Turn Left at the Cactus

In this "trailer episode" we introduce the podcast and tell a little bit about it and who will be our first guest.  In September, listeners can look forward to learning more about Baja resident and author, Marnie J. Ross.   

Notas del Episodio:Lou y Lisa Dezarn, exresidentes de Las Vegas, hallaron en San Felipe su hogar ideal. En este resumen de la entrevista,destacan la calidez comunitaria, su labor en el Club Rotario y el impacto local de las donaciones. Valoran la vida tranquila, la gastronomía regional y su rechazo al urbanismo.ACERCA DEL PODCAST TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUSSAN FELIPE, BAJA, MÉXICOTurn Left at the Cactus (Gira a la Izquierda en el Cactus) es un podcast producido localmente en San Felipe, Baja, México. Calyn Whedbee es la creadora del podcast y la responsable de la producción, postproducción y conducción del programa. Cal está acompañada por la coanfitriona Linda Wiggins (también conocida como Wigs), quien colabora en la investigación y el desarrollo del segmento mensual Cactus Connections. Además, Tricia Sikes participa como coanfitriona del programa.Lanzamos nuestro primer episodio en el verano de 2022 y, sinceramente, considerando el grupo demográfico con el que trabajamos, no teníamos idea de si el proyecto despegaría. Para nuestra sorpresa y diversión, nuestra audiencia ha ido creciendo —“poco a poco”. Hasta la fecha contamos con más de dos mil oyentes alrededor del mundo, principalmente en Estados Unidos, Canadá y México. Consideramos que esto es un gran logro, especialmente si tomamos en cuenta que buena parte de nuestro público objetivo apenas está descubriendo lo que son los podcasts, y mucho menos incorporándolos a su vida diaria.El enfoque principal de TLATC es descubrir qué es lo que resulta tan atractivo de esta zona para los extranjeros que viven y trabajan aquí —ya sea de tiempo completo o parcial—; por qué deciden mudarse; y qué consideran que merece mayor atención. Esperamos capturar y preservar las numerosas historias que la comunidad de expatriados/imigrantes tiene sobre la historia y evolución del área, así como nuestro impacto en ella. Sin embargo, no siempre seguimos un guion rígido, por lo que nuestras conversaciones a menudo nos llevan por territorios inexplorados.

 Show NotesDive into Lou and Lisa Dezarn's captivating journey from Sin City to the serene sands of San Felipe. Discover their accidentally perfect find, love for charity and golf, and how they navigate life away from grand kids and familiar grocery stores. This episodeis a peek into immigrant life, complete with humor, beach tales, and Rotary Club insights.Key Points• Finding home in San Felipe's charm• A chance counselor's office meet-up becomes a 20-year marriage• Grocery runs and community are different in Mexico• Importance of local customs and community involvement• Adjusting to small town life over Vegas' hustle• Life's perfect surprises from unexpected placesABOUT TURN LEFT AT THE CACTUS PODCASTSAN FELIPE, BAJA, MEXICOTurn Left at the Cactus is a locally operated podcast in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. Calyn Whedbee is the creator of the podcast and is responsible for production, post-production, and hosting the show. Cal is joined by co-host Linda Wiggins (AKA Wigs) who also assists with research and development of the monthly segment Cactus Connections. Additionally, Tricia Sikes assists with co-hosting the show.We dropped our first podcast in the summer of 2022. And, honestly, given the demographic we are working with, we had absolutely no idea whether any of it would fly. To our amusement and surprise, however, our listening base is growing --“poco a poco.” To date we have over two thousand listeners from around the world--mostly from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We feel this is a major accomplishment considering much of our target audience hasn’t yet discovered podcasts, much less decided to incorporate them into their daily lives. The primary focus of TLATC is to ascertain what it is that foreign nationals living and working here--full or part time-- find so attractive about the area; why they move here; and what they think is deserving of more attention. We hope to capture and store the many stories the expatriate community has about the history and evolution of the area and our impact on it. However, we don't necessarily stick to a script, so our conversations often lead us to some unchartered territory. "Please Like, Subscribe, and Comment where ever you pick up your favorite podcasts. Contact us: Facebook or cactusleft@gmail.com and...if you really love us...leave us a propina at ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus.Thanks for listening....Don't forget to Turn Left at the Cactus for No Bad Days!  

