Winter 2023

Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2022/2023 cover by Ezra KatzThank you for all your compliments on our Holiday / Navidad 2022/2023 issue with cover by artist Ezra Katz. Local photographer Liz Icedo shared her beautiful Baja sunset photo for our Winter / Invierno 2023 cover.

In this issue, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures tells of the new Cowboy Museum in El Triunfo, that chronicles the 300-year-old story of the families, traditions, skills, and tools that bind the Californias of Mexico and the United States.

Bryan also shares with us how Zero Waste Hotels, like Hotel Desierto Azul in the Las Tunas Journal del Pacifico Winter 2023 cover by Liz Icedoarea of Todos Santos, are working to make a minimum impact on our precious environment.

Nancy Naigle informs us of the impressive gains that the Padrinos Children’s Foundation has made over the past seven years and their exciting plans for the future.

Ivonne Benítez, of Hablando Mexicano, tells the inspirational story of how owner Alan Becerril has created his restaurant and now Hotel Gallo Azul businesses. Alan has been a well-known figure in the Todos Santos community since 2005, and Gallo Azul Pizza Bar has been a popular spot since it first opened in 2014.

Have you tried the gourmet tacos at Tacoteca in Plaza Amigos in Todos Santos yet? Their fresh, daily specials include duck confit, top sirloin, pork carnitas, portabella mushroom, and more. Every Thursday is Taco Thursday with live music in the evening.

Happy 10th year anniversary to Étnica in Todos Santos! Their two locations, Étnica and Étnica Dos, have the finest Mexican handmade women’s and men’s fashions, leather goods, and home furnishings.

Amanda Reta tells the tale of Practical Magic: how this pueblo mágico is magical in the enchanted sense of the word. This tiny international melting pot has residents from all over the world, and yet you don’t just end up here. And how three women––a tarot card reader, a ritual teacher, and a breathwork practitioner––help us mortals tune into something bigger than ourselves while remaining in the awe-inspiring now.

Galería Logan is hosting a reception for artist Lee Mothes on February 11th. View his newest paintings and drawings of ocean surf, meet the artist, and enjoy wine and snacks.

The luck of the Irish is with you on March 17th. Shut Up Frank’s in Todos Santos will be celebrating their 28th annual Lucky St. Paty’s Day with Frank’s special homemade corned beef. And Shaka’s in Cerritos will be hosting their Shamrock Shindig benefiting the Pescadero Food Bank and Grupo Madre Teresa.

Galería Enrique Guerrero represents a group of young artists who are part of the emerging scene and explore all the visual arts disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation and digital media, with a contemporary vision and self-sustainable proposals. The gallery offers them a space of freedom in which they can exhibit their artistic creation, in addition to spreading their work nationally and internationally. Their newest location is on the otro lado of Todos Santos, next to Pinos Mercado and Pacifica Fish Market.

Contigo Cerritos is the perfect balance of home and hospitality. The intimate community of boutique casitas was designed by international award-winning Sanzpont Arquitectura based in Barcelona, Cancun, and Chicago, and features an international design aesthetic with an authentic local touch. As much as possible all materials and craftsmen are sourced in Mexico, as are the interior design touches. With a passion for sustainability, the layout of the casitas was based on a solar study to minimize direct sun exposure to interiors, to maximize efficiencies, and to preserve the view from the road above, so that hikers and bikers can continue to enjoy the ocean views. The casitas are built with sustainable features such as grey water recycling, partial green roofs, and renewable backup power.

In addition to their popular Las Tunas location, Shakti Bowl has a new healthy restaurant at El Merkado in San José del Cabo.

New World Organics Baja produces non-toxic and organic pest control, cleaners, sanitizer, mosquito repellant, and plant fertilizers. Their products are available in various locations in Todos Santos, Pescadero, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and now on Mercado Libre.

The Palapa Society of Todos Santos is holding a masquerade ball on April 1st. Masquerade masks are encouraged, costumes are optional. Dinner included and beverages are available. See their website for more information.

We will see you with more exciting stories in our next issue, Spring / Primavera 2023. The deadline is March 10.

