Welcome to Kat's Korner El Rincon de la Gata - The San Felipe Scoop

30th Annual Poker Run >> Click the Sea for Joya del Mar

8 February 2010 - Monday. I received this email from Catalina Meders: The San Felipe Title Book Store will begin their new hours starting tomorrow, February 9. We will be open Tuesday - Saturday 9AM - 4PM. Our weekly movie will be scheduled at a later date. Thanks so much.

7 February 2010 - Sunday. Hot off the press: "Latin Garden Restaurant, Sunday February 7, 2010. Announcement: The Latin Garden is closing February 15, 2010. February 11 thru February 14 will be our last days open. So make your reservation. Remember Valentines Day is just around the corner. Jesus and Stephanie can be found at “The Sweet Spot” opening in March on the Maélcon next to what used to be called Casa Crystal. This is very exciting for us and we will be offering our same menu with a few new enticing items for your dining pleasure. Call for Reservations at 686-209-6369. Thank you to all our clients for your love and support. Jesus Camargo and Stephanie Wadsworth." What great news for the hood.

I went to the Happy Jack Ass today thinking I would just stay for a bit, but it was such a good game and they had a spread of food that just kept coming, including Prime Rib and Crab leggs, plus all the well drinks or beer you could drink for one price. I won one of the pools but I split it with my buddy who bought my ticket. I should have followed my first instinct and went to Caliente Sports Bar to place a bet. I just knew the Colts would lose, and I would have made a few bucks. Or maybe not. I understand that the residents of New Orleans were going to have a parade for their team whether or not they won. It was a great game, even if I did think they were playing St. Louis.

In case you are looking for our new office for Kat's Korner, it's across the street from Tavo's pharmacy and Bancomer on Curio Street (or Mar de Cortez North) and we are on the very top floor. However, if you have a problem with steps, we'll be glad to come down to see and chat with you. We are in the process of moving in, so email or my cell phone (686-210-2840) are a good option until the phone is installed and we are still "in process", but this is what the front of the building looks like with your back to the bank and facing the Sea of Cortez.

Carole Kingaby wrote this morning to ask me about the shrimp I had the other day. Evidently I didn't make it clear that it was from Baja Mar Restaurant on the Malécon. Here's a photo of the happy bride and groom at the wedding of the year, Mr. and Mrs. Sergio Leon. I'll post more photos later, but I have to meet Doreen and I'm betting on New Orleans or whomever is playing against the Colts. The pod cast of Sal Fish of Score-International will be ready to listen to tomorrow afternoon as well as the revisions to Val's list of events for Valentine's Day.

This cold of mine has managed to move from my chest and now I simply have an uncontrollable runny nose, so I think I may take a decongestant. Just in case you are making plans for the month of March, aside from the San Felipe 250 March 12, 13 and 14, the "Abrazos Gratis" a Kat's Korner promotion which was started in Peru, will be held on February 13 on the Malecon; the Caminata Contra el Cancer on March 20, San Felipe also has the 4th Annual International Blues & Arts Fiesta being held at the San Felipe Baseball Stadium where you'll hear live Blues, beautiful art & sculpture, amazing talent all encapsulated in cool sea breezes and majestic mountains. A San Felipe concert and art event like no other. Held downtown San Felipe at the base of the mountains along the Sea of Cortez. You can log onto their web site for more scoop on whose playing, etc. at http://www.bluesandarts.com and where to buy your tickets.

6 February 2010 - Saturday. Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday and if you're into placing bets, it's legal at the Caliente Sports Bar on the main drag of Mar de Cortez. As I said before, most people will be watching it somewhere, so I may just sleep in and write more in the afternoon. Okay, I've been on this computer way too long and my back is killing me, so I'm shutting down until tomorrow without doing a spelling check - heaven forbid. Happy Sunday!

I've been busy answering email most of the day as I got behind and I have a chest cold and I was unable to go to Sergio's wedding and reception today. I swear - if it's not one thing, it's another. I think I caught a bit of a cold when I went outside of the Pavillion to smoke or the last person I shook hands with had a cold. Plus it's like mega cold in my house and I had to go out this morning and sit in the sun to warm up. So, between me whining about my back and now my cold, I'm guess I'm nearly whined out. I fell out yesterday early evening and slept until 7:00 a.m. I actually had a wake-up call but I slept through it, so I flaked out on my friends last night too. I'm hoping I feel better in the morning. Mea Culpa! It's a little late, but Brian wrote me today about Nan and Mac out of Playa del Oro on Wednesday and Saturday nights. I'm going to save this right now, in case you haven't gone out yet. Then, I'll give the back a rest and get to posting the San Felipe Scoop - your information center in San Felipe since 1997 and hopefully, for many more years! This absolutely delicious dish may look like Coconut Shrimp, but it's not. It's shredded carotts and deep fried in the sweetest Blue San Felipe Shrimp I have tasted in a long time. I am so serious. It came with mashed potatoes and I dipped the shrimp in them and the sauce around the vegetables (you can tell I don't get out much) but it was muy sabrosa. I put one of them in my hand and took the photo myself, but you get my drift. I hope so anyway. I'm trying to show you the size in my hand and the shrimp, which I later scarffed down, but I did share with Curt!

