Winter 2021

Posted on February 3, 2021 by janicekinne

Welcome 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.

The 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.

The Loft@Nomad Chic

Posted on December 22, 2020 by janicekinne

New Private Events Space Promises a Silver Lining for winter Travel

Beloved boutique in Todos Santos unveils new private space for rich programming and bespoke events, a welcome refuge for those seeking inspiring experiences while staying safe this season.

Nomad Chic has been a favorite of Todos Santos locals and wanderers alike since its opening in 2004. With glowing mentions in publications like Vogue, Sunset, and Napa Sonoma Magazine, and a history of fabulous events in Todos Santos and Northern California, the carefully curated boutique of global treasures and rare finds has become a destination in itself.

But with the world over half a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the shop now faces the same challenges as any other Baja retailer during these troubling times: how can business flourish and tourists be welcomed while respecting the current risks at hand?
A silver lining has emerged with the addition of The Loft @nomadchicmx, a new oasis of design, style, and indulgence which will cater to small groups looking to enjoy unique experiences and events without sacrificing safety or caution.

Perched directly above Nomad Chic and accessed via private sunwashed stairs, the loft boasts a roof deck perfect for balmy desert nights, a full kitchen, bedroom, and luxurious tiled bath, and unparalleled views of Todos Santos and the Pacific Ocean. Fully styled by Linda Hamilton, owner and creative mind behind Nomad Chic, and serving in part as her interior design showroom, The Loft will immerse guests in Nomad Chic’s trademark whimsical, bohemian style.

“The Loft @nomadchicmx is my place to combine all my past endeavors and my love for design, events, and retail; I wanted to create a space that allows guests to feel like they’ve entered their own private pied-à-terre, with a bird’s eye view of Todos Santos and the beaches beyond,” says Hamilton. She intentionally designed the space to be shoppable, with most featured pieces and elements available for sale; for those looking for design consultation, Hamilton will happily meet you at The Loft to introduce you to her eclectically cool way of styling spaces.

The focus does not stop at beautiful aesthetics. Hamilton hopes to make The Loft a home for culinary exploration and community-driven events. “When I travel, the first thing I try to do is attend a cooking class; I believe the best way to get to know a new culture is by learning what the people eat,” she says, a smile spreading over her face. “I’ll be working with local chefs to create entirely authentic experiences and incorporating every aspect of preparing a meal, from shopping at the organic market (which could actually mean being in the fields) to meeting the fishermen as they bring the fish ashore, and then heading back to The Loft @nomadchicmx for a cooking class.”

Hamilton also looks forward to developing and hosting her own series of cultural events, reminiscent of past fashion shows held at Hotel California and Casa Dracula. “The space is perfect for intimate, but impactful, events. Having not held anything in Todos Santos for several years, I’m looking forward to the challenge of offering community engagement under these new circumstances.” Hamilton has compiled a winter calendar of events, including book signings with bestselling authors, trunk shows and fashion shows to debut the boutique’s latest finds, and evenings with renowned local chefs. The full schedule is posted on the Nomad Chic website.

The Loft @nomadchicmx will also be available for private events, photoshoots, meetings, and general renting purposes; guests can design their own event or collaborate with the Nomad Chic team to create a perfectly bespoke experience. “We can host any sort of group, from remote workers needing a space to focus, to bridal parties wanting mani-pedis and a private shopping experience, to business groups in search of a tranquil offsite. If someone can dream it, we’ll work with them to make it happen.” Within reason, of course.

More importantly, The Loft’s main goal will be to provide a safe, comfortable environment for locals and travelers to enjoy good vibes and good company; no risk will go unassessed and no detail will be overlooked. Hamilton and the other team members have spent months putting together a comprehensive plan to ensure both the shop and The Loft @nomadchicmx are up to the highest health and sanitation standards.

“We understand the fears around gathering and traveling right now,” Hamilton says, adding that she’s sensitive to local concerns around encouraging outsiders to visit town, as well. “We want to be clear: we take the current health situation very seriously and will be monitoring the trends, just like everyone else. We’re adhering to all required safety standards. But if we’re able to safely remain open and help keep the vibrancy of Todos Santos afloat, then we absolutely will. The entire community will benefit from travelers having comfortable experiences here and from businesses working with travelers to ensure they understand the town’s concerns and requirements.”

The full list of COVID preparations and policies takes up an entire page of the Nomad Chic website, and all guests visiting the shop or taking part in an event or activity at the Loft @nomadchicmx will be made aware of the policies prior to entering. And as an added measure, Hamilton will also be delving into another new space: the online events world. For guests who want to join in on the fun at The Loft @nomadchicmx from the comfort of their own home, digital programming is also under current consideration.

Usually known for offering margaritas to delighted patrons, Hamilton knows this new reality is quite a pivot from the carefree, whimsical experience she usually loves creating. With a laugh and a shrug, she says, “Todos Santos is a bold, resilient town, a town that won’t let its love of art and culture fade in a storm. We’ll get through this.”

She adds, “And in the meantime, our plans for The Loft @nomadchicmx include how to safely serve margaritas.” For queries about reserving The Loft @nomadchicmx for a private event, please contact Linda at linda@nomadchic.mx.

If you’d like to be added to Nomad Chic’s events correspondence, please subscribe at www.nomadchic.mx

Navidad 2020

Posted on December 10, 2020 by janicekinne

Thank 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 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.

Fall 2020

Posted on October 19, 2020 by janicekinne

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.

Need 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.

Journal del Pacifico

La Revista de Baja California Sur

Tag Archives: Mexico

Winter 2021

The Loft@Nomad Chic

Navidad 2020

Fall 2020