On April 24, the “Península de Cortez” Golf Course at Mayan Palace resort celebrated its second anniversary accompanied by special invited guest renowned golfer Dan Pohl. Pohl has been a professional golfer for 33 years and his efforts were crowned during the 1987 PGA Tour. Golfers from throughout the region were enriched by Pohl’s golf knowledge during a clinic lasting nearly 2½ hours in which he explained and shared various personal techniques. On Saturday, April 25, golfers were able to put this knowledge into practice during the annual anniversary golf tournament.
It is worth noting that last year, living golf legend Jack Nicklaus was on hand for the event. During a friendly press conference Nicklaus discussed his varied experiences with the game, and acknowledged both the quality and level of golfers and the courses in the region. Andrew Gilchrist, golf course manager and general coordinator of the event, commented that thanks to the drive of golfers such as Jack Nicklaus and Don Pohl, Read more…

Following a 15 year tradition, the Puerto Peñasco Triathlon has shown time and again to be an important athletic event, bringing an undeniable boom to tourism. In 2010 the triathlon drew 850 athletes to Puerto Peñasco, reported Gustavo Warnholtz, member of the event’s organizing committee.
Warnoltz noted the event, which attracts participants from Arizona, Baja California and Sonora, was held for the fourth consecutive year at the Las Palomas resort and has made important strides as it continues to grow.
Accompanied by Kimo Seymour, president of the Red Rock company, principal sponsor of the event, Warnholtz stated that fortunately the Puerto Peñasco event has survived and overcome two negative factors that impacted it in 2009: the flu alert and ill publicity Read more…

Tessoro Emerging as a Key Destination

The Super Bowl ring glistened brightly in the afternoon sun of the Las Conchas Peninsula, its diamonds sparkling with each movement. The ring was far too big for the hand of its bearer, Tessoro Property Manager Manuel Martinez, comically big in fact, but he could not be smiling more broadly. One of Tessoro’s celebrity guests, an ex-football player and ESPN personality, had been kind enough to let others try on his trophy.
With its location near the U.S. border, Puerto Peñasco will increasingly beckon to athletes and celebrities as the destination’s infrastructure matures. Such visitors require a special level of privacy, security and luxury. One new condominium resort, Tessoro at Las Conchas, is specifically designed to accommodate such visitors and property buyers. The development has been active in marketing to this group.
Bill Ramseyer, a manager for Sotheby’s real estate franchise in Arizona who has spent time in Puerto Peñasco, explains that “Buyers who are athletes, public figures, or high-profile businessmen tend to want a particular type of property protected from the fray. They are looking for the opportunity to relax, kick back and enjoy privacy. The location and amenities of Tessoro are particularly conducive to that experience.”
Read more…

A great time was had by all who attended this month’s AMPI mixer at Las Palomas. The event, hosted by Realty Executives, was held at a gorgeous Penthouse in Las Palomas with ocean views that took our breath away! A special thank you to Enrique Tapia for allowing us to hold the gathering in his amazing home! The event brought together real estate agents and business people from our community. As always, the Real Estate community was there to enjoy a pleasant evening. AMPI members also demonstrated their generosity at the event, helping us raise $200.00 in cash and 100 pounds of food for the local food bank. Thank you! When we work together for the Read more…

40% increase in tourism boosts economic earnings

The 2010 Holy Week period was “surprisingly positive,” representing an average general increase of 40% in tourism and important economic benefits, reported Oscar Palacio Soto, President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV).
During a press conference, the OCV President indicated during the Holy Week break between 40,000 to 45,000 people flowed through Peñasco. He noted hotel occupation rates throughout the holiday period maintained an average of 68%, yet the strongest days were Thursday (April 1) at 92%, 99% for Friday and Saturday before Easter, and down to 45% on April 4th.
Palacio Soto remarked that Baja California continues to be the principal source of visitors for Holy Week, representing 39% of tourism to the area. However, this year saw a drastic increase in tourism from Chihuahua, registering at 26% in comparison to 12% from last year. He added that visitors from Sonora represented approximately 30%, while an additional 5% of tourists during the holiday period were from the U.S.
With respect to the economic impact, he stated, they had initially estimated an influx of about 18 million pesos, with an average expense of 400 pesos per person daily. However, upon verifying data recorded at area banks, they were able to see the economic boost easily brought in 50 million pesos to the area.
He explained that at just one bank they registered transactions totaling $250,000 dollars and nearly 10 million pesos; furthermore, at one city ATM there were withdrawals totaling up to 5 million pesos, which helps illustrate the economic boost was above 50 million pesos. Read more…

