careful about what they touch, because some of those wonderful creatures are toxic! And when the exploration is finished, be sure anything picked up is put back where it was found. Life is precious, even to the exotic inhabitants of those intertidal galaxies. Some of the best places in Puerto Peñasco for tide pooling are Cholla Bay, the southern end of Sandy Beach, Playa Bonita/Hermosa, Playa Mirador and the southern end of Las Conchas. There are other good places, too, awaiting your discovery. The best places to learn about Puerto Peñasco ’s tide pools are CEDO (Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans); CET-MAR Aquarium; the beautifully illustrated book The Edge of the Sea of Cortez: Tidewalkers’ Guide to the Upper Gulf of California, with more than 1,000 photos; and, of course, your own explorations. Come discover the fascinating universe of tide pools and awaken your inner beachbum . . .
{Fishing}
Illegal Fishing of Dorado
Fishing Photo of the Month
by Vince Radice
now infamous Amparo, the government could no longer harass the poor coastal fisherman. Aside from the Amparos, I found that the upper echelons of Conapesca were and still receive massive amounts of kick backs, La Mordita, for allowing the fishery to continue. I was personally attacked in the press, and had sand poured down the engine of one of my boats costing me thousands of dollars in lost business and repairs. Basically, I was a beat man and gave up the issue. Fast forward to 2008. What had changed? Amparos have been rejected by the courts and with dorado populations crashing before my own eyes and thousands of turtles being shipped to black markets here in Sonora, I decided to try a different tactic. I saw no reason to work with the Mexican government, been there done that! I instead decided to make a documentary, of which many of you have seen the short version that is now on YouTube and in the “message board” section of Mexico Living under fishing (community.mexicolivingguide.com) called El Oro de Cortez. Part of the video documentation I was making was for one specific audience: NOAA, the National Oceans and Atmospheric Administration. If I could inform NOAA that dorado fishing is illegal in Mexico then, via an obscure American law called the Lacey Act, I might be able to convince NOAA to halt its illegal importation into the U.S. I believe I have convinced some at NOAA. Now, I have to convince Rebbeca Lent, the director of International affairs at NOAA, to place an embargo on dorado that comes from Mexico, especially the Gulf of California. Please email Dr. Lent at rebeccalent@noaa. gov and let her know I am raising funds and plan a trip to visit her in October. Ask her to support our initiative of “turtle-safe” Mahi Mahi and to put in place an embargo on all dorado that crosses the border into the United States. If tourism is to be sustainable in the gulf, then we need to keep fish swimming in our oceans, especially the ones protected by Mexican law. By
Top: August 31, 2008 – Shrimper unloads 10 tons of dorado on commercial docks in Guaymas. Bottom: August 8 – Hidden camera image of fish mafia in Guaymas processing dorado.
enforcing the Lacey Act, America will strengthen Article 68 of the general law of Mexican fisheries. It would be a big win for the the Gulf of California, sport fishing jobs and marine turtles. Vince Radice has been the owner and operator of Sonoran Sport Center, a sailing and diving operation located in San Carlos since 1990. He is married with two children and now plans on starting a weekly televsion show about issues of conservation and wildlife in the Gulf of California. If you would like to help Vince get to Washington and lobby NOAA to stop the illegal importation of dorado to the U.S., email him at vradice@gmail.com.
Brent Currier holding two dorado, his dorado limit of the day. This image of Brent has been highly circulated around Loreto, even appearing on the cover of Loreto News, possibly to the point of him getting razzed for it showing up so much. But, we like the picture and wanted the rest of Baja and Sonora to see it. Cheers!
