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Send ALL correspondence to:  bajaponyexpress3@gmail.com

Monday, September 28, 2009 - #647
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi we are planning our first RV trip to Los Barriles...we have been
down the Baja to Cabo only once....also some friends are heading to
the RV park there (in Los Barriles) in two weeks...but in talking to
the RV park owner they got the impression there is no bank or business
where we can cash travelers checks or convert U.S. dollars to
peso's...could some one help us out with this issue, oh yes and no
cash machine...we would understand but are unclear if we have to
handle this in Cabo???? Thanks for your assistance. Joy Mundy PS.
We did drop by Los Barriles two years ago but road work kept us from
exploring too far...so we are looking forward to our trip and spending
time in a smaller community..... SrgMom@aol.com

===========================

My name is Felix I am a policia ministerial. I use to work out of Los
Barriles, and have returned to LaRivera. I have handled many robbery
cases and other types of crimes that have happened to Americans. I am
specially trained in security. I met many of the Rotarians last year
at Palmas. If anyone needs help or has any questions you may contact
me on my cell number 045-612-168-9563, and my office number is
130-0308. I do speak English. I have captured many of the people that
were breaking in the homes of Spa Buena Vista a year ago, and in the
Los Barriles area. Thank you Felix Murillo Alcaraz.

=======================

Are you fishing in the A.L.M.A. tournament and need 2 more anglers? My
friend an I are coming down to fish and would like to connect with
you. Won the entry into 2009 Bisbee's "Eastcape offshore tournament"
and would like to do it again.
Tom Hryniuk tomhryniuk@hotmail.com

====================

www.airtran.com   Example: You can fly LAX to Boston, round trip for $260. Of course, read the small print. Cheryl

========================

How do the major credit card issuers stack up? Below are the
international transaction fees from each issuer (for banks that issue
Visa or MasterCard branded cards, these numbers include the Visa or
MasterCard fees):

* Capital One: 0% transaction fee. (Capital One not only doesn't
impose its own fee, but it also eats the 1% fee that Visa or
MasterCard impose.)
* Discover: 0% transaction fee
* American Express: 2% (Increasing to 2.7% January 1, 2009)
* Pulaski Bank: 2%
* Barclays/Juniper Bank: 2%-3%, depending on card
* Bank of America: 3%
* Chase: 3%
* Citibank: 3%
* GE Money 3%
* HSBC: 3%
* U.S. Bancorp (U.S. Bank): 3%
* Wells Fargo: 3%

HSBC has not been charging any fees if you withdraw from their cash
machines. $1.50 for other machines, regardless of amount.
This came from this website.
http://www.travelblogexchange.com/profiles/blogs/travel-tip-international

papabear@starband.net       Don

===========================

COURTESY OF THE BAJAWESTERNONION.COM - On the Pacific Side

          a. New Customs Taxation - Crossing at Tecate: We crossed south bound
Sept 19. New immigration officer transferred in from TJ, very helpful,
good English. processed our FMT quickly then sent us across the street
to the bank. Now the process goes downhill. That bank office cannot
accept payment for the visa, directed to go "down the street 3 blocks
to Bancomer." Directed to the "non-customer line." One hour wait to
pay. In the meantime NEW Customs agents directed us to [parking area
for inspection. Full trailer of housegoods (staying for 1 year) about
$90.00 tax. Problem: could not leave truck and trailer there, no
parking sorry. Drove around finally found Federal worker who allowed
me to park while I go search for my wife at bank. About 3 hours for
the process, used to be about 20 min. Roads good all the way, some
areas a bit slow but no problems towing a 18' trailer, gas available.
- Steven grasslandcattleco@gmail.com, 8172354004, Todos Santos

          b. More Email "Phishing" Attempts - Here is yet another example of a
criminal spam mail designed to extract your confidential information

-----Original Message-----
From: System Administrator [mailto:webmail@maintenance.org]
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 11:06 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Dear Webmail Account User,

Dear Webmail Account User,

This message was sent automatically by a program on Webmail admin
center which
periodically checks the size of inbox, The program is run
automatically to ensure no user inbox grows too large. If your inbox
becomes too large, you will be unable to receive new emails.

Just before this message was sent, you are currently running on
20.9 GB, You have has exceeded the storage limit which is 20GB. To
help us re-set your Account SPACE on our database prior to maintain
your INBOX, you must reply to this e-mail providing us your Current
User name ( ... ... ... ... ) and Password ( ... ...... ... ) e-mail (
... ... ... ... ).

If your inbox grows to 22.0 GB, you will be unable to receive new
email as it will be returned to the sender.

