Category Archives: The Palapa Society of Todos Santos

Winter 2017

Posted on by

by Janice Kinne, publisher

The Baja Sur weather is great, our Gray whale visitors have returned and we have a lot of interesting stories on Baja California Sur residents and adventures. I was looking at the front page of our website recently and watching all the fabulous covers go by. This issue, Winter 2017, is certainly one of our most popular already! Luz Gallery in Todos Santos provided the stunning vintage octopus print.

Once again, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures has written a fascinating article on the octopus. Kaia Thomson of Todos Caballos has shared her photos of octopus you can find in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacifico Ocean, marine biologist, Paula Angeloni of Explora Baja and the Todos Santos Surf Shop translated the article into Spanish.

We also have three captivating profiles from the growing community of El Pescadero. The founders of Carlito’s Place restaurant, Carlos Cham; the Residences at Freesouls’ Marc Jouille; and Mark Catania and Peter Arbuckle of Pueblo Pescadero. You can read about their varied backgrounds, what brought them to Pescadero, their visions for their own restaurants and developments and the El Pescadero community.

The community also came together to build the Todos Santos skate ramp and our feature story. Jason Jacobs of Adventure 19 and Aaron Balducci of La Katrina Surf Shop funded the brand new skate ramp in our town park. Right after the ramp was open, a group of Todos Santos skateboarders showed off their moves for photographer Kate Turning. She shared her vintage skateboard poster-look photos for our story. You can see more of Kate’s work at Galería de Todos Santos.

Anne McEnany of the International Community Foundation has shared the story of the Alliance conserving the San Ignacio lagoon and of her encounter with the gray whales that helped give birth to that Alliance.

The Journal del Pacifico running team is excited that after a two year absence, the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.’s Carrera de Todos Santos will take place this March 25th. This year, in addition to the popular 5K, a 10K race has been added. Read about the other improvements this year and get ready to race!

Whatever facet of stand up paddling is your passion, whether it’s touring, fitness, surfing or family recreation, SUP Outdoor is your gateway to nature, fun, and adventure. And now, SUP Outdoor paddleboards are available in Todos Santos. For more information, visit their website, call (612) 111-8040 or email: kate@lxvoutdoor.mx

Bésame Mucho Bazaar and El Edén restaurant will be opening in a new location in Todos Santos soon. They invite you to come and discover a unique experience that will entice you to come back for more!

Did you know that Que Rico Specialty Foods on calle Militar is now open Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm?

Chill n Grill in Todos Santos has new hours this month. They will be open Monday through Saturday, 4 to 11 pm with All You Can Eat Pizza nights on Wednesday.

St. Jude’s Medical Center on calle Militar in Todos Santos provides medical consultations, hospitalization, laboratory and ambulance services, and 24 hour emergency care. They have also added a pharmacy to their location.

Now in Todos Santos, La Perla Mosaico Artesanal is a project that intends to rescue the tradition of handcrafted hydraulic cement tiles and bring it to your home or business. Their pride and dedication is expressed in every one of their tiles. Choose from one of their more than 60 designs or ask them to design one especially for you..

Miguel’s Restaurant in Todos Santos is known for their chiles rellenos, seafood and traditional Mexican dishes. They also serves refreshing margaritas, cold beer and have a full bar.

Do you have health and fitness goals this year? Aldo’s Gym in Todos Santos and La Paz can help you out! They have free weights, resistance training and certified instructors and trainers.

We are sorry to say that Mi Pueblito 3 in Pescadero has closed. Don’t worry though; you can still enjoy their tasty Mexican meals at both locations of Mi Pueblito on calle Hidalgo in Todos Santos.

We see you with again with our Spring 2017 issue covering April and May. Deadline is March 10. For more information, visit our website at: journaldelpacifico.com

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour

Posted on by

8th Annual Todos Santos Open Studio Tour

by Jill Mollenhauer

Anne Hebebrand, Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Baja, Mexico

Anne Hebebrand

Every year it’s the talk of the town. The Todos Santos Open Studio Tour draws hundreds of people curious to see working art studios, meet the artists, and perhaps have a personal dialogue with them. Stories are exchanged; laughter flows and smiles glow on the faces of those who find something that seems to have been made especially for them.

At its inception in 2009, the then one-day tour boasted a mere handful of amazing talent. For 2017 the number of participating artists has grown to over 40, necessitating its extension to a two day event.

