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Vol. 2 ed. 10 • JULY 13TH, 2015 • NO BAD NEWS
.com
Did this lady fall into the ocean in her nightie? Or did she jump? And if she jumped in, who goes siwmming in a nightie?
Gasoline Wars Heat Up
Not boiling over yet, but they are getting warm
Gas stations offering discounts up to 30 cents per liter
over the standard Pemex price
have led to doubts about the qual-
ity of the product and the prices
of gasoline in Tijuana. Geeze,
can’t we just be happy with a good
deal? Let’s not over analyze our
good fortune,
let’s just
stick
the gas in
the car and
see how far
down the
street we can
get with it.
The oil in-
dustry is changing in Mexico,
with the government oil monopoly Pemex losing its grip, and
competition finally creeping in
in an effort to save the industry
from total collapse.
The Association of
Petrol Station Owners, called APEGT
for its Spanish
a c rony m , i s
lobbying to
be allowed
to charge
prices that
are competitive with United States prices,
which have
plunged as
the U.S. has
become self
sufficient
due to the
fracking
in oil
n e w
process.
T h i s
p r i c e
plunge is killing Tijuana gas stations, who just can’t
compete. So far the Mexican
oil industry has loosened up
enough to allow stations to offer
continued on page 12
Is there A Plan Here?
Because we’re pretty sick of this stupid detour
BY DUSTY RHODES
We’ve all seen the mess Benny
Juarez St. has become with all the
recent construction. Well, after
only 20 years, we’ve become a
fixer upper and the state govrnment has given us $670,000 for
rehab.
There is actually a plan, with
pictures and everything. Well,
more properly called archetictual
renderings. The plans call for
a nice welcome sign stretching
across the main drag, nice new
sidewalks that aren’t all crumbly,
new lighting, a top coat on the
street pavement, and new water
and sewer pipes planted undercontinued on page 7
This is
what the
intersection
of Abeto St
and Benny
Juarez St
is going to
look like
2
Que Pasa in Baja?
July 13th, 2015
.COM
BY OLIVER QUINTERO
Tourism on the rise. We’re
just starting the season and already our governor, Kiko Vega,
is saying we’re up 11% compared
to last year. Then how come everyone’s crying the blues about
business? Maybe we just like to
complain.
Hector Rosas, representative
of the State Tourism Office, said
that his office has supported
events as a sustainable way to
increase tourism in the state.
“We are working together with
the private sector in order to
deliver a better tourism product
to our visitors and generate more
interest by potential tourists”,
said Rosas.
Big fire in Sierra de Juarez.
For an area that doesn’t have
Subs
or we’ll tcribe!!
kitty und hrow the
er
Go to pa the bus
ge 4
a forest, we sure came down
with a big forest fire. Since June
20th Sierra de Juarez has been
burning. Let us do the math for
you, so you don’t have to go get
a pencil and paper: That’s 18
days. The fire has been declared
a federal emergency since two
days into the burn because that
status brings in dinero from the
state and feds to pay the firefighters. Around 40,000 acres of pine
trees, grass and shrubs have been
burned so far, heavy emphasis on
the grass and shrubs. The military, along with municipal, state
and federal workers pitched in
to stamp out the fire, authorities
even brought experts from Durango to help. The fire left a lot of
destruction of our precious grass
and shrubs, but, since the area
has a very low density of houses,
only lit up one house.
Two new political parties.
Like we need more! Last week
two newly formed political
parties obtained their official
registry from the electoral council. These new parties are only
registered in our state, so they
are not allowed yet to do any
business outside Baja Norte
borders. Their names are “Peninsular party of the California”
and “Municipalist Party of Baja
California”.
In order to create a political party in this state, you need
at least 2,500 affiliates in your
party from all the state, which
these two newcomers surpassed
by about 1,500 for the first one
and a little more than 500 for
the second one. Some people say
that creating political parties is
Watch out for manta rays!
Roberto Calderon, who’s with
the local public university, said
that during the summer season
about four unlucky people are
stung by rays every day on local
beaches. He said the sting from
the ray is designed to rip the hell
out of the skin on its way out and
leave venom inside. Ouch
His best recommendation if
you get stung is to go to a lifeguard or a doctor since they are
trained to deal with this kind
of bad stuff. He said the worst
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a good business because you get
money from the government at
election time in order to promote your candidates. It’s not
like they think they are going to
win, right? They actually hope
more to sway the more popular
candidates’ policies.
And since we’re on the subject, another thing about political parties: This election cycle
that just passed, and there were
six candidates that were elected
with no party affiliation. This
pissed off the main parties so
much that they quickly jammed
through a law making that illegal
in the future. Those parties don’t
want anyone getting elected that
isn’t beholding to them.
wounds were from people that
didn’t go to a doctor after being
stung and it got infected. And
no, do not pee on it, that’s an
urban legend, and didn’t we just
address the issue of infection?
San Diego Zoo does the Wine
Valley. Did you know we have
a small zoo in Guadalupe Valley? It’s called the Jersey Park,
because it’s owned by the Jersey
milk brand. They have lots of
different play areas for kids, a
couple of pools and a train. Just
last week San Diego Zoo workers
made a friendly visit to the zoo
in order to support it, teaching
new techniques to their Mexican
counterparts on how to care for
the critters and programs to
improve the living spaces of the
more than 64 species that call
this zoo their home.
Perla Jimenez, park coordinator, said they have a very good
collaborative relationship with
the San Diego Zoo. “This trip
down here we received very
good comments from them
because of the good care we are
taking of the animals. It’s very
motivating for us that they like
to come here and help us,” she
said. For more info go to http://
www.zoologicojersey.com.
We got a say in tourism now .
Baja has been named a governing
member of the council of tourist promotion of Mexico. This
is a big deal as only eight states
have this status. It allows Baja to
decide where and how to invest
resources to promote Mexico as
a tourist destination.
“It’s an honor for us to be
part of this select group, which
demonstrates that we are doing good things here in Baja.
Basically now we will be at the
meetings with the tourism seccontinued on page 7
GRINGO
Published bi-monthly in
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Northern Baja
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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
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printed.
Everything
else is
just public
relations
July 13th, 2015
Friends Of The Library
Find A New Friend
With money!
BY REN DRAKE HILL
Read Today for a Quality
Life Tomorrow is the battle cry
of Rosarito’s Friends of The
Library, who can now count
Scotiabank as a major supporter. On June 4, executives and
employees of Scotiabank joined
the FOL Board of Directors at
the Plan Libertador branch of
the Rosarito library system.
Many children, decked out
in T-shirts proclaiming “Iluminado el Manana” (Bright Future) and accompanied by parents, and even grandparents,
gratefully accepted the grand
Kids and family gather at library to take donation of
books from Scotiabank
gift for their libraries, as books,
collected by a recent book drive
sponsored by Scotiabank, were
donated to Rosarito’s libraries.
The selection of books, all in
Spanish, appealed to the interests of people of all ages; from
Disney classics for the very
young, to Alice in Wonderland,
for middle-school readers, and
on to more adult fare such as
The Iliad. Oh gawd, who doesn’t
remember having to read that
awful book? Hopefully it reads
easier in Spanish than it did in
high school English class.
The Plan Libertador site was
chosen for the donation ceremony as it is such an important setting to the community,
as the remote venue serves the
residents in many ways to provide space for storytelling and
other reading activities, and
even sports. The books donated
that day will not be hogged by
that library, but will be shared
among all five of Rosarito’s
libraries.
Friends of the Library plans
to conduct another 30 day
Rosarito Lee (Rosarito Reads)
Challenge this summer. Children will pledge to read as
many of the designated books
as is humanely possible in
those 30 days. Well, we’re going on record here and now that
Ask a Mexican
1. Mari Cruz Torres.
Ju n i o r h i g h s c h o o l
student. I would not
change my country to
live anywhere else. I may
go visit some countries
1
for holidays. I’d rather
live in my state, Sinaloa.
