BajaNomad - Desert Hawks Emergency Services extending to Cataviña... we request your help!!! *** Update ***

Desert Hawks Emergency Services extending to Cataviña... we request your help!!! * Update *

BajaCactus - 7-15-2016 at 01:42 PM

Hi everyone!!!

The Desert Hawks are adding more equipment. We need your help.

We will be receiving in the next couple of weeks the ambulances pictured below. One is a 2008 model, the other 2006.

Adventist Health/Tillamook Ambulance, Netarts-Oceanside Fire & Rescue, Outta Sight Racing (Paul Fornier) from northwest Oregon along with Baja Rally (Scott Bloom) from San Diego have helped make this possible.

The units will initially be stationed at El Rosario. Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue (Bomberos y Rescate Halcones del Desierto) have been working with the Ejido at Catavina and Rancho Sonora just south of Catavina to get a volunteer department started in their area. Once all that is completed and we can get a basic Fire/Rescue station set up, we will move one ambulance to the Cataviña area. The other one we would like to have at the merging of the upcoming Highway 5 with Highway 1 and/or in the Punta Prieta area. This will allow the Desert Hawks to respond faster to emergencies south of El Rosario. When a life threatening injury happens we all know response time is of the most importance. It will also provide coverage for a large area of the central Baja California desert that lacks basic health services.

To bring the units first to San Diego and then to El Rosario:

--- Oregon to San Diego: Including hotels, food, gasoline, and return airfare for the individuals bringing the units. It will also provide for liability insurance to cover the drivers.... Cost: $ 2,400.00

--- San Diego to El Rosario and units setup:
The units will be registered in Mexico with the help of the Mexican Red Cross.
The units will be equipped with a digital 2-meter radio.
The units will be painted, as needed, with Desert Hawks decals added.
The units will be insured for the first year as now required by law and driven to El Rosario and completely outfitted to do medical emergency rescue work.... Cost: $ 3,820.00

The total cost is estimated to be $ 6,240.00 of which the Desert Hawks have $ a little over $1,000.00 leaving us with a need of $ 5,240.00. We hereby ask your help to raise this amount. We will now be able to effectively service up to 150 miles of Highway 1 from north of El Rosario to south Punta Prieta.

We can receive your help and donations in any of the following ways:

1.- Online via PayPal.
2.- Online through our Facebook Page: Facebook.
3.- Sending a check to our US address:
-- Commitment, Inc
-- P.O. Box 178309
-- San Diego, CA 92177-8309
4.- In Mexico a direct deposit to our Mexican Bank Account:
-- Fundación Commitment International, A.C.
-- Banco BanBajío
-- Account: 15424492
5.- Or directly at BajaCactus in El Rosario.

Every dollar helps!!!

We appreciate the help and support that you have offered to us in the past... Together we can save lives!!!

Thank you / Muchas Gracias!!!

Antonio Muñoz
Andy F. Schouten
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue

[Edited on 11-1-2016 by BajaCactus]

woody with a view - 7-15-2016 at 01:46 PM

Paypal has a gift from Mas Olas.

Mula - 7-15-2016 at 02:40 PM

X 1

Howard - 7-15-2016 at 04:55 PM

X2

BajaBlanca - 7-15-2016 at 05:02 PM

My friends are driving north in 2 weeks and I will send in a donation! I know how every little bit helps. Thanks so much for saving lives, Antonio and your team.

PayPal

skippermike - 7-15-2016 at 06:06 PM

I hope I never need you - but want to have you available for other Baja travelers.
Paypal done!
Thanks, Mike

BajaCactus - 7-18-2016 at 01:11 PM

Dear Friends,

When we approached all of you for help with this project, we already had raised a little over $1,000 dollars from fundraising activities made by our Desert Hawks volunteers... As of today with your support and some additional donations in a short time we have pushed this amount to a little over $2,500 dollars.

We thank you for your warm support... Together we can save lives!!!

Antonio Muñoz
Andy Schouten
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue

Bajahowodd - 7-18-2016 at 04:53 PM

My ignorance abounds. Is Andy Schouten of San Diego David E on here?

