Our Two-year Anniversary. - This past week marks the two-year anniversary of the Baja Western Onion.
As many of our long-term readers know, the Onion was born out of the arrival of Hurricane John, September 1st, 2006. While Debra and I were hunkered down in our house that day, nervously awaiting the first hurricane we had ever experienced, we were monitoring the RADAR station at Cabo San Lucas via Internet. For a couple of green California kids, it was a very scary sight indeed when Hurricane John first appeared on the RADAR.
As we watched the storm track North, by late afternoon it began to look like John was headed more toward the East than predicted. We started to take snapshots of the RADAR track every 15 minutes, then stitched together a short video to get a better idea of the hurricane's true course. We could see that John was definitely on a track away from Todos Santos and toward the East Cape. Good news for us but bad news for our friends and neighbors along the Sea of Cortez as we all now know.
You can see the entire video here:
http://www.bajawesternonion.com/hurricane-john.aspWe thought there must be many others like ourselves who had no idea what was going to happen that day, and we wanted to get the word out about what we were seeing. We had about 100 E mail addresses of family, friends and clients. So out went our first storm alert on the evening of September 1 at about 7:30 PM. We continued to update the video throughout the day until about 10:30 PM when we became too exhausted to continue.
September 01, 2006, September 02, 2006, September 03, 2006Since September 2006, we've sent out over 340 issues of the BWO, and now have just under 1,700 subscribers. As we begin our third year of publication, we want to once again thank you, our readers, contributors and friends, for your kind words, continued interest and vital support. - The Staff of the Baja Western Onion
September 03, 2006#2, September 04, 2006, September 06, 2006
- Alan Thompson, Publisher
- Maryann Douglas, Editor
- Debra Webster, Creative Director
Tropical Storm Lowell May Be Headed in Our Direction - Tropical Storm Lowell is currently located about 325 miles south of Cabo San Lucas. It is predicted to head toward the northwest before making a turn to the east. At 8 PM Sunday, current maximum sustained winds are 60 miles per hour, with tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 115 miles. It could become a category 1 hurricane before weakening as it approaches the coast of Baja. For more information, go here:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_ep3+shtml/022713.shtml?5day#contentsNOTE: The storm track prediction graphic to the right is dynamic, and will continue to update its image over the next few days as the storm progresses. - Baja Western Onion
U.S. Girls' Club Soccer Team Looking For Games In BCS - Next June we would like to arrange for our So Cal girls' club soccer team to come to Los Cabos and play local girls' teams of the same age. We would be looking for teams from La Paz on south. The age group would be 12 years old. If anyone can help with this, I would appreciate the help. We would be looking for teams to play and fields to play on, etc. Thanks! - Briant Patterson, magiccoast[-at-]cox.net, 949 218 6788, Baja California Sur
Todos Santos Stoplight Alert - It seems the light is out - at least the red bulb is out for sure, coming into town from Cabo on Degollado. If you approach the light on Militar planning to make a left turn, don't assume anyone approaching from the left will stop just because you have a green light. Very dangerous!!! - Maryann
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Yearly Fideicomiso Payments At Bancomer - In a recent issue of the BWO, someone said: "Serfin-Santander, Banamex, Bancomer and now HSBC have all left La Paz with their Fiduciary offices and made it quite difficult to keep current with the yearly Fideicomiso payments." I don't know about the other banks, but this is NOT the case with Bancomer. In fact, they have many options available (online, in person, wire transfers, etc) to make these payments. - Sheryl Hamilton, hamiltos12[-at-]yahoo.com, 612-149-6084, La Paz
Can Someone Recommend A Mover? - I need to ship two crates of furnitures of 150 pounds each from L.A. to Todos Santos. Can someone recommend a serious and affordable shipper? - Arnaud Gregori, arnaudgregori[-at-]gmail.com, Todos Santos
Vehicle Importation - Could you print again the info on where to go in La Paz? I have my vehicle here and would like to import it - Dave Williams, willid2[-at-]hotmail.com, 612-169-4242, Pescadero
<Editor's note: If anyone has this information, please send it to the Baja Western Onion.Searching Horses - I would like to know if someone has horses (or knows someone who has) to ride on the beach of La Poza or anywhere else for two people for a couple of hours at a very economic rate for Saturday 13 or Sunday 14 Sept. Please let me know. - Elizabeth Salazar, elizabethsalazar11[-at-]gmail.com, 6121413169, Todos Santos
Alaska Airlines (Courtesy, Baja Pony Express) - Alaska Airfares and airfares in general: I have discovered that I am more successful when I shop for one way fares. I flew on Alaska Airlines to and from LAX in August and and bought my tickets on line and used the 'low fare calendar' and I bought them less than a week in advance. It cost me $195 to fly North and $165 to return South.
Many people flying to Cabo or East Cape are coming here for a long Weekend flying down Thursday or Friday and returning the following Monday or Tuesday. So, I can usually find low fares to the North on Thursday and retuning South on Monday or Tuesday. And I find it simpler to shop for two one way fares than for a round trip. I hope this is helpful. - Torrance Eddy
Gas Stations And The Baja (Courtesy, Baja Pony Express) - a. If you have to get gas in Santa Rosalia, I rode my motorcycle down the Baja and on a motorcycle you stop for gas every open place. Knowing about the problems at SR, I took the pump handle from the operator to pump for myself which you can do on a motorcycle. Here is what happened.
When I clicked the pump handle about a tablespoon came out yet the pump read 3 liters. I immediately stopped and told attendant a problem. He tried to say no problem yet for a tablespoon I was being charged for 3 liters. I became agitated to try to get it resolved and they would not do anything. So I loudly asked for the police., this taking about 3 minutes of outrage by me.
Finally they conceded and I watched as the attendant reset the pump. He did not press the green area for reset/start, he pressed a unmarked black area on the pump (I could tell this is the normal place non-cheat(for locals) as it was visibly dirty from multiple presses.) So they have two buttons they can press, one is gringo rip off(symbolically green for green go home), and the other is for locals.
Thus do not let them reset the pump as they are able to rip you off on what ever amount of liters it initially cheats. This is not determined, I stopped right away, would it have been 6 liters, 8 liters??? So do not stop there or try to pump for yourself and do the outrage thing like I did when the meter shows 3 liters or more for a tablespoon. If everyone does this they will get tired of it and know we know how they are doing it. Again the only reason I was able to note this is because I was on a motorcycle. Then as an engineer who is familiar with microcontrollers and membrane switch design, I observed the system.
b. Over the last few years we have been hearing the same nightmare stories about the Santa Rosalia Gas Station and I'm sure they are true. But they have never happened to me because I never, ever ask to have my tank filled. I know how much gas my car uses and I know how to read my gas guage (all gas guages lie to one degree or another). So, I always ask for $100, $200, $300, or occasionally as much as $400 pesos worth of gas. This may not stop the Pemex Bandidos 'in their tracks' for everyone but it works for me. And, of course, I get out of my car and walk to the pump before I say one word and watch the whole time. Torrance Eddy
c. It was not too many years ago that AAA put this Pemex station on the do not stop list! They are notorious! One can get fuel in Vizcaino and that will take you to Mulege, which has been pretty straight for yrs. The one to watch is the switcheroo! You give attendant a 500 peso note and he quickly shows you a 50 peso note-you made a mistake!! I got burned once like that in San Jose Del Cabo [-at-] old station; then they tried it again [-at-] new station no of town- didn't happen! I raised holy hell and they immediately backed off. Just don't be in a hurry. Mordida is a way of life here. Good Luck.
