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Happy March! We're ready for the perfect weather and the town filling up again. There is an excitement in the air and things are really looking positive for Puerto Penasco.
Another month has rushed by and we are officially into tourist season again. Living in a tourist town is a funny thing. I don't know if you can really appreciate what it's like unless you actually experience it. I've been here full-time right at 5 years now, and I have really grown to love it. Unlike normal cities, we literally double in size during certain times of the year. So, living here allows me to enjoy the quiet times with little or no traffic and zero people on the beach, and also the crazy times that bring tens of thousands of people to town. And, this month begins the craziest of times with both Spring Break and Semana Santa just around the corner.
Traditionally, the slowest months of the year are January and February. This year was no different, with one very notable exception - we have already been very busy with clients this year. There is an excitement in the air and optimism and anticipation has replaced pessimism and complacency. The Sonoran Sales Team already has over $3 Million in sales and pending sales this year. That is a great start and a nice improvement over the past few years. The high season is just beginning and I predict a very good year for Puerto Penasco. It's about time. Those of us who have put in the time and effort over the past years have waited for things to come back and, it looks like it is finally happening.
Our promotion events have been going very well this year, and we finished up at the Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale a few days ago. Like the Barrett-Jackson show, it was great success. Rick and Beverly braved 10 long days at the show and they are now back in town working with the people that they met there. Next month it will be the National RV show in Tucson and in April, the National Cadillac Car Show in Las Vegas. We try to stay busy.
Finally, always trying to stay on top of our game and ahead of the pack, we have made a few changes in order to prepare for the good times ahead. We have extended the hours in all of our sales offices and taken on several new Sales Associates to cover the additional time. All of our Sales Offices will now be open every day from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Plus, we will soon be opening another Sales Office directly on Sandy Beach Road. That will make Five Sales offices, all fully staffed with friendly and professional Sonoran Resorts Sales Professionals. Please try to stop by and see us next time you're in town.
By the way, this newsletter officially turns 2 years old this month. My first one went out in March of 2011. Time flies when you're having fun!
Please check out some of our condos for sale along the right column.
You can see all of our listings by going to our website:
Don't forget, if you have email service through Yahoo or Gmail, please scroll to the bottom of this email and click "View Entire Message" to see the entire newsletter. For some reason, those email providers tend to cut part of it off. Enjoy the beautiful March weather and, as always, please don't hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything at all. I'm happy to be of service.
Sincerely,
Jim Ringquist
Broker/Director of Sales and Marketing Sonoran Resorts Spa - Sea - Sun - Sky 602-476-7511
Once again, I hope that you enjoy the newsletter and continue to recommend it to your friends. Our audience keeps growing and I really appreciate all your positive comments. Thanks for the help in spreading the word. Also, please feel free to give me thoughts, suggestions, or ideas for future newsletters. |
New Ocean View Restaurant Debuts International Cuisine in Luxurious Sonoran Sky Resort 
Saturday March 9, 2013 begins an exquisitely delightful new era of creative dining in our little slice of paradise by the sea that promises to express the true atmosphere and traditional taste of the two colorful and diverse countries of Italy and Argentina-under the same roof, under the direction of Chef Franklin, steps from world class Sandy Beach. What a delicious dream!
The new Ocean View Restaurant will seat 96 in the dining area, with an additional 40 seats in the inside lounge. The same quality food and service will be available for 80 more in the Tiki Bar outside on the beach. The restaurant will be open from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Ocean View Lounge hours will be 10:00 AM until Midnight. The popular Tiki Bar hours are 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
Those who choose to grace the Ocean View during opening weekend will select from a varied breakfast and lunch menu and for dinner, well, you may decide on a taste of Italy or to continue south to the Argentine's to tickle your taste buds. You may even wish to sample from a wide variety of opening weekend dishes prepared especially by Chef Franklin from the finest quality ingredients.
The Sonoran Sky Luxury Beach Front Condominium Resort is the newest of the four Sonoran Resorts built on Sandy Beach in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora Mexico. For the story behind the Sonoran Resorts Group visit our blog at http://www.sonoranresorts.mx/?p=2510.
Either way, sun light or moon light, your experience at Ocean View is designed to exceed your fine dining dreams, from service to preparation to presentation, all at the steps of the most beautiful sights and sounds from the mystic Sea of Cortez. |
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Presentation of Home Port Executive Project
City Press Release
Puerto Peñasco Mayor Gerardo Figueroa Zazueta recently viewed the executive project of the city's future Home Port, presentation of which was led by international business consortium Bermello Ajamil and presided over by businessman Luis Ajamil.
With Javier Tapia Camou, State Coordinator of Tourism Promotion, on hand along with business leaders and officials from the Guaymas Port Administration, Figueroa Zazueta reiterated his administration's interest in working on alternative actions in order to make this mega project a reality.
"I want to express thanks for the unrestricted support that Governor Guillermo Padrés has given my administration, thus my commitment to work together in order to make this project a reality, which will boost the development of Puerto Peñasco," he indicated.
Mayor Figueroa expressed since he came into office his commitment has been to work intensely to change the image of Puerto Peñasco through infrastructure projects, which will benefit society and that will be attractive to both national and foreign investment.
Javier Tapia Camou noted, "We are at a point where there is no looking back on this project. The long desired Home Port is becoming a reality; at this time we have concluded soil mechanic studies and will continue to work on getting federal funds."
