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!

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.

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.

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.