By BONNIE HENRY   Arizona Daily Star

They started with a pie plate and a bucket. Later, they graduated to a net.

From those humble beginnings, Betty Hupp and Marilyn Malone — pals for decades, neither one a scientist — have come up with “The Edge of the Sea of Cortez,” a gorgeously photographed guide to what lives in the tidepools of the Upper Gulf of California.

“It’s setting new standards for guides. It is amazing,” says Don Thomson, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Arizona.

“Most of the field guides around are more scientific, with relatively few pictures,” says Peggy Boyer, executive director of CEDO, the Spanish acronym for the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans in Rocky Point Mexico. A small Mexican fishing villiage.

Indeed it is — with 1,026 color photographs of everything from sponges to sea urchins, scallops to sea anemones, jellyfish to fiddler crabs.

“We wanted something for families,” says Hupp, who along with Malone will do a book-signing Dec. 13 at Tohono Chul Park.

In fact, it was family — more specifically, their kids — who planted the seed decades ago.

“We were on the beach years ago at Puerto Penasco,” says Malone, 71. “The kids would come up with something they’d found on the beach and say, ‘What’s this?’ ”

“And we’d say, ‘We don’t know,’ ” says Hupp, 79. “We couldn’t find anything to answer the kids’ questions.”

Settled into the same Midtown neighborhood in Tucson, the two met years ago on a field trip to the downtown library.

Hupp, the mother of six, was married to a pilot stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Malone, mother of two, was married to Carl Hodges, one of the founders of CEDO and one-time head of the UA’s Environmental Research Lab, which studied desalinization and prompted shrimp farming in Mexico.

She often accompanied her husband on his trips to the Sea of Cortez.

In 1981, she and Hodges divorced, and Malone, who’s since remarried, became a detective with the Tucson Police Department, investigating child abuse and neglect cases, including homicides.

Meanwhile, Hupp had also retired as an executive assistant at the UA. With more time to spare, the two women ratcheted up their friendship. In 2004, they attended a three-day tidepool institute at Puerto Penasco, also known as Rocky Point, put on by CEDO.

“There were marine biology interns there. They camped out. We got a motel room,” says Malone. They also delved into research, picking up books here and there but finding few photos in them other than in black and white.

Meanwhile, field research on the beach often entailed rising before dawn for low tide.

“We started with a small camera, a bucket and a glass pie plate to capture the animals and take photos from the undersides,” says Malone.

Every spring from 2004 through 2007 the two women picked out and photographed tidepool creatures on the beaches of Puerto Penasco and Cholla Bay.

“We would get queries from Mexicans and American tourists, but we never had any problems,” says Hupp. “We were just a couple of little old ladies.”

After the first trip, they shifted from film to digital images, taking 10,000 photographs in all.

They also took classes in how to best present those images in layout and design.

One of the hardest tasks was deciding what to leave out, what to leave in.

There were also environmental concerns.

“We tell people to be careful and put the rocks back where they found them,” says Hupp.

Adds Malone: “This is not a preachy, environmental book.”

Thomson, who along with other scientists helped edit the book, says none of the creatures highlighted in the book is endangered.

As the book took shape, editors in the scientific community gave them constant feedback. “We wanted to make it as accurate as possible,” adds Malone.

Self-published, the book is now being distributed by University of Arizona Press and is also available through CEDO.

“We learned a lot,” says Malone, who along with Hupp is hoping their book is translated into Spanish. They’re also thinking of doing another book, possibly on the Southern Gulf of California or even Hawaii.

Whatever they do, the agreement they entered into before this book still holds.

“We made a pact that family and friendship came first,” Hupp says.

“And we are still friends,” Malone says.

