New Hotels Opening Up in La PazLa Paz, BCS 23090 Mexico The Baja Citizen is a free circulation community newspaper that is distributed in La Paz and the communities of Centenario,

YEAR: 5 Nº: 108 PUBLISHER: Hally J. Productions S. de R.L. EDITOR: Gari-Ellen Donohoe

June 12th, 2013

Continues on page 19

Check out The Baja Citizen at

www.bajacitizen.com or www.facebook.com/thebajacitizen. Posting daily!!

Downtown Merchants Want Help in Reviving Downtown La Paz

With the weather heating up in the afternoons in La Paz, nothing is more agreeable than heading to the malecon in the early morning to take a walk and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Photo courtesy of Kat Bennett.

Local merchants want change to the downtown core of La Paz and demand

that the government helps.

New Hotels Opening Up in La Paz

I N D E XBusiness Spotlight 4Escapers 5Table Talk 7Ramblings 9 Professionals Services

in La Paz 16Astrology 17Calendar of Events 19

TBC

In the upcoming months, La Paz could be adding up to 400 new hotel rooms to its current total of 790 rooms. With the added rooms, negotiations could be a little easier for the city to attract ��ƪ��as tourism to the capital of BCS.

Hotel Zar, located on Abasolo just beside the Ford dealership, opened its doors May 24th for business. With an investment of 50 million pesos, Hotel Zar is home to 90 business class rooms and should introduce close to

250 direct and indirect jobs to the local economy.

Just on the beach and Nue-va Reforma is the recently opened La Posada Hotel & Beach Club. The hotel adds another 20 rooms to the city and is home to the Chic and Cheap Restaurant, which al-ways guests to dine on the beach and enjoy the sunset.

CostaBaja is also adding a new hotel. With an investment of 200 million pesos, Hyatt Place at CostaBaja will generate close to 350 jobs during the construction phase and during the operation-

al phase of the hotel, an addi-tional 150 permanent positions would be created.

The hotel, expected to open in 2014, will feature 151 guest-rooms, each with views of the

La Posada Hotel & Beach Club

TBC

Downtown merchants of La Paz have had enough and are demanding local authorities help them with solutions and action in their bid to resurrect the historical downtown area of the city.

Merchants feel downtown La Paz has long been forgotten; it is lonely and dirty, there is a lack of street lights and signs, side-walks are dangerous and there has been a slow but steady de-parture from business owners and in turn, shoppers, from the center of La Paz going back sev-eral years now. Many commer-cial spaces lie empty and stores that have been around for de-cades still carry the same, dusty product.

Consumers are headed out in droves to the several malls and box stores that have been built on the outskirts of the city. With air-conditioned, modern look-ing stores, convenient hours of operation, plenty of parking and endless consumer options under one roof, downtown has

not been able to compete. Con-ditions in the historical area are only getting worse.

Gaston Castanier Arriola, a downtown resident and restau-rant owner who is heading the “PRO CENTRO” committee said that the situation in the histori-cal downtown of La Paz is get-ting to the breaking point and

Continues on page 7

June 12th, 2013 2

Publisher: Hally J. Productions S. de R. L .La Paz, BCS 23090 Mexico

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 Ba-rriles every second Monday.

The views of contributers to The Baja Citizen do not necesarily reflect those of the Publishers.

Editor Gari-Ellen Donohoe

[email protected]’s cell (612) 159 13 88

Graphic DesignGabriela Inzunza Salgado

19 Newly Paved Streets to be Opened this Week

New Executive Elected for EMPRHOTUR

On June 6th, I attended the Expo of Tourist Products and Services of La Paz and Mexico’s Tourism Heritage. The Expo was spon-sored by the Universidad Au-tonoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS) and participating were second and third year students studying Alternative Tourism at UABCS.

The event took place at the Callejon Cabezud, which is just in front of the Muelle Fiscal on the malecon, beside Hacienda. I was asked by Professor Carmelina Ca-brera to help evaluate the 10 proj-ects students had been preparing during their semester.

Six of the projects represented local tourism services or busi-nesses from La Paz, BCS that included Las Varitas, Adso and

Nara Patines and Bicis, La Fuente ��Ǧ��ǡ� ��ơ�� ǡ� ��-piritu & Baja Tours and La Casa de Artesano. Students spent time at the local business working with ��ơ��up with a marketing plan on how best to promote their product. Booths were set up and presen-tations were made on how best to attract business.

The other 4 projects represented Mexico’s Heritage and how it is protected by UNESCO and the federal government and enjoyed by both national and internation-al tourism. Students prepared �� Ƥ��and provide a wealth of informa-tion on everything Mexico!

I had a wonderful time talking to the students in English, which

was considered a part of their grade. I learned from them that the Alternative Tourism degree at UABCS is the only degree of ��ơ��

in the country and that the major-ity of students are not from BCS but other states including Mexico ��Ǥ

Some other things that I learned at the Expo that I thought might be of interest:

1. Mexico is home to 67 federally recognized national parks that are protected natural areas adminis-trated by the federal National Com-mission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP). They cover 1,432,024 hectares, representing 0.73% of the territory of Mexico.

Baja California Sur is home to 3 pro-tected parks: Espiritu Santo Island, Bahia de Loreto National Park and Cabo Pulmo National Park.

2. UNESCO (United Nations Edu-��ǡ� ��Ƥ�� Organization) keeps a list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hu-manity. These are traditions or liv-ing expressions, which are passed down through generations in the form of oral traditions, perform-ing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, or knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe. The aspects of Mexi-can culture which are considered by the UNESCO to be a part of the intangible cultural heritage of hu-manity include Mariachi music, the Ritual Ceremony of the Voladores and Traditional Mexican Cuisine.

3. UNESCO also maintains a list of cultural and natural sites that are considered to be of outstanding universal value to humanity. Sites

included on the list are under pro-tection and preservation so that they may be enjoyed by the global community for years to come. Mexico has 27 cultural sites and 4 natural sites that are included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

The Cultural Sites include the Agave landscape and ancient in-dustrial facilities of Tequila, Jalis-co and the Ancient Maya city of Calakmul, Campeche. There are no cultural sites in BCS. How-ever there are two natural sites protected by UNESCO in BCS in-cluding 1. Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California and 2. Whale Sanctuary of El Viz-caíno. Also included on this list is ��ƪ��Reserve and the Sian Ka’an bio-

��ǡ��Ǥ

After attending the Expo, all I wanted to do was get out and travel and see all that Mexico has ��ơ��Ǥ��and if you are planning to escape the heat of the Baja and head over to the mainland, there are plenty of places to see and expe-riences to enjoy. Most of the in-formation is on the internet and in English.

But for now, I will be here enjoy-ing the best of Baja. Maybe a visit to one of our national parks will keep my travel bug at bay.

Yours,Gari-Ellen

Expo of Tourist Products and Services of La Paz and Mexico’s Tourism Heritage.

3 June 12th, 2013

19 Newly Paved Streets to be Opened this Week

New Executive Elected for EMPRHOTUR

This week the government will conclude the paving of 19 new streets according

to Governor Covarrubias..

TBC

The State Government an-nounced that by the end of this week, 19 newly paved streets will be open for circulation in the state capital, with most of them located in neighbourhoods that have being waiting years to have their streets paved.

Governor Marcos Covarrubias Vil-laseñor said that even though the streets still lack minor details and are about 95% complete, they will be opened for transit and work �� Ƥ�-ished.

“These 19 streets that are now newly paved show substantial advancement and the only things needed to complete the job in-clude painting, some sidewalks

and lighting but they will be opened for circulation in the neighbourhoods including Indeco, Villas de Santa María, Las Garzas, Civilizadores, among others. For years, people in these neighbour-hoods have been waiting for the government to pave their streets so they have a nicer place to live,” Covarrubias Villaseñor added.

Covarrubias Villaseñor mentioned that the program of new street paving is part of the Program of Street Reconstruction with Con-crete which was set up to help residents who have been asking for years to have their streets Ƥ�� -ment and today, it is now reality.

Lastly, the governor mentioned that because La Paz has the great-est number of habitants in the

state, most of the urban resour-ces for infrastructure received have been spent in the capital. To date, the State has committed 840 million pesos to the Program of Street Reconstruction with Concrete with 600 million pesos being spent here in La Paz. With the 600 million pesos, the State has agreed to repair 79 avenues and 29 streets as well as new pav-ing projects.

La Paz has over 800 kilometers of streets with only 60% of them paved.

TBC

At the General Assembly of The La Paz Hotel and Tourism As-sociation (EMPRHOTUR) held last week, a new executive was elected. Last year’s president Agustín Olachea Nogueda will serve another year at the same position. Joining him will be Alejandro Blanco Hernández as Vice-President of Administration; Enrique Castillo Rodriguez, Vice-President of Marketing; Malcolm Neil Shroyer, Vice-President of Operations and Diego Sánchez Ortiz, Vice-President of Statistics and Public Relations.

