Of course, tell that to some of my neighbors who lament all the growth happening in our Baja ‘hood. I took a video that gives you a flavor of what’s happening here: I snuck into one of the monster homes on the hill behind us (what’s now being called “Beverly Hills” with all the mansions being constructed). On the video, you can see the farmland and tropical orchards below. I understand my neighbors’ worries as well as my own. You can love a place to death (as we’ve learned with over-touristing some of the more soulful spots on earth).

I’m loving how El Pescadero is attracting a remarkable collection of artists, rebels, and seekers, as evidenced by our own version of a PPP: the stylish Paradero Hotel, Burning Man-like El Perdido Hotel and its phenomenal COYOTE restaurant, and better-than-Paris vegan bakery called Petit Leon (all exquisite in their hospitality products). Can’t forget our Pura Playa beach bar at the north end of Pescadero beach which has DJ’s and live bands and is a sublime and fun place to watch the sunset.

We also now have off-off-off Broadway in our midst with the lively Teatro Pescadero, as well as a sacred Buddhist Enlightenment Stupa being constructed in the farmland, and a new Todos Santos restaurant, DUM, located in a tropical forest that feels sexy but soulful. So, we are growing up. I just hope we can keep true to the funky roots of what’s been called “the mango coast.” Our growth needs to be sensible and generative to the local community while also not overly taxing our very fortunate underground aquifer.

In sum, growth can be good or bad. It’s the thinking or wisdom behind the growth that influences the trajectory.