Baja Citizen Community Magazine December 2015

The
December/January 2015
Citizen
Your Community Magazine
FREE
The
La Ventana
Classic is Back
and Better Than Ever
page 13
www.bajacitizen.com
The Baja Citizen
Ten Things To Do
When You Come to La Paz
page 20
La Paz Map
pages 16-17
Malecón-Álvaro Obregón #50
Phone 612 122 9828
Cell 612 157 8000
Vista Coral 282
MLS #15-9
$ 349,000 US
This spectacular 2 bed, 2 bath condo.
Located right on the water.
Casa Sally
MLS # 15-1963
$149,000 US
Home in El Centenario with 3
bed and a semi finished guest
cottage. Great deal.
Colinas del Sol #202
MLS #14-457
$129,000 US
Fully furnished condo with all
appliances. Gated and guarded
community.
Colinas del Sol Penthouse
MLS # 15-869
$238,000 US
5th floor penthouse. 2 bed and
2.5 bath. Fully furnished. Gated
and guarded.
Villa La Posada V 106, V108 and T 301
MLS #13-2069
155,000 US
Condos in La Paz, steps from strolling
on a sandy beach. Take your choice
of condo.
CostaBaja Villa #8
MLS # 13-1004
$699,000 US
3116 total sq. ft. condo with 2
bed, 2 bath. Private, exclusive
community.
CostaBaja Pueblo Marinero 205
MLS# 14-1609
$399,000 US
Spectacular condo has 2 bed and 2
bath. Lowest priced condo available.
Casa Centenario
MLS # 15-1288
$219, 000 US
Home with 2 bed, 3 bath, a pool,
a theater room and library.
Beachfront Home
MLS # 14-1637
$ 495,000.00 US
Beach property with 4 bedrooms
plus large bodega.
Casa EL Centenario
MLS # 15-1229
$74,900 US
Brand new home in El
Centenario. Large backyard.
Priced really well.
Altus Palmira
MLS #15-2095
$142,000 US
Ground level, 2 bed and 2 bath
condo. Walk out to terrace, pool.
Casa Esterito
MLS # 15-1970
$103,000 US
2 blocks from the malecón,
spacious 3 bed, 2 bath home..
Club Marlin
MLS# 14-1601
$599,000 US
Perfect investment. Terms available.
El Centenario beachfront property.
Condominios Allende
MLS #15-2196
Only $129,000 US
Amazing condo for sale. 2 bed,
1 bath. One block from the
malecon of La Paz.
Casa Encinas
MLS #12-1030
$ 189,000.00 US
3 bed, 2.5 bath home close to
shopping and schools.
Commercial Building
MLS # 15-1844
$332,750 US
Great location. Building can go
up to 3 floors.
www.landsendrealty.com
[email protected]
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Our Services
612-1295657
Index
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
13
15
16
18
20
22
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
Editor’s Letter
Spanish Corner
The True Spirit of Christmas Shines Through
Angels Needed!
Christmas Tianguis Have Taken Over
Downtown La Paz
Christmas in La Paz, 1966
Ramblings: The Fun of Using Peseros in La Paz
The Extended Holiday Season in Mexico
The La Ventana Classic is Back and
Better Than Ever
Have You Paid Aguinaldo to Your Employees?
La Paz Map
Smiley Citizens
Ten Things To Do When You Come To La Paz
The Work of International Community Foundation
The Pelican Theathe’s Production of
Love, Loss And What I Wore
Have You Heard About Club Cruceros de La Paz?
Artists of Todos Santos 7th Annual Open Studios
Municipality of La Paz Property Tax Discounts on Now
EPN Meets With Prime Minister of Canada
Justin Trudeau
A Small, Simple Water Filter That Saves Lives in
Rural Mexico
Dental Clinic in the FANLAP Dining Room
IMPORTANT LA PAZ
PHONE NUMBERS
EMERGENCY
Port Captain
(Police or Fire Department)
122 0243
Highway Patrol
Federal Police
Federal Immigration
Office (INM)
066
122 0369
IMSS Hospital
122 7377
Fidepaz Hospital
124 0400
Citizen
Your Community Magazine
Editor
Gari-Ellen Donohoe
[email protected]
612 159 1388
Graphic Design
Fernando Sánchez Bernal
publishing
design
art
photo
consulting
[email protected] / 612 14 00 542
The Baja Citizen community magazine
is a monthly, free circulation magazine
that is distributed in La Paz and the
communities of El Centenario, Todos
Santos, El Pescadero, El Sargento/La
Ventana and Los Barriles.
The views of contributors to The Baja
Citizen community magazine do not
necessarily reflect those of the publishers.
Publisher: Hally J. Productions S. de R.L.
La Paz, BCS, Mexico 23090
Our Cover Photographer
Kat Bennett
Kat Bennett has been a full-time resident of La Paz since 2005. In addition
to working in Allende Books, Kat has
appeared in local theater productions,
has worked on several translation
projects, and is a frequent contributor to the Baja Citizen. She is an avid
amateur photographer.
125 3493
122 0429
State Tourism Office
124 0100
120 0199
The Baja Citizen
The
2
December 2015
Editor’s Letter
It is December in La Paz and there is a
noticeable uptick in traffic. Stores are
crammed with extra product for the holiday season and shoppers seem to be out
in full-force this year. Several government workers were already paid some
of their aguinaldo, or Chirstmas bonus,
for the Buen Fin weekend and things
haven’t slowed down in the city since.
One benefit workers receive here
is the annual payment of extra money
at Christmas time. Mexico adopted the
law of aguinaldo, the formal payment
of the Christmas bonus, several decades
ago. The payment of aguinaldo is mandatory, must be paid by December 20th
every year, and must be paid in cash.
The Buen Fin weekend was held
the weekend of November 13th-16th in
Mexico. The Mexican federal government, along with the private sector, had
come up with the initiative called Buen
Fin (Good Weekend), similar to Black
Friday in the US.
Both the private and public sector
wanted to kick off the shopping season
even earlier this year and hoped Buen
Fin would boost domestic consumption. The government decided that they
would pay their workers part of their
Christmas bonus early to allow them to
take advantage of steep discounts over
the Buen Fin weekend. Christmas bonuses are generally paid in the first pay
period of December (between the 12th
to the 20th)
But because of the early payment of
bonuses, restaurants, malls and grocery
stores have noticed Christmas shopping
and parties taking place even earlier this
year than most and are enjoying several
weeks of strong sales instead of just two
weeks in December. For many business
owners, this is their strongest month in
sales.
And December isn’t just a time for
shopping. It is also posada time. Have
you been invited to one?
Las posadas means “the inns” or
“the shelters” in Spanish. A religious
and social celebration that takes place
for nine nights, from December 16th
to the 24th, the holiday known as Las
Posadas commemorates Joseph and
Mary’s journey to Bethlehem and their
search for shelter prior to the birth of
Christ.
Las Posadas is a reenactment of
this difficult journey. It is an elaborate
preparation for La Navidad (Christmas)
in Mexico and some Central American
countries.
Some folks celebrate the traditional
posada with their family and guests as
part of their Christmas party. A traditional posada includes a procession led by
children, followed by adults and musicians. They travel to a different house in
the neighborhood and pretend they are
looking for lodging. When they enter
the home where the party is to be held,
they begin the evening with prayer; soon
after, the celebration begins, full of music, fireworks, food, candy, and treats for
all. Children and adults alike anticipate
this joyous religious occasion.
Other posadas you might attend are
non-traditional and are really just Christmas parties but the word posada is used
anyways in the invitation. If you have
the opportunity to take part in a traditional posada, don’t hesitate. It is a great
way to learn and appreciate the culture
here in Mexico.
To all my faithful readers, hardworking writers and incredible advertisers,
thank-you so much for helping me bring
life to the Baja Citizen magazine.
2015 has once again been a life
changing time for me and believe it or
not, I am still having fun! Have a safe
and fun holiday season. I wish you all
health, love and happiness for 2016.
See you after the New Year!
Yours,
Gari-Ellen
December 2015
3 The Baja Citizen
Spanish Corner
THE HOLIDAYS/ LAS FIESTAS
The holiday season is upon us. Here are a few greetings
and important festive words that will help you get through
the season a little easier.
¡FÉLIZ NAVIDAD!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
¡UN PRÓSPERO AÑO NUEVO!
