The Baja Citizen

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H2O Profesionals Internacionales

March 1, 2013

By Jim Donahoe

“Everyone in La Paz needs water treatment,” says Chris Salter of H2O Profesionals Internacionales. Can you live without water treatment? Absolutely. Many have forever. However, if you take a closer look at all aspects of the use and consumption of quality water you will start to realize why his statement makes so much sense. Without the use of water treatment do you notice… water spots everywhere from the shower door to the glasses you drink from? How about the way your clothes and towels come out of the wash feeling kind of stiff and not soft and fluffy? Maybe you notice that your hair doesn’t have the lush, soft feel after a shower.
The main source of our public water for La Paz comes from water gradually finding its way down the mountains and into underwater aquifers. Through its travels the water collects many minerals from deposits found in the ground. This results in very “hard” water. While safe, this water creates many challenges for your appliances (water heater) and fixtures (notice the ring in your toilet).
I interviewed Chris in the H20 office at Madero 430 between Hidalgo and Constitucion. Unfortunately, Chris’ wife, Alicia was in Mexico City at the time. I also had the pleasure of meeting Charles (“Chubb”) Michaud, Technical Director for Systematix Chemical Engineers. Chris explained that Chubb has been his friend, mentor and business associate for 20 plus years. Just listening to the two of them talk in technical terms about water quality and treatment convinced me that Chris and Chubb really know water.
Chris began his career in water treatment more than 30 years ago in Scotland. He eventually came to the US because the industry was flourishing. Chris met his Mexican wife, Alicia, 17 years ago while living in California. Alicia was a prominent figure in the marketing industry in Southern California. In fact, it was her success that lead to a job opportunity from a local major developer that lured Alicia to La Paz. Chris was ready for a change and loved the idea of living in Mexico. After arriving, someone asked Chris for help on a desalinization project. One thing lead to another and Chris realized there were few resources in La Paz for quality water treatment. Based on this need, Chris and Alicia opened their first retail office on the Malecon five years ago. Two years ago they moved to a great location on Madero next to Buffalo’s Restaurant. In fact, Alicia is now working full-time with Chris and their business is growing.
“One of the aspects of the business that keeps me motivated is that nearly every job, no matter how big or small, presents a unique challenge,” Chris stated. One such challenge in La Paz is the fact that many US and Canadians live only part-time, so their systems are only being used for a short time and then sitting dormant until their return. Another unique challenge is that public water varies greatly from one location to another. The water in La Ventana is very different in mineral content from that in La Paz. Always loving challenges, Chris worked with Chubb to create products that address each situation. The goal was to create products that are affordable, easy to use and maintain, self cleaning and durable. The result is a line of “Blue Angel” products that range from whole house to under-sink drinking water solutions.
Another discovery was the need for water treatment in the various boats and yachts that frequent our area. Chris discovered that simple things like filters and fittings were hard to find and expensive so he started stocking them in his store. If a boater has the need for a water maker or more, Chris can facilitate a custom design to fit any need for small boats to large yachts.
H2O Profesionals Internacionales is expanding and now has distributors in Loreto and Todos Santos. I don’t expect their expansion plans to slow down… I think they love the challenge too much.
To really have a better understanding of the importance of water treatment please take the time to look at their website at www.aguadebaja.com. You can reach Chris and Alicia at (612) 123-3032 or by email at chris@aguadebaja.com. So, if you, as a homeowner, have a need for a simple under the counter water quality system or if you, as a developer, has a need for a major desalinization plant… Chris can help! Call or stop by their office for a chat.

Jim Donahoe has been a licensed real estate broker for 35+ years, has consulted throughout Western Mexico for the last 10 years and has been a full time Paceño for over 3 years. Jim is the owner/broker of Baja Coast Brokers in La Paz. Email Jim at jim@bajacoastbrokers.com or call his Mexican cell phone at (612) 140-1054 or his US phone at (619) 752-8114 – www.bajacoastbrokers.com.