I was there with Octavio Ascolané, Curt Porter, Ing. Javier Lechuga Leal or Mr. Lettuce as I nick named him. (Lechuga is Spanish for lettuce). At any rate, we are having the third annual Tequila Festival on the Malécon with a Mariachi band and folkloric dancers and tequila from all over - and the best from the Blue Agave plant. I believe this man is the head honcho for Select Tequilas and used to inspect the factories to make sure they are using only the Blue Agave, as they make the best. There will be food, but for either $4.00 or $10.00 per person (per day) you get a card and they stamp it or punch it and you can sample some of the finest tequilas available in Baja or Mexico for that matter, listen to good music, watch great dancing, eat some good San Felipe food an enjoy a nice day on the Malécon. If you can, appoint a designated driver or get a motel in town. There are some really good prices on the newer ones. Hotel Mar Caribe is $449 pesos per night mas o menus and there are other newly built rooms that are clean and safe and you won't have to worry about how much Too-kill-ya you drink. Mark your calendars for March 5, 6 an 7 and Sal Fish will be here to cut the ribbon for the beginning of the ceremony. There should be a lot of pre-runners in and around town, so it will be fun and that's a good price. Well, the lower of the two is a good price, but $10 is not too much for what you'll get and part of the proceeds go to "A Child's Garden" to help the disabled kids of San Felipe. Octavio is a good friend of Natasha James and I suggested they get in touch with her and invite her down for the festival and he said she was a wonderful friend and would help our little town. By the by, Caliente Sports Bar is not moving to the Taco Factory and no reason was given (that I could print anyway). Also, Century 21 has shut it's doors, however, El Dorado sales will continue from there and I'm told some property is moving, moving so that's good news.

Okay, so yesterday was a very busy day. I went to the ground breaking ceremony for San Felipe's new Cultural Center next to the Public Library and all the dignitaries were there, as well as El Presidente Rodolfo Valdez Gutierrez, Mayor of Mexicali and his Delegado, the Mayor of San Felipe, Hazael Sierra. There were many other dignitaries present - almost too many to name, but there were also many students holding balloons and all in the same shirts. After the speeches, the ribbon was cut and they proceeded to Cocuto's San Felipe office, where the Manager, Ruben de la Péna and others watched as Sal Fish signed the contract for the 24th MasterCraft Safety-Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 being held here in San Felipe March 12, 13 and 14. I missed the signing because I chose to come home and post something on Kat's Korner, but I did meet up with Sal in front of the building and along with his attorney, Oscar Ramos, we agreed to meet at Baja Java on the way out of town. To see more photos, please click the arrows >>. Por mas fotos, por favor, empuje las flechas. >>

Now mind you, I thought I was only going to have ten minutes with them, but it turned out a bit longer and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. We are getting a few in the can so to speak, but the pod cast for the Tequila Festival with Octavio and frends must be done again (not the lunch; just the pod cast). When I saved it, I got the old beach ball spinning and I let it spin for about an hour and I didn't want to lose my pod cast with Sal Fish, so I had to force quit the appplication and in other words, we lost it. So Curt, I know you read my Korner and if you would arrange a time when Sr. A and his friend Javier are available, we can do it again. Practice makes perfect. It really wasn't my fault; these things happen on occasional with Apple computers. Luis is working his magic on the pod cast for the cancer center and Score, so we may have to overlap. If I finish the last one with a plugged nose, I'll sound like I'm in need of nasal spray. We'll have those up very soon, so stay tuned and remember to make reservations now. The Marina Resort has a special for racers and has 24 hour security and a huge parking lot. You can reach them by going to the buiness section of sanfelipe.com.mx or click the logo to the left and down below the Security Company. Sal Fish is a really nice guy and so is Oscar his friend and attorney for fourteen years. Look for his pod cast coming soon on katskorner.com.mx or for a while, the black bar above. Photo by Manual of Baja Java

"Just a reminder that Tom & Marge Scott will be singing at Baja Java on Sunday, February 7th from 9 am till noon.  Their breakfasts are absolutely delicious!  Hope to see you there". That was from my buddies Tom and Marge who were not insulted in the least that I changed their last name to Smith last week. I told them don't feel bad. I've changed the name of Diane Pilato's store, Sea and Star or Sand about four times - well, make it five because that's not the right name either. I can only keep so much in this pee brain of mine and when I don't write things down in my handy Brenda Starr notebook, unless Hop-a-Long is around, I usually mix it up.