It was discussed at the meeting that internationally, EMPRHO-TUR will continue to promote La Paz heavily on the western coast of the U.S. and Canada, it’s stron-gest international market. It was emphasized that in cooperation with the campaign of the Commit-tee of Tourism Promotion in Mexi-co (CPTM), La Paz will have pres-ence in specialized magazines that promote adventure tourism �� ơ��as well as continued presence on the internet and social media. The association will also continue to host Familiarization Trips, which have been highly popular in the

past. The FAM trips brings journalists and travel writers to the destination to learn about the city, its people and enjoy its attrac-tions.

The new La Paz – LAX route with Aeromexico was also discussed. The launching event was attend-ed by EMPRHOTUR President Agustin Olachea and tourism rep-resentatives from La Paz and BCS State governments in Los Ange-les on May 16th.

�� Ȃ� �� ƪ��starts on June 20th� �� ƪ��on Thursdays and Sundays. The �� ƪ�� -tively scheduled to leave La Paz at 11:51 am and arrive at 1:20 pm and depart LAX at 2:20 pm, arriv-ing in La Paz at 5:40 pm, allowing for connections to come in from the West Coast, Japan and other Asian countries. The planes will seat 50 passengers but the airline ��ƪ��and airplane size come high travel season in November.

Of note, local hotels in La Paz are reporting on average an oc-cupancy rate of 59 percent.

New Executive at EMPRHOTUR La Paz

June 12th, 2013 4

The Casa del Artesano Sudcali-forniano

TBC

Looking for that unique gift for a loved one up north with a touch of La Paz? Head on over and browse the Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano.

The Casa del Artesano Sudcali-forniano store is home of the Association of Artisans Sudcali-forniano, A.C. With the motive of giving a platform for local ar-

tisans from Baja California Sur to ��ơ��ǡ��-tion of Artisans Sudcaliforniano, A.C. was created to help market

and promote local cultural and hand-crafts made and pro-duced in the state.

With the help of govern-ment funds, the non-prof-it was able acquire their

current location on the male-con, named The Casa del Arte-sano Sudcaliforniano, to �ơ�� -crafts to both national and international tourists so they can take a piece of BCS back home with them.

When you walk into their shop, you will be

surprised at �� ơ��in handcrafts, which are all 100% Sudcali-forniano. Located next to the tourist of-Ƥ��-témoc, this excellent store sells jewelry, handicrafts, paint-ings, sculptures and

clothes made in La Paz and Baja California Sur.

The Association of Artisans pro-duce their handcrafts the tradi-tional way and not in industrial quantities. Only a limited pro-duction is made, so if there is something you need in larger numbers, let the Casa del Arte-sano know and they can get you in touch with the artist for cus-tom orders.

The Casa del Artesano Sudcali-forniano is located on the male-con (Avenida Alvaro Obregon) between Bravo and Rosales.

For more information, you can e-mail [email protected] or call 128 8707. The Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano is open Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am until 8:00 pm.

Business Spotlight

CASA DEL ARTESANO SUDCALIFORNIANO

Damiana

Jewelry

ESCAPERS©by John Brooke

True stories of people who have stepped out of the box of their �� Ƥ�� -ism in the mountains, desert, and beaches of the East Cape, in Baja California Sur, Mexico. There are many strong willed women Escapers, which I call Wonder Women. The following �� Ƥ�� one of them.

WONDER WOMAN OF THE EAST CAPE, ESCAPER, JOAN HAFENECKER.

This is a glimpse into the East Cape life of Joan Hafenecker. Unpretentious yet adventurous, she traveled to the Baja Cali-fornia Sur about 12 years ago. Lured from her retail business in Northern California to visit this undeveloped, rustic place. Hyped as the last frontier for land speculation by enterprising Americanos.

��Ƥ��ǡ�ǲ��-nos were soon saying as their economy hit the skids, “Bring 2 million dollars to invest in the East Cape. If you’re lucky, you might get back a million of it.”

In Boca Vinorama, she discov-ered a wild coast with its mag-��Ƥ�� Ǥ� �� white, pristine beaches stretch-ing from the distant horizon to horizon. She purchased a large parcel of land, with the intention of divvying it up into beachfront lots. Due to slow government action and other local complica-tions she gave that plan up.

Wonder Woman, unassuming, Joan Hafenecker, Executive Chef and Proprietress of the incredible Vidasoul Hotel in Boca Vinorama.

Jim Donahoe

To my friends and colleagues, I am the cool, logical one. When it comes to family, friends and relationships I am emotional, and with my daughters and grandchildren I turn into mush. Father’s Day is no exception.

My most vivid memories of cel-ebrating my Father’s special day when I was small always includ-ed a skit by the three youngest

Father’s Day – Past, Present and Future members of our family. My two

older brothers wouldn’t dream of participating in anything like this. So the three of us little kids would secretly get together and plan our little vaudeville act. Of course, we were burst-ing with pride and had to per-form almost immediately after my father opened his eyes and had the three little kids pounc-ing on the bed wishing him a Happy Father’s Day. While he ��ơ��ǡ�the show would begin. Singing, dancing and speeches were pre-sented with heartfelt apprecia-tion for my Dad. A family break-fast would follow and maybe even a dinner out with more of-ferings.

As I grew older and learned to appreciate the values instilled by both my Mom and Dad I would try and have a one on one talk on this special day to let him know how much I truly appreci-ated his guidance. We certainly ��ơ��ǡ��year zoomed by and, especially after becoming a father to two wonderful daughters, I now understood the hard work and love my father put into raising Ƥ�� Ǥ� �� young. My daughters never had the chance to meet him and for that I am truly sorry.

The reversal of my role from son to father was dramatic, yet my memories of the early years with my two girls were ee-rily similar to past Father’s Days with my dad. They would race into the bedroom, jump on the bed and start the morning like a


5 June 12th, 2013


ESCAPERS© By John Brooke

ESCAPERS©by John Brooke

True stories of people who have stepped out of the box of their �� Ƥ�� -ism in the mountains, desert, and beaches of the East Cape, in Baja California Sur, Mexico. There are many strong willed women Escapers, which I call Wonder Women. The following �� Ƥ�� one of them.

WONDER WOMAN OF THE EAST CAPE, ESCAPER, JOAN HAFENECKER.

This is a glimpse into the East Cape life of Joan Hafenecker. Unpretentious yet adventurous, she traveled to the Baja Cali-fornia Sur about 12 years ago. Lured from her retail business in Northern California to visit this undeveloped, rustic place. Hyped as the last frontier for land speculation by enterprising Americanos.

��Ƥ��ǡ�ǲ��-nos were soon saying as their economy hit the skids, “Bring 2 million dollars to invest in the East Cape. If you’re lucky, you might get back a million of it.”

In Boca Vinorama, she discov-ered a wild coast with its mag-��Ƥ�� Ǥ� �� white, pristine beaches stretch-ing from the distant horizon to horizon. She purchased a large parcel of land, with the intention of divvying it up into beachfront lots. Due to slow government action and other local complica-tions she gave that plan up.

A tenacious, tough woman lurks beneath Joan’s modest ��Ǥ��Ƥ��wheel trailer under a palapa, built a small kitchen and in-stalled the ubiquitous Corona Modelo plastic chairs with a few tables. Threw a roof over it and named her unpretentious es-tablishment, in a moment of sly drollness, The Crossroads Coun-try Club.

At some point, she had a brain wave, adding weekend contem-porary live music to the wonder-ful food. Though remote, the es-tablishment grew through pop-ularity and expanded until it was wiped-out by Hurricane John.

Undaunted Joan rebuilt with a permanent steel structure hous-ing the kitchen and large din-ing area. Later, she expanded the entertainment area, hosted many live groups and promoted the venue with a series of fes-tive events, advertising them in the Baja media.

Aware of the boundless op-�� Ƥ�� Ƥ�� ǡ�Joan recruited her son, Tobias, an established consulting archi-tect. His appreciation of struc-tural simplicity and strong visual roots were estab-lished through in-tensive architec-tural and design studies in Italy.

This is how the Crossroads Coun-try Club meta-morphosed into �� Ƥ��Hotel Vidasoul.Planted in one of

the most awe inspiring scenic ocean coastlines in all of the East Cape Sea of Cortez, this elegant architectural marvel has arisen. This pure, un-adorned, modern Mexi-��ƪ�� ƪ�-

ence of the architect. No cutesy crafted Mexican folk art here. Instead, contemporary visual graphics are featured. No frills for frills sake. Honest and honed to an elegant polished function, using hi-tech contemporary ma-��ǡ��Ƥ��concrete and hurricane resistant glass.

The 16 elegant spacious rooms ��ƪ��of the building, allowing the natural luxury of natural cross ventilation and creature com-fort in uncluttered simplicity. No kitschy pseudo folksy bric-a-brac.

Likewise, 2 additional double-sized patio rooms, with full length glazed balconies. The �� ơ�� -structed natural views of the Sea of Cortez. The ceaseless roll-ing surf rhythmically sounding below.

Each room features a miniature art gallery. A unique sampling of original impressionistic paint-ings by local San José Los Cabos artists, hang on the pristine pol-ished walls.