NB:Your Webmail Account Expire in Three (3) Days. After you read
this message, it is best to REPLY with the required information to
upgrade MailBox. Reply to this message immediately to Re activate your
Account.

                 Thank you for your cooperation.
                  Webmail Help Desk.
                  System Administrator.

These are nothing more than "phishing" attempts designed by criminals
to trick you into sending them your user name and password. They have
nothing to do with your real mail inbox or your service provider.
Please ignore and delete them.

NEVER respond to ANY request you receive by Email asking you to reveal
user names, passwords or any personal information of any kind.
Legitimate companies will never ask you to do this. Stay Safe Online.
- Alan, alan@bajasatellite.com,  Todos Santos

          c. Baja Botanical Journey - November 7-12, 2009 Enjoy traveling with
experienced plant experts, from the Sarcocaule desert and tropical
coasts to the oak pine mountains of the Southeastern region of the
Baja Peninsula. These diverse ecosystems are home to many rare plants
and unique cactus, as many as 88 endemic varieties. Enjoy waterfall
pools & hot springs on the way, deserted beaches and star full nights
on comfortable accommodations. Great food too! $645 dollars per person
Price includes all transportation, lodging, food, guides and nature
reserve fees. It does not include gratuities, nor travel insurance.
Plant experts: Ben Kamm – Director of Botanical Preservation Corps and
Sacred Succulents nursery and seed bank. Ethnobotanical researcher and
student of the herbalist traditions of the world. A conservation
horticulturalist working with ecologically innovative methods of
propagation and seed germination of rare beneficial plants. Ben is
dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of traditional and
contemporary plant knowledge as well as the plants themselves. Dennis
Sharmahd - Edible Landscaper, Herbalist, Mycologist Has been camping &
exploring Baja since he was a child. Grows rare and edible cactus
fruits on his farm in Escondido. He has been teaching about wild
edible & medicinal plants for almost 30 years. - Gabriela Flores,
gabriela@ecobaja.com, www.ecobaja.com/47983.html

================================

PETS

          a. When I arrived from Canada on September 1 of this year, we
were pulled aside at the La Paz airport because of my two dogs. The
lady who was asking for documents wasn't part of the customs team; she
was an officer of the "agriculture" department. Unfortunately, I
don't speak Spanish so I did not know what she was asking for, but I
do know that my vet-signed vaccination records and certificates of
health were not enough. She spent a good half hour on the phone to
someone before we were allowed to go through. I have no idea who she
called or why they finally cleared my dogs. A couple weeks later
Dhorea Ryon of Baja Dogs was pulled aside by the same people at the La
Paz airport. They recognized her and wanted her to tell 'everyone'
here about the new regulations. Dhorea's Spanish is a little better
than mine, but not much, and what she got out of the conversation was
that there is a new requirement for a separate document, on top of the
vaccination records and certificate of health, verifying the dog does
not have worms or parasites. In an effort to get the correct and
complete information out to everyone, we will try to contact someone
at the agriculture department directly in the next few weeks and pass
the information along when we get it. We will also ask if these
regulations apply to all animals, if the regulations are the same
whether you fly in or drive in, and if the regulations apply
throughout Mexico or for some inexplicable reason, just at the La Paz
airport.
Sheryl
Owner /moderator of La Paz Gringos
Proud Supporter of Baja Dogs


          b. Our vet sent this to me today. We have been driving to Mexico
with our dog the last 10 yrs. We have never been asked on either side
of the border. The last 2 yrs. they made us leave the dry dog food
coming into the US.

Import regs to Mexico
Saturday, September 26, 2009 9:24:38 AM

Pets import to Mexico from US::

All pets require a veterinary health certificate, issued not more than
5 days before arrival. For dogs and cats, health certificate must
include:
- (for pets older than 3 months) rabies vaccination history issued
within 12 months before arrival. If rabies vaccination history is not
included, rabies vaccination certificate must be attached.
- attestation that the pet is free from ECTO and ENDO parasites.
Further information can be found at: www.senasica.gob.mx
("Phytozoosanitary Inspection" and "When travelling, bring your pet").

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/MX-Mexico-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm

Melanie Dekker WA State

==================================

IRS

          a. IRS Extension to report Fideicomiso. How to do it yourself.

The IRS Media Office did issue an official extension of the amnesty
period for reporting foreign accounts, trusts (fideicomisos), and
corporations to October 15. There are three ways you can meet this
reporting requirement:

1. Hire a knowledgeable CPA or tax attorney. Most are charging from
$500 to $1000. By the time you get together the information they will
need you don't have much more to do to file the forms yourself.

