POSITION PAPER REGARDING A UNIQUE INNOVATIVE MODEL PROJECT TO PROVIDE LONG RANGE PLANS, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXTERNAL PENINSULA IN SAN QUINTIN BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO.
August 1st, 2005

I. Subject.
The External Peninsula at San Quintin Bay is located 180 miles south of Mission Bay in San Di-ego and is 3-times its size.  It includes 2400 acres of land facing both, the Pacific Ocean and the bay.  It has 15 miles of coastline that includes the longest beach on the Pacific of the Baja Cali-fornia Peninsula.  The property is legally owned by CROLA, S.A., a family owned corporation, which holds a Trust by the Bank of Mexico, as well as a Tourist Trust issued by the Mexican Foreign Relations Department.
CROLA, S.A., as the legal owner of the property, is the entity taking the initiative to seek, not simply an associate or a buyer, but a consortium made up of individuals and groups whose ac-tions have demon-strated not only business successes but willingness to contribute to the larger community. It is suggested here, particularly considering Third World countries present circum-stances, to transform investors as catalysts to creat improvement of life in the areas of participa-tion. In other words, to create a new business paradigm while involved in the development of Baja California in the present century.

American history has proven that when the majority of the population has access to basic needs and a bit more, the whole of society is benefitted and the country is richer. Mexico needs to pro-vide: jobs, improved housing conditions, basic services and enhancing community lifestyles for its citizens.

The San Quintin Project must be run as a good business to obtain profits. The main diference sought is that the profits not be made at the expense of every other sector involved; not expect to
Expect earnings as soon as possible; and be willing to negotiate with the government tax exemp-tions in exchange for local banefits to the area that the government is unable to provide while establishing  new populations centers that include modern community services.

II.Groups.
The five groups identified here are: investors, landowners, government, employees, and the sur-rounding community. The initial goals proposed for each group are:
   A. For the investor: Long term investment security and profits. Tax exemptions for benefits to
        the neighboring area, above and beyond those required for the San Quintin Project.

   B. For the landowners: A fair current market value to be paid for their land, minus a percent
       age, if they wish to retain a partnership participation in the project. Preference given to par
       ticipate in independent business, when compatible with area plans.

   C. For the government: In exchange for tax exemptions to investors, obtain agreements to have
        private enterprise to finance neighboring community plans towards future developments,
        which the government is not able to provide. This would include: parks, recreational com
        munity facilities, bicycle  trails, basic services and affordable housing.
   
   D. For the employees: Health information, clinical services and other benefits, such as a credit
      union; job offerings and job training; additional opportunities based on effort, responsibility
      and talent.

   E. For the surrounding community: The establishment of Cottage Industries will be not only be
       a contribution to the community at large, but it will add interest and value to the San Quitin
      Project itself. The following initiatives are suggested, either as part of the main project
      As independent business or negotiated with the government:

         1. To create small business units. Each group with a with a master craftsman in charge of
             the manufacture of traditional Mexican arts and crafts.
         2. To provide direction and guidance in relation to the acquisition of equipment and ma-
              terials needed.
         3. To give direction in the development of practical and new uses for traditional arts and
             crafts made.
         4. To help upgrade the product quality and market place value of the product manufac
                 tured.
         5. And lastly, to seek international markets for the products.

III. Historical Development of the San Quintin Valley and Bay from 1946-2005:
A. In 1946 in the 600,000 or so acres of the San Quintin Valley, public transportation  
     was non-existent. Only one family of 8 members lived in the Valley. At that point in
     time the Mexican Government exchanged the whole Valley and Bay to the Orendain
     family for lands requested from them near Guadalajara, Jalisco.

B. In the 1970’s the Transpeninsular Highway #1 began construction in order to connect
    Tijuana and La Paz, that is, the north to the south of the Peninsula of Baja California.
    At the present time there are three “towns”, in close proximity to each other. The con-
    structions  built along each side of Highway #1 are predominantly businesses. It
    is estimated that the San Quintin valley’s population is around 100,000 inhabitants.

