Winter 2021

Journal del Pacifico winter 2021 cover by Kaia ThomsonWelcome to our first Journal del Pacifico of 2021. We are excited about this issue and the great stories and photos and hope that you enjoy them!

Area businesses are working hard to stay open and keep both locals and visitors safe. Be aware that government mandated Covid-19 regulations change and posted business hours and availability as well.

Kaia Thomson of Todos Caballos provided our stunning Kestrel cover and her story and photos of the importance of getting out in nature and birding.

Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures shares the story behind the headlines of a possible new whale species discovered here by Baja California Sur native, researcher Dr. Gustavo Cárdenas Hinojosa, with photos courtesy of the Sea Shepherd and CONANP.

Zocalo by LoveLeigh, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoThe Todos Santos/Pescadero area has long been known for outdoor activities and art, but it is increasing being known for fashion. In this issue, we introduce you to Zócalo, a clothing store/collective that most importantly is a social enterprise, which focuses on local Mexican artisans and makers.

You can find more rare gems with a stroll through the historic district of Todos Santos: soft colored cottons from Oaxaca and Chiapas, and hand tooled leather at Étnica; carefully curated items from around the world at Nomad Chic (see our story in the Holiday/Navidad 2020/2021 issue); locally designed and made swimsuits, clothing, and jewelry at Ella Bella Boutique; and one-of-a-kind treasures at Bésame Mucho Bazaar.

Brian McGuffey Art is now open in Plaza Amigos with a carefully selected array of custom jewelry and clothing, and of course, Brian’s colorful and whimsical art.

ULULA is a mystical gypsy heart boutique, specializing in magic and selling a curated offering of creations, clothing, and supplies. Everything is specifically and specially selected by Stephanie Penilla and Jessica Chappell for either its amazing story, native roots, magical power, or local beauty. Once you’ve visited, you will be called back for more magic.

Casa de Todos is a beautiful, open space furniture gallery on the otro lado of Todos Santos representing creative Mexican artists and sustainable vegetarian food to go.

Ernesto Vinatier, of Los Torotes in the Las Tunas area, is a Mexican architect specialized in urban planning and is passionate about sustainable architecture—energy efficiency, and high-performance buildings. His current focus is touristic urban planning and minimizing its pressures on the communities and natural environment.

Todos Santos Surf Shop / Explora Baja offers “Personalized Adventures by the Sea” including sport fishing, surf lessons, cliff hikes, whale watching, snorkeling with whale sharks and sea lions, Espíritu Santo island day trips, and La Paz city and beach tours. All activities are at a maximum of 30% capacity.

West Side Surf School, located at Cerritos beach, is a family owned and locally run business, founded by Heli “Tacho” Campos. They offer individual or group lessons for beginners, and surf coaches for surfers looking to improve their technique. Surf guides are also available for those looking to discover local breaks.

The 2021 Todos Santos Writers Workshop is virtual this year. They have commissioned a series of short videos, called “Video Salsa,” produced by Sarah Teale and shot and edited by Ricardo Madrazo. These videos will be posted daily and are intended to give workshop attendees a connection to Todos Santos. The videos are magnificent portrayals of life and culture in Todos Santos from an insider’s point of view, created for no commercial purpose and with no social agenda. Ricardo’s videography is gorgeous and the characters we see are authentic Todos Santos people who add something creative to life in the Pueblo Mágico. Click here to see these videos.

The dates have changed on Galeria Militar’s show Quien Calla, Otorga / Silence is Consent. You can still see it through February 23.

We’ll be back with our Spring/Primavera 2021 issue. Deadline is March 10.

Navidad 2020

Journal del Pacifico Fall 2020 cover by Kate TurningThank you for all the compliments on our Fall 2020 issue with the fabulous Day of the Dead cover by Kate Turning.

This issue, we are pleased to feature a piece from artist/photographer Emanuela Gardner’s Fantasia collection to adorn our Navidad cover. You can see more of her fun and whimsical photographs throughout the issue and at Galería de Todos Santos.

Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures tells the fascinating story of the Juan Cuevas family that has made their home on Isla El Partido in the Sea of Cortez since 1923.

