Baja Real Estate News - Larry French

Despite drug war, Mexico is safer

2010-02-21T19:38:00Z

By The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY—Decapitated bodies dumped on the streets, drug-war shootings and regular attacks on police have obscured a significant fact: A falling homicide rate means people in Mexico are less likely to die violently now than they were more than a decade ago.

It also means tourists as well as locals may be safer than many believe. In Fact they may be safer than in the US.

Mexico City's homicide rate today is about on par with Los Angeles and is less than a third of that for Washington, D.C.

Yet many Americans are leery of visiting Mexico at all. Drug violence and the swine flu outbreak contributed to a 12.5 percent decline in air travel to Mexico by U.S. citizens in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, a blow to Mexico's third-largest source of foreign income.

Mexico, Colombia and Haiti are the only countries in the hemisphere subject to a U.S. government advisory warning travelers about violence, even though homicide rates in many Latin American countries are far higher.

"What we hear is, 'Oh the drug war! The dead people on the streets, and the policeman losing his head,'" said Tobias Schluter, 34, a civil engineer from Berlin having a beer at a cafe behind Mexico City's 16th-century cathedral. "But we don't see it. We haven't heard a gunshot or anything."

Mexico's homicide rate has fallen steadily from a high in 1997 of 17 per 100,000 people to 14 per 100,000 in 2009, a year marked by an unprecedented spate of drug slayings concentrated in a few states and cities, Public Safety Secretary Genaro Garcia Luna said. The national rate hit a low of 10 per 100,000 people in 2007, according to government figures compiled by the independent Citizens' Institute for Crime Studies.

By comparison, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have homicide rates of between 40 and 60 per 100,000 people, according to recent government statistics. Colombia was close behind with a rate of 33 in 2008. Brazil's was 24 in 2006, the last year when national figures were available.

Mexico City's rate was about 9 per 100,000 in 2008, while Washington, D.C. was more than 30 that year.

"In terms of security, we are like those women who aren't overweight but when they look in the mirror, they think they're fat," said Luis de la Barreda, director of the Citizens' Institute. "We are an unsafe country, but we think we are much more unsafe that we really are."

Of course, drug violence has turned some places in Mexico, including the U.S. border region and some parts of the Pacific coast, into near-war zones since President Felipe Calderon intensified the war against cartels with a massive troop deployment in 2006. That has made Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, Texas, among the most dangerous cities in the world.

"The violence, homicides and cruel and inhuman assassinations, which fill the pages of our media, make us feel that there has been much more violence since this war against drug trafficking," said Bishop Miguel Alba Diaz of La Paz, a vacation city at the tip of the Baja California peninsula.

Mexico's violence is often more shocking than elsewhere in Latin America because powerful cartels go to extremes to intimidate the government and rival smugglers.

In just one week in December, the severed heads of six police investigators were dumped in a public plaza, kingpin Arturo Beltran Leyva died in a two-hour shootout with troops at a luxury apartment complex in a resort city and gunmen slaughtered the family of the only marine killed in that battle.

In the new year, it's become even more grotesque. Three weeks ago, a victim's face was peeled from his skull and sewn onto a soccer ball. Days later, the remains of 41-year-old former police officer were divided into two separate ice chests.

Authorities say the vast majority of victims are drug suspects, but bystanders, including children, sometimes get caught in the crossfire.

Mexico has the same problems with corrupt police, gang violence and poverty as other Latin American countries with higher homicide rates. So why the decline in murders?

Experts say while drug violence is up, land disputes have eased. Many farmers have migrated to the cities or abroad and the government has pushed to resolve the land disputes, some centuries old.

During the height of the Zapatista uprising in the mid 1990s—a rebellion fueled by land conflicts—southern Chiapas state had a rate of nearly 40 per 100,000 people with 1,000 homicides a year. By 2008, that fell to 8 per 100,000 people with 364 killings.

De la Barreda attributes the downward trend to a general improvement in Mexico's quality of life. More Mexicans have joined the ranks of the middle class in the past two decades, while education levels and life expectancy have also risen.

Critics of Calderon's drug war say his frontal assault on cartels is giving Mexico a reputation as a violent country but doing little to stop the drug gangs' work.

"It's a bad international image that affects foreign tourism and foreign investment," said Jose Luis Pineyro, a sociologist at Mexico's Autonomous Metropolitan University who has studied the drug war.

Drug violence has encroached on the resort towns of Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. The millions of foreign tourists who visit each year are almost never targeted, but a handful have gotten caught in the crossfire. In 2007, two Canadians were grazed by bullets when someone fired into a hotel lobby in Acapulco. In January, a Canadian couple was shot and wounded in a robbery attempt just outside Zihuatanejo.

The U.S. State Department travel alert says dozens of U.S. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped over the years, and warns Americans against traveling to the states of Chihuahua and Michoacan.

