March 26th, 2012 - the Gringo Gazette

2Another New HomeDevelopment Hits The Market• And the economy comes roaring backActivity by new homedevlopers is really movingagain, showing these bigbuck companies have faithHermitage will consist of38 single story villas, allwith an ocean view as theyare built on terraces. Buy-.COMMarch 26 th , 2012Published bi-weekly inVista, CA. and distributedin Mexico & TheUnited States byEnojoso PublicacionesS.A. de C.V.Starting at $335,000 with 25% down and 10 years to pay,these rare one story homes are being built by a developer withthree previous successful developments. Rare, meaningeverything around here is two stories. Why is that?Office in DowntownCabo Maritime Center,2nd Floor. Behind theCultural Pavillion. CaboSan Lucas.(624) 143-5750& 143 0865in the economy. Either that,or they’re just tired of waitingṪhis new development iscalled Hermitage, and is locatedup on the hill acrossfrom the Santa Carmela andPunta Ballena developments.It boasts a magnificentblue water view ofCabo Bay and the citylights.The developers areknown for three successfulnearby home developmentsin Cabo, Villas Neptuno,Puerta de Hierro and CasaMexicana.ers will choose from fourdifferent models, making adown payment of 25 percent,and only then will constructionbegin.Hmmmm.......The names of the Villasare European: Antibes, St.Tropez, Cannes and Nice.Their size varies from threeto four bedrooms, withmore than 2,000 sq. ft. ofconstruction on lots that gofrom 5,102 to 7,394 squarefeet and prices starting at$335,000.All homes are finishedwith marble floors, granitekitchen counters, alderwood cabinets, real garages,marble bathroomsand cantera on the terraces.And since they build as yougo, you can customize yournew home. You can alsoadd such goodies as aswimming pool, Jacuzzi,stone fountains, outdoorshaded area, chimney, irrigationsystem, and exoticpalm trees. (No word onwether that cimney comeswith a fireplace.) Modificationsto the facades are notallowed, though, to maintainEmergencyNumberOur public safetyhonchos havelaunched emergencyphone numbers to callthe police. No, it’s not911, If you are calingfrom either a cellphone or a a land line,call 066. United StatesP.O. Box 13168Palm Desert CA 92255Ph. (562) 714 6735Subscriptions available,see page 10 or 11,maybe 12,sometimes 4.Or mail $65 for one year,(26 issues) or $45for six months(13 issues) to the U.S.Online subscriptionsavailable atwww.gringogazette.comYou may view theentire newspaper,just as it appears inprint, onlineWho’s to blame:Carrie Duncan,carrie@gringogazette.comSalesDavid Flores,david@gringogazette.comCell (624) 121-1214Alejandra Saráchaga,alejandra@gringogazette.comCellie (624) 159-7741the look of the housing tract.Homes are delivered in oneyear after you pony up the25 percent, with the balancedue at delivery, or youcan use the developer’s financingprogram consistingof paymetns you can stringout for up to ten years.There is no penalty for prepayment.For informationon Hermitage homes, contactRuben Cardenas at his cellie(624) 141-6616 info@hermitageloscabos.com. To lookat the models and location of thedevelopment, look up: http://www.hermitageloscabos.com. San JoseAlba Monroyalba@gringogazette.comCell (624) 154-3576DistributionAntonio FuentesGraphic Designreactiva.mxPhone 14 30865www.gringogazette.comwww.gringogazette.tv

March 26 th , 2012.COM3

4.COMMarch 26 th , 2012Let’s GoTo The MallLocated in the heart ofCabo San Lucas just a fewsteps from the marina, you willfind a unique and spectacularshopping mall, larger than mostmalls in the United States andCanada, and with liberal use ofmarble everywhere, even thestairwells and rest rooms, youwill feel like you’re special at thismallḂecause shopping should bean unforgettable experience,Puerto Paraiso delivers just that.A unique experience that’s stillcomfortable and you’re sure tofind everything you ever wantedin a shopping mall. A diamond, apair of sunglasses, beautiful sandals,exclusive fashion, or just relaxand enjoy a leisurely lunch ordinner. You will even find a casino,fishing excursions and movietheaters! Fronting the marina, themall is the perfect place to sit andsip a cup of coffee or a glass ofwine while taking in a beautifulsunset on the marina. Everythingyou want... We have it. In additionto the half dozen full service,luxurious restaurants, themall has a large food court withquick restaruants, includingMexican and American franchisesand chains. There is alsoa multi screen theater complexwith movies in English withSpanish subtitles. Then thereis the section that is Cabo’sRodeo Dr. with big nameslike Guchi, Coach.

March 26 th , 2012.COM5Residents favor mining.Residents of the smallrural town of San Antonio,located in the sierra betweenSan Jose and La Paz,are fighting off environmentalistswho oppose miningnear their town. While theeco-freaks claim the Sierrawill be ruined by gold mining,the San Antonio residentssay they trust the Canadianmining company tosafeguard the environmentand anyway they need thejobs. They say that theirchildren continue to abandonthe town, seeking betteropportunities in LosCabos or La Paz. State governorMarcos Covarrubiashas come out against stripmining for gold, favoring thedevelopment of more touristattractions, cattle breeding,agriculture, and fishing.However, it is not his decision,permits are handed outat the federal level.New road for whalewatchers. The Ojo deLiebre (hare’s eye) lagoon,located halfway up the Pacificside of the Baja Peninsulaabout eight miles fromthe Guerrero Negro saltmines, is one of the graywhales’ favorite lagoon togive birth to their babies.Currently there are only ruralroads going in from themain transpeninsular road,but with an investment ofnearly $4 million, the federaland state government willbuild a two lane road fromGuerrero Negro.Drought labeled a disaster.Heriberto Felix,Mexico’s minister of socialdevelopment, has announcedthat the federalgovernment will spend millionsof dollars in the searchfor a new water supply forour Southern Baja state and18 more states around thecountry. The 2011 droughthas been the worst in 72years, said Felix.More than 2,500 communitiesthroughout thecountry, which are home tonearly half a million families,are not getting drinking waterdue to the drought, andare instead being suppliedwith plastic water tanks ofwater provided by the federalgovernment.Check’s in the mail. Acheck for nearly $50 millionhas been promised for ourSouthern Baja state. Accordingto Juan Elvira,Mexico’s environmentalminister the money will beused for protection and careof our ecology through programsof prevention andcorrection. Most of themoney will be spend on oasisand estuaries, as well asacquisition of water purificationsystems and sewagetreatment plants.Taxi brouhaha spreadsto Loreto. Taxi union leadersmet with Loreto’s citycouncil last week, claimingthe tour companies are takingtheir pilgrims from them,even along federal highways.A second meetingwith state officials is scheduledfor the end of themonth. The taxis are ownedby a few powerful familieswho get anything they wantfrom state officials, includingthe right to pillage touristsand eviscerate tour buscompanies.More Jobs. Accordingto a report from Mexico’ssocial security system,130,416 formal jobs wererecorded last month, thelargest February job increasein the country in fiveyears. A formal job is definedas one that is legit andthe worker actually paystaxes. Almost half of allMexicans work in the shadowyinformal market andpay no taxes. During thefirst two months of 2012,a total of 181,000 newjobs were created. PresidentCalderon announcedthat 600,000 formal jobswere added last year, “andnow in two months we alreadyhave 181,000, whichis good news.” “So, there’sgood news about job(growth), which indicatesthat Mexico, in spite of theenormous economic difficultiesthat the world is experiencing,is taking theright path.”Tourism investmentgrows. Private investmentin Mexican tourism businessesincreased by 5.5percent or $3.7 billion lastyear, reports the tourismsecretariat. Most of the investment,almost 80 percent,is Mexican, with only20 percent from foreign investors,mostly from theU.S., Spain, China and theU.K. Most of the investmentwas spent in lodging,food and beverage and entertainmentin centralMexico and the MayanRiviera. What are we,chopped liver?IRS Grief. A group ofU.S. expatriates has writtena letter to IRS taxhoncho Doug Shulman tocomplain he has not respondedto a directivefrom the National TaxpayerAdvocates objecting to theway taxpayers who cameforward under the 2009Offshore Voluntary DisclosureProgram were treatedby IRS examiners. TheTaxpayer Advocacy Serviceclaims IRS examinerstreated some taxpayersunfairly after they came forwardunder the 2009 programto voluntarily declarepreviously undisclosedbank accounts to the IRS.IRS examiners havebeen told to stop acceptingless than a 20 percent penaltyand the penalty structureassumes all participantsare tax evaders who are hidingmoney overseas, when infact, the IRS steered manypeople who made honest mistakesinto the program.Many participants in theprogram have been Americansliving overseas who had no ideathey had to make a tax declarationto the United States,which is the only country in theworld, besides Eritrea, whichtaxes on the basis of citizenshipinstead of residence. Eritrea?Never heard of it. Must be outtowards Bumfuck Nowhere.Possibly closer to Dumfuck.

6.COMMarch 26 th , 2012Fourlane to La Paz almostready. So says CarlosLascurain, the delegate of theministry of communications andtransport (SCT) in our SouthernBaja state. The $252 millionjob of widening the twolane to a fourlane all the wayfrom Cabo San Lucas to LaPaz will be finished by the endof April, he said. They’ve beenbanging away at it for almostfive years. The new road willalso include a bypass aroundTodos Santos, making manyTodos Santos folks happy, especiallyif they’re not trying tomake a living in that town.Not an agency to rest ontheir laurels, the SCT has brokenground on the new roadfrom Cabo San Lucas to SanJose, which should be finishedin two years, according toLascurain. That road willparalell the current fourlane, butwill be further up the hill, awayfrom the ocean.Culture shorties aimedat tourists. The city’s culturaldepartment is holding 10 to 15minute shows on the Cabomarina every day there aresighted in 2010.In fact, the birth rate hadn’tbeen this high since 1996, whenofficials began measuring themigration of the whale from thenorthern Pacific coasts.Semarnat speculated the increasein baby whales wascaused by a more hospitableclimate. The gray whales breedmostly in the in Laguna Ojo deLiebre on the Pacific side of thepeninsula and are listed as endangeredspecies in Mexico.Sewage makes peoplehappy. About 20 families whowere whining about the constructionof a sewage treatmentplant close to their homes havebeen offered relocation dineroand purchase of their homes bythe city if they would quit beefingabout it.. The treatment plantis being built in Los Cangrejosbarrio, outside of Cabo on theroad to Todos Santos, rightnext to the mother of all soccerstadiums. The neighbors don’ttrust the city to build a treatmentplant that actually works, withoutstinking up the whole neighborhood.Local captains makegood. Local boat captains JulioCastro and Antonio RomeroChaibongsai. “We had a totalof 5399 releases and 4410 tagrecords for the competition, anincrease over last year.”Hotel Punta Coloradaclosed. Hotel PuntaColorada will be closed for the2012 fishing season, withhopes that the hotel will reopenin March 2013. There are afew reasons for the closure, butthe main problem is finding anew water source. The processof trucking water to thehotel is costly and can be problematic,says the Von Wormerfamily, which also runs HotelPalmas de Cortes in LosBarriles on the East Cape.They have announced thatthey will also be making a fewother small improvements tothe hotel in order to bring it upto the standards of their otherproperties.Rat out your pisanos.The United States Secret Serviceis lurking about. GeneralJorge Calvillo said they are, "investigatingand conducting reconnaissanceactivities.”Hmmmmm........ The announcementwas made at alecture he delivered before agroup of tourist workers takinga course at Playa GrandehotelḢe suggests we all be oncontinued on page 10cruise ships here, in an attemptto show some of the variety ofthe Mexican culture. The culturelessons presented lastweek were Aztec dances byCarlos Limon and his danceschool, and a art exhibit byPuebla artist Diaz Conti, whouses the ancient Batik techniqueto paint on fabric. Theexhibits and musical performanceswill vary every week.See what you miss by nothanging out on the waterfront?Whale babies breaksrecord. Mexico’s environmentministry (Semarnat) reported arecord number of gray whalesborn in our waters this year,with nearly 1,200 young calveswelcomed off the SouthernBaja coast. That is doubls thenumber of calves spotted lastyear and six times the numberare among 46 winners fromaround the world who receivedThe Billfish Foundation’s 2011tag & release awards. Since1990, captains around theworld have become the heartand-soulof TBF’s conservationprogram committed to tag andrelease of billfish, while supplyingvaluable data critical tolearning the pelagic species’migratory habits.“Today, instead of catchand-kill,more anglers are taggingand releasing more fish thanever before,” said TBF Scienceand Policy Director Peter

March 26 th , 2012.COM7

8Botanical GardensRight Here In Baja• With 3,700 speciesBY ALBA MONROY.COMMarch 26 th , 2012There are certain people inthis world who need to followtheir own path and when followingit, they bring a fewpeople along with them andchange their paths. Botanist,teacher, and landscape designerGabriel Howearth isone of them. He is the cofounderof Seeds of Change,an organic seed company over20 years old. The Baja is extremelylucky to haveHowearth who for the past 14The prostate gland(which is no bigger than thesize of a walnut), createspart of the fluid that makesup semen. It is not a vitalorgan and men can live therest of their lives safely withoutit.It is deep within the pelvis,between the rectum andbladder. It surrounds theupper part of the urethra,the tube that allows urine toflow from the bladder, andthrough the penis. It is surroundedby major arteries,veins and sphincters that facilitateurinary control andsurrounded by tiny, delicatenerves.Prostate cancer resultswhen abnormal cells in aman’s body start to growout of control. It is a cancerthat only affects men, sinceonly men have a prostate,and it is estimated that240,890 men were be diagnosedwith prostate cancerin 2011.No one knows the exactcauses of prostate canceror why some types aremore aggressive than others.It is believed that damageor mutations to DNAcause normal prostate cellsto become cancerous cells.Age, family history, race,hormones, ethnicity, dietand environment may alsoall play a role.Most men do not haveany physical symptoms withearly prostate cancer, but asit advances, some men mayneed to urinate more oftenPAID ADVERTISEMENTyears has created and beentending a very special farmand botanical garden in LaRibera. It is a result of his life’swork promoting the planet’sdiversity by searching out andrescuing plant species fromaround the world. BuenaFortuna is home to 3,700 speciesof plants from all aroundthe world, and is a lifetime ofresearch and collection fromHowearth’s travels. The gardensare organized botanicallyProstate Cancer AwarenessBY DR. JOSE ESPINOZAor their ability to urinate isslowed or weakened. Othersymptoms can include painfulirritation, blood in theurine or difficulty getting anerection, blood in semen,and pain in the back, hipsand ribs.Prostate-specific antigen,or PSA, is a proteinthat the prostate gland produces.A PSA test is asimple way to measure theamount of prostate-specificantigen a man has in hisblood. When the prostategland is healthy, usually verylittle PSA escapes throughthe wall of the gland into theblood.A prostate exam typicallyincludes a digital rectalexam which allows the doctorto physically feel theprostate gland to determineif it is enlarged, abnormallyhard, or if there are anylumps or other irregularities.Diagnosis is commonly confirmedby a procedurecalled a transrectal ultrasound-guidedbiopsy. It is aprocedure that is generallydone in the doctor’s office.There are many factors thatwill help determine thecourse of treatment, includingthe stage of the cancerand the GleasonDr. José Espinosa de losMonteros is a urologist atBlue Medical Net Hospitaland International Coordinatorfor the Mexican Societyof Urology. Blue MedicalNet Hospital: (624) 1043910. by plant families, designed incombination withpermaculture principles, andshaped in diverse symbolicforms, such as the VitaminPyramid garden, or the Treeof Life garden.Howearth did not grow upfarming. His interest beganwhen he started university andWhat is the Maritime Zone?had to provide his own food.He says this is one of his basicrecommendations for havinga healthy planet and healthyperson: You must learn how tofeed yourself. His mission ofsaving plant diversity hasstretched to the four cornersof the world. He first starteda farm in New Mexico wherehe learned from the local Indiantribes and started workingwith some of the traditionsand traditional seeds that areinvolved with Indian culture.The preservation of diverseseeds, Howearth is convinced,is going to be the salvation ofthe planet and its people.Howearth has gathered seedsand cuttings from remote partsof the world like Timor Islandwhere he collected their endemicbamboo and brought itall the way to the Baja wherehe now has a healthy crop ofit. He has been to over 108countries including Africa, India,China, and Southeast Asiain search of knowledgeableindigenous people with endemicseeds that are in dangerof becoming extinct.The collection of diverseseeds is important, before warand human destruction wipeout the 60,000 plant speciesthat we do not fully understand.Howearth has chosento try and save a few thousand.Plants are where we getour medicines and the air webreathe, he tells us. Withoutdiversity, a plant type could getwiped out by fungi, or insects,or humans, and we will neverhave that species again. Plantdiversity offers different immunitiesand nature, in its slowand methodical way, adaptsthrough diversity to avoid extinction.Howearth is helpingto offset the planet’s destructionwith his seed collecting.Some of the tropical fruit treeson his farm include unusualand rare varieties of: mangos,bananas - over 23 varietieswww.settlement-co.comlike Brazilian apple, uban red,java blue, ice cream bananaand others), citrus (includingcitrus maxima, tangelos, mandarins,sweet lime and manyothers) papayas (Mexicanand Hawaiian varieties),zapotes (chico, mamey,chocolate, yellow, white, etc.),continued on page 11