It has the most beautiful
beaches, and wonderful
weather, and the food
tastes incredible. Every
time I remember the
meat balls, my mouth
waters. The dry meat they
prepare for the ranchers
with flour tortillas, oh
wow! And the large fields
full of cattle; it is really the
best view in the whole
world. So if I live here,
it is because my family
needs to have a better life
for us in terms of security.
I do not complain living
3
.COM
here, but my state, Sinaloa
is the best place for me to
live. I miss it.
2. Orlando Benitez.
Veterinary surgery student.
I do not want to be very far
2
away from my country, but
I would live in Canada. The
weather is cooler. Even if
it is very cold, I’d rather
that than the heat in my
country, well at least here.
The people in Canada are
very gentle, and they have
good education and good
manners. The general idea
of that country is that they
are cheap people. Well
maybe, but I do not think
that they are all the same.
Being cheap is better than
being a poor fellow who
does not have even a place
to sleep of his own. Also
I do not intend to go to
it’s not humanely possible to
plow through the Illiad. There
will be a prize for the winner
from each library.
Friends of the Library is a
502(c)3 non-profit organization. That’s U.S. tax deductible folks! All funds go to the
Rosarito public libraries, as
unpaid volunteers work with
the schools and libraries to emphasize how important reading
is now, and for the children’s’
“Bright Futures.” For more
information go to: www.friensofthelibrary.com.mx. ,
This Week’s Question is:
Where Would You Live If It Could Be Anywhere?
Canada to ask for money.
I would like to live there
for a good job, and to
learn much more about
being a veterinarian. Well
Canada is a country that
3
has beautiful vegetation,
wonderful mountains and
lakes, and nice weather,
which I could live with.
3 . C a r o l i n a Ye e .
College student. I have
almost finished school,
and it is time to look for
what I will need in the
future. If someone gave
me the opportunity to
move somewhere, it would
be Jamaica. I am really
obsessed with finding a
black man for my future.
Jamaica could be the place.
There is a large community
of black people. Listen I
am looking for a special
one: tall, dark, bold, green
eyes, gentle and with good
manners. I do not think it
would be so difficult to find
my dream in that place. My
second choice would be
4
Africa. I will, for sure find
my black man.
4. Andrés Moctezuma
Vi ll areal . S ommeli e r
(w ine ste ward). Now
that you ask, well yes, I
would live in Ensenada. It
is still Mexico. I love my
country. Ensenada is a city
abounding in vineyards,
which is what I studied
for my career. It could be a
great opportunity for me to
practice it. Also it is a place
that my wife would like
very much. The weather is
perfect. It is not extremely
hot or cold. The food is
excellent. We live here
very well, but if there was
a chance to move, yes we
would move our residence
to Ensenada, gladly.
5. G elacio Par ra
Uzcanga. City police
5
officer. I would like to go
back to my state, Veracruz.
That’s where I was born,
and all my family lives
there. I have 14 brothers.
We are a good family. I
miss that place with the
vegetation, the rivers, like
the Papaloapan. The shade
from the trees is so fresh.
The heat in summer time is
so different than down here
in Baja which is a desert,
while Veracruz is tropical.
The food in Veracruz is
so rich in flavor and very
cheap. And the best is no
one forbids you to walk on
the beaches. Now I am a
widower, I would really
like to go back home.
6. Rodrigo Teniente. Car mechanic. Canada,
for sure, is a country with
a high culture, and more
6
respect for human rights.
On the other hand the
weather is really cold
-13°. It is a place where
you work fewer hours.
This is b ecaus e t he
government wants the
families to spend more
time together. Also, so the
children are well cared
for. The government is
concerned about
childhood. That is very
good. Also, it is a tranquil
place to live. There is not
too much violence. And,
finally, it is a country with
more opportunities to
realize yourself. 
4
July 13th, 2015
.COM
Here’s One More Way
To Make A Living Here
Poker players flock here to avoid fussy U.S. laws
BY NICOLE MacINTYRE
Korean born GuatemalanAmerican Yoonsuk Oh goes
by Nick, and is standing in his
kitchen making a pot of tea. He
shares this modest beach house
with a good buddy, and is sharing
with me stories of how he got to
where he is today: living
in Rosarito as a professional on-line poker
player. As he pours
his tea, I take in his
home: in one area of
the living room sit
three desktop computers with huge
auxiliary monitors
arranged in a semi
circle. At the other
end of the room sits a
13’’ Macbook laptop.
He points to the laptop
and says, “That’s mine.”
All the other equipment
is his buddy Ben’s, who
i s
also making a profession of being
an online poker player.
This Wednesday afternoon
Nick is not on a lunch break, but
just beginning his workday as a
self-proclaimed top online poker
player. His opponents know him
as Mused01, and he typically plays
headsup, a one-on-one game, with
one or two tables. His earnings
average $1,000 to $2,000 a day,
five days a week. He says a typical
day for the average online poker
player in Rosarito consists of
tournaments with two to six tables
and winnings of
away with $250! That became the
first day of Nick’s career as a professional online poker player. Nick
jokes, “If he lost, I would’ve never
played!” Nick’s earnings supported him through the remainder
of high school, through college,
and still supports him to this day.
Like Nick, many of the poker
players living in Rosarito have
been playing since high school.
However, according to Nick, the
game is not as easy as you think:
“Playing poker requires skills.”
Nick emphasizes the importance
of emotional discipline when
playing poker, as well as studying
theories and the fundamentals of
how the game works. “I have seen
people go broke here in Rosarito
because they do not put in
the work.”
2006 marked the beginning of big problems
for the online poker industry. The U.S government revised the internet gaming law, stopping
credit card processors
from processing money
coming in from online
gambling sites. However,
people managed to continue gambling online until
2011, because of a loophole: the
law did not spell out specifically
what an online gambling site was.
Nick recalls starting his first year
at the University of California,
Irvine, and how difficult it had
become to transfer his earnings
from a poker site to his bank
account. Five years later in 2011
(on tax day, ironically), the U.S.
Department of Justice issued an
indictment against the three largest online poker sites: PokerStars,
Full Tilt Poker and Absolute
Poker. As a result, Nick turned
to smaller sites to play, but there
was not much money to be made
there.
After the shock wore off, players started to leave the United
States, moving all over the world,
to places friendlier to their life-
Those who get too
big for their pants
will be exposed in
the end.
$200-$300 a day. Most serious
players stay at it six to eight hours
a day, five days a week.
“Yes, I love my job and the
game,” says Nick as he reminisces
about the day he started playing
poker. While still in high school,
he and his friend would play a lot
of on-line video games. One day,
his friend bet $50 at an online
poker tournament, and walked
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Nick Oh plays online poker as a career, putting in six to
eight hours a day.
style. Vancouver, Playa del Carmen, and Rosarito all became favorite online poker communities.
Close to Nick’s previous home in
Orange County, Rosarito makes
an appealing place for Nick to live
the dream inexpensively while
mately 200 people have migrated
to Rosarito to play on-line poker,
and they show no signs of leaving
anytime soon. Nick remembers
the impact of that influx on the
local economy, recalling Susanna’s
in particular, whose owner had
betty’s
Authentic American Burgers
“Simply stated - the real deal“
KM 28 on the Free Road. Almost across the street of the
purple motel. Ph. (661) 116 6120. Closed Mondays
playing online poker.
For Nick and others, however,
the initial draw to Rosarito was
the presence of online poker guru
Bryan Oliver. ‘The Godfather,’ as
Oliver has come to be known, is
credited with starting the online
poker movement here in Rosarito.
When Oliver posted a thread on
2+2 (an online poker forum,) the
first phase of online poker players started flocking to Rosarito.