___

Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com

Biologist  Alejandro Castillo,  Sub Director of CEDO,  Given National Award
Alejandro Castillo Lopez, Sub Director of the Intercultural Center of Desert and Ocean Studies (CEDO), was recently granted the National Youth Award, presented by Mexico President Felipe Calderon. The award is presented each year to young leader whose contributions to Mexican society are truly noteworthy.
Together with 19 other young men and women, Castillo received a monetary award, a gold medal and a diploma signed and presented by the President of Mexico in the city’s capital.
Through a CEDO press release it was reported that although clearly this is a tremendous honor for Alejandro Castillo, he says he would have happily traded in the award for the guarantee that the laws of Mexico are abided by, offering true protection of the country’s natural resources.
“Alejandro is dedicated to the protection of the environment and believes that this is the only way to help the country resolve problems associated with the extreme poverty that affects so many people throughout Mexico,” states the release.
The statement stresses that Alejandro’s interest in the environment began at a very early age and has always been evident. He studied biology at the University of the America in Puebla, where he obtained a scholarship given his exceptional work.
After graduating in 2005, he moved to Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, to work at CEDO as coordinator of programs of coastal conservation and sustainable development. Currently, he is the Sub Director of CEDO.
The principal objective of Alejandro’s work at CEDO has been the conversation of the estuaries in the region. As one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, the estuaries are being threatened by coastal development along the shores of the Gulf of California.
In 2006 Alejandro created an eco-tourism route known as NaturArte, a project that has allowed CEDO to support development and connect the eco-tourism market with community businesses located by the estuaries.
The NaturArte tours provide visitors the possibility to enjoy areas of tremendous natural beauty while at the same time supporting environmentally friendly local businesses. The project also provides funds for the protection of these key habitats.
In 2007 Alejandro won an award from the University of the Valley of Mexico for the NaturArte Project, as being one of the best programs of social development led by young Mexican men and women.
During recent years, Alejandro has been part of CEDO and has become a leader in the conservation of Mexico contributing not only to the preservation of wetlands, but also to key marine environments. Alejandro Castillo does not hesitate in continuing to contribute in an important way to the conservation of the richness of the natural resources of Mexico.

Values Promoted In Neighborhoods: 400 Promoters Appointed 

In order to promote values and good customs in local neighborhoods, and throughout the entire society, appointments were made of 400 promoters of values, of a total of 1,500 that will be trained this year. 

The positions were made with the backing of the Human Development program, which during recent weeks had been active through the office of Municipal Social Development in the neighborhoods of Puerto Peñasco, under the motto: “enjoying the present with values preserves my future”. 

Guadalupe Jaime Blanco, Mirna Lopez Vanegas, Ana Rocio Chavez, Rosario Rios Lara, Patricia Bojorquez, Rosa del Carmen Lara and Elizama Duran were the first to be named promoters of values of the 400 that participated in the first stage of the program. 

Raul Mendez Rojas, Director of Social Development, stated the stragety is to promote values and good customs and involved 20 meetings held in diverse points of the city. He commented that this first stage of appointing promoters of values required a tremendous effort and work on behalf of staff from his office. Mendez Rojas stated that the goal is to appoint more than 1,500 promoters of values this year. He noted this will be done through direct contact with people in neighborhoods around the city. 

Mrs. Patricia Bojorquez, speaking on behalf of the promoters of values, gave thank for the interest of the municipal government in building human values within the society. She stated that the talks have served quite a bit in getting closer to people from each of the city’s neighborhoods and strengthening human relationships an dliving peacefully. 

As part of the Human Development program, the more than 150 attendees of the event enjoyed a theatric presentation concerning the theme of values put on by participants of the strategy to promote values among those of the Peñasco community. 

1st. ANNUAL RUBBER DUCKY RACE TO BENEFIT “ADOPT-A- CALSSROOM
 

On July 8^th. 2008 hundreds of rubber duckies were dropped into the Sea of Cortez in front of the resorts on Sandy Beach for the first annual Adopt-a- classroom- RUBBER DUCKY RACE.  All of these ducks were donated by Art Sloane of Rocky Point Tours and the locals and tourists purchased numbered Ducks (3 for $10) to benefit the students of Adopt- A – Classroom program.
The ducks raced to shore with the incoming tide and were carefully collected and their number logged to determine the winners.  Each winning duck represented a prize donated from the many sponsors of the event which included Sun n Fun Dive Shop, Rick Hammers Fishing  & Scuba, Playa Inn Motel, Mark Olszewski, La Curva Restaurant, Rey del Mar, Al Capone’s restaurant, Sr. Amigos Restaurant, Mercedes gifts, Rocky Point Boat trips.com & Kayak Rocky Point to name  a few of the generous sponsors.
This event raised $ 1,070 USD for much needed school supplies for the local schools.  Thank you to all of our sponsors and participants.
“Adopt a Classroom” is a non-profit program set up by Barb at Rocky Point Boat Trips, to  help one of the local elementary schools here in Puerto Peñasco, by providing them and their 350 students with many Americans take for granted. 100% of the cash donations received for “Adopt a Classroom” program, go to purchasing supplies for the school.

