There seems to be so much instability in the world around us these days - but Costa Cardonal is as beautiful and
peaceful as ever. How are we doing, riding out these difficult times? As a community, we have kept our enthusiasm,
and come together to successfully meet some challenges. We have slowed down on some of our objectives in keeping
with the general economic downturn, and our own personal financial situations.
Still, the late fall sun shines warmly, and the streams of pelicans flow (not fly) by. The desert, beach and sea at Costa
Cardonal remind us that nature endures, if we respect it. We come to Costa Cardonal and find peace and healing.
peaceful as ever. How are we doing, riding out these difficult times? As a community, we have kept our enthusiasm,
and come together to successfully meet some challenges. We have slowed down on some of our objectives in keeping
with the general economic downturn, and our own personal financial situations.
Still, the late fall sun shines warmly, and the streams of pelicans flow (not fly) by. The desert, beach and sea at Costa
Cardonal remind us that nature endures, if we respect it. We come to Costa Cardonal and find peace and healing.
Our Environmental Commitment Put to the Test: In July, 2006, all properties in the Punta Chivato area, including
Costa Cardonal, were visited by agents of Mexico's Environmental Protection Agency (SEMARNAT, and its
enforcement arm, PROFEPA) and many were given citations for having disturbed the fragile desert without a permit.
It was the first we had heard of such a permit! The citations carried the threat of large fines, and the process to
address our citations was daunting. While we decried the "ambush" - no prior advice or warning - we respected the
underlying intent, since we had always had a commitment to protecting the environment as best we could. As a
community, we developed a plan to address the citations, found a capable "go-between", and proceeded to resolve the
citations and acquire the needed permits. As a result, we were the first community in the Punta Chivato area to be
totally approved by SEMARNAT.
What does this mean for Costa Cardonal? Our owners and future owners can build with the confidence that our permit
protects them from substantial fines. We are simply required to provide a place to transplant any protected plant
species that may be in the way of construction. Since we had in mind creating native plantings in the Community Center
area, this "transplant nursery" would fit right into our landscaping.
Costa Cardonal, were visited by agents of Mexico's Environmental Protection Agency (SEMARNAT, and its
enforcement arm, PROFEPA) and many were given citations for having disturbed the fragile desert without a permit.
It was the first we had heard of such a permit! The citations carried the threat of large fines, and the process to
address our citations was daunting. While we decried the "ambush" - no prior advice or warning - we respected the
underlying intent, since we had always had a commitment to protecting the environment as best we could. As a
community, we developed a plan to address the citations, found a capable "go-between", and proceeded to resolve the
citations and acquire the needed permits. As a result, we were the first community in the Punta Chivato area to be
totally approved by SEMARNAT.
What does this mean for Costa Cardonal? Our owners and future owners can build with the confidence that our permit
protects them from substantial fines. We are simply required to provide a place to transplant any protected plant
species that may be in the way of construction. Since we had in mind creating native plantings in the Community Center
area, this "transplant nursery" would fit right into our landscaping.
Protecting our Beachfront - The Zona Federal Concession: All coasts in Mexico - the Federal Zone - are the
property of the Mexican people. However, in order to give people living adjacent to coasts and beaches some control
over what happens near them, Mexico has established a legal instrument, called a "Concession". Costa Cardonal
recently completed the process to receive this concession. Our beach is protected by law from any use that would
damage the beach-sea environment.
The Zona Federal Concession, and the SEMARNAT environmental use permit, have taken us a long way to achieving our
dream of providing ecology-sensitive living to the current and future members of our community.
property of the Mexican people. However, in order to give people living adjacent to coasts and beaches some control
over what happens near them, Mexico has established a legal instrument, called a "Concession". Costa Cardonal
recently completed the process to receive this concession. Our beach is protected by law from any use that would
damage the beach-sea environment.
The Zona Federal Concession, and the SEMARNAT environmental use permit, have taken us a long way to achieving our
dream of providing ecology-sensitive living to the current and future members of our community.
