The Shoppes at La Paz Now Open!

May 1st, 2012
YEAR: 4 Nº: 81 PUBLISHER: Hally J. Productions S. de R.L. EDITOR: Gari-Ellen Donohoe
The Shoppes at La Paz
Now Open!
TBC
The ribbon cutting ceremony for The Shoppes at La Paz.
With an investment
of nearly 750 million
pesos, La Paz Mayor
Esthela Ponce Beltran
and investor John C.
Pentz at the ribbon
cutting ceremony last
week inaugurated the
new The Shoppes at
La Paz. The new mall is located near the north
exit of the city, across from Wal-Mart and beside
Home Depot on boulevard Agustin Olachea (Las
Garzas).
Pentz explained that the mall is located on 72
thousand square meters and will include one
more anchor store to compliment Liverpool, 126
retail spaces that will include 13 fast food stalls
in the food court and 6 sit down restaurants.
A second Cinepolis movie theater with eight
screens is planned, as are recreational areas.
The Shoppes at La Paz will become La Paz’s
New BOUTIQUE Hotel
for La Paz
local businesses with high-end franchises from
Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey, many of
which don’t have a presence yet in Baja California
Sur.
TBC
La Paz Mayor Esthela Ponce Beltran said she
was honored to be able to cut the ribbon for The
Shoppes at La Paz, which gives a new face to La
Paz for the community at large and to those who
visit. It is a new opportunity for La Paz to grow
and create new job opportunities.
La Paz Mayor Esthela Ponce Beltran laid down
hotel that is under construction in the La Posada
area at the end of Nueva Reforma Street and the
beach of La Posada.
The new hotel will be located on the property
that for many years was Hotel La Posada de
Engelbert, owned by world-renowned singer
Engelbert Humperdinck. This on the beach hotel
was a favourite gathering place for locals and
tourists and at one time was a secret hideaway
for Hollywood celebrities.
New Boutique Hotel Under Construction at the end of Nueva
Reforma in La Posada.
Mayor Ponce Beltran said at the inauguration
that, “it will be a site for use by all Paceños. The
hotel will be an additional piece of infrastructure
for our tourism industry. I congratulate the
investors.”
Continues on page 7
Also on hand representing the State government
was Joel Avila Aguilar, Secretary of Economic
Development. He said that it is a great day for the
state of Baja California Sur as it is proof that the
and new business opportunities.
Continues on page 7
2
May 1st, 2012
May is a crazy month in Mexico for me and most
parents of school ages kids because it seems every
other day is a holiday and my kids are never in
school. Hard to plan meetings and attend events
when you don’t know when or if they have school.
And the next one is just around the corner:
2) May 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th.
May 1st is a national holiday in more than 80
countries in the world, including Mexico,
celebrating International Workers Day. Also, 5
de Mayo is a holiday to commemorate the victory
of the Mexican Army over France in the famous
Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, and not the
independence of Mexico which so many people
are lead to believe. May 10th is Mother’s Day and
May 15th is Teachers Day.
weekend as it covers labour day and 5 de mayo.
But what about the second 4-day weekend? Trust
me, very few had an answer.
Considering my little monsters were out of school
from April 1st to the 15th for Semana Santa and
Easter Holidays, I thought the Secretary of Public
Education here in the State might just clamp
th
and with
just over two months left of classes, I felt the kids
and the teachers really need to get back to work
Again, I was mistaken.
After the return from Semana Santa and Easter
holidays, classes are/will be cancelled four days in
Mother’s Day.
We will once again be treated to one of two 4-day
weekends:
1) April 28th, 29th, 30th and May 1st
I have asked several people to please try to
My father-in-law gave me the sanest answer. He
believes there was a meeting of great importance,
Sami is going to be here for La Paz’s Founding Festival!!! La Paz Founding
Festival will take place May 2nd until the 6th and Sami will be onstage on
May 2nd starting at 9pm.
So, that is what happened. Long weekends were
made and not too many people will complain. And
that is why I have been blessed with two 4-day
weekends with my kids in the span of two weeks
Secretaries of State. Maybe the Secretary of the
Economy, the Secretary of Tourism…other suits.
Anyways, these important people got together
Life is good. Now go out and spend your money.
Mexico to travel and therefore, spend their money.
The economy needs a good infusion of cash every
once in awhile.
Gari-Ellen
So
my
father-iaw
believes that at this very
important
meeting,
they agreed to meet
with the Secretary of
Education and force
him to make up some
holidays. Give the kids
and teachers some
days of school. Make
up whatever you want
but just make sure you
make long weekends.
We need people to
spend money.
Yours,
Publisher: Hally J. Productions S. de R. L .
La Paz, BCS 23090 Mexico
Editor
Gari-Ellen Donohoe
[email protected]
Gari-Ellen’s cell (612) 159 13 88
Graphic Design
Gabriela Inzunza Salgado
The Baja Citizen is a free circulation community newspaper that is distributed in La Paz and
the communities of Centenario, Todos Santos, Pescadero, El Sargento/La Ventana and Los Barriles every second Monday.
The views of contributers to The Baja Citizen do not necesarily reflect those of the Publishers.
d
3
May 1st, 2012
May 1st, 2012
4
Chef Aaron Beltran
Camacho: A finalist at
Mexico’s Chef of the Year 2012
TBC
Chefs from around Mexico gathered in Mazatlán, Sinaloa on February 28th and 29th, 2012 to compete in Mexico’s annual culinary
competition El Cocinero del Año,
or Chef of the Year, which last
year was held in Los Cabos.
Twelve chefs from diverse States
in the Republic, including La Paz’s
very own Aaron Beltran Camacho,
competed for the coveted distinction using the kitchens at the University of Durango, Mazatlán campus.
Chef Beltran Camacho, who performs his magic at Mis Amores Wine
& Steak House on Marquez de Leon
in La Paz, has studied, traveled and
worked in Mexico, the U.S and Spain
perfecting his dishes and learning
new skills.
“In my work, what I am passionate
about the most is that I am always
in projects or working on new ideas.
There is always this possibility for me
to look back and learn from the smallest details. For me, the enjoyment of
the kitchen is that everything started
with an idea, an emotion, a feeling.”
Chef Beltran Camacho is no stranger
to the Chef of the Year event, where
he likes to compete annually. For
him, the event is the benchmark of
gastronomy competitions in Mexico
where the primary aim is to promote
Mexican cuisine and promote the
culinary profession, something he is
very passionate about.
“I have been trying to work on a
personal project of mine for awhile
now. I love learning about and researching Mexican food and cuisine.
I think travelers come to La Paz and
they want to try and enjoy food
from La Paz, from Baja. So I think it
ingredients and dishes from the region. What do we have here to work
with? Where did these ideas come
from? How can we combine original
ingredients from here and prepare
delicious plates? So many questions
preparing these dishes here in Mis
“
h
s
w
Chef Aaron with one of his dishes. t
Amores.”
“
A
Mis Amores is a Mexican food res-“
taurant that serves popular dishes“
from all over the republic. However,d
Chef Beltran Camacho is slowly introducing to the menu dishes made
from ingredients that are from Bajaa
California Sur – including scallops,s
chocolate clams, mangos, pitahayas -w
dishes that are representative of thea
cuisine of the area. And he is havinga
fun.
w
a
“At the moment when you create
a dish, everything you have livedA
through, studied, learned, goes intot
that dish and to have people enjoyp
what you have prepared is the great-c
est feeling. I have had judges fromv
the Chef of the Year competition tellg
me they would like to come here tow
La Paz and Mis Amores and preparec
food with me. That would be won-t
derful; to work with them on Baja
Californian dishes.”
“
s
Mis Amores is located on Marquez“
de Leon and Guillermo Prieto, right“
next door to La Cava del Patron. Callt
128 7761 for reservations.
m
t
A
M
“
h
w
A
“
t
“
W
t
Chef Aaron hard at work.
T
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f
5
La Cuenta, Por Favor.
A Brief History and Primer
on Tipping
Susan Fogel
“Here’s your check, darling, and I
hope yall’s brother gets better real
soon.” Before I could say another
word, my 15-year-old niece grabbed
the bill from me and looked it over.