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

Winter 2019

Journal del Pacifico winter 2019 cover by Kenny Viese, El Triunfo. Baja, Mexico

Winter 2019 cover by Kenny Viese

This Winter 2019 issue of Journal del Pacifico covers a wealth of regional history—silver mining in Baja California Sur and El Triunfo; Mark Spahr’s move to Todos Santos and El Triunfo and his recovery; long-term Todos Santos resident Ezio Colombo, and he and his wife Paula Rafelson’s restaurant Café Santa Fé; and one woman’s mission to share the history of local ranches and their unique products.

Like many visitors, I have fond memories of my first trip to Todos Santos in 1993 and the delicious meals and welcoming hospitality of Paula and Ezio at Café Santa Fé.

Mark Spahr´s first restaurant, Caffé Todos Caffe El Truinfo, El Triunfo, Baja, MexicoSantos, and current restaurant, Caffé El Triunfo, have been popular breakfast and lunch destinations for decades. Mark was one of nine people featured in the documentary, film called The Age of Disconnection, which will be shown at this year’s Festival de Cine de Todos Santos y La Paz. You can read more about it in this issue’s story by local artist Nanette Hayles.

Photographer Kenny Viese provided our cover shot and many beautiful photos of El Triunfo for Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco-Adventures’ fascinating tale of the Ruta de Plata.

Ángela “Yera” Cota’s “El Mercado Ranchero” celebrates the handmade products and produce of Baja California ranches. Lisa Jackson’s story shares Yera’s dream of providing a unique market for ranchero wares like traditional pottery, handmade knives, furniture, and furnishing. Mercado Ranchero also has fresh chickens every Saturday, organic eggs, and ranch cheeses.

Shut Up Frank’s, a different local institution, is open again, Wednesday through Monday, with seven TVs showing all sports including UFC and boxing. Frank’s 22nd annual St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage feast is March 17, starting at 3 pm.

Amor D'Vino, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoBesides selling the best in Baja wines, Amor d’vino has gourmet olive oil, chutneys, salsas and more. Their restaurant is also open Monday through Friday, 5 to 7 pm. Enjoy a glass, or bottle of Baja wine with your dinner!

Comfort Care, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoGrowing old in Baja is becoming 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.

St. Jude’s Pharmacy, next door to their clinic, has prescription medications and orthopedics. They speak English and are open late until 11 pm.

Last issue, we placed Taller de Terreno a bit too close to town on our otro lado map. They are located farther out on the road to Las Playitas and are having their grand opening event as part of the Todos Santos Artists Open Studio Tour.

Also participating in the Todos Santos Artists Open Studio Tour, Cate Thomassen, shardArtist, creates beautiful mosaics—hangings, tables, water features, lamps, and commissions—inspired by nature. She uses stained and vitreous glass, and polished and unpolished minerals.

Casa Las Tunas has comfortable units complete with kitchens on the otro lado of Todos Santos. They are available daily, weekly, or monthly.

Bleu, in the garden at Galería Ezra Katz, serves amazing Mediterranean breakfasts and lunch. They are also available for catering and special events.

Pacifica Fish Market seafood restaurant now has a full bar and is open until 9 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

Mail Boxes Todos Santos is now open! They provide mail boxes with a US address (up to four people) plus shipping of packages, vehicles, boats, and trailers—even entire households!

Why worry about thieves? Get peace of mind with Pacifico Storage with enclosed units, automotive, boat, ATV, camper, and household storage. They are located at KM 45 on highway 19.

Casa Kootenay, La Paz, Baja, MexicoCasa Kootenay bed and breakfast is a romantic getaway on the beach on the Sea of Cortez in La Paz. Relax by the pool, or launch your kayak or stand up paddle board right from the beach out front!

Dana’s Office is now open in La Paz. Dana and her husband Alastair build custom homes, as well as offer full real estate services.

Looking to start a new adventure in Mexico? Allende Books in La Paz is for sale.

You’ll see us next issue, Spring 2019 with information on the GastroVino Baja Food & Wine Festival and more! The deadline for ads and articles is March 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.