TheOctober 2015 CitizenYour Community Magazine

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The Diva

CATRINApage 6 BRAVO! Mercado Bravo page 10

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DENTAL LD Hi-Tech Dr. Leonel Dorantes Guzman Melchor Ocampo 460-H between Álvaro Obregón and Mutualismo Downtown La Paz, BCS APPOINTMENTS: 612-1295657 www.dentistacerec.com.mx [email protected] The CitizenYour Community Magazine

Welcome to the NEW BAJA CITIZEN! Editor’s Letter Your favorite local English-language news source has re-emerged, now with an exciting new magazine format. The new Baja Citizen will be published monthly, from October through May.

I hope the magazine will provide insight into what makes following month’s issue. Please send event details to me at La Paz and its surrounding precincts ‘tick’ -- the news, the [email protected]. culture, the entertainment scene, real estate, and more! The The Baja Citizen community magazine will continue with magazine will be distributed in all your favorite places in its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thebajacitizen, and La Paz, as well as in the communities of El Centenario, La also with on-line news at www.bajacitizen.com. News and Ventana/ El Sargento, Los Barriles, and Todos Santos. events from around the city will be uploaded daily, so please I am still looking for writers! If you have a bit of free check frequently. time and you like to write, we are looking for articles of I look forward to publishing an attractive, informative, 500 words or less that would be of interest to our readers. and useful magazine for people traveling to La Paz as well Also send me your photos. If I use one of your photos in the as for the English-speaking community now calling La Paz magazine, you will receive photo credit. home. I always welcome feedback, so please feel free to send Additionally, I am looking for a sales person to help with me an email at [email protected]. advertising. If you are interested, please email me for details. If you have an upcoming event, please submit a short paragraph or two with all the important information so we Yours, can get the word out. Information for events must be re- ceived before the 20th of each month for publication in the Gari-Ellen Index The CitizenYour Community Magazine 1 Editor’s Letter 3 Armando Martínez Vega Sworn In Editor Gari-Ellen Donohoe as Mayor of La Paz [email protected] 6 Spanish Corner 612 159 1388 6 Who is the Diva of Death? Graphic Design 8 Eight Annual Festival of Velas Fernando Sánchez Bernal in Uruapan, Michoacán art 9 La Paz’s Annual Day of the Dead Festival publishing photo 10 Bravo! Mercado Bravo design 12 Chemical Junkies - “Just Say No!” consulting 13 Making the World a Better Place Through Music [email protected] / 612 14 00 542 14 Ramblings: People I’ve Met Around La Paz The Baja Citizen Community Magazine 16 La Paz Map is a monthly, free circulation magazine 18 Smiley Citizens that is distributed in La Paz and the communities of El Centenario, Todos 20 A Year After Santos, El Pescadero, El Sargento/La 22 At Your Service Ventana and Los Barriles. 23 New Governor of Sworn In The views of contributors to The Baja 24 2015 Changes to the Mexican Immigration Law Citizen Community Magazine do not 26 FANLAP Subasta 2015 Date Set necessarily reflect those of the Publishers. 28 Take Part in Ecology Project International’s Publisher: Hally J. Productions S. de R.L. Fundraising Campaingn! La Paz, BCS, 23090 29 The Baja Ha-Ha 2015 Welcome Party Welcomes Cruisers to La Paz 30 The Pelican Theatre Returns Our cover photographer

31 The Fight Against Dengue and Chikungunya is a Permanent Task Time Change in Mexico 31 Single Minimum Salary Throughout the Country

IMPORTANT LA PAZ PHONE NUMBERS Tom Ireton EMERGENCY Port Captain (Police or Fire Department) 122 0243 After singlehandedly sailing his sailboat from Friday Harbor, 066 Washington to La Paz in 1999, Tom has become an active member Highway Patrol Federal Immigration in the arts community. He helped form the La Paz Youth Sympho- Federal Police O ce (INM) ny Orchestra. Just last year, he was invited to play with the newly 122 0369 125 3493 122 0429 formed professional symphony orchestra, Orquesta Filarmónica de IMSS Hospital Baja California Sur. 122 7377 State Tourism O ce Tom has also opened eight photography exhibitions during his time Fidepaz Hospital 124 0100 124 0400 120 0199 living in Baja California Sur, including in La Paz, and San Jose del Cabo. Armando Martinez Vega Sworn In as Mayor of La Paz

TBC

Armando Martinez Vega was officially sworn in as mayor of La Paz at 7:00 pm on Sunday, September 27th. By 8:00 am the next morning, the new administration was already out fill- ing potholes, and was also busy beginning the firing of 1,000 city workers in order to decrease the amount the municipality pays in salaries. Martinez inherited a bankrupt municipality from Esthela Armando Martinez Vega, Mayor of La Paz Ponce Beltran and Francisco Monroy Sánchez. When Ponce Beltran took over in 2011 after the three-year term of Rosa Delia Cota Montaño, Ponce Beltran found the municipality to be a little more then $285,000 million pesos in debt. Far mission) to pay the municipality’s past-due $35 million peso from reducing that debt, former-mayor Esthela Ponce Beltrán electric bill. City offices were running on gas generators over increased the debt to what some are suspecting to be close to the summer. $895,000 million pesos. The state government under Governor Carlos Mendoza During the last few months of Monroy Sánchez’s term, has secured a deal with CFE to pay the municipality’s out- the city was unable to pay the salaries of city workers. Gar- standing electricity debt. Even so, newly-appointed mayor bage collection was intermittent, and the streets were left Martinez Vega is still committed to decreasing the city’s pay- unattended after every rain. Monroy Sánchez had also been roll cost. Currently, the city isn’t generating enough income trying to work out a deal with CFE (Federal Electricity Com- to pay all its staff. Not even close. In order to decrease pay- roll costs, Martinez Vega will need to reduce city staffing by 1,000 employees. Painful and complicated measures will have to be taken in order to correct the problems inherited from previous ad- ministrations; nonetheless, Martinez Vega is committing his term as mayor to getting Baja California Sur’s capital back on track. Martinez Vega’s term will run until 2018.

The new adminstration has been busy filling in potholes in the Armando Martinez Vega, Mayor of La Paz municipality

October 2015 3 The Baja Citizen

Hola, qué gusto saludarte. A nombre del Conse- On behalf of the Board of Directors of ASPI, I would jo Directivo te doy la más cordial bienvenida a este like to give the warmest welcome to this first ever La Paz PRIMER CONGRESO INMOBILIARIO LA PAZ REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE 2015. 2015. This is an event of great interest to those who work Éste es un evento de gran interés para quienes lab- in real estate. oramos en el sector inmobiliario. “NORTHWESTERN INVESTMENT PARADISE” “NOROESTE PARAISO DE INVERSIÓN” This conference will be held on November 13th and El cual se celebrará los días 13 y 14 de Noviem- 14th, 2015 at the Costa Baja Convention Center in La bre del año en curso, teniendo como sede el Centro Paz, Baja California Sur and organized by The Associa- de Convenciones Costa Baja de La Paz, y organizado tion of Sudcaliforniano Professional Realtors (ASPI). por La Asociación Sudcaliforniana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios. At this conference, you will have the opportunity to interact with peers across the region where you can form En este Congreso tendrás la oportunidad de rela- new networks and business opportunities. cionarte con compañeros de toda la región donde po- drás hacer mas y nuevos negocios. The conference is a response to the need to increase real estate activity in the region and to celebrate Realtor’s El congreso surge como respuesta a la necesidad de Day on the 14th. What better way to celebrate than by incrementar la Actividad, así como celebrar el día del training and upgrading our skills to provide better service Agente inmobiliario, y qué mejor forma de celebrarlo delivery while creating and analyzing new strategies to que capacitándonos y actualizándonos para lograr una meet the real estate needs in our area. mejor prestación de servicios, al mismo tiempo que analizamos y creamos nuevas estrategias para satis- Important note, for the first 10 foreigners to register, facer las necesidades inmobiliarias en nuestra zona. simultaneous translation will be available.Today, the real estate sector in the northwestern region of the country Hoy, el sector Inmobiliario aporta un porcentaje contributes a considerable percentage of GDP. bastante considerable del PIB de esta parte del País. We hope that together we remain the driving force Te esperamos para que juntos sigamos siendo la that moves our region. fuerza que mueve a nuestra Región. SINCERELY, A T E N T A M E N T E:

Carolina Almaguer Ibarra. Presidenta Spanish Corner Who is the Diva of Death?