Unified criteria concerning use of Turtle Excluding Devices

With a broad explanation of the use of sea turtle excluding devices and a commitment to unify criteria in the application of ecologic guidelines, initial steps have been taken in search of recertification of shrimp boats in order to reverse the U.S. embargo against shrimp from Mexico.
During a meeting held at the auditorium of the Chamber of Commerce, staff from the Federal Office of Environmental Protection (Profepa) addressed doubts and proposals regarding the subject, points that will be reaffirmed at a second meeting to be held next month where they will broadly explain the use of fishing practices to protect the species.
Lourdes Libreros Cisneros, federal inspector for the Profepa, indicated that shrimp producers were told about unifying criteria with Conapesca to verify the exclusion of turtles, in order to adhere to the guidelines of the next certification.
She clarified this is not about new guidelines, but rather an explanation of technical specifications considered within these norms, in order to specifically raise awareness about them. Read more…

Confidence in opening up new sources of employment

Generating 40 direct jobs, on Saturday, April 10th a new entertainment center was inaugurated in the city’s center, maintaining a culture of new jobs for the people of Puerto Peñasco.
Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro, accompanied by his wife Marcela Albelaiz de Zepeda, led the official inauguration of the “Lucky Point” club expressing his confidence about the opening up of new sources of jobs in the city.
The Mayor, accompanied by his wife, alongside Jeanette and Rodger Clifton, and in front of members of the press and primary assistants from the entertainment center, did the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.
During the inaugural act, Mayor Zepeda stated the importance for our city that new sources of employment continue to open and also thanked the Cliftons for their desire to invest in our community. Read more…

More than 3000 aftershocks followed

Restlessness, surprise and even alarm spread throughout Peñasco following the 7.2. grade earthquake that shook the entire region of northwestern Sonora, Baja California and California on April 4th. The quake was followed by easily more than 3000 aftershocks, according to recent reports.
The intense earthquake took place around 3:40 p.m. on April 4th, with its epicenter located just 26 kilometers southwest of Estación Guadalupe Victoria, Baja California. The initial quake has been followed by more than 30 others ranging in intensity from 2 to 5.4 on the Richter scale.
At the local Peñasco radio station XEQC, numerous calls highlighted people’s concerns, leading the Office of Civil Protection to call in alerting everyone to maintain calm and attentive to reports, which were given later.
Rubén Salido Martínez, director of the Municipal Unit of Civil Protection, reported there were no significant damages reported in this city. However, he added, there were a various calls from people shaken up by the incident, and it was necessary to evacuate a number of condominium complexes in the predominantly tourist area.
“Fortunately, recommendations issued to areas with buildings above 10 floors worked, and they were able to evacuate structures without any report of damages,” he explained. Read more…

Puerto Peñasco to host Miss Sonora event
On the evening of April 16th, Samantha González was crowned Miss Puerto Peñasco 2010. She will represent the municipality in the upcoming Miss Sonora pageant, which is to take place here in our magnificent city.
Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munor, accompanied by his wife Marcela Albelaiz de Zepeda, together crowned the victorious winner of the event, which in all included six enthusiastic participants from the city. During the pageant, contestants showed off their talent and beauty in three categories: casual wear, swimsuits, and formal evening wear.
Las Palomas resort was the setting for the gala event, which had been organized by the Municipal Office on Integral Family Development (DIF), the Stylists Association for the State of Sonora, and Televisa Hermosillo. It is important to note that Nora Palacio was also a key organizer in assuring the evening’s success, and received special recognition as the pageant drew to a close.
Despite some unforeseen organization details, the event successfully met organizers’ expectations and received a positive response from those in attendance.
The pageant was honored with the presence of Lorena Camargo, Miss Sonora 2009, who bestowed well deserved recognitions to Roxana Contreras as Miss Congeniality, Samantha González as Miss Photogenic, and Nancy Castro as Miss Elegance. Read more…

Through investment of nearly 500,000 pesos
Seismograph equipment will be set up at the Pinacate Reserve within three months, through an investment of nearly 500,000 pesos, in order to evaluate earth movements in this region, reported Federico Godínez Leal, Director of the Pinacate and Desert of Altar Reserve.
Godínez Leal stated that thanks to work of the Consulting Board of the Natural Protected area, presided over by Guillermo Munro, they were able to obtain the equipment that will be installed at the Visitors Center of the Reserve.
He noted the seismograph, which will be acquired in a bipartite manner with the Ensenada Center of Scientific Research and Higher Education (CICESE), will serve for scientific research and so that all those who visit this region are able to learn about how this type of equipment works.
He furthered the cutting-edge technology will serve particularly children and youth who will be able to learn about the registration of earth movements in this zone, which is a seismic area due to the San Andrés fault as well as the volcanic region of the Pinacate itself.
Godínez Leal underscored in this manner Puerto Peñasco will become part of the seismologic network of northwestern Mexico. Read more…

