Summer 2023

Journal del Pacifico Spring 2023 cover by Wendy FitzHappy Summer! Thank you for all the compliments on our Spring issue with its La Poza cover by photographer and musician Wendy Fitz. You can see her photography biography on our blog.

Kaia Thomson recently visited the Cactus Sanctuary in El Rosario and has shared her story and photographs in this issue, as well as the photo on our summer front cover.

Bryan Jáuregui, Todos Santos Eco Adventures, tells us a condensed history of Todos Santos with photos by photographers Kenny Viese and Keenan Shoal.

The Palapa Society of Todos Santos provided us with photos of Todos Santos’ historic sugar cane mills. You can see those in our “How You Can Help” feature listing how we can all give back to the community.

One way to give back is The Palapa Society’s Annual Scholarship Drive. Your contribution supports students in need of financial assistance to pursue their academic goals.

Even more “Hotels with a Heart” have teamed with Padrinos Children’s Foundation. Your stay with any of the hotels listed in their ad also helps the foundation provide important health services to local children.

Our feature story on Sharon Katz tells how she has brought her music and humanitarian work known as “The Peace Train” to Baja California Sur and Todos Santos.

White Rose by Doug West for Art Talk

White Rose by Doug West for Art Talk

This issue’s Art Talk tells a deeply personal story of Jill Logan’s recent “Wake Up Call” on the highway south of town and how it has affected her look on life and her art.

Congratulations to Pura Vida Health Food and Deli. They are celebrating 13 years of serving our community with delicious meals and healthy groceries and produce.

Chill n Grill will be serving up the best breakfast in Todos Santos on Sundays 10 am until 2 pm. Stop in for Eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, omelets, pancakes, burritos, hash browns, fresh orange juice, coffee, and 2×1 bloody marys and mimosas.

Doce Cuarenta Café / Bar is open every day from 7 am to 9 pm. The adjacent El Mercado, open every day except Mondays, is the perfect place to explore a variety of interesting shops and galleries. You can see more works by photographer Kenny Viese there as well.

Mini Super Munchies, on the road to Rancho Pescadero, is an artisan boutique, has craft beer, wine, ice cream, chocolate and more!

Protect Todos Santos shares information in this issue on proposed changes to the Todos Santos PDU.

We would like to welcome our newest advertisers: architect Gabriel Peri (Mar de Sol Villas), Los Torotes, Ronival Real Estate, Diamante Realtors, and Sarah Jean Mucha, el Pescadero and Todos Santos real estate advisor with The Agency.

If you’re going away this summer, Todos Los Perros Bed and Biscuit is a great choice for boarding your dog. I recently boarded my newest pup while away for the weekend. She had a great time, and I had the comfort of knowing that my pet was safe and received the best care.

Have a great summer! We’ll be back with our Fall 2023 issue in mid-October. The deadline is September 15.

On the Cover Spring / Primavera 2023

Journal del Pacfico Spring 2023 cover by Wendy Fitz

Journal del Pacfico Spring 2023 cover by Wendy Fitz

Wendy Bethia Fitz

Español abajo

My infatuation with images started in my childhood watching old films my father had taken while living in China before I was born. It’s of some note that my great, great grandfather Henry Fitz Jr. studied with Daguerre and took one of the first, if not the first, daguerreotypes in America, making him a pioneer in the era of photography in America. Also, a telescope maker, he helped develop what would become the first patented camera in America. We always had cameras around while I was growing up.

Wendy Fitz, self portrait, Baja 1979

Wendy Fitz, self portrait, Baja 1979

I didn’t really have a camera of my own until my 20s. My boyfriend at that time, John Kiewit, gave me an old Minolta that he had lying around amongst his many cameras. We rode around in a VW bus and shot any and everything. I grew up chasing beautiful light and images that were, and still are, everywhere I look.

I studied photography with Art Rogers. His continued work chronicling the history and beauty of West Marin County in California is stunning. Through my classes with Art, I was introduced to the Dark Room, a wonderful haven for photographers in San Rafael, California. I first dug into Baja California on trips led by Orrin Moon the owner of the Dark Room.

I’m inspired every day by what’s in front of my eyes–a gift I never take for granted. I’ve been wandering the pathways and beaches of Todos Santos for over 30 years collecting images given up to me by the extraordinary light.

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Wendy Bethia Fitz

Traducido por Francesca Magallon

Mi infatuación por las imágenes comenzó en mi infancia, viendo filmes viejos que mi padre había tomado mientras vivía en China antes de que yo naciera. Es de notarse que mi tatarabuelo Henry Fitz Jr. estudió con Daguerre y tomó uno de los primeros, sino es que el primer daguerrotipo en América, haciéndolo un pionero en la era de la fotografía en EUA. También un fabricante de telescopios, el ayudó a desarrollar lo que se convertiría en la primera cámara patentada en América. Siempre había cámaras a nuestro alrededor cuando yo crecí.