The spacious rooms are divided with a retractable translucent curtain. When drawn privacy

is assured in the spacious cuarto de baño. The modern WC is ensconced in its own space with-in the baño area, a door ensures pri-vacy. The plumbing Ƥ�� selected for func-tion and are prac-tical and elegant. Large square show-erheads contain LCD

Wonder Woman, unassuming, Joan Hafenecker, Executive Chef and Proprietress of the incredible Vidasoul Hotel in Boca Vinorama.

A view from the beach during this year’s Crossroads Sandcastle Day at the new Vidasoul Hotel

Joan Hafenecker’s son Tobias, The Architect, Consultant, Building Supervisor, and all around Graphic Advisor for Hotel Vidasoul.

June 12th, 2013 6

First Jewish Synagogue in La Paz will be dedicated on June 17th, 2013.

Let’s talk PASTRY! The plain old, every day top and/or bot-tom to that delicious dessert called “pie”.

As a newlywed and having been given a box of apples from an orchard owned by relatives, I thought I would treat my pie lov-ing husband to a home made ap-ple pie. I painstakingly followed �� Ƥ��-ing to a T. The aroma from the oven was wonderful as it baked. Then came time for dessert and the expression on my husband’s face as he saw the pie was just as wonderful.

Trying to slice this dessert, how-ever, became a problem and I increasingly used sharper and sharper knives until I had liter-�� ơ� ��Ǥ� ��a good sign. Nor did I think it amusing when he said “perhaps you could sell this crust for shoe leather” as we both tried unsuc-�� ơ� �� chew and then started laughing ��ơ��and what alternative uses such a crust could be used for. I never gave up trying to make good pastry and although my success rate thereafter got better and better it was not until I found a recipe that has never failed for me and has brought many compliments over the years. I have also shared the recipe with many grateful friends and now it’s time to share it with you.

TBC

�� Ƥ�� ǡ� �� Ƥ�� -ish synagogue in La Paz will be dedicated on June 17th at 10 a.m. President Yoel Goldchain and Rabbi Alexander welcome everyone to participate in the historic event.

Opening of Synagogue/Community Center “Beth Yona” on June 17th, 2013

The name of the temple is Beth Yona, which means house of the dove

The funds for the construction and appointments come from private donations from local families and other congrega-tions in Mexico. Current mem-

bership is approximately 70 families strong. The common language is English with a strong second in Spanish and Hebrew. The new building, which will also serve as a community center, is located on Morelos near G. Far-ias.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20th

The Next La Paz Ladies Luncheon will be held at Tio Bencho ��Ǥ� �� ǡ� �� ơ� ��Forjadores in the south end of the city in the Colonia 8 de Octubre. Meeting time is noon. Lunch will be served at 12:45 p.m. Contact [email protected] for reservations.

Lee Moore

��ơ��Paz: the municipal transit cops, the Policia Ministerial, and the Federales.

You are most likely to encounter the municipal police, who are �� ƥ�� Ǥ��ƥ��-lations and usually wear white shirts and brown pants. You’ll often see a truckload of them in the back of white pickups. Keep your eyes peeled for them when you drive, since they often may ��ƥ��ƥ��Ǥ

Sorting out the policeOne step up the ladder is the Policia Ministerial, the Mexican equivalent of the U.S. State Po-lice. They deal with the Mexican criminal code violations, such as robberies, murder, or rape. While they are usually in plain-clothes, you may occasionally see them on the way to a raid, wearing all-black jumpsuits and carrying visible arms.

Finally, the most elite force are the Federales. They investigate major crimes such as drug and gun smuggling. These guys are the ones that get the really good trucks that any police force in the US would be happy to have. Not to mention very seri-ous weapons.

7 June 12th, 2013

Avocado Lime Pie

Let’s talk PASTRY! The plain old, every day top and/or bot-tom to that delicious dessert called “pie”.

As a newlywed and having been given a box of apples from an orchard owned by relatives, I thought I would treat my pie lov-ing husband to a home made ap-ple pie. I painstakingly followed �� Ƥ��-ing to a T. The aroma from the oven was wonderful as it baked. Then came time for dessert and the expression on my husband’s face as he saw the pie was just as wonderful.

Trying to slice this dessert, how-ever, became a problem and I increasingly used sharper and sharper knives until I had liter-�� ơ� ��Ǥ� ��a good sign. Nor did I think it amusing when he said “perhaps you could sell this crust for shoe leather” as we both tried unsuc-�� ơ� �� chew and then started laughing ��ơ��and what alternative uses such a crust could be used for. I never gave up trying to make good pastry and although my success rate thereafter got better and better it was not until I found a recipe that has never failed for me and has brought many compliments over the years. I have also shared the recipe with many grateful friends and now it’s time to share it with you.

NEVER FAIL PASTRY��ƪ��1 tsp salt1/4 tsp baking powder Mix or sift together well in large bowl and then cut into this mixture

1 lb shortening in small pieces with two knives or pastry blender or hand rubbing until shortening has been well introduced and resembles small pebbles.

1 egg lightly beaten in a one-cup measuring cup, and add ��Ǥ��Ƥ��water until cup measures 3/4 full.

Add liquids to dry ingredients stirring with fork. As dough is ��ƪ�� ƪ�� it holds together and will roll out ��ƪ��surface. This dough can be rolled and rerolled without dam-�� ƪ��Ǥ� � ��can bake all the scraps!

This recipe should be enough for two double crust pies. The dough stores well in fridge well wrapped. (HINT ... if you roll your pie dough between two pieces of waxed paper there is less clean up and more agility in handling the dough to the pie plate.)

Perhaps no instructions for mak-ing pastry is complete without ��Ƥ��Ǥ��I invite you to try this one which is ridiculously easy to make and unbelievably delicious:

ANTOINETTE’S ALMOND COF-FEE PIE

I unbaked pie crust 1 can sweetened condensed milk 2 eggs 1/4 cup melted butter 1 tbsp cornstarch� Ȁ��ơ�� 3/4 cup sliced peeled al-monds 1 tsp almond extract 1 tsp vanilla Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until almost smooth. Pour in unbaked pie shell and bake in preheated 375F oven for 40 min. or until metal skewer poked into center of pie comes out clean.

Or try this pie ... no one will guess its main ingredient!

AVOCADO LIME PIE

2 large mashed avocados 1/3 cup lime juice 1 can (14oz) sweet con-densed milk 1 tsp grated lime rind� ��ƪ��-tin

Prebaked pie crust

Combine ingredients in blender (adding more lime juice if de-sired) and blend until smooth. Pour into prebaked pie crust and refrigerate at least two hours - until set. Serve with whipped cream and top with kiwi if you like.

Sorting out the policeOne step up the ladder is the Policia Ministerial, the Mexican equivalent of the U.S. State Po-lice. They deal with the Mexican criminal code violations, such as robberies, murder, or rape. While they are usually in plain-clothes, you may occasionally see them on the way to a raid, wearing all-black jumpsuits and carrying visible arms.

Finally, the most elite force are the Federales. They investigate major crimes such as drug and gun smuggling. These guys are the ones that get the really good trucks that any police force in the US would be happy to have. Not to mention very seri-ous weapons.

Business SpotlightContinues from page 5he is asking municipal and state authorities to not runaway from ��ơ��tourism in the city.

“We want both governments to invest in the historical down-town of La Paz. It can’t be possi-ble to let it die without the help of at least one single authority. We have had promises in the past to deal with parking or to Ƥ�� has been done.”

Although there are plenty of concerns that the “PRO CEN-TRO” committee have for the downtown area, they have stat-��Ƥ��start discussion with authorities, which include the following:

1. A severe cleanup and re-habilitation of the beaches right along the malecon of La Paz.2. A full attack on prostitu-tion, which they feel has spread like a cancer on the main streets and public markets of the down-town area in the early hours of the evening. They want the law applied to those who prostitute and to those who protect them. 3. A change of the guard in the police and their supervisors who patrol the downtown area. Safety in the downtown area is at an all time low.

4. A cancellation of the Christ-mas Tianguis that take over the streets of Madero and Constitu-cion over the month of Decem-ber. December is the strongest month for sales and it has been a long time since downtown mer-chants have received any eco-��Ƥ��Ǥ�5. A serious look at the use of parking meters in the downtown area. Parking is still considered a major concern for storeown-ers and no solution has been brought forward to help con-sumers park close to where they want to shop.

Some merchants who attended the “PRO CENTRO” meeting do believe that they themselves are their own worst enemy. Their store hours are not con-venient with some shops open-ing late and closing early. Also, many still close during the af-ternoon. Some feel that down-town hasn’t changed with the demand of consumers and that �� ơ�� consumer wanted, it wouldn’t matter if there was no parking or the sidewalk was uneven, consumers would buy from them.

The “PRO CENTRO” committee hopes to meet soon with au-thorities to start a dialog with their concerns and come up with a plan of action.

June 12th, 2013 8

U.S. Medicine – A Shot in the Dark

When we’re sick we want to be home. Home is the place we residence, but at times it is our “Home Country”, the place we were born. Although we have met many excellent doctors in La Paz, when Alex was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010 we rushed home – to the U.S.

