Urban Design and Color

As a designer, I am aware of the effect of color in the interiors of our homes. Much has been written on the psychology of color and even without these theories most of us know when we are in environments that we find pleasing to our senses. I was doing some research recently on the effects of color in urban planning and during this process came across some “colorful cities.” For various reasons certain cities and towns have through either culture or city planning created environments rich with color and beauty. This photo, of the community of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, South Africa, demonstrates the cheery aesthetic of color on these oceanside homes.Here we see the cultural influences of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. What a treat it must be to walk the streets of this city and be greeted by this infusion of color each day!

I am very fortunate myself to live in Mexico which is culturally very theatrical and colorful. One of the most treasured cities in Mexico is Guanajuato and from this photo below you can see one of the reasons for this acclaim. Not only is it architecturally and historically rich, the colors of the city are beautiful.

From the clothes we wear, to the interiors of our homes and the aesthetics of the towns and cities we live in, color makes an impact on our lives. When we have the opportunity to become involved in urban planning it is important to take this into consideration for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors.

Paint is an inexpensive way to change the image and appearance of a city. Adding color to buildings with little architectural advantage is an excellent way to create mood and add energy to a community. How lovely to project a feeling of color and joy into our environments, no?

by Janey McLean
info@sancarlosjaney.com

Moving to San Carlos

Have you been visiting San Carlos for years? Perhaps you are here for the first time and have fallen in love with our beautiful landscape, active lifestyle, affordable living and wish to call San Carlos home.

Purchasing real estate in Mexico is safe and easy. By working with a licensed agent that has access to the MLS you will have a wide variety of beautiful properties to choose from. Once you find that special place, the offer process is very similar to purchasing in the US. First, you and your agent will complete a Purchase Offer and Contract. Contracts in Mexico must be in Spanish to have legality in the court system. However, there is an English translation for Americans and Canadians. Offers to purchase should include an earnest deposit to show good faith. There is no escrow in Mexico so your check will be held by the broker and applied to the purchase once an offer has been accepted. Also, properties here are sold ‘as is’ so any repairs or replacements must be specified in the contract. Homes and condos are usually sold furnished but it is good to specify this as well. Once you and the seller have an agreement to purchase, closing can be as quick as two weeks.

Closing costs on your new purchase will be about 5 – 6% of the purchase price. The general breakdown is 2% for Notary fees, 2% for transfer tax to the Mexican Government and 2% for appraisal, no lien certification, catastro value and recording to the public registry. These fees are applicable to both foreigners and Mexican Nationals. Foreigners are responsible to pay for their initial bank trust, which is approximately $3,000 USD. Other annual expenses will include trust fees of around $400 – $600 USD (depending on the bank), HOA (if applicable) and property taxes.

The cost of living is lower than living in the US and Canada and our beauty, views, weather and community can’t be beat. Real estate prices are lower than they have been in years and many sellers are offering financing with low interest so now is a great time to invest in San Carlos. Be sure to visit your friendly real estate agent today and see how easy and affordable it is to have your dream by the sea.

Have a real estate related question? Send me an email at cooneyhomes@gmail.com to be answered in a future edition of What’s Up San Carlos.

by Lauri Cooney,
licensed real estate professional
Long/Seaside Realty

Birds Eye View of San Carlos

A new video was posted by Vince Radice on SanCarlos.tv.

Vince recently did an ultralight flight around San Carlos and shot this great footage.

Pro San Carlos

March 17, 2010 Meeting Minutes

Pro San Carlos Association (PSCA) held a meeting on March 17, 2010 to go over the survey results from the focus group that was conducted in December by ITSON, a local college in Guaymas. The survey included the input of various business operators and residents of San Carlos. The top areas of concern based on this particular survey and from this group of participants were as follows:

Top Areas of Concerns:
1. Health Care (facilities & trained personnel)
2. Flight Alternatives
3. Urban Image
4. Tourist Promotion and Information Center
5. Banking Alternatives
6. Certified Tourism Guides

Luis Charles, organizer of the PSCA then went through a more detailed report from the survey. To view a detailed summary and graphic charts click here.

