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Photograph by: Maria Flores Montes. 2007

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We're planning a fund-raiser, and a fun-raiser at best

ANIMAL RESCUE BENEFIT Paula's Hair Design Lilliana's Day Spot Latin Garden Restaurant Dr. Rodriguez, DDS Baja Woodcraft Stretcher-Cize Nancys Hair Salon Juanitos Restaurant Sundance Deli The Net Colorado Restaurant Rossano Art Gallery Art from the Sea of Cortez Rancho de Otro # 2 A second Animal Rescue Benefit Night is planned with Pizza and Beer, games and great prises, for Senior Citizen Sunday 2/17/08. This Fund Raiser will be a lot of fun with a Playing Card Bingo game with numerous small prizes and a Chinese Auction of Gift Certificates from local businesses such as Latino Gardens and the Art Gallery. Bring lots of $1.00 or 10 peso coins.(See flyer above)

 

1/12/08 Excerpts from the minutes. We have a committee preparing a Welcome Package for newcomers to the Camp. It will include a map and telephone list so that newcomers will feel right at home, immediately. Things are moving right along towards getting city water for the Camp. Many of us are grateful, some are still skeptical. Let's hope we see it in our lifetime. We will now have electricity, water and in the most cases, everyone has proper 3000 ltr Septic Tanks. We're practically citi-folk. Fires have popped up in a trail of Recreation Vehicles being burned in the last few months in San Felipe. One such fire happened in Campo Ocotillo itself on or around December 24. Unexpectedly we have a "FireChief" whom we have honored with a plaque and hope to give him the necessary support to take on this new responsibility. Thank you Lupe...see photo below. There is an ongoing investigation by the Fire Dept and the Police Dept but we now have permission to clean up the area for the sake of the Camp. Since that trailer was being offered for Sale by agent Eugene Hoshell, and he has disappeared for the last month, Salvador will take it upon himself to dispose of the wreckage from his Camp.

 

Ron and Carmina Fensler and Joni Kahn present a plaque to our great Fireman Lupe

See pictures here

 

12/8/07 Excerpts from the minutes. Our President thanks all those who joined a 'Clean-up' crew to canvass the camp and pickup trash. The Camp itself is proud of its appearance and is hoping all residents will keep their lots attractive and therefore more valuable. The owner of "Boganvia Gardens", a Mini RV Gated Community now under construction promises it will be very attractive and clean. She hopes all residents around her will eventually be attractive and kept clean of trash. A group within the camp wanted to assist Dr. Victor Abasolo with his efforts towards his new Clinic. They gathered together and donated a set of glass doors at it's entrance. This was not done as an HOACO project but everyone congratulated the effort. A discussion regarding barbed-wire that is dangerous to animal and wild-life and not acceptable by the owner of this camp. He has asked that it be removed. It was reminded that the owners, Salvador and Miguel initiate the rules and if we choose, endorsed by HOACO. Nevertheless we, as residents, must abide by the rules of the camp. And guess what! Byron and Lorna Rogers are constructing a "Put n Play" golf area from Camino Del Ray all the way to the front area by the highway. Many are delighted at the aspect of enjoying golf right here, daily. Kurt Bagby offered to lead a desert run for residents interested in a day of fun, out to the valley sometime in January. Fenslers will host a Christmas dinner Dec 22 for all who wish to come. Donations will help differ the costs. A step arobics exercise group will meet 5 days a week at the lodge at 7:00 a.m. Anyone wishing to join is welcome. Adrian Strepple already has a body-maintenance Excersize Group going that meets on Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. Those that now participate endorses this program and hopes to continue it as long as possible. Everyone is welcome.

