Oct 11

HI Ya'll,

We are going to close the restaurant, Bacchino, for the hurricane today and
tomorrow, and will be open on Monday and Tuesday of this week instead... Please
come and swap all your hurricane stories...

Thanks,
Janet

Hi,

As we all "batten down the hatches" we wanted to let you know that Hacienda de
los Santos will be closed tomorrow (Sunday, Oct. 12), so our staff can be with
their families. With the anticipated heavy rains tonight we want our staff to be
able to be at home in needed there tomorrow. Business as usual beginning on
Monday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

God Bless,
Jim & Nancy

I just received a report by cell phone from Teri Arnold and Pat Shannon at 0700
local time that Alamos took a bad hit from Hurricane Norbert.

They did a brief walk-around tour this morning at first light. The whole
downtown business area has been devastated. Extremely heavy rain had completely
flooded the Alameda, severely damaging all the businesses there and sweeping
away cars downstream toward the arroyo. Pat estimated that a wall of water 5-6
feet high went through.

All power is out. All landline phone service is out.

No news on the road to Navojoa, but undoubtedly damaged.

Very sketchy reports are also beginning to show up on the El Imparcial website
out of Hermosillo. Over 6 inches of rain fell in Yavaros with 65 mph winds
overnight. Guaymas had 2-3 inches of rain.

More later,

-- Ron

Just To add some more information,

Land Lines are slowly been restored, I am at this time talking to my mom.

As I get news from Álamos I will post it on this Forum and the visit Alamos
forums web site.

Regards
Carlos

I too have heard reports Alamos hit hard. Severe
bridge damage reported... The bridge in town by Kysoga (en
route to airport) is washed out, along with walking bridge
near Tiangus. Also that highway bridges (2 miles) west of
town by the new Pemex is gone.

My family's sincerest wishes that all those in
Alamos have weathered the storm safely!

Alan and Katherine Huston

This is a translation of a report from the El Imparcial website via a reader in
Alamos, José María Rico Quijada, giving an overview of what transpired as
Norbert passed over the town.

- Heavy flooding in the Centro Histório of Alamos.

- The commercial block (La Alameda) was under water with hundreds of evacuees
and possibly some deaths.

- The only bridge for cars that links the east side of town to the west was
swept away by the water.

- One by one, all the pedestrian bridges were totally destroyed by the force of
the water.

- The "La Aduana" arroyo broke through containment dams built in the wake of the
flooding of the 1980s, and dozens of cars parked at various points in the city
were swept along its path by the current.

- There are reports of cars with their lights still on piled up on the south
side of town near the municipal cemetery.

- There is no electricity throughout the city and probably none anywhere in the
Municipio.

- Communications with rural communities are cut off because of the lack of
electricity.

- When is something going to be reported? Neither television nor newspapers are
reporting anything.

- Fortunately, both fixed and mobile telephone service (cellular) continue to
operate.

-------------------------------------------
Original article (in Spanish) is here:
<http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/12102008/333296.aspx>

More stories and photos at the El Imparcial website:
<http://www.elimparcial.com/>

-- Ron

El Imparcial is reporting that three people died overnight when their vehicle
was swept away by the current in the La Aduana arroyo. Their names are given in
this article:

<http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/12102008/333299.aspx>

Also, Mary Jo Drake drove from Guaymas today and is reporting via her
Blackberry. She is being told that there is severe road damage to the east of
the El Caracol RV Park, which is located at Km 37 on the Navojoa highway about
10 miles from Alamos. The highway is currently closed to traffic, but may open
later today for limited access (around 6:30 pm local time, Sunday).

More later,

-- Ron

Miraculously, here at our place at the end of the road, we just got our power
back.

Landlines work, but as of a while ago, none of town had power, so if you have a
wireless phone, no luck. Old fashioned wired phones work.

Not sure if power has been restored downtown, but from what I've seen it's
doubtful.

As other reports say, damage in Alamos is extensive.

Our rain gauge said we got over 8 inches last night. Add to that, the
arroyos were still running from summer rains and the land is saturated. We were
at 34" since June 26th, so it's wet here. And, last night there were around five
huge landslides on Mt. Alamos. All the debris from those landslides along w/
heavy rains are what seem to have caused all the damage. It was essentially a
flash flood with landslides. not good.

Liliana just got as far as El Caracol and could get no further. There is
extensive damage to the highway starting at the curves. The bridge at El Tezal
is out and at Uvalama, the road/arroyo cut a chunk of the highway right out.

They are working hard on the road, though. A policeman said that Ruth's house is
gone. Not sure of this but I wouldn't be surprised based on everything I've seen
today.

Helicopters have been coming and going. The Governor was here. Some planes have
also come in, bringing supplies.

All bridges in town are gone and many, many peoples homes are filled with mud
and have lost everything. There are shelters at various places and this strong
community is making it through.

There has been loss of life, not sure of the count. And people are missing. Very
sad news and a sad day for Alamos.

More later.

Jen Mackay

Hello All,

I have compiled in one place all of what I have been able to confirm by talking
to several persons from Alamos on the forum posting following this link
<http://www.martinmansfield.com/alamos/index.php?topic=341.msg594#msg594>.

Please note that there are only a few telephones working in Alamos and the
electricity has not been reestablished, at the moment of writing this email
there was no ETA for reestablishing it.

For the moment I suggest that if you need to communicate to some one in Alamos
use this newsgroup or the Alamos Visit forum. Someone that sees it there may be
able to relay the message.

In this moment of anguish for Alamos and its inhabitants I am adding all
affected to my prayers. I invite you all to do the same.

Best Regards

Carlos

From: Ted Glattke <glattketj@...>
Subject: Reports on Norbert
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2008, 4:45 PM

We have been fortunate to contact a family that lives on
Calle Morelos (low side of Alameda) about two blocks East
of the Alameda (also a bit lower). They report that water
came through their home from the arroyo side but that
they are safe.

We are thankful for their safety and hope that other
families in locations closer to the arroyo have been as
fortunate.

Ted Glattke

Mary Jo Drake reports via her Blackberry that you can only get as far east as
Minas Nuevas from the Navojoa side of the highway. They are making an impressive
effort to re-open the road.

El Imparcial has a photo of what the road crews are up against. It looks like
this huge washout is in the area of the curves between Minas Nuevas and the El
Caracol RV Park. The direct link is here:
<http://www.elimparcial.com/Edicionenlinea/Fotos/Nacional/177656-G.jpg>

The caption reads:
"La carretera de Navojoa a Álamos se vio afectada por los arroyos crecidos que
la dejó incomunicada." (Highway from Navojoa to Alamos was affected by swollen
arroyos that left it cut off.)

If the above link doesn't work, the photo is currently up in the photo section
of the Alamos News website:
<http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/alamosnews/photos/view/4742?b=1>

-- Ron

Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:08 amHello all,

I just added my last update on this link.
<http://www.martinmansfield.com/alamos/index.php?topic=341.0>

As I get news from Alamos I will add a new forum post on the Visit
Alamos forums.

Regards

Carlos

The night before last, hurricane Norbert hit Alamos full force, leaving hundreds
homeless after the flooding washed through their homes spewing all of their
possessions out on to the streets. Cars are stacked like pick up sticks
throughout the neighborhoods. The bridge going to the airport was totally
removed and it is resting comfortably along the north bank parallel to the
arroyo. The adobe walls surrounding the Bours estate caved to the pressure of
the eastbound water both on the Calle Madero as well as the Galeana sides. Cars
parked along Madero were washed down the street. The Las Palmeras truck was
relocated two blocks downstream from their restaurant and came to rest just
outside of Titos Supermarket.

All of the businesses and homes next to the arroyo along Calle Madero to the
Alameda, then from the liquor store to the east were victim to the flooding.
Water from the arroyo entered the businesses and homes on the arroyo side and
washed merchandise and possessions to the front of the buildings breaking glass
and buckling doors as the water found its way to the streets in front. The Las
Palmeras Restaurant is totally removed.

Most all of the businesses bordering the arroyo like Veterinara El Coyote were
destroyed with everything inside rendered useless. Mud and silt now occupy the
interiors of these buildings. Most all of the homes bordering the arroyo have at
least one to two feet of mud inside. The interior water mark at the liquor store
(beginning of the Alameda) is 1-1/2 feet above floor level. The water height off
of the street was at least 4-1/2 feet. Two blocks to the east the water level in
the hardware store was 5 feet above floor level. The street is 3 feet below so I
suspect the height of the water was around 8 feet above the street.