Some of the initiatives that the Association has been working on are as follows:

Scenic District Initiative: The purpose of the Scenic District Initiative is to help revitalize our image, clean up our environment, and generate some much-needed positive press.

Earth Day Celebration: Pro San Carlos is organizing an Earth Day Celebration to show our respect for our environment and for our city. The clean-up day will be April 17, 2010. Stay tuned for further details on how you can participate. Everyone is encouraged to lend a hand!

Adopt a Highway.

For more information on these and other initiatives, click here.

Adelante Estudiante Beach Day Is Big Success

On Sunday, March 21st, Castaway Kids and Adelante Estudiante held a beach day at the Paradiso Resort for their sponsored students.The event offered an opportunity for students, their families and sponsors to spend the entire day together. Buses arrived with the 40+ students and their family members as many waiting sponsors and volunteers excitedly greeted the groups. The beach day featured a presentation by Dolores Monterrubio Alvarez, on “The Sea of Cortez” and it’s wonderfully diverse bio-system. The program was interactive and exciting for the children and very educational. After the presentation, everyone moved out onto the beautiful grounds of the Paradiso for a hotdog lunch, swimming, kayaking, shelling and fun in the sun. Everyone had a wonderful time and at 4:00pm a smiling, yet exhausted group boarded the buses for a trip back home to Guaymas. Thanks to Dolores, the entire staff at the Paradiso, and all the volunteers. And thank you to Octavio Llano for supplying two big buses to transport the kids from Guaymas to Paradiso and back. (photo by Melissa Boyd)

Dr. Whitney Azoy Presentation

On Monday, March 15th, Central Asian expert, author and anthropologist (and part-time San Carlos resident), Dr. Whitney Azoy held a presentation at the San Carlos Yacht Club. The topic was “Is There An Afghanistan? Hope and Reality in Central Asia”. Dr. Azoy has been involved with Afghanistan for 38 years, has received 4 Fulbright grants, has written two books, and more than 100 op-ed pieces. His book on Afghanistan, “Buzkashi: Game and Power in Afghanistan ” is available through Amazon and at fine bookstores. The presentation drew more than 100 people to the San Carlos Yacht Club, was very well received, and raised 3500 pesos for Castaway Kids - enough to sponsor a secondaria student for a year.

Thank You Dr. Azoy from the Castaway Kids.

In this photo by Melissa Boyd is Castaway Kids President Terry Lynn Challis, Dr. Whitney Azoy, and Yacht Club Commodore Jan Rains, after the presentation.

What’s Playing at MMCinemas?

Some of the movies now playing:

Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. Both dubbed (in 3D) and subtitled versions are playing, so make sure you check before you buy your ticket. Watch a preview.

The thriller, Lovely Bones with Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Stanley Tucci. Directed by Academy Award winner, Peter Jackson (“The Lord Of The Rings”). Watch a preview.

Valentine’s Day with Taylor Lautner, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Ashtun Kutcher, Jamie Foxx Patrick Demsey, Topher Grace and Jessica Biel. Watch a preview.

The sci-fi thriller, The Book of Eli with Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman. Watch a preview.

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.

For a full listing and show times, click MMCinemas. Under Selecciona, choose “Sonora” and “Guaymas”. On the next page, where it says “todos los complejos”, chose MMC Guaymas – then click “buscar”.

Happy Hours

• 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. 4:00pm to 9:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday with Tecate 12.50 pesos, 1lt cerveza 35 pesos. Free pool during happy hour.

• Club Nautico. 12:00pm to 6:00pm with 11.50 pesos ($1USD) cervezas.

• Pancho Villa. 4:00pmto 7:00pm with all beers only 15 pesos and 2×1 margaritas. Big screen TVs in the sports bar.

