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.

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.

Holiday 2017/2018 Issue

Baja Blooms: The Gardens of Los Colibris Casitas front coverHappy Holiday from Journal del Pacifico!

Thank you for all the wonderful compliments on our special Fall issue cover by Bruce Herman of Luz Gallery. This issue’s front cover features a botanical illustration by Dr. Esmé Hennessey. You can read more about Dr. Hennessey in Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures’ story, “Different Continents, Same Problems”—which also has photos of some of Baja’s ‘local’ plants by Kaia Thomson, excerpted with permission from Baja Blooms: The Gardens of Los Colibris. Baja Blooms was edited and produced by Journal del Pacifico’s Janice Kinne, and is available at El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos and Allende Books in La Paz.

Tim Means of Baja Expenditions, La Paz, Baja, Mexico

Tim Means of Baja Expenditions

“Go Together: It Takes a Village to Save a Peninsula” tells the incredible history of Tim Means of Baja Expeditions’ 40-year vision to spend the rest of his life exploring and preserving the natural world of Baja California Sur. At 73, Tim continues to share the inspiration he has found here, and his desire to preserve the health of these unique local marine and desert ecosystems.

This issue also has information on two very popular events: The Palapa Society of Todos Santos’ Carrera de Todos Santos 5K walk / run and the Todos Santos Artists Studio Tour. Both are fun and support worthy local causes.

Padrino Children's Foundation staff

Padrino Children’s Foundation staff

Also in this issue, is a feature on the Padrino Children’s Foundation (PCF) and the important work that they are doing for the Todos Santos / Pescadero community. Their mission is to promote wellness for the community and provide access to professional medical care for underserved children in Todos Santos and the surrounding area. To do so, PCF collaborates with health professionals and organizations that provide medical evaluation, treatment, medical aids, and family assistance. Read more about it and how you can help.

La Posta del Oasis in Todos Santos serves World cuisine—conventional, vegetarian and vegan—featuring fresh, local organic vegetables, fish, seafood and meats. They also have special event nights and wine flights with dinner.

Rancho Pescadero is offering two Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreats at the end of March and May. More than your average yoga and surf getaway, they offer practical advice on mindful eating from a nutritionist; participants learn how to nourish the body for optimal energy while engaging in what it means to eat mindfully in today’s fast paced world.

La Misión Restaurant and Sunset Bar at Hacienda Cerritos, situated on the point at Cerritos Beach, is now open to the public after 4 pm, for lunch and dinner, cocktails and breathtaking sunset views.

Carlito’s Place Restaurant in Pescadero, is newly remodeled and expanded, with an outdoor kitchen, sushi bar, and martini bar. Carlitos prepares Asian fusion and farm-to-table seafood, poultry and steak specialties. Check out their daily happy hour!

Dos Marias Spa, in Pescadero, invites you to come and enjoy a truly relaxing experience at their beautiful spa, nestled in a traditional rustic location near the beach.

Mini Super Munchies’ famous Tuesday Night Open Mic/Music Jams, with amazing food, wonderful people, and rocking music takes place from 5 to 9 pm, every Tuesday until spring! All ages are welcome.

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

The popular Noche de Super Salud, delicious plant-based dinners, will return this season at Pura Vida Health Food Store, La Fuente Winery (formerly The Tasting Room) and, La Bohemia Baja Hotel Pequeño. For dates and times, check their Facebook page. They are also excited to announce Prana Foods and RAWHigh—their new assortment of food to go, available for delivery in Todos Santos, at Namaste Yoga Centro and other local markets.

Surf Casitas, on the beach in Pescadero, is located in a gated private beachfront property on San Pedrito Beach. They have six casitas with a shared kitchen. Just step out of the front gate and on to the sand!

Corazón de Té, on the otro lado in Todos Santos, is re-opened daily for breakfast, waffles, smoothies and tea.

We are very excited that Chocolates La Laguna has re-opened in time for the holidays! Their luxury handmade chocolates and truffles are always a popular gift, or treat for yourself. You can also find unique, handmade gifts for yourself and those you love at Étnica, Nomad Chic, Tony’s Arte, Décor y Muebles in Todos Santos and Allende Books in La Paz.

Looking for a fun time on Christmas Eve or the New Year’s Eve weekend? Check out our events page for parties, music and good times at La Esquina, Gallo Azul, Posta del Oasis in Todos Santos and the Oasis Bar & Grill and Cerritos Beach Inn in Pescadero.

Holiday 2017/2018 Issue of Journal del PacificoDownload Holiday 2017/2018 in PDF format

See you with our next issue in the new year! The deadline is January 10, 2018.

