The Greatest Motorcycle Fiesta just South of the Border will hit our shores again Nov 10 – 13, 2022 for the 21st Annual Rocky Point Rally! Founder and chief organizer Oscar Palacio anticipates numbers to top last year’s 20^th Anniversary celebration, with bikers expected from across the southwestern US and beyond along with a growing number of participants from across Mexico. 

Don’t forget to register prior –even if you’re just coming as a fiesta-goer – as all proceeds from registration, poker run, and bike show go to local charities. This has been an important part of the Rocky Point Rally since the beginning, providing valuable donations to the local Red Cross, Fire Department, DIF offices in Puerto Peñasco and Sonoyta, CAM La Montaña school for children with special needs, Casa Hogar home for the elderly, the local George Papanicolau chapter aimed at prevention and early cancer detection, as well as scholarships through the local DIF’s educational program. Register at: 21st Rocky Point Rally Tickets, Thu 10 Nov 2022 at 12:00 | Eventbrite 

Along with Thurs-Fri registration plus Poker Run, this year will once again include Thursday night kick-off fiesta, a Friday night “Queen of the Streets” Bike Show at the end of the Old Port, Friday’s traditional fiesta at Playa Bonita (where it all began in 2001), Saturday’s open Bike Show near City Hall followed by the bike parade through town and wrapping up in the Mirador, plus this year’s line-up includes stunt bike riders right before the parade plus around town. Don’t forget Calle 13 celebrations throughout the weekend, and music, music, music at local sponsor venues! Keep up to date on calendar at www.rockypointrally.com 

The 21st Annual Rocky Point Rally also honors the memory of Duane Moore, founding member of the Arizona band Mogollon, which has performed at the rally nearly every year since it began. Mogollon will be performing throughout the weekend, and we’ll all raise our glasses to Duane and his rocking violin! 

For more information and to register, visit:

www.rockypointrally.com

email: rockypointrally.com@gmail.com

Facebook: @rocky.point.rally

A full-moon high tide coupled with the remnants of Tropical Storm Kay blowing along the Baja coastline caused some heavy rain, large waves, and damage around Rocky Point on September 9^th. Thankfully, there was no loss of life and damage to properties, roads, and infrastructure were the only victims of the storm.

The director of Civil Protection and Firefighters recommendation led to the temporary suspension of classes at institutions of all levels, but they were back in class by Monday after the weekend spent cleaning up

One of the serious situations was reported in the Family Medicine Unit of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) hospital when an aluminum and glass structure covering the front of the building for two floors collapsed. Fortunately no one was injured and the area was immediately cordoned off. Authorities gave instructions to proceed with the repair of the structure as soon as possible.

 In other parts of the city there were reports of downed trees, fallen cables, and toppled billboards, along with some structural damage to seawalls and beachfront establishments. The rain and wind also caused the closure of the Coastal Highway as a large section of the road washed out. The highway was opened again the following day, but repairs are still ongoing.

Puerto Penasco is fortunate in its location on the Sea of Cortez as it would be very difficult for a hurricane to actually move up the narrow body of water to reach the city directly. Hurricanes are much more common on the Pacific side of Baja, but the mountain ranges between Baja and Rocky Point tend to diffuse a storm, keeping most of force of the storms away from this city. As of today, the city has mostly been restored, with the storm only causing a short interruption in the normal activities in the city. 

On Saturday, September 24, the first release of olive ridley turtles was carried out in Playa Hermosa so that the babies could make their way into the ocean.

There were 7 hatchlings that managed to survive from a family of 44 eggs that were collected from a nest at Playa Hermosa. On Saturday, September 24, after artificial incubation, the hatchlings were released with the support of ZOFEMAT biologist Humberto González and staff, assisted by the Tourist Auxiliary Unit, Secretary of the Navy, and CEDO.

The newborn turtles had been kept in artificial incubation under the care of the biologist in charge, Itzel Carolina Cárdenas, and once placed on the beach, the baby turtles advanced towards the sea, always protected by the support staff and some tourists. The waves attracted them instinctively as they made their way towards the ocean.

This beautiful natural spectacle occurs on very few coasts of the country, so a strict release protocol is followed to safeguard the turtles until they reach their new home in the ocean. The municipal government, in coordination with environmental agencies, manages the procedure along with Wildlife and PROFEPA. The activity is regulated to facilitate and ensure that the procedures for the incubation and release of turtles are followed.

This release was successfully carried out on one of the most visited beaches in Puerto Peñasco, “that is why we are vigilant of the beach visitors, ensuring that they always pick up their trash and their bags” commented Humberto González, a biologist from ZOFEMAT, who supervised to see that tourists and residents who witness the release of baby turtles do not interfere with the baby turtles on their way to the sea.

On October 22th and 23th of 2022, a competition like no other will take place in Mexico: The Great Desert Race. An Ultra Trail race where some of the best athletes from more than 10 countries will participate.

