Alberto Serna – Jazz Musician

Alberto Serna, a local saxophonist, was born on January 6, 1986 in Tuxpan, Nayarit, and raised in Oceanside, California. At the age of 9, he started playing the saxophone.

Most of his family´s friends were musicians and he wanted to play a unique instrument that no one else played. He started listening to Smooth Jazz because it was similar to what was played in church. He was influenced by saxophonist Boney James.

At the age of 14, Alberto began playing professionally as a member of the Oceanside Jazz Band. Several years later, he got an offer from a singer in Los Angeles to go tour Southern California. During that time, he also played for Res-Q-Band, a band formed by the ex-musicians of famous singer Luis Miguel.

Alberto now lives in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.

He plays for the band Control-A on Fridays at Pancho Villa and on Saturdays at Club Nautico from 11:00pm to 2:30am.

Alberto also plays jazz as a solo performer. You can listen to him at La Esquina Restaurant on Wednesdays from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. Map to La Esquina.

Some of his favorite songs to play are “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” by Bill Withers, “Fragile” by Sting, and “The Pink Panther” and “Careless Whisper” by George Michael.

Contact Alberto Serna:
albertoserna55@hotmail.com
Cell 622-123-8669

Heading into Nacapuli Canyon

Sunset at San Carlos Plaza hotel. More San Carlos and Guaymas photos.

News Bites

• Señor Fish Taqueria is now open and serving tacos (shrimp, fish, marlin, cahuamanta and seafood), and quesadillas. Tacos range in price from 15 to 18 pesos and quesadilla are 13 or 18 pesos. The stand is located at the entrance to Posada and is open seven days a week, from 7:00am to 3:00pm. Map to Señor Fish Taqueria.

• The Ostioneros of Guaymas lost the fifth game against Ensenada 4-0, and lost the series 4-1. The Ensenada Marineros are the new league champions.

• Mexicana Airlines has filed for bankruptcy in the US and insolvency proceedings in Mexico to give it time to “bring its cost structure, particularly labor costs, into line with market conditions”. MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink continue to operate as usual. Follow the unfolding story and read FAQ.

• San Carlos Weather update. The 5-day forecast this week is for temperatures in the mid to high 30s and sunny or scattered clouds during the day. There’s a 20-30% chance of rain every night, and a chance of thunderstorms on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. BouyWeather predicts light and variable winds with smooth seas during the days.

Visit Hermosillo

I know that Hermosillo can be a little daunting to find your way around. But once you have been to Wal-Mart and Costco and your comfort level goes up, I encourage you to start exploring Sonora’s capital.

For a birds-eye view, head to the top of Cerro de la Compañía (Hermosillo’s mirador). Rising slightly to the east of the main square, it’s the hill that is topped by television and communication towers. There is parking at the top with sweeping views over the sprawling city.

On the northeast side at the bottom of Cerro de la Compañía, is the old State prison that has been transformed into the Museum of Sonora, which features the history and anthropology of Sonora and Hermosillo.

For an enjoyable stroll along a paved trail through the desert, visit El Centro Ecológico de Sonora, a desert botanical garden and zoo. Markers describe the desert plants that line the trail. In addition to the more than 200 animals, there is an aviary, ponds, a stream, fountains, public restrooms, a cafeteria and snack booths and shade structures. Bring water (or you can buy it there) and wear walking shoes.

For a traditional Hermosillo experience, go shopping for coyotas in Villa de Seris, the neighborhood where coyotas originated. There you will find Coyotas Dona Maria, the coyota factory and store where it all began back in 1954. Coyotas are a traditional Sonoran dessert, made with wheat flour, water, lard, salt, and sugar and then filled with piloncillo (pure, unrefined sugar that is pressed into a cone shape). If you have ever eaten at either the Xochimilco or Mariachisimo restaurants in Hermosillo, chances are you have had a coyota, or at least you were offered one after your meal.

SanCarlos.tv

The most recent video brought to us by SanCarlos.tv features Isla Tortuga which is located 52 nautical miles from San Carlos. Tortuga is an early Pleistocene volcano with a beautiful crater and caldera at the center of the island. Just watch out for the endemic rattle snake if you should go for a hike.

Watch the video and learn more about the island.

SanCarlos.tv’s show #4 for Telemax covered Semana Santa & Sons of Freedom Motorcycle Rally (in Spanish).