: Business News
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DISCOUNTS ON WILL AND TESTAMENTS IN THE MONTH OF MARCH IN MEXICO

February 25, 2013

DISCOUNTS ON WILL AND TESTAMENTS

Don’t leave a mess behind for your loved ones.  A Will and Testament reduces problems when one departs from this world and leaves behind family and friends. March and September are known as the months of the Will and Testament and Notario Publicos normally give a 50% discount. Every Will and Testament is registered in a central registry in Mexico City thus guaranteed to exist at any time it is required.  You will also be given a copy for your personal records. To be able to do a Will and Testament, an immigration document or carta de naturalizacion along with a birth certificate and passport need to be presented.

: Business News, Legal News
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Recipes from the Dangerous Kitchen

February 20, 2013

To borrow a phrase from Mick Jagger – ‘Please allow me to introduce myself’… My name is Spencer Moore and I have been a restaurant owner/chef for over 40 years.  Actually ‘Chef’ is what other people call me – I pretty much think of myself as just an old hippie – who happens to be a really, really good cook.  After over 20 years of restauranteering in Cabo San Lucas, I have relocated to La Paz. So I am also a new kid in town – if a grumpy old septuagenarian can be called a ‘kid’.  For the last 10 or 12 years I have been sending out a pretty popular on-line Newsletter.  I started the Newsletter in response to all the Meathead Celebrity Chefs who were suddenly all over TV talking about what great cooks they were and how you could be too if you just followed their instructions.  All you’d need was a ricer, dicer, processor, steamer, immersible blender, convection oven, S10,000 dollar stove, – stainless steel this – electric that!  What a buncha BS.  All they were doing was mystifying something simple and beautiful so you would think they were really smart.  The truth is ‘cooking is fun and cooking is easy – if it were hard to do, or took any brains at all the human race would have died off eons ago’.   Think about it.  When humans first appeared on earth, everything fell into one of two categories ‘food’ or ‘not food’.  If something tasted good it quickly became ‘food’ if it tasted bad, made you sick or killed you it was definitely ‘not food’.  Given that ‘food’ starts out tasting good – it is actually easier to cook something good tasting than something that tastes bad.  How simple is it?? Hold a chunk of meat on a stick over a fire.  If you don’t burn it, no celebrity chef on earth can do it better! Or throw a potato on the coals of a campfire or an ear of fresh sweet corn into a pot of water.  To cook good food is really easy, to make bad food you actually have to do something bad to it – use salt instead of sugar or burn it real bad or something.   I have eaten in fine and famous restaurants all over the USA and Mexico and with only one exception I can’t even remember what I ate, only that it was pretentious and overpriced.  On the other hand I can recall vividly the ‘smoked’ fish I got on the beach in San Blas 40 year ago for a couple of pesos.  Just a whole small fish laid across green sticks over a real low smoky fire for a couple hours – with lime and salt…mmmm.   Virtually all the great dishes of the world come from very, very humble roots.  In Mexico, all of my most memorable meals have come from the humblest of kitchens, many cooked over an open fire in kitchens with no electric appliances.  Another part of my theory is this is cooking – not rocket science ‘exact’ amounts and measurements do not matter.  Does anyone care if there are more or less chopped onions in a stew or a little more or less garlic?  The celebrity chefs, with their triple beam balance gram scales and quarter and eighth teaspoons are just complicating an easy natural process.  The truth is all herbs, spices and other ingredients are different every time you use them.  If you use the same amount of a fresh ground spice and a spice that has been sitting around on your kitchen shelf for a few weeks the taste will be much, much different.  The real secret is ‘taste as you cook’ add the salt or oregano or garlic give a stir and taste it if it needs more add it. In my future articles I will be giving you recipes and letting you in on a lot of the tricks I have picked up in my over 40 years in front of a stove.  Also I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about cooking in general and Mexican food in particular.  I will also take requests if you want a good recipe for a particular dish.  You can email your questions to me at the Baja Citizen by going to http://www.bajacitizen.com/contact-us/ or email me directly at spenmoore@gmail.com. As a matter of fact I would appreciate any recipe requests for my first real recipe column coming up in the next issue.  Until then…

: Business News, Food News!
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Baja Foreign Business Group Ends 2012 with a Bang