March 26 th , 2012The People In YourNeighborhood• Jeanette Grittani in El ChorroJeanette Grittani is a folkand R and B singer who willbe playing Saturday March31 st at Cynthia’s restaurant inSan Jose between 6:30 and8:30 pm. Whether you haveor have never heard her singthen this is good opportunityto catch this poignant melodistin a fine dining setting. Jeanettesings in English and Spanisheither accompanying herselfor playing with others. Sherecently played with a duocalled Jazzabela.Grittani is Canadian. Shedescribes herself as an EarthMother and musician. She isalso the single mother of agrown daughter. She says herEarth mother-ness comesfrom her background. Shegrew up in a Canadian-Maltesehousehold and is the eldestof six children. She is aclassically trained musician butBY ALBA MONROYsays she learned the most fromthe teachers she sought out.She worked and performed inthe early 70’s in Smale’s Pace,a London, Ontario coffeehouse. From there she movedcomposer) Stan Rogers,(Folk singer) Nancy White(Folk singer famous for songslike “Leonard Cohen’s NeverGoing to Bring My GroceriesIn) and Louise Rose (Soul)among others.Until recently she wasspending her time performingand teaching music in SalmonArm, British Columbia. Nowshe has given up the schoolteaching and will be spendingmost of her time in her newhomestead located El Chorro,.COM9EmergencyNumberOur public safetyhonchos havelaunched emergencyphone numbers to callthe police. No, it’s not911, If you are calingfrom either a cellphone or a a land line,call 066. to Nelson, British Columbiawhere she organized eventsand performed at the NelsonJam Factory. She has performedwith such famous Canadianmusicians as: BruceCockburn (folk/ rock singer),Murray MacLaughlin (singer,about 2 kilometers fromSantiago, at the foot of theSierra La Laguna mountains.Grittani decided seven yearsago to work toward this goal,partially to combat her painfulFibromyalgia. She bought anold homestead right on thewater canal that runs downfrom the mountains. Then withhelp from local people sheproceeded to re-build the existingstructures in the mosteco-friendly ways possible.She has built her homewith natural products includingadobe, local rock, andwood. She contracted localpeople to help her and now hasa two bedroom Cob homewith an outdoor kitchen andpatio area. She says it has noteasy, and she often had to dothings twice, but in the end sheis very pleased with the result.She has city water and electricity,but also has a pump setup to use water that runsthrough the canal, as the scarcityof local water leaves thetown dry frequently. She hasset up dry compost washrooms,and is using the compostfor her non edible plants.She has a garden and fruit treesand feels that she has reallygone back to the basics.Does Brittani the self-describedcommunity musicianand earth mother feel isolated?Not in the least, she says, infact, she felt more isolated livingin Canada. About one quarterof El Chorro habitants areforeigners. El Chorro has apopulation of about 50. It ispart of a community of threevillages with a total populationof about 180.There twocouples from North Americapermanently camping by thehot springs. There is always aninflux of people at the nearbyBio Sana, an Eco-orientedlearning center with a Buddhistbend that brings people in fromall over the world includingRussia, Germany, and France.Grittani spends her timemaintaining her homestead,swimming in the nearby freshwater, soaking in the sulphurhot springs, bicycling, teaching,and performing. She nowteaches local folks vocals andguitar, mixing in a little Englishteaching too. The clean livingin this perfect climate has eliminatedher Fibromyalgia. Shehas performed recently in LasBarilles at Otra Vez, at Saborde Amor in San Jose, and atthe Organic market. For reservationsat Cynthia’s contact624 155 5874. ContactBrittani at Jeanette Grittanijgrittan1@gmail.com for herperformance schedule.

10QUE PASA?...continued from page 6.COMMarch 26 th , 2012the look out for people whoseem to have nothing to do,and they do it flamboyantly,people who drive suspiciousvehicles, or who make extortioncalls, people armed withguns, and people who are engagedin unusual activities. And,look out for people flashing bigwads of money.Of course when we thinkSecret Service we wonder ifthey are planning for PresidentObama’s trip here in June, butremember, in addition toguarding the President, the SecretService is in charge ofkeeping our currency from beingcounterfeited. The rat lineis 01 800 713 00 00 01, or612,861 and 93.Look out! Look out! ThePAID ADVERTISEMENTA Winery in Cabo?Yes! And it is open Mon-Sat, 10AM-2PM for wine tastingtours and a light lunch.The Winery is also home to the Cabo Winery Restaurantrated #1 in Cabo San lucas by tripadvisor.com in both the Seafoodand Steakhouse categories. The Winery and restaurant ishoused in an unassuming two story rustic building. Once inside,the transformation is amazing. Dine in the lounge on Italianleather couches or antique tables surrounded with fine art byErte, Otsuka, Fredric Hart, Niemen, to name a few. The eclecticdécor reminds one of an old world Chateau in France or Italy.For that special treat, dine in the cool Wine Cava surroundedby barrels of aging wines.There are many very complimentary reviews on Trip Advisorwritten by customers over the past 2 years. Here is onesuch review from Mark F from Chicago, Illinois who visited1February 2012Best restaurant in Cabo?I can't swear that Los Cabos Winery is the best restaurant inCabo, because I haven't visited all of them, but it is hard to imaginea better one. The sea bass melted in our mouths, and thevegetables were perfectly sautéed. The chili spices on the shrimpwere delicious but not overwhelming, the Filet was fork tenderand our dessert, the chocolate flan/cake with vanilla orcappuccino ice cream, was wonderfully sweet and delicate. And,the wine rivals Napa's and Sonoma's best! The Chardonnay wasso good that we bought some bottles to take home to Chicagowith us. We also loved their Melange de Trois, a wonderful blendof Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grapes from AtlasPeak appellation near Napa blended by Robert Turnage theowner. They have a singer Daline Jones on Saturday nights witha soft, golden voice who sings popular "torch" standards, in anintimate candlelit restaurant lounge setting adjacent to their winery,which you can tour if you are interested. As much as weloved the food and wine, we were equally impressed by the value,with most entrees between $15 and $25. The wine wasn't cheap-- the chardonnay from the Russian River in Sonoma was $39per bottle -- but it compares favorably to the very best Californiachardonnays, which sell for considerably more. I'm writing thisreview shortly after returning home from the restaurant, whichwe liked enough to make reservations before we left for later thisweek. If you're a wine lover or a "foodie," you have to try LosCabos Winery. We've enjoyed some of the finest restaurants inNew York, Chicago, California and elsewhere, and this as yetundiscovered gem in Cabo San Lucas is in the same class.Hard to find but definitely worth the search. Located on2518 Francisco Villa street, You can walk 3 blocks up aone way down street, on the west side of the Cabaretdirectly across the street from the MacDonald’s on themain drag, or if driving, you can only enter from above offof the 12 de Octubre street. Ask for their brochure fromyour Concierge with an easy to read map, call 624-1438088 for directions, or down load a map fromwww.loscaboswinery.net. Restaurant hours 6 to11 PM 7days a week. Reservations recommended especially onWednesdays through Saturday when they have live pianomusic on their Yamaha upright Grand.TRAVEL AGENCYph 143 1396 fx 143 1397United States senate has unanimouslyapproved a bill thatwould revoke the passports ofAmericans with seriously delinquenttax debts. Seriouslydelinquent is defined as anythingnorth of $50,000. Also,they will warn you by filing anotice of a federal tax lien or anotice of a levy. You’re passportis safe if your debt is beingpaid in a timely manner underan agreement with the IRS.The Senate is expect to passthe bill later this week. TheHouse will take up the bill inthe coming weeks. It’s gettingnasty out there, folks.CD release party. Two localguys, Mike Hill and BrianFlynn are now calling themselvesthe Cabo Cowboys and haveproduced a CD. Their marketingplan for it is to give free concertsaround town and then lockthe doors until the audiancecoughs up the dinero for the CD,which is called No Bad Days.The first one is Monday,March 26 at 7:00pm at the stylishnightclub Tanga Tanga. Thenthe following Saturaday, March31 they play at Beso bar in thePAID ADVERTISEMENTSolomon’s Landing• The best service, the best quality and thebiggest portions at the best prices in town!Located right on the corner of the Marina, through the lobby of the Wyndham Hotel,Solomon´s Landing has a lot to offer. The Lobster, Solomon’s claim to fame, which hasa sweet, full bodied flavor, is steamed then seared in butter so it comes out sweet andtender.The fish is always fresh; they can prepare it more than ten different ways.Mesquite-grilled BBQ (with Brian’s signature New Orleans sauce!), USDA CertifiedAngus beef (there’s a 20oz. Rib-eye!) and much more…even a special menu forkids.Not to mention the newly revamped breakfast menu, with a ‘Sweet Street’section dedicated to pancakes, waffles and French toast (there’s a strawberrycompote among others; try the banana-pecan!). Light and fluffyomelets and a ton of healthy choices highlighted throughout the menu.With a famous taco bar (Alaska Airlines listed Solomon’s Landingas one of the top 5 places in Cabo), a large, rectangular bar(giving it that ‘Cheers!’ feeling!), there is no happy hour because drinksare reasonably priced all day. They also have a special bar menu withGREAT prices ($3 basket of calamari, anyone?).Oh, and one more special surprise – there is an incredible Sushi Barwhich opens every day at 1:00 pm.With over 15 years of success with Solomon’s Landing Restaurant,Brian Solomon is excited to now offer Personal Catering Servicesfor your dinner parties, special events, weddings and corporateevents!Restaurant Phone: 143-3050 (Spanish)Office Phone: 143-7606 (English)Email: info@solomonslandingrestaurant.comcatering@solomonslandingrestaurant.com. front lobby of Tesoro.Bad business plan: There areno doors on either of those bars,so you can listen to the show thecowboys put on and slip awaywithout buying the CD, if youdon’t want to. Restaurant HoursBreakfast:7:00am-12:00pmLunch: 11:00am-5:00pmDinner: 5:00pm-11:00pmBar: 7:00am-12am orlater

March 26 th , 2012.COM11BOTANICAL...continued from page 8by a set of serious high waves.The waves forced Howearthand his son underwater wherethey were slammed directlyinto an outflow pipe that wasdischarging black water froma hotel. They both got nastyear infections, but his son recuperatedin three weeks.tropical cherries (Pitangas andacerolas) , passion fruit (Redand Yellow) , tamarind (Vietnamesesweet Mekong dreamand others), Macadamias &guavas (strawberry, lemon,Malayan ) and other within arare and endangered speciesof clumper bamboos fromMadagascar, Neem and Legumetrees.Howearth is one of themost respected and knowledgeablepioneers in the organicfarming movement. Inthe seventies he studied withAlan Chadwick, creator ofFrench intensive gardeningand with Peter Dukish, recognizedmaster of the biodynamicfarming principles ofRudolph Steiner. Gabriel wasone of the original certifiers forOregon Tilthe and the designerof the Herb Pharm. His workwith seeds, plants, Mayan,Quecha, Hopi and Pueblo’sfarmers is documented in “Secretsof the Soil” and “TheSecret Life of Plants” by ChrisByrd and Peter Tompkins andother books.Unfortunately Howearth’sand his garden met with tragedywhen he had an incrediblybad turn of fortune.Howearth was teaching hisson to surf in Nayarit andended up getting pummelledHowearth however did notand ended up in a coma for amonth because he contractedmeningitis. Being in a comaled to other health problems,and the result is that Howearthcame out of the coma, mentallystable but unable to movefreely or speak. As manycoma victims, he has had torelearn basic living skills andhas been fighting hard to gethis body to return to his control.It has been a difficult andfrustrating path for him and thepeople around him.His gardens suffered whilehe was sick, he says. He isconvinced that plants are sensitiveand were in mourningthroughout some of the toughesttimes during his recovery.They were also his salvation.You will see a sign at the gateto Buena Fortuna gardens offeringit for sale. If you askhim, he’ll tell you this is hislife’s work, and he is connectedto his land. The 11acres are divided into threeparcels, but he is not reallylooking to sell, he’s looking forinvestors that have the samevision. Meanwhile he is doingwhat he can to continue.Buena Fortuna is a supportercontinued on page 13

March 26 th , 2012.COM13G20...continued from page 1nar on Current Challenges toGlobal Economic Growth,which took place last December.At that time theagenda was finalized. InJanuary there was a secondmeeting of foreign relationschancellors. There will be asecond finance meeting inApril.Additional seminars andworkshops will be held toset specific issues for theagenda, and to establish linkswith other countries and sectorsof the economy. AlthoughMassive demonstrations broke out at the G20 Summitheld last year in Francemeeting, this one for the firstdeputies. (Deputy financeministers and deputy centralbank governors). The Februarymeeting was held inCabo and included FinanceMinisters and central bankgovernors, along with aBOTANICAL...continued from page 11the summit will be held in June2012, the president of thisyear’s summit will continue tobe our own Philipe Calderonuntil the end of November.For more information andto follow the events, look up:http://g20mexico.org. of world biodiversity, an incredibleseed bank, and livingschool for students. They hostworkshops in botany,permaculture, herbalism, vegetariancooking, and Eco designand people from all overthe world and Baja farmerstoo, come to learn from oneof the world’s most knowledgeablebotanists.Howearth accepts workinternship/work exchangesand is currently putting togethera new team of likemindedindividuals. Studentswill learn about all aspects ofseed harvesting, organic farming,compost making and nutritionalcooking. Howearth isalso looking for a personal assistant.He is 80% recoveredfrom spinal meningitis andneeds daily help with: harvestingfood from the Garden, preparingvegan meals, massageand yoga therapies, typing andphone calls, as well as personalcare with hygiene, mobility.Contact him atbuenafortunagardens@gmail.comfor more information on coursesand internships. Drop by for atour and discover a whole newworld. Saturdays 10-3. (Onlyuntil May and then again in thefall) Follow the directions toLa Ribera. It is just before theturn off to Cabo Pulmo.

16Cabo Wine ClubbersLearn To Cook• It’s not all about the wineSince the fall of 2010,The Cabo Wine Club hasbeen crashing the kitchensof some of the bestrestaurants in Baja CaliforniaSur for their everpopular, “It’s All in theSauce”, hands on cookingclasses. One of thethings that makes theseclasses so coveted is thatBY MEGAN FITPATRICKdon Ramsey would approve.In order to ensuremaximum practice andtime in the kitchen, attendingWine Club memberscan invite guests tocome to lunch, giving themembers a chance topractice making morefood (and to have more.COMfood to eat themselves).Lunch and any accompanyingalcohol is includedin the ticket price for eachclass so Wine Clubers caneat, drink, cook and bemerry without having toworry about any additionalcosts. Since theirvery first class, everycooking class has beensold out.Each class is unique inits own way – every restaurantkitchen is a differentsize and specializesin a different type of foodand cooking technique, inaddition to being taughtby the very differentchefs from each restaurant.Students can expect avery thorough and handson cooking lesson, and asouvenir apron with therestaurant’s logo on it, akitchen towel (also withthe restaurant’s logo),and a menu of the foodyou learned to cook thatday. In case you weretoo much into the cookingsherry and don’t rememberclearly. After ayear of CWC cookingclasses, all of the menusand accompanying recipesand cooking techniquesare published intoMarch 26 th , 2012a book..The classes are opento both Cabo Wine Clubcontinued on page 21they are taught by thesame chefs who work inthe kitchens, giving thechefs a rare opportunityto show off their skills(and kitchens) to a liveaudience. The chefs instructeach group asthough they are instructingtheir own sous chefs– insisting on perfectionin each dish before itleaves the kitchen. Gor-

March 26 th , 2012Men Protest UnfairnessOf Ladies Nights• Sacrificing dignity for half pricedinner and drinksThree men fromVancouver, Canada, whohave been coming to Caboregularly for the past nineyears staged a protest againstwhat they called the sexistpractice of ladies nights whereBY DICK FITZWELLwomen are offered everythingfrom free drinks to 50 % offdinner. Nearly every drinkingand dining establishment intown has these promotionsvarious days of the week.There’s no men’s nightanywhere in town, said Ken,(“no last names, please, ourwives thought we were inchurch”), so we are dressingup like women and sneakingin.” Ken was nicely turned outin a tasteful wig, blue printdress, and come hither fireengine red lipstick.When we caught up tothem they had decked themselvesout as women andsnuck into Baja Peppers Restaurant,located inside the Marde Cortez Hotel, for their halfprice Monday ladies night.And, Baja Peppers did honortheir half price request.One of the men, using hiscovert Cabo name of Rico,age 47, thought his sea bassdinner plate was too muchfood for him and wonderedhow some ladies could finishsuch a big dinner. “We’redown here every March andhave come to Cabo at least15 times and when we heardabout the ladies night specialswe decided to take a stand.”“The customers had a greattime, and we had fun hostingit,” said assistant manager,Caterina Amerato. Other.COMguests were getting in on thefun and taking pictures. Someguests treated the scantily clad17men like rock stars, asking tohave their pictures taken withcontinued on page 23

18Unique Boutique: WhereYou Can’t Spend Money• Dress for less for sureMindy is an open, happyperson who really likes whatshe does. You even could sayshe’s found her niche in life.She’s just moved her shop, theUnique Discount Boutique,into a more accessible area inPlaza Los Soles which is behindPlaza Caracol, the littleplaza where Cynthia’s restaurant(the one with the carrot)is in front of the Mega shoppingcenter in San Jose.Mindy Elder used to sellreal estate when she lived inLas Vegas before she foundan occupation that suits herbetter: shopping! Over thecourse of time Elder foundherself living the Americandream in the city of fast moneyand high stakes and enjoyingthe shopping. She became ashopaholic with a mission,which was looking for fashionat bargain prices.Then, three years ago sheand her partner had a baby girland Mindy started questioningher role in her daughter’seyes. She decided it was timeto do something a little moreproductive. With encouragementfrom her parents, she setup a clothing store in LosBY PENNY WISE.COMand airy, as well as well organized.Items are color, size,and type sorted for quick selection.She is always on thelookout for vintage clothingand funky jewelry too, sochange up your accessorieswithout paying a peso!Elder has had the store fortwo years now, and by wordof mouth she has developed aregular following. She still enjoysher job and feels proudto be part of an industry thatis 100 percent recycling.When an article of clothingdoesn’t move from her racks,she moves it outside into a freebox, trying to do her part insharing the wealth.Not that it’s all aboutwealth for Mindy; she’s in itto make a living and be a goodrole model for her daughter,too. But there is always theoption of growing into abigger business, should theconcept catch on a littlemore. After all, the wildlypopular Buffalo Exchangehas 41 stores and twofranchises in 15 states,with $72.9 million a yearin revenue. This could hap-Sauces ofMany Kindspen to Mindy’s store as 7well.Mindy’s hours are noonBig Selectionof Healthy U.SU.S.Brand FoodsFMarch 26 th , 2012Condos For Sale & Rent By OwnerSales from 190´sRents from $1,200 USIn front ofPedregal park.Walk to town.Secure ParkingCell: (624) 198-5469Office: (624)143-5148Info@plazasanlucascondos.comWww.plazasanlucascondos.com1, 2 & 3 Bedroomsto pm, Monday through Saturday,and Sundays 1pm to7pm. Call 624 159 2452. Cereal, Whole Grains,Rice & BreadsGreekYogurtMindy Elder runs a uniqueboutique where you can’tspend a dime.Cabos, trying to use the skillsand passion she had developedas a perpetual shopperinto something innovative andmore productive.The Unique Discount Boutiqueis the only kind of storearound, she claims, where youdon’t need any money toshop, though she does acceptmoney. Her boutique conceptis based loosely on the Americanchain Buffalo Exchange.The store will accept yourclothing and accessories thatare in good condition, and giveyou credit for purchase in thestore. The items are priced at5-100 pesos and she givescredit at 5-30 pesos per article.The priciest articles areleather jackets for 100 pesos.The store is small, but lightHealthy DrinksImportedUSDA CutsCalifornia ranchmarket.comMonday - Saturday 8 to 8Sunday 9 to 4Downtown Cabo next toRomeo & Juliets624 143 1947

