BajaNomad - The trouble with Mulege

The trouble with Mulege

OLIGUACOMOLE - 8-11-2009 at 10:19 PM

I think some of us from this area should know the troubled financial situation Mulege is in as well as other communities.

The recession has hit our area causing problems with our local governments. Evidently it is approaching two months for Mulege city employees not being paid. The city is out of money. Similar situation in Santa Rosalia. The Mulege employees went on strike for a week, but that did not do any good! Both cities have had the power/electricity cut to the government offices for over a month. Here in Mulege the account payable office now runs a extension cord from a nearby house so they can run the computers and accept payments. Local phone lines do not work but if you have a personal cell phone number of a local employee you might be able to reach. Last week a person told me they went to city hall to pay tax and they could not accept because the computers did not work because there was no electricity!

The city employees have had to borrow money or ask for credit to buy goods. Normally when this happens La Paz comes to the rescue. Bailing out the communities with monies. Now the La Paz government has told the Mulege communities it does not have the money to help them.....they are on their own.

The electric company has not shut off the electricity for the water pump for the city but is cutting service for part of the day for local users. This has made some users to use the river water. Below the Mulege bridge there is a pump running direct to the river filling water trucks for irrigation and animal watering.

I am estimating local tourism at 25% of normal furthering finacial distress. We have had local officials ask us if we can pay taxes and fees in advance because of the local financial mess. So beware of the communities trying everything to collect and raise some cash!

Crusoe - 8-11-2009 at 10:51 PM

Very Sorry to hear this. Its the little kids of the poorer familys that it hurts the most and that is a pity. Hope thingswill get better soon. ++C++

JESSE - 8-11-2009 at 10:54 PM

Tell the mayor, the governor, and all his friends and families, to sell their Cadillac Escalades that they bought with the money they have been stealing for years.

mulegemichael - 8-12-2009 at 06:47 AM

With the governor retiring there you would think he would help out somehow...at least that's the rumor...maybe take some of the new malecon monies and pay the electricity bill...duh!

DENNIS - 8-12-2009 at 07:06 AM

Sounds as though Mulege is in for some very creative taxation. Watch those stop signs closely, folks.

CaboRon - 8-12-2009 at 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Tell the mayor, the governor, and all his friends and families, to sell their Cadillac Escalades that they bought with the money they have been stealing for years.

The have created an untenable situation for attracting any tourists ... now they are rotting in a world of their own creation.

shari - 8-12-2009 at 07:13 AM

all the villages in this municipality are in the same boat...we tried to pay our taxes here but they dont have the bills organized...so silly as this could be a good sum of money for the village office. Ours still has electricity though....probably due to some lot sales recently....things are tough all over.

Bob and Susan - 8-12-2009 at 07:26 AM

i get water all the time in town...
the problem is NOT the electricty

there are 2 pumps for the town and
one is not working up to par
it's sucking sand and air
and the pressure is down

people from guerrero negro santa rosalia and
constitution have all been there to check out the problem

the town needs a new pump
the part in the ground
the electrical part is fine

the water dept is allocating water to
different parts of the town at
different times of the day to keep the pump working
so no one gets water 24-7 right now

there is a request out for extra money
to repair or replace the pump

the water dept is doing its best
with what they have

there were 2 days that there was no electricty
at the pump but it was because
a truck rammed the meter

cfe took 2 days for repair
they had to replace parts
the truck driver was lucky he didn't get killed
the current is 440v

squid - 8-12-2009 at 08:28 AM

Another example of how the municipality is "making money":
A friend went to the court house in February to buy his tax sticker for the car > MX lic.plate. He was told that there are no stickers @ that time.
He went back in June to try again and was told to be fined first.
When he complained and pointed out that there are so many mexican cars with no license plate at all, so those folks are not paying anything, he was told: "Well, we Mexicans are poor. So we have to get our money from the foreigners."
Although I am Mexican, I can not tolerate such an argumentation.
It prevents tourists to come to Mexico and Mulege in particular.

JESSE - 8-12-2009 at 10:24 AM

The combination of drug violence, swine flu, recession, and lower petroleum production, has dramatically damaged goverment finances. In good times, Mexicans where "tolerant" to some point of goverment corruption, but in these hard times, theres a lot of angry people that are now paying a lot of attention to all that corruption. In two years theres elections for Governor, and i predict the current party in power, PRD, will lose badly if it doesn't change its ways.

Sharksbaja - 8-12-2009 at 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by squid
Another example of how the municipality is "making money":
A friend went to the court house in February to buy his tax sticker for the car > MX lic.plate. He was told that there are no stickers @ that time.
He went back in June to try again and was told to be fined first.
When he complained and pointed out that there are so many mexican cars with no license plate at all, so those folks are not paying anything, he was told: "Well, we Mexicans are poor. So we have to get our money from the foreigners."
Although I am Mexican, I can not tolerate such an argumentation.
It prevents tourists to come to Mexico and Mulege in particular.