Summer 2016

Journal del Pacifico Summer 2016 cover by Keenan ShoalHappy summertime in Baja California Sur!

In the Summer 2016 issue of Journal del Pacifico we discover many of the fun things to do in Baja Sur when the water is warm and the days are slow. You can find out more information about all activities mentioned right here in the Summer 2016 issue.

Keenan Shoal, of Amerimex Realty, shared photos from around Baja California Sur for our cover “View from La Poza,” our Summertime Fun in Baja Sur article and throughout the magazine.

In our feature story, Lawyers, Guns and Money: Gold Mining and Biodiversity in the Biosphere Reserve, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures explores the incredible diverse eco system of the Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere and international group of scientists working to aid in the effort to save it from the threat of gold mining. Also Kaia Thomson shares The Desert Food Chain in story and photographs.

Ricardo Madrazo tells the story of how Baja Sur TV came about in response to a need for citizen based media to cover important stories that are of interest to citizens and residents of Baja California Sur.

Want to learn more about the area? Kat Bennett of Allende Books lists some great area guide books to help you on your way. All are available at Allende Books in La Paz and El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos.

SunRider Tours, on the malecón in La Paz, will help you get started on your summertime adventure. Take a day trip scuba diving, snorkeling, whale shark watching or swim with the sea lions. They also offer La Paz and Todos Santos city tours.

We are pleased to welcome Anne Hebebrand to the growing community of Baja California Sur artists. You can see her works at Galería de Todos Santos and Pez Gordo gallery in the Shoppes of Pamilla.

La Morena Restaurant /Bar / Coffee Shop in Todos Santos is open Monday through Saturday at 8 am serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have Wi-fi and accept Visa / MasterCard.

Gallo Azul Pizza Art / Bar in Todos Santos has a backyard bocce ball court, an indoor pool table and have added new pizza specialties and pasta dishes to their menu.

Dine on the patio at Landi’s Restaurant & Gallery, on Todos Santos’ town plaza, and enjoy the “sabores de Mexico” while watching the sunset.

The El Mirador Ocean View Restaurant has a special paella dinner every Sunday from 2 to 8 pm, and live music from 5 to 8 pm. The Sky Lounge at the top of Guaycura Boutique Hotel has live music Saturday nights from 7 to 10 pm. For more information, visit the Guaycura Boutique Hotel.

Mi Pueblito 3 is now open in Pescadero, across the highway from Dana’s Diner. In addition to their Mexican specialties, they are also serving pizza and have live rock music every Saturday night.

Cerritos Puesta del Sol has new luxury, fully-appointed, condominiums for sale or rent just steps from the Cerritos Beach.

Check out the summer happenings at Cerritos Beach Inn, August 1st to October 1st: $99 for any room, daily food and drink specials on burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken and shrimp. Cool down in their pool and relax on the loungers!

Desert Moon Cerritos Beach Hotel is offering local discount rates AND 3 for the price of 2 beers or margaritas all day, every day in the Rip Tide Bar through November 1st.

Hotelito in La Cachora, Todos Santos, Serendipity on the ‘otro lado,’ Hacienda Todos Los Santos in downtown Todos Santos and Rancho Pescadero also offer special summer rates from June to September.

Como El Sol in Pescadero, offering solar energy products, has moved to a new location. They can be found on the road heading to downtown Pescadero across from Romex.

Baja Serena / Yoga Los Arcos, El Pescadero, BCSCertified yoga instructor, Mayra Torres, teaches yoga classes at Baja Serena / Los Arcos in Pescadero. She offers special monthly pricing if you sign up for 3 or 5 classes per week.

People are raving about the whole house water treatment systems from Water Ways Baja. Now you can have safe, healthy drinking water throughout your home, or just at your kitchen sink.

Summer is also a great time to check out the waves in San Juanico, Baja California Sur. La Oficina can help you with vacation rentals, real estate and construction services.

Do you miss your Baja Beans Roasting Company fresh roasted coffee when you’re not in Baja? You can order beans on Amazon to be shipped in Canada and the USA!

Chill N Grill in Todos Santos will be open all summer long and also on Sundays starting September 11 for regular season NFL games.

Core Yoga will return to Cuatro Vientos Thursdays, starting in October. Many instructors take vacations between July and September, so be sure to check with them on their summer class schedules.

We hope that you enjoy your summertime in Baja California Sur! We’ll be back with our Fall issue of Journal del Pacifico. Deadline is September 19. Ciao!