BajaNomad - Loreto Bay Company Donates $1 Million to Benefit the Town of Loreto

Loreto Bay Company Donates $1 Million to Benefit the Town of Loreto

Anonymous - 4-13-2005 at 12:41 AM

http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/April2005/12/c4812.htm...

LORETO BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, Mexico, April 12 /CNW/ -- The
Loreto Bay Company donated $1 million to the Loreto Bay Foundation during
Tianguis Turistico 2005, Latin America's most important tourism trade show
that drives the marketing for Mexican tourism. Loreto Bay is partnering with
FONATUR, Mexico's tourism development agency to develop The Villages of Loreto
Bay, an authentic Mexican seaside community in Baja California Sur.
The Loreto Bay Foundation, established by the Loreto Bay Company, is a
non-profit organization dedicated to serving the economic and social needs of
the historic town of Loreto. In the early stages of its partnership, the
Loreto Bay Company and FONATUR had agreed to donate one percent of the gross
proceeds of home sales back to the community as a way to help foster economic
and social growth in the area of Loreto. Having recently exceeded
$100 million in residential real estate sales, this $1 million donation given
to the Loreto Bay Foundation will support local projects in education,
extracurricular activities, business development, medical services and
environmental protection for the local community through individual grants
given to various local organizations.
The first donations received have been used to enhance services at
Loreto's local hospital. Recently, the Loreto Bay Foundation awarded Pro
Peninsula a grant to sponsor the 7th Annual Grupo Tortuguero Conservation
Meeting. These funds helped bring participants from all over the Baja
California peninsula and mainland Mexico to participate in the conference, to
help strengthen the conservation network and ultimately lead to the recovery
of endangered sea turtle populations. In addition, the International
Ecotourism Society, in collaboration with the Universidad Autonoma de Baja
California Sur, recently received a grant to assist with the development of a
series of in-classroom and distance learning courses on aspects of
sustainability and eco-tourism for the local community. These classes will
educate members of the local community, such as students, park employees,
local entrepreneurs and artisans, on the importance of safe environmental
practices in the Loreto region.
With bylaws aimed at retaining and conserving Loreto's natural beauty and
protection of the local marine park, the Loreto Bay Foundation's principles
are aligned with the practices in place during the development of The Villages
of Loreto Bay. The development's sustainable practices include programs for
sustainable energy, water renewal and land stewardship, as well as creating
economic opportunities through new jobs and local businesses.

rpleger - 4-13-2005 at 02:53 PM

Yes.

I see that Walmart is sponsoring some land for wildlife too.

This is a promotion, not out of the goodness of there heart.

I,m sure that all their land development is enviormently sound also.

Sure!!!!!

Show Me The Money!!

Anonymous - 4-13-2005 at 04:05 PM

Wouldn't it be great to track the path of that million dollars starting right now...................

Dave - 4-13-2005 at 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Anonymous
Wouldn't it be great to track the path of that million dollars starting right now...................

Oops....Too late. :spingrin:

JESSE - 4-14-2005 at 03:06 PM

1 million is peanuts.

Packoderm - 4-14-2005 at 03:14 PM

It could buy a couple of beach front lots.

wilderone - 4-14-2005 at 03:22 PM

Since the Foundation is governed by a board, all of the expenditures should be accountable. There were still two board members still to be chosen - they were considering two "Mexicans". As you read above, one of their first "grants" was to ProPeninsula to sponsor the 7th Annual Grupo Tortuguero Conservation Meeting. "These funds helped bring participants from all over the Baja California peninsula and mainland Mexico to participate in the conference, to help strengthen the conservation network and ultimately lead to the recovery of endangered sea turtle populations" Now, while I'm all for any kind of effort toward "recovery of endangered anything", this is all well and good, HOWEVER, the purpose of the Foundation is "dedicated to serving the economic and social needs of the historic town of Loreto" ... "through individual grants given to various local organizations." -- NOT furthering the mission of Pro Peninsula, a San Diego-based environmental organization. Seems to me that one was a little off the mark, and would lead me to wonder how true to the purpose of the Foundation they will be in the future. I suspect, though, that whatever grants are made, they will no doubt benefit the Loreto Bay Company in some manner, rather than purely altruistic. I have a feeling ProPeninsula will not now voice any opposition to the destruction of the bay south of Loreto.

[Edited on 4-14-2005 by wilderone]

Anonymous - 4-14-2005 at 05:37 PM

Looks like all the original cynics will still be cynical no matter how many dollars are in the coffirs. That would buy a heck of a lot of peanuts Jessy but how much have you donated?

backninedan - 4-15-2005 at 01:33 PM

I'm cynical too, when posts are anonymous.

JESSE - 4-15-2005 at 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Anonymous
Looks like all the original cynics will still be cynical no matter how many dollars are in the coffirs. That would buy a heck of a lot of peanuts Jessy but how much have you donated?

My relatives have lived there for close to 100 years, 20 years ago they where poor, but lived a peaceful, decent, careless life. What has "developments" like these given the community? nothing but dead end jobs, crime, drugs, and all the bad things that come with foreign money and people from central Mexico.

1 million dollars is an insult, go bribe someone else.

