Beach Buzz: New Toll Road to El Golfo and a Retirement Survey...

-by La Huerita

Just a couple of items today, but they're goodies. First up: The good news is that the section of the new coastal highway from San Luis Rio Colorado to El Golfo de Santa Clara has been completed and was opened earlier this month. The bad news: It's a toll road, with an unusually high toll that has a lot of people's knickers in a serious twist.

The new two-lane road begins on the east side of San Luis Rio Colorado at Highway 2 and goes directly south to El Golfo, shaving half an hour off the trip when compared to the old free road that winds through farmland in the San Luis Valley. That road connects to the new Coastal Highway outside of El Golfo to continue south to Puerto Peñasco.

The state of Sonora paid for the construction of the new highway, then turned it over to a private enterprise to run. But the State set the toll, which is a whopping 94 pesos -- about US$7 -- one way. By comparison, the new four-lane highway between San Luis and Mexicali (in Baja), a much longer distance, is a mere 12.50 pesos one way. Merchants and residents in El Golfo want to know who in their right mind is going to pay that price to save half an hour? Nope, folks will take the old road, and many will therefore bypass El Golfo completely on their way to Rocky Point. That is not good for the tourism the new highway was supposed to bring to the town, and merchants are already hearing complaints about the toll price.

Residents and merchants in El Golfo are demanding that the State reduce the toll to a reasonable amount, or else. Or else what? Well, they intend to bring their issues to the newly elected mayor of San Luis Rio Colorado, in the hope he can do something to reduce the toll. If that doesn't work, they are prepared to perform some civil disobedience by blocking the road. Stay tuned...

Second: Take a survey and help CEDO at the same time. To better understand U.S. retirement trends in Mexico, the International Community Foundation (www.icfdn.org) is undertaking a survey of the American retiree communities in key Mexican coastal cities along Sonora, the Baja California peninsula, Riviera Nayarit/Puerto Vallarta and Rivera Maya. The goal of this research will be to better assess the consumer preferences and lifestyle choices of U.S. retirees now living in Mexico on issues related to cost of living, health care, public safety, environmental sustainability, as well as the degree of cultural integration and civic engagement in ones adopted Mexican community.

Through the research findings the ICF hopes to provide U.S. and Mexican policymakers with recommendations that will better enable Americans to comfortably retire in Mexico while at the same time assisting their adopted Mexican communities to adjust to the growing number of U.S. retirees that are likely to emigrate to Mexico in the coming years. They also hope to use this research to promote more active engagement of U.S. retirees with Mexico’s nonprofit sector through expanded volunteerism and philanthropy.

Please consider donating your time and information to this important study. For every survey you fill out $3.00 will be donated to CEDO (or your favorite Mexican charity). You can help by contributing your personal experiences in Puerto Penasco or other retirement destinations in Mexico to the online survey: US Retiree in Mexico Community Survey

And that's all the Buzz on the Beach for today.

Peace out...

About Beach Buzz: Not necessarily the news, this is a place for information, opinion, speculation, gossip, tips and other good stuff about Rocky Point, and Mexico in general. Have opinions to air, anecdotes to share, tips or tidbits to contribute? I'd like to hear from you!

Email me: La Huerita

CEDO Victorious in Sandy Beach Resorts Marina Controversy

After three years of legal battles led by CEDO (the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans), commercial divers from Puerto Penasco and the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA), the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) has determined that the Sandy Beach Resorts Marina could not be authorized to continue. Located between Sandy Beach and La Cholla, the proposed project would have altered two habitats of great ecologic and economic importance: a coastal wetland (Estero La Cholla) and the rocky reef in front of Sandy Beach.

The basis for SEMARNAT's decision was the lack of hard scientific evidence to state that the project would not have significant impacts on the environment. This ruling will stop the destruction of a shallow rocky reef that has immense ecological and social importance, including being used as a marine reserve by local commercial divers to promote sustainable fisheries, elevated levels of biodiversity, presence of several protected species and its proximity to the Upper Gulf Biosphere Reserve.

The decision affects plans for "Village E" and "Village G" of the Sandy Beach Resorts Master Plan (see image above). Included in the plan for Village E were: An External Marina, Internal Marina, Condominiums, Town Center With Retail/Commercial, Timeshares, Hotel/Health Club, Yacht Club/Restaurants, and a Beach Club. Village G, just north of Village E, would include: Large Craft Marina Residential; Small Craft Marina; Residential Lots; and a Dry Dock Boat Storage Area.

According to CEDO the the developer's plan would have impacted:

• A Marine Biosphere Reserve: The Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta.
• 15 protected species, including green sea turtles, dolphins, whale sharks and scallop.
• 18 species of commercial importance, including shrimp, blue crab and octopus.
• Patterns of sedimentation on Sandy Beach.
• Currents in Cholla Bay and Sandy Beach.
• Health of adjacent waters, through the contamination associated with boats.
• The sport fishery, through increased fishing pressure.

In January of 2006, CEDO, along with researchers, fishermen, and members of the Tohono O’odham nation, petitioned the environmental authorities to not authorize the Marina project. After reviewing the analysis of the specialists and taking into account the opinions of the various interested sectors of the community, SEMARNAT determined that the project’s environmental impact study was inadequate and that the project had very serious environmental and social implications. For these reasons, SEMARNAT recommended that the developer withdraw the study.