Alex’s surgery at the V.A. hospi-tal in Southern California went well; except, when Alex awoke from anesthesia, he was writh-ing and clutching his eye. Dur-ing surgery he’d vomited and because his eyes hadn’t been properly taped, vomit ran into his eye. The anesthesiologist swiped his eye with gauze which scratched his cornea. Weeks passed before the pain subsided and we knew his sight wasn’t im-paired. We never imagined that �� Ƥ�� misdiagnoses, human errors and ��ƥ�� ǯ�� medical professionals in the U.S.

Alex developed an unpleasant �� ơ�� two years ago he returned to the V.A. where they installed a de-vice which solved the problem. The device should have lasted 5 – 10 years, but it malfunctioned after 1 ½.

Last month Alex went to a pres-tigious facility near L.A. to re-place the device. The surgery went perfectly. Except Alex de-veloped hives. He had an allergic reaction to the solution used to soak the instruments because it contained penicillin. “Allergic to penicillin” was on his wrist-band and chart, so what should have been an “outpatient” procedure became a three-night hospital stay. I paid for lodging nearby. When Alex was released I drove “home” white-knuckled through two hours of heavy L.A. freeway ��ƥ�Ǥ�

The next day, Sunday, a new complication arose so I drove Alex back to the hospital – it looked deserted. The on-call doctor ordered an ultra-sound.

9 June 12th, 2013

U.S. Medicine – A Shot in the Dark

When we’re sick we want to be home. Home is the place we residence, but at times it is our “Home Country”, the place we were born. Although we have met many excellent doctors in La Paz, when Alex was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010 we rushed home – to the U.S.

Alex’s surgery at the V.A. hospi-tal in Southern California went well; except, when Alex awoke from anesthesia, he was writh-ing and clutching his eye. Dur-ing surgery he’d vomited and because his eyes hadn’t been properly taped, vomit ran into his eye. The anesthesiologist swiped his eye with gauze which scratched his cornea. Weeks passed before the pain subsided and we knew his sight wasn’t im-paired. We never imagined that �� Ƥ�� misdiagnoses, human errors and ��ƥ�� ǯ�� medical professionals in the U.S.

Alex developed an unpleasant �� ơ�� two years ago he returned to the V.A. where they installed a de-vice which solved the problem. The device should have lasted 5 – 10 years, but it malfunctioned after 1 ½.

Last month Alex went to a pres-tigious facility near L.A. to re-place the device. The surgery went perfectly. Except Alex de-veloped hives. He had an allergic reaction to the solution used to soak the instruments because it contained penicillin. “Allergic to penicillin” was on his wrist-band and chart, so what should have been an “outpatient” procedure became a three-night hospital stay. I paid for lodging nearby. When Alex was released I drove “home” white-knuckled through two hours of heavy L.A. freeway ��ƥ�Ǥ�

The next day, Sunday, a new complication arose so I drove Alex back to the hospital – it looked deserted. The on-call doctor ordered an ultra-sound.

The technician said, “Damn”. The batteries in the ultra-sound machine were dead. Alex was twisted in pain and the Tech was searching for batteries. The doc-tor asked for a #14 catheter. The idea of a catheter being inserted into a fully-conscious Alex had me pacing near the nurses’ sta-tion. The nurse searched several cabinets; she grabbed a plastic bag, and handed it to the doctor. He said, “No, not a #16; a 14”. More cabinets were opened and slammed. The nurse lifted the phone and punched buttons. “Do you have a #14?” My medi-cal knowledge is limited but I assume that 16 is larger than 14, and if we’re talking about cathe-ters, 2 is two, too large. But a 16 is what Alex got. This time Alex stayed two nights and I charged the motel bill on my VISA.

A week later, it was time to �� ơ� �� Ǥ� ��started to bleed and burn so the doctor called us back to the hos-pital. Yet another surgery was required to remove a portion of the new device. The young doc-tor said that Alex was giving him gray hair and he was beginning to dream of Alex, but now every-thing was going to be all right.

The next day Alex said, “Guess what?” I didn’t want to hear the answer. During the latest proce-dure the doctors had installed a new catheter. But it didn’t have a switch so Alex couldn’t disable it. We drove back through L.A. ��ƥ��plug – something like you might use in a wine barrel.

Because of these errors we made over a dozen trips to the �� Ƥ��uncomfortable procedures in-stead of one simple out-patient surgery.

Alex wasn’t alone. I also had my share of medical adventures this year.

Hemorrhoids - Yes, I mysteri-ously developed one. A doctor in San Diego wanted to operate the next day. Bloody panties scared me into agreeing. We had tick-

�� ƪ�� two days after the scheduled surgery. The doctor said, “No problem”. The eve-ning before surgery I spoke to a friend who’s a nurse. She was aghast and said that Hemorrhoidec-tomy surgery has a long and very painful recovery period. So, I cancelled surgery and went for a second opinion, ��Ƥ��ǡ��-erly Hills doctor merely numbed, nicked and squeezed. I was cured – painlessly.

��Ƥ��or greedy? Perhaps the framed photo of a huge power boat on his desk answered that question.

Cataracts – I was sleeping peace-fully when, through the anes-thesia-induced haze, I heard, “damn”. Damn wasn’t what I

wanted to hear during surgery. Doc was tall, thin, and good-looking with at-tractively graying ��Ǥ� � �� Ƥ��appointment I noticed his pink b u t t o n - d o w n shirt and snowy white lab coat.

Instead I should have searched for a tremor when we shook hands. He’d said “damn” be-cause his scalpel snipped where it should not have. As a result, I needed emergency surgery per-formed by a retina specialist, proving that professional-look-ing doctors with solid recom-mendations and pleasant per-sonalities can make errors.

Department of Health and Hu-man Services report, 2008, via USA Today said: About one

in seven Medicare hospital pa-

tients… in October 2008 — were

harmed from medical care. An-

other one in seven experienced

temporary harm because the

problem was caught in time and

reversed.

Alex and I are thankful and hope-��ǯ��ơ��long-term damage, but our faith in the U.S. medical system is shaken. And yet, if we need more surgery, and we have the time ��Ƥ��ǡ��ǯ��we’ll travel to the U.S. Why? The answer is - HOME. Even though we consider La Paz our home, when we’re sick and afraid, our real HOME is where we were born and where language is eas-ily understood – even though Home is far from perfect.

June 12th, 2013 10

¿Por Quién Doblan las Campanas?Part 2 of 2

“Perchance he for whom this bell tolls may be so ill, as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better

than I am, as that they who are about me, and see my state, may have caused it to toll for me, and I

know not that” John Donne.

By Leslie Ann Duncan

In a world with little man made noise, the sound of bells was not only majestic, but could make men be deeply fearful. In England, there were stories of bell’s powers to heal, to drive away evil and the devil, to calm storms and to save people from plague, pests and enemies. Bells were rung at the time of death to keep the devil away from the soul of the departed. On days of execution, the condemned were given a service, a nosegay ��ƪ�� ǲ��ǳ� �� bells.

Today, bells are used at wed-dings and funerals. The ring-ing can be extremely variable. At Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, the bell is rung once when the bride is ready to walk down the aisle. At a funeral, the bell is also rung once, when the body of the deceased is at the front of the church. This lets the priest know when to come out to receive the body.

At noon, every day, the bell is rung around 20 times, repre-senting an angel’s message to Mary that she is pregnant. Ac-cording to the sacristan, this is reinstated whenever the abor-tion controversy becomes more heated.

From the Baja Citizen: Please cut this out and save it in a safe place in your car or home. Share with out of town guests and family.

What you can do to stop police bribes:

The General Director of Transito in La Paz,

BCS Lic. Lopez directs us to do the following

LI�D�SROLFH�RIÀFHU�DVNV�IRU�PRQH\��9HULI\�WKDW�WKH�SROLFH�RIÀFHU�LV�IURP�0XQLF-

ipal or Estatal (it says clearly on the vehicle)

DQG� ZULWH� GRZQ� WKH� YHKLFOH� LGHQWLÀFDWLRQ�QXPEHU��7KH�QXPEHU�RI�WKH�YHKLFOH�LV�RQ�WKH�UHDU�VLGH��2EWDLQLQJ�WKH�YHKLFOH� LGHQWLÀFD-

WLRQ�QXPEHU�LV�WKH�EHVW�ZD\�WR�LGHQWLI\�WKH�RIÀFHU�� &DOO� IRU� VXSSRUW�� 7DNH� \RXU� WLPH�� &DOO� D�IULHQG�ZKR�VSHDNV�6SDQLVK��LI�WKDW�LV�HDVLHVW�for you. Or, call directly to the Central de

Policia:

The Central de la Policia 612-129-4558

��%H�SUHSDUHG�WR�VD\�WKLV�� ,�ZDV�VWRSSHG�E\�D�3ROLFLD�0XQLFLSDO�2IÀFHU��ZLWK� WKH�3DWURO�QXPEHUBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB��+H�LV�DVNLQJ�PH�IRU�PRQH\µ´0H� SDUy� XQ� RÀFLDO� GH� OD� 3ROLFtD� 0X-

QLFLSDO�� FRQ� HO� Q~PHUR� GH� SDWUXOOD�BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB��0H�HVWi�SLGLHQGR�GLQH-

UR�µ��7DNH�D�SKRWR�RI�WKH�SROLFH�RIÀFHU�DQG�KLV�car. You have the right to do this!