Spanish Salutations Day of the Dead in La Paz and all over Mexico is 1.¡Buenos días/buenas tardes/noches! not only a day to remember the dearly-departed, it is Good morning, good afternoon, good evening. a time to poke fun at death. Altars are set up around town and in homes honoring one person or many. 2. ¿Hola qué tal? ¿Cómo estás? The altars are laden with food and drink and redolent Hello, how are you? with the smells of cinnamon and chocolate. 3. ¿Qué onda? What’s up? By Susan Fogel 4. ¿Qué hubole? What’s going on? Not to be missed is the two day cel- ebration on the grounds of the Teatro de 5. ¿Qué pasa/pasó? La Ciudad. Music, food, entertainment, What’s happening? and symbolic graves are all part of the What’s happened? fun. But the best part of it all is the stroll- 6. ¿Cómo te/le va? ing Catrinas. Children as young as three How’s it going? and adults dress up as a Catrina. Their faces are whitened and made to look like 7. ¿Qué dices? skulls. Ingenious skin painting makes it What do you say? look as if the Catrinas are walking skel- etons. In the past few years, some of the 8. ¿Cómo amaneciste/amaneció? most glamorous and dramatic Catrinas Did you sleep well? have been men in drag. Each Catrina wears a number, and there is voting for These are 8 of the most common the best. They will walk among you, greetings that are used between peo- and lay a bony hand on your shoulder, ple who you know and those that you and let you snap a photo of their deathly don’t. Many Mexicans have their fa- faces. vorite greetings and styles of addressing whomever. The most formal greeting is A Catrina at the Day of the Dead celebration in Number 1 on the list but as you get to La Paz. know people, you may hear these and perhaps variations on all of these. This is an edited list and does not include what might be considered “off-color” and/or humorous. Enjoy!

The Spanish Corner is brought to you by Felicidades Felicidades BajaCitizen por su nueva versión.

The Baja Citizen 6 October 2015 Just how did this Diva of Death be- come so popular? The original La Catrina was actually called La Calavera Garbancera. Lithog- rapher and political cartoonist Jose Gua- dalupe Posada created a brochure with just the ghastly head wearing a giant and La Catrina had a fashion makeover in 1982, when Juan ornate hat. It was making fun of the rich Mexicans aping French dress and wear- Torres, a sculptor from Morelia, made her in clay and ing so much makeup that they looked painstakingly painted her in colorful detail; Torres’ deathly white. signed work is collectible and beautiful.

Posada and to the left is Rivera and tow- and ceramic. A revolutionary politi- ering over him, Frida Kahlo. Rivera was cal symbol lithograph in 1910 gained And it says, “… Those garbanceras influenced by and considered Posada to a name and wardrobe in 1948. Then who today are coated with makeup will be his father in art. she became a hand-painted art piece in end up as deformed skulls…” La Catrina takes many forms and 1982. But clearly, the best examples of Those were revolutionary times. media, papier-mâché, clay, black clay, La Catrina, the Diva of Death, are the This was 1910. And Jose Guadalupe wonderful participants in La Paz’ own Posada was protesting the Diaz regime Day of the Dead Celebrations. This is an and the unbalanced wealth of the few annual event that should not be missed. and searing poverty of many. Revolu- tion followed. Head to el Teatro de La Ciudad on La Calavera did not have a body Saturday and Sunday November 1st and or wear clothing until 1948, when Di- 2nd and enjoy! ego Rivera painted his epic Sunday Evening’s Dream. It depicts 400 years Susan Fogel is an observer of Mexican history. In the center is La of life and writes to tell Calavera, whom he painted in ornate you what she sees. Visit her garb, and then dubbed her “La Catrina”, blog mexicomusings.com which is slang for well-dressed or over- dressed. On the right is mustachioed Juan Torres

October 2015 7 The Baja Citizen Eigth Annual Festival of Velas in Uruapan, Michoacán By John K. Glaab

Most people who live in Mexico are aware of the tradi- tional Dia de los Muertos activities and traditions. What is less known is the Festival of Velas (candles) that takes place in Uruapan, Michoacán. During the period of October 29th to November 2nd, Food, candles, sugar skulls and bright flowers are just some of the visual special cultural events will be staged. The inauguration will reminders used to remember loved ones at the various ofrendas include the unveiling of a large “ofrenda” (altar) in the main plaza. These ofrendas are not meant for worshipping but are reminders of those who have passed away. Many families More than 10,000 candles will also be lit each evening. build ofrendas, which are festively decorated with flowers, Truly a festive environment will be created. On the streets, artwork, and votive candles, as a kind of visual reminder of one can see Catrinas that have been constructed by students their ancestors and departed loved ones. as well as “living” Catrinas. Some will don costumes and Ofrendas often feature images of family members as well have faces hand painted to portray skeletons. as those of the Virgin de Guadalupe or the Christian cross. At 7 p.m. on the 2nd of November, the Festival will come It is common for people to leave gifts for the spirits of fam- to a close. At that time, 1,000 lit balloons will be sent sky- ily members at graveside ofrendas. Often toys and candies ward. It really is a beautiful festival to observe. will be left at the graves of children, while a bottle of tequila will be left for adults. Trinkets and other items which the Photos courtesy of John Glaab. person enjoyed in life are also common choices for ofrenda John Glaab is a well-known member of Mexico’s real estate offerings, and pillows and blankets can be meant to help the community. He lives six months each year in La Paz, B.C.S. and spirits rest as they journey through the afterlife. six months in Uruapan, Michoacán.

Ofrendas in Uruapan will also be erected on side streets at both ends of main streets in the town. Young people will explain the content of each ofrenda during the festivities to those who want to learn more.

Large ofrendas are set up along popular streets in the town of Uruapan, Michoacan.

The Baja Citizen 8 October 2015 La Paz’s Annual Day of the Dead Festival

Day of the Dead Festival at the Teatro de la Ciudad TBC

La Paz’s Annual Day of the Dead Festival will take place on Sunday, November 1st and Monday, November 2nd at the Teatro de la Ciudad. The Teatro is located on Na- varro between Altamirano and Heroes de Independencia. The Festival starts at 6:00 pm both evenings.

This is an authentic celebration, a genuine community event. If you haven’t yet attended, do it this year. You will not be disappointed. Day of the Dead in Mexico is on November 1st, also known as All Souls Day. It is believed that the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest at this time. It is a time to pay homage to relatives and friends that have died. And to poke fun at death. And ghosts walk among us. There will be ofrendas (alters) on display as well as a Ca- trina contest where each Catrina wears a number, and there is voting for the best one. They will walk among you and happily pose for pictures. But they won’t smile. There will be traditional Mexican food available includ- ing tamales and atole as well as live entertainment on the main stage throughout the evening. It really is one of La Paz’s best festivals.

October 2015 9 The Baja Citizen Bravo! Mercado Bravo

An Interview with Lila Magallón by TBC

Many of you have heard about Mercado Bravo (the Bravo Market), located at the corner of Bravo and Gmo. Prieto, but have never found the time to go see if for yourselves. If you are wondering if a trip to this market is worth it, take a gander at the following interview with local artist and activist Lila Magallón. In the interview, Lila beautifully describes Mer- cado Bravo. Deep fried empanadas. Photo courtesy of Lila Magallon.