“How much are you going to tip,
Aunt Susie?”
-“Twenty per cent.” I said.
“That’s too much, she doesn’t
,deserve it.”
-
aacross the room, I mean if my cold
,stare had a punch, that is where she
would’ve been. Instead, I took this as
ean opportunity to educate my niece
gabout fair wages, equal pay for equal
work, and what a good tip means to
a wait-person.
And so I went on to remind her, how
othis waitress saw the tears in my
yparents’ eyes, and asked what she
-could do to help. We were there to
mvisit my brother who had been just
given 90 days to live. She was tender
with my aged parents, sweet to the
children, and brought cocoa to the
-table before we ordered, and she
a
“So, Michelle don’t you think that
she gave us all special treatment?”
z“Yes.”
t“And my sweet niece, did it occur
lto you that she may be the wife of a
man with cancer like your father and
that she has three kids to raise?”
A sheepish “no” leaked out of
Michelle’s lips.
“And sweetpea, did you know that
historically, women servers get the
worse shifts and the lowest tips?”
Another “no” squeaked out.
“So now my darlin’, what do you
think of my tip?”
“It’s good.”
What does this have to do with
tipping in Mexico? Everything.
Tipping is a custom that dates
back to the 1500’s. In fact, Cornell
University professor Michael Lind
found a reference to a German word
“trinkgeld” or drink money from
1509. It was the custom to ask for
a drink for an apprentice or other
helper.
Tipping took hold in the US after the
Civil War, when wealthy Americans
travelled to Europe. They brought
back the custom of tipping to
show their worldliness, but it met
with opposition. It was considered
undemocratic, and a vestige of all
that was wrong with the Old World.
There were laws enacted in several
states outlawing tipping. In Georgia
in 1906, the anti-tipping league grew
to be 100,000 strong and vowed not
to tip anyone anywhere for an entire
year. In a blog post by Robert Gentel,
entiled: The Food Issue, Why Tip?
He notes this: “…Ultimately, even
those who in principle opposed the
practice found themselves unable to
who was president of the American
Federation of Labor and a leading
admitted that he “followed the usual
custom of giving tips.”
In France, the 15% tip is added to the
bill and is mandated to be done this
way by law. Tipping has now become
an institution in the US. It accounts
for $26 billion dollars of earnings
gives them the opportunity to stand
out and get a little extra for doing a
little extra. Before you are dazzled
to support themselves, they are paid
minimum wage.
Studies have shown that writing
“Thank you” on the check, garners
a bigger tip. But it is that extra
special little gesture, a touch on the
shoulder, a piece of candy, a smile
that urges the tipper to be more
generous. Since the tip or payment
Continues on page 18
May 1st, 2012
May 1st, 2012
6
7
May 1st, 2012
Deductible Costs
Jacques-Edouard Beaulne
Fiscal rules have changed dramatically in the past
couple of years when it comes to what is proof
of an expense which one wants to use an amount
paid as a deductible against income or at the time
of establishing the cost of a construction.
In México, one can pay with a check, a credit or
debit card or in cash and the documents which
prove that a good or service was paid for are
nota de venta or note of sale, factura, recibo de
honorarios profesionales, receipt of professional
fees and in the event that a credit or debit card
was used the signed slip from the electronic
apparatus by which the card information was
send out and received which can be annexed to a
factura or nota de venta.
SAT, which is the Federal Government Secretary
responsible for collecting taxes, will only accept
certain documents as proof of payment and will
take in consideration the way the good was paid
for.
The rules are easy to follow: Any payment for a
purchase or service which is less than 2,000.00
pesos can be done in cash, credit or debit card or
check; any purchase for a good or service which
cost 2000.00 pesos or more must be paid via a
bank check of the person doing the purchase and
must be deposited in the seller’s bank account.
To make sure that this last requirement is done
one must, on the face of the check, write para
abono en cuenta which translates to for credit in
account.
At this time there are 3 types of factura, an ordinary
paper factura, an electronic factura and a factura
which as a special square with an electronic code.
deduct the cost?
At this time all three types of facturas are accepted;
purchaser or by the accountant, the electronic
one which is emitted by a partnership (S.A. de C.V.
or S.A. de R.L) or physical business persons, which
both the moral and physical person must have had
an income superior of 4 million pesos in the past to
emit this type of invoice, and send by the seller via
e-mail to the purchaser. The third factura, which
is used by physical or moral businesspersons, is
remitted to the buyer at the time of purchase.
This invoice is emitted by businesses, which had
an income of less than 2 million pesos.
By December 2012, only the two last types will be
accepted and if said process is not respected the
amounts will not be deductible.
Highlights:
In regards to the Receipt of Professional Fees,
the professional remits these to the person who
receives the service. Said receipts have a date of
expiration, which must be checked, so to make
sure the receipt is valid on the day it was made
out.
Finally, it is very important not only to check
what the factura or the recibo de honorarios
profesionales must have on them but also the
information of the buyer, including name, tax
or else the document is worthless.
As for the documents, which a person who pays
must request, there are two basic types, the
nota de venta and the factura. The nota de venta
must have the name and address of the seller
and a number; this document is not accepted as a
deductible item. The factura must have additional
information such as the RFC number, complete
address and the date of expiration.
Each and every electronic invoice must be
kept in an electronic memory so as to be sent
destroyed for a 10-year period.
For more information, contact the writer at can-
Continues from front page
Continues from front page
With the opening of The Shoppes at La Paz,
Avila Aguilar said, “I am optimistic for the future
of the state. All interests want to continue to
promote Baja California Sur as a place where
there are favorable conditions for investors and
an environment for peaceful labor.”
She said through private investment, La Paz would
continue to have new tourism infrastructure,
which will allow the city to grow. She feels it is
the job of her government to be open to private
investment to allow growth but the government
needs to make sure that construction and growth
takes place with caution and in order. The hotel,
to be named La Posada, will be home to 24
Master Suites and will include a restaurant, bar,
spa, gymnasium and swimming pool.
The Shoppes at La Paz is projected to bring 1000
new jobs to the capital. Construction of the
mall was started in the summer of 2011 and was
2012.
It is that time of year again. La Paz is 477 years
young! The La Paz Founding Festival will take
place Wednesday, May 2nd until Sunday, the
6th. The annual Fiestas Culturales de Fundación de La Paz features a great mix of artists and cultural programs to celebrate the
history of the region. Take part in the fun.
Most events are free. For daily info, check
out the Fiestas Culturales facebook page at
The investment group for the project, Grupo Costa Cortes,
is headed by Julio Bonis Alvarez. Representing an
investment of close to 90 million pesos, the project will
be built by the local development company DECOPE.
May 2nd at 7:30pm at the corner of 16 de Septiembre and Belisario Dominguez, the crownOlachea Bermúdez.
May 2nd at 9:00pm, at the corner of 16 de Septiembre and Belizario Dominguez. Samantha
Rae in concert.
May 3rd at 8:30pm on the beach and the 16 de
Septiembre Kiosco.
A must see event for the family. The re-enactment of the arrival of Hernan Cortes’ to the
Californias.
May 4th starting at 5:30pm at Jardin Velasco,
which is in front of the Cathedral between
5 de Mayo and Independencia. A three-day
cultural fair and tianguis so bring change and
plan on enjoying local arts and crafts, jewelry, breads and baked goods, salsas and dips,
soaps and lotions and so much more.
Mayo between Madero and Revolución. Hernan Romero, a virtuoso guitarist, singer, and
componer performs.
May 6th at 10:00pm at Centro Cultural La Paz,
16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario
Dominguez. NSM PSM performs: No Somos
Macho Pero Somos Mucho. For the younger
crowd I would think.
May 1st, 2012
8
had the “what-if”
and the “back home”
conversation.
Two weeks ago seven women met at my house
and four hours later the table was littered with
cake
It started with an
upbeat comment, “I
have such good friends in La Paz; I feel very lucky.”
Then someone added, “I don’t think I could ever
develop this many wonderful friendships if I
moved back home.” We all nodded our heads.
Most expats have thought of leaving La Paz and
going back “home”. The idea may have been as
as constant as the humidity in September. There
are many reasons we consider leaving: family,
health issues, or simply because the dogs in the
neighborhood have barked all night.