March 26 th , 2012Family Of Dogs TossedOut Of Truck• This is a three hankie tear jerkerBY IRENE PHILLIPS.COM19Valentine’s Day, a daywhen everyone could bewearing their heart ontheir sleeve, Shawn and IPaz and we were about toleave for the day when atruck pulled into the yard.Mario the caretakerValentine and her pups are ready for a better lifehad just finished walkingthe last of the dogs at theBaja Dogs shelter in Lagreeted the visitor whilewe went over to see thathe had a mama dog tied inthe back of the truck andshe had two very youngpups with her. The manwanted to leave the dogsbut Mario explained inSpanish that we were fullbut could take the dogs ina week when some of theadopted dogs would begoing to their new homes.The man was reluctant toleave with the dogs but finallydrove off. I had abad feeling about this.Shawn and I left a fewminutes later and as wedrove out of the longdriveway to the main roadI could see a dog runningdown the road ahead of usand as we got closer I sawtwo little puppies runningas fast as their little legswould carry them, a hundredyards behind theirmama. These poor littletykes were no more thatsix or seven weeks oldand they were running forall they were worth sothey would not be left behind.Their mama was doingthe same thing, running asfast as she could after thetruck and the man in itwho had just dumped herand her family. As she ranfor the truck,, she keptlooking back to see if herbabies were following her.She was torn betweentaking care of her puppiesand catching up with hercaretaker.We stopped ourtruck and started runningafter them, butcouldn’t catch thecontinued on page 23TRAVEL AGENCYph 143 1396 fx 143 1397

March 26 th , 2012.COM21CABO WINE...continued from page 16Members and the generalpublic, however, CaboWine Club Members aregiven priority when there’sa waiting list.Last month the cookingclass was at Bar Esquinain the Bahia Hotel andtaught by Chef RogelioGarcia, The focus was tolearn how to make BarA dog gavebirth topuppies nearthe road andwas cited forlittering.Esquina’s thin crust pizza.General manager TomDudick kicked the classoff with a tour of BarEsquina’s prep kitchendownstairs from the restaurant.(No, that fancypants kitchen you see ismostly for show, all theprep work is done in thebasement.) He followedthe tour with a video anda short talk about BarEsquina before handingthe class over to ChefRogelio.Chef Rogelio taught thegroup first how to make BarEsquina’s signature pizzadough, and then how toshape it and, of course, tossit into the right thickness androundness, using the famedthrowing-the-dough-in-theairtechnique. That seemedto be everyone’s favoritepart. The class then learnedCabo wine clubbers ham it up in the kitchen as they learn allabout Bar Esquina’s secret pizza saucehow to combine certainunique flavors of toppings tocreate a delicious and uniquepizza. The rest, as the nameimplies, was all in the sauce!Throughout the class, everyonewas working onthe wines, broadeningtheir gastronomic horizonsas they learned new culinaryskills. The classprojects then went downthe hatch along with CaboWine Club’s favorite pizzapairedwines.Bar Esquina boasts awood fired pizza oven, a17 seat marble bar, a massiveopen show kitchen,and a large fireside deck fordiners to sit in. There is alsoindoor seating at the chef’stable by the open kitchen.Head chef Laurent AmaurySaussy has created a greatmenu comprised of Mexicaninfluenced Mediterraneanflavors, locally grownand organic produce. OrganicMexican coffee fromChiapas and Oaxaca canalso be found freshlybrewed daily from 7am.Bar Esquina serves break-fast.To become a member ofthe Cabo Wine Club andearn a Cabo Wine Clubloyalty card, all you needdo is attend a Cabo WineClub event! As a LoyaltyCard holder, you can expectpriority admission overnon-members at any CWCevent, and to pay significantlyless than those whodo not have the card.The next cooking classis April 3rd 10am -3pm at12 Tribes Restaurant,which is inside CasaDorada resort on MedanoBeach. Chef CarlosBonilla will attempt to impartsome of his skills onthe unskilled cook. He willfocus on teaching easymeals and snacks based onvegetables, fruits, wholegrains, beans, nuts, fish,low-fat dairy, lean meatand beneficial fats. He willshare tips for saving time,cutting costs, lowering cholesteroland blood pressure.Cost is $75 for CaboWine Club Members or$100 for civilians, but thatincludes buckets of wine.You can’t cook withoutsampling wine as you go,can you? Of course not.Sign up atwww.cabowineclub.comor email head wino TanaCraighead attana@cabowineclub.com.

22.COMMarch 26 th , 2012Directory Of ServicesDOG LOVERSHOLISTIC THERAPYHANDYMAN SERVICESSATELLITE TVPLAYA GRANDE TIMESHAREALTERNATIVE / QUANTIC MEDICINEUSA TRAINED MECHANICPAPERWORKSINSURANCETRANSLATORLocal Legal TranslatorEnglish-Frances-Español& ViceversaTSJ de BCS# SGA-466/992 & 179/996Ph. 143-3262Cel 624-1147-008cslprops@prodigy.net.mxBUSINESS PLANBOATS & YACHTSMASSAGE & FACIALS• Acute &ChronicInjuriesCHIROPRACTORBill Sniechowski, D.C.• Certified inSports Medicine &Clinical NutritionCabo: At Blue Medical Net HospitalTodos Santos: At HotelitoCell. 044 624 118 1603• Personalized Diet,Exercise & RehabProgramBABYSITTERCABO INFOgot cabo?w w w . g o t c a b o . c o mCHIROPRACTORBack PainDr. Stanley Song, D.C.Palmer Graduate with 28years U.S. experience.Pain Control & Bio-Kinetic Energy level upOffice. 143-9597 Cell. 044 624 122 1426DOG GROOMINGFOR RENTDENTIST5 STAR PET HOTEL BOTOXCosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain,Orthodontic Treatment, DentalImplants.50% off ZOOM WHITENINGLeona Vicarioednino@hotmail.com Between I. Green and Lopez MateosPh. 172-0474 • Cel. (624)122-4036Plaza VinoramasBOOKEPING & OFFICEADMINISTRATIONWINDOWS WASHINGMASSAGE THERAPYCUSTOM FRAMINGCONDO RENTALSC.S.L. PropsAffordable downtownCONDO RENTALSStudio & 1 bedrm bymonth or weekCel.624-1147-008 Ph.143-3262cslprops@prodigy.net.mxSAILBOAT45' Private Sailing, Snorkel orSunset Cruise Charters. Bar &Lunch, 1/2 price for locals.Only $350 USD.Book up to 10 people - 4hours.Ph.173-0046 anytime.CELEBRATE RECOVERYBAJA CHRISTIANSCHURCH SERVICESCALVARY CHAPELCHURCH SERVICESJEWISH SERVICESCATHOLIC CHURCHMain Church inSquare San JoseBilingual Massevery Sunday atNoon Come joinall residentsand touristsFather Juvencio

March 26 th , 2012.COM23MEN PROTEST...continued from page 17them. “There are plenty ofmore pictures on Baja Peppers’Facebook page and weanticipate shooting videos nextThree crazed Kanucks crash Baja Peppers ladies nightdressed in drag. The restaurant was a good sport about it andgave them their ladies night discount.year to upload on youtube,making this an annual eventcommemorating the future anniversaryof what I guesspeople would call, men’s ladiesnight, said Amerato.FAMILY OF DOGS...continued from page 19mama. We were able tocatch the little onesthough, as they were exhausted,and as soon aswe had her babies inhand, mama turnedaround and followed rightalong. We got them allback to the shelter andgave them some food andwater which they gobbleddown very hungrily.If we had happenedalong just a little later wewould not have witnessedthis tragedy nor have beenable to save the family.They likely would havebeen the victims of thecoyotes that roam thefields.Even though we werechock-a-block full, wesqueezed this hapless fam-“It absolutely is not right,”cried one of the protestingCanadians, Kelly, age 57.“Men should be treated asequal and this was a good wayof protesting without the riskof going to jail. We thoughtabout going to other placesbut limited our dressing up aswomen to Baja Peppers becausethey were the only oneswho would accommodate ourprotest for equality. Plus, thisis where we stay, we didn’thave to parade our hairy asssall over town. ”The men arrived dressed inpink, red and yellow wigs at4:00 pm and Caterina observed,“this is what Cabodoes to you. It’s all about thefun people have when they’rehere. It was a crazy good timewatching the men work fortheir ladies night discount.”The men drank mostly beerand also indulged in a few ofthe ladies night discountedcocktail specials likemargaritas, and pina coladas.“And more than anything,we had a good time laughingand enjoying how nice wewere treated as ladies here atBaja Peppers. They were reallygood sports about thewhole thing. No one can sayanymore that what happens inCabo stays in Cabo, what withour pictures all over facebook.“We’re coming back next time,bigger and stronger. Invitingmore of our friends fromVancouver to join us and bringalong their dresses and wigs”,said the third guy in the group,Ken, age 52. School InformationWhat do we look like, an information booth?We get bombarded with enquires about where to stick yourkids if you want to live in Cabo, so here you go. Call theseschools direct. These are local private schools with Englishprograms. And if you have a school that you want to list here,contact carrie@gringogazette.comCabo San LucasColegio El Camino K-12 143-2100Centro Educativo Integral Juan Bosco 7-9, 173-0042; cell 155-7918Montessori Casa de los Niños Cipactlicali K-6. Bilingual. Phone:1444716 or 6241113236Greengate Home School - Home school for students completingUS and CDN school programs. Short term enrolment for studentson extended vacations. www.greengateschoolcabo.com Cell:0446241686939. From US/Can: 4252006377On the CorridorColegio Amaranto pre-K-6, 145-8701Instituto Peninsular 7-12, 104-3454Centro Escolar Picacho (Colegio McGregor) pre-K-12, 144-5595Instituto Baldor 7-12, 104-3700; fax 104-3701San JoseInstituto Internacional Libertad pre-K-12, 142-0428San Diego School, K - 6th. Bilingual, Phone 105 2225,www.sandiegoschool.mx.ily into the shelter, givingthese loving little creaturesSherrie Miller,from SewardAlaska, holds upher GringoGazette in frontof a zebra shemet in Ensenda.Wait, is that ablack and whitedonkey? Maybewe’ve been had,but Sherrieswears it was azebra.another chance at life. Valentineand her babies aresafe and healthy at the Refugeand ready to beadoped.This lack of compassionfor another living being saddenedme, especially on St.Valentine’s day when mostof us think of love and kindness.Clearly education isrequired to teach people thevalue of our four-leggedfriends and to teach howspay and neuter programskeep animals from sufferingat the hands of the peoplewho don’t know any better.I think an email I saw ashort time ago says it best“the evolution of a culturecan be judged by how wellit treats its animals”. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

24Brit Hired To Try ToReBrand Mexico• What are we? A box of detergent?BY KENNY MAKIT.COMMarch 26 th , 2012Mexico's President FelipeCalderon has called in a Britishexpert on country branding,and Mexico’s tourism industryis now headed by a manwho has worked for some ofthe biggest consumer brandsin the world.Can you re-brand a countryin the same way you mightre-brand a box of detergent?Some in Mexico are hopingit’s possible to repair the damagedone by the intensive mediacoverage of drug cartels,violence, murder andkidnappings.Simon Anholt is an experton the branding of countriesand he thinks Mexico's imageproblems go much deeper thanthe negative reports of drugviolence. Anholt has advisedthe governments of more than40 countries on questions ofnational identity, reputation,trade, tourism and foreign relations.He says the first thingyou have got to do without anyshadow of a doubt is fix theproduct. Well, yeah. If wedidn’t have a broken productwe wouldn’t need to spiff upour image.He began his new job byproducing a detailed report onMexico's image which concludedthat Mexico had "analready weak and in somecases badly flawed reputation"which was "undergoing a furtherdownward correction".Headed for the crapper, inplain English, and yeah, wealready knew that or wewouldn’t be paying the bigbucks to him to pretty up thesituation here.“The psychological diagnosis(of Mexico), is extremelylow self-esteem," says Anholt.Much of the report wasbased on the 2010 Anholt-GfK Roper Nation BrandsIndex, which ranked Mexico31st out of 50 countries bypublic perception. The U.S.came out on top at numberone. Nearly 20,000 people in20 countries are questionedeach year for the poll. Respondentsare asked morethan 40 questions about theirperceptions of the 50 countries.Mexico got some of itsbest rankings from other LatinAmerican countries but itsU.S. neighbour ranked it veryclose to the bottom at 42nd.Most respondents polled regardedMexico as less beautifulthan Finland, having nomore cultural heritage thanScotland, less attractive as atourist destination than Belgium,and virtually on a parwith the United States for beingrich in historic buildings.Another man hoping totransform Mexico's image isGerardo Llanes, who took upthe post of executive directorfor marketing at the MexicoTourism Board a year ago. Hehas previously worked forDo I need an attorney to do my Closing?some of the world's biggestbrands, including Kellogg'sand Coca Cola, and is creditedwith launching Diet Cokein Mexico. He acknowledgesthat PR alone would not solvethe image problem, but is agood start.PR is fine for promotingtourism, Anholt argues, but itwon't change a country's image.“Mexico's problems aretied up with the internationaldemand for drugs and a needfor social reform at home, sayswww.settlement-co.comAnholt. "We need more socialequality so that people who arethinking of becoming bad guysmight not think about it becausethey have other opportunities."Anholt said one way forMexico to boost its imagewould be to demonstrate internationalleadership by offeringsolutions to other problems toosuch as climate change, povertyand inequality. "Thenpeople will start looking toMexico as a place that is not avictim of its problems but aleader in resolving those problemsand then the change beginsto happen," he said. Ifthat’s true, hosting the G20here in June should go a longway toward enhancing ourimage. If we don’t screw it up.Scam Alert!• Heads up, better read thisSome charities in the LosCabos area have receivedextortion calls, most originatingfrom Mexico Citybased cell phone numbers.The caller seems to havebeen trained intelemarketing as she identifiesherself, explaining thatAtheism is a nonprophetorganization.BY B. A. WAREshe is calling from a couriercompany.In one case the callersaid she was calling from theMexico City internationalairport and explained thereare six boxes of audiovisualequipment that have beendonated to the charity byHarvard University. Sincethe ítems donated are valued$1,045 USD over thetax-exempt limit of $1,000,a tax must be paid.If such tax is paid before5pm, she adds, it will be refundedby Hacienda,Mexico’s tax authority, thenext day. The companies involvedin the transaction arethe Pegaso Express couriercontinued on page 30

March 26 th , 2012.COM25FISH REPORT...continued from page 20season, but areas just to thenorth and south did havesignificant runs.As a bonus to the sierraaction, there have beensome early seasonroosterfish found patrollingthe inshore waters, just outsidethe surf zone. Off of Losleased recently.East Cape. Locals areraving over what many aredescribing as the best yellowtailbite ever! These arenot your firecracker variety,fish weighing from 20 to 50pounds with boats catchingmultiples. Most fish are indepths of 100 plus feet onthe drop-offs in front of LaRivera.After limiting out on yel-Cabos, the largest-sizedroosterfish typically arrive inlate spring and early summer,but a few fish up to 25pounds were caught and re-lows the boats are finding agood show of larger stripedmarlin on the temperaturebreak well within sight ofshore along with a fairshowing of dorado.Could be the beginningof an early spring fishingseason which was neededto relieve the cabin fevermany locals have been sufferingfrom for the past fewmonths.La Paz. Without a doubtwhat has been happening issome of the best yellowtailfishing we’veseen…perhaps in years!Our fleet fishing out of LasArenas/Muertos Bay foundbig yellowtail up to 45pounds just south of the bayaround Boca de Alamo.Boats averaged three to tenof the big yellows each andsometimes losing as many ormore than they caught inrelatively shallow water nottoo far off the beach.Fish were also found atPunta Perico, southcontinued on page 32

26.COMMarch 26 th , 2012One Stop ShoppingFor New Homes• Showroom features exhibits frommany developersWe have a new way tomarket new home developmentsin San Jose. The Interoreal estate office next toBY BILL JEROME HOLMEStarbucks at Mega grocerystore in San Jose, offers exhibitsof many different newhome developments, and allNew Development showroom displays information onmany different new home communitiesunder one roof. Potential buyerscan view models, videos,and pictures of the variousdevelopments, and obtainspecific details and pricing, allunder one roof—art gallerystyle. The sales agents call it“showcasing an experienceand selling a community.”Yeah, bla bla bla. They dospeak in timeshare talk, butthere is no timeshare and nobodyis pushy. 300 peoplewere at Intero’s openingparty, turning Mega into whatfelt like a San Jose Thursdayart walk with the who’s whoof San Jose enjoying live entertainment,food and fun.Steve Boyle, managingpartner at Intero, says the aimis to match clients with the kindof residence and lifestyle theywant in the most painless waypossible. Boyle states that thecompany’s focus is marketingupscale residences, withouttrucking buyers around to abunch of places that don’t meettheir needs.Boyle is originally fromCanada where he studied economicsat Queen’s University inOntario. His photographicmemory for numbers helps inreal estate, he says. He can gothrough all the different developmentplans, providing numberseffortlessly. Previous localreal estate experience consistsof his stint selling for DreamHomes. He has lived here for14 years and has married,started a family and settleddown here.The franchise Intero actuallyLocally, Boyle is putting togetheran Intero team that adheresto his philosophies. Conceptslike F5 - Faith, Family,Friends, Fitness, and Finance –are used to motivate agents. Weswear to god, this is not timeshare.It just sounds like timesharespeak.When the Los Cabos Interowebsite is up and running (weare told in a few weeks), Interowill showcase the Los Cabosmarket to the total Intero marketingworld worldwide. Thiswill help our developers herereach clients shopping fromhome, or relying on their hometownbroker to set them up withsecond or third home options.Right now the San JoseIntero office has one salariedstaff member and two salesagents on site at all times. Dropby before you do your beer runat Mega, and check out whatnew home developments areavailable. Aldo, Clint, Steve,Barry, and the other agents willbe happy to give you informationabout what’s for sale rightnow in any of the major developmentslike Campestre,Las Ventanas, Cabo Riviera,Puerto Los Cabos, ElEncanto de la Laguna, amongothers. Call Steve at (624)160-7924.discovered Boyle while he wasscoping out locations for hisown company, as he was planningon doing this on his own.After visiting the parent companies’headquarters in the UnitedStates and getting to know thecompany, he decided to join theteam and start benefiting fromtheir experience and managementstyle. He and his partnerRichard Rand then purchasedthe franchise and brought it toLos Cabos. They have an optionon more locations in the restof The Baja and plan on openinganother one in San Lucas.Boyle benefits from parentcompany Intero’s support andthe connections they have withtheir 60 offices in four U.S.states—California, Colorado,Nevada and Texas—and internationallyin Shanghai, HongKong, and now Mexico. Thecompany, founded in 2002 inSan Jose, California, and hassince grown to a company withover 2,100 staff and agents.

