BajaNomad - Contractors & Laborers Needed

Contractors & Laborers Needed

bajariverrat - 4-8-2010 at 08:36 PM

Can anybody recommend good contractors to help rebuild the communities along the Rio Hardy. The epicenter of the earthquake on Sunday was basically right underneath us. Tons of damage and many houses destroyed by the quake. We will be looking for contractors who have experience in building walls, pouring patios, leveling mobile homes, repairing roofs, etc. We will need tractors, laborers, dumptrucks, etc. The damage is extensive to about 200 homes and home sites. There will be many homes that will have to be leveled and completely rebuilt. Almost every patio on the river will need to be replaced. Hundreds of boat launch ramps need repair. Please contact me and I will get you more information and send pictures of the damage. Thank you.

DENNIS - 4-8-2010 at 08:40 PM

Sounds like a job for a lot of contractors. It'll be interesting to see how this takes place.
Hope everybody over there knows when to pay, who to pay and all the SS laws that will be the focus of attention for Mexicali.

bajariverrat - 4-8-2010 at 08:44 PM

We have about 3 or 4 contractors in the area who built most of our houses and did most of the work over the years. However, the amount of damage is going to require more than just 4 contractors to get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. Any suggestions are appreciated by all of us on the river.

DENNIS - 4-8-2010 at 08:52 PM

The logistics of bringing out of town contractors and crews is mind boggling. Would they commute daily from Mexicali? Where could they stay in Rio Hardy?
Sounds like you're going to have to make do with the local talent working in their own time frame.

I'm really having trouble with your proposal. It defys logic. 200 wasted homes, all to be rebuilt right now?
I don't get it.

bajariverrat - 4-8-2010 at 09:05 PM

From Mexicali to Rio Hardy is about a 30 minutes commute 1 way. From San Felipe it is about a 1.5 hour commute. The contractors and crews would probably have to be from these areas to make the logistics worth it. Not all 200 homes were destroyed. Probably 10 to 20 are total losses. Most of the damage is to concrete patios, fancy brick patio covers with arches, rock and brick walls, sea walls, etc. I agree that it seems to defy logic to be able to do so many repairs. I know that the construction industry in Mexico is slow just as in the US. If you know of any contractors who are in the Mexicali Valley area or San Felipe and they are looking for work, then this will be a great opportunity for them.

DENNIS - 4-8-2010 at 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajariverrat
If you know of any contractors who are in the Mexicali Valley area or San Felipe and they are looking for work, then this will be a great opportunity for them.

It sure would. There must be a lot of talent in Mexicali, returned home for lack of work up north.
Unless you folks don't really care, you'll have to be on guard for US prices.
Make sure you understand the Social Security requirments. Things have changed in the past years and being aware of the law is no longer an option. The authorities in Mexicali will be aware of the activity in your neighborhood.
Good luck.

bajariverrat - 4-8-2010 at 09:26 PM

Thanks Dennis

jak - 4-9-2010 at 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by bajariverrat
If you know of any contractors who are in the Mexicali Valley area or San Felipe and they are looking for work, then this will be a great opportunity for them.

The authorities in Mexicali

Job opportunity for Senor Graft

:lol:

wilderone - 4-9-2010 at 09:42 AM

They're all hanging out on the sidewalk in front of the Home Depots in San Diego.

durrelllrobert - 4-9-2010 at 09:55 AM

do you think that any of the damage is covered by insurance and if so how long will "contractors" have to wait to get paid :?:

DENNIS - 4-9-2010 at 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
do you think that any of the damage is covered by insurance and if so how long will "contractors" have to wait to get paid :?:

That's funny. I haven't been over there for years, but most of these houses are probably converted duck-blinds. :lol:

doradodan - 4-9-2010 at 10:28 AM

that tecate store by the fire dept. there son just moved back from the states, he gave me a card once, he does custom rock work. I'm sure he will be busy. check him out.

bajariverrat - 4-9-2010 at 11:00 AM

Alot of the homes are covered by insurance. Most use GNP. I've never had to file a claim myself, but I've heard that GNP pays fast. Others who need repair will usually pay cash. It isn't just a bunch of old duck blinds. There are some nice homes along the river.

I don't know how the Mexican government takes care of their own people, but there is alot of destruction in the neighboring local communities as well, places like El Faro, La Puerta, Ej. Durango, Carranza, etc. They will need help reconstructing as well.