A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
¡FÉLIZ AÑO NUEVO!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
¡FÉLIZ JANUCÁ!
HAPPY HANUKKAH!
¡FELICES FIESTAS!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
¡FELICES FIESTAS DE LAS LUCES!
HAPPY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS !
LA CELEBRACIÓN DE JANUCÁ
HANUKKAH
LAS POSADAS
TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATIONS (DEC. 16-24)
EL ÁRBOL DE NAVIDAD
CHRISTMAS TREE
LA NOCHEBUENA CHRISTMAS EVE, POINTISETTA
LOS VILLANCICOS
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
EL NACIMIENTO
NATIVITY SCENE, THE CRESHE
LOS ADORNOS NAVIDEÑOS
DECORATIONS
LAS BOTAS NAVIDEÑAS
CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS
LA CENA NAVIDEÑA
CHRISTMAS DINNER
EL PONCHE
CHRISTMAS PUNCH
LOS BUÑUELOS
SUGARY FRIED BREAD
LOS REGALOS, LOS OBSEQUIOS
GIFTS
EL DÍA DE LOS SANTOS INOCENTES
MEXICAN FOOL´S DAY,
28TH OF DECEMBER
EL AÑO NUEVO
NEW YEARS’S EVE
LOS PROPÓSITOS DE AÑO NUEVO
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
EL AGUINALDO
EMPLOYEE CHRISTMAS BONUS
The Baja Citizen
May the holidays with family and friends
bring peace and joy now and throughout
the New Year.
THE STAFF OF SE HABLA…LA PAZ
SPANISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL
4
December 2015
The True Spirit of Christmas Shines Through
By Irene Phillips
Here in Mexico, the December
festival season begins with
the celebration of the Patrona
de Mexico, Our Lady of
Guadalupe on December
12 and continues through
Christmas and on to All King’s
Day on January 6. Mexican
fiestas are steeped in tradition with food, music and family
being the central theme.
On the Baja, the poinsettias and the live, pine Christmas
trees are popping up in stores everywhere. Toys and specialty items load the aisles of the supermarkets. All of this is
in preparation of the coming fiestas. There is something for
everyone...well at least those who can afford those luxuries.
In our little village of El Centenario, many of us spend
Christmas here without our immediate families. A group of
us were looking for a way to spend Christmas together with
our neighbors and to help some of the local families who
could use a little extra something.
What better way to do that than to have a fiesta.
Two years ago, we started Amigos de Navidad. With the
generous donations of our friends, family and neighbors, we
served Christmas dinner to over 240 people the first year.
And more than 250 in the second year. That represents more
than 40 families and most of those people were children.
In addition to the meal, parents went home with a gift for
each of their children to open on All King’s Day and a food
hamper with everyday staples they could use to feed their
family.
This is our third year and even though some of the families we helped in the past are now doing better financially,
there are always people who need a little help. We look to
invite people with the greatest need so our search expands
farther into the rural areas of the village where the need is
greater.
This year, on the 23rd of December, we are hoping to
serve three dinner seatings followed by piñatas for the kids.
The parents will get a bag stuffed with toys for their kids.
And our goal is to double the size of the food hamper we supply, so the full feeling of Christmas lasts into the New Year.
We want to thank Victor Martinez de Escobar who donated the use of his restaurant, Mesquite Verde in El Centenario,
for our event. Also a big thank-you to Melanie Torres, Director of DECIDE AC, for her help with community liaison and
inviting the families.
If you would like to support this local cause, here are a
few ways you can help.
December 2015
Santa and a happy little girl.
Adrian and Victor
•
Go to our website where you can easily and securely donate using a credit card through PayPal. It is www.amigosdenavidad.causevox.com. Or if you are here in La Paz for
the holidays, let us know and we can pick up your donation
in person.
•
Help spread the word about our event by going to
our Amigosdenavidad Facebook page, Like and Share it.
Check there often for updates on our progress and pictures of
the event.
•
Or you could volunteer to help us with setup, shopping, cooking and serving for the event. Volunteer positions
that are needed are posted on our Facebook page.
Whatever your Christmas tradition may
be, giving to those less fortunate may fill
your heart with the true spirit of Christmas.
Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Some of the toys donated for Christmas 2013 by Amigos de
Navidad.
5 The Baja Citizen
Angels Needed!
TBC
Christmas is just around the corner! Care
for Kids La Paz is having their annual
food drive for those families in Vista
Hermosa with few financial resources.
This year our goal is to deliver food
hampers to 100 families on December
19. The community is large and even
one hundred bags of food are just a drop
in the bucket.
Numerous families have no
access to piped-in water,
electricity, basic sanitation
or sewage. Many live in
one-room homes made of
tin, cardboard or pieces of
wood. Some have dirt floors
on which they sleep. Others
cook outdoors on an open
fire.
Basic non-perishable items (oil,
beans, rice, canned tuna, boxed milk,
sugar, lentils, juice, mayonnaise,
cookies, cereal, pasta, coffee, small cans
of vegetables, chicken bouillon cubes,
toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes,
and sanitary pads) are examples of items
for the hampers. As many families don’t
have the financial resources to give their
children Christmas gifts, a small present
for a child from 1 – 10 years is very
welcome!
Or help us buy an entire food hamper
for 250 pesos.
For more information, please contact
Barbara Spencer:
Tel: 125-3980
Items or money can be dropped off at:
Allende Books (125-9114) on Independencia 518 between Prieto and Serdan
from 10 am - 6 pm, Monday-Saturday
(browse through their great book selection while you’re there)
Casa Buena (122-5538)
Belizario
Dominguez 3065 between Sonora and
Sinaloa
La Paz Mini Storage (124-6504)
The people of Vista Hermosa were
born without the same choices and
privileges that many of us enjoy. It’s a
hard life they live but they are filled with
hope, dignity and gratitude.
Let’s make Christmas
special for at least 100
families!
www.careforkidslapaz.com
[email protected]
Facebook: Care for Kids La Paz
The Baja Citizen
6
December 2015
Christmas Tianguis Have Taken
Over Downtown La Paz
TBC
Drive with precaution if you are heading
downtown in the next few weeks. The
traditional La Paz Christmas Tianguis
have taken over several blocks of historic downtown La Paz, making driving
and parking a little more hazardous.
The Tianguis, or open-air street
stands, can be found on the streets of
Madero and Independencia. Along several blocks of streets, vendors are lined
up selling toys, clothes, shoes, backpacks, games, Christmas decorations,
gift wrapping and plenty more for gift
giving and preparing.
The Christmas Tianguis have
become one-stop shopping. You can
find almost anything, all within a
few blocks. Park the car and just
walk. Some vendors sell hot and cold
beverages and traditional Christmas
treats such as buñuelos.
Several great stores, also perfect for
looking for that perfect gift, can also be
found in this area, including Casa Parra
and Nomada.
Families are together walking
around, people are happy and the atmosphere is filled with joy, as is should be
over the holidays.
The problem for many concerned
citizens is the traffic along Madero/
Revolucion. The entire vicinity of Jardín
Velasco almost comes to a halt. Add to
the mix run down cars filled with 10
passengers with no brake lights and no
turning signals and we have a problem.
Traffic police are very present, especially this year, and are trying to mitigate
the situation for pedestrians.
Parking, so precious on a good day
in downtown La Paz, is almost nonexistent. People are usually in a hurry
and when they can’t find a place to park,
frustration sets in and their driving skills
deteriorate. Beware of the frustrated
driver!
The happiness and the craziness of
the La Paz Christmas Tianguis will continue until Christmas Day.
We carry a wide variety of baking items
and decorating supplies, providing you
with everything you need for the
elaboration of your next dessert.
Cookie Making
Cupcake Decorating
Candy Making
Brownie
Seasonal Bakeware & Supplies
Decorating Tools
Fondant Ingredients
Ask us about our
baking and decorating
classes
On the corner of Allende and Ramirez, La Paz
Open 8:30 am to 7:00 pm / Monday to Saturday
612 125 8768 / [email protected]
Solution Cake
La Paz Christmas
Tianguis.
December 2015
7 The Baja Citizen
Christmas in La Paz, 1966
By Ramona Katherine Ray
even have a Lionel train set – brought all the way from San
Jose with us, to set up under the tree...even if it doesn’t look
like Christmas outside, it does inside.
