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Gringo Gazette

Baja Norte, Ensenada, San Diego

Ensenada-San Diego Ferry Project Moving Forward

The project to operate a ferry, a large vessel that can transport vehicles and people, that makes regular trips between San Diego and Ensenada, is very advanced and could be consolidated in the upcoming summer season. Kurt Honold Morales, Secretary of Economy and Innovation in Baja California, reported that the federal authorities of Mexico and the United States have approved the project, and discussions are underway with various agencies to address the details. He highlighted the interest in this proposal of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and the Secretary of the Mexican Navy, Rafael Ojeda Durán.

They have already acquired the vessel. Honold Morales added that the representatives of the company Azteca Ferrys, which will be responsible for providing the service, have already purchased the vessel, which complies with all safety standards and environmental regulations. Additionally, the state official said that they are in dialogue with the port authorities of San Diego, as well as the Administration of the National Port System (Asipona) Ensenada. He emphasized that, tentatively for this year’s summer, regular maritime tours connecting both countries could begin.

Another project that is well advanced, he stressed, is the so-called “trolley” San Diego-Tijuana, which is being carried out by the same company that planned and operates the border crossing at the Tijuana airport and has been very successful.

SOURCE: Gerardo Sánchez, El Vigia

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Photo courtesy of El Vigia
 Ensenada, Sports

“Mermaid of the Water” Surf Festival Announced in Ensenada

With the intention of generating healthy and educational events, as well as promoting the unity of the community and women who practice the sport of surfing, women from Ensenada will hold the “Sirenas al Agua Surf Festival”. This is the first female surfing tournament, which will take place on April 15th and 16th at Playa San Miguel, with a prize pool of 30,000 pesos and a registration fee of 500 pesos. Yolanda Sierra, a member of the group “Nosotras y el Mar”, indicated that the female event will begin with an icebreaker on the evening of April 14th at the craft beer establishment called “Magnánima”. “As Ensenada surfers, we believe it is necessary to hold healthy and educational events to promote the unity and community of women in surfing,” she said.

She pointed out that in addition to promoting healthy competition, the basic rules of the sport will be disseminated, among other factors, so that it can be practiced safely. They also seek to encourage healthy competition in the younger generations and promote surfing as a professional sport, creating healthy habits through responsible and friendly events between humans and the environment. Additionally, this tournament seeks to generate an economic benefit for the community due to the people who could come from other cities or the neighboring state of California.

Finally, it was reported that on April 14th, during the icebreaker, registration will take place, and a competition kit will be provided to the competitors. Informative talks will also be offered, and films related to this exciting activity will be screened. The tournament will take place on April 15th and 16th, and at the same time, there will be yoga, skateboarding, music, a bazaar, and a camping area.

SOURCE: El Vigia
Photo courtesy of El Vigia

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News

Baja California Starts its Vacation Season

State authorities, as well as those from the municipalities of Rosarito, Ensenada, San Quintín, and San Felipe, have started the holiday operative that will be implemented during Easter week. However, Tijuana was not represented during the launch of the operation.

Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, the Governor of the State, stated that with the joint operation, involving different secretariats – Economy, Public Security, Tourism, and Environment – as well as municipalities, they hope this period ends with no incidents.

She added that a special assistance and orientation hotline for local and foreign tourists will be opened, with the number 078, in addition to the various social media channels of the State Government.

Capufe, Ángeles Verdes, the National Guard, State Public Security, municipal police, Red Cross, Fiarum, Profeco, and the Fire Department of each municipality will also participate in the holiday operation.

“In Ensenada, we will have 191 personnel and 96 units for patrols in tourist areas; Tecate’s Civil Protection and Firefighters will support with their six stations to promptly attend emergencies, and we will also have five vehicles in strategic points of the State to assist tourists,” said the Governor during her morning press conference held in Playas de Rosarito.

Similarly, Tecate will activate the Tourist Police who will cover the entry and exit points of the city with 138 personnel and 15 units.

For its part, the Red Cross will make available 120 personnel and 36 ambulances, while the Secretary of Citizen Security will patrol the busiest areas.

Regarding this, Leopoldo Aguilar, the head of the department, indicated that the area where they will pay the most attention is La Rumorosa, not because of criminal incidents, but because it is where there is the highest risk of accidents among vacationers.