The federal government authorized 191 million pesos this year for the first phase of the project, which in all will represent an investment of 600 million pesos. Work on the Home Port is to begin in 2013 and is estimated to conclude during 2015.
The COFETUR Coordinator stated in upcoming weeks Governor Padrés Elías will hold a meeting with the Secretary of Communications and Transport in order to polish details on what will be the first departure port of its kind in the country.
The Executive project of the Home Port includes a concept focused on integrating the rest of the destination, therefore the project is said to be an "Oasis in the Desert" as it encompasses a terminal that will allow tourists to enjoy commercial and relaxation activities.
The Bermello Ajamil consortium is the best positioned global company with respect to the development of this Home Port. More than 30 years experience in architectural projects and engineering of large-scale projects has earned it this position.
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6th Annual Taste of Peñasco and T.O.P. Chef Competition Attracted Over a Thousand Visitors
If you were one of the crowd estimated at 1,000 to 1,200 in attendance at the 6th annual Taste of Peñasco T.O.P. Chef Competition and Show on Saturday February 16, you surely experienced the atmosphere of "perfection" that prevailed throughout Plaza de Camarón, starting with the weather, as perfect as it could be, and the 32 exhibits, sold out and offering a perfect selection of homemade, man made and fabricated arts, crafts and products, plus the food tents with perfectly prepared specialty dishes from all parts of Mexico, Italy, France, even Greece; the perfect mix of performers who provided a variety of music that created the mood of friendly celebration that permeated the plaza all day. The center of attention was the creative perfection with which five of Puerto Peñasco's best culinary artists showed their finest skills in the 6th annual TOP Chef competition to determine the supreme of the supreme among our city's great restaurants. Formerly known as the Iron Chef, The TOP Chef competition this year was as impressive as any you may have seen just about anywhere, and played out as dramatically. This year the distinguished panel of judges (for details on all the competing chefs and the panel of judges please go to our pre-event blog at: http://www.sonoranresorts.mx/?p=7973 ) were showcased in the middle of all the activity for the tasting. The chefs were given the secret ingredient-coffee-not revealed until the beginning of the competition at 11:00 AM and which had to be used in each of three courses: appetizer, entrée and dessert and which the chefs had to prepare in a very tight time frame-15 minutes to prepare the appetizer, 30 minutes to prepare the entrée and 15 minutes to prepare the dessert... |
Outta Town Productions Resumes 20 Years of Beach Volley Ball at Sonoran Sky in April
After a two year hiatus to develop the now famous InSANDity! Beach Obstacle Course, Luis and Karen Garrido of Outta Town Productions fame are bringing back "Retro Rocky Point Beach Volley Ball" taking place on Sandy Beach in front of the Sonoran Sky Luxury Beach Front Condominiums over the weekend of April 6-7, 2013. "Retro Rocky Point Beach Volley Ball brings back the social, more laid back, fun-on-the-beach atmosphere we started with over 20 years ago," says Luis. For this fun event on the Sea of Cortez beach, Luis will also bring OTP's sister company, Volitude out of Long Beach, CA to host beach tennis and Tri-Ball for when you're not playing tournament games. Elite Volleyball (EVP) Western Division will also be along offering EVP points for qualifying Men's and Women's 2's, which will have a separate entry and prize fund. This enables entrants to compete for points to get into Professional AVP qualifiers. Here's how the Retro Rocky Point tournament will work: Pre-registration will be mandatory for this event at only $100 USD per coed 4's team. Registration deadline is April 2, 2013. Registration is open to the first 30 teams only. Register for either A with 15 teams or B 15 teams. Register and pay online at: http://outtatownproductions.com/event.php?id=285 . Friday night is the Player Check-In Party at Chango's Bar and Grill with drink specials starting at 8:00 PM. Most of Saturday will be pool play with the top 10 teams becoming the Gold Division, the middle 10 will become the Silver Division and the remaining 10 will be the Bronze Division. First rounds of double elimination play will begin as time allows. No Teams Will Be Eliminated on Saturday. A Taco and Beer Stand will be on site all day both days. Be sure to stick around the Tiki Beach Bar on Saturday evening for a special night of on-the-beach fun planned for everyone! The tournament will finish out on Sunday. Luis tells us that with 30 teams entered there will be $2,000 in cash prizes to be awarded with the highest amounts going to Gold, then Silver, then Bronze Division winners. All Participants Get a Player T-Shirt! |
Kayaking the Sea of Cortez- Who knew that it could trump Xbox?
I have 2 minor children. One is 8, and the other 15. They like computers, Xbox, Ipod, TV, and all of those other technological things that keep them from going outside. My 15 year old would probably never come out of his room if we didn't force him. I grew up in Minnesota (Beautiful, friendly people, and a great place to be from). It was COLD in the winter and hot, humid, and buggy in the summer, but we went outside to play. Yes, I realize that it was partly because we didn't have all the fun "sit on your butt and play" things that we do today, but we played outside, and had lots of fun without them.
On a very warm day two Sundays ago, my family reluctantly agreed to go with me to take my new/used kayak out to Cholla Bay for the day. By the time they had breakfast, got their things together, and we stopped for snacks, it was almost noon. We drove right up to waters edge and unloaded the very light (60 lbs or so) kayak and dropped it into the cool, calm water.