The Loft@Nomad ChicThe Loft @ Nomad Chic is a new private event  space that is a welcome refuge for those seeking inspiring experiences while staying safe this season. See the article in this issue and our events listings for all the sensational shows taking place in person and online.

Zócalo by LOVELeigh is excited to be opening, this December, a second location in Todos Santos, on the corner of Topete and Benito Juárez in the Plaza Antigua. Zócalo is an ethical artist collective with artists and brands from México and beyond. A portion of every sale is contributed to three local charities (dog rescue, recycling center, and a children’s not-for-profit). You can still find their fashions at the Pescadero location next to Baja Beans (formerly LOVELeigh Designs).

Madre Santa Panadería is a small Todos Santos family business that was born in the middle of the global pandemic. They offer freshly prepared handmade bread, desserts, and cakes that are fashioned by merging basic and modern techniques. These methods reflect the passion, care, and experience that create delicious and memorable flavors. Madre Santa Panadería unites tradition with the tastes and desires of today’s Todosanteños.

Hacienda Sydney is a luxurious beachfront estate located in the Las Tunas area of Todos Santos. This unique location would be ideal for a boutique hotel, corporate retreat, or one-acre family compound. See their ad for more information.

Ellen Waterston’s Writing Ranch (www.writingranch.com) and Serendipity hotel have teamed up to offer a COVID-safe environment for the eleventh annual “Writing Down the Baja” creative writing retreat–NEW DATES June 26 – July 4, 2021. See our article for more information.

In spite of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Padrino Children’s Foundation continues to grow and serve the children of Todos Santos and the surrounding areas. They welcome pediatrician Dra. Mitzy Cervantes Malagón from Mexico City to their staff in December. Dra. Cervantes Malagón will be the first resident pediatrician in Todos Santos. Jessica L. Avila Franco will also be joining as the second staff psychologist. In addition, Todos Santos community member Adali Parks has been added as a member of the Board of Directors.
The Padrino Children’s Foundation has initiated a new collaboration with the Centro de Salud—the Early Stimulation program for new mothers and their babies—which is designed to support optimal neurodevelopment and identify medical issues early in life, when they are most treatable. For more information or to support the programs, visit
www.padrinocf.org or call 612-145-0506.

Looking for garage doors, windows, doors, and hurricane protection for your home? With Pacific Door’s wide variety of professional brand partners, you’ll find the perfect complement to your home. See their ad for more information.

Have you tried Valma Chocolates? Her handmade chocolates are created from 70% dark organic bean to bar made by solar energy and love. To order for you holiday pleasure, see the Valma Shakti ad.

Baja Mandala and Sueño Tropical have teamed up to offer their certified organic produce, essential oils, chocolates, and handmade personal products at the San José del Cabo Farmer’s market on Saturdays and the new Terra Santa Farmer’s market coming to Todos Santos in the La Cachora huertas on Sundays. They are also offering their farm harvest boxes begining in December and you can contact them for group farm tours too!

La Esquina Café is open on the otro lado of Todos Santos with new hours, offering the same good food and good times. Their popular local’s market is happening every Wednesday and they’ve added Saturday movie nights under the stars.

Kilometro del Jugete is your opportunity to help bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season. Amamos Nuestro Pueblo is an organization with a focus to help the most vulnerable in our community. President Rouss Ramírez of Bésame Mucho Bazaar, believes in helping others and strengthening Mexican traditions in Todos Santos. Their goal this holiday season is to bring toys and smiles to the children of the agricultural fields, including Melitón Albañez, where there are around 700 children, the vast majority between two and eight years old. Please donate toys, clothes, or other items in good condition. Drop off locations for donations in Todos Santos are at Bésame Mucho Bazaar, Hablando Mexicano, and Hotel Guaycura. In La Paz, in Bisuteria Valentina’s, (calle Agustin Olachea and Tijeretas, local 4), and in Cabo at LocoMotion on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 181, local 3. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/FiestaDiaDeMuertos

Lic. Norberto López Aguirre is a certified English to Spanish and Spanish to English translator. See his ad for contact information for all your translation needs.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season! We’ll see you with our Winter 2021 issue. Deadline is January 9, 2021.