Everyone else has a nacimiento, nativity scene; José,
María and baby Jesús; (who doesn’t get to go to bed until
Christmas Eve) cows, burros, camels, and the three wise
men are off somewhere on their way to La Paz, and won’t
make it until January the 6th. (That’s when everyone actually receives their presents, as Christmas Eve is Jesus’ birthday, not ours.)
Mexicans celebrate on the Eve of Christmas, the 24th,
and Grandma Conchita is coming for Christmas; and since
she is Mexican, we’ll celebrate her way; and that means tamales!
So I learn how to make tamales.
Christmas in La Paz is like Christmas
in July. It is usually sunny, warm and
there’s definitely no snow on the ground.
The closest snow is on Sierra de La Laguna, and in 1966 only
the adventurous hiked there. So, no snow and no Christmas
trees, except artificial ones.
Today fresh trees are shipped down from Oregon. Mexican traditions are slowly blending with those from El Norte.
Trees are replacing nacimientos, Santa is replacing the three
wise men, and the niño Dios. In the 1960’s a live tree was for
those who had children raised in the States, who begged until
the parents made great sacrifices, and bought a tree. This was
the case with us.
I refuse to have an artificial tree. If we are going to celebrate and use a tree; then it must be one that has a smell. We
Continues on next page
Marina FIDEPAZ
MLS # 15-479
$239,000 USD only
Casa Madero Centro
MLS 15-2004
$195,000 USD
362 m2 lot, 228 m2 home
4 BR, 4BA
A must see property, 3BR 3BA,
480 m2 Lot, 237 m2
South Baja Realtors
For more listing opportunities:
Casa Ocean Oasis
MLS # 13-510
Only $189,000 USD
2 BR 2 BA Gated, great location,
2 blocks from malecon, pool
www.southbajarealtors.com
Alvaro Obregon (Malecon) 774-A
between Allende and Juarez
Phone: 612 123 5434
La Paz, BCS 23000
Email: [email protected]
Hacienda Palo Verde in
Centenario
Madero Comer
MLS # 15-554
For only $69,000 USD
Great options and best views,
1809 m2 lots
The Baja Citizen
8
MLS # 15-1360
$ 550,000 USD
Prime location for commercial
property - 784 m2 Land, Const
336 m2
December 2015
Casa Bonita La Posada
MLS # 15-1470
$199,000 USD
222 m2 Lot, 186 m2 home,
3 BR 2.5 BA, pool
Tamales de Puerco, estilo norteño
Grandma Conchita’s Northern-Style Pork Tamales from Monterrey, Mexico
•
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•
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One teenage girl
Strong arms
Large bowl, large pot, lard, corn-husks, griddle, frying
pan, blender
1 kg of pork
1 onion
Water to cover
3-4 chile anchos
Cut meat into chunks, cook until tender with the garlic
and onion, salt to taste.
Set-aside until cool, shred, reserve broth.
Toast chilis on griddle, do not burn. Remove seeds,
veins.
Blend with broth until powdered - add ½ tsp of powdered cumin.
Melt a little lard into the frying pan, add chili, meat,
broth.
Cook 5 minutes, medium flame until reduced a bit. Add
salt. Set aside.
Meanwhile make your dough:
½lb of lard-pork
Sea salt 1 tsp
1-2 cloves garlic
5 peppercorns
1lb prepared tamale flour or fresh nixtamal- which can
be found anywhere.
2 ½ cups chicken broth
P.S The penny is there to prevent you from burning them,
if you no longer hear it jumping around, add water. Test to
see if done. Serve Christmas Eve with champurrado.
I now know how to make tamales. I no
longer whip lard by hand. In La Paz, we
use potatoes, olives and prunes and add it
to the meat. They’re big, fat and slightly
sweet. Grandma Conchita would have
a heart attack as they are NOT tamales!
She’d scoff, “Stuffed corn husks!”
Finally to bed; it’s 3 am Ufa! Papi would never let me
stay up so late, except the big chief is here, and I am slaving
away for her. Where are the maids when you need them?
December 2015
Small bowl of cold water
Now for the strong arms
Beat and beat that lard, until your arms are so tired and
your eyes are so heavy you´re ready to fall down and die, but
your grandmother won’t let you stop until the lard floats to
the top of the cold water – as that is what it’s for – to test to
see if the lard has been beaten long enough – and it seems it
will never, ever be done.
Finally it’s done! It is fluffy, it’s so fluffy it looks like
whipped cream. Yuk! It doesn’t taste like it. Then add prepared tamal flour or nixtamal. Test for salt, beat until incorporated. Test with the cold water, if it floats to the top, you’re
ready for hours of fun. Unless of course you have 15 children,
and if you do, you better triple the recipe. Or just invite a
couple of girlfriends over, and they can help you, otherwise
you´re gonna be up all night making tamales.
Soak corn husks in water, shake water off, and then spread
around a tablespoon of the dough onto husk. Smooth outward, put on a little meat with plenty of sauce, fold husk as
you would an ordinary tamale.
That is, fold one side over the other and then the little tail
up. They are small, mostly meat, scant dough, about 1-1/2
inch wide. Stack them into steamer, be sure to put a penny
in the bottom, I’ll tell you later what that’s for. Around and
around they go, when it will stop nobody knows. Before you
start stacking, line steamer with corn husks – don’t forget the
penny. Oops –centavo. Then cover tamales with a layer of
corn husks and steam aprox. 2 hours.
¡Feliz Navidad!
Happy
Holidays!
Celebration
Menu
Tasty Feta
stuffed Meatballs
Honey-Glazed Ham
or Stuffed Turkey
Mashed or Scalloped Potatoes
Green bean and
mushroom casserole
Roasted cabbage slaw with
hazelnuts & lemon
Fresh Homemade bread
Amaretto Cheesecake for dessert
200 Pesos per person
El Centenario, BCS
Come Celebrate the Season
Friday, December 25th, 2015
Serving between 2pm - 8 pm
Reservations required
Call 612 151 0862
New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dancing Celebration!
Pleas email [email protected]
for details and reservations
9 The Baja Citizen
Ramblings:
The Fun of Using Peseros in La Paz
By Judy Ristity
I’ve been driving in La Paz for 18 years
so I assumed I knew our town. I was
wrong.
Oh, I drive to friends’ homes. And
I zip to Chedraui, Ley, Soriana and
Walmart but yesterday I discovered a
very different La Paz. Because The Baja
Citizen wants to help people who’ve recently arrived here I offered to write an
article about using peseros (those minibuses that many of us get stuck behind
just when we’re in a hurry). No problema.
To get into the spirit, I imagined I’d
arrived to La Paz – that my boat was
docked at Marina de La Paz and I needed
groceries but I was car-less, clue-less…
and had a limited budget. So, instead of
hailing a taxi, I’d use peseros (aka colectivos). But merely pretending wasn’t
enough – I needed to “walk-the-walk”
or in this case “ride-the pesero.”
Peseros cluster downtown on
Revolución de 1910, Aquiles Serdán,
Santos Degollado, and Melchor
Ocampo. I first went to Pan D’Les,
bought ginger cookies, drove down
Madero various blocks and parked up a
block from Revolución. I had my map,
pesos, water and cookies. I was ready.
I watched a parade of peseros load
and unload passengers. I noticed some
mini-vans had route numbers – but not
all. I observed a man with an officiallooking clipboard speak to a van driver.
I asked for a route schedule. “No existe.”
This wasn’t going to be as easy as I had
imagined. I tried a different approach.
“To go to Walmart, what number pesero
should I take?” “Hay varios,” he replied. I asked where I could catch one.
He pointed in all four directions. Finally
I asked which color pesero would take
me to Walmart. He mentioned a rainbow of colors. This was darned hard.
I sat on a crumbling concrete bench
with a mother and her three small
children and I ate a cookie. The children
stared. I smiled and
they accepted the cookies
I offered. I learned that
ginger cookies are wasted on
children under the age of eight. But
the combination of ginger, sugar, butter
and flour fortified me with renewed
energy and determination.
Plan B – I drove to Marina de La
Paz. Perhaps they had information
about the most commonly used pesero
routes. No luck. I ate another cookie.