Chihuahua, home to Ciudad Juarez, had a horrifying homicide rate of 173 per 100,000 in the city of 1.3 million, or more than 2,500 murders last year.

Michoacan, famed for its Monarch butterfly refuge, Day of the Dead celebrations and picturesque colonial capital, is now also widely known as the place where five heads rolled across a dance floor. Drug violence is blamed for many of the state's 660 killings last year.

But in many parts of Mexico, villages are more tranquil than ever—a fact that retired nurse Marilyn Wells struggles to drive home with her American friends back home in LeMars, Iowa.

"'We're OK, there's no problem,'" Wells said she tells friends about the home she bought four years ago in Cabo San Lucas on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. "I don't feel any less safe down here than I did before."

The “FULL-SERVICE” Baja Lifestyle

2010-01-28T06:50:00Z

"As I pulled into the Pemex gas station the cheerful uniformed attendant bounded up to my window and that feeling of being pampered Baja style all came back to me..."

Life is busy for most of us. We plan, work, exercise, entertain and are responsible for a myriad of duties in our daily life. The daily grind can be exhausting for most and the challenges can wear us down over time. It is for this reason we all deserve the “full-service” lifestyle. We deserve to be pampered. We deserve that bit of extra service that makes life enjoyable and takes the edge off the draining effect of our modern life. It would be great if, in every aspect of our daily life, we were given full service like royalty.

While this is typically only available to people with very significant financial resources Baja offers just this way of life to all of us. In many parts of our life, on this glorious coast, there exists that extra level of service. Service that elevates your lifestyle to a different echelon. Start with the simplicity of getting gas. Pull up to the pump and the uniformed Pemex professional comes running to the car ready to serve. Call for rojo (premium) or verde (regular) and the gas flows without a single movement on your part. The windows are scoured to perfection and all the your automotive fluids are checked. Heck, they’ll even inflate your tires. Meanwhile you are presented with goods for sale by low pressure vendors with tamales, flowers and other curios. It is truly a service station.

AUTOMatic

When it comes to car care it gets even better; Once a week the guys will show up at your home with their pressure washer and all the necessary gear to make you car sparkle, inside and out. A full detail of the car goes for a measly $10. They come to your house, move the cars in and out of the garage, take care of everything all while you go about what is more important for you. This is a far cry from sitting in the Shell station robot washing system waiting for the blowers to come on. They even take everything out of the car and neatly organize it throughout the garage. Golf clubs are put away,groceries brought into the house and a box of miscellaneous toys and stuff are left inside the from door. Elmer you are a gem!

In the case of a break down you can have the mechanic come to you. Unprecedented in our lives in the US. Qualified mechanics will don their coveralls and shuttle their tools to your garage, your yard or the roadside, where you have broken down, to aid you in your peril. Change your oil or rebuild your alternator, they are there quickly and guarantee their work, at again, a fraction of US prices.

Home Helpers

Our houses are cleaned by grateful cleaning ladies who love their job and usually bring a treat of enchiladas, gorditas or burritos just as a bonus. The scrub, shine and organize the whole house into a gleaming palatial presence. We have gifted gardeners who manicure our grounds with precision and care. Our maintenance men show up at a moment's notice to fix any aberration or install any home improvement. Fix the plumbing? New ceiling fan?...no problem. This is all done for a small fraction of the price of a visit from a stateside service.

Going out for the evening is never a concern as our children's nannies are caring loving and always willing to care, cook and keep a loving eye on our children. They are truly an extension of our family. They aim to serve and keep our lives running easy and smooth.

Out to dinner and the experience continues from the pleasant greetings, to tortillas being made to order in the corner of the restaurant, to the attentive servers who will bow to your every request down to the flaming Mexican coffee at the end of your meal. Tableside live music makes its way to your meal with a request-only playlist and one is never harassed with the bill until the desire to leave is made clear.

Most of us live in resorts where the maintenance staff caters to any needs that may come about. Besides keeping the pools, tennis courts, health clubs and grounds in pristine condition they are on the circumspect for peripheral tasks required by resort residents. You need your furniture moved or your kayaks taken out to the beach they are there. Satellite dish set up or taking out the trash they are always there. One of our neighbors takes his fishing zodiac out each week and the staff is there at 5:30am to launch him and are at his disposal when he returns the help with the boat and the catch.

Catered Care

When we get sick we can have a house call if we like. You can sign up for a service with one of the local private healthcare providers and they will include house calls in your plan. Health care bring the greatest surprise with excellent care available at a fraction of a price. New hospitals in the area are revered for being on par or better than most in the US. Elective services in the area offer great opportunities with cosmetic surgery, laproscopy and cosmetic dentistry.

