Welcome to August - and the humidity that comes with this time of year. We had quite a light show on Sunday night as a storm passed through (see photo below). Lots of lightning and thunder made for some great photos and probably sent all the animals in town scurrying for cover. The storm came with some rain, but not a lot, and there was no damage that I have heard about. Power went out for a few hours, but aside from resetting the clocks on the appliances, it didn’t cause any real inconvenience.

July and August in Rocky Point are always hot and humid. So is September for that matter, but the town always stays very busy on the weekends anyway, and both sales and rentals have been doing very well. The beaches are active and the outside restaurants and shops all seem to have people so it would seem that the heat and humidity don’t bother many visitors. Of course, there is no shortage of A/C in the condos, restaurants, bars, and businesses around town and along Sandy Beach as well. And, of course, there are the pools and we do happen to have the Sea of Cortez right here so that you can always jump in to cool off. So, there's really no reason not to come enjoy the summers here. Obviously, a lot of people agree with me. 

Another thing that August brings are business closings for business owner/employee vacations. Traditionally, a good percentage of local businesses close for part or all of August. Sometimes they use the time off to remodel, but I suspect that more often, people head to cooler climates for a bit. As the number of summer visitors has increased over the years, the percentage of businesses that close has decreased, but don't be surprised if your favorite restaurant or bar is closed when you come to visit this month. Not to worry though, by next month, it will be business as usual again.

Last, but certainly not least, the Sonoran Star construction is well under way. Most of the work is still going to be on foundation and infrastructure for a few more weeks, but before you know it, we will start seeing tower #1 going vertical. If you haven’t stopped by our sales office/model yet, please do so. We’ll be happy to walk you through our beautiful 2-bedroom model and take you on the 2 minute ride up to the site on one of our CanAms so that you can see what’s going on for yourself. Sometime in the near future, we plan to install a live camera so that you will be able to watch the progress every day. Building one is 90% sold out now so please stop by if you want to buy in the first building that will be delivered.

Enjoy this beautiful 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 over 15 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. 

Besides the links below, you can our listings at the following:

www.sonoranstar.com

www.sonoranresorts.mx

www.sonoranresortsresales.com

AMPI Puerto Penasco MLS

Point 2 Agent Multinational MLS

Pick up a handout at any of our Sonoran Resorts

Scottsdale Barrett Jackson Show

Various Real Estate and Trade shows in AZ, NV, and CA

www.SonoranStar.com

NOW SELLING!

Progress Continues on the New Sonoran Star Resort!

A Message from Barb's Dog Rescue:

Promises Made. Promises Kept. Help Still Needed

Eighteen years ago, Barb Mumaugh saw the number of stray dogs wandering the streets of Rocky Point and thought she could make a difference in one or two of their lives. So, she began to take them into her home, one-by-one. And so, the Rescue began. It didn’t take long before every room in her home was filled with strays, and she promised herself she wouldn’t stop until every street dog had water, food and shelter. Eighteen years later, Barb’s Dog Rescue provides daily care for 350+ dogs and finds homes for more than 2,000 each year. Against incredible odds, Barb’s promise to herself has resulted in an improbable success story. Literally thousands of dogs are living lives filled with love and care because of the lady who continues to pledge that “Rescue Never Stops!”

Four years ago, a good Samaritan found a litter of puppies in a garbage can in Caborca and brought them to Barb’s. They couldn’t have been more than a couple of weeks old. They were severely dehydrated and lucky to be alive. Miraculously, the puppies survived under Barb’s care, and ultimately five of the six were adopted. Only Pepe, with his just-got-out-of-bed-hair look, remained at the Rescue. A staff and volunteer favorite, it was assumed he would become a permanent resident of the shelter like so many others that aren’t adopted. We promised Barb that if Pepe were still available once our aging pets passed, we would return for him.

Last month we were able to keep that promise. If you are wondering about the adaptability of a dog who has spent much or all of his or her life at the shelter, Pepe’s transition has been nothing short of amazing. He made a 1300 mile car trip like he was a born road-warrior. He took to walking on a leash as if he’d been leash-walked daily all his life. He loves to cuddle and has become an avid TV watcher. While we are certain he misses his friends at Barb’s, he has become a loving and integral part of our family, and we are so blessed to have him.

