Luisa Rosas-Hernández is a writer for the Gringo Gazette North, where she covers Baja’s wine scene, good eats, and public safety—with a healthy dose of wit and no bad news allowed. By day, she’s a health researcher recognized by Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI), and by night, she handles the Gazette’s finances and dabbles in social media—making sure the numbers add up and the posts pop. When she’s not chasing stories or crunching data, you’ll likely find her in the Valle enjoying a glass of red (or a crisp white with oysters)… for research purposes, of course.
📍Ensenada, Baja California — Saturday, June 14, 2025
We recently received a note from Anne Porter, a member of Democrats Abroad in Baja, letting us know about a peaceful rally happening this Saturday in Ensenada. It’s called “No Kings / No Tyrants”, and while we didn’t organize it—and it’s not our story to tell—we figured it was worth sharing for anyone curious or interested.
The event is part of a global day of action coordinated by Democrats Abroad. According to the organizers, the rally is in response to recent actions taken by former President Trump’s administration that they feel challenge democratic norms.
The Ensenada version of the rally will take place at Parque Revolución from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It’s fully permitted, peaceful, and open to both U.S. citizens living in Baja and any locals who want to show support for civil rights and democracy—whatever that means to them.
👉 ¿Y Baja qué?
We don’t endorse rallies, parades, protests, or piñata parties. But we do love community. So if this speaks to your values, or if you just want to see what democracy looks like with a Baja breeze, go check it out. If not, no worries—your Saturday tacos or Vineyards in Bloom await.
What happens when Baja’s top chefs, winemakers, and artists throw a party in the name of community? You get Viñedos en Flor—which literally translates to “Vineyards in Bloom.” And yes, it’s just as poetic as it sounds.
This annual countryside celebration marks the spring bloom of Baja’s vineyards, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the deep connection between the land, its people, and their culinary heritage. It also happens to be one of the most joyful and meaningful food and wine events of the year.
On Saturday, June 14, Rancho San Gabriel will host the 19th edition of this beloved festival, bringing together over 80 wineries and more than 160 wine labels, plus a chef lineup that reads like a culinary dream team.
Who’s Cooking? Only the Best
Here’s a taste of what to expect:
VEGETABLES – Solange Muris (Manzanilla)
QUAIL – Drew Deckman (Deckman’s en El Mogor)
BEEF – Gaby Melchum (Hacienda Guadalupe)
RIB EYE – Edgard Romero (Terra Noble)
SUCKLING PIG – Alfredo Villanueva (Villa Torel)
PORK – David Rocha (Comal)
PORK – Óscar Torres (Animalón)
LAMB – Miguel Bahena (Madre)
DESSERTS – Carolina Verdugo (Madre)
#Manzanilla#Deckman’s en el Mogor#Hacienda Guadalupe#Terra Noble#Villa Torel#Comal#Animalon#Madre#Madre
Each chef was selected not just for their talent, but also for their commitment to sustainability, fair trade, and Baja values. They’re here not to compete, but to celebrate—and to make sure every bite tells a story of the land and the sea.
More Than a Festival—It’s a Cause
Viñedos en Flor was created to raise funds for local causes. This year’s event supports upgrades to the Unidad Deportiva del Ejido El Porvenir, helping improve access to sports and education for local youth.
Last year, proceeds went toward major improvements at CBTA #323: 105 desks, 35 computers, and upgraded civic infrastructure—all from ticket sales and generous participants.
Art, Culture, and Kids Included
Beyond the wine and food, the event features:
Live painting of large-format pieces with help from local children
Traditional Kumiai and Kiliwa cooking demos
Ecological corridor with sustainable solutions from local groups
A family-friendly vibe with kite-flying, mini farm, and creative workshops
Quick Tips Before You Go
🎟 Tickets: Only 1,500–2,000 available
🎯 Total expected attendance: 3,000 (includes wineries, chefs, and yes—us from GGNorth)
💸 Cost: $950 MXN
👶 Kids under 18 enter free
🐶 Not pet friendly—leave the pup at home
So, if you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet, do it now. This is not just another wine festival—it’s a blooming tribute to everything that makes Baja beautiful. And with that chef lineup? You’ll want to show up hungry.