Here's something I'll bet a lot of you don't know - in the history of Score, it's never been called the Baja 250, so we as a community need to get the recognition we deserve so, let's all refer to it as the MasterCraft Safety-Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 and MasterCraft Safety has just became another sponsor of the former Tecate Score San Felipe 250. This is so cute and was sent to me by Doc Packard, whom I haven't seen in forever: "Kat, thought you may be interested in seeing this picture of Snoop, our neighbors Dean & Jackie Moore's cat.  The picture was taken from our high deck.  He is always over helping me do things.  It was great of him to help me get the sun up out of the Sea of Cortez.  He thinks he owns our Los Viajeros Norte neighborhood and I'm fairly sure he believes he's a dog -- I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't bark one day. Best of luck in your new location. Richard "Doc" Packard." I've know Dean and Jackie since the olden days of the solar section of El Dorado Ranch when they were Net members and very good friends. Actually, I did a pod cast with Dean and I was surprised at how much he knows and has done in his life. You might want to give it a listen. Nice view of the Sea of Cortes and the volcano. >>

This is something new and Baja inspired, as is Natasha James "Tequila Time", only this is a poem by a relative of Karen Farrell of the Ejido Nacional and she lives in Oklahoma I believe. Here it is and it's very pretty although it's hard to figure out if she met a man or fell in love with the Baja. For her sake, I hope it wasn't SvenBundy. I'll have to ask her:

"Window to My Soul"
By Patti Caffey... Baja inspired

I have no expectations you see
except your friendship you freely gave to me
We are pulled where the tides go, and
We drift where the sands blow,
I feel you are touching the window to my soul
 
Yes it happened just that way
The birth of a friendship in a single day.
 
You made me laugh, and
You made me smile
Over what some would see as a million miles
Soon after a long winter toil,
I shall see you face to face, then
I want you to kiss the window to my Soul. 

This is from Santa Kay Gabbard: "By the way, if you wouId Iike to help the shelter receive a monetary award, please go to www.theanimalrescuesite.com to vote every day until midnight April 18.  You don't have to register and voting is free.  Vote for shelter name:  San Felipe Animal Rescue and the State name:  AZ (because the shelter is register both in Arizona and Mexico as a tax exempt organization.  Many of the San Felipe puppies are taken to the shelter in Arizona and adopted our at PetSmart.)  From the looks of what I've been seeing happening on the streets, in a few weeks there are going to be more puppies.  Thousands have been neutered, but obviously the problem isn't solved.  Thanks for your help." Kay is retired, but you would never know it.

"Thank you for addressing the problems that are going in in the South Camps.  I don't get down to San Felipe often enough, but we do lease some property north of town and this is the kind of info everyone needs to know.  I don't subscribe to the Gringo Gazette so I don't know what was said in the editorial.  We can't be prepared if we are not forewarned that problems could arise.  Our landowners have always treated us well but it is helpful to know that there are problems in some areas. Keep up the good work, I log onto the website daily." I did not print this name intentionally but I received this email yesterday.

5 February 2010 - Friday. It's kind of overcast today and after writing about three paragraphs and posting photos, I lost it and now I must retype it again. This is so frustrating! At any rate, it's a bit over cast today and there is a ground breaking ceremony at noon for the new culturual center next to the public library. Yesterday, there was a party at The Lighthouse for Janice Fisher and Kay Gabbard and they had a great crowd these lovely ladies are pictured below.

Also, last night there was a birthday party at the Pavillion for Art and Maria's birthdays. That was fun and Hop-a-Long and I went out and had some cake and took some photos. I actually screeched out a Patsy Cline song. You can see more photos of this event on the You Tube video or wait until I have the photos on my gallery. Check the link below for the YouTube video.

Hop-a-Long had gone to Jollymon when Agave Blues were recording and I just got the photos from him. We forgot he had them on his camera, so I downloaded them last night and you can see the YouTube Video here, along with photos of all three parties >>.

Tonight in San Felipe at about 8:00 p.m. there is a karaoke contest at the Rockodile and everyone is invited to participate or at least come and watch. The Pavillion has it's Friday night fish fry and try the new El Capitan Restaurant - his food is good and authentic. The Baja Boys will be at La Vaquita; Eddie G is going to be playing at The Lighthouse on Saturday nights, but that's not set in stone, so don't hold me to it. Tavo's Revolution will be at La Vaquita on Saturday night and Vatos Locos at the Jollymon. As always, Agave Blues will be at the Jollymon tonight. Check out Val's list which I will revise today to add the Valentine's Day Specials, as it's fast approaching! Don't forget about "Abrazos Gratis" day on the Malecon Saturday, February 13. We'll all be out there holding signs up and it will be filmed, so help us promote San Felipe.

We finished the pod cast of Jan Goode and Dr. Bercerra yesterday and that should be mixed and up in a couple of days. I did want to mention that funding for the Cancer Center is strictly from fund raisers, donations, contributions from local and state agencies; the annual San Felipe Walk Against Cancer; a grant from the Rotary International Foundation, a mamogram machine which was donated by the Rotary Club of Clayton Valley and the cooperation and support of Las Amigas, San Felilpe Association of Retired Persons and the Rotary Club of San Felipe. If ever donations were needed, they are for this wonderful project to help save the lives of women in San Felipe. They can't operate with financial help.

With regard to an editorial written in the Gringo Gazette regarding The Net posting emails from upset south beach campo residents, I am only going to respond that first of all - I didn't post them - second of all - we received many emails from real people who requested we not use their names for fear of retribution from campo owners and these people had already gone through the channels suggested in her editorial which is why they wrote to us. And in closing, had I been given the courtesy of an email asking me, I would have told Junio that we have more emails than Tony actually posted, but I made the decision not to post them. So, in closing, no, I didn't not overstep any boundaries and Junio and I have been friends for years, which surprised me all the more that she didn't write me and ask me for any sort of explanation and therefore, I was also appalled that she would print what she did. Some of these people told us they asked the Gringo Gazette to post their emails and they were refused. That's all I'm saying on the subject except I did receive one email accusing The Net of "hiding" or not posting the truth because of the bad economy.