A HOT DOG & A SMILE CHARITY B-B-Q
 

It´s time again to put put on your sandals, throw agay your shoes, and head to Rocky Point on October 10^th for a weekend of fun and the RCPM Circus mexicus live concert.  This is a weekend not to be missed by any Peacemaler fan as they will say “hello” to some old friends and “farewell for now” to an old tradition – the concert will mark their last fall Mexico Concert for a while.
Spend the weekend with RCPM, Massy Ferguson, Tramps and Thieves and more!
The fun starts at JJ´s Cantina in Cholla Bay on Friday night with entertainment during the charity BBQ event, “Hot Dog and a Smile” with PH Naffah, featuring Tramps and thieves, Random Karma and Jason Boots.  All proceeds from this this event will go to Esperanza para Los Niños Children´s Home.  For a donation, fans can kick back with friends, listen to music and enjoy a hot dog, all while contributing to a great cause.  It will also be your first chance Dog & A smile contest winning to life on T-shirts that will available for purchase.
(Congrats Dave A.!!!)
Saturday, October 11^th is the BIG event, which takes place next to the Sunset Cantina (across from Hotel Peñasco del Sol at the end of Calle 13).
The doors will open at 6:00 PM with massy Ferguson taking the stage and then Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers somewhere around 8 PM. The concert is always a blast and the music is awesome!
If you live through the night and can make it out to JJ´s Cantina in Cholla Bay the next day (Sunday, Oct. 12^th) without your head pounding too much, hang out with the band at semi- traditional Hangover Bash which has now been dubbed the Mañanathon. Pick up all your RCPM gear and get it signed!
General admission tickets for the concert can be purchased at the gate on saturady for $30 USD.
 

STRESSING BENEFITS OF PASOS PROGRAM
PEÑASCO HOSTS FIRST REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON SOCIAL PARTICIPATION
The benefits and scope of the Sonoran Program of Social Participation (PASOS) were recently stressed during the firs local gathering of regional workshop concerning the investment strategy implemented by the present Sonora Administration.
Adorned with characteristic color red of the PASOS program, nearly 240 people from Puerto Peñasco and Plutarco Elias Calles (Sonoyta) took part in the training.  The workshop consisted of three modules concerning the principles and objectives of PASOS, social auditing, and leadership. This was workshop number 55 for the PASOS committees.
Elizandro Enriquez Ruiz, Director of Social Organization of the State Council for the Consensus of Public Works, gave thanks for enthusiasm of Peñasco and Sonoyta mayors as well as that of community members of this region, for their participation in helping double the budgets so that the projects may have greater impact.
He reiterated that the projects, under this scheme of collaboration, are decided upon by those benefiting from each. As it is the community and not officials or the present administration who decide, without people, without social participation, there would be no PASOS program, which is a key part of Governor Eduardo Bours´ government.
Enrique Ruiz stressed the importance of regional committee workshop on social participation and the presence of community members responsible for carrying out different community projects to benefit this part of Sonora.
He pointed out that us watchful eye of Eduardo Bours that of local mayors, and most importantly of community assure that the public projects are done in the best way possible.
The PASOS Director of Social Organization justified the absence of the President of the Program’s Stated Board, Guatimoc Iberry, and that of CECOP Director, Arnoldo Salazar Coker, who were unable to attend the workshop as they were working on an urgent problem that had arisen in the southern part of the state.
Similarly, Mayor Heriberto Renteria Sanchez stressed the importance of state program, which has tremendously benefited the community via numerous public projects in different neighborhoods throughout the city.
The Mayor highlighted the tremendous participation of Peñasco community members in getting involved in the tasks of choosing and supervising required projects and provided assurance to always work to improve the financial resources authorized for Peñasco.
He stated that this new form, envisioned by Governor Eduardo Bours, involves people in the actions of government and has been a great achievement.  He noted that trough the program they have been able to carry out projects through better actions to benefit more people.
Rentería Sanchez stated the participation of people in PASOS encourages them to work and meet the most justified needs.
Sonoyta mayor, Raul Contreras Garcia, equally acknowledged strides in the area of infrastructure thanks to the PASOS program.  He commented that the program meets people’s expectations and gives them the opportunity to become social auditors and monitor the use of these funds.
Contreras Garcia indicated that there have been those that have tried to put obstacles in the way of the program, but fortunately they have not been able to stop it.
He stated that Sonoran Program of Social Participation has been a key element and instrumental in all municipalities, above all because it is completely transparent.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
November 28th & 29th
 