Oliver’s post praised Rosarito,
calling it amazing and detailing
the process of getting set up to play
poker here. Since then approxi-
to open her establishment’s basement to players, just to make room
for all of her new customers.
Nick remembers the early
days, when he and his many poker
buddies were living the party
lifestyle, “Those were the good
times,” Nick says. Today players
are taking it easy and taking the
game more seriously, as it has
become more difficult to play:
“The learning curve is too high for
someone to start as a beginner, it
would take a lot of work to catch
up,” he explains.
continued on page 7
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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.
What’s Going On
In This Country?
Well, my birthday was a little disappointing
in the gift department, thanks to each of you who
dropped the ball.
Oh, She Who Works The Can Opener came
through with a thoughtful gift, she always does.
This year it was a spa day. (See picture.) I also
got a handful of catnip joints from her boyfriend,
who thoughtfully pre rolled for me. The boxes and
wrapping were much appreciated, they’re part of
the present, no? Especially thoughtful were the use
of extra crinkly paper and the long curly que ribbons that snap back when slapped around.
My girlfriend Fluffy gave me a yoga mat for
those post nap stretches, and I scored a cool video
of birds, complete with fascinating sounds

Gas pipeline from U.S. The
federal electricity guys, (CFE),
called for bids totaling $10 million between Mexico and the
United States. Among 24 new
projects, by far the largest is a
pipeline linking two natural
gas transmission systems
from Texas to Tuxpan,
Veracruz, located on the
Gulf of Mexico. The new
pipeline will transport
natural gas from Texas,
through an underwater
route and will supply
CFE’s power plants serving the eastern, central
and western regions of
Mexico. Bids go out this
month; contracts are
scheduled to be awarded
in December 2015, with
commercial operation beginning June 2018. So, let’s
see if we’re getting this straight:
Rather than harvest the plentiful oil reserves Mexico is blessed
with, they’re going to import the
stuff from the United States. Sigh.
All those natural resources Texas
of birds. Well, they’re fascinating to me.
Come to think of it, my birthday was pretty
darn good. Next time maybe I could get my candle
stuck in a pile of tuna instead of stuck on top of
a cupcake?
And no, don’t be fooled by the single candle.
I’m not actually one year old, my age is none of
your bees wax but I will say I’m old enough to be
hopeful that there is nothing left for me to learn
the hard way.
Hey, I have a joke for you: Did you hear about
the cat who swallowed a ball of yarn? She had a
litter of mittens!
And now, drum roll, please, here’s my column,
I hope you enjoy it! ,
has underground don’t stop at
the border, you know, northern
Mexico has the same oil fields
under their ground.
Other Mexican infrastructure
projects include a new combustion plant in our
competitiveness of Mexico. Just
how Mexico is going to be more
competitive if we’re begging
for our energy from the United
States, he didn’t say.
The director general of the
Federal Electricity Commission
said the bidding process will be transparent and will
be monitored
to prevent corr upt ion. Ye a h,
yeah yeah. Not
a chance in hell
that’s going to
happen.
Oxxo expands
services. The convenience store chain
Oxxo, who some folks
call Mexico’s health food
chain, not, has announced a
new mobile phone service in
partnership with Telefónica, one
of the world’s largest broadband
and telecommunications providers. Oxxo entered the telecom
market with a new service called
mobile phone recharge that offers
preferential rates to make local
and international calls without
minimum terms.
Customers using the service
can recharge minutes from 20
pesos to 200 pesos, and make
international calls from 59 cents
a minute. However, to use the
service, you have to have an unlocked phone and a superchip,
which can be obtained free of
charge, via the Internet. The new
service joins other telephone
services offered in in Oxxo,
including time you can buy for
Telcel, Movistar, Nextel, Iusacell,
Unefon and Virgin Mobile.
Spain makes generous offer.
At the Spain-Mexico Business
Forum held in Mexico City this
month, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
said the European Union (EU)
can reduce its dependence on
Russian natural gas by import-
If you are agitated
and confused my
work here is done
state, with a capacity to
generate 42 megawatts. Energy
Secretary Pedro Joaquín Coldwell praised the investment in
infrastructure. He said the new
projects will not only meet the
energy needs of Mexico, but will
also increase local and U.S. connectivity and improve the global
5
.COM
BY SANTIAGO
VERDUGO
July 13th, 2015
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ing gas from Mexico. Right in
front of President Enrique Peña
Nieto, and Spanish King Philip,
he said Spain is ready to help
introduce Mexican energy into
the EU. Spain even has seven
re-gasification stations, placing
it in a good position to become a
gas distribution hub for the rest
of Europe. Nobody laughed out
loud, because diplomats practice
keeping straight faces in these
situations. But the fact is, Mexico
can’t even get enough oil out of
the ground and refined to make
gasoline plentiful and cheap for
CALL ME FOR GREAT BARGAINS on houses, lots and
rentals! bill’s baja bargains 760554-4238 mex:01646-1550029
gracias!
SINGLE MALE looking for
double jointed super model
who grows her own pot. Open
minded twin sister a plus. Me,
famous and well paid newspaper columnist, quite handsome.
Call 646 179 4599 and ask for
Santiago.
Zumba Class Bahia Cantiles
K-43 Thurs. 3pm / Paradise Cove
K-36 Friday 12pm Price: 15 pesos Instructor: Lupe Witherell
their own people. If they send
what little they can dig up to Europe, we Mexicans will be pretty
pissed off.
Tire factory in Coahuila,
Mexico. The Japanese are going
to build a tire plant in northern
Mexico. This will make enough
tires to supply 300,000 vehicles.
The factory will begin operations
in about a year. Don’t get excited,
better priced tires are not in the
cards for you and me, these tires
will be mounted on all those
foreign cars manufactured here
continued on page 9
First in Rosarito,
first in service
• 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
Since
1971
Let us pay pay your household
bills on your behalf. Easy set up
6
July 13th, 2015
.COM
Restaurant A Winner
Right Out Of The Gate
More than enough pasta is
the American translation of
Pasta Y Basta. this intimate
trattoria in Rosarito where chef
Christian Gritti presides over
the wide open kitchen so, as
what goes on in Italy?
Christian Gritti and his
Mexican American wife Bonnie serve dishes originating
in the northern region of Italy
and feature a special dish I have
18 years ago from Italy with
vines in hand. The prices for
these wines are $6 to $8 a glass.
Soda, coffee Pellegrino Frizzante
water, and Pellegrino sparkling
fruit beverages are available.
The menu is extensive with
three courses, as well as a dolce
(dessert in Italian).
Choosing was difficult but
we finally decided on two of
his most popular on the primi
menu. Pansotti, a fresh homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta
and spinach and sautéed with
fresh pesto. Our other choice
was his most popular dish, fet-
he says, “My customers can see
the fresh ingredients used and
where the food comes from.”
Not to mention they can check
out the cleanliness.
The chef is a young Italian
man in his twenties who comes
from a professional background
in Italy where he trained at a culinary schools in San Pellegrino,
while working as a chef at a
one star Michelin rated eatery
called Restaurante Lo Ro. He
has also worked at a variety of
restaurants stretching from his
hometown of Bergamo all the
way to the Italian Riviera and
always with rave revues from his
guests. Well, that’s what he tells
us, what would we know about
tried called pansotti and pesto;
a delicate ravioli in an equally
delicate pesto sauce. His noodles
are hand made in his kitchen
where you can see the difference between what you buy in
the super market, a dry noodle
made with flour and water, as
opposed to his noodles made
with egg, white wine, and salt.
A special dish is featured nightly
and posted on his black board,
and that changes each night.
