July 2018  
Newsletter

 
Exclusively Serving the Sonoran Resorts  

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17 Years Experience on Sandy Beach

Four Fully Completed Beachfront Resorts

We Have Earned Our Stellar Reputation

Your Only Logical Choice when Buying 
or Selling a Sonoran Resorts Condo!



Sonoran Sky Resort
Sonoran Sky Resort


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Welcome to July. While the weather here has been much cooler than Phoenix lately and the nice breeze that has been blowing on most days helped keep it very comfortable (downright windy today), the humidity is starting to creep in. It never fails that July is when the heat and humidity start making it uncomfortable - unless, of course, you like the heat and humidity, or unless you do as most do - hang out in the pools, the ocean, or in the air conditioning. The hot Summer months are actually the busiest months of the year so, obviously there are a lot of people who don't mind the weather. That beautiful blue ocean makes it so worth it in any case.  
 
Today is election day. That means that there are no sales of alcoholic beverages for this 24 hours. Originally, the ban was for yesterday and today, but the Sonora Department of Alcohol changed it so that the ban only covers from 12:01 am until midnight. Most people who knew about the ban ahead of time just bought whatever they wanted yesterday and it won't affect much at all. It's only if it comes as a surprise that it might be inconvenient. But, it's the law so don't expect bar owners to "bend" the rules for you. They could lose their license to sell alcohol completely if they were caught.  
 
The election this year is for both the local Mayor and for the Mexican President. Non-Mexican Citizens can not vote so most of us follow along on the sidelines with little input and zero influence in the outcome. As a full-time resident here, I do follow politics to some degree though, and I am interested. Of course, I don't expect the outcome, locally or Nationally, to affect anything about the way that we live or do business, but it is interesting to follow and many of my Mexican friends are very invested and involved in the process.   
 
Today marks my 8 year anniversary with the Sonoran Resorts. That's just hard to believe as the time has flown by so quickly that I hardly noticed. I'm still very happy to be here and I have no plans to change any time soon, so hopefully I will continue to send my newsletter out every month for many years to come. Lots of good things on the horizon. 
 
Finally, I want to invite you one last time to come enjoy our 7th Annual Las Vegas Night for Charity. We try to make it a little better every year and this year is certainly no exception. We'll have live jazz music, lots of fun games, tons of great prizes, and a fantastic dinner. We've done away with the buffet this year and will be serving individual meals. Surf and Turf is the menu and it will be prepared and served by Cielito Lindo Restaurant, located at the Sonoran Sky as well. We do a lot of good with the funds collected so besides being a great time, attending the event is altruistic as well. Next month, I will add some information about the plans for the funds this year as well as an overview of the things that we have done and the people that we have helped in the past. For now, just know that every penny from the event goes towards good, local charitable causes.   
 
Enjoy your month, come to Rocky Point if you can, and if you need anything don't hesitate to ask. Let me put my experience and expertise to work for you, and remember, as always, I've been here full-time for about 10 years and I am more than happy to help you with whatever you need, whether Sonoran Resorts related or not. 
 
Just give me a call or send me an email any time and I will do my very best to help you. If I can't help you myself, I'm sure that I can point you in the right direction and help find you someone who can. 
    
 Please check out some of our condos for sale along the right column.
You can see all of our listings by going to our website:
  
Besides our website, you can also see our listings at the following:
AMPI Puerto Penasco MLS
Point 2 Agent Multinational MLS
Tucson Associaton of Realtors MLS
Phoenix Association of Realtors MLS
Prescott Association of Realtors MLS
Northern Arizona Association of Realtors MLS
Pick up a handout at any of our Sonoran Resorts
Barrett Jackson Show - Scottsdale and Las Vegas

Our listings are also shared with the following:

 

IMPORTANT: Some email providers cut this newsletter off before it's finished. If that happens on yours, please scroll to the bottom of this email and click "View Entire Message" to see the entire newsletter.
  

Sincerely,

Jim Ringquist

Broker/Director of Sales and Marketing
Sonoran Resorts   Spa - Sea - Sun - Sky
602-476-7511

President/Volunteer
Tourist Assistance Unit Advisory Committee
602-774-1777
touristassistancerockypoint@gmail.com

I hope that you enjoy my newsletter and continue to recommend it to your friends. Please feel free to give me thoughts, suggestions, or ideas for future newsletters. Puerto Peñasco is my home and I love to share the news and goings-on with you.

I do get email requests each month asking me to add someone to my list. While I certainly don't mind doing so, all you really need to do is click Join Newsletter Mailing List , add the email address, and it will happen automatically. Not to worry. I will not spam you or share your email address, and you will only receive one email-newsletter each month on the 1st.
Last Call!  Las Vegas Night 2018 is This Saturday!

 
 
The time has come and preparations are almost complete. Our 7th annual Las Vegas Night for Charity will be this coming Saturday, July 7th. We've been setting up, decorating, and preparing all of our volunteers to make this the best event so far. Our emcee, Randy Van Hulle, will keep things moving smoothly again this year as he guides you through the night and gives away a ton of great prizes that we have collected from area merchants, organizations, and individuals. The prizes are still trickling in and we expect to have 100 or more by the night of the event. That makes your odds of winning very good, and you can even improve them more by purchasing additional raffle tickets. And, of course, we'll save the best for last and you can use the chips that you have accumulated over the course of the night to bid on the cream of the crop of prizes. If you didn't win quite enough chips, you can absolutely buy more in order to win your favorite prize.  
 
Our dinner will be a little different this year as it will consist of individually served meals instead of the general buffet that we have had in the past. The Sonoran Sky's very own Cielito Lindo, Fine Mexican Cuisine will be serving dinner for the event and they tell me that the menu will consist of a "surf and turf" meal with New York Steak and Shrimp Confit. Now that sounds good! And, if you would like to take a break from the blackjack table or the roulette wheel, you can relax and enjoy live jazz music from the popular group, Puerta Luna. The Mayor and his wife traditionally stop by for a while and you might even see Elvis popping in. Of course, there will be a cash bar available as well if you desire a nice libation or two (or more). 
 
The parking lots will inevitably fill up so we'll have our "Vegas Cart" running back and forth from the parking on the street up to the front door next to the elevators. The event will be held in Los Volcanes ballroom on the 2nd floor of the luxurious Sonoran Sky Resort. It's getting hot out there and we'll have the AC turned up so that everyone is comfortable while enjoying the night. Once again, I want to extend a very hearty THANK YOU to all of our volunteers and all the wonderful businesses who are donating the great prizes. We couldn't do it without you! Below is just a glimpse of some of the prizes that we have on hand so far. We truly hope that you can join us for this fantastic event.   
 
 

More than 50 donor-sponsors have given over 100 donations so far. Additional donations are still coming in.  
 