David K - 7-18-2016 at 05:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd

My ignorance abounds. Is Andy Schouten of San Diego David E on here?

Not even close! What gave you that idea?

Antonio ('BajaCactus') and Andy ('a-commit' on Nomad)

El Jefe (Tom), Paulina, & David Eidell (in July 2001)

[Edited on 7-19-2016 by David K]

Bajahowodd - 7-19-2016 at 04:15 PM

Just a hunch by a by a stupid guy. Sorry.

David K - 7-19-2016 at 04:19 PM

No worries... just curious, as David E has not posted for some time since leaving Bahía Asunción for the USA.

Ateo - 7-19-2016 at 07:32 PM

A bump............I will be sending a donation and my company will also...............Great job Antonio. This is a great service. Outta town working.........will send this week.

elgatoloco - 7-20-2016 at 07:53 PM

Keep up the great work! Happy to help.

Mateo y Barbara

Ambulances in the way to San Diego...

BajaCactus - 7-25-2016 at 08:53 PM

Together we have raised enough to bring the ambulances all the way to San Diego. They left today from Tillamook, Oregon and will be arriving tomorrow Tuesday (July 26th) around noon.

Once in San Diego we need to find a secure place to park and store them for a few weeks while the Mexican Government process and approves the request to bring them across into Mexico.

We have until then to complete raising the necessary funds to bring them all the way to El Rosario.

Thanks to all for your support!!!

Antonio Muñoz
Andy Schouten
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue
"Together we can save lives!!!"

Ateo - 7-26-2016 at 07:06 AM

Thanks for the update!

David K - 7-26-2016 at 07:21 AM

Just another small way to help...
To donate $25, stop at the Baja Cactus Motel and purchase a copy of my new book, Baja California Land of Missions.

Ten books were donated to help the Desert Hawks, and Baja Cactus has discounted them from $29.95 to $25. All are signed, as well.

A few copies of the previous book, about all the founding of California missions are also available, The Old Missions of Baja & Alta California is discounted from $19.95 to $15. This income also goes to The Desert Hawks.

Thank you for helping!
To see the books: http://oldmissions.com

shari - 7-26-2016 at 08:37 AM

It is great to know there will be more services in this most dangerous area many of us travel through regularly.

Way to pull through Nomad amigos! Mil gracias Antonio for this fantastic service. Happy to help.

woody with a view - 7-26-2016 at 01:19 PM

Antonio, i have secure parking off street if you need it. U2U me if you like. Fairly close to the border.

Ambulances in San Diego...

BajaCactus - 7-27-2016 at 12:48 PM

We received the ambulances yesterday (July 26th) in San Diego. They are in excelent condition and the size and maneuverability are perfect for the Baja Highways. Only one of them had some transmission problems on the way down from Oregon, we need to find what the problem is and fix it before taking them to Baja.

In the meantime we will start the process with the Mexican Government to bring them across the border. This usually takes a few weeks. We will also continue the fundraising so we can complete their trip to El Rosario-Cataviña area.

Woody... Thank you for the offer, we may need your help. Please check your U2U.

Our thanks to Tillamook Medical Service, Adventist Health, the Tillamook Fire Department, Paul Fournier, Scotty Bloom and all of you for making this happen and being a part of our efforts.

Together we can save lives!!

Antonio Muñoz
Andy Schouten
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue
Non-profit organization

IMG_20160727_120350.jpg - 48kB

David K - 7-27-2016 at 01:27 PM

NICE!!! :bounce:

Unit 8 has landed!

woody with a view - 7-29-2016 at 05:01 PM

Unit 8 is safe and secure within sight of Tijuana waiting on paperwork from Mexico City to be approved so it can assist our brothers and sisters in El Rosario to continue providing an invaluable service to residents and travelers alike!

If Antonio green lights it Mas Olas will print shirts in support of the Halcones del Desierto Grupo de Rescate with all monies going to Commitment, Inc. Details to be worked out later.