How many deaths? I don’t know. I heard two and also four. The most obvious loss
was for the people that inhabit this village. Previously hit by economic hard
times and now by the loss of their homes this storm has challenged them far
beyond comprehension. While taking pictures I tried many times to say how sorry
I was to many of the people but was unable to do so while holding back tears.

Electricity was just turned on about an hour ago. I have posted several pictures
of the aftermath of this storm on AlamosPortfolio.com. Go to
AlamosPortfoloio.com and click on pictures then Hurricane Norbert. I would
suggest you open the first picture by clicking on it then hit the “Next” button
to scroll through the pictures. I have not identified the pictures but those of
you who are from Alamos will know what you are looking at.

Dan Veenstra

If you have pictures other than the pictures I have posted on
AlamosPortfolio.com and would like to share them then feel free to email them to
me and I will post them while giving credit to you.

Email your pictures to tecatesummer@...

Thanks,

Dan Veenstra
AlamosPortfolio.com

El Imparcial has just posted an article on their website, reporting that the
highway to Navojoa is open.

Also, Mary Jo Drake also reported late last night that one side of the road is
passable. There is a roadblock but they will let cars through if you talk to
them. It appears that the water backed up behind the road until the road just
collapsed. You can see the water line in the trees and it was high!

The translation of the El Imparcial article follows below. The original article
(in Spanish) is here:

<http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/13102008/333405.aspx>

-- Ron

Causualties:

At least 8 people are confirmed dead and several people still missing.

Destruction:
The arroyo re-routed itself to the streets of the Chalaton taking out many homes
and as well as the road about 6 feet deep in many areas. Water, sewer, and
electric is no longer in the Chalaton area. The sewer lines are busted from the
street, people are still using the bathrooms in their homes, the ones that are
still standing, and the waste is being flushed into the streets that are flowing
with water that the children are now playing in. Sickness and disease is a great
fear.

There are several other areas with an amazing array of destruction, but the
Chalaton is my home and really all I can report on.

I can provide many pictures for those of you that want them. I will get with Dan
and email them to him. Please check back later. Take care...

Ronnie B Bass

Are any members of the gringo community on the ground in Alamos setting up a way
that those of us in the USA can help with relief efforts?

Once the ATM at the bank is working, if there is an account we can deposit into
in one of the major banks in the US, a local person could withdraw pesos from
their US account with an ATM card to help in emergency situations.

Also, I have not heard from Trini Rangel Nevarez, but if Hostel Alamos is
functional, I am sure he can provide emergency beds and housing for residents
and/or relief workers.

Those of you on the ground in Alamos can rest assured that you have the prayers,
support, and concerns of many of us who are not present.

Jim Toevs

Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:02 pmIs anyone on Facebook? It's an easy and fast way to post a lot of information
and photos.

We are due to come to Alamos on Nov 1st. - at least that's the plan(?) Is Juarez
St. damaged?

We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you all. Especially those who have
had their homes damaged or lost. Perhaps we can help in some way when we come...

Marti Martin-Wood
Victoria BC

My sisters and I are worried about our mother, Leila Gillette, who lives in the
Bario Campana. There is no access to the hill from town, but maybe someone over
there could check on her safety and well being.

I know that she bought food last Friday in anticipation of the storm. I am
concerned that there is a high wall east of her house that could have collapsed.
There are also some large trees on her property.

Thank you, Ellen Price

El Imparcial is reporting on their website that Sonora Governor, Eduardo Bours,
and his entire cabinet will visit Alamos to assess damage from Hurricane
Norbert. Bours made the announcement today in delivering his fifth annual Report
of Activities (Informe de actividades) to the Sonoran Chamber of Deputies (the
State legislature).

My translation follows below. The original article (in Spanish) is here:

<http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/13102008/333434.aspx>

-- Ron

I have been in Alamos many times over the last few years and was recently there
for one month. I have made many friends there and my heart goes out to everyone
affected by the hurricane.
Let's get our heads together to help!

If you are headed down there, please bring along clothes, basic first aid and
medication, diapers and baby food so it can be distributed immediately.

Also anyone in Alamos, please e-mail us what is needed so we can help as
efficiently as possible.

If anyone is driving ther in the next few days, please make yourself known so we
can also put supplies in your vehicle.

I would also like to see how we can charter a truck to send supplies to Alamos
as soon as possible.

Gracias

Francoise Evans

Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:42 pmPlease, does anyone know the whereabouts of Thomas Dameworth?

I understand that we have lost the strawbale house. I am desperate to hear
something about Tom. If anyone knows anything please respond by email. Or call
my cell

Thank You

Linda Dameworth

I would like to get some information on my mother in law Maria Mcmanus
any one know if she is doing ok and safe her son Ernesto Mcmanus would
like to know if she is ok we just got the bad new today thanks

Mon Oct 13, 2008 9:22 pmDoes anyone know where John Nash is?

He lives just above La Aduana arroyo next to Tom Dameworth's place.

John does not answer his telephone.

doris m

He has been sighted and he is OK. The strawbale house stood strong -- contents a
mess.

We were fortunate, no loss of life and a house to go back to. I have seen the
pictures and see others have had a great loss.

Thanks to you all, especially those of you who responded quickly to ease my
mind.

Saludos
Linda

This afternoon, Gordon and I toured the arroyo where about 50 people lost their
homes in the Las Delicias barrio. They are using Las Delicias as the center of
communications and for dropping off food and making arrangements for bedding. At
this time they are receiving food and water, apparently from the municipality,
but there is a great shortage of clothing and shoes as well as blankets. I was
told by Jennifer MacKay that DIF is the place to make your donations of
clothing, etc.

The folks we met with had five minutes to leave their homes before they were hit
with a wall of mud and water, so they have the clothes on their backs and
nothing else. Many did not have shoes on, so that is a priority. Stephanie Meyer
and Claudio Valenzuela were taking charge of organizing operations there, but
both have had difficulty with phone communications today.

Hope this helps those who are anxious to help but are not sure how. There will
be plenty more to do in the coming weeks, I am sure, as most of these people
will need to find a new location to rebuild as well as the resources to do the
rebuilding.

Elizabeth Packard

Hello all

Café del Sol will be open starting tomorrow, Tuesday. A few things may be
unavailable on the menu, but we’ll do our best to serve you.

Jen, Luchy, Angela and Ana

Tue Oct 14, 2008 3:15 amI would like to share the words of my niece upon her learning about what has
been happening in Alamos.

"It is incredible how powerful the forces of nature are and even more miraculous
the strength of the people to pull together and help one another in such a state
of disaster. I have all the faith that your town will be back on it's feet and
up and running again. Take care...."

Alamos IS rising again.

If anyone in the Pacific Northwest is heading to Alamos in the next few days and
has a little room in a vehicle, I have clothing and shoes to send down, which
seem to be a need according to current postings. I can deliver anywhere on the
I-5 corridor or west of the Sound. I live between Olympia and Shelton in the
South Sound area.

If anyone in Alamos has news of Rebeca Lucero, who works at the hospital, and
her family (Juan Carlos works for John David at 24 Sonora) I would be grateful
to hear how they fared at their home a couple of block west of the cemetery.

Thank you all who are keeping us informed, and especially for the photos.

Jo Ann Ridley

Those of you in the states at this time:

As you all may know, the government is helping those who have lost everything at
this time. I have not read anything about any fund being set up to accept money
contributions from you folks ... on the other hand, I have had several people
ask where they can make a cash contribution.

I will be happy to help in this matter if no one else comes up with a solution.

1) I will be willing to accept cash contributions into my personal Bank of
America account in the USA
2) I could give each family who lost everything a cash contribution from you in
either $50 or $100 amounts (your choice)
3) I would take the cash contributions from the ATM Machine (so I would be
limited to $300 per day)
4) I would take a picture of the person receiving the money and send you their
name and address
5) I would give the person receiving the money your name and address
6) Afterwords, I would give everyone accounting of all donations & I would post
all donations and recipients on the AlamosPortfolio website

As I have mentioned, I have not heard of any fund at this time. Also, you know
how these funds are sometimes managed. If you choose to do this then email me
back and I'll give you the account number for your deposit.