Ale Cuevas Microblading - 1 free microblading of Brows
Aqua Spa - Freemont- Relaxation massage, deluxe facial massage 
Aqui es con Flavio - X's 4 dinners, cert for Tshirt, Tshirt
Ale Cuevas Microblading - 1 free microblading of Brows
Avocato Burrito Republic - 1 cert for 2 burritos, beverage & 1 waffle
Bandito's $25 food Gift Certificate - x2
Bonnie Fitz-Simmons - Crocheted Purse
Boulavard 301 steak & eggs -cert for 2 breakfasts & Beverage
Burrito Express - 2 free months mail service X3
Candy Cakes breakfast for 2 & desert
Capone's Seafood & Pizza - $25 Gift Certificate , $20 gift cert X's 2
Chango's Restaurant and Bar - Dinner for Two $25
Colin's Cantina - $25 Gift Certificate - x2 - 
Comercio Veracruz a Puerto Peñasco - 8 baskets of Products 
D & J Gems - 9.28 Karat AMETHYST 
Donna Nicks- 7 themed baskets
El Buzo $25 gift cert
El Pollo Papago- cert for a whole chicken meal w/fixins
Giuseppi's - 4x $5 Gift Certificates 
2 VIP and Backstage Tix Circus Mexicus 2019
Hacienda del Sol Furniture - $100 Gift Certificate - x3
Javier Isaias RP Quad Adventures - One Person Quad 3 Hr Tour 
La Spa in the Sonoran SPA- European massage
Laguna Shores -Dinner for 2 X's2 /- Spa Package massage 1 & 1 mani/pedi X's2
Linda Smith - Lazy susan shell art
Manny's Beach Club- $25 certs X's 2, 2 tShirts 
Mariachi's & Tequila - $20
Mary's Seafood Old Port - Combo Plate for Two
Maya Spa - 1 hour spa or 1 hour Facial
Max's, Bryan's & Sonoran Grill - $25 Gift Certicate - x2
Max's Joyeria X2 Necklace & earrings
Mickey's Place $25
Natalie Hill - Resin Art
Ocean Blue Spa - Manicure, Free Swedish Massage 
Oktopus restaurant $25 
Pancho Villa Charters - sunset cruise for 2
Pedro's Restaurant, Malecon - $20 towards Food Purchase 
Penasco Beauty -MassageX 2
Pink Cadillac - Breakfast
Plaza Fabiola - $50 Gift Certificate 
Robert Bascelli- 18X22 Birch frame Sand& Seashell 3D Resin
Robin Miller- Mexican Beach Bum - 1 pedicure @ Maya Spa
Rocky Point BBQ House -BBQ dinner for 2
Restaurant de Ramon's at the Sonoran Sea - $30 certs X's2
Robin Miller- Mexican Beach Bum - 1 pedicure @ Maya Spa
Roger Cline VIP 2019
Rocky Point Times - 2 One Year Subscription - x2 TShirt
Satisfied Frog - $25 Gift Certificate - x3
SDS Auto- Doug 1 free Oil change
Service→SDS Auto- Doug 1 free Oil change 
Shark Bite - $25 certs X's 2, 2 tShirts
Sonoran Resorts 2 night Condo Stay x2
Sonoran Scuba Dive & Activity center - 1 hour Kayak or Sup
South Side Jillz - Sunday $30 food / drinks X's2
Supping the Sea stand up Paddle boards X2 certs
Tekila Bar - - $25 certs X's 2, 2 tShirts
Tequila Factory - One Bottle of Silver Tequila Cert 
Tequila Factory Restaurant X's 2
Tony Ballesteros - Framed Photo San Carlos 
Tonys Café 2 pasta dinners for 2 X's 2
U ltraligeros del Desierto - 2 free ultralight rides for a couple to enjoy
Xochitl's Café Cholla - two Free Breakfast
 
OCV Peñasco Participates in Sonora Arizona Commission and Sonora Fest  



The Puerto Peñasco Conventions and Visitors Bureau (OCV) attended the Sonora-Arizona, Arizona-Mexico Commission, held June 14th & 15th in Tucson, AZ, where they also hosted one of the initial welcoming events.

At the summit meeting, which was held at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa located on the west side of Tucson, OCV President Hector Vazquez del Mercado spoke about the importance of the Safety Corridor inaugurated on March 5th of this year, as well as the impact this has had socially and throughout the media.

Vazquez del Mercado highlighted the increase in the number of visitors to Puerto Peñasco, as well promotional TV campaigns the OCV has been running, representing an investment of 28 thousand dollars. These promotional spots, done in partnership with the tourist developments of Esmeralda, Playa Bonita, Peñasco del Sol, and Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort, have aired on channels 15 ABC, CHANNEL 5 CBS, CHANNEL 10 FOX, and CHANNEL 3. Furthermore, a 10 thousand dollar social media investment has reached 2 million views and had over 300,000 interactions.

The OCV President mentioned the influx of vehicles crossing the border at the Lukeville, AZ - Sonoyta, Sonora crossing has increased by 15% compared to the 2017 period, with this year already reporting the crossing of 121,390 privately owned vehicles.

Similarly, Vazquez del Mercado emphasized additional equipment required for the Safety Corridor requires to instill greater trust as both tourism and commercial activities continue to strengthen.

At the bi-national meeting, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was highlighted in order to promote a tourism campaign that promotes both states as one single tourist destination.

During the binational meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed that highlights the goal of promoting tourism across both Arizona and Sonora as a sole tourist destination.

SONORA FEST 2018

The Puerto Peñasco Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV) also took part in Sonora Fest 2018, which took place in Sierra Vista, AZ June 16th - 17th following the Arizona-Sonora Commission. The OCV had been invited to participate by the State Tourism Office (COFETUR) and the Secretary of the Economy.

Sonora Fest is a space in which small and medium sized Sonoran companies can promote and consolidate their products, integrating themselves into the international market.  Nearly 60 businesses from different sectors including tourism, food, textiles, jewelry, and furniture, among others, participated in this year's event.  Jorge Vidal, Secretary of the Economy for the state of Sonora, accompanied by Sierra Vista mayor Rick Mueller, and Arizona Secretary of State Michelle Reagan, visited each of the displays to learn more about all the regional products offered.

OCV-Peñasco, along with other businesses and OCVs from across Sonora, was present at the successful event. Those that visited the Peñasco display were very interested in visiting and were seemingly surprised at the great progress made in the city's tourism infrastructure. People asked about safety in traveling to Puerto Peñasco and they were informed about the recently implemented Safety Corridor.
Local Police Receive Training from Miami-Dade Public Safety Training Institute

 
 
Mayor Kiko Munro reported that selected officers from the Municipal Department of Public Safety recently completed 80 hours of specialized training in Civil Disturbance Control, led by the Miami-Dade Public Safety Training Institute in Miami, Florida. This makes Puerto Peñasco the first municipality in Mexico to receive training and financing from the "Merida Initiative" program.
 
The mayor thanked the Consul General for the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Mexico, Virginia Staab, for her help and support in making this historic training activity a reality.
 
He detailed the objective of this international plan is to increase local police officers' ability and performance in order to improve public safety, while offering them the necessary support so they can achieve international accreditation.
These Protected Species Have a Regular or Occasional Presence in the Area


  By: Héctor Aldrete Germán in JoinUs Magazine

As Paloma Valdivia, Coordinator of Environmental Education of the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, CEDO, in Puerto Penasco reported, we can find around 16 species that are protected under the rule, NOM-059 SEMARNAT 2010, and have a regular or occasional presence in the Sandy Beach area.

One of the requirements of the rule to certify part of Sandy Beach is to carry out a study of the species of flora and fauna present in the area, with emphasis on the protected species, and also to developer a management plan for these species, which is what the CEDO staff has carried out.

In an interview, the coordinator of CEDO indicated what they did was to describe the beach area, the typical climatologogical and oceanographic characteristics of the area to be certified and to describe what type of flora is found in the place and the adjacent area, since it is also necessary to describe a terrestrial area as well as the organisms that are present on the beach.

Fortunately, the area to be certified is an area that could be called a transition zone, because we are almost at the door of the Biosphere Reserve of the Upper Gulf. Many of the species that live in the reserve can be found in Sandy Beach. Towards the South, there is the "biological corridor" from Penasco to Puerto Lobos, which is very important and there are habitats connected by the species that inhabit there" much of the biodiversityof this beach is part of the corridor, so it is rich in both marine and terrestrial species.

In this study, it was observed that currently at least 16 protected species were detected and possibly more" we tried to define the most common to this beach area since it is difficult to know how far out in the Sea of Cortez is possible.

This is the beginning of a very interesting work that will be done in the community and the first step is to get the beach certification, and to continue with the certification, everything has to be demonstrated with actions to keep up the quality and cleanliness of the beach and the handling of the protected species.