Benito Ortega, Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Baja, Mexico

Benito Ortega

The 8th annual Todos Santos Open Studio Tour will be held on the weekend of February 11 and 12, 2017, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. All proceeds benefit the children’s art programs of The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. Advance ticket sales begin January 28, 2017. Tickets will be $200 pesos each and can be purchased in Todos Santos at El Tecolote Bookstore on Calle Juárez, or ordered online at ts.studiotour@gmail.com. Tickets can also be purchased at Cafélix in Todos Santos from 9 am to 3 pm both event days. Maps are included with purchase and plenty of signs are posted to streamline the self-guided tour.

Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz, Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Baja, Mexico

Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz

The choices of what to see are practically endless: paint, mixed media, encaustic, wood carving, metal sculpture, stone work, jewelry, fibers, photography and more. The hardest part might be deciding which studios to choose from and if it is possible to get to them all in two days. From the south end of town all the way through the north end of el Otro Lado, there are artist studios tucked away that hold treasures undreamed of.

To help plan your tour, browse the Facebook page Todos Santos Open Studio Tour to see some samples of the different work. Seasoned veterans of the tour often make a list of names to help plan a route, making sure to visit their favorite artists along with some new ones. Others prefer to just wing it, leaving it open to the serendipity of the moment.

Besides spending the day immersed in creativity, the tour is a chance to explore what it is like to be an artist in the beautiful pueblo mágico of Todos Santos. It is the personal interaction with the artists that makes this tour so special. What inspires them? What brought them here and why do they stay? How did they begin and what story do they have to tell?

Sculptor Benito Ortega was drawn to Todos Santos eight years ago by ‘a vibration in the air.’ Nine year resident, encaustic artist Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz stays because life is simple and she can spend the mornings lost in the passion of creativity. The positive energy of the light and the people is just part of what keeps painter/teacher Tori Sepulveda enthralled with Todos Santos, even after 10 years.

As a kid flipping burgers at the foot of the Newport Beach pier Peter Holden probably never imagined himself living and painting in Baja California Sur for over a decade. Did Anne Hebebrand envision herself  experimenting with diverse tools such as spatulas, rubber shapers, paint rollers, and palette knives on canvas when as a young girl she was a waitress at a Mexican restaurant?

Susan Doyle says, “My favorite part of painting is the point when you think it is awful and you’re about to give up and then some magical accident happens and it clicks.” For Nanette Hayles she loves all parts of the creative process but “getting ‘lost’ in a piece when time ceases” is her favorite. Steve Thurston says that the best painting is always the one he’s currently working on.

Landscape artist Marsha Dahlquist is entranced with street scenes and the challenge of painting architecture, while Jill Mollenhauer expresses emotions with vibrant colors and mixed media.

Whichever studios you visit, you are sure to find both talent and heart. Between the well-known galleries in town and the numerous hidden gems in the barrios there are delights and surprises waiting just for you.

Here are a few helpful tips to make it even more enjoyable: Some studios are clustered near enough that parking and walking is viable. Perusing the neighborhoods is a wonderful way to get a feel of the community. Or consider carpooling–everything is more fun with friends. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat and don’t forget the sunscreen! Cold drinks and delicious meals can be purchased in town and for even more fun, consider staying the night at one of the area boutique hotels.

For more information: ts.studiotour@gmail.com

Holiday 2016/2017

Posted on by
Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2016/2017 cover by Bruce Herman

Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2016/2017 cover by Bruce Herman

Feliz Fiestas from Journal del Pacifico! In our Holiday issue, we have some great feature stories as well as lots of exciting things happening with our advertisers.

Once again, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures has provided us with a feature story, this time about the largest animal on Earth, who is also a visitor to our Baja waters. Richard Jackson and Carlos Gajon Bermudez shared their stunning Blue Whale photos, some taken within three miles of Loreto.

Many thanks to Bruce Herman for all the beautiful traditional Mexican photographs that are on our front cover and throughout this issue. If you’d like to see more, be sure to stop in the Luz Gallery on calle Topete in downtown Todos Santos.

Just around the corner, México Gourmet has moved next door to Chocolates La Laguna, behind the El Tecolote bookstore. Now it’s even more convenient to stock up on handmade chocolates from La Laguna and spices, seasoned salts, vanilla, organic coffee and more at Mexico Gourmet!