However, during the launch of the operation, the absence of Tijuana’s units was highlighted, despite the fact that most foreign tourists arrive through Tijuana.

Federal agencies such as Profeco or the National Institute of Migration will open modules in tourist areas, border crossings, the central bus station, and the airport, but it was not mentioned if Tijuana would implement any activity related to the state operation.

Ávila Olmeda also announced the distribution of a discount card throughout the State, “Be a tourist in BC,” which can be obtained physically at the tourist service modules of each municipality, or digitally through the portal www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx.

SOURCE: Semanario ZETA

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Rosarito, Water

Former Director of CESPT Discusses Water Issues with Pro-Municipality Committee

The Pro-Municipality Committee of Rosarito, Baja California recently invited Enrique Ruelas, former director of the State Public Service Commission of Tijuana (CESPT), to discuss water issues affecting the region.

During the meeting, Ruelas spoke about the challenges faced by the CESPT, particularly with regard to the distribution of water to different parts of the state. He also discussed the need for better infrastructure and more efficient water management systems in order to ensure that all residents have access to clean and reliable water.

Ruelas emphasized the importance of collaboration between different government agencies and civil society groups in addressing water-related issues. He also noted that the issue of water scarcity is not unique to Baja California, but is a global challenge that requires innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability.

The Pro-Municipality Committee is a grassroots organization that advocates for the creation of a new municipality in Rosarito. The group argues that creating a new municipality would allow for more efficient and effective governance, and would help to address long-standing issues related to public services, infrastructure, and economic development.

The discussion with Ruelas is part of the group’s ongoing efforts to engage with experts and stakeholders on issues of importance to the community. Through these conversations, the Pro-Municipality Committee hopes to build support for its campaign and to work towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for Rosarito and its residents.

The meeting was seen as a positive step forward in addressing water-related issues in the region, and in promoting greater collaboration and cooperation between different actors in the community.

SOURCE: Ecos de Rosarito by Juan Pablo Sebastián

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Public Security, Tijuana

Police Bust Drug Warehouse in TJ With Fentanyl Pills and Firearms

Mexican authorities continue to make strides in their fight against drug trafficking, as they recently announced the dismantling of another synthetic drug warehouse in the city of Tijuana, Baja California.

According to local news source El Vigia, the operation was carried out by the Federal Police in coordination with the Mexican Army and the National Guard. The warehouse was located in the Mesa de Otay neighborhood and contained 300 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3,000 fentanyl pills, both highly addictive and dangerous synthetic drugs.

This is not the first time that Mexican authorities have targeted drug traffickers in Tijuana, as the city is known to be a major hub for the trafficking of drugs into the United States. In fact, just yesterday, two men were arrested by the State Security and Citizen Protection Guard (FESC) for possession of four firearms and pills of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine.

The men were identified as 25-year-old Francisco N. and 29-year-old Alejandro N., who were traveling in a white SUV when they were stopped by FESC officers. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the officers found the weapons and drugs, prompting the arrest of the suspects.

The FESC has been working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to crack down on drug trafficking and other criminal activities in Tijuana. This latest arrest is just one example of the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens in the area.

Drug trafficking remains a significant problem in Mexico, with drug cartels vying for control of territory and smuggling routes. However, authorities have made significant progress in recent years, as evidenced by the dismantling of drug warehouses and the arrests of traffickers. It is important that these efforts continue to prevent the harmful effects of drug addiction on individuals and communities.

SOURCE: El Vigia, El Imparcial

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 Breaking News, Ensenada

Join Beach Cleaning Efforts in Ensenada

David “El Chiquis” Quintero, a young influencer, is inviting the community to participate in the cleaning of Playa Pacífica, which will take place on Saturday, March 25th. The activity is coordinated by AO Latinoamerica and CUT Universidad Campus Ensenada and aims to maintain the place in optimal conditions for the community and the species that inhabit it, such as the birds that nest there.

The activity will begin at 9:00 am and will last until noon. Citizen participation, especially from local residents, is essential to achieve greater waste collection.