Here is the list of the 16 species that are portected and classified as at rist of extyinction:

Birds and protection status:
Brown Pelican - threatened
Heennann's Gulls - subject to special protection
Yellowlegged Gull - subject to special protection
Minimum tern - subject to special protection
Elegant ferns - Subject to special protection

Reptiles and protection status:
Black turtle - in danger of extinction
Olive ridley turtle - in danger of extinction

Mammals and protection status:
Bottlenose dolphin, Tonina - subject to special protection
California sea lion - subject to special protection
Vaquita - in danger of extinction

Fish and protection status:
Ángel de Cortéz - subject to special protection
Kingangel - subject to special protection
Seahorse - subject to special protection

Invertebrates and protection status:
Mother of Pearl - subject to special protection
Scarlet scallup- subject to special protection
Sea cucumber - subject to special protection

Kiko Munro and Arizona Legislator Tony Rivero Sign Collaborative Agreement
 
 
 
Mayor Kiko Munro announced the signing of a collaborative agreement between Puerto Peñasco and Arizona legislator Tony Rivero, with the goal of establishing a Trade and Tourism Liaison Office in Puerto Peñasco. The office, which will be coordinated by Alan Renteria, will also provide a direct line to the United States in case of an emergency.
 
Joining Mayor Kiko Munro and Legislator Tony Rivero at the important event to announce the initiative were Verlon M. José, ViceChairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation, as well as political analyst and promoter of Mexico-US bilateral affairs Dr. Juan Hernández, María Jesús Cervantes of Chicanos por la Causa, along with Municipal Economic Development Coordinator Jorge Valdés Félix, and representatives from several city sectors.
 
Kiko Munro detailed the project is highly influenced by different factors, such as a 57% rise in real estate sales as reported by AMPI (Mexican Association of Professional Realtors), and the local Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV) registered growth in visitors to almost 2 million 400 thousand yearly, with increasingly more coming down each month.
 
Legislator Tony Rivero noted in the past he generally visited Puerto Peñasco three times a year, though now these visits will be more frequent with establishment of this office. He emphasized the goal is to ensure tourists know we are alert and want them to feel safe in Puerto Peñasco.

Making a Difference, One Kid at a Time 
 
 
 
Steps of Love is looking for groups or individuals to host donation drives for school supplies. Whether you are part of a group or just an individual wanting to help us help the kids we support in Mexico succeed in school consider organizing a school supply donation drive this summer. Muchas Gracias!
 
We currently have three school supply donation collection sights in town: Hacienda del Sol furniture store, The Satisfied Frog Restaurant and the Las Conchas office. I have attached a flyer that we are sharing via social media and email that provides more information about this effort. 

As we wrap up this school year here are some exciting AIMPenasco updates:
 
*In only the second year of our Jovenes en Ascenso program we have increased the number of students we support from 73 last year to 330 this school year!
 
*Our two homework clubs are operating both morning and afternoon sessions every weekday and more than 200 students are consistently receiving academic support at these two clubs.
 
*In late April we partnered with a local elementary school in the poorest area of town to feed kids who we learned were going hungry on a regular basis. We recruited volunteers to convert a storage room on the campus into a kitchen and the Director of the school found a group of moms willing to volunteer to prepare meals. We then found local businesses and individuals willing to donate food products each week and we are now serving breakfast and lunch to more than 100 kids each day.
 
 
 
*The majority of our students are experiencing academic success and several of them will be finishing the school year at the top of their class (see photos below)!
 
*Our local team has expanded to include an administrator, 4 teachers, 4 teaching interns, a social worker, 2 psychologists and a community outreach specialist. The team is incredibly passionate about the work we are doing and they are all dedicated to assuring that every student in our program is thriving and reaching their potential. 
 
*Our local team has developed a wonderful summer program to keep our students engaged and stimulated while school is not in session. It is an eight week program with a different theme each week including: sports, science, arts and crafts, music, career exploration, painting, theater and recycling/environment.
 
I honestly could not be more thrilled about how things are going and am excited to continue to help more and more young people have access to educational opportunities that can transform their lives and futures. 
 
Of course all of this requires resources and as we look toward next school year we have two significant needs that we are concerned about meeting for the growing number of students we are supporting:  
 
1) Transportation - We have found that lack of transportation is a significant barrier that has prevented many of the students we serve from being able to attend school on a consistent basis and therefor succeeding academically. The majority of the students in our program live in the far east end of San Rafael or in Nueva Esperanza out by the prison. As our program has grown so rapidly, so have our expenses for gasoline and taxi vouchers that we provide for many students. Last year we spent approximately $250 a month on transportation and this year we are spending approximately $1,000 a month.We anticipate that this will increase next school year as we begin to serve even more students.
 
2) School Supplies - For the past two years we have been able to get enough donations of backpacks and school supplies to provide all of our students with what they need to begin the school year. However, with more than 300 students now in our program, even with the school supply drives we are organizing, we are concerned that we will not have enough supplies to support all of our students by August when school starts. 
 
Sincerely,   
 
Kathleen Duncan 
Welcoming the New Generation of Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
 
 

As twilight envelopes the beach giving much needed relief from the heat of the summer sun, only the whoosh of the receding waves can be heard. Through the deepening dusk a dark shape emerges from the sea, lumbering silently over the warm sand. Finally, when she senses she is above the high tide line, the sea turtle begins to gorge out a hole in the sand and lay her eggs.
 
This is the miracle of sea turtle nesting, one of the summer season's greatest events. Along the Mexican Pacific coast, the most likely species is the Pacific Olive Ridley. It is the smallest of the sea turtles yet it has the most abundant population of any of the seven sea turtle species; sadly, all sea turtles throughout the world are classified as vulnerable (numbers decreasing) or endangered.
 
Witnessing the labor of these giant sea animals is so powerful, truly an experience that isn't forgotten. After laying her eggs, the sea turtle appears to shed tears, but that is just the turtle secreting salt that accumulates in her body. Nonetheless, it is very emotional to watch.  
 
Once all the eggs are in the chamber, the mother turtle uses her rear flippers to push sand over the top of the egg cavity. Gradually, she packs the sand down over the top and then begins using her front flippers to refill the body pit and disguise the nest. By throwing sand in all directions, it is much harder for predators to find the eggs. After the nest is thoroughly concealed, the female crawls back to the sea to rest before nesting again later that season or before beginning her migration back to her feeding ground. After leaving a nest, the female never returns to tend it.
 
Incubation typically takes about 60 days, but since the temperature of the sand governs the speed at which the embryos develop, the hatching period varies with conditions. Essentially, the hotter the sand surrounding the nest, the faster the embryos will develop. Cooler sand has a tendency to produce more males, with warmer sand producing a higher ratio of females. One would expect the recent hot summers to have produced more females.
 
While many people believe that a nesting sea turtle cannot be distracted from her task, this is not entirely true. It is not uncommon to have times when a nest is dug and even a couple of eggs released, and a noisy bunch of people come running up to watch; the turtle aborts the process, returning to the sea instead of completing the birth. It is crucial to never disturb the nesting turtle with noise or sudden light. In areas monitored by conservation agencies, professionals will mark the nest site to help prevent human interference.
 
Sea turtles face many hazards in the water, including plastic pollution and accidental harm or death in encounters with commercial fishermen. According to sea turtle researcher, Pamela T. Plotkin (Texas A&M University), "Nesting season is an important opportunity for scientists to collect data on turtle abundance and trends." To monitor population trends, scientists count the number of nests made on a beach during an entire nesting season. They estimate how many times an individual female turtle nests during one nesting season, and use simple arithmetic to calculate the estimated number of females that nested that year. Sea turtles typically nest every two, three or four years, so biologists need long-term data over multiple decades to track population trends.
 
