BajaNomad

Americans Stake Claims in a Baja Land Rush

Family Guy - 10-25-2003 at 05:26 PM

October 26, 2003
Americans Stake Claims in a Baja Land Rush
By TIM WEINER

OPAL?, Mexico ? Slowly but surely, acre by acre, Mexico's Baja Peninsula is becoming an American colony.

"For Sale" signs are sprouting all over the 800-mile-long peninsula, offering thousands of beachfront properties. Americans are snapping them up. They have already created communities where the dollar is the local currency, English the main language and Americans the new immigrants transforming an old culture.

"Everything's for sale, every lot you can imagine," said Alfonso Gavito, director of a cultural institute in La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, a state with 400,000 citizens and some of the last undeveloped beaches in North America. "It's like 20 years of changes have happened in three months."

This new land rush, involving billions of dollars, tens of thousands of Americans, and hundreds of miles of coastline, is gaining speed despite the fact that Mexico's Constitution bars foreigners from directly owning land by the sea.

Mexico's government wants foreign capital as much as Americans want a house on the beach ? maybe more. So it worked around the Constitution. In 1997, it changed the law to allow foreign ownership through locally administered land trusts. A Mexican bank acts as trustee, the foreigner its beneficiary.

It took about four years before that new system worked smoothly. But now, most often, it does. One result has been a boom in migration, speculation and permanent vacation. "It's human greed ? it's human nature," said David Halliburton, who owns a hotel outside Cabo San Lucas, on Baja's southern tip, where uncontrolled growth already strains the social fabric. "The amount of money coming in here through overzealous developers and buyers is staggering."

Baja is closer by land and air to the United States than it is to the rest of Mexico; state officials recorded more than 30 million trips by Americans who spent well over $1 billion last year. They say they have no idea how many Americans are living in Baja today, because a certain number are illegal immigrants who never register their presence. Anecdotal and statistical evidence suggests that the number is more than 100,000, probably far more, and growing fast since the Sept. 11 attacks and the souring of the economy in the United States two years ago.

"Since 2001, we have seen a boom in real estate sales, and the full-time population of Americans is growing rapidly," said Tony Colleraine, an American in San Felipe, about 160 miles southeast of San Diego. He said about one-quarter of the town's roughly 30,000 residents were Americans, many of whom want to "get away from the regulations and rhetoric, and get out of the bull's-eye" in the United States.

In Rosarito, an hour's drive south of the United States border, about one-quarter of the 55,000 residents are Americans. "An increasing number of Americans are moving here to escape their government's policies and the costs of living," said Herb Kinsey, a Rosarito resident with roots in the United States, Canada and Germany. "They find a higher standard of living and a greater degree of freedom."

At least 600,000 Americans ? again, an acknowledged undercount based on government records ? are permanent residents of Mexico. That is by far the largest number of United States citizens living in any foreign country.

Americans living throughout Baja say their new neighbors include professionals in their 30's and 40's putting down roots, not just retirees in recreational vehicles. In Rosarito, the new home buyers include lawyers and members of the military who commute across the border to San Diego, where housing costs are about five times higher. A pleasant house by the Pacific in Rosarito can cost less than $150,000; property taxes are about $75 a year.

The Americans living in Rosarito set up a municipal office in April. Two members are Ed Jones, an entertainer, and Rita Gullicson, a teacher.

Americans "want to claim Baja as part of the United States, and they always have," Ms. Gullicson said. Mr. Jones finished her thought, saying, "And now they are doing it with money."

Baja's future, Mexican officials say, lies in American land investment. The government strongly promotes foreign direct investment, which is the only reliable source of economic growth in Mexico.

Here in the empty streets of Nopal?, the future is coming on fast. A totally American town is about to be built.

The site of a failed government-backed tourist development, Nopal?, which means "place of vipers," lies just outside the town of Loreto, founded in 1697, population 11,000. American and Canadian developers plan to build 5,000 new homes for 12,000 fellow citizens.

Their master plan depicts a particularly affluent suburb, with houses selling for up to $2 million each. The developers plan to break ground in January. They envision a $2 billion investment over 15 years.

"People will come by the hundreds of thousands" to Baja, said one of the developers, David Butterfield. "Mexico gives you an opportunity to build something you cannot build in the U.S. or Canada today. You cannot build great things in America today. Regulations and litigation prevent change."