�� 7KH�&HQWUDO�GH� OD�3ROLFtD�ZLOO�GLVSDWFK�D�car to you, so be aware of your location.

$IWHUZDUGV�� FDOO� WKH� RÀFLQD� GH� 'LUHFWRU�General at 122-0477 or go to the Transit of-

ÀFH��7KH�WUDQVLW�RIÀFH�LV�RQ�WKH�FRUQHU�RI�&R-

OLPD�\�0H[LFR��,W�LV�KRXVHG�LQ�D�ODUJH�EXLOG-

LQJ�WKDW�VD\V�´7UDQVLWRµ��7KH�SKRQH�QXPEHU�WR�WKH�WUDQVLW�RIÀFH�LV��<RX�ZLOO�EH� DEOH� WR�ZULWH� XS� D� FRPSODLQW�� .HHS� D�FRS\� RI� LW�� 7KLV� GRFXPHQWDWLRQ� DOORZV� /LF��/RSH]�DQG�&RPDQGDQWH�&HVHxD�WR�DSSUR-

SULDWHO\�GLVFLSOLQH�WKH�SROLFH�RIÀFHU�DV�ZHOO�DV�WUDFN�WKH�RFFXUUHQFHV��

7KDQN�\RX�/HVOLH�$QQ�'XQFDQ�IRU�DOO�WKH�LQIRUPDWLRQ�

Beat the Heat Drinking a Lot Fluids and Not Exactly BeerBy Ramón Gaxiola-Robles

Summer heat waves bring un-usually high temperatures that may last in the Baja Sur for weeks or months. In the sum-mer of 1980, a severe heat wave hit the United States, and nearly 1,700 people lost their lives from heat-related illness. Each year, high temperatures put people at risk to die.

�� ơ�� Ǧ�� -ness when the body’s tempera-ture control system is over-loaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature ris-es rapidly. Very high body tem-peratures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

��ơ��ǯ��ability to cool itself during ex-tremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, prevent-ing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to reg-ulate temperature include old age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and drug and alcohol use.

Summertime activity, whether �� Ƥ�� -struction site, must be balanced with measures that aid the body’s cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness. This pamphlet tells how you can pre-vent, recognize, and cope with

Water

heat-related health problems.

During Hot WeatherTo protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, re-member to keep cool and use common sense. The fol-lowing tips are important.

Drink Plenty of Fluid�� ƪ�� ǦǦ� ��-gardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink 2-4 glasses ȋǦ� ��Ȍ� �� ƪ��each hour.

Caution: If your doctor has pre-��ƪ��Ǧ��diuretics for you, ask your doc-tor how much you should drink.

During hot weather, you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. This is espe-cially true for persons 65 years of age and older who often have a decreased ability to respond to external temperature changes. Drinking plenty of liquids during exercise is especially important. However, avoid very cold bev-erages because they can cause stomach cramps. In addition, avoid drinks containing alcohol because they will actually cause ��ƪ��Ǥ�

Replace Salt and MineralsHeavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. The easiest and safest way to replace salt and minerals is

through your diet. Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage during exercise or any work in the heat. Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor. If you are

on a low-salt diet, ask your doc-tor before changing what you eat or drink -- especially before drinking a sports beverage.

Heat StrokeHeat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to con-trol its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or high-er within 10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or per-manent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Recognizing Heat Stroke Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include: x� an extremely high body tempera-ture (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, orally) x� red, hot, and dry skin (no sweat-ing) x� rapid, strong pulse x� throbbing headache x� dizziness x� nausea x� confusion x� unconsciousness

What to Do If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life threatening emergency, run to FIDEPAZ Hospital (124 0400) and look for professional medical assistant.

11 June 12th, 2013

¿Por Quién Doblan las Campanas?

Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz

Bells

Part 2 of 2

“Perchance he for whom this bell tolls may be so ill, as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better

than I am, as that they who are about me, and see my state, may have caused it to toll for me, and I

know not that” John Donne.

By Leslie Ann Duncan

In a world with little man made noise, the sound of bells was not only majestic, but could make men be deeply fearful. In England, there were stories of bell’s powers to heal, to drive away evil and the devil, to calm storms and to save people from plague, pests and enemies. Bells were rung at the time of death to keep the devil away from the soul of the departed. On days of execution, the condemned were given a service, a nosegay ��ƪ�� ǲ��ǳ� �� bells.

Today, bells are used at wed-dings and funerals. The ring-ing can be extremely variable. At Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, the bell is rung once when the bride is ready to walk down the aisle. At a funeral, the bell is also rung once, when the body of the deceased is at the front of the church. This lets the priest know when to come out to receive the body.

At noon, every day, the bell is rung around 20 times, repre-senting an angel’s message to Mary that she is pregnant. Ac-cording to the sacristan, this is reinstated whenever the abor-tion controversy becomes more heated.

For ringing, a bell is pulled up and “ set “ mouth uppermost. She (bells are considered fe-��Ȍ� �� ơǡ�Ƥ��hand stroke then at back-stroke, in the reverse direction, almost a full circle till she comes back to the upright position. At each �� ƪ��done by the weight of the bell, the ringer giving a pull of just enough strength to bring the bell back into the upright posi-tion; otherwise its swing would become gradually shorter until it remained at rest, mouth down-wards.

A “ peal “ is the ringing of bells with all possible changes. On eight or more bells 5000 chang-es is the minimum standard for a peal. 16,000 changes, taking from nine to ten hours, have been rung upon church bells. Normal ringing or pealing refers to the ringing of a bell or bells at a rate of about one ring per second or more, often in pairs ��ƪ�� ǲ��Ǧbong” sound of a bell. Chiming refers to a single ring, used to mark the naming of a person when they are baptized, con-Ƥ��ǡ��Ǥ��a bell refers to the slow ringing of a bell, about once every four to ten seconds, often rung this way upon a death.A bell is unlike many other in-struments because it produces multiple notes, called partials. Tuning entails a simple tuning fork and high-end digital tun-

ing equipment. Using a lathe, metal is shaved from inside the bell at various points until the proper tuning is achieved. While the prime tone is the most im-portant note of the bell, the hum tone, the minor third and the octave must be tuned with the same accuracy. The minor third is unusual in a musical in-strument, and often used to express sadness in music. The minor third is demonstrated in the interval of the second ‘da da da DA’ of Beethoven’s Fifth, the Beatles’ song “Hey Jude”, and the beginning of Brahm’s Lullaby.

Church bells are an important part of communal activity. The

vibrations seem to reach out viscerally and emotionally, in a cleansing or releasing way. The music is huge, deep, and melo-dious, with a sonorous beauty. It is so familiar, it is often not even noticed. For me, there is magic to the bells. I take these moments of the bell ringing to listen and bask in the concert, here by the sea.

Me vine aquí a contar las campanas que viven en el mar,

que suenan en el mar, dentro del mar.

Por eso vivo aquí. Pablo Neruda

Gracias a Papa Pepe por su ayuda.

Leslie Duncan is a new-comer to the La Paz area. Leslie and her husband Darrell have re-cently opened the beau-tiful Casa de La Paz Bed & Breakfast on Hidalgo ��ơ��-con - www.casadelapaz-mexico.com.

Beat the Heat Drinking a Lot Fluids and Not Exactly Beer

through your diet. Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage during exercise or any work in the heat. Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor. If you are

on a low-salt diet, ask your doc-tor before changing what you eat or drink -- especially before drinking a sports beverage.

Heat StrokeHeat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to con-trol its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or high-er within 10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or per-manent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Recognizing Heat Stroke Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include: x� an extremely high body tempera-ture (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, orally) x� red, hot, and dry skin (no sweat-ing) x� rapid, strong pulse x� throbbing headache x� dizziness x� nausea x� confusion x� unconsciousness

What to Do If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life threatening emergency, run to FIDEPAZ Hospital (124 0400) and look for professional medical assistant.

June 12th, 2013 12

Roosterfish center-stage but warmer waters herald more dorado and billfish

�ơ��Ƥ��with Captain Jorge of the Tailhunter Fleet out front of La Ventana across from

Cerralvo Island.

An Owl Tale

http://fishreport.jonathanr-oldan.com

It’s been a good, solid, steady �� Ƥ�� much a lot of smiles and grins �� ǲ�� Ƥ��ǳǥǤǳ�� Ƥ�� ǳǥǳƤ�� Ƥ��ǳǥǳ�� ǳǥǳ�� ơ�after an hour!”

That’s a pretty good week!

��ǡ� �� Ƥ�� star attractions as we seem to �� Ƥ�� -tion I’ve seen here in almost 20 years. It’s been almost a month ��ǦƤ��Ǥ� � ��ǥƪ�Ƥ��ǥ�� Ƥ��-��ǥ�� Ƥ��ǥ��Ƥ��ǥ�� -ing a hoot right up close to the ��Ƥ��-ing 10, 20, 40…even larger.