Lila, whose father was paceño (a person “When I think of Minnesota,” Lila says, “I think of beau- from La Paz) and whose mother is from tiful green hills, loons, and lakes, lakes, lakes. My memory Minnesota, considers herself to be both savors the most succulent sweet corn; I think of the mighty Mississippi and of my loving family, and I feel the excite- Mexican and estadounidense (a person ment of my childhood adventures to the state fair.” from the US). Actually, Lila considers “These are just a few of the kinds of unique things that herself to be a paceña-Minnesotan. “Very become engraved in our memories, our souls, and our hearts. We associate feelings with sights and smells, with the weath- different worlds to say the least,” Lila tells er, or with a certain accent.” us, “but they are both lands of sharp beauty “When I am away from my hometown of La Paz,” Lila and hard-working people.” says, “I become a little melancholy for a while. I daydream about the things that make my hometown of La Paz so very special: unequaled sunset strolls on the malecón, a cold beer at Pichilingue, fish tacos for breakfast, our distinctly simple sense of humor, the smell of the desert after a rainy day.“ “Among the places I yearn for most when I am away,” she continues, “is my favorite place to buy food (an impor- tant place in my dictionary!) – the fantastic Mercado Bravo. I have been fascinated with the market since my first visit there, and I have been visiting it for a long time now. Be- ing an artist, I am drawn to color and rhythm, and – boy! – is there rhythm walking through this landmark. It’s the real McCoy, as my fellow Minnesotans would say.” “‘Empanada, tacos, tamales, pozole! Qué va a querer?’...” which loosely translates as What’re ya gonna have?, “women

Grapes, limes and pitayas. Photo courtesy of Lila Magallon.

Lila has lived in La Paz for the better part of 35 years. Wherever she goes, she seeks diversity. She believes that embracing diversity expands the dimensions of people’s minds and their destinies. She loves meeting new people and getting to know their traditions – “those marvelous cultural differences which make everyone so very distinct Bringing fish to the Bravo Market. Photo courtesy of Lila Magallon. and special.”

The Baja Citizen 10 October 2015 “Which brings me to the most important part of Mercado Bravo: the people,” says Lila. “Seeing them continue the tradition of respecting and caring for our beloved Mercado Bravo makes me proud, and happy. I go there for cheese fresh from the ranchos and for the machaca (shredded meat or fish). I go there for cuts of meat, the cuts I trust most in La Paz. I go for my green juice. And if I see a guy rushing in with a 40-kilo fresh yellowfin tuna, I rush right up behind him to get me some! I go for the satisfaction of it all.” “Oh,” Lila adds as a final note, “my mom wanted me to mention the Chicken Man. He has the best hormone-free Meat. Photo courtesy of Lila Magallon. ranch chickens, and they fly off the shelves [pun intended, Ms. Magallón?], so you have to get there early.” Does that answer your question about whether or not a in hairnets frying and steaming away; background sounds trip to Mercado Bravo is worth it? Say hi to the Chicken of customers ordering food and chatting away with friend Man for me! and family...” Lila goes on to describe the market. “At any moment someone will rush up behind you with a trolley full of freshly-picked tomatoes, zucchini, onions – you name it! Everything is happening at light speed! Besides being able to have a traditional regional meal at an affordable price, in Mercado Bravo you can shop for ultra-fresh national and local produce!”

Maria Luisa owns one of the fruit and vegetable stalls in the market. She inherited her beloved spot in the market from her grandfather. Maria Luisa says that her grandfather was proud to leave her this legacy, knowing that he was leaving her security for life. Mexican pottery clay dishes. Photo courtesy of Lila Magallon.

October 2015 11 The Baja Citizen Cathy Ann Hill travels to several local markets, promoting her products

• Companion planting - certain plants protecting and nurturing other plants. • Good quality soil, good drainage, aeration, proper pH, natural hor- mone stimulated enhancers, fertil- izers containing essential miner- als for optimized growth. Animal manures, green manures, compost Chemical Junkies teas, fish and seaweed fertilizers. • Hoeing, weeding, tilling. - “Just Say No!” • Permaculture and Sustainability practices. • Old stand by environmentally By Cathy Ann Hill friendly pesticide options are: yellow sticky traps, pheromone I can’t help but wonder how we be- ness, nausea, sweating, changes in mood traps, boric acid powders and came so dependent on applying synthet- and insomnia. Moderate poisoning can liquids, insecticidal soaps. ic chemicals on our lawns and gardens. induce vomiting, coughing, abdominal Some of the best-kept secrets Since the late 1930’s our society has cramps, trembling and mental confu- are grown right here in the Baja and leaned heavily on the control and eradi- sion. Severe poisoning symptoms are throughout Mexico. Native plants such cation of weeds, grasses and insects. inability to breathe, chemical burns on as Barberry, Prickly Poppy, Castor Oil, Invasive, toxic, smelly liquids like me- skin, unconsciousness, cancers, death. Neem Tree, are but a few to name that coprop, dicamba, malathion, diazinon, Some health effects from pesticide ex- have wonderful qualities to repel and DDT and furidan to name just a few of posure can happen right away, several control insects. Alkaloids and smother- the synthetic chemicals we have become hours afterwards, or years ahead such as ing agents control different pest stages addicted to. These are poisons that per- in the case of cancer. giving us a natural/organic punch in the meate the very air we breathe, water we A new evolving environmentally fight to stay on top of it all. Picaradins drink and soil we plant in, destroying conscientious society is emerging, de- from botanical oils are also surging to our precious commodity, Mother Earth. manding safer more natural alternatives the forefront as new super powers eager The over indulgence of using to gardening and farming. We want to to rival Deet. synthetic chemicals for the past 80 take care of our planet. We want to take Our society is greatly questioning years has created super pests that have of ourselves. We want to ensure that the safety and health concerns brought developed resistance and renewed our families are healthy and that our on by synthetic toxic chemicals. adaptations. More and more insects children grow up in a more organic and Thus forging on in the quest to find becoming resistant to the synthetic natural environment. Maybe the ‘quick more natural organic options to use toxins are creating challenges in the fix’ is finally turning a corner towards for pesticide control. In this need for chemical war to produce better, stronger more natural friendlier products in the more natural holistic insecticides, a man-made solutions. quest to control the insect population. In new evolving business has found the There have been many claims and today’s market more options are steadily courage to step forward, accepting documentations of skin irritations, al- becoming available. the challenges of popular demand in lergies, and asthma/breathing problems Cultural and mechanical methods of the production of new 100% made in not to mention the most worrisome and controlling insect populations continue Mexico ready to use natural pesticide invasive disease, cancer. Our skin, the to be popular choices that include: sprays and concentrates. Addressing the largest organ on our bodies, absorbs needs of the public that are asking for and stores these toxic chemicals like a • Correct garden design selecting safer, more natural products that do not sponge. Symptoms of pesticide poison- plants that are native to the area harm people, pets, or the environment is ing are from mild to severe. Examples or resistant to certain insects and most important and at the top of the list of mild poisoning are: headaches, dizzi- diseases. for this new emerging business.

The Baja Citizen 12 October 2015 Baja Gardening Guru has introduced a new line of sanctioned 100% organic/natural insecticide blends that are amazing repellents, controllers, and destroyers. Products incorporate taste deterrents, smothering agents, residuals and natural growth inhibitors. Ingredients such as neem oil, orange oil, cinnamon, garlic, barberry, marigold and a host of other native ingredients work extremely well to combat most insect plagues. Guru mosquito repellents include Picaradins that rival Deet. Also in the repertoire is a soil bacteria that is targeted to control all larvae and caterpillar stage of loopers, spanworms, cankerworms, leaf rollers and more. Another fantastic blend making its way in to Veterinarian clinics and pet stores is Flea/Tick Pest Terminator. A proven product to control fleas, ticks, mites on dogs, cats, horses and chickens. It even soothes dry itchy skin. So, are you ready to embark on a holistic, natural, syn- thetic chemical free environment? Can you do without the “quick fix”? Just say ‘Yes!’