There are limits to change in Baja, too. They are set by nature. It rains five inches a year or less in many parts of the peninsula. A barrel of water here is effectively worth more than a barrel of oil, and it takes many millions of gallons to sustain a golf course, much less a suburb.

There is no drinking water in Loreto ? it is piped in from 16 miles away ? and no place for thousands of construction and service workers to live. Many Mexicans wonder if the new community will truly be the "sustainable development" its backers promise. "I'm not sure there's anyplace in the modern world that's sustainable," Mr. Butterfield said. "I hope we're going to create one."

Homero Davis, Loreto's mayor, supports the project, somewhat warily. "The quality of life is a moral issue here," he said. "The culture is at stake. We don't want to be like Cabo San Lucas," where hotels and condominiums have swamped what was once a little village.

But that scale of development is precisely what Fonatur, the federal agency that promotes tourism in Mexico, has in mind for Loreto and the rest of Baja.

Fonatur, which conceived and built mega-resorts like Canc?n, envisions marinas for American yachts, four-star hotels and fancy golf courses ringing the peninsula in a plan called the Escalera N?utica, or Nautical Ladder, which involves $210 million in public money and hopes for $1.7 billion in investment from developers.

"The whole premise of the Escalera N?utica is to create a land rush, and I'm not sure that's good for anybody," said Tim Means, who has lived in La Paz for 35 years and runs a respected ecotourism outfit called Baja Expeditions.

Baja was isolated from the outside world until the government paved a road through the peninsula in the 1970's and 80's. The road connected Baja more closely to the United States than to the Mexican mainland. That connection is deepening as more and more Americans move here. So is a sense of remoteness, of difference, from the rest of Mexico.

"People on the mainland don't know we exist," said Doris Johnson, the daughter of a Mexican mother and an American father, who runs a hotel in Muleg?. "They ask, `Do they speak Spanish in Baja? Do you need a passport to go there?' "

Ms. Johnson wonders what will become of Baja as it becomes more and more of an American place. "We have our own culture here," she said. "But we don't have much influence over what's changing our culture."


Good Article

Stephanie Jackter - 10-25-2003 at 06:12 PM

WE will wind up being the very thing that kills the thing we love. Aint that the way it goes. - Stephanie

Family Guy - 10-25-2003 at 06:46 PM

We've seen it all too may times. :(

What will be interesting to see is how successful development will be between Ensenada and La Paz.

Quote:

Their master plan depicts a particularly affluent suburb, with houses selling for up to $2 million each. The developers plan to break ground in January. They envision a $2 billion investment over 15 years.


Who are they planning to sell these houses to in Loreto?



Baja Bernie - 10-25-2003 at 07:33 PM

I just recently sold our home of 26 years in La Salina because the area is being totally taken over by a new and basically self involved tide of Norte Americans. Million dollar homes of 6,000 to 8,000 square feet 'as' beach houses. All we have in this area is fossal water that is being drawn down very rapidly by people who do not believe that they reside in a desert. Thought of going further south but where. We will just be overwhelmed again. So Sad!

MrBillM - 10-25-2003 at 08:37 PM

Sounds like the Capitalist free enterprise system working
as it should. If there is any fault to be found with what is
going on, it should be directed at the Mexican Government.
They have control of the legal system and can take whatever
measures are necessary to protect the culture and the ecology.

JESSE - 10-25-2003 at 09:13 PM

Its sad, its incredible to me how american developers build 50,000 dollar houses in the middle of the desert, and then sell them to their countrymen for 200,000 dollars, what is happening here is simply sad and dangerous, we run the risk of getting to a point where local people are going to start to ask themselves "how is all this development benefiting my family and my pocket?"

For me as a local, all of this development is doing absolutely nothing positive, the only ones benefiting are the greedy developers who only see $$$.

JESSE - 10-25-2003 at 09:14 PM

I forgot to mention, Baja people are very friendly, but 10 or 20 more years of this, and tensions and resentment can arise, making this are a not so friendly place.

