C O M M U N I T Y & L E G A C Y
“When a city is cared for as a community, travel stops being movement and becomes belonging.”
My involvement with the Historic District began through a close group of friends, including Blanca Pedrín, Enrique Silva, Andrea Ehrenberg, and Irene Bustos, who played an especially active role in the remodeling project. Without this initiative, likely, the necessary resources to carry out the renovation would never have been secured.
Family History My family has been part of San José del Cabo for 125 years. Our story began with Almacenes Goncanseco, known as La Voz del Sur. We later expanded into cattle ranching and real estate development, a phase I joined in 1987 when I arrived in Los Cabos to launch a new project. From that point on, I became deeply involved in community organizations, including Grupo Madrugadores, the Rotary Club, the San José del Cabo Historic District Association, and Club del Corcho. Today, I am part of a major development in Cabo del Este, featuring approximately 630 meters of beachfront and three kilometers of depth. The future of Cabo del Este holds tremendous potential.
Work in the Historic District I served as the Historic District’s first treasurer. During that time, we organized a casino night with strong participation from local business owners. We later invited 40 individuals to donate a bench, each valued at $400. These benches, engraved with the donors’ names, were installed in Teniente Antonio Mijares Plaza for public use. Over time, they disappeared during subsequent renovations, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
The board operated as a close-knit team of friends and business owners who supported one another rather than competing. At the time, there were only seven real estate offices; today, there are more than 90. San José del Cabo has become a highly sought-after destination thanks to the vibrancy and charm of its Historic District. Local business owners have consistently worked to propose solutions to municipal authorities to preserve it. Being proactive means identifying challenges and offering solutions, engaging officials whenever necessary.
Currently, we are regrouping and collaborating once again on events, marketing, and the ongoing maintenance of the Historic District.
Achievements of the Renovation One of the most significant accomplishments of the renovation was the complete reconstruction of the streets using porphyry stone and cobblestone, along with the installation of sidewalks and underground electrical and telephone services, eliminating overhead wiring. All street corners were equipped with wheelchair-accessible ramps. Designated loading and unloading parking areas were also created—primarily along Morelos Street—and access for large trucks was restricted through traffic control measures.
Public Works has preserved the traditional color palette of San José del Cabo, and approximately 15 native families remain actively involved in the project. My family, with over a century of history here, has preserved photographs, newspaper clippings, and other valuable materials that help safeguard the town’s identity.
Challenges and Preserving Identity The greatest challenge today is preserving the Historic District’s identity, avoiding the repetition of similar businesses, and maintaining the essence of these streets from the early 1900s.
Community Involvement and Personal Vision I have served as treasurer for 15 years with the Red Cross, 33 years with Grupo Madrugadores, two years with the Rotary Club, and as the first treasurer of the Historic District. In nearly every organization I’ve been part of, I’ve taken on that responsibility.
I moved to Los Cabos in 1987 at my parents’ suggestion after a difficult period in Mexico City. Although many believed I wouldn’t stay longer than six months, I’ve now lived here for 38 years. I am grateful to God for the opportunity to live in such a unique place and always strive to find something positive, even in challenging situations.
If I ever had to leave Los Cabos, I wouldn’t find another place like it anywhere in Mexico. With 170 kilometers of coastline— many beaches still untouched—and a hotel zone concentrated within just 30 kilometers, this state offers unmatched potential. We have the longest coastline and the smallest population, creating extraordinary opportunities for the future.
My life philosophy is to leave a mark, help as many people as possible, and never expect anything in return. I have two children, Ignacio and Carolina, who are now entrepreneurs. We are deeply grateful for this city and the strong sense of community that defines it.