Discover the true flavors of Mexico at El Refugio Mezcalería, Todos Santos’ first mezcal bar. They serve artisanal agave distillates and cocktails, along with prehispanic foods such as pozole, mole, and traditional dishes from Guerrero and Oaxaca. Visit their Facebook page for happy hour specials and events, or contact them to schedule a private mezcal tasting.

Local, organic fresh veggies and herbs are now available from Sueño Tropical Farm at Pura Vida Health Food Store in Todos Santos.

Rumi Garden, the popular Asian cuisine restaurant in Todos Santos is now open again for the season. Stop in for their daily lunch specials, vegetarian, vegan and organic friendly dishes.

Cositas para la Casa has just opened on the otro lado of Todos Santos. It is based on a vision of all locally handmade products for the home, all the way up to but not including furniture. Stop by and see the mastery in knitting, sewing, crocheting, and embroidery.

La Cocina de Cleo is open again on the otro lado serving up Mexican breakfast and lunch and staying open late for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Looking for a place to stay on the otro lado? Casa Las Tunas has charming cabañas and rooms with full kitchens, in a beautiful garden setting. It’s close to town and the beach too!

Day passes and memberships are now available for the lovely El Faro Beach Club & Spa. For information, please call Boutique Hotel Guaycura at (612) 175-0800.

Sra. Alma, with 15 years’ experience as a pharmacist, has now opened Farmacia San Benito in Todos Santos. She and her husband, Raul also own the Farmacia San Benito in Pescadero. Both locations stock brand name and generic medicines, controlled and oncology prescriptions and an extensive selection of orthopedic, personal and items for babies.

Congratulations to Cerritos Beach Inn on their first year anniversary. They are now offering home delivery on to go orders in the Pescadero and Cerritos area.

The all new, Oasis Bar & Grill on the highway in Pescadero is getting rave reviews on their menu. If you are looking for that classic American meal you need to check this place out–their Reuben sandwich is delicious!

Mini Super Munchies, near Rancho Pescadero and the beach, is a delightful corner market filled with local products, delicious snacks, beautiful crafts, wine, beer, and much more. Make sure to check their Facebook page for special guest chef and music nights!

Dra. Alejandra Peña Salguero has expanded her offices near the Pemex in Todos Santos. Dra. Alejandra is a completely bilingual, community primary care physician, available by appointment. The Padrino Children’s Foundation office is also at the same location. The Foundation and Dra. Alejandra are working to provide medical services for economically disadvantaged children in Todos Santos and the surrounding area.

Two exciting Palapa Society of Todos Santos events are coming up—their Open House for the all new Palapa Learning Center in early January and the return of the Palapa Carreras de Todos Santos 5k/10k in March—It’s bigger and better!

Todos Santos Music Festival message from Peter and Chloe BuckYes it’s true; there will not be a Todos Santos Music Festival this January. After five years, Peter and Chloe Buck are taking a break this winter. The Journal del Pacifico is proud to have been a founder member of this amazing festival. But don’t worry; there are still a whole lot of live music events happening throughout Todos Santos and Pescadero—at La Esquina, Chill N Grill (check out their new location), Restaurant Mi Pueblito 3 and more! Check out our events listings in our current issue for more information.

Pick up a copy today or  view the entire issue online. Make sure to reserve your space early for our next issue, featuring the incredible places to live and stay in Pescadero! Deadline is January 10, 2017.

Happy New Year

Posted on by
"Baja's first Rock Band" Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2015/2016 cover by Dennis McGhee, Baja, Mexico

“Baja’s first Rock Band” Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2015/2016 cover by Dennis McGhee

Happy New Year from Journal del Pacifico! We’ve received a lot of compliments on our Holiday 2015/2016 issue cover featuring the hand painted skull by artist, “Indian” Dennis McGhee.

The 2016 La Poza Lagoon calendars are available at El Tecolote bookstore in Todos Santos and Allende Books in La Paz. These beautiful calendars help support the efforts to save La Poza lagoon and feature photography by Claude Vogel, Kaia Thomson, Alvaro Colindres and others.