October 2009
Tide Calenders
I would like to just state for the record that Article 68 of the general law of Mexican fishing states that it is illegal to commercially fish and sell dorado in Mexico. So the next time you dine in Mexico please ask them if they serve dorado. If they do, inform them it is illegal. Then I urge you to order it because in another 30 years, possibly less, it will be gone from our oceans. Unless, of course, we do something. Here is what I have tried to do. When I first took up the issue of sustainable fisheries in San Carlos eight years ago, I naively thought we could rapidly fix the dorado issue. Long line fishing in Sonora, was in its infancy. Most pangas only used 100 hooks per long line set. Shrimp boats were not mother ships yet and sport fisherman were starting to notice turtles on long lines. Lots of turtles. I believed it was a simple matter of enforcement. I spearheaded a small conservation project called Proyecto Islas de San Carlos. We used a nonprofit corporation to get local businesses to help fund Conapesca inspectors to make patrols in the area and stop illegal fishing. Back then Conapesca did not have a boat to go out in, so I collected local money and used it for fuel and oil to take out inspectors on patrol. I found the inspectors, the boots on the ground, to be great guys and gals truly interested in enforcing the law. Our first week on the job, myself captaining our boat, we confiscated two shrimp boats with four tons of dorado on board. Mission accomplished! Boy was I wrong, after the boats were confiscated, they got a court injunction, the famous Mexcian Amparo. An Amparo is like a “get of out jail free” card in Monopoly. In Mexico the “writ of amparo” is a legal procedure intended to protect any individual or corporation from the violation or the imminent threat of violation of those fundamental rights stated in the Mexican Constitution, (life, liberty, security, property, etc.) by any unlawful act of an authority. So back then fisherman claimed to be fishing for shark and dorado was the bycatch. With the
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Tide Calenders October 2009 34
The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS ITEMS WANTED I’m looking for a office desk with file drawers. Please call 686-1849237 Jim Moore,bajajim007@yahoo.com ITEMS FOR SALES Stainless Steel Sink - Approx 30”x18” hot & cold valves with extendable hose for washing dishes, cleaning fish or washing the dog. $30.USD or trade for a case of Victoria cerveza. San Felipe, 011 52 1 686 171-6885, www.laspalmassegunda.blogspot.com/ Security Lighting - New in Box, Metal, Motion detecting. 2 floods per unit. 2 units available. Good Quality $50.UDS each. San Felipe, 011 52 1 686 171-6885, www.laspalmassegunda.blogspot.com/ Restaurant Stove & Grill Hoods (used)- Restaurant stainless steel 8 foot hood 18@ deep $250.USD, restaurant stainless steel 8 foot hood 3 foot deep $350.USD. San Felipe, 011 52 1 686 171-6885, www.laspalmassegunda.blogspot.com/ Metal Detector - Good Quality, Popular Brand, Nearly New. Hours of fun…better odds than the lottery! $120.USD, San Felipe, 011 52 1 686 171-6885, www.laspalmassegunda.blogspot.com/ Men’s Western - Boots size 12 like new Brand Name. $75.USD, Western Hat , Name brand, large head required $45.USD, Casual/ Dress, Black Leather Jacket, Size 44 long $100.USD, San Felipe, 011 52 1 686 171-6885, www.laspalmassegunda.blogspot.com/ Fender Stratocaster Squire “Ebony” like new with Fender Front Man 15 Amp and Ibanez distortion pedal. Package $295.00. San Felipe, 011 52 1 686 171-6885, www.laspalmassegunda.blogspot.com/ Furniture - 1940 classic dressing table with very cute mirror $400. Las Palmas Segunda, 011 52 1 686 171-6885, www. laspalmassegunda.blogspot.com/ REAL ESTATE San Felipe, Baja California La Hacienda - Majestic property overlooking entire development with uninterrupted views, pool, two car garage, caretaker’s quarters, workshop, front and rear garden area, 4 full bathrooms and so much more. $279,000 Dlls. OBO. Bring us an offer and let’s negotiate! Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com. Los Sahuaros - 4,500 square foot lot adjacent to the pool, club house and tennis courts in San Felipe’s premier gated community. Best buy in development. $55,000.00 Dlls OBO. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com.
Playas de San Felipe - 3 BDR, 4 BTH home with pristine pool on two lots. Furnished and great for entertaining. $299,000.00 Dlls. OBO. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com Villa de las Palmas - Two 300 square meter lots just reduced to $59,000.00 Dlls. each. All services, HOA and just steps to the beach. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com
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.