The end of Baja

Ski Baja - 10-25-2003 at 09:20 PM

First, I agree that the Rosarito Ensenada area has been ruined by the many Americans moving here wanting to change it to what they left in their own neighborhoods. And, they move here all paranoid thinking the Mexicans are going to rip them off. So they build fences and install security systems so it sounds just like the dung neighborhoods they moved here from. Basically, southern California. And most of them move to a (Pink House, HOA) neighborhood surrounded by other Americans where they feel safe.
We moved to a Mexican area because it was tranquil. Until the Southern Californians moved here en masse buying everything from everybody. Now, it is constant gossip and drunken idiots every weekend. Fortunately, they only come on the weekends. But they all hung out in the same bars in the states so word spread amongst these characters.
2nd, I disagree entirely with comments about "Americans" buying up anything south of Guerrero Negro. The Canadians have beat the Americans to everything down there. Most of the communities including Mulege has a majority of Canadians. And some Europeans.
We spent time looking into the different communities and while the U.S. Media was carrying on about some rich folks getting ripped off in Punta Banda, the Canadians were buying properties all over south Baja. And, they have thriving communities that are selling like Yaquis tacos! And guess who's buying them all, Canadians.
Because they haven't been mislead by the U.S.Media. So, Nancy Drew would probably be welcomed because in a Canadian community, who do you think is the butt of their jokes. And why? Well, they are a whole country away from Baja but they beat the U.S. to the punch. Or I guess it coud be called clobber because look at Nopolo. Isn't that really a Canadian company?
I wonder what Agua Verde is going to be like after there is that many houses right next door. Quiere queso, eh? Hopefully, it will go the way of P.Escondido and Punta Banda but I don't think so. One thing for sure, the Sierra de la Giganta will never look the same again.

American's purchasing Mexican land

yosemitejim - 10-26-2003 at 05:45 AM

The fidecomisa (not sure of the spelling), or bank trust, has been in existence for a long time. The changes made in 1997 simply expanded the concept to allow for long term financing from American lenders (and a very few Mexican financiers). With the recent rise in American and particularly California home values, purchases of the TRUSTS have increased dramatically. However, the Mexican Constutional provision barring foreign ownership will NEVER be removed because of the history of foreign land ownership.

There is a sector of Mexico that welcomes foreign ownership. However, there is a growing segment that is beginning to resent it as well. Things could change very quickly as Mexicans are not as enamored with capatalism as are Americans.

Take Care,
Jim

Fences ??

MrBillM - 10-26-2003 at 06:08 AM

In the strictly Mexican areas of the Cities, most of the houses, including
the parking areas, are fenced off like Maximum Security Containment facilities.
I don't think that they are paranoid about keeping the Gringos out. Must be
someone else they're concerned about.

Its not "Doris" Johnson.......

capt. mike - 10-26-2003 at 06:36 AM

Her name is Diana. Weiner needs to get at least the names of whom he quotes right!

And.......why all the bemoaning this? the only thing constant in life is change. Adapt, adopt and get on with yours!!

I can't wait to buy in baja but for now renting is fine. I'll have neighbors, so what?

Baja Bernie - 10-26-2003 at 08:10 AM

Jesse,
Sad, but I agree with you that there is relative little in all of this for the native born. You can already see the attitudes change from the old generation to the younger who are taking over. These younger Mexicans are also the ones aliegning themselfves with the developers. And most of them could care less about gringos or other Mexicans

TMW - 10-26-2003 at 09:32 AM

If there isn't enough water to support the 2 million dollar homes, maybe I can come in when the owner leaves and get it real cheap. I think there will always be developements to attract a small number of people but I can't see millions of outsiders coming in. All over Baja you see things started but not finished, whether it's private or government funded.

FrankO - 10-26-2003 at 03:52 PM

First thing I've ever noticed on when I'm out in the boonies is that the gate posts are the first things in. They usually start rotting a few years later. It's kind of funny to watch time and the desert wear them down.

Skeet/Loreto - 10-27-2003 at 09:30 AM

Hurrah!!Maybe the Americanos will take over Baja like the Mexicanos have taken over California!!
Is it possibile that all these Greedy Developers will bring billions into the Loreto Area agive people money and jobs?Has developers ever done that in the Past.With those jobs come an increase in the Standard of living for some very poor people?

The first problem is that here is no Water for a vevelop,emt of that size. The only way to get the water is for Canada to sell it to Mexico and we all know that Canada can only belly Ache about how bad America can be,much less do such a thing as help out Mexico.
I remember when the old Presidente was built I was there for the opening with Viki Carr.That was the only time it was full.
You Posters should know that there are a great number of people who Hate America and its great success, they ill do and say and write anything to try to tear down the Best. Most of those people are the weaklings of our Great Society. They may survive in body but think about their minds being so full of Hate ,The are the Losers of this world !!

