Welcome to April, one very fine month here in Rocky Point. I know that it's April 1st, but we don't recognize, celebrate, or participate in April Fools Day pranks here in Mexico (for the most part), so I'll keep everything on the up and up in this newsletter. If you want shenanigans like April Fools in Mexico, you'll have to wait until December...
We have about six months of the year that have almost perfect weather, a couple that are very nice, and one or two that are either a bit hot or a bit cold for my liking. April is right up there in my perfect category. While the water is usually still a bit cool, the temperatures are excellent as people from Northern Latitudes come to our town to thaw out a bit early. You can usually expect temps in the high 70s or low 80s, and March (and Spring Break) is the start of our real tourist season, but April is when it really kicks in. We have definitely seen an increase in visitors over the past month - the difference from February to when we entered into March was like someone turned on a light switch. Traditionally, April is busier than March I expect that this year will be even better than last the last.
Spring Break has come and gone and was a huge success for local businesses and rentals. Estimates are that we had anywhere from 40,000 to 50,000 additional people in town over the course of the 3 week period. Word is that this year had the best turnout since before the recent recession and, judging by the comments and trend over the past few years, next year should be even better. Things really are moving in the right direction for our little city.
If you think that Spring Break was busy, and if it just wasn't for you because of the large number of people, the increase in traffic, and the additional noise and activity after "bedtime", then you may want to consider staying home for the next week or so. The Semana Santa (Easter week) celebrations are starting up already and they will go on for about a week, here in town. If between 40,000 and 50,000 extra people in town spread out over 3 weeks was too busy for you, just think about the approximately 100,000 extra people that will be here over the course of only one week - Very Busy is the only way to put it.
Semana Santa in Rocky Point really is the quintessential Mexican Holiday and you will either love it or you will hate it. Those that attend are super friendly and fun loving but the traffic is comparable to rush hour Phoenix in some places, and there are people and lines everywhere. Some who live here fill their tanks with gas and their refrigerators with food ahead of time so they can "hunker" down and wait until it's over. It really is a ton of fun, but it isn't for everyone. So, if you don't relish the crowds, parties, and Mexican Banda music until 3:00a.m., you might want to stay home and come down next weekend instead. No problem though, because all will back to normal by Wednesday or Thursday of next week. This really is an example of the fun and diversity of living in our popular little tourist town. Actually, if you don't own a place here, there is no way that you would find as much as a shoebox to rent anyway. Town is FULL.
Roadwork has been a constant throughout town lately but all roads are supposed to be open for Semana Santa and hopefully they will remain partially open without detours afterwards when construction resumes. Even though the roadwork and improvements have been at times a fairly major inconvenience, the end result will be worth the trouble. The new roads are being constructed much better and, once built, they should be good for a very long time.
One reason for the increased construction around town is because the new roads and infrastructure projects going on will be necessary down the road (so to speak) when the home port is completed. That project is moving along nicely as well and progress can be seen both at the pier itself and in the area North of the Sonoran Sun Resort where they are actually making the huge building blocks for the pier.
The mayoral race is coming up soon so we can expect a flood of pole signs, flyers, car decals, billboards, and announcements from now until July when the election is held. I will try to write a story about the local process and elections here vs. the elections in the USA in one of my upcoming newsletters. There are many similarities but also many differences.
As usual, lots going on around town so, come to Rocky Point if you can, enjoy your month, and if you need anything don't hesitate to ask. Let me put my experience and expertise to work for you, and remember, as always, I'm here full time and I am more than happy to help you with whatever you need, whether Sonoran Resorts related or not.
Just give me a call or send me an email any time and I will do my very best to help you. If I can't help you myself, I'm sure that I can point you in the right direction and help find you someone who can.
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:
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PART XII: Economic Impact of Home Port on Puerto Peñasco
As we continue through a year of Home Port Economic Impact studies as they relate to Puerto Peñasco, this is a good time to review some statistics that have been released over the period and, if covered, warrant reiterating to keep us in tune with the sheer size of the industry that is about to take us under its wings of wondrous adventures and imagination. We speak of course of the cruise industry.
It is an industry that seems to have done everything right from the very beginning, even though it started without a plan other than to take 241 very deserving, and wealthy, passengers on an extended cruise of the Mediterranean back in 1891. This marked what is officially recognized as the inception of the cruise industry, an industry that continued to grow, contributing to world economies until 1970, the year the industry carried 500,000 passengers, literally slinging it into "Critical Mass", when growth takes on a life of its own, and cruising has never looked back since.
In 2013 an estimated 21.3 million passengers embarked on cruises from 2000 cruise ports worldwide contributing $117 billion to the economy and supporting 891,000 jobs paying $38.5 billion in income around the world.
Even with only 30 of the world's 2000 cruise ports, North America remains the dominant market with a global share of 55.5%. The U.S. truly drives the world's cruise market, contributing $44.1 billion to the U.S. economy generating 363,133 US jobs paying wages of $18.3 billion. The cruise industry impacted the economies of all 50 US states in 2013.
Considering the unstable world economy over the last few years, including in the US, these figures are nothing less than astonishing. And if these numbers aren't enough to float your ship, consider that there are no less than 30 new cruise ships on firm order for delivery by 2020, 17 of which, worth nearly $12 billion, are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2016, that's an investment of more than $250,000 per luxurious cabin!
With the industry's fearless foray into spending without limit on developing high technology to bring more incredibly imaginative amenities, experiences and attractions on board these colossal vessels, the scenario only gets more exciting, as we've hinted at in previous articles, and will continue to cover in the future.
Down by the Pier
Every time we look towards the pier, it is exciting to see the equipment traversing territory from beach to sea. Our kind and knowledgeable guru, Wendy Winzer, Project Administrator, tells us that it may look like they are working the pier 24/7, but the crews are actually working the concrete cube site 24 hours a day in two shifts. They are pouring 150 cubes per day using 200 small (one ton) molds and 58 big (10 ton) molds.
All the cubes so far are being placed to reinforce the existing part of the pier and no significant length has been added. The lighter colored cubes create an illusion that the pier is being extended.
Wendy was pleased, even excited to let us know that not only are the cubes fitting in as they had planned, but marine life is abundant, even during construction, and increasing with the change of the season around the pier. She said, "We get seals, turtles, dolphins, tons of different species of birds and ducks, and many schools of fish."
Wendy added, "We now have poured 8200 one ton cubes and 1100 10 ton cubes, of which 2000 have been placed on the pier already. This puts us right on schedule.