March 26 th , 2012.COM27Consignment StoreNew & Used Furniture & Home decorationsThe Pueblo Bonito Grouprecently awarded its top salesperformances of 2012 (thinkAcademy Awards of timeshare)on February 17th. Of the 100+sales agents in the three salescenters at Sunset Beach andSpa, only a handful are winners.And we will deny, deny, deny thatwe’re calling the rest losers.The celebration lasted wayinto the night and was one forthe ages. Eric White, corporatedirector of fractional and vacationownership sales, announcedthe awardees ala Billy Crystalstyle. White said 28 sales agentssold a million dollars or more.Zman kudos! To my surprisethere were many new faces.“And the winners are….” (Drumroll). At the Kurt Murat center:3 rd place- Scott Zimmer, 2 ndplace- John Gabruk, and 1 stplace Dirk Meyer also namedcorporate “Salesman of theYear” for the ninth time! DaveLarson center: 3 rd place- ThomasGillette, 2nd place- RossPenny, and 1 st place- SergeSerabian. Eddie Childers center:3 rd place- Jessica Schedler-Rodriguez. Zman kudos, Jessica!2 nd place- SteveRosenswieg, who I know fromPuerto Vallarta days, and 1 stplace- Mark Biddle. And, thecorporate liner of the year for thehighest grossing sales volumewas (roll out the red carpet!)Marga Perchs. This is the fifthtime she has won that award.Finally, for corporate liner of theyear highest closing percentage,Jesus Morales. Zman kudos toall these sales stars!Zman Cabo Villas andGlobal Network There she sitsat her desk, her keen eyes rovingthe sales floor: a nine yearveteran sales manager workingat the same resort for the samedeveloper? Unheard of! Timesharepeople usually hop aroundfrom host to host like fleas at adog pound. Meet LindaCoombs, sales director of CaboVillas Resort and Spa. “We havenew inventory as we are aboutto break ground, again!” sheexclaims. What she means is: TheCabo Villas timeshare producthas recently hooked up withGlobal Network which allowsowners access to additional inventoryfor a reduced maintenancefee. Owners may bookfrom one year to as few as twodays. And, Global Network hasinventory in Los Cabos. That isgood news for the members.Coombs is assisted by SeanARROYOTIENDA 17FRUTASSELECTASSIGNALFOURLANE TO AIRPORT ISHER FURNITURERIGO’S REST.San JosePhone. 624105-2323Steve´s Cell. 044 (624) 122-4869New store located next to VeterinariaChiapa on Centenario Blvd., near theentrance to the organic market /huerta. Phone 624-142-2121.Hours are 10 am to 4 pm.Freeman (profiled in this columnfour years ago, what, you don’tremember? Pay attention!) At theCabo Villas recent awards fiestaheld at the Hard Rock café, the2011 top guns were: 1 st place-Ramon Cortez and 2 nd place-Mike Arpa. Both received cashbonuses. Top liner was AdanHernandez and top concierge-Who is a REALTOR®?Now in Two Locations!Tienda 17-santa rosa isthe same as always.Open Monday ThruSaturday 10 to 4& by appointment.Miriam Gallardo. Of course afew cocktails were poured andconsumed. But just afew…Zman kudos!Zman and outside marketingstrategies MiguelMeillon Buena, an innovativemarketing director, has been employedby Club Regina at Thecontinued on page 37www.settlement-co.com

28You Just Enjoyed TheBirthday Of A Hero• But Benito Juarez allowed the U.S. Army intothe country. Was he a hero?BY TOMMY HAWK.COMMarch 26 th , 2012On December 14th, 1859made a treaty granting to theUnited States Army the rightof free transit into certain partsof Mexican territory. At firstsight none of the parts of thistreaty had any benefit forMéxico, it seemed that PresidentJuárez had simply madea quick $4million. (Althoughsome of that money was earmarkedto compensation forU.S. violation of some Mexicans’rights.)So, was the dearly belovednational hero, (who’s birthdaywe just celberated with an officialday off work), as bad atland manaegment as the hatedSanta Anna, who went downin Mexican history as theleader who gave away theentire southwest U.S.? No,but for many years the CatholicChurch and some who followedthe church had insistedJuarez did indeed betrayMéxico. We now know thisis a myth, not the facts.in December 1857, civilwar broke out when attemptswere made to modify the Constitutionto limit privileges ofthe clergy. Juarez, who wasPresident of the SupremeCourt at that time, stronglydefended the Constitution andrefused to go along so he wasclapped in jail. The strife becamebloodier, dividing thepeople of the nation. Manymoderates joined in, wantingto limit the great economic andpolitical power of the CatholicChurch in México. Aftertwo years of fighting neitherof the two sides could declarevictory so the church factiontried to enlist the support ofFrance and Spain.The situation couldn’t bemore critical and dangerous ifFrance, Spain and the ultraconservatives(CatholicChurch) were all in cahoots,it would surely doom the futureof the Mexican Republic.So in late 1859 Juárez felt theonly way he could defeat theseforces for Mexico would beto make an alliance with theU.S. government.Juárez would have to payfor this protection, of course,but was determined not to giveup even one square foot ofMexican territory, becausedifferent from Santa Anna,TRAVEL AGENCYph 143 1396 fx 143 1397Juárez had strong patrioticconvictions. So he refused togive away Baja California ascontinued on page 39

March 26 th , 2012So, How Is EasterCelebrated Here?• With beach parties and passion playsBY DON PARTIE.COM29Holy smoke, Easter nearlyhere again. Easter in Mexicois a very big deal. Mostpeople take the entire weekbefore Easter off and if theyhave a cushy government jobor are students, they take twoweeks. Easter in Mexico is insome way equivalent to ourkids’ spring break, only itsnot just the kids who partyhere. Everyone is on thefiesta on the church calendar,maybe even more so thenChristmas. This yearSemana Santa, (HolyWeek), leads up to EasterSunday on April 8. ThereforeSemana Santa starts onApril 1 with Palm Sunday,which is the same day ourdaylight savings time takeseffect. Mexicans who can’tafford a vacation abroad willWonder What This Is?Now you can tour itThis is Puerto Logistics, a large office park full of warehouses.You drive by it as you’re leaving the airport.Friday, March 30, between 3 and 7 Cabo 4 Sale is holdingan open house. Cookies and punch, raffles for an iPad andsome other goodies, and a tour of the buildings. Might be fun.And I bet the odds are pretty good for that iPad.move; hotels are overbooked and it seems asthough the entire countrygoes to the beaches. Therewill be hordes of people fromthe mainland coming overhere on the ferry.How did it come to that?Easter is the most importanttravel -en masse- to see familyor come to coastal resortsto camp on the beachesEvery year fewer Mexicansare strict observers ofthe real reason for the holidaybut there will be somenostalgic rituals and religiousprocessions, some with intensereenactments of the lastfew days of Christ’s life.Church statues will be spiffedup to be taken for a walk. Itis a time of masochistic selftorture that in the past sometimeswent to extremes.Strangely enough, it’s the torturouscrucifixion that seemsto appeal to the people of thiscountry most. Passion playsare held all over the world,but the one in Iztapalapa, aworking-class neighborhoodon the outskirts of MexicoCity, is an absolute spectacle.It all started after a horriblecholera epidemic thatended in 1833. The survivorsorganized the play out ofgratitude that they werespared. Nowadays two millionpeople come out to watchthis spectacle that has a castof nearly 500 people. Yeah,nothing comes small inMexico. Competition for theroles is intense and is takenvery seriously by the candidates.The requirements ofthose who wish to play Jesusor Mary are especially strict.To assure a proper state ofpurity, tradition demands thatneither be allowed to date,drink, smoke, or go to partiesonce they get the role.More restrictions have beenadded recently: no tattoos orpiercings. Candidates mustalso prove that they have theFound Dogmoney to pay for the splendidcostumes they need.Whoever plays Jesus mustbe able to bear a ritual whippingin the square, then carrya cross weighing more than200 pounds three miles up asteep hill, where he has to endurea brief but real crucifixionin which he is bound tothe cross for about 20 minutes.The Judas role comes witha different kind of sacrifice.It is not just that he is the badguy. In the Iztapalapa version,Judas ends up hanginghimself out of remorse forThis beautifulfemale dog wasfound near Centrode EspecialidadesMédicas hospital inLa Paz (on February28. She was notwearing a collar andwas recentlyneutered. She is avery sweet dog andliving temporarilyin the house of theperson who foundher, but she cannotstay there for long.If you haveinformation on thisdog call612 14 18950having betrayed Jesus.Alfonso Reyes, a taxi driverwho has played Judas in recentyears, said in an interview,“So far, I haven’t beenthe victim of physical aggression,but you’re always anxiousand uneasy becausepeople are really transformedby this spectacle. Whenpeople in the audience shout‘traitor’ at you, the role canbecome quite humiliating especiallywhen people get carriedaway and start peltingJudas with rotten fruit andother objects.continued on page 39

30Walk It InYou can bring them into our office which is on the marina inCabo San Lucas, second floor in front of the Cultural Centerover Captain Tony’s,Mail It InYou can mail it to Post Office Box 13168 Palm Desert, CA92255,Email It InYou can email it to carrie@gringogazette.com along withyour cc # and expire date.How easy are those choices? Hint: Very easy.Cost is still only 80 cents a word, and that includes postingyour ad in our online version as well as the printed edition.Classified Ads Easy Sign Up.COMMarch 26 th , 20121____________________ 2____________________ 3______________________4____________________ 5____________________ 6_______________________7____________________ 8____________________ 9______________________10___________________ 11___________________ 12______________________13___________________ 14___________________ 15_____________________16___________________ 17___________________ 18_____________________19___________________ 20___________________ 21_____________________22___________________ 23___________________ 24_____________________25___________________ 26___________________ 27_____________________Total Number Of Words ___________Times 80 Cents A Word X .80Total Amount Owed ____________28___________________ 29___________________ 30_____________________31___________________ 32___________________ 33_____________________34___________________ 35___________________ 36_____________________Your Name________________________________________ Phone________________________Questions? Call the office in Cabo at 14 30865. U.S. number is 562 714 6735CHRISTIAN WORSHIP In English(La Paz) Crossroads Christian Fellowship.Sharing the living water of Jesuswith thristy people. 3124 Abosolo betweenSonora and Sinaloa. (Up the alleyunder the Crossroads sign) ContactJoyce and David Reed 12-25436.www.crossroadslapaz.org (tf)BEACH FRONT EL ZALATE 1 bdrmcondo, sleeps 4. Beachfront. $349,000US. 624-122-2690. (tf)COMMERCIAL LOCALES for lease- need office or retail space? 300 squarefeet to 10,000 square feet. Cabo/SanJose. Cyndi 624-158-8650 (tf)SELL AND BUY YOUR Products andServices Online 24/7 -www.cabobid.com (tf)ONE BEDROOM FURNISHED.Pool. Near Costco. $500 + elect. 612-183-1077 jimloscabos@gmail.com (tf)FOR RENT CABO BELLO HOME7 palms condo, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths,pool, air conditioned, 100 yards to privatebeach, laundry room. $800 month+ deposit. Cell 624-12 26872 Cabo or001 714 296 8433 US. (tf)PROMOTE YOUR PROPERTY forSale or Rent in The All Cabo Real Estate& Rentals Publication,www.MarketingCabo.com/Order_All_Cabo (tf)BRAND NEW RV/TRAILER PARK.Near beach, between Cerritos andTodos Santos. Limited leases availablenow. Nice, small, quiet. Water, electricity,Wi-Fi, Fenced and gated with24hrs security. Big Spots.www.mountainshadowrv.com (tf)2 MAIN FLOOR OF HOME 2 BED-ROOMS, fully furnished 50 usd perday. Both are minutes walk from thebeach San Jose,cell 624 178-9317 or624 191-1971 (15)GOT CABO? www.gotcabo.com (tf)REAL CHARMER on the corridor.Million dollar view of arch and Land’sEnd. Private gated driveway. Oneminute walk to private beach. One bedroom.$1500 USD monthly. 145-8564or 044-624-155-1661 (#15)BED AND BREAKFAST, CABOSPORT FISHING. Safe, Convenient,Canadian owned and operated,www.cliffscasamexico.com local Cel624 178-9317 (17)HOUSE FOR SALE. 3 bedroom, 2.5bath. Private gated community ofAntigua near Westin. Private pool,ocean views. Granite, marble, stainlesssteel. $319,000. Cel 624 157 6010 U.S.702 430 9093. (16)CONDOS FOR SALE –Bay & LandsEnd Views both – one bedroom$75,000 each Garages available – Bob310-991-7982 Maria 624-155-4671 –Cabo (#15)LARGE INVENTORY OF LOTSand homes. Los Cabos, Pescadero, youname it. Maritza, 624-159-5154 Email:maritzaincabo@gmail.com (tf)ONE BEDROOM RENTAL inCondominios Mañana, 1 Km from SanLucas. $500 a month plus electric (andsatellite TV and telephone if you installit). Fully furnished with A/C anda great view of the bay, the commonareas have a pool and laundry facilities.Celyne 624-147-5287. (tf)WAHOO RV CENTER Trailer supplyand parts. Gas fridges new, rebuiltand service. SJDC (624) 142-37921wahoorv@prodigy.net.mx (Vol. 18 #10)MONTECRISTO ESTATES 5 StarFractional share 2/1 – 2/15 home overlookingthe Pacific Ocean 3500 sq ftmagnificent views and accommodationssleeps 10 swimming pool hot tubconcierge everything you want andmuch more at a lower price than resortonly $99,000 USA 843- 683-8442OPEN HOUSE 2/3 – 2/13 call (# 16)WORLD CLASS ART GALLERY.For sale in Cabo San Lucas. Well establishedart gallery in its 14th year inCabo San Lucas and representing morethan 20 international artists. Prime location,beautiful building and greatlease. Would combine well with a wineor jazz bar for which I would be interestedin partnering. Call San Diegonumber 619-272-3737 or San Lucascellular 624-147-5287. (tf)PUEBLO BONITO SUNSETBEACH beautiful Penthouse timeshareoverlooking the Pacific sleeps 10Red floating week $39,900 USA 843-683-8442 (# 16)FOR RENT 2 BED, 2 BATH condoin Cabo Bello, in Cabo San Lucas. Goodsecurity, good price. 5min walk tobeach. Cell : 624-150-6898 (#16)FOR SALE BEACHFRONT lotTodos Santos. Substantially belowmarket. Tel. 624-142-1707www.keepsimpledesign.com/todossantos(tf)20’ PANGA WITH 2005 60HP Mercury2-stroke & trailer. $4,250 Ph. 120-1025 Cell. (624) 179-2012HIGH END RESIDENTIAL, commercialand faux Painting franchise forsale, turn-Key, 3 year established inLos Cabos, profitable, client base,equipment, web site, supplier’s andqualified labour network, no employees,no liabilities. Asking price USD$24,900, includes Mexican LLC withUSD $18,000 tax credit! Nextel. LosCabos 183 84 66.MARINA AREA 3-LEVEL commercialbuilding located on Blvd. Marina acrossfrom the Wyndam Hotel. Ground floorlocal leased producing income and secondand third floors recently remodeledand ready to occupy. Building with3,325 sq. ft A/C. Locals include 110m2of space. Offered at USD$850,000.USD$950.00 / month. Contact PiscesGroup Cabo – Cell 624-15-15400 or624-157-9138. marco@piscesgroupcabo.comFOR SALE SIRIUS CAR RADIOwith existing lifetime membership.$500 Ph. 624-355-3854FOR SALE 20Ft BAYLINER TRO-PHY. Cuddy cabin. 175hp Mercuryw/tandem. Galv. Trailer. New rubber,bearings, seals, stering cable and battery.GPS + Sonar. New 10hp fourstrokeYamaha. Full stand-up canopy.All for only $7,000 USD. Ph. 144-7148after 6 pm. (# 16)RENTAL LA JOLLA FURNISHED.Large, 2 master bedrooms, Jacuzzi,pool, BBQ, phone, internet, satellite,water, A/C, Call 1441017hrenns@telus.net.UNIQUE DOWNTOWN COM-MERCIAL building 4 blocks fromPuerto Paraiso mall. Multi-facetedbuilding has 4 floors, commercialkitchen, furniture for restaurant seating, 8 hotel suites and more. One bedroomhouse included ideal for on sitemanager/owner. Offered atUSD$1,200,000.- Building with over9100 sq. ft. A/C. Contact Pisces GroupCabo – Cell 624-15-15400 or 624-157-9138 marco@piscesgroupcabo.comSUNDANCE HOT TUB. Like new.DeLuxe w/7 seats & 36 jets. $4,950.Ph. 120-1025 Cell. (624) 179-2012CABO STRIP CLUB FOR SALE.“Splash” Located across the streetfrom CABO WABO. Running for thepast 10 years, equipment, employees,rental agreement included. Buy completeor purchase license and renew.$150,000 stripjoint@hotmail.com(714) 296 8433 US line.JACCUZI HOT TUB. 4 person. Forsale, $850. U.S. in San Jose del CaboCall Albert -172-6010 or cel. 624-109-3592CABO VILLAS beach resort timeshare1 bedroom $1200. 303-979-7859BOSTON WHALER. 2005 Nantucket19 foot. Mercury 135hp LowHours, Ex Cond Fully rigged with allelectronics, Centre Console, GalvanizedTrailer $23,000 U.S. obo. ContactLee (cell) 612-119-7880 or emailiguanabaja@hotmail.com. (16)18FT STARFIRE BOAT, 470Mercruiser, open bow, Carter biminy,Garlin GPS, new gauges, new seats andupholstery. Good running condition.Ready to go, trailer included. $4995OBO 624-122-1995.SCAM ALERT...continued from page 24service, and a customsagency named AgenciasAduanales del Noroeste.The caller says that oncea deposit of 5,970 pesos(some $470 USD) has beenmade to their Santanderbank account, the charitywill receive over email aform to be filled out andpresented to Hacienda thenext day for immediate refund.Both Pegaso Expressand the customs agency areactual operating businesseswith websites, so the scamseems to be real. The callerleft her name, a phone number,and an email addressfor added “safety.” Since thecharity involved in this casedid not make the deposit, asecond call was receivedthe next morning “to confirmthat the donation had notbeen accepted.”These scams can be reportedanonimously over theInternet to Mexico’s policeheadquarters, the SSP(public safety ministry) atTRAVEL AGENCYph 143 1396 fx 143 1397www.ssp.gob.mx – scrolldown on the “denuncias”menu and a template formwill appear. In Spanish.Confirmation that thedenuncia was received willarrive the next day over email.Will the extortion attemptbe investigated and prosecuted?The Feds say theyinvestigate each denuncia,blocking the cell phone numberand could possibly freezethe bank account, if it hasn’tbeen closed by the time theyarrive. But don’t hold yourbreath.

