The Baja Citizen

Archive for July, 2012

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People on the Street – HOW TO SURVIVE SUMMER IN LA PAZ!!

July 25, 2012

Well it’s still summer. And the heat is increasing. And don’t we just love to complain about it?
Here are some words about how to survive summer in La Paz.

Cathy Shafer retired from Boulder
Cathy lives on Fantasy Island, it get’s hot there too. She says:
I spend a lot of time in the water and the shade with a good book. I wake early and enjoy the cool mornings and take a evening walk as the sun is setting to take in the breeze and maybe another jump in the water. TBC: We are waiting for an invitation to come and play at your beach.

Simon Loftus, Realtor from the UK
Shade, Pool, Air-conditioning, in that order. I always look for shade when out and about, if there is no shade then a quick dip in the pool works wonders and after that just stick on the A/C. TBC: So Simon, does that mean if you are about and about, and there is no shade you’ll just dip in anyone’s pool? With or without clothing?

La Dona, Freaky Advice Columnist:
I don’t know why you all have your knickers in a twist. I am never too hot. The slightest breeze seems to go right through me. TBC: We told you to lay in rest for two months. Are your ears open holes too?

R.J. Archer, Author
While we have three older air conditioners, our house is poorly insulated and poorly constructed so running the A/C is very expensive. We use it when we have to, but in the summer we adjust our schedule to take advantage of cooler early morning temps and late afternoon Coromuel breezes. We also spend a lot of time in the new air-conditioned malls!

: People on the Street
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July Edition of La Paz Ladies Luncheon – Tamarindo’s

July 19, 2012


Ladies:
The Thursday, July 26th luncheon will be at the restaurant Tamarindo’s located on Revolution between Bravo and Ocampo, starting at 12:15pm.  There is a large parking lot beside the ISST grocery store. Go inside the parking lot.   The restaurant in in the left hand corner.  There is overflow prking in the adjacent lot.   Parking is free when you get your ticket stamped by the restaurant.
We will be meeting in the air conditioned room wih the palapa.   On each table will be nachos with refried beans and cheese; followed by Totilla soup;  The main course is either yellow tail done on the grill Mesquite style serviced with salas or chicken done on the grill Mesquite style served with  muschroom sauce and salad:     Dessert — pudding drizzled with chocolate sauce   Tamarino water will be served with the meal,    Price is $150 pesos including tax – tip not included.   This is a little gem you will not want to miss.    Help me out by reserving early at luizalanoy@yahoo.com.
: La Paz Ladies Luncheon
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FANLAP SUBASTA 2012

July 19, 2012

Judy Peterson
Don´t forget to reserve Sunday, December 2, for the 25th anniversary of the annual Subasta (auction) held in the parking lot of Marina de La Paz, which will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  This auction first took place in 1987, when the proceeds were used to purchase Christmas presents for less fortunate children of La Paz.
At the present time, Fundacion Ayuda Niños La Paz, A.C., has taken over the helm of this event, with the help of Club Cruceros.  The funds this year will be used for our three programs, which you may read about at www.lapazninos.org.
You may bring any items, new or used but still in good condition, to the offices of Marina de La Paz.  The day of the event we need helpers for the various booths such as the bake sale, bazaar, silent auction and the main auction, or to exchange money for scrip.  Or if you´d like to have a booth and donate a minimum of 30% to the children of La Paz, you may do so.
This year Jean Wise is in charge of the event, working with Maleni Sorhouet of FANLAP.  Stay tuned for Jean´s announcement of our next Subasta meeting to take place in October.  For more information, or if you would like to put your name down as a volunteer, send an email to Judy Peterson at jupete49@hotmail.com or to Veronica or Maleni at fanlap@hotmail.com.    Let´s make this year´s event another success. See our web page at www.fanlapsubasta.com.
: Local Events
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My Top 10 Summertime Things to Do in La Paz

July 17, 2012

My Top 10 Summertime Things to Do in La Paz
Jim Donahoe
With summer officially here in La Paz and the excruciating heat that comes with it, one might be a little bit hesitant to head outdoors.
However, as a lover of the area and a full-time resident, not spending time outside is impossible for me. La Paz is a wonderful place to enjoy the natural wonders and I have made up a list of fun things to do to make summer in La Paz a part of a lifestyle, a lifestyle that does not include staying inside with the air on 24/7!
Here are my top 10 things to do in this paradise I call home during the summer months, and happy about it.