"The company is doing their best effort in every possible way to be on schedule and meet the intended goals. We do plan to increase the workforce and increase the equipment as needed as we continue pouring concrete cubes, placing them on the pier and dumping rock from the quarry."
StarShine Academy Principles Making a Difference in Peñasco Schools
Last August 12th, 2014 Trish McCarty, creator and founder of the international non-profit StarShine Academy, presented StarShine's 15 Guiding Principles to a group of about 35 Puerto Peñasco educational leaders, made up of teachers and principals from several of the 13 schools who benefit from fundraising efforts of Adopt-a-Classroom, the local non-profit founded by residents Mark and Barb Olszewski 15 years ago.
Proving how powerful the forward thinking concepts of StarShine Academy's award-winning educational principles really are, Trish conducted the August seminar using only collateral materials printed in English and Frank Bercovich as the volunteer translator who works outside the education arena, yet the impact of that initial seminar on these leaders was immediate and all-inclusive. It was clear that everyone in attendance that afternoon in August was excited about the chance to introduce this new paradigm in teaching to their own schools.
Even our very active Mayor's wife, First Lady Rafaela Félix de Figueroa, after hearing a briefing on the StarShine innovations, was intrigued enough to attend the entire session in August. She, like all the educators, left the seminar with a full understanding of the value of StarShine principles to the school system in Puerto Peñasco. The teachers and administrators in attendance shared an urgency that was hard to identify at first.
Partly based on the positive response she was feeling throughout the seminar, Trish promised to return and conduct a fully certified training course, with training materials translated into Spanish. Trish was a bit more than excited to see such obvious understanding and interest by the teachers. She left in August motivated to fulfill her promise and create a complete training program in Spanish for her return.
True to her word and her passion for growing the StarShine system, Trish returned to Puerto Peñasco the 2nd week of March for the certification training session. 12 invited educational leaders coordinated by Barb met on Saturday March 14th and became the first certified StarShine Academy trainers to take this concept into the Puerto Peñasco school system.
However, before Trish could get back to Puerto Peñasco with the translated training materials she had promised, the impact of her first introduction of the award-winning educational principles of StarShine Academy had already carried over into the individual schools. So well understood by the teachers from that initial seminar, they were able to relay the highlights and other meaningful aspects of the Academy's unique learning methods to the students who also seemed to "get it" and soon were using the principles...
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers to Headline Back to Back Nights at Circus Mexicus in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico
June 11-14, 2015
Fans from 40 states and several countries expected to reunite for annual beachside music festival
Nationally touring rock artists Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers will wrap up their Spring touring schedule with their annual, band produced, four day music festival on the beach, under the starts and in seaside cantinas throughout Puerto Penasco (aka Rocky Point), Mexico June 11-15, 2015. Individual show and VIP ticket packages go on sale Monday March 23, 2015 at www.circusmexicus.net . Show times, ticket packages, band schedules for 10 other bands also on the bill and travel tips can also be found on the website.
Beginning in 2000, RCPM have played in Puerto Penasco for 15 consecutive years to their loyal fan base which last year, represented ticket buyers 38 states and 8 countries. The band, known for long and intense guitar driven rock sets, have adopted Puerto Penasco as their home away from home now playing several times per year in the once sleepy fishing village now known more for being one of the best vacation destinations in northern Mexico.
New for 2015 will feature RCPM headlining both Friday and Saturday nights on the Mexican Moonshine Tequila Stage located at Sandy Beach. The band will play completely differed sets both nights, jam with other musicians, cover favorite songs of theirs all under exploding fireworks throughout the evening. Several shows will take place at Banditos, a recent new addition to Puerto Penasco owned in part by Roger Clyne. Clyne's Mexican Moonshine Tequilas also play a big role throughout the weekend. Many of the shows are free with purchase of any Circus Mexicus concert ticket or package found online at www.circusmexicus.net .
"We can't wait to hit the stage both nights playing different sets which will allow us to go deep in the catalog. It will be amazing as will all the other shows from many bands we've admired and followed for years", according to RCPM drummer PH Naffah.
Also included in the weekend is a Supplies Drive all day Friday June 12th benefitting La Casa de Esperanza, a local children's home in Penasco. Saturday June 13th plays host to Clyne's Rock and Beach Soccer tournament. Now in it's 6th year, the tournament raises money and donated sports equipment for the Penasco Youth Sports Foundation.
The recent Spring Break in Puerto Peñasco is believed to have been one of the best in recent years, with more than 55,000 visitors from the U.S. in the area over the three weeks of the vacation period.
City beaches, streets, hotels, and restaurants were notably packed over the popular U.S. Spring vacations, particularly over the three weekends encompassing the break.
Héctor Vázquez del Mercado, President of the Puerto Peñasco Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV), indicated according to the influx of visitors registered, there was an estimated economic boost of 60 million pesos to the area; 40% of this is collected by the hotel sector, with 30% put into services and another 30% for gas and food.
He stated this Spring Break period was one of the best for Puerto Peñasco in the past five years, highlighting the greater number of older adults and families alongside university students who each year visit the city's beaches.
Fortunately, expressed Vázquez del Mercado, there was an overall environment of safety and while there were minor accidents none of these were fatal.
With these tendencies, the OCV President is confident numbers of U.S. and Canadian visitors are on the rise and should continue to improve.
2nd Puerto Peñasco TomaColor 2015 Promises to Surpass Near Perfect 2014 With More Entries, More Prizes, Choice of 5 km or 10 km Runs
Known as a Color Run in English and called Toma Color in Spanish, it's the fastest growing race event in history. A 5km run where participants jog through 4 to 6 stations manned by a handful of staff who douse them with brightly colored, harmless powder throughout the course. Arrival at the finish line, each participant showered in a rainbow of colors, can't help but turn into a party you have to see to believe.
As far back as 2009 this 5km ultimate "fun run" was attracting hundreds of thousands of fun loving folks who like the social togetherness of staying healthy, but were not so keen on the competition part of the runs. The party atmosphere of Color Runs caught on almost immediately and then...then it went viral, exploding from thousands to millions-over four million around the world in the single year of 2013-with no signs of slowing. Latest figures show the Color Runs growing by millions more each year. Mexico, where it's called Toma Color, is among the faster growing producers of this easy to love event.
