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.

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!

Journal del Pacifico publisher’s statement

Español abajo.

Journal del Pacifico Spring 2020 cover by Kate Turning The coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic is changing how we live‚ work and serve you. Currently, our team is working from home and taking care of themselves and their families.

Global travel and the economy continue to remain in flux as communities both at home and around the world act to slow the spread of COVID-19. During this time of uncertainty, we recognize that it can be challenging to determine what, if any, action to take.

While we never know what the future holds, we do know that over the past nine years, both Journal del Pacifico, and our surrounding area, have changed and come back from adversities such as Hurricane Odile and we shall do it again!

In the meantime, we will continue to distribute the printed version of the Spring / Primavera 2020 issue of Journal del Pacifico in a limited manner until more businesses, hotels, and restaurants reopen.

The Van Wormer resorts in Los Barriles have announced their reopening May 20 and Los Cabos area hotels are now taking reservations for June 2020. We look forward to their arrivals enjoying our Spring/Primavera 2020 issue with the fabulous Kate Turning cover!

The Spring / Primavera 2020 issue, and every issue, are available online at journaldelpacifico.com. We are also updating our blog posts and Facebook page with current advertiser and area information.

Unfortunately, we have decided to adjust our 2019/2020 publishing schedule to cancel the printed Summer/Verano 2020 issue of Journal del Pacifico. We WILL be back, better than ever, in the fall with our Fall/Otoño 2020 issue and look forward to sharing more great stories on how our area will be ready to welcome visitors in this changing world.

In the meantime, please stay safe and stay healthy.

Saludos from the whole Journal del Pacifico team!

—————

La pandemia del coronavirus (COVID-19) está cambiando la forma en que vivimos, trabajamos, y le servimos a usted.  Nuestro equipo se encuentra trabajando desde casa y cuidando su salud y la de sus familiares.

La economía y el turismo global se mantienen en limbo mientras las comunidades locales y en el resto del mundo trabajan arduamente en mitigar la propagación del virus.  Durante estos tiempos de incertidumbre, sabemos que a veces es difícil vislumbrar el camino a seguir.

Aunque no sabemos lo que nos depara el futuro, lo que sí sabemos es que en los últimos nueve años tanto el Journal del Pacifico como nuestra comunidad han pasado por cambios y sobrellevado adversidades. Sobrevivimos el huracán Odile, ¡y volveremos a vencer!

Mientras tanto, seguiremos distribuyendo la versión impresa del número de Primavera 2020 del Journal del Pacifico de manera limitada hasta que reinicien labores más negocios, hoteles y restaurantes.

Los hoteles Van Wormer en Los Barriles anunciaron su reapertura el 20 de mayo, y los hoteles de Los Cabos han empezado a tomar reservaciones para junio. ¡Esperamos que nuestros visitantes disfruten de nuestra revista de primavera con una imagen de Kate Turning en la portada!

Así como todos los demás números, la edición Primavera 2020 de la revista está disponible en journaldelpacifico.com.  También estamos actualizando nuestro blog y página de Facebook con información actualizada de relevancia y anunciantes.

Desafortunadamente nos hemos visto obligados a ajustar nuestro calendario de publicación 2019-20, con lo que se cancela la edición impresa de Verano 2020. Estaremos de vuelta y mejor que nunca con la edición de Otoño 2020 y anticipamos ansiosamente compartir con ustedes las historias del resurgimiento de la economía local en este mundo nuevo y cambiante en que vivimos.

Mientras tanto, por favor manténganse sanos y seguros.

¡Saludos de todo el equipo de Journal del Pacífico!

Los Tres Grandes

“Flower Festival Feast of Santa Anita” by Diego Rivera

“Flower Festival Feast of Santa Anita”
by Diego Rivera

by Kate Turning

“Art is knowledge at the service of emotion”—José Clemente Orozco

Art in Mexico underwent a radical transformation at the end of the Mexican Revolution in 1924. The new government born of the citizens’ revolt commissioned the brightest artistic minds of the era to create works that spoke directly to the people, celebrating their potential to craft their own future through expanded civil liberties and universal education. The intention was to inspire the masses with the heroes of Mexican history, social justice, and the life and heart of the nation. These three legendary painters were known as Los Tres Grandes—David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, and Diego Rivera. Together they cultivated a style and aesthetic that defined the Mexican cultural identity following the Revolution and remains today.

Los Tres Grandes developed a populist iconography featuring heroes from the past, present, and an imagined modernist future. All three believed that art was the highest form of human expression and a key force in social change. A point of agreement with the new government was that the artists would have complete freedom of expression—a radical idea at the time. Their images, featuring Aztec and Mayan warriors, political heroes, common laborers, and humble peasants, were highly visible as epic murals on public buildings, churches, and city streets in cities across Mexico including Mexico City and Guadalajara. Using visionary techniques like fresco, encaustic, mosaic, and sculpture-painting, the muralists developed a new way for our country to see itself, and to swell with national pride.

These three painters had a huge impact on their counterparts in the US as well, and many flocked to Mexico City to study and work with them, notably a young Jackson Pollock. Modernism was, as yet, an underdeveloped concept in the US art world. They inspired the American artists to bravely use their talents to protest economic, social, and racial injustices. It’s not hard to see how the Futurist intensity in the murals of José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros were an influence on the art of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) during the Great Depression, or how Diego Rivera’s fearless political statements emboldened the painters of the civil rights movement in the United States of America.

Los Tres Grandes, as well as their fellow visionaries Rufino Tamayo and Frida Kahlo, helped to create a distinctive language that is still manifested in the unique and radical style of the Mexican art scene today.