1. Cool, early morning walks and exercise along the Malecon.
2. Driving into the hillsides after a rain to see the bursting, blooming colors.
3. Backyard BBQ’s so I can learn more about Mexican grilling, have a beer, listen to music and enjoy friends.
4. Tecolote Beach. Being spoiled with service, refreshments and a frequent dip in the water.
5. Snorkeling. Water clarity surpasses HD TV.
6. Fishing. It is like my golf game, I am not very good at it, but with one good shot or one caught fish I keep coming back for more.
7. My friend has a small sailboat and I am really looking forward to learning how to sail.
8. Evenings along the Malecon with ice-cream while listening to a free concert and enjoying families.
9. Learning to scuba dive in one of the top 5 dive destinations of the world.
10. I am easily amused and actually look forward to the variety of ways my fellow Paceños greet me and let me know how hot it is today… Oh, really?
11. I know it is suppose to be 10, but what the heck. As a real estate broker, I love to introduce others to all the wonders of La Paz, help them find and purchase their dream home and welcome them as new neighbors to our paradise by the sea.

Jim is the Broker Manager for Linda Neil Properties in La Paz and a full-time Paceño. jimdonahoe@me.com 612 140 1054 www.lindaneil.com.

: Local News
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Summer Car Care Tips – Before hitting the road this summer, make sure your ride is in good condition

July 17, 2012

Manuel Amarillas Vanegas
The arrival of summer marks an ideal time to make sure your car or truck is in good working condition. The extremely high temperatures of a Baja summer can be hard on your vehicle – everything from the paint down to the tires is subjected to harsher than normal conditions.   You don’t want to be stranded in this heat because the health of your car has gone unchecked.
Here are a few tips to help make sure you and your vehicle are ready for summer.
1. Kick the tires. Even get out the tire-pressure gauge and check that your tires are inflated to the level recommended in your owner’s manual. Summer heat increases the pressure in tires, so test the pressure before driving far. Don’t forget to check your spare as well.
2. Change the oil. This is especially important in the summer because hot weather requires extra lubrication for the engine. If you will be pulling a trailer, use “severe duty” oil.
3. Make a service stop. Your mechanic is in the best position to tell you what needs to be done to your car, but a quick tune-up before a long trip is a good idea. Save some fuel
4. Be prepared for the worst. Always have an Emergency Road Kit in your car just in case. Your kit should include:
Flashlights and flares
Jumper cables
Tire inflator
Extra fluids (oil, coolant, transmission)
A First Aid kit
A jack
Gloves
Rags/paper towels
Water
Blanket
5. Follow posted highway speed limits. This will increase your car’s fuel efficiency because gas mileage declines by a few percent for each 5 MPH increase in speed above 45 mph.
6. Buckle up, slow down, and have fun!
: Local News
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First Walkability Audit in La Paz. Did We Pass?

