This is What Community Looks Like

Journal del Pacifico Spring 2020 cover by Kate TurningThe communities of Todos Santos and Pescadero have been working through these trying times, finding ways to adapt to the many changes, figuring out business options, and reaching out to help those in need. These individuals are neither heroes nor saints but are the backbone for real community that we love.

Many local restaurants have found creative ways to stay open by offering takeout and delivery options.

Chill N Grill has curbside pickup for their full menu and pizza, Monday – Friday, 4 – 8 pm, and Taco Tuesday again! Call to order, 6121450014.

Chez Laura and Poke Loco have teamed up to offer daily specials Wednesday – Saturday. You can also order Chez Laura’s delicious bread!

Gallo Azul has pizza and beer to go and offers home delivery, Tuesday – Sunday, 2:30 – 8 pm. Call to order, 6121588457.

Shut Up Frank’s has their full menu and beer available for takeout and delivery, Wednesday – Sunday, 12 – 8 pm. Call to order, 6121450707.

Todos Santos Brewing is providing people with that valuable substance – beer. You can refill your growlers Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12 – 2 pm. Checkout their Facebook page for brew master, Ted Mitchell, performing his original acoustic tunes for our listening pleasure.

Palmar in Pescadero has their full menu available for takeout, Monday – Saturday, 12 – 7 pm. Order in advance via Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp.

Area grocery and specialty stores have stepped up to the “new norm” by asking customers to wear masks and limiting the number of people in the store at one time.

Pura Vida Health Food and Deli is open Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm. You can shop at the store or place your order for pickup. They offer personal delivery to Pescadero on Thursdays and Las Tunas on Fridays. They are also taking orders for Costco purchases.

Que Rico has recently changed ownership but continues stock the same great local products. They are open Tuesday – Thursday, 11 am – 5 pm. They also have cloth face masks for sale made by Manos Magicas sewing team.

You can order from Mini Super Munchies online, by WhatsApp or Messenger, Monday – Friday, 12 – 4 pm and pickup at their location.

Todos Santos Private Transportation and Todos Santos Eco Adventures have been working with ACTS to distribute food to area families in need. And Mario Surf School has also been helping the group distributing pet food to families in need.

Todos Santos Private Transportation also is offering shopping service to La Paz or Cabo.

Farmacia San Benito and St. Jude’s pharmacy are open regular business hours and stocking hand sanitizer, alcohol, vitamins, and all your needs. Farmacia San Benito can special order medications as well.

St. Jude’s Medical Center is open and seeing patients.

Cuatro Vientos recently offered 5 Days of Fitness Zoom classes as a fundraiser for ACTS.

Cate Thomassen, shardArtist, donated an original mosaic table for a fundraiser raffle for the Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska. Tori Sepulveda was the proud winner.

You can still learn or improve your Spanish from home. Hablando Mexicano is offering online Spanish classes.

Mail Boxes Todos Santos continues to provide their full mail, shipping, and receiving services.

Todos Insurance would like you to know that COVID19 is covered for new and existing clients. Check out their international insurance. Contact Jack Schaub at jack@shoreline.com.mx

How you can help?

The Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.‘s students are finishing the school year at home and are receiving help online, via telephone, and WhatsApp.

It is also the time of year when parents and students are working on their applications for the 2020/2021 school year. Although all Palapa students receive tuition help, this is a hard time for parents to pay their portion. Your generous donation can help keep local/ students in school. To make a donation, visit: https://palapasociety.org/donate/

ACTS, Asociacíon de Colonos de Todos Santos A.C., is taking donations to help feed local families in need. You can visit their website to get the link to make a PayPal donation at: www.actsbaja.org  The Palapa Society of Todos Santos is helping with their donations. To donate via PayPal: use the email: tickets@palapasociety.org, Enter your donation amount. Be sure to note FOOD BANK in the memo.

The Pescadero Food Bank has increased their outreach to 200 bags on a biweekly basis. Their goal is to continue to feed more families, including helping those from Grupo Madre Teresa, Pescadero rancheros, and Padrino Children’s Foundation. You can make a
donation via Paypal: paypal.me/pescaderofoodbank

There is also a group distributing pet food to families in need. You can donate via PayPal: coast-paradise@shaw.ca, or through www.raincoastdogrescue.com and click on donate. Be sure to fill in the note section that it is for Todos Santos for this option! Donations via this method are tax deductible in the US.

We at Journal del Pacifico are posting updates on changes, and keeping you informed on when and how things will be reopening. Follow us right here, on Facebook, and remember, you can read all our issues online!

Stay safe!

Winter 2020

Thank you for all the compliments we received for our Holiday issue with the fabulous Mark Gabriel cover, “El Rey.” We hope that you enjoy this issue with its great Baja stories, photos, and art.