This was a Sunday, the only day that I usually take off, and I envisioned spending my time fending off the "when can we go home" comments from the boys. Those of you who have or have recently had minor children (or grand-children) probably know what it is like. Much to my disbelief, after forcing them, one at a time, to go out on the tandem kayak with me, they absolutely loved it. Let me repeat; my kids loved it and didn't want to go home, even when it started getting dark. After they got the hang of it and started going out by themselves, I even found myself becoming impatient while waiting for my turn. Wow!
Needless to say, I immediately got on Craigslist and found another kayak. After all, My wife and I, plus 2 boys couldn't all go out together on one tandem kayak. We had to take turns. Someone had to wait on the beach and it seemed like it took forever to get our turn.
Since then the boys have been bugging me to find out if I could take the following Sunday off again so they could go out. Unfortunately, it was a bit windy on Sunday for us amateurs so we couldn't go. Plus, we didn't have our 2nd kayak yet, so it would have been another day of taking turns.
Now that I think about it, maybe we didn't even mind waiting so much. After all, we played in the sand, looked at sea creatures in the tide-pools, and generally enjoyed the time on the beach. We used to enjoy the beach much more often then we have lately. I guess that it just took a $300 used kayak to shake us out of our routine and remind us why we live here in the first place.
I have been a Sea of Cortez fisherman for many years, and I have had several fishing boats. I sold my last boat a few years ago, due mostly to lack of use. I still get out once in awhile to fish with friends or on a charter but this kayak thing is an entirely different experience. I'm sure that we could fish from them but I haven't even begun to explore that possiblity yet. Being so close to the water and having such a shallow draft really allows you to go everywhere - I can honestly say that my family is hooked on kayaking.
Sunday is only 2 days away, my oldest brother will be in town (from Minnesota), and I really hope that we can make it out for another amazing day on the water. I have 2 kayaks now and I know that my kids are counting the days.
If you should have the desire and opportunity to kayak the Sea of Cortez, I highly recommend it. Heck, give me a call. If we're not using them, I'll loan you mine to take out for a test drive.
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Living Stones Ministry Feeds, Educates, Inspires and Facilitates Youth and Adults in San Rafael Barrio 
In 2010 Mark and Karen Higgins sold their business in Gunnison, Colorado and most of their possessions to make a permanent move to Puerto Peñasco where they had been spending a lot of time. For them, said Mark, "the move was a blessing because we knew it was God's calling for us to expand our Living Stones ministry of Gunnison down to Mexico where He, and we, knew that our passion for helping spread the Word of the Lord was needed."
Even while settling into their new residence, Mark and Karen began helping at the 2 Fish Ministry and developing relationships with others who share the good news of the gospel through teaching, inspiring and facilitating fulfillment of the practical needs in communities around town.
Within a year the Living Stones Ministry, a non-affiliated ministry and missionary, under God's guidance, had been led to the community of San Rafael. Blessed with an opportunity to lease a centrally located facility, the Ministry opened the Christian Community Center. Since the building formerly housed a hardware store and one of their mission goals was to provide fresh, hot meals to the neighborhood, some major remodeling and additions were in order. Again God's will prevailed on behalf of Mark and Karen and within the single year they have opened the center-and their hearts-to the San Rafael barrio, they've improved the amenities to include a complete kitchen that serves and average of 70 adults and children every day, San Rafael residents who otherwise would not eat proper food or not eat at all.
Feeding the hungry was only part of God's calling for the Ministry. Mark and Karendeveloped English language classes and their inspiration has resulted in around 50 San Rafael residents graduating through at least one level of English classes in the last year with a class currently running and a waiting list of interested students. Because of all the other activities going on at the Christian Community Center, space is limited so Ministry is in the midst of purchasing the building so they can make the badly needed additions for more class rooms.
As soon as space is added, new classes will include learning the skill of gardening and how to build a home garden to harvest healthy vegetables to feed the family- inspiring independence. Mark and neighborhood volunteers have already developed two gardens on the property andbuilt a protected green house in which they are cultivating worms to generate compost, a vitally needed additive to the sandy soil in this area. These gardens are producing potatoes, carrots, lettuce and spinach for the winter months and during the summer they grow melons, corn and tomatoes, all of which are prepared in their kitchen and served with the daily meals.
of the Rocky Point shrimp helped changed that.
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Shatter-Proof Film on Beach Front Patio Doors Could Save a Child's Life
When Roman Candelaria heard about more than one child injury from bursting through the clear glass patio doors on ground floor condominium units, he realized that it could be just a matter of time until a child suffered fatal lacerations. As president of the Sonoran Spa Resort Condominium HOA, he was in a position to do something about it, at least at the Spa.
With the blessings of the Sonoran Administration, Roman began research on dealing with the reality that children in their height of excitement to get to the beach will not notice the stickers on the glass doors indicating they are closed. Therefore preventing collisions with the doors was not a solution; leaving the search for a way to make the collision less dangerous for the child. This led to the shatter-proof film, similar, but stronger than window tinting material used on cars.
In fact the film Roman located claimed to prevent the glass from breaking into pieces even when an entire pane was shattered. He thought this would be great for those upper floor patio doors that had been subject to being blown out during the high winds that have taken place a couple of times over the last few years along Sandy Beach.
Roman wanted to see firsthand how effective this film would be and got a hold of a large pane of the same glass as is used in the patio doors at the Spa. He had the film installed on the pane and prepared to test its protective properties using a two by four and bashing the glass pane as hard as he could. The objective was to break the glass and see if it would shatter in loose pieces. It turned out that the film actually made the glass pane stronger and proved impossible to break using the two by four. Next, Roman and the head of maintenance decided to throw the pane into the parking lot to break it in order to see if it would shatter. They heaved it several feet into the air and several yards away crashing it into the parking lot surface. It still didn't break. This was getting ridiculous, they thought. This pane without the film would be in a million pieces all over the parking lot after slinging it the way they had.