🌸 See you there—wine glass in one hand, heart in the other.
16-Year-Old Still Missing After Entering the Ocean in Ensenada | Photo: Ensenada Fire Department
What started as a regular Monday beach day turned into an emergency rescue at Estero Beach, Ensenada.
At 3:58 PM on June 9, a distress call was made: four teens entered the ocean near Ex Ejido Chapultepec—only three came back. A search immediately began for the fourth, who hasn’t resurfaced.
But here’s what many don’t know: Estero Beach isn’t as friendly as it looks.
This spot is infamous for powerful ocean currents. It’s where estuary and sea meet, creating swirling waters that pull swimmers out fast. Locals and authorities have repeatedly warned: don’t swim far, and never go deep.
According to SEMARNAT, unfamiliarity with ocean conditions and poor judgment—like ignoring lifeguards or signs—are leading causes of drownings.
Sadly, this beach has seen similar accidents before. And while lifeguards do their best, nature doesn’t negotiate.
Authorities haven’t yet released the teen’s name, but efforts to locate him continue.
Get ready to loosen your belts and sharpen your forks—Cocina La Baja 2025 is almost here, and it’s not just another food festival. It’s a full-on flavor storm with a side of community pride. Taking place July 12 at Estero Beach in Ensenada, this isn’t your average “eat, snap, repeat” event. It’s where the sea, land, and kitchen come together in one giant, delicious hug.
We got the inside scoop straight from the salty crew themselves—ChefOliver Seki (a.k.a. Heart & Flavor Ambassador), Oceanographer Rogelio Cano Cetina (General Coordinator and Sea Whisperer), Chef Hugo Lara (Gastronomic Soul), and media mouthpiece Enrique Montiel, who invited us to dive in. Literally.
From left to right: Oceanographer Rogelio Cano Cetina (General Coordinator of Cocina La Baja), Chef Hugo Lara (Gastronomic Ambassador), Chef Oliver Seki (Heart & Flavor Ambassador), PhD. Luisa Rosas (Managing Editor and writer at Gringo Gazette North), and Oliver Quintero (Publisher, Gringo Gazette North). Interview held at Seki Japanese Baja Cuisine.
It’s Not Just Food—It’s a Love Letter to Baja
What makes Cocina La Baja so special? Simple. It’s all about product, producers, chefs, and the people. You won’t find pretentious menus or imported fluff. Just fresh Baja seafood, local legends in the kitchen, and zero room for ego. Every bite tells the story of a fisherman, a family, a tide that turned.
This year’s star ingredients? Golden sea bream, oysters, abalone, sea urchin, and even edible algae. If it lives in the Pacific and pairs well with a Sauvignon Blanc (and it does), you’ll probably taste it.
45 Chefs. 45 Producers. One Giant Culinary Fiesta
That’s right—this year features 45 restaurant-producer dream teams. No one pays for a spot, but everyone earns it. Participants commit to fair trade, sustainability, and promoting Baja’s sea treasures.
There’s even a “People’s Choice” competition, so yes, your opinion—and appetite—matter.
Speaking of seafood drama, rumor has it the tuna gets a full ronqueo (butchering show) courtesy of Baja Aqua Farms, and sushi legend Cesar Martínez might be slicing up some nigiris. Add a virtual reality station, cornhole, DJ beats, and a performance by Ensenada’s own Rondalla, and you’ve got a perfect Saturday.
What About the Environment?
Glad you asked. Cocina La Baja isn’t just chewing—it’s thinking. Expect biodegradable materials, zero-waste commitments, and speakers from Pronatura Noroeste and COMEPESCA talking real sustainability. There’s even a marine workshop for university students with protein raffles, because yes, science can be tasty.
And because this is Baja, it’s pet-friendly. You can bring your dog, just don’t expect a seafood bowl or water dispensers.