Do you really think that is what is keeping tourists at bay? You should already understand that many visitors to Mulege are simply enroute to other southern destinations so I wouldn't rush to explain why Mulege is doing so poorly.

David K - 8-12-2009 at 10:46 AM

The drug cartel/ police/ military killings and occaisional rare tourist murder reports on flashed for months on U.S. news is the #1 reason for lack of tourism (IMO).

The U.S. and global bad economy is the #2 reason (IMO).

False arrest/ traffic ticketing by Mexican police (mordida) is the #3 reason (IMO).

Taxing tourists (since mid 2000) for an FM-T hasn't been wise and doesn't help large families decide on a Mexico vacation, with US$20+ per person just to get in.

Barry A. - 8-12-2009 at 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The drug cartel/ police/ military killings and occaisional rare tourist murder reports on flashed for months on U.S. news is the #1 reason for lack of tourism (IMO).

The U.S. and global bad economy is the #2 reason (IMO).

False arrest/ traffic ticketing by Mexican police (mordida) is the #3 reason (IMO).

Taxing tourists (since mid 2000) for an FM-T hasn't been wise and doesn't help large families decide on a Mexico vacation, with US$20+ per person just to get in.

I 100% agree!!!

Barry

DENNIS - 8-12-2009 at 10:59 AM

Quote:

All that and not one mention of the dreaded Swine Flu. I guess enough is enough.

Bajahowodd - 8-12-2009 at 11:40 AM

While I do agree with David that charging for the FM-T can have a discouraging effect on Mexico tourism, I will take issue with the order of his reasons. The fact is that the hospitality industry is in the toilet everywhere. Hotel occupancy has fallen over the edge. A recent survey said that in California alone, 250 hotels are either in default or lender-owned. It's more the economy than anything.

Go with the Flow, or Swim the Current

OLIGUACOMOLE - 8-12-2009 at 11:57 AM

I have heard the Governor went on a round the world trip to promote baja.

I have heard the Government sent a brother/cousin to participate in the South Africa marlin tournament. Representing Cabo San Lucas and Baja.

Years back politicians would give away a bag of beans and a bag of rice to get your vote.

Santa Rosalia has a overstaffed government. Every time there is an election the winner awards lots of jobs to helpers and promoters of the campaign. This has created and abundance of city workers. Many of these workers join a union to help protect their jobs in the future. It is very hard to lay-off city workers so the deficit keeps on building.

Political parties show up in the community declaring a political celebration. No more rice and beans! Lots of presents get raffled. Good stuff too! New refrigerators, stoves and other gifts. Could this be a way to buy votes for the party at taxpayers expense?

Please don't get me wrong.....I love Mexico, it is just the way it is!

David K - 8-12-2009 at 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

All that and not one mention of the dreaded Swine Flu. I guess enough is enough.

Thanks Dennis... I totally forgot about the stupid flu that will kill us all! LOL

David K - 8-12-2009 at 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
While I do agree with David that charging for the FM-T can have a discouraging effect on Mexico tourism, I will take issue with the order of his reasons. The fact is that the hospitality industry is in the toilet everywhere. Hotel occupancy has fallen over the edge. A recent survey said that in California alone, 250 hotels are either in default or lender-owned. It's more the economy than anything.

I am basing the order on Baja tourism and what I hear from Nomads, people who email me on my VivaBaja.com web site asking questions and personal interaction... The economy is not hurting travel to Baja (a cheap vacation compared to other destinations) as much as the hostility near the border has.

DENNIS - 8-12-2009 at 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Thanks Dennis... I totally forgot about the stupid flu that will kill us all! LOL

I hope not, David. I hear the president of Costa Rica just picked up a dose of it.
Wish him well.

Von - 8-12-2009 at 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

All that and not one mention of the dreaded Swine Flu. I guess enough is enough.

It wont last forever. We thought Communism would last forever in Russia?

ElFaro - 8-12-2009 at 12:35 PM

Reasons for not going to Baja...

#1 - Economic...people are not spending extra $s in Baja. I just came from Ensenada Tuesday 8/11...there's no gringo tourists to be found. Only ones I saw were what looked like 3 veteran fisherman coming up who stopped for lunch.

#2 - Long lines at the border both directions and inspection hassles...I can't say enough about this but it may be tied for #1. I towed a trailer down last week and stayed in Ensenada for a few days. Counting the toll booths I have to stop now at a combined 5 toll stations and 6 inspections for going down and coming up. Heading south DHS stopped me just B4 the line at San Ysidro, made me stop, shut off the engine, and proceeded to inspect the inside of my trailer. Then as I went through the TJ crossing I was directed to Mex. secondary for the same inspection only add checking our paperwork. Coming back we were inspected by the Mex. army at the San Miguel toll and then again by the Mex. marines at the Blvd. 2000 "T" intersction at Fox Studios. Then the inspection at the Tecate border by DHS and then again by the Border Patrol checkpoint on Hwy. 94. This kind of Govt. red tape is a turnoff to those who infrequently travel to Baja.

