Rocky Point Times - January 2023

Editorial by Lannette Phipps

Happy New Year!!

Welcome to 2023!! I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is enjoying a fabulous start to the new year. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for our little fishing village this year Last year was pretty darned good and we have lots of big projects on the horizon, and in the works, so it should be a very exciting and interesting year for sure.

Once again, I would like to thank our faithful readers, advertisers and contributing writers for your continued support – you are the best and we’re happy you still want us around! The Rocky Point Times Newspaper has been serving Rocky Point and the community for 33 years – we might be going on 34 now…can that be right? Crazy! A big welcome to our new subscribers and new visitors, we’re always here to answer your questions and help you get the most out of Rocky Point.

It’s a new year with tons of possibilities so hopefully I’ll get to working on all of these great and long overdue ideas I’ve had like creating an informative and current Events Calendar on our website so that those of us who don’t engage much in social media – or at all – can find the most current happenings around town. We’ve tried many times over many years to get a central events list so maybe 2023 will be the year!

Before much work gets workedon though it is time to enjoy whale season which runs through April. Every year my sister-in-law comes from California for a couple of weeks, and we hang around town for a few days then head over to the Baja to watch the Grey Whales and their babies. This year we had planned to drive all the way down

the Baja to Cabo San Lucas and have ourselves a real adventure, but I think this year we are going to spend more time in Peñasco whale watching, day drinking, restaurant hopping and hanging out on the beach. We will shoot over to Guerrero Negro for a few days to bother Tony Ballesteros (Peñasco’s own “whale whisperer”) and get our fill of parking lot parties and Tony’s Tacos (no, not the same Tony).

I know every year at this time I tell you about whale season and Tony Ballesteros who owns Tony’s Mystic Whale Tours and offers guided tours over to the Baja. And every year I tell you if you want the experience of a lifetime then give him a call. Don’t let another year go by without seeing the whales up close and personal. His deets are in Anita K’s article this month. But don’t fret if you can’t make it over to the Baja this year because Puerto Peñasco has plenty of whale action and lots of great charters waiting to take you out for a beautiful day on the water. It really is so cool to be right off of Sandy Beach surrounded by whales and you’ll most likely see dolphins and probably a sea lion or two. So hard to believe this is all right in our backyard. If you want to say hi to Tony you can catch him at his booth at the Mermaid’s Market –take a look at his fantastic whale photos and photos in general – he’s an awesome pro-photographer as well!

Lots of big events planned for 2023 and a lot of activities happening every day of the week at local clubs, bars and restaurants. We kick off 2023 with Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers January Jam – always a huge event and a mustsee if you’ve never been. In case you are a new reader/subscriber to the RPTimes, we list any new events that come to our attention under the actual dates for the first month to get people familiar with them and then you will be able to

find them at the top under the day of the week. We have a ton of new businesses in town and the events are constantly increasing and changing so be sure to check them out in every edition and online. And for you newbies, the RPTimes is available online, at no charge, in its entirety on our website – as well as years and years of back issues.

Unfortunately a somber note: As of this writing Peñasco has seven local fishermen missing at sea (still being searched for and hoped to be found alive). Our hearts go out to all of the families and if you would like to donate, please give us a jingle and we’ll let you know what is needed and who is in charge of what. And as most of you probably already know, the Sea of Cortez claimed a kayaker and her husband on Thanksgiving Day (the husband has yet to be found). They have called off the search for the husband and our thoughts are with all of the families.

We’ve been checking to see what our Lukeville/Sonoyta border hours will be in 2023 and if we will have any extended hours for holiday weekends. No word yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as we do.

On a final note, I’d like to give a huge thank you to the team of Alicia Grajeda and Mario Zepeda who keep this paper running while I’m off chasing whales, running around the country, smashing through the desert, and sitting on the beach day drinking (it happens more than you may think)!! They are the ones that get the office open, answer your questions, take your calls, deliver your papers, keep the library stocked, drop off donations, and so much more and I’m so very thankful they are a part of the Rocky Point Times Newspaper team – heck, they are the team!

Thanks everyone for a great year and here’s to hoping that 2023 is even better. Get off your phones and get out into nature. See you at the beach!

Founder's/Owner's

Thomas Nelson O'Hare III (RIP 1941-2013)

Sandra Jo O'Hare (RIP 1946-2018)

The Rocky Point Times Newspaper is a tourist Newspaper dedicated to promoting and helping the community since 1991.

ROCKY POINT TIMES STAFF

Lannette Phipps – Editor

Patrick Kilcullen – Managing Editor

Alicia Grajeda – Administrative Executive

Marco Zepeda –

463-6255

ADVERTISERINDEX & PHONENUMBERS

E

Eco Pharmacy.................(638) 383-7017

El Gallo Veterinary..........(638) 112-3343

El Tapeo...........................(638) 380-5017

Encantame Towers .................(638) 688-1010/(480) 445-9200

F

Family of God Christian Fellowship ……..…….…(638) 383-3480/(480) 812-5200

Fire Pit Meat & Grill............(638) 383-0302

Five Senses Spa & Hair Clinic (638) 112-1652/(638) 108-1000 ext. 210035

G

Gastelum, Jonathan - HVAC Specialist .........................................(638) 113-7004

Garufa Steakhouse...........(638) 688-0101

Georgina Ross...................(520) 222-4750 or........................................(638) 112-0922

Gloria's Beauty Salon ...................(638) 383-5075/(638) 383-8500

H

Head Out to Rocky Point Shuttle Service ............................................(602) 971-0166

Hotel Viña del Mar..............(638) 383-0100 …...........(602) 606-7768/(01) 800-560-2123

Mar de Cortez Beach Home & Condo Rentals ..........................................(638) 388-8747 or................(638) 112-8194 / (602) 218-7300

Mark Paliscak.......................(602) 526-7478

Mirsa Tile.............................(638) 383-6770

Mare Blu Ristorante.............(638) 383-0605

Muebles Coloniales.............(638) 383-6670 or.........................................(638) 383-6671

N-O

Napa Auto & RV.....................(520) 387-6962 or.......................................(520) 387-4TOW

Optica Turati.......................(638) 383-4645 or........................................(520) 505-6236

P

Pane e Vino Restaurant........(638) 105-7455

Pedro's Restaurant...............(638) 383-8889

Peñasco Del Sol....................(638) 383-0302 or.......................................1-888-683-0067

Pimenton............................(662) 425-6598

Playa Bonita RV.....................(638) 383-2596

Playa Bonita Hotel............01-800-426-6482

Playa Sonora Realty..............(638) 128-6129 or.........................................(480) 297-8079

Predador Pest Control..........(638) 383-8787 or...............(638) 113-0691 / (602) 702-4417

Portugal Insurance...............(638) 383-2390 or...............(638) 383-5800 / (602) 282-3686

EMERGENCY

& Important Phone Numbers dial 911 & 066 for EMERGENCIES

AIR AMBULANCE (dial within Mexico)

AirEvac............................001-880-321-9522

SkyMed Air Ambulance..001-866-805-9624

AIRPORTS

International.........................(638) 383-6097

CITY HALL (Municipal Building)

H. Ayuntamiento de Peñasco.(638) 383-2056 or............................................(638) 383-2060

CLINICS

Clinica San Jose......................(638) 383-5121

Clinica Santa Fe.....(638) 383-2447/383-4040

Clinica Santa Isabel (Maternity)....383-3645

Clinica Santa Maria.................(638) 383-2440

Clinica Naval...........................(638) 690-3609

Cruz Roja (Red Cross).............(638) 383-2266

Desert Senita zCommunity Health Center..... ..............................................(520) 387-5651

ELECTRIC Emergency dial...................071

A

Alex Corradino....................(619) 292-1517

American Legion..................(638) 388-8841

Anchor Storage.................(638) 102-0449 or.......................................(638) 105-2365

Artemiza Gandara, Playa Sonora Realty ................(638) 119-2211/(602) 718-5066

Arturo Lepe Attorney..........(638) 386-1817

B

Baja Auto Service

………………(638) 383-4295/(638) 110-7205

Barb's Dog Rescue..............(638) 114-1659

Best Western Laos Mar........(638) 383-4700

Big Boy Toyz........................(638) 114-7788

Burrito Express...................(638) 383-8460

C

Casago......(638) 383-0700/(888) 262-4508

Cholla Bay Powder Coating...(602) 989-0646 or.........................................(638) 105-9290

Christoper Guarino, Las Palomas Sales ...........................................(480) 257-5757

Cielito Lindo......................(638) 108 2100

Cinthya Guirado................(638) 125-7738

or.......................................(480) 771-4060

Colins Cantina...................(638) 382-8020

Costa Divina.......................(638) 380-5270 or........................................(602) 517-4746

D

Day-Spa-Cito.......................(638) 156-2889

DDS Grijalva.........................(638) 383-3434

I - J - K

Iron City Polaris..................(602) 272-5551

Islas Del Mar.......................(638) 383-0000

John Hibbert, Las Palomas Sales .........................................(480) 257-5757

John Witt, Las Palomas Sales ............................................(480) 257-5757

JJ H-Vac................................(638) 114-5022

Kenneth Wallace, Las Palomas Sales ..........................................(480) 257-5757

Kuroda..............................(638) 388-1290

L

Laguna Shores Resort.........(638) 383-0210 or........................................(800) 513-1426

Las Palomas........................(638) 156-2043 or......................USA FREE 1 (866) 800-5312

Las Palomas Sales...............(480) 257-5757

Law Firm L & M....................(638) 386-1817

Lopez, Antonio - HVAC Specialist ............................................(638) 114-5022

Los Martinez Restaurant......(744) 402-0184

Lucy Spa..............................(638) 105-8993

M

Madre Del Mar....................(520) 545-9917 or.........................................(520) 407-6394

Maeva Residential..............(638) 380-8058

Mama Mia Pizza.................(638) 125-4760

Puerta Privada.....................(638) 102-3075 or.........................................(602) 445-6430

Puesta del Sol Restaurant.....(638) 383-2157

Q & R

Rebecca Palomino...............(480) 771-4060

Richard Savino.....................(638) 380-4272 or.........................................(480) 707-3822

Rocky Point Home Builders..(638) 383-6524 or.........................................(815) 553-2683

Rocky Point Premier Group ............................................(602) 647-9993

Rocky Point Premier Group-Richard Savino .............(638) 380-4272/(480) 707-3822

Rocky Point Times Newspaper ...........................................(638) 383-6325 or.......................................(480) 463-6255

RP Furniture Solutions........(480) 234-2608

S

Salerno, Rosarie...................(520) 777-0018

Sea Point Development........(638) 380-8058

Señorita Rita Sunset Cruise...(638) 113-3727

Servicios Medicos Veterinarios ...........................................(638) 383-3344

or Caborca...........................(637) 372-4717

Sky Med - Alexander Ash......(442) 708-4086

Sonoran Resorts..................(602) 476-7511 Su Casa................................(638) 690-1345

T

Tequila Factory.....................(638) 388-0606

The New Mexican Restaurant ............................................(638) 690-1472

Top Meat....(638) 690-8721/(662) 141-0280

Twin Dolphins Real Estate and Rentals ……………..(638) 383-3919/(638) 384-0113 or.......................................(602) 324-7241

V

Veterinary Medical Services ...........................................(638) 383-3344 or.......................................(637) 372-4717

Veterinary Clinic El Gallo.......(638) 112-3343

Viña del Mar Hotel................(638) 383-0100 or.........(602) 606-7768/01-800-560-2123 W

Wayne Corcoran, Laguna Shores Resales ...(638) 383-7263 ext. 7264/(480) 356-1645

WhyNot Travel Store.............(520) 387-7783

Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) .(638) 383-2684

FIRE DEPARTMENT Emergency dial....068

Departamento de Bomberos.(638) 383-2828

FISHIERIES DEPARTMENT

Departamento de Pesca........(638) 383-2116

Oficina de Pesca, San Diego, CA................... ..............................................(619) 233-4324

GARBAGE/SANITATION DEPARTMENT

Oomislim................................(638) 383-4909

GAS (Propane)

Hidrogas................................(638) 383-5650

Z’Gas.....................................(638) 383-8284

ZaGas....................................(638) 383-8100

HOSPITALS (See Clinics also)

Community...........................(638) 383-4566

IMSS (Social Security) (638) 383-2870 Municipal..............................(638) 383-2110

IMMIGRATION (638) 383-2526

MARINE RESCUE (VHF Channel 28)

Port Captain..........................(638) 383-1178

Emergencies dial.462 or 627 or 767

POLICE Emergency dial......................066

Puerto Peñasco Station........(638) 383-2626 or...........................................(638) 383-1616

State Judicial Police (Policía Judicial del Estado)...(638) 383-2783

PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT

Seguridad Pública Municipal.(638) 383-2626 or............................................(638) 383-1616

RAILROAD

Ferrocarril..............................(638) 383-2610

RED CROSS

Cruz Roja... (638) 383-2266

SOCIAL SECURITY (IMSS)

Instituto Méxicano del Seguro Social........... (638) 383-2677 or............................................(638) 383-2777

TELEPHONE

Teléfonos de México.............(638) 383-2780

Towing (011-52-638) 383-5770 U.S. (520) 232-2149

U.S. CONSULATES (in Mexico)

Nogales..............................01-631-313-4820 dial from the U.S.......011-52-631-313-4820

WATER

Oomapas................................(638) 383-6080

Organismo Operador.............(638) 383-6080 Piteco (water tank delivery)...(638) 383-3315

IF

EVENTS

See Clubs and Organizations for more info. on groups and social clubs.

EVERYDAY

4PM Sunset Cruise aboard Pirate Ship Rey del Mar and El Perla Negra.

8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!!

MONDAYS

2 for 1 Bacon Cheeseburgers at Colin’s Cantina, located at Princesa de Peñasco Condos on Sandy Beach.

9AM-11AM Pickleball (paddle rotation) at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias.

12PM Bridge at Giuseppi’s Café on Blvd. Fremont.

2PM Bingo at the American Legion in El Mirador. Everyone welcome.

8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!!

TUESDAYS

10AM-5PM Bazar Cultural on the Malecon. Come and check out the vendor booths of local arts and crafts artisans

10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion

12PM-3PM Mahjong at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias

12:30PM Poker at Bandito’s on Sandy Beach. All welcome.

1PM Bingo at Manny’s Beach Club in the Mirador. Everyone welcome.

3PM BBQ Short Rib Tacos $1.50 at Colin’s Cantina, located at Princesa de Peñasco Condos on Sandy Beach.

8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!!

WEDNESDAYS

Pizza Specials at Pane e Vino Bar & Pizzeria on Whale Hill.

8AM Rotary Club Meeting/Briefing in English before the Spanish meeting at 9AM.

9AM Rotary Club Meeting at the Friendly Dolphin in the Old Port – open to anyone wanting to participate with the Peñasco Chapter.

9AM-11AM Pickleball (paddle rotation) at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias.

12:30-3PM Paint & Sip at DeliFrut.

1PM Horseshoes at Jillz Joint in El Mirador

4PM Borracho Bingo at Bandito’s on Sandy Beach

6PM-8PM Karaoke at Margarita Mermaid’s on the Malecon in the Old Port

8PM Movie Night at Bandito’s on Sandy Beach

8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!!

THURSDAYS

10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion.

11AM Alanon Zoom Meeting (Central Timesee complete info below and in info. section).

12PM-3PM Mahjong at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias.

12:30PM Poker at Bandito’s on Sandy Beach. All welcome.

1PM 501 Dart Tournament at the Pink Cadillac in the Mirador. Everyone welcome.

1PM Pub Trivia at Jillz Joint in El Mirador with Manis and Pedis by Rosey on the patio.

2PM Bingo at the American Legion in El Mirador. Everyone welcome.

4PM Gringo Bingo (with reservation only) at Colin’s Cantina, located at Princesa de Peñasco Condos on Sandy Beach.

4PM Connections Group meets at Puesta del Sol Restaurant at Playa Bonita. Everyone welcome.

7PM No One Knows live at Jillz Joint on Campeche in El Mirador. No cover.

7PM Agua de Coco live at Bandito’s on Sandy Beach, no cover.

8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!!

383-6325

FRIDAYS

9AM-11AM Pickleball (paddle rotation) at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias

10AM-5PM Shell Museum Open

10AM Ladies Golf at The Links at Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort. Cost: $30 includes green fee and $5 weekly prize pot. 9-holes, random partners and random weekly games (Stroke, Play, Scramble, 2 Ladies’ Best Ball, Skins, etc.). Drink specials, weekly prize pot.

Email Arlyncgoodwin@yahoo.com by 3PM on Thursday if you’d like to play on Friday.

12PM Bridge at Guiseppi’s Café on Blvd. Fremont.

1PM Cornhole Tournament at the Pink Cadillac in the Mirador. Everyone welcome.

1PM Bingo at Pitaya Bar on the beach in El Mirador.

4:30PM Live Music at Leo’s Bar in the Old Port.

5PM-9PM Wine Night at Margarita Mermaids on the Malecon in the Old Port. Specials on wine flights and tapas appetizers. Music with Vania & Cesar.

6PM-10PM Karaoke at Rocky Point BBQ House on Guillermo Prieto.

7PM Los Ponchos live at Jillz Joint on Campeche in El Mirador. No cover.

7PM The Purple Onions live at Bandito’s on Sandy Beach.

9PM-1AM Rojo live at El Tapeo – dancing, food, wine and beverages on Sandy Beach.

8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!!

SATURDAYS

8:30AM CEDO Yoga Classes. Cost per weekend $15 USD.

1PM Horseshoe Tournament at Jillz Joint on Campeche in El Mirador. Everyone welcome. Cash prizes.

2PM Bingo at the American Legion in El Mirador. Everyone welcome.

