Classifieds
Otay Vet VeterInAry Clinic in Tijuana/Otay area, offers vetenary specialty services. Go to www.otayvet.com or facebook. Ph. (664) 623-7999 CA Cell (619) 816-8415. (#26)
Beautiful 1bd/1ba Casita in sought after LA Mision (La Loma). Full kitchen and an antique cast iron stove for heat. $600+ utilities. Available May 1st. Dave 760-455-0401 or
davek@plasticclothing.com
DO NOT RENT FROM TOM S. (AKA. BAJA TOM)IN LA MISION AREA Myself and 6 other tenants have been seriously ripped off and no deposits have been returned on long term rentals. This action is ongoing, take warning. (#TF)
FOR RENT Ocean Front mini resort in Rosarito County. One Bedroom Suite $800.00 USD. With A 6 month lease, fullly furnished. All utillities included and Direct TV service. Call Salvador at US. 619 467-0310 or Mex. Cell 661 850-4517 Photos: www.Airbnb.com/Rooms/691934 (#TF)
FOR RENT fantastic 180 degree view, 3bd 2ba detached home. Newly painted inside and out.Includes washer, dryer, refrigerator and range. Only $700 USD p/month. (714) 603 3269. Spanish or English. (#7)
Estero beach resort Ensenada BCN home for sale Enjoy this renovated 2 bed 2 bath next to the estuary on resort grounds. Security gardens walking biking tennis swimming pools. Call or text 480 234 0663. $30,000 $550 a month ground lease. Or azramblinrose@juno.com for pics (#6)
FOR RENT OCEAN FRONT CONDO Fully Furnished, EI Centro, Rosarito, 1Br, 2Ba, Balcony, Club House, Jacuzzi, TV, Secure Parking, Gated Community, NO SMOKING, Call 619-997-6444 or 612-1984 $800.00/MO.
FOR SALE Mobile Home IN Estero Beach Hotel and resort Ensenada BCN updated home for sale Baja 500 race start and end. Enjoy renovated heated and a/c 2 bed 2 bath next to the estuary on hotel grounds. Security gardens walking biking tennis swimming pools. Call or text (480)234-0663. $30,000 $550 a month ground lease. azramblinrose@juno.com for pics or see craigslist SD listing.
FOR RENT IN ROSARITO One bedroom appartment, furnished or unfurnished. Two blocks from Benito Juarez Blvd, between the toll road and the Blvd. Walking distance to shopping centers, restaurants and bars. Starting from $250 p/month. Secure place, fenced parking. Call Heriberto @ US ph. (562) 760-6410 or email centercitiesauto@gmail.com
BILL’ BAJA BARGAINS IS BACK ! Houses for sale from $39,000 US rentals from $150 + utilities. Fantastico La Mision area. Also opening my Mexican artcrafts and Bazzar stores week-ends across from Puerta del Valle in La Mision. (Looking for manager… Interested?) Gracias ! Bill (Guillermo) Welsch 760 554 4238 Mex: 01 646 1550029 mexico-real-estate@hotmail.Com
April 15, 2019 Edition
Rosarito Calendar of Events
Every Friday (that is NOT a Mexican holiday) 11 am – 1 pm; Free beginner and intermediate Spanish Classes at the Palacio Municpal, through the FRAO office. Contact Roxanne for information: 661-614-9600, ext. 1080, or email: frao@rosarito.gob.mx.
Every Monday through Thursday, 9am – 12pm; Pickleball at Punta Azul Tennis Center. Cos: $1 court fee per person per day. Organized by Robert Canaan. BYO paddle and ball. Information: Facebook.com/ Rosarito Pickleball
Every Wednesday, 10am – 12pm; Adult painting class at IMAC Rosarito in the main park. Bilingual instructor. 200 peso registration/ 300 pesos per month. IMACRosarito@gmail.com; Facebook/imacrosarito.
Every Friday, 12 – 2 pm; Adult painting class at IMAC Rosarito in the main park. Bilingual instructor. 200 pesos registration/ 300 pesos monthly. IMAC Rosarito@gmail.com; Facebook/imacrosarito.