Dan Veenstra
AlamosPortfolio.com

Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:40 pmI have heard of several people in the states who are collecting clothing to be
brought down to Alamos for needy families. I also know of people who are
purchasing clothing. You may or may not be aware of the stateside Goodwill
Stores I would like to suggest, rather than going to a retail stores to
purchase clothing items that you instead shop at a Goodwill Store. The clothing
often is new and even if it is used it normally looks new. Your dollars will be
worth 10 times what you would spend in a retail store. By shopping Goodwill you
will either save 90% of what you were going to spend or you will be able to buy
10 times more of what you were going to purchase from a retailer.

Dan Veenstra
AlamosPortfolio.com

The El Imparcial website is reporting that Mexican President, Felipe Calderon,
will visit Alamos this morning and early afternoon to view and assess the damage
from the hurricane.

He is scheduled to arrive at 10 am and tour damaged areas, and then attend a
meeting to evaluate the results at 12 noon.

Original article (in Spanish) is here:
<http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/14102008/333580.aspx>

-- Ron

Stateside folks..............

I am now receiving money contributions from folks in the states. Thank you.

In addition to my previous guidelines for my handling of your money I would like
to say the following:

1) I will take a second person with me, like Bub Bruner, to take a picture of
the person receiving your contribution.

2) Distribution of your funds will not be to any particular person or persons
but rather we will walk along the arroyos and make contributions to those
persons who visually have lost everything.

3) Everything else applies, you will get a picture of your money being given to
these folks in either $50 or $100 amounts, you will receive their names and
addresses, they will receive your name and address, and I will post an
accounting of every penny distributed.

Dan Veenstra

Hello all,

There are many people that are trying to pull together help and relief efforts
in different ways, along with the government aid which is here in force.

At Hotel Colonial, Janet and her staff started cooking on Sunday and bringing
food to the people in the shelters. They have done a truly amazing job. We are
now coordinating w/ Mayor Ruth Acuña and the DIF to continue cooking for as many
as they can for a week. The food for the next week is being taken care of by the
Ayuntamiento. Teri Shannon and Pat Shannon are also contributing towards this
with prepared foods that will be dropped off at Hotel Colonial.

But there are many needs within this effort still to be met. We need disposables
for the food to be delivered, money to help off set the costs of all the staff
that are working long hours out of Janet’s kitchen and after this week, we are
hoping the foreign community can contribute financially to fund this ‘soup
kitchen’ for as long as is necessary. If you would like to contribute funds
towards this, you can leave money in the form of Mexican check made out to El
Portador, or American check made out to Jennifer Mackay or Liliana Carosso, or
cash at Café del Sol with Liliana or with Jennifer’s staff. We will have
receipts to sign.

If there are funds left over, they will go towards buying household good for the
people in need.

The community from Navojoa is helping with some food, blankets, clothing,
diapers, feminine needs and more. They are coordinating with us to help fill the
needs here in Alamos and are a great asset.

The need is great here for so many, but effort and help coming from all sides we
can help the people in need.

All for now,

Jen

Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:19 pmMeeting with Gov. Bours was held at the Hotel Colonial on Monday to review the
damages and conditions in the town of Alamos as well as the small communities in
the county after Norbert.

A state of alert for Hurricane Norbert in place as of Monday, October 6, made it
possible for immediate relief efforts to commence after Saturday night's deluge.
Four to five major landslides on Mt. Alamos plus the rain caused great damage to
the Chalaton, Guayparines Neighborhoods, the Alameda and Market, residences and
businesses down from the market.

A brief summary of the status reports:

Damages Report on Infrastructure:

- Electricity: the CFE has managed to reconnect 70% of the network; 30% of
neighborhoods are still out, including the Hospital which is functioning on a
generator.

- Water: Critical... The wells at Sabinitos are not functioning due to lack of
power. The Aurora and DIF wells also are not functioning. These are priority and
the CFE has committed resources to get these back on line. The water delivery is
occurring via 8 trucks with pipas by CONAGUA (= National Water Commission). It
will take up to two days to get 50% of the system working; rest of system will
take longer requiring major repairs to distribution lines.

- Sewer: 30% of this infrastructure has been destroyed. Contamination is Major
Concern.

- Housing damage includes 50 houses that have been completely demolished; an
additional 150 have received medium damage; and another 220 with minor damage.
Losses of personal items and household goods are major.

- Alamos/Navojoa road re-opened at 1 am Sunday. Four major slides and areas of
road and bridges were undermined. All the bridges along the La Aduana Arroyo are
also down.

- Hospital is in full operation with additional personnel.

- The two shelters where people have been housed and fed will be closed. There
will be 6 smaller shelters and locations for food distribution starting as of
today.

Approximately 3,000 people are been fed from these various distribution areas as
they are unable to cook in their homes.

- Clean-up crews with tractors are cleaning up the Alameda and Market Areas. The
Market has been closed and merchants have lost their inventories.

Gov. Bours appointed a liaison from the State to coordinate all recovery efforts
with the Mayor and her staff and with the appropriate Federal agencies.

Under this state of emergency, both Federal and State aid will be provided to
repair the infrastructure and assist to bring all back to normalcy.

SEDESOL (Secretaría de Desarrollo Social = Ministry of Social Development) is in
town assisting the affected townspeople with housing and small business owners
with inventory replacement.

Gov. Bours congratulated all on their quick responses and efforts, committing
continued resources and attention to Alamos.

Liliana M. Carosso

For all those in town wishing to assist:

- Volunteers are needed at the DIF.

Items that have been requested by the Directora of DIF Alamos, the coordinating
agency for assistance to families, include the following:

- Baby Diapers
- Adult Diapers
- Ladies Sanitary Napkins
- First Aid Supplies, including OINTMENTS for infections and rashes for children
and babies.. ANTISEPTICS ..
- Clothing ... for Babies and Children particularly ..
- Home Cleaning Supplies .. brooms, shovels, etc.
- Supplies to Re-establish a Kitchen and Home .. including: Dishes, Silverware,
Pots and Pans, Glassware, etc.
- Food Goods .. Canned Goods, Beans, Rice, etc.
- Water . Garafons of Water

Items can be dropped off at the DIF building or at Café del Sol.

Gracias .. Adios ..

Liliana M. Carosso

Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:47 pmSpecial Request ..........

We are looking for a wheelchair for a paralyzed lady, whose house filled with
water and lost all ..

Please advise if you have one available for the time being...

Gracias .........

Liliana M. Carosso

Per our conversation this morning with Federal Polica and Marina rescue, there's
20 confirmed dead and 15 people unaccounted for.

One officer shared a story I would like to share with you: As they were securing
roads that were being washed away, literally, a truck of several people floated
by them screaming for help...the officers felt so helpless knowing that there
was no way to help them. The water was so powerful, borders of rock was tumbling
beneath the surface as if tumbleweeds in the wind. Later the next day, they
discovered the truck and two of the several people inside.

Another local man lost his mother-in-law, which came only 3 months after he lost
his wife to cancer. The water came in such a rush that they only had seconds to
get out...he was able to get his two children to safety, but when trying to get
his mother-in-law, she was washed away from his grip.

I am sure there are many other stories just the like...I am an American married
into a Mexican family...I grew up reading things like this in the National
Geographic. I sat holding Reyna and Jackie so tight as news came in...watching
homes being washed away wondering if ours is next...We were so close but in the
end we looked around with so many family members now in our home...family I only
knew about and because of old family issues, I never met...but here they were,
here we were could careless about our homes, our stuff...we had each
other...something I personally have learned never to take for granted...

No matter where you are at, appreciate your family, even the ones that have
wronged you...love them...cause in a moment, without notice, you may be face
with just how important they really are to you.

Thank you in advance for all your help and prayers to the families of Alamos,

Ronnie, Reyna, Jackie, and all the Restaurant Family

I know it probably makes more sense to scour Tucson for clothing and supplies
but, if there is anyone going down from Canada, Washington, or Oregon, we can
more than likely fill any free space.

Would there be any issues at the border bringing supplies down from the States?

To everyone down there. Take care of yourselves.