I parked on Marquez de León and
Francisco Madero (near Rancho Viejo)
and considered my next step. A pesero
approached. I read “Walmart – Home
Depot – Soriana – Miramar Ruta C-46”
Bingo! I paid 10 pesos and the adventure began. It was exactly noon. Why
did I imagine the pesero would drive directly to Walmart simply because that’s
where I wanted to go? Instead we headed to FYMSA (a large hardware store),
Ley on Agustin Olachea and – the prison. But at 12:15 we arrived at Walmart.
I’d done it!
Now I was ready for the van to turn
and head back to Centro. Why did I
imagine that he’d drive directly back
downtown simply because that’s where
I wanted to go? But no! We lumbered
down deep, unpaved arroyos, passed
the Catholic University, and at 12:35
drove by a huge Chedraui under construction. We entered Villa de Guadalupe, a neighborhood where all streets
are named for saints – where houses
are not much bigger than the pesero
and decorated with graffiti. At 12:40
we executed a U-turn and reversed our
route. At 1:25 we parked on Degollado
between Revolucìon and Serdán….The
end of the route. Or so I thought.
Since I’d left my car on Marquez
de León I remained seated. Why did
I imagine that the pesero would drive
directly back to my car simply because
that’s where I wanted to go? However,
The Baja Citizen 10
December 2015
we
headed
AWAY
from
my car. We passed
the Cathedral, the
Port Captain’s office, and
within a block of my house but since
my car was on the other end of town,
I remained seated. At 1:40 we climbed
a cobble-stone street into the neighborhood called Ciudad del Cielo (City
of Heaven) where some houses were
constructed of cardboard and tin. We
had an aerial view of the cemetery (aka
Panteón). Finally, we turned around in
someone’s driveway. At 1:50 we approached Centro and at 2:00 (exactly
two hours from the time I entered the
pesero) I said, “Gracias” to the driver
and disembarked near my car. Our route
had been shaped like a lopsided number
8 with Centro being the mid-section.
What did I learned during my adventure?
Peseros operate between 6 a.m. to
10:30 p.m. Cost – 10 pesos upon entering. No transfers. No list of routes exists. Bus stops are not always marked.
Several peseros may go to your desired destination but the routes will be
different and may not be the most direct.
I was lucky – I got to Walmart in fifteen
minutes.
I was the only non-Mexican riding.
I entered neighborhoods that I didn’t
know existed. I saw poverty. My fellow passengers were giggling schoolgirls, well-groomed children and adults
who were kind and helpful. Please dress
modestly, don’t take photos and don’t
gawk. Be respectful.
If you have time and want to see a
different face of La Paz, take a pesero.
Ride the entire route. But if you’re in
a hurry or have lots of bags, take a taxi.
P.S. – Peseros can be hot and dusty
so drink water but be careful; two hours
is a long time without a bathroom.
The Extended Holiday
Season in Mexico
TBC
Isn’t it amazing in Mexico
how holidays just stretch out
for weeks at a time? No wonder it is the best time of the
year!
December has the posadas
starting on the 16th that then
lead up to Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day.
Then, on December 28th,
we celebrate the Día de los
Santos Inocentes. This is a
day for pranks, equivalent to April Fool’s Day. Don’t be surprised if you see a few outlandish headlines and stories in the
local newspapers today. If you read to the end of the article,
you will learn that only “an innocent dove” would believe
that story. These pranks are called inocentadas.
And just after the huge celebrations
for New Year’s, we have Kings’ Day
that doesn’t conclude until February 2,
Cadeleria Day!
reyes, a sweet bread shaped like a wreath, with candied fruit
on top, and plastic figurines that are to represent baby Jesus,
baked inside. People who find the figurine in their piece of
rosca must throw a party on February 2, Candelaria Day,
offering tamales and atole, (a hot drink thickened with corn
flour) hot chocolate or coffee to their guests. Canderlaria
Day is another traditional holiday for everyone to get together
to celebrate at home or in places of work.
The party just never ends!
Kings’ Day in Mexico,
known as the Día de Reyes, is
celebrated by families holding
onto the traditions of years past.
On King’s Day, which has a
religious background, children
in Mexico receive gifts brought
to them by the Three Kings, los
Reyes Magos, Melcher, Gaspar
and Balthazar. However, most
kids in La Paz receive gifts
from both Santa Claus and the
Kings. The Santa Claus tradition has been imported from
the United States while Kings’
Day has been passed down
from generation to generation
in Mexico.
On Kings’ Day it is tradition
for places of work, government
offices and family and friends
to get together to eat rosca de
December 2015
11 The Baja Citizen
The Baja Citizen 12
December 2015
The La Ventana Classic Is Back
and Better Than Ever
TBC
After taking a few years off to reorganize, the La Ventana Classic is back
and bigger than ever. Local, national
and international wind enthusiasts will
heavily attend the five-day event. Organized by Tim Hatler of Palapas Ventana
Resort and Marina Chang of The Kiteboarder Magazine, the 8th Annual La
Ventana Classic and Kitexpo 2016 will
be held in the town of La Ventana, BCS
from January 6th to the 10th.
The Classic includes a long distance
foil, kiteboard and windsurf race, course
racing, an 11 mile island crossing SUP
Race, a 13.5 mile downwinder and two
mile SUP race, SUP relay races, big air
and freestyle competitions, and a five
day expo of Kite and SUP gear.
In addition, there are beach parties,
bands, food sales, dance presentations
by local schools, 4 evening parties at
local businesses, and an awards party.
The event will once again be emceed
by Kiteboard Icon Neil Hutchinson of
Xrated KiteBoarding. The event includes racing classes for top competitors battling it out for 5,000 US of prize
money and also sportsman classes for
those who want to ride recreationally to
support the cause of raising scholarship
money for local students.
All money, beyond costs of running
the event, will go directly to the Amigos de Alumnos group, to contribute to
high school scholarships and help local
students in La Ventana/El Sargento continue their education. Although the cost
to attend high school is only $300 US
annually per student, this cost is a roadblock for some Mexican families and
stops many bright and motivated young
people from attending high school.
In the past seven years, the La Ventana Classic has raised over $90,000 US
in projects that took place in the five local schools and health center.
La Ventana is just a 40-minute drive
from the La Paz Airport and 2.5 hours
from the Cabo Airport. Once just a small
Mexican fishing village, it was discovered by windsurfers about 15 years ago
and has become the perfect kitesurfing
spot thanks to its steady winds from November to March.
In La Ventana, you can find activities for every outdoor enthusiast including watersports, snorkeling, kayaking,
diving, and sport fishing. You can also
just hang out on the beautiful, L shaped
sandy beach. You will be easily put at
ease by the warm, small town welcome,
amazing views of the bay and Cerralvo
Island, and the beautiful contrast of the
desert and sea.
December 2015 13 The Baja Citizen
Some facts about
La Ventana, BCS
La Ventana is located in the Municipality of La Paz.
La Ventana is only a 40-minute
drive from La Paz.
In the 2010 Census, La Ventana registered a population of 255 inhabitants.
La Ventana is considered a premier
venue for kitesurfing and windsurfing during the months of November to
April due to consistent strong winds.
Activities in La Ventana include:
•
Kitesurfing
•
Windsurfing
•
Boat Tours & Fishing
•
Diving & Snorkeling
•
Kayak Rentals
•
Horse Riding
•
Bike Tours & Rentals
•Yoga
•Hiking
Playa Central hosts the Farmer’s
Market every Thursday morning.
La Ventana is now home to:
•Restaurants
•Hotels
•
B & Bs
•
Coffee shops
•
Corner stores
•
Fish markets
•
Craft stores
•
Specialty shops
•
Real estate
•
Construction companies
•
Hardware stores
The La Ventana Classic 2016 Dates
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Baja Citizen 14
Jan 5th Welcome Party and Registration at Palapas
Ventana
January 6th – Gear Expo and Pro Clinics (Entire event
site will be open for gear testing) plus the locally world
famous party island downwinder poker run – with after
party at Baja Joe´s.
Jan 7, 8, 9, 10 Main Event – Gear Expo continues.
Long distance race
Big Air and Freestyle
Course Racing
SUP long distance crossing race, 13.5 mile downwinder
and relay races
Evening of Jan 7th Rock and Roll beach party at the
event site
Evening of Jan 8th Big Hair Big Air pool party at Club
Cerralvo
Evening of Jan 9th Rock and Roll Pizza party at La
Ventana Beach Resort
January 10th Evening Awards party
For more information, please check out the La Ventana
Classic website www.laventanaclassic.com. Photos
courtesy of Tim Hatler.