San Carlos Design: The Magic of Staging

Before and after photos
If you have a home on the market today, it is more important than ever that your home is well-staged and visually appealing, both outside and inside. The same things that you find appealing and inviting about a home are the same things that buyers will notice when they enter your home.

The owners of this condo at La Posada, a beautifully located condominium complex on San Francisco Beach, did not have time to furnish their condo before listing the property for sale. I had the pleasure of staging this home and creating an inviting and comfortable environment for the future homeowners.

This studio condo has an open plan layout which can make it more difficult for people to imagine the placement of furniture. Through the process of staging, we were able to define the living spaces and create an atmosphere of calm and comfort.

A neutral camel paint color was applied to the stark white walls and this immediately made the space appear twice the size. The larger upholstery pieces were selected with the same neutral camel tones of the walls and interest was created through the use of texture. I opened up the Murphy bed and added a simple fabric in the same camel color tones to retain the same calm and roomy atmosphere. Maintaining this monochromatic color scheme not only opened the space, it also allowed the eye to travel to the main attraction, which is the Sea of Cortez just outside the patio door. Ocean colors of turquoise and blue were introduced with accent fabrics and accessories.

If you are selling your home in today’s market, then staging your home in order to show it to its full advantage is a must. Agents are also more likely to show your home if it is clean, uncluttered, and well-designed. If your home is already furnished, then often it just takes a few hours of my time to assist you with de-cluttering and re-mixing your existing furniture to create a more marketable atmosphere. No matter what your situation however, good design makes a big difference and it’s a fun process to see your home transformed from mediocre to magical!

by Janey McLean
Realtor (Buyers’ Agent) and Interior Designer

Where are the Fish?

Well personally, I had a great break from fishing last week, and why not? It seems hot! If you’re on the water though in the shade with cool drinks and catching fish, then as JJ would say, “Who cares!”. It sure feels like heaven with a cool drink bobbing in the shorebreak at sunset. I will be out the next couple of days to get my fix again. I never have to wait too long! The captains have been out in the bay with the Nationals keeping me and all our clients happy. Nothing too noteworthy in close, but they’ve been getting a few sierra for ceviche. The late summer run of small dorado is probably still a few weeks or more away, as well as the better catches of sierra.

Outside I have heard of a few reports from the limited amount of boats that went out this week. One friend headed across to some spectacular fishing on the other side, so if you make the trek you will be rewarded. We’ll need some phenomenal weather events though to bring all that action over here (and maybe we’ll choose to pass on those!). There was some cooler water popping up lately which has had some fish. I heard of a 60 pound wahoo caught early in the week. One boat went out and caught some great grouper down deep. A few dorado are coming in not too far out, along with a few marlin, and a very good number of sailfish. One tuna was caught too. Where are the big marlin? Well, they have to be showing up soon. Great fishing with some nice conditions not too far out. I’ll be looking to score big manana!

tight lines,
Bryan Replogle repsilon@aol.com
Team Margarita Sportfishing San Carlos Aquatic Adventures

What’s Playing at MMCinemas?

Some of the movies now playing:

Salt. Angelina Jolie plays a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt, in this action thriller. “Who Is Salt?” A Russian spy or a loyal US citizen?

Inception. This SciFi movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, and Ken Watanabe is getting rave reviews.

The Karate Kid with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith (2010, not 1984 version).

Toy Story 3. This popular animated movie is back in 3D and is getting great reviews from kids and adults alike. It again features the voice of Tom Hanks as Woody. Tim Allen is Buzz Lightyear and Joan Cusack is Jessie.

Movies playing only in Spanish: Shrek Forever After, Despicable Me (trailer), and The Sorcerers Apprentice (trailer).

Most “Hollywood” movies for adults are in English with Spanish subtitles, but check before you go. Cost — Adults $47 pesos, $37 pesos on Wednesday. And, the first movie each day is only $42 pesos.

MMCinemas has a new website. For a full listing and show times, click MMCinemas. In the upper right hand corner, click SELECCIONA TU CIUDAD — choose Guaymas, then Selecciona tu Complejo.

Happy Hours

• Bonifacio’s. Half price appetizers from 12:00pm – 2:00pm and 4:00pm – 6:00pm.

• Captain’s Club. Every day from 3:00pm to 5:00pm with 15 peso Corona, Pacifico, and Chope. 35 peso Margaritas and 25 peso well drinks. Closed on Tuesdays.