Wellness providers will come to your door on request as well. We can even care complete spa treatments right to our door. Facial, massage, pedicure and coiffure all in the convenience of your home for a fraction of the price that you would pay if your drove yourself to their spa in the states

When retirement is in your plans, and you are getting on in years, finding a full-time, in home, personal attendant to cook, clean and take care of your every need is an easy task. Shopping, errands and household coordination are no longer for you to worry. You will be given “full-service” for the rest of your life by a person who loves their job and will treat you with the care and love that is usually reserved for family members. This at a cost that ANY retiree will be happy to pay. There are also senior care providers line Serena Senior Care offers a complete line of in home care services with a US style of professional delivery. All this at prices that represent a huge discount over similar services in the US.

The same goes for buying real estate. Call up a qualified, experienced, outfit, like OceanFrontBaja Real Estate, and expect full service. Let them know where your interest lie and a custom tour and all your travel arrangements will be taken care of for you. It all goes with the territory and the culture the is part of Baja.

Baja is a full service world with a relaxed way of life. If this sounds like the lifestyle you've been looking for then it’s here waiting for you to enjoy. Come join us...

Rosarito Beach Real Estate – For Those In The Know - A Client Testimonial

2010-01-24T21:18:00Z

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO - Imagine beautiful oceanfront Real Estate for 50-80% off U.S. prices, 40% off U.S. cost of living, tax benefits, the best weather on the planet, a large English speaking population, huge ex-pat community, tourism and a lively arts scene all within 30 MINUTES of the United States – you must be dreaming! Or, you just found yourself in Rosarito Beach in Baja California, Mexico. I visited Rosarito several times in 2008 and 2009 in the hopes of buying oceanfront property during a period of heavily discounted real estate values. For the first time in over a decade the area has experienced a major dip in prices and I believe now is the time to buy. However, getting a steal and all the benefits that come with owning in Rosarito has its pros and cons.

Life in Paradise

Aside from San Diego-like weather and beautiful oceanfront properties, Rosarito offers great surfing, picturesque beaches, golf, whale watching, fishing and exceptional nightlife. Downtown becomes a lively party at night and a great shopping and tourist area during the day. It is also the home to the Baja 1000. It is just a short 30 minute drive to the San Diego border and forty minutes from the city of Ensenada with Mexico’s largest port and an internationally renowned wine country. The vineyards make for a great daytrip. Five minutes south of Rosarito is Puerto Nuevo, a world famous lobster village loaded with great restaurants, shopping and night life. In Rosarito there is Fox Studios where they filmed Titantic and are set to film the Chronicles of Narnia 3. This is a great trip for the whole family.

The area is on the rise, bringing in Home Depot and a super Walmart that just opened to accommodate the growth. A growing community of artists produce local crafts such as pottery, blown glass, metal and wood work. In downtown Rosarito the streets are lined with gorgeous hand made fountains and local products for sale at bargain prices. Food is very diverse with eclectic restaurants mixed with old fashioned Mexican style food that range from gourmet to some of the best taco stands in the world. In Puerto Nuevo a 3 pound spiny tail lobster can cost as little as $14 and shrimp burritos the size of a football will only sap your wallet for around $3. You can run the gamut from a Japanese restaurant to an oceanfront Mexican organic steakhouse with live music.

If you cannot find what you want in Rosarito you can just drive over the border to San Diego and pickup whatever you need or spend the night out on the town. A sentri pass makes traveling over the border fast and easy and is basically the equivalent to a fast-pass you might get for highway tolls. Any American with a vehicle and a residence in Mexico can apply for one. It turns a normal 90 minute plus border crossing into a 10-15 minute process.

The Good, the Bad, the Future

In late 2007 new mayors for both Tijuana and Rosarito took office with a newfound dedication to cleaning up the police corruption, violence and drug trade that has run rampant in the area for decades. The Mexican military has backed up the initiative by deploying troops to the area to help in creating a police presence. However, over the past 18 months there have been numerous news stories about violence in the area that has prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a warning to U.S. tourists crossing the boarder into Tijuana.

The gross mischaracterizations in the press are far from the reality of everyday life in the area. Visitors and residents enjoy a peaceful relaxing environment with no signs of the apocalyptic depiction of the news services. While this press barrage has decimated the Rosarito Beach tourism industry that has averaged hundreds of thousands of visitors a year the area still maintains it’s welcoming charm, fantastic food and spectacular shopping. Lobster, carne asada and margaritas are still served up with chips and charm.

Californians, who make up a large percentage of ex-pats in the area, have been hit hard by the implosion of the Californian housing market. Many of those owners have seen their cash evaporate and have liquidated their Mexican holdings to free up capital. Those that had the capital to keep their property have been spooked by the recent collapse of the tourism industry and seen a once spectacular rental market fall apart. With declining prices, cash shortages and little rental income, many owners are holding a fire sale on their Rosarito properties. Those with a keen eye on opportunity and willing to take risk can jump on this opportunity to get a true bargain.