Spring 2019

Journal del Pacifico Spring 2019, "Wise Woman" by Kate Turning, Baja, Mexico

Spring 2019, “Wise Woman” by Kate Turning

Thank you for all the compliments on the Winter 2019 issue with the El Triunfo cover by Kenny Viese. Both long-term residents and newcomers enjoyed the trip down memory lane with tales of local history and personalities. We are sure that you will enjoy this issue with our annual cover by the multi-talented Kate Turning and her team.

 

 

 

 

 

Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival ad in Journal del Pacifico, Baja, MexicoKate Turning also provided the stunning images for this year’s GastroVino Baja Food & Wine Festival feature. This popular festival (not to be missed) is now in its eighth year. Check out our stories to find out what’s new this May.

In a strong bid to conserve local Todos Santos ecosystems and biodiversity, Dr. Roberto Carmona and his colleagues Gerardo Marrón, Adriana Hernández Alvarez, Abigail Rivas, and Gustavo D. Danemann documented the wildlife and vegetation at the lagoon at La Poza during dozens of visits from 2014 to 2016. While the Todos Santos community helped, Dr. Carmona and his colleagues’ was largely self-funded and resulted in a report submitted to the Mexican government to have the lagoon declared an Area Critica. The lagoon at La Poza is a prime habitat for the critically endangered endemic bird species, the Belding’s yellowthroat. Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures tells the tale in this issue. Local photographers Claude Vogel, Alvaro Colindres, and Kaia Thomson share some of their healthy and unhealthy lagoon photos in the story.

Amor d’vino has moved to a new location on calle Militar in Todos Santos. You will find it just around the corner from Todos Santos Brewing and across the street from Bodega Lizzaraga and Que Rico. Stop in and see their great wine selection.

Rancho LaVenta is a jewel located between San Antonio and San Bartolo at km 144.5. Cozy casitas include gourmet breakfast, cooking facilities, and a unique pool and sauna. Taste estate wines or buy a bottle and enjoy it poolside. Check out the art studio and tour the working ranch. Other activities include hiking, birding and horse riding.
www.rancholaventa.com or Facebook/bajabirding/.

Besame Mucho 2nd Anniversary, Baja, MexicoBesamé Mucho Bazaar and The Baja 100 teamed up for a fun-filled 2nd anniversary party for Besamé Mucho on the plaza in Todos Santos this past March. Stop by the store and explore its treasures from around the world.

Gallo Azul Pizza Art Bar is celebrating their 5th anniversary in Todos Santos, read the interview with owner Alan Becerril in this issue.

And April 20th, Shaka’s Cantina on the road to Cerritos Beach will celebrate their one-year anniversary with an all-day party. Celebrate with drink and food specials, and live music with ‘Los Leones.’

April 26th, The First Festival de Mole will take place in the Todos Santos Plaza Publica. It’s a great opportunity to sample moles from 15 different chefs.

The Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C. understands the importance that education makes in a child’s life and future opportunities. Read the article in this issue to find out how you can make a difference.

Since December 2017, Over the Edge Baja (OTE) bike shop has been the soul center of destination mountain biking in Todos Santos. OTE stores are experts in providing professional, technical service for your bicycle and they stock high performance dream bikes that you can rent or buy. Over The Edge is all about connecting people to places and building trails along the way.

Have you tried ionized water to look and feel your best? It’s available locally at Pura Vida Health Foods in Todos Santos, or visit www.ionwaterbaja.com

Check Bleu Mediterranean restaurant’s Facebook page for their dinner schedule and special events like paella nights.

Shut Up Frank’s, where the locals hang out, is open six days a week with happy hour 4 to 6 pm on weekdays. We’ve heard that their blue cheese burger is to die for. Stop in and find out!

We’ll see you again with our last issue of the season, Summer 2019. Deadline is May 10.

Holiday 2018/2019 issue

Fall 2018 Journal del Pacifico cover by Brian McGuffey, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoThank you for all the compliments on our Fall/Otoño 2018 issue of Journal del Pacifico with the stunning cover by Brian McGuffey. It was a great start to our seventh season!

 

 

 

 

Fiesta Dia de Muertos Todos SantosCongratulations to Rouss Ramirez, Amamos Nuestro Pueblo A.C., Bésame Mucho Bazaar, and many others who organized the third annual Fiesta de Día de Muertos Todos Santos. There were altars, catrinas, parades, and many fun events for the entire pueblo, and ended with a special concert by La Sonora Santanera in the plaza. We look forward to next year’s event!

