From May 14th – 16th, Las Palomas showcased the joy of golf during “The Links”4th annual golf tournament held at the seaside resort. The tournament brought together 76 golfers, who from the time they teed off sought to place in the event. Ron Castillo, course manager, gave a warm welcome to participants upon the inauguration of the 2010 tournament. On Friday, Read more…

Strengthening traditions is the objective of resuming this year’s Marine Day Fair, set to be held from June 1st through June 20th and to include a series of attractions for both residents and visitors, announced Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro.
Accompanied by the board from the Professional Business Women’s Club, the Mayor explained at a press conference the event will be held on the esplanade of the Peñasco del Sol hotel and will include the presentation of various artists and groups.
Following the cancellation of the fair in 2009 due to the AH1N1 flu alert, he highlighted the idea is to rescue this tradition and encourage the people of Puerto Peñasco to actively participate in all events be they civic, cultural, or focused on entertainment.
The Mayor indicated that along with solidifying a celebration for the city itself, the goal is for the 2010 Marine Day to serve as yet another annual attraction for tourism to the area.
Zepeda Munro noted funds collected from the festival will go towards the Professional Business Women’s Club and the local Office on Integral Family Development (DIF). Read more…

Municipal Administration not pleased with SB 1070.

Though the municipal administration of Puerto Peñasco is not in agreement with Arizona’s new law SB 1070, this does not necessarily imply a confrontation with our neighboring state, which is the principal source of tourism for this port, affirmed Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro.
Exactly one week following the signing of SB 1070, the Mayor remarked this legislation would not be beneficial for Mexicans or for the relationship between Mexico and the United States as it is a setback to common rights we all have as individuals.
Nevertheless, he added, Puerto Peñasco depends greatly on tourism from Arizona and therefore it is not advisable to put up confrontation as tremendous resources stem from there. Read more…

General disagreement to SB 1070.

Oscar Palacio Soto, President of the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (OCV), said the recent SB 1070 legislation in Arizona should not be a reason for animosity between Sonora and Arizona. However, he added, the law is inappropriate and unjust, expressing certain opposition and resistance to its taking effect.
In a recent press conference, Palacio Soto spoke out against boycotts focused on our neighboring state in the U.S., noting it is advisable not to jump the gun through incendiary measures that could seriously affect both states.
He remarked that of the foreign tourism that both Sonora and Puerto Peñasco receive, at least 60% is from Arizona. Therefore, there is concern that boycotts such as those that have been launched may have a “boomerang” or “hara-kiri” effect on the tourism sector. Read more…

In addition to work aimed at improving the urban image of the Port, which is already underway and represents an investment of over 20 million pesos in a first stage, there are currently projects drawn up totaling more than 400 million pesos set to benefit the community, reports Plinio Rivero Lavín, Peñasco Director of Public Works.
Rivero Lavín detailed currently resources of around 20 million pesos are going towards approved projects. These funds represent basic programs such as Hábitat, Ramo 33, the temporary employment program and a remaining part from the Río Colorado Bridge Trust.
The current port project, he explained, involves electricity, sewage, construction of sidewalks and curbs as well as ramps and other elements for the disabled, which is a commitment of Mayor Alejandro Zepeda.
He stressed they are actively pursuing resources for Read more…

2010, a difficult year to make financial decisions, right?

By Heidi Wosak
St. James Gate, Developing and Consulting in Mexico

So many people especially in the US had been saving and waiting the right time to buy that dream property in Mexico for years. Maybe because they want to retire, or maybe because they just want to enjoy it, have extra income with a vacation rental house, or maybe a B&B.

After the financial debacle of the mortgage and financial system in the US where so many people lost not only their savings, but some of them their hopes or their trust.

Mitch Creekmore VP for Stewart Title guarantee company recently published a great article where he just discloses the facts about what I happening in Mexico, among so many interesting facts he wrote he writes about two main issues that are in the minds of the American people in regards Mexico now, first is safety, and second is the real estate market:

About safety he makes a clear statement about how the US Read more…

State Safety Secretary Ernesto Munro calls for more awareness concerning children and youth.

State Public Safety Secretary, Ernesto Munro Palacio, recently toured the area of Peñasco as part of a Safety Crusade aimed at strengthening crime prevention through the collaboration of different sectors across the community.
At presentations given at schools and before many different local community members, the state official called for everyone to do what is necessary for children and youth in order to strengthen their growth in ensuring the values of goodness, trustworthiness and innocence.
Accompanied by Mayor Alejandro Zepeda, as well as representative Secundino Galván and the leader of the 54th section of the SNTE union, Emigdio Coronado, Secretary Munro closed out the campaign “Playing for life, our actions leave a print” at the Lázaro Cárdenas elementary school.
At the school, teachers and parents unveiled the sculpture “Friendship Bear,” made up of war game toys collected during the campaign.
Munro Palacio detailed throughout ten municipalities a total of 20,284 war game toys were exchanged for learning games that had been successfully collected, exceeding the goal of 20,000 toys. Read more…

