North .com - Gringo Gazette
Transcription
North .com - Gringo Gazette
GRINGO h t r o N s s e l e ic r P .com VOL. 3 ED. 11 • JULY 25TH, 2016 • NO BAD NEWS Photo By: Gary Graham Say you’re stranded on a desert island. Say all there was to eat was these spiny cactus. Would you? you probably already have sampled them in local food. They kinda look like and taste like strips of green pepper Banking Fraud Let us count the ways BY REN DRAKE HILL Mexico is seeing a drastic increase in identity theft, soaring more than 600% in the past four years. 2015 losses total more than $7.5 million (that’s dollars, folks, not pesos), a 19% increase over 2014. Mexico’s Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users claims that it was able to satisfy six out of ten complaints, crediting about $3.7 million dollars back to victims, but that’s hard to believe given that when we complain nobody listens. And most of those claimed victims helped were Mexicans and not foreigners. In many cases the victim inserts an ATM card into a machine, requests money, the amount is deducted from the bank account, but no money is dispensed. It’s happening to people across the board, and across the country, regardless of citizenship Unlike the U.S., in Mexico, outdoor ATMs are not part of the banking institution, and are actually operated by another company. Storming into the bank will usually not help, the blank stare from the teller being your first clue. In other cases cards and ID are pickpocketed from unsuspecting dupes in crowded areas, such as Benny Blvd on a holiday weekend. Bury your cards deep in inside pockets or purses. And hold onto those cell phones! Thieves know that many of us now have those easy pay-byphone apps that don’t require passwords for use. You could be buying Starbucks for all of Tijuana! Helpful hint # 1: Do not let anyone who offers assistance with an ATM help you. Do not relinquish your card even for a second; these crooks are muy fast! They may palm your card and pawn off another to you stating, after their futile effort to help you, that they cannot help you. Sometimes scanning equipment is installed on the ATM, that copies information and withdraws the funds w it hout t he c ard holder’s knowledge. Hey, it happened to me! I accompanied my hubby to the local Pemex and waited for him to dart inside for some quick cash. Five minutes later I received a phone call CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Pay Your Utilities Online And In English And from anywhere in the world BY ALEJANDRA BORBOLLA Good news to everyone who knows the pain of going to pay utility bills in person in Mexico, especially when you have to go to eight different places for a single household. And those of you who have more than one home, well good luck with that. Now there’s a new way of paying household bills, and from the comfort of your home or even the comfort of a for-eign country. Wherever you are, you can now keep your Mexican home humming along by going online. Best of all, you don’t need Spanish and the service is free. SimplePay was created to pay bills and purchase services by using web and mobile apps. The apps were created by two young Mexican entrepreneurs who went to college in the U.S. Their advantage t he y have is they already knew utility companies in Mexico are a pain in the ass, and after living in the Un it e d St at e s t h e y learned AmeriCONTINUED ON PAGE 5 2 July 25th, 2016 Que Pasa in Baja? .COM BY OLIVER QUINTERO Vogue promotes the wine valley. The internationally known Vogue magazine helped boost our local wine valley this month with a great article titled, “Why You Might Want to Skip Napa and Visit Mexico’s Wine Country Instead”. The article talks about how you can find a more lowkey, less commercial and highly authentic experience in the local valley compared to Napa. To read the full article visit: http://bit.ly/ voguevalley/ In the last couple of years the wine valley has seen an excep- tional growth of wineries and restaurants and has received a lot of coverage with the national and international press. Try to visit the valley at least a couple of times a year, there is so much going on that you will find new things to do or to eat every couple months. Uber cars get hauled. The Ensenada government targeted Uber drivers last week in order to fine them and haul their cars away until the fine is paid. Several Uber drivers were crying foul because they did this on a Friday afternoon, leaving the drivers without their cars until Monday. The way authorities orchestrated the operation also caused outrage on social media since they had several officials call for Uber cars from their cell phones just to bring the drivers into their checkpoint where their vehicles were taken. It’s called entrapment. In every city where Uber spreads to, they start operating without the necessary permits until they generate a good driver and customers base, then they start negotiating with authorities in order to get the appropriate permits. Of course at this point they have some leverage because they are offering jobs and the people want the service to stay in their city and are very vocal about it. Baja gas stations investigated. The Mexican version of the Federal Trade Commission launched an investigation of Baja gas stations on reports they are violating federal antitrust laws. Authorities claim there have been reports several gas station companies have been secretly agreeing between them to not offer discounts or better service to their customers in order to boost profits. If this can be proven, the fine could be a whopping 10% of the total sales of the gas stations involved or 10 year prison sentence. But don’t hold your breath: Mexican companies have been getting away with collusion for years. Bighorn sheep. Our state congress agreed to ask federal and state authorities to abstain from issuing permits to hunt bighorn sheep until a head count is done to determine how many of these critters are out there and can we spare any of them. The state can only suggest to the feds, at the end of the day the feds will have the final word on the fate of the sheep, although they will take the state’s concerns into account. It will be a tough decision for conservation authorities since the few bighorn sheep permits they sell can fetch up to $200,000 USD you know that we have our own type of food? Well, now you do. It’s called Baja Med and it just celebrated its 15th birthday in one of the restaurants of the chef that created it. The birthday party was at chef Miguel Angel Guerrero’s restaurant La Esperanza in the wine valley, were national and You should be here today! Happy Hour Mon-Fri 2-6PM Mexican Combo w/salad $7.00 Piña Colada Fri-Sat $4.00 All day KM 73 Tij-Ens Toll Road • Ph (646) 155-8179 FB: LaSalinaCantina • [email protected] at auction. Owners of the land, who receive a small part of the cost of the permits, are calling the congressman irresponsible because, they say, the species is not endangered and it affects their own ability to put food on their table. Baja Med food turns 15. Did international chefs attended as guests and cooks. Chefs of a feather flock together or something like that. Baja Med food fuses Mexican food with Mediterranean and Asian food and it’s served now in most gourmet restaurants CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 What’s Going On In This Country? Where do all these people come from? The Tlalpan toll booths on the highway between Mexico City and Acapulco began operations in 1952, and one year later 70 vehicles passed through it on an average day. Today, that figure is greater than 35,000 in a single day. And if you think Gringos are important to Mexico, don’t get too carried away with yourself, because in those days Acapulco was the playground of the American tourist. Today it is the playground of the Mexican tourist. Acapulco is still doing well. Same shit different country. The future of renewable energy amounting to more than US $1 billion remains uncertain, because the communities where they would be located have filed law suits to stop them. That’s the case with the 396 megawatt wind farm in the Isthmus region of the state of Oaxaca. The project has been delayed for four years due to ecofreaks. According to the former president of the Mexican Wind Energy Association, those who oppose the wind farm are not locals, but outside groups with other interests. “There are groups, not the land owners or beneficiaries, who oppose the project. These political groups and non-governmental organizations provoke complex situations to their own advantage,” said Adrián Escofet. T he e c of re a k s have a ls o ha lte d building of hydroelectric power plants in Puebla and Veracruz, according to the president of the Mexican Association of Hydroelectric Power. There are four such projects in those states that have been suspended, representing a total investment of $272 million, and a total installed capacity of 120 megawatts. Up next for legal challenges could be solar power installations. The director of the Mexi- 3 .COM BY SANTIAGO VERDUGO July 25th, 2016 But it looks like they might make money on it. The project would be good the state of Colima on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The jig was up when authorities discovered atypical densities in the containers. Much of the cocaine in Mexico comes from South America. The drug is typically trafficked through Mexico to the U.S. Authorities have not made any indication of who could be behind the shipment, though its final destination in Sinaloa state sug- August Specials! Now Serving Menudo SUNDAYS ONLY! oice of Salmon with ch r Garlic Caper, Butter o x inc. Sauce $12.00 ta Veggies, Rice, Steamed Choice of Garlic Bread & oup or French Onion S Caesar Salad Happy Hours Mon- Fri 2-5 PM ces! New Lower Pri Sat! Live Music Fri & MORE FUN TO COME! NEW RESTAURANT/BAR MANAGER! On K43 Ros-Ens Free Road • US Ph (619) 810 7666 Mx Ph (661)-614-1135 can Association of Photovoltaic Energy warned that once the federal auctions for electrical power contracts are completed, they are expecting the projects to be halted by a series of amparos. Legal injunctions. Now, who wants to write us one more snotty letter about our use of the word ecofreak? Bring it on. And just be glad we’re not calling them what they really are: extortionists. The Donald’s wall. If Donald Trump becomes the next U.S news for cement producers. Turns out cement can’t travel far. (Who knew?) Moving heavy DISCOUNT PHARMACY DELIVERY SERVICE IN TOWN • UP TO 40% OFF CALL US (661) 613.2999 K38 On the Free Road to Ens. In the Plaza, next to Baja Calypso Open from 8AM - 7PM • Sundays 10AM - 5PM building materials more than 200 miles is uneconomical, which leaves Mexican building company Cemex the best placed to benefit, as it has numerous facilities close by. Estimates are it will take more than $700 million worth of concrete and $240 million worth of cement to build the wall. That would be a welcome boost for Cemex, which is looking to continue its recovery after reporting its first quarterly profit in seven years. president and makes good on This sneak isn’t quite sneaky building his 2,000 mile long 40 enough. Officials found cocaine foot wall, Mexican officials are packed in salsa that was being swearing they won’t pay for it. shipped from Ecuador to Mexico. 217 salsa tubs, which weighed 132 pounds each, were seized. Each tub contained a bag of cocaine. A little more than 13 tons of that was drugs. Local and International, move just 1 piece of The tubs of salsa originated furniture or an entire household! in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and USA and Mexico Insured. were marked with the final 30+ years experience in USA and Mexico destination of Mazatlan in Sinaloa state, the stomping Call Fletes y Mudanzas Diaz for a free estimate: ground of captured drug San Diego Tijuana Rosarito lord El Chapo. The shipment (619) 822-2615 (664) 206-1033 (661) 100-1053 was located on Tuesday in the port of Manzanillo in Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? Moving Services gests that Guzmán’s Sinaloa cartel could be involved. El Shorty opened a chili pepper cannery in Guadalajara in southwest Mexico, which he used to produce cans labeled “Comadre Jalapeños” and packed with cocaine, which were then shipped to California. , BANKING FRAUD... continued from page 1 from our bank suggesting that there may be fraudulent activity on his card. Sure enough, over $1000 was removed from our account, going to three different concerns in the time he was trying to remove his card from the ATM machine. It took a lot of work, but we eventually got our money back. Hint # 2: Password protect your cell phones so if lost or stolen, the information cannot be accessed. Yeah, it’s a pain in the butt to wake your phone up every time you want to use it, but it sure beats the possible alternative! Hint # 3: Read your monthly bank statements carefully. Sometimes it is hard to spot an extra dinner or gasoline purchase tacked onto your card. And don’t leave anything important, even those pesky credit card requests, CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 GRINGO Published bi-monthly in Vista, CA and distributed in Mexico & The United States by Enojoso Publicaciones S.A. de C.V. Northern Baja 044 (646) 179-4599 Cabo San Lucas (624) 143-5750 & 143 0865 United States 303 Magnolia Dr. Laguna Beach, CA, 92651 Ph. (562) 714 6735 Subscriptions available see page 10 or 11, maybe 12, sometimes 4. Or mail $65 for one year, (26 issues) or $45 for six months (13 issues) to the U.S. Check the paper online: www.gringogazette.com You may view the entire newspaper, just as it appears in print, online Who's to blame: Publisher Carrie Duncan, [email protected] US (562) 714-6735 Editor Oliver Quintero [email protected] Subscriptions Santiago @gringogazette.com Sales & Distribution Oliver Quintero Cell (646) 179-4599 Graphic Design Oliver Quintero Journalism is publishing something that somebody doesn’t want printed. Everything else is just public relations 4 July 25th, 2016 .COM Why Are All These Gringos Here? Well, here’s why one family came BY BUNNY WINGATE TAVARES “The stack of bills piled so high we couldn’t see the wall behind them”, explained Bob, an auto mechanic. Gimping along with a bum knee and hip, he was just collecting his last check from workers’ comp. Wife Audrey, was a registered physical therapist who had to work extra hours at her job just to put Your One Stop Solution For: • South Dakota NonResident plates • US Liability Insurance on SD plated Cars • Mexican VISA Resident Cards - Ask for Rose! • Mexican Tourist Insurance Lewis & Lewis Affiliate • Sentri Applications • US Income Taxes • US Mail Services • Computers~ Faxes • High-speed Copier Jackie, Rose, Ricardo & Caroline Baja’s Click-on.com KM 44.1 on the Free Road Local #1 Rosarito, BC 22711 Local (661) 614-0513 Fax (661) 614-0514 US 1-619-272-9991 food on the table and keep current with the house payments and utility bills. Lucky for them there were three food banks not far from their home, but the problem was they only allowed each person to chow down once per week. No problem there, if they fudged their names and addresses. It was OK, everyone did it, explained Bob, as he was collecting tins of vegetables and soups. Sometimes a chicken appeared if they were lucky, but always eggs and lots of cakes and cookies. The food was donated by local markets with Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys always on hand. It got to be something of a social gathering with a carpool to the meet up most of the days. Then there was the bartering what each of them had extras of. The women were getting fat and sick of rice soup and spaghetti, though. The bigger problems began when Bob’s checks stopped coming in and Audrey, at age 72, knew she only had so many years left to work at a job where lifting was required. They had family to consider and the senior housing waiting list was two years long. Losing their home was unthinkable but the housing market had tanked and no one was buying. Bob was so worried he was like a deer frozen in the headlights, unable to even consider selling or renting the home he loved. But Audrey knew these times called for desperate measures so she combed the internet to investigate possible states and towns in America where they could afford to pay their bills. Where could they live on their social security anywhere in the U.S.? The answer unfortunately was nowhere with a savings account that would soon be gone after using it to pay a huge mortgage, home maintenance and winter utility bills in the Northeast. Their friends and family never imagined that rising costs in the U.S. would eventually Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use, the bubbles are always white? bury their middle class status into the dire straits of a one income family unable to meet that family’s bills that began to rise slowly but surely, unnoticed, until the reality hit them head on. Bob fought the good fight for many months when Mexico was thrown into the mix along with Ecuador and Panama. They were watching many of their friends losing their homes after refinancing many • Health and life insurance • House and Condo insurance • Legal Assistance • Car insurance (Mexico and US) • Board Association Insurance • Personal Accident Benito Juarez # 10, Quinta del Mar strip center, in front of the stop light Phone 661-6121028 and 661-6130692 Email: [email protected] www.berniesinsurance.com times and moving in with family or just dropping out of town functions. After many months of begging by Audry, Bob agreed to spend two months in Baja close enough to the border he could get there quick in case of medical emergencies. Their families, after hearing horror stories of Mexican beheadings, begged them to reconsider this crazy experiment and continue on their path to homelessness with some assistance possible - maybe! With bags packed and a two month reservation wait- i n g for them in Rosarito, these senior GRINGO Since 1971 Let us pay pay your household bills on your behalf. Easy set up they could actually afford to eat in, the decision was made. They rented out their home and eventually sold it. Most of the children promised to visit. Oh, they had a few hold outs with continued murder and mayhem to fear but fortunately they really never liked those relatives anyway. It’s been five years now, with no regrets, and with prices they could easily afford, visits to medical people just across the border, and more social events than they have time for. Some of their new friends opted to return but they always had one leg in Mexico and one in the states, never really accepting the differences the two cultures tried CHARLY’S PLACE Enjoy delicious food, drinks and a great environment. Always! KM 37.5 Rosarito-Ensenada Free Road. Almost across the St. from the big Jesus. Ph. (661) 613-2685 US. (619) 663-1587 citizens bravely forged on, driving to Baja with churning stomachs and heart palpitations a daily affair. But after two weeks in their spacious condo that cost them less than half of their former monthly house payment, and with no heating bills, dollar tacos, the ocean at every turn, strangers giving them welcome hugs in every restaurant SUBSCRIBE Yes! Yes! Sign Me Up! First in Rosarito, first in service to impose on them. Bob has his clubs, and his lunches with his pals, while Audrey has game days, wine tasting, charities, and a bird bath in her back yard. Together they reignited their passion for life in what they say is the best place on earth, Baja Mexico. , order now or we'll throw the kitty under the bus. North It's not gonna be my fault the kitty got tossed under the bus! 6 Months 2nd Class Mail (13 Issues) -$45 12 Months 2nd Class Mail (26 Issues) - $65 Send Your Dinero To The Gringo Gazette and save the kitty! Desert CAand 92252 MakeP.O. your Box check13168 payablePalm to Gringo Gazette send it to Oliver Quintero, PMB-80 PO BOX 189003, Coronado, CA, 92178 562 714 6735 Name ___________________________________________________________ continued on page25 Street _____________________________________ City___________________ State/Province _______________________________________ Zip___________ Phone (in case we can't read your crummy E-mailwriting)______________________ Sorry, Canadians, we just could not reliably get them to you so we’re not mailing to Canada anymore. To subscribe, you must have a United States address. July 25th, 2016 Rosina’sSpa PAY YOUR UTILITIES ONLINE... continued from page 1 cans expect paying their bills should to be easy. Oscar Herrera, the CEO of Simple Pay, is a serial entrepreneur who went to San Diego State University after growing up in Puerto Vallarta. He is currently living in Rosarito Beach. Alejandro Vargas, age 26, is a seasoned programmer with experience with major companies. He has worked on projects for such companies as General Electric and lives in Ensenada. SimplePay’s mission is to simplify your living in Mexico. In Oscar’s words, “Auto pay is our biggest challenge; but we will have an automated platform with no room for errors. No more past due bills, or problems paying”. Here’s how it works: You go on to simplepay.com.mx and sign up. Then, you pick the kind of bill you want to pay; cable, gas, etc. and the providing company. You type in your latest bill’s reference number, amount to pay IN PESOS and the date it’s due. Finally, click on the checkout option, and enter your American debit or credit card information. The platform automatically converts the peso/ 1 Every family should start by teaching their kids to respect everyone, rich or poor, even to have respect for the animals. This is the way to start. 2. Licha Manrriquez. Living in Baja for 23 years. Retired elementary school teacher. I do Massage List 1. Breast Augmentation Massage 2. 30 one hour sessions - $400 USD 3. Reductive Massage. 12 one-anda-half hour sessions. $400 USD 4. Manual lymphatic drainage. $180 USD 3 hours. 5. Deep tissue massage. 1 hr 30 min. $90 USD 6. Sports massage. 1 hr 30 min. $90 USD 7. Anti-Stress massage. 1 hr 30 min. $90 USD 8. Swedish massage. 1 hr. $60 USD 9. Shiatsu massage. 1 hr. $60 USD 10.Reflexology foot massage. 1 hr. $60 USD A better way to relax is right here in San Antonio. Let us pamper you! • Wide variety of single and couples Massages • Garra Rufa Fish Therapy • Ocean view • Haircuts • Color • Extensions • Hair Styling • Acrylic Nails • Gelish • Brazilian Bikini • Waxing In the San Antonio del Mar strip mall, next to Gusto Restaurant. Ph. (664) 631 2242 www.rosinasfishtherapy.com dollar thing with the latest rate, and that’s it, they send you an electronic receipt. You can add as many services as you have, and pay in three easy steps. The platform is designed like an app, but it’s an actual page online and is user friendly. Did we mention you can pay your Mexican property taxes and fideicomisos as well? Yup, no more going to those offices either, and fumbling with your lousy Spanish. The company is a Limited Liability Company based in Nevada, so you are protected by U.S law, and they make their money from the utility company, so the cost to you is nothing. You can use this service as a Mexican if you wish, but the system will bill you in USD anyway, so it may be a little more expensive. Other products SimplePay offers include purchasing toll road tags, purchasing Mexican auto insurance, and more services are coming online soon. There is a history section on the site, which will help you keep track of your past pay-ments and you can check out more than one product at a time Now, if you forgot to pay a bill, you will have to go person- Ask a Mexican 1. Felipe Villelas Miranda. Living in Baja for 36 años. Bait fisherman. Respect is a right that everyone gains. We must respect all people. If that does not happen, we will have big problems. People are all part of us. 5 .COM respect God and my parents. They gave me life. I respect my neighborhood. Just like our distinguished Benito Juarez [liberal reformer who served as president for five terms] said, “Respect for the rights of others is peace.” Every Mexican knows these 2 words and most of us apply them. 3. Gloria Maria Calzada. Living in Baja for 26 years. Elementary school Spanish teacher. I respect my parents. They gave me life and everything I know. Much more than respect is love. I respect children’s rights most of all. I respect animals, but the mosquitos, well they are not animals. They are insects (I kill them all the time). This is not an eye for an eye, but these stupid flying insects bother me so much that I cannot respect them. They are so 3 noisy and, they attack when I am asleep. 4. Sara Verdugo. Living in Baja for 15 years. University student. I respect the police, the soldiers, and the handsome marines. If people do not respect the authorities we will live in anarchy, a confused world ally to your service provider as they are still working on offering a past due service. And you do have to type in your reference number every time you want to make a payment. But they are working on having a direct connection with the service provider databases so the program will know the amount due and due date just by providing the account number. Then there is the SimpleFix feature., It’s a home warranty plan that costs $20 to $25 a month, and if something goes wrong, the Simple guys send a fixer out to your home. They pay the fixer, not you. It covers everything from plumbing to doorbells, depending on your plan. It’s as simple as signing up for SimplePay, enter your address, house characteris-tics, accept terms and conditions and checkout. What if the plumber never shows up? That’s SimpleFix’s problem. If you are not satisfied with the technician’s job, SimpleFix handles that, too. This part of the service is not available for Cabo yet, but it is for TJ, Rosarito and Ensenada. Go to simplepay.com.mx to find out more and get you started. , This Week’s Question is: Who or what do you respect? without any rules. Just imagine drunken people, a drug town, and no respect for children, women, or animals. Yes, even though I do not like the way the authorities are governing us, I respect them. A warm salute for the marines and for the 4 gendarmes. 5. Iliana Velázquez. Living in Baja for a year. Psychologist. I do respect my Almighty God, because he is my creator. Well not only for being my creator, but for all that he has created. As a result, I respect myself, which is a huge chal- lenge to do daily. I respect my fellow creatures. I respect the environment. I separate the garbage to send to the recycling center. I check my vehicle so it does not contaminate too much. That is the way that I respect myself and my neighborhood. 5 6. Jorge Garcia. Living in Baja for 40 years. Artist. I respect the family. That is where our values begin which allow us to have a decent life. I came here to Baja 40 years ago. This used to be a virgin village where we had a lot of freedom, where we did not respect nature or ourselves. There was a lot of cocaine, marijuana and tons of alcohol, so we lost all the decent ways of living. It used to be a beautiful place that we did not appreciate. Now we lost our chance to appreciate it. Now we, 6 the local people live in a jail. We can´t even go to any beach anymore, it is forbidden to pass through private land to there. If we could relive the past with honestly today we would all be different. So respect means for me: honesty, care, and love. , 6 July 25th, 2016 .COM Fish Report Coronado Islands Yellowtail are being caught all around the Islands in the 12 to 25 pound class, plus there has been a fairly good showing of barracuda as well. The yellows are mostly biting the fly-lined sardine but some were also caught on the surface iron — same deal for the barracuda. Water conditions around the Islands are very good now with nice clean warm water everywhere. As for locations, North Island at both Pukey Point and the Key- Super Special! BY GARY GRAHAM hole, and at the Middle Grounds Ensenada along with Genoa and the Gun Inshore local boats are scorSite, then at South Island ing yellowtail, barraat Ribbon Kelp and cuda, calico bass South Kelp; these and bonito. So when last two spots Offshore, the is this “old a ls o worke d 238 Bank is provery well for yellowenough to know ducing the barracufin to below the da. Lastly the better” kick in? Lower 500 that Rockpile showed is holding 10 to signs of life with 18 pound yellowfin, yellowtail, barrawhich are coming off cuda and bonito all be- sonar marks, breezers, puddlers, ing caught there. dolphin, and jig stops, as well as off kelp paddies. The kelp pad- SENIORS 50% OFF YOUR CHECK* showing this ad Located Inside *Restrictions apply. Valid only on El Meson Restaurant. Open 3PM to 10PM Only on orders for adults 55 or older. One coupon per customer. Not valid on lobster, steaks or molcajetes. Valid thru August 2016. Nice weather, with plenty of yellowtail feeding on the surface in the 10 to 20 pound class. At San Martin Island, the calico bass are biting well on plastics. If you plan to go, take Xraps and Salas 6x juniors. Bringing some frozen squid is always good insurance if everything goes sideways as nothing is biting artificials. Garage Doors Puertas Automaticas del Pacifico Garage Doors, Telephone entry, Gate Automation, Interphone systems, Access Control, Transmitters, Metal roll-up doors Installations • Repairs • Sales • Maintenance DEAL FOR YOUR WHEELS!! 9 x8 ft Cloplay Garage Door Installed. $600 USD LiftMaster Motor, Door and Installation. Remote Controls $35 • Preventive Maintenance $35 v Ph. (664) 686 2550 • US (619) 446 6635 [email protected] Thomas and Kaitlyn Wilkens, from San Diego, Calif., bonded in the best possible way with bookend trophy yellowtail on their recent trip with Cedros Island Adventures. dies are also giving up yellowtail ranging from little 3 pound fish up to slugs in the 30 pound class. Most are in the 12 to 15 pound class. Some of these kelps are also producing dorado ranging from 3 to about 12 pound class. San Quintin Bahía de los Ángeles “Pesca la Baja’s” third in a series of five “Baja Fishing” International Championship Tournaments was held in Bahia de los Angeles on July 17th and attracted 185 anglers, a record breaking number for the series. Guard Your Investment Profesional Community Management At Associa we know there are unique needs for every community that requires management. That’s why we provide transparent, customized homeowners association management, using the most rigorous financial safeguards in place to assure that your investment is secure We ensure the board that all properties are up to the community’s expectations. Depending on the individual need of the community, our goal is to improve the overall value of the community and the properties within it. From individual homes in open and gated communities to high rise condominiums with often absentee owners, we bring everyone into the circle of communication. Every community is unique and we have the scale and depth to take care of every one of those special needs. Beyond board meetings, accounting and budgeting, we take care of the things that you see and experience every day. We make sure the flower beds look fresh. We hire trained and licensed security personnel (and make sure the gates work properly too!). We even perform association and homeowner maintenance via Associa OnCall. We ensure the board that all properties are up to the community’s expectations. The list goes on, and we are there to be responsive to phone calls, emails and online requests via Associa Access. It’s a sense of professional service that we are proud to perform; it is our job to be knowledgeable and responsive, providing our “Five Star Service” for all clients, and we take that job very seriously. It is our goal at Associa to provide the best return on your association’s investment and for your residents to see that value every time they come home…across every property we serve. Rosarito Beach Office: Land line (664) 631-3331 Cell: (664)389-6493 Southern Baja: US 214 295 6245 Toll Free 1 (888) 613 2059 Email: [email protected] U.S. 5401 N. Central Expressway Dallas, TX 75205. 800 808 4882. www.associaonline.com Matias Arjona Rydalch, Head of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SEPESCABC), said that the event was held with about 60 boats, half of them owned by the competitors themselves, while the rest are local charter boats that benefit the hotels, restaurants and commercial activities. For the second consecutive year, the first three tournaments of “Fishing Baja” took place in the Sea of Cortez, specifically in San Felipe, San Luis Gonzaga and Bay of Los Angeles, the other two are to be held in San Quentin on 19 and 20 of August, and the grand finale which will be in Ensenada on the 23 and 24 of September. In Bahia de Los Angeles, for the third successive year, Jorge Orozco, a native of Southern California, emerged as winner in the surface category for Team Enfermos Sport Fishing CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 Porque todos necesitamos opciones KM. 22 Ens-Tij Toll Road Baja, Mexico July 25th, 2016 .COM We Have A Celebrity Right Here In Rosarito Locally world famous author has been published BY PAIGE TURNER Mark Zvonkovic is a retired lawyer who holds a degree in literature and classical language from Boston University. He has worked or lived in Central America, the Caribbean, France, Spain, and Indonesia, along with different places within the United States including New York, Texas, Connecticut and Virginia. He currently lives right here in Rosarito with his wife Nancy and dog Finn. He has had his book, A Lion In the Grass, published by Wildwood Publishing, a small independent Australian publisher specializing in contemporary authors of a range of fiction genres. Their goal is to publish stories that offer their readers a window into places and times they otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to experience. His book follows the life of spy Raymond Hatcher from his recruitment in 1942 by the OSS, a branch of the American World -SEX- sells, but we sell coffee, chocolates, and pastries Bullies pa�i����� 7 am DAILY INSIDE Baja Malibu rest-bar (km. 22.5) bullies.patisserie (664) 695-4432 War II intelligence services, through positions with the State Department and the CIA. His ear for languages and powers of observation allow him to conduct covert operations in many ceptance of ebooks. Link: www.amazon.com/dp/ B01HFO2UDI. , QUE PASA IN BAJA?... continued from page 2 around Baja. A million trees for Baja. To go with our million cactus? Our state governor, Kiko Vega, has signed an agreement with a Dutch company to plant one million trees in Mexicali and in the Juarez Sierra. They hired a Dutch company because they are using a new patented technology called “groasis” that allows the tree to be left there with just a fraction of the water it would need because it has a device around it that protects the water from evaporation. This new system guarantees a 90% survival rate of trees even in the harshest environment. Navy to help watch our beaches. The Mexican Navy has stated they will send about 250 sailors to Ensenada in order to help local authorities watch the beaches and avoid drownings. The city says their usual 50 lifeguards will be helping too, and Mark Zvonkovic, a resident of Rosarito Beach, has just had his latest book published parts of the world. But it is Raymond’s internal musings that present the life of a spy in a whole new perspective. Author Mark Zvonkovic’s many years of experience as a lawyer in international energy transactions helped him create the backgrounds for the missions in which Raymond is involved and the musings of a man conflicted with the career he has chosen. The book is available exclusively on Amazon Kindle. A Lion In The Grass is Zvonkovic’s first experience with digital publishing. His debut novel, When Mermaids Sing, set in the secretive world of American cults, was published in print format in 2009, just before the wide ac- 7 that they have already rescued 16 people from drowning this summer. Only in Mexico. In the fight for jurisdiction over the La Mision area that the towns of Ensenada and Rosarito each want for themselves, our state congress has said they cannot make any ruling now because they seem to have misplaced six boxes with documents Ensenada has submitted to bolster their case. They are asking for copies of the documents again but people involved in the legal fight have said it’s just a stupid, transparent tourists. And that’s all we know and cowardly tactic to kick the about that, so don’t ask. problem down the road Surf ’s up! Rosarito to the next congress was chosen as the which is coming eight most imWhy does into power a few portant destinamonths f rom tion for surfing a round pizza now. by the readers come in a square of U S Ne w s New resort development and World Rebox? for Baja. State port magazine. authorities anThe destinations nounced last week were chosen not only that a Spanish firm w a s because of their good waves but investing 32 million dollars to by the overall experience of tourdevelop a tourist resort on the ists on the city. Sea of Cortez. This development Hugo Torres, owner of the is said to be located south of San Rosarito Beach Hotel, said that for more than 50 years professional and amateur surfers have chosen Rosarito because of its great waves so close to the border. Rosarito Malecon on hold. In a meeting with a bunch of local citizens, Gabriel Arvizu, head of the state infrastructure office for Rosarito, said the Malecon project in Rosarito had to be put Felipe between Mexicali and on hold because of the high level Ensenada and it was said that it of the sea. would bring about 5,000 new jobs He said the plan for the projinto our state and many more CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 8 July 25th, 2016 .COM Calendar of Events All prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. ROSARITO BEACH Every Sunday 4pm. Cultural Sundays in the park, featuring local Mexican and American dancers and musicians. At the IMAC in Abelardo L. Rodriguez park, west of Banamex. Different themes every Sunday. Sometimes food booths, other times vendors with food carts. Facebook IMAC Rosarito. Free. Every Sunday – 2:00 – 7:00 pm, Community Potluck at the Alley Bar, down the road from Electra in Rosarito. Free hot dogs. Bring any dish. www.facebook.com/ Every Monday, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Beginning Spanish at Club Marena clubhouse, taught by Susana Schinkel. $6 donation. [email protected]. Every Monday, 10:45 am, duplicate bridge at the Baja Gold Bridge Club, KM 42 on Tijuana Ensenada Libre at the Rosarito Beach Christian Church. [email protected]. Every Monday, 1:00 – 2:30 pm, Advanced Spanish reading/comprehension class at Club Marena clubhouse, taught by Susana Schinkel. $6 donation. [email protected]. Every Second Wednesday (except December). 2pm. Friends of the Library meeting at main library of IMAC building next to Abelardo Rodríguez Park. Promotes reading and literacy in Rosarito. www.friendsofthelibrary.com.mx. Carmen Dominguez, 661-612-3659. [email protected] Every Tuesday. 830am. Board Meeting for Yo Amo Rosarito at the Corona Plaza Hotel. See what events are under consideration or volunteer to help plan and run upcoming events. Great way to become involved with you community. Every third Wednesday (except December) 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Flying Samaritans Bingonow at Rene’s casino. on Blvd. Benito Juarez, KM 28. Six different games. Great prizes, food and drink specials, plus casino promotion. All to benefit the Flying Samaritans. www.flyingsamaritansrosarito.org; susansmithz@ hotmail.com, MX phone: 661-100-6066; US phone: 1-858-240-2360. Every Wednesday, 1:00 – 2:30 pm. Intermediate Spanish Conversation class at Club Marena clubhouse, taught by Susana Schinkel. [email protected]. theme evey month. 50/50 raffle. Live entertainment at most events. Free for members and guests. Membership only $15 USD per year. Beverages ordered from the Bar at reduced Club prices. Every second and last Wednesday, 1:00 – 3:00 pm Cruz Roja Primo Tapia Bingo at El Pescador Restaurant, km 44, (just north of Puerto Nuevo). Raising money for an ambulance in Primotapia. Every single day. AA Grupo Gringo meets daily in their meeting hall, #16 Mar Meditteraneo (two blocks behind Hotel Brisas del Mar). Meetings: Saturday, 3:00; Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 10:00 am; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 6:00 pm. Additional meetings in Cantamar (just south of the footbridge) Tuesday and Friday, 10:00 am.. For more information, 661-614-1678. Every Second Thursday. 10am. Cruz Roja volunteers general meeting at Rosarito Beach Hotel. Provides assistance in case of accidents or disasters. www.cruzrojarosarito.org.mx. Rosie Pena, 664-976-0613, U.S. 619-6210292. [email protected] Every Wednesday, 12:00 pm. Writer’s Workshop at Eden Restaurant, (next to Cruz Roja Thrift Store). Published and unpublished writers welcome! Bring samples (3-7 pages) of your work to share. For more information, contact Marsh Cassady: [email protected]. Every Thursday. 8.30am. Local Board of Realtors July 27, Wednesday, 5:00 pm, Wateke Social Mixer at the Alley Bar, on Calle Tijuana, down from Electra in Rosarito. Victor Loza’s birthday! $5 admission gets you free margarita and appetizers 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Supports Baja Sand festival in August. Live entertainment until 10:00 pm. www.facebook.com/ Baja Sand Festival del arte. July 27. Wednesday. 5pm. French Dipp’n and golf at Bobby’s by the Sea. French fries and French Dip sandwich, live music, and golf! Yes, they have a range so bring your clubs. You hit out into the weeds, but that’s not your problem, the hired help goes out and looks for them. Don’t Risk Jail Time in Mexico! Every Tuesday and Thursday. 10am. Pilates mat class at Las Gaviotas Clubhouse. $6 UDS per class. Bring a yoga mat and hand towel. Instructor is Terri Van De Sande Every Wednesday 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Intermediate Spanish class at Club Marena clubhouse, taught by Susana Schinkel. $6 donation. [email protected]. 24. Great prizes, 6 different games. Benefits Flying Samaritans. www.flyingsamaritansrosarito.org. Susan Smith, 661-100-6066, U.S. 858-240-2360. susansmithz@ hotmail.com Federal law requires drivers in Mexico to have a minimum of $300,000 Liability Insurance 3 Days Liability Ins. Only $39 dlls www.insuranceinbaja.com Every Wednesday, 12:00 pm. Writer’s Workshop at Eden Restaurant, (next to Cruz Roja Thrift Store). Published and unpublished writers welcome! Bring samples (3-7 pages) of your work to share. Marsh Cassady: [email protected]. Every Third Wednesday (except December). 2-4pm. Bingo at Oceana Grill & Cafe, Blvd. Benito Juárez #907- July 28, Saturday, 5:00 pm, “Bright Land,” a documentary showing the spirit and creative capacity of three artisans living in Rosarito.Multimedia tent of the Rosarito Art Fest; free. Ph. (664) 158-0472 • In the Rosarito Beach Hotel strip mall on Benito Juarez Blvd. July 28. Thursday. 5pm. Expo Gastronomico at La Candelaria Salon Jardin de Eventos. graze among 15 Restaurants’s offerings. (APIR) meets at Oceana Grill. If you are a Realtor in Baja, or thinking about it, meet Realtors to network with. Good place for buyers or sellers to find a Realtor July 30, Saturday, 12:00 – 5:00 pm, Baja Glass Studio and Art Gallery present Designer Shoe Trunk Show featuring creations of Marlene Reyes. In the Calafia courtyard, KM 35.5. 661-613-2244 Every Third Thursday. 10 am. General Meeting for FRAO, Foreign Residents Assistance Office. Open to the public. Usually held at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, with parking validated. Sometimes held at other local sites. Breakfast occasionally provided, but always available. Usually about 10 am. Different speakers brought in to inform or address issues of concern to foreigners living in Mexico. [email protected]. Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? $6 donation. 1Year Liability Ins. Only $189 dlls July 28, Saturday, 4:00 pm. Documentary: “Cozumel, a paradise in the Mayan Caribbean,” A documentary about the riches of Cozumel Island. In the multimedia tent of the Rosarito Art Fest. Free. Every Friday. 4pm. Spanish class main library, by IMAC, in Abelardo Rodriguez park behind BanaMex. Beginner level class with Sylvia. Free but donation appreciated. Every First Saturday. 10am. United Society of Baja California (USBC) general meeting at Casa Blanca Restaurant, Rosarito Beach Hotel. Good info for the English speaking community of charitable, community service and social organizations. www.unitedsocietyofbaja.org. Judy Westphal, 661-614-1113. [email protected] Every First Saturday. Noon-sundown. Open Studio Art Walk, a free tour of galleries in Rosarito Beach Hotel commercial center. Meet artists at work in their studios. [email protected] Every Third Saturday. 1pm. USBC, United Society of Baja California, monthly Potluck dinner, held at La Maroma Sports Bar, across from Burger King. Different July 30. Saturday. 11am. Do you speak horse? English? Spanish? Equinish??? Learn how to communicate or improve communication with your beloved horses. All the Pretty Horses of Baja. Clinic designed to make your horse more responsive and respectful. Clinic starts with apps and drinks. RSVP. Suggested donation $45 pp. July 30. Saturday. 8am to 2pm. Surf Dog Competition at Imperial Beach. Real dogs doing real surfing. July 31, Sunday, Rosarito Pit Bull and Bully show at Pabellon. Music, exhibitions, competitions and more. Suitable for the whole family. Moises Garcia, 664-4101730; www.RosaritoBullyShows.Mex.TL. August 5-6. Friday to Saturday. Midnight Madness Racquetball Sweet 16 at Rosarito Beach Hotel. Bring your high heel tenis shoes to celebrate. August 5 to 21. Friday to Sunday. Olympic Games from Rio de Janeiro. Not broadcast by either Televisa or Azteca. August 6, Saturday, 10:00 am. USBC Monthly meeting and breakfast at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, Casa Blanca Restaurant. Guest speakers. www.unitedsocietyfbaja.org. August 11, Thursday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, 41st annual Cruz Roja Fashion Show at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, featuring hat parade and live fashion auction, plus the ever-popular boutique (10:00 – 12:00 and 4:00 – 5:00). $20 tickets available from any board member and the Rosarito Thrift Store. Includes luncheon. Prizes for neat hats. www.facebook.com/ Cruz Roja Voluntarios de Rosarito, or Paul 661-612-3455. July 25th, 2016 9 .COM Calendar of Events All prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. August 12 to 14. Friday to Sunday. 5th Anniversary Party for The Lighthouse Sports Bar and Restaurant in La Mision. August 13, Saturday, Baja Sand Meet and Greet at CEART, w/the artists at CEART, across the toll-road from Bada Bing. August 17, Wednesday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Introduction to acting class beginning to intermediate at the Rosarito Theatre Guild, on the boulevard behind Comex. Ages 12 – adult. Covers speaking, movement on stage, the script, developing expressions and gestures, interpretation and more. Advance payment required. Members: $25, non-embers $30.00, youth 12 – 17: $20 [email protected], or phone: MX: 661-119-9214, US: 1-619-3566454. August 18. Thursday. 5pm. Yo Amo Rosarito Business and Social Mixer at Sunio Beach Club, inside Castillos Del Mar. $50 pesos. August 19 -21, Friday through Sunday, 5th annual Baja Blues Fest at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Backwater Blues Band, John Nemeth, Coco Montoya, and many more. Friday jam session meet and greet, 7:00 – 11:00 pm, $20; Saturday Blues Fest, gates open at 10:00, $25 in advance/a little more at the gate; Sunday jam session, 1:00 pm, $10. Best deal is three-day ticket in advance: $45. www.bajabluesfest.org; Tickets also at the Hotel or at ClickOn, 44.4 on the free road. Del Mar Races, $42 USD August 26. Friday. 6pm. VIP Dinner Under the Stars for Baja Sand 2016. $700 pesos or $45 USD. Mingle with international sand castle artists, dine under the stars, among the sand figures, enjoy dinner, folkloric dance groups, chorus line, bossa & blues). September 23 – 25, Friday through Saturday, Playas de Rosarito Sister Cities International Convention and Conference at the Puerto Nuevo Hotel in Puerto Nuevo. Workshops, social gatherings, and more. Meet delegates from Rosarito’s Sister Cities around the world. Information: www.chprosarito.org; email: comite@chprosaarito. org; phone: 661-614-9600, extension 1080. August 26 to 28. Friday to Sunday. Baja sand castle gala 2016 at Rosarito Beach Hotel, north of pier. Sand sculpture featuring international sand castle artists and amateurs too. Dinner and show outdoors, two days of music, dance, art exhibits and food, and of course, the completed sand sculptures. Takes them up to two weeks to build each piece. Free September 24. Saturday. 10am. Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Ride. 50 mile bike ride along the ocean and up through the hills toward the wine country, and into the seaport of Ensenada. August 31. Wednesday. 6pm. Sabor de Baja. All-white attire requested for thefancy party at the beachfront gardens October 9, Sunday, Second Annual Tecate to Ensenada Bike Race/Ride through the wine country. Registration $50 through July 3, $80 race day. Prizes by age class. www. bajabikerace.com. October 1. Saturday. Fundraising event for Baja California Spay and Neuter Foundation. 8th annual Chili Cook Off Saturday August 6th, 2016 August 20. Saturday. USBC BBQ for paid members at Leo’s. RSVP to Judy Westphal. August 22, Tuesday, noon. Baja Good Life monthly luncheon, at Baja Malibu Bar just north of the Baja Convention Center. www.facebook.com/ Baja Good Life Club. Attendees will receive free membership into the Baja Good Life Club which comes with perks that can be used in town. Free. Optional: The bar is sponsoring a Hearts of Baja Toy Drive, so consider bringing an unwrapped toy. August 24. Wednesday. USBC restaurant tour at California Fresh, across from El Nido, on Benito Juarez Blvd. Parking i behind California Fresh. $15 USD for a special 3 course meal avalable exclusively for USBC Members. 1st, 2nd & 3rd cash prize plus people choice Raffles to benefit the local Food Bank and La Mision Childrens Fund. Starting @ 11:00 AM Judging @ 3:00 $20 Team entry fee Sign up & pick up rules at LA SALINA CANTINA Km. 73 FB: /LaSalinaCantina Ph. (646) 155-8179 Every Monday. 7pm. Ceart Cine Club. Films about dance with “Billy Elliot” April 13, “Five Dances” April 20, “Desert Dancer” April 27. English with Spanish subtitles. Foro Experimental of Centro Estatal de las Artes (CEART) on Blvd. Costero (Lázaro Cárdenas) & Av. Club Rotario. Free. CEART, 646-173-4307. Every First & Third Wednesday. 10:30am. Club Compañeros de Baja Norte general meeting at clubhouse on Calle Mazatlán #256 in Fracc. Acapulco, 1 mile south of Ensenada. Lunch $6 donation. Multicultural, multilingual, nonprofit service and social club. Nancy McKee, 646-174-5011, U.S. 619-207-4325. cdbcnm@gmail. comEvery Fourth Thursday. Red Hat Society lunch at various local restaurants. Tillie Foster, cell 646-171-5292. [email protected] October 16. Sunday. Cruz Roja Soup’s On October 28. Friday. Susanna’s pairing luncheon at Susanna’s Restaurant in Rosarito Beach. Benefit Baja Scholarship Foundation. $40 USD prepaid only. [email protected] September 4. Sunday. Fandango in La Mision, for the benefit of BECA scholarships. November 27 to December 9. Copper Canyon Tour, including 13 days, plus 27 meals plus 14 sights plus Transportation plus Total Package. Reserve your spot today! www.bajagoodlifeclub.com/events or [email protected] or 686-230-9933. September 10. Saturday. Launch Party for Gorgeous Women of Baja at Rosarito Theatre Guild Pearl Harbor Day. Wednesday. Flying Samaritans Luncheon/White Elephant Gift Exchange at Las Rocas. September 17. Saturday. 8am. Beach Clean-Up Day at various locations. Make a team with your friends, or just show up, and be assigned to a team, where you can make new friends. December 9 to December 10. Friday to Saturday. Cruz Roja Rosarito Thrift Store: Annual Christmas Sale, 9am-5pm Every Friday. 7:30-9:30pm. Live world and cultural music at El Callejón Colectivo Culinario, Floresta #320 near southern Blvd. Costero extension, Fracc. Acapulco, 1 1/2 miles south of Ensenada. Free. Performer schedule with Alex O., cell 646-101-0812. [email protected] Every Friday 7:30 pm. Live music at El Callejon Colectivo Culinario; Floresta #320, Fracc. Acapulco, Ensenada. Alex Orendain, [email protected], 646-120-8004; www. elcallejoncolectivoculinario.com. July 17. Sunday. 11am to 8pm. Sakura Fest 2016 at Plaza Civica de las 3 Cabezas July 23. Saturday. 5 to 11pm. Summer Fest 2016 at Playa Hermosa. , of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Pairings of some of the best local chefs with local wines. August 25. Thursday. Dorothy Southern Bus Trip to ENSENADA October 12 to 15. Wednesday to Sunday. 7th Annual Int’l Mariachi y Ballet Folklorico Festival at Rosarito Beach Hotel. Three days of workshops for voice, instruments and dance, followed by concerts on Friday on Saturday nights. Mariachi Mass on Sunday. Family-friendly event. Tickets prices for all budgets. December 10. Saturday. Holiday Home Tour for Friends of the Library. , 10 What’s a Wateque? Doesn’t matter a whole lot, since you’ve missed it anyway. Might want to skip this story BY DANIELLE WILLIAMS You may have wondered about these events which for the last two consecutive years, just around the time of the spring equinox, are advertised as “wateque”, One might think they are some New Age observance accompanied by pagan rituals. Nope, its just another word for a party. Last year saw four such parties, while this year there will be five. This year, for clarification purposes, the subtitle “mixer” was added. Both the term and translation of the term do not, in my humble opinion, do justice to bashes so memorable for having raised the notion of fun to frenzy. Wateque (really “guateque” that has been Gringo-ized for easier pronounciation), was the brainchild of Victor Loza, president of Baja Sand, the sand castle event coming up August 26 to 28. The wateques are mixers that were created in order to raise money and awareness for the three day event. These wateques have been an excellent means for pressing volunteers into service – who could refuse in the midst of such revelry? Dozens of worker bees are needed to run the event smoothly. The Rosarito Baja Sand, now Sabbath School 9:45 am Worship Service 11:15 am English Spoken. Simulcast translation. #548 14th Street between Gastelum and Miramar Street. Ensenada July 25th, 2016 .COM in its eighth year, is the largest free-to-all family event to be held here. It will be on the beach in front of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Last year’s attendance was 10,000 and even more are expected to turn out this year. Organizers say it’s the largest sand festival in Latin America. Generally on the third Thusday of the month, wateques have sculptorers, hailing from different parts of the world, arrive on August 12 for the harrowing task of creating behemoth creations. They have to be transported, housed and fed for two weeks. The logistics of such an event are huge, but Victor Loza and his team are undaunted as evidenced by this year’s motto: “The Sky is the Limit” And, so, what do you think? Are you glad that finally, after all the wateques are done, you finally know what the word means? Naw, we didn’t think so. Pay attention when the sand castle contest rolls around, that’s the big even anyway. august 26 to 28, in front of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. , Classified Ads Easy Sign Up NEXT DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016 Phone It or Text It In You can call or text Oliver at (646) 179 4599 Mail It In You can mail it along with your check to: Oliver Quintero, PMB-80 PO BOX 189003, Coronado, CA, 92178 Make check payable to Gringo Gazette Email It In You can email it to [email protected] How easy are those choices? Hint: Very easy. Cost is only 80 cents a word, and that includes posting your ad in our online version as well as the printed edition. We do take credit cards. Total Words ____________ Times 80 Cents A Word X .80 Total Amount Owed ____________ been held at restaurants such as Baja Calypso, Paradise Cove, and KM42 Bar and Grill. The cover fee is $5 and the restaurant provides a complimentary margarita and appetizers for the first hour. Musicians such as Philip Aldana, Gabriela Medina, Holly Avila, Christopher Spanos, Zachary Guy, and Zebra Knight among others have volunteered their talent. The last wateque of this year was held July 21 at the Alley, a relatively new venue on Calle Tijuana, formerly Footprinters, run by the dynamic duo of Sara Vega, known for her non-profit organization of Sara en Movimiento, and Anthony Ruiz, former director of FRAO. They have invented the concept of returning part of the proceeds from their signature cocktail to non-profit organizations. For the Baja Sand organizing committee, this is the last of the festivities before the Big Day. Or, actually, the Big Three Days. Lots of work lies ahead. Some 12 sand Call us if you want your carpets done right! BANKING FRAUD... continued from page 3 in your mail room trash can. You don’t think someone may root through the trash looking for gold? If you don’t have a home shredder, tear everything up and burn it in your fireplace or over the sink. Hint # 4: Join a bank in Mexico tied to a bank in the U.S., and make funds transferable between the two accounts / banks. Then, eschew the ease of the ATM, and withdraw funds directly from the bank teller. Much safer! You say you don’t want to open a Mexican bank account? We live in a border town. Consider withdrawing extra funds while in the U.S., and hide it under your mattress. You worked hard for your money, protect it. If you’re like me you don’t have a lot to waste! , QUE PASA IN BAJA?... continued from page 7 ect was made five years ago and it didn’t take into account the sea level could rise as much as it has and that now the project, as they had it planned, can’t be executed. Arvizu said the $3.8 million that was assigned to the project this year is going to be used most likely to build a few pedestrian bridge on the toll road. He said the malecon project is not going to be halted but just put on hold while they sort out the problem. As in, what? Push the sea back? , WOW! rentals from $300 us per month. homes from $29k, lots from $19k and up! call or e mail me. por que no? Bill's Baja Bargains 760 554 4238 Mex: 01 646 155 0029 [email protected] Bill (Guillermo) Welsch 28 years fulltime in fantastico mexico. gracias! DRY CLEANING ULTRA Furniture, carpet, car interior, urine treatment, protection, odor control, FREE QUOTES ON SITE. Call 661-614-0526 or 044661-850-8935 Rosarito FOR RENT IN LA MISION 3 BD 2 BT house, incredible views. Remodeled 2015 $1250 per month. Large patio. Includes Independent casita with kitchen. Both furnished. Available NOW. Call Steve at 6197871444 or email: [email protected] OCEAN FRONT one bedroom suite $700usd or a studio $600usd per month with a 6 months lease fully furnished all utilities & DirectTV included. Salvador US 619 467-0310. Mex. Cell 661 850-4517. salnav2@ gmail.com. FOR SALE BY OWNER oceanfront house/bed & breakfast 4173 sf $549k usd 6 bedroom 6 baths 4 kitchens & 2 car garage in rosarito county bc. Mexico. Salvador salnav2@gmail. Com us 619 467-0310 mex. Cell 661 850-4517 photos link http://bit.Ly/ RosaritoHouse FOR RENT 3BD 2BTH stainless steel and granite kitchen, ocean view. 15 minutes south of Rosarito, next to Puerto Nuevo. US(760)5224361 MEX(661)112-5514. Email: [email protected] 1 BR TRAILER FOR RENT IN ENSENADA. $200 per month in a quiet secure area. Many beautiful plants and trees. No pets, long term preferred. Call 646 1250114 MALE ROOM MATE WANTED $500.00 includes all utilities+WiFi=TV, Central Rosarito on the beach. 2 bedroom/2 bath/ Maid service, gated. US (949)3319098 or Local (661)125-3746. SELLING LOTS STUFF from my storage in Chula Vista. I can send pictures upon request #(619) 874 9982. Free Some Space @ Home!! Office Hours: 9am-5pm • Closed Wednesday Gate Hours 8am-6pm Everyday Storage space starting from $50 monthly Now offering moving services! KM 40.5 Free Road in Rosarito Ph. (661) 614 1642 • US. (619) 797 8097 [email protected] www.bajapublicstorage.com July 25th, 2016 .COM Why Not A Drive Down The Baja? It’s a charming drive that takes you through many eco systems, showing a diverse landscape BY DAVE KAMENA When was the last time you “did the Baja”? We left with just one week and not much money and had an absolute blast, so I feel like convincing you to make a trip before it gets too hot, or you get too old and creaky. (Wink, wink)! If you have driven down the peninsula all the way to Cabo, you know it’s a long slow drive. 12 hours south of here you come into a beautiful little pueblo called San Ignacio. It’s green and leafy, set in the middle of a dusty desert oasis It’s not quite halfway to lands end. San Ignacio is an absolutely stunning town with an ancient mission overlooking the sleepy town square. A river rises up out of the desert and feeds a tranquil lagoon fringed with date palms. The dates are all over the ground. My two year old picked one up and ate it ants and all. I have pictures of it to show her in a few years. There are tons of campgrounds around the lake, and there are lots of hotels and restaurants. One favorite with Americans is Ignacio Springs Yurts. It’s a collectinoof comfortable yurts sprinkled through the tall palms. Their good is gourmet. Cost is about $100 a night for two people. After a quick stroll through the open mission, (don’t miss it), and through the winding Nice Try gardens, most travelers get into their cars to continue on to the warm blue Sea of Cortez. I personally always feel a sense of loss as I leave the town; it seems like a place you need to spend more time at for some reason. Maybe it’s why the padres built a mission there? Before the carraterra reaches San Ignacio, (there is just one road all the way down Baja, so it’s not like you’re going to get lost), there is a paved turn off to Punta Abreojos which means point open eyes. The name very well may have come from the tearing wind that rolls off the mountains and rips through CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 Well, maybe not that nice, it didn’t work Cocaine was found packed into 217 barrels of salsa shipped from Ecuador to Mexico. Their first clue might have been, why would someone ship salsa to Mexico? That’s like taking sand to the beach. A sandwich to a banquet. A date to an orgy. Author’s son takes a dip in the springs at San Ignacio after driving 12 hours to get there. A D E T P O D Sisters Looking For Home These 4 playful long-haired Chihuahua sisters are ready to find a real home! Because of their young age they will be sponges to learn the ways of your family. They are ideal for homes with kids, adults or homes with small spaces even condos. To adopt any of them, call Wendy at 646 150 4840. 4 Patas, which means 4 paws, is an animal shelter in Ensenada. They have lots of needs, from animal chow to vet services, cash to keep the lights on, and of course volunteers to keep the love coming. To get involved go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com /4Patas/ 11 12 July 25th, 2016 .COM FISH REPORT... continued from page 6 with a 33 pound yellowtail. Scoring Second place was Paul Chee Abel Chavez with another yellowtail tipping the scales at 31.9 pounds; and the third took Ismael González Zacharias, with another one weighing 29.7 pounds. In the Bottom Category, fiirst place went to Earl Roberts, who arrived at the scale with a 26.4 pound grouper. Second place was captured by Arturo Honold Guajardo Dominguez, with a 24 pound cabrilla; while third place was presented to Zozaya Alejandro Lopez, with another 18.9 pound grouper. In the bottom fish category, first place went to Maximiliano Magaña Solorzano, with a pargo weighing 15.4 pounds, while second place went to Karol Carrasco Javier Hernandez, with another 12.1 pound pargo. Surface species for children was won by Victor Manuel Zazueta Lucero, who caught a yellowtail weighing 22.4 pounds, followed in second place by Ivan Coria, with one weighing 21.8 pounds. Cedros Island Recently fishing has been great at the Island with sunny afternoons and highs in the 70s. A group of four Dads along with their off-spring found the perfect platform for father/son or father/daughter bonding by fishing together on pangas on the North End of the Island. Most of the yellowtail and calico were hooked with live mackerel and most of the group caught their personal best in at least one of the categories. Others found more fish are being spotted along the front side of the Island at the South End. They reported plastics and rip baits worked great for the calicos. Still some threshers were being spotted along with a few striped marlin. Gary Graham, [email protected]. , WHY NOT A DRIVE DOWN THE... and waves that left me bug continued from page 11 the region every afternoon. As a longtime windsurfer and kiter wind like that means pure adrenaline. I was lucky enough to have some friends from Telluride, Colorado who had a place in town and some windsurfing equipment so we got in a day of blasting 25 mph winds the end of the town and there are roads leading off into adventure. Every empty road in Baja seems to lead to something else, so ponder a thousand miles of peninsula on both sides with most of it empty, Who knows what lies past that next hill? , I don’t like making plans for the day. Because then the word “premeditated” gets thrown around in the courtroom. eyed with adrenaline (thus; open eyes). I caught my best long board wave of the year off a reef/point break before breakfast with a light offshore breeze. The water was colder here than in Ensenada, so be ready for a painful surprise after driving 10 hours south! There are a lot of sweet little towns and places to drive through on your way to Baja Sur, (it’s subtly a very different place than Baja Norte), and it would take an entire tour book to cover half of them. (There are lots of great books out there too!). I have to include Guerrero Negro as a side note to this month’s piece; this town is the usual jumping off point to the famed whale trips. It’s always been windy, dusty, and expensive for us. This time we gave it a chance and stopped at a Chinese restaurant, (a great yardstick of a town’s charms, no?) and found the people to be friendly (all over Baja, as you know), and the food to be great. Drive to
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