Expat Lifestyle by Janey

2010 1st Quarter Market Results – San Carlos Real Estate Sales Up 38%

I just love it when I’m right! I have listened to people for months talking about how the “sky is falling” and guess what?  Not only is the sky not falling, we are starting to feel a new energy in town and things are looking really good in Sonora and in San Carlos. It could be my optimistic attitude that makes me weary of these naysayers or just the fact that sitting around complaining is just not my style. It is my pleasure to set the record straight!

San Carlos continues to have many lifestyle attributes, but this report will mainly focus on the economic and business climate in San Carlos and Sonora.

My Market Update for this quarter includes housing sales information retrieved from our MLS. Keep in mind that private sales figures are not included in this total.

Real Estate Sales Up 38%
2010 1st Quarter sales USD: $2,678,900.00
2009 1st Quarter sales USD: $1,642,000.00
Current Active Listings Single Family Homes: 216
Current Active Listings Condominiums: 74
Current Active Listings Lots: 151
Current Active Other: 5

The percent decrease between list price and actual sales price was 22% for the 1st Quarter of 2010 which is a reflection of the worldwide market. In comparison, many second home communities, in the U.S. saw real estate values plummet 30-40% in the last few years. Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and California were hit extremely hard. In Spain and other international expat communities housing prices have fallen well into the 35-40% range.

However, those markets are starting to rebound or at least, the bottom seems to have been reached and sales are up in most areas of the U.S. The above sales numbers for San Carlos show the same scenario here as well and, in quite dramatic fashion.

General Market News

#1: Sonora’s new Governor Padres, as part of his “A New Sonora” agenda recently announced a state wide water infrastructure plan. This plan will ensure continued growth for the vast agriculture production in Sonora, which is considered the “bread basket” of Mexico as well as growth for the general economy. Part of the plan includes a desalination plant in nearby Empalme which is big news for our local economy.

#2: Maquila (foreign owned factories) growth continues in Guaymas and Empalme. I met with a man the other day that is moving from North Carolina to San Carlos and is a manager for a plant in Guaymas. This US Company makes parts for the US auto industry and he said the rebound in the market has been staggering and they are so busy that for the first time they are going to be outsourcing. This means more jobs and growth in our community.

#3: Guaymas has several other projects on the go including additional improvements to the Cruise line harbor, a new sports complex, and the new Sam’s Club is due to open in 4 weeks and Walmart shortly after. It is rumored that Costco has already purchased land in Guaymas and they are coming to town also. Again, this means more jobs and economic growth for our community.

#4: The new VivaAerobus flight between Las Vegas and Hermosillo has opened up an excellent travel option for homeowners in San Carlos and their visiting guests and family. Many local hotel operators and tour companies are working with this new airline to coordinate package tours to San Carlos.

#5: The new Pro San Carlos Association, of which I am a member, has plans for curb appeal programs to spruce up areas that need some attention within our community. For example, several hundred students, residents, and business owners participated in the first Earth Day Beach Clean-Up project a few weeks ago. We have been working closely with government agencies to obtain their assistance in further beautification efforts.

There are many more inspiring and positive things happening in San Carlos and Sonora however, I will save more of those for my next update! Stand by for more good news!

by Janey McLean
SanCarlosJaney.com,
homes, design, lifestyle in Mexico

2 New Commercial Complexes

Plaza el Faro with Vitraux open for business:
offering contemporary and stained glass work

Plaza el Faro

5 rental units above and a furniture store on the ground floor

New Restaurants

Tacos Los Julios on Beltrones

Restaurante Las Palapitas on San Fransisco Beach

Where are the Fish?

It was a windy week on the water for the most part. Another marlin or two were caught with some dorado approaching into the teens. The Island had decent yellowtail fishing at times, but not quite the action we have seen. For the most part, reports were slim. I think it’s the first week that I haven’t been out in a long time. The boats should be ready this week and I am ready to head south.

The winds cooled the water back off into the high 60′s in close. Water temperatures in the very low 70′s are not too far out, but it still may be another couple of weeks before we see some good warmwater fishing.

Things should be ‘on’ by Memorial Day in time for the Ladies Tournament. It’s a little quiet in close. It seems that a lot of the bait has moved off. Cabrilla and Pargo are patrolling the rocks and kelp is in close. Try tricking them with a shiny lure or some live bait. As always, you can’t catch fish unless your line is in the water!

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

Ostioneros 2×1 Nights – This Week

Guaymas Ostioneros versus Tiajuana at 7:30pm.

May 4th game : 2×1 entrance for women.
May 5th game: 2×1 general admission.

The Ostioneros play at the Abelardo L. Rodriguez stadium. Click here for a map to the stadium.

What’s Playing at MMCinemas?

Some of the movies now playing:

Iron Man 2. Robert Downey Jr returns as Tony Starks, aka Iron Man in this continuation of the Marvel comic classic. This time, he battles Mickey Rourke as the evil Ivan Vanko. Also staring Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Samuel Jackson. Click here for a preview.

Legion (Legión de Angeles). Denis Quaid stars in this action fantasy flick. Click here for a preview.

Motherhood (Mamá Está Loca) with Uma Thurman. Click here for a preview.

Clash of the Titans (Furia de Titanes) with Sam Worthington (as Perseus), Liam Neeson (as Zeus) and Ralph Fiennes (as Hades). Plot: The mortal son of the god Zeus embarks on a perilous journey to stop the underworld and its minions from spreading their evil to Earth and the heavens. 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

  • 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. 4:00pm to 9:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday with Tecate 12.50 pesos, 1 lt cerveza 35 pesos. Free pool during happy hour.
  • Club Nautico. The bar opens at 12:00pm with Happy Hour from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. 11.50 pesos ($1 USD) cervezas.
  • Pancho Villa. 4:00pm to 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: 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.

Who’s Who in Entertainment?

Norma and Gil (of The Luna Band) … Married!


Como se dice “Tied the Knot”? Most likely there are other idiomatic phrases in Espanol about the ceremony of Love, especially between two great local musicians. This new couple had a celebration-fiesta-reception at Club Nautica in Guaymas on Saturday night. Rumor has it, the party is still going on…

I am sure every musician’s dream is to be married to another musician….and their group LUNA works well together, very tight. They have been well known in our little pueblo, especially at the Soggy Peso on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30pm until sunset. They also play at Froggies on selected nights … check the calendar of events.

So, what is the next move for Norma and Gil? No se, perhaps a new family, upcoming musicians, or perhaps a long honeymoon is in their future. What a great couple! You can also congratulate them personally at their performances on Thursdays around 9:00pm outside of Diegos Restaurant-Bar in Guaymas (kitty corner from the Tufesa bus station). Their show is always packed. FELICIDADES Norma and Gil.

For information on other local musicians, click here.

Who’s Who in Entertainment is written by local musician Eric Holland.

Wednesday Movie

mmcinemaIt’s Complicated

This week, members of Ocean Camp or the Yacht Club can enjoy “It’s Complicated”. Watch Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin in a comedy about love, divorce, and … It’s Complicated.

This program is for members of the San Carlos Yacht Club, and members of Ocean Camp San Carlos, A.C.  If you are not a member, Ocean Camp membership cards will be available at the door beginning at 6:00pm. A valid membership card and contributions to the Cinema Projector replacement fund will be requested.

Doors open at 6:00pm for hamburgers. Movie starts at 7:00pm. FREE popcorn.

Watch a preview

Mother’s Day Events

  • Ruby Wine Bar’s Mother’s Day Brunch. Sunday May 9th from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The brunch includes your choice of a Quiche or Frittata, Fresh Homemade Muffins, Potato Cheese Bake, Seasonal Fruit, and Coffee for 150 pesos. There will also be specials for Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas.
  • Bonifacio’s. Mother’s Day buffet.
  • Club Nautico. Mothers receive a free glass of wine and a rose.
  • Banana’s. 1/2 Price on all menu items for all Mothers along with 25 peso Bloody Mary’s & Margaritas on both Sunday & Monday.
  • Pancho Villa. Mar y Mar with Mariachi from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Special gifts and discounts for mothers.

Where to Buy Flowers for Mother’s Day

stall on Serdan at calle 10 (across from the new Soriana) and a stand in the Guaymas Mercado both sell nice bouquets of fresh cut flowers for 25 pesos.

Paty’s Florist on 13th in Guaymas has a great selection of fresh cut flowers and will make both arrangements and bouquets. They have everything from sunflowers to carnations. As an example of cost, 12 gladiolas cost 60 pesos and a bird of paradise costs 20 pesos. The shop is open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. They receive their fresh flowers on Thursday afternoons, so the best time to go is Friday morning. To get to Paty’s Florist, take Serdan to 13th, then turn right. It is about a block and half on your left.

Frida’s Flower Shop in San Carlos (near Evie’s and across from MarinaTerra).

Fishing Tournament Season

Mark your calendars, get your gear in order and your boats in the water — it’s Fishing Tournament Season. Sign up for one or all of the following events:

  • The Ladies International Fishing Tournament. May 28, 29 & 30th (Memorial weekend).  Sponsored by Club Deportivo de San Carlos. Register May 28th at 5:00pm. Awards dinner May 30th at 5:30pm. For more information, contact Dolores Ruppel at quepasa@prodigy.net.mx or Donna Moulden at ezmony@prodigy.net.mx.
  • The Rescate/Yacht Club Fishing Tournament. June 4 – 6th. For more information, email Dick Newlon at dnewlon@prodigy.net.mx.
  • 63rd International Billfish Tournament. July 1 – 4th. For more information, email Claudia at claudiaciare@hotmail.com.
  • Hooked on San Carlos Fishing Tournament. July 30 – August 1st. Organized by Sonora is Safe. For more information, contact Eddie Geisel at edward@grupotucson.com.

Noche Bohemia

On May 8th at 9:00pm at the Armida Hotel, enjoy a romantic evening with live music by La Otra Espana.