March 26 th , 2012.COM31We have arduously eatenour way through everyrestaurant in Southern Bajafor you, and jotted downan accurate description ofmany of them here.MC is for Master CardV is for VisaAE is for American ExpressThe price ranges breakdown like this:$ - Average Entrees $7$$ - Average Entrees $15$$$ - Average Entrees $22$$$$ Yikes!!If any restaurant wouldlike to be included here,please call 143 0865 or143 5750 and we will zipright out with our forkand bib.Cabo San LucasChamuyo. Located in the heartof Cabo San Lucas, where you willfeel wrapped in an atmosphere ofa typical Argentinian neighborhood.Relaxed and casual withdimmed lighting. Enjoy from a typicalArgentinian “empanada”, to afine steak patiently cooked on thegrill. Separate bar area to enjoy aglass of wine or cocktails withfriends. Chamuyo open Mondayto Saturday from 5pm to 12am.Emiliano Zapata S/N, betweenHidalgo & Guerrero, Downtown.For Reservations (624) 143 2010.“Live the best Argentinian Experiencein Cabo.” Reservation: (624)143 2010 $$Maro Shrimp House Rememberthe old Shrimp House withthe great food that used to be onthe main drag of Cabo? Well, it’sback! A Canadian named Philowned it for many years. Whenhis lease expired and the renttripled, he decided to retire. Buthe gave his blessing and supportto Maro, one of his loyal employeesof 16 years, and now Maroserves up the same great recipesand sauces. In addition to the deliciousfresh boiled shrimp (youorder it by the half or full kilo), Marois also offering lobster, some Mexicanplates, BBQ ribs and somesteaks. He also has coconut orchocolate ice cream which ishomemade by his wife. It’s a downhome place, with hugely attentivewaiters, who are all trying theirhearts out to see that you have thesame great food and experienceas the old Shrimp House. The recipesare the same, but the locationhas changed. Maro’s ShrimpHouse is now on Hidalgo, the streetthat goes up from the main drag infront of Tesoro, on your right, pastPancho’s and acrosss from Mama’s.Don’t forget to try the special “Bulldog”cocktail that was made famousat the old Shrimp House. (624) 1434966 $$Solomon’s Landing Restaurant.“Where the locals go.”Located right on the marina watersidethrough the Wyndham Hotel lobbyserving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.Open from 7 am to 12 am. Large selectionof wines, a huge (Americanstyle!) breakfast menu, and a greatSushi bar. Seriously consistentlygood food! They even have cateringservice available for any size event.Ph. 143.3050 or 143.7606. Look up:SolomonsLandingCabo.com $$A Winery in Cabo? Yes!! TheCabo Winery Restaurant is rated # 1in both seafood and steakhouse categoryand charging ahead to be # 1 inpastas also. Dine by candle light inthe casual lounge, outdoor coveredveranda or seated on Italian leathercouches surrounded with fine art, lightjazz back ground music. Or even better,go for a special treat Dine in theWine Cave surrounded by barrels ofaging wines on romantic candle littables. Live piano music 7:30-10pmWednesday-Friday. Live Jazz duo onSaturdays from 7:30 pm. Ask for abrochure with map from your Conciergeor download atwww.loscaboswinery.net 2418 FranciscoVilla St. enter from 12 deOctubre. Hard to find but definitelyworth the search. Reservationsstrongly recommended, 624 143 8078or 8088. $$San JoseAl Falafel. Welcome to our MiddleEastern restaurant where you´ll find awonderful combination of healthy anddelicious. Hummus, taboule,fattoush,baba-ganoush, dolmades,and our speciality:falafels and beef, lamb orchicken shawarmas.We have grilledbeef tacos and burritos as well. Freshvegetable bar included. In San Jose,behind the Mission Church (in the ArtDistrict) at #11 Morelos St. Open M-S11AM to 7 PM and 11-11 on Art WalkThursdays. Also find us at the SJ organicmarket. Special events and deliveryservice. Phone 105 2907 $Baja BlueLocated between Mega Shopping Center& Barcelo Hotel, offering and exquisiteinternational menu with an outsideocean view bar. Great lunch menuwith wraps & burgers, the dinner menuoffers Fresh Seafood, New SUSHIBAR, Steaks, Mexican & Pastadishes. We will prepare your freshcaught fish. Kitchen Open 11am-11pm.Happy Hour ($15 peso beer) 11am-6pm, Mon 2 x 1 Pizzas, Tue: LadiesNight, Thurs. Happy Hour All Day, Fri:Live Music @ 9pm, Sat/Sun Sports.NFL, NHL, NCAA, Billiards Table $$CJ’S Courtyard Deli.Classic Deli Food. Everything onthe menu is under $10 dollars. Allhomemade, prepared from scratchincluding Corned Beef, SpicyPickles, and Salad Dressings. Tryone of our Cold Sandwiches,Soups, Salads, or Hot Sandwicheslike Rueben, Philly Cheesesteak,French Dip. All Meats and Cheesesare imported from the US. 20 PesoBeers! And over 12 flavors ofHOMEMADE ice cream. WiFi andFree calls to the USA and Canadafor customers. Visa and MC welcome.Open from 11am to 5:30pmM-Sat and 11am to 3pm Sundays.Located in Local # 35 at the newPlaza Artesanos on Blvd. AntonioMijares, 624-105-2566. $Cynthia Fresh OrganicRestaurant Fresh, healthy &home made food. Delicious salads,pasta, wraps, burguers. Great DinnerSpecials. Options for vegetariansLIVE MUSIC Full Bar. Mon toSat 11:30 am to 9:00 pm at PlazaCaracol next to Temptation Hotel.Cel: 624-155-5874 “Look for theBIG carrot” $$Doña Meche. Located in theMega Food court! If you like tortillasoup, we have the very best inMexico. Ask anyone who has triedit. Or try our BREAKFAST SPE-CIAL: 2 Eggs, bacon, ham, andsausage, hash browns, and 2 pancakesfor $85 pesos. We specializein Gorditas, Fish and ShrimpTacos. We also have a full deliciousMexican menu to please everyone.Open from 8:30am to6:30pm daily. $Flora’s Field Kitchen.Our restaurant serves balanceddishes made from seasonal ingredientsgrown and raised on ourfarm and Ranch. Our Breakfast andLunch Menus feature Farm raised bacon,ham, sausage, organic eggs andhomemade breads and pastries. Ourmarket offers a free-range butchershop, artisanal bakery, and vegetablespicked each morning. Breakfast andLunch hours Tuesday- Saturday 9-3pm. Sunday Brunch is served from10-3pm.Dinner on the farm offerswood fired Pizza’s, handcrafted pastas,Chops, Chicken, and local Caughtfish. Our Farm bar offers Specialtycocktails with farm grown ingredients.Try our Farmarita, Watermelon Julep,or on Sundays only, The Pelo dePerro! Live Music Featuring localArtists : Tuesday, Thursday, Friday& Sunday.Hours: Tuesday- Saturday5-9pm. Closed Mondays 044-624-355-4564 www.florafarms.com.Reservations $$-$$$7 Seas Restaurant. Finedining with the best view in town.Open air restaurant steps awayfrom the ocean. Watch the surf fromyour table. Sea food specialties -Great wine list - Fantastic desserts.Good experience guaranteed.You will be back! Located atCabo Surf. To reserve call 1422676 ext 307 or call Mercedescell 1586900.Mama Mia Restaurant-Bar. Wood fire pizzas, Italian andMexican specialties 8:00 to 22:00hrs every day, Live Music & spectacularview of the Sea of Cortez.Carretera transpeninsular km 29,5Zona hotelera, at Coral Baja, SanJosé del Cabo BCS. 172 6640 or142 3939 ext. 730 y 735.Molly’s Restaurant: Is airconditioned and open 8am-11pm allweek. Located downtown San Jose,across from the church. Breakfast,lunch and dinner at reasonableprices. Menu has Variety of Salads,Deli Sandwiches, Pastas,Traditional Mexican, Soups, Steakand Shrimp. Plenty of seating.Has a bar in the back under a largepalapa to enjoy a good meal and acold beer. Also, there is a swimwear store in the restaurant so youcan purchase swim wear, floppersor just lotion. Come see us and enjoythe food and atmosphere. Noreservations needed.. $Passaparola Italian Bistro.Authentic Italian cuisine featuringhand-made lasagne, pasta,sauces, dressings and pizzas. Alldishes prepared to order with freshingredients. Offerings include largeportion organic salads and housedressings. Tucked in behind theBanamex bank downtown, we offer anisland of tranquility and great food.Open Tues. – Sun. from 1 pm. to 10pm. Licensed. Visa/MC 146 – 9399.Take-out. $$Posada Terranova Restaurant.Features traditionalMexican and American style breakfastsand fine Mexican meals withbeef, fish, seafood, and tacos,soups, salads and more. Indoor oroutdoor seating. Internet/Wifi inHotel and Restaurant . OnDegollado between Doblado &Zaragoza. Downtown San Jose delCabo B.C.S 142 0534. hposada_terranova.hotmail.comterrano@prodigy.net.mxwww.hterranova.com.mx $ - $$Sabor de Amor / OrganicBistro. From farm to table!Amazing new menu, all regional andorganic. Nourish your soul. Live Entertainment:Wed: Open Mic, Sat: Luna Itzel.Tues – Sat 6pm to 11pm (at the SJ OrganicMarket during the day!) Call 624 1423794 http://raicesybrazos.com/sabor-deamor/for map and menu. Go past the Hangmanon Pescador. Turn left into the arroyoat Milo’s Restaurant, take dirt road onleft for ¼ mile. Look for sign and VWbus. $$Salsita’s Cocina &Cantina. Is a charming restaurantand bar with a fresh twist on Mexicantraditional cuisine. Shrimp tacos on jicamatortillas, big bowl exotic margaritas,grilled meat platters, and delicious appetizers.Open noon to 11pm. Closed Sundays.142-6787 .Obregon and Hidalgo inthe San Jose Art district. $-$$Zippers Bar and Grille. OnCosta Azul Beach. Best Grille in Town.This restaurant is preferred by local Gringos.Baby Boomers music Wednesdayand Friday and Blues on Saturday. AllSports Events by Satellite. Angus BeefCharcoal Hamburgers, Mexican meals,Nachos, Deli Sandwiches are just a fewon the menu. Enjoy your meal and colddrink with a beautiful scenic surfing view.624-172-6162 Open 11am to 10:30pm allweek.San Jose-SanLucas CorridorLa Terraza in MarbellaSuites. Breakfasts start at $5,lunches including shrimp cocktail,salads, tacos and burgers, andfajitas, around $10, candlelight dinnersoffering tasty Mexican andinternational cuisine featuringcoco shrimp, steak, seafood,pasta, salads and soups. Reserveyour Romantic Dinner with abeachside table set up for yourspecial occasions. Open from7am to 10pm daily. Sports bar, billiards,hot tub and swimming pool.Join us for beach movies andbonfires,Thursday through Sunday.Open to the public. All welcome. Locatedon the fourlane at KM 17. 624144 1060. Now Open Luna Bar from2-10 pm - 5 TV’s all sports, amazingocean views and great atmosphereor dine oceanside at LaTerraza.Sunset Point.Offers a loungewith great ambiance, the most stunningviews of Cabo, gourmet pizzasand a very friendly atmosphere. Asa special treat we welcome our clientswith complimentary tapas from4:00 to 6:00 p.m. prepared in a traditionalfirewood oven. Tel 145-81-60 Carretera TranspeninsularKM6 Misiones Del Cabo. Onecomplimentary cocktail with dinnerpresenting this ad. $-$$SantiagoEl Campestre. Home-cookingmade with farm fresh vegetables,milk, & cheese, local beefand chicken. Regular menu & dailyspecials. Ranchero style, grilled orbaked in an adobe oven. PastSantiago zoo, follow road to end‘El Chorro’. Hiking, cabanas, hotsprings. 10am – 9pm, Wed. – Sun.624 117 8820. $-$$Palomar Restaurant andBar. Legendary location, since1966. Home-cooking, fresh Seafood.Follow signs, one block fromtown square. Licensed, relaxed,WIFI, cash only. 10-7 Daily, Sundays10- 4:30. Call 624 130 2019. $La PazRancho Viejo. Open 24 hrs.Breakfast your choice of eggs $ 4.5Arrachera tacos, carne asada,american cuts, menudo, pozole, fish,salads, seafood. Carne asada andarrachera by the kilo, w/salsa and tortillas.La Paz locations: Manuel Pineda atBelisario Dominguez and AlvaroObregon, Corner of Marquez de Leon &Belisario Dominguez tel 128-4647 andMalecon next to Jungle Bar. Now Wehave a new location:Rancho Viejo "Don Jose" Serdan atHidalgo & Constitucion open from 7amto 1am. Tel. 122-9683www.ranchoviejolapaz.com.Tony’s Wine Bar. Great outdoor excellentpeople watching bistro. Pizza, Lasagna,Ravioli, Fettuccini Alfredo. Trythe House salad! Extensive wine selection.Also open for breakfast and lunch.Locals’ favorite. The best value for yourmoney. Open 7 days a week. DowntownLa Paz, at the alley next to the La PerlaHotel, half a block from the malecon.$