“These actions are part of an annual cleaning program that seeks to generate awareness and promote marine education, the reduction of plastic waste, responsible consumption, and the formation of sustainable communities,” said Norma López Saucedo, director of CUT Universidad, Campus Ensenada. There will be cleanings throughout the year.

This year, five cleanings will be carried out on beaches and streams in the city, thanks to the support of the Mares Foundation, which promotes ocean literacy through an education program on caring for the seas. Last year, thanks to the cleanings carried out, more than 1,475 kilograms of waste were prevented from reaching the sea, and close to 9% of the collected waste was recycled. The goal is to exceed the number of 445 people who participated in the cleanings last year and achieve greater environmental awareness in the community.

SOURCE: El Vigia

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, San Diego

Baja Promotes its Sport Fishing Activities in San Diego

The coasts of Baja California offer the experience of enjoying sport fishing for most of the year, due to their variety of climates, landscapes, and species, highlighted the Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Sepesca), Alma Rosa García Juárez, while participating in the traditional “Day at the Dock’s” event in San Diego. The state official brought greetings from Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, at a family-friendly gathering attended by hundreds of sport fishing enthusiasts, including promoters who showed interest in the attractions of Baja California at all times.

The event, convened by Ken Franke, president of the Sportfishing Association of California (SAC), was attended by the Mexican Consul General in San Diego, Carlos González Gutiérrez, as well as Alberto Lozano, tourism promoter from the same diplomatic mission. García Juárez indicated that it is important for Baja California to have a presence at this symbolic and traditional meeting, in a friendly atmosphere that brings together service providers, enthusiasts, and professionals in sport fishing.

She said that, as neighboring states, California and Baja California are part of a region of interest to many service providers who participate in this exciting and generous activity. “The landscapes, variety of species, and climate make it possible for us to enjoy the benefits of the sea in Baja California for most of the year, especially with a culture of years, from those who live close to the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez,” she said. She recalled that this year, 11 official tournaments have been scheduled in this state, in a calendar supported by SEPESCA, which will take place mainly in the Bay of Ensenada, San Quintín, Bahía de los Ángeles, Isla de Cedros, and San Felipe.

Of the 11 official tournaments, she highlighted the International Championship “Copa Baja California” which consists of 4 tournaments: in San Felipe (June 23 and 24), Bahía de los Ángeles (July 21 and 22), Ensenada (August 25 and 26), and the grand final in San Quintín (September 22 and 23). She also mentioned that the “Bluefin Tuna Tournament” is scheduled (May 26, 27 and 28), and the first exclusive women’s tournament, called “Queens of the Sea” (October 20 and 21). She indicated that information on sport fishing destinations and tournaments is available on the website bajacalifornia.gob.mx/sepesca, which has an interactive design that interested parties can access. She informed them that, as sport fishing practitioners, they can travel to Mexico with a boat on a trailer, for which they must complete a federal procedure, consisting of temporary importation at Banjercito offices, for which they must have a passport and legal information about their boat.

From May to September, the SEPESCA head suggested that the best months for sport fishing in Baja California are from May to September when bluefin tuna, castilla mackerel, dorado, croaker, marlin, bonita, grouper, sea bass, snapper, rockfish, sole, vieja, or lingcod, among others, can be caught. It is worth noting that the California Sportfishing Association offered to disseminate the sport fishing activities that will take place during the year in Baja California through its digital media.

SOURCE: El Vigia

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Water

Cloud-Seeding Project Operates in Baja California to Combat Drought

The rain stimulation project in Baja California has already begun operating this year, and it involves releasing silver iodide molecules into the clouds, but without generating any waste in the environment, according to personnel from the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader). They detailed that these actions are under the responsibility of the National Commission for Arid Zones (Conaza). The molecules are placed in the path of the clouds to precipitate rain in the areas of interest, which generates humidity and runoff towards the prairies and dams, as explained.

In the state, the rain stimulation project began in the winter of 2022 and, to date, two flights have been carried out with the Mexican Air Force (FAM) King Air 5213 aircraft, on February 15 and 20 of 2023, when favorable cloud conditions were present. The state agency referred that the flights covered the southern area of ​​the polygon over the territory of the municipalities of Ensenada and San Quintín. Specifically, over the localities of El Descanso, La Huertita, and Cataviña in the southern part, and San José, El Morro, El Descanso, and Kilometer 147. In total, 120 liters of the mentioned reactive were released during the two flights.