4PM Agua de Coco live at Pitaya Bar in El Mirador. Everyone welcome, no cover.

7PM Fiesta Saturdays at Margarita Mermaids

7PM No One Knows live at Jillz Joint. No cover.

7PM The Purple Onions live at Bandito’s on Sandy Beach

8:30PM Agua de Coco live at the Terrace at MOO Steakhouse & Grille in the Old Port.

9PM-1AM Rojo live at El Tapeo – dancing, food, wine and beverages on Sandy Beach.

8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!!

SUNDAYS

Pozole Sundays at Boo Bar in the Old Port.

8:30AM Bilingual Mass at St. Joseph’s/San José Church in Cholla Bay

8:30AM CEDO Yoga Classes. Cost per weekend $15 USD.

9AM Family of God Christian Fellowship Sunday Service

9AM-11AM Pickleball (paddle rotation) at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias

11AM Family of God Christian Fellowship Sunday Service

11AM Card Game 3-13 at the Pink Cadillac.

Call Jan Toth at (928) 607-2741 for more info.

1PM Cornhole Tournament at the Pink Cadillac in the Mirador. Everyone welcome.

1PM Bingo at Manny’s Beach Club in the Mirador. Everyone welcome.

4:30PM Live Music at Leo’s Bar in the Old Port.

4PM-6PM Sunday Jammin’ Music hosted by Richard Scott on sax at Margarita Mermaids in the Old Port. Singers and musicians contact them if you want to jam in the future. This is a hosted jam session event with pre-scheduled artists.

5:30PM Paint & Sip at El Tapeo Wine Bar. Everyone welcome. El Tapeo is located next to Laos Mar Hotel (near Playa Bonita).

CHECK

OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST EVENTS!

Email us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com to add your Events!

December 1st

10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion

December 2nd & 3rd SADR Cholla 250

• 7PM The Korbens live at the Boo Bar

December 3rd

10AM-3PM Christmas Shopping at Mermaid’s Market! Visit local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc. Lots of shopping, eating and fun in the sunshine at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont.

December 6th

• 10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion.

December 8th

• 10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion.

December 10th

• 5PM OBSC Spaghetti Dinner at the Clubhouse in Cholla Bay. Everyone welcome. Cost is $10 USD pp and includes 2 beverages, proceeds go to the annual Children’s Christmas Party.

7PM CBSC Cholla Bay Light Parade. Join in on the parade, or just watch. Decorate your vehicles, UTVs, golf carts, horses, tow trucks sand rails, boats, etc. with lights and tinsel and wave as you pass out goodies to all the kids along the route. If you’d like to drive in the parade, meet at the Cholla Bay Clubhouse parking lot. Call Randy or Stacy Adams for more info and details at (480) 695-0082 or email locooffroad@gmail.com.

December 12th Dia de Guadalupe.

December 13th

• 10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion.

December 15th

• 10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion.

December 16th

• 6PM St. Joseph presents the fourth “Reason for the Season” Christmas Concert in the Church.

• 10AM Conservator Service presentation by Georgina Ross at Playa Bonita Resort’s private dining room

December 17th

• 10AM-3PM Last chance for Christmas Shopping at Mermaid’s Market! Visit local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc. Lots of shopping, eating and fun in the sunshine at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont.

December 20th

• 10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion.

December 22nd

• 10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion.

December 25th

• ¡Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!

• 8:30 AM Bilingual Mass at St. Joseph’s

December 27th

• 10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion.

December 29th

• 10AM-11:30AM Spanish Lessons for beginners at the American Legion.

December 31st

• 3:30 PM & 7PM Richard Scott and Mark Mulligan at Margarita Mermaids in the Old Port. Richard Scott opens & champagne toasts to ring in the New Year nice and early!

JANUARY 2023 EVENTS

January 1st

• Happy New Year!!

January 6th

• Dia de Los Reyes Magos

January 7th

• 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont. Shop and eat in the sunshine - local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc.

January 13th-15th

• Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers January Jam at Bandito’s on Sandy Beach.

January 14th

• Conservator Service presentation by Georgina Ross time and location TBA.

January 21st

• 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont. Shop and eat in the sunshine - local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

February 4th

• 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont. Shop and eat in the sunshine - local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc.

February 5th

• Dia de La Constitucion - Mexican Constitution Day

February 10th

• SADR Sonoyta 160

February 11th SADR Sonoyta 160

February 18th

• 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont. Shop and eat in the sunshine - local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc.

MARCH EVENTS

March 4th

• 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont. Shop and eat in the sunshine - local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc.

March 11th

• Conservator Service presentation by Georgina Ross time and location TBA.

March 18th

• 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont. Shop and eat in the sunshine - local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc.

APRIL EVENTS

April 1st Fool's Day.

• 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont. Shop and eat in the sunshine - local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc.

MAY EVENTS

May 6th

• 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at Plaza del Camaron (Shrimp Shrine Park) on the corner of Benito Juarez and Blvd. Fremont. Shop and eat in the sunshine - local artists, vendors, restaurants, etc.

CheveFest (Craft Beer Festival) at El Tapeo.

Rotary Club Activities

By Dr. Sally Downey

As we wish everyone a Happy New Year and move forward with planned activities and events for 2023 just a friendly reminder that the Puerto Peñasco Rotary Club meets every Wednesday morning at the Friendly Dolphin Restaurant. We conduct a session from 8am to 9am in English to answer questions and share information about Rotary. The actual meeting is at 9am and is mainly in Spanish. Come to one or both sessions, we would love to have you join our group.

During Christmas our Club was involved in several activities: we prepared lunch for the residents of Casa Hogar and purchased warm jackets for each resident. We also collected warm coats, jackets, and socks, for many individuals in need. Our club also participated in the Young Life fundraiser as well as the Black and White Ball which is a fundraiser for many local charities.

Our Club is now busy planning our annual fundraising event; we call it the Rotary Fish Bowl. This event will take place in The Shrimp Park Plaza the Saturday before the Superbowl which this year will be February 11th. This event showcases many Peñasco restaurants. The restaurants set up tents and booths and prepare

their specialty cuisine. The Rotary Club sells tickets which allows attendees to sample various dishes. It is truly a spectacular event and a “Real Taste” of Peñasco. There will also be music, door prizes, special drawings, a 50/50 split the pot, and numerous arts and crafts. Mark your calendar now you won’t want to miss this!!

We as a Club are continuing to meet with the city and health department concerning a cure for rickettsia/Rocky Mt. Spotted fever. In February our sister Rotary Club from Utah will spend a week with us concerning this project. To be successful in the elimination of Rickettsia it will take many organizations and people working together to rid our community of this disease.

Recently our friend and Rotary Governor elect, Rafael de la Rosa from Caborca attended a Rotary leadership conference, he reported that the two outstanding Rotary Clubs in Mexico that were talked about intensively were: a Tijuana Club and none other than the Puerto Peñasco Rotary Club. They were most impressed by our many service projects. So much of this recognition is a result of the support from our community- Thank you so much to each of you!!!

As I have said so often Rotary is a wonderful way to live “Service Above Self”. For more information about Rotary call me; Dr. Sally Downey 480-6125783 or check out our website: clubrotariopuertopenasco.org.

I have a Tucson friend I met for the first time many, many years ago in Rocky Point. We share a love of boats and beer, and we have had more laughs than any two humans deserve to have. Recently, we were discussing the questionable conduct of some visitors to this fine seaside destination.

CRAIG: Can you imagine ever acting like the kids who come here for spring break?

CAP’N GREG: Outrageous. They drink way too much, use horrible language, and they think it’s perfectly fine to walk around half naked.

CRAIG: I know. I know. What parents would allow their daughters to do that?

CAP’N GREG: Didn’t I see your daughter here a few times?

CRAIG: Well, yeah. But she was mature for her age.

CAP’N GREG: Hmmm. Okay. But how about the young men?

CRAIG: Even worse. Like a bunch of banty roosters fluffing their feathers and puffing up their chests like, “Look at me!” Pathetic, is what it is.

CAP’N GREG: Remember when you had a flat stomach and a full head of hair, and could party all day and all night for a week?

CRAIG: If I think real hard.

CAP’N GREG: And their hip hop music. What is up with that?

CRAIG: Far as I can tell, every song uses the same beat, and about 17 words, all of which make no sense whatsoever.

CAP’N GREG: Kinda like disco?

CRAIG: Pretty close.

CAP’N GREG: I gotta tell ya. The younger generation sure is a mess.

CRAIG: Just plain tragic.

CAP’N GREG: By the way, I really admire your T-shirt. “If it's too loud, you’re too old!”

CRAIG: Got it at Goodwill for $3.99. I liked the color.

CAP’N GREG: Sooo. You gonna be around for spring break this year?

CRAIG: Wouldn't miss it for anything. CAP’N GREG: Even with all that bad behavior?

CRAIG: I figure if I stay close to the action, you know, the dancing and drinking and bikinis and all, I can make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.

CAP’N GREG: Hmmm.

CRAIG: You wanna join me?

CAP’N GREG: I thought you’d never ask.

Real Estate Sales Set Record in 2022

By Joseph Sanchez Rocky Point Homebuilders & Remax Legacy

Our real estate market here in Puerto Peñasco achieved another milestone surpassing $100 million in total “Dollar Volume of Sold Listing,” for the second year in a row making that the first time in history that Rocky Point Real Estate has had back-to-back years of over $100 million or more in sales production.

This year’s “Dollar Volume of Sold Listing” topped over $126 million ranking this year as the second-best year ever in the history of Rocky Point real estate sales. Last year’s 2021 production set the record at over $170 million and remains the number to beat. 2022 and 2021 rank as the two best years ever pushing prices to all time highs for sellers while reducing inventories for buyers.

To put 2022 and 2021 in perspective, in 2019, the last time a record was set sales were at $61 million. Then 2021 arrived in at over $171,000,000 meaning revenues more than tripled the recordsetting performance in 2019. 2022 is another stellar year outpacing that record setting performance of 2019 by more than double.

Another example is the year 2005 which was considered the last real estate boom year before the market crash of 2008, the total dollar volume of listings sold was only a little over $28 million and that was considered a record at that time.

Also, another noteworthy record to mention is for the first time since the early 2000s, we have had three record setting years in the last four making this period the best years on record for real estate transactions!

What does this mean for Sellers?

Given the state of the current market, if you are a property owner and have ever thought about selling in the future then I would put your home on the market this year and sell. We are currently at the top of the price surge, and I expect prices to plateau in 2023 due to the high interest rates in the U.S. and negative economic indicators that will deter buyers from purchasing a vacation home. Even if prices plateau it still means you still have an opportunity to get the most money possible for the sale of your property. By delaying the sale of your property this year, you risk getting less money if the economy takes a nosedive in 2023 and you finally decide to sell in 2024. My advice is cash in your chips and do it this year/now. Consult your local real estate advisor who would be happy to perform a market analysis and tell you how much your property is worth.

What does this mean for Buyers?

It is still a seller’s market but is slowly transitioning to a buyer’s market because demand has fallen a bit due to the instability in the economy and high interest rates. In 2023 you can expect to pay the same prices you are currently witnessing with some prices starting to fall depending on a seller’s situation. However, what you won’t see is a major drop in pricing during 2023 as we had seen in 2008. Prices have plateaued and will not rise like they were in 2022 but the good news for buyers is they may start to fall just a bit. If you are in the market for a lot, home or condo expect to pay close to asking price because there is still competition for desirable properties that are priced well.

About the author: Joseph Sanchez is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Legacy and president of Rocky Point Home Builders a design/build contractor specializing in custom home design, construction and engineered renovations He resides here in Puerto Peñasco with his wife and three children and is originally from Chicago. For more information email him at sales@rockypointhomebuilders.com

BARB’S DOG RESCUE

Happy New Year

By Linda Bernard

Starting a new year is exciting. Like many others, I always try to make a few New Year’s resolutions. Eat healthier. Exercise consistently. Exhibit more patience. Write my Rocky Point Times articles on time. So here we are in mid-December, and I am already late getting this assignment turned in. Thank you RPT for having patience with me! Today I really need it. New beginnings are supposed to be positive. As we begin 2023, we must again ask for your help to solve our most serious problem; We simply do not have enough food for the almost 450 dogs in our care. Local shortages and rules limiting the amount and type of dog food that can be brought into Mexico from the U.S. are ongoing problems. So, how can you help?

food to our U.S. address as we are held to the same 50-pound limit per vehicle. You can order and ship food to Shelley Marsh, 5348 W. Luke Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301 and she will transport it to The Why Not Travel Store for delivery to the Rescue. If you pass through Why on your way, stop and ask if there is food being held there that needs to be delivered to the Rescue. Every donation, whether monetary or food, will be critical to providing the best life possible for all our beloved residents here at Barb’s Dog Rescue.

Winter Brings Additional Challenges

In colder weather we must do everything possible to provide warmth and protection for our outside dogs. New or used blankets, other bedding, and dog sweaters are in high demand. Additionally, as we bring more residents inside during the coldest evenings, we need donations of used towels, puppy pads, cleaning supplies and paper towels.

Our Reason for Being

If you are visiting, you can make a donation or purchase Exceed Brand Chicken and Purina Puppy Chow dry food from Sam’s here in Puerto Peñasco. We currently cannot purchase canned food locally and desperately need high-quality canned food for our nursing mothers, puppies, and the sick or malnourished. If you are planning a trip, you can bring up to 50 pounds of poultry or seafoodbased food per vehicle. The food cannot contain any products or by-products from animals with hooves. Violating this rule will result in the food being confiscated at the border. Please do not ship

The main goal of the Rescue is to find forever homes for as many dogs as possible. Adoption/ visiting hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The adult dogs love to play. The puppies benefit greatly from the socialization that comes with human interaction. If you are considering adoption, remember our dogs receive all required vaccinations, are dewormed, and spayed or neutered. Paperwork to take your new pet back across the border is provided. There is no cost to adopt, but donations are gladly accepted.

As for me, I’m still working on those resolutions, but right now I’m going on Amazon Smile (a percentage of each purchase is donated back to the Rescue through this program) to send my furry friends at the Rescue some much needed food. How about you?

Start Off the New Year with Something New! The Mexican Molcajete

By Gretchen Corpe Ellinger

If you love guacamole, and plan to make lots of it for the Super Bowl, you need a molcajete!

This uniquely Mexican version of the mortar and pestle, the molcajete, with its tejolote, can be found in nearly every Mexican kitchen, whether home or restaurant. Both pieces are carved of basalt stone and would be recognized by the ancients of Mesoamerica. Molcajetes have been excavated from many Maya and Aztec archeological sites in Mexico, and are instantly recognizable, because their form has not changed over thousands of years – the molcajete is a threelegged bowl while its matching tejolote is held in one hand and used to prepare ingredients, such as grinding or crushing spices, grains, and vegetables.

The molcajete can also be used as a serving dish – use the tejolote to grind, smash & combine ingredients, then serve right from the molcajete. Cleanup is easy –much like cleaning cast iron pans - rinse with water, use gentle soap if needed, and expect your bowl to season over time the way cast iron does. Although these are prepping rather than cooking utensils, there are restaurants in Puerto Peñasco that serve a variety of cooked meats in a pre-heated molcajete, which keeps the food hot after it is served because the stone holds its heat so well.

Authentic molcajetes can be bought at some local stores along the Malecón and in Curios la Cholla, as well as in The Kitchen Store on Blvd Benito Juarez just south of Calle Constitución. Prices vary according to size and material. I have a tiny molcajete that I use for grinding spices, and a large one that I used to prepare

and serve. You may see molcajetes made of volcanic rock or even molded cement, which are priced considerably lower than those of basalt stone. The basalt stone is much harder to carve due to its density, and is worth the extra money, because it will not “grind away” with use, while the stone molcajete may well become part of your legacy!

Before using your new molcajete, season it by grinding small hands full of white rice, one at a time. You may notice little dark flecks in the rice powder; these are tiny stone burrs left over from carving the stone. Repeat until there are no more dark flecks, and your molcajete and tejolote are food-ready. Below is a recipe to prepare and serve in the molcajete. You might consider using the molcajete and tejolote for more than guacamole - think mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, nuts for nut butters, peanut butter and banana sandwich spread – you get the idea!

GUACAMOLE

• 1 garlic clove

• 3 green onions

• 6 ripe avocados

• 7-8 Roma tomatoes, chopped

• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced

• ½ bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped

• Juice of 2 limes

• Salt & Pepper

Using the tejolote, in the molcajete mash the garlic to a paste, then mash in the onions. Now mash in the avocados. Add tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, lime juice. Stir to combine, then add salt and pepper to taste. Tweak the recipe to your liking (isn’t everything better with bacon?) and enjoy with chips, raw veggies, or on top of a baked potato! Provecho!

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TRAVELINFORMATION

ACCIDENTS CON’T

All parties are taken to the police station where you and your vehicle may be detained until restitution is made. If a minor is involved in an accident, the parents are responsible for the child. Parents must pay fines and/or restitution. Minors are usually detained but not jailed in non-death accidents or traffic violations. You need to file a police report and phone your Mexican insurance adjustor immediately in the event of an accident. You (most likely) will be held in jail if you are in an accident in which a death occurs.

AIRLINE SERVICE & AIRPORTS

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Mar de Cortes International Airport (011-52-638) 383-6097

www.aeropuertomardecortes.com

YOU MUST FILE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT!

If you feel you have been wronged by an officer(s), you MUST make an official complaint so that the police department can take action. If they have no record of the incident, then they have no proof. Telling your friends and complaining to others will not get the problem solved - it only creates more problems and allows the officer to go on “doing business as usual”. File a complaint and save others the same grief you have gone through and make our city a better place.

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED

Passports are required for re-entry into the U.S. when travelling by vehicle into Mexico.

You may also present a Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, SENTRI or NEXXUS Cards when leaving Mexico. Children under the age of 16 need to present their Birth Certificate. This applies to any port of entry when driving into Mexico.

ABOUT PUERTO PEÑASCO

Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is located in the State of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. It is approz. 66 miles from the U.S. border at Lukeville, AZ and the Mexican border at Sonoyta, MX. Rocky Point is located within the “Free Zone”, so no vehicle permits are required for you to visit, but you will need your Passport or other ID (see above) to re-enter the United States.

Rocky Point offers a variety of land and sea activities for every age and is very family oriented. It also offers a variety of dining and lodging choices as well as beach camping and RV Parks. Rocky Point is known for its warm weather, beautiful sunsets and gorgeous beaches. Relax and enjoy a day on the beach or at one of our many spas. Head out for a day of shopping to find everything from one-of-a-kind fine art to curious. Plan a day of golf on some of the most beautiful and challenging courses around. And when the sun has set, head out for some local night time entertainment.

DRIVING TO ROCKY POINT

take you all the way to the U.S./Mexico border at Lukeville, AZ and Sonoyta, MX. The Maricopa Hwy. will lead you right into Gila Bend, exit left once you come to the stop sign and follow the above directions.

COMING FROM TUCSON

You will take the old Ajo Hwy. (Hwy. 86), which will lead you through Sells and end at Why, AZ. At the stop sign take a left onto Hwy. 85 (at Why) and head to the border (see above).

Gas stations, restrooms, ATM’s & convenience stores are located in Gila Bend, Ajo, Why and Lukeville. AZ before reaching the border.

COMING FROM CALIFORNIA

The Crossing at San Luis (south of Yuma, AZ) is the fastest and easiest point to cross. Head East on I-8 and take Hwy. 95 S towards Yuma. You will cross at San Luis Rio Colorado. Continue straight for a few blocks, turn left at the signal on to Ave. Obregon. That is the main road through San Luis.

You will go all the way through town and see a sign for Puerto Peñasco and El Golfo de Santa Clara off to your right. Exit right at the bridge and follow the signs to Puerto Peñasco. Theres is a toll booth you will go through (currently $110 pesos). The road is smooth and free of potholes and has plenty of places to pass and pull over.

Just outside of El Golfo, you will turn left onto the Coastal Highway (003) and follow that all the way to Rocky Point. Signs are clearly marked. Look on our facebook page for pictures of the signs, roadway, stops and scenery.

ENTERING MEXICO

Hwy. 8 from the Lukeville border to Rocky Point is a good 2-lane road with plenty of emergency parking and places to pass. It is an open range (watch out for wildlife) and is patrolled by the highway police as well as the Green Angels (roadside assistance). Please see Crossing the Border in this section for more info.

YOU MUST HAVE MEXICAN VEHICLE INSURANCE...IT’S THE LAW

A minimum of liability is required.

Airport Administrator: Alonso Dominguez Ruiz

Libramiento Carretera Sonoyta-Caborca 71 Ejido Miramar, Colonia Miramar

PERSONAL AIRCRAFT

To fly your own plane you must have your: pilots license, medical certificate, registration, air worthiness certificate, and Mexican airplane insurance.

GENERAL AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airport ICAO ID: MMPE

Location: 17 miles East of downtown Elevation: 88 ft.

Mar de Cortes Radio Tower Frequency: 118.85 Website contains complete info. on Airport loanding, parking other fees

Type of Services: RS: Int’l regular flights

RFF Category: 7

Airport Coordinates: 31° 21’ 6.836” LN113° 18’ 19.44” LW Runway Center

Runway Designation: 18-36 Runway 18 THR Elev.: 84 ft./Runway 36 Elev.: 88 ft.

Airport Reference Number: 4D

Runway Lengths: 8,100 ft. Airport Size: 1,482.6 Acres

U.S. AIRPORTS (CLOSEST) Phoenix, Tucson & Nogales, AZ

(MEXICO)

CONSULATES

MEXICAN CONSULATES

Tucson: 3915 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 882-5595 • Mon.-Fri. 8 AM - 2 PM Phoenix: P 320 E McDowell Rd Ste 320 Phoenix, AZ 85004 • (602) 242-7398

Nogales: 480 Grand Ave., 89562 • (520) 287-3175 Douglas: 541 10th St., 85607 • (520) 364-3107

U.S. CONSULATES

Nogales, Mexico from Mexico (01-631) 311-8150 Fax: (01-631) 313-4652 from the U.S. (011-52-631) 311-8150 Fax: (011-52-631) 313-4652 http://travel.state.gov Email: NogalesASC@state.gov

limits. Before you enter the lanes to cross into Mexico, you will pull off to your left and park in the assigned spaces against the chainlink fence. You will need to go to the small building, which sits in the middle of the two lanes, and tell the officer what items you have to declare and the value of each item. When you are finished filling out the form, the import tax (impuestos) will be assessed and you will be handed two forms to take to the bank and pay. (The bank is at the side of the brick building, past the fountain.) If it is after hours, you will pay your impuestos to the agent who will stamp your form and issue you a receipt. An agent may want to come and inspect your load. The taxes you pay are in pesos and you can now pay with a credit card (they will accept dollars) and are to be paid directly to the bank and you will be issued a receipt. You will need that receipt to cross the border. (If you are pulled over by Aduana after leaving the border, you will need the receipt as proof of payment.)

After you have paid your taxes, you will need to cross the border and go through the Fiscal Traffic Light. If you get the red light you will need to pull over and show your receipt to the officer.

If you come through the fiscal traffic light, and merchandise is found, which was not declared, you could have to pay a fine of 4x the commercial value of the articles plus your vehicle and belongings may be seized.

If you choose the Integral Inspection the fine will be 1½x the value. In both cases you forfeit the right to the tax exemption.

Your vehicle and personal belongings can be confiscated if you do not stop and declare merchandise over your limit allowed by Mexican Law.

DUTY FREE ITEMS

You are allowed $300 USD tax free in new merchandise per person. Merchandise must be in same vehicle as person(s) declaring.

The following is a list of items which you may bring into Mexico tax free.

CROSSING

CLOSED

As soon as you pass the chainlink fence, you are entering into Mexico. There are two lanes going into Mexico. Wait for the vehicle ahead of you to pass all the way through the lane before proceeding.

VEHICLE INSPECTION

Voluntary declaration/items over allowed limit

As you cross the Mexican Border there are two narrow lanes with a (traffic) light at the end of the lane. As you proceed ahead, the light will flash RED (alto - stop) or GREEN (pase - go).

• Items for personal use such as clothing, shoes and toiletries according to the length of your stay.

• 1 photographic or motion video camera, including a power source and rolls of film or video cassettes. (No professional equipment.)

• Books and magazines.

• 1 used sports article or piece of equipment for individual use.

• 1 carton of cigarrettes.

• 3 liters of alcohol & beer, 6 liters of wine. You may import more by paying the corresponding tax.

• Medicine for personal use (with your prescription).

• Suitcases to transport your items.

If you are legally a resident of another country, in addition to the items listed, you may also bring the following items:

• Binoculars

• Camping equipment

• Portable television, radio and 20 cds

• Laptop computer

CAR RENTALS

Some major rental companies do permit their vehicles to be driven into Mexico. Call their AZ offices directly instead of their national offices. You may be required to carry their Mexican insurance. Mexico law requires that you must carry a minimum of liability insurance.

Arizona (Phoenix Area) Enterprise, Advantage, Dollar, Saban’s Puerto Peñasco (from the U.S. dial 011-52-638)

Alamo Rent A Car 102-0277

1) FISCAL TRAFFIC LIGHT

STOP (alto) - RED LIGHT

If the light turns red you will pull off to the left where an officer will ask you some questions such as where you are going, how long you are staying, and what you are bringing into Mexico. The officer will most likely look through your vehicle and belongings. Do not leave your vehicle unattended and do accompany the officer during his search. If you incur any problems be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer.

GO (pase) - GREEN LIGHT

• 5 used toys if the passenger is a child

• Fishing tackle

• Pair of skis

• 2 tennis rackets

• A non-motorized boat up to 5½ meters in length or a surfboard with or without a sail

If you are traveling by a camper, trailer, motorhome you may also bring in:

• VCR

• Bicycle with or without a motor

• Household linens

COMING FROM PHOENIX

Take either I-10 (west side) or the Maricopa Hwy. (east side). Take the Gila Bend/Mexico exit off of I-10 and head toward Gila Bend. Once you pass through Gila Bend you will exit onto Hwy. 85 (south) toward Ajo/Mexico. Hwy. 85 will

ACCIDENTS

If you are involved in a (nondeath) accident in Mexico, you are considered at fault until proven otherwise.

Bufalo 388-9999

M.G. Rentals 383-3814

Pro Rent-A-Car 388-5823

Rio Car Rental 383-8181 The Point Rent-A-Car 388-5823

If you get the green light you can pass through without any inspection. Please note that you still may be pulled over and inspected even if you get the green light.

2) INTEGRAL INSPECTION

This is the voluntary request for the examination of your articles, if you have items to declare which exceed your allowed

• Kitchen utensils

• Livingroom & bedroom furniture

You may import additional merchandise valued up to $1,000 per vehicle by paying the corresponding tax without the intervention of a customs broker.

Over $1,000 USD requires a broker, which are located just across the border.

FIREARMS & DRUGS

Firearms, illegal drugs and ammunition are NOT allowed into Mexico. Hunters may bring their firearm with the proper paperwork/ clearance. Possession carries a pentalty of 5 to 30 years.

IMPORTING

You are allowed to bring in $300 USD per person worth of new merchandise - this does not include your personal items such as clothing, toiletries, etc. If you have new merchandise in excess of $300 per person you will need to declare your items and pay the impuestos (taxes) before crossing into Mexico. You may import up to $1,000 USD in new merchandise per vehicle without the assistance of a Customs Broker.

To declare items you are bringing into Mexico, turn left as you cross the border, just beyond the chainlink fence. Park in the designated spot and go into the Aduana Building in the middle of the two lanes. See Crossing the Border for more information on declaring merchandise.

If your merchandise totals more than $3,000 USD per vehicle, you will need the assistance of a customs broker. Customs brokers are located on the Mexican side of the border. Park on the U.S. side and walk across to one of their offices.

Customs Brokers in Sonoyta, Mex.

Agencia Ibarrola (011-52-651) 512-1878 Aserco Imp. (011-52-651) 512-0009

MultiServicios Sinaloa (011-52-651) 512-1593 or 1599

INSURANCE

Medical Insurance

Family or personal trip/ vacation medical insurance can be purchased by some providers in the U.S. Check your existing policy to see what coverage is offered while visiting Mexico. Most clinics in Rocky Point do not accept U.S. insurance as payment.

Vehicle Insurance

Mexican Law states that you MUST HAVE MEXICAN INSURANCE while driving in Mexico. A minimum of liability is required though full coverage is recommended.

You can insure your driver’s license if driving a buggy, quad, rail, etc., but the vehicle cannot be insured for theft.

If your vehicle is stolen, you must immediately file a local, federal (state) and U.S. police report. The insurance companies usually pay low blue book and extras such as rims, tires, stereo, etc. are not covered.

Most U.S. policies ARE NOT recognized in Mexico.

You may purchase insurance over the internet, phone, mail or stop at a number of places on your way to Rocky Point. Look in this issue for Mexican Insurance.

TRAVELINFORMATION

Kino Bay, Mexico............................393 miles

Las Vegas, Nevada..........................514 miles

Los Angeles, California...................540 miles

Lukeville, Arizona..............................66 miles

Nogales, Mexico.............................287 miles

Phoenix, Arizona............................217 miles

San Carlos, Mexico.........................407 miles

San Diego, California......................366 miles

Santa Ana, Mexico.........................217 miles

Sonoyta, Mexico..............................62 miles

Tucson, Arizona..............................208 miles

Yuma, Arizona................................260 miles

Coastal Highway 003

On June 1st, 2009, U.S. Citizens reentering the United States (via vehicle) from Mexico will be required to show their Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, NEXXUS or SENTRI card. Everyone in the vehicle needs to provide one of the above forms if identificaton.

Parents bringing their babies, who have not received their official birth certificate, may bring the temporary one issued by the hospital. Children 16 and under will be required to show a copy of their birth certificate.

Wait Times

Traffic is greatly increased during holiday and busy weekends. Please plan your trip accordingly. A good idea is to arrive a day early, and stay a day later.

You can check border wait times on the internet at http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt

Live Birds: wild and domesticated birds, including poultry are prohibited. To import personally owned pet birds, contact agricultural inspectors in advance.

Straw: generally prohibited. This includes wheat straw, seeds, animal feed, and all articles made from this material.

In addition to the excepted items listed above, many agricultural items are permitted if they pass inspection to be sure they are free of pests, soil and sand.

SHUTTLE SERVICES

At this time you cannot obtain your FMT in Peñasco, but the Immigration office can stamp your FM3 or FM2 for travel beyond the free zone. If you are flying into the airport you can obtain your FMT when you arrive at the Peñasco airport. By law, anyone who stays in Mexico for more than 72 hours, is required to have an FMT, whether you stay within the Free Zone or not.

Automobile Visa

This highway will run from Baja, California through Rocky Point to San Carlos. It is completed from El Golfo de Santa Clara to Rocky Point and from El Desemboque to Puerto Libertdad. Southern California visitors will be able to cut their driving time by using this beautiful, safe new highway! It is a nice, wide, 2-lane highway with rest stops, plenty of passing and wide shoulders for emergencies. See Driving to Puerto Peñasco at the beginning of this section.

PETS

Only domestic animals (dogs & cats) are permitted into Mexico. You need to carry a copy of your pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate as you may be asked for it as you cross the border.

Mexico has many stray animals roaming the streets so please keep an eye on your pet. Many pets are lost in Rocky Point each year due to unfamiliar surroundings and firework noise.

If your animal is lost while visiting Rocky Point, we have found the best thing to do is scour the area where he/she was last seen. You can also pass out flyers to taxi drivers and water truck delivery men and post them all over town. Putting an announcement on the local AM and FM radio stations are also a good idea. Be sure you have a collar and tag on your animal as well as a current photo.

Contrary to popular belief, your pet is not welcome at most establishments, especially where food is served. Please check with the staff before bringing your pet inside as the business can be fined for health violations.

RE-ENTERING THE UNITED STATES

Permitted Items 100 cigars, 200 cigarettes 1 liter (39.8 fl. oz.) of alcohol, per person, 21 yrs. or older. You are NOT permitted, at the Lukeville Port of Entry, to pay duty and import additional alcohol. This is a Pima County law, not an Arizona or U.S. state law, so check with the individual border crossing.

Fruits and Vegetables: bananas, blackberries, cactus fruits, dates, dewberries, grapes, lychees, melons, papayas, pineapples, and strawberries. (Most citrus such as oranges and grapefruit are NOT permitted.) Vegetables are permitted, except for those on the prohibited list. Okra, however, is subject to certain restrictions.

Nuts: acorns, almonds, cocoa beans, chestnuts, coconuts (without husks or milk), peanuts, pecans, pinons (pinenuts), tamarind beans, walnuts and waternuts. Seafood: 50 lbs. of fish or shrimp per vehicle.

Avoid customs penalties by declaring all articles acquired in Mexico, and in your possession at the time of your reentry into the United States. If in doubt whether an article should be declared, always declare it first to the Customs Officer on duty.

If you understate the value of an article you declare, you may have to pay a penalty in addition to the payment of duty. If you fail to declare an article, acquired in Mexico, not only is the item subject to seizure, but you will be liable for a personal penalty. You are entitled to a $800 exemption in a 30 day period. Articles totaling $800 may be entered free of duty, subject to limitations on liquor, cigarettes & cigars.

Prohibited Items

Agricultural items are prohibited if they can carry plant pests or animal diseases.

Cuban Cigars

Medicine requires a prescription, carry a copy of your U.S. prescription with you.

Fruits and Vegetables: sugarcane, potatoes, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams. (Exceptions: Cooked potatoes and avocados without seeds, except in California.)

Plants, Seeds and Soil: plants and seeds require special permits. Soil and some plants are prohibited. Check in advance with agricultural inspectors. (Exception: some dried plant parts for medicinal purposes are permitted.)

Meat and Game: pork, raw and cooked, including sausages, cold cuts, skins, and pork tacos is prohibited. (Exceptions: shelf-stable, canned pork and hardcooked pork skins (cracklings) are permitted.)

Poultry: raw meat from both domesticated and game fowl is prohibited. (Exception: thoroughly cooked poultry is permitted.)

Eggs: prohibited. (Exceptions: boiled and cooked eggs are permitted.)

Game: check with agricultural inspectors in advance.

Daily shuttle service is available from the Phoenix and Tucson areas to Rocky Point and cities in-between. Please contact the companies directly for their schedules and rates. If you need door to door service, clarify that they offer that service and if you need to be picked up at the airport make sure that the shuttle has a permit to pick up passengers at the airport.

Head Out to Rocky Point Phone (602) 971-0166 www.headouttorockypoint.com Nena’s Transportation 388-7089 or (602) 442-6802

Located on Benito Juarez, N of the Baseball Stadium by Coffee Point Transportes Superior 383-3640

Calle Lazaro Cardenas, Esq. Benito Juarez Bus Station TNS/Estrella Blanca Sonoyta: Across the border on the west side of the street. 01-651-512-3374

At the Bus Station: 01-651-512-0784 Phoenix: 29th & VanBuren: 602-4559522

SPEED LIMITS

The Free Zone covers most of Sonora, but if you plan to drive past Guaymas, Sonora, you will need to obtain a permit for your vehicle. This can be done in San Emeterio, about 20 miles south of Sonoyta on Hwy 2 or at the check point outside of Guaymas. The cost for this permit is approx. $59.16 dlls. You cannot get a permit in Rocky Point. You will need the original and 3 copies of: • Registration, Title and the valid driver’s license of the vehicle owner

• Credit card in the vehicle owner’s name

• FMT, FM3, FM2, Passport or birth certificate

• Leasing contract (if the vehicle is rented or leased), which must be in the name of the person importing the vehicle. If the vehicle belongs to a company, the papers certifying the employee works for the company.