• Ruby Wine Bar. 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Corona and Pacificos are 10 pesos each and well drinks are 20 pesos each (including margaritas).

• Fiesta Hotel & Bar Coral. 1:00pm to 7:00pm. 15 peso beer.

• Evie’s. 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday. 2×1 national drinks.

• Pool House Sport Bar. 6:00pm to 9:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday with Tecate 12.50 pesos, 1 lt cerveza 35 pesos. Free pool during happy hour. 2×1 pizza on Thursdays from 6:00pm to 10:00pm while you listen to Danny Moreno’s Rock and Reggae.

• Club Nautico. The bar opens at 12:00pm with Happy Hour from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. 11.50 pesos ($1 USD) cervezas. Thursday is Lady’s Night — free admission and free drinks from 9:00pm to 11:00pm for women.

• Pancho Villa. Everyday from 12:00pm to 10:00pm, beers are only 15 pesos, except for Sol, which is only 10 pesos. Big screen TVs in the sports bar.

• Tequila’s. 3:00pm -6:00pm.

• Banana’s. Monday to Friday, 4:00pm – 6:00pm: 15 pesos national beer 25 pesos well drinks. Every Sunday is “Bloody Mary Sunday” with 25 peso Bloody Mary’s all day long. Everyday: 45 peso margarita and 55 peso pina colada.

• Marina Cantina. 11:00am -5:00pm, Monday through Friday, 12 peso beer (Pacifico, Pacifico Light, Modelo, Modelo Light, Corona, Corona Light). And, Ten Peso Tuesdays with 10 pesos beer (Pacifico, Pacifico Light, Modelo, Modelo Light, Corona, Corona Light) all day long (11:00am until closing) — no food purchase necessary!

• Paradise Bar. Thursday, all day, 25 peso national drinks. Everyday, get a 10 bottle bucket of Sol for 150 pesos, or bucket of Tecate for 200 pesos.

• Mar de Cortez at Pilar. 4:00pm – 6:00pm with 20 peso beer, 20 peso margaritas and 70 peso pitchers of beer.

• El Botanero. 5:00pm to 7:00pm everyday. The special “drink of the day” is 2X1 all day, every day.

• Iviri’s Rouge Cantina. The 2 for 1 happy hour from 6:00pm to 9:00pm includes beer and national drinks with Botanas free!

Skydive in San Carlos

On August 14 and 15th, you can knock one off the bucket list and skydive in San Carlos.

For more information, visit skydiveelsol.com or email info@skydiveelsol.com.

What’s Popular on What’s Up San Carlos’ Website?

• Kiteboarding in San Carlos.

• Neighborhoods of San Carlos – Ranchitos. The Ranchitos in San Carlos is country living near the heart of San Carlos.

If you’re looking to rent a house or condo, contact Sea Side Reservations. To talk to a licensed realtor about purchasing property, contact Long Realty Seaside. Visit IronSEO for web design, optimization and hosting. For more information on San Carlos hotels, see go2SanCarlos.

What’s Happening This Week?

Wednesday, August 11

Entertainment

• Albert Serna. 8:00pm – 11:00pm, La Esquina Restaurant. NEW
• Texas Hold-em Poker Tournament. 7:00pm, Pool House Sports Bar. For further information contact MexicoMel at 622-105-7212 or by e-mail at mexicomel@sancarlosmx.com.
• Karaoke. 8:00pm – 11:00pm, Bananas.

Clubs & Organizations

• AA – Meeting. 6:00pm, at the Grupo Tetakawi AA meeting place on the road to Loma Del Mar next to the Bomberos (Fire Station). Call 226-0954 for more info.

Sports / Fitness

• Zumbafuerte. FREE exercise / dance class. 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Guaymas Malecon.

Thursday, August 12

Entertainment

• Danny Moreno. 8:00pm – 11:00pm, Pool House. Reggae and Rock.
• Mariachi. 6:30pm, Evie’s Iguana Bar.
• Omar Arriaga. 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Karaoke. 9:00pm, Club Nautico.
• Karaoke. 9:00pm – 3:00am, Froggy’s.
• Silencio de Blanca. 11:00pm, Pancho Villa.

Clubs & Organizations

• Mens Breakfast Club. 9:00am. Embarcadero at MarinaTerra.