[Edited on 12-6-2016 by BajaNomad]

elgatoloco - 7-29-2016 at 05:06 PM

Nice. I could use a new shirt. Standing by. :cool:

David K - 7-29-2016 at 05:51 PM

Awesome Woody! It looks right at home next to your Toyota!

AKgringo - 7-29-2016 at 05:59 PM

Talk about a hijack, that ambulance is about to become a 'Woody Wagon'!

I expect to see surf board racks being installed if Antonio lets it sit there very long!

edit; I forgot to add smilies to look less like a troll :spingrin:

[Edited on 7-30-2016 by AKgringo]

TMW - 7-29-2016 at 07:37 PM

That is great and a T shirt would be great too for a great cause.

rhintransit - 7-30-2016 at 05:38 AM

great work, Antonio and all! another Paypal donation on the way to help the vehicles along the way.

Ateo - 7-30-2016 at 08:41 AM

Thanks for assisting Woodman.

I'm down for a few t-shirts.

Did you convert your Tundra from gas to electric charging?

woody with a view - 7-30-2016 at 10:03 AM

No, it just sits waiting for another Baja run. Keeps the battery happy.

BajaCactus - 7-31-2016 at 04:02 PM

Woody... thank you for giving us a place to store one of the Ambulances while we run the paperwork to bring them across to Mexico. Government officials told us it will take some weeks to process and approve the request. A waiting game now.

T-shirts sound like a great idea... we will get to work on it.

Thanks everyone for the support!!!

Antonio Muñoz
Andy F. Schouten
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue
Commitment, Inc

Ambulances finally cleared by Mexican Customs...

BajaCactus - 11-1-2016 at 01:39 PM

Hello my friends,

Just a quick update... after three months of paperwork and bureaucratic process, these two ambulances have been finally cleared by the Mexican Government to be brought into Mexico.

We have been scheduled to present both vehicles this coming November 3rd into the Mexican Customs at Otay Border Crossing.

Once in Tijuana, they will be given some mechanical maintenance before taking them to their final destination in El Rosario. Specifically one of the ambulances (the one at Woddy's) has a transmission malfunction, so it will have to be fixed before driving it down.

We will keep you posted...

Antonio Muñoz
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue
Commitment, Inc
Non-Profit Organization

woody with a view - 11-1-2016 at 07:03 PM

Antonio, the batteries are fully charged and the rig is ready to head south. It hasn't dripped a single drop on the driveway. I'm thinking it overheated due to low tranny fluid, which has been topped off.

It's a nice addition to the stable of emergency vehicles, that's for sure!

BajaCactus - 11-1-2016 at 08:15 PM

We appreciate your help Woody and your patience in keeping this ambulance safe while we worked out the paperwork process.

Also, thank you for helping Andy get this unit ready for moving it on Thursday.

I guess we are all set and ready to continue with this project in a couple of days.

Antonio Muñoz
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue
Non-Profit Rescue Group

redhilltown - 11-1-2016 at 11:55 PM

Great work and great news! If Andy can U2U me or email at accsafety@verizon.com Todd and I can donate more first aid supplies as in the past. If you're not coming up to the South Bay area maybe we can UPS them to you in San Diego? Let us know! Proud to help.

BajaCactus - 11-2-2016 at 05:59 PM

Excellent... I will pass along the message to Andy... thank you for your efforts and support!!!

Antonio Muñoz
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue
Commitment, Inc
Non-Profit Organization

Nashville Frank - 12-5-2016 at 09:38 PM

Hello Antonio!
We met on November 5 at Baja Cactus where I and two other guys from Nashville were checking in to 3 rooms, for a two night stay. You made us feel very welcome to El Rosario! You showed us your new Ambulance that had just arrived and told us about your Hawks of the Desert. What you and your men do is outstanding! The generosity of the Oregon folks and others is great! Then, the next day we passed by your collection points several times and gave something each time. We want to do more!