December 2015
Have You Paid Aguinaldo to Your Employees?
By Gisela Talamantes Saenz
Article 87 of the Federal Labor Law establishes aguinaldo
as an obligation/benefit, with an objective to grant employees
a sufficient amount of money to cover extraordinary expenses
during the end of the year holidays.
According to the Federal Labor Law, employees shall receive a minimum of 15 days of their salary or more if the
parties agree otherwise.
Payment must be made before December 20th of the same
calendar year and according to their current salary. It can be
paid in cash, check or wire transfer if the employee has a
payroll account.
The right to legally request the payment of aguinaldo is
of one year (article 516 Federal Labor Law). We recommend
that the employer receive a signed receipt from the employee
once payment has been made.
The non-compliance by the employer of this obligation
has a penalty that ranges from $3,238.00 to $323,800.00 pesos per employee. (Articles 992 and 1002 of the Federal Labor Law).
It is important to note that aguinaldo is one of the most
important benefits for employees, therefore knowing how to
properly calculate it and to pay it according to the law is very
important in order to avoid labor lawsuits and to provide a
healthy work environment. Therefore, is recommended that
the employers initiate in advance the calculation of this benefit/obligation, in order to avoid any problems. If calculated
in advance, there will be enough time to resolve and avoid
any conflict with employees.
Therefore to all employers, aguinaldo shall be paid on
time, before December 20th, in order for your employees to
be able to cover their expenses during the end of the year
season.
Happy Holidays!
For more information please contact Gisela Talamantes Saenz at [email protected] or via cell phone
612.136.4598.
Gisela Talamantes Saenz, LL.M, Attorney
at law and Official Translator. Prior to
starting her own practice, Ms. Talamantes
served as a closing transaction coordinator for PRUDENTIAL CALIFORNIA
REALTY in Cabo San Lucas. Ms. Talamantes earned her law degree from Monterrey
Tech, Mexico. She holds a master’s degree in International Legal
Studies from the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington DC.
December 2015
Services
Real Estate Law Closing Services Tax Planning
Immigration Corporate Law
Buyer Representation Notary Services
Trusts (Fideicomisos) Translations Accounting
Offices in La Paz
Ignacio Allende 895
on the corner of Josefa Ortiz
La Paz, BCS, Mexico
Offices in Los Barriles
(The East Cape)
Calle 20 de Noviembre
at Plaza Guadalupe
behind Caleb´s cafe
Los Barriles, BCS, Mexico
Gisela Talamantes Saenz
Attorney at Law & Official Translator
612 136 4598
[email protected]
15 The Baja Citizen
52 (612) 12 9 4044
[email protected]
www.bajalegals.com
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Cheri, Anne and Joyce. Happy birthday Anne.
John and Linda
Eduardo, Zulma
and Jose
Happy birthday Miguel
Happy birthday Robin!
Smiley citizens is brought to you by
Tuesday to Saturday: 8am - 10 pm / Sunday: 8:30 am - 6 pm
The Baja Citizen 18
December 2015
Grand Opening of Paseo
del Malecon in La Paz
Vero at Llena tu Loko on Abasolo
Francisco, Jill and Lila
Jackie, Pat, Jeri-Anne and Sherri at Balandra
Traditional Mexican Dishes You Will Simply Enjoy!
On the corner of
Allende and Guillermo Prieto
Downtown La Paz, BCS
Welcome
www.losmagueyeslapaz.com
[email protected]
(612) 128 7846
December 2015
19 The Baja Citizen
LosMagueyesRestaurante
TEN THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU COME TO LA PAZ
By Donneley McCann
1. GO TO THE BEACH. Whether you
choose El Tesoro (the treasure), Balandra
(yacht), or El Tecolate (the owl), you are
guaranteed beautiful white sand and tranquil surroundings. Umbrella-type palapas
along the water will give you some shade, and buses provide
transportation to and from the beaches.
2. VISIT THE CEMETARY. With tombs resembling
mausoleums, these grounds are full of family history, and
the structures erected to loved ones are fascinating tributes.
3. RIDE HORSEBACK ALONG THE OCEAN. Gentle,
friendly, and patient horses will convey you through the hills
and desert to the shore. Sometimes they even do moonlight
rides.
Balandra Beach. Photo courtesy of Kat Bennett
4. STROLL 16 DE SEPTIEMBRE. Starting from the
malecón, take your time wandering up the street named for
Mexican Independence Day to check out the numerous small
stores with their assortment of consumer goods. This is the
main street of downtown La Paz. You may just find some
things you didn’t know you needed.
5. PLAY BRIDGE. Every Wednesday and Saturday
around noon, bridge players are invited to visit the Dock Restaurant at Marina de La Paz to join in playing this fun card
game. Wonderful way to meet others and enjoy honing your
bridge-playing skill.
6. RENT A BICYCLE. Enjoy the fresh air and work on
your tan while taking in the beautiful surroundings. There is
even a special lane reserved only for bicycles on the malecón
along the seaside.
The Cemetary in La Paz
The Golf Club*at El Mogote
great place to play
18 holes for US$60
9 holes for US$35
Golf cart and clubs
included
Ask about
our packages
Please
call Marco at
612 105 3863
for more information
*We are a non-profit, member-supported organization dedicated to the preservation of our natural
resources and to offering an affordable golf experience to the citizens and visitors of La Paz.
The Baja Citizen 20
December 2015
[email protected]
www.mogotegolflapaz.com
Centro Cultural de La Paz
7. LEARN TO SPEAK SOME SPANISH. There are a
number of very capable schools that are willing to teach you
to speak Spanish. Just think how much more you would enjoy
your visit if you could converse with the locals.
8. GO GOLFING. The peninsula (El Mogote) which is
highly visible across the bay has a putting green and an 18hole golf course that is accessed by water taxi. Costabaja also
has an 18-hole course designed by Gary Player. You can enjoy ocean views from both.
9. TRY PADDLEBOARDING. With very little water
traffic and a usually calm ocean, you can try your hand at
SUP (stand up paddling) in a safe environment. Watching the
folks who do paddleboard makes one wonder why everyone
isn’t out there ocean walking!
10. ENJOY AN ARTS OR CULTURAL EVENT. If you
check out rozinlapaz.com,you will undoubtedly find unforgettable entertainment at a cost that is so affordable you
won’t believe it.
December 2015
We are experts in commercial and investment properties.
Contact the professionals and own a piece of serenity in La Paz.
Featured Listing
POSADA HOTEL COLIBRI
$ 825,000.00 USD
Spectacular ocean view B&B located
one block off Malecon.
Pool, Jacuzzi, 6 car garage, 6 bedrooms
and 8 bathrooms.
This business has been generating a
very nice revenue.
Karina Ehrenberg Theurel Real Estate Broker/Agent
612 103 6507 [email protected] www.bajacortes.com
On the corner of Colima and Topete. La Paz, BCS, Mexico
21 The Baja Citizen
The Work of International Community Foundation
EPI Mexico is another organization in La Paz that receives support from ICF.
By Susan Fogel
The traffic in Centro has been building since mid-October.
Christmas arrived at Liverpool long before Day of the Dead.
Buen Fin just passed, and soon it will be Christmas.
While expats, as a group, are generous all year and step up
to help kids in need, our seniors, and disaster victims here and
in other parts of Mexico, this time of year is when non-profits
earn a large part of their annual budget. And the requests for
donations come daily.
There are many worthy organizations here in La Paz.
Whether you want to help the children of the barrios, work to
clean up beaches, or donate cash to save the whale shark, or
keep our water drinkable, you are still faced with the dilemma
of where to give and how to give.
In our last issue we wrote about being careful where you
donate, and to always ask for a receipt. One of the best ways
that you can donate during this holiday season, or anytime, is
via the International Community Foundation (ICF).
ICF started as a small organization called, Give to Baja.
They were initially very local, reaching out to Baja California
communities just south of San Diego. They expanded their
efforts to all of the Baja California Peninsula, and now have
an international reach, mainly to Latin America.