Subsequently, Sandy Beach Resorts withdrew its request and suspended the authorization process for the project. This victory for the fishing community, native peoples and the environment did not last long. The developer modified the project and renewed the application for approval of the environmental impact study.

The new proposal claimed to study the actual impacts of the new project and proposed actions to mitigate them. Nevertheless, according to CEDO, many of those improvements were not real and the mitigation actions were inadequate. For example, Sandy Beach Resorts stated that the area of the project does not include Estero La Cholla, yet they proposed to use the estero to dump the material dredged up in the construction of two marinas: a “residential” marina and a freshwater marina.

A review committee provided to SEMARNAT an evaluation of the project and recommended that it NOT be approved. Also, internationally renowned Mexican researchers, the Cooperative of Divers of Puerto Peñasco, winners of the National Conservation Award in Mexico 2003, communicated their comments and requests to the Secretary.

With SEMARNAT's new ruling against the developer, it appears that CEDO et al have won another victory. It remains to be seen whether or not Sandy Beach Resorts will try again.

CEDO is committed to finding ways for Puerto Peñasco to develop and grow in an orderly manner that guards its natural resources and those who depend upon them. It is indispensable that those who plan projects that affect critical habitats and/or economic activities join with all interested parties and together find a way to minimize negative impacts to the environment.

For more information, visit http://www.cedointercultural.org/.

Thousands Fleeing Puerto Peñasco!

-by El Gitano Peñasco, "The Peñasco Gypsy"

I just read two separate very brief articles, based on a Pew Research Center survey of 1,000 Mexican Nationals, claiming: “75% of Mexicans unhappy with country” and “Most Mexicans unhappy with Mexico”.

The assessment, I mean rubbish, claims the usual suspects for Mexican citizens being “unhappy” such as crime and corruption, etc., and one of the articles goes on to assert that in a nation of over 100 Million, “Mexicans are overwhelmingly unhappy with the direction of their country” and that at least 30 Million (“one in three”) would like to “immigrate to the United States”.

Why those 30 (plus) million would want to immigrate only to the U.S. is beyond my imagination as an Associated Press piece by Catherine E. Shoichet also tells readers that according to Rene Magana, president of the Chicago office of the International Coalition of Mexicans Abroad, "The American Dream is a fallacy".

Shoichet seems to agree as she then informs readers that the survey “buttressed” the Magana doctrine as she points to other ‘negatives’ in the survey and then abruptly ends the article leaving readers a sense that in Mexico it is all a tale of doom and gloom…

So the next time you’re heading down to Puerto Peñasco and see tens of thousands of cars heading north, or if you live in PP and have been noticing all those horrific traffic jams in the center of town recently, you now know what is going on so just get out of their way and be patient…

The good news, however, is that with all those “unhappy” Mexicans fleeing (and Gringos, too) that leaves Puerto Peñasco, the unspoiled beaches, the beautiful sunsets and sunrises, nightly star gazing, the food and sauces, ice-cold cervezas, etc., for the rest of the “happy” ciudadanos de Peñasco to enjoy!

Viva México!

Email me: El Gitano Penasco

Bruschetta, Mexican Style

So there I was with most of a day-old baguette to use up and no good ideas. I wanted to make some bruschetta, but darned if I wasn't out of olive oil and garlic, 2 of the 3 essential ingredients of bruschetta. So I took a tour of my kitchen cupboards to see what was available and came up with enough good stuff to improvise a Mexican style bruschetta that turned out to be a huge success. It was one of those happy moments when the food gods were with me.

This recipe was made on the fly, going by eye and flavor, so the list of ingredients is in approximate amounts. You will have to wing it a bit, and of course you can change the ingredients to suit your own taste. Cut on the diagonal, I had enough bread to make four big slices about an inch thick, which was plenty for the two of us when combined with a couple of side dishes. Note that I toasted the bread in the oven rather than broiling it, as I wasn't sure how the nonstick cooking spray would react to broiling. And you may notice that I added no salt; with the chilorio, I didn't feel it needed extra salt, but you may add it if you want to.

What Happened in Vegas Will NOT Stay in Vegas!

~ Russ & Naomi Black

Attending THETRADESHOW in Las Vegas this last weekend, as what we deemed ourselves to be “ambassadors” from Puerto Penasco, was a great experience! Russ and I spoke with travel professionals from many countries, and we came to the conclusion that Puerto Penasco is to many an unknown - or at least and unfamiliar - travel destination. In fact, even the map of Mexico hanging in the Mexico Tourism Booth did not include Puerto Penasco!

So, with our photo albums in hand, we made many introductions to our favorite beach town. And we found that this fishing port turned tourist destination is intriguing to many people. Travel agents as far away as India showed an interest in adding Puerto Penasco to their itinerary. One lady books Poker Cruises and was interested in what types of boats would be available to her. Many were particularly interested in fishing and scuba. And the eco-tour concept with nature related activities, such as CEDO’s NaturArte tours seems to be on the top of everyone’s mind!

Some attendees’ first opinion was that Puerto Penasco is “too difficult to get to” and many mistakenly believed that there are no rental car companies that will allow vehicles into Mexico or that there are no other transport options available. We explained that at least five rental car companies at Sky Harbor International Airport have international car rental available, along with the option of our local Head Out to Rocky Point shuttle service. Turning again to our photo albums, we pointed out that for the first-time visitor to the southwest, even the drive to Penasco includes some sightseeing points of interest.