Then one friend asked, “If your husband dies
before you do, would you leave La Paz?” Six
women sat in silence. We had lost our smiles.
sixteen years I’ve lived in La Paz, I’ve had friends
who’ve lost their husbands. These women have
Loneliness so deep that merely staying busy and
keeping in contact with friends, no matter how
broken ribs. They spoke about evenings when
the hands of the clock refused to move. Days
when the sight of the sun illuminating the head of
a hummingbird brought tears because there was
no one to share the beauty.
We questioned motives. Do we want to return
to our children so they can parent us? Make
physically or mentally incapacitated? In other
words, take care of us? We agreed that our kids
are busy with their own children. And their jobs.L
Their lives are already stressful. None of us wantsO
to add to their stress. Would our help with chores
and babysitting balance the added pressure of
having us either live with or live close to them?
One woman laughed and said, “Although my son
swore that he’d take care of me in my old age, he
made a similar promise when he was little and he
wanted us to buy him a puppy. And he never did
feed that poor dog. I doubt he’s changed much.”T
M
Although most of us felt that having our growna
children and grandchildren close would comfort
us and help us feel less alone, would that really
T
question had no answer.
c
p
If our monthly income were slashed because
of losing our mate’s pensions, we might not bea
able to continue living (or spending) like we didp
before his death. How could we manage? Weo
can live frugally in La Paz. Water, electricity ands
taxes are cheaper. So is food, depending on our
preferences. In general, men are meat lovers,O
w
and a cookie, particularly if we’re enjoying theM
meal with good friends. We discussed starting ag
“commune of women” who could live together
and share meals and expenses. Or, in order toO
earn extra money, we might modify our houseso
separate living quarters. We grabbed paper andf
And, as if loneliness weren’t devastating enough,
consequences. There might be unpaid medical
bills. Pensions or Medicare may be reduced.
We admitted that many of us have only a vague
situation and if our
spouse died, we’d be
overwhelmed by the
Finally,
and
most
importantly, we spoke
of the fear of getting
old, ill, and ultimately
dying – alone.
Returning to our adult
children might seem
like a good option. But
is it?
We sat silently for a
few moments. Then
we began to talk about
the pros and cons of
moving. Some of us
were logical, others
emotional. Here are
some of our thoughts.
teaching English. Or shopping in bulk and dividinga
the purchases.
t
c
e
questions. Would we seek a new mate? Or take
to be out of the dating game. Our bodies, thatT
once were an asset, have aged. Would a man whob
didn’t know us when we had tight skin and perkyr
m
to an older man? Physically appearance might
not be as important to women but what about
the emotional scars that both men and women
have developed throughout their lives? And, what
would our grown children feel about us starting a
new relationship?
by friendship. Some spoke with assurance; one
remained almost silent. But only one of us spoke
from personal experience. Seven friends trying
to look into the future. Seven friends who share
the same fears. Seven friends who wet tissues
with tears of sadness and tears of laughter. Seven
friends who admitted that trying to imagine the
future is as futile as trying to change the past.
9
n
e
r
s
.Let’s talk
OLIVE OIL.
s
n
e
The olive tree, indigenous to the
Mediterranean area, has been
naround for 60,000 years.
t
The inhabitants of this area have
cultivated the olive tree and used its
products for soap, lighting, incense,
and as an aphrodisiac. Greek olive
producers have a saying “Eat olive
oil and come at night. Eat butter and
sleep tight.”
Olives are the fruits of the olive tree
which bloom in the spring (April –
eMay) after which the olives start to
grow. The olive is a “drupe” a fruit
r
Olive oil is the natural juice of the
solive, a pure product found in the
fruit. Harvesting and pressing of the
and labour intensive. Now modern
technology has created the best of
conditions for olive pressing and the
extraction of olive oil.
tThe storage of olive oil in glass
bottles is an ideal solution in order to
retain its natural character for several
months, especially if the bottle is
t
t
n
t
a
e
e
g
e
s
n
e
dark in colour. Olive oil is sensitive
to light oxidation (rancidity), which
speeds up when coming into contact
with sunlight, room light or even
oil should not come into contact with
metal – especially copper and iron as
these speed up the process of acidic
deterioration.
Colour does not always prove the
quality of the oil. It can be from
green to golden yellow. It should
have a pleasant taste and smell.
Extra virgin olive oil is best and if you
between 0.1 and 1 this is the sign of a
high quality olive oil. One tablespoon
of olive oil contains 14 grams of fat
and has 120 calories.
May 1st, 2012
HUMMUS
200 grams (7 oz.) chickpeas
2 cloves garlic
½ to 1 teaspoon salt
1/3 teaspoon pepper
1/3 teaspoon cumin
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons tahin (ground
sesame seeds)
3 tablespoons water
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1-teaspoon paprika
Parsley
Soak chickpeas the night before in a
large bowl with water. The next day
boil them until soft. Drain and allow
to cool. In another bowl dilute tahin
with the water. Put chickpeas into
a blender and, grinding constantly,
add salt, tahin, garlic, pepper, olive
oil and lemon juice until hummus
becomes smooth and creamy.
Serve cold, sprinkled with paprika
OVEN OMELET WITH SPINACH
AND OLIVES
300 grams (11 oz.) spinach
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 eggs (separated)
6 tablespoons milk
150 grams (5 oz) grated hard
cheese or feta
150 grams pitted olives
100 grams grated, toasted bread
Salt and pepper to taste
Wash and chop spinach and put in
boiling water for 2 or 3 minutes.
Drain completely. Heat olive oil in
a pan, add spinach and cook for
a few minutes until all liquid has
evaporated. Whisk egg yolks with
milk and add to the spinach along
with cheese, olives, breadcrumbs,
whites. Mix carefully and pour into a
lightly oiled oven dish. Bake at 350F
for about 20 minutes or until golden
brown.
parsley.
Olive oil is easily digested. The human
body absorbs the vitamins contained
in this natural juice. Research has
proved that only breast milk can be
absorbed more easily by the human
body! The make up of fat in breast
milk is similar to that in olive oil. It
is the only oil produced in a natural
way and keeps its characteristics
intact. It is rich in antioxidative
agents and considered a shield of
protection for bad cholesterol,
triglycerides, hypertension, cancer,
our
gastrointestinal
system,
osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis
and diabetes.
Some recipes using this wonderful
oil? How about a dip –
... Or?
Want more recipes with olive
oil? Just ask us!
May 1st, 2012
10
OPEN MIC PARKING LOT
JAMBOREE
John Brooke
It’s Wednesday night in Los Barriles.
The businesses ringing the Plaza del
Pueblo’s parking lot close their doors
as the day ends. Tables and chairs
are being parked instead of cars,
system and mikes checked: “testing
one, two, testing one, two.” It’s Parking
Lot Jamboree Time, graciously hosted
by Roadrunner Cafe.
Musicians are tuning and adjusting their
instruments in the shadows. About
down the steep stairs, over the cattle
guards. Just a trickle in the beginning
claiming their reserved tables, eager
for tonight’s distinctive Roadrunner
supper and looking forward to the
or no-shows this Wednesday night.
Other show boaters sit on plastic chairs
set up on the beds of pick-up trucks. An
ever-growing bunch, the majority is left
standing, leaning on parked cars, as the
packed mob continues to grow. At 7:00
the music starts.
on his soundboard. On older guy holding
a shiny guitar, sits amid a mass of music
stands, bright lights, and cables, facing
the packed audience. Kay, a tall, slim gal,
glides up to a microphone and casually
introduces Bob Farmer, the impresario
of the event, who in turns welcomes
the audience and introduces the older
guy. “Meet Michael, from Cabo San
Lucas, and he wants to play some music
he’s composed.” Kay nodes to Bob and
Michael: “No more than two songs,
tonight, we’ve 15 musicians, a solid
schedule.” The audience hushes up.
Michael looks a little worried but starts
playing. It’s a unique, complicated,
blending of melodies. The crowd
Getting the double bass ready for Open Mike Night!