January 15, 2013

TBC
The Baja Foreign Business Group (BFBG) gathered just before the holidays at Mis Amores Restaurant on Marquis de León with an invitation extended to Ruben Reachi Lugo, State Secretary of Tourism, Pedro Aguilar, Municipal Director of Tourism and Agustin Olachea, President of Emprhotur (Hotel Association).
Members of the BFBG have grown increasingly concerned with the economy in the city. With news that La Paz will be losing international air service in April of 2013, the group felt it was essential that government officials discuss future economic development for the capital of BCS.
The BFBG had asked each of the invited guests to come prepared and update the group on the economy of La Paz and the State of BCS in general; the status of international airline transportation into La Paz; City and State tourism projects related to international travelers and future economic developments for La Paz and State.
Neil Shroyer of Marina La Paz discussed the problems with tourism in La Paz.  La Paz never grew up as a tourist destination. The economy grew with pearling and during the 60´s and 70´s, commercial activity, supported by the duty free zone, had its most successful period.  By the 80’s, much of the state welcomed tourism while La Paz carved out its dependence on government.
Although La Paz is not a fun in the sun destination because of the weather, Shroyer feels that La Paz can easily cater to retirees looking for a second home or the niche market of ecotourism.  Unfortunately, La Paz is going through an identity crisis, with residents asking themselves, “Do we want tourism or not?”
Agustin Olachea updated the group on international air service to and from La Paz. Although Alaska Airlines will be leaving La Paz as of April 2013, local tourism departments are in talks with an airline to provide service to and from Los Angeles.  No announcement could be made.
Pablo Armenta, who stepped in for Secretary Reachi, handed out information detailing tourism to La Paz.  According to data, with most hotels booked on an average of two nights, La Paz is clearly a business travel destination and not so much a tourist destination.
Pedro Aguilar reported that La Paz Mayor Esthela Ponce Beltran understands that tourism is very fragile in the city and she is spending time in Mexico City working with the federal government to restructure debt and looking for new money to help make infrastructure improvements in the city.  There are private developments working on projects, which will help activate the economy and he feels business owners just need to be patient with the economic turn around.
The Baja Foreign Business Group was organized by Juli Goff of Se Habla…La Paz and Jonathan and Jill Roldan of Tailhunters International back in 2010 to help foreign business owners in La Paz. During the past few years, BFBG has hosted numerous meetings featuring speakers who have addressed topics ranging from importing/exporting, immigration, police activity and tourism. The meetings are conducted in English and there is always a translator on hand to help with presentations when necessary.
: Business News, Local News
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Is Bay of Dreams Still a Dream?