Finally, Roman figured he would have to pound the full weight of the glass on a sharp surface that would cause it to twist on impact. So they slammed it down on a large rock with the impact aimed at the middle of the glass pane. That accomplished the mission of cracking the glass. Plus, the claim that the glass would not shatter into loose pieces proved absolutely true. Now Roman had a proven solution to present to the next owners meeting...
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LADIES ON A MISSION, by Special Guest Blogger, Jack Hecker
Our blogging friend and regular visitor to Rock Point has favored us with another of his witty essays about human and animal behavior on and around the beach....
Take it away, Jack!
We in Rocky Point and environs are fortunate to be blessed with such great beaches. I have read recently of sea turtle hatchlings finding their way to beaches of Las Conchas from the Sea of Cortez It took me back to an experience from around a million years ago when I was in my late twenties.
I was visiting relatives at the beach. We were sitting around after dinner when the phone rang. It was a neighbor who proclaimed, "They're coming in."
I said, "Who's coming in and where the heck are they coming from."
"The turtles" she said, "The turtles are coming in from the ocean to lay eggs."
I said, "Great I'll have two over easy."
"Not funny, Jack. Let's go."
So off we drove to the beach to see a sight I shall never forget. Upon arrival we found the area the sea turtles were taking over. There were three of them and they were trudging slowly up the beach towards the dunes. They reached the right type of sand at the top and proceeded to build the nest.
At this time a woman approached and asked if we were there to help or to get in the way. I explained that I wasn't very good at laying eggs but that I was willing to help any way I could. She took over like a mid-wife.
Obviously she had done this before and knew what was going on. The turtles built their nests by turning around, facing the ocean and whipping sand out of the way with their rear flippers. They went about their business with no concern about our presence. They finally finished the nests and proceeded to place themselves over the nests and lay their precious cargo.
"Watch them" she said. She moved up close, right in front of them and shined her light at them. I don't mind saying she was quite a bit braver than I. But as I got closer I could see that the turtles were in like a trance. They had tears streaming down their faces and were almost lifeless, except for an occasional head bob.
I have no idea of how long that process took. It was so incredibly fascinating I felt like it was just an instant. Slowly, one by one, they finished their job and started flipping sand over their nests. Still wondering what the lady meant about helping I watched as the turtles started to inch their way back to the water. They were exhausted and barely able to move...
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Medical Tourism Program in Puerto Peñasco
By Dr. Sidhartha Hindú
Acqua Medical Center
This year our goal is to create the most important informational space in promoting Medical Tourism in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico. Therefore, we invite you to experience and enjoy the best in Health, Well-being, and Beauty.
Puerto Peñasco offers security, quality, service and the experience of medical specialists and certified staff in all areas of Health, Well-Being, and Beauty; cutting-edge facilities, modern equipment, as well as first rate treatments and procedures at competitive prices on a national and international level.
Medical services and specialties you can find in Puerto Peñasco:
* Medical Laser Center: Fractional Resurfacing with the ACUPULSE SuperPulse CO2 Laser (Skin Resurfacing, Scars, Wrinkles, Uneven Texture and Dyschromia) & LightSheer Laser Hair Removal.
* Colon hydrotherapy: This therapy is particularly to treat and improve large intestine illnesses (constipation, irritable colon, colitis, spastic colon, hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea, flatulence, meteorism, parasites), large intestine poisoning that may cause or lead to: skin diseases (acne, psoriasis, skin allergies, eczema), premature aging of the skin, tiredness, exhaustion, chronic fatigue, obesity, chronic degenerative illnesses. Furthermore, this is ideal for preoperative assistance for any type of surgery or as a detoxifying treatment for healthy individuals.
* Medical Center for Cellular Regeneration Therapy and Anti-aging: Regenerative medicine (drainage, detoxifying, stimulation and regeneration of stem cells), homotoxicology, Chelation therapies, anti-oxidant therapy, neural therapy, peroxide therapy, pain therapy, transfer factor therapy, interferon therapies, bio-stimulation, facial plasma, etc.
* Plastic surgery: liposuction, tummy tuck, breast implants and reduction, breast lift, face lift, nose, eyelids, etc.
* Bariatric surgery: gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap band
* General and specialized surgery
* Beauty medicine and anti-aging: Botox, facial fills, skin diseases, sclerotherapy, etc.
* Spa services: Sparty, facials, massage, body treatments, oxygen bar, microdermabrasion, facial rejuvenation, manicure, pedicure, ultra-body, radio frequency, carboxitherapy, hydrolipoclasia, body molding, etc.
* Nutritional Medical Center: Nutritional and Immune-nutrition (Cellular Nutrition) programs
* Medical Services: General Medicine, Internal Medicine, Physical Therapy and rehabilitation, pediatrics, gynecology, etc.
* Dental services: Maxillofacial surgery, dentists, orthodontists and dental aesthetics
* Cellular Detox and Nutritional programs, from 7 to 14 days
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Whale watching in Rocky Point, Mexico..this is not photo shopped 
By: Anita Kaltenbaugh
No, this is not a photo shop trick on the computer or taken by a National Geographic photographer on a whale watching expedition in Alaska. This is a beautiful shot taken from a 38 ft. Catamaran, called Gato Loco on the Sea of Cortez in Mexico by part time resident Gillian Panasewicz on Friday, February1, 2012.