32.COMMarch 26 th , 2012FISH REPORT...continued from page 25Cerralvo and NorthernCerralvo Island as well. TheA chickencrossing the roadis poultry inmotion.fish were prone to jumpingon live bait with mackerelas the prime baits, butsardina working as welland, in those areas or ifthe anglers ran out ofbait, yo-yo-ing blue andwhite, scrambled egg orgreen and yellow ironsworked well for some ofthe larger fish. To roundout the bite, big jack crevalle,pargo and bonitoadded to the action.Also…stay tuned…wehave showings of doradoand sailfish starting tomove in!!!Cabo San LucasGeorge & Mary Landrumwww.flyhooker.comTracy Ehrenbergwww.piscessportfishing.comSan Jose del CaboGordo Bank Pangaswww.gordobanks.comEast CapeRancho Leonero Hotelwww.rancholeonero.comHotel Buena Vistawww.hotelbuenavista.comVista Sea Sportwww.vistaseasport.comLa PazJonathan Roldan’sTailhunter Internationalwww.tailhunterinternational.comCopperCanyonExpertsTRAVELAGENCYCorner of Leona Vicario &Revolucion(across from GG new office)Tel: (624) 143-1396Fax: 143-1397losdelfinestravel@hotmail.comLos Delfines in San Jose:Plaza Chicos, 4-lane next toNissanTel; (624) 142-0752Fax: 142-5952Monday mornings/evenings. Weight Watchersor wanna-be weight watchers, Join an informalmeeting for support in San Jose. Call Marilynat 142 - 1993.Every Tuesday & Saturday. 9am-1pm. LigaMAC used bookstore and donation center, SanJose. www.ligamac.com cell 044-624-177-8507during business hours for directions.Every 2nd Tuesday. 7:00 p.m. Baja ForeignBusiness Group (BFBG) meeting. In La Paz, atthe Tailhunter Cantina on the Malecon. Meet yourfellow English speaking business people in thisBaja network. 612-122-7763Every Wednesday, 8 pm. Free movies from independentstudios for teenagers and adults at theCity Theater in San Jose.Every Wednesday. 9 to 11 am. Organic Marketin Zacatitos in front of Zac’s Bar, East Cape.Every Wednesday. 8 to 11 am. Organic marketat Pedregal. Just before Colegio El Camino atthe back entrance to Pedregal. 8:00 to 11:30 a.m.cell 624 113 8376.Every Wednesday through Saturday. LivePiano Music. At Los Cabos Winery. Ph. 624 1438088. www.loscaboswinery.netFirst Thursday. Yo Reciclo sets up tents to receiveplastic, aluminum, cardboard, batteries,computers, printers, cell phones, green, clear orbrown glass in San Jose, Plaza Dorada at theroundabout near the Pemex. 8 am to 2 pm.info@yoreciclo.org.mxEvery Thursday, 7:30 pm. Movie night. Free.At the Cultural Pavillion in the Cabo San Lucasmarina.Every Thursday, 7:30 pm. English worship andbilingual message. Turn at Office Depot and staystraight almost to the crest of the hill. Tezozomocat Zapotecas on the left side of the street.Every other Thursday. You guess which one.Los Cabos Tomatoes, ladies social group. Allwomen who aspire to be a tomato are welcome.Info: loscabostomatoes@yahoo.comEvery Thursday. 5 to 9 pm Art Walk Night inSan Joses Historic Art District. Wine andmunchies, live entertainment. Along Obregon St.behind the church.Every Friday at 8 am. Los Cabos Rotary Club.Breakfast at Casa del Mar Hotel. On the fourlaneat Km 18.5 RSVP: 124-0224 extension #3Every Friday. 9 to 1. Farmers Market PalmillaShoppesEvery Friday. 8 am to noon. Organic Market inBoca del Salado, East Cape. Directions atwhittsendrancho@gmail.comEvery Friday. 6 to 9 pm. Art Fest, downtownCabo San Lucas. Artists are exhibiting their artin the little Plaza by the church n downtown Cabo.Also music, fire twirling, drum playing, clowns,acrobats, dances, etc. Businesses around the plazaare offering discounts, special offers and specialevents.Every Saturday. 8 am. to noon. Organic marketat Pedregal. 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. Cell 624 1138376.Every Saturday. 9 to 3 San Jose Organic Marketat Huerta Maria on the Las Animas road acrossfrom the Jockey Club. No dogs, please.www.sanjomo.com Cell 624-108-4235Every Sunday. 11 am. Movie Club. “Lumiere.”Children’s classic movies at the marine museum inSan Jose.Every Sunday. 9 to 3. Flea market same placeas the San Jose organic market. (Across from theold Jockey Club).Every Sunday. 7 - 11 am. Bicycle, walk, skateor drag your pet around downtown Cabo. Themain drag in Cabo San Lucas closes to vehicletraffic. Great opportunity to exercise and minglewith local families. Each week a different activity,like spinning, aerobics, zumba lessons.clubcactusbike@gmail.comEvery Sunday. 7 - 11 am. Bicycle, walk, skateor drag your pet along Centenario street in SanJose. Street closed to vehicle traffic. Great opportunityto exercise and mingle with local families.March 20 to 25. 6th International Art & CultureLa Paz festival. In La Paz. (612) 122-0000March 23. Liga MAC’s 8th Annual JazzFest. Atthe Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant at the HiltonResort. Gourmet buffet dinner, drinks and entertainment.Seating will be limited.jazzfest@ligamac.com.March 22, 23, 24 & 25. - Baja Shakespeare’s2012 production, Cinderella, at Rancho BuenaVista. Bar opens at 6:00pm, show promptly at7:00. Price is $20. Our production, the Britishversion of the fairy tale, “Bajafied” with humor,music & silliness galore! Will Call:bajarhino@yahoo.com or ph. 624 142 8008.March 26, Monday. Cabo English Church 1 stFundraiser party 5:30 p.m. at Flora Farms SanJose. Supports 7 kitchens. Mexican buffet, entertainment,fashion show. Children singing and displayingcraft items. Tickets $35.00. Mary Parker624-108-8812 or Email:mpparkermary@gmail.comMarch 31 Beso bar in the front lobby of Tesoro.CD release party. No Bad Days by Cabo CowboysApril Fools Day, Sunday. Paws n’ Claws Golftournament and dinner to benefit the Los CabosHumane Society. At Palmilla Gold Club. Dinnerat the Westin Resort. Tickets with SheilaVaananen 624 147 7101.April’s Fool Day. 19th Annual Festival deArtes. Los Barriles in the East Cape. Now registeringartists. At the Hotel Palmas de Cortezin Los Barriles. www.eastcapearts.com.festivaldeartes19@gmail.com. For English cell624-177- 0399, Spanish cell 624-124-8057.April Fools Day, Sunday. 19th Annual Festivalde Artes Hotel Palmas de Cortez 10 am -4 pm Artist’s can sign up via email:festivaldeartes@hotmail.com or for English cell624-177-0399, Spanish phone: 624-124-8057.April Fools Day. Set your clocks forward,daylight savings time begins.April 6 & 7. Reggae Festival Cerritos Beach.Hwy 19 at Km 65. About 1 hour north of Caboand about 10 minutes South of Todos Santos.Tickets available at www.bajareggae2012.comor in Cabo at Gali Plaza on the Marina (aboveSenior Frogs) and in La Paz at Abasolo # 1030between Sonora and Sinaloa.April 12, 13, 14, 15. Bayfest 2012. La Paz.Seminars, games, food, music, workshops anda low key sailboat race. Information: http://www.clubcruceros.net/April 15, Sunday. World Class PercussionistCyro Baptista performance with ToddClouser’s jazz band. At Teatro Luna Azul TodosSantos. FreeDrum workshop in the afternoon.Concert tickets about $12 bucks. http://www.cyrobaptista.com/index_flash.cfmTickets thru email:bluemooninbaja@yahoo.comApril 26 to 28. 1st. Cabo Celebrity Golf Invitational.Featuring legendary Mexican formerpro golfer Lorena Ochoa along with numerousother celebrities. Info at Dream Homes of Caboor visit the sponsorship portion of the eventwebsite at http://cabocelebrityinvitational.comMay 20, Sunday. 2nd annual Sand CastleCompetition at Crossroads Country Club inVinorama, East Cape. Sponsors and competitorswanted. Joan at 624 157-9542 orcrossroadscountryclub@yahoo.comJuly 5 to 7. Cabo Marine show. At the CaboMarina. Information: email:info@cabomarineshow.com orwww.cabomarineshow.com on Facebook atfacebook.com/CaboMarineShowIf you would like to list your non profit eventhere, send your info todavid@gringogazette.com. There is nocharge.

March 26 th , 2012.COM33Last week the small oil richcountry Qatar rocked the artworld by paying a record $250million for a painting by Post Impressionistartist Paul Cezanne,sparking up once again the longdebate; Is art a good investment?Especially in these tough economictimes when once stablestock investments are rocky atasked all the time, if buying art isa good investment. This is hardto answer, especially since weare not talking about blue-chipart that is constantly being appraisedand reappraised, and theappreciation of art cannot betracked easily as other investmentsbecause the value of artworkseems to defy financiallogic, it is more based upontrends and fads dictated bypopular culture. Honestly, it is abit of a crap-shoot, but remainsart for the prestige and the passionfor collecting. The fun partabout buying art and the mainreason people should acquirenew works are to hang them onthe wall or place them on a coffeetable, and enjoy them, toshow it off! Seasoned art investors/collectorswill always recommendbuying art, first and foremostbecause you love it and thatit speaks to you and then secondly,raise the question of itsvalue and importance in terms ofbest, some investors and evenCountries, are looking for creativeways to invest their money.And though in San José delCabo’s Art District, we are nottalking about multimillion dollarworks of art, or originals by PostImpressionist masters, I ama popular way to add diversityto the more traditional forms ofinvestment.How collectors can really turntheir art into a good investmentis by enjoying it. Major collectorsas well as the tourists andlocal homeowners in the AD buyinvestment.Some important tips that investors/collectorsuse, can alsobe used by the regular off-thestreetart buyer. First, educateyourself as much as possible asto what your tastes in art are. Somany folks tell me they do notknow what they like becausethey know nothing about art. Andsure, an Art History course couldbe helpful in giving you confidencein looking at and acquiringart, but it is hardly necessary.The beauty of art is that it is subjective,you know if you like it,and for sure you know if you hateit! The more you know aboutwhat you like, the better informedyou will be to make an investmentin something you can livewith and enjoy, as well as makean educated decision as to itspopularity and staying power infuture markets.Look for emerging talent.The world is full of yet undiscoveredtalent, or artists who are justemerging on the scene, who haveestablished representation in galleries,but still for the most partcontinued on page 39SUBSCRIBEGRINGOYes! Yes! Sign Me Up!It's not gonna be my fault the kitty got tossed under the bus!6 Months 2nd Class Mail (13 Issues) -$4512 Months 2nd Class Mail (26 Issues) - $65Send Your Dinero To The Gringo Gazetteand save the kitty!P.O. Box 13168 Palm Desert CA 92252562 714 6735order now or we'llthrow the kittyunder the bus.Name ___________________________________________________________continued on page25Street _____________________________________City___________________State/Province _______________________________________ Zip___________Phone (in case we can't read your crummy writing)______________________Sorry, Canadians, we just could not reliably get them to you so we’re not mailing to Canada anymore.To subscribe, you must have a United States address.

34New Ranch Market• Packed with all sorts of our favoriteGringo foodsBY SAM MANILLA.COMMarch 26 th , 2012I have a friend who likesto say he judges the level ofcivility in a small communityby wether he can find all theingredients for a Caesarsalad. He says when he firstmoved to Los Cabos, thearea failed the Caesar saladopened a retail store so wecan all enjoy this bountifulfeast of speciality foods.Fred owns U.S. Foods,which brings food across theborder and down the Baja inbig refrigerated trucks. Hethen transfers the food to histest but passes now.How about raising the baron that test now that we thinkour city is all grown up? Canwe find here everything thatyou would find in your TraderJoe store in the UnitedStates? Well, no, but we’reclosing in on that goal and thenew California Ranch Marketthat recently opened indowntown Cabo has nudgedus a lot closer.Fred Botello has been importingfood and wholesalingit out to the local restaurantsand hotels and now he’swarehouse near the airportcalled Puerto Logistical. Hestores it there in a walk incooler that’s probably thebiggest cooler in SouthernBaja. He needs a lot of storagebecause he doesn’t justtake orders for the food andthen run up to the States andbuy it, pack it up, and truckit down. He tries to anticipatereorders that he can supplywithin hours right out of hiscoolers.“I know what the Gringoswant because I see what therestaurants order,” he tells us.Crossroads Country Club rev’s up for their 3rd AnnualBirthday Bash and Their 2nd AnnualSand Castle CompetitionWe will be finishing March withBen and Men on March 28 on aWednesday to coincide with ourpizza and submarine night, sausageand peppers, eggplant, etc.The following week is SemanaSanta and we will be having theAnnual Birthday Bash on April 7.April 14- Sexto Sentido,(Howie andNorma’s Band) playing in LosCabos for 16 years, Jazz, Samba,Bossa Nova, Son Cubano, Blues,Plena, Cumbia Colombiana,Guaguanco, Funk, Timba, Cha chacha, Merengue o Bolero. It will startin the late afternoon with the headlinebeing Pura Vida at night at 7PM.We are still looking for some specialguests for the late afternoon. As always,it will be great fun and full ofsurprises, like a floating lanternshow. For more questions about thisevent write to crossroadscountryclub@yahoo.com.NO COVER CHARGE!If you would like to get on ourmailing list, please let us know.We are still looking for a bandfor April 14th.Second Annual Sand CastleCompetition Sunday May 20th islooking for competitors and sponsors.Your name carved in sandfor a whole year for thousands tosee and photograph.We continue on with Hector’sHome-made Pizza Night onWednesdays and Chicho’s BBQChicken Night on Thursdays. Allthe rest are “anything goes” daysexcept Saturdays when we havedinner specials such as ChickenPicatta, Halibut with lemon andcapers. Calamari Pasta,Puttanesca and many other Italianand Mexican favorites.We are located on the EastCape in Vinorama, and it’s reallyeasy to find us. Open 7 days aweek, all day. And remember, weaccept credit cards, Visa/MC/Carnet. “With my new retail storetourists and expats can nowbuy the same quality and varietythe restaurants do andcook it at home.”He currently carries about1300 items and is adding 10to 15 more each week. Heaspires to be the Trader Joe’sof Los Cabos but acknowledgeshe has a long way togo, as the average Trader Joecarries nearly 5,000 products.Ironically much of his produceis locally grown but hebuys it in the United States.He tells us he would love tobuy locally but these farmersare contracted to sell theirbest produce to U.S. companies.His business was solicitedby one rancher nearhere who wanted Botello tobuy produce from him.“Fine.” He said. Show meyour ranch.” He never got tosee it and months later helearned why. Turns outTrader Joe’s pays him upfront 50% of what they thinkthey will buy from him thatseason and they send downa buyer to choose what theywant of his harvest. Of courseTrader Joe’s gets first pick ofall the good stuff, and therancher was planning on sellingBotello the runts of thefield.And that is just what weget down here, always.Farmer’s who can produce alot would rather sell for exportto the U.S. than sell locally.As an example, in the newstore there is an automaticorange juice squeezer. Fortwo bucks you can buy aplastic bottle of OJ squeezedfresh every day. We were toldthe oranges are all importedfrom the U.S. because thequality of oranges sold hereis very bad.“And if I could even finda source for consistent qualityproduce, I can’t find anyonewho can deliver it consistently,”he says. “Or evenpackage it the same way twocontinued on page 40

March 26 th , 2012Arts & Crafts Show!• Get A jump on your Christmas shoppingThe 19th Annual Arts’Festival will be held onApril 1st from 10 to 4 atHotel Palmas de Cortez inLos Barriles. This is thefestival’s second yearthere, before that, theywere in the historicRancho Buena Vista. Thispopular event is sponsoredby the East Cape Arts’Association (Asociacionde Artes del Mar deCortez A.C.) and showcaseslocal artists who displayand sell their originalBY CAMILLA FORDart. Over 140 artists fromSan Jose, La Paz, TodosSantos, Sierra de la Laguna,El Rosario, and evenas far away as Oaxaca areexpected to display theirwares on the grassy fieldin the hotel’s front yard.The Arts’ Associationaims to include as many localand indigenous artistsas possible. Although,some locals prefer the oldsite, the advantages of thisyear’s site include a largercentral space, real greengrass, (a rare sight fornon-golfing Baja folks),and more volunteers (over50!). Last year, somepeople complained aboutthe heat and humidity, butthere were tarps for shadeand even the most enthusiasticvolunteer cannotcontrol the weather.Town’s people and“folks from away” canmeander and shop andsocialize. They can buyraffle tickets and art andsoak up the beauty surroundingthem. Activitiesfor children such as freeface-painting give parentsa chance to escape andlook at silver jewelry orpaintings without tugs andwhines of, “I wanna gohome!” There promisesto be lots of food, nofighting dogs (please leavedogs at home), plenty ofrestrooms, and an activebar. Last year, more husbandsseemed to attendthe festival than in previousyears. Reason: moreplaces to sit, plenty ofbeer, a central place witha good view of everyone..COM35Hooray For Our Marina GuysLast week a boat in the Cabo marina was leakinggasoline. Marina officials came tearing out to the siteand deployed an oil containment boom and material thatsops up spills.It was not a gas dock leak. Pemex’s tanks are up onshore, not in the water, and there is an emergency shutoff valve that will keep any gasoline or diesel from spillinginto the marina in the event of an earthquake or ahurricane. There also seemed to beequal numbers of Mexicanand Gringo artists and attendees—awelcome accomplishmentfor a groupthat aims to bring art to theentire community.The Festival always includeslive entertainment.Previous years havebrought us puppet theater,drumming, flamencodance, live music, and TaeKwon Do demonstrations.No matter which groupsshow up to perform, theyare always very entertainingand inspiring.Crafts, as always, willbe varied and interesting:pelicans made from cococontinuedon page 42

36Reggae Festival Is Back• Two days of beach and music on EasterweekendBY BEN MERCATTA.COMMarch 26 th , 2012After an elapse of six years,the Annual Baja Reggae Festivalhas come back to life bythe instrumental efforts of theowner of the Los CerritosBeach Club and Los Cerritosthe vacation enjoyed by manyMexicans this time of year.(April 8 is Easter, Bunky.)The main attraction will bethe performance by Ky-ManiMarley, the second youngestMusic Festival ScheduleFriday :12 noon surprise localreggae band2:00 Tim Lang and band4:00 Good Vibrations6:00 DubTonic Kru8:00 Tribal Seeds11 pm DJSaturday:12 noon surprise localreggae band2:oo David Raitt & the BajaBoogie Band (B-5)4:00 K L Reggae6:00 Rise n Shine8:00 Ky-Mani Marley11:00pm DJ.Tequila. This year’s event atLos Cerritos will be on April6 and 7, taking advantage ofAdorable AdoptablesCaprica thinks she’s astuffed animal. She is sosweet and gentle and justwants to be cuddled.Caprica would muchrather spread out and beloved than head out onthe trails. Anyone needinga soft and snugglycompanion in their lifewould be lucky to adoptCaprica!son of 11 children from the legendaryBob Marley. He willheadline the show with hisThis kitty is purrrr love!They say tabbys are loving,but this one wins the prize.Come meet her,and all herfriends who need homes.Please come and visit the LCHSCenter and see all the wonderful dogsand cats who need loving homes. Alladoptable pets are spayed orneutered and are up to date withvaccinations.www.loscaboshumanesociety.com.Cell (624)129-8346 We are open 7days a week 8am-6pm.No one can do Everything, buteveryone can do something. We needvolunteers!www.loscaboshumanesociety.comband on Saturday night April7th while Tribal Seeds, a wellknown band from San Diegowith its own authentic reggaeand rock sound, will headlineon Friday April 6th.The line up of bands looksimpressive. One that playedhere before is DubTonic Kru.They are from Kingston, Jamaicaand drew quite an audienceat the last Reggae Festin 2006 which was held at thenow defunct San Pedritocampground.Other bands planning toperform are Rise N Shinefrom the Seattle area, GoodVibrations from La Paz, andK L Reggae also from La Paz.David Raitt with his BajaBoogie Band will open up theevent at 2 pm. When askedwhy the festival has returned,Tony Cordova, the owner ofthe Los Cerritos Beach ClubAACaboSanLucasMeetings DailyAt ACE hardware store,Second floor, on the oldroad to San Jose. That is,kitty corner to McDonald´s.Daily at 6:00 p.m. and M-Fat 4:30 p.m.and Cerritos Tequila says thatafter a few tough tourismyears, he wants to put a littleeconomic stimulus into thearea.“Hotels have been emptyfor too long and the traditionduring Semana Santa is thatMexicans like to go to thebeach. The Baja Reggae Festivaloffers them an excitingdestination, hopefully filling thehotels in the area.” He statesthat the lineup of the bands isall in place and that he also hasa famous DJ coming over fromParis to fill the gaps in betweenand after if people want tostay longer.With the stage poised infront of the large rock formationat the north end of thebeach, the festival promiseescontinued on page 43