DENNIS - 4-9-2010 at 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajariverrat

I don't know how the Mexican government takes care of their own people,

They'll wish they had insurance.

meme - 4-9-2010 at 11:50 AM

There are many contractors & labor people here in san Felipe who could use the jobs. Some of the laborers need transportation so contractors would likly be the best bet for them to work for. If you are interested in Names, PHone Numbers or email for some of these people email me personally & will help as much as I can? I will only give you this info not many reccomendations as I am not familiar with ALL of their work ok?

DENNIS - 4-9-2010 at 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by meme
Some of the laborers need transportation so contractors would likly be the best bet for them to work for.

Another good reason to be sure Social Security is attended to. When workers are transported to a job, I believe they are protected by law Portal To Portal.
If injured in an auto accident on the way to work and SS is not paid, ultimatly the job owner is responsible. It could cost you everything and thensome.
Know what you're getting yourself into.

bajariverrat - 4-9-2010 at 12:25 PM

Dennis,

Do you know where can I get information on Mexican Social Security? Is there a Government Office? Thank you for any info.

DENNIS - 4-9-2010 at 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajariverrat

Do you know where can I get information on Mexican Social Security? Is there a Government Office? Thank you for any info.

I'm sure Social Security will have it. Your impossible job will be to interpret it.
I hate to suggest a lawyer, but if you know one who won't charge you an arm and a leg, ask him.
Another alternative would be to find the bar where all the lawyers hang out and spend a few Pesos.
Just keep one thing in mind...you are responsible for everything including your contractors responsibilities to the employees. Don't take his word for anything.

bajariverrat - 4-9-2010 at 12:39 PM

Wow. I never realized all of this. Thank you for the heads up before we start negociating with contractors coming in to do repairs. Do you have experience getting burned by the Social Security down in Baja? I really appreciate your information.

Social Security

meme - 4-9-2010 at 01:04 PM

There is a SS office here in San Felipe. I feel sure you could also if needed find a translator.

DENNIS - 4-9-2010 at 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajariverrat
Do you have experience getting burned by the Social Security down in Baja?

I've avoided SS by doing my own work. I only hired a contractor and crew to do the garage concrete foundation and they gave me a copy of the SS receipt before the job was started. That's more than I expected, but it was good.

I've seen more than one case when SS responsibilities were defered and eventually they came down on the owner. It only takes a quick phone call from a disgruntled laborer.
The came down hard with heavy fines. Don't let it happen to you.

You might want to start a thread here asking for pitfalls with hired help in home construction .....especially Social Security. It's been covered here before, but it will give Nomads something to do.
It's been kinda dull around here lately.

bajariverrat - 4-9-2010 at 02:42 PM

Dennis and Meme, all of the information is appreciated. Thank you so much.

longlegsinlapaz - 4-9-2010 at 03:29 PM

bajariverrat, if you're asking a local, you might have a little more success if you asked for directions to the "Seguro Social" office.

The builder/contractor is supposed to pay SS on all his workers, but if he fails to, the property owner will be held liable. Great grassroots effort you're trying to get rolling, but you do need to know the laws & potential legal ramifications for any & all of the players in the event something backfires. Not sure about this year, but SS was roughly an additional 40% above & beyond wages when I built my last place in 2007-08....so we're not talking chickenfeed here!

Seguro Social is actually an umbrella name for what's really 3 separate funds....

1) Medical coverage for the worker & his family for the duration of the work & the equivalent of Workman's Comp for on the job injuries.

2) A portion goes toward the workers retirement fund.

3) A large portion every other month (or quarterly?) earmarks a credit in the worker's name for INFONIVIT....the government subsidized housing. The credit against their name is deducted from the purchase price of a subsidized casa when/if they buy one.

So knowing the elements that make up Seguro Social might make it understandable why it's important & only fair for SS to be paid for all the workers.

A lot of workers will tell you not to worry about paying SS because they're desperate for an income, but it doesn't come back to bite them, it comes back to bite the legal owner of the property where the work was physically done. So don't allow yourself to be sweet-talked into ignoring the Seguro Social requirements.

Sincere best wishes to you for your efforts!

bajariverrat - 4-9-2010 at 03:43 PM

Very interesting. I am definately going to spread the word. How do you confirm with a contractor that the SS has been paid? Is there a form he would have? Should I offer to pay it up front? My place didn't suffer as much damage as the others. For my place, the labor alone should be less than $3,000. I would be willing to pay an additional $1200 to ensure that I am in compliance. I'm glad you've all explained this because I've never realized this.

