Gringo Gazette

Gringo Gazette

New Baja Highway to Boost Jobs and Connectivity

Big news, amigos! Ensenada is gearing up for a massive road project that promises to ease your scenic drives while beefing up the job market. The upcoming alternative route to the bustling Scenic Road is not just a pathway; it’s a job creator with over 10,500 positions revving up over the next four years. This was all laid out in a recent morning spiel by none other than President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, as part of her grand National Road Infrastructure Program.

The focus of the program? Connectivity, with a hearty side of community support, especially for the areas that could really use a leg up. With a total stretch of 24 kilometers and a hefty tag of 3.5 billion pesos, this two-lane construction dubbed the ‘Bypass from Tijuana to Ensenada’ is set to begin its life as a pile of studies and projects this coming year.

Why all the fuss? Well, apart from making your trips smoother, these roads are part of a much bigger picture. The government’s shelling out a cool 35 billion pesos in 2025 alone, aiming to bridge gaps between communities across the country. By the end of the term, they’re looking at pouring nearly 150 billion pesos into roadworks that span 263 kilometers, including new bridges and roadways that are sure to make life a little easier for commuters and Sunday drivers alike.

President Sheinbaum was clear: this year’s plans are just the start. With decisions made in the spirit of enhancing connectivity and supporting the less fortunate zones, it’s clear that the wheels are turning towards a more connected and cared-for Mexico.

So, buckle up, Baja residents and visitors! New jobs, smoother rides, and better bridges are on the horizon, making sure that whether you’re headed to the beach or back to the border, the road ahead looks promising.

Chinese Tourism: A Golden Opportunity for Ensenada

Chinese tourism is emerging as a significant opportunity for Ensenada and Baja California, with visitors from China spending over $181 million in Mexico during 2023, according to Andrés Martínez Bremer, president of Proturismo. This weekend, he and Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz met with representatives from five Chinese travel agencies and influential social media figures as part of a commercial mission connecting China and Ensenada.

Chinese tourists have demonstrated an 8.5% increase in spending compared to pre-pandemic levels, making this demographic a lucrative market for the region. Martínez Bremer emphasized the cultural ties between Baja California and China, reflected in local gastronomy and traditions, and called for enhanced efforts to attract more visitors.

Proposed initiatives include Mandarin signage, tailored hospitality training, and customized culinary options. Digital marketing campaigns and participation in international tourism fairs are also essential to capturing this audience’s attention.

Highlighting events like Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, Martínez Bremer proposed a yearly cultural calendar to strengthen ties and create unique tourism experiences. Collaborating with Ensenada’s Chinese community will be crucial in executing these plans.

With its rich cultural, gastronomic, and scenic offerings, Ensenada has the potential to become a favored destination for Chinese travelers, boosting its economy while celebrating its multicultural identity.

Rosarito Rocks the First 100!

Hold onto your sombreros, folks, because Mayor Rocio Adame Muñoz just wrapped up her first 100 days in office, and boy, did she come in like a mariachi band at a quiet dinner! In a recent reveal that had the local crowd buzzing more than a beachside margarita mixer, Rosarito’s fearless leader dished out a hefty list of improvements that have the town talking.

Starting with a crime rate that’s dropped faster than a tourist’s inhibitions during spring break—25% to be exact—Rosarito is now less about “watch your back” and more about “watch this space.” But it’s not all about dodging the dodgy; there’s a whole revamp going on with schools, libraries, and sports facilities getting facelifts that would make Hollywood envious.

The flagship project, Plan 10×100, is a gutsy blueprint touching everything from the ground up. Picture this: El Morro school now has classrooms ready to withstand even the gnarliest rainstorms, thanks to some nifty upgrades. And for the bookworms among us, three libraries have been spruced up, with the Octavio Paz library now a beacon of knowledge and free Wi-Fi.

But wait, there’s more! The Santuario Milly is on the verge of being the next hot spot for our four-legged amigos, and Rosarito’s youth are getting their game on in newly pimped-out sports centers. Let’s not overlook the introduction of ‘Gobierno Móvil,’ a roving government service that’s been making the rounds, making sure the older crowd doesn’t miss out on the action.