According to some projections, by 2050 the oceans will contain more plastic than fish. Ocean plastic can kill marine animals when they are ensnared by it or ingest it in large quantities. Scientists have found many species feeding on ocean plastics, from fish living in the deepest ocean trenches to seabirds feeding at the surface. Since the early 1980s, turtle researchers have studied sea turtle diets and have found plastic in the stomachs and intestines of virtually all sea turtle species from the Gulf of Mexico to Pacific Ocean.
 
Overfishing also threatens sea turtles and other non-target animals, such as marine mammals and seabirds. Researchers believe that fishing pressure is the primary cause of a recent collapse of the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) population in the eastern Pacific.
 
Climate change is triggering changes in ocean temperature, chemistry, circulation and sea levels. These shifts also threaten sea turtles, but there is little quantitative research so far on how significantly climate change will negatively affect any species.
 
Today, most coastal areas in North America protect beaches during nesting season. Government agencies, researchers and volunteers monitor many beaches and help hatchlings make it to the water. These measures have helped turtle populations increase. It would seem that the next urgent step needs to be reducing the use of plastic throwaway containers and eliminating the trash in the ocean.


Potpourri - Short Shorts of All Sorts!
 
 
 
  
Sometimes so much is going on in our little slice of paradise by the sea that we can't address the many short subjects with proper attention. To handle the hodgepodge of dangling subject matter, we invented the Potpourri Page. Here are a few "short shorts" to keep you up to date.


 
   
Rocky Point Loses a Long Time Friend and Outstanding Person

Sandra O'Hare, owner of the Rocky Point Times, long time resident, and all around great person passed away on June 15. She will be missed. Rest in Peace Sandra. 
 
Message from Lannette: I am sad to say that my Mother, Sandra O'Hare passed away today. She was with her family (sans Alicia and Mario) and went peacefully. I know this will come as a surprise to many of you as we tried to keep it private since last year. We are all extremely sad. We hope to have a giant party sometime and will let you all know.
   
 
 
 
Municipal Government and Naval Authorities Honor Mexican Navy Day
 
In commemorating Mexico Naval Day, Mayor Kiko Munro, accompanied by authorities from Puerto Peñasco's Naval Sector, recognized 21 fishermen who spurred the origins of this noble activity over 90 years ago at the time of Puerto Peñasco's founding.
 
During the commemorative ceremonies, authorities recalled Naval Day was first honored on June 1, 1942, as homage to the crews of the Mexican tankers "Potrero del Llano" and "Faja de Oro" that were torpedoed and sunk by German submarines on May 13th and 20th, as part of World War II.
 
At the end of the ceremony, the mayor along with Rear Admiral José Manuel Pomares Contreras, Commander of the Puerto Peñasco Naval Sector, Harbor Master Luis Castro Galán, and Puerto Libertad Harbor Master Francisco Real Rosas, boarded a boat for the traditional laying of a floral wreath at sea in honor of those who have perished in fulfilling their duties.




   
New Garbage Trucks to Provide Free Sanitation Services    
 
Seven new garbage trucks arrived in Puerto Peñasco on the afternoon of June 17th. These, announced Mayor Kiko Munro, are meant to provide free residential trash pick-up services across the entire city, when previously service had cost $50 pesos monthly.
 
The mayor explained the Department of Sanitation (OOMISLIM) will now have the 7 trucks at its disposal, each with the capacity of hauling 10 tons. These trucks will be added to the OOMISLIM vehicle pool, currently consisting of 4 garbage trucks the municipality had, along with a dump truck, back hoes, and outriggers for the "Peñasco Limpio" program.
 
  
   
 
    
 
Puerto Penasco's First Non-Pemex Gas Station Opens  
 
Rocky Point is joining the larger cities of Mexico in attracting non-Pemex gas stations. Since the recent deregulation of the industry, independent stations have been fairly slow to pop up and experts say that it will still be 3 to 5 years before we start seeing a difference in prices because of increased competition. Our new BP station is located on Benito Juarez in the old Circle K location. The current price for one liter of regular unleaded is $18.48 pesos. In round numbers, that is approximately: 4 liters to 1 gallon (rounded), and $18.48 pesos at an exchange rate of 20 to 1 is roughly $.92 dollars. So, $.92 per liter works out to about $3.70 dollars per gallon.    
 
 



   
Lazaro Cardenas street to be resealed with asphalt
 
Mayor Kiko Munro reported on infrastructure project #21, in which the municipal administration has begun rehabilitation of Lazaro Cardenas street from Rafael Godoy Blvd to Las Conchas Blvd. This important avenue will be covered in 17,840 meters of 3 cm thick asphalt, representing a total investment of 4.8 million pesos.
 
Public Works Coordinator, Terencio Gutierrez Valenzuela, detailed this project will consist of leveling out 9 manholes, valve boxes, and installation of 3300 linear meters of vertical signage. The project is expected to take 6 weeks.
 
On a final note, Gutierrez Valenzuela detailed Lazaro Cardenas Street will intersect with Rafael Godoy Blvd, thereby improving traffic flow and fulfilling a commitment made with residents in the area of Nuevo Peñasco. 
 


 
 
   
Puerto Peñasco athletes bring home weightlifting / track & field medals
 
After a great performance by Puerto Peñasco's athletes at the 2018 National Olympics and Youth National Championship, eight athletes brought back eleven medals in track & field and weightlifting.

Municipal Athletic Director, Mario Lopez Palomo, explained the national weightlifting competition was held in Toluca, Mexico State from May 23rd through May 27th, while the national track & field meet was from May 31st to June 3rd.

In the weightlifting category, Abdeel Rodriguez Lugo and Alejandro Fernandez Lugo won 3 gold medals each; Sergio Luis Lara Villegas won 3 silver medals; Ivan Esteban Rodriguez Jimenez won a bronze medal; while Omar Aniceto obtained 5th place in the overall standings.

Meanwhile in track & field, Zamir Yanes Palomera obtained a silver medal in the Sub-18 4×100 meter relay. Juan Angel Cota Ibarra and Alonso Dominguez garnered 5th place in the high jump event.

 

    
  
  
Rocky Point Rally 2018 - Not too Early to Make Plans

This will be the 18th year for the Rocky Point Rally, which welcomes nearly 10,000 bikers from across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada each November for four days of fiesta, rides, music, and more on the shore of the Sea of Cortez.

Donation registration, along with proceeds from Rally events (bike show, poker run) go to seven local charities including: Breast Cancer awareness group, home for the elderly, school for children with special needs, Children's and Family Services organizations in Puerto Peñasco and Sonoyta (DIF), the Fire Department, and the local Red Cross.
A World Cup without the United States, but Not Without American Fans



The U.S. Men's National Team  suffered a surprising and disappointing exit last fall in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament, but just because the U.S. isn't fielding a team on the world's grandest soccer stage, doesn't mean there won't be plenty of fans in the country following the competition. Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population, are rabid about soccer and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and are engaged completely in the tournament.

Even with those seemingly high numbers, the percentage of watchers in the USA is much lower than throughout most of the rest of the world. And, interest from the USA has gone down significantly this year as compared to 2014.

According to data from Nielsen and  obtained by Bloomberg, 44 percent fewer people from USA are watching the 2018 World Cup games-presumably because the United States failed to qualify. Fox has been attracting an average of 1.98 million viewers to each game, compared to 3.55 million on ESPN in 2014.

The time difference may also be affecting numbers. The game starting times vary from 5 a.m. in Los Angeles to the middle of the afternoon for New York, when most people are at work. During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the time difference with New York was just one hour, compared to seven hours with Moscow.