Our organization had decided, in October, to involve itself in El Rosario for the next several years. We spoke a little about it with you. One of our goals is to be of benefit to the community in various ways. One way will be through medical/dental clinics we'll be holding. Another is through organizing youth activities, such as sport teams. I also think getting involved with the Hawks would be another great way to serve. One of my bosses was recently, and for several years, the Fire Chief of Nashville, Tennessee. I'd like to ask him if there would be some way that Nashville Fire could develop a relationship with the Hawks. Would this be something you'd like me to do, on your behalf?

I have plans to return to El Rosario in February and look forward to getting to know more about your work with the Hawks and see what you do and "together we can save lives!"

Frank Rosch
Nashville, TN

David K - 12-5-2016 at 10:00 PM

Fantastic!

Nashville Frank - 12-5-2016 at 10:24 PM

Hello David,

Thanks! Happy to join this discussion and group.

David, I see you have some special knowledge of Baja! In my researching El Rosario, I came across the blog of Ing. Alejandro Espinoza and learned a lot about the history of the area and the missions from him. Now I've come across another expert! I look forward to getting your mission book and discussing Baja (in English).

I like your byline "so much Baja...". I've been there 3 times this year and feel as though I was only there for the blink of an eye! I hope to spend two weeks or more in February.

bajamedic - 12-6-2016 at 12:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Nashville Frank

Hello Antonio!
We met on November 5 at Baja Cactus where I and two other guys from Nashville were checking in to 3 rooms, for a two night stay. You made us feel very welcome to El Rosario! You showed us your new Ambulance that had just arrived and told us about your Hawks of the Desert. What you and your men do is outstanding! The generosity of the Oregon folks and others is great! Then, the next day we passed by your collection points several times and gave something each time. We want to do more!

Our organization had decided, in October, to involve itself in El Rosario for the next several years. We spoke a little about it with you. One of our goals is to be of benefit to the community in various ways. One way will be through medical/dental clinics we'll be holding. Another is through organizing youth activities, such as sport teams. I also think getting involved with the Hawks would be another great way to serve. One of my bosses was recently, and for several years, the Fire Chief of Nashville, Tennessee. I'd like to ask him if there would be some way that Nashville Fire could develop a relationship with the Hawks. Would this be something you'd like me to do, on your behalf?

I have plans to return to El Rosario in February and look forward to getting to know more about your work with the Hawks and see what you do and "together we can save lives!"

Frank Rosch
Nashville, TN

Nashville Frank, I believe you will find the Desert Hawks and Commitment Inc. to be an extremely honorable group to work with and any help is appreciated. I am retired from Fire/EMS/Director of Emergency Services and I have been able to assist them in the past and look forward to continuing with their endeavors in the future. JH

Hi Nashville Frank!

David K - 12-6-2016 at 12:44 AM

Baja is really a magic peninsula. You can never get too much of it. I have been going there beginning in 1965, and I will die before ever seeing all there is to see... and maybe just half, at that!

While El Rosario is mostly just a fuel stop or an overnight stay for most Baja travelers, thanks to Antonio (Baja Cactus), I have found that it makes a fine destination with so much to see in do in or within an hour or two drive from El Rosario.

Antonio also hosted the first two of several Baja-Rosario Cultural Festivals and many of us on Baja Nomad supported those events. See links below.

Thank you for your interest in Baja history! I hope you enjoy my work on telling the mission story. I also write Baja Travel and History articles for Baja Bound Insurance's newsletter: https://www.bajabound.com/bajaadventures/bajatravel/

Antonio and I first traveled to El Rosario together in 2004 (when his truck brought the new TVs for his remodeled motel rooms from the U.S. to El Rosario) and he showed me some Rosario sites. I returned with my girlfriend in a few months and explored more area sites. Antonio gave by girlfriend her Nomad handle, 'Baja Angel' and now she is my wife! Antonio has become a good friend, a brother, and there isn't enough good that can come to him for what he has done for his community and for travelers that pass through or stay in El Rosario.