#3 - U.S. Passport and Mex. visa requirements...I think people don't feel it's worth the hassle or cost to get them for maybe going to Baja a few times per year.

#4 - Bad Press of killings, etc...goes w/o saying already been dealt with here and other threads.

#5 - Investment Horror stories...already dealt with in other threads.

The only foreigners I see now in Baja are the veteran travelers who have always structured their lives to include Baja, those who have permanent homes that will necessarily have to go down, and those Canadians that feel they need Baja as a 2nd home in the winter.

Bajahowodd - 8-12-2009 at 12:59 PM

About all the checkpoints, army or otherwise. Let's just say that in the next few years, the cartel problem is solved, and the US implements a sane immigration policy. Does anyone wish to put some odds on how much, if any of these obstacles will be removed?

[Edited on 8-12-2009 by Bajahowodd]

paulb87 - 8-12-2009 at 01:39 PM

Thats a real shame about Mulege and the poor folks that live there. Sadly, most 3rd world countries suffer more at the hands of their own government than other blights! We've gone there 2 yrs in a row and hope that they'll solve this mess in a hurry, although it may be several mananas!!!
Recession-Flu-Instability-Crime reports.....what's next???

gnukid - 8-12-2009 at 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ElFaro
Reasons for not going to Baja...

#1 - Economic...people are not spending extra $s in Baja. I just came from Ensenada Tuesday 8/11...there's no gringo tourists to be found. Only ones I saw were what looked like 3 veteran fisherman coming up who stopped for lunch.

#2 - Long lines at the border both directions and inspection hassles...I can't say enough about this but it may be tied for #1. I towed a trailer down last week and stayed in Ensenada for a few days. Counting the toll booths I have to stop now at a combined 5 toll stations and 6 inspections for going down and coming up. Heading south DHS stopped me just B4 the line at San Ysidro, made me stop, shut off the engine, and proceeded to inspect the inside of my trailer. Then as I went through the TJ crossing I was directed to Mex. secondary for the same inspection only add checking our paperwork. Coming back we were inspected by the Mex. army at the San Miguel toll and then again by the Mex. marines at the Blvd. 2000 "T" intersction at Fox Studios. Then the inspection at the Tecate border by DHS and then again by the Border Patrol checkpoint on Hwy. 94. This kind of Govt. red tape is a turnoff to those who infrequently travel to Baja.

#3 - U.S. Passport and Mex. visa requirements...I think people don't feel it's worth the hassle or cost to get them for maybe going to Baja a few times per year.

#4 - Bad Press of killings, etc...goes w/o saying already been dealt with here and other threads.

#5 - Investment Horror stories...already dealt with in other threads.

The only foreigners I see now in Baja are the veteran travelers who have always structured their lives to include Baja, those who have permanent homes that will necessarily have to go down, and those Canadians that feel they need Baja as a 2nd home in the winter.

I have found that these circumstances have created an improvement. Only the people who really like Baja come. These are of course, wonderful people like Baja Nomads.

The nice hotels and restaurants are in full operation. I know many of my friends who run travel facilities and trips are already heavily booked for winter.

When I visit/speak to friends in California for example at recent surf and kitesurf competitions, the first thing everyone asks is about schedules and trips and everyone I know is going to Baja this winter and absolutely can't wait to visit BCS, again.

Yeah its a shakeout, but the result is an improvement in overall quality experience.

Party at Jesse's

Wahoooo Baja!

tripledigitken - 8-12-2009 at 01:46 PM

One positive is there are fewer caravans to deal with on Mex 1!

Ken

arrowhead - 8-12-2009 at 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
About all the checkpoints, army or otherwise. Let's just say that in the next few years, the cartel problem is solved, and the US implements a sane immigration policy. Does anyone wish to put some odds on how much, if any of these obstacles will be removed?

What is the point? First you have to compute the odds that both of your first two events occur, e.g. cartel problem and US immigration policy.

I'd say the odds that both will occur in the next few years are not even 100:1. Mexico has been in full battle mode with the cartels for more than two years now and cannot point to one iota of improvement. As long as the US remains in recession with double-digit unemployment, immigration reform is not possible.

Your comment is like that old joke: "If I had some ham, I could have a ham and cheese sandwich -- if I had some cheese."

Cypress - 8-12-2009 at 01:59 PM

Mulege is a great place.

Would be there now if the fishing wasn't so bad.

The on and off again electricity/water is not a new situation. You live with the little inconveniences and enjoy life.

arrowhead - 8-12-2009 at 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
You live with the little inconveniences and enjoy life.

That seems to be a contradictory statement. It's the lack of inconveniences that make life enjoyable.

Barry A. - 8-12-2009 at 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
You live with the little inconveniences and enjoy life.