C. Recently the Mexican Tourist Department budgeted 200 million dollars to initiate a plan to  
    Establis the long time considered Nautical Chain of 22 Ports. These ports are to be built or re-
    furbished on the littoral of the Baja California Peninsula.  This 1- Billion Dollar Project and
   10-Year Plan, shall start on the Pacific from Tijuana to San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez; and
    from Mazatlan, on the mainland,  to Punta Penazco in the north. This development plan ex-
    pects to provide thousands of jobs to its citizens within a 10- year period.
 
D. On April 9th and 30th, 2005, the Los Angeles Times reported that a coalition of shipping and
     freight concerns announced plans to build a 1-Billion Dollar port. The port is to be built in
     Punta Colonet, 150 miles south of Tijuana, on a deserted farmland. This is 30 miles north of
     San Quintin Bay.

   Southern Pacific is offering to link the new proposed port in Punta Colonet to San Diego.
   Southern Pacific Railway also proposes to construct a new rail line to connect to the Imperial
   Valley. These plans are expected to resolve the overwhelming logjam in the Los Angeles and
   Long Beach complex, which particularly during holidays as many as 50 ships are kept waiting
   to deliver cargo for as long as a week at a time.

IV. Proposed Centers of Activity.
      A.  Spa and Wellness Center.
           1. CROLA, S.A. has had conversations with a member of the “International Health
                Networks- Advanced Cancer Therapy & Chronic Disease Center” regarding their pos-
                sible participation.
          2.  In addition, research has been made on doctors and scientist who have been working
               together in alternative medicine health solutions. The successes obtained by in alterna
               tive medicine and published are are not available to the public at large through the me
              dia nor the general medical system.   
      
      B. A Conference and Retreat Center.
          Previous initiatives have taken place regarding an organization called “The World Center”:
           1. In 1994 at the “Peace on Earth” meeting in New York, honoring the Ecumenical
              Spirit of Vatican II and the reforms initiated by Pope John XXIII. A project called  “The
              World Center” was discussed with key international delegates and with some informal
              groups.
          2.  The project “The World Center” was later presented in 1965 to the outgoing Mexican
               President, Adolfo Lopez Mateos, who shortly after leaving the presidency, fell into a
               coma prior to his death. The ideas presented then are still pertinent today. A summary is
               available.

      C.  Recreational Activity area (Club Med family type).
      D. Lodgings: Hotel, Time Shares; Condominiums; private residences surrounding a marina
           and golf course.(The golf course is to have salt-water tolerant grasses).
      E. A marina.
      F. A golf course.
      G. A commercial area: shopping center; cottage industries area; restaurants; and parking.
           (Cars ar not be used on the premises, golf carts and alternative transportation shall be
            available).
      H. Historical and Cultural Center: museum displays; a bookstore; movies and videos with
           Mexican cultural information and presentations about the resources and points of interests
           on the Baja California  Peninsula, such as: the cave paintings in the south, the mastodons,
          dinosaurs; and a redwood petrified forest.
      I. The Baja California Peninsula flora and fauna:
            1. The bird and seal preserve.
            2. The native desert plant park.
            3. A botanical garden.

V. Actions and Changes.
FONATUR, is the office in charge of “Investments and New Projects” within the Mexican Tour-ist Department. Innovative, practical and flexible business practices have been introduced by FONATUR.  Rules and regulations are now more accessible and flexible allowing for an effi-cient and productive business climate.  Some examples resulting from these practices are:

      A. Associations have been established between FONATUR and, well known, American real
          estate companies, such as:  Stewart Title Company; Prudential California Realty; and Fi-
         delity NationaTitle Company. In California the participating American companies inform
        and guide interested investors on Mexican real estate laws and regulations.

      B. FONATUR also has become a business partner to American and Canadian investors.
           Presently there are two new projects under construction, at San Felipe and at Loreto,
            both on the Sea of Cortez.
                                                                         C.  Cancun and Cabo San Lucas were initially projects also sponsored by FONATUR.   

Note: The Mexican government’s plan to begin the development of the Baja California Peninsula is a challenge of immense proportions and opportunities. Investments are always welcome. The transforming capacity of business investments and the potential for change to benefit society have not been considered due to its narrow focus. Ultimately the business community itself can benefit by the acquisition of new perspectives..

