Sometimes so much is going on in our little slice of paradise by the sea that we can’t address the many short subjects with proper attention. To handle the hodgepodge of dangling subject matter, we invented the Potpourri Page. Here are a few “short shorts” to keep you up to date.

Parking Meters in Malecon

If you find yourself looking for a place to park in the Malecon, be sure to bring some peso coins because you’re in for a surprise. The City recently installed parking meters in front of all of the parking spaces in that area. Initial reactions have been very mixed, with some people angered at the City for wanting to charge in the place that has always been free.
Others see it as a good thing that will free up more parking for visitors to the area, because in the past business owners and vendors took up many of the spaces all day, every day. The meters will very likely reduce the number as it will get expansive to feed the meter every day, though merchants are angry because there is very little parking in the area.
The meters will be patrolled from 9:00 am until 10:00 pm during week nights and until 2:00 am on weekends. Tickets will be issued to vehicles parked at an expired meter. The initial cost of parking is set at $17 pesos per hour (about 90 cents). Only time will tell if the new City dual-strategy or collecting new fees and freeing up parking, works or not.

SENTRY Lane Approved for Sonoyta/Lukeville Crossing

Mayor Kiko Munro announced that the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection US has received budget authorization for the opening of a Network Rail Safe Electronics for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI by its initials in English) at the border crossing Lukeville-Sonoyta.The document issued by CBP, completes approval the proposal for the project presented by the Municipal Government of Puerto Peñasco, in an effort called “Modernization of the Border Crossing” as well as by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development called ” Puerto Border Sonoyta.”

Whale Watching Season in Full Swing in the Northern Sea of Cortez.

Many boats go out several times per week in search of the majestic giants. And, the success rate of the experienced captains in finding whales, as well as dolphins, sea lions, and other sea life has been stellar. Taking one of the available cruises is highly suggested, so sign up to go, and don’t forget to bring your camera.
According to the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the season this year officially runs from January 1st through April 30th. In recent weeks, whales have been spotted numerous times just off the shores of Sandy Beach.

The fin whale, which is the second largest whale in the world, and the humpback whale are the most frequently spotted whales in the area. Your guide will be sure to point out which whales you are seeing and to explain the differences.

Dairy Queen Comes to Town

For anyone who misses a very familiar soft-serve ice cream while you’re in Rocky Point, the solution to your problem has arrived. Dairy Queen has come to town and the location, right on Benito Juarez across from VIP gas station, even has a drive-through. We must be growing by leaps and bounds, because our little paradise continues to welcome new businesses. The Dairy Queen is the latest addition, but Rocky Point already has a number of US based businesses, such as Little Caesars Pizza, Ace Hardware, Circle K, Burger King, Autozone, Walmart (Bodega Aurrera), Sam’s Club, Thrifty Ice Cream, Two Theaters, Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards. But, when you want a treat, don’t forget about Candy Cake, Michoacana, or some of the other delicious long time favorites that are still here too.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Team, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing. Sign up for Jim’s Monthly Newsletter: http://www.tinyurl.com/JimNewsletter