2. Call one of the voluntary disclosure numbers in your state
(available by searching irs.gov for VDP). You can also just call the
Northern California Office at 510-637-1031 and leave your name and
number and they will call you back. They will ask you for your name,
address, phone number and SS#, then send you a VDP letter to sign and
mail back. And then in due time, free of charge, they will help you
complete the forms.

3. Do it yourself ( you have a little more work to do if there are
multiple owners other than spouse, or you have rental income to
report. Go to www.irs.gov/publications and search for 3530, 3530A,
download the forms and instructions. I went through the procedure
with an agent at the NC VDP office and followed the outline at the web
address noted below. You will skip the sections about distributions,
beneficiaries, gifts. Where the forms ask for Owner, that's you; for
trustee, that's the bank holding your fideicomiso; for agent, that's
you again, unless you have hired someone to file the forms for you.
Notice that since your bank does not file the 3520A you are asked to
file it yourself "to the best of your ability." You are asked to file
for years 2003-2008 or a later year if you purchased your property
after 2003. You need to make up a rough balance sheet showing trusts
value at beginning and end of each of those years. Make your best
estimate from whatever records you have by adding to purchase price of
property and closing costs any improvements made each year (house
construction, new palapa, new wall, etc). File duplicate copies of tax
returns for each year along with 3520s and 3520As for each year, copy
of fideicomiso, and cover letter explaining why you are filing late.
One set of copies go to address on instructions, the other to the
Offshore Unit in Philadelphia. Someone posted an outline showing how
to do all of this at www.la-ventana.forumotion.com  , click on MEXICO
section, then on GENERAL INFORMATION ON PASSPORTS, ETC, then on How to
fill out and file 3520.... .

It looks like letting the IRS do it for you is the simplest way to go.

          b. The IRS Voluntary Offshore Disclosure Program deadline has been
extended until 10/15/09. If you have foreign bank accounts, own a
Mexican Corporation or are the beneficiary of a foreign trust
(fideicomiso in Mexico) and do not file current and past due IRS
reporting forms concerning those entities by 10/15/09, the IRS
threatens to impose extremely large monetary civil and criminal
penalties for late filing and nondisclosure by the deadline.. If you
fit these criteria you should read all about the program at
http://www.taxmeless.com/IRS%20Disclosure.htm  or at
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206012,00.html

The states that even if you had no income from your foreign bank and
financial accounts (with aggregate highest balances during any one
year exceeding $10,000US) or have a foreign corporation or foreign
trust (fideicomiso) you still must file all past due forms by 10/15/09
in order to avoid the potential penalties of $10,000 or more for not
filing any of the IRS forms required for these entities or accounts.

Don D. Nelson, CPA, Attorney

          C. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206012,00.html?portlet=7

========================

HURRICANE JIMENA RELIEF EFFORTS

          a. It has been my experience in trying to provide help after a
disaster here in Baja that no one knows the affected community better
than the local Parish Priest's. They are also acquainted with the many
out lying small ranches that are normally forgotten in favor of the
main community. For those interested Padre Daniel is in Mulege,
6151078114 and Padre Pablo is in charge of the Loreto area,
6131140090. I have been told that non-perishable foods are needed much
more than clothing but monetary donations can be given with
instructions that they only be used for rebuilding or construction
purposes. The Priests are both good friends of mine so please give
them my best. God Bless, Dennis

          b. A summary of various organizations helping with Jimena relief efforts:
                          http://www.lasecomujeres.org/Jimena_links.html

          c. Sat Sept 26 - From Cabo Mil's English Programming Team:

We are running this announcement on 96.3 FM Cabo Mil's English
programming regarding aid to Jimena victims in the north of our state
(Friday Sept 25 being the most recent). Log on to www.cabomil.com.mx
The Jimena Relief Drive is on our English home page, you can't miss
it. I would think that for motorists, Catholic churches would be the
most convenient way to donate goods and supplies.

HURRICANE JIMENA RELIEF DRIVE… HERE IN LOS CABOS WE HAD IT EASY BUT
THE SITUATION UP NORTH IN OUR STATE IS STILL VERY SERIOUS…
Hurricane Jimena made landfall September 2 at Magdalena Bay on the
Pacific coast leaving an estimated 35,000 people in the north of our
state homeless to some extent, with over 3,000 families’ homes
destroyed. Please consider donating to the relief effort to assist the
many victims of Hurricane Jimena. What’s needed? Everything from
bottled water, powdered milk and non-perishable food items, to
clothing, medical and personal hygiene supplies, household goods,
tools, building supplies … You name it, they can use it.