• Tequila’s. 3:00pm -6:00pm.

• Banana’s. Monday to Friday, 4:00pm – 6:00pm. All domestic drinks are 15 pesos and well drinks are 25 pesos. Every Sunday is “Bloody Mary Sunday” with 25 peso Bloody Mary’s all day long.

• Marina Cantina. 3:00pm -6:00pm Monday and Wednesday through Friday. Cerveza Nacional 2×1. And, Ten Peso Tuesdays with Corona and Pacifico only 10 pesos (after food purchase) all day long (11:00am until closing).

• 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 200pesos.

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

Who’s Who in Entertainment?

Cash Ross

Raised in Philadelphia, Cash Ross started his career as a musician playing in a coffee house in downtown Bryn Mawr, playing old western  music for the local crowds. After attending Berklee college of  music for two years,  majoring in classical opera and theater voice, Cash landed four nights a week at the famous Main Point Lounge just outside of Philadelphia, where he played the same stage as many accomplished musicians such as Jimmy Buffet, Melissa Ethridge and Bruce Springsteen. Later he moved to New Mexico and played at the famous South by Southwest Music Festival and then moved his music to Portland Oregon and settled down. He soon landed two tracks on Satelite radio.

Check the local entertainment calendar for current shows at the new  Bonifacio’s Cotton Club located just before Paradiso resort on the same road past the famous “Soggy Peso”.

Who’s Who in Entertainment is written by local musician Eric Holland. Eric will be announcing his NEW-CD release fiesta soon…keep an eye out!

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting at Ruby Wine Bar on Wednesday, March 24th.

From 5:00pm – 8:00pm.

Ruby Wine Bar will be serving several wines and pairing them with delicious tapas. The wines being served are from all over the world, including wines from Chile, Argentina, South Africa, France, Mexico, Italy, and Spain. The tapas will be an assortment of different samplings including cheese, fresh fruit, desserts, veggies, and meats.

The cost is 250 pesos per person. For that price, you will receive tickets, and each wine will cost a certain number of tickets. The more expensive wines will take more tickets. You will be able to taste up to 8 different wines.

Call 226-1300 to make a reservation.

The Seafarin’ Kayakers Group

On Thursday, March 25th, the Seafarin’ Kayakers Group, sponsored by the San Carlos Yacht Club, will be leaving from the Puesta del Sol area and kayaking up the coast towards La Manga.

Stopping for lunch in La Manga.

Meet in the parking lot in front of Barricuda Bob’s at 8:30am to caravan to the launch point.

Everyone welcome.

March Madness

March Madness at Marina Cantina.

This month, basketball is HOT!!

Come into Marina Cantina for the NCAA College basketball finals and watch the games on one of the five big screen TVs.

Cruise Ship Arrival and Shrimp Festival.

The OCV (tourist office) is bringing us another Shrimp Festival to coincide with the arrival of the cruise ship on March 31st.

Tickets will cost 25 pesos each. Check next week’s newsletter for more information on time and entertainment.

To get in the mood, watch a video of the last Shrimp Festival.

What’s Happening This Week?

Wednesday, March 24

Special Event

• Wine Tasting at Ruby Wine Bar. 5:00pm – 8:00pm. NEW

Entertainment

• Danny Moreno. 4:00pm – 7:00pm, Froggy’s.
• Lorena Robles. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
• Elba Santiago & Steve Smersh. 6:30pm- 9:00pm, Pilar restaurant / bar.
• Omar Arriaga Piano & Guitar Music with Guests. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Captain’s Club.
• Karaoke. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Bananas.
• Cash Ross. 9:00pm, Paradise Bar (above Fasta Pasta).

Clubs & Organizations

• Al-Anon meeting. 10:00am, La Palapa Griega.
• Duplicate Bridge. 12:30pm, Club Deportivo. Jan Talbert 227-0048.
• 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.

Sports

• Exercise. 8:00am, Club Deportivo.