Yes, you too, could go whale watching on your weekend vacation to Puerto Penasco, Mexico nicknamed Rocky Point and you might be lucky enough to catch a few glimpses of these enormous creatures and guess what? ..You don't have to travel to Alaska or some other far away destination.
Only a 4 hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona, this charming seaside town sits at the top of the Sea of Cortez and offers abundance in natural beauty with soft sand beaches and sea life ready to present an amazing show. Inexpensive accommodations are available from hotels to luxury condos on the beach.
In the video, the whale is almost top sizing a Mexican fishing boat but lucky for the fisherman no one went into the water, except of course the whale and what looked to be her baby. A group of Arizonians living part time in Rocky Point got the best show of a life time when they went out for a day of sailing. The whales in their migration have been seen for the last few weeks and may continue until the end of February, beginning of March. Make plans for your upcoming weekend and take a trip to the beach, you never know what you might see.
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Kory Bonini Gets Surprise Birthday Party by Grateful Friends
Kory has worked miracles as a catalyst in this community, bringing together those in need with those who can provide what is needed. It is simply amazing how effortless she makes it seem to do the near impossible; getting a project put together with just the right combination of motivated and qualified "doers".
Over 20 charitable community citizens, mostly expats who are involved in helping the local needy, showed up at Capone's last Tuesday as a birthday surprise for Kory. Her social graces shined like beacons of goodness as she graciously, even humbly accepted the gratitude of people she's helped, like Karen and Mark Higgins of Living Stones Ministry and Ron and Carol Okinga who volunteer at the Good Samaritan Church of God, 2 Fish Ministries and Living Stones Ministry plus a number of other volunteers, missionaries and just plain good people like friend and volunteer, María Romero who drove in from her company office, Gila Bend Registration and Title, just for the party and returned later that night.
Many gifts, Mariachis, and a gorgeous cake (from which Kory took a traditional "mordida" with a helpful shove from her husband, Demetrio) were topped off with an impromptu performance by singer and guitarist, Joaquín Fragozo. (Photos provided by Tony Ballesteros and Joe Houchin.)...
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Date Set for Sonoran Resorts 2nd Annual Las Vegas Night of Charity!
Mark your calendars for Saturday May 25th, the date for this year's Las Vegas Night of Charity. Because of the overwhelming success of last year's gala event, this one promises to be even bigger and better. One of the major changes will be the venue. This year the event will be held in the second floor Sonoran Sky conference room, nearly 4,000 square feet of fun will be in store for this festivity, which last year proved to be one of the most popular nights in Puerto Peñasco and one of the biggest fundraisers for the Municipal DIF charity.
This year, in the larger space there'll be more Black Jack tables, a roulette table and possibly a craps table. Another successful Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament like last year is in the works for this year as well. Tickets will include a buffet again this year which promises to top last year's spread as the Sonoran Sky's new Ocean View Restaurant will be open downstairs.
Attendees will be helping the very deserving City of Puerto Peñasco Family Assistance Charity Program (DIF) that for 36 years has provided vital services to needy families including food and medical care as well as shelters for protecting children from harmful family situations. While helping this worthwhile charity, attendees will also benefit themselves by using their winning chips to bid on a veritable plethora of fabulous prizes generously donated by local businesses and the many artists and craftspersons who reside in our little slice of paradise by the sea. Sonoran Resorts will donate all proceeds from ticket sales to DIF.
If you are a business, an artist or craftsperson and want to donate a prize, please contact Jim Ringquist at the Sonoran Sales Office by email or phone: rockypointjim@gmail.com or from the U.S. call 602-476-7511; locally, call 638-105-9357.
Look for more updates in our blog as we get closer to the date and after organizational meetings with the First Lady, who serves as President of DIF.
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I don't really have to stop at those ALTO signs, do I? No one else does. 
For many first time visitors to Rocky Point, it can be a nerve wracking experience driving in a foreign country. Many roads are not well maintained, many times there are no street signs, and everything is in Spanish. Drivers can be very passive aggressive. But you made it here. You love everything that you see here and you hold your own on the roads. (of course, you've got Mexican insurance, just in case)
After a little while you get used to the fact that things are not really so different and you start to relax. You pull up to a 4 way stop, wait your turn, and start to pull out. Just then, a car obviously driven by a local teenager cruises right through his stop sign and forces you to stop half way into the intersection. The thought of an accident is frightening and the nervousness comes rushing back again. Not to worry, it's the abnormal-normal of driving in Mexico. Drive defensively and obey the signs and you'll be just fine. Really!
As long as I have been here and as many times as I have seen people running stop signs, passing on the right-hand side, and generally driving-let's just say differently, I have seen very few accidents. I guess when everyone knows what to expect, we are all able to avoid most of the problems.
So, do you really have to stop at that ALTO sign or not? After all, I don't think that any taxi in town has ever made a complete stop at any of them, right? And, every third or forth car seems to coast, if not speed right through them.
The short answer is yes, you better stop at the ALTO signs... Although, I must admit that on my way to work every day, I encounter 5 stop signs. I have counted them many times and marvelled at the fact that I actually stop completely (or almost completely) at only 3 of them (one is in front of a police substation). I guess that is because there is a kind of unwritten rule about some of the signs around town. Really, I don't know how I learned it or when I started the practice but it seems that some count and some kind of don't count. But, for you, my advice is that the answer is still yes, you are always better off stopping than not stopping.