Last year, a group of Puerto Peñasco's young, energetic-and altruistic-entrepreneurs got together and organized the 1st Annual 5km Toma Color Run. To say it was a success is an understatement. Their original plans were for 400 entries and the group had figured out how to raise a separate kitty, through sponsorships, to pay for all the expenses associated with running an event like this: brightly colored powder, protective sun glasses, commemorative T-shirt, a race registration number just like in the big competitions, etc. The sponsorships allowed the group to donate every centavo of the registration fees to their targeted charity, which last year was the Hemodialysis Center. How did that go? Well, they blew past their anticipated goal of 400 entries, then past 600,and finally had to cut it off at 800! They raised $120,000 pesos for the center which played a big part in completing that project.
This year the organizing group has chosen the C.A.M. La Montaña School for Children with Special Needs as their target charity. Their plans are to rebuild the plumbing, bathrooms, kitchens, and improve the landscape and painting for the facility.
Toma Color 2015 starts at 8:30 AM Sunday April 12th, from the main plaza of the Malecon, and this year is even bigger than last having already broken the 1,000 registration mark. Toma Color is an event that gets more fun with the more participants who join in. Toma Color is a "Bucket List" event for sure, whether you're taking colors as a participant or enjoying the organized craziness of those who are. It's safe for you, your kids, your Aunt Bessie and almost all your clothes!
In addition to the 5 km run, this year they've added a 10 km run because last year they attracted a lot of strong athletes and wanted to give them more of a challenge. The cost to register for either length of run is $250 peso per runner in a group of 10 or more; and $300 pesos per individual registration. Each registration includes a Toma Color logo T-shirt, sunglasses, race participant number, and you own bag of bright colored powder for the really big finish line party!
The course this year is much more runner and spectator friendly, as it will begin at the main Plaza at the Malecon and will end there as well. After everyone finishes, there is the traditional "explosion" of colored powder tossed into the air by the revelers who are already covered in colors, which has become the symbol of fun for this great event.
Call (locally) 638-388-8000, visit the web site for more information http://tomacolorpuertopenasco.org/; or email them at tomacolorpenasco@gmail.com. Be there if you can. You'll help a great cause. You'll have more fun than you can imagine.
...Take your colors; Wear them proud; Wear them laughing all the way!
Taste of Penasco and TOP Chef Competition 2015 at Shrimp Park on Saturday, May 2nd
This must attend event is happening on Saturday May 2nd and will be held at the Shrimp Park again this year. If you don't already know, that is the large park at the corner of Freemont Blvd. (City Hall) and Benito Juarez Blvd. (main Blvd.) - the park with the big shrimp statue (hey, that's an oxymoron). This year promises to be even bigger and better than last year when over 2,000 people showed up to enjoy the atmosphere, sample the many foods, browse the various artist and vendor stalls, and watch the competition between some of Rocky Point's very best chefs.
In a chat with local businesswoman, radio talk-show host, and event coordinator, Rosie Glover, one of the first questions I asked was if the name had "officially" been changed from Iron Chef Competition to Taste of Penasco (TOP) Chef Competition. Rosy laughed and told me that it had never been called Iron Chef and she doesn't even know where the name came from, let alone how it became so well used when referring to the event. That was a surprise to me as I have heard it referred to as Iron Chef many times and I had assumed that the name was changed somewhere along the line.
Actually, the Taste of Penasco and the TOP Chef Competition are two events in one. The first, Taste of Penasco, is a carnival-like gathering of artists, craftspeople, merchandise vendors and, of course, as the name implies, food - lots of food. The second part, the TOP Chef Competition is a part of, yet separate, portion of the celebration. As Rosie puts it "So many people are amazed and impressed by the variety and quality of the food available to us in city of our size" - this event is foremost about food and fun.
This will be the eighth year of the event (although one year the event was held without the TOP Chef competition due to some last minute complications), and all moneys collected will go towards three very worthy cause: The Hemodialysis Center, The Santa Clause Club, and The Local Firefighters. Each of these causes is very important to the less fortunate of our city and they need your help. Knowing that your fun afternoon will be helping such noble causes should make your decision to attend, buy some raffle tickets, and enjoy a very fun afternoon, even easier. A raffle will be held for a chance to win some great prizes donated by local businesses. Some notable donations each year come from the Phoenix Suns, KVOI Radio in Tucson, and Rocky Point resident, Dr. Doug Allen. Two years ago, frequent Rocky Point visitors Joe and Greg won a great motorcycle, and with their great "pay it forward" attitude, they sold the motorcycle and donated all of the proceeds to the hemodialysis center - an act of true Good Samaritans.
There will also be a second raffle to determine the winner of a very special honor allowing one very lucky person to win the privilege of joining the panel of expert judges evaluating the treasures being created by our talented chefs. This is quite an honor, and you can't win if you don't play, so buy some raffle tickets. Should you win the honor of joining the 4 other, highly qualified food experts in grading and selecting this year's Top Chef, you will pick a winner based on three categories: presentation, taste, and creative use of the "secret" ingredient. There can be only one winner and your vote will help determine which chef will take the reins from our current champion, and last year's TOP Chef Winner, Rene Acosta from Don Julio's Restaurant.
Chefs have been signing up and the list should be complete sometime in the near future, but it isn't too late if you want to urge your favorite local chef to join in. Participants in the competition will have 15 minutes to prepare an appetizer, 30 minutes to prepare an entrée, and 15 minutes to prepare a desert. There is also a catch. Each year a "secret" ingredient is presented at the moment the contest commences. The chefs will need to incorporate this surprise ingredient into their presentations and one of the categories for consideration is how well they can incorporate the ingredient into their creations. Past years have revealed asparagus, artichokes, and even coffee as the secret ingredient so what it will be this year is anyone's guess.
Raffle tickets are $5.00 each or 6 for $20.00 and can be purchased at the event or from:
Rosie Glover
rosie@proalliance.com.mx
602-773-1031
John Fowler
santaclausclub@hotmail.com
602-840-1528
Food vendors, artisans, and other vendors are encouraged to contact Rosie for more information. The event will continue until at least 5:00 p.m. but last year the food started running low by early afternoon so you may want to get there early. Please add this fun event to your calendar. See you there.