Cost: 100 pesos

Fight Night at Marina Cantina

The world light heavyweight is on the line in Montreal with Lyoto Machida (No. 1 LHW, No. 4 PFP) versus Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (No. 2 LHW).

Fight fans can watch the Ultimate Fighting Championship 113 on Marina Cantina’s big screen TV on Saturday, May 8th at 7:00pm.

Black and White Party

On Thursday, May 6th at 8:00pm, Marina Cantina will be hosting a Black & White party.

Anyone who dresses in  black & white will receive a free drink!

Rumor is that a certain someone (Jim) is turning 20×2. Come help him celebrate. Everyone welcome.

What’s Happening This Week?

Wednesday, May 5Cinco de Mayo

(Some businesses and schools will be closed)

Special Event

  • The Annual Meeting of Rescate de San Carlos will be held at 10:00am at the San Carlos Yacht Club. NEW

Entertainment

  • Movie at the Yacht Club, featuring “It’s Complicated”. Doors open at 6:00pm for hamburgers. Movie starts at 7:00pm.
  • Danny Moreno. 4:00pm – 7:00pm, Froggy’s.
  • Eric Holland. 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.
  • Cash Ross. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
  • Karaoke. 7:00pm – 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.

Thursday, May 6

Special Event

  • Black & White party, starting at 8:00pm at Marina Cantina. NEW

Entertainment

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

Clubs & Organizations

  • San Carlos Men’s Breakfast Club. 9:00am, Embarcadero at MarinaTerra.

Friday, May 7

Entertainment

  • Bobby & Leslie with The Twins. 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguana Bar.
  • Eric Holland. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, 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 Griega.
  • Manuelitos. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Captain’s Club.
  • Grupo Sexto Sol, Paradise Bar.
  • La Banda. 9:15pm, Tequilas.
  • The Twins. 9:00pm – midnight, Bar Coral in Hotel Fiesta.
  • 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 a book to leave, you can make a small donation.

Saturday, May 8

Special Event

  • Fight Night at Marina Cantina, starting at 7:00pm. NEW
  • Noche Bohemia at Armida, starting at 8:00pm. NEW

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.
  • Cash Ross. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
  • Lorena Robles. 7:00 – 10:00pm, La Conquista.
  • Manuelito y Los Retro Rockets. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Bananas.
  • Grupo Sexto Sol, Paradise Bar.
  • La Banda. 9:15pm, Tequilas.
  • Omar Arriaga with Elba Santiago. 9:00pm – midnight in Bar Coral at Hotel Fiesta.
  • Luna. 9:00pm- 2:00am, Froggy’s.
  • 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, May 9

Special Event

  • Ruby Wine Bar’s Mother’s Day Brunch from 10:00am to 3:00pm. NEW

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 non-denominational Christian 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, May 10Mother’s Day

(Some businesses and schools will be closed)

Special Events

  • First Annual Motor / Sailboat Charity Rally from San Carlos to Kino Bay and back. Award party on May 15 at the Yacht Club in San Carlos. For more information, email rallyinfomexico@yahoo.com or call 011-622-222-4333. NEW

Entertainment

  • Lorena Robles. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club. With ballroom dancing and drink specials.
  • 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.

Tuesday, May 11

Entertainment

  • Danny Moreno & Omar Arriaga. 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Soggy Peso.
  • Efrain and Martin Giacoman. 5:00pm -8:00pm, Fiesta Hotel.
  • Eric Holland. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.

Clubs & Organizations

  • Computer Club. 9:15am at Tequilas — early birds meet for breakfast at 8:30am. For more information contact Phyllis at 226-2153.

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 atscniftyniners@yahoo.com or call 226-1519.

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

  • May 22nd, starting at 6:00pm. Grand Rodeo with live music, bull riding, horse show and more at the Escala Nautica.
  • May 27 to 30. Fiestas del Pitic in Hermosillo with live music, theater, ballet and more. En el Bicentenario ¡vívelas con alegría!
  • May 28, 29 & 30th (Memorial weekend). The Ladies International Fishing Tournament. Sponsored by Club Deportivo de San Carlos. Register May 28th at 5:00pm. Awards dinner May 30th at 5:30pm.
  • May 28 – 30th. Regata Internacional, Tucson Sailing Club.
  • May 29 – 30th. 12 Horas Salvando Vidas mountain bike race, Choyas Voladoras.
  • June 4 – 6th. The Rescate/Yacht Club Fishing Tournament.
  • July 1 – 4th. 63rd International Billfish Tournament.
  • July 30 – Aug 1st. Hooked on San Carlos fishing tournament organized 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 HollandBryan Replogle, and Janey McLean for their help with this issue.

What’s Up San Carlos Information

info@whatsupsancarlos.com

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Site last updated: Tuesday, May 22, 2012

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Rescate:  622-226-0911
Green Angels: 078
Water (CEA): 622-226-1310
Electric (CFE): 071
Telephone (Telmex): 622-226-0050
Comisaria: 622-226-1400
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