As you all know by now, Rocky Point Police Chief Erick Landagaray is currently recuperating from injuries sustained in an assault. Erick Landagaray is a friend, a neighbor and a consummate professional in his field.

A tragedy like this is traumatic for any community, and even more so when the community is as accustomed to a tranquil and safe environment as we are here in Puerto Penasco. Of course those of us in the business community want to do all that we can to promote tourism and motivate people to come and visit us in this beautiful place we love, but make no mistake, we also want our visitors to have a safe and happy experience.

It is for this reason that we remind you that our most important task is that of informing and assisting the public; whether it is about local events, where the best prices can be found or even why there is increased police presence in town.

None of this need affect our daily routines. It also need not rearrange your travel plans. Rest assured that all that can be done, is being done. Anyone who lives here can tell you that life continues to be peaceful and productive.

Puerto Penasco is enjoying a successful tourist season and we expect that to continue. The Roger Clyne concert was a huge success, with almost 4,000 people attending. The Jenni Rivera concert also had a turnout of about 3,500. The Miss Sonora Pageant had well over 2,000 attendees and was broadcast on national television, and the National Association of Realtors just wrapped up their very important CIPS training for Realtors who came from from all parts of both countries. This week, the National Basketball Championship is being hosted in Puerto Penasco and is also being broadcast throughout Latin America!

I ask that you do your part. Support your fellow TVA members. Golf at Las Palomas this weekend, go out to dinner at a member restaurant, stop and have a drink with your neighbors. Rent a kayak or a jet ski. Go fishing. Have fun while you enjoy our extraordinary weather.

And remember, if we can be of service to your clients and friends, or to you, do not hesitate to contact us.

We are thankful that Erick is recovering and will continue to hold him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Gina Jeffery
Gretchen Ellinger
Mariadela Arocha
Rosie Glover

Business leaders in Puerto Penasco, known commonly as Rocky Point, met on Monday to discuss the backlash of calls and emails received as a result of the warning that specifically mentioned dangers on Highway 8, the road to this popular beach resort town.

According to the director of Mexico’s Federal Highway Patrol, no incidents like those discussed in the warning have occurred. The AFI, which is like the Federal Investigative Agency, has also denied any knowledge of problems along Highway 8. Local police chief Erick Landagaray expressed surprise that the Consulate would issue a warning without so much as a thread of truth to it, without first consulting with his office. The Attorneys General at the State as well as Federal level have also said there is no basis for the claims of violence on the road to Puerto Penasco.

Fausto Soto, Director of International Relations for the City of Puerto Penasco attended the meeting, where all agreed the highest priority should be in preparing travelers with the truth, regardless the economic effects on the city.

Nevertheless, according to the American business community, it seems that in this case the U.S. Consulate has violated their own policy not to rely solely on unsubstantiated rumors…and in this case, they got their facts very, very wrong, in the process harming an entire community, many of whom are Americans.

It would be naïve to think that the timing of this warning was accidental, coming as it did right before one of the biggest weekends for this resort community. That negative reports hit the media harder right before Spring Break or other important holidays for travelers is nothing new. What is new, however, is the participation of the U.S. Consulate’s complicity in unnecessarily scaring the traveling public and causing harm to many American-owned businesses south of the border.

The hope in Puerto Penasco is that those who know and love Rocky Point won’t stay away or cancel their travels plans without first verifying the veracity of what they’ve heard, even if the rumors come with the stamp of the U.S. government.