Sea Products - A Foolproof Place to Get Your Moneys Worth on Fish and Shrimp
It's no secret that Rocky Point produces and sells some of the worlds most deliciously fresh shrimp. We are well known for the large, inexpensive, and very fresh offerings. But, if you're like me, the hassle of buying them from one of the fish market vendors at the Malecon is just not fun. Maybe for the occasional tourist who just loves to haggle with the local vendors, or maybe even to practice a bit of Spanish, it can be an adventure. But for those of us who live here, and those who would rather know that the price, quality, and weight will be consistent every time, there really is a very good alternative.
Enter Sea Products on Sinaloa Blvd: Just take the main Blvd (Benito Juarez) and veer left before the Pemex station past the baseball stadium. You will see the large building on the left hand side of the road about one and a half blocks down.
There you will find set prices and the freshest shrimp and seafood in Peñasco. This company processes, packages, and sells seafood to all parts of the world and they have a small storefront where you can buy the products first hand.
The shrimp is sold in 2 Kilo fresh frozen packages so it's perfect for dropping in a cooler on your way out of town. By the time you get home, it should be just defrosted enough to split the shrimp into smaller quantities to put in your freezer for future deliciousness. It is a common misconception that shrimp can only be frozen once but experts say that they can be frozen two or even three times without losing taste or freshness.
In truth, many of the vendors in town actually buy their product from these guys. Tourists buy the shrimp, thinking that it is "fresh off the boat" and take it home to freeze. In reality, it may have already been frozen - and I have not heard anyone complain about the freshness. Next time you're in town, stop by and give them a try.
Skullyz Cantina- New bar in Rocky Point
Anita Kaltenbaugh Phoenix Mexico Travel Examiner
One of my favorite locations for a bar in Rocky Point is what was once the old Sunset Bar, at the end of Calle 13, most recently it was Wrecked at Rick's. Over the years, a plethora of memories has been created in this spot. In the adjacent lot, some of the first Roger Clyne concerts happened here, and over the year's lots of bike week memories.
This month, a new bar is taking over the cherished spot. Phoenix owners Craig and Dawn Hanna, are hoping to create that friendly local bar. They're not looking to recreate a Scottsdale club or a dive bar; they are hoping to have a fun place with fair prices, great food, and friendly faces.
One of the great offerings is Free Breakfast every morning with the purchase of any drink. Skullyz Cantina, open Thursday through Monday, will offer the basic breakfast for free, two eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast to those who get up in the morning and don't feel like cooking. Saturday and Sunday they will also offer the local's favorite, Menudo.
The owners are searching for the best tasty food, offering five kinds of burgers, onion rings, twisty fair like fries and bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with carne asada (Yumm!). Ceviche, bacon wrapped shrimp and clams will also be on the menu.
Big fans of bike week, they have attended the Bike Rally from its inception in 1999. They laugh and call themselves, the no plan gang, NPG. Craig, who had enough of Corporate America after working 20 years at Honeywell, was tired of the rat race and searched for an enjoyable job, where he could witness something nice and see the finished product. The bar wasn't in the plans, but now it is. He said it was how he moved to Phoenix, he came from a small mining town in Southern Illinois, to find a place to ride a motorcycle without a helmet and stayed.
I asked them, "what would most people not know about you?" they stated "well; we met in a bar, after a bad day." Dawn, who never went to a bar by herself, spontaneously went after a bad day and met Craig. Perhaps if your single, and you've had a bad day, Skullyz might be a place to meet your special someone, unexpectantly. Just like the no plan gang, no plans just let destiny do its thing--Yes, it's Ok to come here by yourself.
Sunday nights are Service Industry nights, and anyone wearing their shirt, name tag or proves they work in the Service Industry can have happy hour prices all night long. Come in and put your feet up, relax and hey if you have any suggestions or looking for your favorite drink, just let the owners know, they are open to recommendations.
Mexico Gets Serious About Saving Its Tiny Endangered Porpoise
Mexico is taking drastic measures to stave off possible extinction of the world's tiniest porpoise, but the doomsday clock keeps ticking on the marine mammal known as the vaquita.
If the lights go out on the vaquita, it would mark the second porpoise species to disappear in this century as the result of human activity. The Yangtze River dolphin in China was declared functionally extinct in 2006.
A tiny and shy creature easily entangled in the gill nets used by fishermen, the vaquita has always been somewhat rare. It swims in the northern Gulf of California, which separates the Baja Peninsula from mainland Mexico. That's the smallest range of anycetacean in the world.
Some of the fishermen blamed for the vaquita's dwindling numbers would cheer a declaration that the creature is extinct. They say efforts to protect the mammal deprive them of their livelihood. They cast doubt on how many of the porpoises are even left.
Scientists using acoustic detection methods say the vaquita population dwindled from 567 in 1997 to only 97 last year, with fewer than 25 breeding females.
In late February, authorities announced that they'd expand a vaquita reserve in which all gill-net fishing is banned by nearly eleven-fold, to cover about 5,000 square miles, a vast area that includes the delta where the Colorado River flows into the Gulf of California.
Later this month, authorities say, they'll begin using drones and satellite detection to enforce the two-year fishing ban. They'll start a $36 million buyout program that will pay fishermen to stay off their boats. The program also will splash cash onto a chain of commercial activity related to fishing.
"What we're trying to do is attack the factors that lead to the death of the vaquita," said Rafael Pacchiano Alamán, deputy secretary for protection at the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources.
Some leading environmental activists cheer the program, saying it could pull the vaquita from critical danger.
"If what the federal government has announced is effectively implemented, we have no doubt that the species will begin to recover," said Omar Vidal, head of the Mexican branch of the World Wildlife Fund.
Vidal noted that whalers had hunted the northern elephant seal to near extinction a century ago, leaving only 25 animals on a volcanic shard of land known as Guadalupe Island, 150 miles off the Pacific Coast of Baja California.
"It recovered. Today the elephant seal population is healthy again," he said.
In San Felipe, one of two main fishing towns at the edge of the vaquita reserve, fishermen voice anger and resentment at the gill-net ban and skepticism that it will work. Some scoff at estimates of 97 remaining vaquitas. "They've pulled these numbers out of some magic hat," said Sunshine Antonio Rodríguez, president of the Federation of Coastal Fishing Cooperatives of San Felipe.
"I've been at sea for 25 years, and I've seen one only once," said Francisco Javier Albañez Mendoza, a fisherman. "People around here say that you should take the environmental activists and the vaquitas and get rid of them all."
Rubén Aguilar Higuera, another fisherman, said the gill-net ban would hurt hundreds of families even if authorities compensated them for not fishing.
"They don't seem to care about us human beings. They just seem to care about the vaquitas," Aguilar said.