�� Ƥ�� released too but they just keep coming back! That speaks well ��Ƥ��as well as their tenacity and vo-raciousness as well as kudos to the anglers for letting so many Ƥ��ǥ��Ƥ��day!

��Ƥ��Ǥ��just a few feet of water and just �� ơ� �� ƪ�� Ǥ�� Ƥ��back every day as well. It’s one ��Ƥ��or hooked an 80 pound rooster, �� ǯ�� ơ�� when it’s one of our captains saying that an “80 pound roost-er was lost!”

In these same areas, there is good schools of feisty jack cre-valle, african pompano, golden trevally and other members of the jack family and still the oc-casional sierra although waters �� Ƥ�� warming mark and the cooler ��Ƥ��Ǥ

However, in deeper waters, the big excitement were the school �� Ƥ�� in. Swarming schools of fun 10-15 pound youngsters provided some great furious action late in the week but some 20-25 pound-ers were mixed in plus we got a few in the 30-40 pound class as well.

Add to that some marlin hook-��Ƥ��


By Janise Rinaldi

The desert sings a song all her own. She supports life and she takes it away. Nothing is ever wasted. And yet, in the midst of such harsh surroundings, her beauty is unquestionable.

That’s how it was on a recent Friday morning before the sun rose over the mountains. I was taking a walk when I saw an ani-mal hanging perilously from a barbed wire fence. I approached slowly. It turned out to be an owl, one of its brown wings pierced by a barb. Blood was smeared around the wound. Its large black talons clutched the fence beneath him, supporting his weight just enough to keep his wing from ripping. I assumed the bird was dead, that was until it blinked. I stepped to the side. Its round yellow eyes followed my move.

The owl seemed to be focusing on basic survival: breathing and not moving while all the time suspiciously watching me. With its left wing spread open and pierced, the bird was hanging like some kind of target wait-ing to be attacked, or perhaps it was just waiting to die.

I talked to it softly. “Don’t move.” (As if it was going any-where.) “Hang on. I’ll help you. Just hang on.” I turned and ran toward home mentally organiz-ing what supplies I needed for the rescue.

I rounded the corner and there were two of my neighbors, Tom and Randy, walk-ing their dog. I got right in Tom’s face. “You’ve got to help me!”

�� ƪ�� -cern crossed his eyes as if I were a mad woman soliciting him to participate in some unspeak-able crime.

13 June 12th, 2013

INTERCAM, your first all inclusive financial resort.INTERCAM, your first all inclusive financial resort.

An Owl Tale

��Ƥ��Ǥ��just a few feet of water and just �� ơ� � �� ƪ�� Ǥ�� Ƥ��back every day as well. It’s one ��Ƥ��or hooked an 80 pound rooster, �� ǯ�� ơ�� when it’s one of our captains saying that an “80 pound roost-er was lost!”

In these same areas, there is good schools of feisty jack cre-valle, african pompano, golden trevally and other members of the jack family and still the oc-casional sierra although waters �� Ƥ�� warming mark and the cooler ��Ƥ��Ǥ

However, in deeper waters, the big excitement were the school �� Ƥ�� in. Swarming schools of fun 10-15 pound youngsters provided some great furious action late in the week but some 20-25 pound-ers were mixed in plus we got a few in the 30-40 pound class as well.

Add to that some marlin hook-��Ƥ��

By Janise Rinaldi

The desert sings a song all her own. She supports life and she takes it away. Nothing is ever wasted. And yet, in the midst of such harsh surroundings, her beauty is unquestionable.

That’s how it was on a recent Friday morning before the sun rose over the mountains. I was taking a walk when I saw an ani-mal hanging perilously from a barbed wire fence. I approached slowly. It turned out to be an owl, one of its brown wings pierced by a barb. Blood was smeared around the wound. Its large black talons clutched the fence beneath him, supporting his weight just enough to keep his wing from ripping. I assumed the bird was dead, that was until it blinked. I stepped to the side. Its round yellow eyes followed my move.

The owl seemed to be focusing on basic survival: breathing and not moving while all the time suspiciously watching me. With its left wing spread open and pierced, the bird was hanging like some kind of target wait-ing to be attacked, or perhaps it was just waiting to die.

I talked to it softly. “Don’t move.” (As if it was going any-where.) “Hang on. I’ll help you. Just hang on.” I turned and ran toward home mentally organiz-ing what supplies I needed for the rescue.

I rounded the corner and there were two of my neighbors, Tom and Randy, walk-ing their dog. I got right in Tom’s face. “You’ve got to help me!”

�� ƪ�� Ǧcern crossed his eyes as if I were a mad woman soliciting him to participate in some unspeak-able crime.

ǲ��ǯ�� ơ� � ��barbed wire fence. I’m going to get some supplies to free it.” I ��ơ� ��Ǥ

Once home, I moved fast, the list of necessities repeating over and over in my mind: camera, gloves, cardboard box to put it in, newspaper to line the box, cell phone to call the vet, scis-sors to cut the fence. I threw it all in the trunk of my car and peeled toward the injured ani-mal. On the way, I picked up Tom and Randy and we approached the owl together.

Tom took one look at it and said, “Its wing appears to be broken. He’s probably going to die.”

“I don’t care,” I replied. “We’re taking it down. I’d rather it die on the ground and we bury it than have it hang there in agony while the vultures circle.”

I placed the newspaper-lined cardboard box under the bird. Randy held the wire taut on one side and I held the other. Tom worked the clippers and cut the bird free from the fence, the of-fending barb still in its wing. We tried to lower it into the box but its talons wouldn’t let go of the fence below. Tom tapped the owl’s feet with the wire cutter

until its grip relaxed then Randy and I lowered the bird into the box. We put the package in the trunk of the car and headed

for the waiting vet.�� ơ�ǡ� �� ǡ� ��Ǧnee, admitted to not having much experience with birds, but you’d never know it by the way he reached into that box �� Ƥ�� injured owl. He examined the damaged wing then turned to me.

“You’re a nurse. Come with me.”

All three of us followed him into the back room. Tom and Ran-dy weren’t going to miss this


An owl hanging from a barbed wire fence

The owl on the mend.

June 12th, 2013 14

Hurricanes and Lessons LearnedLiving in the “Wild West” that is Baja Sur, Mexico

Outboard motors 6 H.P. to 15 H.P. John-ston

excell. cond. - 2 stroke, low hours from $395.00

- $900.00 15 ft.- 4 pas-senger Boat Mex. Legal

with trailer $2,900.006121696186, 6121221476.

ESCAPERS©Continues from page 6

By Jim Donahoe

Walking down the street the other day I tripped on an un-even sidewalk. I had two im-mediate responses. One, I said to myself… I wonder what the US Government Department (OSHA) would think. My second reaction was simpler. I need to watch where I’m going. This re-ƪ��living in the “Wild West”, where common sense is more impor-tant than political correctness. There is a direct connection with this and our upcoming hur-ricane season. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Novem-ber 30 each year and residents should be prepared. We know that there are perils out there

and we should be pre-pared for them… but sometimes they still sneak up on us and take a big bite.

At times we become complacent. Geez… I haven’t tripped on the sidewalk in weeks so I probably don’t have to pay as much attention. Wrong! Geez… we have missed being hit by a hurricane for the past few years and we’ll probably not be hit by one again this year. That type �� Ƥ��be wrong and it could cost us dearly.

Having witnessed the cultural change that occurred in the US over the past 20 years regarding the use of seat belts in vehicles, I daily witness the “Wild West” living of La Paz. Back in the 60’s when I grew up with muscle cars… I didn’t wear seat belts. Of course, I was young and fear-less. Through media campaigns and strict laws being enforced the culture changed to where it has become natural to buckle up. Watching how many chil-dren ride in the back of speed-ing pick ups or even in drivers laps without seat belts on, now makes me look twice and wish I could educate the parents on the need for this simple preven-tative measure.

Many locals simply choose to believe “it won’t happen to ��ǳǤ� �� Ƥ�� -perience with a hurricane. In the 80’s I moved my family to Galveston, Texas. We had driven from Pennsylvania and were ex-hausted. On arriving we noticed the weather turning ugly and a ��ƥ��of town. Being from the coast of Washington State, I knew what storms could be like, but gosh, I was tired and I rationalized that nothing would happen so we just stayed in our new apart-ment. However, watching limbs ��ƪ��-ing the whole apartment com-plex shake taught me that hur-ricanes are serious business. I love La Paz. I know that now I think and use common sense

more than when I lived in the US. That is not a bad thing. I have learned to watch where I am walking, slow down or even stop at intersections knowing that stop signs are only a sug-gestion, buckle up and be pre-pared to hunker down in case that hurricane actually decides to visit our little Wild West town of La Paz this year.

Of course, as always, I will try and make this event fun. I’ll pre-pare by having the essential sup-plies, including an ample supply ��ǡ��ǯ��Ƥ��to create some kind of hurri-cane party. Just because I have to watch where I’m walking doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have fun along the way.

Jim Donahoe has been a licensed real estate broker for 30+ years, has consulted throughout West-ern Mexico for the last 9 years and has been a full time Paceño for nearly 3 years. Contact Jim [email protected].