In addition, Russ had the opportunity to discuss bus tours with a major bus company that is looking to add Puerto Penasco to their expanding list of places to visit. We will be following up with this company along with dozens of travel professionals. We will continue to work with them to schedule their Introduction Trip to Discover Penasco! We will be organizing specific tours for some companies and we will definitely be contacting many local businesses as these trips begin to take shape.

We are convinced that attending THETRADESHOW opened some new tourism doors for Puerto Penasco! We will not forget what ‘Happened in Vegas!’ Puerto Penasco will see newcomers as a result of being a part of THETRADESHOW in Las Vegas in September of 2009! Stay tuned!

Yes You CAN Own Real Estate in Mexico!

Myth: Foreigners cannot own real estate in Mexico, and the Government can seize foreigners' property at any time.

Fact: Yes, foreigners CAN own property in Mexico. No, the government cannot seize it at any time.

Put simply, here are the basics on how the real estate system in Mexico works for foreigners, especially in border areas and along the coast in places like Rocky Point.

In the interior of Mexico foreigners can own property outright, with a deed and everything, just as they can in their own country. However, property located within 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) of the Mexican coastline or 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of a national border falls within the "restricted zone", where the Mexican Constitution forbids fee simple ownership by foreigners. You can also "own" property there, but the process is a little different.

The difference is due to the Mexican government's need to protect its borders and coastlines, a matter of national security that at one time prohibited foreign ownership in those areas. With an eye toward increasing tourism and raising new revenue streams, in 1993 the Foreign Investment Act was passed (backdooring the Constitutional prohibition) and foreign ownership of land in the restricted zones became legal, but with a twist.

When you purchase real estate in those restricted zones, what you get is irrevocable and absolute ownership rights to property through a 50-year perpetually renewable and transferable Bank Trust called a Fideicomiso (Fee-day-co-meeso). This Trust is a legal substitute for deeded ownership and is provided specifically for foreigners to own property in the restricted zones. The Trust system of ownership is sanctioned by the Mexican government, provided for under the Mexican Constitution, and secured by the Central Bank of Mexico. This is NOT a lease, but actual ownership held in trust.

Put simply, the Bank Trust gives foreigners the same rights of ownership as Mexican citizens. The only difference is that foreigners do not receive the actual fee simple title, which is held in trust for them by a bank. It is important to understand, though, that the deed to the trust is not an asset of the bank in which it is held. It is your asset.

Title of the property is delivered to an authorized Mexican Bank which acts as the Trustee, designating the foreign buyer as the Beneficiary of the Trust (that's you). The Bank acts like an "employee" of the Beneficiary (you) in transactions involving the property. The Beneficiary (you) retains the use and control of the property and makes all the investment decisions. The rights of use and enjoyment, leasing, improving, mortgaging, selling, inheriting and willing the property is the same as when owned in fee simple title. It is your Trust and not the property of the Government or the Bank. Neither the Government nor the Bank can do anything with the property without your consent and/or instructions.

A sale becomes registered when it is witnessed and recorded through a Notorio Publico, a classification that is more like a specialized lawyer than the notary public you may be familiar with in the USA. From there, title passes to the designated Bank to be held in the Fideicomiso.

The Bank reviews all paperwork of the current owner/developer to make sure the documents are complete and legal. Until the Bank is satisfied with all the documents, it will not issue a Fideicomiso. What happens if the Bank holding your trust goes out of business, is purchased by an unauthorized Bank, etc.? Your Fideicomiso will be transferred to another authorized Bank. Again, the Bank does not own the Fideicomiso, you do!

Unless a problem occurs because of fraud or misrepresentation, the Fideicomiso cannot be compromised.

Note that even if the trust expires, the beneficiary does NOT lose all rights and benefits of the sale of the property held in trust. The beneficiary has a contractual right under the trust agreement to all benefits that might result from the use or sale of that property, even though he doesn't hold title to the property. Under Mexican Law, the bank administering the trust has a fiduciary obligation to respect the rights of the beneficiary.

One last word in this brief explanation: It's a good idea for potential real estate buyers to have all real estate transactions looked over by a licensed Mexican attorney. An additional caveat: I am not one of those attorneys. Though tens of thousands of foreigners have owned real estate, without problems, for many years throughout Mexico, the possibility of fraud always exists (as is also true in the USA and other countries).

In future columns I'll explain things in more detail, including ways to protect yourself from fraud, how your Mexican immigration status changes once you purchase real estate, what documentation you need, your legal obligations as a "land owner" (including tax obligations), etc.

But for now, in a nutshell, this will do as a starter. Yes you CAN own real estate in Mexico!

Promoting Puerto Penasco: Cool Beans!

Russ and Naomi Black took Rocky Point's show on the road September 13-15, putting in an appearance at TheTradeShow in Las Vegas ("Where the Entire Travel Industry Meets Under One Roof") to promote our little corner of the world. They did this all on their own (the cost of the booth alone was $3,000!), but are starting to get support from the local community. The only other presenters at the show from Mexico were the Mexican Tourism Board and the city of Cancun. Cool beans!

What's up next for their promotion plans?

• Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show in Quartzsite, AZ: January 16 - 24th, 2010
• L.A. Times Travel & Adventure Show in Los Angeles, CA: February 13 – 14, 2010

For more details and to learn how you can be represented at these shows visit Promos Para Penasco

As Russ put it: "A really important point to remember is that we only have a Promotion company, we aren't affiliated with any hotels, or condos, or restaurants, we are affiliated with the good people of Penasco. From the guys trying to rent their condos, to the kids selling chicklets on the beach. They all need our help. That is why we are doing this work. Please help us out!"

Every little bit, as they say. But this little bit is pretty big. Applause and a big thumbs up for Russ and Naomi!

La Tormenta en Puerto Penasco!

-by El Gitano Peñasco, "The Peñasco Gypsy"

Along with many other people, back around 2005 I, too, posted on various PP blogs predicting that the ‘pump and dump’ gang who continued touting that there was no end to the rise of property prices in Puerto Peñasco were flat out wrong, if not being willfully deceitful.

Peñasco, like so many other places, took a big hit once the real global economy reared its ugly face. At the recent G20 summit there was the usual glad-handing about how ‘they’ saved the world from a depression, but just in the Southwestern USA and Mexico countless numbers of once hard working people are still unemployed (aka: in a ‘depression’) and now we have two more locomotives barreling down the track that may once again affect us all, including businesses and people in PP.

One of those trains is the predicted pending collapse in the United States of mortgages on commercial properties, which some insiders claim will make the recent housing crash seem like child’s play. The other steam engine rolling our way, according to some in the precious metals markets, is double digit inflation.

I’m not quite sure (yet) about the commercial properties (mortgages) forecast but I do believe that inflation in the US and Mexico (elsewhere, too), in the real world of day to day living expenses is near to, if not already in, the low double digit numbers and I fear prices will continue to increase at such a level that Peñasco may see a downturn in either the number of visitors or their daily expenditures and possibly both!

Maybe I’m all wet, but if you follow the gold market (as an inflation indicator) and realize that as recently as the year 2000 the metal was trading around the $290-$320 *USD per ounce and that on September 16th 2009 the precious metal tagged the $1,020.00 per ounce line, well, that just might validate my concerns about how La Tormenta de la Inflación may influence traveling and spending habits to and in Puerto Peñasco.

Viva México!

Email me: El Gitano Penasco

Stuffed Jalapenos

If you're looking for a great snack for your next tailgate party or grilling event, you can't go wrong with stuffed jalapenos. The number of ingredients for stuffing them is endless, and though many recipes call for wrapping them in bacon before putting them on the grill, some people prefer to simply top them with prosciutto or serrano ham. Dipped in a batter and deep fried, stuffed jalapenos are often called "poppers". Below is a basic recipe, followed by some suggestions for alternate stuffings. You can even keep them meat/cheese free if you're a vegan. Be creative!

I generally use a couple dozen fresh jalapeno peppers to serve as appetizers for 4 hungry people, though you can use more or fewer depending on how many people you'll be serving and what other appetizers you serve. Note that they reheat very well in the microwave or a toaster oven, so if you have leftovers they won't stay left over very long! Oh, and they aren't necessarily as hot as you would think they are, but the chorizo in this recipe adds extra spiciness so do have some warm flour tortillas on hand to absorb the heat for sissies like me. Beware: These are addictive, because everything's better with bacon!

Without further ado, I give you

CHORIZO STUFFED JALAPENOS WRAPPED IN BACON:

Medicare in Mexico?

Last March Rocky Point Tides published an article about Hospital Cima Hermosillo, a world-class hospital owned by Dallas-based International Hospital Corp. (IHC), signing a contract with Companion Global Healthcare Inc. to be included in its network, making it possible for Blue Cross and Blue Shield members to seek treatment there. (See Medical Tourism in Mexico and American Insurance Companies) Procedures covered include cardiology, gynecology and orthopedic surgeries, and there are no deductibles to pay. Members now have access to the hospital's 60% discount of what the U.S. price is.

At about the same time that article was written, Paul Crist, a former aid to Sen. Paul Sarbanes, D-Md. who now operates a hotel in Puerto Vallarta, founded the non-profit Americans For Medicare In Mexico (AMMAC). He has since lobbied 85 members in the U.S. Congress to get Medicare accepted south of the border, and his efforts seem to be gaining some traction.

Approximately 800,000 Americans live in Mexico, with about a quarter of them over the age of 60, which makes them eligible for Medicare. Studies show that about 64% of them currently have to fly or drive back to the USA for care that is covered by Medicare; the remaining 36% receive treatment in Mexico and pick up the costs themselves. Crist postulates that if Medicare were accepted in Mexico, most of the 64% flying back to the USA would instead opt for treatment nearer their homes, cutting Medicare's overall costs by a minimum of 22% net.

Studies show that medical care in Mexico costs about 70% less than the same care in the USA. With the Baby Boomer generation rapidly entering retirement age, the savings to Medicare from Boomers choosing to move to Mexico, or receive medical care there, could be even more substantial within the next few decades.

AMMAC and David Warner, a professor of health care policy at the University of Texas at Austin and a specialist on Medicare in Mexico, are both proposing an in-depth three-year Mexico-Medicare pilot project to better understand the economics, determine whether Mexican health care meets Medicare's quality standards and determine if the payment system is sufficiently free of fraud. To that point, they are seeking U.S. Congressional authorization for a Demonstration Project for Medicare in Mexico.