The vaquita was first identified in 1958 but never fully described by scientists until the mid-1980s. It lives in shallow turbid water, weighs no more than about 75 pounds and is known for long dive times. A skittish mammal, it's rarely seen by humans on the surface. Females are thought to calve every second year.
Rather than living in pods, the vaquitas usually travel in groups of two.
While maintaining a traditional porpoise shape, the vaquitas also have a vampish trait. Black coloring rings their eyes and mouths, like smeared mascara. How the tiny porpoise got its name, which means "little cow" in Spanish, is not known.
Some unusual dietary beliefs in East Asia may have contributed to the vaquita's dwindling numbers. Market demand has soared in recent years for the bladder of another endangered species, the totoaba, a fish that can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh 300 pounds.
"The price of a kilo of totoaba bladder can reach $10,000," Pacchiano told a news conference last month in Mexico City.
It's asparagus season and Penasco's nearby neighbor, Caborca, produces a lot of the stuff. The USA imports tons from the area each year. Large amounts also make there way to Rocky Point at this time of year. Even though production is down this year, you can find fresh, inexpensive asparagus at the farmers markets, grocery stores, and there are usually even independent sellers on the street corners and walking among the cars at major intersections.
While California production of asparagus begins to ramp up this month, most supplies of the vegetable are still coming from outside of the United States but volumes of Mexican imports have been down this season.
"This month, the majority of asparagus is coming from Caborca, in the Mexican state of Sonora," said Kristen Francisco, vice president of sales and marketing for Gourmet Trading Company. "California has also started their production, and we will start to see slightly more asparagus from Peru as we ramp up for Easter demand." But production out of Caborca has been light this season, and the level of production going forward is uncertain.
"There is a lot of speculation about what caused the downturn in volume this year in Caborca," said Francisco. "It is generally believed that it's a combination of over-harvesting for the past two seasons, heavy rains and large insect and disease pressures before harvest." Supplies from Washington and Michigan are expected to arrive on the market next month.
On March 6, prices for a 28-pound crate of large green bunched asparagus from Mexico were between $28.75 and 36.75 at Calexico and San Luis, Arizona crossings. Prices for 11-pound cartons were between $14.75 and $15.75.
The Tradition of Fariseos
Trish McCarty, Founder of Starshine Acadamy, Hamming it up with a Couple Fariseos
Much has been made of the surviving pagan cult of the bunny that has become an integral part of Easter in much of the Christian world, but in northwest Mexico, an indigenous boogeyman called a "fariseo," menacing and comical at once, is the central figure that announces the events of Holy Week.
Brought by the Spanish conquerors and instituted in colonial times as a central element of their rule, Catholicism was eventually accepted by American natives as a part of their own culture. However, fondness for indigenous traditions and practices led to a blending of European values with regional ones. Today, almost 500 years after the Spanish Catholic conquest, the echoes of those pre-Hispanic traditions still linger in the celebrations and rituals performed during Holy Week.
Lent has surely left a deep impact on the lives of those who participated in the prayers, processions and chantings that enhanced the religious feeling of this period, especially among the indigenous community. In the territory of Sonora, northwest Mexico, Lent is celebrated by some parts of the population according to the Yaqui ritual.
The Yaqui tribe is the largest native group in the region, and every year Yaqui men take over the city streets under the identity of what we, the "yoris" (non-indigenous), call "fariseos." (According to Dictionary of the Spanish Language; "fariseo," among the Jews, refers to a member of a cult who exercised rigor and austerity but eluded the precepts of the law, and above all its spirit.) In our popular culture we use this word which has its origin in Roman times to name this strange character that emerges during Lent.
The "Chapayecam" (the Yaqui name for the "fariseo") wraps his body in a blanket symbolizing the skin of an animal, wears a belt made of seashells, a representative mask, a knife and a walking stick that shares the same colors, and traditionally made sandals. For 40 days, the man in this outrageous costume loses his identity and leaves his family and work to become a symbol that announces to the rest of the community the need to prepare ourselves spiritually for Holy Week.
For 40 days, the "fariseos" keep a rosary inside their mouths to avoid sins and speaking. They dance through the streets, and their presence, which is somewhat mysterious, a little bit threatening and sometimes funny, is aimed at a specific mission: to prepare all the city dwellers for the events that will take place at the end of Lent.
Ernesto Camou, a local writer, described the presence of the "fariseos" in the streets: "(They) try to create a tense atmosphere of expectation, to remind us that something dreadful will take place on the ensuing Holy Friday. They adopt an identity that is not human; they become countryside spirits that appear in human settlements and wander without any apparent reason other than to dance, play tricks and provide a ritual intimidation."
The impact of these beings over the people is always mixed: some react with horror when they are approached, others tend to follow them into their dancing and offer them food and money; they have become a unique part of the urban landscape and a persistent character in the children's nightmares.
When Easter Saturday comes the "fariseos" gather in their holy territory and set themselves free from their religious vow: the mask they've been wearing for 40 days are put together in the center of a field and, while they dance and pray, the fire begins and all the masks merge into a holy bonfire.
Their presence, the process during Lent and the ending of their ritual not only represents the Christian events of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ, but is also a celebration of life itself.
After the burning of the masks, at the conclusion of Lent, the "Chapayecam" returns to his family and celebrates with joy and lots of beer the ending of a spiritual cycle that he has been perpetuating for generations; he goes back to his daily duties and waits until next year.
Doña Leandra From Mexico, 127, Passed in March
Born in 1887, she might have been the world's oldest woman
Doña Leandra Becerra Lumbreras, quite possibly the world's oldest woman at 127, died yesterday at her home in Zapopan, Jalisco.
Doña Leandra made international news last August when she celebrated her birthday. Though deaf, age had not affected her ability to converse and she still had some mobility. She told a reporter at the time that she was looking forward to blowing out the candles on a tasty cake.
Her long life was attributed to a healthy appetite and lots of sleep. She enjoyed singing to her grandchildren and flirting with young men who came to visit. She never married - and attributed that, too, to her long life - but had five children, all of whom died before her. The last passed away two years ago at the age of 90.
She also enjoyed eating chocolate, which was allowed, and tortillas and beans, which were not.
Born in 1887 in Tamaulipas in the 50th year of the reign of Britain's Queen Victoria, Doña Leandra was 23 when the Mexican Revolution began and is believed to have been one of the Adelitas, women who joined the revolutionary soldiers in the fight against Porfirio Díaz in 1910.