20 episodes of Televisa’s “Niña de mi corazón” set to be filmed in city
For the fourth time, Puerto Peñasco and its surroundings will serve as the backdrop for a Televisa soap opera. In May, location scouting will take place for “Niña de mi corazón” (Girl of my heart), produced by Pedro Damián.
Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro confirmed the series will come to Puerto Peñasco to film 20 episodes.
Zepeda Munro stated he had met with Pedro Damián, producer of the Televisa series, in order to go over details for the filming set to take place mid-May with episodes to air in June. He added there was even talk of using actors and extras from Puerto Peñasco, noting that local castings would be taking place.
The City Leader indicated the producer commented this was the fourth time he had come to film in this port. On this occasion, according to Damián, they would be inviting students enrolled in Communication Sciences from the universities of Sonora and Mexicali so they can learn about how to film in real time. In addition, two students may even be able to form part of the team working on the series.
The Mayor stated his enthusiasm for the project, which once again will put Peñasco on the national and international scene while drawing more life to the city through the presence of actors and a large production staff, along with young students from Sonora and Baja California. Read more…

Local Delights
By Sami Rivero

In honor of Mother’s Day, always celebrated on May 10th in Mexico, I would first like to pay homage to the various motherly figures that have illuminated the way (and continue to do so) during my time in Mexico. These wonderful figures include my suegra (mother-in-law), my husband’s abuelas and tías (grandmothers and aunts), as well as numerous amigas who are great madres (mothers) and esposas (wives). What better way to reflect on a mom’s role than a review of certain forms of etiquette a la Mexicana I have discovered over the years – some of these coming from male amigos as well.
Despite numerous years of practice, I have yet to master the first formality of greetings whenever entering a room at a party, meeting, office place, or even within my daily coffee shop group. Traditionally, it is important to greet and meet everyone on your way in…and again on your way out. These greetings between men consist of a handshake (and often a pat on the shoulder), while between men and women, as well as women and women, this consists of a peck on the cheek. I usually go left for this greeting, though have been known to bump noses when someone else decides to go right. My difficulty with this process has been in different local settings where I will encounter a simple handshake (gender exclusive) accompanied by a head-nod. Read more…

On April 27th, the raising of a symbolic white flag and presentation of a formal certificate marked the formal recognition of Narciso Mendoza kindergarten as the first school in Sonora, and only second nationality, to be certified as cavity free, placing Puerto Peñasco once again on the national stage.
During a lively ceremony held on the school’s central patio, Sonora’s First Lady Iveth Dagnino de Padrés bore witness to the school’s certification as a cavity free school by the Mexican Dental Association. She applauded the dedication of parents, dentists and of the children themselves.
Mendoza becomes the first school in Sonora to receive this type of distinction. The goal was achieved thanks to the effort and dedication of parents, teachers, dentists and the 140 kindergarten students at the school, who all proudly displayed their cavity free smiles.
Following just over 6 months, with the support of local dentists who donated their time and effort focused principally on dental hygiene and correct brushing, evaluation was obtained recognizing the accomplishments done with the nearly 140 young pupils at the school. Read more…

Mayor dismisses notion this will impact start up of class cycle
Due to adjustments with the area of land required, start up of construction on facilities for the Technological University of Hermosillo (UTH), Puerto Peñasco extension, have been pushed back a bit, acknowledged Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro.
The Mayor explained the project was set to launch in March, yet it was not possible to do so. However, he believes this will not affect plans for construction to be finished in time to begin classes at the new university building by September.
He stressed the delay in construction was owed to the fact the directors of the UTH did not believe the area of six hectares that had been obtained was sufficient, therefore they had to look for an area of 10 hectares in order to fulfill the university’s requirements.
Zepeda Munro remarked Sonora Governor Guillermo Padrés Elías would be visiting the area shortly in order to be on hand for the laying of the first stone of the UTH Peñasco branch. Read more…

Intent to gear studies towards Engineering in Renewable Energy
Studies are to get underway shortly, focusing on the opening of a new degree program in order to strengthen the educational offerings of the Superior Technological Institute of Puerto Peñasco (ITSPP), remarked Director Rafael Lara Mungarro.
Lara Mungarro indicated that based on the geographic location and conditions of Puerto Peñasco, they are proposing a new program for entrants in the area of Engineering in Renewable Energy.
He stated an alternative is necessary to address new study options, particularly in this region with its abundance of sun, wind and sea currents, which are all potential generators of energy.
Based on these characteristics, he added, they are confident the new degree program will be approved soon.
Lara Mungarro stated that based on the infrastructure and conditions available, and particularly the needs of students, the possibility of opening the new degree program is high, which will bring the total amount of available degree programs to five. Read more…

A total of 262 pets were spayed or neutered during the intensive free sterilization campaign held recently. Although the goal of 300 fell a bit short, organizers deemed the event to have been a success.
During the closing ceremony of the sterilization campaign, held at the Community Center in the neighborhood of Nueva Esperanza, it was determined that a total of 15 cats and 247 dogs were treated during the clinic. Canines treated included 190 females and 57 males.
Cristina Camblor, representative from the organization Compassion without Borders, stated she was happy to help combat the growing canine population, seen particularly among the number of strays along the public roadways in Puerto Peñasco.
She stressed sterilization is the most effective way to control animal populations, and stated her willingness to continue collaborating with municipal authorities in subsequent programs.
Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro expressed his appreciation for all those involved in the clinic, and for all the efforts put into the project which spanned from March 22 - 26. Read more…

In a sudden and surprising move, Dr. Daniel Esquivel Jacobo was appointed as the new director of the General Hospital, filling the spot left by Chemist Manuel Guillermo Flores Durazo who resigned.
The appointment of Esquivel Jacobo, who has been working within the Secretary of Health for 16 years, was confirmed after the previous director resigned following only 5½ months in the role in order to pursue personal work projects.
In an interview with JoinUs, the recently appointed hospital director acknowledged it had been a surprising change for him, as it was unexpected. Nevertheless, he stressed, he would assume the responsibility to further the hospital’s commitments.
He explained that Flores Durazo had done a good job in directing the hospital, yet had decided to resign due to an opportunity of professional development that had arisen within his area as a chemist.
Esquivel Jacobo affirmed he is aware of the shortages at the hospital, highlighting his 16 years in working with the Secretary of Health which he believes illustrates sufficient aptitude in helping to address this new challenge. Read more…

National Educational Workers Union section 54 presents vehicle on gratuitous loan
Set to benefit nearly 2,500 users, the local office of the Institute of Social Security and Services for Sonora State Employees (Isssteson) recently received a 2010 Mercedes Benz ambulance, representing an investment of 890,000 pesos.
The 54th section of the National Educational Workers Union (SNTE) acquired the vehicle and delivered it under gratuitous loan to the Isssteson in order to improve the service conditions of the institute.
During a brief ceremony held at the local facilities of Isssteson, Emigdio Coronado Búsani, general secretary of SNTE Section 54, formalized the operation of the ambulance by presenting the keys and documents to the general director of Isssteson, Teresa Lizárraga Figueroa. Read more…

Goal to guarantee drinking water supply
Guaranteeing drinking water supplied to the communities of Puerto Peñasco and Sonoyta is the central goal of the recently formed Clean Water Committee, reports Iván Valenzuela Meza, Chief of Control and Sanitary Regulation.
Valenzuela Meza indicated the committee will be made up of directors from the Municipal Offices of Potable Water, Sewage and Sanitation (OOMAPAS) from both cities, and epidemiology representatives from the Secretary of Health and Sanitary Control Unit from Peñasco.
This strategy, he added, arose from an order handed down by the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) in seeking to guarantee the supply of potable water throughout Mexico.
The state official stated that basically, the Clean Water Committee will be responsible for verifying and guaranteeing that water running through the cities’ pipelines is duly chlorinated as a guarantee to prevent illnesses among those who may consume it. Read more…

María Asunción Macías retires following 27 years of service.
As of April 1st of this year, Gloria del Rosario Gallardo Hernández assumed leadership of the Family Medical Clinic Number 9 of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), replacing María Asunción Macías Sandoval who retired following 27 years of service.
During an emotional ceremony, held behind the clinic located in the neighborhood of Brisas del Golfo, recognition was paid to the outgoing director for her years of service at the institution, from 1983-2010.
One by one, staff representatives from the Family Medical Unit, as well as staff from the Subzone General Hospital, of which she had also served as director, members of the Union of Social Security Workers, the General Medical Professionals Association, collaborators and friends bestowed Macías Sandoval with recognition and gifts. Read more…

In an effort to help resolve existing problems, local Congress representatives recently listened to proposals from all realms concerning the overall situation of transportation in Puerto Peñasco, though some of these illustrated ongoing internal disputes.
Legislators Eloísa Flores García, president of the Legislative Transport Commission, Enrique Reyna Lizárraga, coordinator from the National Action Party (PAN) parliamentary faction and representative Félix Silva López recently visited the city in order to learn more about transportation difficulties that have arisen in all realms (taxis, buses, service trucks, etc.).
At the event, which also included the participation of Jesús Ramírez Díaz, Sonora president of the National Federation of Organized Unions (FENASO), one by one local transportation representatives laid out a series of problems, among them some that have existed for quite some time and which urgently need a solution in order to improve services. Read more…