January 3, 2013

By Carol Dyer
The thing about dreams is that eventually we have to wake up.   When they are pleasant, we are sorry to let them go.  When they are nightmares, we are relieved.   There are many expressions related to dreams:  a pipe dream, a dream come true, your worst nightmare, day dreamer, dream on, living the dream, etc.
Take Ensenada De Los Muertos.   When Steve Games, co-founder of Prudential California Realty, first sailed into this beautiful bay to seek refuge from heavy seas, he thought, “Wow!  This is where I want to be.”   He began buying up property, bringing in investors, and eventually built Gran Sueño, a 25 acre estate complete with 9 hole golf course, equestrian center, tennis courts, several casitas, a restaurant with multiple tracks of model trains, and miles of beautiful white sandy beach.  Steve and his family lived the dream for a number of years here at “The Bay” as it is commonly referred to by owners and staff.  To the locals, the fishermen, and the cruisers, it will always be known as Muertos.  But, if you want to entice wealthy gringos to build custom, luxury homes on the site, Bay of the Dead doesn’t quite project the proper image.  Thus, the development is officially known as The Bay of Dreams.
Except for Gran Sueño and the properties sold or traded out, the development is now owned by PCS Development of Los Angeles.   With a successful record of accomplishments in property development,  Joe Fryzer and Paul Jennings, owners of PCS Development, saw an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of this luxury development on the Sea of Cortez.  That was in 2005.  Over the course of the next 7 years, $73 million was spent on the infrastructure, and PCS eventually acquired the entire project.   Some of that investment went to building an 18 hole golf course designed by acclaimed architect Tom Doak.   Doak’s approach to golf course design is to work within the natural features of the land, not obliterate them to accommodate a fairway or hole.  With the golf course comes the need for water.  PCS Development is serious about being stewards of the land.  Among other things that means minimizing the use of ground water vital to the community at large.  Although there is a 9 million gallon reservoir, the major source of fresh water comes from a functioning water treatment plant.
For the principals involved, the dream to develop this pristine 4,000+ acre site is fading.  The housing market downturn and the U.S. and world economic crises brought the project to a virtual standstill approximately 2 ½ years ago.  At its height, the Bay employed in excess of 130 workers, most of whom worked to clear vegetation, road construction, golf course construction, and maintenance.  Now there are fewer than 60 employees.  These workers provide security, maintain the golf greens and tees (the fairways were allowed to dry out), maintain equipment, operate the restaurant, maintain roads, and provide administrative services such as accounting, human resources, and IT.
The project is for sale and has been for some time.  Land Advisors Resort Solutions is handling the offering.  It includes approximately 4,000 acres; all infrastructure, including off site pipeline, 9 million gallon reservoir, a fully permitted and operating desalination plant with wells to support 75,000 gpd production; all construction/maintenance equipment and vehicle fleet; fully equipped and furnished 3,000 sq. ft. restaurant; the golf course; onsite office and housing trailers; and more.  Complete details may be found at www.landadvisors.com.  If all the t’s are crossed and the i’s dotted, it is possible the Bay, including the Gran Sueño 25 acre resort, will come under new ownership by the end of the year.  When that happens the Bay will no doubt realize a resurgence and begin a new era of development.
The Bay is well worth a visit even if it is just for the view.  Drive south from La Paz on highway 286 towards the small town of Los Planes.  Follow the road until it ends at the water’s edge, about 45 miles from La Paz.   Mosey on into the restaurant and have a taco and maybe a margarita.  Sit back and take in the pristine white sandy beach as you watch the pelicans drive for fish or squabble over the fishermen’s discards.  Afterwards, leave the restaurant to the left and walk along what is called the “Spanish Dock”.  There are remnants of buildings and stone steps leading to the bay.  It is thought these were built during the Spanish settlement in 1535 (the name of the restaurant).  Most likely the docks were built for loading minerals from the mines at El Triunfo and San Antonio.
At its height, The Bay of Dream lots were offered from a range of $300,000 to $7,000,000.  One such lot sold for $1,820,000 in 2007.  That last lot sold was in 2009.  Now you can purchase a lot on which to build your own dream home for as little as $200,000.  If you buy, remember me.  I get a referral fee.
Carol Dyer is the owner of Casa Tuscany Inn and a regular contributor to the Baja Citizen. Carol is grateful to Paul Jennings and PCS Development for the opportunity to work for them.  It is what brought Carol to La Paz in the first place.
: Business News, Development News
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ANOTHER HIDDEN GEM IN LA PAZ

January 3, 2013

TBC
Hidden within one of the many dusty La Paz neighborhoods is an excellent find that is worth knowing about.  Frank Hills, local resident, artist, and contributor to The Baja Citizen, has been kind enough to tell us of a wood craftsman named Bencho.
Bencho (Evencio Bustos Soto), the owner and craftsman of the woodworking shop, is 75 years old and has seen much over the years. His work reflects this experience.  Bencho’s shop produces woodcrafts made from local indigenous materials.  His crafts, cabinetry, and furniture stem from a time when materials were in short supply in the region.  To some extent Baja California Sur is still this way and often when you want something you need to know who can make the item.  Bencho is just your man for wooden crafts and cabinetry.  Some of Bencho’s creativity can be seen in his unique picture frames made of local cacti, often in combinations that create a very nice effect.
In fact, Frank Hills says, in describing the custom picture frames, Bencho can do the same quality work as I can, but for less money than I can make them myself.”  Frank further adds that Bencho gets the project done ahead of time and is willing to modify or make additions requested, often for free.
Bencho’s reputation is rock solid like his work.  He is honest as they come, does not haggle on prices, and offers a very affordable price at the start.  Bencho also employs the talent of young up-and-coming artists who are disciplined enough to learn the requirements to create works as good as his, of a quality any discerning person would want.
One of these talented helpers is Hugo Vizcarra, a 28-year-old, adept in woodcarving, etching, and painting.  Hugo is bilingual, friendly and can share the buyer’s goals with Bencho to create successful items.  Hugo is a skilled man who definitely will be an artist to watch for in years to come.
When one considers the solid character of Bencho, his unique creative style, and his courage to conquer about any woodworking task you desire, it is clear that you, the reader, should know about this great man who lives in La Paz.
Bencho’s work can be seen in his workshop by appointment or in the Artisanias stand on Alvaro Obregon (the malecon) between Rosales and Nicolas Bravo.  He can be contacted by phone at 612-160-5161 (cell).  Hugo, who speaks English, can be contacted at 612-131-8619 (cell).
: Business News, The Art Scene
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Wine Gift Baskets at La Cava del Patron