Journal del Pacifico Winter 2020 cover by Pablo Marquez, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoPhotographer Pablo Márquez contributed this issue’s cover photo of La Poza lagoon. You can see more of his fine art prints at Galería Logan in Todos Santos.

Galería Logan is holding an art opening March 14, featuring new works by Lee Mothes and Jill Logan.

The Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C. has two popular tours coming up—the Artists of Todos Santos Open Studio tour at the beginning of February and the ever popular biannual Todos Santos Historic Home tour. See this issue’s article for more information. And you can still get a copy of the 18-month Artists of Todos Santos calendar! All support The Palapa Society of Todos Santos programs.

Artist Ann Hebebrand has two more workshops coming up, Abstract possibilities and Painting with Neutrals. See events for more information.

In our Winter 2020 issue, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures shares the story of the Puppo brothers in the “Last Fishermen of Isla Espírtu Santo,” with photos by Keenan Shoal Werner. Trudi Angell of Saddling South also shares with us more background on the making of the film “La Recua, Dario’s Dream.”

Growing old in Baja is a reality for many ex-pats. Now Comfort Care & Assistance is providing options for assisted living, hospice care, and information about death and dying in Mexico. The Asociación de Colonias de Todos Santos’ (ACTS) mission is to help support neighborhood security, communication, preservation, and also publishes a community phone book.

Dylcor Design & Construction in Pescadero is a responsible building company that not only offers high-quality construction but helps the local community and supports the local fire department. See their ad in this issue.

The Boxing Room, Brian McGuffey, Todos Santos, BCS, MexicoThe Boxing Room on the otro lado of Todos Santos is now open. Brian teaches one-on-one professional boxing by appointment. It’s a great workout!

De la Rosa Architecture mixes contemporary design with traditional architecture, creating luminous spaces that connect with the sea, the mountains, and the desert. Check out their ad in this issue or visit: www.delarosaarchitecture.com

LoveLeigh Designs is an ethical fashion collection situated adjacent to Baja Beans Café in Pescadero. They work directly with local (many underprivileged) artisans, helping to generate an income for them and their families. Each piece in their store, and online, is handmade, tells a story, and every purchase helps someone in need. A portion of all sales goes to fund local projects, individuals, and communities in Baja California Sur.

Shut Up Frank's 25th annual St. Paty's Day, Todos Santos, BCS, MexicoYou won’t want to miss the 25th annual St. Paty’s Day celebration with Frank’s famous corned-beef and fixings on March 17th at Shut Up Frank’s in Todos Santos. Then head over to Todos Santos Brewing for a pint of beer and listen to some great music in the beer garden.

Amor d’Vino is located inside La Generala Restaurant in Todos Santos. In addition to stocking great Mexican wines and tequilas, they can make you a beach basket, and gift certificates are available. Contact them for weddings, private events, private tastings, and birthday parties, or stop in on Wednesday for a wine tasting 1 to 5 pm.

Dos Marias Day Spa, in Pescadero, is situated in a lovely garden setting and offers the ultimate in pampering with a variety of facials, body scrubs, massage treatments, and a Temazcal sweat lodge. It is time to treat yourself to some important self-care!

Todos Los Perros, certified professional dog training is now in Todos Santos. Contact them for group or private lessons. They specialize in dog socialization, obedience, and security K9s. My dog, Max, a recent AKC canine good citizen graduate, loves their classes!

Galería La Gitana on calle Hidalgo in downtown Todos Santos, features paintings by Jimena Garcia, unique ceramics, jewelry, and clothing that you won’t find anywhere else. You can also see Jimena’s work at the monthly Baja 100 art walks.

Chez Laura in Todos Santos serves delicious French specialties in an outdoor, romantic atmosphere. Besides their regular menu, they have daily specials and happy hour Wednesday through Friday.

Virginia Moonstone Mazzetti knows that some would find it insane to uproot from a life in Washington state and start over on a plot of land in Mexico. Most people couldn’t imagine doing something so daring, but she’s found others who have done the exact same thing. Through twenty interviews, Mazzetti explores the reasons for their odysseys and the peace, happiness, and adventure they have found in their new homes. You can find her book, Beginning Again in a Foreign Land, at El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos.

We will see you in our next issue, Spring 2020. We’ll have more great stories, photos, art, and information on the GastroVino Baja Food & Wine festival! The deadline is March 10. And don’t forget, you can see every issue online at journaldelpacifico.com

Spring 2016

Spring 2016 cover of Journal del Pacifico, photo by Kate TurningWe’re very excited about our delicious Spring issue, that starts with the “Santo Tequilito” cover by Kate Turning, which is part of her “Every Day Miracles—Common Saints” series. Kate also designed and photographed the images for this year’s GastroVino Baja Food & Wine Festival, which takes place April 22 – 24 in Todos Santos. See our articles in this issue for more details about this fun festival that celebrates Baja wines and local gastronomy.