That seems to be a contradictory statement. It's the lack of inconveniences that make life enjoyable.

Huhhhh???? That went completely over my head. To me you put up with inconveniences because the physical and cultural place is so beautiful and enjoyable.

I know few that find life without "conveniences" as enjoyable as life WITH conveniences, but everything is a compromise, as it should be.

Barry

Bajahowodd - 8-12-2009 at 02:53 PM

To the contrary, Nancy. High unemployment should be a catalyst for immigration reform.

Paladin - 8-12-2009 at 03:12 PM

Problems with govt in Baja Sur?????

Come to calif....we got all the answers. :fire:

Bajahowodd - 8-12-2009 at 03:45 PM

:lol:

squid - 8-12-2009 at 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paladin
Problems with govt in Baja Sur?????

Come to calif....we got all the answers. :fire:

Yea, well, of course. Especially as that Austrian colaterol damage guy made CA bankcrupt.
I just learned that all companies working for the Gov. are getting no cash at all. Instead a paper which states that they will be paid later Kind of a Goverment debt paper.
But what if Arnie can't get no money to pay the debt????.
California you got it better OF COURSE :lol:

Bajahowodd - 8-12-2009 at 04:22 PM

Personally, I blame it all on Maria Shriver for sleeping with him. :fire:

Skeet/Loreto - 8-12-2009 at 04:23 PM

Mulege will Survive and keep on being they great place it is. Great Fishing, Great People, Great Drinks at Jungle Jims.

Don;t put it down, There are great people there who will continue to take care of the American/Canadian Tourist. The guys and gal at jungle Jims will still have that afternoon Party.

So if you have never been come on down and give it a try..

Skeet

Bajahowodd - 8-12-2009 at 04:31 PM

Mulege is sweet, but not for every taste. It's really attractive when it's not summer. Too much heat and humidity for casual tourists in the summer. Additionally, there's little infrastructure in the way of services. The best of the hotels are spartan. However, a number of really good restaurants. Mulege is a very unique place. But, for a large number of folks traveling Baja, may not be a destination.

Cypress - 8-12-2009 at 04:39 PM

arrowhead, :?:

If you say so?

mulegemichael - 8-12-2009 at 06:42 PM

Mulege IS the spot!...we love it there; the climate, the wonderful community, the folks, the fishing and the laid back attitude...if the water and power go off occasionally, then so be it...we can take it...it's all part of living in paradise...

arrowhead - 8-12-2009 at 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
To the contrary, Nancy. High unemployment should be a catalyst for immigration reform.

Howie, I know you are calling me Nancy because you saw BajaGabacho, Dennis and Sharkbait call me that name. I know this because you have yet to post an original thought here. I also realize you feel very brave and safe in your room with the curtains drawn, sitting in your underwear posting on the Internet and eating that cold pizza.

But if you are going to continue to call me Nancy, then I am going to call you Loretta, in honor of the person who wears the pants in your family.

squid - 8-12-2009 at 08:16 PM

well, in another thread - about putting in a topes on the northside of the river - some guys discussed that over and over again. I was the one telling them to discuss speedbumps in their town. So far so good. I had to learn from some guys here - the one is just staitng he loves Mulege - that they are discussing those issues BECAUSE THEY CARE ABOUT MULEGE.
Well, if that is so, and the word 'care' is not just a hollow phrase, then, why don't you care a little with money and help the community?????????
Or what is the meaning of "we care"?

arrowhead - 8-12-2009 at 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by squid
Yea, well, of course. Especially as that Austrian colaterol damage guy made CA bankcrupt.
I just learned that all companies working for the Gov. are getting no cash at all. Instead a paper which states that they will be paid later Kind of a Goverment debt paper.
But what if Arnie can't get no money to pay the debt????.
California you got it better OF COURSE

Well, let me help out all the people here with the short-term memory problems. First of all, California is no longer issuing the paper. That was a short-term problem because the legislature could not pass a workable budget. By the way, are you aware that the "paper" bore interest at 3%? That is three times the current interest rate on CD's.

Now as for the Governator, perhaps the senility factor here has caused a number of viejos here to forget that the financial problems in California started with a Democratic governor named Grey Davis. In fact, Grey Davis was so incompetent that the People of the State of California kicked him out of office before his term was up and put in the Governator. But before we could kick out Davis, he managed to screw up the finances. He signed onerous contracts with unions, like the prison guards and others, that locked in the state to unbearable and unwarranted expenses for years into the future. He bloated the state's payroll, and basically spent like a drunken sailor on leave, thereby hocking the entire future of the state for a few quick jollies. Kind of like what the anointed one in Washington is doing to the rest of the country.

Well, you know what they say, "as California goes, so goes the nation."

