Fall 2020

Journal del Pacifico Fall 2020 cover by Kate Turning, Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico

Journal del Pacifico Fall 2020 cover by Kate Turning

Welcome back!

The communities of Baja California Sur 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 of real community that we love. Like many small businesses, we’ve faced changes and challenges, but we are resilient like our Baja California pueblos. In this issue, we have fascinating local history, as well as current stories on how our communities are rising to carry on in the “new normal.”

Kate Turning once again has given us a stunning Day of The Dead themed cover based on Mexican master Diego Rivera’s painting “The Flower Vendor.”

It is sad that there will not be a large Día de los Muertos celebration in Todos Santos this year, but you can now participate in the Catrinas contest virtually. See Ivonne Benítez’s Covid Catrinas story.

Photographer Emanuela Gardner shared one of her recent photographs on the opening page of the feature story by Bryan Jauregui, of Todos Santos Eco-Adventures, the story of a Pericue named Fabian—a Todos Santos rebel—based on research by Dr. Shane Macfarlan.

Galería Militar is exploring how to show art in the pandemic age. They will be holding a series of socially distanced shows to a limited audience in-person and a wider online audience. See the article in this issue.

A Granel opened in Todos Santos right before the April shutdown, but that didn’t stop them with their quest to reduce waste while providing sustainable, affordable products that biodegrade in the environment. Read more about it in our article.

Five years ago, the co-creators of Women Awakening embarked on a new journey of self-discovery and love, bringing to the community of Todos Santos a Women’s Summit designed to foster connection and celebration to the women of Todos Santos and beyond. In 2020, Elemental Change: Engaging in Our Evolution was chosen as the theme. Not long afterwards, the entire world began a great and seismic shift that has indeed altered the entire trajectory of all our lives. ”We could never have known at that time of our themes choosing, that it would prove to be so apropos and timely.”

With deep contemplation and great consideration for the community, the co-creators are announcing the cancellation of the Annual Women Awakening Summit, previously scheduled for December 4 to 6, 2020. “We may be separate physically at this time, but we are all truly together in spirit, and want you to know you are not alone. We are with you. The bonds we have built these past five years have not broken and we will join together one day again, when the climate is right for such a gathering. We encourage you to take this pause as we are also doing, as a time of spaciousness.”
Women Awakening CO-Creators
Angelica Vélez Mendez
Marimar Higgins
Jill Mollenhauer
Elena Ascencio Ibañez
Arii Corona Miranda

The Todos Santos Writers Workshop will continue, in its eighth year, as a virtual event via Zoom on January 31 to February 6, 2021, adding novelist and long-time Todos Santos resident Joanna Hershon to the faculty. The team of creative writers and editors “dedicated to inspiring and furthering the art of the written word,” also includes editor/memoirist Jeanne McCulloch, journalist/screenwriter Rex Weiner, author/memoirist Karen Karbo and poet/author Christopher Merrill, director of the International Writing Program of the University of Iowa. The one-week event, this year, offers workshops via Zoom in Fiction, Poetry, Writing for Stage and Screen, and two classes in Memoir. Additional events will include craft seminars, panel discussions, social gatherings, and the opportunity to engage one-on-one with instructors. Tuition is $850US. For more information: www.todossantoswritersworkshop.com

Étnica now carries textiles for the home like cushions, runners, placemats, and napkins—all made in Mexico.

We’d like to welcome two business that have recently opened offices on calle Juárez in Todos Santos: Legal & Tax, attorneys and accountants, and DAR Design and Construction. Legal & Tax can help with all your legal, immigration, and accounting needs, while DAR will work with you to design and build your dream.

This is the first year that Pueblo Pescadero is launching for sale the “Hacienda” home, a 3-bedroom, 2-bath, with a 1350 sq.-ft. private garage available for secure storage.
The Mini Super Munchies crew welcomes everyone into the new season with a few great new additions to their sweet little shop. They will be offering in-house prepared, healthy fresh food ‘to go” with daily hot food specials and a pre-order pick up option. Check out their website for details and daily specials: http://www.minisupermunchies.com. And, of course, all safety protocols are in place.

Casa Maya & Barefoot Cantina Bar in the Barefoot Luxury’s property at Cerritos Beach features freshly caught and delectably prepared local seafood dishes, carefully selected meats, locally grown organic vegetables, an assortment of sushi, homemade pastas, soups, and salads. Barefoot Cantina offers a generous selection of ice-cold beers, fresh-squeezed margaritas, tasty cocktails, and an extensive wine selection.

Baja Beaters Renta Yota, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoNeed to get to the beach? Baja Beaters / Renta Yota has Toyota trucks for local rentals. Call or email for more information.