March 26 th , 2012.COM37TIMESHARE NEWS...continued from page 27Westin for the last 14 months.He has a history as an OPC(body snatcher) dating back to1995. He worked the outsidelocations with ease, speakingwell-practiced English. “Wedevelop novel concepts forprospecting qualified timesharesales tours,” he says.Zman note: Club Regina introducedtheme locations acrossfor the OPC to snag them intoa presentation. It’s so smooth,they don’t even need a gunnysack. Although closed in LosCabos, they are thriving inPuerto Vallarta and MayanRiviera.But, back to Buena. Niceguy, I thought, as he describedhis outside marketing strategy;“ We focus on the airport. Wehave locations inside wherewe greet, meet and book thearriving couples. I have promotersin Terminal #1 and #3Gold Brick StolenA large reward for return of Gardner Arnold’s gold brickreportedly stolen from his house on march 9th. Pleasereturn to security guard at Villa Serena, no questionsasked.Mexico in the mid ‘90’s includingthe Sierra MadreAquariums and Huichol Collection.These are timesharebooths dressed up like normaltourist attractions. Peoplevoluntarily enter, and whilethey are watching the presentation,they are easy pickingsAA LaPazCrossroads ChurchAbasoa St, Corner ofSonora & SinaloaMon. & Friday 9:30 AMFrank 612-154-1050(cell)orLeo - 612-129-3293(land)and expect to be in Terminal#4 once it is open next year. Ihave three car rental companiesthat we work in. We alsowork with ground transportationwhere we accompanyprospects to their vacationdestination resort. This isworking very well. If anybodynot in the timeshare industryis reading this allow us totranslate: The timeshare companiesare constantly trollingfor prospects to tour their resortand sit through a presentation.So they plant bodysnaggers in these businesseshe just mentioned. You cancount on anyone in a rental carcompany who is nice to youdoesn’t work there, they aretimeshare snaggers. And, nowthe body snatchers are plantedin ground transportation aswell. Be sure the bus/car/vanyou get into at the airport isnot a timeshare time machinewhisking you off to a four hourpresentation. Yes, that happensall the time.As long as I have been inthis fabulous industry of vacationownership (too manyyears to remember) I am oftenstopped and asked thenumber one question: “Howcan I vacation where I want,when I want?” A fair question,considering that many timeshareproperties now sell eachunit as many as 400 times.Yes, that’s right, a 52 weekyear is sold 400 times. That isillegal in timeshare in theStates, but anything goes here.This is why you often can’tuse your floating weeks: theyare sold out. Or the timeshareproperty wants to rent it outas a hotel room and makemore money.So, Zman advice garneredthrough experience practicingwhat the pros preach: Pay attention.Advance planning is amust. Place your request asfar as possible in advance. Beas flexible as possible regardingtravel dates and resort locations.Consider a timeshare vacationin the off season or vacationto a similar but lesser knowndestination. Enhance your ex-Found Kitty CatRocky Racoonfound this kitty catforaging in hishunting ground andbrought him into theLos CabosHumane Society,asking if the catcould be kept off histurf.The cat is availablefor adoption at theshelter.www.humanesocietycabo.comchange opportunities by beingwilling to accept a smallercondo. Allow the competent andhighly trained vacation exchangeagent to help you. If you cannotconfirm your destination andweek, wait for the last minuteweeks. Every exchange companyhas them. Be persistent.And remember, patience goes along way! Happy exchangingyour timeshare(s)New marketing plan. The VillaGroup, which owns the Villa delPalmar somewhat near Loreto, isoffering a layaway vacation you canpay for over six to 12 months, nointerest. You can exchange into thisInterval International resort located26 miles south of Loreto on the Seaof Cortez. To take advantage of thiscreative payment plan customized tofit your budget, just go online. TheVilla Group built this timeshare 26miles from anywhere and of courseit’s difficult to market it. Their plan isto use it as over flow for their ownerswho can’t get into the Villa Group’stimeshares in Cabo.Zman just a thought It is notwhat we get, but who we becomeand what we contribute that givesmeaning to our lives. Until next edition,happy sharing time Zman, Mikezmancabo@yahoo.com.

38.COMMarch 26 th , 2012\Mescal is a distilled alcoholicbeverage made from the magueyor agave plant. It takes sevenyears for the plant to mature.Maguey was one of the most sacredplants in pre-HispanicMexico and played a role in religiousrituals, the economy andeven in mythology. It was said thata lightning bolt struck an agaveplant, cooking and opening it, releasingits juice. For this reason,the liquid is called the “elixir of thegods.” Today, mescal is still madefrom the heart of the maguey plantmuch the same way it was 200years ago. In Mexico, mescal isgenerally drunk straight and has astrong smoky flavor. Though notas popular as tequila (a mescalmade specifically from the blueagave), Mexico does exportmescal, mostly to Japan and theUnited States, and the exportbusiness is growing.Mescal does not contain mescalineor other psychedelic substances.Traditionally, mescal is producedby small-scale producers.Many mescal producers usemethods that have been passeddown from generation to generation.The process begins by harvestingthe plants, cutting off theleaves and roots and extractingthe heart, and then cooking it forabout three days, often in pit ovens.The hearts are mashed andleft to ferment in barrels with water.Gradually, the liquid begins toseparate out. Most varieties areShrimp with mescalaged from one month to fouryears, but some can be aged foras long as twelve years. Mescalcan reach an alcohol content of55%.Mescal is not considered tobe as smooth as tequila, as it isgenerally distilled only once, andtequila is distilled twice. It is notas popular as tequila because ofits smoky flavor. Mescal does noteven have a signature drink, suchas the margarita for tequila. It is amisconception that some tequilascontain a “worm” in the bottle.Only certain mescals, usually fromthe state of Oaxaca, are ever soldwith a worm. If added, it is duringthe bottling process. There areconflicting stories about the worm.Some state that it is a marketingploy. Others state that it is thereto prove that the mescal is fit todrink, and still others state that thelarva is there to impart flavor.Over six million liters of mescalare produced in Mexico annually,with more than 150 brand names.The industry generates about29,000 jobs and about 21 milliondollars in income. To truly becalled mescal, the liquor mustcome from certain areas. Oaxacahas 570 of the 625 mescal productionfacilities in Mexico.Mescal is generally drunkstraight, not mixed in a cocktail.The most traditional Oaxacan wayto drink mescal is as a shot, witha side plate of fried larvae groundWhat is an Apostille?www.settlement-co.comwith chili peppers and salt and cutlimes. Take a pinch of the larvaemixture and place it on the tongue,then immediately begin to sip theshot slowly. For first-timers, theflavor can be disagreeable, harshand even cause coughing. It is ancontinued on page 44

March 26 th , 2012.COM39BIRTHDAY OF A HERO...continued from page 28the Americans wanted, but hewould allow the free transit ofAmerican goods and theirarmy.The agreement resulted inthe establishment of maritime,railroad, commercial and industrialdevelopment whichgreatly boosted the economy inthe two narrow corridors wherethe Gringos were allowed in.And, of course, both nationswere pledged to come to eachEASTER IN CABO...continued from page 29On Maundy Thursday,Jueves Santo, people allover Mexico, visit thechurches. Wild chamomileother’s aid in tmilitary affairs. Forwhatever reasons, the treaty wasnever ratified.Juarez could have sold BajaCalifornia if he wanted to and getmillions of dollars, which couldhave been used to further hisagenda for Mexico, but hedidn’t.So, bottom line. No, Juáreznever betrayed his country.From the book 100 Mitos dela Historia de México (100Myths of Mexican History),written by Francisco MartinMoreno, published by Aguilarpublications 2011. and bunches of salvia arespread on the marble floorsfilling the churches with marvelousscents and people preparethemselves for the bigday, which is Good Friday.This is unmistakably the highlightof the week, calledViernes Santo with moreprocessions through the townsagain. To me it means the quietestday in the neighborhood, asall construction is at a standstill.On Holy Saturday, lent isover with a bang. 40 days of fastingsince carnival have come toan end and that is a good excusefor a party. In many mainlandtowns, Judas figured firecrackersblast the sky, church bells toll,and large papier-mâché eggsfilled with colorful confetti willburst, spreading their vivid contentsall over the place. For usGringos, it is time to see whatthe Easter bunny has come upwith. A fine bottle of aged tequilaor a couple of six-packs wouldbe just fine. FelicesPascuas, Happy Easter. ART DISTRICT...continued from page 33remain unknown. The works byemerging artists in general havea way smaller price tag. Theywant collectors to not only noticetheir work, but to buy it, thusbuilding their reputations and thevalue of their works. And buythe best you can afford! Lookcareful at what you are purchasing,make sure there are no dingsor damage. Make sure they areoriginals if the purchase is for investmentpurposes. In this digitalworld reproductions run rampant,and though they are a greatway to enjoy art for less money,as an investment it is a badchoice. Originals, because theyare a wide range of art for alltastes and budgets. From internationallyrecognized artists toMexican folk art, the choices areendless and the selection is great.Each gallery has their individualrosters of artists and is knowledgeableand friendly. It is a greatplace to start when looking forthat perfect piece of art as an investmentand something to enjoyfor years to come.After graduating from ParsonsSchool of Design, with aBFA in Illustration, Ida workedas a freelance illustrator andindependent artist in New YorkCity. During this period shehad a wide variety of her workpublished, i.e. magazine covers,book illustrations,children’s books, local and regionalnewspapers as well asdoing some corporate identitywork. However, never strayingfar from the fine arts, shealso found time to participatein group and solo shows in theNorth East. Ida loves Mexicoand especially Los Cabos. Shemoved here permanently inlate 2003 and began the planningand construction ofGaleria de Ida Victoria, whichhas been described in the localpress “as the finest gallerysouth of Los Angeles.”Galeria de Ida Victoria is inSan José in the heart of the ArtDistrict. Ph. 011.52.624.142.5772 www.idavictoriaarts.com

40.COMMarch 26 th , 2012NEW RANCH...continued from page 34AASanJoseMeetings DailyNightly at 6:00 p.m.next to the CalvaryChappel, corner ofDegollado andCoronado.Info: Cell 624-147-0478weeks in a row. Or show uptwo weeks in a row.”In addition to produceand really good OJ, CaliforniaRanch Market carrieshundreds of canned, sacked,and bottled food. They haveorganic egg whites, sherryvinegar, Greek yogurt, organicsoy yogurt, Philadelphiacream cheese, exoticchocolate, including chocolatebunnies, sweet leaf teas,Grateful Harvest and Giradsdressings, compostable garbagebags, a dozen differenttypes of breads, Stevia,Crystal Light, hundreds ofgluten free products, rolledoats, jars of pasta sauces,Thai spices and sauces, Chinesespices and sauces, eggpasta, jerky, and about 30varieties of rice. Oh, andVirgil’s root beer, party kegsizeṪhe Ranch Market alsocarries some meat, frozenand vacuum packed. Sausage,chicken, and variouskinds of steaks, all top grade.This store is definitelyworth the trip to Cabo, but ifyou don’t want to make thattrip, just log on towww.californiaranchmarket.comand do your shopping online.They will deliver it out to youstarting April 15.This store is a great additionto our area, and for nowis the closest thing we havePAID ADVERTISEMENTWhat’s Going On With YourProperty While You’re Gone?We have a solution to thisvery scary problemYou own property in a foreign country, thousandsof miles from where you live. You don’t know if it’sflooded, or looted, or even if it’s still standing.And what would you do if there were a problem?You don’t speak the language, you don’t knowwhat vendors you can trust, heck, you don’t evenknow how to pay the taxes on the property, nor howto read any government notices that could be pilingup on your front porch. You must have a propertymanager. Not having one is not an option.And a good property management option is BajaSur Property Management Company, which isowned by an American couple who have been protectinglocal properties for 12 years.Baja Sur Property Management Company is aprofessional full service property management companythat has more than 315,000 sq. ft. of privateresidential space under their care. This is a busy, fulltime operation and they carefully supervise a bilingualstaff that stands guard over your investment.Some of the basic services provided are weeklyhouse/condo checks, monthly utility bill paying service,monthly accounting, overseeing of pool andgardening services, excellent client communication,maid service as requested and much more…If you’re working on improvements to your property,Baja Sur’s extensive local construction experiencewill help you supervise and oversee the workto insure it is done correctly.A monthly statement of all income and expenseswill be sent to you, on time, each month and in English.Don’t wait…..CALL TODAY…Offices located in downtown Cabo295 Miguel Hildago St. (Corner of AntonioMijares & Hildago) White building calledPescadores, second floor.Office: (011) 52 624 14 43331Office/Fax: (011) 52 624 14 43332From outside Mexico (602) 445-3914Email: tom@bajasurpm.comWebsite: www.bajasurpm.comto Trader Joe’s. Let’s see,the average Trader Joe’s carriedabout 4700 more itemsthan our own CaliforniaRanch Market, but ourRanch Market is catching upat the rate of 10 to 15 newAvoid cuttingyourself whenslicing vegetablesby gettingsomeone else tohold thevegetables whileyou chop.items every week, which isabout 625 more items everyyear. At that rate the RanchMarket will catch up to TraderJoe’s in about seven years.That sounds discouraging.Check out the store, you willbe amazed at the variety of favoritebrands they have, andyou will seldom be disappointedby not finding whatyou want.The store is on the maindrag near the round a bout,close to Romeo & Juliett’s. It’sthe old Tutu Bene building.There is nearly always parkingright in front, and there ismore parking in the rear.www.californiaranchmarket.com.

March 26 th , 2012.COM41Passaparola Bistro with itspicturesque bistro charm andexcellent Italian cuisine hasre-opened. Located behindthe downtown San JoseBanamex, Passaparola(meaning “spread the word”)first opened in 2000. Itclosed for a while due to achange in ownership whenformer Italian chef and ownerMaurizio Follis grew tired ofhis business and bailed out.He sold it to businessman,chef and client of the restaurant,Manuel Bon.Bon, originally fromCuliacan, Sinaloa, has livedand worked the last 15 yearsup and down the Baja as adistribution manager forCaracol milk. He has lived inMexicali, Ensenada, La Pazand Los Cabos. In July, withoutstepping down from hisCaracol duties, he jumped into revive his favorite restaurant.He also wisely boughtChef Follis’ recipes. He hiredFollis’s sous chef to continueon at the restaurant and makesure the recipes he boughtwere the ones the restaurantused.All went well, and as a result,on July 18, Passaparolare-opened its doors. All thepasta is hand-made, and organicveggies are used in thelarge salads. Pizzas are thincrust with a large selection oftoppings. The 11 inch pizzasstart at $9.50 and prices increasesproportionately. Lasagneis oven baked in sultrymelt-in-your mouth béchamelsauce. The pesto made fromnatural ingredients and servedwith a sprinkling of pine nutsdelights the senses. Maincourses including pastas runfrom $11 to $15.Take a downtownbreather and enjoy pamperedservice at this tranquil littlespread the word bistro. OpenTuesday through Sundayfrom 1 to 10pm. ClosedMondays. Call (624) 146-9399 for take-out.Why not eat at the DolphinCenter? It’s handy fordowntown Cabo workers,it’s fun, it’s a pocket of tranquilityin a sea of noisy downtowntraffic and people, thefood is great, and it’s cheap!And you get to watch thejumping dolphins! Anyonecan walk into the lobby, youdon’t have to pay for that,and you can stand in front ofthe portholes and watch thedolphins swimming around.Walk through the lobby filledwith dolphin souvenirs, andoutside into their sundrenched courtyard filled withpalm trees, lounges, tables,and chairs. You can wiggleyour toes in the sand on theground. There is a bar thatserves smoothies, cocktails,and soft drinks. They alsohave sandwiches, tacos,smoothies and salads.Their BLT is a real BLTwith lettuce and tomato anda mountain of bacon. I can’tcount the number of timesI’ve received a BLT withouteither the B, the L or the T.For crying out loud, if youcan’t get the B, the L and theT in it, don’t freakin call it aBLT! It’s only $7 and comeswith a free bottle of water andfrench fries. Also for $7 youa club sandwich, or hot dog.So Is Any Real EstateSelling Around Here?• A little bit, here’s one developmentthat’s selling.Ventanas means windowsin Spanish. It alsoseems to mean marketing,as there are nofewer than threeprojects named Ventanasin and around LosCabos. We’re talkinghere about the full ownershipstand alonehomes built up the hillbehind Costco. It’s agreat view from up there.The collection of twoand three bedroomhomes first came on themarket several years agoand sold well. Then themarket took it’s dump,and Ventanas sales, likeevery development,came to a screechinghalt. But Ventanas didsomething most developmentshave been unwillingto do: Theydropped their prices.They´re selling a secondand third phase now. Thenew phase´s propertieshave a great ocean viewand the prices start at$179,000 USD. Ofcourse this doesn’t makethe early buyers in thefirst phase very happy,especially the ones whoneed to sell now, andthey’re competing withthe second phase forbuyers who are snappingAnd fries and water. For just atad more you can get a cheeseburgeror Philly cheese steak.They also have three tacos for$8. For $10 you get a chickenPAID ADVERTISEMENTBY BILL DINGhomes up for less than whatthe first phase paid for theirhome several years ago.But that’s life these days,and Ventanas homeownerswe talked to weren’t blamingthe developer. In fact,homeowners we talked towere pretty happy. And wewere there on annualhomeowner’s meeting day,where other HOAs are firingbullets at each other,these folks were all gettingalong. HOA fees are onlyabout $200 a month, notbad for all the amenities youget: A state-of-the-art gym,heated pools & Jacuzzis, aDeli, a Business Center andthe landscaping services.The guard gated communitylooks very, very attractiveas you drive in. Noticewe gave it two varies.Maybe it looks so nice becausethe homeowners associationis responsible forkeeping up the maintenanceof all the front yards as wellas the common areas. Wewere told that many of thehomes were bought by foreignerswho are not alwayshere, so they could not beexpected to keep up the appearanceof their yards.Problem solved with theHOA doing the yard work.There are also HOA rulesabout parking cars andCaesar salad or orientalchicken salad. Clearly, thesandwiches are your best deal.Service is smiley andzippy. keeping dogs on leashes,the usual rules that drivesome people crazy. Untilthey pay a lot of moneyfor a nice neighborhoodand then watch it slide intoa slum within a few years.Won’t happen atVentanas.The homes have firstclass finishings, withgranite and stainless steelkitchens, marble floors,and some even haveswimming pools up ontheir roofs. They all haveprivate BBQ areas. Someof the homes have garagesand the rest have carports. There is a wonderfulclubhouse, first class,and a small deli that willmake you a light breakfastor lunch. The pool islarge and affords a greatview.So if you need or wanta home here, you can’tgo wrong with Ventanas,better hustle over therebefore the real estatemarket comes back andthe prices go back up.Now is the time to buy.Their website is onlysomewhat helpful, you’regoing to have to drive outthere to get a feeling forit.www.ventanasresidences.com.624 104 3775. Drive upthe road that goes up thehill across from thePemex on the fourlane.Keep going. Further.Keep going. When youthink you’ve gone too faryou will see a sign on yourleft indicating you need togo a little further. You’realmost there. Like wesaid, it’s a great view fromup there.