Photo courtesy of J Brooke
loves his tunes. There is a whispered
undercurrent of conversation, but John,
singer had adjusted the levels perfectly
and every original note that Michael
the new composer plays is distinct and
ringing. The audience loves both his
pieces, and he is smiling, looking totally
set.
Bob Farmer a proprietor of Roadrunner
Cafe, points out that it is Michael’s’
“That’s the beauty of the Open Mike
concept, musicians get to play in front
of a live audience, and in exchange,
the audience gets the vicarious thrill of
being there and hearing some original
music. And what a lineup of music it is:
Singing a cappella or accompanied by
masters of every kind of instrument.
From accordion, mouth organ,
electronic-keyboard, double bass,
tambourine, bongo drums, even a pair
of shaking maracas.
The musicians are all music-loving
volunteers; amateurs for the most part
play and sing in almost every musical
genre. Blues, Jazz, Folk, Gospel, Ballad
and Blue-Eyed Soul. In other words,
almost every form from a cappella to
zydeco.
Just about every genre from Turkey
in the Straw to an Operatic aria, the
latter brought the whole parking lot
Jamboree to its feet in a thunderous
ovation, it was last week’s highlight.
This week there is a packed roster
of local and visiting musicians who
give there all to this live appreciative
Parking Lot audience. Its no wonder
over a 100 fans assemble every week
to be entertained until Baja Midnight.
That’s 9 o’clock in the states, folks.
If you don’t eat or drink, this whole
incredible musical shebang is free.
Greg, Bob, Kay & John at Open Mike Night
Photo courtesy of J Brooke
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11
May 1st, 2012
May 1st, 2012
Your ad
can be
in here!
$ 250pesos
12
13
May 1st, 2012
Fish Camps along the Baja Peninsula
J Eddie
1993, the fall, our dream trip, cruising
on our boat from Seattle to Mexico
and beyond, unlimited time, limited
panga came a lobster. Thinking I
needed lots of colas for one lobster,
I reached for another, but then came
another lobster up on deck. Another
cola, another lobster.
On another journey at about 100
sailing along - the panga was coming
towards us. Once along side, they
asked if we had meat. We gave them
water and what we had in exchange
knew it was an anchorage protected
from the prevailing winds.
Anchored, happy hour, we settled in
for a rest when a panga pulled along
side. The fellow asked if we would
like tortillas in the morning. “Well
yes,” but we looked around and only
saw a canvas, wood and stick hut
additional structures. The anchorage
was a long way from any roads.
However, in the morning, prior to
pulling anchor, the panga appeared
with fresh, warm corn tortillas
wrapped in a clean plaid cloth. We
paid him and wished him well, pulled
anchor and went on our way south.
I can repeat this story of many
anchorages and times out at sea
from San Diego to La Paz and up
into the Sea of Cortez. We knew
from fellow cruisers that trading was
good. We were prepared with bags
baseball hats and tee shirts. Trading
became a way of life along the
pulled up next to our boat and
“Yes,” and with our poor Spanish
asked what to give in exchange.
They answer was, “coca,” coca-cola.
I reached down to pull up a cola and
Furniture waiting for the next season
coastline.
But this story is
research about the
history, migration
and life styles of
along the coast.
We marveled at
the ingenious ways
these families make
their way each season back to their
and produce fresh corn tortillas corn pounded with a mortar and
and other seafood, fruit, peppers
and tomatoes for seasoning. Lots
of salt water is used - where fresh
water comes from is a
mystery.
Often the abodes in the
coves are small. Several
plastic tarps long and
wide, sticks for covering
and shade, poles, twine
and wire holding it all
together,
driftwood,
logs and rocks help to
keep it level and stable.
Maybe there are several
outbuildings and you
can guess the use of the
smallest hut with the
Fish camp near San Juan de la Costa
bucket inside the door with possibly
another building for storage.
Rocks and wood make the table and
seating area and cooking is usually
an oil drum cut with one part for the
wood coals and the top for a cooking
surface -sometimes even metal legs.
We found old furniture still useable,
plywood tables, shells and bones
used for art. So many of these I
wanted to take photos but refrained.
Now some years later, living in La
Paz both north and south along the
20 years ago. Same construction,
same styles, families and extended
families coming back for the season,
making a living from the sea. It is
fascinating. We watch them coming
in, having been out all night bringing
in the catch, cleaning and packaging.
Birds often take their share, then the
Continues on page 22
May 1st, 2012
14
15
May 1st, 2012
and Republica.
For questions or
122-7763, email info@sehablalapaz.
com or SKYPE julidelapaz.
MOTHER’S DAY – MAY 1OTH
Mothers Day is celebrated on the
AA MEETINGS IN LA PAZ
AA meetings in La Paz in English are
held:
Where: Crossroads Church on the
Abasolo e/ Sonora y Sinaloa
When: Mon. and Friday mornings
9:30 am
Contact: Leo - 129-3292 (land),
Ross 612 137 0987 (cell) or
Frank - 121-1833 (land)
Meetings open to all, especially
newcomers.
organized by over 60 restaurants
and will feature both Mexican and
international cuisine. The cost is $500
pesos for the food tasting event with
drinks included – all you can drink.
All funds collected will be donated
to fund limb prosthesis programs.
Tickets are available at participating
restaurants including Los Magueyes
on Allende and Tailhunter on the
Malecon.
LORETO FEST 2012
AL-ANON IN ENGLISH
Al-Anon English meeting, as we
have changed the day and contact
info. We meet Tuesdays at 3:00
pm. Call Susan at 612-125-4649 or
email [email protected] for
location and more information.
PALABRA POR PALABRA BOOK
CLUB – A LONG WAY DOWN
Do you enjoy reading books and want
to share your thoughts with others?
The Palabra por Palabra book club
will be getting together on Tuesday,
May 1st, 2012 starting at 2:00 pm at
the house of Jean D. The group will
be discussing, A Long Way Down, by
Nick Hornby.Please remember all are
welcome. For further information,
contact Elia at
com.
2 DE MAYO THE TASTE OF BAJA
GASTRONOMIC FESTIVAL
CANIRAC La Paz, the Chamber of
Restaurants and Bars has announced
that
the
3rd
Gastronomical
Festival of La Paz, will be held on
Wednesday, the 2 de Mayo. The
Taste of Baja California Sur event
will take place at El Caramel Beach
starting at 7 p.m. This event is being
and landlubbers returns to Puerto
Escondido May 4, 5 and 6, just outsider
of Loreto. There will be a chile cookworkshops, a bay clean-up on Friday,
swap meet on Saturday and lots of
live music. For more information or
to get involved as a volunteer, go to
www.hiddenportyachtclub.com.
ORGANIC ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET
AT COSTABAJA
Come and visit us at CostaBaja.
You will have a variety of organic
vegetables, artisan breads, cheeses,
jams and other products as well as
a wide range of crafts made by local
artists. It will be located in the Marina
CostaBaja, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
this Sunday,May 6th, 2012.
For your convenience and pleasure,
this market started last Sunday,
February 12th and will continue
taking place every other Sunday. DO
NOT miss it!
CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS AT SE
HABLA…LA PAZ
Se Habla La Paz invites you to
their Tuesday afternoon cultural
presentations in easy to understand
Spanish. The following topics will be
covered:
8 de mayo
El Tequila
15 de mayo
Calendario Azteca
(at the Anthropology
Museum)
All of the presentations start at
1:15 and last 45-60 minutes. The
presentations are given in simple
Spanish and there are handouts for
each presentation available. Unless
stated, all presentations are in La
Biblioteca of the school on Francisco
I. Madero #540 between Guerrero
as opposed to Mothers Day in US/
Canada that falls on the second
Sunday of May. In Mexico, May 10th
is celebrated with children giving
to honor them. Families usually
attend special mass at church
which are organized for the day and
afterwards, head to Mom’s favorite
restaurant for lunch or dinner.
Schools often celebrate the 10th with
Mothers Day festivals and organize
dances or plays to celebrate Mom.
IMPORTANT DATES
Another four-day weekend is on the
horizon. May 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th
will make long weekend for school
aged kids. Take note.
LA PAZ LADIES LUNCEHON FOR MAY
WILL BE AT STELLA’S!