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11/10/07 Our first Home-Owner's meeting of he 2007-2008 Season. Board of Directors are President: Joni Kahn, Vice President: Doug Bailey, Secretary: Loralie Cecotti, Treasurer, Jean Breslin, Excerpts from the minutes. An indepth inquiry as to who still owe a balance on the electrical infrastructure, enjoyed by literally everyone within the first 60-resident area, will be conducted by a small committee appointed. Many, but not all residents went above and beyond by borrowing money on their credit cards at 18% interest to get this project done and expect some refund for their efforts. This same committee will, with the help of Salvador's daughter, Abril his book-keeper, verify the names of new owners of properties and who paid and did not yet pay their fair share of this infrastructure but are enjoying the electricity. Letters of verification are now going out to residents for their response. New infrastructure for water is being researched and hopefully spear-headed into action. However, the HOACO treasurer is not handling these costs. Rather, the owner of the camp itself will complete the entire infrastructure and those who wish water can pay their fair share to Abril Flores, Sal's book-keeper We have created "NO BEACH-CAMPING" and "NO FIREWORKS" signs within the camp. Purchase of a defibulator for use here at Campo Ocotillo was discussed and maybe donations towards the purchase of a Hemo-Dialysis machine for San Felipe under Dr. Abasolo's professional use. Both will be researched. The camp has noticed a remarkable increase in undesired traffic so Street lights have been installed by the Camp at the entrance to Campo Ocotillo and at the Calle Viejo/Camino Real intersection.

 

Disaster struck Joni's new Carport. I t was too late to save it.
The Santa Ana Winds sometimes do great damage. Strong winds, strong waves and very little visibility hit us this Sunday, 10/21/07

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Campo Ocotillos Ladies Luncheon at the all new TATOO ROSE Restaurant A beautiful setting right here in down town San Felipe. And the dinner was served so elegantly, nothing plain about this place. They even teased us with a chocolate cake you never have tasted before. Each took a teaspoon to the palet. Carmina has the last bite. 10/18/07

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CAMPO OCOTILLOS LADIES LUNCHEON September 17, at the Pavilion, El Dorado   Enjoy an evening on the outside patio when weather permits The newly designed landscape is almost a permanent view. A peak over her shoulder at those apetizing plates Our gracious waiter took this picture of the entire group. Campo Ocotillos is a fine place to live. Most everyone goes out of their way to get along. One good way to do this is to have group activities, like the Ladies Luncheon held the 3rd Thursday of every month at a place of their choosing. This was truly a great choice. . We started with beverage of your choice and time to visit. After a reasonable time, the menu was served. It was appetizing and served with class...meaning linen napkins placed on your lap, of course. We usually celebrate the birthdays of the month. A fine way to catch up on your neighbor's activities. Photos and written by Shirley Thompson

 

A wedding on the beach

On June 9, at precisely 10:00 a.m. Wayne and RuthAnn jumped the broom to become the new Mr. and Mrs. Cutting. It was the culmination of 2 days of fun and anticipation. The ladies of Campo Ocotillo all got together the night before and gave her a bachelorette party. Ask anyone, it was a fabulous night. And RuthAnn did not get cold feet and back out the next day. It was a great turnout, a wedding party that lasted all day. Congratulations Mr. and Mr. Cutting.

For a larger picture and a photo of the bachelorette party, click here.

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How the town is changing
June 19, 2007

The highway in front of Campo Ocotillo will soon be a 6-lane Boulevard. Construction has been completed up to within a quarter of a mile. Maybe tomorrow it will be open past this intersection. This is part of a 4-lane freeway to be installed between San Felipe and Mexicali, (well, the check station for sure) within the next 2-3 years. The reason for the 6-lane here is that they are going to have a 4-lane toll-road and the old 2-lane freeway for all who live here now. They are building it in pieces, and everyone plays guessing games as to where they are going with this piece; is it going to be part of the old 2-lane road or part of the new 4-lane boulevard. No-one can guess for sure.

As of this date the gas station at the corner of Saltito Road and the highway is still not open. It has been in construction now, what for 3 1/2 years, as part of a small mall. We understand that paperwork is still not completed.

I spotted a water dispensing building going up on our the highway close to Campo Ocotillo. That about completes the necessary businesses needed to live comfortably without going to town. No we don't have a school or a bank out here yet, but???? But there is an ATM out at El Dorado in the business section which is open to the public. There are several small malls being installed, competing for your business. One includes a pharmacy. My oh My.

This whole infrastructure will be needed when the hundreds of condominiums now in construction are completed in El Dorado. No joke, folks. They are packed in there at the waterfront and most are already pre-sold. The beautiful golf-course is the drawing card which is already up and running with it's own pavillion for dining and festivities.

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How Campo Ocotillos is changing

	Campo Ocotillos
When the tide is out it is a great time for clamming.		To think this all started by terracing the land with tires.