With just a little rain, the streets of La Paz easily will up with water. Photo

courtesy of Kat Bennett.

Father’s Day ...Continues from page 5

15 June 12th, 2013

ESCAPERS©Continues from page 6illumination. They light up the water blue or red, indicating the tempera-ture of the descending gentle rain ��Ƥ��Ǥ

The management is ecologically con-scious; Vidasoul is already recycling �� Ƥ�� feed the numerous natural plants and planned for future gardens.

��Ƥ��electricity is generated by the mas-sive solar powered system. Power is ��Ǧ��ƥ��-dition in the complex.

The current parade of behemoth trundling water trucks will fade to a distant memory. The Vidasoul desali-

nization system will soon be up and running. Thus assuring a constant ��Ƥ��Ǥ

Already established as a mecca in the Boca Vinorama area for staging musi-cal events. Dedicated revelers travel from miles around, many staying on overnight.

It’s an incredible venue that wel-comes discerning travelers and surf-ers who simply want to get away from the usual holiday fare. To frolic in the surf, be served outstanding de-licious meals and be pampered by the dedicated solicitous, observant and ��ơǤ

A Vidasoul vacation surrounded by the simple freedom of nature in Boca Vinorama provides a new lease on life and enlivens the soul.

jolt of 220 electricity. I remembered ��Ƥ��-fee to bring in – wow – I think I could have cut it with a knife. But, I drank every drop. They also would secretly plan little presentations. They would draw pictures, create their own cards, and perform their own act in honor of me. Even though they never knew my Dad they continued with this little family ritual. Lucky for me, my daughters were wonderful per-formers, certainly worthy of a top 12 Ƥ��Ǥ��by, my love for my selective memory increases almost daily. The trials and tears of their teen years fade, their loving innocence takes center stage in my heart.

As they have grown older, I inevita-bly receive a phone call from each daughter expressing our deep love

and maybe even recall a funny story from our past. It just wouldn’t be me without having some fun mixed into the celebration. My girls would add that I could never have a conversa-tion without mounting my soap box to give them some kind of advice about this or that. And to think they still love me. I am such a lucky father.

Oh my gosh, now I am a grandfather to the two most adorable grandchil-dren in the world. At one and two years old they are not quite ready to perform the stage acts, but just last night my grandson ended our conver-sation with and I love you granddad and I miss you granddad. I can’t wait ��Ƥ��Ǥ�

Jim Donahoe has been a licensed real estate broker for 30+ years, has con-sulted throughout Western Mexico for the last 9 years and has been a full time Paceño for nearly 3 years.

Father’s Day ...Continues from page 5

June 12th, 2013 16

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An Owl Tale...Continues from page 13

Roosterfish centerstage ...Continues from page 12

taken and released and it looks like things might be turning the corner to warmer conditions although we still had a great week on some yellowtail and super-sized amberjack north of La Paz where waters were still cooler below the thermocline.

We are still getting pesky early morning winds in La Paz that are making it a bit rough to go out in the ��Ǥ��Ƥ��summer, but as normally happens in May, we get one more blast of colder temps. Towards the end of the ��ǡ��Ƥ�� ƥ�� Ƥ��side where winds and seas were calmer.

If you’re going to be visiting us in the next week or so, it’s not a bad idea to bring that windbreaker or light sweatshirt. It’s better to have it and not need it than ��Ǥ��ơǨ

That’s our story from Jonathan and Jilly at Jonathan Roldan’s Tailhunter International.

show. Renee showed me how to hold the bird, one ��ǡ�Ƥ��ǡ��steadying its neck. The owl couldn’t have weighed ��Ƥ��ǡ��Ǥ�

While I held the bird, Renee went to work on the dam-��Ǥ��ǡ��ơ��-ing barb. Renee guided my left hand to the underside of the wing, its exquisite brown feathers spread like a fan. I held the wing open while he cleaned the wound, wiping the blood with an antiseptic liquid. He applied antibacterial cream then wrapped the damaged wing with gauze.

“Is it broken?” Tom asked.

“No, his wing is slightly dislocated. Fortunately, the barb missed the bone,” Renee replied. “I’m going to ��Ƥ��Ǥ��ǡ��ǯ��ǤǳI was still holding the bandaged owl when Renee re-��ǯ��ơ��Ƥ��Ǥ�He put it in the cage for the bird to sit on if it wanted. Then he placed the owl gently in the cage, its make-shift hospital bed. By that afternoon there was enough ��ǯ��ƥ��ǡ�ȋ��ǡ��Ƥ��Ȍ��ǡ�ǲ��ǯ��going to eat better in this cage than in the wild.”

�� ơ�� friend. Tom suggested Ollie, Renee wanted to name it after the cartoon owl with the graduation hat but he couldn’t remember the name, while I proposed Barb after the wire. Now that I think about it, Lucky, would probably be the most appropriate. How the odds were stacked against that bird!

I learned something about the desert that morning, something I think worth mentioning. Not only is it beautiful, but sometimes, the desert can be very for-giving.

Manuel Amarillas Vanegas

��Ƥ��Parade came to life in 2002 in conjunction with the La Paz’s Founding Festival with the hopes of enriching the program of the cities festival with some-thing unique. The car shows goal has also been to bring the sport of automotive recreation and restoration to both tourists and local families in a healthy and friendly environment.

Today it is a reality and a tradi-tion here in the capital of BCS. �� Ƥ��La Paz’s Founding Festival. We have celebrated a eleven years together, the Classic Car Festival and Parade and Founding Fes-tival, and thanks to the XIV City Government of La Paz and the Municipal Department of Cul-ture, Cultural Institute of Baja California Sur and the uncondi-tional support of enthusiastic participants, sponsors from nu-merous local businesses as well as the owners of classical cars, we celebrated year XII.

Not one of the previous years events has been the same. Proof of that exists in the category of

XII Classic Car Festival and Parade A Success!Held in conjunction with the 478 Anniversary of the La Paz Founding Festival

Best Volkswagen went to the 1964 bug convertible belonging to Ray Novelli.

Mercedes Benz Unimog

17 June 12th, 2013

show. Renee showed me how to hold the bird, one ��ǡ�Ƥ��ǡ��steadying its neck. The owl couldn’t have weighed ��Ƥ��ǡ��Ǥ�

While I held the bird, Renee went to work on the dam-��Ǥ��ǡ��ơ��-ing barb. Renee guided my left hand to the underside of the wing, its exquisite brown feathers spread like a fan. I held the wing open while he cleaned the wound, wiping the blood with an antiseptic liquid. He applied antibacterial cream then wrapped the damaged wing with gauze.

“Is it broken?” Tom asked.

“No, his wing is slightly dislocated. Fortunately, the barb missed the bone,” Renee replied. “I’m going to ��Ƥ��Ǥ��ǡ��ǯ��ǤǳI was still holding the bandaged owl when Renee re-��ǯ��ơ��Ƥ��Ǥ�He put it in the cage for the bird to sit on if it wanted. Then he placed the owl gently in the cage, its make-shift hospital bed. By that afternoon there was enough ��ǯ��ƥ��ǡ�ȋ��ǡ��Ƥ��Ȍ��ǡ�ǲ��ǯ��going to eat better in this cage than in the wild.”

�� ơ�� friend. Tom suggested Ollie, Renee wanted to name it after the cartoon owl with the graduation hat but he couldn’t remember the name, while I proposed Barb after the wire. Now that I think about it, Lucky, would probably be the most appropriate. How the odds were stacked against that bird!

I learned something about the desert that morning, something I think worth mentioning. Not only is it beautiful, but sometimes, the desert can be very for-giving.

Manuel Amarillas Vanegas

��Ƥ��Parade came to life in 2002 in conjunction with the La Paz’s Founding Festival with the hopes of enriching the program of the cities festival with some-thing unique. The car shows goal has also been to bring the sport of automotive recreation and restoration to both tourists and local families in a healthy and friendly environment.

Today it is a reality and a tradi-tion here in the capital of BCS. �� Ƥ��La Paz’s Founding Festival. We have celebrated a eleven years together, the Classic Car Festival and Parade and Founding Fes-tival, and thanks to the XIV City Government of La Paz and the Municipal Department of Cul-ture, Cultural Institute of Baja California Sur and the uncondi-tional support of enthusiastic participants, sponsors from nu-merous local businesses as well as the owners of classical cars, we celebrated year XII.

Not one of the previous years events has been the same. Proof of that exists in the category of

XII Classic Car Festival and Parade A Success!Held in conjunction with the 478 Anniversary of the La Paz Founding Festival

“Car of Year”, where not one car has been a repeat winner in the now 11-year event. Win-ners have also represented all corners of Baja California Sur including Loreto, Cd. Constitucion, La Ri-vera and Cabo San Lucas.

Best vehicle at this years 2013 exhibition went to Benjamín Purkey of Buena Vista BCS., with his 1928 Martin-Parry “Woody” - Ford Model “A”. Best vehicle in the parade went

to the 1964 Volkswagen “bug” white convertible belonging to Raymond Novelli.