She supported her family with her work as a seamstress, and was sewing and weaving until just a few years ago, said a great-granddaughter last year.
Doña Leandra moved to Zapopan, 41 years ago to live with her daughter.
Her door was always open to visitors and she was known for her hospitality. That hospitality lived on last night and the door remained open when friends and family gathered to pay their respects.
She leaves 153 descendants.
Experts are Divided Over Peso's Decline
It's good for tourism and expats with American Dollars
The steady decline in the value of the peso over the past six months has been good for exports, tourism and expats who bring United States dollars into the country. Until yesterday, when the trend was reversed, the peso's value against the dollar was down nearly 20% since last September.
It advanced 1.3% yesterday after the U.S. Federal Reserve dropped growth estimates and forecasts for interest rates and inflation, triggering a fall in the dollar. The peso closed at 15.13.
But what does it mean for the Mexican economy in general? Opinions are divided.
Experts consulted by México ¿cómo vamos?, an organization whose mission is to promote accelerated and sustained economic growth, recently debated the strengthening dollar's impact on economic growth in Mexico.
Sixty percent believed the peso's depreciation will have a negative effect on the economy, while 40% believed the impact will be positive.
Isaac Katz is a professor at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM), a private Ph.D.-granting research university located in Mexico City. Jonathan Heath is a professor and lecturer at multiple universities who has served as the principal economist on Mexico at various global financial institutions and international consultancies.
Katz and Heath proposed that the dollar's appreciation will have a negative effect on private consumption and investment. What's more, they argued, it will lead to increasing inflation, reducing salaries' buying power, and rising tax rates.
Rodrigo García Verdú, one of the forum's experts on macroeconomic surveillance and economic policy-making, believes that the important thing "to know is what will happen to the real exchange rate (RER)." The nominal exchange rate measures a unit of currency's worth versus another unit of currency.
The RER however, indicates the purchasing power of a currency relative to another at current exchange rates. In other words, the RER measures how many goods or services in one country can be traded for the same goods or services in another.
Juan Ignacio Gil-Antón, director of corporate insurance at Grupo Nacional Provincial (GNP) and a México ¿cómo vamos? specialist, observed that a lot of currencies that are stronger than the peso are losing value against the dollar.
"It could be that we bounce back, relative to other currencies, and become more expensive."
Those who believed that the depreciation of the peso will have a positive effect on Mexico's economy argued that "depreciation, when real, always grants an economy competitiveness."
Oh my: Lions, Tigers and Bears and More
Circuses have as many as 4,000 animals to give away
The circus may be able to carry on without the animals, but what will the latter do without a circus?
The Mexican federal government, which has passed legislation banning the use of animals by circuses, estimates there are 2,000 circus animals that will soon be unemployed. The circus owners' association says there are more like 4,000.
Whatever the count, it remains a challenge finding homes that can provide for them.
Bruno Raffo is an Argentine animal trainer whose scarred and scratched arms tell something about his line of work. Like many circus workers, he no longer has a circus job because many municipal authorities, such as those in the Federal District, have already begun denying permits to circuses with animals.
Instead, Raffo is currently caring for 13 tigers, feeding and exercising them and cleaning their cages. The cost of feed runs to nearly US $200 a day. Add to that the cost of caring for the animals and veterinary services.
Circus owners don't wish to foot that bill indefinitely, yet the likely destinations for the animals - they include elephants, giraffes, bears, jaguars, zebras, llamas, horses and camels - are zoos that aren't all that keen.
Many of the animals, such as Raffo's tigers, are accustomed to living together as a group, and there are concerns about splitting them up. The Chapultepec zoo in Mexico City has a plan to take some of the animals but it is not feasible for it to take such a large number.
So federal officials are looking for other zoos, public and private, research centers and ecotourism parks where the animals might go. One such facility is Africam Safari near the city of Puebla, where the animals run free and visitors travel in vehicles to view the animals. It has already indicated that it is interested.
The circus owners, meanwhile, many of whom are now out of work themselves, are waiting for answers. If homes are not found, they warn, the animals will have to be put down.
"We're waiting for an answer from the government to hear what's going to happen to our animals," said Armando Cedeño, president of the National Union of Circus Owners and Artists.
While some circuses have closed others continue to operate, but as of July 8 they cannot do so with animals. That's when the law, whose principal proponent was the Ecologist Green Party, goes into effect.
Anyone who might fancy keeping an elephant, a giraffe or what have you should contact Alejandro del Mazo of the environmental protection agency, Profepa. He can be reached via Twitter.
Ingeniero Mauro Tejeda Cervantes of Baja Auto Service is in High Demand by Luxury and Foreign Vehicle Owners.
No, we're not talking about the chain of Baja 1000 outlets, but the small personal shop owned and operated by Ingeniero Mauro Tejeda Cervantes of Servicio Automotriz Baja located on the small unpaved Calle "Los Alamos" one block east of Sinaloa off Miguel Hidalgo (Calle 13 turns into Miguel Hidalgo when it crosses Benito Juarez at Santander Bank.)
The gregarious and personable Mauro, actually named his business after his alma mater, the Universidad Autónoma de Baja, California (UABC) where he earned his Mechanical Engineering degree with specialization in Automotive Fuel Injection Systems in all major American and foreign vehicles.
Always intrigued by the injection system engines, Mauro wrapped himself up in the concept of power generation and consistency of the injection system design and became a strong candidate for the major companies looking for smart graduates. Upon graduation in 1994, he was snapped up by Valley Automotive in Mexicali to complete their foremanship training program becoming certified in the complete line of Ford engines from autos to the big rigs. He was quickly promoted to Robinson Ford in El Centro, California where he was able to gain expertise in major brands like GMC products and heavy construction equipment like Caterpillar and all the leading foreign products like Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes and more. By working at this high volume dealership, he was becoming an expert at working on all the vehicles he loved to repair and improve on.
Mauro had always wanted to open his own automotive service shop and when he met his future wife at UABC, María Dolores Robles, a Public Accounting major from Puerto Peñasco and they married in 1995 upon her graduation, she had no trouble convincing him to relocate to Puerto Peñasco in 1997 to pursue his dream.
As it turns out, Mauro's reputation as an "in-demand" mechanical problem solver had attracted the attention of Matco Caterpillar who offered him a management position with their enterprise in Ensenada, an offer, he says, he could not refuse. It was an opportunity to build a nest egg to open his business, and continue building his expertise in service the more complex engine issues that would help him in his business.