Show Notes:Tune into 'Turn Left at the Cactus' for the latest social swirl in San Felipe! Discover hidden gems, from quirky events to noble causes. Embrace Baja life with community shout outs, art fairs, and snip clinics. Now that you've heard about it, be part of it!Key Points:• Feb 1: Valentine's Arts & Crafts• Valentine's dinners & snip clinics• Carnival & Soul Fire tunes• Wellness to Chili Cookoffs in March• Nighttime walk/run thru Valley of the Giants & Wing Shack pizza!

Dive into the verdant world of Dina and Paul's unique Baja pitstop that brings together foodies and nature lovers alike. Nestled between the Sea of Cortez and highway 5, this oasis flourishes with mouthwatering meals, martini charm, and the heartfelt story of a life rebuilt in the serenity of San Felipe. Join us as we explore the roots, recipes, and rocky perimeter that define the Garden of Eat'n.Key Points• Dina and Paul's story from Canada and California to Baja• A secret garden with martinis & out of the ordinary food• Crafting American-Canadian flavors• Creating an oasis out of a desert • Life & growth in the Baja for locals, immigrants and snowbirds

Este es un resumen en español de nuestra entrevista con Dina Lucero y Paul Cuthbert en Gira a la Izquierda en el Cactus. En el episodio hablamos de Garden of Eat’n y el Garden Bar, un oasis en el km 178 de la Carretera 5, en San Felipe. Dina y Paul comparten cómo un terreno baldío se convirtió en un espacio único con buena comida estilo norteamericano, jardines que sorprenden, martinis bien hechos y hasta cornhole para redondear el plan.

🌵 Cactus Connections — January 2026Turn Left at the CactusJanuary in San Felipe is packed—and we’ve got you covered.In this month’s Cactus Connections, Cal and Wigs round up what’s happening around town, including:• El Dorado Ranch activities: pickleball, volleyball, golf, movies & more• New Year’s Eve celebrations all over San Felipe• Baja Jeep Weekend (Jan 29–Feb 1)• Art shows, line dancing, and community events• Spay & neuter clinic (Jan 17)• Important new Mexican cell phone registration rules• Fun Mexican New Year traditions to kick off 2026 rightIt’s your quick, friendly guide to what’s coming up—so you don’t miss the good stuff.If you have announcements you think we should mention and talk about, contact us through FB messages or email: cactusleft@gmail.com. Please let us know by the 20th of the month prior to the month you want it announced.🎧 Listen now👍 Like & subscribe☕ Support the show (propinas welcome): ko-fi.com/turnleftathecactusUntil next time—turn left at the cactus for no bad days. 🌵

S4 EP 92: Cactus Connection: El Pulso de San Felipe: Diciembre Comunitario --un resumen en espanol de la programa originalEste extracto del podcast "Turn left at the Cactus" funciona como un boletín comunitario para el área de San Felipe, Baja California, ofreciendo un resumen detallado de loseventos y anuncios de diciembre. Este episodio hace un resumen de la programa iniciada por las anfitriones de Turn Left at the Cactus, Cal y Wigs.  Ellas inician el programa compartiendo la novedad de su nuevo estudio de grabación, lo que facilita la producción del programa. El enfoque principal del episodio son las actividades sociales y los negocios locales, destacando la San Felipe Brewing Company como uncentro neurálgico para torneos de cribbage y nuevas opciones gastronómicas. Además, se informa sobre el mercado de trueque sabatino en El Dorado Ranch, mencionando a vendedores populares de alimentos frescos y artesanías.Las próximas festividades incluyen una importante colecta de alimentos organizada por Jean Jean y un desfile navideño musical programado para el 16 de diciembre. Finalmente, el programa proporciona actualizaciones sobre lareapertura de restaurantes renovados y la disponibilidad de los calendarios de Los Amigos, animando a la audiencia a apoyar a las organizaciones benéficas locales.