Taste of Peñasco
FOOD + WINE + FUNDRAISER

The second annual fund raising culinary event TASTE OF PEÑASCO is set for Saturday, November 29^th from Noon to 6:00 p.m.and will be held at the beachfront Esplanade at Bella Sirena Condominiums. A mouth-water-ing event for the senses and surprises for all ! More important is the special charity that will benefit from the proceeds – Puerto Peñasco Lions Clubs.
 

The event will be open to the public and guests may buy tickets for food and sample the delicacies of the various restaurants featuring their specialty dishes, and Swim Poolside Lounge & Grill will offer “libation stations.” Highlight of this wonderful event will be the delicious food from our local restaurants and beautiful art from our community. We are asking everyone who attends to bring of pair of glasses they are no longer able to use as a donation to the Lion’s Club.
 

This year we are also adding the iron Chef Competition which will take place Friday, November 28^th at the Ocean View Seafood & Steak House which is at the Sonoran Sky Resort and we will honor the “Iron Chef Winner” of Puerto Peñasco at the event on Saturday.
 

The festival’s goal is to offer alternative activities and events to sun and beach for visitors and local alike. A family oriented event including entertainment with a children’s play, music to all dance to latin rythms, a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with family and friends.
 

While at the Taste of Peñasco (TOP), Puerto Peñasco’s main restaurants will showcase the culinary talents of their fine chefs. A few of the featured restaurants are Hacienda Las Fuentes, Max’s Café, Swim Poolside Lounge & Grill at Bella Sirena, Miguel’s Steakhouse at Peñasco del Sol, Puesta del Sol at Playa Bonita Resort & Portofino Fine Italian Cuisine. Only 10 restaurants will participate, so if you interested, you
 

Opening up possibilities for five new micro-businesses
        Following recent authorization granted by the State DIF system, five new micro-businesses will soon begin operations in the city, through an investment of nearly $75,000 pesos.
Municipal DIF President, Minerva Ramirez de Renteria, presented the economic support to families in various neighborhoods of the city.  With these funds, recipients will be able to begin their own businesses and contribute to the local economy.
The support included the equipping of an economic kitchen, sewing workshop, beauty salon, a piñata making workshop, and a hot dog stand. Support is being provided under a credit scheme that recipients must repay within a period no greater than 24 months, and with a three month grace period.
In an act held at the facilities of the offices of Integral Family Development (DIF), those benefiting from the support included Elizabeth Acedo Garcia, Veronica Micaela Lopez Blanco, Judith Elizabeth Vega Montez, Maria Laura Valdovinos Arreguin and Mr. Manuel de Jesus Urbina Narcia.
Filled with the emotion of now being able to open their own business, Mrs. Maria Laura Valdovinos Arreguin spoke on behalf of the entrepreneurs and expressed gratitude to the head of the Municipal DIF.  She reiterated her commitment to comply with the credit payments that provided for the acquisition of this equipment.
Ramirez de Renteria underscored the importance of consolidating these types of actions, thereby providing families with necessary tools for further advancement.
She committed timely follow-up for the new micro-businesses, as well as continued steps for the authorization of more productive projects for Puerto Peñasco.
The DIF President expressed her congratulations and acknowledgement for the entrepreneurs and stated her belief that here in Puerto Peñasco the efforts of both women and men are needed to get ahead.
Norma Agundez Serna, DIF Director, accompanied the DIF President along with Nereida Olivas Reyes, Coordinator of Community Programs.