Every Sunday 4 pm. Cultural Sundays in the park. Local Mexican and American dancers and musicians. At the IMAC in Abelardo L. Rodriguez park, west of Banamex. Facebook IMAC Rosarito. Free.
Every Sunday 2 – 4 pm at the IMAC Central Park (behind the Banamex on Juarez) Dancing for seniors. Salsa and merengue (among others) tunes designed to not throw out a hip. www.facebook.com/IMAC Rosarito
Second Sunday of every month, Pet sterilization by the Baja Spay and Neuter Foundation at the Centro de Diagnostico Clinico Vetrinario, ave. Queretaro #2331-3, Col Cacho, Tijuana. 200 pesos, 661-124-3619, or Robin at www.BajaSpayNeuter.org.
Last Sunday of every month, Jewish Chavurah. Gordon Kane – gordonmkane@gmail.com.
Every Monday, 10:45 am, duplicate bridge at Baja Gold Bridge Club, KM 42 at the Rosarito Beach Christian Church. bajagoldcoastbridgeclub@gmail.com.
Every Tuesday – Rotary Club meets at Rosarito Beach Hotel. 664-376-2620.
Every Tuesday 10am to 11am. Chair Yoga – Rosarito Wellness, Healing, Living at IMAC Park, room 1 in Rosarito (behind Banamex). Improve Balance & Coordination. Receive all the benefits of yoga in a gentle, Healing, Meditative yoga class where a chair is used for support and balance. Bring water, small towel and comfortable clothing. Instructor: Erendira Abel, Certified Holistic Health Specialist. $5 per class, paid at beginning of month. For registration and location: (661) 614-6036 Mexico or (619) 632-2965 US. Email: wellnesshealingliving@gmail.com
Every Tuesday. 9:00 am. Board Meeting for Yo Amo Rosarito at Ortega’s Buffet. See what events are under consideration or volunteer to help plan and run upcoming events.
Every Wednesday, 7:30 – 9:00 am; Tai Chi classes with certified instructor Eugenio Encinas at Galeria Fausto Polanco Rosarito. 350 pesos per month. Alyce: 664-368-6733; Alberto: 661-125-9191.
Every Second Wednesday (except December). 10 am. 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. 661-612-3659.
Second and FourthWednesday, 1 pm; Cruz Roja Primo Tapia Bingo at El Pescador Restaurant. 6 games/ 2 cards for $5. Reduced price menu; Jamesphausmann@gmail.com; 1-623-217-9795.
Every Third Wednesday of the Month (except December), Flying Samaritan’s General Meeting at Villas Del Mar (k 31.5). www.flyingsamaritansrosarito.org; Susansmithz@hotmail.com; 1-858-234-2360; 661-100-6066.
Every Third Wednesday, 10 am, Meeting of Rosarito Sister Cities at City Hall, Fojadores Room, 2nd floor. Information and RSVP: FRAO@Rosarito.gob.mx.
Every Third Wednesday (except December) 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Flying Samaritan’s Outrageous Bingo at Popotla Jr. Restaurant (across from El Nido – formerly California Fresh), Food and Drink specials; free parking behind restaurant; Six games, 4 cards for $10; Karen: kajomc@yahoo.coojm; (US) 1-818-515-0067l (MX) 664-609-3419.
Every Last Wednesday, 11:30 am, Wellness Wednesday Workshop “Intentionally Aging Gracefully” with Erendira Abel at IMAC a Abelard Rodriguez Park (behind Banamex). $6, and pre-registration is required. Info: wellnesshealingliving@gmail.com; (US) 1-619-737-2453, (MX) 661-614-6036.
Every Thursday. 8:30 am. Local Board of Realtors (APIR) meets at Oceana Grill. Good place for buyers or sellers to find a Realtor
Every Thursday, 10:30 am, Learn Spanish “Naturally” with Erendira Abel at Rosarito Beach Christian Church. $5, and pre-registration is required. Info: wellnesshealingliving@gmail.com; (US) 1-619-737-2453, (MX) 661-614-6036.