Bruce R Leech - 4-15-2005 at 07:37 PM

Jesse I dont think anybody has seen the money yet. :lol:

JESSE - 4-15-2005 at 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
Jesse I dont think anybody has seen the money yet. :lol:

100 million dollars wouldnt cover the damage.

Stink!

Skeet/Loreto - 4-15-2005 at 07:57 PM

Sure has the Smell of the "Sierra Club" written all over the Front Page!

skeet/Loreto

Bruce R Leech - 4-15-2005 at 08:11 PM

Sierra Club sucks

wilderone - 4-19-2005 at 09:39 AM

Bruce: "Sierra Club sucks " ?? Why would you say such a thing?

Skeet: "Sure has the Smell of the "Sierra Club" written all over the Front Page!" What do you mean? the original post is a Press Release, obviously released by Loreto Bay Co.

And, Mr. Anonymous, if you have any FACTS which you'd like to contribute, we're listening. Let's just see how self-serving the Foundation grants will be with its newly fattened coffers. Cynical? Just pointing out the FACTS.

Anonymous - 4-19-2005 at 10:22 AM

Gosh kiddies! They said they would donate one percent of the profits and they have sold to date over a hundred million in properties that they haven't collected. They don't get money until the finished product is done, get it? Hmmmm that adds up to about a million dollars donated.
Do you mathmaticians need a calculator? And Jesse your relatives are taking back California, Arizona AND Texas so I guess it's a draw.

Loreto Bay Co. has developed a plan which:

vgabndo - 4-19-2005 at 11:55 AM

1. Offers to provide a lot of water through desalination.
2. Provides for the development of a solar farm to generate electricity.
3. Considers the reclamation of natural wetlands.
4. Protects a certain amount of open space.
5. Promotes the use of energy efficient transportation within the communities.

When designing a new housing development, how can you see these things as bad?

Whether or not the development is ill-advised, I don't think anyone is going to stop the influx of foreign visitors/investors into the area. Would you prefer that they go in WITHOUT these lofty goals for sustainability?

They may very well fail as others have before them. There is certainly evidence that they have sold more than they can deliver, and they won't have all the money until they complete the homes; but every time I've driven by the playground they built for the families in Loreto (just a start) it has been well used and apparently popular.

They have a right (and responsibility) to try something very un-American, that being sustainability.

In light of the clearly rampant rape and pillage of our natural resources by forces unimaginable to the average "tree hugger", I say give the Sierra Club the right to its feeble little voice in the disappearing wilderness. Though, as was mentioned in another post, it doesn't have a damned thing to do with the Villages at Loreto Bay.

wILDONE

Skeet/Loreto - 4-19-2005 at 11:59 AM

The wording and the playing of the "Save the Turtle" theme, Conservation etc is very obvious> That is the way the Sierra Club started out so many years ago, playing the same Song to get donations for their various programs whether Good or Bad.
I have always said that if there is enough Water, if there are programs for The Workers families, schools , New Medical, etc that it will be a good thing for the people of Loreto, not for just the Developers.

Please donot fall to the Song of the Do Gooders, Save the Whales, Save The Turtles, save everything except other Peoples Money!!

Skeet/Loreto

Sierra Club Saviors?

Sharksbaja - 4-19-2005 at 12:33 PM

I don't think so.....

Why? Why does the Sierra Club suck? Being a Sierra Club member 30 yrs ago I can attest to the political changes that have evolved. Can you imagine how much Sierra Club money goes to lobbying and politics. It is unfortunate that the club focuses on agendas like:

"Unless the U.S. population is stabilized and eventually reduced, the Sierra Club will fail in its mission."

and........

http://www.sierraclub.org/endorsements/2004/

sure looks partisan to me....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sierra Club members vote on restricting immigration
By TERENCE CHEA, Associated Press Writer

Saturday, April 9, 2005
(04-09) 00:01 PDT San Francisco (AP) --

One year after failing to win control of the Sierra Club in a bitterly contested election, advocates for stricter immigration limits are back, arguing that the venerable conservation group can best protect the environment by reducing U.S. population growth.

The club's 750,000 members are voting this month on whether the 113-year-old organization should push for tighter restrictions on immigration, and five seats are open on the 15-member board of directors, which sets club policy and commands the $100 million annual budget.

Sierrans for U.S. Population Stabilization, a network of club activists seeking to limit immigration, are backing five candidates and pushing a "yes" vote, asserting that Americans are the world's biggest consumers, and that when immigrants come to this country they significantly increase their consumption.

"The issue of escalating population growth in the United States is the single most important environmental issue in the nation," said board member Paul Watson, who also heads the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. "We've got to address this problem. We can't continue to have our heads in the sand."

But opponents, including many current and former club leaders, argue that wading into the politics of immigration will alienate allies such as labor unions and civil rights groups, and won't slow population growth worldwide.

"Just to focus on building more walls, and focus on immigration into the United States, does nothing to address the global population problem," said Sierra Club President Larry Fahn, who is urging members to reject the ballot question. "It would be damaging to the club and its alliances around the country."

Voting by mail and online has already begun and will end at noon on April 25, when the election results will be announced.

Last year, a record number of members voted in the group's most contentious election yet after club leaders warned members that outside anti-immigration and animal rights groups were trying to seize control of the influential organization.

