Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point as some know it has had it challenges lately. First we had the real estate slow down, the economic crisis, the negative media handling of the drug related violence in Mexico and now the Swine Flu precautions.
I have not really figured out how such inaccurate reporting can take place and how Deans of Universities can give such false information to their students, the same people who would fail a student for such poor research. In am not a conspiracy thinker but I certainly have moved to believe in the possibility of it being a factor when media reporting can be so far off. Of all the negative media reporting, and statements made by people in power positions, makes a person wonder. The only real issue here was the drug related execution on a main street in town just after dark eight days ago.
With all the media hype it seems more difficult to write on a negative event to it in the right context, giving you the facts yet have the situation properly understood without the media turning it into something bigger and more sensational.
When you know your city and all the circumstances you are either more concerned because of an event or accept it because of where, who, what and why it happened. This is not your home town so it is harder for you, I will try to be helpful by putting it in the right context.
The drug hit here was the first I was aware of, when this became public knowledge I talked with an old timer that remembered a hit a few years ago that was quietly taken care of. Most people I talk to say this city is off limits for drug wars and this case involved the Caborca drug gang who followed the four people here. So, it may be off limits, but it did happen. It is disturbing for me as it was the first case of a public execution here. This hit was in response to a hit in Caborca a few months back so it was aimed specifically. The individuals involved came here for a car rally and were followed. From all I have heard from official sources and from the Mexican underground I am convinced this was an isolated case, I am not personally afraid to move through town.
The flu made more Mexicans afraid and they were told how dangerous it could be, schools were shut down, masked were put on, public events cancelled and we did not have one case in all of the state never mind here in Puerto Peñasco.
The bottom line from my view point, the drug related execution in the middle of the street was certainly an event that changed the way I viewed the safety risks here, I still believe it is an isolated case and I am certainly praying it is. I remember when I was in Calgary, Alberta, Canada which was viewed to be very safe, even though murders did happen. When the Asian gangs came to Calgary we had our first drug killing in a public gas station, it created fear until time passed and the violence went underground again. Yes this does change things, I can no longer say it does not happen here, but we are not a border city or the drug center like Caborca so the risk is much less and likely less than most U.S. and Canadian cities of this size.
Being in the drug business is very dangerous and I am proud of Mexico's president who is tackling this issue, as it needs to be held in check. In Canada and the U.S. we know it is a long ways from safe yet we believe the violence is held at bay.
I hope I provided you want you needed to hear, email if you want more information. Knowing what I do, I would not give up a great time on the ocean for the fears created by this isolated event.
Wayne Corcoran, MBA, PMP, AMPI, NAR
Partner
St. James Gate, Development and Consulting Services
Mexico Licensed Real Estate Professional
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