The Rotary Club of San Felipe's 8th annual Steak BBQ In The Park and Silent Auction will be held on Thursday March 11, 2010 in the municipal park of San Felipe next to the Centro De Salud.  The event will begin at 1:00 pm and end at 4:00 pm and will feature a complete steak dinner with dessert, a no host bar serving beer, wine and soft drinks.  The silent auction will feature quality items that participants may bid on donated by Rotary Club members, local businesses, artists and others.  Tickets for a 50/50 drawing and Chinese Raffle will be available for purchase at the event.  This event helps The Rotary Club of San Felipe to raise funds for the various programs that aid the local population of San Felipe.  Individuals and businesses who wish to make a cash donation to aid us in making this event a success will have a plaque featuring the name of the business or individual displayed at the event.  This years event will coincide with the Baja 250 race which will begin and end in San Felipe, so invite your friends from the states down to enjoy the festivities. Tickets for the event sell for $12.50 or 160 pesos and will be available for sale in February at The Peoples Gallery, the saturday Venders Market at El Dorado Ranch (Swap Meet) or from any Rotarian.  For more information call Terry Smith: 576-0484 or 001-760-554-7184 or e-mail ttsmith [at] netzero [dot] net.

4 February 2010 - Thursday. Kat's Korner has a new home perched high above La Plazita. We have a wonderful little outdoor patio and a great view of the Sea of Cortez on the top floor and a great Gladys Cravits site for Mar de Cortez. I'll let you know when we have our grand opening. Jim and Val Domer are celebrating 55 years of marriage today and congratulations. The Latin Gardens will have their Super $7 special on Saturday, rather than Super Bowl Sunday as they will be closed. I'll give you the menu when I get back from doing a pod cast!

It's going to be a busy day today and tonight is a birthday celebration at the Pavillion for Art and Maria who I believe have birthays in the same week or at least the same month. At any rate, Maria will have her karaoke show and birthday cake at about 6:00 p.m. so come out and join us. God willing and the creek don't run dry, I plan to be there - and the only thing that will prevent it is if Sal Fish calls and he's ready for his pod cast.

Those of you who know South Beach Karen are aware that she has been around town for quite some time. As a matter of fact, one of the first photos ever put on Kat's Korner was of Karen and others dancing at Juanito's Cantina at El Dorado Ranch. Every Friday night we would all go out to hear Third Generation with Tavo and Arturo, Bebo and Ray. So, to make a long story short, Karen has rented Juanitos for a kind of "when it was all so simple" party. Tavo's Revolution and Vatos Locos are playing for sure and the fountain of margaritas will flow until it's empty and after that it's byob. Because the restaurant isn't officially open, food will not be served but there will be salsa and chips. I'm sure you'll see posters up shortly, but I thought I'd get the "scoop" out there in case you were planning on leaving before April 11. Again, it's a party South Beach Karen is giving to honor people in San Felipe who have impacted her life and she'd like to see 200 people there dancing the night away. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. April 11 at Juanito's Cantina, as Karen says, where it all started. There is only one requirement - no perfume nor aftershave. That may sound odd, but Karen is allergic to both and as the song tells us "It's My Party and I'll Do What I Want To" by some group I can't remember the name of. Mark your calendars cause it's going to be fun and seeing all the old timers at Juanitos is going to be very cool. Pat and Doreen - you are being honored, so please be in town!!

We also have Steak in the Park coming up but I'm waiting in information on that, however, in years past it has been at the city park and they have a silent auction and great steaks with salad, baked potatoe and dessert I believe. Stay tune for more scoop on that event and it is sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Felipe. For those of you who didn't see the photos of the whale which was beached (I received a few emails asking where "more" information was and you need to scroll down) here it is again and a very happy ending I might add. Please click on the little arrows and hopefully, all four photos will appear. >>. I just checked it and the fourth photo came up, so Rich, who thinks he's simple minded, here's another photo for you to see and thank you again to Sherri Nichols for sharing them with us.

Here's a bit more information on the next Desert Mothers' Workshop with Iron Man Sherrod, however, the location has changed. It will be held at Donna Robert's Pai Pai home as the co-op does not have 220 voltage and it's needed for the welding machines. "Desert  Mothers will be hosting another 3 day workshop (February 15, 16 and 17 from  10 am to 4 pm each day) with San Filo Ornamental Iron’s “Iron Man Steve” as the visiting artist.  This workshop will be held at the Hersey Castle at Campo Pai Pai. Steve will be teaching you to “Shape” sheet metal as well as fine tuning your welding knowledge as you build small planter pot stands that are “cartoon” versions of pets.  No need to bring anything but your attention and creativity, as all will be provided. The cost for the 3 day workshop will be $100 plus $20 for materials. Sincerely, Steve Sherrod."