GastroVino Food & Wine Festival 2016Kate’s photograph “Santa Terra” graces our feature story on Gourmet Living. We’ve put together a list of where you can buy locally sourced and organic and tasty foods including baby greens, vegetables, fruits, berries, eggs, hummus, yogurt, cheeses, olives, meats, sausages, wines, homemade breads, chocolates and desserts… plus imported goodies like nut butters, rice, crackers… it made us hungry just writing the story!

If you’d rather eat out, Baja California Sur is the land of “farm to table.” Local restaurants serve up bounty from the land and sea in delicious Mexican, French, Italian and International fare.

If you love wood fired pizza, Gallo Azul Pizza Bar in Todos Santos is now open seven days a week. They also have evening special events like movie and salsa nights.

Chez Laura, the affordable French restaurant in Todos Santos, now serves a lunch special of soup, salad and quiche for $120 pesos, from 12 to 5 pm.

Chill n Grill, in Todos Santos, is now open for Monday Fun Day—grilling up your favorite steaks, arrachera, chicken wings, stuffed potatoes along with garden salads and, of course, happy hour from 4 to 6 pm.

Todos Santos’ newest restaurant, La Generala, one block off the main drag of Degollado, invites you to try their taco buffet, the only one in town. Open seven days a week, they also serve breakfast, offer steak, seafood, Mexican dishes and house made delicious deserts.

La Cocina de Cleo can be found on the road to Las Playitas in Las Tunas on the otro lado of Todos Santos. It is a small, family run restaurant that serves up traditional Mexican dishes and cold beer, Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 7 pm.

In Pescadero, you can enjoy gourmet dining near the beach. FreeSouls offers a culinary experience at Cerritos Beach, along with a rooftop saltwater pool and live music on many evenings.

Enjoy bounty from the sea at the elegant Rancho Pescadero, or take a weekend cooking class. They are holding their last culinary weekend of the season, with guest chefs Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton, which takes place May 26 to 29. See events for more information.

Dana’s Diner Sports Bar in Pescadero has the best burgers, coldest beer, TexMex and live music. Call or stop in for details.

Emma’s Deli in Todos Santos and Joe’s Deli Mart in Los Barriles offer some of those hard to find foods items and tasty deli sandwiches. The family will also be opening a store in La Paz soon!

Jill Casty Wall Sculpture, "A Moment's Splendor"

“A Moment’s Splendor”

Artists love Baja California Sur for the light. Many say that it reminds them of Italy. In this issue’s Art Talk, Alan Casty talks about the serendipity of a shared Italian experience that brought the glass sculptures of artist Jill Casty and the Guaycura Boutique Hotel together. Jill’s bold, brilliant works are now displayed at Galería de Ida Victoria in the San José del Cabo historic art district and at Sorstis Restaurant in La Paz.

Galería de Ida Victoria’s framing service has revamped, remodeled and restocked. They have a huge selection of in stock materials—the combinations are endless! And the service is even faster.

De Madera Framing Service, by Jaime Pedraza, now offers professional framing and canvas stretching in Todos Santos.

Tony’s Arte, Decoración y Muebles, just off calle Militar in Todos Santos, has a large inventory of rustic Mexican furniture, hand painted ceramics, pottery, art, crafts and more.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Osprey San Pedrito has the most spectacular views on San Pedrito beach. Their spacious one and two bedroom suites have full kitchens. Rent one or more for large groups.

Cerritos Beach Inn is offering a special price on all rooms–including ocean front–April 15 to October 15. Just $99 USD or 1,700 pesos per night!

Villa Bugambillias Luxury Apartments on the otro lado of Todos Santos are now available for rent! The fully furnished one and two bedroom apartments are conveniently located near La Esquina café and Estudio Cuatro Vientos.

Dance, laugh and exercise with Zumba with Jan at Estudio Cuatro Vientos. No experience is needed. Check out our Groups listings or Facebook for class times and see why people love Zumba!

Farmacia San Benito is a new drugstore in plaza San Antonio in Pescadero, just off the highway. They stock a variety of name brand and generic medicines.

Clarananda Natural Living Retreat offers natural well-being through meditation, yoga, Ayurveda and sustainable living. Contact Valma Brenton for more information.

We also hope that you enjoy this issue’s feature stories on a few of the wildlife species found on our peninsula’s wild coasts and ocean. Please help conserve and protect them! We will see you again with our Summer issue. Deadline is May 10.