Friday, August 13

Entertainment

• Danny Moreno. 6:00pm to 10:00pm, Ruby Wine Bar.
• Grupo Sexto Sol, Paradise Bar.
• La Banda. 9:15pm, Tequilas.
• Karoake. 7:00pm, Bar Coral in Hotel Fiesta.
• Control A. Pancho Villa.
• Mexican Folklorico Dancing Show. 8:00pm – 9:00pm, Bananas.
• Live Music “Los Bananas Bandidos”. 9:00pm – midnight, Bananas.
• Luna. 9:00pm – 2:00am, Froggy’s.
• Omar Arriaga. 7:00pm – 1o:00pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• De Javu. 11:00pm, Pancho Villa. Mariachi at midnight.

Clubs & Organizations

• Tecalai Library. 9:00am – 11:00am. Works on a “leave one, take one” basis. Or, if you don’t have a book to leave, you can make a small donation.

Sports / Fitness

• Zumbafuerte. FREE exercise / dance class. 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Guaymas Malecon.

Saturday, August 14

Special Event

• Skydive in San Carlos. For more information, visit skydiveelsol.com or email info@skydiveelsol.com. New

Entertainment

• Danny Moreno. 6:00pm – 10:00pm, El Embarcadero at MarinaTerra Hotel.
• Omar Arriaga. 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Manuelito y Sus Guerreros. 8:00pm – midnight.
• Grupo Sexto Sol, Paradise Bar.
• La Banda. 9:15pm, Tequilas.
• Karoake. 7:00pm, Bar Coral in Hotel Fiesta.
• Luna. 9:00pm- 2:00am, Froggy’s.
• DVJ Tato. 10:00pm – 3:00am, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• De Javu. 11:00pm, Pancho Villa. Mariachi at midnight.
• Control A heats up the dance floor with live salsa, pop, rock and dance tunes from 11:00pm to 2:30am at Club Nautico.

Sunday, August 15

Special Event

• Skydive in San Carlos. For more information, visit skydiveelsol.com or email info@skydiveelsol.com. New

Entertainment

• Danny Moreno. 9:00am – 1:00pm, El Embarcadero at MarinaTerra Hotel.
• Omar Arriaga. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Open Mic. 6:30pm – 9:00pm, Captain’s Club.
• Acoustic music from Luna. 7:00pm -11:00pm, Froggy’s.
• Live music. 10:00am – 12:00pm, Fiesta Hotel.
• Jorge Pomp presents “unplugged” Trova, Sunday’s starting at 9:00pm, Club Nautico.

Clubs & Organizations

• Church Service. San Carlos Community Church, 9:00am.
• AA – Meeting. 6:00 pm, at the Grupo Tetakawi AA meeting place on the road to Loma Del Mar next to the Bomberos (Fire Station). Call 226-0954 for more info.

Monday, August 16

Entertainment

• Texas Hold-em Poker Tournament. 5:30pm, La Palapa Griega. For further information contact MexicoMel at 622-105-7212 or by e-mail at mexicomel@sancarlosmx.com.
• Good night to check out a movie at the air-conditioned MMCinemas.

Sports / Fitness

• Zumbafuerte. FREE exercise / dance class. 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Guaymas Malecon.

Tuesday, August 17

Entertainment

• Danny Moreno & Omar Arriaga. 5:00pm – 7:00pm, Soggy Peso.
• Efrain and Martin Giacoman. 5:00pm -8:00pm, Fiesta Hotel.

Sports

• The Nifty Niners – the ladies 9 hole golf group. 9:00am. Visitors, residents and golf members are welcome to join us at the San Carlos Country Club. For more info, email us at scniftyniners@yahoo.com or call 226-1519.

Save these Dates: (see next week’s newsletter for more information on these fun-filled events):

• August 19th. Movie night at the San Carlos Community Church, showing “Flywheel” at 6:30pm.
• August 27th. Panchito Villa grand opening.
• September 5 – 7th. Labor Day Fishing Tournament.
• September 13 – 16th. Festival and events to celebrate and commemorate the bicentennial of Mexican Independence.
• October 9 – 11th. Cantina Cup Fishing Tournament.
• November 9 – 20th. Festival and events to celebrate and commemorate the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution.

If you’re asking yourself, how do I get my events & happy hour added, the answer is simple: Just email us and we’d be happy to list your events for free.

What’s Up San Carlos is published by David Irons and Christa Thomas

Special thanks to Sue Fehrle, Bryan Replogle and Janey Mclean for their help with this issue.