See you soon.

Hal and Anne Wambach

Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:08 pmEllen is concerned about her Mother, Leila Gillette.

Does anyone know if Leila is okay?

Steve Foster

Hola,

Just after putting out a message asking about Leila Gillette, I ran into her at
Reyna's where she is having a hamburger and fries. I have sent Ellen, her
daughter, a message that Leila is fine.

Gracias a Dios,

Stephen Foster

Transportation need and news of friends taken care of, thanks to everyone who
responded so generously to my queries.

What a special community you are, Alamos!

Jo Ann Ridley

Bob Watson here in Shelton, WA, does not have access to computer news, and is
concerned about his beach house at Huatabampo.

Has anyone heard anything that I can pass along to him?

Thank you (again!)

Jo Ann Ridley

Hi,

My name is Roberto Salido, I am from Alamos but live in Tucson.

I have contacted the Mexican consulate here and they tell me Customs is usually
very strict when it comes to used clothing. Dan's idea of buying from the
Goodwill stores is really wonderful but now we have to find a way to cross those
items.

Consul Mendez also told me that bringing water and canned food across is not a
problem but used clothes and medicines are not allowed. Unfortunately the latter
seems to be what is needed most. He also suggested to talk to the Governor of
Sonora and ask him to work with the Federal Government to have Customs be more
flexible in regards to allowing the crossing of aid supplies to the area.

I am still making phone calls contacting several non-profits asking for the
guidance on crossing supplies. As soon as I have something concrete I will let
you know. The plan is to set up a donation center here in Tucson to gather goods
and then take them down to Alamos.

Roberto

Someone inquired about John Nash. I was told he was spotted. They were in a
shelter. I hope that's accurate info.

jen

Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:10 pmI will be driving a 3/4-ton pick-up to Alamos on Thursday. I have collected some
goods and some money but have room for more of both. I will do what I have to at
the border but have never had much problem with clothes. I have no room for
passengers.

I just heard that 17 aircraft are scheduled into Alamos on Friday, the 17th, by
the Baja Bush Pilots with supplies; hurray!

I also have a special request, by a donor, to know what Janet needs in the soup
kitchen....if someone can pass this along that would be great.

David Perino

Jack McCormack of Baja Bush Pilots has been working with Jim Swickard of the
Hacienda do Los Santos and *somehow* they've been told they can pass customs
easily in Cd Obregon as a part of Friday's airlift. Jim seems to know well the
Governor of Sonora. Perhaps he or Jack can advise you on how to ease the passage
of such clothing.

The BBP phone in the Phoenix area is . I don't think I have a number
for Jim.

frank harvey, Napa, Calif.

We have new pictures of the hurricane aftermath. Daan Hoekstra has sent new
pictures for your viewing. Although some are the same as previously posted many
have not been seen.

You can view these pictures by going to AlamosPortfolio.com then click on
'PICTURES' along the left menu bar. Daan's pictures are first in line and are
titled 'Hurricane Pics - Hoekstra'.

As before, your best bet is to click on the first picture to enlarge it then
click on the 'NEXT' button to scroll through the pictures. If you have pictures
that have not yet been posted and you think they would be of interest to
everyone then please email them to me and I'll post them for you.

Dan Veenstra
AlamosPortfolio.com

Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:31 pmI am Diana Starr-Salnave, Hal Starr's sister and Sheri's aunt. My husband and I
lived in Alamos each winter several years ago, and besides the good American and
Canadian friends we made, we also became good friends with two Mexican families.

I would so much like to know if the Miguel Barron family and "Chacho" Romone and
Ramona Lopez are ok. If anyone has had contact with them or knows of them,
please email me and let me know.

Chacho and Ramona lived on the far end of the arroyo on a hillside beyond the
cemetery. The Barron's live on Hidalgo across from the Dameworthy home.

My niece, Sheri Starr and I have talked and she is planning to return to Alamos
soon.

Hoping to hear about Chacho and Ramona and the Barron family.

Diana

Another question:

Do we know if the road south to the Cuchujaqui is passable, as well as the road
to the Mentidero?

Also, what about the new road to La Aduana?

Any info is appreciated.

jen

Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:56 pmFrom: Bill Ruffner
I contacted Joe Brett, President of Scottsdale sister cities, the day of the
storm. This is his reply:

Bill,
We are organizing a delivery of needed supplies this weekend. Look for a press
release by Mayor Mary Manross. We spoke to Mayor Acuna this afternoon and are
coordinating efforts though sister city organizations.
There is also a delivery of needed items scheduled for this Friday by the Baja
Bush Pilots Association who have 22 planeloads ready to go.

Thanks for your note
Joe Brett
President

Alamos,

We are so saddened by the news, images, and stories we are receiving from
Alamos. The destruction wrought by hurricane Norbert on the beloved village is
heart-wrenching. It is so gratifying to see the wave of support to all those in
need from the state and federal government, Governor Bours, and President
Calderón, both having viewed the destruction personally. This will open up the
much needed state and federal funds. The government is also hiring local people
and others to dig out the rubble of many of the affected homes.

Scottsdale, sister city of Alamos, is collecting clothing items, and other such
donations, to be sent to Alamos via Baja Bush Pilots. Also the many private
citizens, both Mexican and American, who have really pitched in to bring food,
water, and necessities to those in need. Friends of ours in Obregon have
collected funds and brought in truckloads of goods already, to be distributed by
DIF and the church.

We at Casa de los Tesoros have coordinated with DIF for collection of food
stuffs and clothing and are accepting donations of such at the hotel. The
kitchen staff is preparing hot food to be distributed by DIF where needed. Our
prayers are with all the residents of Alamos.

Suzanne and Joseph

Hello all.

Please see message, below, from a staff member at DIF-Nogales.
Please contact me on email and I'll try to organize a response to the offer from
Juan Zepeda.

You are in our thoughts.

Ted and Jean Glattke

re: ATM

yes, right after power came on, standing in six inches of mud but got good,
clean money.

bud

Hello All,

As I said yesterday, I am slower now on the updates and since I can see
most people have already recovered their email I will be posting few
things trying not to be repetitive.

My first and late update for today can be found on this link

<http://www.martinmansfield.com/alamos/index.php?topic=343.0>

Regards!

Carlos Pratt

Wed Oct 15, 2008 2:02 amBrief media summary, mainly from El Imparcial (links to original articles in
Spanish are below):
---------------------------------------------------

This morning, Mexican President, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, toured areas of
Alamos affected by Hurricane Norbert. He was accompanied by the governor of
Sonora, Eduardo Bours, Alamos Mayor Ruth Acuña, and Laura Gurza Acuña, national
coordinator of Protección Civil.

At the end of the tour, the President announced a supplemental assistance grant
of 800 million pesos (about US$65 million) for the areas affected by hurricanes
"Julio", "Lowell" and "Norbert" in southern Sonora. This will benefit the
municipalities of Alamos, Guaymas, Navojoa, Etchojoa and Huatabampo.

The Secretaría de Salud (= "Ministry of Health") has set up vaccination stations
for tetanus and hepatitis in several areas of the city where people can go to
get immunization shots.

Red Cross personnel from Navojoa, Naco, Nogales, Magdalena and the head office
distributed 2,000 emergency food/supply packages in the Real de Álamos,
Guayparines, Higueras, Tacubaya, Chalatón and Isla de Cuba neighborhoods.

The storm dropped 230 mm (over 9 inches!) of water in just two hours, which led
to the landslides and flash floods.

Ron
----------------
<http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/14102008/333691.aspx>

<http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/14102008/333674.aspx>

<http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/14102008/333612.aspx>

This is in response to Dan Veenstra's accurate and graphic post. We lived behind
the Dolisa RV Park and our place was totally devastated. It looks like no man's
land from a science fiction movie. Much mud and water damage, all contents
inside totally destroyed.

Actually it was not the hurricane that caused the damage, it was a horrific
flash flood caused by four down bursts on the mountains. I was up at 11 PM when
it hit and it was over in 25 minutes. The water was chest deep. We are thankful
that we escaped with our lives. Our barrio is Guayparines and it took the
hardest hit, as we are closest to the bridge that washed away.