Thursday, March 25

Special Event

• The Seafarin’ Kayakers Group will be kayaking up the coast to La Manga. NEW

Entertainment

• Cash Ross. Bonifacio’s Cotton Club, 6:30pm – 9:30pm.
• Open mic with Bobby & Lesley and the Twins. 5:30pm – 8:30pm, La Palapa Griega.
• Sandra’s Mariachi. 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguana Bar.
• La Familia. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Bananas.
• Eric Holland. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Captain’s Club.
• Karaoke with Alfredo. 7:00pm in Bar Coral at Hotel Fiesta.
• Karaoke. 9:00pm, Club Nautico.
• Karaoke. 9:00pm – 3:00am, Froggy’s.
• Silencio de Blanca. 11:00pm, Pancho Villa.

Clubs & Organizations

• Ceramics. 9:00am – 1:00pm, Club Deportivo.
• San Carlos Men’s Breakfast Club. 9:00am, Evie’s Simply Coffee.
• Ballroom dance classes. 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Club Deportivo. Working on Swing, Cha Cha, Rhumba and Samba. Come join the fun! Everyone welcome. For more information, call Ellen Flores at 226-1470.

Sports

• Exercise. 8:00am, Club Deportivo.
• Men’s Golf Association. Golf Club Championships.

Friday, March 26

Entertainment

• Eric Holland. Sunset, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Danny Moreno. 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Ruby Wine Bar.
• Omar Arriaga, Piano Sunset. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Hotel Fiesta.
• Lorena Robles. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, La Palapa.
• Cash Ross. 6:00pm- 10:00pm, Evie’s Iguanas Bar.
• Manuelitos. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Captain’s Club.
• Los Famosos Juniors. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Bananas.
• Grupo Sexto Sol, Paradise Bar.
• La Familia. 9:15pm, Tequilas.
• The Twins. 9:00pm – midnight, Bar Coral in HotelFiesta.
• Ricardo de Jesus, Violinist from Cuba, 9:00pm to 11:00pm outside at Marina Cantina.
• Luna. 9:00pm – 2:00am, Froggy’s.
• Control A heats up the dance floor with live salsa, pop, rock and dance tunes from 11:00pm to 2:30am at Club Nautico.
• De Javu. 11:00pm, Pancho Villa. Mariachi at midnight.

Clubs & Organizations

• Tecalai Library. 9:00am – 1:00pm. Works on a “leave one, take one” basis. Or, if you don’t have abook to leave, you can make a small donation.

Sports

• Exercise. 8:00am, Club Deportivo.
• Line Dancing. 9:00am-10:30am, Club Deportivo. With Lynn Blair and Sue Hollis.
• Tai Chi. Tony’s Gym, 10:00am. With June Davis and Janet Beaty. Beginners and intermediate levels. For more information, contact Janet at jbeaty6@msn.com.

Saturday, March 27

Entertainment

• Omar Arriaga, Piano Sunset. 5:00pm -8:00pm, Hotel Fiesta.
• Danny Moreno. 5:00pm -8:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
• Ron Daizley. 6:30pm- 9:30pm, Captain’s Club.
• Bobby & Leslie: “unplugged” with The Twins. 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguana Bar.
• Grupo Sexto Sol, Paradise Bar.
• La Familia. 9:15pm, Tequilas.
• Omar Arriaga with Elba Santiago. 9:00pm – midnight in Bar Coral at Hotel Fiesta.
• Luna. 9:00pm- 2:00am, Froggy’s.
• Ricardo de Jesus, Violinist from Cuba,9:00pm to 11:00pm outside at Marina Cantina.
• Manuelito y Grupo Retro. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Bananas.
• 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.

Clubs & Organizations

• Ceramics. 9:00am – 1:00pm at Club Deportivo.
• San Carlos Community Church Saturday Evening Service at 5:00pm. Everyone is welcome!

Sports

• Softball. 10:00am at Paradiso. Fun pick-up game for people of all skill levels. Spectators and cheerleaders welcome. The group often then goes for lunch together.

Sunday, March 28

Entertainment

• Trio Los Cautivos. 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguanas Bar.
• Open Mic. 6:30pm – 9:00pm, Captain’s Club.
• Danny Moreno. 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Froggy’s.
• Acoustic music from Luna. 7:00pm -11:00pm, Froggy’s.
• Omar Arriaga. 9:00am – 12:00pm, Fiesta Hotel. Enjoy piano music on the beach deck and a breakfast buffet.
• Jorge Pomp presents “unplugged” Trova, Sunday’s starting at 9:00pm, Club Nautico.

Clubs & Organizations

• Church Service. Chapel by the Sea nondenominational Christen church. 8:30am.
• 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, March 29

Entertainment

• Open Mic. Drink specials. Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Trio Los Cautivos. 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguanas Bar.
• Silent Movie Night with Omar Arriaga.7:00pm – 8:30pm, Captain’s Club.
• Weekly Texas Hold-Em Tournament at La Palapa Griega. Sponsored by Sonora is Safe. Registration is at 5:00pm and play starts at 5:30pm, with a break at 6:30pm for dinner. Everything on the menu is 50% off for the players, except drinks. Buy-in is 250 pesos. For more information, call Mel at 622-105-7212.

Clubs & Organizations

• Art League. 9:00am – 1:00pm, Tecalai. For more information, call 226-0377.
• Duplicate Bridge. 10:00am, Fiesta Real.
• Contract Bridge. 12:30pm. Club Deportivo. No partner needed. Be early in case enough people don’t show up. More information, Janet Beaty jbeaty6@msn.com.

Sports

• Exercise. 8:00am, Club Deportivo.

Tuesday, March 30

Entertainment

• Danny Moreno & Omar Arriaga. 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Soggy Peso.
• Efrain and Martin Giacoman. 5:00pm -8:00pm, Fiesta Hotel.
• Cash Ross. 6:00pm – 10:00pm, Evie’s Iguanas Bar.

Clubs & Organizations

• Computer Club. 9:15am at Tequilas — early birds meet for breakfast at 8:30am. For more information contact Phyllis at 226-2153.
• Rotary Club Meeting. 12:00pm, Fiesta Real.
• Women’s Bible Study. San Carlos Community Church, 1:30pm. Studying “Breaking Free” a Beth Moore study. Everyone welcome. For more information, contact Lynne Penney at227-0223 or lynnepenney@gmail.com.
• Bingo. 6:30pm, Club Deportivo. For more information, call 226-0716.
• Rotary Club spouses night out. For reservations, call Dixie 226-0106.

Sports

• Exercise. 8:00am, Club Deportivo.
• Tai Chi. 8:45am – 10:00am, Club Deportivo. With June Davis and Janet Beaty. Beginners and intermediate levels. For more information, contact Janet at jbeaty6@msn.com.
• 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.
• Softball. 10:00am at Paradiso. Fun pick-up games for people of all skill levels. Spectators and cheerleaders welcome. The group often then goes for lunch together.

• March 31st. Cruise ship arrival and Shrimp Festival.
• March 31st to April 4th. Semana Santa.
• April 10th. Tianguis at Rescate, 7:00am until 1:00pm.
• April 25th. Estero del Soldado mountain bike race.
• April PAC concert: Best of San Carlos Talent Show.
• May 28, 29 & 30th, 2010 (Memorial weekend). The Ladies International Fishing Tournament. Sponsored by Club Deportivo de San Carlos.
• May 28 – 30th. Regata Internacional, Tucson Sailing Club.
• May 29 – 30th. 12 Horas Salvando Vidas mountain bike race, Choyas Voladoras.
• July 30 – Aug 1st. New fishing tournament organised by Sonora is Safe.

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, Eric Holland, Johan Broere, Bryan Replogle,
David Boyd, Janey McLean and Lauri Cooney for their help with this issue.