Join Cal and Wigs to discover the new studio buzz, the rib-tickling cribbage nights, quirky swap meets, and irresistible Rotary Sees candies. Get the lowdown on new and not so new eateries, a parade that promises a dose of holiday spirit, and just a lot of other local stuff.Key Points• From studio news to food drive• Brew Co. hosts cribbage • Swap meet insights from sausages to donuts• Thrill-seekers unite for ultralight flights• Lighting up December with a musical parade And, tons of eateries

Notas del Episodio:En este resumen del episodio del pódcast titulado "Turn Left at the Cactus", las anfitrionas Cal y Wigs realizan una entrevista tipo "Cactus Call" (llamada Telefonica) con Lynn Lazzarini. El tema principal de la conversación es la promoción del próximo evento benéfico "Dog and Pony Show" (El Show de Perros y Caballitos), programado para el sábado 1 de noviembre en el Centro Ecuestre de El Dorado Ranch.El resumen explica que el evento es gratuito, contará con comida de Rosta Joe’s Barbecue, e incluirá competiciones educativas y divertidas de perros y caballos, cuyos ingresos beneficiarán al programa de esterilización SNIP y a sus programas de equitación terapéutica para personas con discapacidades y demencia.Además, las anfitrionas mencionan brevemente la candidatura de Wigs para el cargo de representante del HOA de El Dorado Ranch, así como la próxima Asamblea General Anual (AGM) en la que los residentes podrán votar.

In this episode hosts Cal and Wigs conduct a "Cactus Call" interview with Lynn Lazzarini. The primary focus of the discussion is promoting an upcoming "Dog and PonyShow" fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, November 1st, at the Equestrian Center at El Dorado Ranch. Lynn Lazzarini explains that the event is free to attend, includes food from Rosta Joe's Barbecue, and features educational and fun dog and horse competitions, with proceeds benefiting the SNIPspay/neuter program and her therapeutic riding programs for people with disabilities and dementia. Additionally, the hosts briefly discuss Wigs’ candidacy for the El Dorado Ranch HOA representative position and mention an upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) where residents will vote.For specific information or to make a donation: https://www.horsesinbaja.com

Listen in to hear what's next on our horizon!

Notas del Episodio:Este episodio proviene de una entrevista de podcast con Cal yTricia, quienes conversan con miembros del Club de Leones de San Felipe, Ana Martínez y Christine Buffaloe. La discusión se centra en la próxima edición del Festival de Blues y Artes de San Felipe, un evento anual de dos días que recauda fondos para la comunidad. Los invitados explican los orígenes delfestival en 2007 y detallan la alineación musical (incluyendoartistas como Andy Alvarez y OJB), los artistas y vendedores presentes, las opciones de comida, la atmósfera del evento, los precios de los boletos y el impacto caritativo que tiene en la localidad. El festival, que busca ofrecer un ambiente relajado y diverso, se llevará a cabo en el Pabellón El Dorado Ranch.

Notas del Programa:El texto proviene de un episodio de podcast llamado "TurnLeft at the Cactus", específicamente la edición de "October,November Cactus Connections" de 2025, presentado por Cal y Wigs. Los anfitriones ofrecen una guía exhaustiva de lo que está abriendo, reabriendoy sucediendo en San Felipe durante esta temporada. El contenido principal incluye actualizaciones sobre restaurantes y locales de comida, como Sweet Spot Bistro y The Garden of Eat'n, detallando nuevos menús, renovaciones y horarios. Además, el episodio proporciona un calendario completo de eventos y actividades comunitarias para octubre y noviembre, que van desde carrerastodoterreno y el Festival del Camarón hasta recaudaciones de fondos para organizaciones benéficas locales como el San Felipe Dog Rescue. Finalmente, también se informa sobre nuevos negocios en la ciudad, como una segunda cervecería y una nueva cancha de golf miniatura en The Chateau Restaurant and Winery.