Beer is not served and his
wine list is limited to Villa
Montefiore red and white. The
Chef chose to remain true to his
Italian heritage, choosing this
vineyard located in our Valle
owned by an Italian who arrived
tuccine frutti di mare, which is
freshly made fettuccini sautéed
with calamari, shrimp, octopus,
mussels, clams and tomatoes.
We ended with a light and delicious Tiramisu. Our second visit
was for his outstanding zuppa
di cipolle, a creamy onion soup
with fresh quail eggs from the El
Nido ranch and cheese popcorn.
His secondi menu also includes coniglio, rabbit cooked
in herbs, garlic and white wine
as well as pork ossobuco slow
cooked for four hours with
onions, carrots, celery, lemon
and herbs. All items on this
menu include polenta or potatoes roasted in foil or sautéed
vegetables.
Filling up on opening night, and most nights since
BY MARI NARA
The service was outstanding
with a professional flare but
still with a touch of rustic old
country Italian to go with the
décor and friendliness evident
in Pasta Y Basta.
You will not find lasagna or
any other southern Italian specialty on his menu, because Chef
Gritti wishes to remain true to
his northern heritage. He has in-
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
Christian and Bonnie Gritti
serve from the heart in
their restaurant in Poptola
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
cluded some of our local spices
to his dishes, however. Cilantro,
avocado and jalapeno do appear
in some of his creations. He tells
us his soups are legendary in
Italy and they feature his onion
soup with slightly hard boiled
quail eggs and popcorn bread.
The soup is a light color and no
relation to the French style.
The Grittis have their personal story framed and posted
in their restaurant, telling of
their background and what
they hope to achieve, as well as
his love of food and the dishes
continued on page 11
July 13th, 2015
7
.COM
Fish Report
Coronado Islands. Many
are calling the yellowtail fishing as good as it gets. The YT
have lit up on the Ribbon Kelp
to the south plus on the SKR
and Rockpile, as well as to the
weather side of North Island
Porque todos
necesitamos
opciones
KM. 22 Ens-Tij Toll Road
Baja, Mexico
IS THERE A PLAN HERE?...
continued from page 1
ground. The ugly overhead lines
will be planted underground, too.
Lastly, there will be stamped
concrete finish work in some
areas, landscaping, and what is
charmingly referred to as street
furniture. That would be benches
for the drunks to sleep on and
trash cans that will seldome be
emptied. ,
ONE MORE WAY TO MAKE A...
continued from page 4
Nick is not quite 30 and says
this is his best year yet. Sitting
back in his plush leather chair,
Nick talks about his plans to sit
and play for a few more years.
Many pro online poker players
and in the middle grounds.
The fish are up to 18-pounds
and are biting sardine and
mackerel along with surface
iron and yoyo jigs. If planning
to troll, use Magnum Rapalas
or X-Rap lures.
Another bonus, the yellowfin are just north of North
Island at the lower edge of
the 9-Mile Bank. Be sure that
all passengers are carrying
Mexican fishing licenses and
passports.
Ensenada. Mirroring the
Island action at the border, yellowtail action at Todos Santos
has been going off, attracting
a substantial fleet. Sometimes
as many as 20 boats are fishing
in the same vicinity. As the
weather has warmed up for
July, Gamefisher has scored
the highest catch recently
with 38 yellows weighing up
to 20-pounds. Their secret
from Rosarito live the glamourous
life, traveling the world, but Nick
is unsure what the future holds.
For now, he says, “I have plenty
of time.” ,
QUE PASA IN BAJA?...
continued from page 2
retary Claudia Ruiz Massieu,
where the strategic decisions to
promote our country are made,”
said Oscar Escobedo Carignan,
head of our state tourism office.
And, of course, our guy Oscar
will be there to make sure we get
our fair share of tourists directed
to our state.
Our budget for promotion here in this state is about
$800,000 dollars while the budget for the national council is
about $34 million USD. Oh boy,
we can hardly wait to get our
Fish Killers Of The Week
BY GARY GRAHAM
weapon was a Tady 45 scrambled-eggs colored lure.
In addition, the yellowfin
tuna action is gaining momentum offshore at the 238 Bank.
Also, there are some dorado
beginning to show up in the
kelp paddies. As sea temps
climb toward the 70??? degree
mark, it’s safe to say it’s summertime.
San Quintin. Summer here
is off to a great start with yellowfin tuna just offshore and
with yellowtail and tanker
white seabass inshore along
with calico bass and halibut;
these point to an awesome
summer for locals and visitors alike.
Bahia Los Angeles. Adding to the already blistering
yellowtail, grouper and white
seabass action is another colorful twist; along with the
landing of the season’s first
Taylor
Barnes
and Dulce
Vong with
a 34-pound
yellowtail.
dorado … not very large, but
it’s a start.
Cedros Island. After kicking off the season in June, some
big yellowtail have been creating some lifetime memories
for the parade of anglers who
are now arriving at the Island,
including Taylor Barnes and
Candy Vong with a 34-pound
yellowtail
with a 34-pound yellowtail.
Gary Graham, [email protected] ,
Cruz Roja Fashion Show August 7
Friday, August 7, 12:00 – 5:00 pm marks the date for Cruz Roja’s 40th Fashion Show and to commemorate
this milestone, the fashion show is moving up to the grand ballroom of the Calafia Hotel.
From their first show in 1975, this event has grown to be the most popular fund-raiser
for Cruz Roja. Your $20 ticket includes the fashion show and a delightful luncheon. Or
you may reserve a table of ten and be assured of sitting with your friends. Tickets are
available at the thrift store, (located behind Waldo’s in town), or from any board member.
Entertainment will be provided by master of ceremonies Eddie Alpuche, and relaxing music during lunch performed by Pablo, no last name. (Like there’s only one Pablo
in Mexico).
Choice ensembles will be modeled during a runway auction by representatives of
several of Rosarito’s service organizations. These clothes, donated by the community,
have been lovingly collected and tended to by thrift store volunteers since Christmas.
The most popular part of the event is the boutique, which will be open one hour before
and after the fashion show, offering clothing for the entire family, accessories, jewelry, and
upscale household items. Shoppers normally stand in line early just to get the best bargains.
All proceeds will go directly to the Cruz Roja hospital of Rosarito and to their ambulance service. Remember, ambulance service to the Cruz Roja hospital is free for members. This is a good deal as trips to the border are discounted from $200 to $100 for the
members. We’re not sure what happens if you don’t become a member, if you’re just left in
the street to rot, or what, but we’re not interested in finding out.
Tickets are going fast to this popular event, so shake a leg so you don’t get left
out. ,
hands on some of that loot.
Good holiday for us. The
4th of July holiday was good to
us. Kiko Vega, our governor,
is saying that we got at least
$6 million more than last year
from tourists who came here,
for a total this year of around
$56 million. He also said that we
hosted around 212,500 tourists
during the weekend. Business
associations from Tijuana and
Ensenada reported an increase
of somewhere between 20% to
30% in sales over last year. We’re
on a roll!
New bike ride. The organizers of the Rosarito-Ensenada
bike ride are bringing us a new
ride that is being called Ruta del
Vino. The route starts and ends
at the Guadalupe Ranch in the
Guadalupe valley, with a glass
of wine included. The ride is 37
miles long and should take you
from two to three hours to finish,
unless you’re a real wimp. Around
6,000 participants are expected.
Water for the farmers. Governor Kiki Vega has announced
letting bids for the construction
of a desalination plant in San
Quentin just south of here. It’s
the first project to be developed
through a program of a publicprivate partnership.
The growth of this agriculcontinued on page 11
8
.COM
July 13th, 2015
Calendar of Events
All prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
ROSARITO
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 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, 661612-3659. [email protected]
Every Third Wednesday (except December). 10am.