To help non-profit organizations become organized, ICF
holds workshops on the proper management and administration of funds, and sets them up as non-profits in the US so that
you may receive a tax-deductible receipt. There are ongoing
workshops and seminars held locally and in California. At
The Baja Citizen 22
times, ICF hold donor opportunity meetings, where representatives of the Baja Sur non-profits can meet potential donors.
ICF helps approved groups write, receive, and administer grants. The various organizations supported by ICF must
keep accurate books and open to interested persons. When
you make a donation to an ICF fund, you can be assured that
your money is going where you intended, not in someone’s
pocket.
Continues on next page
FANLAP is one of the many organizations in La Paz that receives
support from ICF.
December 2015
In December of 2012, ICF hosted the first ExPat Forum
in Mexico City. They arranged for selected expats from all
regions of Mexico to attend meetings with state and federal
government agencies representative. There were breakout
sessions with state tourism and development officials at each
session and day. Airfare and hotel accommodations were paid
by ICF for the participants.
One of ICF-funded organizations is Centro Mexicano de
Derecho Ambental (CEMDA). CEMDA is an environmental
law firm. Three times they won against the development of
the Cabo Pulmo gigantic tourist center that would have destroyed the area.
The most significant local impact that ICF has had is
through their donor network, social media, and the friends
Raiz de Fondo is supported by ICF.
and family of ICF fans. They raised more than US$400,000
(nearly half a million dollars!) for disaster relief after Hurricane Odile.
Even before Hurricane Patricia made landfall on the Pacific Coast, ICF was raising funds for disaster relief. This is
an organization that has made a significant impact on local
groups and to the city of La Paz and our state.
Instead of sending more stuff to your family and friends,
donate in their name to one of the ICF organizations or directly to ICF. It will be a gift that helps keep a kid in school
and provide a hot breakfast to her or a gift that keeps our
beaches clean or keeps a passionate law firm fighting to stop
big development and environmental destruction.
Susan Fogel is an observer of life and writes to
tell you what she sees. Visit her blog mexicomusings.com
December 2015
NOW OPEN
GET TO KNOW US!
We have the entire line of products
On the corner of Calle Puebla and Forjadores
Col. Las Garzas
La Paz, Baja California Sur
Ph: 612 129 5799
23 The Baja Citizen
The Pelican Theatre’s Production of
Love, Loss and What I Wore
Coming Soon To a Theater Near You!
TBC
Last season saw the Pelican Theatre’s
successful production of Let’s Make
a Scene: Three Short Comedies. This
January, the Pelican Theatre is excited
to be presenting the award-winning play
Love, Loss and What I Wore, by sisters
Nora and Delia Ephron.
Love, Loss and What I Wore has
been a hugely popular show. At its OffBroadway home in New York, it was the
theater’s second-longest running show
ever. Dozens and dozens of well-known
actresses have been part of the rotating
cast. It has been produced in a number
of cities in the US and Canada, setting
box-office records in both Los Angeles
and Toronto. The show has been staged
in over half-a-dozen countries besides
the US and Canada, including Australia,
France, Argentina, South Africa, and
the Philippines.
Why has this play been so popular? Because everyone in the audience
– men, women, young, old, svelte, voluptuous, high-fashion, no-fashion... everyone – will be able to relate to at least
part of the play. Most of us will be able
to relate, on some level, to all of it.
Artistic director of the Pelican Theatre, David Coxwell, says of the play,
“When I first read the title, I thought I’d
found a good theatrical striptease show.
Imagine my surprise on finding a very
funny and poignant play, where women
of different ages and nationalities come
together to share their journeys of selfdiscovery through their love/hate relationship with dress, style, and fashion.”
Actress Celia Devault plays several
characters in the Pelican Theatre’s upcoming production. “When I first read
this play,” Celia tells us, “I laughed a lot.
There are so many comments that I can
empathize with. I am certain that there
will be something in this play that most
people will find speaks to their experience.”
“Exactly,”agrees actress Kat Bennett, who plays Gingy in the upcoming
show. “When I first read the play, some
of the ensemble pieces had me laughing
so hard I could barely stop. Those piec-
The Baja Citizen 24
December 2015
es seemed like they were taken straight
from my life. There are also a few more
serious monologues. Some of those had
me blinking back tears.”
Actress Pam Pacarar, who – like Celia – plays several roles in the upcoming production, says she can relate to the
play “...because I have experienced love
and loss. And who hasn’t gone to their
closet and had NOTHING to wear? And
I look best in BLACK!”
When asked her reasons for being
excited about the roles she plays in this
production of Love, Loss and What I
Wore, actress Jan Anderson says that after reading the script, she was hooked.
“My husband Rick is really the actor in
the family,” she tells us, “but he encouraged me to ‘Just Do It!’ I feel honored
to be working with someone as professional as David Coxwell, as well as with
the other delightful actresses. This play
is a must-see!”
The cast and crew of the Pelican
Theatre’s Love, Loss and What I Wore
includes both men and women. Four
different countries are represented; ages
span a range of nearly 50 years. Yet
everyone involved – despite their differences – finds something in this play
which speaks to them. That is why Love,
Share in the brilliance, excitement,
and fun! Don’t miss the Pelican Theatre’s production of Love, Loss and
What I Wore!
Show dates:
January 21, 22, 26, 27,
and 28, 2016
All shows start at 7 p.m. at the Teatro
de la Ciudad, La Paz.
Wine will be served following performances.
Loss and What I Wore has been such a
hugely popular show. And the Pelican
Theatre’s production of the play promises to be a fun one.
Wes MacIntosh, the Pelican Theatre’s stage manager, shared with TBC
his thoughts on the upcoming show: “It
just seems that I’ve been given a wonderful opportunity at this stage in my life
to be of service. For me, witnessing the
journey a production takes and seeing
our artistic director get the most out of
our fantastic company of actors is sheer
brilliance and excitement!!”
December 2015 25 The Baja Citizen
Tickets are 150 pesos each, and will be
on sale at Allende Books in La Paz and El
Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos beginning in January, 2016. For more information as it becomes available, please visit
www.facebook.com/PelicanTheatreCoLP or
pelicantheatreoflapaz.wordpress.com.
Photos courtesy of Victoria Eden and Kat
Bennett
?
Have You Heard About...
By Ana Hall
When asked to write a “blurb” about
Club Cruceros, I thought it would be
easy. How many words can possibly be
needed to describe a little clubhouse on
the grounds of Marina de La Paz? Piece
of cake — after all, I know them. I’ve
been here eight years, have gone to eight
Subastas, and multiple fundraising parties. Club Cruceros is
all about fun! Yes, but not just that. Club Cruceros is also
about helping the community.
A great place to go to find information is the Club Cruceros’ website: www.clubcruceros.net. Once on the website
you will notice the calendar of events, so you will always
know what is happening and when. Wow, these people are
busy!
One of the big fund-raising events to help the community
is Subasta – a fun-filled afternoon that includes a flea market, cold beer, great food, face painting for the little ones,
arts and crafts, and dozens of fantastic items being raffled off
throughout the day. If you haven’t been, you must go! This
year’s Subasta is scheduled for December 6.
Another big event sponsored by Club Cruceros is Bayfest, which is all about innovation in the boating community.
If you attend – and all are welcome – you will find classes
and lectures covering everything from beading and photography to the latest and greatest boating ideas.
Where does the money from fundraisers
go? It goes to multiple charities; among
them, the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Care for Kids
Horse Therapy for Special Needs Kids (Ninos Ariba Terapia de los Caballos)
Elder Care Facility (Asilo de Ancianos San Vicente de
Paul)
Beds For Kids (Camas para los niños)
The Orphanage (Nuevo Creacion)
Subasta – an annual auction benefitting FANLAP (Fundación Ayuda Niños La Paz)
What have I learned in writing about Club Cruceros? I’ve
learned that it isn’t just for boaters and that I need to go join.
The book and video lending library in the clubhouse alone
is worth the 100-peso-per-year membership fee. The club
isn’t just about parties and fun, it’s about raising money for
worthwhile causes, helping the community where needed,
and making things happen.
Check it out; see for yourselves!
Club Cruceros library
The Baja Citizen 26
December 2015
Gourmet pizzas
lasagne and
and pastas
pastas
lasagne
made with
with
made
100%
organic products
products
organic
Artists
of Todos Santos
Live Music
Friday Nights!
Nights!