Yes, We Still Need Your Help

For those of you wondering where your donations go, it costs $1000 per week just to feed our 350 dogs. On average, we will have seven mama dogs with litters and an additional 30 puppies without mamas that require special attention. Sixty dogs will need medication, and three will require surgery. Twenty pups will be spayed or neutered, and 40 pups will receive one of the four shots required to make a legal border crossing.

June through September are the most difficult months at the Rescue. Most of the city’s visitors are here for a long weekend or a week at the most and less likely to visit the shelter.  With the intense summer heat, our utilities quadruple. Our water supply becomes unreliable, so we have to truck in supplemental water to keep our dogs hydrated and the laundry operating. 

Most of you know that Barb’s does not charge an adoption fee. We operate solely on donations. If you have already donated, thank you. If you can donate, please do. If you are visiting and want to learn more about Barb’s Dog Rescue, please visit us daily between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Please visit us online at:

http://www.facebook.com/BarbsDogRescue

or our website: barbsdogrescue.org

or Barb's Mexico cell: (638)114-1659  or  US cell: (602)774-1578

Email: barbsdogrescue@gmail.com

The TAU once again received a very generous donation of police radios and uniform shirts from the Roger Clyne camp via Greg Ross, road manager for the popular musical sensation.

The TAU has worked with Roger Clyne over the last few years, assisting at his shows and events in Puerto Penasco. Roger and his people have repaid the favors by donating much needed supplies and equipment to the TAU.

TAU Continues to Ensure Safe and Pleasant Vacations

We’re proud to report that the Tourist Auxiliary Unit has been working diligently to ensure that Puerto Peñasco is a safe and fun destination for all tourists, locals, and disabled persons.

Last weekend alone, 2,185 glass bottles were confiscated at the beach in accordance with the local regulations. This is just one example of how much work goes into ensuring that our guests enjoy a safe and pleasant vacation experience.

Each week, the TAU attends several victims of ATV and UTV accidents along the beach and in the areas of the dunes. Most involve minors driving the vehicles and those impaired by alcohol.

7 prehospital services were attended this weekend—one of which required ambulance transfer—and 5 people used the amphibious chair, allowing disabled people to enjoy the Sea of Cortez. They also lent out the chair 10 times to individuals to help 15 people with disabilities access the beach safely.

Near Drowning of Child on Sandy Beach

An 11-year-old girl was rescued from drowning in the Sea of Cortez, in a mishap in the Sandy Beach area.

 The little girl who lived to tell the tale and is, fortunately, out of danger, was identified as Ailín G., originally from Tijuana, Baja California.

 An official report states that at 8:30 p.m. on July 21, 2023, a female underage person was reported drowning in the beach area, in front of Las Palmas condominiums.

Mrs. María Virginia G., 55 years old, originally from Bácum, Sonora, notified the authorities that she and her family were on the shore of the beach with her daughter named Ailín G., 11 years old.

 Around 8:00 p.m., already getting dark, the woman entered the condominium they rented and left little Ailín on the seashore, but upon returning 10 minutes later she called out for help when she could not find her where she left her daughter.

After that, she looked for her along the seashore without finding her, for which she asked for the support of one of the Las Palmas condominium security workers, named Jorge Daniel, 24 years old, who supported her to look for the girl.

A Red Cross ambulance arrived at the scene, whose lifeguards gave first aid to the minor and determined that she was uninjured and out of danger, so she did not need to be transferred to a hospital.

Family Rescued on Unpaved Road Between Puerto Penasco and Sonoyta

Huge Dead Sea Lion Removed from Beach

Fourth of July Weekend Brings 36,000 Visitors

Is the Peso About to Peak?

Whether you love it, or are feeling the pain of it, it’s hard to ignore the impact of such a dramatic strengthening of the Mexican peso versus the US dollar.

On Friday, the peso strengthened to 16.62, an almost 8-year high. Year-to-date, the peso has strengthened nearly 15%, and is now almost 25% stronger than levels hit just 18 months ago. Yesterday’s further appreciation was partly due to cooling U.S. inflation, likely indicating that the Federal Reserve might be done with interest rate hikes.

There might be a clue in – of all places – Chile. Chile’s central bank lowered its interest rates by 100 basis points (1.0%) on Friday. A cut of 100 basis points is a very big one (the Federal Reserve tends to move in 25 basis point increments).