The history of winners since the ��Ƥ��Car Festival starts in 2002 with Eduardo Van Wormer Ruiz from La Rivera, BCS and his Ford Sedan 2 door, Model “A” 1929. In 2003, we celebrated a Ford Pick-up Model “A” 1931 and owner Cesar Scholnick. In 2004, Alfonso Jaime Tabasco won the award with his Chevrolet Cama-ro SS 1967, 1st edition. In 2005

we saw a Porshe 911 S/C 1970, European Sport with owner Roberto Ortega Wheler.

In 2006 Roland and Wendy Bellerive of Loreto, BCS won with their Graham-Hollywood 1941; they only made 800

of this model and it was a treat to see. 2007 we enjoyed a Ford Mustang 2+2 fastback 1965 with owner Martín Guluarte Ceseña. 2008 saw a Chevrolet pick-up 1949 with Juan Ojeda of Cd. Constitución, BCS as the winner. 2009 we celebrated a Plymouth deluxe 4 door with owner Edu-ardo Reyes of Cabo San Lucas. 2010, Raymond Novelli won with his Ford deluxe 1941 Convertible and in 2011, when we celebrated the 10th anniversary, the winner was a Ford Big-Job 1956 belong-ing to Orlando Ojeda of Cd. Con-stitución.

The Spring Classic and Antique Auto Show took place on May 18th and 19th on the Malecon in conjunction with the 478 Anni-versary of the La Paz Founding Festival. For more information about the classic car shows, please contact Manuel Amarillas at (612) 125-3306, cell 141-8554 or by e-mail at [email protected]

The crowds checking out the cars on the malecon.

Best Volkswagen went to the 1964 bug convertible belonging to Ray Novelli.

Best vehicle at the car show went to Benjamiìn Purkey of Buena Vista BCS

Mercedes Benz Unimog

June 12th, 2013 18

New Hotels Opening ...Continues from front page bottom

marina or the Sea of Cortez. The hotel will be situated in close proximity to the Car-retera a Pichilingue high-way, less than 30 minutes from Manuel Marquez de Leon International Airport.

Also opening its door for busi-ness in the upcoming months is the Hotel Catedral, to be located on Constitucion with 70 rooms and the City Express with 80 new rooms.

Alejandro Yberri, CEO of Costa-Baja pointed out that with the new Hyatt Place at CostaBaja, �� Ƥ�� more attractive as executives continually use the number of new hotel rooms as a factor into which cities to provide air service ��Ǥ� ǲ�� ƪ��ǡ��ƪ�� Ǥ��Between 2007 and 2008 we had �� ƪ�� ǡ� ��have one. We have joined forces and soon with Aeromexico, in June, to Los Angeles,” he stated.

The new Aeromexico direct La �� Ȃ� �� ƪ�� 20th� �� ƪ�� and Sundays. The two weekly ƪ�� to leave La Paz at 11:51 am and arrive at 1:20 pm and depart LAX at 2:20 pm, arriving in La Paz at 5:40 pm.

The Secretary of Tourism for BCS, Ruben Reachi also has said that in order for La Paz to stay on the radar for interested airlines ��ƪ��ǡ��-tel rooms need to come to La Paz. He mentioned that when Alaska Airlines ��ƪ��last fall from the city, La Paz didn’t have new hotel Construction has begun on Hyatt

Place La Paz at CostaBaja, with 151 rooms each showcasing

panoramic views of the marina or the Sea of Cortez

19 June 12th, 2013

New Hotels Opening ...Continues from front page bottom

House for rent in San Pedro

Semi-furnished. Large patio with bbq

area and palapa.4,800.00 a month.

Call 612 141 1779

marina or the Sea of Cortez. The hotel will be situated in close proximity to the Car-retera a Pichilingue high-way, less than 30 minutes from Manuel Marquez de Leon International Airport.

Also opening its door for busi-ness in the upcoming months is the Hotel Catedral, to be located on Constitucion with 70 rooms and the City Express with 80 new rooms.

Alejandro Yberri, CEO of Costa-Baja pointed out that with the new Hyatt Place at CostaBaja, �� Ƥ�� more attractive as executives continually use the number of new hotel rooms as a factor into which cities to provide air service ��Ǥ� ǲ�� ƪ��ǡ��ƪ�� Ǥ��Between 2007 and 2008 we had �� ƪ�� ǡ� ��have one. We have joined forces and soon with Aeromexico, in June, to Los Angeles,” he stated.

The new Aeromexico direct La �� Ȃ� �� ƪ�� 20th� �� ƪ�� and Sundays. The two weekly ƪ�� to leave La Paz at 11:51 am and arrive at 1:20 pm and depart LAX at 2:20 pm, arriving in La Paz at 5:40 pm.

The Secretary of Tourism for BCS, Ruben Reachi also has said that in order for La Paz to stay on the radar for interested airlines ��ƪ��ǡ��-tel rooms need to come to La Paz. He mentioned that when Alaska Airlines ��ƪ��last fall from the city, La Paz didn’t have new hotel

rooms. In the past 20 years in the capital, the number of hotel rooms has stayed the same. La Paz gained CostaBaja Resort and Seven Crown Hotels but lost Los Arcos on the malecon. He also said La Paz needs quality hotel ��Ǥ� �� Ƥ�� hotel rooms. At that time, La Paz had none.

The construction of the La Paz Convention Center could be aid-ing in the decision of the private sector in adding new hotels to �� Ǥ� �� Ƥ�� convention center is to be com-plete by the end of this year and with an initial investment of 90 million pesos, installations will be of premier quality that will allow the city to be taken in ac-count for the celebration of im-portant events that will highlight the beauty of the area and above all, generate new sources of em-ployment for Sudcalifornianos.

�� Ƥ��ǡ� �� center will be able to hold events for up to 4000 people. The La Paz Convention Center will be lo-cated on the road to Pichilingue ferry terminal, above the curve in the highway that is named “Curva de la Enfermería.”

Construction has begun on Hyatt Place La Paz at CostaBaja, with

151 rooms each showcasing panoramic views of the marina

or the Sea of Cortez

Zar Hotel on Abasolo

June 12th, 2013 20

Structure Your New Life: Five Ways to Perfect Your Transition to Paradise

One of the most stressful events in anyone’s life is moving, even if the move involves giving up your workaday life and relocat-ing to live the life of your dreams in a beachfront home in sunny La Paz. The vision you had of yourself and your spouse sip-ping frosty margaritas while sur-rounded by a group of charm-ing new friends probably did �� Ƥ��Ǥ�Instead, you were likely feeling overwhelmed by the hard work you did in order to set up your phone and electricity, and hire a good gardener, maid, and pool service.

For most expats, life eventu-ally smoothes out, they make friends, and they relax and start living on Mexican time, but if you want to get to “eventually,” �� ǡ��Ƥ��things you can do to make your transition more pleasant.

1. Learn some Spanish. Enroll in a class at one of the Spanish schools in La Paz. Not only will you improve your knowledge of the lo-cal culture, you’ll also meet people much like yourself. (Se Habla La Paz Spanish immer-sion school (tel: 612 122 7763, email: [email protected], web: www.sehablalapaz.com) and El Nopal (tel: 612 188 0577, web: www.elnopalspan-ish.com)

2. Go Local: Take to the streets and use what you’ve learned, even if it means car-rying a dictionary (there is an app for that) wherever you go. Whether you’re in the bank, the grocery store, or your favorite café, greet peo-ple with a smile and a friendly “Buenas dias.” Look people in the eye, learn their names, and tell them yours. Shop in local stores, or just spend a Sunday evening strolling

along the Malecon. Paceaños are a friendly bunch and will respond in kind.

3. Volunteer: There are all kinds of groups that have mixed Mexican and foreign members. Volunteer to serve breakfast to kids from the bar-rios with FANLAP (tel: 612 121 2166, web: www.lapazninos.org). Walk or foster a shelter dog (www.bajadogslapaz.org).

4. Start a Group: You came down here to have the time to pursue your interests, and many others did, as well. Tell people you want to start an organic garden, a tango club, or a gourmet club. Form ��Ƥ�� of the latest movies. People bond more easily over shared interests, and soon, you’ll be surrounded by friends. Sign up on the La Paz Gringos fo-rum: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lapazgringos/

5. Celebrate! Holidays and rituals are an important part of every culture, and tak-ing part in local traditions is crucial to becoming part of a community. Head to the Gov-ernor’s Palace on Isabel la Católica between Bravo and Rosales on the evening of September 15th to hear El Gri-to (the scream) – the annual recreation of the call for in-dependence. Visit the Teatro de la Ciudad on November 1st and experience an authentic Day of the Dead festival. Love a parade? You can see one ev-ery day during the annual pre-Lenten festival Carnival (shoes optional, shirts required.)

These are just a few of the ways you can ease your transition from turista to ciudana (citizen). Wondering why this is on a real estate page? It’s simple: when you buy a new home, you’re not just purchasing a structure, you’re structuring a new life-style.

Documents

New Hotels Opening Up in La PazLa Paz, BCS 23090 Mexico The Baja Citizen is a free circulation community newspaper that is distributed in La Paz and the communities of Centenario,