Just a footnote, we are so impressed by the local, state and federal government
help. Help moved in within 3 to 4 hours the same night. We were taken to COBACH
where we were sheltered. Police officers literally risked their lives wading
through the rushing waters to help us escape. That meant going to the rooftop of
a neighbor for about 30 minutes before we were led through the waist high waters
to the school. Within a couple of hours they were distributing blankets and foam
pads for us to sleep on. Believe me there was no sleep for us that night. The
next morning we were fed a hot breakfast of eggs con chorizo, beans, squash and
a roll.

A Mexican friend has taken us in. She lives across from DIF and the activity
there has been incredible. Immediately water distribution was begun, they have
been distributing food boxes and more blankets and donated clothing.

Ginger Nash

As many of you know, John and I have worked with the poor of Alamos for many
years. The secret to bringing used clothing is to purchase old suitcases from
the thrift shops and pack the clothing within. We have a van and usually bring 8
or 9 suitcases at a time. I fold the clothes nicely as I would my own in case
they decide to inspect one of them. It works!!

Ginger Nash

Hello,

My heart goes out to all living in Alamos at this time. I know this is an
extremely difficult if not impossible time, but if anyone knows the whereabouts
of this Mexican family I would like to hear from you.

In the mid 80s, when I was an undergraduate I did research for a year on a small
guppy (fish) that only lived in streams located in a mountain village outside of
Alamos. While I was there I lived with a family at "el ranchito" near Agua
Caliente. They also had a small two room house in Alamos in what I remember to
be a low lying area with no running water or electricity. Some of the family
lived there while others were up at the "ranch". I would do my work at the ranch
and every few months I would drive down to Alamos on my way to the Guaymas
campus of ITESM. There, I would do the laboratory part of my work and check in
with a professor who promised my university to keep an eye me.

This family, last name Miranda, was very kind and cared for me as if I were a
member of their own family. We exchanged letters for a while but, I failed to
keep in touch with them. My experiences in Mexico, living with this family and
seeing first-hand their hardships, led me away from basic research and into work
with populations in need. I have never forgotten their generosity but I have
never taken the chance to reconnect with them. I would like to try to locate
them and do what I can to help.

I will give what information I remember.

Father- Jesus Miranda
Mother- Maria
The mother and father were older then and I would think that they are no longer
living.
Eldest son Lino- worked as a police officer or with the police in Nogales?
Navojoa?
Older son- I do not remember his name but he lived on the ranch with his wife
Mikaela and their two small daughters who are now probably in their late
twenties
Youngest son- Chuito now probably late 30's to mid 40's
Daughters- Two, one named Norma who worked in Alamos.

My name is Stacy Smith, the graduate student I was with is Russell Schenk. I am
5'10" tall, fair complexion and have light brown hair. My black labrador
retriever traveled with us. We had a red Ford van from the university for our
equipment and they would remember us as "studying the fish".

If anyone might ask around about the family and how I might contact them, I
would appreciate it.

Thank you,

Stacy VK Smith

Hi, we moved to Alamos recently. My wife and son, Mara and Emiliano, left
before the storm to visit family in Chihuahua and now plan to be away until
Sunday. I have a room with a single bed and a room with a double bed that are
not being used. Our place is a bit disorganized having just moved in and we were
painting, etc. before Norbert, but we were very fortunate not to suffer any
damage. I would be happy to move things around to make room for three people for
a few days. I have a blind dog who barks (but harmless) and a friendly cat. I
would prefer adults because if Prairie (dog) gets out of the gate, being blind
and half deaf, she will be a casualty on the streets.

Also, if anyone is in need of my assistance, I am here. I have been doing what I
can. My spanish is not great. I am in Barrio Barranco.

Richard Speedy
428-1531

Am planning a DVD, Norbert in Alamos. The basic theme will be the celebration of
our community's strength and the power of people to cope with and overcome
disaster. Those with digital photos they are willing to donate, please put on
disc and give to me, or drop them off at Casa Maria Felix. Credits for photos
will be acknowledged.

DVDs will be offered to the public at estimated unit cost. If sales should
exceed expectations, profits will be donated to organizations supporting
Education in Alamos.

Bud

For those wishing to help the needy in Alamos:

When offering monetary relief for persons suffering in
Alamos, make sure you are either dealing with a recognized
relief organization, or, if depositing money into an
individual's account, you personally know the individual
in question or someone attesting to the individual's
reliability.

Thank you,

Charles Carpenter

I would like to let Camille & Squire know the brothers are driving to Alamos on
Thursday morning, arriving when we get there...late afternoon, early evening. We
are bringing clean-up supplies etc. Anyone that sees Camille/Squire, please pass
this note along.

Camille can call on my cell today if any special request is more important. We
will be driving a 4-wheel drive 3/4-ton, so can haul from Tucson if necessary.
Those in Tucson wishing delivery can call me today at .

I-15 has detours but is open and flowing well.

David Perino

Tuesday, Gordon and I drove to Navajoa with Betsy Maier to buy clothing,
sandals, soap, shampoo, etc., and some dried beans and rice to dispense in the
Las Delicias and Capilla barrios. We got a list of needs from talking to
Stephanie Meyers and some of the folks in that barrio and were able to get
discounts at Woolworths and a privately owned shoe store next door to
Woolworths. We are hoping to get more discounts or free merchandise today from
Woolworths as the jeffes were not there yesterday to approve more than a 15%
discount, but we will call them today.

Suggestion: The lines at DIF are long and some of the elderly or infirm can't
wait that long. Are their individuals who would be willing to be the contact
people for each barrio affected by the flooding whom the North American
community could contact directly? It would be helpful to have some organization
and record keeping so that when clothing and other items are dispensed, we would
know who got what and what they still need. When we went shopping, we just
bought 10 of each size T-shirt, etc., because we didn't yet have all the
information we needed and time was of the essence.

Another suggestion: I understand that most of the officers of Comadres are out
of town right now, but if someone could be commissioned to take donations in the
name of Comadres, I understand the individuals could receive a receipt for tax
purposes.

As the need for more expensive items like mattresses grows, it would be more
appealing to donate large sums if they could be taken off taxes. Also, friends
in the US could donate more easily if there is an account in the US that could
receive the donation.

Thanks for your consideration of this. Is there a time and place where the N.
American community could get together to coordinate our efforts?

Elizabeth Packard

Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:40 pmMany folks are gathering supplies to bring down to Alamos...

Crossing the border with certain supplies will be difficult...one car and one
plane have already been denied entry.

Supplies are and will be allowed in through Mexican Customs with the help of the
Governor's Office and DIF Nogales.

Should you need assistance with bringing in supplies, there seems to be two
options:

1. Contacting Ted Gladke <glattke@...> who is in direct
communication with DIF Nogales, who is prepared to assist with border crossing
of supplies...or

2. Contacting Liliana Carosso with the following information:

- Full Name
- Date of Arrival at Nogales Border or Entry Airport
- List of Supplies .. number of Boxes and specify what is in each
- Contact Information

This information will be given to Governor's Office for instructions and
authorization.

Contact Liliana at: <liliana@...>
Phone: 011-52-647-428-0350
Cell from the States: 011-521-647-105-5022

Thank you for all your Efforts and Help.......

Liliana M. Carosso
<http://www.alamosrealty.com>
<http://www.alamosmexico.com>

Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:43 pmThe clean-up process in the village is progressing well and most services have
been restored. To our knowledge there was no loss of life in the foreign
community and all are well. This post is to advise persons with either a valid
U.S. passport, or nationals with appropriate papers, to contact me if they need
transportation to the U.S. Possible drop-off points would be Tucson, Phoenix,
Reno and Southern California.

Again, only with proper papers could you be considered for a flight to the U.S.,
one small suitcase, no pets, etc. You may call me at 428-0222 or email
<jnswick@...>. Also, any medical items or prescriptions from the U.S. that
can be ordered from CVS or Walgreen in Tucson. We can advise which location to
call or email. All orders must be in by 12 noon today (Wednesday). Items will be
on a plane Friday afternoon for a direct flight to Alamos.

Volunteers? We could use a few volunteers at Hacienda de los Santos with the
cooking. Our staff have been doing a great job with 14-hour days handling the
greatest "To Go" business we have ever experienced. We are delivering to those
known families who are hard to reach, some military, fire department, etc. Also,
we could use some volunteers on Friday at noon for another village project...a
few women would be ideal. Men in the village...most are occupied with their own
homes and work, but any available with a shovel we would hire at Hacienda de los
Santos to work with our staff with the dig-out process across the bridge.