DIF Server up school breakfasts at La Montaña Center for                                                      Multiple Care
 

Breakfasts to benefits 4,937 children and young people
 

Nearly 70 children and young adolescents were presents as the 2008-2009 school breakfast program got underway at the “ La Montaña “ Center for Multiple Care. The school breakfast program will directly benefit 4,937 local students.
During this academic cycle, 1,667 hot breakfasts and 3,270 cold breakfast will be distributed daily at Puerto Peñasco’s elementary and preschool.
A welcome surprise was the visit of Minerva Ramirez de Renteria, Municipal DIF President, at La Montaña school. Accompanied by a team of collaborators, the DIF President personally presented the first meal, which will be served daily at the Hot Breakfast unit.
Through the creation of the School Breakfast Committee, Arminda St. Clair, Director of La Montaña, along with parents, made a commitment to DIF to carry out activities of selection and registry to weigh and measure young students, as well as organize participation in the daily preparation of meal.
Which the objective of supporting the young population, this program guarantees that children receive a daily ration of nutrients to confront problem of malnutrition and the risk of weight gain and obesity; these benefits will provide better academic performance results.
The meal will be delicious and varied and include options that can be prepared to the liking of the little ones.
DIF offers Committees training in order to assure the successful operation of the breakfast program. The program, they stated, also helps strengthen the economy of families by offering an option to reduce the consumption of junk food at schools.

In his youth, Fernando Lopez Trasviña was a 6-1 ht. point guard representing the basketball team for the City of Guaymas in Regional and State of Sonora tournament. His love for the sport motivated him to created new Major and Amateur Basketball Leagues right here in Puerto Peñasco. Born in Guaymas, Sonora, he moved to Rocky Point 11 years ago working as a sales agent for Sandy Beach condominium projects Princesa de Peñasco and Las Palomas.
  Fernando is currently the president of the Rockies de Peñasco Basketball Club A.C. and is inviting the entire community to help expand basketball activities for boys and girls from 8 to 15 years old. Mr. Humberto Cuadras is the Director and has been upgrading the league and doing a fantastic job. We all know that belonging to a team, or being a part of something, gives many kids the selfesteem they may be lacking. It also helps form friendships, provides great exercise anda teaches them how to be good sports and get along with one another. Besides all of that, the big reasons the team was started was to reduced the potential of kids becoming delinquents, dropping out of school, becoming addicted to drugs or joining street gangs. It also helps the kids relate better within their family environment and the community.
  The basketball courts all located in various neighborhoods all over the city so they are accessible to all of the children who want to participate. Sister cities Phoenix and Tucson plan to pit their basketball team against our Rockies in friendly exchanges. Remember when you
played sports in school, how fun it was to travel to a neighboring city to
play their team. Well, okay, so being the  visiting team wasn’t always that fun, but the team will get to play both here in Peñasco and in Arizona.
 Though basketball is a fun sport, the Rockies are serious about it. Beginning this month, when the childrens head back to school, the fathers of the children who want to be a part of the team will sign a commitment- not just a permission slip, but a commitment. Fernando says he appreciates the support  the kids parents are showing. He also thanks the City of Puerto Peñasco and the State of Sonora for remodeling the local basketball gym, showing their genuine support for this new Rockies Basketball Team. He would also like to thanks the Arizona Youth Supports Foundation, being represented by President Mr. Rick Busa from Scottsdale, Arizona. Rick is also an owner at the Princesa and Las Palomas.
If you qould like to participate in this basketball project, your donations are always welcome and gratefully accepted. The Rockies are in need of; new basketballs; new size 5 (or 28.5) Nike, Spalding or Wilson tennis shoes – or comparable brand that will support hours of running up and down the court; new, plain t-shirts in sizes small and medium, and in colors of navy blue, red or white. You may leave any of these donations at the Coffee Point located on Blvd. Benito Juarez, across from the Municipal Gymnasium (Gimnasio Municipal), or at the office of the Rocky Point Times. If you would like more information about the Rockies Basketball League, please contact Fernando Lopez in Rocky Point, local cell 044-638-114-1926, email fernandoLT65@hotmail.com or the Youth Supports Foundation of Arizona in Scottsdale, President Rick Busa (602) 620-5839, email rbusa@ysfaz.org. The kisd are part of our game plan and everyone of them deserves a chance. The Rockies Basketball Leagues give them that chance, so please support them..