Crusoe - 8-12-2009 at 08:53 PM

The Baja Peninsula and Mulege, and lots of small towns like Mulege, are growing very fast. People say they want development. Well, then let see them start with the basics. Mulege needs a sewage treatment plant. A nice modern state of the art 3 stage type that returns clean usable water. There is enough population concentration both north and south, that it is an issue that needs addressed, head on,with a determined conviction, much sooner than later. ++C++

mulegemichael - 8-12-2009 at 09:02 PM

yeah....well.....good luck with the sewage treatment plant....i mean, why would you have a nice, 3 stage sewage treatment plant when you can have a wonderful malecon along the river...what would YOU rather have?...priorities man, priorities.......think of the evenings along the waterfront....and i KNOW i'm gonna be misunderstood here...dennis?...help please..

Bob and Susan - 8-13-2009 at 05:27 AM

you can't really build a 3 stage sewage treatment plant when there is
ONLY 3100 people that live here in mulege...

the worst sewage offenders are the "snowbirds" in the winter

now if those firemen that keep delivering firetrucks
(there is several here)
would think about hydrants and
the source of the water for them...that would be nice

you really cant come to a place like this and think you'll change it
that just WON'T happen :no:

accept it and enjoy life :yes:

DENNIS - 8-13-2009 at 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
yeah....well.....good luck with the sewage treatment plant....i mean, why would you have a nice, 3 stage sewage treatment plant when you can have a wonderful malecon along the river...what would YOU rather have?...priorities man, priorities.......think of the evenings along the waterfront....and i KNOW i'm gonna be misunderstood here...dennis?...help please..

I understand, Mike...for sure I do. Anyone with any kind of design sense has heard it before, "Function before beauty."
Good luck down there.

CaboRon - 8-13-2009 at 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
To the contrary, Nancy. High unemployment should be a catalyst for immigration reform.

CaboRon - 8-13-2009 at 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan

now if those firemen that keep delivering firetrucks
(there is several here)
would think about hydrants and
the source of the water for them...that would be nice

What a great idea :light:

Have the firetrucks pump sewage water on the fires :wow:

Solves two problems at once :lol:

Mexitron - 8-13-2009 at 09:48 AM

Quote:

Anybody know how effective these checkpoints actually are? I know plenty of backroads to get around them and I'm sure the drug runners do too...

CaboRon - 8-13-2009 at 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexitron

Quote:

Anybody know how effective these checkpoints actually are? I know plenty of backroads to get around them and I'm sure the drug runners do too...

As with most things the mexican gov't does it is all for show.

bajaguy - 8-13-2009 at 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexitron
Anybody know how effective these checkpoints actually are? I know plenty of backroads to get around them and I'm sure the drug runners do too...

Checkpoints are there for the following reasons.....

Catch the stupid crooks (happens once in a while)

Keep the honest people honest

To get additional $$$ and equipment from the US....the equipment at those checkpoints (HMMWV - High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles , radios and the MK-19 grenade launchers)

Give the military something to do

baja Steve - 8-13-2009 at 08:21 PM

The problem is the new Mayor. they are trying to get him out

squid - 8-13-2009 at 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by baja Steve
The problem is the new Mayor. they are trying to get him out

How do you know?
Is there any note in the Oregon papers about the Mulege mayor?????

Well said David!!

Pops - 8-13-2009 at 08:43 PM

Quote:

I agree completely !!

brief history lesson

wessongroup - 8-14-2009 at 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead

Quote:

Originally posted by squid
Yea, well, of course. Especially as that Austrian colaterol damage guy made CA bespeciallyankcrupt.
I just learned that all companies working for the Gov. are getting no cash at all. Instead a paper which states that they will be paid later Kind of a Goverment debt paper.
But what if Arnie can't get no money to pay the debt????.
California you got it better OF COURSE

Thanks for keeping it real, most do tend to forget what really happened...

Also, the Enron folks that ripped of California for electrical bills a few years ago, may finally have to pay back the funds they stashed in Switzerland. The Swiss have agreed to pay 780 Billion USD NOT to be prosecuted by the U.S in International Court.

One other issue which is not getting all the press it should, water. California is in a drought and one of California's primary economic engines is lost "Agriculture".

Planting in the Central Valley has been drastically cut back by the Federal allocation of water within the current distribution system... on the west side of Fresno County, unemployment is plus 40%. And we all know who are the workers are in the United States, especially in Ag...

All said, your last line is really going to be true on this one...

Might be good to watch how the folks do it Baja, they have never had the "level" of Social Services we have and/or had.. my Dad went through the "depression" and always lived a life of never being in debt, if you did have the money, you did get what ever it was you wanted, he had a second car in our back yard for parts, a washing machine for parts, hell, he had a back up for everything. Plus, he built an entire home in Downey CA, from used lumber gotten from railroad siding's with the help of 5 kids loading it all into a box trailer he had built from an old wrecked car... Seems he did not really care what folks thought of HOW HE LOOKED and what KIND of stuff he had... only care about taking care of himself and his own... Really old school, based on reality ..