Cathy Ann Hill is the Head Guru and Owner of the Baja Gardening Guru, an El Pescadero based company that specializes in Integrated Pest Management and Organic/Natural 100% made in Mexico Pesticide blends. You can find her on Facebook at The Gardening Guru or e-mail [email protected].

Making the World a Better Place Through Music Project Blue - merge music, beauty and community

TBC

Not every day do you have the chance to help an old the small town of El Triunfo. Reunited with the same model master regain his craft and share his special gift with a com- he had played professionally, and newly inspired, he returned munity in need of positive, cultural interaction. In this spirit, to sharing his gift with the public. Project Blue was launched to bring beauty and music into Christian lives in the desert close to La Paz, Mexico and the lives of the residents of La Paz, Mexico and to give the drives miles each day to practice and play concerts at the Mu- septuagenarian piano virtuoso Christian Schleifer the oppor- seum of Music in El Triunfo. The Museum has suffered years tunity to regain and surpass his past achievements. To make of neglect, and over the past two decades, both the building this possible, Project Blue was launched to raise $6,000.00 and the instruments housed within have suffered the unfor- US in funding to purchase the Baldwin Baby Grand piano tunate consequences. The once great Baldwin grand piano is home to nesting wasps, the roof above leaks like a sieve, and Christian´s story needless to say, in an environment where temperatures regu- He was “discovered” as a child prodigy at four years old, larly exceed 100, there is no climate control. and placed in the Cincinnati Music Conservatory, where he Christian, tireless and driven at 74 years young, requested studied for the next 15 years. Playing professionally through- help in coming up with a solution. He feels he still has a lot out his 20s, in an incredible story of an artist’s internal strug- to contribute to this world and the community of La Paz, and gle with his craft, he later went on hiatus, ceasing to perform refuses to let age or other difficulties get in his way. publicly for several decades. Years later, residing in Mexico, (Next page) Christian stumbled upon a familiar Baldwin grand piano in

October 2015 13 The Baja Citizen (From page 13)

Project Blue is excited to report that they have reached their goal of raising $6,000.00 US with the help of 48 sup- porters. Their vision of bringing the beauty of music into the lives of residents of La Paz has turned to a reality. Project Blue will offer small piano concerts in the “El Angel Azul” Hotel for free groups of people in La Paz that have limited access to cultural events. These would include children, orphans, elderly people and economically disadvan- taged residents of La Paz They will also provide benefit con- certs for local charities. El Angel Azul Hotel, an iconic space in downtown La Paz, will cover the cost of housing the piano and providing a space for concerts. Christian is committed to playing free concerts starting in November for groups such as those men- tioned above, and will play private concerts individuals with the economic means to support him with a nominal “ticket” fee. If you are interested in helping to support the mainte- nance and tuning of the Baldwin Baby Grand piano or with the expense of free concerts for the community, please check out the Indiegogo page at life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/ project-blue—4 for more information. Christian, Esther and Chris The project is only beginning.

Ramblings: People I’ve Met Around La Paz

By Judy Ristity

The La Paz fantasy: long lazy days, palm trees, cool tropi- cal drinks, and the crystal clear sea, perhaps frolicking with dolphins. That was the image that compelled most of us to move here. But some people’s dream included more -- a job. These adventurers were usually young, single and adaptable. Sidne Byars fit that description. to Mexicali and bussed to Mazatlán, a 24-hour bus trip. I was Shortly after passing her State Boards as a licensed hair- alone.” dresser in 1965, she landed a job in a top salon in Oakland, She arrived in Mazatlán at midnight and carried her Van’s Hair Trap. She met the artist who was painting an heavy bag to a hotel near the bus station, regretting the ten Egyptian motif on the salon walls. He’d been to La Paz so he books she’d packed, but was unwilling to dump them. The drew a map and handed it to her. That map sat in her drawer next morning, “I was wearing Birkenstocks, tripped on a for seven years. curb, and landed on my arm – hard. I was in a huge amount In 1968 Sidne traveled throughout mainland Mexico, but of pain. I searched for the bus that went to the ferry, carrying it wasn’t her first exposure to this culture. Her step-father was that damn suitcase with my good arm. It was Easter week. Mexican so she grew up surrounded by Mexican customs. All the seats on the bus were filled so I stood. “Papa Sal” was the leader of a Latin band. Also, he was the At the ferry office, the lines were awful. My arm king pin of Sal’s Auto Body Shop in Berkeley where he paint- throbbed. Two kids and an old woman were in line behind ed and pin-striped cars. me. She kept tapping my shoulder and talking but I didn’t In 1973 she opened a salon in North Oakland and six understand. Finally, I realized she wanted us to share a cabin. months later, a client said, “I’m going to Mexico tomorrow.” They seemed nice and I was grateful, but since we couldn’t Sidne remembered the artist’s hand-drawn map of La Paz and communicate, I headed to the bar where I met a football play- decided to give La Paz a shot. “I cancelled clients’ appoint- er from the San Diego Chargers and, after a couple of drinks, ments and packed a giant suitcase. I flew to San Diego, then my arm felt better. ”

The Baja Citizen 14 October 2015 The ferry docked in La Paz and but Sami was a creative interpreter, Sidne cradled her arm and repeated, “Basically, my house was built by a “hoos-pee-tal” to a taxi driver. He drove twelve-year old.” In addition to acting to Salvatierra where Doctor Rodrigues as general contractor, Sami attended the diagnosed a dislocated shoulder. Sidne neighborhood church and sang accom- refused surgery but left with her arm in panied by the Pastor on guitar. a sling and muscle relaxers. “Sami graduated high school; I She stayed at The Hosteria del Con- wanted assurance that she’d received vento, but hung out on the Malecon at a good education, so she took a GED La Perla restaurant, where she met ex- test in California. She did very well, pats including Anita Walker, a no-non- although her English spelling sucked; sense woman, who had simply walked Sami spelled like a Mexican, phoneti- into the Governor’s office, announced cally. that she was a teacher from San Fran- In 1991 the owner of Century cisco, and requested a permit to teach 21 offered me a job, but my limited English. He granted permission imme- Spanish worried me, however after diately. three months I’d made my first sale to Vacation over, Sidne returned home. Sylvia and Chuck Wheeler. Real Estate But in 1986, when her daughter, Sa- has been good to me.” Sidne has been mantha was ten, Sidne was ready to featured twice on the TV series Home relocate. “Things were getting weird in Hunters International and also in the the States. Photos of missing kids were magazine Conde Nast. She was also displayed on milk cartons – 50,000 interviewed for the 2003 June issue of children a year.” Sidne realized that, if Money Magazine which featured La Paz she waited longer, it might be difficult as a one of the best places to retire. for Sami to leave her friends. She suggests, “If you’re building a They rented a casita in La Posada house, stay involved. Everything here is from Dr. Rodrigues, the doctor who’d so different – there is no rule book that treated her in 1973. She had a home, we can access.” now she needed a job and believing Sidne made a good decision mov- that speaking Spanish would help, she ing to La Paz and doesn’t regret raising took Spanish lessons from Raymundo, her daughter here. Sami studied opera a well-known teacher. He quickly of- at Belles Artes in Guanajuato for two fered her a job teaching English. Sa- years. She rose to #8 out of 64,000 en- mantha took Spanish lessons, also -- for tries in Latin American Idol and later two weeks. Then she entered Colegio landed a top position on The Voice in California, a private Mexican school. Mexico. She’s currently opening a con- Her Spanish blossomed. cert bar in . Sidne bought a fixer-upper in Jar- “If you dream of living in La Paz, but dines del Sur for $7,550 U.S. and lived need to earn a living, be flexible, ambi- there while she built a house in La Posa- tious and resourceful.” Sidne was and da. Sami translated Sidne’s instructions still is. She started La Paz Real Estate in 1996. She cuts hair, paints and sells her artwork. She opened her first art gallery in1996 and her trips throughout Mexico have contributed to her success offering art furnishings and décor. But it’s not all work for this ener- getic woman. Sidne acts at the Pelican Theater, a local theater group. She trav- els to the Mainland with friends, creates art, and of course she enjoys La Paz’s balmy nights, palm trees, the sea, and her life here.

October 2015 15 The Baja Citizen

Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Encinas

Heroes de Independencia Legaspi

Republica Av. Reforma Febrero de 5

Constitución

Nicolas Bravo Nicolas V. Gome Farias Pineda Manuel

Vicente Allende Ignacio

Antonio Rosales Antonio Cuauhtemoc

Heroes del 47 Morelos Ocampo Melchor Lic. Benito Juarez Benito Lic.

16 de Septiembre Santos Degollado Guadalupe Victoria

I. Altamirano León de Marquez Gral. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Navarro Heroes Colegio Miltar Francisco King Rondero Juan María de Salvatierra Lic. Manuel Torres Iglesias Ignacio Ramirez

5 de Mayo

Guilermo Prieto Independencia

Aquiles Serdán

Revolución de 1910

Francisco I. Madero

Belisario Dominguez

Malecón Artesanos Ignacio Zaragoza 21 de Agosto

Álvaro Obregón Belisario Dominguez Malecón

Agustin Arreola Esquerro

Abasolo

Topete

ESPIRITU SANTO AIRPORT ISLAND

SERPENTARIUM

Information Hospital Hotel Theater Restaurant

Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Sinaloa Nayarit Encinas

Heroes de Independencia Legaspi

Republica Av. Reforma Febrero de 5

Constitución

Nicolas Bravo Nicolas V. Gome Farias Pineda Manuel

Vicente Guerrero Allende Ignacio

Antonio Rosales Antonio Cuauhtemoc

Heroes del 47 Morelos Ocampo Melchor Lic. Benito Juarez Benito Lic.

16 de Septiembre Santos Degollado Guadalupe Victoria

I. Altamirano León de Marquez Gral. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Navarro Heroes Colegio Miltar Francisco King Rondero Sonora Juan María de Salvatierra Lic. Manuel Torres Iglesias Ignacio Ramirez

5 de Mayo

Guilermo Prieto Independencia

Aquiles Serdán

Revolución de 1910

Francisco I. Madero

Belisario Dominguez

Malecón Artesanos Ignacio Zaragoza 21 de Agosto

Álvaro Obregón Belisario Dominguez Malecón

Agustin Arreola Esquerro

Abasolo

Topete

ESPIRITU SANTO AIRPORT ISLAND

SERPENTARIUM

Information Hospital Hotel Theater Restaurant Michael, Sean, Byron & Sergio

Manuel, Ruth, Luis and Carolina Homero and Patty by Tom Ireton

Hector and Elena

Immigna, Alejandra, Margie and Demian Happy Birthday Rocio! Dortia, GE, Miroslava & Rocio

Sharon and Penny Alex and Bill Susan and Ira Alicia, Garda, Michelle and Marty

The Baja Citizen 18 October 2015 Michael, Sean, Byron & Sergio

Manuel, Ruth, Luis and Carolina Homero and Patty by Tom Ireton

Hector and Elena

Immigna, Alejandra, Margie and Demian Happy Birthday Rocio! Dortia, GE, Miroslava & Rocio

Sharon and Penny Alex and Bill Susan and Ira Alicia, Garda, Michelle and Marty

October 2015 19 The Baja Citizen A Year After Hurricane Odile

On the night of September 14th, 2014, just a little over a year ago, Hurricane Odile made near , and wreaked havoc as it made its way up the peninsula. All told, the hurricane displaced over 15,000 people from high- risk areas; and it took weeks to restore electricity and clean water across the state.

The malecon after Hurricane Odile TBC

The International Community Foundation (ICF), a San- Additionally, ICF’s Baja California Sur Field Represen- Diego based organization that specializes in connecting do- tative, Cynthia Wickerink, worked on behalf of the foun- nors to the causes and communities they care about on the dation to coordinate the on-the-ground relief effort and to Baja Peninsula, sprang into action immediately following build capacity to handle future emergencies. In October the storm. ICF reached out to colleagues and grantees to as- 2014, Wickerink organized a series of gatherings of nonprof- sess needs on the ground, while simultaneously raising funds its and individual volunteers, which, she explains, “served from individual and corporate donors and leveraging local as an opportunity for open communication between groups and international philanthropic partners, including the Inter- providing immediate needs after Odile, and to help ensure American Development Bank, the Solmar Foundation, and efficiency and effectiveness in the disaster relief phases to Inovaciones Alumbra, to encourage them to also support the follow.” In January 2015, Wickerink coordinated ICF’s part- relief effort. nership with Fundación Cántaro Azul and WATERKEEPERS Shortly after re-establishing contact, ICF began issuing Baja Californias to contract the United Nations Development grants to address immediate community needs (food, clean Programme (UNDP) to educate local nonprofits on disaster water, shelter, medication, clothing, and other basic sup- preparedness at workshops in both La Paz and Los Cabos. plies), to clear roads to ensure communities were accessible Groups in attendance evaluated the response to Odile and to medical and emergency teams, to help rebuild homes and discussed plans to improve future disaster response efforts, nonprofits’ facilities serving the public, and to help local including better coordination and communication between groups to plan and better prepare to handle future natural key players. disaster. In total, the foundation granted over $400,000 to 19 When asked about the foundation’s response to the hur- organizations in 4 municipalities. ricane, Anne McEnany, ICF’s President and CEO, remarked,

The Baja Citizen 20 October 2015 Drinking water given out by AMPI (Real Estate Association) La Paz after Hurricane Odile

Damage to condo tower in La Posada after Hurricane Odile “We are proud to have joined forces with so many of our Mexican and other international This is why the foundation has begun partners to ensure a swift and successful offering disaster preparedness grants to recovery from such a devastating natural nonprofits in the region, covering activi- disaster. We know the work is not done, and ties ranging from the purchase of a gen- erator to keep health and human service we are committed to supporting local efforts facilities’ open to community outreach to continue to rebuild and to prepare for the campaigns to educate the public on de- future.” veloping emergency plans.

is looking for sponsors to help us build a Cat Attention Center in La Paz. If you are willing to help, please contact us via e-mail or facebook.

[email protected]

www.miaugatito.org

MIAU Gatito Me Interesa Ayudar a un Gatito

October 2015 21 The Baja Citizen At Your Service

TBC

Have you ever come across the need “I have had people ask me some- At Your Service includes help with: for a friendly face to help you with a thing simple like Hector, how do we ·translations charge on your water bill that you don’t get to ? So I tell them to follow ·interpreting recognize? Or for a doctor’s appoint- me and I show them. Or Hector, where ·legal contracts ment with a specialist and you really can I buy chia seeds? These are just ·medical visits want to understand every word of the some simple requests that I love to help ·transportation conversation? people out with. But sometimes people ·government forms All you need is At Your Service to need more. Help filling out government ·business meetings the rescue. Hector Ramirez, fluent in forms, understanding a document, pay- ·tours English, is the owner of Piedra Kilos on ing a traffic ticket.” ·event planning Isabel Catolica in La Paz. Piedra Kilos As Hector acknowledged, some ·property management is a restaurant that promotes healthy times we have friends that can help food choices through their weight loss in sticky situations but sometimes we Hector can also help out newcom- program. Consider it La Paz’s version don’t. That is where he comes in. He ers to La Paz. He just wants people to to Weight Watchers. wants to be your best friend in La Paz. enjoy the city to the fullest. He realizes Anyways, back to At Your Service. He can get what you need to get done that sometimes people are just here for Hector has for many years been the DONE and if he can’t, he will steer you a short time and don’t have the opportu- neighbor of Elena and Fidel Herrera, in the right direction so you don’t lose nity to enjoy every minute because they long time residents of La Paz. He knows precious time. can’t figure something out or don’t know through first hand experience with the And there are many things Hector where to go. “That is where I help and I expat community that at times, we need can help with you. If you are needing a am happy to do it. I can get them to Es- a friend who speaks Spanish and knowl- document to be translated to better un- piritu Island and swim with the sea lions edge of everyday life in La Paz to help derstand something or you have friends or invite them to the beautiful beaches us out. coming in for a few days and you need of La Ventana. There is so much to see So Hector has started At Your Ser- to play tourist guide, Hector can help and do here. We live in a paradise. I want vice to help ex-pats and visitors to La you out with his time and knowledge. to be able to open the door to English Paz with everyday requests. speakers to experience all that we have here!”