July 16, 2012

Susan Fogel
Walkability and neighborhood walking scores are the new buzz words in urban planning. Getting ready to buy or rent a house, and want to know if it is close to cafes and bookstores? You can go online and get the walkscore for that neighborhood…really.
Last Monday at 7:30 in the morning, urban planners from La Paz, members of the International Community Foundation, some young architects, a professor from UNAM in Mexico City, Antonio Suarez, this writer, and Paul Zikofsky the person that dragged us all out so early, walked from the municipal pier on the Malecon to Café El Corazon on Revolucion and Constitucion. During the walk Zikofsky stopped many times to assess the walkability of the sidewalks and connecting streets.
What is walkability? Who is Zikofsky and why do we care? Zikofsky is the Associate Director of the Local Government Commission (LCG) based in Sacramento. He is a trained architect and spent many years working as an urban planner. He grew up in Mexico and is bilingual. LCG’s mission statement says in part: “The Local Government Commission (LGC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization that provides inspiration, technical assistance, and networking to local elected officials and other dedicated community leaders who are working to create healthy, walkable, and resource-efficient communities.” Paul has consulted with small cities in the US and Mexico.
Walkability, simply put, is how friendly an area is to walking. Are houses, work places, public transportation, and businesses within a comfortable walk? And is there shade? Are curbs in good condition? Are sidewalks maintained, are they wide enough for two lovers to walk hand-in-hand? Can a person in a wheelchair propel themselves up a sidewalk ramp? Can they safely negotiate the sidewalks and street crossings?
Walkability and bicycle access go hand-in-hand. And Suarez, also known as Fevo, was here to promote bike riding instead of using a car. He has been consulting with some bicycle groups in La Paz, specifically with Lucia Coral and the Balandra Bike Ride which was 150 people strong last year. He sees a future 20 years hence when bicycles dominate downtown La Paz. So what does all of this mean? And did La Paz pass the audit? Yes and no.
Let’s start with what it means. Large malls have been built outside of Centro. And one mall has a movie complex and a Starbucks, that since it opened, has had a never-ending line and all the tables filled in the afternoon. The view is the parking lot. You need a car to visit these stores, and you take your life in your hands trying to get in or out of the mall. Or…
Drive downtown and park. Walk to a café, have an ice cream and sit on a bench on the beach with your toes in the sand. Walk to the bank, a restaurant, and shops. Stop and talk to people that you know. Pet a dog, pat a cute kid on the head. Step into a crosswalk and cars stop for you. Try crossing from Liverpool to Wal-Mart on foot. Are you crazy? You could get killed! And four cars would flatten you before they could stop. Which scenario appeals to you?
So when it comes to the audit or test, La Paz has room for improvement. I think of Roy Orbison singing Pretty Woman. He lets out a sexy growl after he sings about the pretty woman walking down the street. On many sidewalks in La Paz, you may hear a growl, but it is far from sexy, it is an expletive because someone just tripped on a raised sidewalk, tripped in a hole, or bashed their head on a low-hanging air conditioner. Or all three!
On the brighter side, the streets downtown are narrow, the sidewalks are fairly wide; there is some shade but not enough. You can walk to the post office and bank and stop at different restaurants. Why are narrow streets good? According to Zikofsky, they make cars behave; they cannot speed or pass at high speed.
So what did we see on our walk? One item was a Coke machine outside a store that forced us to walk single file or step into the street to get around it. Big columns supporting awnings, the columns blocked the way for those strolling lovers. And on a four-corner intersection, there was only one wheelchair ramp. And there were no trees.
So why is Zikofsky here critiquing our city? He was invited. There was a New Partners for Smart Growth convention in San Diego. The International Community Foundation (ICF) paid for the city planners of La Paz to attend. That is where Zikofsky found out about La Paz.  His expenses and those of Fevo were paid by ICF.
At the end of our walk, we were treated to breakfast and slide presentations by Zikofsky and Fevo. One of the most dramatics slides showed the difference between how a pedestrian perceives a crosswalk and how a driver sees it. For the pedestrian, it is clearly marked with wide yellow bands that lead them across the intersection. The driver sees nothing but road and some pedestrians interfering with driving. When I try to cross the Malecon, I often step into the road and point down at the crosswalk and then hold up my hand to stop the cars. And if I am really irritated, I might yell “Don’t you see that I’m in the crosswalk?” Well now, I know that the driver cannot see the crosswalk.
Zikofsky pointed out that walkable cities have healthier populations. Obesity is a growing problem everywhere. Getting people, especially kids onto bikes or on foot is better for the air and for their health. Fevo says that planning is not to be left to the government. Planning is the people pushing the government. Fevo pointed out that a walkable city is a safer city. He said that, the more women and children that are on the street, the less likely there is to be criminal activity.
After the presentation, small break-out groups formed to work on ideas about making La Paz Centro more walkable. Worldwide, people are moving to the older parts of cities. They want to walk to cafes and bookstores and are willing to hoof a little farther if they can get to work on public transportation.
Was this just a feel-good exercise? Not at all. This work is to help formalize urban planning in La Paz and for the city to apply for funds from the Inter American Development Bank (IDB). IDB is the largest source of funding for governments in Latin America and the Caribbean. This is part of a plan to create sustainable cities.
When asked if La Paz was lost. Zikofsky said, “No, it is a spectacular landscape, just gorgeous, a lovely downtown. But it needs help. The crumbling sidewalks and curbs need to be fixed. The streets are well connected and generally easy for cars and pedestrian to get where they are going.”
How important is walkability? Important enough that two major real estate search sites Zillow.com and Trulia.com score each property on its walkability. Walkscore.com allows you to enter an address of an apartment or rental to get its walkability score. And a good 50% of the people coming to rent or buy in La Paz say they want to be within walking distance to the Malecon. La Paz, in general, garnered a walk score of 50, which means somewhat walkable. And when I typed in El Malecon, the score dropped to 37 and was labeled “car-dependent”. We know that this is a little off. One of the joys of El Centro is that you can walk everywhere.
Get out there and walk!
Susan Fogel is the broker-owner of PrestigePropertyGroupLaPaz.com. And she loves to walk on the Malecon.
: Local News
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July Edition of the Baja Citizen on the Street

July 13, 2012

You can pick up the July edition of the Baja Citizen now on the streets of La Paz!  The August edition of your community newspaper will be out August 7th, 2012.