Bajahowodd - 4-9-2010 at 03:52 PM

Inasmuch as you stated that many or most of the homes are covered by GNP, it would be astounding to me if that company did not already have a long list of approved contractors. Talk to them. But look elsewhere as well.

bajariverrat - 4-9-2010 at 04:25 PM

Oh yeah, GNP has been great. I guess I have a bit of what they call "survivor's remorse"? I am insured and have a small amount of damage compared to all of my neighbors on the river. I'm just trying to do a bunch of leg work and make connections so that I can pass on the information once those who decide to rebuild are ready to do so. This forum is great and you all have been so informative. We really appreciate all of your advice, leads, and information.

longlegsinlapaz - 4-9-2010 at 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajariverrat
Very interesting. I am definately going to spread the word. How do you confirm with a contractor that the SS has been paid? Is there a form he would have? Should I offer to pay it up front? My place didn't suffer as much damage as the others. For my place, the labor alone should be less than $3,000. I would be willing to pay an additional $1200 to ensure that I am in compliance. I'm glad you've all explained this because I've never realized this.

Seguro Social is not paid in advance, it's paid on a 30-day lag. Either you or the contractor has to go in & sign all the workers up, new workers need to be added & workers no longer there need to be removed. SS generates a multi-copy computer printout form on a monthly basis. Here in La Paz, they physically bring the monthly paperwork to the job-site & you have to take it in & pay it before the cut-off date for that month. I know that some people pay it online, but I paid in person, after looking at the online site....too confusing!!

That's an interesting point....if GNP pays the cost of repairs, will they also be paying the SS on the workers?? It seems like they SHOULD, because it is all part of the true total cost for repairs.

If you or the contractor pays it, you'll/he'll get a paid receipt in the form of one of the copies of the multi-part computer generated form. If he's not willing to part with it, ask him for a Xerox copy of it.

If you hire a contractor who has his own employees, then the SS should be built into his presupuesto/quote to you. If it's not itemized....ask him whether or not it's built into his pricing & tell him you want proof of payment. It's not unheard of for a contractor to charge SS & "forget" to pass the money along to SS once it hits his pocket. If it is built into his pricing, then you don't want to double pay....you just need proof that it was paid.

Posting some pictures

mcfez - 4-9-2010 at 10:43 PM

Hey Jeff ......

Post some of those pictures you sent to me a few nights ago. They will stir up insight on how bad things really are.

As far as all the legal stuff......I am asking someone in SF if she can handle the legals for you. Will know in a few days time.

Has the river gone down yet?

Deno Yankee

bajariverrat - 4-9-2010 at 11:01 PM

http://picasaweb.google.com/104665208702522312529/RioHardy20...

http://www.wakeworld.com/flash/photoWidget.swf?album=26623

Hopefully these links will work. There are alot of pictures. I think the fault line followed the river. River rose about 9 feet after the quake. It is down about a foot. We had geysers shooting water out of the ground all over the place. Crazy. Again, thanks for everyone's help and advice.

they r up

mcfez - 4-9-2010 at 11:05 PM

Pics working fine

durrelllrobert - 4-10-2010 at 09:29 AM

don't think SS requirement applies to people you hire for domestic work like cleaning your house or working in your yard every so often. if it does there's a whole lot of us in non-compliance :?:

ss

mcfez - 4-11-2010 at 09:18 AM

Jeff

Just got this from Maria

http://www.hg.org/law-firms/Social-Security/Mexico.html

DENNIS - 4-11-2010 at 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez

http://www.hg.org/law-firms/Social-Security/Mexico.html

WOW...You folks are really trying to spend the big bucks. I don't think you need a powerful attorney....just someone who knows the system.
Try Seguro Social and find someone who you can communicate with. That's all you have to do.

bajariverrat - 4-11-2010 at 10:44 AM

Thanks for the SS Attorney information.

fandango - 4-12-2010 at 11:55 AM

bajariverrat: check your u2u. top right corner.

gnukid - 4-12-2010 at 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajariverrat
Dennis,

Do you know where can I get information on Mexican Social Security? Is there a Government Office? Thank you for any info.

There is no SS requirement for helping out a neighbor or friend...

DENNIS - 4-12-2010 at 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid

There is no SS requirement for helping out a neighbor or friend...

True, SS isn't involved at that point, but if a foreigner isn't qualified through inmigración, he can't work on that project.
He can work on his own house, but not his neighbors.

So, Gnu...you've opened the can of worms. Shall we inquire as to how many of these tenants are legal? Owning a house in Mexico kinda removes one from the tourist rolls.

[Edited on 4-12-2010 by DENNIS]

gnukid - 4-12-2010 at 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid

There is no SS requirement for helping out a neighbor or friend...

It's true that if one were to be regularly involved in some projects then this would become an issue but on a one time case it isn't. For example, if someone reported to INM a complaint and they got off their butts at that moment (unlikely) and came over and saw you working they might ask you what are you doing and you could say nothing, I am helping a friend showing him how to use a shovel and if the agent decided that was no good they could tell you stop and you would stop. No money changed hands.

Its much less a problem than one would think when one approaches these situations reasonably, there is no crime in lending a hand. I know that is true in Mexico, even though if you listened to many posters here you certainly could justify never lending a hand.

In BCS we tend to work in groups helping each other out, that's how most homes get built. Today I helped a procurador with a project-I thought I was in trouble when the PGJ car parked out front, til I realized he was just asking me to help pack down the soil before he poured a foundation, now I am going to a rancho to get some dirt and guano to help another neighbor. They will probably give me some of the soil and maybe later fruits. No money.

gnukid - 4-12-2010 at 01:43 PM

I got a funny SS story, a few years back I wanted some wood work done, I bought the wood and paid a deposit in advance to start, then the project was never completed and the wood disappeared. The workers made excuses for months and finally admitted the wood was gone and the money too. I got mad but I walked out having realized it was best to cut the losses at the point then to continue to beat my head against the wall.

Two years later I got a summons for court, I was accused of not paying the SS on the stolen wood and money project. In the process the workers turned on each other and asked me to lie to support their case that the boss hadn't paid them for their work that they never completed. Ha! there was a room full liars and more waiting to testify, it didn't take long for the judge to figure out that it was a case of thieves victimizing the victim-the fun game to play. So fun!

DENNIS - 4-12-2010 at 02:29 PM

Good story. Gawd....the farther I stay away from local "talent", the better off I am. "Screw the Gringo" is a national sport and when I'm unable to do my own work, I'll go back to the states and move into a home for the old and helpless.

I won't bloat a quote box responding to your other post, but I agree with pretty much most of it except the parts about BSing the agents. I've seen it tried in the past and only got this response, "What do you think I am, stupid?"

Here and now is probably the wrong time and place to teach the clueless all of the inside tricks. I'd hate to be the one responsible for digging their grave. You know how to deal with the authority and it's a learned talent.....not a born trait. These river folks will learn soon enough what they can reasonably get away with. Sooner the better.

[Edited on 4-12-2010 by DENNIS]

gnukid - 4-13-2010 at 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Good story. Gawd....the farther I stay away from local "talent", the better off I am. "Screw the Gringo" is a national sport and when I'm unable to do my own work, I'll go back to the states and move into a home for the old and helpless.

I won't bloat a quote box responding to your other post, but I agree with pretty much most of it except the parts about BSing the agents. I've seen it tried in the past and only got this response, "What do you think I am, stupid?"

Here and now is probably the wrong time and place to teach the clueless all of the inside tricks. I'd hate to be the one responsible for digging their grave. You know how to deal with the authority and it's a learned talent.....not a born trait. These river folks will learn soon enough what they can reasonably get away with. Sooner the better.

[Edited on 4-12-2010 by DENNIS]

I think I may have been unclear, I would never BS an INM agent. In fact most are my friends and they know exactly what I am doing and what I have permission for while I have permission to do most anything since I am teacher and documentor among other activities, I was stating a real case, you may help each other out, you can teach each other, you can learn from each other, there are many cases in which you would be legal to do projects for fun. If you want to run a business then get a visa with your activity noted and register with the hacienda. You normally need a sponsor company but I understand that is not always the case for all activities. I should add I think getting a working visa is not impossible and in fact it is generally easy as long as you choose your activity correctly. The cost is about $200 bucks/yr. plus taxes on your profits. Mexico and US are both running full speed toward more work visas for migrant workers in order to open the border, drive down wages and enslave the population in debt. The sooner you figure out the process the better.

DENNIS - 4-13-2010 at 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
I was stating a real case, you may help each other out, you can teach each other, you can learn from each other, there are many cases in which you would be legal to do projects for fun. If you want to run a business then get a visa with your activity noted and register with the hacienda. You normally need a sponsor company but I understand that is not always the case for all activities. I should add I think getting a working visa is not impossible and in fact it is generally easy as long as you choose your activity correctly. The cost is about $200 bucks/yr. plus taxes on your profits.

WOW...You've strayed far and wide from your original point:

Quote:

There is no SS requirement for helping out a neighbor or friend...

My point was simple. One just doesn't fly in from the states and start working on his buddie's house without proper documentation [I know...it's done all the time and I would do it myself] which you spoke of above and who in hell's gonna do all that just to pound a few nails and a lot of beers? Probably no one.
It was just a "heads up" for our vecinos on the river, not a suggestion or plan for them to be eaten alive by Mexico bureaucracy.

durrelllrobert - 4-14-2010 at 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajariverrat
Alot of the homes are covered by insurance.

In the US homeowners insurance does not cover "flood" damage. You need a seperate policy from the government. Is this the same in Mexico? :?:

bajariverrat - 4-15-2010 at 07:51 AM

Regarding Insurance, you do have to add additional insurance to cover earthquakes. Through GNP there is an additional coverage that combines earthquake and volcano damage. It is called "terremoto y erupcion volcanica" The deductible is 22% of the cost of repairs. This is very similar to the same kind of earthquake insurance in California. GNP has been very good to work with. They are even considering these "geysers" the shot up all over the place as "volcanoes" As far as water damage caused by the river rising, I don't know if that is covered. I wasn't affected by the rising river, so I'm not sure.

Also regarding the Social Security for the local workers, I confirmed with the local contractors that they do take care of that and build the cost into the price. The landowners also require all of the contractors to check in with them and register all of their workers, even if they are only there for the day. The landlords ensure that the contractors are in compliance with Mexican labor laws. I know it can ultimately end up in our lap, so we all know now to triple check for SS compliance.

Thank you very much to all of you for your great advice and recommendations.

DENNIS - 4-15-2010 at 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajariverrat
regarding the Social Security for the local workers, I confirmed with the local contractors that they do take care of that and build the cost into the price. The landowners also require all of the contractors to check in with them and register all of their workers, even if they are only there for the day. The landlords ensure that the contractors are in compliance with Mexican labor laws. I know it can ultimately end up in our lap, so we all know now to triple check for SS compliance.

Seems you have it under control. One more time I'll say, don't take anybody's word for anything...especially the contractor.
Good luck.

gnukid - 4-15-2010 at 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

WOW...You've strayed far and wide from your original point:

Quote:

There is no SS requirement for helping out a neighbor or friend...

I have stated the exact differentiation for requirements of visa or not. There is no requirement to watch, learn, discuss, show, loan, tell, share, etc... You can make it as hard or simple as you like.

One should be reasonable in your expectations to a degree. The fact is people can pass the border or any transit point with tools and are allowed to do their own projects or help friends and family, the difference is if you are running a shop or working in a manner for profit you must register with INM and the Hacienda which is quite simple and many of us are registered. You can also work for no profit and therefor owe no taxes. You certainly would have no problem getting "all the paperwork" completed to work in any specific skill area in Mexico. At the moment, INM understands the absolute need for US contractors to come to Baja in order to both build but also to educate and share experience which is needed. This is a command from the top down in order to improve construction quality and meet the needs of a growing population.

My point to you is that one must define what one's intentions are and define your activities. For example, you could call yourself the the boss or administrator, or electrician etc...

Dennis I take offense at your implication that I would encourage anyone to B.S. which is not at all the message. In fact, everyday extraneros and Mexicanos are sharing there knowledge, skill and experience as they always have.

I guess I take offense to posters suggestions here that it's against the law to help, (it is against the law to hurt) while I am certain you can find support to justify not lending a hand it's not a reasonable interpretation and would never be supported by a judge in a court.

What all this conversation leads to is a better understanding of labor, labor is not inherently a taxable thing that generates costs and taxes as you may be led to believe by US education. Labor is yours and your free to do with it as you might. Take time to educate yourself to a greater degree about labor and it's implications for laws and taxes. The best way to do this is to get involved now and get experience in community projects which serve you and your community directly.

DENNIS - 4-15-2010 at 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Dennis I take offense at your implication that I would encourage anyone to B.S.