Show Notes:In this episode the girls provide an overview of the happenings, reopenings, and events scheduled for the October and November season in San Felipe. The hosts, Cal and Wigs, discuss numerous food and drink establishments that are reopening or featuring new services, such asthe Sweet Spot Bistro and the Garden of Eat'n, while also announcing a second brewery, La Perla, that is currently under construction. Furthermore, the discussion covers community events and initiatives, including the return of the El DoradoSwap Meet, various fundraisers for the San Felipe Dog Rescue, Snip Clinics, Forgotten Dogs, and other independent stray dog supporters, as well as a detailed events calendar listing activities like October Blues and Arts Fiesta, the ShrimpFestival, the Dog and Pony Show, and several races. Overall, the podcast offers a comprehensive guide to encouraging residents and visitors to engage with and support the community.Turn Left at the Cactus is a locally operated podcast in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. Calyn Whedbee is the creator ofthe podcast and is responsible for production, post-production, and hosting the show.  Additional co-hosts include Tricia Sikes and Linda Wiggins.  Tricia is thecreator of TLATC thematic music, while Linda assists with research material for the show and co-hosts the segment, Cactus Connections.We drop episodes as often as we can interview people and San Felipe life doesn't interfere. If you have a suggestion of someone you think should be interviewed or an event thatneeds a push, please email us at: cactusleft@gmail.com Please put: Suggested Guest/Event in the Subject Line. **The views expressed by our guests may not always be those of the hosts. However, it doesn't matter, we want to hear those views anyway.Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus. Please leave us a LIKE on FaceBook or on your podcast host. Thank you!To find out how to get a shout out on Turn Left at the Cactus email: cactusleft@gmail.com Put: SHOUT OUT in the subject line. Or, if you’d like to become a FRIEND of the CACTUS, find out more by putting FRIEND in the Subject line…or, just text Cal or Tricia through messenger.Thanks forlistening!Cal & Tricia& Linda#TurnLeftAtTheCactus#CactusConnections#BajaMexico#SanFelipeBajaMexico#BajaLiving#Podcasts#MovingToMexico

Welcome back to Turn Left at the Cactus… your community podcast from San Felipe, Baja, Mexico.In today's episode we take a Fork-In-The-Road to sit down with Joe Pier… editor of The Breeze--That’s the local magazine bringing stories, people, events, and references to businesses from around town--right to your hands! In our chat, Joe shares what it’s like keeping a community magazine alive… and why San Felipe inspires so much creativity. But, it doesn't end there. Joe also discusses his remarkable life and career journey, beginning with his bi-cultural upbringing in Mexico City with American and Canadian parents. Joe recounts his early career influences, including working as a gopher for Associated Press at the 1968 Olympics, where he helped transmit the famous Black Power salute photo. His career progressed through Canadian television and Hollywood, leading to extensive world travel for projects like the Miss Universe pageant and Billy Graham crusades, and notable experiences such as interviewing Fidel Castro. Now retired in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico, Joe discusses launching his community magazine, The Breeze, as a creative outlet and expresses his love for the town's peaceful lifestyle, offering advice for others considering moving there.This is a great episode to discover why San Felipefeels like home to this camera-wielding storyteller and what makes it the perfect setting for his golden years. Enjoy!If you are loving learning more about the many voices, organizations, and events that help create the San Felipe community, please LIKE, REVIEW and SUBSCRIBE on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, or your favorite podcast host. This helps people find us.  And, if you really want to give boost the show, please drop us a “propina” at: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus⁠.  And, don’t forget to share us with your friends!Thanks for listening!Cal Whedbee: Producer/Post-Production Editor/Co-Host Tricia Sikes: Co-Host/Music ProducerLinda Wiggins: Co-Host/Researcher[The views expressed by our guests may not always be our own. Nevertheless, we are open to all views, beliefs, and opinions for the simple reason that ALL views are what ultimately make up or community.]Music by Krasnoshchok at Pixabay.#TurnLeftAtTheCactus#ForkInTheRoad#SanFelipeBaja#BajaLife#SanFelipeCommunity#BajaCaliforniaMexico#SanFelipePodcast#BajaPodcast#BajaBound#SFBreezeMagazine 

Notas del Episodio:Este documento sintetizalos temas centrales y las percepciones clave de una entrevista con Joe Pier, un profesional de los medios de comunicación con una extensa carrera en fotografía, cine y televisión, quien ahora reside en San Felipe, BajaCalifornia y es el productor de la revista “The Breeze”. Nacido en la Ciudad deMéxico de padres norteamericanos, Joe describe una trayectoria vital que él mismo califica como "completar el círculo de la vida" al regresar a su país de origen.Los puntos más críticosde su carrera incluyen su participación en la cobertura de los Juegos Olímpicosde 1968, donde manejó el rollo de película de la icónica fotografía del saludo"black power"; una carrera de 15 años en la televisión canadiense; y proyectos internacionales que lo llevaron a entrevistar a figuras como Fidel Castro y a trabajar en producciones de alto perfil, lo que le valió cuatronominaciones al premio Emmy.Actualmente, Joe es el editor de "The Breeze", una revista comunitaria gratuita en SanFelipe, un proyecto que persigue por pasión más que por beneficio económico,enfocado en contar las historias de la gente local. Su perspectiva sobre la vida en San Felipe es de aprecio por la tranquilidad y la comunidad, aun que señala la necesidad de una mayor armonía entre los residentes y sugiere la conveniencia de un aeropuerto para facilitar el acceso. Su consejo fundamental para quienes consideran mudarse a la zona es alquilar una propiedad antes de invertir, para así conocer a fondo las diferentes comunidades y encontrar el lugar adecuado.*****Si estas disfrutando de este podcast, por favor dale un LIKE y subscribete en Spotify, Apple, o Google. Y si puedes, dejanos una propina en ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus. Gracias por escucharnos!Calyn Whedbee/Productora y CopresentadoraEste resumen fue producido en parte por Ai.