42Celebrity Golf Tourney• And it’s an invitational, meaning anyone can playGet down and golf with celebritiesand Dream Homes ofCabo on a weekend full of funin Los Cabos. Are your northernfriends looking for an excuseto come to Los Cabos?This might entice them here.This charity fundraiser isfor the Lorena Ochoa Foundation.The Mexican golfhere will be joined by morethan 20 celebrities. Specialcelebrity guests include actor,politician and former WWFwrestler Jesse Ventura, actorsDennis Haysbert and EsaiMorales, Football player andactor Bill Romanowski andmany more. Check out theirwebsite for the complete list.The Golf weekend startson Thursday evening with aparade of Dream Homesthrough Puerto Los Cabos,the ritzy ocean front home developmentcommunity justnorth of San Jose, and a tourof the San Jose art district –to shop for art for your newCabo home. The golf packageincludes two tournamentrounds, one on Friday April27 and the other on SaturdayApril 28, and you even get anBY WILL WYNN.COMadditional round at yourchoice of Cabo Real, ClubCampestre, or Puerto LosCabos courses at a later date.Ochoa will give a professionalgolf and long drive exhibitionand you’ll be winedand dined and entertainedwith live entertainment andraffles throughout the weekend,culminating with a finalawards dinner. The cost is$850 for golf participants and$450 for non-golfers.The non-golfer packageincludes various activities, includingmassage, water sports,cooking classes, a sports workout,volleyball clinics, as well asa day at the Puerto Los Cabosprivate beach club, completewith lunch and beverages. Nongolf guests are also invited toschmooze with the celebrities atthe two evening cocktail partiesand at the final award dinner.Transportation between participatingresorts is provided byTranscabo buses, so youneedn’t worry about the taxiproblem getting out there.Ochoa was born inGuadalajara and started playinggolf at the age of five, winningher first national event whenshe was seven. In 2000 sheenrolled at the University of Arizonawhere she won theNCAA Player of the YearAward in 2001 and 2002. Sheset an NCAA record with sevenconsecutive wins in her firstseven events and set and theNCAA single-season scoringaverage record. Mexican PresidentVicente Fox awardedOchoa, the youngest recipientever, with the National SportsAward in 2001. Ochoa went onto win 27 LPGA tournamentsincluding two majors during hercareer. In 2008 Forbes recognizedher in the top 100 list ofMost Influential People on Earthand TIME Magazine also listedher in the top 100 Most ImportantPeople on Earth. She hasbeen named Best Athlete,Player of the Year and Womanof the Year by organizationssuch as Fox Sports, EFE,Glamour Magazine, The AssociatedPress and ESPYS. Shewas the Rolex number oneplayer in the World for threeconsecutive years and was theRolex Player of the Year for fourconsecutive years when she retiredfrom fulltime competitivegolf in 2010 at the age of 30 th .To sign up, or for more information,or if you would likeyour business to be a sponsor,visit their web site atwww.cabocelebrityinvitational.com.March 26 th , 2012ARTS & CRAFTS...continued from page 35nuts, locally made jewelry,paintings, pottery, modernexvotos (“thank you”notes to Saints on tin),and wood carving, plusbooths from the local givingorganizations such asALMA (Animal Loversof Mexico), the RotaryClub, the East CapeGuild, the East CapeHealth Clinic, and BajaShakespeare.Funds from the Arts’Festival go to support thecommunity activities ofthe Arts Associationwhich include: Arts andeducation supplies for 18East Cape schools, supportfor art festivals inhistoric communities,participation in the“Cursos de Verano” summervacation program,the Easter Sports programfeaturing familybeach activities includingcleaning up the beach,Local Artist Studio tours,a music festival in the fall,writing and painting workshops,and “Make a differenceat the DIF” a oncea month program to teachcrafts to local kids. OrganizersJamie KeplerGrisetti and KathyObenshain hope this year’sFestival will be even moresuccessful than last year’swhich paid for threemonths worth of programsfor the Arts’ Association.This writer will be there andhopes to beat her record ofwinning three raffle prizes!You’d be a fool to missthis April Fool’s Day Arts’Festival. Even if you do notwalk away with art or prizesat least you will leave with asmile.For more information onthe Arts’ Association, theArts’ Festival, or for artistsinterested in selling, contact:festivaldeartes@hotmail.comor festivaldeartes19@gmail.com. English phone:(624)141-0266 or Spanish(624) 124-8057.

March 26 th , 2012REGGAE FEST...continued from page 36to be an unforgettable experience.Gates will open each dayat noon, with music starting at 2.The Beach Club is easy to findjust off of Hwy 19 at Km 65.About 1 hour north of Cabo andabout 10 minutes South of TodosS.J. TEACHERS...continued from page 14pressure, however, the super-powerfulteachers unionthat preserves such perks reluctantlyagreed to the evaluationsas a way to improvethe abysmal quality of educationin Mexico. But the rankand file was not about to gonear any test.School InformationWhat do we look like, an information booth?We get bombarded with enquires about where to stick yourkids if you want to live in Cabo, so here you go. Call theseschools direct. These are local private schools with Englishprograms. And if you have a school that you want to list here,contact carrie@gringogazette.comCabo San LucasColegio El Camino K-12 143-2100Centro Educativo Integral Juan Bosco 7-9, 173-0042; cell 155-7918Montessori Casa de los Niños Cipactlicali K-6. Bilingual. Phone:1444716 or 6241113236Greengate Home School - Home school for students completingUS and CDN school programs. Short term enrolment for studentson extended vacations. www.greengateschoolcabo.com Cell:0446241686939. From US/Can: 4252006377On the CorridorColegio Amaranto pre-K-6, 145-8701Instituto Peninsular 7-12, 104-3454Centro Escolar Picacho (Colegio McGregor) pre-K-12, 144-5595Instituto Baldor 7-12, 104-3700; fax 104-3701San JoseInstituto Internacional Libertad pre-K-12, 142-0428San Diego School, K - 6th. Bilingual, Phone 105 2225,www.sandiegoschool.mx.In recent years manypeople all over Mexico havehad the perception that thenation’s educational system isexpensive, dysfunctional andvery corrupt.Most of Mexico’s budgetfor education, about 93 percent,goes to the payment ofteacher’s salaries, educatorswho are members of the famouslycorrupt National EducationWorkers UnionSantos, follow the dirt road forabout five minutes towards theocean. Tickets are available on lineat www.bajareggae2012.com or in Cabo at GaliPlaza on the Marina (above SeniorFrogs) and in La Paz atAbasolo # 1030 betweenSonora and Sinaloa. Cost is $40for the day or $65 for bothdays. (SNTE). The balance is forinfrastructure support, constructionof new schools,teacher and staff training, andto improve the academic contentof study programs.The SNTE enjoys a lucrativecollective labor contractthat grants union membersnumerous privileges — longvacations, permission to taketime off without having toshow cause, 85 days off annually,and other perks. Whatthe collective labor contractdoes not include are evenminimum demands for teachers,things like accreditation oftraining programs, work competencecertification, updatingstudies, the taking courses orparticipation in seminars.Worse yet, the Mexicaneducational system has failedin its goals. Some 85 percentof public university.COMCasa Decor CaboUnique InDoor & OutDoor Furniture In Cabo, La Paz & LoretoFurniture from around the world or custom built to your specsInterior design service from window treatments, colorselections, custom upholstery to full remodelsand furniture selectionThe soldier whosurvived mustardgas and pepperspray is now aseasoned veteran.graduates today are unemployed,underemployed, orthey do not work in their fieldof studies.Nor do Mexican privateschools offer a viable alternative.Their lesson plans arecontrolled by guidelines of theSecretariat of Public Educationor the National AutonomousUniversity of Mexico (UNAM),meaning they too are out-ofdateand lacking in academic orscientific quality. For the mostmary.aguirre@casadecorcabo.comKm 3.5 on the Four Lane, Two Doors Down from ArtisanosCabo Showroom 172 6675 Toll Free From US or Canada 1 888 557 6533EmergencyNumberOur public safetyhonchos havelaunched emergencyphone numbers to callthe police. No, it’s not911, If you are calingfrom either a cellphone or a a land line,call 066. part, they do not have internationalcertifications or revalidationagreements with internationalacademic institutions.And while Mexican privateschools have an exceptional fiscalsystem with multiple privileges,the cost of a private educationin Mexico, from grammarschool through a university,is higher than the average costof private education in countrieslike the United States, Canada,Great Britain and Spain, makingit one of the most expensiveand thus inaccessible educationsin the world.The new legal frameworkadopted in 1993 under a newfederalism continued to chargethe Federal Government with43the task of determining the curriculumfor elementary, lowersecondary, and teacher educationfor the entire country. Additionalconstitutional amendmentsmade it a legal obligationfor parents to send their childrento elementary and lower secondaryschools. Under the provisionsof the 1993 GeneralEducation Law, the federal government,through SEP, continuesto oversee the general implementationof education, but thestates are given complete responsibilityfor administratingbasic education, including indigenousand special educationand teacher education. Preschooleducation in not mandatorybut is available to childrenbetween the ages of three tofive. It is not necessary to attendjardín de niños (kindergarten)to enroll in elementaryschool. However, preschooleducation is highly recommended.There is a documentary filmmaking the rounds titled ¡DePanzazo! Loosely translated itmeans Barely Passing, and it’sa hard-hitting film exposing thesorry state of the Mexican publicschool system. According to thefilm, roughly 54 out of every 100Mexican students will fail to receivea high school diploma. Asa result, Mexicans, on average,spend only about 8.6 years inschool. In other countries,such as Norway and Canada,students average about 13.2years in school.And you thought educationin the United States wasa mess.

44.COMMarch 26 th , 2012MEXICAN COOKING..continued from page 38acquired taste. In the UnitedStates, the reputation of mescalsuffered from its association withcollege binges on cheap bottlessold with the agave larvae at thebottom.Ok now, this is the MexicanCooking column, so let’s cooksomething:Mescal ShrimpIngredients:24 large peeled shrimp2 ancho chiles6 cascabel chiles2 Tbls. butter4 garlic cloves finally chopped6 oz. of mescal (like 5 shots)The juice of 4 lemonsProcedure:Grill the chiles and then soakContinued on page 39Throw A private Event ForThe Same Cost As Eating OutCatering shouldn’t cost more than eating at a restaurant,and it won’t if you call the same folks who bringyou the great food at Solomon’s LandingCatering from 2 to 1,000 peopleLocally: 143.3050 or 143.7606From the U.S.: (209) 390.4382Our 65 full time trained employees bring youice sculptures, fruit carvings, chafing dishes, BBQs,fryers, cutlery, china, and they even do the dishes andtake out the garbage! With Solomon’s Landing backingyou up, it’s easy to entertain at your home, at the beach,at a special event, or anywhere.We are your best option because unlike a cateringcompany that only occasionally cooks, we have ourown staff, our own food, and our own equipment thatwe use in the restaurant.Call the people who do this every day.for half an hour. Drain and removethe seeds and veins. Grind andbrew them. This will give you asmooth paste.Heat a pan and melt the butter.Fry the shrimp with sliced garlic,salt and pepper until they havea nice pink color (about 4 minutes).Add the mescal, tilting thepan. Then add the chile paste andlemon juice. Cook covered foraround 15 minutes. Serve withrice or as a side dish with a steak.And, do not forget your shot ofmescal!New Home DevelopmentsCheck out all the new home developments available to you before you buy.Don’t miss out on what could be your best deal only because you didn’t know about it.Scan the QR code with your smart phone and be whisked right to thedeveloper’s website.1-Pacific Side62-Cabo San LucasDiamante. Private oceanfront golf community from $300,000. Lots, condos,villas, full ownership and shared ownership residence clubs. U.S. 866-901-9058 Local 624-172-5811. www.diamantelife.com.Hermitage. Hilltop homes view of Cabo Bay. Marble and granite finishings.From $335,000. (624) 143-7000, Cell: (624) 141-6616 or E-mail:info@hermitageloscabos.com www.hermitageloscabos.com1La RiberaCaboPulmoMarinePark53-CorridorVentanas Residences. Private residential community with pools, Jacuzzi, Spa,gym, clubhouse, cafeteria. On hilltop with amazing views.From $179,000. 624 1043775. 1 877 341 8786 www.ventanasresidences.com4-San JoseHacienda Campestre. Single family homes from $377,000. Golf coursecommunity with beach club. 624 142 5327. Golf and beach club membershipincluded, now. www.clubcampestresanjose.com.234Pueblo Campestre. From $236,000. Golf membership included, beach clubavailable limited time. single family homes. 624 142 5327.www.clubcampestresanjose.com.5-East CapeCabo Riviera Marina & Golf Resorts. Unique “all water access”luxury living community, that will include hotels, entertainment, dining. MarinaHarbor lots start $470k 624 105 1005. www.caboriviera.com.mx.6-Los Barriles7 - La PazSunset Condos. View condos just off boardwalk . BBQ, gym, pool and terrace withstunning view. Starting at $119,000. Toll Free US & Canada 1-888-801-7986. LaPaz Office (612) 122-8363. www.alttuscondominiums.com

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March 26 th , 2012Mexican Fiesta DressesTell A Story• Each of the 32 states have their own themeAs Mexico has a wide varietyof regional food, almostall of them with history and significance,folk dresses also areregional and have a fascinatingcultural significance. Mostfolk dresses have ancient origins,and each of the 32 statesin the Republic of Mexico hasits own design, usually representingsomething native tothat region: like agriculture, orhistory, or even the mainPersonal ServicesEROTIC MASSAGEBY ALEJANDRA SARACHAGAbetween one city and theother, but back in those daysthey were separated farenough from each other thatthey each had their own culture.Today, we Mexicans callit the State of Mexico.Their typical dress wasfrom the Mazahua culture, oneof the many tribes in México.Their typical dress is a mixturebetween the Otomi cultureand tribe that had theirAdvertise herefor just $16Call 1430865.COMRegister To VotePresident Obama has signed intolaw the MOVE Act (MilitaryOverseas VoterEmpowerment Act) thatrequires all overseas andmilitary voters to reregisterfor everyelection cycle, insteadof every two electioncycles. This means thatyou will need to reregisterand request yourfederal post card application(FPCA) for the presidentialelection taking place nextNovemeber. Only if you maintain aresidence in the United States, and will be requesting an absentee ballot from your countyregistrar of voters, you do not need to re-register. If you request an FPCA, the requesttriggers an absentee ballot to be sent to your home in Mexico or some other address youspecify, such as a Mail Boxes, Etc. This absentee ballot is only for federal electoralcandidates, (candidates for the House of Representatives, the Senate, the President andVice-President).If you have a computer, the easiest and fastest way to do this is to sign into either theDemocrats Abroad site, www.votefromabroad.org, or www.overseasvotefoundation.org.Both sites assist people of all political preferences.People all over the world die for the right to vote. So please re-register and requestyour federal post card application today. 47source of income that stateproduces. Nowadays thebrightly colored dresses areusually reserved for festivals,worn while the ladies are performingtheir region’s dances.The “Estado de México” isa geographical area that, for awhile, was apart from what wenow know as Mexico City.Nowadays nothing but a pedestrianbridge marks the limitroots in the very geographiccenter of Mexico, includingMexico City.Men would wear whitecotton high water pants thatreached only to their anklesand a shirt of the same material,a smooth wool overcoat,hand woven sandals, and astraw hat. They would top allthis off with a red embroideredstrip of cloth that was used toCondomsshould be usedon everyconceivableoccasion.hold the britches up, and, wecannot miss the hand paintedbag, (the original man purse?),hanging from the man’s shoulders,commemorating the factthat they were seed collectors.Agriculture was the main activityamong these communities.They also wear a handkerchiefaround their neck todry their faces from perspirationwhile working in the fields.The women’s dresses arecomposed of a white cottonskirt with zoomorphic or floralembroidered motifs at thebottom. On their lap, theywear another skirt made ofsatin in bright colors like yellow,fuchsia or hot pink,purple, green and royal blue.The blouse is the same materialand color as the skirt andon top of that a redquexquemetl, similar to whatwe know as a poncho, isworn. That is also hand embroidered.The outfit is finishedwith a beaded necklaceof many threads, whose colorscontrasts with the dressand is topped off with large filigreeearrings.

48.COMMarch 26 th , 2012