C'mon, Paul....BSing is part of life. A more palatable word for it might be "Negotiation"in some cases. It's ludicrous to think anyone could carry on a life with the letter of the law. I don't and neither do you as you've so cleverly shown. You take the spirit of the law and apply it to your situation, then you justify it to yourself.
BSing in Mexico is survival. Everybody does it.
Relax....it doesn't mean you're immoral.

Another thing....I still say if you brought your long time US friend down here and put him on your roof with a hammer and a bag of nails to re-roof your house, both of you are in violation of the law.
That said, it's a law I would break without question. It's how I was raised and will continue to conduct myself until the end. I'll do my best to maintain a spirit of free will as long as I'm able. You just can't kill the Baja Spirit with a regulation written in Mexico City.

durrelllrobert - 4-15-2010 at 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
You just can't kill the Baja Spirit with a regulation written in Mexico City.

...like no smoking or registering you cell phone :?:

DENNIS - 4-15-2010 at 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
You just can't kill the Baja Spirit with a regulation written in Mexico City.

...like no smoking or registering you cell phone :?:

I seem to have missed that chapter in "The Adventurer's Guide To Baja" although, I'm sure talking on one's cell phone while smoking a Lucky played a big part in the early days on the penninsula.
I'm searching the net to find a copy of the Earl Stanley Gardner ring tone hoping the melody will take me back to those seminal days of Baja exploration.

gnukid - 4-15-2010 at 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
Dennis I take offense at your implication that I would encourage anyone to B.S.

Dennis you misunderstand as apparently do most. I maintain a visa in MX and I maintain businesses in multiple countries that conform 100% to the law, that makes life easy. I do it for fun and for adventure and because it's part of the process of learning. I mention these facts because all too often posters do not understand or seem to enjoy not participating in their community as we see here by so many old time posters, that you can't really help or its against the law which is falacy.

I just completed a huge day visiting many farms and communities and it's sad how many gringos seem to think they can't and shouldn't do anything which leads to their disengagement and often illness in addition to lack of community support for them in their reclusive behavior.

So, take it as you wish, but I promise you, you can do many things in Baja without a work permit and if you wish to work for dollars just get a visa, but be sure to take your time and investigate or you will end up with permission for only activities which don't meet your life interests.

I would highly recommend that you or anyone interested just visit the INM and ask a thousand questions.

By the way, I also enjoy recording and bring recording gear with me to catch whoever might be performing with skills worth recording... I got the casual impression you might have had a past in this field as I did too? It's a great compliment to life to participate in cultural activities and these types of activities might prequalify you for becoming a mexican fast, as there are special rules for those who contribute culturally and significantly to further development or arts, for example.

DENNIS - 4-15-2010 at 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
By the way, I also enjoy recording and bring recording gear with me to catch whoever might be performing with skills worth recording... I got the casual impression you might have had a past in this field as I did too? It's a great compliment to life to participate in cultural activities and these types of activities might prequalify you for becoming a mexican fast, as there are special rules for those who contribute culturally and significantly to further development or arts, for example.

Interesting and complimentry perception, Paul, although my participitation is with film...the still type.
I'm aware of the concessions granted to those involved with cultural preservation and I appreciate your thought. Thankfully, my national preference is set, as gifts tend to be, and I won't be adding to that. I prefer the "guest" roll.

Thanks again.

gnukid - 4-15-2010 at 08:45 PM

Cool, I like photography very much but have a long way to go learning about photography. I shoot everyday, though I have DSLR it's clearly not in the category of film.

Anyway, I gather there is a small difference between Baja and BCS in terms of how these things are perceived. Perhaps the law is even interpreted differently and I have no experience in the north except on the border. I often think BN should be divided in two groups by region since the perceptions are so different, though perhaps less and less this is the case.

Just to be clear, if I knew of a outright offender in terms of failing to register while running a business for profit I would be obligated to report it by my duty as a active and legal participant and if I was subpoenaed to court I would tell the truth where-ever possible.

It offends me greatly when people break the law by not getting a work visa where it should be required, and more so when people use lack of visa as an excuse for not participating in community (and generally suffering socially and healthwise for it) though I understand in most cases its usually due to misinformation and due to the heavy burden to get the facts due to the distance to INM. I report here about the simplicity of this and increasingly so because it's those gross offenders who hurt the rest of us.

So you BNs who are running illegal businesses best get yourself right with the law. And the rest get out and try out some volunteer activities.