The May edition of the La Paz
ladies Luncheon will take place on
Thursday, May 17th starting at 12:15
pm at Stella’s on the Beach, on the
Malecon and Marquez de Leon. The
luncheon will consist of salad, pizza
pastas - alfredo and pomodoro. The
cost will be $150 pesos including tip
and tax. Wine is available at $50
pesos a glass.
Reserve early. Please invite your
friends and neighbours too.For
information and for reservations,
e-mail luizalanoy@yahoo. All are
welcome.
SPRING CLASSIC AND ANTIQUE CAR
SHOW AND PARADE
The Spring Classic and Antique Auto
Show will take place on May 19th
and 20th on the Malecon from 10 in
the morning until 8 o’clock at night.
There will be an assortment of classic
autos on display as well as live music,
on and remote control car races! For
more information, contact Manuel
Amarillas at (612) 125-3306, cel. 1418554 or by e-mail at hector_manuel_
[email protected].
May 1st, 2012
16
CostaBaja Unveils
New Private Residence Club
CostaBaja, the residential,
master-planned
resort
community in La Paz has
announced the launch of The
Residence Club at CostaBaja,
estate option in the city
ownership.
Owners will enjoy stunning threebedroom townhomes and exclusive
privileges and access to the amenities,
services and facilities provided by this
master planned community and by
partnering with DCP International,
a leader in the design, sales and
marketing of Equity Residence Clubs
at more than 30 resorts around the
world.
“We’re excited to add The Residence
Club to our already extensive real estate
of CostaBaja. “This new option opens
up ownership at CostaBaja to a wider
range of prospective residents and
provides an alternative for those who
have a limited amount of time each
year to enjoy their vacation home.”
The Residence Club at CostaBaja is
located in CostaBaja’s hillside Las
Colinas community and features
CostaBaja
sweeping 360-degree views of the
Bay of La Paz, Gary Player Signature
Golf Course and Sea of Cortez. Each of
the residences comes fully-furnished
and are maintained by CostaBaja
Resort and Spa management, ensuring
worry-free ownership and hassle-free
vacations.
Owners also enjoy comprehensive
CostaBaja Club membership privileges,
which provide access to the Beach
Club, Gary Player Signature golf course
and Espiritu Spa. Owners also have
access to a private electric passenger
cart, resort shuttle service, clothing
and equipment storage, housekeeping,
pre-arrival grocery shopping service,
bell service, and a Club Concierge.
The Residence Club at CostaBaja
is a fractionally owned residential
property. Buyers receive an interest
in the residence without the hassles
of full-ownership. Like other forms of
real estate, ownership interests can
be sold, willed, deeded or placed in a
trust.
“Over the past 20 years we’ve
designed and operated Equity
Residence Clubs at prestigious resorts
in some of the world’s most soughtafter destinations, “ said Steve Dering,
principal of DCP International. “We
believe La Paz is one of Mexico’s great
up-and-coming cities and CostaBaja is a
tremendous addition to our portfolio.”
CostaBaja Resort & Marina is a 550acre resort community situated on the
Sea of Cortez just north of La Paz. It
is a residential, master-planned resort
INTERCAM, your first all inclusive financial resort.
exceptional real estate opportunities,
state-of-the-art 250-slip marina, a
hotel and spa, an 18-hole Gary Player
Signature Golf Course, tennis courts
and a marina village complete with
dining restaurants.
17
May 1st, 2012
Need an
Ambulance,
The Fire
Department
or Police?
The New Math for Retirement
works well for him in maintaining a comfortable
retirement lifestyle.
Jim Donahoe
Back in the day there was a lot of talk about buying
a second home at some great paradise location, like
La Paz and splitting time in retirement between a
principal residence at home and the second home.
My, how the world has changed for so many baby
boomers looking to retire to a comfortable lifestyle
envisioned for so long. The economic abyss that has
consumed such a large part of many folks’ nest eggs
has forced us to re-evaluate our retirement plans.
We have started to re-analyze the cost of maintaining
the lifestyle we had planned. What will it cost for
health care, food, transportation, entertainment,
travel and such? We are also reviewing home
ownership costs – maintenance, mortgage,
insurance, utilities and property taxes?
For many, after examining the numbers, buying
a dream home in Mexico appeared as more of a
mirage than something actually attainable. The
numbers simply wouldn’t work. Enter the New
Math for Retirement. For some, a revelation takes
Now compare other cost of living expenses. How
about health care? Did you know that you can
purchase an individual Mexican health insurance
policy for less than $400 per year, not per month?
The quality of health care in La Paz is very good.
Recently, my friend, who just moved here and does
clinic. 45 minutes, English speaking doctor cost $40
next door for $97 pesos - $8 US. How does this
compare to a visit to your doctor back in the US?
How about food – groceries and eating out? If you
insist on brand names and top restaurants you will
not experience a big savings. However, once you
example, my friend and I love shrimp tacos. So we
go to Pepe’s on Prieto. We each have two shrimp
tacos and a drink. Total bill - $76 pesos or $6 US for
both of us.
As much as I disliked the New Math when going to
school in the 60’s, I love the New Math as it applies
considering La Paz for the primary residence?
If your dream was to live in paradise for 3 or 4
months…why not make La Paz your primary
residence? How much could your sell your current
home for? What could you buy as a replacement in
La Paz? Here, you can purchase a home or water
view condos starting around $150,000. By selling
there and buying here you are applying the New
Math and your depleted nest egg will begin to grow
again. Now, compare home ownership costs. Start
with one element – property taxes. My friend, who
owns a half million-dollar-La Paz-home recently
paid his 2012 property taxes - $325. He sold his US
home for $600,000. His annual property tax bill for
that home was $6,500. The $500 per month saving
Call 066
Parque Piedras y
Pajaros
TBC
Parque Piedras y
Pajaros
A new public park has opened in downtown La Paz.
Parque Piedras y Pajaros or the Stones and Birds
Park was inaugurated on April 13th, 2012. The park
the community of La Paz.
By the way, the rumors are true. Summers get a
little warm in La Paz. If you do need a break from the
summer heat, take a holiday. Visit family and friends
or travel to some other exotic locations. After all,
Jim Donahoe has been a licensed real estate broker
for 30+ years, has consulted throughout Western
Mexico for the last 9 years and has been a full-time
Paceño for nearly 3 years. Jim is the Broker Manager
for Linda Neil Properties in La Paz.
[email protected]
(612) 140 1054
www.lindaneil.com
Esthela Ponce Beltran were Cristina Walton from
the Walton Family Foundation and Lucia Frausto
from the International Community Foundation.
Parque Piedras y Pajaros is a private park provided
for public use by Tenaja Holdings. The Mayor
expressed her gratitude to Ms. Walton and Tenaja
Holdings for their initiative and said that downtown
La Paz needs support to grow and become a place
people can be proud of.
Parque Piedras y Pajaros was named from a poem
of the same theme. The poem is proudly displayed
in both English and Spanish on the east sidewall for
all to enjoy.
The new park is centrally located on Constitution
Street between Madero and Belisario Dominguez
and in the mayor’s words, “ Is a place for the citizens
of this city to relax in tranquility.” The park is free
to the public and will be open everyday from 8 a.m.
to 8 p.m.
18
May 1st, 2012
Bee Creates Big Buzz at
Local Private School
Continues from page 5
for good service comes after the
meal, the wait person is energized
can.
On Monday April 23rd
the
Valladolid School of La Paz
Centro held its annual English
Spelling Bee, a very special event
enthusiastically attended by
Says Peter Mitchell, an Australian
blogger: “…You can toss an Aussie in
a pool with great whites, crocodiles,
Barbara Spencer of Care for Kids
La Paz and Sheryl Hamilton of
LPG.
The outdoor assembly area
was
beautifully
decorated,
the contestants well prepared, and
the whole student body buzzing with
anticipation as the Bee got underway.
Despite the heat and a few minor delays
– like when the judges were momentarily
stymied by the letters “zeep-zeep” in
the word ‘puzzle’ – everything went very
smoothly!