The 5th annual Todos Santos Music Festival with Peter Buck and friends takes place January 14 to 16, and January 20 to 23. General admission is available for all shows. There is also a special acoustic dinner show at Rancho Pescadero on January 19. Contact Rancho Pescadero for tickets and more information. You can read the entire feature including artist’s bios online at journaldelpacifico.com

The new La Morena Restaurant Bar, located on calle Juárez in Todos Santos, just down the street from Galería Logan and Snell Real Estate, is open for breakfast, lunch and tapas. They serve espressos, ristrettos, lungos, lattes, frappes, chais, smoothies, paninis, healthy salads as well as tacos and other entrees. In the evenings, enjoy an appetizer with wine, served by the bottle or by the glass. Cold beer, margaritas, cocktails or a cool martini are also on the menu.

La Bohemia Hotel Pequeño on calle Rangel in Todos Santos, is having an open house every Thursday and Saturday from 4 to 8 pm with delicious treats from Mama’s Kitchen and special cocktails and wine 2 for 1 from 4 to 6 pm.

Landi’s Restaurant, next to Teatro Márquez de León on the plaza, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 9 pm, serving delicious traditional Mexican dishes. They are also open 9 am to 2 pm for their special Sunday brunch.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat for the holidays, or anytime, Chocolates La Laguna in Todos Santos, has champagne truffles, pumpkin spice truffles, and white chocolate bark with cranberries.

México Gourmet in Todos Santos has a variety of Mexican made edibles including spices, jams, jellies, moles and salsas, and is well known for its large stock of mescales. Stop in for a tasting!

Étnica, across the street from La Copa and The Todos Santos Inn in downtown Todos Santos, has beautiful Mexican clothing, accessories and fabulous tooled leather purses, wallets, boots and more.

Casita Anita has moved. The new, spacious location is on calle Militar in Todos Santos, next door to Gallery 365. Her new location has a whole new look that includes more room for Pepita Nelson Fashions.

Santa María Boutique has a large selection of 100% cotton fashion clothing for men, women and children at their two locations in Todos Santos—in Plaza Adriana across from the Centro Cultural and Plaza Los Faroles, just ½ block from the Hotel California.

You can take control of your water and your health. Water Ways Baja is your home town drinking water resource. Residential or commercial, all systems are custom designed based upon contaminants in your water and your needs. Water test results are in writing from independent certified water laboratories.

Unwind and rejuvenate your spirit at Casablanca b&b on the La Poza hill in Todos Santos. Guests enjoy their elegant accommodations, delicious meals or the chance to simply relax by the pool.

Restaurant Miguel’s across the street from Shut Up Frank’s, has long been famous for their chilies rellenos, fresh seafood and traditional Mexican fare. Now they are open for breakfast again, 8 am to 10 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

The new rooftop Riptide Bar at Desert Moon Hotel at Cerritos beach is open. Stop in for an adult beverage and a great view any time from 9 am to 10 pm.

There’s something for everyone to fall in love with at Cerritos Beach Inn. Located just steps from the swimmable beach and surf break at Cerritos beach in Pescadero guests can also enjoy ocean, mountain and desert views and whale watching. There are brand new ocean front and desert view suites, as well as a restaurant and pool. Cerritos Beach Inn is also available for wedding and special events.

MiniSuper Munchies in Pescadero is much more than a gourmet store. There is a book exchange, lending library, community bulletin board, and pop up dinners with local chefs. Check with Emily on their weekly events.

There’s always something going on at Dana’s Diner on the highway in Pescadero. Daily happy hour, NFL football, guest chef nights, live music and karaoke nights. Call or stop in and check with Dana for more information.

Want coffee? Baja Beans Roasting Company in Pescadero is now open every day from 8 am to 4 pm.

Brody’s Pizza on the road to Cerritos beach is open 1 to 10 pm and serves Italian style wood oven pizza, pastas, salads and cold beer! Home delivery is available too.

The 7th Annual 2016 Todos Santos Open Studio Tour will be held over two days: Saturday and Sunday February 6 and 7 from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s a great way to explore the world of the artists, who live and work in this artists’ colony. Tickets for the Todos Santos Artist’s Studio Tour are good for both days and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com or in person at El Tecolote Bookstore beginning February 1. Maps and wristbands can be picked up at Cafélix both mornings of the Studio Tour. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Art Programs of the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.

We’d like to especially thank our translators that make it possible to publish many of our feature stories in English and Spanish: Paula Angeloni, Elena Ascencio Ibáñez, Kat Bennett, Isabel Jáuregui and Vivianne Jáuregui Mariño. ¡Gracias!

We’ll see you in February 2016 with our Festival issue. The deadline is January 12. Reserve your space today!