3 February 2010 - Wednesday. Mea Culpa. I heard from the photograher who took the moon shots below, James Venard, and I was wrong about him having a Canon. He writes: "Oh no. The worst thing that you can say about a Nikon photographer is that he or she is using Canon!!!! Pure Nikon Here". I use a Canon but maybe I should look into a Nikon because I am getting a new camera - at least it's on my wish list. Thank you for the clarification James and may I add that when you save a photo for web, it takes away some of the pixels so the full fibrance of the actual shot doesn't show as well as the original. They do this to save downloading time.

Happy Birthday to Denny Flannigan who is about 60 now, give or take a few years. I think he's eligible for Medicare. I hope he has a great day today and many more birthdays! Happy Birthday to Janice Fisher who turns something like 65 or 70 tomorrow. Also, the ladies of Campo Ocotillos are celebrating birthdays tomorrow at La Vaquita Restaurant.

Iron Man Steve Sherrod is holding another workshop for Desert Mothers on February 15, 16 and 17. The last one was a sell out and I only heard ravings about it. You can write to Donna Roberts at bajadonna [at] gmail [com] for more information or call 576-0089. I'll find the photos of the last one and post them in a little minute or two, along with the prices, etc.

The Food Bank auction house needs your items to sell. You can bring furniture, cars, art, office equipment and the Food Bank keeps only ten (10%). If you'd like to donate your items to the food bank, they will sell it at auction and use the money to buy food for the needy. We are located next to the bookstore and you can reach Mark LaPointe at 577-2005 or 576-0176 to arrange a pickup, if needed.

It's official - next Saturday, February 13, 2010 - San Felipe will have it's first "Abrazos Gratis" and we will be making the posters in English and Spanish so any group who would like to join in, you are more than welcome to wear your club t-shirt and pick up a sign. This is not a fund raiser! Kat's Korner is sponsoring "Free Hugs" day on the boardwalk to promote our little town. We are filming this to show the world that we are a friendly bunch down here and if they can do it in Peru, we can do it in San Felipe. On the Malécon beginning around noon. There will also be music, etc. and Carnival will be in full swing, so come join us. If you haven't seen the video they did in Peru, you can go onto MexicoMySpace >>.

Thanks to Baja Lou, the old desert rat from the ranch who asked "Why is Score giving awards a month (Feb 14) before the race (Mar 13)?" and I replied that I accidentally put February's date for the races but missed one when I changed it. I do appreciate it when my buddies write and let me know something's wrong on the page. So, if you read the date as February - it's March! On Friday, at The Net we will be having a "garage sale" and we have cables, cd's, books, tables, computer desks and some computers and all kinds of stuff which we are selling and you'll find some good deals. Anyone interested in a Cisco Router, please write me as that won't be in the sale. That's this Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. in front of and in the Net, which is located next to the El Cortez Hotel.

It's officially "hump day" in the Best Little Town in the Baja (2:08 a.m.) and this week is just flying by. I can't believe how fast last month went. I belive today is the SFARP meeting down at the Ocotillos Lodge and rumor has it there were four would be robbers there the other night, but were chased away. Community watch works in San Felipe; El Dorado Ranch has a "S.A.F.E." program, so be a good neighbor and watch out for any strangers you see and listen to the dogs bark. If it's a different bark then normal, you know it's because someone is around who shouldn't be. At least, I can tell if my dogs are barking at people or other dogs, just by the tone and some times I'll yell outside in Spanish for my dogs to jump the fence. The Ground Hog saw his shawdow today so that means six more weeks of winter, although I hear it was a balmy 50 F in Seattle, Washington, which is pretty warm for February . It was really nice here today too. Bubba (DJ Mexico) stopped by with a flyer for Superbowl Sunday out at Pete's Camp. They have five (5) Plasma televisions and lots of food specials with $.50 hotdogs and $1.25 and $1.50 for beer. Sounds like a good deal.

It's actually 11:21 p.m. Tuesday night and so I'm fudging a little. I just got done with email and I didn't wake up until 12:30 p.m. today! I had taken my phone off the hook the night before and took a muscle relaxer for my back and went into a coma for the night. It was a nice rest but I had things I needed to get done, but what the hey. I can't do much about it now, so I waded through email and just finished and had a few Skype calls and I think I hurt my daughter's feelings because I was answering email while talking to her and then my house phone rang. It's been kind of crazy around here, but a good crazy. Sal Fish, CEO of Score-International will be in town this week and I believe we are doing a pod cast with him, so that's going to be exciting and hopefully, we'll get the scoop on the route for the Baja 250 or it's official name "The 24th MasterCraft Safety-Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250" however, I think that "Baja" is still in the title. Contingency is Friday, March 12; the race begins on Saturday, March 13. The awards ceremony will be presented March 14 and is usually on the Malécon or if the weather doesn't permit it, in the Baja Mar (at least it has been in the past). Race week is really one of my favorite times because of the energy in the town. Of course, just seeing tourists these days is a treat. One year during contingency, Desiree (my daughter) Hop-a-Long and I gave out free t-shirts to the drivers and one year we gave away bumper stickers. I believe they keep the route a secret until pre-running begins, but we'll find out about that and more, I hope.

Tomorrow is the pod cast of Tony Reyes, Jr., son of legendary Tony Reyes, Sr. and Tony Reyes Sports Fishing; we will have Barefoot Productions, a new actors' workshop and much more next weetk. Incidentally they will be having "open auditions" on February 18 at Juanito's at El Dorado Ranch from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., but we'll talk more about that on their pod cast. Jan Goode from the Cancer Center who is spearheading the Cancer Walk this year will also be a pod cast victim on Thursday. Some of you may not know this, but the Cancer Clinic is open to every one and I believe Dra. Annel Beccerra will be on the same pod cast with Jan and she'll tell you about her education and what services the clinic offers in addition to mamograms. She's a female doctor, so that's a plus. I don't know about you, but male doctors giving pelvics is kind of creepy - no offense to you male doctors. It's not set in stone yet, but we believe our Secretary of Tourism, Oscar Jesus Escobedo Carignan and Rolando Ortiz Silva, sub-delegado for Tourism will be interviewed next week. At this rate, I may have to open a pod cast booth. By the way, if you download them to your computer, you can play them at your leisure and not depend on bandwidth or to your iPod as Wornout does.

"Here are some photos of the Moon rise from Jan 29. All photos are copyrighted by Jim VeNard 2010 but you may publish them on your web site with my permission". (So, please do not pull them off the page por favor). I'm wondering what type of camera he uses - probably a Canon with a wide lens. They are beautiful photos by Jim Venard. Please click on the photos to see a larger view and thank Jim for sharing them with us. Forgive the squished look of the photo on the right, but I wanted them the same size. When you see the larger view, you'll appreciate the beauty of the magestic Sea of Cortes.

"Starting this Wednesday and every Wednesday we will begin to have Dollar Night back at EDR. Starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Pavilion restaurant. So please let everyone know." That was from Cesar at the Pavillion and La Palapa at El Dorado Ranch. Thank you Val also for sending me the new scoop.

Debbie and Dale Moore are on a little trip right now but the cook books are here! Because Deb couldn't find anyone to man the station at the swapmeet this Saturday, they will be available for purchase next Saturday at the El Dorado Swap Meet, also known as the "Vendor's Market" (someone from the Bay Area renamed it jaja - just kidding). It's just that it's been called the Cachanilla or El Dorado Swap Meet for years so when I hear someone refer to it as "Vendors Market" it cracks me up, but as you know, I'm easily amused. Back to the subject at hand and that is the San Felipe Cooks (I think) cookbooks with original recipes and art work and all proceeds after costs of printing go to feed the hungry of San Felipe and a huge thank you to Deb and Dale Moore for caring and helping their community (when their not freezing their butts off in Edmonton).

I did receive a response to my request for input to put on a hugging promotion like they did in Peru and this is what Elaine tells me: Hi "Kat, Back where we live there is a church group that goes to different events that are going on throughout the year and give "free hugs". I think they have tshirts that promote their church. Maybe you could get a few groups like the Rotary, Lions, Food Bank etc that would have a few people at each event to keep it going. A good way to promote the group or cause. They make up their own creative signs for the hugs. Just a suggestion. Have a great day! A free hug from a DIVA! LOL!" I think that's a great idea and you can't get swine flu from a hug. I'll bet if I got the Tecate girls or the chicks from the Imperial, all the men would come out. The idea is to promote world peace and equality and get a little advertising via You Tube while we're at it. It's not a fund raiser, it's a "love" raiser and how profound was that?

1 February 2010 - Monday. Luis and I have just returned from the meeting at Cotuco. Carnival will be held in San Felipe on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - February 12, 13 and 14. Many hotels have lowered their rates for this weekend and most are offering Sunday night free if you stay two nights (Friday and Saturday). We will post the schedule of events as soon as we receive them. Again, Carnival is not February 26, 27 or 28 - those dates are canceled. If you would like to help San Felipe get this off the ground, please get in touch with Ruben de la Peña or Rolando Ortiz at Turismo and offer what you can. You might say "San Felipe needs help" as we have no money to speak of to put on the event.

Baja Jimmy will not be opening his new restaurant as he's just returned from the doctor in the United States and his health will not permit it. So, I guess some one will have to learn how to make cheeseburgers like Jimmy did.

Happy Anniversary to Darly and Vicki Silva of El Dorado Ranch. They have been married 36 years and a special award to Vicki - cause she deserves it (just kidding). Congratulations!

Another manic Monday. Do me a favor and check out this video on Mexico My Space by clicking the those pesky little arrows >>. I am organizing exactly the same thing for here in San Felipe on the Malécon, so Founderdude, San Felipe is going to be the first as we are the Best Little Town in the Baja. If you'd like to help, get some poster boards and write on each side "Abrazos Gratis" which means in English "Free Hugs". Thanks for the great idea George! As soon as we have all the posters done, I'll let you know what day and time to be on the Malécon! For some reason, and I think I know what it was, the text below is underlined and linked to the article "Hunker Down". I had to use a "free" web builder on my laptop and it's put all kinds of strange codes on and changed the font, so I've spent an hour trying to go through the html codes and removed one, but I think it's a lost cause, unless I go on my laptop to try and get rid of it. So, the underlined text below is actually a hot link to a weather report, but try and ignore it. The moon last night from my back yard.

As today is the first of the month, I want to let you all know the status of the Net. I have officially close the Net as of January 31. However, I am moving to a different location as soon as I find a suitable place. With the economy as it is in San Felipe, it's almost impossible to run a small business as everything has gone up and the average Joe doesn't understand what it costs to have employees. So, if you are interested in advertising with us, we will still be running both sites - sanfelipe.com.mx and katskorner.com.mx (being revamped right now) and our site is still number one on Google - which is something to be very proud of. If you would like to sponsor a pod cast, let me know and we'll splash your name throughout the interview; we can build you a web site or host it or get your laptop fixed for you. I plan to work out of my house until I move and when the big re-opening occurs, you'll all be invited. You can reach me through the email link at the top or bajakat [at] gmail [dot] com and we will have the same telephone number, 686-577-1600 - but not until Thursday. Until then, you can leave a message at 686-577-2577. We're not going anywhere so don't worry - we are just going to do it virtually for a bit. If you're coming to town and want to meet with me, just send me an email and I can meet you downtown or you can come to my home and meet my seven dogs. We finished the latest pod cast this afternoon and Luis should have it up tomorrow mid afternoon.

I can hardly believe it's already February, but it is. There is a chance that Carnival may be changed back to the original dates of February 12 through 16 and after the meeting at Cotuco today at 11:00, we'll know for sure. That's all I have to say on that matter. I meant to post this Saturday, but didn't and my back is feeling the effects of being on this computer way too long, so I'll post this and then write more throughout the day. This was submitted by my friend, Cory Dudley, who is also the tennis pro out at El Dorado Ranch and the photos were taken by Cory or his girlfriend, Trudy: "Hola San Felipe, Trudy and I headed out for Valle de Trinidad this morning with brunch in mind. There is nice restaurant just as you turn into town with just the sweetest owner and the service is great. The road between here and San Matias offers us two things, a chance to sharpen our driving skills as we dodged potholes. There are only two potholes between here and there; the bad news is, they are connected. It was the usually slow climb up the hill and the change in foliage was welcomed as it starts to green up. One could tell they had some recent rain, sand on the road where a small creek had crossed.  Once out of there and as we started down the hill toward Valle things changed drastically. The road before you got to Valle was completely washed out, I mean completely.

This whole area was over six feet deep in water. You could see the mess it created in town, the main drag had been a mini-river and many homes were washed away.  The area that was the old trash dump has been completely washed away, there must be a lot of debris out there somewhere.  Adios.” Thanks for the photos and the report!

31 January 2010 - Sunday. The following is an email I received from Elaine, regarding Diane Pilato and I absolutely agree an as a matter of fact, we passed each other at her shop. I was just getting done and Elaine was coming in: "Hi Kat - Wow! I thought our new home we built here in San Felipe was awesome......the weather great...BUT today it was topped off by an incredible body massage at Sea Star Body Shop! Diane was very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. I came back to the casa and my husband said by the look on my face that it was all I expected. My husband said I couldn't go everyday (he didn't say anything about once a week). Diane also took me next door to her health food store which was very well stocked with vitamins, organic foods etc. Diane has a promo going for Valentine's so, guys, head over for a gift certificate for that special someone. You'll be glad you did! (I know my husband will be!) I feel Diane deserved to be recognized here in town. Elaine - The Diva!" This is a photo of the full moon on Friday, sent to me and taken by G. Kimmey.

We are in the process of finishing our latest podcast which should be up and running tomorrow. We tried a "Skype" interview with my daughter, Desiree, and it worked out well, so we'll be doing more of those. This is a pretty cool video that was sent to me by Gary Burnham >>. The shot below was taken after our pod cast with Dr. Abasolo, his daughter Chelita and President of "A Child's Garden", Kenneth Whitmore and Bonnie McNair, Founders and Directors. Photo by Luis Almodovar.

This may sound weird, but I forgot to post on Kat's Korner yesterday. I don't know what I was thinking, but I missed a day. Well, actually, I did write yesterday but once again, my power went out and I lost it but it's no one's fault but my own, as I know better. Today, beginning at 10:00 until 3:00 is the art show at the Lighthouse. It is presented by Andrena Joyce and she will will be offering selected paintings "for whatever it's worth to you" because she has paintings piling up and needs the room! All proceeds will benefit Women for Women International, a charity she has supported for years that helps women all over the world. I believe there will be other artists showing today too and the Lighthouse will have food specials. I've already told you about all the brunches we have today and I'll be right back with a great photo of a beached whale that managed to get back into the Sea of Cortez, thanks to some very dedicated people. But first, a cup of java. By the way, please refresh your page as I'm saving and adding as the morning moves on.

Sheri McNicol (and Sandi Flannigan) sent me photos of the beached Whale we had in front of Club de Pesca. In Sheri's words: "Hi Kat;  I don't know if you heard about the whale last night, but here are some pic's of the experience.  I have to say I was very impressed with the people of San Felipe.  It all started about 4:00 and by the time I got home there were lots of people out there. They had put a blanket over him to keep him wet. They dug holes to get water to bucket over him.  The water was out too far to carry back and forth.  Then a back hoe came and dug a ditch so they could get enough water fast enough.  I stood right next to him, looked right into his eye, and told him he was going to be okay,  and it was like he knew everybody was trying to help him. Thank goodness he was beached on his tummy, so he was straight, and didn't get hurt.Everyone worked until about 9:00 until the water came in. Then the police boats went back and forth to make sure he went out so he wouldn't get stuck again. It was quite an experience.  Love you Shari." Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos and thank you for sending them to me. We think this may be a Gray Whale, rather than a Tiger or Shark Whale. More photos here if you'll click those pesky little arrows >>.

San Felipe Animal Rescue is raffling off a five star condo in Cabo San Lucas. Cascadas de Baja is located on the beach. There are two bedrooms, two baths, internet is available, no TV, no phone. Time share week is week 34 until 2017. Tickets are $10/130 pesos and are available at the segunda, with volunteers, and at the El Dorado swap meet on Saturdays. The drawing will be at SFAR's St. Patricks Day Dinner on March 17th. You need not be present to win. Please click on their logo to the left for contact information or write to Stephanie at stephaniehays820 [at] gmail [dot] com.

On Tuesday, February 16 which most people know as "Fat Tuesday" Sergio is planning a carnival party at La Vaquita Restaurant, here in the hood. There will be great food, music and fun. Wear your carnival costume and help celebrate "Fat Tuesday". As I told you earlier, San Felipe is having carnival February 26, 27 and 28 which is one week after Fat Tuesday, so mark your calendar and I'll get you more information on the time and which bands will play as soon as we know. All proceeds will go for the Tiburones Secondaria Team which starts up again in March. By the way, Sergio is getting married next Saturday in the Catholic Church, so that will be a fun day and he's having a band from Ensenada at his reception which will be held at the Pavillion (by invitation).

Today, being Sunday, is Latin Gardens "Sunday's Seven Dollar Day" - "Latin Garden Restaurant, Sunday January 31, 2010. Sunday Super Seven. $7 Chef Plate (Blue cheese hamburger with fries). $7 Chicken Cesar Salad. $7 Peel and eat Shrimp. Happy hour 4-10 pm $1 Beer. Please call 686-209-6369 call for reservations as they have limited indoor seating. This is a photo that Victor sent me but I forgot to put it up during the storms we had a while back. This photo, I believe, was in the mountain area coming back from TJ. Photo by VRR.

Happy Birthday to Art Kellner who will be about 65 tomorrow (I'm sure he's a little bit older) but his birthday is February 1. Art has been an El Dorado resident for many years and has his home for sale where you can see it here >>. I'm not sure if he's having a party or not, but if he is, and it's for the public, I'll let you know. If he's not and I'm not invited, Happy Birthday anyway!!

29 January 2010 - Friday late.   I did not make it out to the recording session at JM because of my stupid back but Hop-a-Long went out to meet Abril and Maria Flores and take a few photos.  I'll get those up tomorrow. We did stop at La Vaquita Restaurant here in the hood this afternoon on my way back from the tax office and had some good laughs with Sergio and his staff while discussing Carnival.  You would be surprised (if you spoke and understood Spanish) what great senses of humor Mexicans have.  He wanted to let everyone know that the Friday night special has increased $1.00 because the cost of the beef went up, and not because he wants a 52" screen television for a wedding present.  Seriously, he does want the 52" "black" chingadera but the reason for the price increase is because his supplier raised it that much and he wants to keep the quality of beef as good as it is.  Also, for $1.00 more, you may have the salad bar (which is on its way) and that's Wednesdays and Fridays or Saturdays. Ill have to check. 

I wanted to let you know that the tax office i(where the Mayor's office is) s directly across the street from the Mexican post office and next to the fire station.  One block towards town after the new Oxxo on Chetumal, turn right (you can't turn left).  Normally, they are not open on Saturdays but they will stay open until 3:00 p.m. for those of you who want to get 15% discount before the January 31 deadline to pay your  property taxes. The discount in February is 10%. When I bought my house in 1995, my taxes were 360 MN a year and today I had to pay 1,767 MN.  Make sure you keep your receipts for any taxes paid.  There are sirens going off right near my house, but the dogs aren't barking, so it's probably not on my street.  Monday is a legal holiday in Mexico, so banks and federal offices, schools, etc, will be closed.  More tomorrow when I return from Sea Star where Diane works her magic.  

Friday afternoon.   I have confirmed with Tourism that yes, the dates for Carnival have changed to  February  26, 27 and 28, a week after  Fat Tuesday.  So, if you were unfortunate enough to make a reservation for the  original dates of Carnival, which have been the same for as long as I can remember, you will have to contact the hotel or condo where you made the reservations  and if you are unable to make it on those dates, request a refund.  I have written to  the manager of  Cotuco for an explanation  for the change in the date this late in the  game, but have not received a response.  I have an idea of why, but I'll wait until I hear from an official before I open my sometimes "big" mouth.  

Karen Bradley wrote to let me know (in response to my remark about "where else can you get a breakfast for $5.00) and here it is: "Just wanted to let you know that Baja Java has 10 full breakfast choices $4.60 or less, 8-10 choices for $5.00-$5.50, bagel sandwiches $2.00-$3.00. These are available every day and include music on Sunday.  A free car wash is included with a meal purchase Monday through Saturday.  If you want to enjoy a hearty home made American style breakfast, here it is."

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and if you have a special for that day, please let me or Val know so we can add it to the upcoming events list.