More Than a Festival—It’s a Movement
Born in 2016 as a non-profit government project (originally called Baja Seafood Export), Cocina La Baja has grown from 200 attendees to an expected crowd of 3,000 this year. Tickets are limited to 1,500 but trust us, it’ll feel like the whole peninsula showed up.
This is the second year the event honors the late Minerva Pérez Castro, a fierce voice in the local fishing community. Her legacy lives on in the Premio Minerva, celebrating innovation and commitment to Baja’s maritime identity.
And yes—we’ll be there too, proudly counted in that 3,000-strong crowd. Find us near the oyster stand or the wine bar.
Don’t Miss It
So, if you’ve got 950 pesos, an empty stomach, and a love for food that tells a story—Cocina La Baja is where you need to be. No VIP lounges, no fluff. Just Baja being Baja.
We’ll see you at Estero Beach. Come hungry, leave a believer.
What started as a quiet early Friday morning turned into smoke, sirens, and a frustrating crawl. Around 2:30 a.m. Friday, a cargo trailer flew off the scenic Tijuana–Ensenada highway near km 72 in La Salina. The impact ignited the truck, lighting up the cliffs like a bonfire gone very wrong.
Firefighters from Station Obregón, along with a rescue team, responded quickly. While putting out the blaze, they discovered a charred body inside the cab. No ID confirmed yet. The cause? Still unclear. The aftermath? Brutal.
📸 Photo and video by the GGNorth team
Drivers on Friday experienced delays of 5 to 15 minutes—an eternity when you’re trying to make it to brunch or beat the Market rush. Locals called it “business as usual” for this bumpy stretch of paradise.
👉 And What About Baja?
This isn’t the first time this stretch of highway makes headlines. Between rockslides, closures, and now flaming trucks, it’s becoming more of a scenic gamble than a scenic route. Is it time to invest in a safer plan? Or just carry extra patience (and gas)?
#Breaking #GGNorth #NoBadNews
Stuck in traffic? Caught it on camera? Share it with us—we’re all in this lane together.
It’s not a breakup. It’s a full-blown digital war.
Once upon a tweet, Elon Musk and Donald Trump were pals—posting praise, sharing platforms, and backing each other up in the strangest bromance this side of politics. But that bromance? Over. Done. Roasted.
Now they’re digging up receipts from years ago and launching digital grenades across their platforms—Musk on X (formerly Twitter), and Trump on Truth Social. Yes, they each have their own social network, because of course they do.
So what’s this fight really about?
Trump’s latest jab? Accusing Musk of breaching federal contracts and being nothing more than a self-serving opportunist. Musk clapped back with a reminder that he reinstated Trump’s X account and expected at least a thank-you card. Then came the interviews, leaked emails, and snide comments—all making it clear: these two are not getting brunch anytime soon.
Former bromance parked permanently
And why should Baja care?
Because Mexico, especially border regions like ours, could very well end up in the middle of this fallout.
Trump hinted (again) that under his leadership, companies that don’t invest inside U.S. borders shouldn’t expect favors. So what happens if Musk takes that personally? What if he turns his gaze to Baja, where land, talent, and cross-border logistics are ready for the taking?
Our region has long been a tempting option for clean energy, aerospace, and tech investment. If Musk is looking to break ties with U.S. institutions and flex his independence, Baja California could be more than just a pit stop—it could be a plan B.
Was Musk just campaign arm candy?
Let’s be honest. A lot of people now believe Musk was paraded around for political clout—just another shiny endorsement to rally Silicon Valley voters. But when the confetti cleared, there was no love lost. No thanks. No recognition. Just cold, hard business.
What happens next?
Will Musk retaliate with major moves outside U.S. soil? Will Baja benefit from the fallout of two billionaire egos colliding? Or will this drama just fade into the internet void?
One thing’s for sure: we’re watching. And we’re not judging—some of our readers here still have MAGA hats, others drive Teslas.
But while these two throw punches online, we’ll sit back, open a chilled glass of 80% Chenin Blanc 20% French Colombard (yes, Lola by Symmetríaif you can find it), and enjoy the show.