Worldwide though, numbers are up from 2014. Research company GlobalWebIndex reports total viewership of 3.4 billion, or nearly half the total world population of 7.6 billion, for the entire tournament. That compares to 3.2 billion who tuned in for the 2014 event in Brazil. More than 1 billion viewers caught the final match, when Germany eked out a narrow win against Argentina. The company surveyed more than 80,000 people from over 40 leading markets to compile its forecast.

Mexico Still in It

Mexico certainly impressed early, taking down reigning champion Germany 1-0 to open group play. El Tri then topped South Korea 2-1, but a gigantic 3-0 loss to Sweden put its advancement in jeopardy. A South Korean win over Germany saved Mexico, sending it to the knockout stage alongside Sweden.

The next matchup for Mexico will be Brazil. The two soccer giants will meet Monday with a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line - and while the Brazilians come in as heavy favorites, they can't take anything for granted against a Mexican side that already has a win over defending champion Germany on its ledger.

Mayor Kiko Munreo Presents Uniforms to the Civil Protection Office and Fire Department
 
 
 
To mark the 44th anniversary of the local fire department, Mayor Kiko Munro presented the active personnel and volunteer firefighters with 54 new uniforms.
 
The mayor was proud to highlight improvement to infrastructure at the fire station, better training, as well as more equipment and tools for firefighters.
 
On a final note, the mayor reminded everyone of firefighters Alfonso Sanchez Miranda and Hector Rivera Hernandez, founders of the local fire department, and highlighted the valiant effort made by "smoke eaters" in providing residents and tourists with security throughout the year.
Anthony Bourdain had a Deep Love Affair with Mexico and Mexican Cuisine



"Mexico. Our brother from another mother. A country, with whom, like it or not, we are inexorably, deeply involved, in a close but often uncomfortable embrace. Look at it. It's beautiful. It has some of the most ravishingly beautiful beaches on earth. Mountains, desert, jungle. Beautiful colonial architecture, a tragic, elegant, violent, ludicrous, heroic, lamentable, heartbreaking history."
There could be no doubting chef Anthony Bourdain's deep love of Mexico - and particularly authentic Mexican food - that was cultivated during several trips to various parts of the country and which he wrote about in a 2014 essay entitled Under the Volcano.

But the writer, television personality and celebrity chef's love affair with Mexico - and many other countries around the world - has come to an end. Bourdain died in France by his own hand. He was 61.

After shooting to fame on the back of a 1999 confessional piece in The New Yorker in which he spilled secrets about the restaurant trade and then a follow-up book entitled Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain entered the world of television.

While filming for his first show, A Cook's Tour, Bourdain made his first professional visit to Mexico, traveling to the hometown of a Mexican cook with whom he worked in the New York restaurant Brasserie Les Halles.

In Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla, Bourdain learned about the elaborate process to make mole poblano, chowed down on escamoles (ant larvae) and enchiladas and sampled the viscous, pre-Hispanic drink of the gods made out of the fermented sap of the maguey plant, pulque.

During visits to Mexico City, Bourdain ate tacos al pastor on the streets of the historic center, migas (a traditional soup) - washed down with a michelada - at La Güera in the notorious neighborhood of Tepito and fell in love with the cerdo en salsa verde and refried beans at the breakfast diner Fonda Margarita in Colonia del Valle.

He also visited the massive wholesale market Central de Abasto, enjoyed some of the capital's famous cantinas and dined at the upscale restaurant Máximo Bistrot.

While making his second show, No Reservations, Bourdain visited Baja California where he ate tacos and drank mezcal in Tijuana and devoured a lobster lunch on the beach at Rosarito.

The highlight, however, was undoubtedly his visit to the seafood street stand in Ensenada called La Guerrerense.

There, Bourdain ate ceviche, scallop, sea snail, sea urchin and octopus tostadas and met the stand's owner and namesake, Guerrero-native Sabina Bandera, whom he called a "genius." He would later invite her to show off her culinary talents at a street food convention in Singapore.

Oaxaca was another favorite hunting and eating ground for the acclaimed television personality, whose death triggered an outpouring of emotion from fans around the world.

On his first visit to the southern state, Bourdain ate iguana and tamales while on a more recent visit he sampled tlayudas (a large, crispy tortilla filled with a variety of ingredients), squash blossom soup and atole (a hot corn-based beverage) with internationally renowned chef Abigail Mendoza in the town of Teotitlán del Valle. While there, he marveled at the delicateness of a Zapotec woman's hands and the strength of her forearms as she ground corn to make tortillas.

Bourdain also ate at the renowned pasillo del humo, or smoky aisle, in Oaxaca City's central market, where visitors are usually affected more by the delicious smells of the grilling meats than the wafts of smoke.

The New Yorker, however, was more than just a connoisseur of all kinds of weird and wonderful food from all over Mexico and beyond.

He was also a champion of the underdog who stood up for immigrants in the United States, aware that they are the backbone of some sectors of the economy.

"Despite our ridiculously hypocritical attitudes towards immigration, we demand that Mexicans cook a large percentage of the food we eat, grow the ingredients we need to make that food, clean our houses, mow our lawns, wash our dishes and look after our children," he wrote in his 2014 essay.

He also questioned why many of his compatriots embrace Mexican food, beverages, people and other products and aspects of the country but not Mexico itself.

"Americans love Mexican food. We consume nachos, tacos, burritos, tortas, enchiladas, tamales and anything resembling Mexican in enormous quantities. We love Mexican beverages, happily knocking back huge amounts of tequila, mezcal and Mexican beer every year. We love Mexican people - as we sure employ a lot of them . . ." Bourdain said. "We love Mexican drugs. Maybe not you personally, but "we," as a nation, certainly consume titanic amounts of them - and go to extraordinary lengths and expense to acquire them. We love Mexican music, Mexican beaches, Mexican architecture, interior design, Mexican films," he continued. So why don't we all love Mexico?"
Mexican Royalty: First Ladies
 


 
They seem to have it all: money, power, privilege.  In ancient times the indigenous people had queens and royalty but the invaders enslaved them. Another group rose to the top only to have Mexico abolish the royal class in the 1910 Revolution. Yet again leaders have reached the upper echelon becoming the elite segment of society that has every royal trapping but the official title. The controversial role of Mexican First Lady is in that upper class because she is the President's partner representing the country in public events both nationally and abroad.  It's the First Lady who must support her husband in times of crisis and play the perfect hostess for world leaders and national dignitaries.  
 
Traditionally the First Lady had to stay in her husband's and political party's shadow. On the other hand, she must assume a role of total commitment to the administration of the country. What talent and personal interests did each former First Lady give up to support her man? Many of the modern First Ladies used her position to make an impact on society. She may have only been queen for six years (the presidential term) but some had a timeless impact beyond picking out curtains for the palace.
 
Without a salary or budget to carry out her personal initiatives, some First Ladies have simply assumed their decorative role. Others have chosen to influence policy and national causes. Let's look at the modern day Mexican political royalty that had made a difference.      
        
María de los Dolores Izaguirre Ruiz Cortines.  (Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, 1952-1958.) Like many First Ladies of the twentieth century, she would serve more as a good hostess than a social activist. But at the end of her husband's term, she became a great promoter of the feminine vote.
 
Eva Sámano de López Mateos  (Adolfo López Mateos, 1958-1964.) She founded the National Institute for Infants, which the New York Times describes as "Mexico's first social assistance organization dedicated solely to children." The article also stated she "initiated the national movement to organize and improve medical and educational services for Mexican children."
 
Carmen Romano by López Portillo   (José López Portillo, 1976-1982.)  She was the founder of the DIF welfare service and the creator of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Mexico City. Carmen openly promoted culture to be available to young people with limited resources.  
 
Marta Sahagún de Fox  (Vicente Fox,  2001 - 2006).  She wanted to break with some of the traditions of the "position" by completely refusing to take over the direction of the national DIF. Marta is generally thought to be the worst First Lady in Mexican history. Her frivolous spending was investigated for mismanagement and tarnished her husband's presidency.
 