On the Mexican side of the border support for such a program is generally viewed favorably. With an eye toward encouraging the growth of Medical Tourism, Mexico is already in the process of bringing private hospitals up to the standards required for certification by the Joint Commission International (JCI), an institution that accredits hospitals in Canada and the United States.

What many people don't know is that the North American Free Trade Agreement obligates the Mexican medical system to be on a par with the United States and Canada, allowing for the free flow of patients from border to border. The health sector in Mexico is regulated and certified by the Mexican General Health Commission, and health care is quite good throughout the country, but Mexico sees the task of getting JCI certification for its private hospitals as very important to complete its obligations and fulfill its hopes for the future of Medical Tourism.

According to Crist, Mexican hospital accreditation standards match JCI’s requirements in almost every respect. His organization is asking that Medicare do their studies to accept Mexican accreditation instead of the JCI accreditation, which would open the door for many hospitals available as Medicare providers.

While support for Crist's proposal is substantial, especially in the House of Representatives, he is being told that now may not be the best time to introduce it. Their plate is pretty full right now, especially with the Health Care Reform debate going on, and many Congressmen/women think it might be a wiser political choice to wait until next year and introduce a separate bill proposing Medicare in Mexico rather than trying to include it in the Health Care Reform bill now being debated.

Keeping a close eye on the subject, and backing it, are real estate developers hoping to build assisted-living villages for American retirees in Mexico and influential lobbying groups like the Association of Americans Resident Overseas. And then there's Carlos Slim Helu, one of the richest men in the world.

Carlos Slim's Ideal company has already formed a partnership with Grupo Star Medica to open new medical centers in Puerto Peñasco and Los Cabos catering specifically to U.S. Baby Boomers. Slim, who owns Telefonos de Mexico among other companies, said at the time that the sharply increased costs of health care in the United States, much of it borne by the federal government in Medicare costs, presents an opportunity for Mexico to become a place where retirees can come to get medical care at a much lower cost. He reckoned that fulfilling that opportunity would require getting Medicare/Medicaid to cover medical procedures done in Mexico.

Americans in Mexico will have to wait and see how it all works out, but in the meantime the Association of Americans Resident Overseas and similar organizations are asking members to send letters to their congressional representatives, urging that at minimum a pilot project like that suggested by AMMAC and Warner be undertaken to study the consequences of accepting Medicare benefits in Mexico.

Will Mexicans Swarm to Rocky Point?

-by El Gitano Peñasco, "The Peñasco Gypsy"

Long touted by the folks from the Grand Canyon State as ‘Arizona’s beach’ I think it is time for some reflecting as a new era was to begin this week on September 10th, 2009 with the ‘official’ (official) opening of the “Mar de Cortez Airport” in Rocky Point.

Of course all the big guns were to be on hand: “President Calderon, and Mr. Molinar Horcasitas, Secretary of Communication and Transportation along with Mr. Daniel Chavez, CEO of Mayan Palace were set to assist in the inauguration. Similar to Air Force One, President Calderon was going to land in the Quetzalcoatl 1, the Mexican Presidential Aircraft for the grand opening on Thursday…”

Unfortunately the ceremony has been postponed—AGAIN!

But eventually it will happen, and as I read several PRs about the event it dawned on me that Mexico, with a population of about 110 Million, doesn’t need to ‘sell’ the “commercial” flights (currently being negotiated) to the ‘Gringo’ market because just among nearby Tijuana, Mexicali, Mazatlan and Hermosillo there are millions of potential Turistas who would enjoy coming to Penasco for a little pleasure, sun and fun and maybe consider setting up a few businesses, too…

I’m sure there will always be a Gringo component to Penasco tourism but I also know that Mexicans love taking their families to visit new destinations, and when a ‘beach’ is tossed into the mix they may likely flock to Penasco in such numbers that tourists north of the border would only be a very thin layer of icing on top of the cake. National tourism to the region has already picked up significantly over the summer; I predict it will quietly continue to grow.

And maybe that is the way it should be, because if you take out of the equation the people (mainly) from Arizona who only purchased real estate over the last few decades-- many on a ‘pump and dump’ methodology and mostly avoiding long term commitments such as living full time, retiring or setting up a business in Penasco-- well, maybe the Nationals will step up and fill in the void.

So all us Gringos better consider brushing up on our Spanish language skills and dusting off the old Sombreros and Sarapes because there may be a new day on the horizon for Puerto Penasco and I for one would love to see it happen…

Viva México!

Email me: El Gitano Penasco

Chiles en Nogada: Food for Mexico's Independence Day

Though Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain on September 16, the festivities really begin the day before. Every year, on September 15th, the Zócalo, or main square in every Mexican city is draped in Mexico's colors of green, white and red. There are fireworks; special foods; flowers; parades; music; vendors on every street corner selling flags, flowers, papier-mache helmets, horns, whistles, balloons, etc.

In Mexico City, at 11:00 p.m., the crowd becomes silent as the president of Mexico steps out on the palace balcony, and rings the historic bell that Father Hidalgo rang to call the people to revolution. Then the president gives the Grito de Dolores. He shouts "¡Viva Mexico!" and "¡Viva la independencia!" and the crowd roars the words back at him. Seriously, it gives even a gringa like me goosebumps!