The reality is that the collapse of the tourism industry has helped to create a 180 degree turn in the mentality of locals. For as long as I can remember Northern Baja meant police shakedowns and not wanting to be out alone at night. Now police stop to ask you if you need directions or help changing your tire if your car breaks down and locals work double time to please foreigners in the hopes of them coming back to an area starving for tourists. The near doubling of the police force has helped to create an entirely new feeling in Northern Baja. The area is safer then it has ever been and they have already seen a massive reduction in crimes just in the last six months. When I am there I feel safer than I do in my home in the U.S. The face of Northern Baa is changing for the better and the time to buy is now.

Buying a Bargain

In Mexico, foreigners cannot own real estate near the ocean but can purchase it through a trust and the title can be insured through a U.S. title insurance company. The advent of U.S. funded mortgages in the early 90s has helped to make Mexican real estate affordable without having to make a cash purchase. This has also helped to keep demand high for property and makes buying a much more standard process. Because of Rosarito’s proximity to the U.S. border a smart accountant will help you get incredible tax benefits through the NAFTA agreement and other Federal tax credits. Additionally the federal tax rate in Mexico is a flat tax of 15%.

Rosarito offers one of the best positive rental cash flow investments around with great tax benefits to boot! Direct oceanfront condos in the two thousand square foot arena can be scooped up in the low 200s. There are mega-resorts and condo community that have brought a wave of high end resort-like oceanfront developments that can be had in the high 300s. Equivalent properties just 30 minutes north in San Diego are going for 10-15 times those prices! I purchased a 4,000 square foot penthouse condo with two stories in a 24-hour guard gated community with a two car garage and double oceanfront balconies for just over $600k. There are no real property taxes to speak of, but there are some annual costs that will run you about $800 a year if buying oceanfront. The property rents for about $500 a night with a long history of 180 days a year rental rate. This equates to $90,000 a year in rental income on a $500,000 property. Top shelf maintenance and security comes out to about $300 a month in dues, but there are many communities with dues under $100. Nearby is an oceanfront golf community with incredible views and a golf course accurately described as the Pebble Beach of Mexico. Oceanfront condos start there in the 300s. Gas prices and general cost of living expenses are about 40% off U.S. prices.

I chose to renovate some of the condo I bought, mainly because it is so inexpensive to do whatever your mind can imagine. A full kitchen remodel with custom hand made maple kitchen cabinets and granite countertops cost me $8,000 installed, while 4,000 square feet of ¾ inch thick travertine floors with marble inlays ran me $5 a square foot installed. For other renovations my crew cost $25 per person per day and all spoke perfect English! Part time top quality housekeeping help will cost you about $3 an hour while an experienced massage therapist will cost you about $35 for a two hour massage. Everything here is top quality and dirt cheap.

My realtor, Larry French of The Baja Real Estate Group, took service and knowledge to another level over any experience I have ever had in the states. He helped me bargain shop, completely oversaw the entire process, and set up some great contacts for my renovations and for getting myself settled in the area. We researched properties on his Baja MLS website and he preformed all the due dilligence. He set up meetings with accountants, plumbers, furniture makers, mail delivery services, and much more. Moving to a foreign place can be overwhelming but having the right realtor, or in this case a great new found friend, can make all the difference in the world. If you are interested in renting or buying in Rosarito you can contact Larry on his website at www.oceanfrontbaja.com. His knowledge, integrity and service will be a unique experience that will culminate in a very successful lifestyle investment.

Low cost of living, perhaps the best weather in the world and the proximity to the U.S. all help to make Rosarito Beach a great ex-pat location. There are definitely places in the world that offer less expansive real estate opportunities but none with the proximity that Rosarito has to the U.S. For those in the know this is a great time to buy a bargain oceanfront property in an area set to grow at an incredible rate for years to come.

J M. - Florida

Baja's Police force is friendlier and more services oriented than ever with help of Bi-National co-operation

2009-12-04T21:24:00Z

SAN DIEGO/BAJA INTERNATIONAL BORDER - City officials in Mexico's Baja California state are drafting plans for a bilingual police force that caters to American tourists headed south of the border.

The plan, announced at San Diego City Hall, is to create a joint Mexican force that patrols a 50-mile tourist corridor from Tijuana through Playas de Rosarito to Ensenada. Tourism in the region has been steadily recovering after mischaracterizations in the press created concern about visiting not just Tijuana but the otherwise serene rural coastal regions to the south.

John Bork a lawyer in San Francisco, who owns a property in The region south of Rosarito, was recently asked ny some friends if he thought going to Baja was dangerous. An aficionado of the area John replies "well... yes it is... you have to drive all the way through LA".