This challenge is different; it’ll be an encounter with yourself full of adrenaline and strength, passing deep into the salt paths of ancient ancestors, a magical place going through the dunes of the Great Altar Desert to then find the sea breeze from the beautiful Sea of Cortez in Puerto Peñasco in Sonora, Mexico. You’ll also get the chance to camp below a breathtaking sky full of stars. A unique experience you should definitely live.

Rocky Point has the scenery of a competition never seen before in the country where the runners can sign up for any of the 4 distances, all going through spectacular natural views that will amaze you with their beauty, awakening your adventure spirit: Beach Fun Run (10K), Beach & Desert Run (25K), Mega Desert Run (50K) and Ultra Trail (75K).

Save the date for October 22th and 23th for The Great Desert Race, in collaboration with the Government of Sonora and with the support of both Federal and State Departments of Tourism. This event seeks to promote the sport and grow the tourism in the area mostly unexplored by people from outside the area, but with an important potential.

Pack your bags and test your limits!

Sign up today to any of the 4 distances available at

www.grancarreradeldesierto.com.mx

This summer was very good in terms of the number of tourists and the amount of income generated. According to the OCV, in the three months of Summer tourism, the city saw a financial gain of more than $500 million pesos, through the arrival of approximately 470,000 tourists, reported the director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Héctor Vásquez del Mercado, director of the OCV, revealed that in the three summer months of June, July, and August, condos and hotels averaged a 62% occupancy level, with an average of 40,000 visitors per week. These numbers were very similar to those in 2019 and were slightly higher than last year during the same months.

He indicated that the summer tourism was comprised of 70% foreign visitors and 30% national visitors from other areas of Mexico, with the exception of mid July to mid August when schools were on Summer vacation. During that time, 60% of the visitors were nationals from Mexico.

Vásquez del Mercado stated that there is strong optimism in the tourism industry due to these excellent statistics, reaffirming the strength of the tourism industry in Puerto Peñasco  that those in the tourism industry are experiencing.

The municipal government provided uniforms to the members of the Tourist Auxiliary Unit as part of the ongoing actions to well equip them and to strengthen their ability to care for tourists and residents of Rocky Point.

Municipal secretary, Miguel Ángel Maciel Félix, who on behalf of Mayor Jorge Pivac delivered a uniform kit consisting of pants, t-shirt and a cap to each member of the Tourist Auxiliary Unit to be used in their daily duties of safeguarding tourism and residents, as well as helping to care for the beaches and the ecosystem.

"They have proven to be a group of highly professional men and women who have worn the uniform with dignity, promoting culture, and ensuring a place of peace, legality and respect. I share that the tourist unit is an excellent example to be copied at a national level”, specified the secretary of the City Council.

Added to the delivery from the city was a donation made Roger Clyne, represented by Mr. Jim Ringquist, Sonoran Resorts Sales Director. The donation consisted of helmets, tactical boots and equipment to complement the equipment required by the Tourist Auxiliary Unit officers for their daily operation.

A short video was shared with the attendees showing sample of the accomplishments and good work done by the officers of the TAU who, along with the government officials offered their thanks for the generous donations. 

Mexico is the United States’ second largest trade partner; bilateral trade has increased in 2022

Mexico was the United States’ second largest trade partner in the first seven months of the year with two-way trade worth almost US $450 billion, U.S. government data shows.

United States Census Bureau data published this week shows that two-way trade increased 19.8% between January and July to $449.8 billion. Almost 60% of that amount – $261.9 billion – came from Mexican exports to the United States, while imports from the U.S. were worth $187.9 billion.

The value of Mexico’s exports to the United States increased 20% compared to the first seven months of 2021, while imports from the U.S. rose 19.5%. Mexico was also the United States’ second largest trade partner in 2021, behind Canada. It seized the No. 1 position earlier this year, but has since relinquished it.

Most of Mexico’s export income comes from manufactured goods, including vehicles, machinery, computers and televisions. However, it also sends a range of other products to the United States and other countries further afield, among which are crude oil, fruit and vegetables, chemicals, beer and alcoholic beverages such as tequila, mezcal and wine.

Among the products that Mexico imports are gasoline and other refined fuels – a situation President López Obrador is trying to bring to an end – food (including corn) and consumer goods such as cell phones.

Canada edged out Mexico as the United States’ No. 1 trade partner in the first seven months of the year, with Canadian-American trade totaling $466.7 billion. China ranked as the United States’ third largest trade partner, with Sino-U.S. trade worth $402.3 billion between January and July.

The trade between Mexico and its northern neighbor left the former with a surplus of almost $74 billion so far this year. However, taking into account all trade partners, overall Mexico is running a trade deficit for 2022.

Data from national statistics agency INEGI shows that the value of Mexican exports to all countries around the world in the first seven months of the year was $327.3 billion. Imports in the same period totaled $346.2 billion, leaving Mexico with a trade deficit of $18.9 billion.