In Cabo San Lucas, drop off points are at the Delegation - that’s near
the Red Cross and the baseball stadium - and at both campuses of
Universidad UNIVER; at Instituto Peninsular; and Colegio el Camino in
Pedregal. In San Jose, drop off points are at the Municipal Palace
downtown on the main square, and at the State Gov offices on the
highway between Dollar Rent a Car and Elektra. Please show your
support by donating whatever you can. And, donations can be made at
any Catholic church in the state of BCS.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible online donation to
Hurricane Jimena victims, The International Community Foundation has
partnered with the Mexican Red Cross. Go to www.icfdn.org  and click on
Online Donation at the top of the home page above the search box. The
Baja California Disaster Relief Fund is easy to find through the
Online Donation link.

As of May 25, Baja California Disaster Relief Fund donations totaled
$39,743 US.
~~~

BELOW is 96.3 FM Cabo Mil's current English-language programming
schedule. We welcome comments and encourage suggestions and East Cape
participation in our programs. And a BIG thanks to Cheryl, and to the
East Cape Community for your participation in the BPE, as we do use
(relevant non-commercial) posts in our broadcasts. For streaming feed
go to: www.cabomil.com.mx  "Listen In" or go to "Programs" to listen in
with iTunes, Windows Media Player or Winamp (look for the icons).

SUN 6 to 7 pm The Happy Hour (we miss you, Camilla!) - LIVE FROM LOS
CABOS: Local and visiting musicians play live from Cabo Mil's studio
- EAST CAPE MUSICIANS WELCOME

MON 6 to 6:30 pm - Los Cabos Community Corner with the Los Cabos
Children's Foundation: Local news and interviews with A.C.s and
community groups - EAST CAPE A.C.s WELCOME

TUE & THU 6 to 6:30 pm - News in English: Fresh, translated Local,
State and National News from Cabo Mil's Al Cabo Noticias (In Spanish
M-F 7:30 to 9 am), plus events, announcements and local information.
SEND US your non-commercial news.

WED 5:30 to 6:30 pm - LOS CABOS NOW Talk Radio: Current events, local
and state news, and interviews - HAVE A COMPELLING human
interest/environmental/cultural/current events story? Let us know,
we'd love to interview you.

FRI 6 to 6:30 pm - This Weekend in Los Cabos: Entertainment, events,
announcements, interviews, and what's up around the Cape Region, from
CSL to La Paz (and occasionally beyond!)
NOTE: The BPE is our MAIN source for the East Cape entertainment calendar.

¡Saludos!
Sabrina
Sabrina Lear
English Language Programming Head / Producer
96.3 FM Radio Cabo Mil
TUNE IN ONLINE: www.cabomil.com.mx  "LISTEN IN"
ALL SUBMISSIONS: loscabosnow@sabrinalear.com
Office Tel: (624) 145 7963
Local Cel (624) 128 1317
SKYPE: sabrinaloscabos

=========================

SHARE YOU ANSWERS

KINDLE BOOK READER
The kindle reader can also download books from your PC Don't know about Mac.I have a Sony reader for about the same money and it does work with mac or PC and seems to have a very good ook selection and fast down loads. books are a little cheaper I believe too.

RIDES FOR PEOPLE AND STUFF

          a. Rider And Items - heading to LaPaz around second week of October.
from Vegas area. Can pick up person in San Diego. Rider wanted, share
gas. Have room for items in pickup truck and trailer.. experienced
have been doing the drive for 10 years. - Dean ,
dean@keyboardorganizer.us  , 612-114-0202, La Paz

          b. Looking for someone who can take a set of Rosetta Stone CD's to
the states and mail it for me.
It will be packaged and ready to go. Patricia pattimo@vom.com
624 121 8786

WANTED

Single or tandem ocean kayaks. Contact billblatch@aol.com

BAJABIZ - Repeats in TWO weeks

     What would you do if faced with a medical emergency while traveling to
or staying in Mexico?
     Do you rely upon health insurance, like a PPO, HMO, Medicare, VA or
national healthcare to cover unexpected medical bills when you travel?
     Would you prefer to be air evacuated all the way HOME for treatment
where your insurance covers you, and with your own doctors, hospital,
& loved ones?
     If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then SkyMed is for YOU!
SkyMed pays 100% of your air evacuation; no deductibles, no copays -
you pay NOTHING!

email cathie.smith@skymed.com  or phone 575-527-8227 for information
on our various medical emergency air evacuation membership programs,
one will suit your needs. Short trips, annual, & multi-annual
memberships available. One thing will happen if you suffer a medical
emergency while traveling; you will either be glad you have SkyMed or
wish you did!

========================The End