Speaking of events, the Palapa Society of Todos Santos has two popular ones coming up soon. December 29 is the Carrera de Todos Santos 5k walk/run and February 8-10, 2019 is the Artists Open Studio Tour. Read about both these events in our Holiday 2018/2019 issue.

One of the newest studios to participate in the Open Studio Tour, Taller de Terreno, will be holding their grand opening during the tour weekend. Taller de Terreno is an artists’ retreat and case study of sustainable architecture. They also offer workshops at their sustainable ranch setting, where participants exchange ideas, practice wellness, and work toward assimilating the built environment into the natural one.

 

 

 

 

Holiday 2018/2019 cover of Journal del PacificoWe hope that you enjoy our Holiday 2018/2019 issue of Journal del Pacifico, this entire issue is packed full of great articles and photos. The front cover photo and feature story tells the story of local surfer Lucas’ quest to represent Mexico in the World Surf League.

Once again, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures has written a fascinating piece on sharks off the Baja coast and in the Sea of Cortez. Kaia Thomson, marine biologist Jay Gittens, and The Cortez Club has shared some of their photos of this misunderstood predator.

Miguel’s Restaurant is now open for breakfast again! They have also added some delicious new seafood dishes to their menu.

Zack’s Gym on the otro lado of Todos Santos opens Monday, January 1st. It will feature the revolutionary “Zack-Attack” small group training (think Tabata meets spinning). Each session combines spin, TRX and weights to optimize calorie burning for up to 72 hours and build muscle. Also available will be open gym hours, personal training, physical therapy, and free meal planning service for the entire community!

The reviews speak for themselves: Carlito’s Place Restaurant is the place to stop at when in the Pescadero/Todos Santos. It’s absolutely worth the drive out from Cabo or La Paz to experience their delicious food, hospitality and al fresco dining in a lovely setting.

The Baja Bliss Wellness Spa has a beautiful new location in Pescadero on the road to Rancho Pescdero. They offer a menu of unique relaxation services such as flotation therapy, Thai yoga massage with salt stone, Reiki with crystals, BreathWave, and reflexology. They have partnered with The Balm natural store and Poroto restaurant to form “El Colectivo de Bienestar, Pescadero.” Stop by El Colectivo for relaxation, healthy eats, and natural products!

MiniSuper Munchies is in their fifth season and keeps getting better! They now have a bar license and are serving some mixed drinks, craft beers, and Kombucha on tap.

Villa Rocas is a luxury rental villa in south Pescadero beach. Villa Rocas, with four suites–all with beachfront terrazas, can host up to 15 guests comfortably.

Dos Marias Spa, also in Pescadero, offers the ultimate in pampering with a variety of facials, body scrubs, massage treatments, and a Temazcal sweat lodge. Treat yourself for the holidays!

Hesed Najera provides deep, holistic massage, body and energy work at your location or his. Visit his website for details: hesednajera.com

Las Olas Recovery can help you with personalized addiction treatment. They provide medically assisted detox, holistic healing, and comprehensive care. Contact them today for more information.

Villas de Cerritos Beach is a beach community of vacation rentals on the road to Cerritos Beach. Visit their website for more information and reservation.

The Baja Blooms Retreat, a five-day pottery, yoga, and art journaling retreat with Stephanie Friedman, Emelie Eldridge, and Zoë Dearborn, takes place in February 2019. They also have special day rates for locals. Check out their ad and our events listing for more details.

Two great writing retreats also take place soon and you can read all about them in the Holiday 2018/2019 issue. The Writing Ranch presents its ninth annual “Writing Down the Baja” retreat January 27 to February 3 at Serendipity in Todos Santos.

The Todos Santos Writers Workshop (TSWW) will be held February 3 to 9 at Casa Dracula on the otro lado.

Quinta Lupita in La Paz is the place for handmade Saltillo and Talavera tile, sinks, ceramics, accessories, and fixtures. See their ad for details and our La Paz map for their location.

Happy Holidays! We will see you again in February with our Winter 2019 issue. The deadline is January 10, 2019.