Flying Samaritans meeting at Villas del Mar clubhouse
on free road 2 miles south of Rosarito. Volunteers
provide free health ser vices and clinics. www.
flyingsamaritansrosarito.org. Susan Smith, 661-1006066, U.S. 858-240-2360. [email protected]
Every Third Wednesday (except December). 2-4pm.
Bingo at Oceana Grill & Cafe, Blvd. Benito Juárez #90724. Great prizes, 6 different games. Benefits Flying
Samaritans. www.flyingsamaritansrosarito.org. Susan
Smith, 661-100-6066, U.S. 858-240-2360. susansmithz@
hotmail.comEvery 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, 664-9760613, U.S. 619-621-0292. [email protected]
Every Third Thursday. 9am. 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.
Different speakers brought in to inform or address
issues of concern to foreigners living in Mexico. frao@
rosarito.org
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
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 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.
July 16 – August 2 Rosarito Fair 2015 in the Rosarito
town square. Artists, bands, go karts, animal rides. 60
pesos, adults; 20 pesos, children.
July 17-19. Friday-Sunday. 6th Annual Expo Rock
— Revolution Ave., between 7th and 8th, Tijuana. Art,
cultlure and rock and roll come together. Also, tribute
bands for Grand Funk Railroad and Red Hot Chili
Peppers. 619-581-7121 or 661-106-4812 or craigklein@
onebox.com.
July 18. Saturday. 1st Annual Ruta del Vino Bicycle
Ride & Wine Festival, from Rosarito to Valle de
Guadalupe. Your choice between a 40 mile race and 20
mile fun ride. rutadelvinobikeride.com
July 18-19. Saturday-Sunday. 11am to 10pm. Festival
Raztlan Extremo — Rosarito Beach extreme sports,
extreme music, extreme food and wine, even a circus.
Downhill freestyle jetski motocross mma muaithai
reggae ska rock jazz foodtrucks winetasting artesania
bajamed circo neuromania. WineTasting Artesania
BajaMed Circo NeuroMania Contact 619-581-7121 or
661-106-4812 or [email protected].
July 18-21 Saturday-Tuesday. Percusiones de
las Californias — CECUT, Tijuana. 2nd Meeting of
Percussion of the Californias” in the Cultural Center of
Tijuana. Teachers, artists and drummers. 664 118-2888.
July 20-22. Monday-Wednesday. Premios de los
calles. Mexican Music Competition., various styles.
Rosarito Fairgrounds and Rosarito Beach Hotel. Redcarpet event with 20 nominees performing. Tickets $10,
$20 and $35 at Roma Farmacias. Contact ginarosales@
premiosdelacalle.mx or call 619 248 4428.
July 20-27. Monday-Monday. Discover the Baja
Peninsula week-long bus tour stops in Guerreo Negro,
San Ignacio, Mulege, Loreto and LaPaz $580 USD
664-381-9046 and 664-202-2647July 23, Thursday,
11:00 am. Friends of the Library no Limit Texas hold
‘em. Doors open at 10:00 am. Club Marena Clubhouse.
Buy-in: $30/Seat reservations are required; 48 player
max. Rules and Information: www.friendsofthelibrary.
com.mx. 40 mile race and 20 mile fun ride. Info www.
rutadelvinobikeride.com
July 23 4 pm. Informational meeting on a watch
that can summon help if you have a medical emergency.
Learn how this gadget can keep you independent and
safe. Las Rocas Hotel at KM 38.5 on the free road.
reservations 661 612 9090.
July 24. Friday. 6pm. Papas and Beer 32nd
Anniversary w/ Space Theme — Rosarito. Table
reservations [email protected]. Cel.
(661)110-3246
July 25. Saturday. 5pm. Baja Cowboys Rockin’
Summer Concert Under the Stars — Ruben’s Palm Grill,
Primo Tapia. Dinner: 5-7pm (sold separately at venue).
Concert: 7:00 to 9:30pm After Party Jam: 9:30 to 11pm.
Tickets with a variety of packages. A portion of this
concert’s proceeds goes to benefit All the Pretty Horses.
July 26. Sunday. 7am. Tijuana International
Marathon and Half-Marathon
August 1. Saturday. 11am. Annual Chili Cook-off
— La Salina Beach Cantina
7th chili cookoff. Sign up sheets will be at the
Cantina after June 1st. $20.00 team entry fee. Cooking
starts at 11:00 & judging @ 3:00.
August 1-2. Saturday-Sunday Baja International
Short Course Race, held at Estero Beach Hotel. Tickets
and info at lucasoiloffroad.com
August 6. Thursday. 5-10 pm. Wateke Fiesta and
Fundraiser #3 for Baja Sand. Location pending. Hear
about opportunities to get involved, enjoy great food
and great performers
August 7, Friday noon – 4:00 PM. Cruz Roja 40th
Anniversary Fashion Show. Calafia ballroom. $20
donation, advance tickets. Mary Moreno, miquerdomx@
yahoo.com. August 26, Saturday, 5:00 pm – 9:00
pm. Sabor de Baja White Attire Party and Culinary
Competition at the Rosarito Beach Hotel garden.
Showcasing Baja’s top chefs paired with fine Mexican
wines and craft beers. $65. Tickets are limited, and all
guests must wear white. Price includes all food and
drink pairings, entertainment by Maryam Malak, and
a commemorative wine glass. Available at Extreme Hair
Salon (cash only), Rosarito Beach Hotel (cash or credit
card), and the Mi Casa Supper Club, (cash, check or
credit card), or through PayPal at Sabordebaja@gmail.
com. Must be 21. www.facebook.com/SaborDeBaja,
664-609-3459.
August 9, 12:00 – 7:00 PM. Rosarito Sea Food
Festival at Rosarito Beach Hotel. 15+ Rosarito area sea
food restaurants represented. Live music, folk dancers,
singers, raffle. [email protected]; www.
rosarito.org. phone: 661-612-0396 or 612-0700.
August 15. Saturday. 4pm. Cruz Roja Voluntarios
Fundraising Dinner — San Antonio Del Mar. Maryam
Malak and Ed Jones in their 1st joint appearance, Raffle,
craft beers, more.
August 15. Saturday. Placido Domingo at Vinedos
San Gabriel, Valle de Guadalupe
.August 15. Saturday. 4pm. Cruz Roja Voluntarios
Fundraising Dinner — San Antonio Del Mar
August 15-16. Saturday-Sunday. Rosarito Surf
and Music Festival 2015 — by the pier. Need sponsors,
need bands, need exhibitors and vendors of products.
Free entry. Contact 619-581-7121 or 661-106-4812 or
[email protected].
August 22. Saturday. Baja Reggae Camping — Papas
& Beer
August 21-23. Friday - Sunday. Baja Blues Fest —
Rosarito Beach Hotel. Help support local charities.
Beachfront gardens of Rosarito Beach Hotel. Ticket
packages available, or single day tickets. Friday night
and Sunday afternoon jams. Full line-up on Saturday.
Outdoors, bring sunscreen, hat, jacket, etc.
August 21 – 23, Friday - Sunday; Baja Blues Fest.
Friday, 7:00 – 11:00 pm; Saturday, 10:15 am – 8:00 pm;
Sunday jam session. Six blues bands featuring Tommy
Castro; vendors, food and drinks. 3 day ticket $35 in
advance; Saturday only: $30 in advance or $25 at gate.
Friday or Sunday tickets, $10 each day. Tickets online
at www.bluesfest.org, or at Click-On.Com after June
1. Contact Jackie Alameda for more information or to
volunteer. [email protected]; phone: 1-800520-5471 (US) OR 001-880-520-5471 (MX).
August 26, Wednesday, 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Sabor de
Baja White Attire Party and Culinary Competition at
the Rosarito Beach Hotel garden. Showcasing Baja’s
top chefs paired with Mexican wines and craft beers.