After three years of weathering the grueling commute to Ensenada, including a six month stint to San Diego, Mauro decided to settle back in Puerto Peñasco with his family in 2000 and begin working on his dream. He knew exactly what was needed and pursued every detail with precision, opening his shop in 2002.. He even taught classes in civil engineering at the Technical Institute of Puerto Peñasco while diligently building certification in his specialty for all major luxury and foreign brands, earning "authorized dealer status" for his shop for Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, and Nissan. He is also a high demand authorized service provider for the electronic diesel injection systems in heavy equipment like Matco, Caterpillar, Detroit and Cummins.
It's important to note that Mauro's expertise is not limited to fuel systems, he is an all-around bonafide "car guy" who seems to understand everything that makes a vehicle go. He's the kind of guy we need in our little slice of paradise by the sea: knowledgeable, educated, nice and honest! It's never a surprise to see a bunch of luxury vehicles in his stalls being serviced.
Servicio Automotriz Baja is located on Calle Alamos (a dirt street with no sign) off Miguel Hidalgo (same as Calle 13 after crossing Benito Juarez) one block east of Sinaloa (if you're coming from B. Juarez); your land mark is El Libro, the office supply in the white building on the NE corner of Sinaloa and Miguel Hidalgo. Turn right on the very next street (with no sign). Baja is on the left after the two story brown house with big double garages and a new red sign!
Hours are Monday-Friday 7AM to 4PM
Telephone: Local Land Line: 638-383-8529 Cell: 638-110-7205
According to the Bank of Mexico there are more than 360 billion pesos in coins and bills in circulation, which works out at about 3,600 pesos for each of the country's just over 100 million inhabitants. Why then does it seem that no one ever has any change?
¿No tiene cambio? (haven't you got change?) is an expression you will soon get used to hearing whether it's in offering up a 50-peso note for a 30-peso cab ride, or a 100-peso note for a 20-peso coffee. And it's not only at street stalls, outdoor markets, or in taxis. The "no change" response is as frequent at convenience stores and other local shops, restaurants, and even occasionally at the supermarket checkout.
With a large informal economy, most of the country's daily transactions are paid for in cash. But even in the formal economy, cash is the preferred method of payment. Bankers estimated last year that of all the transactions conducted with debit cards, nearly 90% were to withdraw cash from ATMs. People prefer using cash, even at filling stations, which by the way are among the best places to get change if you're stuck with nothing but a 500-peso note, which can be as frustrating as having no cash at all.
With so much currency around, it's a wonder people can be so reluctant to give change. Some have change, but don't want to break a large bill for fear it will leave them without change. One infuriating twist: people with notes in the till will at times hand you all your change in coins.
Mexican money is colorful and varied, and the central bank has added to the variety over the years with a number of commemorative series.
In 2000 and 2001, the bank issued about 17 million each of two 20-peso coins - one bearing the image of late Nobel literature prize winning writer and poet Octavio Paz and the other the image of Xiuhtecuhtli, the Azteca god of light and fire. Both are legal tender, although it's rare to come across them since people prefer to keep them. The Millennium issuance also included about 70 million 10-peso coins bearing the image of the Aztec sun god Tonatiuh.
Last year, some senators asked the central bank to introduce silver coins as legal tender, what with Mexico being the world's biggest producer of silver. The bank declined for a number of reasons, particularly cost. But the bank has been issuing many commemorative coins in recent years, notably a series of 100-peso coins - one for each of the 32 states, and also issued two commemorative bank notes to mark the centenary and bi-centenary of the country's revolution and independence, respectively.
Flan Mexicano (Mexican Flan)
Flan is found in recipes as far back as ancient Rome. It was during Roman times that domesticated chickens were first kept for laying eggs. The Romans, with eggs in surplus, and consulting the Greek's knowledge of the art of cooking, developed new recipes, one of which turned out to be a custardly (custardy?) concoction known as flan. It was originally a savory dish (not sweet, but aromatic and pleasing to the palate). The Romans concocted many dishes that we might find interesting, such as eel flan. They also had a very nice sweet flan
that was flavored with honey.
The Roman Empire was destined to fall and on its ruins arose Medieval society. Yet the transition between ancient times and Medieval - though often violent - was somewhat contiguous. Flan survived barbarian invasions (and perhaps pacified a barbarian or two). It surfaced as a generally sweet dish but still based on the old idea of mixing creme and eggs to form a custard. Our word for flan actually is derived from the Latin, "flado" (meaning flat cake), which became "flaon" in Old French.
Interestingly, flan found two different outlets. In Spain it became a sweet custard generally made with caramelized sugar. The mixture of milk, eggs and sugar was cooked slowly in crocks and relished by many. Besides the Roman influence, the Moors introduced citrus and almonds which are commonly found to flavor flan. Once Christopher Columbus found America the rush to the riches of the region brought the richness of flan with it. Nearly all of Central and South America loves flan in its various custardly forms. It has become especially associated with Mexico where flan is exquisitely produced in the kitchens of rich and poor alike.
England, with its love for pastry crusts, went its own way and developed a different kind of flan. This one makes use of a pastry shell with an open top filled with custard and often mixed with nuts or fruit. This is the flan that is often mentioned in the literature of England and gets high marks in Brian Jacques' Redwall series. The characters there make and "scoff" several flans in every volume of adventure.
There is some dispute about how the word "flan" is pronounced. This is easily sorted out, as the English flan is pronounced to rhyme with "plan", while the Spanish or Mexican style flan is pronounced more like "faun". With modern innovations there are now flan recipes to suit every taste, Spanish and English, savory or sweet. How ever you pronounce it, the taste remains amazing...
Recipe:
Original recipe makes
8 servings
Directions:
Place sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and turns a golden amber color, about 10 minutes. Watch carefully once syrup begins to change color, because it burns easily. Carefully pour the melted sugar syrup into a flan mold. Let cool.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Pour whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, egg yolks, orange juice, orange peel, vanilla extract, and cornstarch into a blender, and blend for a minute or so, until the mixture is smooth. Pour in the cream, and pulse several times to incorporate the cream. Pour the mixture over the cooled caramel syrup in the flan mold.