Congratulations to all the participants
and winners in the various grade levels:
Primary 1:
1st Victoria Seiko León Ochiai
2nd
3rd Ariel David Perez Medina
Continues from back page
entire world? It’s easy, contact an
agent that is a member of both AMPI
(Mexican Association of Realtors)
and the MLS, sign an exclusive listing
agreement and they will upload
your home with photos and a video.
And any agent that is a member of
the MLS can advertise, and show
any house on the MLS. This means
that your house is seen by a wider
audience.
spelling bee
Primary 2:
1st Marian Elidee Gebbia de la Garza
2nd Alejandra Flores Campos
Primary 3
1st Rosaura Azeneth Romero Silva
2nd
Primary 4 and 5:
1st. Dania Andrea Pérez Urias (4)
2nd Mariel Sarahi Susarrey Avelar (5)
3rd Cindy Olachea Osuna (5)
Primary 6 and 1 Secondary:
1st Mariana González Osuna (1 Secondary)
2nd Jonathan Brandon Higuera Salgado
(6).
3rd Maria Fernanda Medina López
(6)
So you will have one agent looking
out for your best interests. And you
will also have an entire sales force
of other AMPI/MLS agents showing
your home. Isn’t it a good feeling
that your property is in the hands
of professionals that subscribe to a
high code of ethics and use the latest
technology to sell your home?
Susan Fogel is the broker/Owner
of PrestigePropertyGroupLaPaz.
com and the secretary of AMPI
sea snakes and they would probably
happily swim a couple of laps if it
meant they did not have to worry
about tipping on their next American
vacation…” He goes on to say, that
the Aussie traveler needs to budget
for tips, and pay 15% tips on restaurant
bills, $1.00 per bag to a porter, and
$1.00 per drink to a bar waiter, and
he says, “…If you don’t believe in
tipping, don’t visit America…”
The same can be said about Mexico.
So let’s talk La Paz and tipping. Let
me tell you, this is a hot topic at the
sidewalk café where this paper’s
editor and writers hang out to
discuss the upcoming issue.
Tipping is expected in Mexico. It is a
necessary income boost to Mexican
service people. Most service workers
in La Paz, and Mexico in general,
work for very low wages and depend
on your tips to earn a living wage.
They have rent or mortgages to pay,
they have kids in school, and parents
to support. Tips are an important
part of their income.
they are not only not getting a tip,
but they have to pay to serve those
cheap customers. It’s the ultimate
insult to a waiter.”
Chavez went on to say that it is only
human nature that if a person does
not receive a good tip, the service he
provides the next time you visit may
not be the best. He says Americans
and Canadians tip about the same
amount and suggest that the tip in a
of the bill.
Tipping your hairdresser or massage
therapist, even if they are the
proprietor, is also expected. We
are not talking about tipping the
manager or owner of a big restaurant
or hotel. We mean the small, one or
two person shops that rely on those
meeting expenses and maybe having
a little luxury.
Tipping is a hot topic on Google and
there are sites that list the top ten
and ten worst celebrity tippers. If
I were a big celebrity, I’d rather be
I would be listed online as a bad
tipper.
Susan Fogel is the broker owner of
PrestigePropertyGroupLaPaz.com
Who to Tip and How Much:
This information is gleaned from
Whether it is the baggers at Mega,
TripAdvisor; About.com/Mexico
Chedraui, and Aramburo that Travel;
The BBC; other travel blogs.
at PEMEX, hotel porters, maids,
and tour guides, they all depend
on tips to make ends meet.
1. Waiters and waitresses 15% of the tab
Generally speaking, Paceanos
working in the tourist and
hospitality industry try hard
to please and to give good
service. Some are trained better
than others, and some know
instinctively what good service is,
and how it translates into cash.
3. Hairdresser, manicurist, pedicurist 15%
of services
The waiters at Las Tres Virgenes
on Madero Street, one of La Paz’
2. Bar service US$1.00 (or 12 pesos) per
drink
4. Grocery bagger 1 peso per bag and
extra if they take your grub to the car
5. Taxi drivers 10–15% of fare
6. Hotel porter US$1.00 (or 12 pesos) per
bag
7. Tour guide 20% of tour fee
8. Hotel maids 50–100 pesos per day
$9.72 US a day and work a 6-day
week. “They share their tips with
the other members of the team
that support them”, says Jesse
Chavez, owner. “When you don’t
tip or tip very low, the waiter has
to give to the kitchen and bar
9. PEMEX workers $5–10 pesos if they
wash windshield; more if they check
tires and oil
10. Anyone that goes out of their way
commensurate with the service they
provide.
19
May 1st, 2012
loreto-fest
,
e
e
y
e
y
sThis is a calendar of arts and cultural events in
eLa Paz, México. Schedules can change, so if your
heart is set on a particular event, best to doublecheck place and time. For more information,
please head to the website www.rozinlapaz.com.
DAY TO DAY
eMONDAY, APRIL 30
holiday honouring workers in Mexico is Tuesday,
but many will be taking a four-day weekend. If
tyou’re planning to do business, best check in
esome businesses will be closed April 28 through
May 1.
g
TUESDAY, MAY 1
is a national holiday that honours the workers in
some businesses to be closed.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2
La Paz founding festival begins: The annual Fiestas
Culturales de Fundación de La Paz features a great
mix of artists and cultural programs to celebrate
the history of the region. Events, which continue
through May 6, are listed separately in this day-byday calendar
performs at the CANIRAC restaurant association’s
Festival Gastronómico food-tasting at 19:00 at el
Coromuel beach. Admission is 500 pesos. It’s a
DIF (Programa de Desarrollo Integral de la
Familia). Chamin is a Mexican guitarist renowned
for his traditional romantic music. His career
spans more than six decades and he has released
150 records on vinyl and in CD format. For more
information about this event, contact the
restaurant association at canirac.lapaz@yahoo.
com.mx or phone 122-2381.
Festival queen crowned: The coronation
ceremony begins at 19:30 at Centro Cultural La
Paz, 16 de Septiembre and Belisario Dominguez.
This free event is part of Fiestas
Culturales de Fundación de La Paz.
Samantha Rae in concert: Samantha Rae Byers
presents a free concert at 21:00 at Centro Cultural
La Paz, 16 de Septiembre and Belisario Dominguez.
From La Paz, Samantha Rae sings blues, pop and
rock. This event is part of Fiestas Culturales de
Fundación de La Paz.
THURSDAY, MAY 3
an opera recital and concert of Mexican music
at 19:00 at Teatro Juárez, Belisario Dominguez
between 16 de Septiembre and Independencia.
Participants are soprano Ana de la Vega, tenor
Victor Campos Leal, mezzo soprano Cassandra
Velasco, pianist Wojciech Nycz and bariton Amed
Liévanos. This event is part of Fiestas Culturales
de Fundación de La Paz.
Le Cabaret Capricho: The show combines music,
performance and circus arts. It begins at 21:00
at Centro Cultural La Paz, 16 de Septiembre and
Belisario Dominguez. This free event is part of
Fiestas Culturales de Fundación de La Paz.
¡Francisco Céspedes in concert: Francisco Fabián
a free concert at 22:00 at Centro Cultural La
Paz, 16 de Septiembre and Belisario Dominguez.
A naturalized Mexican, Céspedes is a singer,
musician and songwriter born in Santa Clara,
Cuba. He is well known for his 1998 song Viva Loca
(crazy life). This event is part of Fiestas Culturales
de Fundación de La Paz.
FRIDAY, MAY 4
is the site of this three-day cultural event May 4, 5
and 6 from 17:30 to 22:00. The event is sponsored
the Municipality of La Paz. The majority of tents
will be on Independencia between Belisario
Dominguez and Revolución and on Madero
between Independencia and 5 of Mayo.
Flamenco dance performance: Zambra y Claudio
at Teatro Juárez, Belisario Dominguez between 16
de Septiembre and Independencia. This event is
part of Fiestas Culturales de Fundación de La Paz.
Salsa workshops begin: A new series of workshops
for beginners starts at Centro Cultural La Paz,
16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario
Dominguez. Classes with Agatino Rapisarda will
be Tuesdays and Fridays, 20:00 to 22:00. For more
information, call 612-157-7674.