December 12, 2012

Get you wine gift baskets for Christmas now at La Cava del Patron, on the corner of Prieto and M. de Leon.

Open 9:00 am until 9:00 pm – everyday!

: Business News
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Solstice Solar of Baja – Solar Water Heating Systems

November 29, 2012

Solar Water Heating Systems for domestic use or to heat up your pool!

Call 624 142 8002 or e-mail info@solsticesolarofbaja.com

: Business News
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The Baja Foreign Business Group (BFBG) will re-convene on Thursday December 6th at 5pm at Mis Amores Restaurant in La Paz

November 29, 2012

The Baja Foreign Business Group (BFBG) will re-convene on Thursday December 6th at 5pm at Mis Amores Restaurant, Marquis de León next to La Cava del Patrón. Those invited to present on the following topics are the State Secretary of Tourism, the Municipal Director of Tourism and the Director of the Hotel Association.
They have been asked to comment and update the group on:

The economy of La Paz and the State of BCS in general
The status of international airline transportation into La Paz
City and State tourism projects related to international travelers
Future economic developments for La Paz and State

CURRENT MEMBERS please RSVP to Juli Goff, info@sehablalapaz.com, 122-7763. New interested foreign business owners please contact Juli Goff (as above) for more information about the group.

: Business News, Local Events
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Check out the New Casa De La Paz B & B

November 21, 2012

TBC
Leslie and Darrell Duncan came to visit La Paz in July 2012, specifically to attend Julie Goff’s Spanish immersion school,  “Se Habla La Paz”.
After a fantastic month in school and in the community, they both found themselves entranced with the beauty, the people, and the culture of La Paz.  They returned to northern California to leave their jobs, sell their possessions, and say good by to friends in order to relocate, assimilate, and open a business in La Paz. With the help of incredible friends and associates, they were able to find and open a beautiful home for a bed and breakfast.
Leslie is a Master’s prepared registered nurse and Darrell is an architect. Leslie is hoping to continue to use her nursing skills in La Paz. She has been in the nursing profession for over 20 years, in positions including management, quality assurance, and acute care. Her passion for running, biking, hiking, and swimming, has proven to be an excellent match for living a healthy lifestyle here in this city. At Casa de la Paz B&B, she would like to be able to share the beauty and energy of La Paz that she sees with her guests.
Darrell is an architect with 30 years experience in northern California. Eventually, he would like to design and build homes here in La Paz, but is content with running the bed and breakfast with Leslie for the moment. He also has a passion for healthy activities, and has recently decided he loves clamming and rock hounding. He is counting on becoming a proficient fisherman as well. He has two border collies, one of which is a champion sheepherder. He also can give the “dog whisperer” a run for his money.
Casa de la Paz bed and breakfast is a beautiful, comfortable, and convenient place to stay on the Malecon. Three impeccably clean guest rooms are available, decorated in traditional Mexican style. The goal of Leslie and Darrell is for each guest to feel completely at home, while engaging in the magic of La Paz culture. Breakfast is served with the intention of introducing traditional cuisine. The location of the bed and breakfast is first priority. Shopping, restaurants, events, the Sea of Cortez and the Malecon are all within walking distance. In fact, it is possible to easily wheel the kayaks to the sea when one feels like playing with the dolphins.
Leslie and Darrell are excited to share the enchantment of La Paz with everyone who visits!
www.casadelapazmexico.com

: Business News