This was the first decrease in years, was larger than expected, and a unanimous decision. The move follows a recent cut by Uruguay earlier in the month and leads analysts to believe that this is the start of Latin American countries – which were even more aggressive than the United States in increasing interest rates – to start cutting them.

Mexico increased its rates in the current economic cycle by a whopping 700 basis points (7%) to a current level of 11.25%, before recently pausing. Given that the country’s headline inflation rate has been coming in consistently lower – the most recent reported level was near 4.79% – Mexico’s central bank (Banxico) might be ready to take action to lower these rates. Stay tuned on Aug. 10, when they will hold their next meeting, as this might signal the peak of the peso’s rise against the US dollar.

Monetary policy and exchange rates are not a perfect science, and rarely easy to predict, but the lowering of interest rates in Mexico could begin to slow the peso’s appreciation.

Of course, currency moves depend on many other factors like the relative levels and trends of both interest rates and inflation of other countries, but a reduction in Mexican interest rates could be a game changer. However, the overall trends of nearshoring and economic strength in Mexico will likely keep the peso from a significant weakening.

The Difference Between Tequila, Mezcal, and Pulque

EU Says It Will Invest in Plan Sonora Renewable Energy Initiative

Local Bread Shops, Neighbors, and Nostalgia

The Pastry War’s Costly legacy: Debts and Loss of Mexican Territory

Mexico’s Mighty Nopal is a Prickly Culinary Delight

For centuries, the nopal cactus – of the opuntia genus, also known as prickly pear – has symbolized resilience and adaptability, much like the Mexican people. In exploring the wisdom behind Mexican cuisine’s tapestry of seemingly modest ingredients, the mighty nopal is not to be missed!

Indigenous civilizations revered the cactus, recognizing its nutritional value and healing properties. It was also considered a sacred plant, appearing famously in the legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan by the Mexica (or Aztecs). The story says that an eagle devouring a snake while perched on a nopal was the sign that the Mexica were seeking to know where to build their city, and the image became the national coat of arms.

What is nopal’s nutritional profile? The nopal’s composition is primarily water, giving it a refreshingly light and crisp texture. With a low caloric value of a mere 27 calories per 100 grams, it also boasts minimal digestible carbohydrates, making it a low-glycemic index food.

Nopal pads are also rich in soluble fibers, like pectins, gums, and mucilage. As a result, consuming nopal has been associated with a sensation of satiety, which aids in weight management and curbs excessive food intake. But wait, there’s more! The nopal’s fiber content can also contribute to regulating blood glucose levels.

The use of nopal in Mexican cuisine stretches back to pre-Columbian times, when it served as a dietary staple for the ancient Mesoamericans. Its versatility and abundance made it a vital ingredient, contributing to the sustenance and survival of these communities.

Fast forward to the present day, and the nopal’s culinary prowess has only grown stronger. In kitchens across Mexico, from bustling taquerías to high-end restaurants, the nopal is celebrated as a versatile and unique ingredient. Its tender pads, stripped of their spines, are sliced, diced, grilled, and sautéed to create a myriad of culinary delights.

The quintessential dish of nopalitos is a chilled salad made of cooked chopped nopal, tomatoes, onions and cilantro that is especially welcome during hot summer months.

Salvador Novo, in his fascinating book “Cocina Mexicana o Historia Gastronómica de la Ciudad de Mexico” published in 1967, writes about the nopal, which is translated below:

“Let’s think about the nopal. Let’s approach the contemplation of this strange desert plant that seems to greet passersby, or show them the path. It was born who knows how: sticking out its flat hands, an oval flat face from which one more sprouts, and another from this one, and another. All defended by sharp thorns geometrically installed on thick pads, and yet they are smooth under the numerous violent needles.

Nobody waters it, nobody cultivates it. It sips vital juices from the driest earth, from its rock throne. And one fine day, small red fingers sprout from those broad, flat hands: prickly pears, red as men’s hearts; sheltered, wrapped in the peel, where they briefly repeat, like a soft rhyme, the hostile geometry of their cradle’s thorns, their sustenance.”

So, my friends, let us (carefully) embrace the prickly nopal, and allow it to lead us to a delicious world of good health.

Nopalitos Salad

The Five Vowel Sounds in the Spanish Language