More than 171,000 members voted ? more than twice as many as in previous elections ? and the five board candidates backed by the club's leadership won in a landslide. They defeated some big-name opponents, including former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm and Frank Morris, former director of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

The San Francisco-based Sierra Club, founded by famed conservationist John Muir in 1892, has debated its position on immigration for years, and voted in 1998 to remain neutral.

Still, the club's immigration control advocates have continued to push for a harder line, and forced the question onto the ballot again this year. They say the U.S. population, which has reached about 300 million people, is expected to more than double this century if nothing is done to slow its growth.

"Our population is already too large to be sustainable within our resource base," said Dick Schneider, a club member in Oakland who wrote the ballot argument in favor of lower immigration limits. "Unless the U.S. population is stabilized and eventually reduced the Sierra Club will fail in its mission."

Schneider and his allies say that overpopulation has led to a variety of environmental problems, including increased resource exploitation, the erosion of wilderness and the extinction of species.

The immigration control advocates also insist that they have nothing against immigrants. In fact, they claim that limiting immigration will improve wages and working conditions for immigrant workers by reducing competition for jobs.

"I'm not anti-immigrant. We should reduce the number of immigrants coming into this country to achieve (U.S.) population stabilization," said Watson, who is a Canadian citizen and U.S. resident. "Nobody wants to close the door. We just want to lower the numbers."

Opponents say the Sierra Club already recognizes overpopulation as a major environmental threat, but say the threat must be addressed globally, by advocating for family planning education, birth control access, fair trade and empowerment of women, especially in poor countries.

"We believe population growth has to be addressed by addressing its root causes," said Robert Cox, a former Sierra Club president who wrote the ballot argument in favor of remaining neutral on immigration. "Immigration control has done nothing to reduce family size or population pressures. It just scapegoats people who end up bearing the brunt of our trade policies and foreign policy."

Last year, Cox helped start Groundswell Sierra, an organization formed by Sierra Club leaders and activists to defeat the immigration control candidates. Over the past year, Groundswell Sierra has sent mailings to tens of thousands of club members. By contrast, Schneider's group has only sent mailings to its 2,000 members.

Schneider said he's not optimistic the ballot measure will pass "given the array of money and forces against it," but he believes the Sierra Club will have to confront the immigration question eventually.

"The sooner we come to grips with it the better," Schneider said. "It's key to protecting the environment."

_______________________________________________

Now it seems they are looking to pin the degradation of our environment on others. What happened to all those corporate polluters?I guess you can't shut them down so you blame others, or teach others how to coexist with pollution. . It is ludicrous to suggest that our southern neighbors are a pertinent factor in our destuction of the environment. Just more wolves in sheeps clothing bleeting out political agendas. So, should we care how the Sierra Club votes? Would/does it make a difference?
________________________________________________

Mexico Project Grant Recipients

Sistemas Naturales y Desarrollo, A.C. (SINADES)

Project: Training Community Environmental Promoters in coastal communities of Baja California South
Location: La Paz, Baja California Sur

http://www.sierraclub.org/beyondtheborders/mexico/sinades.asp

has it helped any?
________________________________________________
AS far as the developers go................show me the water! I wonder how much denero goes to lubricating the political squeaky wheels?

Anonymous - 4-19-2005 at 02:36 PM

Jesse can blame his own Fonatur for the overdevelopment. Cabo, Ixtapa, Cancun, ect..
At least LoretoBay has a "Plan". As for the H2O there is plenty from the 9 wells that were drilled to supply enough for over 200,000 per day. The finish of Loreto Bay will only add at the most another 20,000 in the next ten years. For the number lame that's only 10%. Do the math.
NO high rise hotels, no vendors, no time share sharks.

JESSE - 4-19-2005 at 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Anonymous
Jesse can blame his own Fonatur for the overdevelopment. Cabo, Ixtapa, Cancun, ect..
At least LoretoBay has a "Plan". As for the H2O there is plenty from the 9 wells that were drilled to supply enough for over 200,000 per day. The finish of Loreto Bay will only add at the most another 20,000 in the next ten years. For the number lame that's only 10%. Do the math.
NO high rise hotels, no vendors, no time share sharks.

Look, you can sell that realestate and make tons of money of it, and you can also move down here and build your 300,000 dollar home, but forget about the easy going friendly attitude from the locals, i personally make it very clear to all of those home buyers, that i think they are a disease to this area.

Have a good one.

Bruce R Leech - 4-19-2005 at 04:23 PM

Quote:

do you honestly think they have water for 200,000 people? are you dense or what? who told you that? :lol:

wilderone - 4-19-2005 at 04:49 PM

"At least LoretoBay has a "Plan". As for the H2O there is plenty from the 9 wells that were drilled to supply enough for over 200,000 per day. The finish of Loreto Bay will only add at the most another 20,000 in the next ten years. For the number lame that's only 10%. Do the math.
NO high rise hotels, no vendors, no time share sharks."

A Plan. Yeah, that's what they have alright. Little else. Can you explain how drilling 9 wells and using up the water in them is "sustainable?" Can you explain how drilling 9 wells falls into their "Plan"? I thought the PLAN was a desalinization plant. But now the PLAN is to use up all the water, and when there is no more, then they will think about another PLAN.