This call is duplicated in every city throughout Mexico by the alcalde/mayor and the festivities begin. Fiestas celebrating independence take place that night and the next day throughout Mexico. The 16th is a day full of music, bullfights, rodeos, parades, more fireworks and plenty of dancing, food and drink.

As is true of all major holidays in Mexico, women often spend hours preparing special foods for the occasion. If you can wrangle an invitation to a Mexican friend's home, Dia de Independencia is a great day to do it.

One of my favorite dishes that is often served during this holiday is the lovely and delicious Chiles en Nogada (Chiles in Walnut Sauce). It consists of poblano chiles filled with "picadillo" (a mixture usually containing chopped or ground meat, aromatics, fruits, and spices) topped with a walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, giving it the three colors of the Mexican flag. With wonderful flavors and texture, it is a Mexican Independence day favorite, and one of my favorites, too. Here is how to fix it.

Beach Buzz: Tessoro Delivers, the Trike Race Was a Hoot, Mexico Living Guide...

-by La Huerita

Today I've got good news and good news. And some good news just to finish it off.

As I wrote back in April, 2009 (Tessoro at Las Conchas Plugging Along): "One potential bright spot in all the mess is the Tessoro at Las Conchas project, a high-end condo development located at the end of Las Conchas on a peninsula surrounded by the Morua Estuary. Construction there has continued throughout the turmoil of the last year or so."

I'm pleased to report that not only have they been plugging along, Tessoro began delivering in August 2009, began operations as of Labor Day 2009 and will open for rentals on October 1, 2009. A round of applause, please! You can see the construction photos, take an online tour, meet some of the owners, etc. at their Web site

With the real estate market in its current collapsed condition, this can only be seen as a positive development, whether or not you think it was a good idea to build such a project in that particular place. So kudos to Tessoro at Las Conchas for delivering on their promise!


Meanwhile, back at Camel Toe Cantina in Rocky Point, the Labor Day Tricycle Races went off not quite without a hitch, but they did go off. Thrown together on a moment's notice, they were scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5. Tricycles were gathered, competitors were lined up, prizes were offered. Alas, no one had anticipated the effect of a major soccer game being televised at Camel Toe that day. The place was packed with locals enthusiastically cheering for their team. When race time came, it became evident that to interrupt the game so a bunch of grownups could race their trikes would cause a riot, so it was postponed to later in the day. But Mexico won, the locals were euphoric, more celebrations ensued. In the end, the race was held on Sunday, a good time was had by all, lessons were learned (like, the seats on the trikes need to be reinforced to hold the weight of adults), money was raised for charity and they're already planning a NEW official Trike Race event. More lead time should make this impromptu event more better. I understand that The Rocky Point News Online will be posting photos of the event in their next edition, so along about Friday morning (Sept. 11), point your browser to http:rockypointnewsonline.com to live the hilarity vicariously!

Saving the best for last (I kid), I'm happy to report that I have joined the illustrious ranks of contributors to Mexico Living, a magazine covering northwestern Mexico (Baja California, Baja California Sur and Sonora). You will find my humble little monthly column in the Puerto Penasco section of the magazine, beginning with the September edition. You can pick the magazine up at many distribution points in Mexico (free for nothing), or you can download the PDF version online. Also free for nothing.

Mexico Living has changed its format, too. It is now being printed on a sheet called HiBrite, which means the paper is bleached and bright white. Most tabloids only use this on the cover but Mexico Living is going to use it throughout, the reason being that they are going to remain FULL COLOR cover to cover and they want the color to pop. They are also not going to be loose leaf, but rather are going to stitch (staple) and trim (cut the side smooth). May I say it looks great?

There's lots of great stuff in that magazine, besides MY column I mean, so be sure to pick one up-- either physically or virtually. You won't be sorry!

And that's all the Buzz on the Beach for today.

Peace out...

About Beach Buzz: Not necessarily the news, this is a place for information, opinion, speculation, gossip, tips and other good stuff about Rocky Point, and Mexico in general. Have opinions to air, anecdotes to share, tips or tidbits to contribute? I'd like to hear from you!

Email me: La Huerita

Mar de Cortés International Airport to be Inaugurated September 10

UPDATE Sept. 9: Postponed AGAIN? See the comment by "Anonymous" below this post and the article about it at Rocky Point News Online.

The long-anticipated grand inauguration of Puerto Penasco's new international airport will take place on September 10, 2009, finally opening the region to the potential for real international tourism. Officiating at the ceremonies will be President Felipe Calderón, Secretary of Communication and Transportation Molinar Horcasitas and Daniel Chavez, CEO of Grupo Mayan/Grupo Vidanta.

Called the Mar de Cortés International Airport, phase 1 of its operations will be limited to private and charter flights with commercial flights to be available as soon as agreements with commercial airlines are finalized. The airport will serve Puerto Penasco and the "Gold Coast" of Sonora, with Aereo Calafia already committed to bringing flights from Hermosillo in 12-seat Cessna Grand Caravans.

Located in La Jolla de Cortés some 30 miles south of Puerto Penasco, the Mar de Cortés International Airport is the first completely privately built airport in Mexico. It was constructed by a joint venture between Vedanta Capital Group and Grupo Mayan. That partnership was later dissolved with ownership of the project taken over by the newly formed Grupo Vidanta, a parallel company to Grupo Mayan headed up by Daniel Chavez.