Also, has anyone found ULSD Fuel in Baja?? -
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Basilfields -Please note that Basilfields will be open for business on Monday, Sept.8 with the usual produce and green beans. They will once again be open on Mon. Wed. & Fridays. Thank you, Basilfields - Vivian Driscoll, vivdon[-at-]mac.com, Elias Calle
Tuesday Movie Night At Buena Vida - This Tuesday we will be showing a great film "The Italian" (Italianetz 2005) Six-year-old Vanya (Kolya Spiridonov) is about to be handed every Russian orphan's dream: A loving Italian family wants to adopt him and take him away from the rundown orphanage he calls home. But Vanya can't let go of his yearning for his birth mother. Determined to find her, he runs away and sets off on an adventure that leads him into a mysterious and sometimes perilous world. This moving drama received several international awards. Kolya Spiridonov is by far the most incredible child actor I have ever seen and worth watching. The movie is in Russian with English subtitles. Please please remember to bring a cushion so that you will be more comfortable. We will open at 6:30 for dinner service and the movie will start at 8:30 SHARP! - Jessie Rutowski, jessierutowski[-at-]hotmail.com, 6121343100, Todos Santos
Really Mexican Food - "Ataxcon" comida mexicana tradicional. "There’s no menu, just Landi’s handful of dishes for the day. That ensures that verything is fresh and of good quality. Makes sense, and fits right in with Todos Santos’ roll-with-thepunches downtown pace. But trust me, it doesn’t matter what’s on the verbal menu— it’s all good, it’s all cheap, and it’s all leaps and bounds beyond the mainland fare dished out at so many touristy Mexican joints in Los Cabos. It’s a little like eating at a friend’s house or your Mexican family". (from Gringo Gazette 21/07/08) Heroico Colegio Militar esquina Miguel Hidalgo. - Landi Ortega, landi_ortega[-at-]hotmail.com, 6121761275, Todos Santos
Get A Cafelix!!!!! - It's too hot in town so you must get cold drinks like smoothies, frapes, margaritas, beer! So you only have one choice, Cafelix. Come and try our best air conditioning and only in town, baguettes and cakes or snacks. bring your laptop and go online for free wifi. We have satellite TV to watch what you want, sports or news. We have dominoes if you want to play with your friends too. Come, you will be happy to be here! - Felix Vazquez, salesboy_vaguq[-at-]hotmail.com, 6121312081, Todos Santos
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Friday Night Blues And Rock And Roll At The Sandbar. - Sandbar presents the new local band Clacson serving up blues and rock and roll. Come join the party and bring your dancing shoes. Music starts at 9:30 P.M. 30 peso cover. - Terry Mcbride, tleemcbride[-at-]gmail.com, 612-149-2743, Pescadero
Next Season’s Theatrical Escapade - from Blue Moon Productions is a spoof on the Broadway hit “Hair”. It is 40 years later and my how things have changed. Or have they? Make sure you see “Hairpiece”, Dinner Theater in Todos Santos at Leo’s Salon, (the new dance hall on Horizonte in the Otro Lado) Friday January 23rd, Saturday January 24/09. bluemooninbaja[-at-]yahoo.com, 612-145-0273
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Missing Dogs - We are looking for 3 missing dogs that haven´t been seen since September 4th afternoon in the Camino del Pacifico area (close to La Maquina) in Todos Santos. One dog is a big gray Weimaraner, the other dog is a salt pepper Mini Schnauzer and the other is a black and white wire hair Fox Terrier. Two of them are wearing a red collar.The Weimaraner answers to the name “Otto”, the Schnauzer name is “Lucas” and the Fox Terrier’s name is “Pepa”
UPDATE: Two Dogs Found And One Still Missing - Thank you very much for your help finding our dogs. Today Saturday 6th we found "Otto" and "Pepa" in calle de Los Mangos y calle de Las Estrellas in Las Tunas area. However, we're still looking for "Lucas", the mini Schnauzer, he is very small and he must be worn
out. We would appreciate any information regarding Lucas. - Belinda Perez, bepermar[-at-]gmail.com, 044 612 159 1215, Todos Santos
Please Keep Looking For Mini - Mini is a small, female, Jack Russell, all white, with a red face and a scar on one hip. She disappeared from the Rancho Nuevo community on August 21. Please call with any info.
There is a $500.00 no questions reward. Phone Shar at 624 137 3198. - Kelly Mccabe, greenbrier[-at-]starband.net, 624 137 3198
Two Handsome Young Boys - The last two available from the litter that was rescued in June and nurtured lovingly since then by two different families. They are highly socialized and terrific with small children. Their mother, who was a 15 pound terrier mix, has moved to Portland. It is almost certain they will be small dogs when fully grown, no more than 20 pounds. Call soon because I know there will be many families wanting them. - Maryann, maryann[-at-]bajawesternonion.com, cell 612-153-1777
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Pigs For Sale - We have seven live pigs for sale. Four 20-25 lbs, two 50-60 lbs and one 200-250 lbs. Please contact for pricing. - Terry Mcbride, tleemcbride[-at-]gmail.com, 612-149-2743, Pescadero