Medical Emergencies....those with any medical issues will be given priority on
the flights to the U.S. Please understand that the Mexican government has done
the most outstanding job of handling this crisis. Everyone has been amazed at
the high level of organization, coordination and speed with the response. The
flights out are primarily to reunite families that might be more comfortable
being together for a period of time during the process of getting the village
back to normal.

On a lighter note, the new bridge design for the road to the airport and San
Bernardo will be a two-lane bridge, so the village is happy about that change.
We ran out of diapers yesterday which I brought down on my flight
Monday...yesterday a little 3-year-old girl came to our portal and she said,
"¿Hay pañales?" (Do you have diapers?) ...and she needed one.

Yesterday our friends in Navojoa arrived with many truck loads of food which we
can prepare in the coming days for those without. If you don't live close to
Hacienda de los Santos and can get word to us, we will deliver food to your
home...let us know how many are in the family.

Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:48 pmOur Tucson community has started a clothing and household goods drive. The items
are being dropped off at a friend's house right off of the highway close to
downtown.

If anyone is headed south and has room in their vehicles, let me know and I'll
pass along the details for pick up.

Gracias.

jen

Hi,

Does anyone know the whereabouts of the Jose Luis Aredondo (sp.) Zazueta family?

We heard that their house in the Guyaparines barrio was a complete loss but that
they survived by going to their roof.

Eloisa Espinosa Aredondo, Jazeel, Jose Jr. and Juanito are very close friends
and we'd like to be in touch with them.

What is the condition of the "Monastery"? Perhaps it is high enough to have
avoided damage.

Thank you,

Rod and April Pruitt

The response on the part of the foreign community to the plight of Norbert's
victims in Alamos is at once heartwarming and impressive. Perhaps some of us who
love Alamos but are far away share a sense of frustration about how best to
assist. My first thought was to send used but still good clothing, etc., down
with a friend who will be arriving there in November. Now I am reading about
generous folks actually buying new clothes in bulk, which seems a much better
idea. Who knows if my twice-worn summer shirt from Coldwater Creek is
really going to be helpful.

So, in light of possible border-crossing problems, the apparent real need for
everyday items such as diapers, feminine supplies, toothpaste, etc., the long
lines at DIF, and many of us not knowing exactly what to do, may I make these
suggestions to those of you who are active in relief efforts?

1. Specific instructions regarding the drop-off point in Tucson and what items
best will fill the needs in Alamos, including how long that drop-off point will
be available and assurance that the stuff will get across the border.

2. Open a bank account in Tucson, specifically for Norbert relief in Alamos, to
be administered officially by one person or organization such as Comadres and
post it on the Alamos News, Alamos Portfolio, etc.

3. Try to keep us apprised of what what is needed and when it is needed. This
bears the signs of being a long process of recovery so don't let it disappear
from our consideration while interests turn elsewhere.

Thank you all for the postings and what you are doing. The Alamos brand of love
spreads far and wide - hope you can feel it all the way from the Pacific
Northwest. Blessings!

Jo Ann Ridley

Wed Oct 15, 2008 8:43 pmAt 10 am tomorrow, there will be a meeting at the Hotel Colonial to inform the
Alamos community of relief efforts and needs. A representative of DIF will speak
at 10 am so it would be good to arrive a few minutes early so that he can start
on time.

The hope is that Mexican representatives of affected barrios can be present as
well as interested North Americans and that we can coordinate efforts with DIF
and directly with community leaders. If those of you who are bilingual can
contact Mexicans who would be interested, that would be helpful, as we don't
have much time to put out the word.

Thanks to all of you who have emailed your concerns and desires to help. There
will be a information summary posted on Alamos News following the meeting for
those of you who are Stateside and wanting to help. If you have specific
information about the needs of people in your barrio and haven't been able to
communicate that to those who could help, bring your notes.

elizabeth packard

Hi,

I just finished a phone conversation with the administrator of the Customs
office in Nogales Sonora. Mr. Elizondo tells me that they are very willing to
help as long as we follow the rules that govern the importation of aid into
Mexico. Here is a summary of the list of things that cannot be legally imported
into Mexico:

- Used clothes
- Used shoes
- Medicines

Here is what can be imported:

New clothes, water, diapers, canned food, toys (not made in China), computer
equipment, blankets (new or used), sheets (new or used), utensils (new),
appliances (new or used), new shoes (not made in China), glasses, wheelchairs,
household and personal cleaning supplies, office and school supplies.

Required documents:

- Letter in open form stating the purpose of donations
- Petition form signed by the head of an organization such as DIF or the Mayor
of Alamos
- Itemized list of goods describing items and quantities

Regards,
Roberto

List of Requested Items:

Children's Clothing . Infant to 6 yrs

Flip-Flops - Shoes . All Sizes .. All Ages

Household Items ... Towels, Sheets, Kitchen Ware, Dinner Ware, Garbage Bags,
Cleaning Supplies

First Aid Supplies .. Antiseptics .. Rash Ointments .. Baby Supplies

These supplies can be dropped off at Café del Sol; distributed directly to the
affected neighborhoods; or taken to DIF Alamos for distribution.

Thank you ........

Liliana M. Carosso

JoAnn,

I am currently receiving funds from folks in the States. The clothing and food
contributions which are being received at this time are of utmost importance for
the immediate welfare of the homeless. I, on the other hand, am gathering funds
in dollars which will be given to people who have lost their entire homes to the
flooding. It will be something other than clothes on their back and food. It
will be a little change in their pocket. It's a way many in the States can
participate comfortably. In the near future, I am going to give each person who
have lost their homes (until the money runs out) each 500 Pesos. This is equal
to a weeks wages for many. This is money they can use for those little things
they personally need.

I am a stickler for accounting. I will post all of the accounting on
AlamosPortfolio.com for everyone to see. I am also going to take a photographer
with me, someone like Bud Bruner, to document each and every person receiving
the money. I am also going to give the recipient the name and address of the
donor. In addition, I am giving the donor a picture of the person receiving the
money as well as their name and address. You need to keep in mind that many
people are going to make money off of this tragedy.

There is a lot of funding pouring into this town and a lot of it will be
unaccounted for. I do not operate that way. You mentioned you might need someone
to act as a Treasurer if an American Relief account is set up. If you do set up
an American Relief Fund then I would be happy to assist.

Dan Veenstra

As many of you are aware, some of us experienced serious flooding not just due
to the reported 8-9 inches in 90 minutes, but primarily due to blocked arroyos
with trees, brush, mud and cars. All of those items caused our damage at the
Spa, Galeria and Sugar Mill as they accumulated against a sturdy footbridge,
which unfortunately had a center support in the arroyo. It collected everything
of any size and then filled the holes with smaller items, then topped with 15-20
cars which came from upstream. It was a massive blockage which caused water to
run up the street until it entered windows and broke down doors with the
pressure. Thanks to Benny Anaya and Victor Soto today the debris was removed and
I can sleep a little better.

Officially our monsoon season is over but there have been heavy rains in
November and December on occasion. My point is writing is that our game plan for
the rest of the week is to continue to remove mud and sand, but also create
drainage in the event of another storm. I don't want to sound an alarm, but
Sunday there is a possibility of thunderstorms and if one can prepare now, so
much the better. It will take us weeks to return all areas to normal since most
of the digging must be done by hand, thus tomorrow we will create channels
facing the arroyo....just in the event of rain on Sunday or later.

As a reminder for the days to come, anyone needing a hot meal may come over and
dine in the Molina #8 portal or if unable, let us know and we can deliver to
your family. Through the generosity of many today in Navojoa and Todd Clement
(local home owner), Phil Benham (Pilot friend), Darren Skilton (local home owner
& 6x6 partner), we received new supplies today with basics to take us for
several days. For those in need of meals just get word to us or come to the
hotel. We are donating all rooms and meals to pilots who bring supplies to
Alamos. We may need a few more this week at other hotels, so give us a call if
you can donate...thanks. They only stay one night and we provide the evening
meal and breakfast.