I have never gotten a ticket or even a warning while living here, and I am positive that I've been observed "California stopping" on more than one occasion. Chalk it up to luck, familiarity with the town, the police, or knowing which ones really count versus which ones kind of don't, but it seems that I've become "localized". It very well may catch up with me one day so I would still strongly recommend that you obey the rules just as you would in the USA. As for me, my biggest problem for now is that when I go to the States, I have to be extra careful because there is no tolerance at all there. Viva Mexico! |
Tequila - A Bit of History
No other liquid is surrounded by as many stories, myths, legends and lore as tequila and its sister beverage mezcal. As wine and whisky have taken their place in modernized western culture, so too has tequila. Once only a drink for bandidos and rancheros, tequila is as much at home in the fist of today's business yuppie as a cup of Starbuck's coffee. While plenty have sampled various breeds of this zesty spirit in the form of a margarita, many more are discovering that good tequila is a drink to be enjoyed like a fine cognac or scotch. Many have put away the salt shakers and sliced limes-they sit down, relax and savor the taste of liquid fire...sip by sip!
As North America's first distilled drink, and its first commercially produced alcohol, the history of tequila is long and rich. Its roots reach back into pre-Hispanic times when the natives fermented sap from the local maguey plants into a drink called pulque. The history of tequila's development from the traditional beverage to the modern spirit parallels the often turbulent, chaotic growth of Mexico herself, and is equally obscure to outsiders.
Mezcal wine, tequila's grandparent, was first produced only a few decades after the Conquest that brought the Spaniards to the New World in 1521. It was variously called mezcal brandy, agave wine, mezcal tequila and finally simply tequila-appropriately named after Tequila, a small town in a valley in Jalisco state, México.
The word tequila itself is a mystery. It is said to be an ancient Nahuatl term. The Nahuatl were the original people who lived in the area. The word means "the place of harvesting plants."
Agave, the plant from which tequila is distilled, played a much larger role than just being the source of an alcoholic drink. Its leaves were used for a hemp-like fiber to make mats, clothing, rope and paper. It was also the source of the nutrient and vitamin-rich brew, pulque.
Distillation of pulque, tequila's distant ancestor, into something stronger may have originated by the Conquistadors as early as the 1520s. After the Conquest, the area around today's Jalisco state was originally called New Galicia by the Spanish conquerors. The community we now know as Tequila officially became a village in 1656. In the 1700s, mezcal wines became an important product for export because the town of Tequila lay on the route to the newly opened Pacific port of San Blas.
The first licensed manufacturer was a gentleman by the familiar name of José Antonio Cuervo. Sr. Cuervo received the rights to cultivate a parcel of land from the King of Spain in 1758, and the rest is history. However, tequila did not achieve its prominence until after 1821 when México attained independence, and Spanish products were more difficult to obtain.
By the middle of the 19th century Cuervo's fields had more than three million agave plants. By 1880, Cuervo was annually selling 10,000 barrels of its tequila in Guadalajara alone. Today, Cuervo is the largest manufacturer of tequila, with a huge export market. Other distilleries established during the 19th-century that are still flourishing today include Tequila Herradura and La Preservancia Sauza.
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Alfajores: A tiny cookie that packs a punch
Alfajores are sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche, a creamy caramel confection made from milk and sugar. Alfajores have their origins in the Middle East. The Spaniards acquired their alfajor habit from the Moors, and brought it to South America, where alfajores have become an institution. There are restaurant chains dedicated entirely to the alfajor cookie, whose brand names are as recognizable and ubiquitous as Starbucks in the US. (La Casa del Alfajor in Peru and Havanna in Argentina are famous examples, but there are many more). Here is a recipe for a traditional alfajor. Please note that the lemon rind and coconut flakes are optional. Ingredients 1 1/2 cups cornstarch
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 teaspoons lemon rind, grated (optional for Argentine style)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
2 egg yolks
I cup of dulce de leche
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Coconut flakes (optional) Instructions: 1) Whisk the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until it is well mixed. Set it aside.
2) Put the butter and sugar into a mixer and mix it into a fluffy consistency. Then add the egg and egg yolks, one by one. Then add the vanilla. At this point, you could add the optional lemon rind.
3) Combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt into the mix. Mix together for 3 minutes.
4) Once the dough is ready, create an oval disk that is approximately a quarter of an inch thick and put it on a tray and leave it in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.
5) Turn on the oven to 350 degrees.
6) Place flour on the dough and use a cookie cutter and cut out small circular cookies.
7) Bake them for 15 minutes.
8) Apply a generous amount of dulce de leche on a cookie and sandwich it together with another cookie.
9) Dust cookies with powdered sugar.
10) Lastly, if desired, add the optional coconut flakes to the side of the cookie, so as to stick to the dulce de leche filling.
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More Fun with the Spanish Language...