No high rise hotels, but plenty of COASTAL SPRAWL and pavement and narrow streets and fences. No vendors, but plenty of COMMERCIALISM with shops, restaurants, a fee for a beach club, fee for management, fees, fees, fees. No time share hawks? Just wait until the speculators start re-selling their property, in competition with the units Loreto Bay needs to sell to finish the ones they promised.

Anon, you're the sucker they wish for.

9 wells for ?

Sharksbaja - 4-19-2005 at 05:12 PM

and just why did they drill so many? Are they anticipating something we have yet to hear. Can you tell me if Loreto has urban growth boundaries and restrictions and if so, can they be accessed?

Do your Home Work!

Skeet/Loreto - 4-19-2005 at 06:41 PM

Those 9 Wells were drilled and planned many years before Loreto Bay Villages was ever heard about.
the Well were Drilled{water Rights from San Juan} were all bought up several years ago when the people of loreto were not going to get anymore water as the Golf Course was going to talke 200,000 per Day Alone!!!!!. the people closed the road to la Paz and as a result the wells were drilled.

THERE IS NOT ENOUGH WATER IN THE NINE WELLS TO SUPPORT VILLAGES.

It will be necessary to find additional Water, maybe the Well out of Ligui?
We will all know about this shortage when the next 7 year Drought comes around. Think about it.

Skeet/Loreto

rogerj1 - 4-19-2005 at 09:47 PM

I understand Loreto Bay has first option on any units for sale. That way they can control the price of the resales so they don't compete with the new units coming on line. If Loreto Bay doesn't sell the units within 6 months, the owner can put them on the market.

I also found out that they've raised the entry price on joining the beach club to $20k! I can't imagine people will cough up for that.

Loreto Bay is a Fraud

Phil S - 4-20-2005 at 08:35 AM

Bruce. I really cringed for you on that statement!!!!! Whewwwww. You have anything in writing that can substantiate that statement? Or is it just your opinion? I respect your opinion, and enjoy your comments over the months you've been posting. But would like for you to tell me and others something "we didn't know"!!! Thanks. No hearsay please, just the facts, sir!!!!! And I am curious if you have sat through one of their presentations yet, or gone into their office and reviewed the plan, and gone out to the project and looked at what is happening? Since your only about 90 miles north of them, I'd think you might have done it by now to make a statement like that. PHil S

[Edited on 4-20-2005 by Phil S]

Dave - 4-20-2005 at 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rogerj1
I understand Loreto Bay has first option on any units for sale.

If challenged, this would probably prove illegal.

If challenged prove illegal

Phil S - 4-20-2005 at 11:48 AM

Dave. I'm confused with this statement. What would be illegal with it? First option?? Wouldn't that be an agreement between the owners and the developers? What would be illegal with that, if it is mutually agreed. I thought that went on all the time between developers in the states. Capt. Mike. You have any experience with this "option" to repurchase thing in your contracting business? Dave. You have wet my curiosity!!!!!

Bruce R Leech - 4-20-2005 at 04:01 PM

there are developers in the Mulege aria that have first right of refusal clauses in there contracts. and they are legal.

Bruce R Leech - 4-20-2005 at 04:03 PM

dose any body Know anything about the Loreto Bay Foundation?

wilderone - 4-20-2005 at 04:25 PM

What do you want to know, Bruce. I have the 2004 year-end report.

Bruce R Leech - 4-20-2005 at 04:41 PM

Loreto Bay Company donated $1 million to the Loreto Bay Foundation Iwould just like to know how closely connected these two indites are if at all. and some sort of track record on how Loreto Bay Foundation disperse there funds.

Anonymous - 4-20-2005 at 05:12 PM

Loreto Bay Villages donates one percent of the profits to the town of Loreto. Their board decides what to do with the money not Loreto Bay Villages. The potential for the City of Loreto over the next ten years will possibly amount to over $20 million. As Loreto Bay Villages collects monies from homeowners as the homes are built the money will acrue in the Loreto Bay Foundation. Does nothing but better the people of Loreto as will all the tourism. While I was there, there were thousands spent in the town with all the potential buyers.
NO one likes change but that's not how the world works. The negative posters will ALWAYS be negative. At least all the townspeople are very appreciative and excited that we met with all the Loreto Bay Villages will bring.

bajalou - 4-20-2005 at 05:20 PM

It''s not uncommon in Mexico for developers to take 10-20 years before there is a "profit" to share with the local community.

:biggrin:

Bruce R Leech - 4-20-2005 at 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Anonymous
Loreto Bay Villages donates one percent of the profits to the town of Loreto. Their board decides what to do with the money not Loreto Bay Villages. The potential for the City of Loreto over the next ten years will possibly amount to over $20 million. As Loreto Bay Villages collects monies from homeowners as the homes are built the money will acrue in the Loreto Bay Foundation. Does nothing but better the people of Loreto as will all the tourism. While I was there, there were thousands spent in the town with all the potential buyers.
NO one likes change but that's not how the world works. The negative posters will ALWAYS be negative. At least all the townspeople are very appreciative and excited that we met with all the Loreto Bay Villages will bring.

who ever you are you seem to know a lot about this stuff. why don't you register with the Nomads so you don't post Anonymous? you will have a lot more credibility and maybe you can teach us all something. I tend to take Anonymous posts with a big grain of salt.