$65, tickets are limited, and all guests MUST wear
white. Price includes all food and drink pairings.
entertainment by Maryam Malak. Tickets at Extreme
Hair Salon (cash only), Rosarito Beach Hotel (cash
or credit card), and the Mi Casa Supper Club during
business hours (cash, check or credit card), or through
PayPal at [email protected]. Must be 21 years of
age. Information: www.facebook.com/SaborDeBaja,
664-609-3459.
August 26 Wednesday The culinary event of the year
is always Sabor de Baja, held at the beachfront gardens
of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. This annual event always
sells out, so get you tickets early. (661) 100 6066 or (858)
240 2360. $65. www.sabordebaja.com
August 27, Thursday all day. A day at Del Mar horse
track. Bus leaves from Rene’s parking lot. $42, includes
reserved seating in shade. Required to make $15 in
refreshment purchases. Money must be to Dorothy
Southern by July 11. Information: email: bdbaja@gmail.
com; phone: 1-619-370-6285.
Aug 29. Saturday. 1pm. Arts and Trees 2015 —
Revolution Ave., between 9th and 10th, Tijuana. An
Urban Festival of music and art, with a focus on DIY
(Do It Yourself) creations being displayed and sold.
continued on NEXT page
July 13th, 2015
9
.COM
Family friendly and Pet friendly. No cover.
Aug 29. Saturday. 1pm. Arts and Trees 2015 —
Revolution Ave., between 9th and 10th, Tijuana. An
Urban Festival of music and art, with a focus on DIY (do
it yourself) creations being displayed and sold. Family
friendly and pet friendly. No cover.
August 29-30 Saturday and Sunday. Baja Sand
raises money for local charities. Sand sculptures, food,
entertainment.Rosarito Beach, north of the Pier.
August 30, Sunday, 9:00 am. “Wateke” Baja Sand
and Social. This year at Los Rocas Resort. Culmination
of the sand castle contest and beach games: futbol,
basketball, volleyball, surfing and a bike fun ride.
Nighttime entertainment, 5:00 pm– 10:00 pm. Donation
50 pesos. www.facebook.com/Wateke Baja Sand. www.
flysams4thjulybbq.com or flysams4thjulybbq@gmail.
com Reserve a table to guarantee seating in the shade.
August 30, Sunday, 9:00 am. “Wateke” Baja Sand
and Social. This year at Los Rocas Resort. Culmination
of the sand castle contest and beach games: futbol,
basketball, volleyball, surfing and a bike fun ride.
Nighttime entertainment, 5:00 pm– 10:00 pm. Donation
50 pesos. www.facebook.com/Wateke Baja Sand.
September 25. Friday. San Diego Padres Fiesta at the
Park at Petco Park, San Diego. Presentation of Mexican
culture with mariachis, folklorico and flamenco
dancers, Lucha Libre Exhibition (yes Luche Libre!!!),
Live DJ, and food & drink. Watch the presentation and
then stay for the Padres game.
September 26. Saturday. 10 am. Rosarito to
Ensenada Bicycle Ride starts on Benito Juarez Blvd,
in front of Rosarito Beach Hotel. This family-friendly
bike ride is held twice a year. Some ride to compete, but
most ride for fun. Big end-of-ride-party in Ensenada.
September 30 to October 3. Wednesday to Saturday.
6th Annual Mariachi & Ballet Folklorico Festival,
people’s choice competition and workshops, held at the
Rosarito Beach Hotel. The two time Grammy Award
winning mariachi divas, workshops, and cocktails with
the stars.
October 1-3. 8am. Mariachi y Ballet Folklorico
Festival/Workshops. Rosarito Beach Hotel. 6th Annual
October 2-4. Friday-Sunday. EnTijuanaArte Art
Event — Cecut, Tijuana and competitions between U.S.
and Mexican mariachis, singing and dancing. (661) 100
6066 or (858) 240 2360 or Facebook it again.
Oct 8-12 Baja Culinary Fest — Tijuana, stay tuned
for more info.
Oct 14-18 Tijuana Tequila Expo Festival — Tijuana,
stay tuned for more info.
Oct 31 October-1 November. Saturday-Sunday.
KatrinaFest — IMAC Park, Rosarito. ,
ENSENADA
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, A.C. 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.
[email protected] Fourth Thursday. Red Hat
Society lunch at various local restaurants. Tillie Foster, cell
646-171-5292. [email protected] 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 14. Tuesday. 6pm. Classical Guitar Concert, free.
Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044
July 15. Wednesday. 7pm. Jazz and Blues afternoon
concert series, featuring Deja Blues, Free. ICBC Ensenada
(CEARTE) (686) 553-5044
July 18. Saturday. 1-8pm. Tarde de Arte 2015 — Pacifica at Ensenada Bay, Ensenada (646) 173-2213 $750
pesos includes food, wine and music. Calle Huerta,
between Pedro Loyola and the Pacific Ocean. One block
from Macroplaza Del Mar.
July 18, Saturday, 10:00 am. First Annual Ruta del
Vino Bicycle Ride and Wine Festival, Guadalupe valley.
40 mile race or 20-mile fun ride. Wine pairing and food
at the end. Facebook: Ruta Rural.
July 18. Saturday. 1-8pm. Tarde de Arte 2015 — Pacifica at Ensenada Bay, Ensenada
July 19. Sunday. 9am. Paint Run 5K Ensenada Hotel
Paraiso Las Palmas, Ensenada (646) 156-5164 or (646)
148-6412 Cost $150 pesos
July 22. Wednesday. 7pm. Jazz and Blues Afternoon
Concerts Series, featuring Mj’s Trio, Free. ICBC Ensenada
(CEARTE) (686) 553-5044
July 23. Thursday. 7pm. Concert, Noches Sonicos.
ICBC Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044
July 24. Friday. 8pm. Music Recital featuring Camara.
Free. ICBC Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044
July 24. Friday. Papas and Beer 32nd anniversary
celebration, they’re shutting down the street again.
July 25. Saturday. 8pm. Concert, featuring Padma
Khandro — ICBC Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044
July 29. Wednesday. 7pm. Jazz and Blues Afternoon
Concert Series, featuring Amaretto Blues. Free. ICBC
Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044
August 1 & 2 Saturday & Sunday Baja International
short course go cart race, held at Estero Beach Hotel.
Tickets and info at lucasoiloffroad.com
If you would like your Ensenada based event listed
here, email details to [email protected]. There
is no charge.
August 2. Sunday. 9am. Run With Color Ensenada
2015 5K run to support Kids with Cancer. Explanada Playa Hermosa, Ensenada (646) 205-3720 Cost $200 pesos
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THIS...
continued from page 5
and sent to the United States and
over seas.
Out! Out! Mexico has stepped
up the deportation of Central
Americans, thousands of whom
are un-escorted children. Mexico’s National Migration Institute,
(you foreigners all know who
those guys are), reported depor-
tations at 12,000 in the first five
months of this year, an increase
of 49% over the same period last
year. Immigrants are primarily from Guatemala, Honduras
and El Salvador. The push north
from Central America is caused
by gang and cartel violence, corruption, high unemployment and
low wages. Uh, how exactly does
that differ from Mexico?
Here’s another shocking statistic: the Secretary of the Interior
Pssst! Wanna Build An Oceanfront Resort?
Project: Land in Rosarito between Las Ventanas and
Cantamar is on the block for a mere $27/sq ft. Ideal for
resort, now that resort property is selling like hot cakes.
Contact Alfredo Aragon, Tels (01 81) 8381-3323,
1806-8164,. [email protected].
said Mexico deported 107,814
migrants in 2014, most of them
from Central America. More
than 18,000 of them were children. And Mexico is whining
about the Mexicans deported
from the United States? Hipócrita
is the word you’re looking for. It
means hypocritical in Spanish.
Fast food tax. As of July 1,
2015, Mexico will slap 16% IVA
(sales tax), on fast food. The regulation includes sandwiches, cakes
and lunches, including ciabatta,
pepitos, baguettes, paninis or
subs, gorditas, quesadillas, tacos
or flautas, and wrapped burritos, including rolls and wraps,
croissants, bakes, pies, pizza, hot
dogs, pancakes, wings, muffins,
burgers, sushi, tamales, instant
soups and nachos. So, basically,
anything quick, processed, not
healthy, and tasty.
Not ready for UPS. A truck
carrying almost 10,000 United
States visas for Mexican citizens
was hijacked earlier this month
and the visas were stolen. The
story came to light after email
messages were sent by U.S. officials to Mexicans whose visas
were among those on the truck.
The theft took place in northern
Mexico when a truck was carry-
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• Sophisticated local hospitals • Private ambulance
service
• Help with claims by native
• Licensed Ins. Broker
English speaker
www.insuranceinbaja.com
Ph. (664) 158-0472 • In the Rosarito Beach Hotel
strip mall on Benito Juarez Blvd.
ing the documents from the U.S.
to Consulates in Monterrey and
Guadalajara.
Also stolen were some electronic border crossing cards;
an alert has been issued so they
cannot be used and the visa applicants were also advised to take
measures to prevent the information on the cards from being used
for identity theft.
It is feared that cartels will use
the stolen visas to move migrants
across the border into the U.S.
The U.S. has had other visa
problems this month as a result
of a computer malfunction that
has halted the visa process. The
50,000 visa applications received
daily from around the world have
been piling up since June 9 and as
of Monday was the problem was
not expected to be resolved until
next week. Among those affected
were more than 1,000 temporary
farmworkers from Mexico waiting at the border to work on the
summer harvest.
Visas have since been issued
to 1,250 whose biometric data
was already in the system. The
computer hardware problem
is linked to that data and has
continued on page 12
10
July 13th, 2015
.COM
Finally! A Furniture Store
That’s Not Mexican
A little variety here, please
BY ANITA BREAK
We have a new specialty
furniture store in town.
John Hall tells us he started
his first little furniture store in
Palm Springs in 1990, although
he won’t tell us the name of it,
nor will he tell us the reason he
won’t tell us the reason, so we
will just call it John’s Mystery
Store. Doesn’t nearly everyone
down here have something they
want to drop off their resume?
Come to think of it, doesn’t everyone over the age of 18 have
something they want to drop
off their resume? So we’ll give
him a pass.
He says his business grew so
big that he moved into a 40,000
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In Puerto Nuevo, on the main
entrance street, next to Don Pisto
square foot facility, although
some of that vast space was
sub-leased to other stores. He
privately called it “the mall”.
John Hall and his partner
John Connell say they were
fixtures in Palm Springs for all
that time. John H tells us he was
the first furniture store owner
in Palm Springs to specialize in
mid-century modern and he became a notable personality. He
even had his own local half hour
TV show for almost 10 years to
talk about the subject he loves.
He’s pretty sure he himself personally started the mid century
square feet but it is loaded with
mid-century modern gems that
the boys put in storage when
they blew out of Palm Springs.
They say they are already
doing a fire sale business, exceeding their goals, and maybe
so, as while the Gringo Gazette
was on site in the space of less
than two hours we saw for ourselves that they sold an entire
living room set, five chrome
and plastic chairs, a beautiful
wooden dresser, some vases,
and two other nick-nacks.
Maybe the reason items
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Ph. (661) 100-2186
Blvd. Benito Juarez #16-A, Rosarito
Across from Bonanova Hospital
modern trend, although it was
around from the 1950s when
visionary modernist architects
designed sleek, modern homes
that embraced the desert environment. The dramatic geography of the Palm Springs
area inspired the use of glass,
clean lines, and indoor/outdoor
spaces. It evoked a lifestyle of
simple elegance and informality. Influenced by the dictates
of desert living and the intense
climate, the style grew out of
architects’ and designers’ use
of inventive materials, modern
construction techniques, and
new (post-war) technologies.
Anyhow, the Johns jumped
on the trend and they have
now brought this interesting
furniture to Rosarito Beach. It
all happened this way:
Two years ago the partners
retired to Rosarito but they
became bored and restless and
were unable to resist the siren
call from their beloved furniture. Last month they opened
a little store in Rosarito called
John Hall Furniture. (Just how
John the Connell feels about being left out of the name is more
mystery surrounding this couple). This store is a mere 1,500
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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
are flying out of the store is
the prices are, um, thrifty. So
thrifty that some of their buyers
are resellers who ship the goods
to San Diego and Los Angeles.
John the Hall whispered to us
that a bamboo couch and two
chairs in a gorgeous floral fabric
would go for about $5,000 to
$6,000 in the States but he was
selling it here for a low, low
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$1,000. And he delivers for free
if you ask.
The Johns also carry some
unique items like china service
that TWA used in 1960 and
hand blown vases from Norway.
Their inventory also includes
wall hangings and artistic works
from Europe.
This store is unique in Rosarito, or at least we’ve never
seen anything like it. So far
their clientele has been mostly
stumble in by accident, with the
exception of the resellers who
know the Johns from their previous life, although they have
just launched an advertising
campaign.
True to the storied lifestyle
of Palm Springs, the boys have
a sign at the entrance stating
clothing is optional, but we
think they’re kidding. They
love to joke and tell stories
while they’re giving tours of
their inventory. If you are a
playful spirit and love furniture
you could not go to a better
place to be entertained, enlightened and enchanted.
The Johns’ store is on the east
side of the free road just north
of the Don Pisto liquor store at
Km 29. They are open from 10
to 6 every day, but closed on
Tuesdays and Wednesdays. So,
scratch what we just said about
open every day, we lied. Phone
number is 661-121-9405. ,
School’s out, so of course it’s time
already to plan for the first day of the next
semester of school. All through July school
supplies are being collected for distribution to
local children who struggle to afford them.. The
event is being coordinated by the organization
Sara En Movimiento. Their rather ambitious
goal is to provide a bundle of supplies to each
of 500 children. Each
bundle includes pencils,
erasers, pens, colored pencils, markers, rulers, calculators,
paper, composition books, binders, folders, protractors, and
even decorative or motivational stickers. Can’t have a school
binder with no stickers on it can we? Just because we’re poor we
don’t have to be boring do we? Of course not, let’s make this fun.
And you can help with this, by giving money or supplies.
Stationery stores in the U.S. are starting to offer many of these
supplies on coupon sales. And don’t forget to check out the dollar
stores, they’re a good source of colorful, fun, and
inexpensive school supplies. Take just ten minutes
out of your next trip to San Diego to help the children
of our city.
There are four drop-off locations:
KaBaCo by the Sea — turn toward the
beach at Dominos, and go two blocks.
Charly’s Place – On the free
road, KM 37.5, stop and have a good
dinner or at least a drink.
Mariscos Resaka – on the
boulevard across from Office Depot
(convenient for purchasing items, people!)
Leo’s Restaurant – On the free road, KM 52
The loot will be passed out to the children on August 3, so shake a leg! We did well
last year, let’s increase our haul this year.
Wouldn’t it be cool to have a guy dressed up like Santa Claus hand out the stuff?
That would confuse the little blighters. OK, it was just a thought. ,
July 13th, 2015
RESTAURANT A WINNER...
QUE PASA IN BAJA?...
continued from page 6
continued from page 7
he plans to feature. The four
courses that are typical in Italian
families are explained so their
menu becomes familiar and easy
to peruse.
Bonnie and Christian began
a business in Rosarito selling his
pastas out of their home. It was
going well but then they saw on
the free road a small store front
attached to a store called Pinata.
This store had seen better days
and needed a complete renovation, but they bought it, as this
was their dream. Bonnie loved
much of the store’s furnishings
and decided to keep many of
them, which they are selling off
right out out the restaurant, the
proceeds going to the former
owner. Her father, who owns a
business in Otay Mexico, also
agreed to help with the renovation that took 18 days of hard
labor. The trattoria was finished
and opened on June 18th and it
seats 30.
A Trattoria is a less formal
setting than a reastaurant, and
is always small, with casual service. It is unpretentious often
following regional recipes with
a rustic feel, a family setting
with the emphasis on a steady
clientele rather than elaborate
meals. Sometimes a trattoria
serves family style. A trattoria
also follows an ever changing
seasonal menu with cheese and
wine and in the winter months,
wild game. This is the ambiance
the Grittis aimed for and have
achieved.
Their first night they served
60 dinners and had a full house
for the rest of the weekend. As
I was fortunate enough to attend their first seating, I saw
the entire restaurant stand and
applaud when Christian came
from behind his kitchen to see to
his guests. That’s not something
I see every day. These young
people work hard, they are always present, and always wish
each client a grazie and buon
appetito with a cheerful smile
on their face.
Pasta y Basta does not as yet
have a website, but does have
a Facebook page where he can
announce his daily specials as
well as any changes in his menu.
The restaurant is very new
with its grand opening in late
June and already has many
return diners and a full house
on most evenings. Watch for
extended hours during the summer months.
It’s at Km 28.5 Boulevard
Artesanal Popotla across the
street from Castillo Del Mar.
Open 4 to 9 pm, closed on
Wednesdays. Reservations can
be made at {661}1179 825. No
credit cards at this time. ,
11
.COM
tural area has been stunted by
a diminishing supply of ground
water as the huge influx of farms
has drained the groundwater
below the level of sustainability.
Currently San Quintin farms can
barely get 135 liters of water per
second from various wells, but
demand is 218 liters per second.
The new plant is designed to generate 250 liters per second, with
the possibility of expanding this
capacity to 500 liters per second.
The Gov pointed out that 10
years ago there are one third as
many acres planted now then
were planted 10 years ago, and
this impacts employment which
impacts the economy of the state.
He said with the desal plant we
will be able to recover arable
land.
There is also a desal plant in
Ensenada that’s under construction.
Workin’ the crowd. Rosarito’s
Cruz Roja volunteers were the
top contributor of all organizations to this year’s Cruz Roja
Collecta. Those are the people
wo stand in the streets shaking their buckets at you as you
drive by.
We, (what, you weren’t out
there? Shame on you!) collected
over $5000 U.S. to donate to
our local medical industry. This
money all stays in the commu-
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In Ensenada: Obregon #747 • Ph. (646) 177 1750 • US. (619) 730 0004
nity, paying for our ambulance
service and hospital. Way to go!
Oh no! The government of
Baja California, through the
state Ministry of Tourism, thinks
Rosarito needs a shot in the arm
and they think they have just the
prescription.
They are fretting over the
high rise condo buildings that
were abandoned during our
Time of Troubles a few years ago.
Many of them have sprang back
continued on page 12
David Flores
[email protected]
Cell (624) 121-1214
12
July 13th, 2015
.COM
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THIS...
continued from page 9
prevented the transmission of
fingerprints and photographs.
Turns out the people expecting the documents were all sent
an email saying they were on
their way down the highway in
a blue truck driven by a guy in a
mustache named Jesus, he would
be unarmed and he liked to stop
at fish taco stands that carries
breaded, not grilled fish.
At press time 9,000 of the
visas had been “found” “abandoned” at a mall parking lot.
Don’t mess with the US of A.
No more net fishing. Commercial net fishing, including
nets used in small fishing boats,
has been suspended for two years
by the Mexican government to
protect an endangered species of
porpoise. Fishing with nets is forbidden in the Gulf of California,
also known as the Sea of Cortez,
in order to protect the vaquita
marina, a rare porpoise common
only to the northern part of the
Gulf of California. The estimated
number of individuals dropped
below 100 in 2014, pretty much
putting it on the goner list.
Shark! In the wake of all those
recent shark attacks in North
Carolina, everyone’s a little jumpy
and now a great white shark was
found by a team of researchers
in Mexican Pacific waters off
Guadalupe Island, 150 miles off
the coast of Baja. Supposedly this
was the largest white shark ever
videoed, according to Mauricio
Hoyos Padilla, marine biologist
and shark specialist. It was a female measuring 20 feet long. ,
QUE PASA IN BAJA?...
continued from page 11
to life now that the Gringos love
us again and investment capital
is back, but many are still mired
in legal and financial wrangling.
Now the wise guys at the
tourist buereau have cooked up
a scheme to get the buildings
vibrant again, and economicaly
viable. They’re calling their
scheme timeshare. Sigh.
Chinese anyone? No? Too
Soon? Yes, too soon. Last month
several Chinese restaurants in
Tijuana were caught serving
Happy Hour
Mon-Friday
2-6 PM
burying Rover and scrubbing
the kitchens. The other four have
taken no steps. We’ll just wait a
bit longer, meanwhile we’ll enjoy
a good plate of Mexican.
Happy birthday to us. 20
years ago Rosarito Beach became
its own boss, breaking away from
Dinner Special $9.00
Chicken w/ oporto wine
sauce & potatoe risotto
dog. When health department
officials, (they have those in
Mexico?) went into the kitchens
and the backyards, they found
dog carcases and still live dogs
penned up in cages. They were all
shut down. Now seven of the 25
restaurants that were closed have
already re-opened their doors to
the public.
So far 85 percent of the restaurants have opened again.
Of the 25 businesses fined for
various infractions, 17 are open
again and four more are still
On the old
Splash location
KM 52 Free Road
Rosarito-Ensenada
Tijuana which it was a division
of then.
Way back in 1983
a committee was
formed to invesitgate the feasability of breaking
away, and eight
years of negotiations later, in
1995, the State Congress authorized the
legal formation of
Playas de Rosarito.
The governor of Baja Cali-
Resort Lifestyle
on Oceanfront
Condos
SENIORS 50% OFF
YOUR CHECK*
showing this ad
Located Inside
Starting at 200K
*Restrictions apply.
Only on orders for adults 55 or
older. One coupon per customer.
Not valid on lobster, steaks or
molcajetes. Valid until July 31
fornia, (that’s our state, Bunky),
was Ernesto Ruffo who appointed Hugo Torres, owner
of the Rosarito Beach Hotel, as
the first mayor. Torres
was instrumental
in the breakup, as
he felt our tax
money went
on a one way
ride to TJ, and
we were not
seeing enough
in city services
to explain our high
tax base.
To commemorate this historic event, there were a bunch
of parties you didn’t get invited
to. They were boring anyway, as
mostly they were a stroll down
Memory Lane, with various government officials congratulating
themselves on how far RB has
come since she broke out on her
Not all those
who wander
are lost
The Best Deal on Rosarito’s Coast
Experience the Grand and Splendor
July Special!
own. And now she’s all grown
up. ,
GASOLINE WARS HEAT UP...
continued from page 1
discounts of up to 30 centavos per
liter, not a lot, but it’s something.
There are about four liters in a
gallon.
Prices should only get better,
as the plan is for the government
to completely open the gasolinera
business to competition by 2018,
when international companies
will partner with national distributors. Once the government
allows free enterprise into the
industry, hopefully it’s going to
be Katie bar the door. That’s the
plan, anyway. Mexico does not
have a history of relishing competition, and laws requiring it are
often ignored. ,
La Mision
Rentals & Sales
Ph. 760-250-7055
www.bajatom.com • [email protected]
1•866•323•3969
www.lajollareal.com
On the free road to Tijuana #3114
Blvd. Popotla, Rosarito
Houses for Rent from $300 month
Lots for Sale from $20K • Houses for Sale from $50K