Artists in Residence, and Visiting Scientists: Just a few days ago, Punta Chivato hosted its third annual ART FAIR.
Costa Cardonal residents, Jean Cockelreas (weaver and jewelry maker) and Ed Epifani (carver), have been
instrumental since the beginning in making this event the success that it has become. The works of fifteen artists and
craftspeople were on display - oil and watercolor painting, sculpture and desert creations, weaving and fiber art,
mosaic and tile constructions, and beaded and wire jewelry. Oh my!
And recently, Costa Cardonal residents welcomed and provided accommodations to an international group of geologists
and marine biologists who spent a week studying our bay and entertaining those residents lucky enough to be there at
the time. Among the visitors were Markes Johnson, geologist and author of "Discovering the Geology of Baja
California", and Jorge Ledesma, chief geologist for the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, and an acclaimed
expert on Baja's geologic past.
These events are very gratifying to us - because they show that Costa Cardonal is growing and maturing into the
community we had envisioned when we began. Certainly, there have been obstacles and setbacks, but art is flourishing
and nature is inspiring. Costa Cardonal is living up to its promise.
Costa Cardonal residents, Jean Cockelreas (weaver and jewelry maker) and Ed Epifani (carver), have been
instrumental since the beginning in making this event the success that it has become. The works of fifteen artists and
craftspeople were on display - oil and watercolor painting, sculpture and desert creations, weaving and fiber art,
mosaic and tile constructions, and beaded and wire jewelry. Oh my!
And recently, Costa Cardonal residents welcomed and provided accommodations to an international group of geologists
and marine biologists who spent a week studying our bay and entertaining those residents lucky enough to be there at
the time. Among the visitors were Markes Johnson, geologist and author of "Discovering the Geology of Baja
California", and Jorge Ledesma, chief geologist for the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, and an acclaimed
expert on Baja's geologic past.
These events are very gratifying to us - because they show that Costa Cardonal is growing and maturing into the
community we had envisioned when we began. Certainly, there have been obstacles and setbacks, but art is flourishing
and nature is inspiring. Costa Cardonal is living up to its promise.
| November, 2010 |
| Costa Cardonal ..a desert sanctuary beside a tropical sea. |
| News and Events |
To return to the Home Page,
What about Mexico? Is it Safe? There have been many disconcerting reports about violence in Mexico. We will
not deny that sad fact. Anyone who considers living in Mexico would want to know the risks involved, and choose
carefully.
Mexico's drug and crime troubles are clustered along its borders with the US. The Mexican military is very active
and visible along the highway through Baja, and the Mexican navy patrols coastlines. We, in Punta Chivato, have one
vulnerability - which for many is also a strength: we have an airstrip. The Mexican military has stationed forces at our
airstrip, and patrols the sea in the vicinity. Our isolation and the poor condition of our access road also offers us
security. And finally, the community is also vigilant and supportive.
If you are considering Costa Cardonal, we can offer you the best, most honest advice we can, but we acknowledge that
you have your own concerns and levels of tolerance. As we have said before, Costa Cardonal is not for everyone, for
any number of reasons. If it is right for you, you will know it, and be happy here.
not deny that sad fact. Anyone who considers living in Mexico would want to know the risks involved, and choose
carefully.
Mexico's drug and crime troubles are clustered along its borders with the US. The Mexican military is very active
and visible along the highway through Baja, and the Mexican navy patrols coastlines. We, in Punta Chivato, have one
vulnerability - which for many is also a strength: we have an airstrip. The Mexican military has stationed forces at our
airstrip, and patrols the sea in the vicinity. Our isolation and the poor condition of our access road also offers us
security. And finally, the community is also vigilant and supportive.
If you are considering Costa Cardonal, we can offer you the best, most honest advice we can, but we acknowledge that
you have your own concerns and levels of tolerance. As we have said before, Costa Cardonal is not for everyone, for
any number of reasons. If it is right for you, you will know it, and be happy here.