The runway was inaugurated in September 2007 when President Calderón's presidential plane landed on the runway for the Border Governors' meeting. The runway is built to endure the repeated landings of 737 planes and at 2.5 kilometers is 200 meters longer that the runway of the International Airport in Hermosillo. Area promoters consider that this airport will be one of the most important in Mexico, receiving flights from all over the world. Some of the shorter flights will be coming from the U.S. states of Arizona, Nevada, and California, as well as other important cities in Mexico.

De Tiempo Compartido en Puerto Peñasco

-by El Gitano Peñasco, "The Peñasco Gypsy"

Aside from the millions of families the world over who’ve owned their vacations since the 1960’s there are a lot more people who really don’t look kindly on Vacation Ownership, but the fact of the matter is that timesharing is a viable aspect of one of the world’s largest industries: travel and tourism.

In Penasco, Mayan Palace folks aside, I’ve seen people try to market and sell their homes on a ‘fractional ownership’ basis (aka: timeshare) and there have been a couple of hotel and condo projects that have also attempted to ‘play’ in the estimated $10 Billion (dollar) global timeshare industry; but to the best of my knowledge most have not done so well…

There are reasons for their less than stellar performance but it usually boils down to an inadequate marketing budget, knowledge (aka: timeshare sales and marketing professionals), etc. and quite frankly, IMHO, ‘most’ of these people dabbling in the timeshare business look down on the industry in the first place and because they do they are doomed to fail.

Back during the 1980’s, when timesharing was spreading across the globe like an uncontrolled wild fire, there was an isolated area in Mexico where a few far-sighted folks either converted part of their property (like the Finisterra Hotel) or purpose-built a condo project (Club Cascadas) as timeshares, thus jumping right smack dab into the middle of the global timeshare frying pan.

Of course as most of us know today the ‘Cabo’ area now offers a plethora of beautiful 5-Star timeshare resorts all over both Capes. The fact of the matter is that, in large part, the timeshare developers, sales and marketing folks and those pesky buyers who spent billions of dollars/pesos buying those damn timeshares were instrumental in the transformation of a once truly dirty little ‘quaint fishing village’ into a world class travel destination.

So the next time you have something distasteful to say about those ‘timeshare sharks’ or the OPC’s pushing ‘a free dinner for two, a bottle of tequila, etc.’ to ‘trap’ people to attend a ‘high-pressure’ (LOL) sales presentation, don’t look down on them too much because they are ensuring that timeshare owners and their families and friends (aka: tourists and possible future home owners) will continue to visit our little slice of paradise and spend a lot of money in Puerto Penasco for generations to come!

Viva México!

Email me: El Gitano Penasco

UPDATE 4: Hurricane Jimena, Rocky Point, the Baja and San Carlos, Sonora

NEW UPDATE FOR ROCKY POINT: Weather officials in Arizona are expecting some stormy weather over the weekend, as the remnants of Jimena connect with a cold front off the Pacific Ocean to trigger showers and thundershowers. There is a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms in the Valley Thursday and Friday nights, jumping to 40 percent for the day on Saturday, but dropping to 30 percent by Sunday. There is a chance for Labor Day storms in southeast Arizona.

You can probably expect similar weather in Rocky Point over the weekend. They expect some clouds and rain at some point, maybe a thundershower or two, but negligible winds. As of early Thursday afternoon, the sky is blue with some wispy clouds far to the south and a light wind. If you are used to driving during Arizona's monsoon season, you should have no problem getting to Rocky Point during any part of the weekend. The road is good and well maintained. Keep an ear tuned to the local weather station for indications of flooding, but I wouldn't be overly concerned about driving down.

UPDATE 4: As of late Wednesday/early Thursday-- Part of Jimena, now a Tropical Storm, has crossed the Sea of Cortez and is currently pounding Guaymas/San Carlos on the Sonoran Coast. Information is hard to come by, as the San Carlos message boards seem pretty silent on Jimena, but the last reports I got indicated lots of rain, high surf, and some pretty strong winds moving in late on Wednesday. This storm should break up completely in the mountains of Sonora, with residual moisture moving north/northeast.

Meanwhile, the other part of Jimena remains stalled over central Baja. (That's what the officials say, though the 2:00AM updated image seems to show the whole thing moving over mainland Mexico. ???) No word has arrived from Mulege for several hours, and we assume conditions there are not good with the deluge of rain probably causing serious flooding, positioned as the town is on a river at the base of mountains. Keep the good people of that area in your thoughts and prayers.

The official update from the NHC/ NOAA as of Sept. 3 at 8:00PM PDT:

While there have been no recent microwave overpasses of Jimena, late afternoon visible satellite imagery suggest that the mid- and upper-level center of Jimena is decoupling from the low-level center. Recent surface observations show that the low-level center remains over the central Baja California peninsula. Moderate to strong west-southwesterly upper-level winds are expected to take the mid- and upper-level center east-northeastward toward Mainland Mexico, while the low-level center is forecast to turn north-northwest, then westward in the low-level flow. Most of the track guidance agrees with this scenario and the official forecast is similar to the previous advisory but lies along the northern side of the guidance after 24 hours.

As of 2:00AM PDT September 3:
The government of Mexico has extended the tropical storm warning northward on the east coast of the Baja Peninsula to Calamajue and northward on the coast of northwestern mainland Mexico from Huatabampito northward to Puerto Libertad.