The Baja Citizen 22 October 2015 New Governor of Baja California Sur Sworn In

TBC

Carlos Mendoza Davis, a lawyer by profession, has been officially sworn in as Governor of Baja California Sur on September 10th, 2015. His term will run until 2021. His father, César Mendoza Arámburo Angel from La Paz, was the first elected governor of Baja California Sur and served from 1975 until 1981. Mendoza Davis won 45.15 percent of the vote, while Ri- cardo Barroso, of the coalition formed by the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, and the Mexican Green Party, or PVEM and other smaller parties, garnered 35.06 percent of the vote, with 100 percent of the ballots counted, in the June 7th, 2015 election, the Preliminary Election Results Program, or PREP, announced. Mendoza Davis has stated that his first priority as gov- ernor is to provide peace and security to the citizens of BCS as well as to increase economical development in the region.

October 2015 23 The Baja Citizen 2015 Changes to the Mexican Immigration Law

Foreigners with no previous immigration status in Mexico that want to apply for temporary or permanent status, must stop at the Mexican Consulate abroad first.

By Gisela Talamantes Saenz

On October 30, 2014 the new immigration law was i) Temporary Residency (“Residencia Temporal”). This amended again introducing different proceedings and new status will allow the foreigner to remain in Mexico for a peri- requirements giving the authority to the Mexican Consulates od no longer than four years, allowing them to enter and exit abroad to be able to grant temporary and permanent resident México as he wishes. The foreigner will have to apply for this status before the foreigner enters Mexico. If the foreigner de- status before the Mexican Consulate abroad and obtain a visa cides to enter Mexico he may do so under the tourist visa for stamp on his passport stating Temporary Resident (“Resi- 180 days. Nevertheless, if he wishes to become a temporary dente Temporal”). This visa will have an expiration date of or permanent resident once in Mexico he won’t be able to do approximately 180 days. Within this time, the foreigner must it at the local immigration offices of INAMI as before. Now come to Mexico and present themselves before the Immigra- he must start the process at any Mexican Consulate abroad. tion offices of INAMI and obtain the corresponding card that reads (“Residente Temporal”). What does Tourist, Temporary or Permanent resident sta- tus means? ii) Permanent Resident (“Residente Permanente”). This status allows the foreigner to remain in México indefinitely Entry and residency of foreigners in Mexico. In general with a working permit, allowing them to entry and exit Mex- terms, the new law makes two distinctions: ico as he wishes. Not all the foreigners will be able obtain this status. Only those that comply with the requirements of a.) Foreigners residing in Mexico for NO LONGER the new law. For example, relatives of permanent residents than 180 days or Mexicans, foreigners with more than four years under the temporary residency status, among others) will be able to b.) Foreigners residing in Mexico for MORE THAN apply for this status. The foreigners that qualify to obtain this 180 days status shall request it to the migratory authorities and will obtain a card that reads Permanent Resident (“Residente Per- a.) Residency for no longer than 180 days. When a manente”). foreigner wishes to stay in Mexico for no more than 180 days, performing an economic or non-economic activity, he or she With the Permanent Resident status being the most cov- may be able to request the status of “estancia”. For example eted within the foreign community, we provide a guide of tourists, business people and temporary travelers may apply documents and requirements being asked by most of the for this status. The foreigners under this condition of “estan- Mexican Consulates abroad. However, you must check with cia” shall request at their entrance into Mexico a Migratory your local Mexican Consulate to confirm requirements. form denominated “Forma Migratoria Múltiple” (“FMM”). This form is generally delivered to the foreigner on airplanes MANDATORY: or other types of transportation. Except for foreigners that are Original Passport related to Mexicans, the foreigners holding an (FMM) will Photo (32mm x 26 mm) - frontal view, in color, white not be able to change his or her status for another that will al- background low him to stay longer than 180 days. Therefore he will have Proof of legal residence in the USA (non US Citi- to exit the country once the 180 days are up. zens) Fee (36.00dlls) b.) Residency for more than 180 days. When a for- *we recommend you also show copies of your property eigner plans to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days, per- titles in Mexico (Fideicomisos) forming an economic or non-economic activity, he or she shall apply for the following migratory status: (i) Temporary Resident; or (ii) Permanent Resident.

The Baja Citizen 24 October 2015 IF YOU ARE RETIRED, CHOOSE ONE OPTION

1. Proof of investment or bank accounts with an aver- age monthly balance equivalent to $129,500.00 USD (show 12 months of statements) 2. Proof of monthly income from pensions of at least $2,600.00 USD (show 6 Months of statements) If the foreigner is related to a Mexican or to a foreigner with permanent resident status he or she may apply for per- manent resident status providing proof of their relationship with documents such as birth and marriage certificates, card or document proving Mexican citizenship. Proof of eco- nomic solvency to support the family: investment receipts or bank statements showing an average monthly balance $1,554.00USD or employment or a pension with monthly in- come greater than $520.00 USD (6 months)

The above is just a guideline given by one of the Mexican Consulates in the United States. If you are from Canada or another country please contact your local Mexican Consul- ate in order to be able to meet their specific requirements. Required minimum retirement income and bank investments amounts may vary with the fluctuation of the exchange rate.

For more information please contact Gisela Talaman- tes Saenz at [email protected] or via cell phone 612.136.4598. FIRST CONSULTATION IS FREE.

Gisela Talamantes Saenz, LL.M, Attorney at law and Official Translator. Prior to starting her own practice, Ms. Talamantes served as a closing transaction coordinator for PRUDENTIAL CALIFORNIA REALTY in Cabo San Lucas. Ms. Talamantes earned her law degree from Tech, Mexico. She holds a master’s degree in International Legal Studies from the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington DC.

October 2015 25 The Baja Citizen FANLAP Subasta 2015 Date Set

Thank you, Tom Ireton, for the photo from Subasta 2014 By Judy Peterson

It’s that time of year again! Soon our chase toys and other Christmas pres- anniversary of Subasta, Club Cruceros friends will begin their migration back to ents for the impoverished children who turned the reins over to FANLAP. La Paz and environs for the winter/spring lived on the outskirts of La Paz. Begin- This year the auction will take place season. While you’re packing your cars ning in the year 2000, all proceeds were on Sunday, December 6, 2015, from or boats for the trip south, please remem- used by FANLAP in their dining room 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. As we did for ber Fundacion Ayuda Niños la Paz, A.C. located in Colonia Laguna Azul and Subasta 2014, the location will be El (FANLAP) and our annual Subasta (auc- to purchase uniforms, school shoes, Mangle, at the foot of Sinaloa Street tion) to raise money for our programs. backpacks and school supplies for chil- and the playa. The Subasta was begun in 1988, at dren who lived in these neighborhoods Carol Dyer, who has volunteered to the time of the formation of Club Cru- so they could attend junior and senior head up the silent auction this year, is ceros. Money raised was used to pur- high school. After celebrating the 25th asking for donations of a little some-

You may read about us and our programs at www.lapazninos.org

“Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fanlap

The Baja Citizen 26 October 2015 thing (big is okay, too) to donate to the auction. New or gently used, please. Those who have friends with local businesses may consider asking for donations to the silent auction, also. We will again have a used clothing and treasures table. If you have anything to donate such as clothing (clean and in good condition, please), items for the home or boat, elec- tronics (also in good condition), or whatever you have that you don’t need any longer, please take them to the office at Marina de La Paz. Be sure and tell them it is for the Subasta so they can put the items in Mary Shroyer’s office. In the next issue of the Baja Citizen we’ll tell you how you may help in other ways. Meanwhile, for further information you may email Judy at [email protected] or Veronica at fanlap@hotmail. com or Mary Shroyer at [email protected]. We thank you for whatever you are able to donate or for whatever help you are able to give. The profits from this Subasta will be used to pay ex- penses for the dining room, library, for scholarships school year 2014-2015 or operating expenses.