If you do not have a credit card you can post a bond payable to the Federal Treasury issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico. As an alternative to posting bond you may make a cash deposit at Banco del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value according to the “Table of Vehicle Values for Bonding Companies.”

At Banco del Ejercito your credit card will be charged approx. from $200 USD. to $400 USD. A cash deposit will also be accepted if you do not have a credit card.

SPEED

LIMITS FOR PUERTO PEÑASCO STREETS

10 KPH / 6 MPH in School Zones

30 KPH / 18 MPH on City Streets

60 KPH / 37 MPH on any Blvd., unless posted ortherwise 60 KPH / 37 MPH on the Resort Rd, from Playa Bonita to Cholla Bay

TRAVEL BEYOND THE FREE ZONE

Puerto Peñasco is located in the Free Zone, where you do not need vehicle/tourist visas to visit.

If you plan to travel beyond the Free Zone you will need the following: FMT (personal tourist visa) and your vehicle permit if you plan to drive.

Personal Visa (FMT)

Available at the Immigration Office in Sonoyta, on your right as you cross the border. They are open from 8:00 AM until Midnight. You will need to bring your birth certificate and/or valid driver’s license.

You can either park on the U.S. side and walk across or you can go through the border and park. You will need to show your ID and fill out the necessary paperwork (it is in English and Spanish).

Once you have filled out the paperwork you will take it over to Banca Serfin, pay approx. $558 pesos (per person) and return to the office to give them a copy.

Your deposit plus any interest will be returned to you when you leave Mexico. You may choose to obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding company located at all border crossings. The bonding company also assess taxes and processing costs for this service. The vehicle permit is good for 6 months and for any type of vehicle weighing under 3 tons. When departing Mexico, and if you are not planning to drive the vehicle back into Mexico, the permit must be canceled with Customs. If your car is found in Mexico, beyond the Free Zone, and beyond the authorized time, or without the appropriate papers, it will be confiscated.

Always carry the importation permit with you when driving your vehicle into Mexico. Take it with you when you exit the vehicle - do not leave this document in your car. Make a copy and leave a copy in the car - same with your insurance.

The sale, abandonment or use of the vehicle for financial gain, a criminal act, etc. will result in its confiscation.

The vehicle may be driven by the spouse or adult children as long as they have the same immigration status. It is a good idea to get a notarized document, if you are driving a vehicle beyond the free zone that is not registered in your name, nor the owner is in the vehicle. It should simply state that the owner has given you permission to drive the vehicle, you may want to include the make, model, year, color and VIN number.

The Rocky Point Times Newspaper strives to keep the information up-to-date. Laws, rules and info. change constantly, so if you notice an error, or have additional info., please let us know so that we may change the info. Contact us with questions or corrections at rockypointtimes@ yahoo.com or phone (480) 4636255 or local 383-6325.

By Mark Paliscak

Feliz Enero, Rocky Point…..

I truly hope Santa was good to everyone and you had a fabulous New Year! As of this writing, the New Year has not arrived yet but I have some fun plans to walk around my resort to friend’s condos and do a rotating party by the hour. It sounds like a lot of fun to me……… I was a hair stressed out as I don’t cook well so I figured we’d start off at my place. After all, how hard is to serve champagne and a few hors d’oeuvres? So, hopefully I have it covered for an hour and my friends enjoy my attempt. I can do well with the bevvies having been a previous bartender a while ago in Newport Beach, California but having just got back from Champagne, France this summer, I think the champagne idea will

be cool and try out some different types and brands. And mentioning trying new things out……..it is the New Year so I put together a list of some things we need to try out this year in Rocky Point!

1. Gather a group of friends over and have a tequila or vodka tasting party. My sister Vickie recently did a vodka tasting party for us while I was visiting her in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. She marked the bottom of the shot glass with a color corresponding to a chart only she had access to, and we got to sip each brand and choose which one we liked the best. It was fun and some people were a bit surprised as they were sure they could name their favorite vodka but joila, they were a bit confusio!

2. Grab a friend and commit to a beach walk 3 or 4 times a week. We are blessed with incredible weather near year-round and a healthy walk on the beach can accomplish many things. You can grow closer with your buddy by sharing fun stories of the past, meet new friends and pets along the way, check out the tidal pools and the abundance of sea life in them as you go, collect some cool seashells and sea glass, pick up some trash so our beach looks even better for the next person and burn some calories as you go! Not a bad ticket at all……… hint for success…..set a time like 4:20 or high noon and be sure you are timely with your departure. Personally, I like to bang out my exercise in the morning so it frees up my day ��.

3. Make a movie night with a friend……. Make plans to have a weekly movie night by either going to the movies or taking turns choosing a movie on

Netflix and watching it together. There have been plenty of movies that I never would have chosen to watch but agreed to go because a friend chose it and I’d be like, “WOW, who knew?” and would love it.

4. Ask a friend to borrow a good book that they would recommend…… and visa versa. I have so many cool books that I would recommend and so many I would like to start. Reading keeps the mind fresh and young and tunes you out from our ever-constant electric world. So go old school, and grab a book and chill out. You will find that it is often just what your body and soul need.

5. Try out a new restaurant….. we have an abundance of restaurants here in Rocky Point and it would be really hard to get to them all as there are new ones opening all the time. Personally, I need to get a little better at this as I often find some I like and hit repeat each time I want to go out to a restaurant. New Year’s goal………… try out some new restaurants. And for those on a budget, ask around for the specials on certain nights around town. There are incredible specials on everything from beer to shots to pizza to hamburgers to breakfast and bloodies.

6. Do a deep clean and get rid of your clutter. There are many organizations you can find right here in the Rocky Point Times where you can drop off your excess clothes, blankets, furniture etc. What better way to do things and pay it forward to someone in need…. especially when you really aren’t using the item. Getting rid of the clutter will also help you realize what you do have and some cool shirt or swim suit that you forgot about……. I actually have been known to find items with the tags still on hanging right there in my closet.

7. Make a list of 3 things that you will accomplish in 2023. They could be anything from losing 5 pounds to finding a new mate to joining a new group in town to learn a new activity or to donate some time to an

organization in need. Hang the reminder in a place that you will see it often to keep you on track and what your commitment to yourself is. I always say……. you owe it to yourself……….. FRONT TO BACK!

8. Host a gathering with friends to watch your favorite college or pro sports game. Have everyone bring a “regift present” to pass along to others…. I am often surprised that one’s person “junk” is another person’s “treasure”. You can have it themed or just come as you are……..the whole purpose is the gathering and to have fun!

9. Take up an arts class and learn something new. A couple years back, my dear artist friend Yaya came over with 10 easels and paints and taught my friends and I how to paint a picture. It was quite amazing how good some of them were. Mine was average but I was still proud of it, and it hangs in my kitchen. Some other ideas are pottery, knitting, drawing/sketching, scrapbooking etc…… you can figure out one of them that is right for you.

10. Say a regular prayer for a friend in need. We can all use all the help we can get and often a quick prayer to someone in need can do the trick for them and help them onto the right path.

So, here’s to 2023 and a blessed and fulfilling year! I wish everyone all the best in the coming year, and I look forward to seeing you on the beach!

As Nelson Mandela once said… ……“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Go forth and get it done ��.

Adios Amigos God Bless

POLICE REPORT PUERTO

By Vince Deadmond

Desert Fly Casters have been coming to Puerto Peñasco for 60 years and during that time have had very little interaction with the Puerto Peñasco Police Department. The following story was told to me by my good flyfishing buddies Rod Buchanan and Mark Sokol.

Scene of the crime: There was a huge empty spot next to the door at the Hotel Mirador. It was 7:00 PM in the evening, and getting dark, on Wednesday, November 16th and Rod and Mark had been out socializing with other Desert Fly Casters. The Water Master Raft is a 56-pound 4-foot by 6-foot heavy-duty raft for fishing and hauling fishing and camping gear. We usually leave this kind of gear outside the room to keep sand and other debris out of the way. The raft was loaded with swim fins, boots, and other fishing gear. The size and weight detour most normal people from messing with it. Yes, it was a shock when it went missing.

Rod contacted hotel security and looked at the video of the parking lot. No one had taken the large raft through the parking area. The next morning when it was early light there was a trail in the sand that led down

the beach to the condos next door. This is the beginning of the thought, “We may be in for another edition of the dumbest criminals RP version.” Sure enough, the trail in the sand led the hotel security guard and Rod to a condo that contained the raft one could see through the window. The people who took the raft were probably not nice people. Time to call the police.

Rod explained the situation to the officers and provided pictures of his raft that was inside someone else’s condo. The Peñasco Police were very professional and knocked on the door of the known perpetrator. They explained the situation, got the raft back, and took everyone involved down to the station for documentation, pictures, and to wrap up, “The missing raft caper.” Soon Rod was in the raft catching Orange Mouth Corvina and telling his buddies the story.

I think it’s a good reminder to hear about the good things the police department does.

Throughout the 2023 Season we will be introducing you to some of our “Mermaids” (what we call our artists & vendors). We hope that you enjoy meeting them here. Then, stop by the Mermaid’s Market and discover their Treasures!

~ Russ and Naomi Black

Isabel Torres @ Isabel’s Shop

Participating at the Mermaid’s Market: 6 years or more

Why do you like the Mermaid’s Market? You can spend a pleasant day with the family because there is always a healthy environment.

Do you create/make everything that you sell? Not everything.

If not, who makes them and where are the items made? I make all kinds of bracelets and necklaces and I paint hats. Some products are made in Oaxaca like palm hats, blankets, hand-embroidered bags, jackets and more.

How long have you lived in Puerto Peñasco? 24 years. My second daughter and my youngest daughter were born here.

What is something you like about living here? I like it because the people are nice. Also, the weather... and the shrimp! Tell us something “interesting”

about yourself: I have been a salesperson for most all my life; I started when I was a child. Even my daughters are in the family business; they are already the fourth generation! But that does not exclude them from continuing to study; they are both good students. One of them also has a craft stall in the Mermaid's Market; her name is Leticia. She sells embroidered blouses, tables that she paints herself and other things. Sandra, my youngest daughter helps me [at my space] and she makes bracelets and necklaces, too.

Do you have any other business locations? Yes. My place is on Calle 13, passing the train tracks.

Tony Ballesteros @ Timeless Treasures

Participating at the Mermaid’s Market: 11 years

Why do you like the Mermaid’s Market? I enjoy showing people my photographs, my seashell

Christmas trees, and arts & crafts. And meeting people from all over the world as well as seeing my old friends.

Do you create/make everything that you sell? No

If not, who makes them and where are the items made? I buy items from all over the world! Some pieces are from the South Seas. The amethyst geodes are from Brazil and Uruguay.

How long have you lived in Puerto Peñasco? 18 years

What is something you like about living here? I love the Sea of Cortez! I love the sunrises and sunsets. And of course, the people that enjoy Nature’s Beauty. I love capturing beauty through my camera and sharing it with people through social media and through printed photographs.

Tell us something “interesting” about yourself: My motto is: “Every day is

a holiday, and every meal is a banquet.”

Do you have any other businesses? I also own Tony's Mystic Whale Tours. There's my true passion! I guide and teach people about the California gray whales. There are about 1,200 whale and babies that migrate over 10,000 miles from the Bering Sea to Baja California every year. They winter in “Ojo de Liebre” from January until April.

Do you sell online? No. It’s way too much work.

Love built this church

(2013) and after (2022).

Today, St. Joseph’s is a beautiful chapel with all the creature comforts, sturdy windows and doors, a bathroom, four mini-split AC/heater units and beautiful artwork and stained glass.

By Cholla Charli

San José/St. Joseph’s mission church in La Cholla just passed the eighth anniversary of being an active chapel with bilingual Mass every Sunday.

The goal at first was to simply get the word out to the people of Cholla, and the English-speaking residents and visitors, that there was a church where they could fully appreciate the scripture and the sermons. That work continues, in great extent, thanks to the help of the Rocky Point Times.

The next goal was to make the chapel more comfortable. When they had the first Mass in 2014, there were no windows or doors, no flooring, no pews, and more dogs and pigeons than people.

Water and electricity were not linked to the property, so Sexton Bob Keller rigged a 12-volt “chandelier” to hang above the altar and ran it off of a car battery, along with one microphone and a “Blues Brothers” type speaker.

It was Bring-Your-Own-Chair for a long time, then the Cholla Bay Homeowners Clubhouse loaned two dozen of their old stacking chairs. As time passed, a visitor from the White Mountains – Willie Fenderson –started a Go Fund Me account, raised a thousand dollars and built nine sturdy wooden pews. Other volunteers have since built 11 more.

As more people came to Mass and found the warmth of the small setting, the numbers grew and Keller created a building fund donation box so they could flesh out the abandoned block shell that served as the church.

When it looked like the building projects were complete, they learned that their new pastor needed a home, so Keller raised the funds and oversaw the construction of a two-story, twobedroom (one for the Bishop’s visits), two bath, 844 square foot apartment.

All of this was possible because the word went out to visitors and residents, and they opened their hearts to generously help build God’s church.

St. Joseph’s is a Catholic Mission Church under Padre Marco Lopez, Pastor of Holy Family Rectory. St. Joseph’s offers the only bilingual Mass in Peñasco, every Sunday, and all are welcome.

To reach the church, take the paved road past the Sandy Beach condos and the dirt road past Wrecked at the Reef. As you wind your way toward Cholla Bay, the church is on the right and clearly marked. For information, contact Keller by e-mail at bob@keller. net, or by phone or text to 928-7066928.

San Jose/St. Joseph’s interior before and after.

San Jose/ St. Joseph’s facade before

Tarahumara Indigenous People of Mexico

on for days, non- stop. Some of their other music includes violins and guitars among other instruments.

By Rosarie Salerno

A peaceful and quiet people, the Tarahumara, have an archeological history of over 2,000 years. They call themselves Rarámuri, the “foot runners.” At one time they inhabited the northern portion of the state of Chihuahua. The Spanish, upon their discovery of gold and silver, forced the Tarahumara people to work as slaves in the mines, thus driving the natives deeper into the rugged mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains, an area now known as the Tarahumara Mountains in the state of Chihuahua.

It is thought that there are approximately 70,000 to 106,000 Indians living mostly in their traditional homes or in Mexican towns. Their remoteness may be the reason for such a big discrepancy in their population count. Their native language is from the Uto-Aztec family and is still spoken today, even as Spanish is trending to take its place. Originally hunter gathers, they now farm corn, beans, squash and cultivate fruit trees. They also raise sheep, cattle, and goats. Some Tarahumara still migrates seasonally. Highly valued in their society is respect for one another over material things.

Their religion is a melding together of Shamanism and Christianity, for most of people, but some have held firmly to their original beliefs. Tesgüino, a fermented beer made from corn, is used in ceremonies, as well as peyote. Their religious celebrations include a lot of dancing accompanied by the beating of animal skin-covered drums, flutes, and rattles. Their traditional ritual clothing is worn by the dancers. They may wear a white loin cloth that also drapes loosely over the sides of their hips, down the back of their lower body almost to ankle length. Colorful tied belts, a scarf tied around their neck and one folded wide, wrapped around their forehead topped off with an elaborate plume of feathers. Their bodies may also be painted with white spots, representing the jaguar. Their most highly celebrated holiday is Semana Santa, Easter Week. The drumming and dancing can go

In everyday life, many of the Tarahumara people have retained their traditional garments, especially the woman. They usually wear long, full, colorful, ruffled tiered skirts, a colorful blouse tied at the waist, and a large wraparound shawl for warmth. On their head is worn a scarf, kerchief style, tied under the chin. One of their favorite colors is red. The men are commonly seen in pants, colorful shirts, and cowboy hats. Some men may mix modern and traditional styles. The younger men may appear as any teenager in jeans, a tee-shirt, and a bandana tied around the forehead, similar to the traditional style.

In their culture, it is not uncommon for people to live together for a year before getting married or marry more than once until a compatible partner is found.

Most notably they are known for their fame as skilled long-distance runners. They run, very often barefooted or in thin-soled huarache sandals tied with a thin leather strap around their ankle. This fact has put a question into buying expensive padded running shoes. The padding is comfortable but causes the foot to land on its heel and not the pad of the foot. It’s been determined that the natural selection of millions of years of evolution has designed the foot perfectly for running virtually with no injuries, on its own. At one time the Tarahumara were engaged to deliver messages to the hard-to-get-to remote areas in the mountains of Mexico. The Tarahumara are known for their stamina. They can run easily for over 100 miles. In the 1920s organizers of races from California invited the Tarahumara to a race in Kansas. The length was 42 kilometers. The organizers were really surprised when the tribe sent 3 women. Evidently, the Tarahumara believed that it was a race for weaklings, only for women.

The Tarahumara are working at maintaining their traditional lifestyle, but it is becoming more and more difficult, as commercial agriculture, mining, and lumbering are threatening their homelands.

There are informative and enlightening videos on Youtube. com. The reader may want to visit the Tarahumara Internet-based radio station to listen to their spoken language and music. The link is http:// www.radiotarahumara.com.

ATV’s

ATV’S ARE

NOT PERMITTED ON

CITY BEACHES

Please follow these rules when riding ATV’s in Rocky Point.

• Helmets mandatory

• Only 2 persons per ATV

• No riding after dark

• Driver’s must be 16 yrs. of age

• Do not race, jump, do wheelies, etc.