 Margarita Zavala de Calderón  (Felipe Calderón, 2006-2012. She carried out actions related to her husband's political agenda, such as the creation of the New Life Centers to support families affected by addictions, organized crime and migrant children. She also lobbied to help enact a Migration Law to help repatriated children. This educated politically savvy woman is expected to run for the presidency in the future.  
 
Angelica Rivera de Peña (Enrique Peña Nieto, 2012 - Current.) As the president of the Citizen Advisory Council of the National System for the Integral Development of the Family (DIF), Angelica led assistance to the states devastated by the 2017 earthquake. Senora Peña Nieto also arranged concerts by a group of artists to donate the proceeds to help the disaster areas rebuild.
 
It is absolutely amazing to an outsider looking in, that no matter how politically involved the Mexican First Lady was, afterwards the reporters and political analysis level accusations that each and every former First Lady "enjoyed the benefits of her husband's power and was enriched by the many businesses courting presidential favor." She is criticized for living a luxury lifestyle.  This stands out to a foreigner because in most countries the people expect their leaders to live better than the masses and to conduct political business in elegant surroundings.
 
Perhaps the criticism is based on fact (as in the case of Sra. Fox); perhaps the view is tainted because so much of the country exists in dire poverty that those at the bottom are jealous. Most likely this perception derives from the socialist democratic doctrine that governs the culture. Regardless, the Mexican First Ladies live like a queen in the presidential mansion, above.
 
It reflects the 21st century sensibility to see strong women becoming involved in government and shaping policy. The most recent First Ladies have come a long way compared to the original role of the President's wife as simply hostess and party planner. Let's hope the future Mexican royalty continues the trend of using their prestigious position to have a positive impact. 
Gasoline Markets Become Fully Liberalized in Mexico

pemex
 
In December 2017, the Mexican government completed the liberalization of gasoline prices in the regions of the country that were still subject to price caps, and so 2018 started out with what was essentially a 'free market' for fuel pricing.

Although there's been no repeat of the big 20%-plus jump in pump prices like the one that caused big protests in 2017, gasoline prices across Mexico continued to climb in the first months of the new year: regular gasoline went up 9.2% in the first three months, and premium gasoline rose 6.6%.

Most motorists are probably unaware, or don't care, that the reason for the increases is different from last year when it was due to a change in government policy. The price rises in the first quarter of 2018 are due to the rising price of oil, and the increases have been tempered a little by the recent appreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar. (While Mexico is an oil producer, most of the gasoline it consumes is imported because the country does not have sufficient oil refining capacity.) There is a reasonable chance that prices will spike up in the summer if a depreciation of the peso associated with up-coming presidential election jitters coincides with the U.S. "driving season," when additional demand pushes gasoline prices up.

The changes in Mexico's energy laws have brought foreign gas stations such as Shell, BP, Mobil, Chevron and several local private brands such as Oxxo to compete alongside the well-known Pemex franchises.

So, did the arrival of new gasoline vendors bring about the much-touted competition that would mean the best prices for fuel? It's hard to say. There is some variation in price from one service station to another, but it's difficult to perceive a benefit when energy prices are rising.

For decades, prices were set by the government and were the same everywhere in the country except along the border with the US, where prices would reflect those being charged in US border cities. Now prices can vary from place to place, with factors such as cost of transport and proximity to distribution infrastructure making a difference.

The Energy Regulatory Commission, which is responsible for monitoring prices, has launched a free mobile app - named Gasoapp - for Android and Apple phones that lists prices reported by different gas stations within a chosen radius of the user's present location. A less practical means of getting the same information that lists gas stations by state and municipality is available on the commission's web site.

Family Affairs: The 5 Longest Lasting Companies in Mexico



You'll be surprised to know that over 95% of the businesses in the country are family operated. Very few (one of every 10) survive the third generation, and here are 5 that have managed to operate successfully for decades. It sounds easy, but the truth is that countless business ventures the world over stay alive less than two years.
 
When a company retains market presence for 50 years, it gets attention. And when it reaches a century or more, it's really worthy of praise and makes people want to know how it happened. Here are five examples of family businesses founded in Mexico that have met the challenge of growing, maturing and lasting.
 
1. Casa Veerkamp: 109 Years Promoting Musical Culture
The store in downtown Mexico City is the most complete in the country, with 9,000 imported musical instruments. The founder was Federico Veerkamp, who was born German and nationalized Mexican. The company is currently operated by the third generation. The main factor behind the success has been the excellent reputation it has built due to its serious approach to doing business. 109 years promoting musical culture http://veerkamponline.com/
 
2. Casa Serra: Over a Century in Art Supplies
In 1906, Francisco Serra opened a hardware store in downtown Mexico City. He was also a sculptor and brought materials from Europe for his own use. Artist friends started asking him to get them brushes, paints and other art supplies. He started off importing ten pounds of utensils and it grew to a ton. The line of the business changed to selling art supplies. His children took over the company and then sold the shares to three employee sisters. The family business has lasted by lining up everyone's interests and outlooks. Over a century in art supplies. http://guiadelcentrohistorico.mx/
 
3. Casa Cuervo: The Oldest Tequila Producer in the World
José Antonio de Cuervo and his offspring never imagined that the hundreds of agave plants they planted in 1758 in Tequila, Jalisco would grow in number to millions. José Cuervo especial is the greatest selling tequila in the world, available in more than 100 countries. Juan Domingo Beckmann is the sixth generation leading the distillery and claims the formula for success is based on company professionalization.
 
4. Grupo Salinas: 110 Years Achieving Comprehensive Prosperity
In 1906, Benjamín Salinas opened a furniture factory (Salinas y Rocha) in Monterrey. Today, his great grandson Ricardo Salinas is at the helm of Grupo Salinas. Elektra had already been founded, and once at the helm, TV Azteca, Banco Azteca, Total Play, Italika, Seguros Azteca and others were created. The most important strategic factor to ensure longevity is having a precise focus and diversifying around the original business. 110 years achieving comprehensive prosperity. http://eleconomista.com.mx/index.php
 
5. Coppel: Successfully Achieving the Challenge of Succession
In 1941, Luis Coppel and his son Enrique opened a shop in Sinaloa where they sold radios and clocks. Later, they decided to sell furniture in installments. Over time, they introduced new business lines like clothing and shoes. These days, Coppel has more than1,000 branches. Enrique's older son was the president and general director, but at 60, he passed the baton on to his younger brother Agustín. They were careful to make sure the succession was "a process and not an incident." Successfully achieving the challenge of succession. https://www.forbes.com.mx/bienvenidos/
Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches
 


It's getting HOT, and ice cream treats are always welcome during this time of year. Here's a simple recipe to cool you off and satisfy your craving for a sweet treat. While not technically traditionally Mexican, the fact that the churros are integrated into the treat makes it close enough for my taste...


Ingredients for 10 servings:
  • 3 cups (710 g) water
  • ⅓ cup (80 mL) oil
  • ½ tablespoon salt
  • 2 cups (250 g) flour
  • oil, for frying
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (35 g) cinnamon
  • 2 pt (690 g) vanilla ice cream
Preparation:
  1. In a large pot, bring the water, oil, and salt to a boil.
  2. Add the flour and turn the heat off. Quickly stir the flour until it forms a smooth paste/ball.
  3. Transfer the dough into a piping bag lined with a star tip.
  4. Pipe 6-inch (15 cm) spirals onto a sheet lined with parchment paper, starting from the middle and going around in a circle, making sure that there are no gaps between the loops.
  5. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  6. Freeze the circles for at least 2 hours.
  7. Heat oil in a pot over high heat.
  8. Fry the circles until light golden brown, then drain them on a paper towel.
  9. Mix the sugar and the cinnamon in a separate bowl.
  10. Coat each churro disc in the cinnamon sugar mix, shaking off any excess.
  11. Place a scoop of ice cream in between 2 churro discs.
  12. Enjoy!
The Difference Between Tequila, Mezcal, and Pulque


 
Tequila, Mezcal, and Pulque are traditional Mexican drinks made using agave succulent plant varieties-but each beverage is quite distinct and offers very different taste experiences.