: Administration
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Fur was Flying over the New Law Prohibiting Pets in the Cabin on ALL Flights Entering or Leaving Mexico

July 13, 2012

Sheryl Hamilton, Susan Fogel, and Allyson Williams
What do you do when you have been traveling with your beloved Spot or Fluffy and, after you have purchased your tickets, or in some cases arrived at the airport, you are told that your furry friend is not welcome on the plane?
Oh we know there is always the option of relegating your tiny teacup poodle or aged cat to the cold and lonely hold, but would you? Could you? It just isn’t safe for little guys and aged gals, and it ain’t the Ritz for large dogs or healthy cats either.
You can do what some of our readers did:

  • One man left his two cats in an air-conditioned room in their house and asked the housekeeper to feed, water, and potty them. Hardly a good solution, but the only one he could find.
  • More than one couple split up their travel, with the husband driving the dogs north and the wife flying home.
  • Or in one case, the husband flew back to Oregon, drove the 2,000 miles back to La Paz to collect his wife and pets.

In case you missed the initial howl of anger from pet owners across Mexico, here is background:
Two months ago, a letter went out from the Mexican Director General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) to all US and Canadian airlines, reminding them of a 2007 Directive which, among other things, prohibits transporting pets in the cabin on all flights to, from, and within Mexico. There was no grace period or warning.
One by one, the airlines began to implement the policies set out by the DGAC, and the internet immediately exploded with rumors, speculation, and petitions from angry travelers. Snowbirds who normally travel with their small pets were left stranded at airports, many were compelled to drive home rather than fly, some have even been forced to leave their beloved pets in the care of housekeepers or friends for months at a time. The blogosphere was inundated with letters from rescue groups and a host of Canadians and Americans threatening to sell their homes in Mexico or to vacation elsewhere.
According to local developer and Untied Airlines pilot, Rick Byers, a plane is a plane. They all have climate controlled holds, once the plane is in the air.
Alaska Air for one brags about its climate controlled cargo hold for pets.
Rick pointed out that while any plane sits on the tarmac, the cargo bay doors are open and your precious Siamese or Chihuahua is subject to the climactic conditions outside the plane. Non pet lovers, it is important that you understand why owners will not put their small pets in the hold.
The La Paz group of pet lovers was advised that the Secretary of Transportation (SCT) takes direction directly from the president and would not be influenced by their efforts. And with an election looming, it would be difficult to get any decision from anyone for weeks or maybe months. So they decided to attack the various departments of tourism. Many expats who had recently been in Mexico City for a forum and met Gloria Guevara Manzo, Federal Secretary of Tourism, knew she is on Twitter, and the tweets flew out to her all day, every day. The claws came out, teeth were bared, and the fight was on.
A concerted online effort soon began all over North America to get the ruling reversed, in large part by illustrating how devastating it would be on the Mexican economy, especially the tourism sector. In a matter of days, hundreds of people had called and emailed the Mexican Tourism Office in Monterrey to register their concerns and complaints.
Calls flooded into the Ministry of Tourism in Monterrey. These poor fellows were inundated, and on top of that, misinformed. One caller was told by the service rep answering the phone that the law only applied to domestic airlines. As the days passed and the volume of calls mounted, the Monterrey office started taking names and promised to take the complaint higher and keep the callers informed. The Mexican Tourist Office in Los Angeles had voicemail only and soon the system was unable to take any more calls.

Thanks to social media and the raised dander of pet lovers everywhere, the effort paid off. On June 25th, a Revised Circular went out to the airlines, stating that pets and service animals would be allowed in the cabin, effective immediately. The new Circular (CO AV-07.8/07 R2) is an interim, temporary measure that will remain in effect while the  DGAC works on revising article 107 of the law of Civil Aviation. The official revisions are expected to be in place in September of this year. One of our translators indicated that there are some restrictions: no snakes, Barbie the Boa must remain at home, so sorry.
According to our translators, the new circular also means that domestic Mexican airlines will now have the option to allow pets in the cabin. This change was swift, all-encompassing, and nearly miraculous for any bureaucracy.
But as we already know, there was an election on July 1st. Things change after an election. Pet lovers: You must remain vigilant and cannot let up on the pressure. Send emails and tweets and make phone calls thanking the various tourism ministers for understanding the issues and taking swift action. And remind them that travelers are still watching, and they will vote with their feet and their wallets by visiting more pet-friendly skies.
To contact the Mexico Tourism Board in Monterrey:
From outside Mexico: 1 800 446 3942
From inside Mexico: 001 880 446 3942
Email: contact@visitmexico.com
As of this writing, people are reporting that they have boarded planes with their pets and encountered no issues. There was a problem with Alaska Airlines in La Paz on July 2nd, the first day of the change in the law, but that appears to have been cleared up.
Keep checking this Facebook page for more info:

https://www.facebook.com/PetsInCabin

We have provided some important information within the paper with travel rules, airline fees, and a chart showing what airlines will allow what pets in the hold and at what times of the year.

: Local News