Seeking solutions to shrimp embargo and yields in the Upper Gulf of California

An air of uncertainty, despite good intentions, currently envelops the fishing sector of Puerto Peñasco given the U.S. embargo on shrimp from Mexico that went into effect on April 20th. This is also accompanied by the never ending problems with fishing in the area of the Upper Gulf of California.
These feelings were expressed during a recent meeting called by the local administration which once again addressed ways to resolve these two critical situations, noting the risk that local boats may not head out to fish for the 2010-2011 season.
Those present at the meeting included Prisciliano Meléndrez, State Deputy Secretary of Fishing and Aquaculture, Semarnat delegate Rodolfo Flores Hurtado, Sagarpa delegate Fernando Miranda Blanco, Profepa delegate Carlos Quiroz Narváez, Salvador Cabrales, President of the local CANAINPES, and Mateo López León, president of the Fishermen’s Union for the Upper Gulf of California, as well as producers and other state and federal officials.
Salvador Cabrales, leader for local shipbuilders, stressed that uncertainty is the principal concern for the fishing sector of Peñasco, both due to the shrimp embargo as well as due to yields from the Upper Gulf. Read more…

Embargo won’t be felt until next season.

All of the shrimp capture from this past season, totaling nearly 1,500 tons, was successfully commercialized prior to the launch of the U.S. embargo on shrimp from Mexico meaning there is no shrimp stored away, affirms Salvador Cabrales Noriega, President of the National Chamber of the Fishing Industry (Canainpes).
The CANAINPES President indicated the U.S. ban on commercialization of deep sea shrimp from Mexico, which went into effect on April 20th, will start to be felt as the next season nears.
He stated he was certain that 100% of the shrimp that is ordinarily exported, which is around 200 to 300 thousand tons, was sold or liquidated prior to the launch of the embargo.
He acknowledged last year there were problems with moving the product, as there got to be around 600 tons of shrimp put into cold storage as they awaited sale; however, that was not the case this year despite the U.S. embargo. Read more…

The 7th annual Cinco de Mayo celebration organized by the Larry Large Foundation was a resounding success, raising nearly $15,000 USD for altruistic work. The goal of the event was to collect funds to help support those most in need in Puerto Peñasco.
John Quigley, foundation President, reported that despite the current economic crisis they were pleased with the amount of participation, which included approximately 250 people in attendance including members from the Mexican and US community.
He noted in addition to helping raise valuable resources, the event was enveloped by an air of friendship and healthy fun for all.
Performances including mariachi, jazz, folk dance, dancing horses and other magnificent cultural presentations delighted everyone gathered for the event. Donations collected will contribute to ongoing noble work the Larry Large Foundation has been pursuing in Peñasco during recent years. Read more…

The 2010 Fiscal Refresher workshop on the Federal Maritime Land Zone recently came to a close after surpassing goals both with respect to participation and results, and providing forecasts of improvements in coastal municipalities.
After the presentation of acknowledgements to participants and the formal wrapping-up of work, Guillermo López-Forment Villa, Director of Federal Zone Demarcation and Fiscal Instruments, applauded the tremendous interest of representatives from the nine Mexican states and 13 coastal municipalities in Sonora who attended the workshop.
Results from this two day workshop, held May 12th and 13th, he added, should be reflected in an increase in collections in each of the coastal municipalities and obviously in local improvements.
He reiterated once again that Puerto Peñasco is an example nationally and should be seen as a success to follow with respect to collections and administration of the Federal Maritime Land Zone.
During the 2010 Federal Maritime Lan Read more…

Area to serve as support for studies in Tourism Services.

Through an estimated investment of 7 million pesos, the local CetMar number 14 is soon to see construction begin on facilities of a new workshop to benefit the school’s population, reported Rodolfo Irineo Flores, Director of the Center for Technological Studies of the Sea (CetMar).
Irineo Flores stated funds for the project have already been approved by the federal government. The shop will provide a support area for one of the newest areas of study at the institution, that of Tourism Services.
He indicated the investment was actually authorized last year, yet this was set back due to the economic crisis. This year, with things turning around a bit, they hope to see these funds released to CetMar within the near future.
The CetMar Director detailed the new workshop for Tourism Services studie Read more…

By Susi Lerma

Businesses which not only survive and prosper in this tough economy but also give back in different ways are tremendous assets to our community. Recognition for this valuable service goes to owner, Sally Dalton and interim manager, Jerry Ketlehut.

Xochitl’s in Cholla Bay has made an important contribution by supporting local artists. Since the opening of the new Xochitl’s Café in October 2009 they have hosted cultural exchanges exhibiting the work of both local artists and artists from abroad. Patrons of the restaurant have been delighted to see the changing displays of art work. The food is delicious and there’s always something colorful and creative to see. Exhibits have included a wide variety of styles and media.