Every Second Thursday. 10 am. Cruz Roja Volunteers, Rosarito Chapter General Meeting at Popotla Restaurant. www.cruzrojarosarito.org.mx; President: Mary Moreno, miqueridomx@yahoo.com.
Every Third Thursday. 10 am. General Meeting for FRAO, Foreign Residents Assistance Office. Open to the public. Calafia Hotel. Speaker’s presentation. FRAO@Rosarito.gob.mx.
Every Saturday, 10:00 am at IMAC Central park. Chess for all ages. www.facebook.com/IMAC Rosarito.
Every First Saturday. 10 am. 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. 661-614-1113.
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. pacothepainter@hotmail.com
Every Third Saturday. 1pm. USBC, United Society of Baja California, monthly potluck dinner, at La Maroma sports bar, across from Burger King. Different theme every month. Usually live entertainment. Free. Membership $20 per year.
Every day but one day at a time AA Grupo Gringo meets daily #16 Mar Meditteraneo (two blocks behind Del Mar Beach Club). 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. 661-614-1678.
April 17, Wednesday, 10 am; Flying Samaritans General Meeting at Villas Del Mar Clubhouse. Www.flyingsamaritansrosarito.org
April 20, Saturday, 5 pm; La Noche de Caballo Spring Fling presented by All the Pretty Horses. At Pretty Horses Ranch in Primo Tapia. Tapas and flamenco guitar at sunset. Tickets: $60, includes food, sangria and entertainment. Cash bar available. No raffles or auctions. Just a beautiful experience. Facebook.com/ Pretty Horses of Baja Rescue.
April 25, Thursday, 6 pm; Opening of Orgallo Mestizo art exhibit for Maricela Alvarado at CEART Rosarito. Free. 661-116-5243; Facebook.com/ ICBC Rosarito, www.icbc.gob.mx.
May 4, Saturday, 8 am – evening; 40th Anniversary of the Rosarito to Ensenada 50-mile Fun Bike Ride. Facebook.com/ Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride.
May 5, Sunday, 10 am. Flying Samaritans Cinco de Mayo Carnival. Be a grandparent to a local child (from the Hearts of Baja orphanages) for the day! Food and games. All proceeds benefit Flying Samaritans Rosarito. Pre-registration is a must (so we know how many children to invite). $15 entry and $20 game tickets. Susan: susansmithz@hotmail.com; (US) 1-858-234-2360; (MX) 661-100-6066.
May 5, Sunday, 4 – 7 pm; Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mexican Buffet at Bobby’s By the Sea. $14.95. With entertainment provided by Ballet Folklorico and Mariachi Estrella (5-7 pm), CaliSound (7:30 – 10:30), Reservations: 6612-613-2789. Facebook.com/ OriginalBobbysByTheSea.
The Outside Edge
The “outside edge” samples some of the outside activities available in northern Baja. Each month a different activity will be reviewed with a focus on the ocean and mountains. Reach me at davek@plasticclothing.com happy trails!
To travel or not to travel, that is the question. Travel brings a sense of renewal, of energy, of change. A good trip made of meeting new people, seeing new things, doing new activities- it all adds up to coming home with a charged up battery and a slightly changed perception of yourself and the world. No one will argue these points, so why aren’t you coming to Mexico more often?
This newspaper targets northern Baja tourists and gringo locals. Most of the locals agree with what I am going to say, so I’ll aim these points to the tourists and hope the locals can use it to send to their friends and family that have chosen not to visit Mexico in the last few years. There is some bad news for sure out there- and the headlines sometimes sound even worse. I have friends in San Diego actually think the Hondurans are attacking the border!
The issue is that these things happen in parts of Mexico, or parts in Tijuana. Bad things happen all over the world, some of the worst in U.S cities; they just don’t make the news. Everyone has heard a story about getting pulled over or even put in jail in Mexico. If you dig deeper, those people were inevitably carrying small amounts of drugs, driving drunk, and/or drawing undue attention to themselves. Don’t take my word for it, ask those questions next time you hear a story. The last time I heard a bad story from a guy, it turned out he was looking for drugs in Cabo and had red mohawk at the time. Go figure.