June 19, 2007

Campo Ocotillos is not just a piece of beachfront property anymore. Many houses are completed and occupied full-time now. Properties are being picked up right and left. Soon all will be sold, or resold. It used to be a concentrated residential center down near the water-front with all properties having a choice view. Now there are properties and homes built between these properties and everyone has to vie for the best view. Nevertheless, we are all so happy we are living here, with the breezes off of the water moderating our temperatures somewhat while enhancing the beauty of our properties.

Here in Campo Ocotillo, things are normally slow through the summer. That is not to say we haven't been busy. There are probably 3 small construction crews working here. To help you orient yourself while reading of our progress, the road leading into camp is named Camino Real and the one crossing at Cory Dudley's house is Camino Viejo. When Camino Real reaches the "Y" in the road it becomes Calle de la Luna and Calle de Sol. We call this the HOACO triangle.

Bert Streppel is doing his own construction with a little outside help, and is coming along very fast.

On Calle de la Luna:

Slemmers have fully retired and have finished their place very comfortably. They are a very busy couple so we don't see much of them.

Breslen's house is now a home. Jeanne finds retirement very rewarding as she loves to garden and swim. Naturally they have a lap-pool being constructed as we speak. More pictures coming.

Thompson/Cecotti still have the Lodge, where more and more activities meet: SFARP, LAS AMIGAS, HOACO, SFAR, and of course group activities sponsored by Campo personnel. We have had funerals and weddings here, and plenty of welcoming and good-bye parties. It seems to be very comfortable for whatever is needed.

Porter's purple house (formerly Peter & Vicky Wendt's) is up for sale again. It was structured much like a cathedral with high ceilings, a large interior fire-place, and large rooms meant for entertaining. However, they lost their beautiful view as residents have increasingly built closer together. Sal's place is now on their door-step. It will be interesting to watch this play out.

On Calle Segunda
(2nd St up from the water) between Calle de la Luna and Calle del Mar there is a beautiful home in hiding. Besides the fact that the home is gorgeous the gardens take your breath away.

McConnohie's: Here is a picture of that busy garden. Larger pictures here.

On Calle del Mar

A lot of work has been done on that road going down to the beach. Sal put up a lot of signs of 'privacy' for this camp to discourage unwanted traffic on holidays etc. Most residents are adhering to traffic STOP signs and the many speed bumps to slow traffic down in this congested residential area.

Bob Shrader has constructed a very pretty place just west of the triangle, complete with palapa coverage in front and back. They were quick to put out their shingle, CHOCOLATE LOVERS, because they do make the best chocolate candy this side of heaven and it is very reasonably priced. Bob has also developed a large piece of property on the south side (opposite Miguel's house). He built a retaining wall and a huge set of steps (like the pyramids )coming back down to ground level. You have to see it to believe it. However, I hear rumors now that he may sell the whole thing?

Salvador's own house has been finished beautifully. They are wonderful people. I do believe Alta Gracia is the heavy, keeping the area clean and very neat. She loves gardens too. Miguel's home is situated directly in front of Sal's and you will find them all somewhere between the homes most of the time.

On the Waterfront

Don and Judy Maurice have fully settled in. Their home is beautiful, right on the waterfront. They are a very busy couple, but always seem time to add beauty to the grounds which are already beyond belief. This is a picture of their courtyard entrance. Larger pictures here.

South Side:

Sal reported that all of the properties between the Shrader's and Juan Tapia's (Hammontre's trailer) have been spoken for. I managed to wiggle my name onto the one just west of Camino Viejo, but Sal says he is not selling any more on the south side of Camino Real for now.

North side

Cory Dudley's place, on the east side of Camino Viejo is becoming a masterpiece. He has sold off his birds and is continually adding to the landscape. People must be drawn to it because more and more are setting down roots, mostly in trailers to start, but with plenty of dreams.

Just west of Camino Viejo Salvador Jr has set up a trailer and is developing that property. I think there might be one space between his and Lupe's mobile home, which is slowly being developed.

Moving further west (towards the highway) I show the name of Kelley on a large complex of 6 spaces. No further information.

There is no further development at Jesus and Martha's place but Roger's place is distinctly beautiful and different. If you talk to them ask them how they incorporated structures for their dog....pool???

And at the highway, someone enclosed property with a chain-link fence. Sal is using it as a Public Works lot, and keeping most ALL of his maintenance equipment in there.

I shall try to take photos of the beautiful homes finished or still in construction. We are all proud of them. This will take time. Keep tuning in for the next couple of weeks.

Column written and photos submitted by Shirley Thompson