There is a meet the artist evening for each new exhibition. Their next opening reception will be Saturday, May 29th from 6 to 8 PM. Refreshments will be served. Running through the end of June the work of Jeff Toleu and Yvonne Arnett & a guest artist from Peñasco will be shown.

“Los Ojos de Tres Amigos” with art work by popular photographer Lowell McCulley and well known painters Gaby & Luis who also own a gallery in Puerto Peñasco was the previous show. It ran through April and the first half of May.

Other artists who have presented work include Jo Barnes & Victor Aleman In “Dos Amigos” A solo show by Susi Lerma was the inaugural art exhibition.

We are very interested in promoting the work of both fine and folk artists who live and work here in Puerto Peñasco. Xochitl’s is seeking local artists, both emerging and professional artists are welcome to submit work. Interested artists should send digital images of their typical work to:
susi.lerma.art@hotmail.com

Original, two dimensional work will be considered.

US pilot comes out uninjured.

After gliding without an engine for a span of nearly ten minutes, a small plane piloted by Tina Elliott, of the US, successfully landed along a stretch of land located about 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) from the Sea of Cortez international airport.
Pilot Tina Elliott, 51, of Tucson, AZ, who was the only one on board, brought the plane in for an emergency landing at approximately 2 p.m. on May 5th.
The white and red Cessna 172 recent model plane, with registration number N 79529, did not appear to sustain any damages.
Alonso Domínguez Ruiz, airport administrator for the Sea of Cortez airport, reported that at approximately 1:45 p.m., Elliot radioed in that her plane was having problems due to a drop in engine pressure and an oil leak.
Domínguez Ruiz explained the Elliott was about 35 miles (56.3 kilometers) out when she radioed in to the city’s airport, leading to an immediate mobilization of safety and emergency equipment. Read more…

More than 2,000 march through streets of Puerto Peñasco.

More than 2,000 workers employed locally participated in the early morning May 1st Labor Day parade, meeting event organizers’ expectations.
Despite the absence of Mayor Alejandro Zepeda, the march was led by Municipal Secretary José Ramón Campos Santos and Municipal PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) director Salvador Murrieta Bejarano, who wound the parade along Benito Juarz Blvd. from No Reelección St. to Kino Blvd.
Numerous signs including: “Respect for union autonomy,” “Guaranteed safety at schools is urgent,” “We demand better salaries and respect of our benefits,” and “No to Federal Labor Reform” were among the many carried by parade participants.
The parade, which included marchers, floats and transportation vehicles and trucks, began around 9 a.m. in front of the Plaza a la Madre and ended around 10:20 a.m. in front of City Hall, despite the earlier call to end in front of the local offices of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM). Read more…

Easing procedures while saving time for taxpayers is the objective of the “Express License” program recently put into effect at the local State Fiscal Agency, remarked Jesús Soto Mendívil, director of the state collection agency.
Soto Mendívil reported that recently they implemented a strategy by which driver’s licenses may be renewed in a period of just five to ten minutes.
He explained this simplified process will be for those who already have their driver’s license and are seeking to renew them without modifying any of the information on the license set to expire or already expired.
Soto Mendívil clarified the stipulated time of about five minutes will only be for these cases of renewal. Those seeking to get their driver’s license for the first time, or who want to make a change on the document, will have to go through the entire process which takes more time. Read more…

Offers more rigorous work at institution

On May 18th, Jorge Valdez Félix stepped into the role as board president for the local Red Cross, offering to imprint a more rigorous tone on the work of the local institution, which continues to be the first auxiliary and emergency service in Puerto Peñasco.
During a well-timed ceremony held in the auditorium of the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Alejandro Zepeda swore in the new board, which had been presided over by Antonio Mendívil García for the past four years.
With staff from the Red Cross on hand, along with family members, special guests and authorities, Valdez Félix was visibly enthusiastic upon stepping into the role as president for the local Red Cross board. He expressed the importance of the organization can be attested to in the nearly 5,000 calls to service it provides each year to local residents and tourists. Read more…

5 to 10 vessels to be removed from Puerto Peñasco fleet.

Between five to ten vessels currently part of the Puerto Peñasco fleet will no longer be put into fishing activities this year upon the reimplementation of the Fleet Withdraw Program aimed at reducing fishing efforts, reported Fernando Miranda Blanco.
Miranda Blanco, Sonora delegate for the Secretary of Agriculture, Ranching, Rural Development, Fishing and Feed (Sagarpa), indicated there is a budget of 65 million pesos throughout the state for the withdraw of 50 boats from the areas of Guaymas, Yavaros, Huatabampo and Puerto Peñasco.
This implies, he added, a 66% increase in the program as last year fishing efforts were reduced by 30 boats, at a sum of 39 million pesos.
He detailed each ship qualifying to be withdrawn from fishing activities will receive an amount of 1.3 million pesos in exchange for their fishing permits and the subsequent dismantling of the boats at the docks. He explained the ships must be dismantled in order to meet program regulations. Read more…