The border has improved and the line isn’t as long as it used to be. The restaurants have the same great food and atmosphere as always, at half the price of San Diego. There are a lot of checkpoints and security around, and most people speak English. Start with lots of great mountain biking and surfing, throw in some of the best motocross and fishing in the world, mix in some great inexpensive and amazing wine tasting and affordable resorts and hotels… you get the picture. Want to get more ‘out there’? My article usually deals with day trips that are all about ‘out there’, start coming more often and pick up some good trip advice in future articles. Baja is not even close to the population density as north of the border- ‘out there’ is as close as your hotel door!
Hope to see you on the trail!
Gringo Gazette Writer Branches Out
Frequent contributor to the Gringo Gazette, Ren Drake Hill, has recently branhed out into the YouTube talk show scene. As the newest member of InfoNort, the online Rosarito-based news reporting organization, she along with local photographer Diego Knight host the weekly talk show “Baja Talk Time.” The 10 – 15 minute weekly broadcast features interviews with local people “in the know,” previews cultural, sporting and civic events, and provides important information specifically important to foreign nationals (Americans) in Baja California.
Baja Talk Time is produced by Denisse Carrion de Garrido and Crispin Garrido Mancilla of InfoNort, whom many will know from their frequent live news broadcasts between Tijuana and Ensenada.
New episodes of Baja Talk Time will air every Friday afternoon on YouTube as well as on the Facebook pages Baja Talk Time, Baja Living, InfoNort Rosarito, Baja Sports, and GringoGazette North.
Rosarito Pottery Studio Celebrates Local Kids
The local pottery studio “DeColores Mexico” which offers experiences, classes and workshops for creating beautiful, usable art, is providing one lucky kid each month (April, May, and June) a free birthday party for up to 10 people.
In order to achieve this, Gloria Robinson, co-owner of DeColores is asking the community to nominate a family who would not be able to afford a birthday party.
Please send your nominations in a letter with a recommendation of why they deserve this special birthday party! You can email your submissions to info@decolores-mexico.com
DeColores is celebrating its first year this coming June and the birthday party giveaway is one of the ways they are celebrating.
Children and adults can all have fun while enjoying the variety of activities they have to offer, like bilingual story time and paint, kids night out (where parents can enjoy the evening without their children, art classes, doing dishes with Isela (guided painting), wine and design night (our favorite!) and kids art camps during school breaks.
The studio is owned by three women who each have a different background and bring something unique to the table. Isela Rosales is the house artist, who develops class curriculums, teaches classes and designs art projects for children and community programs. Julia Mahon handles the business side of the studio, and Gloria Robinson coordinates marketing, public relations, and community outreach.
DeColores is located on KM 40 of the free road to Rosarito, in the Santini strip mall. Find out more about them on their facebook page or visit www.decolores-mexico.com
What’s Going On In This Country?
Mexico’s President gives away another prize. Teachers affiliated with the dissident CNTE teachers’ union can now take time off for demonstrations and blockades and even go on strike, and they will still get paid.
“No, no, no,” he said, “there will be no discounts to salaries; teachers have the right to protest …” said President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, known as AMLO, adding that “… in the time we’ve been in government there have been no frequent strikes, children have continued to have classes and there has been no major issue.”
Teachers’ pay had been docked in the past if they didn’t show up in the classroom, a measure coherent with the Education Reform approved under former President Peña Nieto’s administration to reduce strikes and protests.
The president stressed that “this is what democracy is like; when there are no more strikes it means that the political system is dead … there must be demonstrations, different points of view … this is democracy.”
AMLO also explained that his administration is considering analyzing a rule that prohibits the payment of salaries to teachers assigned to positions in the union. At present they must be physically present in the classroom to get paid. The policy was part of the 2013 educational reforms, “and we are for its complete cancellation, all of its policies.”