Line a roasting pan with a damp kitchen towel. Place the flan mold on the towel, inside roasting pan, and place roasting pan on oven rack. Fill roasting pan with boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until the center of the flan is set but still slightly jiggly when moved, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let the flan cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. To serve, run a sharp paring knife around the inside of the mold to release the flan. Invert a plate on the mold, flip the mold over, and gently remove the mold to unmold the flan and reveal the syrupy caramel topping.
Provecho!
10 Sometimes Vulgar Spanish Slang Words that Can be Used in the Wrong Place
So what does it mean to be Pelangoche?
Someone who is Pelangoche is a person who uses a lot of malas palabras -- bad words. Grosero (rude) and malhablado (foul-mouthed) are synonyms. But, all bad words are not created equal. Some bad words are worse than others, and some bad words can be used in ways that aren't so bad. A great number of groserias are used informally between close acquaintances in one form or another.
Even if you don't swear (decir groserías/malas palabras) you're bound to hear them sooner or later and it is good to become familiar with them in order to have a better understanding of the conversation going on around you. Slang and the uses of words can vary so much from country to country, and even regionally within a country, that trying to keep up with them all is a real chore.
Here are a few examples of malas palabras, how they are used, and how they can vary from one Spanish speaking country to another:
1. Pichar: In Puerto Rico, pichar simply means to ignore or forget about something. For example, if someone says "No, pichea" it basically means, "no, nevermind." In Mexico, pichar means to pick up the bill, or pay for something for someone. As if mixing up "nevermind" and "picking up the tab" wouldn't be bad enough, in Colombia, pichar means "to have sex." So make sure you think about where you are if you ever decide to use this word.
2. Boludo: Boludo is used a lot in Argentina, and sometimes in other South American countries such as Colombia. The meaning doesn't change by country, but rather by situation. In a casual, friendly environment, this can simply mean dude. However, in a different, more tense context, it can mean "a@#hole." Watch your tone if using this word isn't meant as an insult.
3. Concha: In most Spanish speaking countries, this word simply means "shell." However, in Argentina and Colombia, it can mean "female anatomy." So if you ever see a giggling tourist next to a hotel named La Concha, you can guess they are from somewhere where the word is not quite as innocent.
4. Tortillera: Technically, this word just means "tortilla maker." However, in a vulgar sense, it means lesbian. Could be unfortunate if you are taking a cooking class and actually need to discuss tortilla making.
5. Bicho: In most Spanish speaking countries, this is just a slang term for "insect." In Puerto Rico, on the other hand, it means "male anatomy." You can imagine the giggles that follow someone saying "me pican los bichos" (The bugs/"male anatomy" are biting me) in Puerto Rico.
6. Coger: This is frequently translated as "to have sex," but not so much in Mexico and Puerto Rico. In these countries, coger simply means "to take," so it is not uncommon to hear someone say "Voy a coger un bús" (I'm going to take a bus). That's fine in northern Latin America, but not such a good idea in certain other areas!
7. Venirse: This literally just means to come, as in, to a place. Of course, just like in English, this can also be translated to the sexual meaning. Not usually a problem in normal conversation but it is something to be aware of.
8. Pendejo: In many countries, this translates to "male anatomy" but don't be surprised to hear pendejo used to refer to young boys in Argentina. It is a common word with no negative or vulgar meaning.
9. Pinche: In Chile, this just means a clip of sorts, such as a hair clip or clothespin, but don't use it lightly in Mexico, as it means "damned" or "f@#king" as in "este pinche cabrón!" (this #@% a@#hole!). However, this word does not carry the same weight as it's English counterparts here in Mexico, and it is very regularly used between friends, family, or even in casual informal conversation. The meaning is more atoned towards "this stupid key doesn't fit" or "why doesn't the damn light change already". Still, be careful because it isn't to be used in polite conversation and certain folks won't appreciate it.
10. Cabrón: This is another tricky word that can change meanings depending on your tone and context. In Mexico and Puerto Rico, this word can be used casually, with friends, as "dude", or something similar. It can also be "a@#hole". In general, this word is much stronger in Puerto Rico, where it is attached to many vulgar phrases.
Cabron is a mala palabra with a multitude of uses. Depending on how it is used, and who it is used with, it can be funny, attention getting, or downright insulting. Watch this video for a great lesson on the differences:
The Many Uses of the Word Cabron
Ah Spanish, it's never completely straight forward, is it? As always, you'll need to stay alert, practice when you can, and be aware of your surroundings before you open your mouth and say the wrong thing. If you are not comfortable with the uses (and misuses) of these "bad" words, it may be a good idea to just avoid using them altogether (until you are more comfortable with the language). But, aside from the questionable words, do continue to talk to locals and practice as much as you can. It really does work and you'll be glad you did.
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Sonoran Sky 909 3 Bed 3 Bath Premium Condo $499,900
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Sonoran Sun W207 2 BR West Building $279,900 Great Terms
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This 3 Bedroom 3 Bath Premium condo must be seen to be appreciated. Great price and ready to move in and enjoy This one is a Must See beauty with ocean front views beyond belief. Just 20% down and your in.
This is the Deluxe 3 bedroom condo with the extra square footage. Sellers have just reduced the price by $50K making it the lowest priced 3 bedroom at the Sea now and for a long time. Nicely furnished, turn key - ready to go, and excellent rental history make this a deal that's hard to pass up. You need to see this one to appreciate it.
This is one of those condos that absolutely has to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Premium end unit with wraparound terrace and views forever. You can see all the way from Old Port to the new Home Port from the comfort of your luxurious 4 bedroom condo. Impeccably furnished and ready to go. Be sure to come and see this one as soon as you can. It won't last long.
If you are looking for a great 2 bedroom at the Sea, this is the perfect opportunity for you. This is a fantastic condo and here is your chance to buy it. Be the proud owner of this beachfront beauty. Call or stop by one of our sales offices today for more details.
Call Today: 602-476-7511
We are Rocky Point's only exclusive and dedicated team who have always, and will always, sell Sonoran Resorts and ONLY
Sonoran Resorts!
If you are looking for a team of real professionals who specialize in Puerto Penasco's best family of "True Beachfront" resorts, you've found us, and we are here to serve you.
Whether Buying or Selling, no one can serve you better when it comes to the Sonoran Resorts. We have been here since the beginning, and we will be here for you when you need us.
We don't just sell the Sonoran Resorts, we ARE the Sonoran Resorts. We work directly with the Developers, the HOAs, and the Rental companies. We really can help you in ways that no one else can.
Great Terms! 
PRICE REDUCED!
Reduced Price and Financing!