Because if you’re going to watch the world’s richest man and one of its loudest ex-presidents duke it out, at least do it with a bit of Baja class.
If you think sailing is just a weekend hobby, think again. For Andrea Harley Ruiz Morales from Ensenada, sailing is a test of strength, focus, and relentless perseverance—and this year, it paid off in silver.
A Sea of Talent in Yucatán
At the 2025 Olimpiada Nacional CONADE, Mexico’s most important national sports event for young athletes, one Ensenadense sailor stood out. Andrea Harley Ruiz Morales, just 17 years old, clinched a silver medal in the ILCA 6 women’s category (ages 17–18), proving her consistency after winning bronze the year before.
What’s ILCA 6?
ILCA stands for International Laser Class Association. The ILCA 6 category refers to a specific type of single-handed sailboat, known for its agility and physical demands. Competitions are intense, often involving nine one-hour races over three days. Victory depends not on who wins most races, but who accumulates the fewest points—making every second and every gust of wind count.
Andrea Harley Ruiz and her coach Jorge Kornegay celebrate after securing the silver medal at the 2025 National Sailing Olympics.
Hard Work Behind the Sails
Andrea’s preparation has been no small feat. She trains every weekend under the guidance of coach Jorge Kornegay Sánchez and hits the gym during the week. Earlier this year, she competed in an international regatta in Cancún and trained for three weeks in Acapulco to get ready for this big event. Boats for the competition were rented in Valle de Bravo and shipped to Yucatán—a logistical move common in this sport due to high costs and distances.
Not Just About Speed
Sailing isn’t always smooth seas. In one of the races, other competitors had to drop out after their masts broke—a reminder of how physically and technically demanding the sport is. Andrea, however, remained steady, showing the kind of resilience and focus that wins medals.
Rising Star from Ensenada
Andrea’s back-to-back medals—bronze in her first national showing and now silver—are proof of her growth and potential. She’s not just representing Baja California; she’s putting Ensenada on the map in the world of sailing.
Cheers from the Port
A huge shoutout to Andrea Harley for her determination and grit, and to coach Jorge Kornegay for supporting her journey. From Ensenada’s shores to national waters, this duo is charting a course for greatness.
If you thought Ensenada’s port had seen it all—piña coladas, mariachi send-offs, and sunburnt cruise tourists clutching giant margaritas—think again.
On Monday, June 2, Royal Caribbean’s “Ovation of the Seas”, one of the world’s largest cruise ships, officially became the biggest floating city to ever dock in Baja California. And it did so with flair, ease… and roughly 4,284 passengers and 1,500 crew members ready to stretch their legs (and swipe their cards).
Bigger Than Your Airbnb
Let’s break it down: this ship is 347 meters long (that’s more than three football fields), weighs over 168,000 tons, and is taller than a 16-story building. It’s got rock climbing walls, a skydiving simulator, and robotic bartenders—because who needs human hands when you’ve got sea views and a rum punch?
Ovation’s arrival is not just a tourism flex. It proves that Ensenada is now equipped to handle some of the biggest cruise liners on Earth, thanks to recent upgrades to its docking infrastructure by API Ensenada and SECTURE.
#Ovation of the Seas” docked in Ensenada on Monday, June 2, 2025—officially the biggest cruise ship ever to visit Baja California
Cha-Ching for the Local Economy
Let’s talk numbers. A ship like this drops serious pesos into the city—restaurants fill up, street vendors cash in, and tour buses do overtime. According to officials, each passenger spends an average of $75–100 USD during port calls. Multiply that by 4,000 and—yeah, let’s just say La Bufadora had a good day.
A Warm (and Foggy) Baja Welcome
Despite some light marine haze, the port crew pulled it off like pros. There were welcome committees, security briefings, and enough souvenirs on display to outfit a small country. Local artisans, food stalls, and city tours were ready and waiting.
Why It Matters
Tourism in Baja isn’t slowing down—it’s scaling up. With more megaships like this one already on schedule, Ensenada is carving out its name as a serious West Coast cruise hub, not just a sleepy tequila stop.