Don't worry about Baja ! It will survive in spite of all the False ramblings of the New York Times and their Disinformation.

Why so much negativity about the Loreto Bay project?

flyfishinPam - 10-27-2003 at 10:03 AM

Do you really care about the future of the people of the Baja, or are you being selfish because your "last frontier" is leaving you? The Baja is easily accessable and so far, affordable which is why so many on this forum love it.

But who would we, the people of the Baja, be to say that WE [so far away and removed from the area in question] should prevent a new project that will stimulate YOUR local economy and quality of life, if one were proposed in your area that is?

I posted in another area of this same forum the message that the people of Loreto want the Loreto Bay project to be a success. I own a business here and it would sure make my life eaiser if we could have a successful project happen here for a change instead of a history of past failures. Yes, I am selfish for this opinion, but it is repeated over and over in this town. Businesses barely making it, struggling to hang on. You have no idea how difficult it has been since 9-11 here. I have truly been made into a survivor not unlike the Loretanos who have survived here for generations, through natural disaster, through political disaster and diverted funding...its very diffucult to keep one'shead above water here so to speak.

Loreto Bay will stimulate this economy bringing in new money. What is here at the present time has fizzled out. The gringos that live here bring in many products from other areas and do not purchase in Loreto, they are not helping the local economy. Loreto Bay will create new jobs, something that is much needed, and those new jobs will require ever increasing skills- which will stimulate the need for education. Education is the key to freedom, with it one can make changes. This is the message I am spereading to my own children, to my step-children and their friends and to my students. Another thing that new jobs will bring are more creative, hard-working folks from other areas in Mexico. The construction boom in Los Cabos in the early 80's lured my husband to cross the sea from Acapulco at the age of 16.

I for one, think that is is entirely possible to build a sustainable community. Loreto Bay proposes solar generated electricity, more generation than use by the way. With the number of hours per year of photons we receive in Loreto, this is entirely possible. I believe they are also proposing a desailization plant to generate water, and reclaimed water to use for plantings and the proposed golf course. As a business owner, a former chemist, a mother of Mexican born children, the wife of a Mexican man; my plan is to stay here for the long term. So this project and its future is important to me. Whatever I can do to help, promote, wine and dine, educate, help in the technology...I will. Loreto desperately needs this project to be a success.

Survivors

Ski Baja - 10-27-2003 at 11:14 AM

"I have truly been made into a survivor not unlike the Loretanos who have survived here for generations, through natural disaster, through political disaster and diverted funding...its very diffucult to keep one'shead above water here so to speak." And what kind of home do you have compared to those that have lived there for all those years? Something as unpretentious as their homes I presume.

Converting Loreto

Ski Baja - 10-27-2003 at 11:23 AM

My main concern about populating and the capitalization of Loreto is that I am afraid it will have the same effect it had on the U.S. Family values and Morals being sacrificed for the never ending struggle for more $$$$. Can't wait to see all those Mexican girls driving around in their Explorers with their implants and blonde hair.

What kind of home do I have?

flyfishinPam - 10-27-2003 at 12:30 PM

For those who know me and have been to my home, a very modest one and one that I and my husband have built and are building with our own hands. Construction materials are expensive here so it will take a very long time to complete, if it ever gets completed. We have a palapa with exposed concrete cinder block not yet emplastered, no windows, we live on a slope and have water delivered to our pila and pvc that runs from there to our home, gravity fed. We also are electrified with solar electricity. I and my husband work very hard, all day long and what we have is the result of very hard and creative work. What kind of home do you live in? And what does this have to do with the economic needs of Loreto?

right on Pam!! i'm with you! bring on

capt. mike - 10-27-2003 at 12:44 PM

"Loreto Bay" . anything else is a lot of sour grapes. The area needs something, why not a well thought out project with real funding? See you in Loreto. and also CJ and Capt. George.

Right on Capt. MIke!!

flyfishinPam - 10-27-2003 at 01:11 PM

Its nice to know that someone's out there that can think rationally and take all things into consideration. Money and work are not what create disfunctional families, disfunctional people do. Rates of divorce and family problems are just as prevalent in households like the one Ski Baja was kind enough to present to us, as they are in households like many of us are used to. I was not "gung ho" on the idea of 5,000 new homes going into Nopolo, but when I put rational thought to it and considered the future of the town and its people, I realized that it would be very good.