• Do not drink and drive

DO NOT RIDE

IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS

Main Blvd. Benito Juarez Blvd. Fremont or in the Old Port You will be fined if riding in these areas. Fines are to be paid only at the police station.

IN PUERTO PEÑASCO

BANAMEX

Sucursal Pinacate Blvd. Benito Juárez & Campeche 383-3943 or 383-4830 Blvd. Benito Juárez & Blvd. López Portillo 388-5842 or 388-5844

BANCOMER 383-2947 or 383-2430 Blvd. Benito Juárez & V. Estrella and in Plaza Fremont

BANORTE 383-5955 • Blvd. Benito Juárez 388-6901 • Blvd. Fremont & Sinaloa SANTANDER SERFIN 383-2091 or 383-4288 Blvd. Benito Juárez & Calle 13 Hwy. 85, north of town

ATM MACHINES

ATM’s are located at the banks and have 24 hr. access. They give pesos only. The only one that gives dollars is the Banorte ATM on Fremont. When the machine prompts Pesos? Dollars? you must select pesos or your transaction will be aborted. There are U.S. ATM machines in Ajo, Why and Lukeville, AZ.

CHECKS & CREDIT CARDS

Most merchants do not accept U.S. checks and they are not cashable at banks or money exchanges. Some merchants do accept credit cards, but check first and ask if there is an additional charge.

MONEY EXCHANGE

All merchants accept USD. If you would like to exchange your dollars into pesos you can do so at one of the banks or at the money exchanges. Depending on the exchange rate, sometimes you are better off paying in USD or pesos, you will have to do the math.

TRAVELERS CHECKS

Travelers Checks are accepted by some merchants, but are not cashable at any bank in Puerto Peñasco.

U.S. BANKS

Closest U.S. bank to Puerto Peñasco National Bank 101 La Mina Avenue, Ajo, AZ 85321 (520) 387-2200

Mon.-Thurs. 9-4, Fri. 9-5

They do not exchange pesos or Canadian $

WIRE SERVICE

You can send money to a person in Rocky Point, from the U.S., by using MoneyGram or Western Union.

MoneyGram transfers are picked up at Coppel Department Store on Ave. Constitucion (across from Super Ley grocery store). It must say Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico and the receipent must have a driver’s license or a passport and the transaction number to retrieve the money. Western Union transfers may be picked up at the local post office during business hours, must show proof of ID.

You cannot wire money to a bank for someone who does not have an account.

463-6255

GENERALINFORMATION

CHURCHES

7th Day Adventist Church

Pastor Jose Luis Perez Perez Ave. Sinaloa (between Alberto Lizárraga & Gregorio Escalante) Tel: (638) 383-6760

Cel: (638) 100-6602

Worship Saturday 9:30am 2nd Location in Nuevo Peñasco Corner of 51st Ave & Aquiles Serdan (East side of Town)

Adonai Comunidad Cristiana Lucero Viuda de Morúa #257 between López Mateos & Healy Col. Luis Donaldo Colosio Tel. 638.383.3865 www.adonaicc.net

Assembly of God 383-3364 Ave. Luis Encinas & 27th Street

Apostolic Church Constitucion Ave. & 15th Street

Good Samaritan

Callejon 25 and Ave. 65 (N. of Lazaro Cardenas) (638) 112-7035 Sunday Service 10:30 am

Grupo Unidad Cristianos de Peñasco

Pastor Ernesto Portugal 383-2240

North on Benito Juarez to Simon Morua, turn right (east), 1 blk. past Ace Hardware, turn right, church is on your left before Melchor Ocampo.

English Headphone available Sunday Services 9:30am-11:15 & 11:30-1:30 Thursday: 7:30 - 9:00pm Church office hours Monday - Friday 9:30am to 2:00pm

Peñasco Christian Fellowship Church: 638-388-0925 Cel: 520-891-6213 ask for Conrad or Heidi Quiros

On Melchor Ocampo, 1/2 blk. E. of Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez. Bilingual Services Sunday Services: 10am Wednesday Services: 7:00pm

Family of God Christian Fellowship Non-Denominational Worship Services 383-3480

Blvd. Costero N 2000A, Fracc. Las Palomas English Services, Everyone Welcome Spanish Translation Offered Sunday Services: 9:00am

Iglesia Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (Sacred Heart Church) Paseo V. Estrella in Old Port.

Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 388-6244

Stadium road, on the left side just before Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, behind COFESA Sunday-English 9:30AM

Mormon Church 18th St & Cuauhtémoc Ave

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 383-2959

Calle 20 Simon Morua

Sunday Services: 8:00 am and 10:00 am 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Rocky Point Bible Church

Iglesia Ev. Nuevo Nacimiento

Pastor Manuel Agundez Blvd. Samuel Ocaña between San Luis and Guillermo Prieto Services in Spanish, but many English speaking groups attend to translate Services Sunday and Wednesday and Bible Study Groups

Children’s Ministry every Saturday in Colonia Nueva Good News Club with Esperanza de Vida San Francisco Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Sunday Service: 11:00 am

St. Joseph's Catholic Church Bilingual Mass, Sundays at 8:30 a.m. Cholla Bay Road on the Right Call 928-706-6928 for details.

San Judas Tadeo near old Cholla Bay Road Sunday Services: 5:00 pm

San Martin de Porres Ave. Luis Encinas Sunday Services: 9:00 am Templo La Hermosa 383-7130

Pastor Carlos Gracian Located next to the new cemetery Sunday Services: 10:00 am

WEDDINGS: You need the proper documentation to be legally married in Mexico. Please see the “Weddings” section for more information

EMERGENCIES

Puerto Peñasco’s hospitals and clinics handle a variety of emergency and nonemergency situations. Most visitors visit one of the Clinics (listed below) or the Red Cross for emergency services. Ground and air ambulance transport services are available.

CLINICS

Clínica Santa Fe Simón Morúa, 2nd corner off of Blvd. Benito Juárez

English speaking doctors Lab on site, X-rays 383-2447 or 383-4040

Clínica San Jose 383-5121

English Speaking Doctors Blvd. Benito Juarez Clínica Santa Isabel (Maternity) 383-3645

Puerto Peñasco Clínica Santa María 383-2440

Puerto Peñasco CLOSEST U.S. CLINIC Desert Senita Health Center 401 Malcate, Ajo, AZ 85321 Off main blvd. at curve, N of the bank (520) 387-5651

CRUZ ROJA (RED CROSS)

EMERGENCY DIAL 065 383-2266

Cruz Roja Mexicana Services are absolutely free 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week Red Cross does not receive any funding and operate solely on donations. Your contributions will be welcome at any time in their office on Blvd Fremont or stop when you see them on your way into town. Red Cross has Technicians and Instructors available in case of a disaster in Puerto Peñasco. They treat non-life threatening wounds and can prepare patients for ground or air ambulance service to U.S.

VETERINARY CLINICS

Veterinary Medical Services 638-383-3344 / 637-372-4717

El Gallo Veterinary 638-112-3343 Chochoy 638-380-9285

FIRST AID

Scorpion Stings

First aid for any scorpion sting should involve cooling the wound, which allows the body to more easily break down the molecular structure of the venom. Cooling also reduces pain. Use ice or cool running water if available. On a warm night, a wet compress will help. Keep the victim calm and still. Panic and activity speed up the venom’s spread. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, loss of bowel control, jerky muscular reflexes, and respiratory distress. These serious signs are cause for quick evacuation to a medical facility. Antitoxins are available in many areas where dangerous scorpions live. The doctors, clinics and Red Cross are experts at treating stings.

Snake Bites

Yes! We do have snakes in Puerto Peñasco. Not usually found in city areas. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, or any other kind of venmous snake, seek medical attention immediately. Anti-venom is available here in Peñasco.

Jellyfish

They are usually bright blue and are present in our waters during June, July and August, although they are sometimes hard to see because of the clarity of the water. Some years we have a few, and other years we have tons. In some beach communities, you will find far less than others. A good test to see if they are present, is to look along the tidelines for any that have washed ashoreif they’re up there then there’s a pretty good chance they’re in the water. Use caution when walking barefoot on the beach or digging through the sand with your hands, they can still sting you (I know from experience). If you are stung, get to a doctor or the Red Cross immediately for treatment.

Stingray Stings

Our Rocky Point doctors, clinics and Red Cross are well adept at treating stings. The best way to avoid a sting is by doing the “stingray shuffle!” To avoid stepping on a ray, shuffle your feet slowly as you move through the surf to scare the rays away. Round stingrays are very good at burying in the sand and will remain buried even as you approach. By shuffling your feet you will brush against them and they will scurry away. If you walk through the water as you normally do you will most likely step square on the back of them which causes their barbed tail to come up and sting you. Be extra careful in area where the sediment is silty/sand or where the water is particularly warm.

FISHING & BOATING

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

You do not need to obtain a boat permit for your persona watercraft. However, if you plan to fish from your boat, each person fishing must have a fishing license which can be purchased here in Puerto Peñasco.

As with vehicles, it is a good idea to carry two copies of your title and registration for your watercraft and trailer. DO NOT BRING THE ORIGINALS! One copy should be kept on your boat/watercraft and the other shoud be carried on your person or put in a safe location during your stay.

FISHING PERMITS

You MUST have a fishing license for everyone onboard a boat, even if they are not fishing, permits are checked. You do not need a permit if you are fishing from the shore. Permits can be obtained locally at the Capitania de Puerto, M-F, 8AM to 3PM or at the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.

Fishing Permit Rates (approx.) Pesos

Daily - $106.00; Weekly - $220.00 Monthly - $315.00; Yearly - $410.00

CHARTERS

Many charter boats and pangas are available for hire by the hour/half-day/ day, or organized trip. We do not have any companies that rent boats for your personal use.

Charter boats are located all over town and at the docks and on your way into Old Port (right hand side) as well as at Safe Marina and in Cholla Bay. Reputable charters are always the best choice. Please make sure there is enough safety gear on the boat for all persons in your party and that the captain has a marine radio in the event of an emergency.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

What do you do if you get stung by a ray? Get out of the water and head to the nearest doctor. If you are stranded out where these facilities are not available follow these steps and seek medical attention as soon as you can. First, let the wound bleed - this will allow any toxins entered with the barb to get out. Next, immerse the wound in hot water, as hot as the patient can stand for approximately 45 minutes: This denatures the protein toxin and relieves a majority of the pain. Then treat wound as any other puncture wound or cut, keep clean and bandage: This reduces the chance of infection, promotes healing. If pain or bleeding persists, if wound is large or if patient shows signs of an allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately! If you are staying at a resort go to the desk or convenience store - they may have a first aid kit with a treatment.

FISHING & BOATING CON’T

SEASONAL FISHING

Spring: March, April, May

Yellowtail, Grouper, Snapper, Whitefish, Pinto and Bass

Summer: June, July, August

Sailfish, Dolphin Fish, Marlin, Skipjack, Sierra

Fall: September, October, November

Sailfish, Dolphin Fish, Marlin, Skipjack, Sierra

Winter: December, January, February

Yellowtail, Grouper, Pinto Bass, Snapper

FM3 & IMMIGRATION

IMMIGRATION OFFICE

Open Mon.-Fri. 8:00AM - 12:00NOON (011-52-638) 383-2526

For more info on how to obtain your Visitor or Permanent Resident Visa go to http://www.inm.gob.mx/ index.php and click on the English tab, or you can go directly to the Immigration Office and they will be happy to help you. The office is located on Blvd. Fremont at Fremont Plaza, across from Banorte. There are many companies and individuals which can assist you with your immigration paperwork, please look in our Classified Section, under “Services” for suggestions.

GREEN ANGELS

Angeles Verdes EMERGENCY DIAL 078

The Green Angels patrol the highway (Hwy. 8) from Puerto Peñasco to Sonoyta offering free roadside assistance to ve- hicles experiencing mechanical problems. Their trucks are green and white and clearly marked. They are on patrol from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week.

What to do if you need help?

If you need assistance on the highway, whether it be a broken fan belt, blown tire or empty gas tank, pull over to the side of the road and lift the hood of your vehicle. If it is at night, please use your flashers for safety and always move as far away from the highway as you can to avoid accidents.

Lifting your hood signals the Green Angels, as well as other helpful travellers, that you are in distress and in need of help. The Green Angels do not charge for their mechanical services, but you will need to pay for your own auto parts, gas, oil, etc.

The Green Angels offer the following services: Aide in the event of an accident Emergency radio communication Mechanical assistance Tourist Information

INTERNET SERVICE & WIFI

There are many internet cafes where you can check your email or surf the net. Some have computer stations and some offer WiFi. Most of the larger RV parks, hotels and condos have wireless and/or computer centers for your use. Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex) offers Prodigy internet service for land lines.

LATITUDE & LONGITUDE

MAIL SERVICES

Puerto Peñasco Post Office (011-52-638) 383-2350

Monday - Friday 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Money Wires, Telegrams & Mail

Located just off Blvd. Fremont next to Twin Dolphins. The post office does not offer U.S. postal services. To send a letter in Mexico, you need a Mexican stamp, which can be purchased at the post office. They do not sell U.S. stamps. You may receive mail at your residence, however it takes approx. 2-4 weeks to arrive and the system is not terribly reliable.

U.S. MAIL DELIVERY TO ROCKY POINT

Burrito Express U.S. mail dropoff and pick-up service from Peñasco to Lukeville.

U.S. POST OFFICE

Phone/Fax: (520) 387-6364

Located at the Lukeville border in AZ,

GENERALINFORMATION

approx. 66 miles from Rocky Point. PO boxes and General Delivery available. Window Service: 8AM-12:30PM, 1-4PM M-F General Delivery Available free for a max. of 30 days. You must show ID at the post office and fill out a form. You are the ONLY one who can pick up your GD mail. PO boxes are available, approx. $22/6-mo. Post office will need 2 forms of ID and you will be required to fill out an application. Boxes are located in the post office and in the General Store.

METRIC EQUIVALENTS

Equivalents for Length

1” = 2.5 cm

6” = (1/2 ft.) = 15 cm

12” = (1 ft.) = 30 cm 36” = (3 ft.) = 90 cm 40” = 100 cm (1 meter)

To convert ounces to grams, multiply the number of ounces by 30.

Equivalents for Weight

1 ounce = 1/16 lb. = 30g

4 ounces = 1/4 lb. = 120g

8 ounces = 1/2 lb. = 240g

12 ounces = 3/4 lb. = 360g 16 ounces = 1 lb. = 480g

Equivalents for Liquid Measurements

1/4 tsp = 1 ml

1/2 tsp = 2 ml

1 tsp = 5 ml

2 tbls = 1/8 cup = 1 fl. oz = 30 ml

4 tbls = 1/4 cup = 2 fl. oz = 60 ml

8 tbsl = 1/2 cup = 4 fl. oz = 120 ml

12 tbls = 3/4 cup = 6 fl. oz = 180 ml

1 Pint = 2 cups = 16 fl. oz = 480 ml

1 Quart = 4 cups = 32 fl. oz = 960 ml

Gallons to pints x 8

1 US gallon = 3.78541178 liters

Gallons to liters x 3.785

Gallons to quarts x 4

NOTARY PUBLICS (NOTARIOS)

The Mexican Notario is a highly specialized lawyer authorized by the Mexican Government. They intervene in civil and commercial business. Your best interest is supposed to be the Notario Publico’s main concern. They give judicial advisement according to Mexican Law and their authority exceeds that of a lawyer and is similar to that of an arbitrator in the U.S. You should consult a Notario when: buying or selling property, foreign Investments, inheritance, wills, mortgages, contracts, private contracts, financial operations, credit titles, arbitration, bank trusts, etc.

You should consult a Notary Public (Notario Publico) in Mexico before signing any contract or legal document.

NOTARIO PUBLICOS

Lic. Jesus Armando Ramirez Islas Prolongacion Coahuila No. 10 (next to post office) U.S. Toll Free (877) 832-8554 383-5460, Fax 383-5005 PO Box 100, Lukeville, AZ 85341

Lic. René Osvaldo Ortega Felix Ave. Alcantar in the Old Port 383-2006

Notary Publics in Sonoyta

Lic. Fco. Javier Manzo Taylor from Mexico (01-651) 512-1747

PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Reserva de la Biosfera de El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar

The Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is home to some of the world’s largest volcanic craters and is one of the most pristine and diverse areas in the Sonoran Desert. It has a large variety of plant and wildlife species that inhabit this sometimes hostile area. In the winter, you may see snow on the Pinacates. And in the summer, temperatures soar well over 110°. U.S. astronauts trained for their lunar landing mission in this area as the terrain mimics that found on the moon.

You can take a day trip and explore the Pinacate area and volcanic craters by vehicle, camp overnight (in designated) areas, walk or hike. You must register at the entrance to the Reserve (located in

Nayarit, approx. 20 miles N of Rocky Point). This will allow Biosphere personnel to make sure you are safe at all times.

• Speed Limit: 25 MPH

• Terrain/Roads: Dirt, desert

• Watch out for flora and fauna

• Do not leave the road in your vehicle

• Take enough drinking water with you

• Respect all signs on roads and trails

• Do not remove or damage plants, rocks, wood, animals or artifacts

• Take all trash and waste with you

• Do not enter the region from any unauthorized access road

CAMPING & CAMPSITES

Red Cone, El Tecolote, Backcountry areas

INTERPRETATIVE TRAILS

El Elegante Crater Trail

1.2 mile linear trail Walk 0.6 miles on the border of El Elegante crater. Terrain is mostly flat.

Mayo Cone Trail 1.2 mile linear trail

Located in El Tecolote camping area Walk 0.6 miles to the top of Mayo Cone. You will climb 344 ft. to the top. This hike is rated as a medium difficulty trail.