That’s what CNTE members are hoping as they begin another protest today outside the Chamber of Deputies. A spokesman said teachers will continue to protest until “not even a comma remains” of the education reform of 2013.
Union leaders had announced that 40,000 teachers would march at today’s rally, but the newspaper Reforma said about 1,500 turned up.
Beer truck accident becomes a gift. An overturned beer truck was cause for celebration last week in Santa Cruz, Campeche, in Southern Mexico. About 100 people soon arrived at the scene of the accident on the Campeche-Mérida highway and carried away as much as they could. Some couldn’t wait to get home and cracked open some beers on the spot, including a woman who had to rest from the strenuous task by popping open a can and quenching her thirst.
The pillaging did not stop with the beer strewn on the roadside. Even the truck’s tires were stolen. When state and municipal police arrived, they cordoned off the area but did not intervene or attempt to stop the theft. Questioned by reporters, residents declared that stealing the beer mattered little to the brewery because the cargo was covered by insurance.
No arrests were reported, nor was the cause of the accident and the truck driver’s condition is unknown. It was the second accident involving a beer truck in just two days and the second time that a truck’s cargo was looted.
Trump makes new threat. And Mexico retorts saying that trade and immigration are separate issues, in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Mexican auto imports and close the U.S. border if Mexico doesn’t stop drug and migration flows into the country within a year.
Well, at least we now have a year’s extension, ha! “For the government of Mexico, keeping migration issues and trade issues separate is very important,” minister of economy Graciela Márquez said.
“The United States government sometimes mixes the two issues, but for us, it’s very important to keep the ratification of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) in one lane and issues that have to do with migration in another,” she added.
The economy secretary said that any move by the United States to impose new tariffs would have to be discussed “within the terms of a relationship between trade partners that are modernizing a trade agreement.”
Former president Enrique Peña Nieto, Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the USMCA deal in November but it won’t take effect until it has been ratified by the legislatures of all three countries. Márquez’s position was supported by the director general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), who appeared alongside the economy secretary at yesterday’s press conference.
Last week, Trump said that “… Mexico, for the first time in decades, is meaningfully apprehending illegals at their southern border, before the long march up to the U.S. This is great and the way it should be. The big flow will stop,” he wrote.
“However, if for any reason Mexico stops apprehending and bringing the illegals back to where they came from, the U.S. will be forced to tariff at 25% all cars made in Mexico and shipped over the border to us. If that doesn’t work, which it will, I will close the border,” Trump continued.
According to Kenneth Smith, a trade official who headed up Mexico’s technical negotiating team in trilateral talks with the United States and Canada last year, Trump’s tariff threats are nothing more than bluster that is politically motivated.
“Trump has no basis to argue that he can increase tariffs. Firstly, because if he increases them … he violates WTO rules, he violates the existing North American Free Trade Agreement,” he said.
Classifieds
Otay Vet VeterInAry Clinic in Tijuana/Otay area, offers vetenary specialty services. Go to www.otayvet.com or facebook. Ph. (664) 623-7999 CA Cell (619) 816-8415. (#26)
Mexico Liability Insurance with legal starting at $84 per year. 800 909-4457 or mexicoinsurance.com OB92215 (#26)
DO NOT RENT FROM TOM S. (AKA. BAJA TOM)IN LA MISION AREA Myself and 6 other tenants have been seriously ripped off and no deposits have been returned on long term rentals. This action is ongoing, take warning. (#TF)
FOR RENT Ocean Front mini resort in Rosarito County. One Bedroom Suite $800.00 USD. With A 6 month lease, fullly furnished. All utillities included and Direct TV service. Call Salvador at US. 619 467-0310 or Mex. Cell 661 850-4517 Photos: www.Airbnb.com/Rooms/691934 (#TF)
FOR RENT fantastic 180degree view, 3bd 2ba detached home. Includes washer, dryer, refrigerator and range. (714) 603 3269. Spanish or English. (#3)
RENT ENSENADA New house, 3Bedroom, 2Bath, carport, fenced, secure, near Costco, $600, No smoking 646-205-4128 (#4)
Estero beach resort Ensenada BCN home for sale Enjoy this renovated 2 bed 2 bath next to the estuary on resort grounds. Security gardens walking biking tennis swimming pools. Call or text 480 234 0663. $30,000 $550 a month ground lease. Or azramblinrose@juno.com for pics (#6)
ATTN ROSARITO SENIORS: I can help with errands! Groceries, meds. Starting from $15/hour. Have my own car. References available. Call Elisa at (661)116-5408.