Cincodemayo - 4-20-2005 at 06:08 PM

Bruce.....Sorry I thought I was logged in. I got knocked off the internet and it disconnected me. I was the above annony talking about the Loreto Bay funding. Everything I heard while down in Loreto answered all my questions about water, building, the Villages and much more.
I have to say there were folks from all over the country there and at least 80% purchased.
The contractors in charge have to hire local labor for all the building so it definitely will pump mucho dinero into the locals. Some people will always hate change and some love it. The world keeps going wether we like it or not. I believe it will turn into a really good endeavor despite what all the doomsdayers think. It's happening so jump on board or let the wagon pass.

Bruce R Leech - 4-20-2005 at 06:14 PM

pleased to meet you Cincodemayo.

are you the same that started this thread?

Cincodemayo - 4-20-2005 at 06:20 PM

No Sir...most likely someone to show that Loreto Bay Villages did what they said they were going to do. All the business and restaurant owners are great friends with all the folks at the Villages. Every new sales event they spread the wealth around town and sell out the local restaurants as well as pump revenue into the local stores. Great town and hadn't been there since 1980....

Cincodemayo - 4-20-2005 at 06:24 PM

And by the way Bruce pleasure to formally meet you. I've enjoyed all your posts and the regular Nomad posters too.
I traveled the whole penninsula back in 80 and what happened in Cabo was a disaster. I really feel this project will show something good can happen instead of mishmash building no matter what the negative posters say...Not to mention what the benefits that will happen monetarily wise for the people of Loreto and all the "Bigwigs" at the Villages really do care for the town.

Dave - 4-20-2005 at 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
there are developers in the Mulege aria that have first right of refusal clauses in there contracts. and they are legal.

Have any ever been challenged?

Possession/ownership in Mexico is sancrosanct. Once you have bought and paid for property you can do with and/or sell to whomever, whenever the hell you want. C&Rs are basically nonenforceable, especially for Nationals.

Just wait until it becomes a problem with a Mexican owner. He'll sick the legal system on you and you'll be in deep CaCa.

Bruce R Leech - 4-20-2005 at 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
there are developers in the Mulege aria that have first right of refusal clauses in there contracts. and they are legal.

at lest 6 times that I know of

Dave - 4-20-2005 at 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
at lest 6 times that I know of

Then the owners must have been gringos, the developers Mexican or these were homes built on leased land and the landowner had first right.

Our retail center is in the process of forming an owners association. Several attorneys have told us that all regs will essentially be voluntary. Even collecting dues will be virtually impossible.

Phil S - 4-21-2005 at 08:42 AM

Dave. Your corp is developing a "retail center". Is that in Rosarito? What part of town? Will it be gringo oriented, or Mexicano oriented? Will there be some shops wife & I will want to stop off at on the way to Loreto? Give us the "scoop". How soon will it be open? How large. How many shops, etc. Always looking for new places to shop in Baja. Will you be managing or will you be operating any of the businesses?

wilderone - 4-21-2005 at 10:18 AM

Re: the Foundation. Subject to the terms of the LB Co's master development agreement with FONATUR, the formation of the Foundation was a condition precedent to the closing on the purchase of land of the LB project. The 1% in perpetuity is part of a trust agreement with the Mexican government and also governs ALL RE-SALES within the development. The purpose of the Foundation as established in the Bylaws are to establish a fund for education of the inhabitants of Loreto, drive sustainable development in So. Baja CA, improve labor conditions for inhabitants of Loreto, to collaborate in the care and protection of the environment, promote sports activities, improve medical services for inhabitants of Loreto; provide economic resources to third persons toward fulfilling objectives of the Foundation; and funds for acquiring assets to carry out the objectives.
The Foundation will not pursue economic profit, or commercial speculation as a primary purpose, but it will have to provide for its own subsistence and financial management.
The members of the board of trustees are: Butterfield - Executive Director; James Elder (brings ecotourism knowledge and experience) and Mark Spalding. They want to add two more board members, and were considering two Mexicans.
During start up phase, The Ocean Foundation (Wash DC) has agreed to receive the 1% sales and distribute it in accord with purposes of the bylaws. The fee for this service is 4%.

In exchange, The Ocean Foundation provides as tax reporting, check writing, and investment services. We will continue to use this service until the Foundation reaches $3 million in asets. At that time, it will become financial preferable to establish our own infrastructure.
Spalding is a part-time staff person. Together with The Ocean Foundation, he handles all aspects of foundation management. Spalding has visited Loreto twice during summer of 2004, and is spread pretty thin.

The Foundation is in the process of becoming the concession holder to manage the Zofemat, the 20-meter strip of land upland from the high water mark, which will continue to be owned by the federal government. We believe that this stirp wil be best protected for the longer term if the Foundation rather than the developer controls it.

Form your own opinions, but LB Co. will use the Foundation to further its image. As specifically stated, they will prioritize community needs by applying a set of filters: Cost, timing, external image: influence on community view of the Foundaiton; and External Image: influence on community view of LB Co.; promotes Foundation independence and limits bad outcomes by FONATUR, including Escalera Nautica.