For you, or anyone else interested... here are the links to a few web pages I made of some of these El Rosario attractions:

Mission, Beach, Cactus, El Camino Real: http://vivabaja.com/1104/
Mission, Beach, Hugo's art, Museum, La Lobera: http://vivabaja.com/505/
Baja-Rosario Cultural Festival 2005: http://vivabaja.com/705/
Punta Baja and coast south of El Rosario: http://vivabaja.com/1205/
El Rosario's petrified forest and La Bocana beach: http://vivabaja.com/206/
Anita (Mama) Espinoza Museum: http://vivabaja.com/406/
Baja-Rosario Cultural Festival 2006: http://vivabaja.com/706/
Viva Baja Cactus event in Tijuana 2006: http://www.vivabaja.com/vivabajacactus/index.html
Baja-Rosario Cultural Festival 2007: http://vivabaja.com/707/
Las Pintas Fossil Grotto 2010: http://vivabaja.com/Las%20Pintas%20Fossil%20Grotto/

Antonio and I last July. I donated my books for his fundraising efforts. They are for sale in the motel office with all proceeds going to The Desert Hawks Emergency Rescue Service.

[Edited on 12-6-2016 by David K]

wilderone - 12-6-2016 at 08:27 AM

Baja Nomads should get a charter bus of people to go to El Rosario when Frank is there and have some special parties. Bring stuff for a silent auction; donations of all sorts; stop at Grandpas along the way. A few short guided hikes. All inclusive price that includes an overnight at Baja Cactus, dinner party at Mama's, and a portion that goes to Desert Hawks. Mexican charter out of TJ - we could meet at the small Greyhound station near the border crossing (or better, on the SY side at the Mexicoach station). Would be a blast.

David K - 12-6-2016 at 08:52 AM

Sounds great Cindi!

Nashville Frank - 12-6-2016 at 12:54 PM

Bajamedic,
Thanks for your input and your years of service to people! Its great to know you're involved with the Hawks. You are making a difference in Baja! Where are you in No Cal? I'm originally from Gilroy/San Jose.

David K,
Wow! What a past you have with Baja and Antonio! Great picture! That's quite a reading list you've given me, feel like I'm back in college. Really, I do appreciate it, I have a thirst for knowing about Baja and El Rosario. My first trip was in 2002 and when I returned this year (after an absence of 14 years), I saw so many changes and it sort of shocked me. Thanks "Walking Encyclopedia of the South!"

Wilderone,
I love your idea!!! Count me in! I really would like to experience those things you've listed...what an intro to Baja!

Ya'll (as they say here in Nashville) really are making me feel at home with BajaNomad! Thanks

BornFisher - 12-6-2016 at 02:39 PM

A bus full of nomads going to El Rosario????? Be lucky to make it to Rosarito!!

BajaCactus - 12-6-2016 at 09:11 PM

Thank you everyone for your nice words and wonderful support!!!

Frank, it was indeed very nice to meet you and your friends at BajaCactus, and before anything else thank you so much for having our little community in your thoughts and actions.

It will be a honor to help you and your group in any endeavors you start here in El Rosario, please count with the assistance and support of our Desert Hawk Volunteers for any activities.

Also, please feel free to talk to your Fire Chief in our behalf, we would be very happy to have a relationship with the Nashville Fire Department and help each other in anyway we can. Our Desert Hawks e-mail is info*at*halconesdeldesierto.org or info*at*deserthawksrescue.com (please replace *at* with @).

Wilderone... very nice and bold idea... maybe we should give it a try next year in the summer?... When it is nice and warm down here... with some sightseeings/overnight camping at the "Cardonal" and/or some kind of eco-tourism trip?...

Thanks again everyone!!!

Antonio Muñoz
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue
Commitment, Inc
Non-Profit Organization

Contact for Desert Hawks?

John M - 12-7-2016 at 05:34 AM

Antonio - in the event of an emergency within the area you serve, what is the proper contact telephone number to reach the Desert Hawks? Must the call for aid go through Cruz Roja, how is that done?

Cell phone service is improving a little, some folks have satellite phones, and/or other means at their disposal.