San Diego police officers will help train the mexican City and state police of Rosarito, Tijuana and Ensenada the create and environment that less experienced travelers from north of the border will be more comfortable with. Details have not been worked out, but Tijuana Mayor Jorge Ramos says the joint force could have as many as 350 officers..

Rosarito already has a tourist police unit of about 30 officers, and Ensenada has one with about 20 officers. The program in both cities has been widely successful with foregners expressing deliget with the service they now receive while enjoying the baja coast

Price Reduced on Brisas del Mar, #15 Calle Adriatico in North Rosarito

2009-11-05T19:25:00Z

North Rosarito, Baja California - Announcing a price reduction on Brisas del Mar, #15 Calle Adriatico, a 1,670 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now $129,750 USD - New Super Bargain!. One of a kind front row largest unit plus garage. dont miss this if you are looking for a bargain!

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Price Reduced on Calafia Oceanfront Villa #506 in Calafia Resort and Villas

2009-11-04T17:27:00Z

Calafia Resort and Villas , Rosarito - Announcing a price reduction on Calafia Oceanfront Villa #506, a 1,850 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "handicapped accessable". Now $398,500 USD - Best Oceanfront Bargain!!.

THIS IS AN OCEANFRONT VILLA WITGHA HUGE PRIVATE OCEANFRONT TERRACE! Bargain hunters dont miss this.

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Price Reduced on Club Marena Oceanfront Villa #2 in Club Marena at km38.5

2009-11-04T14:30:00Z

Baja Real Estate at the best bargain available. Club Marena at km38.5, Rosarito - The price reduction on Club Marena Oceanfront Villa #2, (a 2,700 sq. ft., 4 bath, 2 bdrm + den with privatge bath, 2 story "Upstairs Oceanfront Master Suite". Now $439,500 USD - LUXURY - Reduced $300K!) represents a spectacular deal. Properties on the coast have begun to sell off at these prices. It represents a time to invest and we have not seen prices at these levels for 6 or 7 years. Call me for more information.

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U.S. Rotary Club Sponsors Rosarito Event "Region Is and Always Has Been Safe For Visitors"

2009-10-28T05:25:00Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 27, 2009

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO---The Rotary Club of Cambria, California is co-sponsoring with its Rosarito counterpart a Nov. 14 beach maintenance day --- but its main purpose is to show this area is safe for U.S. visitors. “Any beach can benefit from a clean-up day, but the ones here are maintained very nicely,” said Bruce Howard, past president of the Cambria club. “Our main goal in bringing Rotary members down is to help correct misperceptions in the U.S.”Howard, who has a vacation home in Rosarito, said media coverage of the Mexican government’s aggressive crackdown on drug cartels has created the impression among many in the U.S. that the area is unsafe for visitors.“Those of us who love this area and visit it often know that is not true,” Howard said. “But unfortunately the perception is seen as reality by many and it has badly hurt the economy and many people here.”

“We’re hoping events like this and others we are planning involving club members and their families will help spread a more accurate perception in the U.S.,” Howard said. “It’s also a great way to strengthen our relationship with clubs in Mexico,” he added. “Many members of California Rotary clubs and their families love this area and have enjoyed visiting here for decades.” Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres praised the Cambria club’s effort and expressed his gratitude. “This is a bad time to be involved with organized crime in Mexico,” said Torres. “But for our millions of visitors the area is as safe or safer than ever. Still, it is difficult to overcome negative perceptions.”

“We are extremely grateful to the Cambria Rotary Club and other U.S. groups who love Rosarito and have stepped forward to help us convey an accurate picture,” Torres added. “We know they are among our best ambassadors in the U.S.”Participants in the beach maintenance day will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 on the beach in front of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. One group will head south, towards Rene’s Campo, while the other group will head north to clean up as much of the beach as possible during the two-hour event, according to Edson Ruiz, the President of the Rotary Club of Rosarito.

Ruiz is asking all youth and service groups, clubs and organizations in the area, including members of Rosarito’s large expatriate community, to participate. Further information on the event, including lodging discounts, is available by contacting Jack George at; jeg925@yahoo.com or, in the U.S., Bruce Howard at; bruce@brucehowardrealtor.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ron Raposa

(619)948-3740

ronraposa@hotmail.com

U.S. Mailing Address:

2751 Lincoln Court
National City, CA 91950

Experience Dia del los Muertos in Baja (and have a great safe traditional Holloween in Las Gaviotas)

2009-10-25T20:17:00Z

Living in the border region many of the traditions blend together and sometimes that means twice the fun. While Halloween is not typically celebrated in most of Mexico, Baja more and more has been getting more into the Halloween act. One great example of this is in Las Gaviotas, a resort neighborhood in Rosarito, Baja California Mexico. For more than 10 years over 100 children of the residents, guests and workers have enjoyed a traditional style Halloween, walking the streets of this Mediterranean Style hamlet, dressed as ghosts and witches. The only thing that clues you into the Baja style is the call of "tiky tiky" at the door when the local children show up.