And yes, you could characterize me as a "negative poster" and, yes, I will always be negative about the LB project, for one reason, and that reason will never change: the bay has been destroyed; a very special place in Baja California has been destroyed. Yeah, people always get excited about money and I'm sure there is no lack of promises within the town.

1st right of refusals.....very common in USA

capt. mike - 4-21-2005 at 10:57 AM

yes, we put them in all of our contracts, especially initial lot sales - reason is...as the values on dirt go up while you're selling out, if anyone who got in on the ground floor wants out, he has to "sell" it back to us and by contract for no more than he paid - i.e. no speculation. So then we take it back and resell it at the current value, assuming increases.

case in point - the lots we have at the new airpark are closing at $90K - they sold initially at $30K pre sales promo 3 years ago - i love taking them back on occaision and getting the extra $60K!! :lol:

but as for mexico and RE and laws.....i don't know Dick Diddly except anyone who dumps more cash into a foreign property than he can afford to walk away from needs his/her head examined....IMHO - and mex attys are not always the answer. :?:

Loreto Bay

Darlenet8 - 4-21-2005 at 11:05 AM

It's been interesting to read Loreto Bay posts and I'm not surprised with what I read. I have joined Nomads and opened up my identity to anyone who cares to know -

My name is Darlene and I work for Loreto Bay - I have since the project began and have worked with one of the principals, David Butterfield for 20 years.

Scepticism and cynicism is to be expected - the development community has earned it! I'm not going to present all the details of the project here but simply will comment on the recent posts regarding the donation of $1 million and what that's all about. I'll surf in from time to time to respond to questions/comments/rumors etc. I'm not here to do an ad - simply ensure that facts are in play in the forming of opinions ....

The Loreto Foundation was founded so that civic, health, educational and environmental projects could be undertaken to benefit the town and the region. It is true that 1% of sales (new sales and all re-sales) will be directed to the Foundation. Funds flow to the Foundation as funds flow to the company - when sales close.

The Foundation is headed up by Dr. Mark Spalding (anyone who is interested can google him) who has assembled a varied, tri-national board including locals. Clearly the Foundation is in its formative stages - local groups and citizens will be able to request assistance for projects that fall into the above categories - the requests will be reviewed by the Board. The first request was from Grupo Tortuguero so the Foundation was one of the conferences sponsors.

I am sure most are aware of the Baja land rush (sorry - started before we came) ... its a big enough phenomenon that NY TImes has had it front page twice. I guess the question I have is ... given that lots of "boomers" are moving here (as full or part-time residents or as speculators), how should that growth be handled? Simply locking the gates doesn't work so, in my humble estimation, its about planning properly .... locally and regionally. Thoughts??

jrbaja - 4-21-2005 at 11:41 AM

Well Darlene, it sounds good when you put it like that but, what is really happening is a lot of foreigners making a lot of money while destroying a once peaceful, drug free and civilized people.
Are you *************** with them as well as supplying short term jobs? Do they have medical coverage prior to your profits being made? Or is this just another scheme by developers and those who work for them?

[Edited on 4-21-2005 by BajaNomad]

Across the way

latitude26n - 4-21-2005 at 12:13 PM

Mr. latitude just got off the phone with the mechanic- another $4000 bucks goes in to our truck. That damn dirt road.

Just across the peninsula from Loreto, our area is off the radar comparatively but is still developing much faster than anyone would like. We've recently moved a little farther outside of town to escape some of the problems and inconveniences that came with being in the midst of the original, UNplanned gringo enclave.

So what did we do, we actually just repeated the M.O. - only this time we're in the new fancy-shmancy locale ($$) and the area has No services, a funky road and no real thought put in to planning. But the property's more spacious and we weren't ready to give up on the whole area yet, so we feel like we've bought a few more years of enjoyment.

Neighborhood planning is not such a bad thing, but the shear size (among other things) of the Loreto project makes me queasy. Man- thank goodness for that dirt road on our side.

Cincodemayo - 4-21-2005 at 12:13 PM

Wilderone..
How has the bay been destroyed? If you are talking about depletion you can blame the Japanese for overfishing with all their long boats years ago before the Mexican gov designated it as a marine preserve.
Fonatur is the one who contacted Butterfield and Grogan in the beginning.
I look at the positives as a planned community instead of haphazard buildings and hotels everywhere like Cabo but that's my opinion. I'm not here to get into a peeing match just to voice the positives I see with this project. I had many questions about the project when my wife and I went down in March and they were all answered very well....as many others had the same concerns they too were fine with all the scenarios that came up during the Q&A times.
I was in Cabo when there were just the Finestera, Solmar, Twin Dolphins and Hotel Cabo and was amazed the last time I went down there with all the unplanned sprawl. At least this development is PLANNED. It will be developed no matter what and that's the jist of it. After meeting with the BIG guys and going into town you could see the genuine feelings they have for the townspeople and I consider myself a good judge of character
and the same for a good friend of mine who went down on the same trip and he owns a Fortune 500 company in my city. He had the same feelings for the development and the people and he bought 3 doors down. He loves the town and the people in Loreto also. That's my nickle on the subject.

Cincodemayo - 4-21-2005 at 01:03 PM

Come on now jr...time to debate maturely.

Skeet/Loreto - 4-21-2005 at 02:12 PM

JR
Loreto has not been a Drug Free Village for many years starting with TV and the Road being opened in1973!

Question for Darlene;
Water? Facts, not proposals and "WE ARE GOING TO DO THIS"

New Medical Facilites? When?

Schools for the Children?

As you can read you know that I am an old Timer from Loreto.
I think your Project will in the end be good for the people of Loreto. If you can sell People the Lots and Houses and they Trust you enough to beleive they will have enough Water then , So be It!!

It is too late for Loreto to be the same as 30 years ago!Try to keep it from becoming a Drug Infested,party town like Cabo Please!!

The fishing is still very good around Loreto and will remain so for many years.
I will personally Challenge anyone to go out and put a Shrimp trap down to 600 feet and come back and tell me there are no Shrimp in the BAy!!!!!!{ Use a couple of cans of Cat Food}.

There is no stopping progress in Loreto. No matter how many new people come in I will always have good memories of Loreto and its People.

Skeet/Loreto

Cincodemayo - 4-21-2005 at 02:34 PM

Skeet
Couldn't agree with ya more.

Anonymous - 4-22-2005 at 11:37 PM

"in my humble estimation, its about planning properly .... locally and regionally. Thoughts??"
:?:

Is it true Darlene?

Somebody in Loreto told me that you start houses without finished plans, even worst, that you start houses with out construction permits, is that the way you plan properly?

Now, who are the "locals" in the so call Loreto Foundation?

And if you are acepting request to use the 1.35 million dollars here are some:

1.- Build a bigger hospital in Loreto, just enought to handle all the workers that will come from the mainland to work in your development.

2.- Build a decent landfill for all the dirt that your construction is going to make.

3.- Make a training school for construction workers, so that you really build the quality houses that you advertise.

4.- Acept authentic locals in your foundation, so that the monies are really spended in local needs.

Posted by:

An Authentic Dark Brown Loreto Local :moon:

Phil S - 4-23-2005 at 09:09 AM

Anon. Ouch!!!! Am I reading your post with "fire on tongue"? With your signature of being a 'local Loretano', how about just driving those four miles out to Nopolo and meet Darlene personally, and ask her those same questions to her face?????? Or do you have a reason for being "a local who needs to be 'hidden' behind anon? I think your questions are great, but kind of wonder what you meant by the "dirt" they are moving. Can you explain that. And the comment of "someone said" they were building without finish plans, nor building permits. It's so easy to say, "some one said". Makes me think that perhaps your one of the Cafe Ole regulars that dream up these 'schemes' to challenge anyone new whose come to town to share in 'your' shangrila'. Consider it, Anon. You'll like Darlene. First time I met her, when I had a lot of questions also just like you do, and it was instant like. She's personable, bright, quick, and I can see a little 'fiesty' there too. But in a nice way. So far from what I've seen from "day one" it certainly looks like they have been doing something right.

Phil

Skeet/Loreto - 4-23-2005 at 09:30 AM

I got the same read off of the Local Anon.
Must say through that "Personality" is what makes for people buying property when they feel good about the Sales Person.
Phil, you and I both know that the people behind the Money will not put up that kind of money without having the proper connections.
this is not like the French who tried to develop Pt. Escondido, spent 6 million and then got booted out.

People are not concerned about Plans, water , etc they just want to Buy, Buy , Buy and some will know that they are taking a chance, but really do not Care.

I can forsee Loreto Bay will be Huge and will be sucessful if they can find the Water. I see a community with lots of Eco-Nuts Flavor, Kyackers, Whale Watchers, and "Sierra Club" type of People{Just the kind I would not live next door to for a Million Dollars a Year}
It appears from the wording that is the direction they want to Go.

Wait until a group of Mexicanos have a party on the Beach nearby and decide to take a Pee!! The Eco-nuts will declare a Disaster!!

The Loreto People can take care of themselves.

Skeet/Loreto

friend of baja - 4-23-2005 at 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Anonymous
"in my humble estimation, its about planning properly .... locally and regionally. Thoughts??"
:?:

You can rest assured that no homes are started without completed plans, including design specifications and optional upgrades signed off by the homeowner, also no homes are started without all the proper permits.

Darlene Tait epitomizies the character and integrity of all the key team members at Loreto Bay. Do yourself and the town of Loreto a favor and visit the site and ask questions. If after that you still have the same opinion, well, to each his own.

[Edited on 4-23-2005 by friend of baja]

Friend of Baja

Skeet/Loreto - 4-23-2005 at 12:21 PM

I would add to a visit of Loreto, asking questions to the local people who are in charge of the City of Loreto.
What is there support?

I was there when the first of the Units were started and after several inspections both Day and Night I concluded that that structure was being very well built!
Someone realizes that the "Rolling" Type Earthquakes can do damage, also that the South Whip storms can sometimes reach 85 -100 MPH like they did several years ago when the Wind blew down the Bridge at the Golf course.

I say Give these people the Benefit of the Doubt and let them show everyone "What they can Do, after all it is "Just Money".

Knowing the People of Loreto, if they do not do what they Say, the People will run them out of Loreto.

Skeet/Loreto

JESSE - 4-23-2005 at 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Knowing the People of Loreto, if they do not do what they Say, the People will run them out of Loreto.