Festival 2016

Festival 2016 cover of Journal del Pacifico by Lucas BennettThis issue, Festival 2016, the husband and wife team of Lucas Bennett and Zoë Dearborn from Art for Life contributed the feature stories on Estudio Cuatro Vientos and photos for our cover and Pescadero surf hotels.

Also in this issue, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures shares the legend of “El Mechudo” with Sea of Cortez and diving photos by The Cortez Club.

Looking for a special place to dine in Los Cabos? It doesn’t get any better than the De Cortez Contemporary Grill in the Hacienda Sheraton del Mar. Enjoy the moment with
a delicious dinner overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Call the concierge for reservations at 52 624 1456113 ext 4087.

Blue Moon Productions presents “Alice Down the Rabbit Hole” a new spin on an old tale. Performances are on the weekends of February 26 & 27 and March 3, 4 & 5 at Teatro Luna Azul on the otro lado of Todos Santos. Tickets are available at El Tecolote Bookstore.

Join in the fun at Shut Up Frank’s 20th Annual St. Paty’s Day in Todos Santos. The party starts at 4 pm with Frank’s own corned beef, marinated for one month in a special
brine and turned every three days until it’s just perfect. It’s the most delicious corned beef ever! Shut Up Frank’s is now open 7 days a week with different daily specials.

Miguel’s Restaurant is just across the street, serving delicious chiles rellenos and seafood specialties and is now open every day.

In the Spirit, located on Juárez near Topete in Todos Santos, is a new clothing store with the subtle fusion of the bohemian way and modern style. The shop features an
artist collective, beachwear, jewelry and accessories.

New hours and new live music nights at Chill N Grill in Todos Santos. Now open Tuesday through Saturday with open mic nights on Tuesday, and live music alternating
weekly between Friday nights with “JamaRama” and classic rock on Saturday nights. Call for this week’s details and get out and dance!

Nomac Chic, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoNomad Chic, with locations in Sonoma, California and on calle Juárez in Todos Santos, is an evolving collection of apparel, jewelry, furniture and home accessories from around the globe. They specialize in products by independent designers that you won’t find in most stores; designers that are giving back to their communities.

Rumi Garden, on calle Degollado in Todos Santos, is a popular Asian restaurant with a variety of organic friendly entrees including many vegetarian and vegan dishes. Their
lovely location also hosts Open Readings, once a month, and live music on select evenings. They also offer free delivery in Todos Santos and el Pescadero with a minimum
order of three entrees. Call or stop in for details.

Monica Avila is back in Todos Santos in her new office located on calle Del Huerto. With over 25 years’ experience, Monica is bi-lingual, and can help you with notary and legal
services, trusts and contracts.

Chez Laura, the affordable French restaurant in Todos Santos, now has a “happy hour” with wine and tapas for 60 pesos, from 1 to 5 pm. Relax and enjoy in a lovely garden
setting.

Freesouls Cerritos, Cerritos Beach, Baja, Mexico

Freesouls Cerritos, photo by Janna Kinkade

We’d like to congratulate Freesouls, at Playa Cerritos, on their one year anniversary this Valentine’s Day. As of press time, this beautiful location was close to serving their
10,000 customer. Stop in to experience fine but relaxed dining overlooking Cerritos beach.

The Joy of Floating offers a true weightless experience inside of a floatation tank filled with warm Epsom salt. Veronica, with 20 years’ experience working with chiropractors, acupuncturists, and osteopaths, also offers effective and thorough bodywork. “I can now lift my arm!” one client with a skiing injury said after her first float. The spa is located in Pescadero next to Baja Beans. Appointment recommended.

Gypsy’s Beach House Rentals has been providing surfers and travelers accommodations in Baja since 1967. They have a selection homes and villas for short or long term rentals in the Cerritos, Pescadero and Todos Santos area.

Pueblo Pescadero is a thoughtfully planned, affordable and sustainable community of recreational homes currently under construction in Pescadero. Their master planned
community provides a collection of one, two and three bedroom freestanding casas.

Need a ride from your hotel to the beach or to your favorite restaurant? Rudolfo of Brody’s Pizza at Cerritos beach is now offering Taxi Los Cerritos. Call +52 612 157 9049.

Be sure to stop by the Galería de Todos Santos and Pez Gordo Gallery at Shoppes at La Palmilla to see new sculptures in glass by Jill Casty. You can also see the “fantasia”
photographic works by Emanuela Gardner at the Galería de Todos Santos.

Enjoy all the festivals this February and March in Baja California Sur! The deadline for our next issue, Spring 2016 is March 10.