It reminds many of us of when we were kids and it was safe to let children roam free in the neighborhood. The popular oceanfront resort community is a protected haven for children to freely enjoy a safe Halloween. The residents welcome vacationing guests to bring thier children to enjoy the festivities. Little haunted houses are decked out around the resort and residents and visitors oblige trick or treaters with piles of candy. You are formally invited to join the fun and can do so by contacting Baja-Rentals in Rosarito to enjoy and oceanfront vacation in Baja while doing so.

As if that wouldn't be enough you can then experience the celebration of Dia de los Muertos over the following days. This is a historical celebration in Mexico and much of Latin America to honor family members who have passed on to the afterlife. The beliefs of today's Mexicans are based on the complicated blended cultures of our ancestors, the Aztec and Maya and Spanish. The origins of the Days of the Dead reach into the ancient history of Europe and Mexico. In the eighth century, the church decreed November 1 as All Saints Day. Setting aside the day to honor the martyrs and saints was an attempt to replace the 2000-year tradition of the Celts and their Druid priests (from Europe) who combined harvest festivals and celebrated the new year on November 1.

The Celtic dead were believed to have access to earth on Samhain, October 31st, when the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead relaxed. The Celts danced around huge bonfires, wearing animal heads and hides to confuse the spirits and burned crops and animals as offerings to the returning dead. Around the end of the first millennium, the church reinforced its attempt to cover the Celtic celebration by designating November 2 as All Souls' Day to honor the dead. All Souls' Day was celebrated with parades, big bonfires and the people dressed as saints, angels and devils.

In the Celtic language of the day, All Saints Day and All Souls' Day were known as All-hallowsmas, and October 31 was "All Hallowed's Eve" or Hallow'e'en. When the Spaniards arrived in Mexico they encountered two-month celebrations honoring death, the fall harvest and the new year. For more than 500 years, the goddess Mictecacihuatl (Lady of the Dead - pictured here) presided over Aztec harvest rituals using fires and incense, costumes of animal skins, images of their dead and offerings of ceramics, personal goods, flowers and foods, drink and flowers.

The Spanish conquerors attempted to transform the joyous celebration to a more suitably serious image of death, and a day of prayer focusing attention and reflection on the saints and martyrs. The people of Mexico did not fully adopt the idea, and by keeping their familiar ceremonies, All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day evolved into the celebrations that today honor the dead with color, candles, lots of food and joy.

Many families honor their ancestors and dead with home altars, laden with harvest fruits, traditional bread with crossed bones on dough on top, all to greet the spirits as they return to the home for 24 hours each year. Many will visit the cemetaries of thier loved ones with a feast in two and offer it to them. Of course they will devour whatever those in the afterworld leave behind. It's all a great spirited celebration. Some towns have parades with lavish skelital costumes and many artisans fire up their creative skills for the celebration. It's a great time to shop for unique art indigenous to Mexico.

This is all just another great example of how Life In Baja is a rich cultural experience that blends the best of both worlds. Come join the celebrations a and family fun that await you in Baja.

ROSARTIO TO HOST HALF MARATHON EVENT NOVEMBER 7th, 2009

2009-10-10T12:57:00Z

Rosarito, Baja-Rentals knows, has long been know for its bike rides and surf contests. Continuing the trend as a health haven Rosarito will now host a half-marathon for residents and visitors. The fifth annual iteration of the event will start in Rosarito and make its way to Puerto-Nuevo's famous lobster village, on November 7th, 2009. The organizers expect that the event will attract between 500 and 1000 participants in various categories.

As per their press announcement "Categories for the event along the Pacific Ocean are men, women 18 to 24; 25 to 29 30 to 34; 35 to 39; 40 to 44; 45 to 49; 50 to 54; 55 to 59 and over 60 years. There also is a wheelchair category. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category, including wheelchairs. Cash prizes for the winners are first $400, second $300 and third $ 200. For winners in the wheelchair categories first will be $150, second $100 and third $50. The winning Rosarito residents in men and women’s categories will each receive $200. They must prove at least three years of residence.

Commemorative medals will be awarded for the first 150 men and 50 women who finish and shirts given to each participant. Entry fee is $100 pesos or $10 U.S. and registration is available at the Rosarito Convention & Visitors Bureau or the Institutes of Sport in Mexicali, Ensenada and Tijuana. The last day to register will be Friday, Nov. 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the race pavilion. More information is available by calling 661-614-1454 in Puerto Nuevo, 661-612-0396 in Rosarito or emailing promoter@rosarito.org From the U.S. people can phone 1-800-962-BAJA."