Trade surpluses have only been achieved in two months this year – February and March – while there were deficits in January and the four months between April and July. Mexico recorded a trade deficit of $10.9 billion in 2021.

Here's a Pozole recipe without the body parts :) 

INGREDIENTS

1 1⁄2 lbs pork shoulder

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1tablespoon cumin powder

1onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tablespoons oil

1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne

2 tablespoons california chili powder

1 tablespoon salt

1⁄4 teaspoon oregano

4 cups canned white hominy, drained and rinsed

3 -5 cups pork broth, from cooking pork shoulder

1 cup canned diced green chilis (optional)

salt

2 whole fresh jalapenos, chopped (optional)

3 whole ancho chilies, seeded and stemmed (garnish) (optional)

DIRECTIONS

This recipe requires a simple prep.

Prepare the onion, peel the garlic, chop the onion, peel and chop the 2 garlic cloves, chop the green chilies and jalapenos if you are using them and get the hominy drained and rinsed.

Now you are ready to cook.

Place the meat in a large saucepan and just cover with lightly salted water.

Add 1/2 chopped onion, the 2 cloves peeled garlic, pepper, cumin, and oregano.

Bring to a boil over medium heat, skim off any foam that rises, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

Remove meat and broth, reserving both.

Saute the remaining chopped onion and garlic in oil until translucent.

Add the remaining spices, stir for a minute.

Cut the reserved pork into 1 inch cubes and add to the pan.

Stir in the canned hominy, pork broth (if there is not enough pork broth, add chicken stock, add it for flavor, about 2-4 cups, eyeball the amount you like), green chilies and jalapenos (optional).

Cook at a simmer, covered, for 45 to 60 minutes until the meat and hominy are tender.

If necessary, cook for up to an additional 60 minutes until the chilies and onions are well blended into the broth.

Degrease the stew, taste for salt, and serve in soup bowls.

This is a delicious recipe and well worth the effort to make.

GARNISHES THAT ARE ALWAYS SERVED WITH POZOLE:

lots of lime/lemon wedges.

sliced radishes.

chopped cilantro.

Shredded cabbage (not red).

fresh/packaged fried corn tortillas.

Standard abbreviations for a wide, and growing, variety of words are as much a part of Mexican Spanish as they are in English

Standard abbreviations of household words are as much a part of Mexican Spanish as they are of English. Over the years, shortened forms of words have been creeping into everyday use, exacerbated somewhat by the younger members of the population whose communications fit a new set of parameters defined by text messages, chat room one-liners, and email.

Time-saving alternatives to longer words

Appliances are a natural candidate for saving time speaking. One of the most common is fridge instead of refrigerator, in Spanish refri instead of refrigerador—and conge for congelador followed on the heels of refri.

La tele for televisión, has been in use for as long as most people can remember. La micro will do for horno de microondas or microwave oven —not to be confused with el micro of public transport fame— and la laptop, already conveniently Anglicized to avoid the painfully Castillian ordenador portátil, is rendered la lap.

The supermarket or supermercado, became el súper with no problems, and other outlets followed suit. The stationery store was reduced from la papelería to la pape, and the gas station or gasolinería simply to la gas. The now-ubiquitous WhatsApp messaging system is most often referred to as el Güats.

Place names are not exempt

Next up for this treatment were names of places frequented by the bourgeois and their Bohemian peers alike.

Coyoacán, a popular spot in the south of Mexico City for cafés, book shops, street entertainment, and handicraft stalls, goes simply as “Coyo,” and Cuernavaca and Tepoztlán, popular weekend hangout towns for chilangos, have been shortened for one reason or another to Tepoz and Cuerna, respectively.

The origin of such abbreviations is impossible to pin down, although the latter two seem to be more a matter of class distinction than oratorical convenience.

Anyone proclaiming their intention of joining the miles-long lines of cars leaving the capital for “Cuerna” on a Saturday morning is saying more about where they are likely to be staying —someone’s home with a pool, or an up-scale boutique hotel or BnB— than about their city of destination.

Linguistic terms between social classes

Linguistic habits cross class borders, however, and sooner or later they come to be used by all. Just as the proletarian chido —or “cool”— and others are standard fare among the juniors, Aca instead of Acapulco and o sea* are also staples of working class conversation.

It’s possible, but by no means demonstrable, that friction between the classes generates the desire to be constantly coming up with new adulterations of language, if only to keep the others permanently passé.

*O sea literally means “in other words,” although its current use is more akin to the English “like,” in phrases such as “and I was, like, what?”—y yo, o sea, ¿qué? Another translation could be “I mean,” and it’s also used as a filler while thinking about what to say next.

September 2022

August 2022

July 2022

June 2022

May 2022

April 2022

March 2022

February 2022

January 2022

December 2021

November 2021

October 2021

September 2021

August 2021

Let me know if you would like links to any of the earlier ones. (Over 11 years worth)