We are in a depression now, they just will not call it one, yesterday report 86% increase in foreclosure in Single Family Homes in July... with all the people out of work, with not jobs, and they lose their house....

I just don't see where are they going to work, to get the money to buy what ever in order to pay taxes to support the debt which has been created.

When we start spending Trillions that we don't have, and just print it up in the name of "quantitate easing" with no foreseeable way to pay it back...

That is what has me looking to Mexico.. they already don't have all the services, here it will be a real mess in a short time.

Cypress - 8-14-2009 at 06:24 AM

This is getting way to complicated.

squid - 8-15-2009 at 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
now if those firemen that keep delivering firetrucks
(there is several here)
would think about hydrants and
the source of the water for them...that would be nice

What a great idea :light:

Have the firetrucks pump sewage water on the fires :wow:

Solves two problems at once :lol:

That idea is the second best:
The sewage is released every night into the river. Or why do you think the river smells so bad at night??
And that is why there are more mosquitos close to the river than anywhere else. Mosquitos love sewage!! Normally the Sea Breeze is keeping the mosquitos away > mosquitos do not live w/ salt water breeze.
(And that is why smart Gringos buy properties right at the rivers edge.)

Crusoe - 8-15-2009 at 09:38 AM

Raw sewage needs to be treated!!.... Plain and simple. ++C++

Hook - 8-15-2009 at 09:45 AM

Wessongroup, I would have liked your dad. Function trumps fashion.

Being FROM CA, it kills me that people actually blame Arnold for this mess. CA has been spending beyond its means for quite some time. I blame the state legislature mostly. Their spending habits, focused towards special interest groups, created animosity among other special interest groups who didnt feel they were getting their fair share. And so, these have-nots began financing these "special interest" spending initiatives like Prop 98 that further hogtied the state government.

Of course, the global meltdown didnt help. But it took something as drastic as this to finally make the state legislature deal with it.

I applaud the Guv and the Republicans for refusing to create new taxes while the same spending habits were expected to continue.

squid - 8-15-2009 at 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Wessongroup, I would have liked your dad. Function trumps fashion.

Being FROM CA, it kills me that people actually blame Arnold for this mess. CA has been spending beyond its means for quite some time. I blame the state legislature mostly. Their spending habits, focused towards special interest groups, created animosity among other special interest groups who didnt feel they were getting their fair share. And so, these have-nots began financing these "special interest" spending initiatives like Prop 98 that further hogtied the state government.

Of course, the global meltdown didnt help. But it took something as drastic as this to finally make the state legislature deal with it.

I applaud the Guv and the Republicans for refusing to create new taxes while the same spending habits were expected to continue.

That's the trouble w/ the Gringos. Once they decided to be Republican, they can't see no good thing on the other side. Once they decided to be Democrats, they can't see no good thing on the Republicans.
HOW SHALLOW!
Well, folks who elect a colateral damage guy as their governor, do not deserve better than colateral damage to their state. Plain and simple.
:bounce:

Bob and Susan - 8-15-2009 at 02:45 PM

for us simpletons...

gov of california was in a movie when he was younger...

cd.jpg - 5kB

Crusoe - 8-16-2009 at 10:55 AM

Many moons ago (1986) while on a kayak trip from San Philepe to La Paz, with a small group, we had hoped to overnight in Conception Bay, somewhere near Santispac. Fill up our water supply go to eat at Anna's and celebrate x-mas. To our suprise Santispac was wall to wall with trailers and campers and people. Hardly room to even walk around. The Mex. Navy was present and was trying to get rid of some of the campers. We were told many of the trailer people that had been living there for years were dumping raw sewage into the stagnet water lagoon on the south west side of the property there. And consequently this was the second year in a row, that there had been an ecoli and hepatitus outbreak due to the poluted water that was affecting birdlife and fishlife and was spreading to humans. We got out of there quick. Even then, it seemed if you added up all the population say from Santa Rosalilla, San Lucas, San Bruno and Mulege during the winter months it would add up to alot more than 3100 people. Raw sewage stinks!!!! ++C++ :fire:

slimshady - 8-16-2009 at 11:24 AM

Yea it sucks for the average citizens of mexico. But as a visitor one has to take advantage of the exchange rate, less traffic, and discounts all over the los cabos areas for example. If there ever was a time to visit, this is it.

ecomujeres - 8-23-2009 at 11:17 PM

Bob & Sue:

When we first came to Mulege in 1990, the population sign read 3111. While the sign has not changed, the population has in the last 19 years! :saint:

About 4 years ago, Mario at the Post Office estimated the population at just over 5000 (last census in 2000) locals.

Don't know how this difference would affect the ability to have a sewage treatment plant. The valley as it is has way too many septic tanks per acre than it should for leaching without polluting the ground water and the river. That's not even taking into account the illegal dumping into the river

Bob and Susan - 8-24-2009 at 05:01 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muleg%C3%A9

Mulegé is a town in…Baja California Sur, situated at the mouth of the Mulege' River.
It had a population of 3,317 in the 2005 census.