Tequila

Tequila is Mexico's national drink, and one of the icons synonymous with the country. The 'Tequila' marque is now protected world-wide, and production of the drink is tightly regulated: only a handful of Mexican states have production rights, and the best Tequilas emanate from Blue Agave grown in the rich volcanic soils situated in the state of Jalisco.

Tequila is made by harvesting the hearts (known in Spanish as piñas) of the Blue Agave (ah-gah-veh) plant, slowly baking them in large ovens, and then pressing the pulp into a sweet liquid that is passed through a prescribed distillation process.  Afterwards, the Tequila is transferred into specially-prepared wood barrels and left to age. 

The precise process and aging time determines the Tequila's classification, and strict labeling regulations enable buyers to know what type they are paying for.  The highest quality Tequilas are made from 100% agave, whereas less expensive varieties use a mixture of agave and sugar cane.  Tequila can be enjoyed straight or mixed into a variety of cocktails, the most of popular of which is the Margarita.  

Mezcal

Mezcal is distilled using a similar production process to tequila, but the tastes and nuances of the final blend are quite distinct.  As Mezcal recently regained widespread popularity, the Mexican government acted to regulate its production, helping to improve the quality of mass-produced varieties and thus giving confidence to the wider market. 

As with Tequila, Mezcal is produced by baking the hearts ( piñas) of the agave; but unlike Tequila, which is made exclusively from Blue Agave, Mezcal may be produced from nearly 30 different varieties of agave.  Most Mezcals are made using the espadín agave, although distillers also blend different varieties of the plant with the intention of creating unique flavors.  The drink undergoes an aging process and, like Tequila, the aged Mezcals feel more robust and often smoother on the palate than the younger alternatives. 

The best Mezcal, like the best Tequila, is made from 100% agave; and like Tequila, less expensive varieties use cane sugars and contain other flavorings.  Mezcal has a distinctively smoky flavor which for many is an acquired taste.  Purists assert that Mezcal doesn't lend itself to being mixed in cocktails, although there are plenty of Mezcal cocktail recipes to choose from.  Traditionally, Mezcal is taken straight with a pinch of sal de gusano: a condiment made by grinding together dried larvae, chiles, and salt. Mezcal may also contain a 'worm' (larvae) at the base of the bottle-this is a ploy concerned with marketing and does not alter the taste.  Tequila never has a 'worm' in the bottle.

Pulque

Pulque is an ancient beverage dating back to Mesoamerican times. Like chocolate in that era it was an élite beverage used in ritualistic ceremonies and was later used by indigenous tribes as a form of medicinal tonic.  While Pulque is also made from the heart of the agave, the plant is not baked and distilled; instead the plant's sap is fermented.

The sap is extracted by cutting a cavity into the heart of the agave, and the sweet liquid that comes out is called aguamiel (honey water). Once extracted, the sap is fermented to create a milky-colored and viscous beverage which creates a slight foam when it's poured. Its taste is often likened to fermented oatmeal with a yeast undertone. Pulque can be taken straight, but is more often served as  a long drink - termed ' curado' in Spanish - prepared by blending the fermented sap with any combination of fruit pulp, nuts and spices, or sweeteners. 

Connoisseurs assert that the blend should only be taken fresh and that you should ask the vendor whether the batch you are being served was prepared today.  Pulque is a low-alcohol beverage (typically 2-6%), whereas Tequila and Mezcal distillations typically contain around 40% alcohol.  Beware, notwithstanding its low alcohol content, Pulque can creep-up on you: a long afternoon whiled away taking this ancient beverage with your companions can leave your head clear and your legs confused when you eventually stand-up to walk.




Let me know if you would like links to any of the earlier ones. (There are 7 years worth)
Sonoran Sky Resort

Sonoran Sun Resort


Sonoran Sea Resort


Sonoran Spa Resort



Just for the fun of it...



 



 







Sonoran Sun E305  
2 Bedroom East Building 
$345,000

 

STUNNING CONDO WITH ASSUMABLE LONG TERM LOAN! 

  This condo truly has it all. Great beachfront views, beautifully furnished, upgrades throughout, turn-key ready to move in. Great rental or just keep it all for yourself. Priced right and ready for an easy transaction. The long-term assumable loan at 5.9% makes this a very unique opportunity. These condos don't come around often so come and take a look very soon. You won't be disappointed.

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Spa N508   
1BR End Unit   
$169,900

 
END UNIT BEAUTY!  
 
This condo is recently totally upgraded, very nicely furnished, turnkey ready to go and has great views. This end unit condo even has the small patio and door on the side, making it look much larger and adding to the views.
The end unit condos offer premium value and rental income yet this is the lowest priced one bedroom available. Lots of interest in this condo already so don't wait too long. Give us a call or stop by the on-site sales office today! 

Call Today: 602-476-7511



Sonoran Sun E611  
1 Bedroom East Building  
$199,000

 
 
 
BEST PRICE 1 BEDROOM AT SONORAN SUN
       
Newly listed one bedroom that has never been in the rental pool. Furnished and priced to sell. True beachfront at just the right height. Come and see this one before its gone. Call us today for an appointment!

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Sky 609 
3 Bedroom 3 Bath Luxury 
$559,900


 
GREAT NEW PRICE!  
 
 This condo is beautifully furnished and total luxury combined with a great price makes this one a must-see condo. Ready to go for your family or for a great rental income. An aggressive price and motivated Sellers make this one a sure bet. Contact one of our Agents for more details. Come see this one today! 

 Call Today for Information or to Schedule a Tour

602-476-7511

Sonoran Sun E1004 
2 Bedroom Top Floor  
$359,500
NEW REDUCED PRICE!  PENTHOUSE LEVEL!   

ASSUMABLE LONG-TERM LOAN!

Top floor views all the way up and down the beach in both direction. Wouldn't think that it can get better than that, but it does. Assumable long-term financing available. Beautifully furnished and turn-key ready to go. These condos do not come available very often so take advantage of this opportunity. Put it in the rental pool for income or just keep it for yourself and your family. Either way, you can't go wrong with this beauty. 


Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Sea E510   
1 BR East Building 
$209,900


NEW LISTING!

Brand new listing. This is a great condo, very tastefully decorated, with absolutely stunning ocean views. If you are looking for a truly turn-key beauty, this is it.  Great price. Great views. Great rental history. Ready to go. This one is a home run. Come take a look!

Call Today: 602-476-7511


Sonoran Sky 410  
4 Bedroom 4 Bath Premium 
$850,000


FANTASTIC CONDO AT A GREAT REDUCED PRICE!

ASSUMABLE LONG TERM LOAN! 

Luxury four bedroom condo at the Sonoran Sky Resort featuring exquisite furnishings, wrap around terrace, and absolutely unbelievable views, all at a super great price. This  fantastic condo has it all - and it has never been used as a rental. This condo truly must be seen to be appreciated. Priced to sell too! Don't let this one pass you by. Call today.

Call Today: 602-476-7511


Sonoran Sea W805  
2BR West Building 
$294,900 



NEW LISTING! 
 
 
Not many available two bedrooms available at the Sea these days. This condo is super nice and has never been used as a rental. Very nicely decorated and turn-key ready to go. You can't go wrong with this one.
Don't wait. See this one today. 
 
Call Today: 602-476-7511

 

Sonoran Sky 701         

4 Bedroom 4 Bath  1/4 Ownership     

$255,000      

 

 Link to Listing  

LUXURY CONDO FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP 
4 BEDROOM  WRAPAROUND TERRACE

   

This super luxurious four bedroom condo has been legally split into 4 equal shares and is priced to sell. How often will you really use a vacation condo? Own a Million Dollar condo for 1/4 of the price. Absolutely stunning beachfront views from this huge luxury beauty.  Call for more details!   

Come and see this one. You'll be glad you did!       

 

 Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Spa N504     
1 Bedroom    
$169,900
 
NEW LISTING!
 

Beautifully one bedroom condo right in the center of the building for the best views, priced to sell. There are very one bedrooms left for sale at the Spa and this new listing is a great opportunity to get in before it's too late. Great as a rental or keep it all for yourselves. Either way, you need to check this one out soon. Call or visit for more details.

Call Today: 602-476-7511

 
Sonoran Sky 310
4 Bedroom Premium Luxury 
Brand New Developer Condo   
$989,900


NO PAYMENTS/INTEREST FIRST YEAR
      
LONG TERM FINANCING w/ 20% DOWN
 

This condo shows like a dream. It is the absolute epitome of luxury with views all the way down the beach from the huge, wrap-around terrace. Brand New with full warranty. No payments or HOA dues for one full year. This condo must be seen to be appreciated.

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Sky 1403
2 Bedroom Beachfront Luxury
$479,000


TERMS AVAILABLE!

If you're looking for a model-perfect, beach-front, turn-key, total luxury condo at the Sonoran Sky for a great price, look no further. This condo is absolutely amazing and you really need to come and take a look for yourself if you're considering investing in a wonderful vacation/investment property. Views go on forever and this would make an excellent rental as well. Don't wait.

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Sea W602
2 Bedroom West Building 
$299,000




NEW LISTING!

This is a great price for a 2 bedroom at the Sonoran Sea and the condo has everything! Beautifully furnished and would make a great rental. Won't last long. Ocean Front luxury at a great price. Call for details or to schedule a tour. You need to act fast on this special deal.

Come see for yourself.

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Sun E709 
3 Bedroom, 3 Bath  
$439,000

Great Price!  Ready to Sell!

Check out this beautiful, fully furnished, three bedroom oceanfront condo at the Sonoran Sun Resort. Seventh floor location gives fantastic views down the beach and plenty of privacy. Easy access to beach, pools, Jacuzzis, store, restaurant, etc. Condo has never been used as a rental and is in terrific condition. You may want to keep this beautiful condo all for  yourself, but it could be a great vacation rental as well. The price is right and you need to see this beauty. 

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Spa N808
1BR Top Floor, End Unit
$198,000

 
NEW LISTING!    TERMS AVAILABLE! 

Beautifully upgraded top floor, end unit, one bedroom at the Sonoran Spa Resort. This is a fantastic condo with a great rental history and the seller is offering financing. Views galore and being an end condo, it offers extra light and views from the side as well as the front. This one is already getting alot of attention so act quickly and don't miss out on this fantastic bargain.

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Sea E710  
1 Bedroom Top Floor  
$229,900 

POSSIBLE SELLER FINANCING!

Great top-floor beauty with possible financing available. Panoramic views down the beach in both directions. Fully furnished and ready to enjoy. This could be a great rental - perfect for your family.  Call our office for more details. This condo can be your dream come true. Come take a look for yourself.

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Sky 601 
4 Bedroom Luxury End Unit 
$849,900


LUXURY 4 BED 4 BATH!  TERMS AVAILABLE!
HUGE WRAP AROUND TERRACE

Best price at the Sonoran Sky on a luxury 4 bedroom, 4 bath, end unit condo. This is one of the nicest condos in town with the very best views all the way down the beach. Non-rental unit in excellent condition and fully furnished, turn-key ready to go. Make this one yours!

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Spa W706
2BR West Building
$274,900

 
PRICE REDUCED!      NON RENTAL! 
       
This is a great price on a fantastic condo at the Spa. The views from this condo are nothing short of spectacular. Completely upgraded and turn-key ready to go. Nicely furnished and shows like a model. Come and see this one today before it's too late.

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Sun W212 
1 Bedroom West Building 
$209,000


   
EXCELLENT RENTAL HISTORY!       
   
Brand new listing and priced lower than any other one bedroom at the Sonoran Sun Resort. This condo has been totally remodeled and is in perfect condition. It provides excellent rental income and would be a fantastic investment - or just keep it all for your own personal use. Either way, you can't go wrong on this one. Call or stop by and talk with one of our Sales Representatives today! You'll be glad you did.

Call Today: 602-476-7511

Sonoran Sun E101  
3BR Ground Floor 
$550,000

 
  MUST SEE TO BELIEVE            NEW AGGRESSIVE PRICE!  
 
This is one of the few condos that really must be seen to be appreciated. It is a ground floor, end unit with more privacy than you would expect in a resort. Right on the beach and near everything, yet far enough from the pool and pool bar to give make it quiet and peaceful. These condos rarely come up for sale so please come and check it out right away. Beautifully furnished and turn-key ready to go. This condo has never been used as a rental and was always meticulously cared for by the owners.

Call Today: 602-476-7511



Sonoran Sky 806
1 B R Luxury Condo
$359,000

 
ASSUMABLE 5.9% LONG TERM FINANCING!
ULTIMATE IN CUSTOM LUXURY!

Absolute luxury at the prestigious Sonoran Sky Resort. the Nautical theme in this condo is as unique as it is beautiful and it is an absolute one of a kind original. This is the ONLY one bedroom condo for sale at the Sky and it will make a great rental, or keep it all for yourselves. Really is a must see to appreciate beauty.This condo is ready to go and it can be yours. Contact one of our Agents for more information.

Call Today: 602-476-7511
 

Sonoran Sky 1010 
4 BR Premium End Unit 
$750,000

SPECTACULAR VIEWS!   

WRAP-AROUND TERRACE!

GREAT NEW PRICE!      HURRY!!! 

This is one of those condos that absolutely has to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Premium end unit with wraparound terrace and views forever. You can see all the way from Old Port to the new Home Port from the comfort of your luxurious 4 bedroom condo. Impeccably furnished and ready to go. Possible seller financing with large down. Be sure to come and see this one as soon as you can. It won't last long.

Call Today: 602-476-7511 


Sonoran Spa E501  
3BR End Unit
$399,900

TERMS AVAILABLE!   

This spacious 3 bedroom end unit condo at the Sonoran Spa is a great buy. Priced right and seller is offering financing as well. Lots of room and fantastic beachfront views. Upgraded kitchen with granite counter tops. Very nicely furnished and ready to move right in. Rental income is an option or keep it all for yourself.  Be the proud owner of this beachfront beauty. Call or stop by one of our sales offices today for more details.

Call Today: 602-476-7511


 
We are Rocky Point's one and only exclusive and dedicated team who have always, and will always, sell Sonoran Resorts and ONLY Sonoran Resorts!
 
If you are looking for a team of  real professionals who specialize in Puerto Penasco's best family of "True Beachfront" resorts, you've found us, and we are here to serve you.

Whether Buying or Selling, no one can serve you better when it comes to the Sonoran Resorts. We have been here since the beginning, and we will be here for you when you need us.

Our In-House closing team will make things happen quickly and professionally and we will save you money. Our attorneys are on salary and no additional attorney fees are charged to our clients. Loyalty to the Sonoran Resorts Sales Team is both appreciated and rewarded! 

We don't just sell the Sonoran Resorts, we ARE the Sonoran Resorts. We work directly with the Developers, the HOAs, and the Rental companies.

We really can help you in ways that no one else can.


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Jim Ringquist
Sonoran Sales Group