Through a cooperative effort of Governor Bours office, Sonora Department of
Tourism Director Pano Salido, Aduana, Migracion and the DGAC (FAA of Mexico) we
will have Alamos Airport acting as an International Airport on Friday and
Saturday. This will allow nearly 30 aircraft, with needed items for the
homeless, to make their direct flights from the US in less time and with fuel
savings. If you can volunteer time to help sort clothing in the hangar on Friday
afternoon from 2-5 and Saturday morning from 9-12. Please contact Marlene, Elvia
or Sonia at 428-0222 for details on where to park, etc. There will not be any
distribution of clothes until Saturday afternoon and it will be done in each
barrio...not at the airport. Sean McAleer, Mgr. of the Pan American Silver mine
has offered assistance from their company with vehicles and drivers to assist
with the distribution. Hacienda staff from each barrio will go house to house,
or if no house to the location where the family is located until locate a
permanent residence. There will be no distribution to those areas not affected.
Phase II will be one of working downstream as far as Sinaloa with the 6X6 if
clothing and basics continue to be donated by members of Jack McCormick's Baja
Bush Pilot organization of 4,000 members. The primary focus of today's numerous
helicopter flights: They were taking food and items to those in the more
difficult to reach areas along the Cuchajaqui (by the way, that was a Canadian
registered helicopter sent by a Canadian company from Monterrey).

Progress with the clean-up has been nothing short of amazing to witness.
Like they say, "Alamos, No Hay Dos"

I would like to report that we currently have six donation commitments made to
the Hurricane Norbert Interactive Giving Program which will put a weeks wages
into the pockets of those who have lost their homes. Three people have not yet
committed amounts and another three people have committed a total of $850 US
which will result in at least 17 families receiving the donation of 500 pesos
each.

I am calling this program Hurricane Norbert Interactive Giving Program because
when you donate funds from the states you will receive a picture of the person
receiving your donation as well as their name and address. In addition, they
will receive your address for future 'Thank You' notes. All of our banking
records will be made available for viewing on AlamosPortfolio.com so everyone
will see all incoming contributions and all outgoing expenditures.

If you wish to participate in this program then please email me and I will send
you information with regard to making your donation.

Dan Veenstra

We have watched with empathy your reports on Alamos community since before the
storm and our hearts go out to all. We have experienced hurricane losses
ourselves, so we understand the challenges.

For some time we have been considering returning to Alamos after enjoying our
short stay during Mardi Gras last winter.

We had planned to come by around mid November.

We would appreciate the following info:

1. Is Rancho Acosta RV camping road open?

2. Is Rancho Acosta electrical hookup working?

3. Is Rancho Acosta still affected by sewer line damages?

Thanks for your assistance!
Robert and Laura

I know.....on top of everything else we have circus animals to care for..... Pat
has been buying the food in Navojoa and Ellen has been feeding them. We have run
out of chicken, bananas and tomatoes for the animals.

If anyone would like to help with the animal effort, please contact Ellen at 428
0329. Pat will not be going to Navojoa today or tomorrow and Ellen's car is
down.

Thanks, Teri

Many thanks to those who have made photos available for the Norbert DVD.

Looking forward to others. If you have photos you would allow to be used, please
put them on a disk and give them to me or drop off at Hotel Maria Felix.

Thanks, Bud

The meeting today at Hotel Colonial with the mayor and other local
representatives was very informative. It appears that food and clothing needs
are well in hand and that the government will be giving some basic household
items like fridge, stove, beds, etc to those who lost everything.

However, the schools will re-open Monday and many of the students lost their
notebooks, backpacks, and uniforms in the deluge. Their is no government aid for
these items, which can be purchased nearby in Navojoa. We are contacting
non-profits that work in Alamos to see if we can find a conduit for
tax-deductible monetary donations to buy these needed school supplies. In the
meantime, anyone wanting to donate to this effort can contact me by email or
phone: 428-0798.

Some of the other items that will not be supplied are other household effects,
such as sheets, towels, dishes, small kitchen appliances, paint, etc. These
could also be purchased in Mexico if funds were available.

For those of you in the US that are coming down, you might want to concentrate
on these items, since bringing used clothing is difficult. As was posted
previously, you will need to submit an inventory of everything you are bringing
and then obtain a letter from the Mayor's office authorizing this to present at
the border. Please refer to the October 15 9:40 am posting, '[alamosnews]
Crossing the Border With Relief Supplies' by Liliana Carosso, for more details
on this.

Finally, the mayor reported that most of the city's dump trucks were destroyed
and that they are in dire need of vehicles for garbage pickup. If anyone has
contacts with service organizations in the US that might be able to provide one
or more large trucks, the Mexican government will facilitate the Customs
procedure necessary for donation and importation.

Fri Oct 17, 2008 2:49 pmDue to requests from various contributors to the Hurricane Norbert "Interactive"
Giving Program, I had to add additional means to receive donations. Besides
making deposits in Bank of America in the United States, you can now make
deposits in Scotia Bank in Mexico, as well as make payments through PayPal
worldwide.

Once again, this program was set up to put a little money (500 pesos) in the
pockets of the households that lost everything to Hurricane Norbert. We refer to
this program as being "interactive" because we take a picture of the person
receiving your donation; we give the recipient of the donation your name and
address; and we give you the name and address of the recipient. All incoming
donations and outgoing payouts will be posted on AlamosPortfolio.com in order to
account for every penny (peso) spent.

If you are interested in participating in this program then feel free to go to
AlamosPortfolio.com, then look at the left top Menu Bar and CLICK ON "Hurricane
Norbert Interactive Giving Program". At the bottom of the introduction page you
will see a link to instructions how to donate. I have also set up an area for
you to view donations being distributed to the needy which will begin in the
near future.

If you have any questions then feel free to email me at tecatesummer@...
or call me at my home. My contact numbers are listed in the Donation Information
page mentioned above.

Dan Veenstra
AlamosPortfolio.com

PS: At this time it appears that we will have approximately $2,000 in
contributions which would assist 40 plus families. In behalf of the families. .
.Thank you.............

Fri Oct 17, 2008 10:35 pmHotel Colonial, 10:15 am, October 16, 2008

Present:
Presidente Ruth Acuna;
A representative from DIF;
Elizabeth Packard;
and Presiding was Liliana Carosso.
Also present were approximately 100 Alamos citizens

Presidente Acuna began the meeting with a summary of the emergency
activities to date:

* Food, water and basic supplies have been given and continue to be given, three
times per day to all disaster victims. Military personnel have provided the
delivery services into all the barrios.

* DIF is coordinating equal distribution of food and supplies. A request by
Acuna is to continue to make any donations directly to DIF for to assure
equitable distribution.

* Services: Electric power has been restored to 90% of the population, sewer to
70%, and water to 50%. The goal is to have 100% of the services completed in the
next few days.

* Security is, and remains, a high priority

* There are 10 clean-up crews. Each with 35 men, dumptrucks, one tracker with a
bucket/backhoe, and a water pump truck.

* The Alameda should be cleaned by the weekend and the Health Department will
follow with disinfecting the area.

* Currently 250 people are in shelters and over 1,500 meals are being provided
and often delivered by the military personnel. Hotel Colonial, Hacienda de Los
Santos, La Puerto Roja Inn, Casa de Los Tesoros and the kitchen at DIF are
providing all the meals with the assistance of many volunteers.

* All meals and water distribution are coordinated by the federal, state and
local governments.

* The State of Arizona and the city of Scottsdale, are working across the
boarder to gather and send more supplies. Officials on both sides are
temporarily easing the import restrictions to obtain the donations as quickly as
possible.

* Many School children are in need of notebooks, supplies, computers and
uniforms. If not already open, they are expected to resume classes on Monday.

* Government monies are available for workers, who have registered, to assist in
the clean up process. If individuals still wish to sign up, Acuna stated she
would make a request that the registration process to be reopened. The
registration locations would be the Alameda, DIF Office and Annette Hinman's
casa in town.

Stated needs:
* DIF needs towels, sheets, blankets, mattresses, kitchen items and
other household objects.

* Alamos needs city trucks and garbage trucks...(lost in the flood).