New Cameras 4 Sale - I have new, in the box Polaroids cameras. They come with usb cables, s video cables, 7.0 mega pix, 2 and a half screen, zoom, all that you would need! You can call me , cell 612 152 3564 Mike in Todo Santos - Mike Johnson, zzooo9[-at-]yahoo.com, 612 152 3564, Todos Santos
Hammer Drill Impact Driver Set - I have a new, in the box, Milwallkie heavy duty hammer drill impact driver. Five year guarantee, case, one hour charger, and more. paid $ 299.00 in the states so that's all I want. - Mike Johnson, zzooo9[-at-]yahoo.com, 612 152 3564, Todos Santos
Mattress And Box Spring For Sale!! - Queen size matress and box spring, almost new, orthopedic for $200 USD. (to treat) - Roberta And Victor Lopez, rborghin[-at-]gmail.com, 6121339002, Todos Santos
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Mazda Truck For Sale - 1989 Mazda pick up, 4 cyl, 5 speed , runs great, white color $1,400 USD - Daniela Borghini, izio55[-at-]hotmail.com, 6121337163, Todos Santos
Truck For Sale - 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Crew Cab, Gas V8, Approx 6" Lift, Good 32" Tires, 4 Door All factory options, winch, Light Bar Sinaloa plates, truck is in La Paz - Roberto Lozano, mpadget[-at-]yahoo.com, 612-125-5004, La Paz
Trade - Will trade 1990 Cadillac for Camper. Need either cab over for 1/2 ton short bed or a towable camper. Caddy runs great. - Kathy Gordon, katiejay99[-at-]gmail.com, 612-142-8755, Todos Santos
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Osprey San Pedrito - We are now offering deep discounts until Oct 5. It's our "come and cool off at the beach rate." Announcing three new beach front vacation rentals in Pescadero overlooking San Pedrito Beach with a direct view of the famous surf break. Built on the footprint of the first house built on the beach, this is certainly "the jewel of the crown." Beautifully renovated into three discreet rentals, available individually or together for larger groups. Spacious, private1-2 bedroom units each with full kitchen, and living/ dining areas, patios and magnificent views from San Pedrito to South Pescadero and the Sierra Laguna mountains. Available for long or short term rental, private parties, events and weddings. Call or email for more detailed description and photos. Low introductory summer rates. US number: 707-696-9064 - Leslie Lambert, bajaosprey[-at-]gmail.com, www.bajaosprey.com, 612-135-3302, Pescadero
Commercial Space For Rent - Nice space in historic building, perfect for an office or small business. Located downtown Todos Santos, on Alvaro Obregon Street right behind Ricardo Amigo Real Estate office. Reasonably priced. Contact Rich or Perla for further info. - Richard Friend, rich[-at-]raremex.com, 145 0551
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Property For Sale - 1743M2 size lot for sale. Water on site, elec. available. Nice, large mango, and mature guava, both produce fruit in season. Five large, 50 small established palms, with working drip irrigation system. Near beach, good view of mountains and ocean. $100,000 USD, no agents. E-mail for photos and directions, dtutko1[-at-]hotmail.com or - , stevetutko[-at-]yahoo.com, Pescadero
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Gringo Seeks 4-5 Acres For Joint Venture - Interested in securing 4-5 acres approx 15 minutes from Cabo San Lucas Marina area to build an income producing business. Landowners interested in a Joint Venture please contact me. - Mike Owens, mikeofloyd[-at-]comcast.net, 206 242 0320 , Cabo San Lucas
Aikido Classes For Kids And Adults - Aikido is a harmonious Japanese martial art, that is also a great work-out! Our Aikido classes do not involve kicking or punching - rather they focus on fluid movements and the redirection of energy. (more info) Although Aikido is, in this way, non-violent - the techniques learned in class are very effective for self-defense and personal security. Come on out and learn a new skill - and at the same time enjoy getting in better shape!
Adult Beginner classes - 3 times a week: - Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6 P.M. - price: 400 pesos/month donationLOCATION: La ARCA (on Topete) Please call for inquiries... - Dominique, 612.135.5433, Todos Santos
Kids Beginner classes: Saturday 11 A.M. price: 30 pesos/class donation
Babysitting in Todos Santos - I'm a babysitter in Todos Santos and Pescadero. I am at your service any day of the week and any time of day and night! - Roberta Borghini, rborghin[-at-]gmail.com, 6121339002, Todos Santos
Painting + Gardening - I'm a residential and business painter(interior and exterior). I also do gardening jobs and fumigation. We are awaiting the opportunity to serve your painting needs in a prompt, efficient and professional manner ph.612+1339002 - Victor Lopez, houseandbusiness[-at-]gmail.com, 6121338848, Todos Santos
Dig/Dive/Plunge Into The Mysteries - In the Seeds Of Civilization novels, a Seattle aerospace engineer and his team of amateur investigators follow a trail of strange artifacts in a search of the truth about the age and origin of Earth’s earliest civilizations. Each new investigation reveals clues that are truly “out of this world!”
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Quote of the Day: " A rumor without a leg to stand on will get around some other way. " - John Tudor