El programa de radio "Cactus Connections" parte de Turn Left at the Cactus Podcast, presenta una variedad de eventos próximos en San Felipe de septiembre a noviembre de 2025. Los anfitriones, Cal y Wigs, destacan celebraciones de cumpleaños, eventos de maridaje de cerveza y comida, espectáculos de autos, festivales de comida como la Paella y el Camarón, así como carreras todoterreno y festivales de música. También entrevistan a Cara Curfew, organizadora de la "Duck Hunt Project", un juego comunitario de búsqueda de patos escondidos en restaurantes locales para apoyar a los negocios de verano. El episodio concluye con un agradecimiento a los oyentes y una promoción de la nueva temporada del podcast.#TurnLeftAtTheCactus#CactusConnection#SanFelipeBaja#SanFelipeEvents#BajaLife#SanFelipeCommunity#BajaCaliforniaMexico#ThingsToDoSanFelipe#SanFelipePodcast#BajaBound#SanFelipeBrewing#SFBluesArtsFestival#SFShrimpFestival#SFDuckHunt

"Cactus Connections"--an off-shoot of Turn Left at the Cactus-- is a lively podcast providing an overview of upcoming events in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico for the fall of 2025. Hosted by Cal and Wigs, the show humorously attempts to detail a packed calendar, including Cow Patty Richard's 86th birthday party, a beer and food pairing by GastroLabs and San Felipe Brewing Company, the Mustangs on the Beach car show, and the 14th annual Paella Festival. Listeners can also anticipate the Pete's Camp Poker Run, the Norra 500 off-road race, a Volkswagen car show,the Blues and Arts Festival, and the Wags and Witches Halloween party. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to an interview with Cara Curfew, organizer of the "Summer Survivor Duck Hunt", a community-building game benefiting local restaurants, culminating in a party at Pete's Camp. The hosts conclude by talking about the annual Shrimp Festival and the San Felipe Song Writers by the Sea Festival, alongside a rumor of a new local brewery, all while welcoming back "snowbirds" for the season.#TurnLeftAtTheCactus#CactusConnection#SanFelipeBaja#SanFelipeEvents#BajaLife#SanFelipeCommunity#BajaCaliforniaMexico#ThingsToDoSanFelipe#SanFelipePodcast#BajaBound

Show Notes:Welcome back to Turn Left at the Cactus, the podcast where we explore life, culture, and community in San Felipe, Baja, Mexico.Today’s guest is someone who truly embodies the spirit of this town — Jackie Kamasho. Jackie was born just up the road in Mexicali but has lived her entire life here in San Felipe. A proud mother of three and a grandmother, Jackie has roots that run deep through this community.She’s worn many hats over the years — teacher, cultural coordinator, postal worker, even a brewery employee — all while raising her family and earning a degree in communications from UABC. Her story is one of resilience, joy, and heart.What makes Jackie’s story especially compelling for our expat and snowbird listeners is the perspective she offers — someone who has seen San Felipe grow from a small fishing village to a bustling blend of locals and foreigners. Jackie talks openly about the challenges of raising children with specialneeds, renovating a home downtown, and the deep gratitude she feels toward the foreign community that she says has "helped increase our quality of life."She's insightful, funny, and completely unfiltered. Whether you’ve just arrived in San Felipe or have been wintering here for years, Jackie’s stories — from fish taco favorites to advice on blending into Mexican culture — are full of warmth and wisdom.Stick around — you don’t want to miss this conversation.Thanks for listening!Cal Whedbee/Producer & Co-HostTricia Sikes/Co-Host & Thematic Music Coordinator Linda Wiggins & Marnie Ross/Research & HWN (Help Where Needed)Support this podcast with a propina: https://www.ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus