MEET

Everyone is a person of interest here — stories and profiles of the people who shape Troncones.

DEWEY McMILLIN: ESCAPE TO TRONCONES

BENITO VILA

He came, he saw, he got away from it all and made a difference

He’s smooth. Even his name is smooth. Dewey McMillin. Like a fine blended scotch or a big wave surfer. Dewey McMillin. It’s a name that holds reverence. Especially here in Troncones. It’s widely acknowledged Dewey is responsible for the development of 21st-century Troncones, helping the community attract homeowners from around the world, transforming an isolated village into a legendary destination. In 2019, at Troncones’ annual February Expo Feria (carnival), the community celebrated Dewey’s commitment and tireless work in bringing in the essential infrastructure–for roads, electricity, water–that wasn’t here before. His selling of beachfront lots, in partnership with the community, also brought in jobs–the construction, maintenance and service work needed to sustain a growing resort, and that assure on-going opportunities for local families. A profile of Dewey in The Wall Street Journal, from January 6, 2000, opens with “Former Alaska fisherman Dewey McMillin has done something unique in the world of Mexican beachfront development. He’s made everyone happy.” It also quotes Dewey describing how to create success in business here, saying, “The trick is not to leave your brain at the border.” That’s his kind of smooth.

Ligita Lapé: Following Cacao

AURA WINARICK

A world traveler comes to Troncones and stays to share her passion for chocolate-making

Cacao. It’s “kuh·kau”, a tree, native to South America, that produces a pod containing seeds, or “beans”, which for over 7000 years have been harvested, heated and transformed into beverages and foods, liquors and chocolates. Its scientific name, Theobroma cacao, is Greek for “food of the gods”, a reflection of the bean’s place in Mexico’s Mayan and Aztec culture where it was considered a gift from the gods, where its use was typically reserved for special occasions, weddings and ceremonies. Among many of Mexico’s indigenous tribes, cacao as a dried bean became a currency, its value and status plainly understood. Cacao. It’s nourishment. It’s medicine. It’s an essential. It’s a luxury. It’s comforting. It’s over-stimulating. It’s earthly. It’s sacred. It’s everyday. It’s special. It’s complicated. Ligita Lapé and her Troncones-based brand Tribu Del Cacao, caught my eye on Instagram before I happened to meet her for the first time at Jahvé, the vegetable and fruit store just south of the T. Ligita knows the complexities of cacao first-hand, as a maker, artist and brewer and as someone who’s sure cacao speaks to her, as a guide, a co-conspirator and a source of inspiration. We sat down together in her treehouse-like apartment in early September and talked about how she was drawn to cacao’s magic.

ELFI TEUTSCH: HAPPY ENTREPRENEUR

BENITO VILA

On-the-go, in and out of the water, making a joyful life

A could-be-anywhere free spirit, Elfi Teutsch chose Troncones as the place to be. Or, perhaps, Troncones chose her. Whichever way that goes, the first time I met Elfie was in the surf, the two of us sharing a large wave, stoked and laughing at our two-person “party wave”. Later, when I needed a board repaired, when I ran out of sunscreen; when I didn’t have any dog treats and when I was at La Cervicheria Troncones wondering what a vegetarian could eat, each time Elfi was there, connecting me to exactly what I needed. There’s no accident in all that–she repairs boards, makes sunscreen, bakes dog treats and helps out at La Cervicheria. Elfi also shapes boards. She’s a creative hands-on business maker and a fixture on the Troncones surf scene.

Enedino Sánchez: Master Gardener, Quiet Hero, the spirit of troncones

BENITO VILA

Anytime you admire a garden in Troncones, chances are it’s been touched by the hands of Enedino Sanchez. Anytime you go to a fundraiser in Troncones for someone in need, chances are he’s one of the organizers.

As the owner of a picturesque vine-covered laundromat set in the middle of an always-in-bloom nursery, Enedino Sanchez is well-known in Troncones, Truth is, he’s counted on for more than clean clothes and big bougainvillea. A member of the church, an advocate for public transportation, education and water management, and a caregiver to his family and neighbors, Enedino embodies the spirit of service that’s needed for a small town to thrive. His commitment and dedication have helped shape and sustain the character of Troncones.