Homes and Living in Loreto

Ski Baja - 10-27-2003 at 01:42 PM

Since you were comparing yourself to the locals, I was wondering if you actually lived like one. Rather than one of the mansions at Nopolo.
And since these people have survived all those years and retained their humanity through all the hardships, maybe they can survive the onslaught of the American mentality and capitalism as well.
What will these local people do with their new found riches? Buy better homes? Ford Explorers? Nose Jobs?
They seemed pretty happy to me before they were taught how badly they need material things and nonsense.
And Mike, I ran crews building Laguna Niguel from the beginning. We chased the deer right out of there to build pink stucco homes in planned communities.
I made lot's of money but will never forgive myself for being a part of that. I hate to see the same thing happen in Baja, which the white people are promoting so vehemently in a land that is not theirs.

Promoting Tourism

Ski Baja - 10-27-2003 at 01:49 PM

Pam, would a lot more people in your area mean a lot more business for you ? And will any of the Mexicans that work for you or those tourists make anywhere near the money that you do from tourism or building homes for the "new families"?
It's nice that yall are so concerned about improving what's really nunya.

Currently tourism is the only industry in Loreto

flyfishinPam - 10-27-2003 at 02:01 PM

Yes, a lot more people would mean more business for me, as I stated in my first post. But what I was trying to get across before I was shot down by personal attacks, was that the people of Loreto do want this project. And as I have observed and considered after living here for several years, the town needs it. Now you're sitting in Rosarito Beach a place that has several mechanisims which feed its local economy, and you've admitted that you have been part of development in So Cal, but now that you have already made your wealth from what you have done, you see the need to deprive others of doing the same. So do you need to see an image of my house now? Do you need to hear that I have lived like the locals in colonia Zaragoza and didn't like it so I have saved, and worked to improve my life. I have used my skills as an opportunity to advance myself as I can. And you find fault with this? The employees that I have in place and those that will be added as I expand will earn more as I earn more. Will they earn the same as I do? No they will not unless they venture out on their own and find their own success. Anyone who has their own business can understand this.

Anyway I hope Loreto Bay kicks butt and proves all the negtive opinions wrong.

flyfishinPam - 10-27-2003 at 02:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ski Baja

It's nice that yall are so concerned about improving what's really nunya.


Are you saying its none of my business? If you read my posts, it is all of my business. I have my entire family here, husband, four stepsons, two young children.....the future of the town we live in is none of MY business??

Mr. Rodarito Beach, this is really none of YOUR business.:moon:

Blonds Boobs and SUVs

Sonora Wind - 10-27-2003 at 02:34 PM

I happen to kown such a person. She teaches first grade at an (AT Risk School) in Las Vegas where most of the kids are from Latin American countries. She's the first one at school, about 6:00am and I've never seen her home before 5:00pm. She buys most of the classroom supplies out of her own pocket and she loves her kidds. I've watched students she taught 3 and 4 years ago come up and tell her they love her in Spanish and english. The only problems she has ( and these are tought ones ) She has blond hair. She has a boob job. And she drives an SUV. Come to think of it, When she's out fishing with me on the Sonora Wind she kinda looks like Pam. ;D How bad can that be. How much is a nose job anyway?

Skeet/Loreto - 10-27-2003 at 02:47 PM

J. R. you are getting away out of line!! Did somewone cut you off?You need a pill to slow your thoughts down
J. R. I will tell you that I know a great many people in Loreto and have a lot of contacts.
Everyone that has communication and no money would like to see jobs come in.Just like you when you were a working man.
There are several people who would like to se it stay the same.
I was in my on little heaven until a couple of monyed people came inand build 2 multi. millon dollar houses on each side of me and then wanted to close off the beach to the Mexicans.They were not sucessfull!!

I hope that if they can they will get a few new houses built and help the town grow as happened in the 70"s. As bad as it was to see the new people come in it was a pleasure to see the standard of living increase. I know of some people who were able to pay their $16.00 ayear for Health Care.

Now Pam I think that you have done a great job in a difficult setting. You are well respected,disliked by a few, feared by a few and loved by many more.Keep up the good workI know that you respect my opinion about the Homes even through you might not agree. I saw what happened to the Valle San Juan when the water was gone.If they can sole the water problem that will be great.