Safety’s also on the up, with new security measures that include more lights in dark corners and weekly round-tables keeping the peace. Tourists can now wander a bit more worry-free with bilingual help desks and improved infrastructure to sweeten their stay.

So, while the margaritas are still cold, the future in Rosarito is looking pretty sunny. Here’s to 100 days down and many more bustling, less bumbling days to come! Cheers, Mayor Muñoz!

December 16, 2024 Edition

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December 2, 2024 Edition

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November 18, 2024 Edition

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Get Your Holiday Spirit On at the Sassy Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair!

Mark your calendars! The Sassy Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair is back, bringing a festive day of creativity, music, and delicious food to Hacienda 43 on Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This beloved event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, whether you’re on the hunt for unique gifts, a fan of live music, or just looking to savor some amazing food.

The day kicks off with Sweet Sixx, blending bohemian blues, reggae, swing, and Latin beats to set the vibe. Then, prepare to be captivated by Derek Wille, an internationally acclaimed musician, producer, and composer whose emotionally rich performances are unforgettable. Finally, soak in the artistry of José Enrique Tovar, a Venezuelan virtuoso with a stunning repertoire, including his “Beatles Tribute.” Proceeds from José’s tips directly support his Academy of Young Soloists in San Felipe, where he teaches music to children for free.

Sassy Fine Art Festival back in June 2024

The fair features 35 talented artists and crafters, offering everything from hand-painted jean jackets by Emma Hernandez to stunning mosaic tile pieces by Mexicali artisans Rubi Guzman and Yaneth Montiel. Returning favorites like Narda Velasco and Marlen Castor will also showcase their exceptional works. Don’t forget to stop by the Facebook page “Sassy Events” to preview the artists and grab a program at the event (while supplies last).

As if the art and music weren’t enough, Chef Santos and his team are serving an all-you-can-eat Italian buffet for just 250 pesos, featuring dishes like Chicken Cordon Bleu, Fettuccini Alfredo, and decadent desserts.

Parking has been expanded this year, making it even easier to enjoy the festivities. Come for the art, stay for the music, and leave with a full stomach and holiday cheer! See you at Hacienda 43!

November 4, 2024 Edition

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Baja’s New Luxury Towers “The Wavve” Break Ground

The Wavve, a new luxury residential project by Estrategia Urbana, has officially begun construction on the scenic toll road to Rosarito.

Located in Punta Bandera, at kilometer 18 of the coastal highway, The Wavve will feature two towers, each with 150 apartments offering stunning panoramic views.

Today, Thursday, the ceremonial first stone was placed, with company executives from Estrategia Urbana, Bustamante Realty Group, local officials, and invited guests in attendance.

Notable figures at the event included Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, Baja California’s Secretary of Infrastructure; Mónica Vega Aguirre, Secretary of Environment; Miguel Aguíñiga, Secretary of Tourism; and Tijuana’s Secretary of Urban Mobility, María del Pilar Vázquez, among others.

Leading the ceremony were Jonathan Cohen, CEO of Estrategia Urbana, and Moises Zapan, the company’s CCO. They expressed their gratitude to local authorities, their clients, and everyone who contributed to the company’s establishment in Baja California. Special thanks went to the construction team working on The Wavve.

Héctor Bustamante, the director of the company managing the sales, announced that 60% of the units have already been sold.

Mónica Vega highlighted the project’s environmental efforts, which include a water treatment plant and solar panels for common areas, showcasing the developer’s commitment to sustainability.

With an investment of nearly 1.5 billion pesos, The Wavve is expected to generate over 450 jobs. According to Jonathan Cohen, this is just the first of several projects planned for Baja California by Estrategia Urbana, a company with over 25 years of experience and more than 70 projects completed in Mexico and the U.S.

More information on the project can be found at www.thewavvebaja.com

October 21, 2024 Edition

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