 Mexican people have a very good sense of humor and are always ready to smile and laugh. There are some simple informal, and funny phrases that you can throw into the mix that never fail to evoke a positive response. Here are just a few: "¿Conejo Blas adonde vas?"(Rabbit Blas where are you going ?)You can use this phrase whenever you see someone walking past at a brisk pace or with an intense purpose to their stride. The origin is a song for children called "La Cacería" (The Hunt) written in 1935 by Francisco Gabilando Soler who is affectionately known by one and all as "Cri-Crí, el grillo cantor (Cri-Crí, the singing cricket). You can see all of the words to the song and listen to Cri-Crí himself sing them by following this link: http://www.cri-cri.net/Canciones/lacaceria.html Here's another: "¿Qué te pasa calabaza?"(What's happening pumpkin?)It just means "What's happening with you?" and the calabaza is thrown in because it rhymes with "pasa". If someone asks you "¿Qué te pasa calabaza?" you should reply by saying:
"Nada, nada limonada"
(Nothing, nothing lemonade)
How about:
"¿Qué milanesas que no bisteces?"
(What thin steak and no beefsteaks?)
It is a play on words meaning more or less the same as the following:
"¡Qué milagro! Hay mucho tiempo que no te había visto".
(What a miracle! It's been such a long time since I've seen you!)
Another phrase meaning "¿Qué pasa?" is "¿Qué Pachuca por Toluca?"
Instead of saying "sí" for yes try saying "simón" pronounced see-MOHN. It is slang for "yes".
Instead of saying "Igualmente" ("Same to you!" or "You too!") when someone says something like "Que tenga un buen día" (Have a nice day) you can say "Iguanas ranas" (ee-GWAN-ahs RAH-nahs) (iguanas-frogs). It is a play on words and means the same as "Igualmente".
When someone comes back from a gathering and you want to hear all the latest "chisme" (CHEEZ-meh) (gossip) you can say "Cuéntamelo" or "Cuéntame todo" (Tell me everything). If the other person hesitates you can always say, "Escupe Lupe" (ehss-KOO-pay LOO-peh) or in other words "Spit it out Lupita".
Spanish, like English, is a language that must be experienced to be learned and appreciated. You just won't learn things like these from a book or in a classroom.
Come to Mexico and interact with the people. You'll be glad that you did.
Have a great month. Si Dios quiere, I'll be in touch again on April 1st.
Saludos,
Jim Ringquist
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 PENDING SALE
Great Views from this Top Floor One Bedroom at the Sonoran Spa. This condo is new on the market and is in great condition. One wall is totally mirrored making the condo look even larger than it is. This one is a must see. Priced to sell.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea E112
1BR Ground Floor
$189,900
Link to Listing
Stunning one of a kind one bedroom condo at the Sonoran Sea. Ground floor end unit makes a fantastic rental or just keep it for your own private enjoyment. This is a must see!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa N605
1BR North Building
$119,900
Link to Listing
Now offering Financing!
Perfect location for the best views in the Spa North building. Great condition and Priced right! And now financing available with 25% down. This one will sell soon.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea W104
2BR Ground Floor
$269,900
Link to Listing
 Walk right out your door to the pool and the beach. This beautiful ground floor condo is the perfect choice for either rentals or just to enjoy yourselves. Nicely decorated and turn key ready for you.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa E209
2BR East Building
$179,000
Link to Listing
 Prices like these are almost a thing of the past! Buy this one before it's gone. It is a great price on a turnkey 2 Bedroom. Fabulous views and priced to sell at only $179,000!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sky 406
1 BR Premium Unit
$239,000
Link to Listing
 This condo has a GREAT rental history and would make a very good investment. This is a one of a kind premium one bedroom at the Luxurious Sonoran Sky Resort. Priced to sell at $239,000 Cash or $279,000 with terms.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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 This beautiful condo will make a great rental! It has a beautiful bedroom, and sleeper sofa in the living room, plus it has a extra murphy bed built in to sleep more. That makes this one bedroom very unique and a very good rental unit. Can't beat the price and it even includes a garage!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa E203
2 BR East Building
$189,900
Link to Listing
Great views from this oceanfront 2 bedroom at the Spa. Nicely furnished. Ready to move in and priced to sell.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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 New Listing!
Just step into this condo and you will appreciate the time and expense that has gone into the complete upgrade done by the owner. The owner wants it sold quickly and has priced it to move. If you're looking for move-in luxury without doing a thing, this one is for you.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Spa W301
3 Bedroom End Unit
$335,000
Great price on this immaculate end unit 3 bedroom at the Spa. This is a very nicely decorated, move-in ready condo that needs nothing. Come and take a look before the prices go up. Stunning Ocean and Old Port Views.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sun W508
2 Bedroom West Building
$219,000
Beautiful 2 bedroom condo with beachfront views or the sea and Old Port. Very nicely furnished and decorated, this condo is ready to go. The price is good and the owner will offer financing.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa W609
2BR Premium Patio
$349,000
Link to Listing
 Beautiful two bedroom condo with huge extended patio for entertaining. Owner will carry with 40% down. Great Views!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sea E607
2 Bedroom East Building
$195,000
Link to Listing
 Beautiful 2 bedroom condo ready to move in. Great sunset views from the spacious beachfront terrace. Condos priced like this one are going away fast so come see this one before it's gone.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea E605
2BR East Building
$189,000
Link to Listing
 Great buy on this 2 bedroom fully furnished condo. Fantastic oceanfront views - only $189,000 cash
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E801
3BR End Unit
$439,000
Link to Listing
 You really need to see this condo! Grand views of the Sea of Cortez from your wraparound balcony is just the beginning. Priced to sell and one of the very nicest condos on Sandy Beach. This one is a must see.Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E1004
2BR Top Floor
$249,000
Link to Listing
PENDING SALE
Great condo on the Top Floor. This East building penthouse has 20 year financing at 5.9%. Only 20% down and you're in. Absolutely stunning views.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa E101
3BR Ground Floor
$359,000
Great Terms! 20% Down,
5.9% interest for 20 years.