Find out the size of your town of Okland CA...then...
today ask your mailman what he thinks the number is...
he WON'T know and won't even be close.
(your number is 420,183 )

In the winter there may be 5000 here but
from may to nov the number is 3000.

[Edited on 8-24-2009 by Bob and Susan]

Pompano - 8-24-2009 at 07:54 AM

That population sign has not changed since it was first erected when the highway went in back in '73.

MulegeAL - 8-25-2009 at 03:40 PM

In my experience last year, raw sewage in the river is not the main source of the smells, ag practices upstream contribute a heavy load of organics to the river, which is really a poorly flushing estuary.

I went to a town hall meeting with one of the local farmers to listen in and got an education. Farmers have been burning the slash in the oasis & their fields since Spanish occupation (probably way longer than that.) That is no longer allowed, and organics accumulate, rot and that leads to anerobic water conditions (the stink.) In addition, modern-era ag practices have resulted in loads of nitrate fertilizer that contribute to bacterial/algae growth.

I thought the river had a busted sewer main in it, turns out it wasn't so. Water flow is low, and the lower river doesn't flush too good sometimes. That combined with wind/tide conditions makes some days better, some worse.

I walked/rode the sewer line that goes north over the hill from the pump stations. Do most people know that the city sewer goes over the hill past the soccer field and into a pair of lagoons, one of which is in use but usually dry? That area is a good natural drainfield of gradiated rock/sand running north all the way to the beach.

After I looked into all this I felt like a noisy gringo for a while but that was part of the education for me.

I don't think it is as bad as it used to be based on the fishing I witnessed last winter; nice corvina and some big bass of some type from up by the bridge. Those wouldn't be there if the river was getting much worse.

Can't wait to get back!

Cypress - 8-25-2009 at 04:08 PM

Under normal conditions there's only a trickle of water flowing into the river from upstream, a trickle. The major water movement in the river is tidal. The area near the bridge is sort of a dead end.

Bajahowodd - 8-25-2009 at 04:18 PM

Not that it would be any consolation, but the sewage stench has been a chronic problem in San Jose del Cabo for years. It also unfortunately is right next to businesses hotels and homes, including some of the best restaurants in town. And yes, their treatment plant releases product into a slow moving estuary.

Or for that matter, in Ensendada, there is a treatment plant across from the navy base. It abuts several hotels and restaurants. I've been at the Palmas Al Paraiso hotel, when we actually had to check out, for the stench. There appears to be an overall lack of planning for growth.

[Edited on 8-25-2009 by Bajahowodd]

OLIGUACOMOLE - 8-25-2009 at 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Not that it would be any consolation, but the sewage stench has been a chronic problem in San Jose del Cabo for years. It also unfortunately is right next to businesses hotels and homes, including some of the best restaurants in town. And yes, their treatment plant releases product into a slow moving estuary.

Or for that matter, in Ensendada, there is a treatment plant across from the navy base. It abuts several hotels and restaurants. I've been at the Palmas Al Paraiso hotel, when we actually had to check out, for the stench. There appears to be an overall lack of planning for growth.

[Edited on 8-25-2009 by Bajahowodd]

I think the sewer outlet used to be (20 Years ago) just outside the Ensenada harbor entrance. Will never forget the time I came into Ensenada from San Diego and one of the people aboard puucked when the stench spot was reached.
In Mexico I do not consider it a stink....it is the smell of success!

Bob and Susan - 8-26-2009 at 05:38 AM

for mulege...
remember there are ONLY 3000 permanent residents...

most of Mulege residences use a septic systems.
ONLY the downtown area is served by the city sewer system.

after the sewage reaches the gravitational tank
it is pumped to an oxidation area
approximately 1 ½ miles from the beach.

if the system fills and overflows,
it is treated with chlorine and dumped into the river.

the sewer pump system has been in service since 1984
and is in need upgrading.

Good take

wessongroup - 8-26-2009 at 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid

Quote:

Thanks, exactly correct....

Baja&Back - 8-26-2009 at 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
One positive is there are fewer caravans to deal with on Mex 1!

Ken

Yah, and several millions fewer tourist dollars going to feed Mexican families. Caravans leave a ton of money in Mexico!!!

OUR caravan business is down 75% at this time, which will probably lose just those nice beach vendors in Concepcion maybe $3,000 in revenues!

Don't be so self centered, Ken.

OLIGUACOMOLE - 8-26-2009 at 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja&Back

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
One positive is there are fewer caravans to deal with on Mex 1!

Ken

Barry in my opinion you are one of the good guys! I hope things do pick up for you...and they will. Our caravan business was less than 10%. We had 6 days of the usual 60 scheduled last year.
I know when the busiess is good for the vendors because they will come in and play pool and drink discount beers and cokes when they make money....not this year! Poor guys!
We hope to see you and Vanda every year.