Skeet/Loreto

I hope so Skeet.

Loretos' future...

Sharksbaja - 4-23-2005 at 01:43 PM

really is the main focus of all these threads. Although I feel very strongly about the project I also have that burning feeling you get when an avalanch starts.... you try like hell to get out of the way and you hope it doesn't do much damage. Like an avalanch, development starts with a crack in the snow. This project is that crack. It is our suspicion of corporate devlopment that keeps us squawking. The others like to follow suit. I firmly believe that the project will be all it says it will. This is not my main concern. The Canadians know what they are doing from a constuction standpoint, but they cannot control the avalanch once it starts to move. The people of Loreto should watch with keen eyes on tomorrow.

The Futurewill take care of itself!

Skeet/Loreto - 4-23-2005 at 04:27 PM

What is happening in Loreto is happening all over theWorld in those places where People find and think they can escape to for a period of time.

Sharks; there is no way to stop it, just get out of the Way!!
Jesse: I have thought for years that Baja will be the New flordia!
Just wait until the Canadians start selling water to Baja, can you even think of the Future Wealth that would create?

Suggestion; Get you a Good Panga, load it up with a couple of weeks supplies and go South of Loreto. There are still tons of places that no one knows or Goes!
On the Pacifica there are also some good places around Los Barancos{ San Gergorio}

:et the people with the Money and desire to live close do so!
Make your own way in the Back Coves of Baja!! He that would make a Great Book"Back Coves of Baja Sur", some young man or women should get with it and Explore those coves, write a Book or Guide and then 40 years from now there would be another Loreto.Skeet/Loreto

And next will be the

jrbaja - 4-23-2005 at 05:26 PM

the shortcut from Los Barriles to Todos Santos. These people just don't have the time to drive "all that way " to San Pedro when they could be shopping!
Glad I got to see it before it turned into lag Nig! :lol:

Anonymous - 4-23-2005 at 07:52 PM

Unfortunately Loreto is not the only place where 'development' has reared it's head. It's happening now in Mulege and the Bay. The village has long since lost it's 'village' atmosphere..it's now a 'boom town' and we lament the passing of an old Baja way of life. In Conception Bay are plots being bought up by developers and sold as house lots...2 behind Rancho Coyote, 1 up from Burros Beach and encompasses old petroglyphs..that will soon be degraded or destroyed. These are the projects of the future planners of the Bay. May it rest in peace.

We all knew it would happen sooner or later...sadly it is here now.

Have you been to the Orchard lately? It is now completely sold out with the little Hansel/Gretel cottages..They are being built on every conceivable square foot. Not something a Baja fan would have wanted. It's going to be very crowded it seems. All along the riverfront they are clearing land for houses and storage facilities. Even the hilltops are sprouting houses. Say goodbye to a peaceful village...maybe it will bring happiness and prosperity to the people, but somehow I doubt it.

Phil S - 4-24-2005 at 03:49 PM

Anon. YOu haven't responded to my asking if you'd consider going out & meeting with Darlene. I know for one, I'd be interested in hearing your input from the meeting, and I'm sure there would be several hundred others. (maybe not that much) Since you are in Loreto, you might be the 'perfect' one to do this. Please respond. Thanks. Phil S

rogerj1 - 4-24-2005 at 10:26 PM

This board is not a good place to get advice on real estate in Mexico. It looks like all the forecasters of doom for Loreto Bay have been wrong. The prices have started rising dramatically as the first casita has been built. The beach club memberships that started at 5k are now going for 20k. I'm starting to think my own caution based on an expected drop in CA housing prices is missing the mark. Sure there's some speculation going on, but from what I hear, many buyers are simply looking to buy a nice place they can retire at. I'm considering a fractional on the mainland that is available at preconstruction prices. With good due diligence, one could do quite well fronting money to good developers. The resale restrictions at Loreto Bay sound prohibitive for flipping. I'm looking for something more flexible.

[Edited on 4-25-2005 by rogerj1]

doom for whom??

Anonymous - 4-24-2005 at 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rogerj1
This board is not a good place to get advice on real estate in Mexico. It looks like all the forecasters of doom for Loreto Bay have been wrong.

[Edited on 4-25-2005 by rogerj1]

It may spell doom if you are a poor local and are displaced by a hot real estate market.....investers will certainly cash in.

Bruce R Leech - 4-25-2005 at 06:58 AM

at least they are keeping it authentic :lol:

Anon

Skeet/Loreto - 4-25-2005 at 08:14 AM

You are Dead Wrong to indicate that some Poor Local is going to be displaced! The Loreto Mexicano is much smarter than that. I would suggest you go up to Mira Mar and see if any of those Poor locals are worried about being displaced.

Skeet/Loreto

Or Encinitas, Los Angeles

jrbaja - 4-25-2005 at 11:32 AM

0r many other places in the land of the free where white guys are becoming the minority :lol:

Roger1

Skeet/Loreto - 4-25-2005 at 11:41 AM

I know that many are aganst the Loreto Bay thing because they did not want to see Loreto change. As far as "Doom" we need to await awhile to see it the Water gets There!

As far as Real estate off of this board I think it is a Good starting Place to "Weed Out' the folks who are just Talking. find out who knows of what they Speak, go from There.

Skeet/Loreto