PAM;Do not let J. R. words get to you lately they have been just like "NOsey" or Nancy Drew.He somewhere has a good heart.His mind is really screwwed up as he dwells on the negative. I have met him personally and think that some day he may wake up and realize that there is a better way of looking at things. Any way I will go to the Baptist next Sunday and have several Prayers for him and him alone.
Pam: Is Nopolo full? if not why ?I still have one lot out north that is for Sale.
Skeet/Loreto

Well !

Ski Baja - 10-27-2003 at 05:00 PM

Perhaps a little out of line Skeet but I wasn't intending there to be personal attacks. I asked questions that apparently offended. Nancy Drew? I don't think so. These are my own opinions.
I am dead against the building of 5000 homes in what once was a very tranquil, special place with an incredible view of the mountains. Animals live there.
I have watched this happen in many places including "Rodarito" and one of the main reasons why most of us love Mexico changed. The people. They became greedy. And it is bound to happen wherever this type building goes on. In a humanly sense, this is not good. Perhaps a select few will benefit but when all is said and done, the locals will be in the same position they were in but everything will cost more. That is what happens. Every time. They won't be buying anything different because their increase in wages or lack thereof won't even keep up with the cost of living. As always.
I am sure you are fair with your employees Pam or you wouldn't have them but in order for them to keep up with the increase in the cost of living that
occurs in "developments", I don't see it as an improvement.
And if you guys don't know what I am referring to when I am talking about the inevitable changes in character of the locals that will happen with these changes, then you were probably just here for the money to begin with.
And speaking of character, Loreto has a new river ? Interesting, these marketing techniques the foreigners are using to help those poor, honest Mexicans learn a better way of life. Rightyo people !
Perhaps the lack of the advertised river might be acceptable but the Dengue I'm sure won't be.

Skeet/Loreto - 10-27-2003 at 07:45 PM

J. R, Once again you are off and running!!You know the very same thing is happening here in the Good ole USA. The people are moving out of San Jose to Los Banos causing and increase in all things and squesing the poorer folks out.
I have and idea that if Pam has to leave Loreto for the sake of money that she will not Belly-Ache and be a Cry=Baby about the whole thing she seems to be the kind that can make a success of any failure and go to other things.

Excellent picture of a very good Rattler. Made my mouth water, haven"t had a good juicy snake since I left Loreto.
skeet/Loreto

Snakes

Ski Baja - 10-27-2003 at 08:28 PM

Snakes

Ski Baja - 10-27-2003 at 08:32 PM

it will probably not grow to 5000 homes

capt. mike - 10-28-2003 at 06:48 AM

even after 20 or 30 years, and they have to consider a desalinization plant - at what cost? market will drive it. we can be for or against development in mex, baja or wherever....the thing is to let MARKET forces command activity. I can understand JR's feelings and respect his right to think how his heart believes. But it's ok to feel an opposite position. In my baja travels to a lot of small villages with the Flyin' Sams i hear the same things Pam laments - the people want but do not have jobs and growth, they want to advance beyond the stereotype of the "quaint little fishing , or whatever village",. people sitting on their verandas with nothing more to look forwarfd to but a repeat of the last "groundhog day"!

Anonymous - 10-28-2003 at 09:44 AM

An excellent compromise would be to build half of the proposed Nopolo project in Loreto, which would truly benefit the current citizens of Loreto by the new growth. Nopolo-town is too dense, does not offer what Loreto does, will attract a transient population, is as artificial as a planned community can be and therefore will attract a crowd that wants to be segregated. No tortilleria on the corner, no fish taco stands, no open fruit market, no docks with pangas, no fresh catch at the end of the day. Nopolo will benefit Loreto in the short term during the building stage. Nopolo will ruin the bay forever, will likely discourage or prevent "outsiders" from even using the bay, and thus, be taking something away from Loreto. Yes, the market should dictate development, and that is why Loreto hasn't changed much. So what exists to suggest that Nopolo will be successful.

Anonymous - 10-28-2003 at 01:46 PM

Here's the article online:

http://www.trivalleyherald.com/Stories/0,1413,86~10669~17247...

Anonymous - 10-28-2003 at 01:47 PM

...and again:

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1026baja26.html

Anonymous - 10-28-2003 at 01:51 PM

...and:

http://tinyurl.com/sqvm