Loreta, Baja California Sur Beachfront Rental in Loreto, 2 Bdrm, 2 1/2 Bath, sleeps 6, Unique, private home, 5 mi. north of town. Kayaks, Bikes inc. $1000/wk or $3500/mo. e-mail for more info. jwbaja1@gmail. com website: estrelladeloreto.com
1980 Chinook 19’ Motorhome - Oldie but goodie California Titled. All std Motorhome goodies in a small package. Rugged all fiberglass construction. 360 V8 Dodge chassis. Condition is OK with some TLC. 011 52 1 686 171-6885
Turnkey 3-Bedroom Home in San Carlos Country Club. Excellent location! Fully furnished! Windowed dome in living room. Features include central a.c., fireplace,laundry room, extra-wide hallway. $315,000 Star Realty Tel/Fax: (622) 226-0000, 226-0990. starrealty@prodigy.net.mx
Loreto Property in the central district $160K. Near beach/Harbor. Residential or Comm. Cleared and filled lot between the Harbor and Mission in the central district. Utilities and mature fruit trees. Full title, 160K Liz or Jack US # 805-748-4568 Email for pics. Esmeralda, Sandy Beach. 3 bedrooms condos on the beach, fully furnished for $479,900.00 Granite counters, marble tile, crown molding, three brick dome ceilings, jet tub/spa, fine detail and finishes everywhere. www.ourrockypointrealtor.com, www. puertaprivada.info
Puerto Penasco, Sonora PUERTO PENASCO, ROCKY POINT RENTALS Let Us PERSONALLY help you with your VACATION DETAILS. Give us your preferences & expectations & we will follow through with CONDO or BEACH HOUSE rentals, DINING, ACTIVITIES, etc. in an effort to EXCEED your expectations, AT NO COST TO YOU. EMAIL: rockypointrentaldeals@gmail.com House for rent in La Mision, Baja Calilfornia - 2 bdrm 2 bath large house with view, carport, fenced yard ,fireplace, utility room, glassed in porch, near bus route close to ocean $600.00 per month plus utilities. call 619-270-8991 or e mail bette.webb.@ gamil for pictures Puerto Penasco Vacation Rentals from $106. Las Palomas www. postlets.com/rts/1978829 and Bella Sirena www.postlets.com/rts/1965187 or call 520 4903420
Playa Encanto, East Beach - 2,222 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm duplex. Steps from the Sea of Cortez! There are great views from the living areas and the patios. Fully furnished. Great investment! www.ourrockypointrealtor.com, www.puertaprivada.info, $480,000 - Great price for two units
Loreto casitas by week or month. Fully furnished steps from Harbor/Beach. New 1-3 person casitas with full kitchens, AC, pool and BBQ area, quiet area secure behind gates and room to park! Pets considered. www.eltiburoncasitas.com, US 805-4593100
Single Story For Sale in Luna Blanca -2,193 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story -MLS® $525,000 - Beachfront for less! Enjoy the best with the most popular beach in Penasco. Fully furnished and ready for enjoyment today. www.ourrockypointrealtor.com, www.puertaprivada.info
1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Luxury Beach Front Condominiums. Spend your next vacation in style. Playa del Paraiso is San Felipe’s Premier Condo Hotel. Select beautifully appointed Condos are available. Summer Rate starting as low as $100.USD. per night. Reserve Your Stay Now. 1 888 647-5292
RENTAL PROPERTY San Felipe, Baja California Beautiful San Felipe South Campos Beach Front, 2 bedroom apartment, sleeps 6. $80 per night. Clean, Safe, Sandy Beach. Email bajaladykm40@yahoo.com for more info.