FOR RENT OCEAN FRONT CONDO Fully Furnished, EI Centro, Rosarito, 1Br, 2Ba, Balcony, Club House, Jacuzzi, TV, Secure Parking, Gated Community, NO SMOKING, Call 619-997-6444 or 612-1984 $800.00/MO.
FOR SALE Mobile Home IN Estero Beach Hotel and resort Ensenada BCN updated home for sale Baja 500 race start and end. Enjoy renovated heated and a/c 2 bed 2 bath next to the estuary on hotel grounds. Security gardens walking biking tennis swimming pools. Call or text (480)234-0663. $30,000 $550 a month ground lease. azramblinrose@juno.com for pics or see craigslist SD listing.
Professional Websites, Marketing & Business Consulting. TheBajaAdventure@gmail.com 661-131-3131
HOME FOR LEASE 2,000 sq/ft, 3BD, 2½BT, garage, heat and A/C. Alarm system. 1-story, no steps, ocean view, courtyard. In Mision Viejo. $1,500 monthly lease. Call John Murphy (619) 370-1291, (619) 488-1137. (#3)
House for sale. 1bd furnished. Rancho todos santos. 3 min walk to the beach. $10,000. Land rent $233 month. Ph. 646 1094289.
U.S. Tax Clock Stops While In Mexico
The IRS is going through tough times. In recent years, Congress “punished” the agency by providing it a super lean budget. The shutdown also left it with millions of unopened letters and mail. The IRS Ombudsman estimates it will take a year to get back to normal.
One of the things Congress did to the IRS was to require that inactive collection accounts be turned over to Private Collection Agencies. Those were old accounts the IRS felt had little collection potential. Off to work PCAs went, and we have some results. They are not very good at collecting. And when they were able to reach the taxpayer and the taxpayer wanted to set up a payment plan, somehow it fell through. I’ll add that it was tried before, and this time around it seems like yet another fiasco.
Why, you would say, do I take time to write about this? Well, for any of my readers that may have outstanding IRS debt, it is always important to know a few things. Generally, once the tax liability is assessed (imagine the entry in the government’s ledger “Joe owes us X dollars”), the government has ten years from that date to collect. So, it’s easy to say, “Why can’t I just wait this out if the debt is old?”
You should know the 10-year collections clock comes with that “exceptions apply” language we often see in ads. One you should know about: If a taxpayer is outside the U.S., the collection clock stops until the taxpayer returns to the U.S., then it restarts six months thereafter. Otherwise, it stops forever. If, in the course of your conversation with one of these folks, they learn that you like real margaritas and tacos, instead of their north-of-the-border facsimiles, your collection file will be coded such that the debt will not expire.
The other consequence is that those debts continue accumulating penalties and interest. It’s not difficult to see how old tax debt can balloon up to the magic debt level that would make you eligible for passport non-renewal or cancellation. You see, they have all kinds of persuasive methods.
Another way in which this can be addressed is through a payment plan that takes into account your living expenses versus your income, or through an offer in compromise where a sum is offered in exchange for release of all liabilities. Whether one or the other is convenient depends on one’s individual circumstances.
Orlando Gotay is a California licensed tax attorney (with a Master of Laws in Taxation) admitted to practice before the IRS, the U.S. Tax Court and other taxing agencies. His love of things Mexican has led him to devote part of his practice to federal and state tax matters of U.S. expats in Mexico. He can be reached at tax@orlandogotay.com or Facebook: GotayTaxLawyer. This is just a most general outline. It is informational only and not meant as legal advice.
