Earth Check in Puerto Peñasco

With a commitment to sustainable eco-tourism, Mayan Palace resort is currently participating in a certification process by the environmental organization “Earth Check,” who certifies companies that comply with optimization processes in the use of soil, water, and the surrounding environment.
As part of the certification strategy is to help the community and raise awareness about use of the environment in a favorable and sustainable way, the resort is currently promoting programs within Peñasco through the involvement of elementary schools. The primary objective of these programs is to provide young minds with basic knowledge of the importance of separating trash, as well as that of reforestation. The company is also donating a variety of items, including labeled receptacles for the separation of trash, so that students can participate in this effort directly. Read more…

More than 10,000 tourists, and hotel occupancy rates at 61% among principal accommodation providers, helped confirm that negative promotion of the area had minimal impact during the recently celebrated U.S. Memorial Day weekend from May 27-31, reported Oscar Palacio Soto, President of the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV).
Palacio Soto indicated the city was able to overcome various negative factors, including an alert about unofficial stops along the highway into the city, issued by the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, as well as questions of safety on the Mexican side of the border and current economic difficulties in the neighboring state of Arizona.
He detailed that, according to periodic monitoring over the busy weekend, Thursday, May 27 reported a 30% occupancy rate while on Friday this rose to 58%, 88% by Saturday and 69% on Sunday. Read more…

Local Delights by Sami Rivero

Beginning mid-June, World Cup fever began its run through Peñasco, as well as across the globe. As I write this, sadly both the U.S. and Mexico have been knocked out of the tournament and the 8 teams to move on have been decided. Yet, whatever happens I am reminded at this time of the impact sports can have in bringing people together if only for a moment to cheer and gasp, celebrate and agonize or even hold our collective breath in waiting for that last shot. This feeling in June also rang through Peñasco’s sports bars during the NBA finals, the Stanley Cup, not to mention the National Basketball Championship hosted right here in Rocky Point.
So, as of June 11th I have been held hostage by the World Cup – well, that and with the road work in front of my office in the Old Port I prefer to work at home. I have woken up early to watch the 6:30 a.m. matches; I waved my U.S. flag and wore my blue bandana, I donned my Mexican team jersey from the ’96 Cup in Germany, but alas to no avail. After Mexico beat France 2-0 it was a thrill to hear cars honking as they drove by. Read more…

Reinforcing the dream of its founders

In recognition of department founders and those who have died in the line of duty, the 36th anniversary of the founding of the Puerto Peñasco volunteer Fire Department was celebrated the afternoon of June 11th.
Miguel Ángel Sarabia, Norberto Pino, Silvestre Olivas and Eduardo Heredia, founding members of the fire department and in attendance at the event held at the city’s central fire station, were reminded of the dream that became a reality with the creation of a department to combat fires and respond to emergencies.
The act to commemorate 36 years of constant struggle and work was attended by local authorities, members from the institution and invited guests from Prescott, Arizona.
Prescott Mayor Marlin Kuykendall used this opportunity to present the Puerto Peñasco fire department with a fully-equipped 2004 Ford ambulance.
Prior to this, Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro praised the work of the fire department founders who in 1974 had the vision of creating this institution in Puerto Peñasco, leading to the saving of many lives. Read more…

Winner chosen fro 12 beautiful contestants

Miss Erika Bernal, originally from Hermosillo, was crowned Miss Sonora 2010 on Saturday, June 12th, before a crowd of more than 1,000 who attended the event held at Las Palomas in Puerto Peñasco.
The National Director of the Miss Mexico events, former Miss Universe Lupita Jones, along with 2009 Miss Sonora Lorena Camargo, Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro and his wife Marcela Albelaiz de Zepeda crowned the incoming state beauty queen.
During the evening, which was full of elegance and glamour, the event showcased the 12 state semifinalists in three runway walks including casual dress, bathing suit, and formal wear, and highlighted their own confidence and style.
At the gala event, Jessica Lerma was chosen online by Imparcial followers as Miss Sonora, receiving nearly 4,655 votes. Lerma was also chosen as best hairstyle, while Nina Aguilar was selected as Miss Congeniality, Sheila Longoria as Miss Photogenic and Erika Bernal as Miss Elegance. Read more…

Sonora triumphed during the finals of the National Basketball Championship after outscoring the squad from Baja California 74 to 58. The final win ensured Sonora’s success at the recent tournament held in Peñasco, which brought together the best of basketball in Mexico.
Peñasco Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro, accompanied by his wife Marcela Albelaiz de Zepeda, were on hand for the championship game and enthusiastically cheered on the triumphant win of the Sonoran team at the tournament, which once again placed Puerto Peñasco front and center on the national-international scene.
The Mayor expressed appreciation for the support of the Mexican Basketball Athletic Association (ADEMEBA) for having organized the event that brought together the best of the best in Mexican basketball including Horacio Llamas, Anthony Pedroza, Héctor Hernández, Jorge “Coquis” Rochin, Ramsés “Lulo” Benítez, among many others.
He congratulated the teams for their brilliant performance during the National Championship, similarly thanking all who turned out to watch the games that were also seen by viewers across the country as the games were broadcast by a national station Read more…