1989 Toyota 4Runner, 4 banger - Tired of risking your Hummer rolling in and around San Felipe? This little truck will let you play in the desert with complete abandon. Leave the Hummer in the garage…Less than fixing a scratch in the bigboy. Needs TLC $2400.USD. 011 52 1 686 171-6885 2000 Honda 500R - 2 stroke motor. If you can handle this baby it’s a kick in the …, if not this is not for beginners. no electric start, no mercy. Needs a little work for flawless performance. $800 USD. 011 52 1 686 171-6885
Costa Bella – new luxury living community on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Cortez in beautiful San Carlos, Sonora. 2-bd condos starting at $325,000. Lots at $127,340. 2 bd waterfront house at $650,000. costabellaliving.com. Star Realty. Tel. (622) 226-0000, starrealty@prodigy.net.mx
La Hacienda Homes and lots for sale. Beautiful La Hacienda home for sale. Reduced from original price of $525,000 to only $250,000. Please click on the following link to see complete ad. San Felipe, http://www.baja247.com/
MOTOR VEHICLES FOR SALE
1989 Ford Bronco 4x4 - Baja vehicle. 5.9 V8 Air Conditioning, Electric windows & locks, Hitch, Chrome steps, Chromed Grill Protector, Well maintained but has its flaws. Needs a battery and a couple used tires. $1000 USD. California Title. 011 52 1 686 171-6885 Segunda Motors Web Site - 1985 Southwind Class A 29 Motor home - Less than 60K miles, good tires, 2 roof air Conditioners, 3 way Fridge, stovetop, oven, microwave, TV antenna, front swivel captain chairs, 5 KW generator. California Title $4500 USD. 011 52 1 686 171-6885 V.W. powered “Sand Rail” for sale! Great toy for the beach or desert! 1835cc VW engine. New wiring, belts, hoses and running lights. two seater w/jake brake. speedometer, rack, windshield, cowling, etc. Fun Toy. $3200.00 obo. Jim Moore 686 184-9237 bajajim007@yahoo.com PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Charity Cookbook - Benefits the food related charities in San Felipe. I am collecting recipes for appetizers, potluck dishes, main dish, desserts and drinks. Recipes will go into a delightful cookbook with proceeds going to the San Felipe Food Bank. Send your contributions to sanfelipecooks@yahoo.ca. Debbi Moore and the Cookbook Crew
San Carlos Rental -Looking for a one night rental on Oct 17 for 3 adults return from Mazatlan to AZ. Marybna@aol.com
“MEDICAL TOURISM” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10.
scanner and X-ray viewer. The doctor stores all patient information on his laptop and he can access and input my data at the touch of a button. The level of personal care that I receive from him far exceeds anything I’ve previously experienced. On my first visit, Dr. Salazar gave me his email address. I have since emailed him several times and each time received a response the same day. And I was never charged for these prompt electronic consultations. He accepted me as a client right away (I am still on a waiting list to get a family doctor in Canada), and when I need to see him, I can usually schedule an appointment for the next day. In addition to CIMA, there are many other Mexican clinics and hospitals that are clean, modern and feature state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and will provide exceptional care at reduced prices. Many facilities are staffed with English-speaking physicians and medical personnel.
As I discovered, Mexico is also a hotspot for tourists in search of low-cost dental care. Highquality dentists can be found in all of Mexico’s major tourist resorts and large cities, including San Carlos, Los Cabos, Tijuana and Cancun; and even smaller communities such as Los Algodones and San Felipe offer quality dental care. Any treatments available in the U.S. and Canada are also available in Mexico, including caps, dental implants and teeth whitening. A medical tourism facilitator can help you find the doctor, dentist, hospital or clinic that is right for you. Using a facilitator like BridgeHealth, Healthbase or Companion Global Healthcare may also help alleviate some of the risks associated with medical tourism as these facilitators mainly work with hospitals that are accredited by the Joint Commission International. According to Patients Beyond Borders, these agencies specialize in international medical travel and “work with hospitals, clinics, physicians, surgeons, airlines,
hotels and recovery retreats abroad to offer patients the best quality at the most affordable rates.” One of the biggest advantages to choosing Mexico for your medical care is its proximity to the United States and Canada. In Mexico, you can get reasonably priced medical treatments close to home. And as an added bonus, while abroad, patients also frequently take advantage of the opportunity to take an inexpensive vacation. Recuperating on a sandy beach under a shady palapa while taking in the beautiful scenery may be just what the doctor ordered.
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Mexico Living PO Box 9019-460 Calexico, CA 92232
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The Monthly Guide to Pacific Baja & the Sea of Cortez
MEXICO LIVING – October 2009