Along the highway some places are known to have telephone service, I believe at the intersection of Highway 1 and road to Bay of L.A. there is a phone nearby.

John M

wilderone - 12-7-2016 at 08:00 AM

Out of curiosity, I made an inquiry for the cost of the bus - one US bus company that I got a reply from, and another Mex. bus Co I have not heard back from (I would assume their cost would be less). Anyway, based on the info I gave them: SY or TJ depart to El Rosario, one overnight, for 30-40 people would be $2990. That's $75 pp. for RT transportation (you don't have to drive, buy insurance, gas or tune up the car). Hotel $35 (?); dinner + two drinks event party rate $30; $25 donation = $165. It's another $1000 ($25 ea for 40 people) for a 2nd night. Second night hotel; otherwise people are on their own - bus departs about noon with a lunch stop at someplace nice.
Anyway - totally doable - just need 40 people.

David K - 12-7-2016 at 09:12 AM

Good research work wilderone! I nominate you as Nomad travel agent!!

BajaCactus - 12-7-2016 at 09:13 AM

For emergencies withih our area you can call our direct Emergency line: (616) 103-0262 or you can also call 911 and they will activate us as well.

Only problen with 911 is that they answer from facilities in Ensenada and I have noticed they are not very well versed with the areas outside the city, therefore making it more difficult for them to respond in an efficient manner.

In the past year, I formed a network of communication with all the Rescue Groups south of Ensenada, so if you happen to call Desert Hawks we are in a position to relay that message and/or activate any of the available Groups from San Vicente to Guerrero Negro. I am now trying to enhance this Communication Network with a Radios Repeater System amongst all the Groups, which is almost done and if everything goes as planned should be ready in the next few months.

Wilderone... You have been busy... Hehehehe... Sounds like a wonderful idea!!!

Antonio Muñoz
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue
Non-profit organization

David K - 12-7-2016 at 11:24 AM

(616) 103-0262

Just added to my phone list!
Thank you Antonio... it is amazing all the things you are doing.
I hope Nomads contribute, at least by using your Pemex station and that great motel next door, if not make direct donations.

Direct emergency line questions

John M - 12-7-2016 at 11:29 AM

Thanks for the clarification Antonio.

How long has the 911 in Baja been actually working? Is the 078 (I think that is what it is) we see on the roadside boards no longer in service for emergencies?

Also - is the number you just gave staffed 24/7 and is it sometimes bi-lingual?

John

BajaCactus - 12-7-2016 at 12:06 PM

-- 078 is a line from the State Tourism Board. Their call center is in Tijuana, works 24/7 and have english spoken personnel. This number was designed for Tourist assistance, like the best sightseeing places in towns, how to get to an attraction, reference for Restaurants, Motels, etc., however if they receive a call of an actual emergency they patch you through the 911 emergency line.

-- 911 started replacing our old 066 Emergency Number this past October 3rd. The Government plan is to slowly replace all the different Emergency numbers in Mexico to only 911. Baja California was one of the first States to make the change. Other States will follow in the next months. 066 will still be available for a while until the whole change is done. Every major city has its own Emergency Response Center, so when you dial 911 it gets redirected to the closest one, in our case Ensenada. 911 calls are responded 24/7 by staff from either Red Cross and/or the Firestations who are assigned duty to the Emergency Response Centers. In theory they always have english spoken personnel.

-- Our own Desert Hawks Emergency number (616) 103-0262 is a cell phone number for now (we do not have a base yet). It is answered 24/7 and I make it a point to have it with me most of the time.

Antonio Muñoz
Desert Hawks Fire and Rescue
Non-profit organization

Nashville Frank - 12-15-2016 at 03:13 PM

Antonio,
I spoke to my boss that used to be the Fire Chief of Nashville, TN (he quit to run for mayor). He said he's pretty sure they can help you out with some items. He'd like to have a list of what your needs are and he'll get to work on it.

Please send your list to my email: fdrosch@yahoo.com

Is your email the same as Baja Cactus?

Thanks my friend,
Frank