Groove Azul performs: Groove Azul plays a
fusion of styles, including jazz, blues, funk and
Latin rhythms. It’s a duo featuring guitarist
Dario Norzagaray and saxophonist and singer
Leo Dann. You’ve probably heard their beautiful
music as they play in other groups around La Paz.
Groove Azul begins weekly Friday performances
tonight from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at La Esquina
bar, Independencia 201 on the corner of Belisario
Dominguez.
In Loreto, Loreto Fest begins: The festival for the
Escondido May 4, 5 and 6. There will be dinghy
races, a dinghy parade, a bay clean-up on Friday,
swap meet on Saturday and lots of live music. For
more information or to get involved as a volunteer,
go to http://www.hiddenportyachtclub.com/
SATURDAY, MAY 5
Cinco de Mayo: This Mexican holiday celebrates
the defeat of the French Army at the Battle of
Puebla in 1861, but it is not a national holiday.
Medio Maratón Costero La Paz: 5k, 10k and 21k
races begin and end on the Malecón in La Paz.
For more information, visit the Facebook page
of Dirección del Departe Municipal La Paz www.
facebook.com/deportelapaz or e-mail departe.
[email protected].
Velasco is the site of this three-day cultural event
May 4, 5 and 6 from 17:30 to 22:00. For details, see
listing May 4.
Folkloric dance performance: Mitote Folklórico
performs at 19:30 at Centro Cultural La Paz,
16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario
Dominguez. This event is part of Fiestas Culturales
de Fundación de La Paz.
between Madero and Revolución. A virtuoso
guitarist, singer, and composer, his music is a
Latin rhythms. He has worked with some of
Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin. Visit his
website to learn more and to sample his music at
www.hernanromero.com. This free event is part
of Fiestas Culturales de Fundación de La Paz.
SUNDAY, MAY 6
Artisans’ exhibition and sale concludes: It’s the
last day for the arts and crafts exhibition and sale
Baritone and mariachi performance: Baritone
Alejandro Lazzarini performs with mariachi
between Madero and Revolución. This free event
is part of Fiestas Culturales de Fundación de La
Paz.
NSM PSM performs: No Somos Macho Pero
Somos Mucho (my literal translation: we aren’t
macho but we’re a lot) perform at 22:00 at at
Centro Cultural La Paz, 16 de Septiembre near
the corner of Belisario Dominguez. This event is
part of Fiestas Culturales de Fundación de La Paz.
Here’s a description I found online: “No Somos
Machos Pero Somos Muchos or Non Stop Music
Play Some Music are probably the coolest hosts
for parties in Mexico City. The crowded city feels
vibrant whenever they have a gig; their events
turn out as a big encounter of hipsters, art, color
and electrodance.”
THURSDAY, MAY 10
always celebrated May 10. Some employers give
restaurant, you may want to make reservations
in advance. Our northern neighbours celebrate
Mother’s Day the second Sunday in May — this
year in the U.S. and Canada, the date is
May 13.
May 1st, 2012
20
La Paz Phone Numbers
Looking for Car Insurance?
TBC
Car insurance is a must in Mexico. For anyone
who has crossed the US border and has drove
his or her vehicle into Baja, you will already know
that you must have Mexican car insurance. United
States and Canadian insurance policies are not
valid in Mexico. While a few major U.S. insurance
companies cover damages to your own vehicle
in Mexico up to a short distance south of the
border (usually no more than 25 miles), they do
not cover damages to other parties. This is why
any non-Mexican policy must be accompanied
by at least a liability only policy from a Mexican
insurance company.
Having Mexican insurance is the only safe way to
protect you against collision, theft, liability, and
loss of vehicle to the Mexican authorities in case
of an accident or other possible complications
due to a lack of Mexican car insurance.
Many people buy their insurance on-line at one
of the several websites including that are sell
car insurance for the country. However, several
assume that all Mexican car insurance is basically
the same, and rarely shop around for the best
product. A lot buy just as they are getting ready
to cross the border and hope for the best.
So for those of you who are here and wondering
what your insurance really does cover, or if you
are here in La Paz with BCS state plates or even
international plates and your vehicle is in need
of insurance, take the time now to ask questions
some questions.
There are less than 20 auto insurance companies
in Mexico. One that specializes in car insurance
is Qualitas Compania de Seguros. Qualitas is
popular here in La Paz. The company specializes
in car insurance products for residents of Mexico
and tourists from the United Stated and Canada
who are visiting the country. Qualitas Compania
Another company to check out is Mexican
range of insurance solutions including auto,
medical expense, home, damage, and education
insurance.
AXA
Seguros was formerly
known as Seguros
ING S.A. de C.V. The
company changed its
name following an
acquisition by AXA.
AXA Seguros is a
subsidiary of France’s
Axa Group.
If you have any
questions concerning
insurance for your
car, please contact
Police, Fire
Department, Red Cross
(emergency):
066
Highway
Patrol/Federal Police:
122 0369
IMSS Hospital:
122 7377
Fidepaz Clinic:
124 0400
COPT (Port Captain):
122 0243
Immigration:
125 3493 or 124 6349
124 0100 or 120 0199
auto insurance, here in La Paz. They are Dario
Garcia Andrade at 895 on the corner of Allende
and Josefa Ortiz or call 612 156 7273 or dariog5@
hotmail.com. Also, visit Mauricio Torres at
Intercam Financial Services at Plaza los Cirios on
Abasolo, or call 612 146 2794.
Make sure to ask them, or any other licensed
insurer, what type of coverage you will be
receiving and how does the deductible work. Also
check out whether you are covered for damage
to third parties. The legal system in Mexico is
don’t want to be caught in a situation that could
take a lot of time and money to resolve.
Your insurance agent should be able to shop
around for the best insurance option available at
a fair price for you and your vehicle
21
May 1st, 2012
MEXICAN CORPORATIONS
UNDER S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
and S.A DE C.V.? IS IT TIME
FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL
ORDINARY MEETING
Gisela Talamantes Saenz, Attorney at
Law with Baja Legal Solutions.
Corporations incorporated under
Mexican law as “Sociedad Anónima”
and “Sociedad de Responsabilidad
Limitada” have the obligation to hold
an Annual General Ordinary Meeting,
according to articles 80 and 181 of
the General Mercantile Corporations
Law (LGSM).
The Administrator or Board of Directors is responsible for calling the
cal period. The annual general ordinary meeting´s main purpose
is to discuss, approve or amend
the Administrator´s or Board of
Director´s report, which will include
that is mandatory according to article 172 of the (LGSM).
Corporations take advantage of the
celebration of the annual general orthe Sole Administrator or Board Directors and to grant or revoke the
necessary powers of attorney according to the Corporation´s needs.
o
eThe meeting minutes shall be record@ed in the corresponding corporate
tledger as any other minute, either
nordinary or extraordinary, and if this
is not possible the minutes should be
notarized before a Mexican Notary
dPublic according to article 194 of the
e(LGSM). All extraordinary meetings
oneed to be notarized.
e
sThe referred law states that these
types of corporations must keep
dthe following “Libros Corporativos”
(corporate ledgers) for their proper
operation:
pShareholders or Partners Ledger: To
tinclude name, nationality, address
and the amount of shares/stocks
corresponding to each shareholder
or Partner. (article 128 LGSM)
Meeting Minutes Ledger: All meetings shall be recorded in this ledger,
Ordinary or Extraordinary meetings,
and the minutes shall be signed by
the President and the Secretary of
the meeting. If the meeting was not
recorded in the book, the minutes
shall be notarized before a Mexican
Notary Public, without forgetting
that all extraordinary meetings need
to be notarized. (article 194 LGSM)
Capital Ledger: Increases or decreases of capital shall be recorded under
this ledger (article 219 LGSM)
In the case of liquidation of the corporation, the corporate books must
be kept during ten years after the liquidation date. (article 245 LGSM)
The corporate ledgers show the history and decisions impacting a corporation, such as agreements, incoming
and outgoing partners or shareholders, increase or decrease of capital,
purchase of assets, transfer or sales
of shares, etcetera. Having your corporate books in order and updated
tions. They become an essential tool
under any audit or litigation process
involving the corporation. Therefore,
it is important that the corporation
keeps their corporate books and accounting in compliance with the law.