Friday
7th Annual
Open Studios
in Todos Santos
Happy Hour
Hour
Happy
6:00 to
to 8:00
8:00 pm
pm
6:00
Monday
Monday
to Friday
Friday
to
Open Everyday 2:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
On the corner of Colima and Topete, La Paz / 14 612 50 / 612 103 6507
TBC
This is a once a year opportunity to visit the Todos Santos
artists in their natural environment. The Open Studios event
takes place Saturday and Sunday, February 6th and 7th 2016.
The Open Studios Tour is now a two-day event where
visitors will be able to see more art, more studios and spend
more time with the artist at each studio. With a map in hand,
showing all of the studios, visitors will get a glimpse of what
the life of the artist is like. Up the back streets of the town,
they will be able to see what goes on inside these studios.
There will be painters, sculptors, photographers, muralists,
plein air painters, encaustic artists, jewelers, printmakers,
collage artists, potters, wood turners and we can only imagine what else.
Last year’s 2015 Open Studios Tour with 34 participating
artists saw 400 visitors roaming throughout the town in one
giant art fest that raised 54,613 pesos for the Children’s Art
Programs of The Palapa Society of Todos Santos. This year,
all proceeds will benefit the same program.
For further information, please contact:
Karin [email protected]
612-143-8491 (cellular)
Steve [email protected]
612-145-0001 (land line)
and 303-482-2287 (when calling from U.S.)
December 2015
27 The Baja Citizen
Municipality of La Paz
Property Tax Discounts on Now
TBC
Do you want to get a jump on the new year and pay your 2016
property taxes early?
The city of La Paz has announced its temporary tax discount program for the months
of October and November 2015.
This temporary discount will run until the end of the November 2015. If you pay your 2016 property taxes before
November 30th, 2015, in one payment, you will receive a
30% discount on the total amount as well as an additional 5%
discount. The municipality of La Paz offices are located on
Blvd. Luis Donaldo Colosio and the corner of de los Deportistas. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, you can pay your bill from 9:00
a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Have your clave catastral or cadastral number handy to
help you with the process at Servicios Catastrales offices on
the second floor of the Municipality of La Paz building. This
number can be found on your notary papers of the properties
you have in La Paz.
Please note that there is also a 20% discount on your previous year’s property tax bill for those years that have not
been paid as well as a 50% discount on all fines and late
charges. Both of these discounts will be honored until December 31st, 2015.
Also, you can head to the city of La Paz
webpage
www.lapaz.gob.mx
to make your payment on-line.
Payments on-line help you avoid the sometimes-long
line-ups that can be found at the end of the month. On-line
payments can be done safely from your own home computer.
the settlement company
Serving the Mexican real estate Industry
for more than 21 years
Now offering a rental tax program
for property owners
Your safety net in Mexican real estate
[email protected]
www.settlement-co.com
The Baja Citizen 28
December 2015
EPN Meets With Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau repeated that he has instructed his cabinet to achieve the eventual
elimination of visas for Mexicans wishing to visit his country.
TBC
President Enrique Peña Nieto met with Prime Minister of
Canada Justin Trudeau in Antalya, Turkey within the framework of the Group of 20 Leaders’ Summit. The meeting with
President Pena Nieto was the first the Prime Minister of
Canada has held with a head of state, thereby confirming the
importance the new Canadian government attaches to relations with Mexico.
The two leaders agreed that this meeting marks the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations. In this regard,
Prime Minister Trudeau once again thanked President Peña
Nieto for being the first president to congratulate him after
his victory in the general elections.
They discussed Justin Trudeau’s campaign commitment
regarding the review of a possible elimination of the visa
requirement for Mexicans entering Canada. The Prime Minister told President Enrique Peña Nieto that he has issued
instructions to both the Minister of Immigration, Refugee
and Citizenship and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to review the policy.
It has been 6 years since Canada decided to require
Mexican visitors to obtain a visa. In July of 2009, a travel
visa requirement was imposed on Mexican nationals to enter
Canada after widespread abuse, citing a huge surge in refugee claims by visitors from Mexico.
Mexico had become the number 1 source of refugee
claims, with the number almost tripling to more than 9,400
in 2009 since 2005, the Canadian Immigration Department
said in a press release at the time. The figure represented
one-quarter of all claims made. About 90 per cent of the
claims were rejected.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the status of
certain priority issues, such as the TPP and free trade for
the development of both countries, the fight against climate
change in light of the celebration of COP 21 in Paris and the
Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly to
discuss the world drug problem in April 2016.
It should be recalled that on 20 October, when he congratulated Justin Trudeau on his election victory, President
Enrique Peña Nieto and the new Prime Minister of Canada
agreed to promote the strategic nature of bilateral relations
within the context of North America and agreed that the objective of their respective governments is to improve living
conditions and prosperity of the people of both countries.
After 70 years of bilateral relations, Mexico and Canada
have built a strategic partnership based on the principles of
convergence, coincidence, and complementarity.
Canada is Mexico’s third largest trading partner and its
fourth largest source of foreign direct investment.
December 2015
The Mexican community residing in Canada is the second
largest abroad, totaling 96,000; while over 60,000 Canadians
live in Mexico permanently. Nearly two million tourists from
Canada visited Mexico in 2014 alone, making Canada the
second source of tourists traveling to our country.
29 The Baja Citizen
A Small, Simple Water
Filter That Saves Lives
in Rural Mexico
By Robert Walker
•
It is the size of an 8-ounce pop bottle.
•
It produces one million gallons of bacteria- and
cyst-free (e.g. Giardia) water over five years.
•
It will give up to 100 people a day in a rural village
clean drinking water during those five years.
•
Over 100,000 are placed around the world, saving
people from water-borne diseases. (Half the world
is forced to drink unhealthy water.)
These filters are simple. They come in a pouch with a
½-inch drill bit and the fitting to put an enclosed receptacle
in whatever tank or bucket is used to pour the bad water into.
The filter attaches to that with a short, flexible line. It also
comes with a syringe for cleaning. Just back-flush it with
three loads of clean water in the syringe.
The amount of water you get per hour varies depending
on how high your source is. I put a five-gallon bucket on my
kitchen counter and a five-gallon garrafon on the floor. With
about one pound of atmospheric pressure, I get five gallons
in 45 minutes. If there is a tank on the roof, then the increased
pressure will produce about five gallons in 15 minutes.
The filter is used in kidney dialysis and is so effective that
the three health programs in Mexico -- ISSSTE, IMSS, and
Salud Popular -- are going to take them to villages, install
them, and teach the people what these filters do for them.
Then, they will keep track of the results.
On a recent visit to the Secretaría de Educación, the filter
generated considerable interest. It would save a lot of money
over the present system of trucking potable water to all the
public schools in the Baja. They can use city water, put it
through this filter and have potable water for a fraction of
the price.
The story here in Baja California Sur is simple. Two Rotary Clubs, Bahia de La Paz and Barrilles, decided to join
with wavesforwater.org and put 500 of these filters in remote, small villages in BCS this year. The cost for one filter
The Baja Citizen 30
and its related components is $50 US. Because it is a Rotary
project, any help you give will be doubled by Rotary International. If you are a Mexican business, we are a Mexican charity and can give you the proper paperwork for a tax write-off.
Solving bad water world-wide is Rotary’s number-one goal.
If you are interested in donating to this program, or would
like to see the filter and talk about it, please contact either
Chris Geyer, President of the Barrilles Rotary Club cgeyer@
eoni.com, or Bob Walker [email protected], 612 104
2072, member of the Bahia de La Paz Club. We would be
very happy to come and show you a filter and talk about the
program in more detail.
Go to wavesforwater.org to get the full
story of this filter and various installations.
December 2015
Dental Clinic in the
Dining Room
By Judy Peterson
The children of FANLAP wish to thank Craig Seimens,
Juli Goff (of Se Habla….La Paz) and clients of Tailhunter
International for combining efforts to hold a dental care clinic in our dining room in Colonia Laguna Azul.
Families who live in the impoverished neighborhoods on
the outskirts of La Paz seldom have the funds necessary to
purchase food necessary for a healthy diet. With food and
shelter being the most important part of the family’s budget,
there is no money left for dental products. Craig Siemens,
a dentist from Vancouver, British Columbia, has offered
his services to local dentists in some of these communities.