Wealth need not solely create more wealth. A shift of perception to a wider view can make an important difference in creating solutions and peace in the world.  Two additional ideas are needed to balance the concept of wealth: humanity and unity.

Sincerely,





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Frieda Hernandez Stevens
                                                                               Sole administrator
                                                                CROLA


   







Tel. (310) 398-2959                                                              E-mail: friedahsy@verizon.net

For the past five years, I have been following developments related to addressing the digital divide and its impact on developing nations as they continue to be plagued by poverty, major health issues, and lack of educational opportunities. I am well aware of the successful mergers of NGOs, local governments and ‘big business’ in creating community information centers and working from a ‘bottom up’ hierarchy to create infrastructure necessary to foster sustainable communities.

The “Global Initiative” promoted by former President Bill Clinton, MIT Media Labs’ introduction of the $100 laptop, and recent directives emerging from WSIS Tunis indicate to me that we are entering an age of burgeoning social consciousness.

 It is from this perspective that I introduce my idea for a project in San Quintin Bay, Baja California, Mexico.

I am majority stockholder in a family-held corporation (CROLA, S.A.), the legal owner of a seven-mile long, 2,400-acre parcel facing the Pacific Ocean and the San Quintin Bay. The pristine San Quintin Bay is the first naturally occurring bay 180 miles south of Mission Bay in San Diego; it is roughly three times the size of Mission Bay.

I am looking for business partner(s) and NGOs to assist me in developing this land by applying evolving models for sustainable community to preserve the uniqueness of this geographic location and its population.

Background

“Radical changes in the way nature is treated, at every level of decision-making; and new ways of cooperation between government, business and civil society are needed. What are required are practical examples as models.” (“House on Fire: Ecosystems in Crisis.” Adbusters magazine, April ,2005)


The Baja California Peninsula is the largest undeveloped landmass near the affluent Los Angeles-San Diego metropolis. It is also the last territory in Mexico with minimal vested interests and a fluid population consisting of recent arrivals from Mexico’s poorest southern mainland states. They are immigrating to this region…. (WHY?)

The indigenous culture …   

The parcel of land is currently undeveloped, (info on wildlife,) scarcely populated by fishermen, … . As yet, no electricity or motorized vehicles exist on the land.

The Present Situation

Currently, several major developments establish the Baja California peninsula as an ideal site for implementing emergent digital technologies and ecologically sound business solutions in the creation of a small sustainable community:

•    The Mexican Tourist Department through its “Investments and New Projects Section” (FONATUR) is targeting the Peninsula of Baja California for development. At present, it has a budget of  $200 million with plans for a $1 billion investment and a 10-year plan to establish a 22-port chain around the perimeter of the entire Peninsula of Baja California and the western border of the mainland facing the Sea of Cortez. FONATUR is a business partner to several projects with American and Canadian investors on the peninsula’s eastern border to the Sea of Cortez.
•    The Los Angeles Times reported in 2005 (April 9, 30) that a coalition of shipping and freight concerns plans to build a $1 billion port on a deserted farmland in Punta Colonet, 150 miles south of Tijuana.  This is 30 miles north of San Quintin Bay.
•    Southern Pacific Railway plans to link the proposed port in Punta Colonet to San Diego and to construct a new rail line to connect to the Imperial Valley.  These plans are expected to resolve the overwhelming logjam in the Los Angeles and Long Beach complex, where as many as 50 ships wait to deliver cargo for as long as a week at a time.  
 

The Proposal
 
I am seeking resources and individuals to collaborate on a project that would preserve this parcel of land by creating a replicable model of a self sustaining coastal community, powered exclusively by alternative energy, utilizing desalinated water, and relying on natural resources and skill sets to drive the economy.



 My vision involves the creation of an eco-tourism destination, managed and operated by local residents. At the core of this development is the creation of a solar powered community center to serve as a hub for the community. The center would provide education, career development, and health services. The land itself would utilize only alternative energy sources, producing enough excess energy to sell surplus to regional power companies as a source of income.