Rocky Point Laguna Shores Mexico Beach Blog - News of the Day
Laguna Shores Rocky Point Mexico Blog
From the Beachfront community in Rocky Point, Mexico, aka: Puerto Penasco
Where not to be when the tide comes in...
By Debbie Christofferson
Local Rocky Point Update
Rocky Point’s economy mirrors the U.S.—only worse. Business has slowed everywhere and many businesses including Laguna Shores are facing hardship—and have had to furlough workers. What you see in the United States is magnified here.
Good news for those of us still visiting: No lines! No border backup when you return to the U.S.. Sad for the vendors who market to the “line-shoppers”, but good for the environment, our cars, and … us! Today’s market also means you can also shop till you drop—if you’re looking for a hot deal on real estate.
Laguna Shores Update
Water De-Salt Plant
Thanks to engineering talent on staff, Laguna Shores has its own operating desalination water facility. Water is pumped from the ocean and treated, which is then used for supplying our homes. No water in Rocky Point is potable, but the desalt plant is pretty remarkable, and something not common in other Mexican communities. You will also save money. Refilling our 1200 gallon tank is now only $20.
Pool and Restaurant
If you’ve visited lately, you’ve seen the fabulous new pool—and taken advantage of the refreshing water and lovely views. The palapa restaurant was enclosed and remodeled, then unveiled as “Mikky’s Restaurant”, with seating indoors and out. Pool side fare looks good, and feedback on the restaurant food and service has been positive.
Streets and Sewer Lines
Pavers have been laid on the main road as you enter the actual development and work continues. Sewer lines have also been dug and laid, and in –ground septic tanks can now overflow into the lines for treatment and reuse. Reuse is a work in progress.
Power Meters
We’re all paying our own electric now. With the power company’s installation of meters some time ago, Laguna Shores is no longer footing our individual bills. Electric is a government-run utility. Bills are sent to Laguna Shores for each housing unit, in two-month increments. But it’s up to you to check in and take care of payment. After two billing cycles of non-payment (4 months), the power company will shut off your service and padlock your meter.
Make advance payment arrangements through a local bill-paying service, or perhaps work with your Laguna Shores representative. Yes, there’s a fee for doing so, or you can also take care of it yourself downtown if you feel so-inclined. Turn-off fees are nominal for re-start, but a major headache. If you store food and it spoils, it’s downright sickening, in more ways than one. We don’t advise keeping food cold-stored in your absence—only if you live here. Like Arizona’s monsoon storm outages, power can be a bit flaky. A smell is worth a thousand words. Well, … you get the picture. Also if you did not pay originally for your power hook-up, that is a fee you will also incur to our developer.
How to Get Maintenance
If Laguna Shores built your home, it came with a 1-year new home warranty. Otherwise, you own your maintenance arrangements and costs. Laguna Shores staff are always helpful in directing us to local companies, or making calls on our behalf if we ask. They’ll know generally who is best to work with. These are not Laguna Shores contractors, they are independent businesses. Remember: In Mexico, … everybody knows somebody and lots of times that means a referral fee may be the primary motivator for sending you to a specific business. Ask Laguna Shores or your neighbor for references of those they’ve worked with for good results. Get a clear estimate, plan to be onsite for the work and plan for payment in cash.
Monthly HOA-like Fees
In previous and recent years, we’ve paid $400 a year in assessments to Laguna Shores for landscaping, the pools, 24x7 security, etc. With recent improvements, and with a downturned economy, this has increased to $200 a month per home, and $40 a month per lot, starting in 2009. Discounts are offered for advance annual payment. Although we may think this is unfair and excessive, it’s less than developments on Sandy Beach or Mayan properties. It’s also less money and hassle than we’d incur if we self-managed. And as you see, there’s no building going on, and somebody has to pay for services and infrastructure. Rumor-mongering is how we heard about this—grousing among the owners starting at the grand opening party for the new pool. It was made real when I went in to pay my 2009 fee and it went up 600%, with no notice or communication from our Laguna Shores office. I don’t like the lack of communication either, but we’ll be building on that.
Water Safety
Sitting poolside, we recently we saw a guest come close to drowning in the rising surf, after up-ending a kayak. Thanks to the Security Guards—and Luis’s quick actions specifically, danger was averted. Water depth can deceive when the tide comes in high, so if you cannot swim, stay close to shore, or wear a life jacket. And keep a close watch on your little ones. Luis lost his prescription glasses and Jesus his iPhone, but both were tiny prices to pay for maybe saving a life.
Other Questions Coming Soon:
“ How Do I Get My Trust?”
“Can I sell my home or lot through Laguna Shores?”
“Can I rent my unit?”
Got questions or an update? Ask and we'll publish them as they apply to Laguna Shores community.