The center of Tropical Storm Jimena at 2:00AM was located about 30 miles/45KM north-northwest of Santa Rosalia on the Baja Peninsula. Jimena is moving toward the north near 7mph/22 KM/hr. A turn toward the northwest then west with a decrease in forward speed is expected later today, followed by a turn toward the southwest on Friday. On the forecast track, the center of Jimena will be near the east coast of central Baja today, then move inland over Baja by tonight.

Additional weakening is forecast during the next couple of days and Jimena could weaken to a tropical depression by tonight.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 120 miles/195 KM from the center. Jimena is expected to produce additional rain accumulations of 3 to 5 inches over the central portion of the Baja Peninsula and portions of western Mexico during the next day or so. Isolated maximum storm-total amounts of 15 inches are possible in association with Jimena. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.

Higher than normal tide levels with large and dangerous battering waves along portions of the coast of the central Baja Peninsula and northwestern mainland Mexico will gradually subside during the next day or two.

Breakfast Burritos, Any Way You Want Them!

Tired of cooking and eating the same old things for breakfast? Having trouble getting the kids interested in something besides McDonald's? Here's something easy, healthy and a guaranteed hit for the whole family. (And it's good for lunch, too!)

This recipe comes from Mission Foods, and the glory of it is that you can easily substitute your own ingredients to satisfy everyone. For instance, instead of sausage, substitute chilorio (the canned kind is fine if you don't have fresh) or chorizo; add some diced roasted peppers; choose your own favorite cheese (I personally like a flavorful Manchego, some Queso Blanco or Pepper Jack, or substitute Chihuahua for the Cheddar). Once I even cooked up a can of roast beef hash to replace both the sausage and potatoes, and doggone, if I do say so myself, it was pretty good! Not particularly Mexican, but good... ;)

You can put anything you like in the tortilla-- but this recipe is a good place to start!

UPDATE 3: Hurricane Jimena and Rocky Point, Mexico

UPDATE 2: It looks like Bahia Asuncion on the Pacific side of Baja and Mulege and Loreto on the Sea of Cortez side are seeing some serious weather. Sand flying, pounding surf, raining sideways and a loss of power in some areas. The storm, which has weakened significantly, appears to be sitting around the mountains behind Mulege, with the center officially about 60 miles/100KM south of Santa Rosalia. As of 2:00PM PDT, a tropical storm warning has been issued for northwestern mainland Mexico from Huatabampito to Bahia Kino.

Jimena is moving toward the north near 13 MPH/20KM per hour. A turn toward the northwest and a decrease in forward speed is expected tonight, with a turn toward the west expected on Thursday.

Moisture from Jimena may still move up to Puerto Penasco and give us some rain and choppy ocean conditions (we've already seen clouds and a bit of wind), but nothing serious is expected from Jimena in our neck of the woods.

=============

UPDATE Sept. 2, 8:00AM PDT: Load up the vehicle and head on down to Puerto Penasco for the Labor Day fun and games. From the looks of this most recent update and most of the computer models, Jimena will be taking a sharp turn to the west by Thursday, Sept. 3, and heading out into the Pacific as a tropical storm/depression.

That's good news for Rocky Point, but things are still looking pretty bad for the Baja and parts of the coastal mainland where there is considerable rain and the possibility of flooding. The arms of this storm are still far-reaching, as you can see from this image. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles/55 km from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles/220 km.

Jimena is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches over the southern half of the Baja Peninsula and portions of western Mexico during the next couple of days, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Jimena is moving toward the north-northwest near 13 mph/20 km/hr. This general motion is expected to continue with a decrease in forward speed during the next 24 to 36 hours. On this course the core of Jimena will be near or just offshore the West Coast of the southern Baja California peninsula today, and near or over the central Baja California peninsula on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph/160 km/hr with higher gusts. Jimena is a category two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours, but Jimena is still forecast to be a hurricane when it moves inland.

A dangerous storm surge along with large and dangerous battering waves will produce significant coastal flooding along the Baja California peninsula.

UPDATE 2 on Hurricane Jimena and Rocky Point, Mexico

UPDATE Sept. 1, 8:00AM PDT: Don't cancel your Labor Day Weekend plans for Rocky Point just yet. The most recent advisory says there is uncertainty about the ultimate path Jimena will take.

There is agreement that the storm will continue in a general north-northwesterly tack for the next couple of days, but after 72 hours the forecast becomes less confident. The GFDL, GFDN and NOGAPS call for Jimena to turn northeastward across northwestern Mexico and the southwestern USA; the rest of the dynamical guidance either stalls it over central Baja or turns it westward into the Pacific.

Overall the guidance envelope has shifted a little westward, along with the official forecast. After 72 hours the new track comromises between the model extremes by calling for a slow northward motion, with landfall on the central Baja Peninsula in 36 - 48 hours.

I'm hoping that the purple line in this image (the HWRF model) will be the winner, though the blue line (the GFDL model) has been more accurate in predicting the paths of Eastern Pacific hurricanes in past years.

Small deviations left or right of the official track could result in large errors in both the location and timing of landfall.

So, Rocky Pointers, be prepared but don't panic. But do keep our friends in southern and central Baja (and north into San Felipe, too) in your thoughts and prayers. They're in for a rough few days.