And hey, if you spot a floating city out your window this week, don’t panic—it’s just Ovation of the Seas reminding us that sometimes, size does matter.
You didn’t need to be at Estadio Azteca to feel the rivalry heat—Ensenada brought the Clásico Nacional to life this Sunday with its own flare, sweat, and sea breeze. The City Sports Complex (Ciudad Deportiva de Ensenada) turned into a mini football temple as Club América Legends took on Chivas Legends in an exhibition match that drew hundreds of passionate fans.
No VAR, no million-dollar contracts—just pure fútbol, nostalgia, and carne asada aromas in the air.
Legends, Jerseys, and Local Flavor
Gates opened early, and so did the chants. Families, vendors, die-hard fans, and curious locals in half América, half Chivas jerseys (yes, it’s a thing) flooded the area. Flags waved, beers flowed, and kids reenacted goals they weren’t alive to see.
Outside, a steady flow of fans moved through checkpoints—no drama, just anticipation. The crowd was mostly peaceful, although some friendly taunts flew like misplaced corner kicks.
Security, paramedics, and vendors worked like a well-oiled midfield. Tacos? Check. Jerseys? Check. Inflatable screaming chicken? You bet.
A Win for the Community
The real score? Ensenada won—no matter what the scoreboard said.
Events like these bring life to the city’s sports scene and give locals a taste of the national stage without needing to cross a border or mortgage a kidney for tickets.
Both teams signed autographs, posed for photos, and showed that legends age, but rivalries? They don’t fade—they ferment like good Baja wine.
📍 Spotted: Unidad Deportiva, Ensenada. May 26, 2025.
📸 Photo by a local reader—probably still yelling “¡Águilas!” or “¡Rebaño Sagrado!”
Were you there? Send us your photos, chants, or conspiracy theories about that missed penalty—we’ll publish the best ones (minus the bad words).
Waves Don’t Forget: Surfers Honored One Year After Tragedy in Ensenada
Exactly one year after tragedy hit the surf community near La Bocana, Ensenada—friends, locals, and fellow wave-chasers gathered to remember Callum and Jake Robinson, two Australian brothers, and Carter Rhoad, their American companion.
They weren’t just surfers. They were sons, friends, explorers—and now, symbols of a community’s heartbreak and resilience.
A Memorial Where the Waves Still Break
On Tuesday, May 28, the community unveiled a memorial site near Punta San José, just south of Santo Tomás. The gesture was simple, but powerful: three surfboards standing tall—one for each life lost—and a plaque with their names etched in the wind.
Attendees included locals, international surfers, and even Australian Ambassador to Mexico Rachel Moseley, who joined the tribute with a few quiet words and many long gazes toward the horizon.
There were no speeches trying to make sense of it. Just flowers, surf wax, tears, and a few brave smiles.
A silent tribute with a view of the Pacific. Surfers and loved ones honor Callum, Jake, and Carter one year after their tragic deaths in Ensenada.#A silent tribute with a view of the Pacific. Surfers and loved ones honor Callum, Jake, and Carter one year after their tragic deaths in Ensenada.
What Happened?
In case you missed last year’s headlines: the three surfers went missing in late April 2024 during a surf trip along Baja’s rugged coast. Their bodies were later found in a remote area, sparking outrage, international headlines, and soul-searching in Baja’s outdoor tourism circles.
The suspects were caught. But justice can’t fix grief.
What remains is this: a community that refuses to forget.
Not Just a Surf Story
This isn’t just about surfers. It’s about travelers and dreamers, the ones who find joy off the grid and expect the basics—respect, safety, and humanity. The memorial is a quiet but permanent reminder that what happened here matters. And that we owe it to each other to protect more than waves.
A Moment, Not a Headline
No protests. No press circus. Just footprints in the sand and boards facing west.
Because sometimes, the loudest messages are the ones carved into silence.
📍 Memorial at Punta San José, unveiled May 28, 2025