From the Beachfront community in Rocky Point, Mexico, aka: Puerto Penasco
Where not to be when the tide comes in...
By Debbie Christofferson
Local Rocky Point Update
Rocky Point’s economy mirrors the U.S.—only worse. Business has slowed everywhere and many businesses including Laguna Shores are facing hardship—and have had to furlough workers. What you see in the United States is magnified here.
Good news for those of us still visiting: No lines! No border backup when you return to the U.S.. Sad for the vendors who market to the “line-shoppers”, but good for the environment, our cars, and … us! Today’s market also means you can also shop till you drop—if you’re looking for a hot deal on real estate.
Laguna Shores Update
Water De-Salt Plant
Thanks to engineering talent on staff, Laguna Shores has its own operating desalination water facility. Water is pumped from the ocean and treated, which is then used for supplying our homes. No water in Rocky Point is potable, but the desalt plant is pretty remarkable, and something not common in other Mexican communities. You will also save money. Refilling our 1200 gallon tank is now only $20.
Pool and Restaurant
If you’ve visited lately, you’ve seen the fabulous new pool—and taken advantage of the refreshing water and lovely views. The palapa restaurant was enclosed and remodeled, then unveiled as “Mikky’s Restaurant”, with seating indoors and out. Pool side fare looks good, and feedback on the restaurant food and service has been positive.
Streets and Sewer Lines
Pavers have been laid on the main road as you enter the actual development and work continues. Sewer lines have also been dug and laid, and in –ground septic tanks can now overflow into the lines for treatment and reuse. Reuse is a work in progress.
Power Meters
We’re all paying our own electric now. With the power company’s installation of meters some time ago, Laguna Shores is no longer footing our individual bills. Electric is a government-run utility. Bills are sent to Laguna Shores for each housing unit, in two-month increments. But it’s up to you to check in and take care of payment. After two billing cycles of non-payment (4 months), the power company will shut off your service and padlock your meter.
Make advance payment arrangements through a local bill-paying service, or perhaps work with your Laguna Shores representative. Yes, there’s a fee for doing so, or you can also take care of it yourself downtown if you feel so-inclined. Turn-off fees are nominal for re-start, but a major headache. If you store food and it spoils, it’s downright sickening, in more ways than one. We don’t advise keeping food cold-stored in your absence—only if you live here. Like Arizona’s monsoon storm outages, power can be a bit flaky. A smell is worth a thousand words. Well, … you get the picture. Also if you did not pay originally for your power hook-up, that is a fee you will also incur to our developer.
How to Get Maintenance
If Laguna Shores built your home, it came with a 1-year new home warranty. Otherwise, you own your maintenance arrangements and costs. Laguna Shores staff are always helpful in directing us to local companies, or making calls on our behalf if we ask. They’ll know generally who is best to work with. These are not Laguna Shores contractors, they are independent businesses. Remember: In Mexico, … everybody knows somebody and lots of times that means a referral fee may be the primary motivator for sending you to a specific business. Ask Laguna Shores or your neighbor for references of those they’ve worked with for good results. Get a clear estimate, plan to be onsite for the work and plan for payment in cash.
Monthly HOA-like Fees
In previous and recent years, we’ve paid $400 a year in assessments to Laguna Shores for landscaping, the pools, 24x7 security, etc. With recent improvements, and with a downturned economy, this has increased to $200 a month per home, and $40 a month per lot, starting in 2009. Discounts are offered for advance annual payment. Although we may think this is unfair and excessive, it’s less than developments on Sandy Beach or Mayan properties. It’s also less money and hassle than we’d incur if we self-managed. And as you see, there’s no building going on, and somebody has to pay for services and infrastructure. Rumor-mongering is how we heard about this—grousing among the owners starting at the grand opening party for the new pool. It was made real when I went in to pay my 2009 fee and it went up 600%, with no notice or communication from our Laguna Shores office. I don’t like the lack of communication either, but we’ll be building on that.
Water Safety
Sitting poolside, we recently we saw a guest come close to drowning in the rising surf, after up-ending a kayak. Thanks to the Security Guards—and Luis’s quick actions specifically, danger was averted. Water depth can deceive when the tide comes in high, so if you cannot swim, stay close to shore, or wear a life jacket. And keep a close watch on your little ones. Luis lost his prescription glasses and Jesus his iPhone, but both were tiny prices to pay for maybe saving a life.
Other Questions Coming Soon:
“ How Do I Get My Trust?”
“Can I sell my home or lot through Laguna Shores?”
“Can I rent my unit?”
Got questions or an update? Ask and we'll publish them as they apply to Laguna Shores community.
posted by Debbie Christofferson at 7:44 PM
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