Allende Books has recently moved to a larger location close to the malecón near Sears in La Paz. In addition to an expanded inventory of books and gifts, they have a coffee shop, outdoor seating in the courtyard, Wi-Fi, and information on events and resources. Local artists have brought the interior and exterior walls alive with a dazzling display of the vibrant marine life found in the Sea of Cortez. Drop by and see their magical new space.

Pelican Theatre of La Paz has cancelled their 2021 production due to COVID-19.

This past summer, we featured advertisers on our blog including Irving de la Rosa, architect. When asked about his design philosophy, he stated: “To me, the important thing is that the people who will live in the spaces that I design are happy. As they look out their window, they see something beautiful: the ocean, the mountains, a tree, a bougainvillea. And that the spaces are bright, warm, and pleasant. If I could talk briefly about my philosophy that I believe is the most important thing in life, it is the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of a person—his connection with his environment, with nature. What I try to do in my spaces is create an equilibrium, a harmony in the person’s habitat.”

We look forward to seeing you with the Holiday/Navidad issue! The deadline is November 10.

Fall 2018

Journal del Pacifico Fall 2018 cover by Brian McGuffey, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoWe are excited to be back for our 8th season as Journal del Pacifico! We have already received many, many compliments on the stunning Fall 2018 issue cover by one of our newer local artists, Brian McGuffey. Read more about him in “On the Cover.”

Brian was also one of the artists who contributed their work to Todos Santos’ new letter sign, located near the church on the plaza. The sign was installed this summer by the church on the plaza. The letters were painted by local artists; in letter order: Gabo, Erick Ochoa, Benito Ortega, Leif Holland, Gloria Ruenitz, Joel Cadena, Arturo Mendoza Elfeo, Maribel Nuñez, Michael Cope, Brian McGuffey, and Jill Logan.

In this issue, you can read about Saddling South’s film ride for La Recua / Dario’s Dream. The general intent of this Antigua California film is three-fold: to enlighten viewers to pre-road travel in Lower California, to espouse the history of Old California’s ranch culture still alive in the sierras of México, and to share how the present-day arrieros (herdsmen), were re-enacting an era of commerce, las recuas (traveling merchants with pack-trains), that was key to livelihood for centuries on the remote peninsula.

We are happy to welcome Ivonne Benítez of Hablando Mexicano Spanish language school who joins our team as one of our translators.

Looking to have a spooky good time on Halloween? Gallo Azul is holding their Halloween Costume Party on Saturday, October 27, starting at 8 pm. This benefit for the local Bomberos in includes live music, dancing and prizes for the best costumes.

The Oasis in Pescadero is holding a Monster Kid’s Bash on October 31, 6 pm. Prizes for the best costumes, trick or treating and more!

Dia de los Muertos, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoThe 2nd annual Día de los Muertos Todos Santos will take place November 1 – 3, with fun cultural activities for the whole family. Check out their facebook page for more information!

November 2, is the 10th anniversary of Landi’s dream of opening a restaurant in Todos Santos. People from all over rave about her delicious Mexican specialties.

Internet is now available even in the most remote areas of Baja, thanks to Star Go–the new satellite internet provider that offers excellent service anywhere at all, at speeds of up to 1.5, 3, 5, 10 or 20 megabytes. Their satellite TV is included and offers a large variety of national and international channels, at lower prices than their competition. New subscribers in October will get their first month service free. For more information, call the Star Go agent for Baja California Sur, at (624) 688 7274.

The 3rd annual Women Awakening summit “Creating the Magic” will take place December 7 – 9, at Cuatro Vientos in Todos Santos. You can read more about this year’s conferences in our article this issue.

Amor D’vino is much more than a wine shop. In addition to sipping delicious wines on the patio, this season you can also enjoy tapas by area chefs, and picnic baskets to take to the beach.

Jester’s Sportfishing in Las Playitas, offers local sports fishing, surfcasting, bow fishing, and ATV adventures. Contact them for more information.

Dreaming of a wedding in Baja? Wanderlust Weddings Baja has been sharing the beauty of Baja with amazing bridal couples for 14 years now. They have had the pleasure of planning, designing and coordinating over 300 weddings that are unique, special, and full of the Baja spirit!

Cabo Premiere Investment & Real Estate has opened their new location in Pescadero, directly across the street from The Oasis Bar & Grill.

Gypsy’s Beach House Rental now Colibri Property Rental & Management Services. You can still visit them at their office at Baja Beans in Pescadero.

The 9th annual Writing Ranch “Writing Down the Baja” retreat takes places January 27 – February 3, 2019 in Todos Santos. Reserve your spot by November 16. See events for more details.

This December 29th, the 10th Palapa Society 5k walk/run will take place. You can reserve your spot online, or at El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos. Race day registration is also available 7 – 8:30 am. Look for our feature story in the next issue, Holiday 2018/2019.

Reserve your ad space now! The deadline for Holiday 2018/2019 is November 10.