Incorporations, draft of shares, corporate ledgers, vendor´s contracts,
and organization of shareholder´s
ments, increase or decrease of capipowers of attorneys, liquidation of
ance with the Registry of Foreign
Investment and migratory rules for
foreign shareholders, monthly and
annual tax returns.
Gisela
Talamantes
Saenz,
LL.M,
Translator. Prior to starting her own
practice, Ms. Talamantes served as a
closing transaction coordinator for
PRUDENTIAL CALIFORNIA REALTY
in Cabo San Lucas. Prior to joining
Prudential California Realty, Ms.
Talamantes served as the Director
of Policy and Public Relations for the
United States Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce (USHCC) in Washington
D.C. She has also worked for the
Puerto Rican Government and Private
US Law Firms. 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. She has studied in France and
Switzerland.
For more information please contact
Gisela Talamantes Saenz at gisela@
bajalegals.com or via cell phone
612.136.4598.
Website: www.
bajalegals.com
Los Barriles.
May 1st, 2012
22
THREE-DAY CULTURAL FAIR
AT JARDIN VELASCO
TBC
La Paz’s Founding Festival or
the annual Fiestas Culturales de
Fundación de La Paz is all the buzz
right now!!
Just announced - a three-day
cultural fair for local Artisans and
Arts and Crafters among others to
exhibit and sell their wares.
The event will be sponsored by
the Cultural Department of the
Municipality of La Paz, Festival
Division.
On Friday, May 4rd, Saturday, May
5th and Sunday, May 6th from
Velasco ¨ which is in front of the
Cathedral between 5 de Mayo
and Independencia the cultural fair
will take place.
Plan on enjoying local arts and crafts,
jewelry, breads and baked goods,
salsas and dips, soaps and lotions
and so much more!
Artisans and Arts and Crafters may
reserve their space by calling cellular
612-155-1084 or e-mailing Celia
Hernández at chely0523@hotmail.
com.
Continues from page 13
markets, restaurants and buyers.
I have to diverse for a moment. One
day in La Paz, after shopping, hungry
of Mexico’s total catch of mainly
lobster, shrimp, crab, croaker,
albacore, skipjack and anchovies,
sierra and many varieties of rock
favorite restaurant. It was early, in
to his knees, wearing a slicker and
lying crosswise, he delivering fresh
the reports are that the catch has
almost doubled since 1998, with a
vast increase of export due to the
government fostered programs
of new plants for freezing and
Mexico has about 11,500 kilometers
What an abundance of sea life.
Coast produces about three quarters
23
JILL CASTY
EXHIBITION
AT
LA
ENCANTADA
May 1st, 2012
YELLOWTAIL SAY ADIOS BUT
PARGO AND ROOSTERFISH TAKE
HEADLINE STATUS
http://fishreport.jonathanroldan.
com/
“I didn’t have a chance. Two
smaller pargo, but lost so
It would appear that the incredible yellowtail bite of 2012 has left
here and there, not many yellowtail
to speak of the last two weeks and
even the commercial pangeros are
In it’s place, the focus has been
on other species that are normally
caught at this time, but haven’t gotten much attention at all the last 3
months.
but fun!”
“I was blown away by how
don’t turn their heads, they
take you right into the reef!”
And so it goes! We have clients down these days who
look forward to nothing else
but the challenges of these
pargo year-after-year.
In addition to the pargo, we’re
This past week, the pargo have really
been on a tear, or at least, we’re seeing so many more in the counts mainthem so there’s a direct correlation!
The big red guys are in their springtime spawn and schooling up in the
shallows so the action has been visually and physically exciting with big
moving schools of voracious 10-40
y
r
a
.
Jill Casty
La Encantada Galeria, on Belizario
Dominguez between 5 de Mayo and
yexhibition in Mexico of the unique
,work of the American artist Jill
,Casty. Jill’s joyful sculptures combine
brilliantly colored fused glass with
kvarious metals. Throughout California
and in major art cities of Italy, they
have been presented in galleries and
commissioned for numerous homes
and civic and commercial locations.
sJill’s work will be on display until mid
aMay.
e
s
d
foaming when bait is thrown in their
direction. There’s plenty of action
on the pargo but “action” doesn’t
necessarily mean “catching.” Prob-
it might be a function of the
fact that with the yellowtail moving
attention. However, reports of 2, 3,
have not been uncommon this week
with our largest being about 40
pear to have moved in to feed.
In addition to the pargo and roostthat helped keep the action rolling
include snapper, sierra, cabrilla (sea-
makes it to the panga. Many of our
jack crevalle.
comments like:
seen in Baja.”
I couldn’t even lift the rod. They immediately rocked me before I could
turn the handle. So much power!”
One of the more exciting things
that happened this week was a report from one of our amigos who
boarding…his new love.
Check out what he wrote to me…
Debby and Craig and a big fat pargo mulato
shore between Punta Gorda and La
Ventana when I came upon 100 or
more birds crashing the water. There
was sargasso everywhere and yes…
dorado! I was literally kiting among
dorado slashing thru the water
going ballistic at once with birds diving at jumping bait everywhere. And
the moment and amazed with all the
action, I crashed my kite and ripped
it in half. I talked with several kiters
later in the day that had similar experiences with the exception of the kite
crashing. Anyway, it was another day
on the water to remember.”
And that’s our story from Jonathan
and Jilly at Jonathan Roldan’s Tailhunter International.
May 1st, 2012
24
The La Paz Multiple Listing
Service: A True Story for
Sellers to Heed.
Susan Fogel
This is a true story. It happened here
in La Paz just a few weeks ago. And it
is about the Multiple Listing Service
(MLS).
I have a bunch of nice properties in
El Centenario and El Comitan. My
colleagues make jokes about me
living in the desert, the boonies or
“way out there”. I invited them to
come and see my properties, and
they have said things like “some
day”, “it’s a good idea” or “the next
time I am in your area I’ll make an
appointment to see your properties.”
Others said if they had buyers for
my properties they would be sure to
show them. In other words, no one
a mere 20 minutes even to see beach
front and beach community homes.
Even though beachfront and beach
view homes are in high demand even
in this market.
So back to the true story. I uploaded
one listing to the La Paz MLS, then
encountered Internet issues. All I
had to show was one listing. The
next morning my phone rang and a
colleague from La Paz said he was
home with a pool and a view. And my
The agent and client came out within
the hour. She liked my house, but
wasn’t in love. I suggested that
since she was here that she come
and see another listing right next
door. That house is two stories, is
high maintenance, and has a slightly
smaller pool. The would-be buyer
walked in and said: “This is it!” I
want this house, I love it!” She made
transaction closed back in December.
What is my point? The agent said
he was looking only on the MLS.
He did not have the time to search
individual websites, even if he knew
whose sites to visit. If my listing had
not been on the MLS he would never
have known about it. The MLS allows
agents to post as many photos and
videos as they want. A buyer’s agent
can preview the property, read the
details, and can contact the listing
agent to get more information.
Then she can put together a list of
properties and email them to her
of the strict rules of the MLS it is
accurate. This also means that when
homes sell, the prices are listed so
that agents will have comparable
properties that will support the price
of your home to the buyer.
The very next day I uploaded
three more properties. Almost
immediately after hitting “submit”
I received an email from an agent in
Loreto saying that she had sent all of
my listings to her client in the US that
is interested in La Paz, El Centenario
and El Comitan.
“How did you get hooked up with a
La Paz buyer?” I asked
“He was searching my IDX pages,”
she said.
Sellers, listen up! This is key.
Under the new IDX (Internet Data
Exchange) system, buyers can type
“La Paz homes for sale” into Google
and La Paz real estate sites will pop
up. They can click on the name of a
page and those that are members
of the MLS will have a search
function on them that allows Susie
Q. HomeBuyer to search for homes
in La Paz and the surrounding area.
Now thousands of buyers back in
the US and Canada can be looking at
YOUR house long before they book
their airline reservation to come to
La Paz.
They can narrow their search to just
a few homes, or they can expand out
to other areas.
around looking at everything on the
market when he found La Paz, and
decided on our lovely town for his
retirement.
And how do you as a seller get to
have your house visible 24/7 to the
Continues on page 18