Sharksbaja - 8-26-2009 at 02:28 PM

Ah, the good old days are back!!! :tumble:

OLIGUACOMOLE - 8-26-2009 at 02:33 PM

When in Mulege today all the city hall employees have plastic chairs out front. This happened yesterday as well. From what I was told they are on strike for not getting their pay.
I wanted to go make sandwiches for them as a show of support, but other Mexicans from Mulege foohey the idea claiming most drive newer cars and have better benifits than most.
I get the feeling that the Mexican general population has no pity on the govt.
Anybody want a baloney sandwich????

tripledigitken - 8-26-2009 at 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja&Back

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
One positive is there are fewer caravans to deal with on Mex 1!

Ken

Barry and Vanda,

Not been selfcentered at all, it was a bit of dark humor, not intended to ruffle any feathers. All of the negatives of the current situation in Baja have been discused here often, including this thread. I am sensitive to the plight of the locals trying to get by every bit as much as you.

I am sure you run a first class operation.

Many here have discussed the situation of trying to pass caravans that don't have the sense to space out so they can be safely overtaken. I am not the first to bring this up.

I'm sorry your business is being hurt along with many others, including some other Nomads.

Hoping for a better year for your business in 2010!

Ken

[Edited on 8-26-2009 by tripledigitken]

Cypress - 8-26-2009 at 02:48 PM

I'll take one! :bounce:

Thanks!

Bob and Susan - 8-26-2009 at 04:04 PM

i tried to pass one of barry and vands caravans last year south of ensenada...

i honked...FINALLY

those guys were doing 70 mph WOW!!!

that caravan was moving :yes:

tripledigitken - 8-26-2009 at 04:06 PM

Jeez,

Another problem to worry about, being passed by caravans!

Ken

Baja&Back - 8-27-2009 at 01:34 PM

Mark & Olivia: Thanks for the nice words! We felt bad for all the beach vendors last year & have piles of blankets & pots @ home to show for it. I hate to think how bad business will be for them this coming winter.

Ken: OK, sorry for blowing up. Guess I am a little sensitive to years of caravan bashing. You're generally a pretty :cool:

guy on the forum.

BTW: any Nomads finding themselves held up behind our caravans, just honk & wave at the tailgunner. He will get on the CB & make everyone else help you get by ASAP. If you see us camped, come by for a Dos Equis :yes:

Stay thirsty my friends!

Cypress - 8-27-2009 at 02:01 PM

To be honest, there's no trouble with Mulege. :biggrin:

tripledigitken - 8-27-2009 at 02:24 PM

Biggest trouble with Mulege for me is........... I can't get down there often enough!

Ken

toneart - 8-27-2009 at 02:25 PM

Shhhhhh! Oops, the cat is out of the bag. Now everybody will want some.

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
To be honest, there's no trouble with Mulege. :biggrin:

Pompano - 8-27-2009 at 02:33 PM

Mulege is too damn......hmmm...too damn..shucks...well, got to be too damn something?.....

HEY WAIT!...GOT IT!!

MULEGE IS TOO DAMN FAR FROM ASUNCION!! :yes:

The Real Problem With Mulege

Pompano - 8-28-2009 at 09:33 AM

The increasingly hectic pace of life has become intolerable.

I can remember when there wasn't such a mob playing dominoes.

Mulege square domino players.jpg - 50kB

oldjack - 8-28-2009 at 09:39 AM

just look at Pompano's picture above... that is what is wrong... why spend your time in someplace you have to wear winter clothes... surprised there is not a burning barrel nearby..........

Pompano - 8-28-2009 at 09:45 AM

I most certainly agree, oldjack. Just stop in anytime at Pancho Anaya's store near the 'Y and you will see him in a parka, muffler, and wool cap.

And..some kids were warming their hands on a burning barrel just outside the frame of my photo above...and the hombre kneeling is lighting another one to thaw out some burritos.

[Edited on 8-28-2009 by Pompano]

Mulege Feb 2009.jpg - 48kB

Cypress - 8-28-2009 at 01:39 PM

oldjack, You think it gets cold in Mulege? :?:

What is your definition of "cold"?

mulegemichael - 8-28-2009 at 02:33 PM

I've seen Mulege locals wearing stocking caps, mufflers, wool coats and long pants when i was wearing shorts, flip flops and a tank top.

Bob and Susan - 8-28-2009 at 02:36 PM

i'll be right with them...

it's 100 degress right now and we're PERFECT!!! :saint:

of course....
susan never wears anything
but a bathing suit....sometimes :saint:

Cypress - 8-28-2009 at 03:29 PM

Bob And Susan, You are in trouble now!

Bob and Susan - 8-28-2009 at 03:34 PM

if casamanza (sp) asked us to join his team...
we might consider it right now :lol: