Scorpion Bay Cantina and Campground

February 2010

Thank you for your phone calls and emails. The expression of support and encouragement has been sharp and overwhelming.

Campers are coming and going as usual. The campgrounds are open and operating though the cantina is closed. Kory and Taryn are back in the USA - doing well after traveling in Asia. They say hello to all their friends and acquaintances, visitors and residents alike. Jesse and Linda Alonso are on site taking care of the campers. The employees have either been laid-off or on short hours while we work to get the cantina reopened.

In an apparent move by the interests seeking to take over the cantina and campgrounds, an illegal labor strike was averted in July when an out of town labor boss was prevented from taking possession of the campgrounds.

In August the cantina was closed. The closure was initiated by a complaint submitted by the attorney for the invading interests. In the inspection report, PROFEPA, the Mexican EPA, cited no damages - so it is difficult to see how the closure can be justified. Never the less, the closure curtails the services the cantina has provided visitors for many years, is a hardship on our employees and disrupts our operation.

The illegally installed fences were removed in October and Martin Gomez, who was hired to secure the property for the invading interests, was sent back to La Paz. The local District Attorney is investigating felony charges against those responsible for the fences.

The newspaper “El Sudcaliforniano” recently reported that the Municipio of Comondú is now considered the most corrupt in all of Mexico.

The closure of the cantina has been appealed to a court outside of Comondú and a decision in the appeal should be rendered in our favor in the next few weeks. Consequently, we should again be taking reservations for accommodations and serving meals and drinks in the cantina.

We look forward to seeing you,

Ruben,
Jesse and Linda Alonso
and the Employees of the Cantina

Welcome Back:

It's another spring and the Scorpion Bay Campground is still here, open for business.

Camping Is Permitted In The Federal Zone:

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation. The Federal Maritime Zone in front of the campgrounds is open for camping. You will be able to set-up camp on the cliff edge with an unobstructed view of the surf.

Water:

Water is still trucked in and water conservation is still a high priority. The recently installed secondary sewage treatment system is performing without a hitch.

Travel Safety:

Travel safety has been a concern for many. In the last year there have been no serious incidents involving tourists south of Ensenada. Even so, it's advised to travel in the daytime. Don't drive at night. There are several good reasons for this. Drive slowly. Every year there is at least one rollover on the dirt roads or salt flats. Always have Mexican auto insurance, it'll keep you out of jail if there is an accident - even if it wasn't your fault. If you're short on time or extremely cautious, consider flying to Loreto and drive to San Juanico from there.

Bring Pesos:

Don't forget to bring Pesos. Change your money at the bank. The exchange rate is much better at a bank then at Pemex or stores. The town of San Juanico is at 12:1.

Scorpion Bay is a primitive recreation destination 650 to 890 road miles south of Tijuana depending on the route you take. Look on the West Coast of Baja California Sur, north of Magdalena Bay, south of San Ignacio Lagoon. San Juanico can be found near Punta Pequeña a south facing point with a lighthouse. La Purísima, to the east, is the closest town inland.

San Juanico is a Mexican fishing village in transition. In addition to the flow of visitors, some Americans have built palapas, set-up trailers and built cottages or houses in the town. Along the coast to the south is the Scorpion Bay campgrounds, restaurant and cantina. Travelers from around the world camp along the cliff edge and make the cantina and restaurant their center of activity. The area is open year round and is managed by Jesse and Linda Alonzo.

The Managers

Their email address is: jesse@scorpionbay.net

You may also contact Ruben Andrews, the General Administrator in San Diego, CA.
Phone (619) 239-1335, X-18
Fax (619) 235-6018
Email: ruben@scorpionbay.net