RV PARKS

DRY CAMPING

There are a few places to dry camp on the beach north and south of Rocky Point, but really nowhere in city limits except on Sandy Beach next to The Reef, and Concha Del Mar at the other end of Sandy Beach.

Almost all of the RV Parks in Puerto Peñasco offer tent camping. There are three oceanfront rv parks with services available and many more in town or with an ocean view. Oceanfront RV parks are: Cholla Bay - The Reef (638) 383-0650 El Mirador - Playa de Oro (638) 2668

Sandy Beach - Playa Bonita (638) 383-2596

Sandy Beach - Concha del Mar (638) 383-4273

Pets are allowed on the beaches and at the RV parks. Dogs must be leashed and please pick up after them. See “Pets” in this section for more information.

Please call the individual park for their rates and reservations.

TELEPHONES

Puerto Peñasco’s phone company for home and business hook-up is Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex). Cellular service is available through TelCel and Movistar. U.S. carrier AT&T works pretty good here as long as you have the International Plan.

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS

Call Mexico from U.S. & Canada to dial a land line 011+52+638+7-digit number to dial a Peñasco cellular 011+52+1+638+7-digit number

Call U.S. & Canada from Mexico dial 001+(area code)+7 digit number

Call Collect from Mexico to U.S. dial 090 for a bilingual operator

Call Overseas from Mexico dial 00+country code+city code+phone number Country codes and Mexico area codes are listed in the TelMex Phone book

Call another City in Mexico dial 01+(city code)+number AT&T Operator dial 001-800-462-4240

TELEPHONE COMPANY

Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex) Juan de la Barrera and Calle 18 Office open 8 am • 383-2288

Phone & Internet services available

TelMex (Land Line) Prefixes 383, 382, 388, 102, 108

Phone numbers are written in a variety of ways, here are a few you may see around town.

3-6325 = dial 383 + 6325 638-38-36325 = dial 383-6325 (638) 383-6325 = dial 383-6325 52+(638) 383-6325 = dial 383-6325 Mexico’s Country Code = 52 Puerto Peñasco’s City Code = 638

LONG DISTANCE

To make a long distance call, your best bet is to find a cafe or internet cafe with a VOIP phone. Second best is to purchase a prepaid phone card (LADATEL) from pharmacies or businesses, and use one of the many pay phones along the streets - follow the instructions on the phone. You can also use one of the long distance (larga distancia) calling services located around town.

U.S. CALLING CARDS

If you use your calling card and dial an 800#, that is not toll free within Mexico, you will be charged twice for this call - 1 charge for calling the 800 #, and then a 2nd charge on your phone card. You may also use one of the long distance services to call the U.S. and Canada.

CELLULAR PHONES

to dial a cell phone from a land line dial 638 + 7-digit number to dial from local cell to local cell dial 638 + 7-digit number to dial out of city cell from local cell dial city code + 7-digit number

Any number that does not start with a 383, 388, 382, 102 or 108 is most likely a cellular phone

The only U.S. cell carrier, we have found to work in Rocky Point 96% of the time, is AT&T’s International Plan. All services work - SMS, MMS, Blackberry, etc. Follow the instructions (left) for dialing the U.S. or Canada, and to dial a land line. To dial a cell phone, you may have to dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number, or you may just need to drop the 044. Sometimes, when calling a local cell, I had to dial as if I were dialing a cell from the U.S.

Check plans and where you spend the most time. TelCel’s Blackberry plan is much cheaper than AT&T’s, plus they have a reasonable International Plan for when I travel to the U.S. You can also get an unlocked phone, buy a SIM card, and switch chips as you cross the border. Mexico cell carriers are supposed to start fingerprinting everyone who purchases a cell phone or SIM card.

AREA CODES FOR NEARBY CITIES

Caborca.............................................637

El Golfo de Santa Clara.................................653 Guaymas...........................................622

Hermosillo........................................662

Mexicali, B.C.................................................686 Nogales.................................................631

Santa Ana.....................................................641

San Luis Rio Colorado..................................653

San Carlos.....................................................622

San Felipe, B.C...............................................686

Local internet acccess enables you to use a VOIP line in Rocky Point. HOW TO DIAL 800’s U.S.

when called from Mexico. The charge for calling an 800# is approx. $1USD/min. 800 = dial 001+880+phone number 888 = dial 001+881+phone number 877 = dial 001+882+phone number 866 = dial 001+883+phone number 855 = dial 001+884+phone number 844 = dial 001+885+phone number

WEATHER

Community. Located at City Hall on the 1st floor facing Fremont Blvd. 10am-12pm.

You cannot dial a U.S. 800# from your Mexican cellular phone.

WEDDINGS

Rocky Point offers a variety of perfect wedding settings - from a barefoot sunset wedding to a lavish wedding at a 5-star resort. Many of the hotels, resorts and restaurants offer wedding planning services and catering.

LEGAL CEREMONY IN MEXICO

To get married in a legal ceremony in Puerto Peñasco you need: Birth certi ficates, translated into Spanish, notarized in Mexico; Divorce Decree; Blood test (in Rocky Point); Visas (FMT’s); 4 Witnesses (w/Visas). Your wedding planner will help you plan your reinactment ceremony as well.

excited

a spectacular New Year of Hope

By Anita Kaltenbaugh

Did you get your tickets for the year 2023? Well, if you’re reading this, you received a ticket and are now present and admitted into the brand new year. Yeah! Welcome to the event 2023, another year, a new marker, a line in the sand. The 20s decade started out turbulent with Covid, but things are looking up in the third year of the decade which according to the Chinese calendar is the ‘Year of the Water Rabbit’. Sounds a little better than the year of the lion and the dragon. What is a water rabbit? Well according to Chinese astrology the Year of the Water Rabbit’ should be more peaceful. The sign of Water Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.

What do you hope for this year?

Personally, I like to start the year hopeful, set some goals, write down a few resolutions, and schedule some fun travel plans. If you’re not a fan of making personal résolutions, why don’t you get out a calendar and create some travel resolutions for the year. With airfare a little on the expensive side, those of you that are reading this most likely can drive to Rocky

Point avoiding the most expensive part of a vacation, the airfare.

Now is the best time to make some future plans for upcoming busy weekends and reserve your accommodations. One way to be full of hope is to look at each month and try to figure out a weekend getaway or a vacation. I mark my calendars with anticipation and know each month holds an adventure. Rocky Point is no longer just a seasonal getaway, we have amazing events every month. With that in mind, here’s the short list of events that are worth making note of and making plans to come to Rocky Point.

Please note… any given weekend there’s always live music and events going on, as well as charity events, sports events, golfing, fishing, and family events. But if you want to vacation in a condo or Airbnb, make a note of the following short list of busy weekends and scheduled events, and reserve now before the town gets sold out.

JANUARY

Get ready to start the year with some live music at the beach. January Jam is now a full-on weekend of music celebrating their 15th year. Live Music at various venues, around town featuring Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, and many others and a Canción golf tournament. January 13-15

FEBRUARY

Whale season, remember it is the ‘Year of Hope’, so hopefully the whale sightings will begin in January and continue throughout the Spring. Many local companies

offer whale tours and are expert at spotting the spouts of the humpback, grey’s or fins. This is a great reason to visit a Rocky Point in February. Another very special whale event that happens this time of year is Tony’s Mystic Whale Tours. Resident Tony Ballesteros’s shares this magical journey with you for groups of 5 or 6. A bucket list trip, that originates out of Puerto Peñasco Airport and is all inclusive of flight and tour to the city of Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur (the Grey Whale capital), Mystic Whale Tours is the whale tour of all whale tours and is taking bookings from January 16, 2023 to March 16, 2023. Contact Tony at 520 249 2337 or email tonyballesteros2@ msn.com.

town gets sold out. Also this month is the Rocky Point Triathlon on Saturday the 29th at Las Palomas Resort

MAY

CINCO DE Mayo - American celebration of México. That’s the 5th of May for those who don’t know your Spanish numbers.

Mother’s Day weekend Sunday, May 14th - Nothing says I love you to mom like booking her a beach weekend getaway in Rocky Point, go big and throw in a spa day at one of the many spas.

Memorial Day weekend May 26 - is 29, another American holiday celebrated down in Rocky Point with large crowds, because why not, you have three days off.

JUNE

Circus Mexicus A four-day music event not to be missed June 8-11.

JULY

Fourth of July another fourday weekend to enjoy the sun, fun, and sea.

AUGUST

MARCH

Two words — Spring Break. The month of spring break will bring many musical activities and events. Depending on what high school, what state or what university Spring Break runs most of the month of March. One event worth taking note of is Rocky Point Country Bash March 2426, 2023, a three-day country music festival at Manny’s featuring hot Nashville artists. Check out Manny’s Facebook page or Rocky Point Country Bash on Instagram.

APRIL

Semana Santa Starts this month off from April 2 - April 9 This weeklong celebration takes over our town, either you have a reservation, or you don’t, as the

August is a hot time of the year, but what better place to see a Super Moon? Make it a weekend event and watch the supermoon on a kayak, a boat, or on the beach. There are two this month. They will occur on August 1, 2023, and August 31, 2023

SEPTEMBER

Labor Day September 4 Mexican Independence Day is September 16.

OCTOBER

Fall Break & Halloween.

NOVEMBER

Dias de Los Muertos & Rocky Point Rally November 9-12.

DECEMBER

Holiday celebrations.

Welcome to 2023, I like the water rabbit year, and I am hopeful for a great new year. Make some plans to be part of it now!

Anita Kaltenbaugh is the author of the book “Travel Secrets- Insider guide to planning, affording and taking more vacations” available on Amazon and author of debut suspense novel a Deep Thing by A.K. Smith. Check out her blog at

By Stephanie Wood

Happy New Year everyone. Hoping everyone made it through the holidays with their sanity mostly intact.

Now you may be thinking, Steph, it’s cold outside, why on earth would I want to cold brew. Well, I’ll tell you why, because it’s easy and iced coffee is fantastic in any weather. Also, because sometimes in Puerto Peñasco the electricity goes out sporadically, and it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan for your morning cup of joe!

My first tip is to always have instant coffee on hand. You can buy it almost anywhere. I like Sam’s club brand, but if I run out, the OXXO on every corner has several brands. Instant coffee is also a savior when you’re traveling anywhere you might not have coffee readily available. I used this method when I went to Vegas last year, so I didn’t have to walk a mile to the casino coffee shops to get a coffee when I first woke up. Cold brew coffee: you can cold brew regular drip coffee in water overnight in a French Press, or actual cold brew devices sold specifically for this use, or in a sealed jar (but if using a jar, you have to strain it with a cheesecloth or something like that). The fastest, simplest way is just to take 1 TBSP of instant coffee and dissolve it in about ¼ cup of water for about 2-3 minutes. If you have a coffee whisker, it’s even faster. Once the coffee is dissolved, add about ½ cup more water, ice, and your favorite coffee creamer (add a little more water if it’s too strong). I like to use half and half or heavy cream (you can buy it at Super Ley or Ley Express).

Sometimes I add flavored syrups if I’m feeling fancy. Or protein shakes if you want a protein boost. There are so many options. I will even use decaf coffee if I want another cup, but I’m already in caffeine overload. If you use powdered creamer, you will need to add the powder to the instant and dissolve it in hot water because powdered creamer isn’t especially dissolvable in room temp water. For traveling, like when in Vegas, I put the instant coffee in my stainlesssteel coffee cup, added bottled water, swirled it, let it sit while I went to the ice machine, added the ice and then a few mini creamers, like mini-moos or the international delight minis. So easy, and so delicious.

I’ve found that you can virtually cold brew any hot drink like tea or coffee. I’m also a huge fan of Jamaica tea, but the boiling and the cooling and the straining, it’s just too much! Especially when every recipe online has a different boiling time, anywhere from 10 minutes to 35 minutes, steep it for 30 minutes to overnight. Some people say boiling it too long dilutes the beneficial properties. Finally, I thought to myself, maybe this can be cold brewed, and the internet proved me right! Cold brew Jamaica tea: I use 2 cups of Jamaica leaves per liter of water because I like it stronger, but you can also do 1 cup to 1 liter. I put the Jamaica flowers and water in a big pitcher and put it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, I strain it from the big pitcher into the smaller pitcher to get all the flowers out. If you want it the same day, make it in the morning and it will be ready by dinner. It’s supposed to cold brew for about 8 hours. You can sweeten this to taste. Most recipes call for sugar or agave or honey, that you add before steeping. I sweeten mine after steeping, per glass with stevia. You can also add cinnamon sticks, lime, ginger, etc. It seems Jamaica recipes are like sangria recipes, you can put in whatever fruit and spices or garnishes that you like.

Enjoy!

Tragedy and a Cautionary Tale

By The Old Gringo

This column is being written just before Christmas, and you will only be reading it after the New Year, so Feliz Año Nuevo to all!

Sadly, as the title of this piece suggests, back on this past Thanksgiving Day our community experienced a terrible tragedy. Two visitors went kayaking and were lost at sea. As of this writing, only one body has been recovered. An air/sea/land rescue immediately went into effect, augmented by the Baja Bush Pilots (private aircraft), private boats and shore patrols of residents with quads and side by sides. While every effort was made to locate the couple alive, it was not to be. Apparently, they went out onto the Sea of Cortez and got caught on rough water in a wind from which they could not escape. I am quite sure that by now most of you reading this will have read numerous articles detailing the tragic event. It is not my intent to rehash it or to provide information that has heretofore been missing. The devastating effect of settling on the remaining family members does not need another wordsmith reporting on the tragedy in excruciating detail. My sincerest condolences to the family.

Rather, in light of the tragedy, cautionary information is warranted. If you are visiting Peñasco for the first time, or the one-hundredth time, it cannot be repeated often enough: NEVER turn your back on the Sea of Cortez, or any ocean, or lake for that matter. Since we are in Peñasco, though, I’ll confine my remarks to the Sea of Cortez.

While you may be walking along the shore, enjoying gentle, ankle lapping ripples, and the sea looks as calm as a lake, a mile or so offshore there could be sixfoot swells and wind driven rogue waves. It only gets more ferocious the farther out into the sea you go. I speak from experience. Most sailors and fishermen who have spent time on the Sea of Cortez will agree, it is a mercurial body of water...and not to be trusted! Living here, I have witnessed the sudden transformation of a tranquil, glasslike sea into a snarling monster, lashing the beach with crashing surf and high winds, in the space of just

a few minutes. Seeing that, you can easily understand how dangerous it is. The difference is, if you are on shore, you can retreat to your home or condo and watch from the safety of your living room. If you are on a boat or in a kayak out on the sea away from shore...you’re screwed.

While the Pacific Ocean is infamous for its rip tides and pounding surf, the north end of the Sea of Cortez, because of its placid, shallow beaches, is thought of as tranquil and calm. A great place for sun and fun...and it is...but don’t discount Cortez’ ability to bite!

Also, don’t overestimate your own abilities when it comes to both seamanship and physical reserves. My son was visiting me at the beach on Thanksgiving Day. When he heard about the missing kayakers, before jumping on the quad to scout the beaches, he made the following comment which bears repeating: “by the time you think you might be in trouble, you already are.” Words to remember and to keep in the forefront of your mind if you venture out onto the Sea of Cortez.

Most of the concessions that cater to tourists for water sports are well aware of the dangers. Although it takes money out of their pockets, most will not take the chance of going out on the sea if there is even a hint of bad water or weather. The guys who take folks out for parasailing, and even the tow behind banana sausages, keep a ‘weather eye’ out before they launch. Charters like Del Mar and EcoFun won’t leave port if the sea is acting up. Reports from the shrimp fleet are listened to with great interest by all seamen (and women) ashore, and those boats are ocean-going and can take the rough conditions!

Please, view the tragedy our community experienced on Thanksgiving Day as a cautionary tale when heading out onto the Sea of Cortez away from the beach. Be aware that calm waters can turn violently ugly in the blink of an eye and the sea is merciless. It doesn’t care who you are, or how experienced you are, or how often you have sailed the waters. Having lived on, flown over, and sailed on this particular body of water for many years, my best advice is to never, ever, turn your back on the Sea of Cortez...not even for a minute.

Benefit Breakfast pulls $14k for WHW Transition House

The Women Helping Women Benefit Breakfast, was attended by 95 women and men, helping to generate more than $14,000 for the organization’s Transition House.

with storm damage repair and home improvements.

By Cholla Charli

People love to come together for a good time and a good cause. The annual Women Helping Women Benefit Breakfast continues to draw generous people who make it possible for women in desperate situations to find shelter and hope for themselves and their children.

Nearly 100 people attended this year’s breakfast on Nov. 19 and participated in the raffle, silent auction and live auction, generating more than $14,000.

The money will help support the WHW Transition House, a facility in Peñasco where women and their children who have suffered abuse or abandonment find a home for up to a year while they secure employment and full-time housing.

In addition to providing food, medical and legal assistance for the residents, the funds this year will help

The organization was founded and is driven by Nancy Britos with committee support from Deb Alsen, Lavita Suttie, Sandie Lester Murray, Margie Soltys and Tamie Galles. Many others pitched in for the fund raisers. Assisting with the Breakfast this year were Sally Downey, Steve Van Holton and Lee Chapman who did an outstanding job as live auctioneer, driving bids up well beyond retail values.

The auction item donors and sponsors were numerous, starting with Jorge and Shayna from Manny’s Beach Club where the event took place.

Jorge provided bottomless mimosas and Shayna provided stunning flower arrangement center pieces for each table. Those arrangements were sold at the end of the event for an extra boost in revenue.

Other major sponsors include Alejandro Portugal Insurance, Bandito’s, Casago, Chango’s Bar, Diego’s Tiki Bar, Dream Living Rocky Point Real Estate by Artemiza Gandara, Elite Tours & Transportation, JJ’s Cantina, Encantame Soleil, Jolie’s Place in Chandler, Keller Williams Real Estate, Leo’s Bar, Rocky Point Times, Rocky Point Scuba Dive, Shark Bite, Tekila Bar, Wrecked at the Reef.