During his visit in November of this year, he decided to hold
a dental clinic in our dining room, to demonstrate to the children how to properly brush their teeth.
We arrived during the hour that more than 150 children
came for a hot lunch after school. With that many children,
it was difficult to hold a proper workshop; however, Craig
brought copies of instructions in Spanish on how to brush
your teeth. Jillene Roldan from Tailhunters International
added about 300 toothbrushes and 50 tubes of toothpaste
provided by their clients who came to La Paz on fishing
charters. Juli Goff kindly added another 100 tubes of toothpaste to complete the number necessary for all of the children to receive toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Dr. Siemens also shared a chart which
showed how much sugar is contained in
a can of Coca Cola, in an effort to spread
the word to the families of the colonias
about the dangers of drinking soft drinks.
We’ll see if the chat helps the people to
curb their addiction to Coca Cola.
We are grateful to all of you for thinking
of “our children.”
You may read about us and our
programs at
www.lapazninos.org
“Like” us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/fanlap
December 2015
Choosing a toothbrush
For
Sale by Owner
Prime Ocean View Properties
Lots starting at just $23,600 US
(16,145.86 ft2 or 1,500 mt2)
Las Tinas, East Cape
Only a 30-minute drive from Los Barriles
+52 (612) 140 0391
[email protected]
31 The Baja Citizen
LABORATORIOS
LABORATORIOS DE
DE ANÁLISIS
ANÁLISIS CLÍNICOS
CLÍNICOS
“DAD” PACKAGE
QFB Celia Casillas Esquivel
Monthly Check-Up of Sugar Control
Glycated hemoglobin test
Glucose, uric acid &
cholesterol
Triglycerides
Prostate-specific antigen
(PSA)
Cost $190 pesos
“B” PACKAGE
Glucose
Cholesterol
Uric acid and
Triglycerides
General urine exam
Cost $350 pesos
Open Everyday
Including Sundays and Holidays
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 6:00 to 21:00
SATURDAYS 6:00 to 18:00
SUNDAYS 7:00 to 14:00
Phone: 122 4237 and 122 6981
On the corner of Cuauhtemoc
and Heroes de Independencia.
La Paz, BCS
[email protected]
RHEUMATIC PROFILE
Antistreptolysin (ASO)
C-reactive protein
Rheaumatic Factor
Total Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Uric Acid
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
(ESR)
Hematological biometry
Glucose
Cost $450 pesos
GOING LOCAL
TBC with Sean Bagg
La Paz
Sean Bagg was born in Montreal, Canada. He attended
Carlton University in Ottawa and later moved to Vancouver
to start his career. In 1986, he moved to Los Cabos, BCS and
worked in real estate until he opened Land’s End Realty in
1995. He currently has real estate offices in La Paz and Los
Cabos, keeping very busy.
Now a long time resident of La Paz, Sean loves his adopted home and the life it affords him. He realizes he is very
lucky to live in paradise and enjoys when he is able to help
others find their home here. We asked him to share with us
his favorite things about his paradise.
FAVORITE PLACES TO DINE:
Restaurants. Just kidding! I just went the other night and
had the buffet at the Nabrassa Brazilian Steak House. It was
good.
FAVORITE SUMMER DAY REFRESHMENT:
Easy. A double canela at Mundo’s Bar.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT LA PAZ:
The people here are amazing. And the malecon. Nothing
is better than this view from my office.
FAVORITE BEACHES:
I like Tecolote. I take my dogs. Tuffy swims there every
Sunday. He is an amazing dog. I like Balandra, too. Great
beaches.
FAVORITE DAY TRIP:
Every Sunday we head to Tecolote Beach and spend the
afternoon there with the dogs. We invite friends and have a
bbq and cook ribs and steaks. We swim. Take the toys out
onto the water. We usually head back to La Paz by 5. It is a
great way to spend a Sunday.
FAVORITE ATTRACTION:
The beaches. There is nowhere like this. We have it all.
FAVORITE PLACE FOR NIGHTLIFE:
Downtown anywhere in La Paz. Lots of great places to
have a good time. I don’t go out at night though.
FAVORITE CITY HIGHLIGHT:
The malecon is our local landmark and the most important to the city. It really serves as a place for people of all ages
to come and relax or get some exercise. People are walking
all the time.
FAVORITE HIDDEN GEM:
Espiritu Santos Island. Not a lot of people go out and tour
the island which amazes me. Beautiful.
Emergency Services
and Pharmacy
Hospital / Pharmacy / Operating Room / Radiology / Lab Analysis Clinic / Tomography / Mastography / 3D and 4D Ultrasound / Hemodialysis
Dr. Jose Miguel Olvera Macias
Anesthesia
Dr. Angel Eduardo Sanchez Gil
Angiology
Dr. Omar Ponce de Leon Garcia
Angiology and Vascular Surgery
Dr. Juan Manuel Olivares Aquino
Dra. María Isabel Sánchez Ramírez
Cardiology
Dr. Jose Antonio Martinez Salcedo
General Surgeon/ Gastroenterology
Dr. Ricardo Flores Nannum
General Surgeon
Dr. Rafael Gonzalez Molina
General Surgeon/ Gastroenterology
Dr. Enrique Guzman Quezada
General Surgeon/ Gastroenterology
Dr. Elmer Tarazon Moreno
General Surgeon
Dr. David Mejia Camacho
Pediatric Surgeon
Dr. Karina Ramos Ramos
Dermatology
Dr. Robert Andrik Cruz Morales
Endocrinology
Dr. Patricia Guluarte Ruiz
Endocrinology
Dr. Rosa Margarita Chiapa Cortes
Endoscopy
Dr. Ignacio Alfredo Delgado Gonzales
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Q.F.B. Ma. Clotilde García Soberanes
Chemist/Laboratory
Dr. Jose A. Herrera Colmenero
General Medicine
Dr. Mario Castilla Garza
General Medicine
Dr. Buenaventura Diaz Lopez
Dra. María Isabel Sánchez Ramírez
Internal Medicine
Sr. Sergio Romero Diaz
Pneumology/Internal Medicine
Dr. Edgar Contla Jaime
Nephrology
Dr. Ines Murillo Amador
Odontology
Dr. Kydzya Lyz Rangel Magdaleno
Pediatric Odontology
Dr. Fausto Miguel Lechuga Ortiz
Ophthalmology/ Retina
Dr. Andres Mares Contreras
Oncology
Dr. Napoleon Rodriguez Gudiel
Surgical Oncology
Dr. Saúl Angulo Santos
Ear, Nose & Throat
Dr. Jose Manuel Peñaloza Gonzalez
Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat
Dr. Francisco Aguilar Von Borstel
Pathology
Dr. Enrique A. Barroso Ibarra
Pediatrics/ Neonatology
Dr. Jose Rodrigo Cariño Orozco
Pediatrics
Dr. Ana Maria Guzman Palacios
Radiology
Dr. Carlos E. Pozo Juarez
Radiology
Dr. Maria Eugenia Tapia Avilies
Radiology
Dr. Victor Gatica Ensaldo
Radiology
Dr. Isaac Mauricio Zuñiga Gonzalez
Retina Specialist/Corneal Transplant
Dr. Francisco Alfonso Camarena Sarabia
Traumatology and Orthopedics
Dr. Rafael E. Gastelum Quintero
Traumatology
Dr. Jose Guillermo Sanchez Huitron
Traumatology and Orthopedics
Dr. Jorge Alberto Beltran Minjares
Urology
Lic. Ismene Alejandra Melendrez Cota
Nutrition
Emergency Services
Dr. Francisco Javier Melo Palacios
General Medicine
Dr. Ignacio Alfredo Delgado Moreno
General Medicine
Dr. Jose Andres Herrera Colmenero
General Medicine
Dr. Mario Castillo Garza
General Medicine
Dr. Nuria Castro Garcia
General Medicine
Dr. Sergio Enrique Carrillo Isais
General Medicine
Dr. Veronica Echenique Chavez
General Medicine
Dr. Ramon Gaxiola Robles
General Medicine
Dr. Jesús Ernesto Winkler Rodríguez
PHONE: 612 124 04 00 - 08
FAX: 612 124 04 09
CARRETERA AL NORTE KM 4.5 Y DELFINES
NO. 110, FRACC. FIDEPAZ, LA PAZ, B.C.S.