Management of the event is provided the State Association of Athletics of Baja California and the event is endorsed by the Mexican Federation of Athletics.Gerardo Medina, president of the State Association of Athletics said "This event is a tradition in Rosarito and people are excited about... another great event with a large of number of participants,” Since the beginning of the year there have been two 50 mile bike rides, several surfing tournaments and a bi-national basketball tournament held in Rosarito. The Rosarito Board of Realtors, AMPI has also sponsored two open golf tournaments that have drawn sell out fields. Rosarito continues to position itself as a top healthly lifestyle vacation and residential destination and many of those events are sponsored by Baja Rentals.

Price Reduced on Spectacular Club Marena PENTHOUSE!!!!

2009-09-03T13:43:00Z

Club Marena at km38.5, Rosarito - Announcing a price reduction on Club Marena Las Brisas Penthouse #901, a 3,600 sq. ft., 4 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Private Elevator". Now $698,500 USD - Motivated SALE Price!.

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This spectacular property is now available at a shocking bargain price as a result of personal issues for the seller. Take advantage of this once inn a lifetime bargain and live in your dream home as a second residence or retirement retreat. Breathtaking views from everywhere and luxury finishes throughout. Marble travertime & granite as well as spa appointments likje a 4 person sauna, double jacuzzi tub, all the way open panel sliding glass doors, luxury appliances. All in Baja's finest community CLUB MARENA!!!! No where has finner amenities or a more spectacular setting. Make an appointment to see this today!!!

Las Velas 302 in Club Marena at km38.5 SOLD

2009-08-29T14:14:00Z

Baja Real estate group Sells another property in Club Marena!!!!

This property sold in less than 1 month!!!

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INAUGURAL VENDIMIA OPEN GOLF TOURNEMENT – A TRIUMPH FOR BAJA’S CHILDREN

2009-08-23T15:07:00Z

Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. August 14th, 2009 - As part of the celebration of Baja’s wine harvest festival Bajamar, the premier golf course in northern Baja, hosted the first ever Vendimia Open Golf Tournament in support of the Baja Scholarship Foundation (BSF). The local Baja Real Estate Association, AMPI, which is Mexico's franchise of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) organized and sposored the event in cooperation with Bajamar. The tourney combined spectacular oceanfront golf with the spirit and magic of Baja’s Wine Country. The result was nothing less than spectacular when on the beautiful morning of the event a “maxed out” field of 156 golfers tee’d up for the shotgun start with over half of them venturing down from the US.

The event was a two man scramble with a $6500 purse at stake. There were prizes and events on each hole and an opportunity to win a HUMMER for a hole in one. All inclusive oceanfront golf packages, premium golf equipment and roundtrip airfares were among the donated items for the tournament. As if that isn’t enough the premier vineyards of México’s Guadalupe Valley presented their internationally acclaimed, award winning wines. There were Wine Tastings on five holes paired with culinary creations from Ensenada’s celebrated chefs. Château Camou, Emeve, Valor and several other wines were presented on the day. At the turn a classic Baja carne asada, carnitas, pollo asada lunch was served at the turn and sumptuous Steak & Lobster was served at the awards dinner in the scenic Bajamar clubhouse restaurant. At the awards ceremony dinner there was music & dancing, prizes & raffles and rousing auctions.

Bajamar has long been known as one of the most spectacular oceanfront golf courses on North America’s west coast. Five holes play right along Baja’s scenic pacific coastline and most of the rest of the 27 championship holes play in a lava desert layout that looks out to spectacular ocean views. A challenging yet rewarding course layout the 18 original holes, now the Lagos and Vista nines, were designed by Percy Clifford in 1976 and redesigned in the early 1990s. The Oceano nine, was designed by Robert Von Hagge and opened in June 1996. Since the addition of a new desalinization plant for the courses water sources the condition of the course has improves to a caliber that any golfer would consider impeccable.

The event had the support of AMPI, México’s franchise of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Provino’s Vendimia events council. Gracious volunteers from BSF and AMPI donated their time and worked the course to insure a smooth tournament. Sponsors for the event included Bajamar Premier Properties (Platinum Sponsor), Mahon International, Telnor, Cannon Power Group, BajaBound Insurance, First Title Services, Baja-Rentals.com, Children’s Fund of SB, Chicago Title of Orange County, Realty Executives, Hostal San Angel and Santa Barbara at Bajamar.

The event was in support of the Baja Scholarship Foundation; a nonprofit 501 C3, that provides education to high potential children in Baja California from needy families. They have graduated students who have become doctors and engineers and who are giving back to their local communities to help change the lives of others in the region. It is a great cause run by great people. Approximately $10,000 was raised for the charity and Judie Kesson, the president of BSF said “these guys really did it!” expressing great satisfaction with the result. For more information on the Baja Scholarship Foundation go to http://www.bajascholarshipfoundation.org.

Larry French is a member of the Baja Real Estate Group and can be found at http://www.oceanfrontbaja.com.

Beautiful Oceanfront Villa For Sale in Club Marena at km38.5

2009-05-13T18:18:00Z

Very Motivated Seller - Marenas Best!

• 2,600 sq. ft., 3 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story - $509,500 USD - Lowest Price - Best Villa

Club Marena at km38.5, Rosarito - Your oceanfront lifestyle is awaiting you at Villa Marisol.

This charming 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom VILLA in Club Marena will immediately put you into the Baja mood with it's festive decor, deluxe furnishings and it's AWESOME location! This LOCATION IS UNIQUE!!! One that captures a stunning, palm tree framed view of the world class K38 surf break, "While enjoying one of the closest Locations to the pool." The OCEANFRONT master suit will leave you breathless with its panoramic view of Bahia Descanso.

It is situated in the upscale, safe, gated, guarded, wonderfully landscaped resort of Club Marena. Villa Marisol is conveniently located ten kilometers south of Rosarito and 3 kilometers north of Las Gaviotas. As soon as you open the front door your eyes will gravitate to the glorious Pacific Ocean and comfortable, vibrant decor. With three decks, it's tough to miss those whale spouts or epic sets and sunsets.

There is a total of 2700 square feet of living space, decks, courtyard and garage (2 car) . A beautiful private garden in the courtyard is flush with indigenous fauna.

So enjoy a sunset margarita on your deck overlooking the beautiful landscape and watch the glorious sun beaming on the ocean. There is a stunning pool directly in front of the Pacific, just steps from the lower deck??? The amenities include two pool complexes with oceanfront Jacuzzis and one with a kids pool, tennis courts, a pet park and health club facilities. Private access to one of the west coasts finest surf spots is right at your door.

All Home Amenities Included:
- 42 inch HD TV with Direct TV over 250 channels
- New deluxe pillowtop bed in the master bedroom
- Wireless Broadband Internet
- Maytag Neptune Washer and Dryer- a nice feature for longer stays
. King size bed in second bedroom
- Impecable appliances & the finest furnishings

This is the one!!

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Club Marena - Seaside Serendipity Spawns Soiree on Baja’s Beautiful Coast

2009-04-14T16:15:00Z

Club Marena, one of Baja’s premier coastal residential resorts, enjoys a rich social scene that is continuously enriched by an evolving suite of spectacular amenities. For nearly 20 years the developer, Marena Development, has added new more exciting phases to the resort. With each phase come new more beautiful amenities.

Recently a new pet park was added to the resort that adjoins the tournament quality tennis facility. The perro park is about an acre of lawn and trees set aside specifically to exercise the canine residents of Club Marena and give them some space for those much needed morning walks. The completely fenced in area allows owners to let the pooches bound freely as leash rules are relaxed in this area. It is a great example of how this developer is completely responsive to the needs of his community.

Last year a second new oceanfront pool complex was unveiled by the projects developers. The pool and huge hot tub are cantilevered out to the sea at the tip of the coastal protrusion adding an exclamation point to an already spectacular setting. The project included the addition of a spacious second workout facility and a beach locker room for surfers and sand lovers. The oceanfront resort center overlooks this pool and includes a beautiful new entertaining hall (adorned in 36 inch porcelain tile & fine finishes), a kitchen, restrooms and a shower. There is also a rooftop bar and BBQ complex that has a panoramic, promontory, perspective of Bahia Descanso, one of Baja’s most scenic settings.

It is on this patio that the residents of Club Marena enjoy a scheduled Saturday social hour to relish the setting sun off Calafia point and enjoy cocktails and aperitivos while discussing the quality of life they all enjoy on this idyllic portion of the pacific coast. In the background surfers take advantage of some of the coasts finest waves and provide yet another point of entertainment for the parties’ participants. A typical gathering would have Local wines from the Valle de Guadelupe paired with fresh Mexican pannela cheese and tropical fruits from the local markets. Topics of discussion ranch from critique of the current vinicultural offerings to embellishment of the days catch from one of the resident fisherman. Regardless of the topic it is accompanied by a gleeful tone and knowing smiles that come with the mutual recognition between Marena members.

It is a relaxing, welcoming and friendly fiesta, with the warmth of the pacific sunset, which serves to revive, rejuvenate and coalesce the members of Club Marena. It is typical of the rhythm and sensation of life at pace that is indigenous to the Baja lifestyle.

For more information on Club Marena and Baja Real Estate see Baja Coastal Real Estate. For Rentals in Club Marena see Baja Rosarito Rentals.