In addition, nearly 100 individuals and companies donated items for the silent auction and raffle – everything from artwork and collectibles to gift certificates was presented in beautifully wrapped baskets.

A highlight of the event was a testimonial from a resident at the Transition House.

For more information about Women Helping Women Peñasco, contact Britos by e-mail at WHWpenasco@ yahoo.com or by calling 602-846-1736.

There was lively bidding for the beautifully presented gift baskets in the raffle and silent auction.

CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS

General Meetings

1st Tuesday of month at 10:00 a.m. (from October thru June)

Contact Food & Beverage Manager Danny Anderson for information regarding special events, celebrations & dinners throughout the year.

Bingo: Monday, Thursday & Saturday 2:00 p.m.

Telephone Numbers: U.S. (602) 539-2047

Mexico 011-52 (638) 388-8841 Magic Jack (602) 539-2047

ALL VISITORS WELCOME! AMOR MINISTRIES

International Headquarters: 1664 Precision Park Lane San Diego, CA 92173

Phone: (619) 662-1200 www.amor.org

Amor Ministries builds more than 1,000 new homes across Mexico for Mexican families. They are selected to receive homes by the Mexico Ministry Planning Board. Pastors discern the needs within their community, present their nominations and one (or more) are selected to receive a new home built by Amor volunteers.

AMPI

The Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios (AMPI), or the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, Puerto Peñasco 51, represents ethical professionalism in real estate practice and promotes education among real estate professionals.

A sister organization to National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United Estates, AMPI works closely with the State of Sonora to provide education for real estate licensure, which is required in the State of Sonora for all agents who represent any type of property transaction including sales, rentals, property management, and promotion.

Active in the community, AMPI promotes Puerto Peñasco as a vacation and retirement destination, members donate generously to local causes, and AMPI works with other organizations to sponsor community activities. AMPI operates the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on behalf of our real estate clients.

Board members:

President: Jorge "George" Bravo

Vice President: Blanca Valdez

Secretary-VP Communications: Robin Miller

Treasurer: Tony Aguilar

Legal: Leticia Marquez

VP Ethics: Kyle Woods

VP Events: Melki Garcia

VP Education: Cathy Poturalski

MLS Liaison: Rich Savino

For inquiries, please contact: Blanca Valdez, AMPI Administrator

Email: penascoampi@gmail.com

AMPI phone: 638-688-3558 www.rockypointampi.com

BARB’S DOG RESCUE

Help Us Help Them. We are a concerned group of dog lovers working to better the lives of Peñasco’s dogs. We are expanding our facility on the edge of town where we house dogs. We are committed to taking in abandoned and neglected dogs, maintaining and rehabilitating them in a healthy environment and finding loving permanent homes. We ask for your help. Virtually every dog that comes to us is malnourished and in poor health. The need is great. Visit Barb’s Dog Shelter located 8 miles north of Rocky Point on the highway to Sonoyta, where you will see signs.

Donations are also accepted at Twin Dolphins Real Estate on Fremont Blvd, next to Cruz Roja. E-Mail barbsdogrescue@gmail.com Visit us on Facebook or Call Barb at (044-638) 114-1659 or Dee at (044638) 384-0113 or from the US (602) 324-7241.

BOOK & EXCHANGE

Rocky Point Times Office Ave. Agustin Melgar, Off Of Blvd. Samuel Ocaña Puerto Peñasco, Son. Mexico 83550 Col. Nueva Esperanza Phone: 383-6325: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm www.rptimes.com

Free Book, VHS and DVD exchange for all Rocky Point residents and visitors.

CANACO-SERV Y TUR

Puerto Peñasco Chamber of Commerce Servicios y Turismos de Pto. Peñasco Phone: 383-4468

Located on Blvd. Fremont and Coahuila Monday - Friday 8AM-3PM

President: Elia Neyda Javalera Chavez (Please note that our Chamber of Commerce is not like those that you find in U.S. cities and do not provide the same services and information.)

CASA HOGAR (ELDERLY HOME)

Director: Father Abraham Garcia Lopez Phone: 383-2599

Ave. Miguel Hidalgo (Calle 13) and Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Casa Hogar is supported solely on donations and they always welcome visitors to sing and play games. Take Blvd. Fremont toward Las Conchas, make a left at the Pemex station, cross over the rrx tracks and they are on your left. If you would like to make a donation you can make a check to: Patronato Pro Asilo de Ancianos de Puerto Peñasco A.C. and drop it off at the home. You may drop checks or donations off at the Rocky Point Times office. Help to pay their electric bill, especially during the summer months, is always needed. You may also make a donation at a local grocery store for the purchase food and items.

An experience you won’t forget!

Pinacate Adventure

Explore the geologic wonders of the Pincate Biosphere Reserve on a tour with CEDO experts.

Isla San Jorge Snorkel with the sea lions in their natural habitat at Bird Island or just enjoy the scenery from the boat and take photos. A must do trip!

CENTRO COMUNITARIO PALABRAS DE ESPERANZA

(Words of Hope/Rocky Point Medical Clinics)

Our mission is to promote the holistic development of the local Puerto Peñasco community's families through the education, health, personal and spiritual growth programs that are offered here.

Address - Cjon. Juan Aldama entre Av. 68 & 69 #668, Col. San Rafael Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 AM-5 PM penascowordsofhope@gmail.com Phone: 638 690 1531

CHOLLA BAY CHRISTMAS PARTY

Donations payable to: Cholla Bay Christmas Fund Please send to: Nancy Schmidli 10645 W Connecticut Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351

C.I.D.A

Director: Joaquin Celaya Rendon Phone: 638-102-0514

Cellphone: (044-638) 091-65

Call for directions

Shelter providing housing, food and care for those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Donations needed all year long.

COORDINACION DE SALUD MUN.

Puerto Peñasco Animal Control

Dedicated to prevention and disease control

Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Phone: 388-5152

Coordinator:

Sub-Director:

We always welcome donations of dog food, supplies and medicine.

CORCELES EQUINOTHERAPY

Equine Therapy Corceles del Desierto de Sonora. Non-profit Civil Association Dedicated to supporting children with disabilities with limited economic resources in this Port. We sustain ourselves from Donations and carry out activities. We will be happy to receive food, blankets, shoes for our horses. Program Coordinator Lic. Claudia Lugo (638)384-2928.

D.I.F.

CEDO

Center for the Study of Oceans & Deserts

Phone: 382-0113 or (520) 829-4501

Located in Las Conchas, look for the Fin Whale skeleton Mon. - Sat. 9AM-5PM; Sun. 10AM-2PM PO Box 1579, Lukeville, AZ 85341 info@cedointercultural.org www.cedointercultural.org

CEDO is the Intercultural Center for the Study of Oceans and Deserts. Home to a giant fin whale skeleton and a desert botanical garden, CEDO is a field station for researchers and school classes, an education center with library, laboratories, book store and gift shop - An Intercultural Experience. CEDO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, education and conservation of the planet’s last great frontiers: the Sea of Cortez.

An organization that celebrates a Christmas party for their fellow Cholla Bay Mexican neighbors in early December. Santa shows up for pictures with the kids, children get to pick a gift for their mother, take a crack at the piñata, have a group sing-along and munch on hot dogs and chips. After all the fun, Santa delivers gifts for the children and food boxes for the families.

CHOLLA BAY SPORTSMENS CLUB

Also referred to as the CBSC Dues: $40, Payable to CBSC P.O. Box 77152, Tucson, AZ 85703

The Cholla Bay Sportsmens Club is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and staffing the VHF Marine Channel 28 for the northern Sea of Cortez as well as CB Radio Channel 3. The CBSC pays the salary of the operator, aides in search and rescue operations. They also publish the Cholla Chatter and put on numerous events during the year such as the CBSC Fishing Derby, Horseshoe Tournament and other fun stuff held in Cholla Bay.

OFFICERS

President: Mike Dugan: 638-382-5237

Vice-President: Lew Felton

Secretary: Barb Baird: 638-384-2281

Treasurer: Enedina Otanez: 638-382-5142

Membership: Eamonn O'Callaghan: (602) 394-9879

BOARD MEMBERS

Pat Goodin, Rhea Dugan, Nancy Schmidly, Chuck Blair, Marlene Blair, Dave Heath, Connie Horton, Billie

Desarrollo Integral de la Familia Sinaloa and Ruiz Cortines dif@puertopenasco.gob.mx difpuertopenasco@hotmail.com www.difpenasco.gob.mx www.puertopenasco.gob.mx

Directora: Mayor’s Wife

Supported solely by donations, this social service organization offers medical aid and a variety of services for needy families. If you know of a family in need you may contact DIF for help. They hold many public fundraisers throughout the year to raise money.

CHILDREN’S HOME

D.I.F. children’s home is on Calle Marcelo Pino and Callejon Benito Juarez. The home is equipped to accommodate 50 children ranging in ages from newborns to 11 years. Children are taken care of until their families have complied with the rehabilitation period, treatments, or requests by SDMF. The home is located just behind the Basic Unit Rehabilitation Center of D.I.F.

ESPERANZA PARA LOS NIÑOS

Children’s Home: I.A.P., Casa Hogar para niños desamparados 383-2378

CEDO ADVENTURES FOR EVERYONE

Kayak Capers

Explore beautiful Estero Morua with expert guides. Local ecology talk, kayak rental, picnic feast,drinks all in an environment rich with shore birds, crabs and halophytes.

Estero Excursions Oyster farms, fiddler crabs and the “shrimp dance” are part of this walking tour of a pristine upper Gulf wetland. Kayak Estero Morua and/or tour with CEDO experts.

Tidepool Explorations

Explore the tidepools with CEDO experts. Explore the Sand Dunes Spectacular Gran Desierto de Altar. This sea of natural dunes is the world’s largest.

CHOLLA CHARITIES FOUNDATION

Sally Dalton: 382-5283 (Xochitl’s Cafe)

Donations payable to: Cholla Charity Fund Send to: Kathy Barnard 1547 E. Royal Palm Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85020

Organization that helps Mexican families, who live and work in Cholla Bay, with unexpected expenses such as medical, living, funeral, etc.They also collect and distribute blankets and warm clothing for children in Cholla Bay. Donations may be dropped off at Xochitl’s Cafe in Cholla Bay.

Off of Hwy. 8, 15 mi. N of Rocky Point PO Box 1024, Lukeville, AZ 85341

Secretary: Jose Manuel Barrera Sanchez

Treasurer: Florencia Lucila G. Miron

The children’s home is located outside of town, apx. 15 miles, and houses anywhere from 10 to 40 children. It provides temporary housing for families that cannot afford to take care of their children or are having a hard time. This is not an orphanage - these children are not up for adoption. They are always in need of cleaning supplies and fresh food (not canned items).

ESPERANZA DE VIDA

Darlene Laura and Carole Fields Ave. Pino Suarez No. 143, Col. El Ferrocarril, Playa “F” Provides clothes, food, toys and medicine to the children/families in Colonia Nueva area.

Dr. Erick Gastelum Pacheco Canine Tech.: Mario Lopez

Jesus Bejarano Social Worker: Marina Soto Siqueiros

FUNERAL HOMES

Funeraria Renacimiento 383-1233

Funeraria Santa Cecilia 383-2522

GOD'S GRACE FOUNDATION

Founder: Robert Gutiérrez (480) 273-7141

Facebook/www.godsgracefoundation Feeding. clothing and first aid Christian Ministry.

GREEN ANGELS

Angeles Verdes

Hwy. 8 Patrol: Sunrise to Sunset Pull off shoulder and raise vehicle hood

EMERGENCY DIAL 078

Provides assistance, tourist aid, information and emergency radio service for travellers on Hwy. 8 from Sonoyta to Rocky Point. Bilingual “Green Angels” provide protection service, medical aid and basic mechanical aid. There is no charge for mechanical service, you will only pay for auto parts, gas, oil, etc.

GRUPO SAN PEREGRINO

Dra. Arminda Gonzalez: 110-4934

Glenda Lopez: 383-2414

Mariana Perez: (044-638) 102-0564

sanperegrinopenasco@gmail.com

The group’s mission is to provide spiritual and monetary support to individuals in Rocky Point that are affected by cancer

HELPING HANDS

Manos de Ayuda, Inc. 383-5287 or (520) 760-8645

President: Ramon Contreras Pamela J. Lyke Marquez: pjlmarquez@aol.com

Manos de Ayuda, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that provides rehabilitation, health education, medical and therapy equipment and supplies to children with special needs. They also help with construction modifications at a nursing home, a free clinic, and day care facility. These projects are made possible by volunteer efforts and financial assistance. Your help is always needed.

I.R.A.D.

Director: Julio Alberto Lucero Arreola 044-638-109-2566

Located off of Cholla Bay Road I.R.A.D. is the institute for the recovery of drug addicts and alcoholics. The shelter houses, feeds and cares for those persons addicted. They rely and operate solely on donations and often sell candy to raise money to keep the centers open. They will always present their identification.

KNOX TRAIL COUNCIL BSA

Yvette Lavin yvettelavin1212@gmail.com (508) 667-4031

CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS

LIONS CLUB

Phone: 383-2488 Ave. Niños Heroes and Juan Aldama Some of their programs include info. & action for the prevention of hypertension and diabetes, prescription glasses, eye surgery, supply wheelchairs, braces, crutches, etc. Donations of eyeglasses, or any other items may be dropped off at the office of the RPTimes.

MEN’S SHELTER

Centro de Rehabilitación para Adultos y Jovenes La Esperanza A.C.

Local Director: C. José de La Cruz Bravo 044-638-106-4079 identificacruz@live.com.mx

On Simon Morua behind the new cemetery The center helps men in need by providing clothing, housing, job training and food. They run solely on donations.

MEXICO CHILDRENS FOUNDATION

OC3AN VIEW MINISTRY

PUERTO PEÑASCO SCOUTING PROJECT

Contact: Deb Turner (638) 386-8645 (520) 906-3096 trnrrck@yahoo.com

www.oc3anviewministry.com

We are a Mexican non-profit hosting mission groups; bringing aid and comfort to families and the displaced.

Our Community Center is located on Kino Blvd at Francisco Madero.

We accept clothing, current dated dry food items, new children’s toys, school supplies, household goods, furniture, tools and construction materials.

From our thrift store sales we fund all aspects of our ministry; these include: our dinner, fun free family events, community construction opportunities, and ministries at rehab centers.

Hours of Operation at our Community Center: Thrift Store: Tues. thru Sat. 12-5

Our Dinner, serving free food: Tues. & Thur. 1-2

Barbara Olszewski rpbarbo@gmail.com (602) 324-9529 / (638) 114-2406

RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA)

EMERGENCY DIAL 911 OR 060

Business Phone: 383-2266 www.cruzrojapenasco.org.mx

Monetary donations can be made in person, to the Red Cross people with their cans out when you see them in the street or you may deposit directly into their account: Banamex Acct# 7661161 SUC. 472

Located on Blvd. Fremont, across from the Fire Department (Bomberos)

ROTARY CLUB PUERTO PEÑASCO MAR DE CORTÉS

President: Maria Conchita Peralta Melgar Secretary: Oscar Palacio Soto

clubrotariopuertopenasco@gmail.com www.clubrotariopuertopenasco.org

FB: @clubrotariopuertopenasco

Meetings: Wednesdays 9AM at The Friendly Dolphin Restaurant in the Old Port

SAN JOSE CHURCH MISSION OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Cholla Bay Road on the right before you enter La Cholla.

Mass time as 8 a.m.

SANTA CLAUS CLUB

Founder: Steve Schwab Established 2003 520-232-2241 7655 E Redfield Rd. Suite 3 Scottsdale, AZ, 85260

www.mexicochildrensfoundation.org Email: info@mexicochildrensfoundation.org

A non-profit organization in Puerto Peñasco dedicated to enriching the lives of the children and their families. The organization provides medical assistance, assists families, offers education and assists in the z enrichment of children’s lives. The group holds many events during the year including golf tournaments, a children’s walk, triathlon, concerts and a New Year’s Eve Bash.

MISSION VILLA GRANADA (Weekend

Missions)

Be part of something bigger than yourself! We provide a 3-day international missions trip for less than $150 per person. Includes lodging and all meals. We are a Christian Ministry. However, anyone is welcome to join us in serving the RP Community. Volunteers needed at Mission Villa Granada for maintenance, cleaning, cooking, church building upkeep, marketing, or anything you love to do. We are located at the former Villa Granada Hotel, 2 blocks east of El Pollo Lucas.

Visit Weekendmissions.com, email pva@cox. net or call Carmen (638) 103-4336 or Vincent (602) 696-3288.

NUEVA CREACION

Rehabilitation Center and Shelter for women, teens, and children suffering drug addiction, abuse or violence.

The Center is a legally stablished Non Profit Institution.

Director: Guadalupe de Soto and Guadalupe de Soto (638) 105-9804 taviita_07@hotmail.com

Juan Aldama #527 (52 & 53 Streets) Colonia Nuevo Peñasco.

Free Fun Family events: scheduled throughout the year watch for them on FBoc3anviewminisry Please come join us. For information about serving opportunities at Our Dinner, Thrift Store, Mission Groups, Fun Free Family events, construction projects and rehab center ministries go to: www.oc3eanviewministry.com Conrad Flores, President and Founder oceanviewministry@gmail.com US: 480-264-1172 MX: 638-109-8017

OLD BOYS SOCIAL CLUB

President: Pat Sledge Fun group that hold meetings every month and puts on a variety of fun activities such as the Bash every year and donates to local charities and organizations. http://www.OldBoysSocialClub.com

PEÑASCO SINGLES (PS)

A group of local singles, both full and part time residences. All singles are invited to join (no fee) this laid back group for the happy hours each Tuesday at 4 pm at Puesta del Sol restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. The location for the Saturday breakfasts will be announced at this happy hour. For more information contact any of the following: Marti 812-3191463 (U.S. cell works locally), or Jane Toth 928607-2741 or just show up at the Tuesday happy hour and introduce yourself.

PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Fundación para Conservación del Pinacate, A.C. Office Hours: 9AM - 5PM U.S. Mail: PO Box 745, Ajo, AZ 85321

El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the most unique volcanic zones in the world. The conservation of these gigantic craters and the surrounding areas are an important part of our ancient history and culture. Self guided hikes, overnight camping and exploring are allowed in the area provided you do not harm, disrupt or take plants, wildlife or artifacts from the area. Visitors must register at the office as they enter the reserve. The reserve is located at the halfway town (Nayarit) between Rocky Point and Sonoyta. Also located near this area is Gran Desierto de Altar, home to the largest area of natural sand dunes.

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN OF PUERTO PEÑASCO A.C.

SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE

The Red Cross offers its services free of charge to the general public. They handle a number of minor injuries such as stings, bites, cuts, sprains, broken bones, etc.

They have ambulance service and offer their services 24 hours a day. They work with local doctors and clinics to provide emergency care for patients with more serious injuries. They operate solely on donations, so please donate when you can.

They are always in need of medical supplies, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. You may drop off donations at the Red Cross or at the office of the Rocky Point Times.

Organizer: John Fowler: 602-840-1528 PO Box 5, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Delivers food boxes, bikes, toys and clothes to needy families all year long. Donations are accepted and transported to Rocky Point year round. If you have a donation pickup in the Phoenix area, call John Fowler or email santaclausclub@hotmail.com.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Thrift Store open Monday - Saturday 9am-4pm Run solely on donations Turn W on Samuel Ocaña, go to the first 4-way stop and turn left, go 1 block and turn right, then go 2 blocks and turn left. Thrift store

TOURISM BUREAU (OCV)

WOMEN REHAB CENTER

YOUTH SPORTS FOUNDATION

Rick Busa: rbusa1972@gmail.com

Promotes youth sports in Puerto Peñasco. Donations of sports equipment, uniforms, etc. always welcome. Call for sports schedule and come out to watch the kids play.

Spiritual Support Cancer Group

LA ESPERANZA PARA NUEVA VIDA

Rosa Angelica Peñuelas Contreras PRESIDENT Ma. De Los Angeles Miranda Carpio SECRETARY OF CORRESPONDANCE Ana Lorenia Morales Reyna TREASURER

& Javier @ Tamales Meche

Participating at the Mermaid’s Market: 3 years

Why do you like the Mermaid’s Market? Really enjoy having a variety of vendors such as food, desserts, clothing, jewelry, and art. We always end up walking and meeting new people every time.

Do you create/make everything that you sell? Yes! Everything we sell we make ourselves!

How long have you lived in Puerto Peñasco? Almost 15 years

What is something you like about living here? Enjoy that is still a small town not so crowdedexcept holidays. And definitely not sooo much traffic.

Tell us something “interesting” about yourself: Both of us are professional boxers. We worked in the bar business for more than 10 years. We didn't really achieve much in our personal life - too much partying and going outand most of the time away from our kids. One day out of the blue... [we] decided to quit. With no plans and no cash in the bank... we started our tamale business! Now, we have a stable job and are 100% full-time with our kids! It's a family business and our kids are our employees. And, they get paid as regular employees – plus some extra benefits, too!

Do you have any other business locations? A stand at San Luis and Revolución. And, we also do deliveries.

Do you sell online? Yes. We sell through Facebook (Tamales Meche).

Cornelia Rauth Felix @ SiJors Creations

Participating at the Mermaid’s Market: off and on for several years.

Why do you like the Mermaid’s Market? I enjoy and appreciate seeing and admiring all the different art we have. I enjoy watching people, the ambiance, the music and food - and the break from everyday routine.

Do you create/make everything that you sell? Yes.

How long have you lived in Puerto Peñasco? Over 28 years

What is something you like about living here? I love the culture, people & food and the slower pace of life. The cost of living here is much easier to handle.

Tell us something “interesting” about yourself: I have been making & creating things since I was a young girl. I started sewing barbie clothes at about age 9. I also learned to embroider, knit, crochet, card and spin wool. We lived on a farm, so my mother taught us cooking, baking, and preserving food. We even helped gather wild berries and Chantelle mushrooms from the woods. I had a well-rounded childhood which helped me love creating things!

Do you have any other businesses? I am also a certified caregiver and a Beauty Society Advisor.

Do you sell online? I do not sell online. However, you can contact me on Facebook or Instagram. (SiJors Creations)

markets and at festivals, but we really enjoy Mermaid’s Market because we feel that we are surrounded by very nice people... People that over time we have learned to call friends. We meet new people from all over and our daughter learns a new language by watching us practice English.

Do you create/make everything that you sell? No.

If not, who makes them and where are the items made? We bring coffee from the Sierra Norte de Puebla. We worked as anthropologists for a year there. We made friends who are now our partners - they send us our coffee beans. Part of our work [in the Sierra] was to document the coffee growing process; so we can assure that its production obeys 100% organic standards - with traditional methods of cultivation, respectful with the environment.

How long have you lived in Puerto Peñasco? 10 months.

What is something you like about living here? I like living near the beach. There are very friendly people from other places that we can live with.

Participating at

Market:

the Mermaid’s

Since last year

Why do you like the Mermaid’s Market? Since we arrived in Peñasco we have sold coffee in different places: on the streets, in

Tell us something “interesting” about yourself: Formally my wife and I are cultural anthropologists. I am an art teacher at a university and at a local high school. I am also a chess instructor. We worked for about a year in a Nahua indigenous community until I received my Ph.D. in anthropology last June. My wife and I have published three books, two of which are available on Amazon in five different languages.

Do you have any other business locations? Not at the moment.

Do you sell online? Yes. www. facebook.com/metstikajfen

Linda

Mario Cornejo Cuevas &Emi Nava Nava @ Metsti Kajfen

Educarte

As the founder of the Educarte in Rocky Point I am incredibly grateful for the generous support we have received that has helped this program grow and thrive in ways I never imagined.

HOW IT STARTED: When I formed a Mexican non-profit in 2016, I assumed that my husband and I would provide the funds to help 25-30 local kids go to school. That first year we had 72 young people apply for support and we couldn’t imagine saying “no” to any of these deserving kids. Fortunately, at that time I had the chance to take over leadership of a small volunteer run non-profit called ‘Steps of Love’. Having a U.S. partner helped us grow support to provide more local kids with a path out of poverty through education.

Over the next five years, thanks to the generosity of so many of you, the Educarte program grew from supporting 72 to more 600 and students and dozens of our students had graduated from high school and were now in college. Of course, as the Educarte program grew, so did its need for financial support from Steps of Love. By the beginning of 2021 it was apparent that, for Educarte to continue to grow and thrive, I could not continue to lead non-profit organizations on both sides of the border.

So, in October of 2021 I agreed to have Steps of Love merge with Esperanca, a 50+ year old Arizona based 501c3 organization that employs a team of non-profit professionals. I am grateful that, for the past 14 months, Esperanca has committed to providing the funds necessary to operate the Educarte program.

THE LEAP OF FAITH! From the beginning, our Educarte

JANUARY 2023

program has depended heavily on a commitment of support from a U.S. non-profit—first from Steps of Love and more recently from Esperanca. However, my local team and I have always wanted this to be a true partnership with at least half of the funds being raised from within Mexico. When we moved into our beautiful, new permanent home last January, we saw the opportunity to take a big step in this direction.

We began by opening a thrift store and café on the new site with all profits from these businesses going to support the Educarte program. Our most recent social enterprise venture is a promotional and marketing business that can make large vinyl signs, do screen printing, website design and much more. Plans for future projects include an English language school, a large organic chef’s garden, a vocational training center and more. My local team has also been able to use our new facility to host our own successful fundraising events.

These opportunities led my local team and I to take a big leap of faith at the end of 2022! We decided that, beginning in 2023 we would move forward without a commitment of support from a U.S. non-profit partner. Although this decision was somewhat terrifying, it was also very exciting in that it moves us away from dependency and toward self-sufficiency. It was also exciting in that donations from the United States can now come directly to the Educarte program in Mexico rather than going through a U.S. based non-profit.

You can now make donations directly to Educarte using a credit card via PayPal, a bank transfer or check from a U.S. bank at www. AmigosEducarte.com.

If you would like to make a

gift from a donor directed fund, foundation or another source that requires funds to go directly to a U.S. based 501c3 organization, please contact me at Kathleen. educarte@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for your continued support!

Takes a Big Leap of Faith!

Educarte’s beautiful new permanent home has provided so many wonderful opportunities

We will continue to provide better opportunities for all young people in Rocky Point!

Proceeds from our new Hope’s Closet Thrift store support Educarte

Proceeds from our Hope’s Kitchen also support Educarte

Our Contributing writers...

Writing as Payson Dean (aka the Old Gringo) The ‘old gringo’ has been hanging around Rocky Point since the late 70’s and has had a home here since 1993. He’s flown the bush in Baja and southern Mexico since 1994, has trained SCUBA divers at both Peñasco and San Carlos, and calls Playa Miramar home. He writes because he likes to, and loves Puerto Peñasco. Not much of a fisherman, but a fine cigar and good Tequila can always get his attention. I’ve been retired since 2005 and my wife and I run a horse rescue ranch in Strawberry, Arizona. We divide our time between the ranch and our home at Playa Miramar. I’ve written several articles for diverse publications and have a regular column at Contractor Magazine.

Joseph Sanchez

is a custom home builder, developer and real estate agent who loves to contribute stories to the Rocky Point Times. He likes to write about the state of the local economy, housing market and investment strategies. While traveling on vacation 20 years ago he met his future Mexican wife but had to return home to deploy with the Army National Guard shortly after 9/11. Upon his return, they married and moved to Chicago. Three months after they married, he was deployed again in support of Operation Iraq Freedom and returned 18 months later. Having survived all that, they now have three wonderful kids and are happily married and reside here full-time. They will celebrate 18 years of marriage on the 26th of April. Sanchez’s current project is San Besitos, a community development project located in the Mirador which offers new construction homes from the low $100s.

Rosarie Salerno

Has been a contributing writer, for the Rocky Point Times, since 2006. Rosarie has lived in Rocky Point for over 10 years. She has been a full time real estate professional in Rocky Point since she arrived and has been a licensed real estate agent in Arizona since 1986. She moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1972. Rosarie studied Accounting in N.Y.C., Fashion Designing as well as Video and Film Production in Tucson. Not only did she sell real estate in Tucson, but had a small income tax preparation service for almost 20 years. Rosarie is highly analytical in her work. She has an inquisitive mind.

Cap’n Greg Linda and Bo Bernard

These native Texans discovered Rocky Point on vacation and became full-time residents in 2016. Linda was a full-time educator, having spent 45 years working with 7th to 12th grade students in various capacities. She taught history and government in public school and later at Dallas’ Parish Episcopal School where she served as Dean of Students, Assistant Head of Upper School and Founding Director of The Leadership Institute.

Bo spent most of his professional life in sales, marketing and upper management at various Dallas-area telecommunications companies. He was on the forefront of the sales and distribution of everything from semiconductors, to the first hand-held calculators, pagers, and finally, cell phones. He retired from the industry in 2004, but found he had too much energy and too little to do. Ultimately, he found what he calls his “hardest, but most fun and rewarding job ever” in teaching Writing/Humanities to 5th graders at Linda’s school.

Their connection to Barb’s Dog Rescue and the RPT column is a labor of love, in hopes others will be inspired to get involved in the Rocky Point community.

Stephanie Wood

Stephanie Wood grew up in Wichita, KS and moved to Phoenix in 1992 to attend ASU. Her first trip to Mexico was Nogales at age18 to shop and drink margaritas. She’s been coming to Rocky Point since 2007, and fell in love immediately and started looking for a condo the very first day. Rocky Point combines her love of Mexico and the beach. She loves exploring Rocky Point and sharing her experiences with others. She has two kids who are growing up on the beach and learning to embrace a world view and appreciation of other cultures. Her goal is to travel more extensively in Mexico as time and funds allow and continue writing about her experiences.

Cholla Charli

Cholla Charli (aka Charlotte Keller) has had family ties to La Cholla since 1969, and is now a full-time resident there, having retired from a career in marketing, publishing and public relations. An award-winning writer and photographer, she enjoys sharing stories about the organizations, activities, events and people in her new home town.

Kathleen Duncan

"The Retired Fly Fishing Hardware Guy" writes short fly fishing stories and does fishing programs, while trying to keep his kayak in an upright position. Vince is a fly fishing enabler, he encourages everyone to take up the fly rod and visit his favorite place Puerto Penasco, Mexico. His stories can be found on the web, in local newspapers, and magazines. Vince's stories tangle family, friends, and fly lines. Vince can be reached at 480 818 1796.

Jim Ringquist

With over ten years as a full-time resident of Rocky Point, Director of Sales and Marketing for the four Sonoran Resorts beachfront condo developments, and President of the Puerto Peñasco Tourist Assistance Advisory Committee, Jim works hard to stay on top of what is going on around town.

He certainly doesn’t consider himself a writer, but he does send out a monthly newsletter to a growing number of clients and Rocky Point enthusiasts to share what he can about the area.

Kathleen attended University of Arizona where she met her husband Arnott who is a 4th generation Arizona farmer. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1983, Kathleen followed Arnott to Goodyear, AZ where she received her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University. In 1982 Kathleen and Arnott founded Duncan Family Farms and while Arnott focused on operating the farm Kathleen spent most of her career working with vulnerable children and families in Arizona.

In September of 2012 Kathleen decided she wanted to find a way to give back to the community of Rocky Point, Mexico where her family have been vacationing for 25 years. She began volunteering at the newly opened Amores de Peñasco Children’s Crisis Shelter and spent the next three years traveling from her home in Buckeye, AZ. to spend 2-3 days per week supporting the children there. In 2015 Kathleen and Arnott decided they wanted to try to expand their efforts to help young people in need in Rocky Point so they formed a Mexican Civil Association called ‘Asistencia Integral para Menores de Puerto Peñasco’ (Comprehensive Support for Children of Rocky Point). In August of 2016 they used their Civil Association to launch a program to help at-risk young people in the community have access to educational opportunities that can transform their lives Kathleen joined the Board of Steps of Love in June of 2013.

Escaped Iowa’s snow for Arizona’s sun in 1989, and immediately jumped the border to sample the culture and cerveza of Mexico. A US Navy veteran, his love for the ocean drew him to Rocky Point, which he has enjoyed immensely. Although he offers salty advice to Sea of Cortez visitors, the Cap’n also frequents the Northwest Ontario Bush, and has been writing a “North With Doc” humor column for In-Fisherman magazine for more than 30 years. Cap’n Greg, his wife Sandy, and their silky/pom pup Jezebel live in Green Valley.

Gretchen Ellinger

After more than 20 years in Puerto Peñasco real estate, Gretchen Corpe Ellinger is considered an expert resource by real estate professionals and clients alike. Having been elected president, vicepresident of ethics, and vice-president of education over several years by the members of AMPI, she now concentrates on her business, Real Estate & Retirement Consulting, seeing clients by appointment. Gretchen also enjoys writing, quilting, and supporting local artisans by collecting their extraordinary handcrafts - particularly hand-woven textiles - on her travels throughout Mexico.

Dr. Sally Downey

Dr. Sally E. Downey Grew up in Indiana, raised her family in Oklahoma, and was recruited to Arizona in 2000 to serve as East Valley Institute of Technology's School Superintendent, in Mesa, Arizona. After twenty years in that position, eight other years as a school superintendent in Oklahoma, and a total of fifty years as an educator...retirement beckoned! Since moving to Arizona, Rocky Point became a favorite weekend get away! Richard (husband of 55 years) and Sally loved Rocky Point so much that it wasn't long until they purchased a home in the community. Sally has been a Rotarian for 28 years and after being named Mesa Woman of the year, served as President at the Mesa Rotary Club, the second oldest club in Arizona. Upon retirement Sally moved her Rotary affiliation to Puerto Peñasco. Rotary is an organization that believes in service above self and so does Dr. Sally. It is her hope that by writing a monthly column about Rotary projects and services rendered that more people will get involved in this wonderful worldwide organization that in turn, thru service, will benefit the Puerto Peñasco Community!

is a traveler with a love for Puerto Peñasco and the Sea of Cortez. She wakes up to the beautiful Sea of Cortez and feels incredibly lucky. Originally from Western Pennsylvania she loves to travel the world and discover off-the-beaten-path destinations with her husband and friends, and write travel articles and travel books. She also writes fiction under the pen name, A.K. Smith. Check out www.seasidewriter.com for more information.

Mark Paliscak

Marco has been a writer for the Rocky Point Times for the last 13 years. He has been a part of the Rocky Point community and home owner for the last 16 years. Marco was never far from the beach his whole life. As a kid, he always loved the Jersey shore and later relocated to southern California at 20 years old and eventually found Balboa Island to be his home for a decade before making his way to Scottsdale. He loves the desert but missed the ocean and quickly found Arizona’s beach…Rocky Point! Along with writing for the Rocky Point Times, Marco is a mortgage banker/broker at Amerifirst Financial and Assistant Swim Coach at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. He’s a proud father of his son, Zack and daughter, Via Maria who attend Ole Miss and Texas Christian University respectively. He loves to travel the world and picks new locations each year but always makes it a plan to make Aruba one of his annual destinations. Most of all, Marco loves his time in Rocky Point and always considers it HOME!

Vince Deadmond

Anita Kaltenbaugh

Allen Schwartz