This is a beautiful ground floor end unit condo. Enjoy the privacy and step right out to the pool and beach.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E208
2 Bedroom East Building
$225,000
This beautiful 2 bedroom condo can be yours for just 20% down. Great terms, at 5.9% for a full 20 years. That's hard to beat.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sky 1410
4 Bedroom Premium End Unit
$700,000
This is a rare opportunity to own an upper floor premium end unit at the Luxurious Sonoran Sky for a great price. Buy this condo and have instant equity. 4 bedrooms and a huge wraparound patio with absolutely stunning views. These 4 bedrooms don't come on the market very often and this is a great price.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Fabulous 2 Bedroom condo at the Sonoran Sea Resort. This is one of the few remaining great deals at the Sea.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa W306
2BR West Building
$189,000
Great views from this 2 bedroom in the West building of the Sonoran Spa. Priced to sell at only $189,000 cash.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sky 207
2 Bedroom Luxury Condo
$299,000
Link to Listing
Best priced 2 bedroom at the Sonoran Sky Resort. This one is unfurnished and waiting for your creative design. Great Buy!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E707
2 Bedroom East Building
$219,000
Link to Listing
Beautiful 2 bedroom condo at the Sonoran Sun overlooking the pools and the beach. Great price and not many at this price left for sale.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E407
2BR East Building
$209,000
Link to Listing
 PENDING SALE
Great condo. Great price. Great financing. You can't lose on this one. Take a look!
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea E901
3 Bedroom End Unit
$429,000
Link to Listing  Luxury 3 Bedroom end unit condo at the Sonoran Sea. This is an immaculate condo and a great rental income property. Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sea W506
2BR West Building
$215,000
Check out this beautiful 2 bedroom condo that just came on the market. It is on the desirable 5th floor in the West building. See the lights of Old Port every night. Fully furnished and ready for you to move in.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E709
3 Bedroom Premium
This 3 Bedroom 3 Bath Premium condo must be seen to be appreciated. Great price and shows like a model. Not used as a rental. This one is a Must See beauty with ocean front views beyond belief.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun E514
1 Bedroom Wrap Patio
$169,900
Link To Listing
 Great Ocean Front Views from this beautiful East Side End Unit Condo. Wrap around terrace makes end units unique. Not many of these available.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Spa E503
2 Bedroom East Building
$189,900
This is a great price on a two bedroom condo at the Sonoran Spa. Prices are going up and now is the time to act.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Sonoran Sun W504
2BR West Building
$225,000
$20,000 and you're in!
 Price Reduced!
Owner wants it sold. Just $20,000 down buys this condo!
Great views from this Sonoran Sun 2 bedroom condo in the West Building. Fully Furnished.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
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Buy a Sonoran Resorts Condo with a Self Directed IRA
Can you Really Buy it with your IRA?
Yes you can, and we can show you how!
Step 1: Self Directed Real Estate IRA: The first step is to establish an Unlimited IRA with a registered self-directed custodian who will allow the IRA to participate in non-traditional investments. We recommend Guidant Financial who can facilitate this for you.
Step 2: Rollovers : Once your new Self Directed Real Estate IRA has been established the facilitator will request, monitor and direct the transfers from your previous IRA holder(s) to the new self-directed account. This process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete and relies primarily upon your previous IRA custodian's ability to make the transfers in a timely manner.
Step 3: Limited Liability Company (LLC): An important part of the process is to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for your Self Directed IRA. This serves as the investing platform for the retirement plan and will allow true self-direction & diversification not seen in normal IRA plans. The facilitator will customize this entity to conform to all IRS rules & regulations. It is vital that you work with a qualified facilitator to structure the LLC correctly.
Step 4: Funding: After your newly established self-directed IRA has received the transfer(s) of funds from your previous retirement plans and the LLC has been established, it is time to direct the initial capitalization of the LLC. The facilitator will direct your new custodian to invest your IRA in the LLC. Once the transaction has taken place, your self-directed IRA is the owner of the LLC, holding most, if not all of the cash in the LLC checking account.
Step 5: Investing: Your IRA, indirectly through the LLC, is now ready to invest in a beautiful Sonoran Resorts Condo. You now have Total Checkbook Control of your IRA, and can purchase the condo for your IRA simply by writing a check.
Some of this sounds complicated, but it's fairly easy with the right professional assistance. IRA Real Estate Investing makes perfect sense for many investors, especially today when there are still so many great deals available.
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Special Offers
We are constantly looking for new ideas to help us sell our listings. Here are a couple offers that you may or may not be familiar with:
Promotional Stay:
If you know of someone who may be interested in getting to know our resorts better with the idea of a possible purchase, we will offer them a 2 night stay for only $99. No tax, no cleaning fee. However, we are not a rental agency. We try to limit these promotional stays to potential Buyers.
Finders Fee:
If anyone refers a Buyer to us, we will pay them up to 1.5% of the sales price. There is no need to be licensed as Mexico does not have that requirement at this time. Just give us the name and contact information of a potential Buyer before we have any contact with them and, if they buy, we will send a check for up to 1.5% of the sales price to the referrer. This is only valid if they are new clients, unknown to us. Once we make contact with someone, they can no longer be referred by an outside source. Please contact me personally for the details.
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