According to Sader’s data, in the following days, they will do the same in the region of Bajo Río Bravo Tamaulipas, where the state government will contribute a Turbocommander twin-engine aircraft. This will be in Irrigation District 025, in order to counteract the effects of drought in agriculture and livestock in these areas. “In 2021, this 100% national technology was implemented for the first time in Mexico. It allowed an average increase of 45.1% in excess of rainfall, which is positive since the American Meteorological Society recognizes increases in liquid between 10 and 20 percent as successful,” they detailed in the official information.

Regarding the Turbocommander aircraft, they mentioned that it has the desired characteristics to carry out rain stimulation over the established polygon and based on the cloud and humidity characteristics that pass over the defined region. The stimulation area will be the one corresponding to the polygon carried out the previous year, over irrigation districts DR-024 and DR-025. For this, they spoke with the producers to detail the dates and type of stimulation, which is expected to start this week.

Agriculture personnel recalled that last year, the project also benefited polygons within Sonora, Sinaloa, the Lagunera Region, and Chihuahua. “Rain stimulation technology also helped combat at least 25 forest fires, mainly in the states of Nuevo León and Chihuahua, and to extinguish a remaining fire in the Sierra de Arteaga in 2021,” they referred. Finally, they assured that the planning and programming of this type of flight are carried out based on the analysis of meteorological conditions defined by the National Meteorological Service and with additional information obtained through mobile applications and satellite images.

SOURCE: El Vigia

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News

Baja California Works to Ensure a Safe Medical Tourism Industry

The Governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda, has emphasized the importance of guaranteeing the right to health and safety for people who visit the state for medical tourism. In this regard, the Government of Baja California is working in coordination with the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) to support victims of medical malpractice and to advance the monitoring and certification of all private clinics that perform surgeries.

The state leader announced that two arrest warrants stemming from medical negligence have been executed and that follow-up actions are being taken to provide direct assistance to the victims. In addition, public policies are being generated to consolidate a public health system that provides quality and free service to the entire population, and supervision in the private sector has been strengthened so that all hospitals and clinics operating in the state comply with the law.

Governor Marina del Pilar highlighted that upon taking office, they found a significant development of the medical tourism sector in Baja California that was not accompanied by an effective regulation and supervision policy. Therefore, actions are being promoted to ensure that attention is guaranteed to everyone in the state, while the entire medical services sector, which generates significant economic momentum for the state, is developed.

The Government of Baja California has intensified supervision operations of clinics and hospitals in the state with the support of COEPRIS, ensuring that they operate in the best conditions and have trained and certified personnel to provide adequate care. Additionally, a reform has been presented that was approved by the Congress to criminally sanction those who perform medical procedures without the required preparation and certification, providing legal certainty to medical professionals and users and a normative basis to sanction those who seek to take advantage of people.

Governor Marina del Pilar has offered her full support to those affected and has assured that they will not allow medical activities to be carried out outside the law in her state.

SOURCE: Debate Digital

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Ensenada

Over Two Hours To Go From Chapultepec to Maneadero, in Ensenada

The Chapultepec-Maneadero stretch of the Transpeninsular road, which normally take around 10 minutes to cross, took motorists over two hours to cross yesterday due to the highway conditions of the alternate road, as well as temporary road repair work that was carried out on the highway.

Through various social media groups, road users expressed their dissatisfaction with the traffic congestion registered from morning until evening, which caused delays in their arrival at their destinations, such as work and school.

The personnel of the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) in Baja California informed that, after the recent rains in the area, a layer of stone coating has been placed where it was most needed, in order to expedite the flow of mobile units. The rains on Wednesday caused damage to the road surface.

A mudslide was reported on the alternate road. Road users mentioned that there were sections with large puddles, where only sedan-type vehicles could barely pass. However, they warned others not to use the access road comprised by Francisco de Anza Avenue, a dirt road that runs parallel to the highway in front of the Immaculate Conception of Mary parish, where there was a mudslide and various vehicles were stuck since Wednesday afternoon.

SOURCE: El Vigia

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