En realidad, yo no tuve una cámara propia hasta que entré a mis veintes. Mi novio de esa época, John Kiewit, me regaló una Minolta vieja que tenía arrumbada entre sus varias cámaras. Nos movíamos en una combi VW y tomábamos fotos “de todo y nada.” Crecí persiguiendo la hermosa luz e imágenes que estaban, y siguen estando, en todos lados hacia donde dirijo mi mirada.

Estudié fotografía con Art Rogers. Su continuo trabajo documentando cronológicamente la historia y la belleza del oeste del Condado Marin en California, es impresionante. Por medio de mis clases con Art, llegué a conocer el laboratorio fotográfico llamado el “Cuarto Oscuro,” un refugio maravilloso para los fotógrafos en San Rafael, California. Por primera vez empecé a mostrar interés e investigar acerca de Baja California, debido a los viajes guiados por el dueño del Cuarto Oscuro, Orrin Moon.

Diariamente me inspira lo que tengo frente a mis ojos, un regalo que nunca doy por sentado. He deambulado por los caminos y playas de Todos Santos por más de 30 años, recolectando imágenes, que la extraordinaria luz me ha otorgado.

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.

Holiday / Navidad 2022/23

Journal del Pacifico Fall 2022 cover by Kate TurningThank you for all the compliments we received on our Fall 2022 issue with its stunning Day of the Dead cover by Kate Turning.

In this issue, Lisa Demoney introduces us to Uli Martinez and his street art, which you can see throughout Baja California Sur including Todos Santos, La Paz, San José del Cabo.

Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures tells us about regenerative farming in Baja California Sur.

And Ivonne Benítez of Hablando Mexicano tells us of the happiness of sharing and how you can brighten a local child’s holiday.

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoThe Artists of Todos Santos Open Studio Tour is back with over 30 participating artists! The tour weekend kicks off February 3 with a meet the artist opening reception, then two full days, February 4 and 5, in which to tour the artists’ studios. Tickets go on sale December 1.

Galería Militar has two exciting art openings coming up: December 9 through January 31, they will be featuring original paintings by Terryl Tagg. February 2 is the opening reception for Mark Gabriel’s Retro Tropical Jetset IV.

Hotel Gallo Azul has recently opened with 10 beautifully appointed rooms, four loft suites, and a large swimming pool. It is conveniently located in downtown Todos Santos, next to the Gallo Azul restaurant.

Hotels with a Heart is a new campaign raising awareness for the Padrino Children’s Foundation, which provides professional healthcare services to disadvantaged children in Todos Santos, Pescadero, and the surrounding area. See their ad this issue for a list of participating hotels.

St. Jude’s has opened a new 24-hour pharmacy on calle Degollado in Todos Santos. Besides medications they offer a large selection of medical equipment. St. Jude’s hospital offers home consultations, x-rays, ambulance and laboratory services.

Docecuarenta Casa de Café has added El Mercado at the Cañada del Diablo location. El Mercado is an upmarket mix of shops, offices, and galleries surrounding a relaxing courtyard area. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 8 am to 9 pm.

Coming soon to Todos Santos, La Vibra Urban Condos with only eight, one-bedroom units. Pre-sales start in 2023. Contact Perla Garnica at Ricardo Amigo Real Estate for information.

Happy 15th anniversary to La Esquina Café! They are celebrating with live music December 29.

Pronto Muy Pronto in Casa Dracula across from La Esquina Café, has an eclectic mix of handmade Mexican clothing, swimwear, unique gifts, and home décor.

Mini Super Munchies in Pescadero will be holding bimonthly and weekly events such as “Meet the Artist,” little markets, guest chef pop-ups, and more. Check their Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Safe Storage Baja is now open at the south Cerritos entrance with 10 x 10 and 10 x 20 units. Their storage includes discounted airport transportation with Todos Santos Private Transportation, and 3-point security including 24-hour cameras, on-site security guard, and fully gated/walled property.

Tu Casa Concierge Property Management Service offers security, maintenance, and property management needs in the Cerritos area.

Valma Chocolate are handmade, luxury chocolates, truffles, and ganache filled tarts. You can find them in Bésame Mucho Bazaar, Pura Vida, Qué Rico Foods, and Kalma flower shop, or place a direct order.

Miguel’s Restaurant has new hours this season. They are open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 9 pm, closed Monday.

The 10th annual Todos Santos Writers Workshop (TSWW) takes place January 28 – February 8th this year. See their ad and our events column for more information.

Artist Anne Hebebrand will be holding Cold Wax technique workshops in January and March at the Barro Sur Studio in Todos Santos. Look for more information in our events column as well.

We will see you next with our Winter 2023 issue. The deadline is January 10.