JDP Fall 2017 news

Journal del Pacifico Fall 2017 cover by Bruce Herman

Journal del Pacifico Fall 2017 cover by Bruce Herman

We at Journal del Pacifico are excited to be back for our 7th season promoting Baja Sur and informing visitors and residents about its rich history, environment, and unique qualities. We look forward to sharing area and business information, events, enlightening stories, exciting adventures, and stunning photography with you this season!

Once again, Luz Gallery has supplied us with this issue’s fabulous cover and interior photographs by Bruce Herman. Bruce was our “On the Cover” artist for the Holiday 2016/2017 issue. You will find his biography online in that issue and see more of his recent works at the Luz Gallery in Todos Santos. Luz Gallery also has more prints of vintage maps like those in Geography of Hope, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures’ fascinating tale of Jesuits, Indians, and El Camino Real in Baja California Sur.

House Geckos by Kaia Thomson, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoThis time of year with the heat and rains, the desert is alive and green, and our resident lizards can be seen scurrying about. This issue, Kaia Thomson of Todos Caballos, gives us a glimpse into their lives and their survival adaptations, sharing with us her marvelous photographs and knowledge.

The first annual Fiesta Día de Muertos Todos Santos takes place in the historic district, November 1st through 4th, with a parade of Catrinas, Day of the Dead altars, live music, gastronomic fair, a fashion show, a photography contest, and a special performance by Tania Libertad. For more information visit: https://fiestatodossantos.com/ or Facebook: Fiesta.TodosSantos

This November, The Palapa of Todos Santos celebrates the grand opening of The Palapa Learning Center and Elena Poniatowska Community Library. You can read how after three years, this dream became a reality in our article this issue. You can also help the dream continue by donating to their scholarship fund for local children.

You can now see artist Brian McGuffey’s light-hearted and thought-provoking works at Bésame Mucho Bazaar in Todos Santos and Pez Gordo in San José del Cabo.

The successful Women Awakening conference is back at Cuatro Vientos this December 1st to 3rd. This year’s theme is Reclaiming Your Power. See our article for more information.

The 5th annual Todos Santos Writers’ Workshop (TSWW) will take place January 27 through February 3, 2018 at Casa Dracula on the otro lado of Todos Santos. This year, they’ve added a poetry workshop. Christopher Merrill, director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, will be returning to TSWW as its inaugural instructor. Chris’s latest book, Self-Portrait with Dogwood, is being widely well received. You can read more about the workshop and one of Christopher’s poems in this issue.

Attention Foodies: the Garden Restaurant at Rancho Pescadero is now open to the public Sunday afternoons with a full menu and their Sunday specials—Mole de Rancho and Barbacoa. Thursday through Sunday, you can also enjoy sunset cocktails with farm fresh tapas on their patio. For reservations, email: Rancho1@ranchopescadero.com

La Bohemia Hotel Pequeño, in downtown Todos Santos, has daily a happy hour, a local market, and lots of fun events this November and December. See events for more details. Ask about their pool pass!

Ana Delora’s Hair Salon is now located at the Whitesands Spa in Todos Santos. With over 18 years’ experience, Ana is bilingual and provides men’s and women’s haircuts,  dyeing, shaves, and pedicures.

Mini Super Munchies, well known for its famous ice cream sandwiches, micro brews, and Tuesday night Open Mic music jams has a new exciting addition to the shop this season, DoTerra Essential Oils—therapeutic-grade essential oils, natural skin care products, and supplements. They will be offering free classes to learn how to use essential oils in your everyday life. Check the Facebook page: Mini Super Munchies for events and Baja Essential Oils class schedules.

Slow Down Pescadero is a community effort looking to save lives through the placement of speed limit signs, education, and enforcement. For more information, visit their Facebook page: Slow Down Pescadero

Want to get away for a few days? The four-room bed and breakfast Casa Kootenay in La Paz is only a few steps from the Sea of Cortez. Enjoy the waters with a standup paddleboard or kayak that come as part of the package and turn your vacation into an adventure!

MaxiHome Nursing Services are now available in our area. They provide long- or short-term homecare, help with the elderly, IVs, injections, and more. See their ad for contact information.

Baja Blooms: The Gardens of Los Colibris Casitas front coverYou won’t want to miss Dr. Esmé F. Hennessy’s talk at the Centro Cultural in Todos Santos on December 1st. Her paintings of Baja plants serve as the centerpiece and chapter headings for Todos Santos Eco Adventures latest book, Baja Blooms: The Gardens of Los Colibris Casitas, which also features the extraordinary photos of Kaia Thomson and book design and production of this latest book by Janice Kinne of Journal del Pacifico.

We’ll see you with our next issue, Holiday 2017/2018 with more of everything you love! Deadline is November 10th.