Health Concerns:
* Dr. Craig Fischer spoke of the serious need to protect oneself and the
community of disease. Use the BASICS: Great handwashing! Very important is foot
and skin protection from exposure to the water and mud. (And keep your muddy
(germy) shoes outside!) Also note that airborne particles will not be filtered
out by the thin blue surgical masks. Stay away from the dusty muddy areas if you
have lung diseases.

* The Sonoran Government has provided Alamos with large teams of medical
personnel to provide tetanus and hepatitis injections. They are also here to
assist and monitor the public's health.

* Mosquitoes are a problem. The town is spraying to reduce the numbers, but do
your part with using insect repellents and rid your yard of any standing water.
It was suggested to use lime in areas where there is muddy soil.

Environmental Issues:
* At this time there is no garbage pick up. Acuna assured that the arroyo would
be cleaned of any and all dumping.

* Carlos Valdes, of ProNatura, stated that in this time of rebuilding, it is an
opportunity to plan and implement improvements to our environment. He express
interest to meet with anyone with thought on
preserving our community's environment.

Clothing:
* Jim Swickard announced that on Friday afternoon, 30 private airplanes would
arrive with donated clothing from various parts of the Southwest. He is
requesting any assistance sorting this clothing on
Friday and Saturday. Distribution will be on Saturday and Sunday.

Donations:
* If you choose to make a financial donation, contact DIF for the tax
information and the bank numbers.

In my experience over the years, regardless of the need, attempting to bring
ANYTHING used as gifts for Mexicans is against the law, and subject to
confiscation.

This includes clothes, shoes, tires, furniture, mattresses, and bedding.

If you choose to disobey the law, then you need to be sure that you can make the
argument that everything in your possession is in suitcases, for your personal
use, or that of your family who is traveling with you in Mexico.

The only time this restriction seems to be relaxed is from December 10 - January
10, when hundreds of thousands of Mexicans are returning home for the Holidays.

Again, my experience is that during this 30 day period, people are often just
waved through without needing a green light or any inspection whatsoever.

Another method that has worked for me is to bring AND DECLARE a couple of large,
obvious NEW items, (ex. furniture, appliances, mattresses), and once the tax is
paid, and you have your receipt, there is less of a tendency for customs to be
concerned with whatever other items you have in your possession.

Even when we feel laws, rules, or restrictions are unjust, we always need to
remember that we are GUESTS in Mexico, not citizens.

Thanks so much for everyone on the ground in Alamos who are doing so much to
help those in need.

I hope to be there to help soon.

Jim Toevs

I am happy to say that the 'Hurricane Norbert Interactive Giving Program' now
has commitments of over $3,500 with another 5 donations unspecified. I have
received, to date, around $2,500 of the commitments. I suspect we will stand
with around $5,000 US which will be given to those who lost their homes. Each
household will receive 500 pesos as your personal contribution. I suspect we
will be helping at least between 110 and 130 households.

I am working with the folks that distribute food to those most affected through the generosity of the
Hacienda de los Santos Hotel. Distribution of funds may occur at the same time
food is being distributed. This is not yet finalized. Distribution will begin
within the next couple of days as this is the time everyone needs the most
assistance.

1) PayPal, Bank of America direct deposits, Bank of America Wire Transfers, and
Scotia Bank in Mexico.

2)The best way for me to receive funds is through PayPal as
the deposit is identified with your name included. These options are listed at
AlamosPortfolio.com then click on 'Hurricane Albert Interactive Giving Program'.
The donor options are listed at the bottom of the intro page. If anyone has any
questions or would like to make a contribution then please fel free to email me
back.

Hello all,

During this time of great need in Alamos, the outpouring of support on all
levels has been absolutely amazing. Many individuals and businesses are involved
in coordinating relief efforts at different levels, all of which are
contributing to making a big difference in the well being of the people of
Alamos.

We have also received many inquiries from people, both locally and all over the
USA about how they can help make a contribution.

Las Comadres, a non-profit organization here in Alamos that has been helping
feed and cloth Alamos’ least fortunate families for many years, is prepared to
receive donations that will be designated towards the mid- to long-term caring
of the Alamos community that has been so affected by this disaster.

Donations can be made by writing a check to LAS COMADRES and mailed to the
address below:

Las Comadres
c/o Pam McNair
3501 E. Kleindale Road
Tucson, Arizona, 85716

If you are here in Alamos and would like to contribute cash or check donations,
please see Elia at Jane McKinney’s home or at the Las Comadres shop. Or, you can
contact me, Jennifer Mackay, and I can receive the funds, on behalf of Las
Comadres. The store will start being open early next week, as Elia finishes
dealing with the destruction she suffered in her own home.

If you would like to make contributions in the way of clothing, house hold goods
or the like, you can bring those donations to the Las Comadres shop or to my
office at Solipaso/Café del Sol.

Receipts for donations will be issued. If you need tax deduction information,
please contact me directly for further information.

The bi-national board of Las Comadres will address the needs of the community
and coordinate their work with government and other private sector efforts to
best help apply the donated funds to have the most long lasting and meaningful
effect for the families and homes that have lost so much.

There will be a great need for household items...beds and bedding, kitchen
supplies, furniture, etc...and that is where we intend to help, along with the
most basic needs of food and clothing.

Please pass this information along to your friends and family, if they are
interested in helping our community.

If you have further questions or need more information for making a
donation, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks to all and keep up the good work.

Jen Mackay

The City of Alamos has Established a Bank Account at BANORTE to Receive
Donations for Hurricane Norbert...

Funds will be used primarily to assist DIF with the community's needs. A
complete accounting of these funds will be made public.

If you wish to support in this way ... You can make a direct deposit to:

Bank: BANORTE
SWIFT code: ME NO MX MT
Name on Account: Municipio de Alamos
Account Number: 0165902810
CLABE number: 072762001659028106

Financial Support is Very Much Appreciated so that Specific Needs Can be Met in
the Long Run ... You will find postings on How to Donate Directly to:

--- Las Comadres
--- Amigos de la Educacion
--- Dan Veenstra's Relief Fund

Additional Information will Also be Posted as it Becomes Available.

Thank You All ...

Liliana M. Carosso
<http://www.alamosrealty.com>
<http://www.alamosmexico.com>

Everywhere I go ... DIAPERS are the Request .....

If you can donate diapers, please bring them to the CAFE del SOL ...

Gracias ......

Liliana M. Carosso

I received this offer of help to channel donations through an existing account
in Alamos which offers tax deductions for your donation. Many of you know John
and Ginger Nash and are aware of their work here. Ken asked me to post this on
Alamos News and if you wish to donate to the disaster relief through his
foundation, he will be in town in a few days if you want to discuss this with
him. If you know how you want to earmark your donation now, Ken's phone numbers
and e/mail address are below.

Elizabeth Packard

Sat Oct 18, 2008 11:26 pmIt is wonderful how the community has come together with so many excellent
opportunities for helping Alamos get back on its feet.

Amigos de Education will head up the effort to supply needed school supplies and
uniforms to the children of Alamos who were affected by the disaster. This
effort will require several thousand dollars and will be done in the following
stepwise fashion:

1) A welcome back package of basic school supplies for all students starting
back to school early this week. We hope this will motivate students to come back
to school as some might be embarrassed that they do not have the basic supplies.

2) Backpacks and further supplies to those students affected by the hurricane
after an assessment of student needs in each school is completed later in the
week.

3) Uniforms to be provided for those who lost them in the disaster and do not
have the means to replace them. We will get a count from the schools as to how
many are in need for this. A complete uniform includes shoes and costs about $40
each. We imagine several hundred students will need these. Mexican schools
REQUIRE uniforms as well as black leather shoes, but hopefully there will be
some relaxation of this requirement while people get their lives back together.

For those of you who want to donate to this effort, you can send a check in the
US to:

Amigos de Education de Alamos
Account # 8644635733
First Madison Valley Bank
PO Box 307
Ennis, MT 59729

If you are in Mexico and wish to donate, you can make a deposit into the
following account:

Bancomer (BBVC)
Account # 0074 5072 97 0155387426
Account Name: Cherisse Marie Featherly Acosta

To receive a charitable tax contribution acknowledgment letter for the IRS, as
well as to help us keep track of how much is being contributed, please send your
name, address, and the amount of your donation to <dcrothers@...>.

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. There are many needs right
now and several avenues for giving. Whatever you choose to do will be much
appreciated.