Subasta 2013

October 2015 27 The Baja Citizen Take Part in Ecology Project International’s Plastics and Aluminium Fundraising Campaign!

By Istar Vignal

I guess most of you have noticed that solid waste is not In order to support the campaign, during the months of disposed of properly in La Paz, and that even less is recycled. September, October and November, EPI will be receiving In order to raise awareness on the importance of recycling but plastics and aluminum from Monday to Thursday from 10am also as a way to collect funds, Ecology Project International to 4pm. Materials can also be taken directly to Ponguinguiola (EPI) in collaboration with local high school Juan Pablo II located at the end of Nayarit St. in the Mangle. Just make sure and Ponguinguiola will be leading a plastic and aluminum to mention it’s for EPI! recollection campaign this fall. Funds will go to the reconstruction of the EPI campus pa- lapa destroyed during last year’s Hurricane Odile. The palapa had served, over the 10 years that EPI has been working in the peninsula, to host events, talks and workshops for the com- The EPI campus is located on Guillermo munity. It’s a place where kids have celebrated their accom- Prieto 1038, between Encinas and Na- plishments and formed friendships; teachers have seen them varro. Telephone: 165 65 61 Ext 3. grow and cheered them; families have bonded. The outdoor palapa was a public space that created a sense of community and planted seeds of hope and awareness in youth.

The Baja Citizen 28 October 2015 The Baja Ha-Ha 2015 Welcome Party Welcomes Cruisers to La Paz

The Baja Haha fleet leaving Turtle Bay.

TBC

La Costa Restaurant, located on Navarro and Topete, just 8 years ago, Dennis and Susan started meeting the fleet in off the malecon, will have the honor of hosting the Baja Ha- Cabo San Lucas to invite them to come to La Paz on behalf Ha Welcome to La Paz party on Thursday, November 19th, of the local tourism community. The State and City Tourism 2015 starting at 4:00pm. Hundreds of Baja Ha-Ha cruisers, departments, Emprhotur, and the local marinas now sponsor who have made the journey along the Baja from the U.S. the annual event in La Paz. Once again, Dennis and Susan will be attending this special event to welcome them to La Ross of Ross Marine Services and Consulting will be acting Paz, along with others living in the marinas and even a few as MCs for the event. landlubbers. There will be free entry tickets for the captain and one The Baja Ha-Ha is a safe and entertaining way for hun- crewmember from the first 25 boats that are in line before the dreds of cruisers to head down to the warmer climates in event. The general public is invited as well to enjoy folkloric Baja California Sur while at the same time making new dancing and music from a local mariachi band sponsored by friends. The cruising event, on its 22nd anniversary, left San the State tourism department and the rock n roll band Plan B Diego on October 26th and will arrive in Cabo San Lucas on sponsored by La Costa. Menu is a Mexican Buffet with all November 5th. It is an approximately 750-mile rally. the trimmings! Tickets are $10 USD or 170 pesos. This year, close to 171 boats are set to arrive in Cabo San Shuttle buses will be available to take people to and from Lucas and about 135 of those boats will make the journey to Marina Costa Baja and Marina Palmira. Please contact Su- La Paz over the course of the winter. san and Dennis at [email protected] for more information.

October 2015 29 The Baja Citizen The Pelican Theatre Returns Cultural Presentations at Se Habla...La Paz Se Habla La Paz invites you to their Tuesday afternoon cultural presentations in easy to understand Spanish. The following topics will be covered: 13 de Octubre Día de la Raza (Nuevo) 20 de Octubre Frida y Diego y sus Amigos 27 de Octubre Día de Muertos 3 de Noviembre Dulces Sabores de México (Nuevo) 10 de Noviembre Celia Devault, Elia Redfield and Kat Bennett. The Pelican Theatre Company 2015. Pancho Villa y Emiliano Zapata (Nuevo) Following last year’s successful performance, “Let’s 17 de Noviembre La Revolución Mexicana Make a Scene: Three Short Comedies,” the Pelican 24 de Noviembre Theatre will be returning for the upcoming season. Lucha Libre en México (Nuevo) During the last two weeks of January, 2016, the 1 de Diciembre Aves de B.C.S. Pelican Theatre will be presenting Love, Loss, and 8 de Diciembre What I Wore at the Teatro de la Ciudad. La Virgen de Guadalupe 15 de Diciembre TBC Las Posadas

This smash-hit play was written by Delia Ephron’s movie credits in- All of the presentations start at sisters Nora and Delia Ephron. Nora clude the screenplays for The Sister- 1:15 and last 45-60 minutes. The Ephron, who passed away in 2012, was hood of the Traveling Pants and Mi- presentations are given in simple a writer, director, and producer. She chael. She has written novels for both Spanish and there are handouts for each is best known for her screenplays for adults (Hanging Up and The Lion is In) presentation available. Unless stated, romantic comedy films. She received and young adults (Frannie in Pieces and all presentations are in La Biblioteca of three Academy Award nominations for The Girl with the Mermaid Hair), hu- the school on Francisco I. Madero #540 Original Screenplay: Silkwood (1983); mor books (How to Eat Like a Child), between Guerrero and Republica. When Harry Met Sally (1989); and and essays. Her journalism has ap- Sleepless in Seattle (1993). peared in the New York Times, O the For questions or more information, Nora wrote five best-selling books, Oprah Magazine, Vogue, the Wall Street call 122-7763 or and she also authored the 2002 play Journal, and the Huffington Post. e-mail [email protected]. Imaginary Friends. On occasion, she Mark your calendars for January, Presentations are FREE, walk-ins co-wrote screenplays with her sister, and join the Pelican Theatre for what welcome. writer-producer Delia Ephron, includ- promises to be another night of wonder- ing You’ve Got Mail (1998), Hanging ful comedy! Dates and times are still to Please join us, bring a friend Up (2000), and Bewitched (2005). be announced. and enjoy learning about When details are available, they will be posted on the Pelican Theatre’s Facebook page this amazing country and its https://www.facebook.com/PelicanTheatreCoLP traditions. and blog https://pelicantheatreoflapaz.wordpress.com/, as well as on Allende Books’ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AllendeBooks. ¡Bienvenidos todos! Tickets, when they go on sale, will be available at Allende Books in La Paz.

The Baja Citizen 30 October 2015 The Fight Against Dengue and Time change in Chikungunya is a Permanent Mexico

Task TBC TBC Daylight Savings Time will end With the objective to control the out- October 25th, 2015 at 2:00 am here in break against Dengue and Chikungunya Mexico (exceptions below). It will time virus and mitigate its negative impact to move the clocks back one hour! on Baja California Sur, the Secretary of Health (SSA) has said that they will Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 continue to commit to strengthening ac- Aedes mosquito hour earlier on Oct 25, 2015 than the tions that will eliminate the mosquito day before. There will be more light in that transmits the virus. The SSA also dengue fever, is typically not fatal but the morning. noted that all levels of government must can cause debilitating symptoms includ- come together in hopes of educating the ing fever, headache and severe joint pain Previously all of Mexico, with the public on both diseases and to reduce that can last for several months. There exception of the state of Sonora, which the population densities of the aedes ae- is no commercial vaccine for the virus, does not observe daylight saving time, gypti mosquito – the transmitter of these which was reported in Mexico for the began and ended daylight saving time at diseases. first time (in the southwestern State of the same time. The Congress of Mexico As hurricane season is still upon us , which borders Guatemala) late passed legislation in December 2009 and continual rains have been occurring, last year. that allowed ten border cities to adopt a the SSA calls on the population to elimi- Cases of both Dengue and Chikun- daylight saving time pattern consistent nate any objects in their home or out on gunya have been reported in La Paz. with the United States. The municipali- the patio such as old tires, empty bottles, When possible, remain in well ties will set their clocks back the first cans, egg cartons or empty flower pots screened or completely enclosed, air- Sunday of November. that can hold standing water and become conditioned areas. When outdoors, wear a breeding ground for the mosquito. light-colored clothing with full-length City, State Dengue fever is a tropical disease pant legs and sleeves and use repellents Acuna, Coahuila caused by the dengue virus. Some symp- on exposed skin. Anahuac, Nuevo Leon toms include fever, headache, muscle The fight against Dengue and Chi- Juarez, and joint pains, and skin rash. Dengue kungunya is an ongoing task as both Matamoros, Tamaulipas is transmitted by several species of mos- viruses are already circulating in the Mexicali, Baja California quito within the genus Aedes, principal- state and therefore, it will be difficult to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas ly A. aegypti. eradicate. However, with the participa- Ojinaga, Chihuahua Chikungunya, a virus transmitted by tion of all, it is possible to contain its Piedras Negras, Coahuila the same daytime-biting aedes aegypti growth and offer greater protection to Reynosa, Tamaulipas mosquito that causes the more deadly the population. Tijuana, Baja California Single Minimum Salary throughout the Country TBC As a result, workers in Mexico will and are employed in the 341 munici- receive the same salary throughout the palities that were classified in the “B” As of October 1, 2015, the minimum country, regardless of where they live or geographic area, which, together with wage will be the same in all of Mexico. work. the 4.2% nominal increase in the mini- To close the gap between the two The 5 municipalities in Baja Cali- mum salary implemented in January geographic minimum wage areas into fornia Sur are in the “A” geographic 2015, means that by the end of 2015, the which the country is divided, it was region. overall minimum salary increase will agreed to increase the minimum wage This measure will immediately ben- be 4.1%, the largest minimum wage in- in the “B” geographic area by $ 1.83 pe- efit approximately 751,915 salaried crease in real terms since 1976. sos from $ 68.28 to $ 70.10. workers who receive a minimum wage

October 2015 31 The Baja Citizen [email protected]

Sunset Condo MLS # 15-2222 $195,000 US Spectacular views from this condo. 2 bed, 2 bath fully furnished, a turnkey investment. Rarely used.

Colinas del Sol Penthouse MLS # 15-869 $238,000 US 5th oor penthouse with unbelievable views. 2 bed and 2.5 bath. Fully furnished. Gated and guarded. Community pool, jacuzzi, gym, outdoor BBQ area and parking carport.

CostaBaja Villa #8 MLS # 13-1004 $699,000 US A spectacular ocean view villa. The condo has 3116 total sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Common amenities include: Beach Club, Gym, Pool, Spa and Tennis. Partially furnished, one row back from beach.

Casa Chametla MLS # 14-1634 $59,900 US 2 bed and 1.5 bath brand new 2 story home. Large Patio. Gated and secure with one parking spot. 4 minutes from the airport.

Casa EL Centenario MLS # 15-1229 $74,900 US Brand new home in El Centenario. Large backyard. Ocean view from roof top. Priced really well.

Casa Calle 6 MLS # 15-1141 $129,000 US 3 bed and 2.5 bath. Excellent location near shopping, banks, movie theatre and minutes from the malecon. Unfurnished 2 storey home. Roomy. Great price.

Casa Vista – Colina del Sol MLS # 15-1208 $135,000 US 1 bed, 1.5 bath. Spectacular views and plenty of potential. Full kitchen and two-car garage. Second oor is ready to nish.

Commercial Building MLS # 15-1844 $332,750 US Great location. Building can go up to 3 oors. It is now 2 oors. 3206 sq ft. Seller has been operating an electronics business. www.landsendrealty.com Malecón-Álvaro Obregón #50 Phone 612 122 9828 Cell 612 157 8000

Vista Coral 282 MLS #15-9 $ 349,000 US This spectacular 2 bed, 2 bath condo is located in the gated and guarded community Vista Coral. Located right on the water on the 2nd oor. Views of the marina and city lights. Financing available. SUV included.

Colinas del Sol MLS #202 $129,000 US 1.5 bed, 1.5 bath, fully furnished condo with all appliances. Gated and guarded community pool, jacuzzi, gym, outdoor BBQ area and parking carport.

Villa La Posada V 106, V 108 and T 301 (3 available) MLS #13-2069 $155,000 US Condos in La Paz, only steps from strolling on a sandy beach of the beautiful Bay of La Paz. 2 bed, 2 bath fully furnished in gated community with 24-hour security. Jacuzzi, lap pool and rooftop palapa with amazing views. Take your choice of condo.

CostaBaja Pueblo Marinero 205 MLS# 14-1609 $399,000 US This spectacular condo has 2 bed and 2 bath. Private Terraces, one with a Jacuzzi and the other with a small cooking area. Fully Furnished. Lowest priced condo available.

Beachfront Home MLS # 14-1637 $495,000.00 US Beautiful beachfront property located in El Centenario. Large property with 2 bedroom main house, 2 bedroom guesthouse plus large bodega. Beautiful pool and outdoor BBQ.

Casa Parente MLS# 14-336 $399,000 US Spectacular home located in downtown La Paz. This architecturally designed home by famous Architect Pino Parente is incredible. 4 bed and 3.5 bath. City and ocean views. Ready to move in. Will consider all o ers.

Club Marlin MLS# 14-1601 $599,000 US Terms available. Perfect investment opportunity. El Centenario beachfront property. 40m x 100m with electricity and water. Ideal development site. Now with restaurant, bar, 2 casitas, 4 apartments and a swimming pool. A must see to believe.

Casa Encinas MLS #12-1030 $179,000.00 US Single family home located in a prime residential area close to shopping, schools, etc. Beautiful back patio complete with stainless steel BBQ, completely fenced property.

www.landsendrealty.com LABORATORIOSLABORATORIOS DEDE ANÁLISISANÁLISIS CLÍNICOSCLÍNICOS

“DAD” PACKAGE

Glucose, uric acid & QFB Celia Casillas Esquivel cholesterol Triglycerides Prostate-speci c antigen (PSA)

“C” PACKAGE Cost $190 pesos

Blood biometry (bh) Full blood chemistry (6): Glucose, Blood urea nitrogen, Creatinine, Uric acid, “MAN” PACKAGE Cholesterol, and Triglycerides General urine exam Fecal occult blood test, Coproparasitoscopic (cps 3) Prostate-speci c antigen, Carcinoembryonic antigen, Cost $350 pesos Antigen 19-9, Alfafetoprotein, Helicobacter pylori in stool test, Helicobacter pylori in blood test iGg. (Functioning of all organs and Open Everyday cancer prevention). Including Sundays and Holidays MONDAY TO FRIDAY 6:00 to 21:00 Cost $2000 Pesos SATURDAYS 6:00 to 18:00 SUNDAYS 7:00 to 14:00

Phone: 122 4237 and 122 6981 On the corner of Cuauhtemoc and Heroes de Independencia. La Paz, BCS [email protected]