Luisa Rosas-Hernández

Luisa Rosas-Hernández

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.
Events, Food, Wine

2025: A Very Grape Year for Provino (Calendar of Wine Events)

Loosen your belt, wine lovers—because 2025 is about to get delicious.—scratch that, walk steadily and hydrate, wine lovers—because Provino Baja California is rolling out the cork carpet in 2025, and the lineup is juicier than a sun-ripened grape in Valle de Guadalupe. Under the charmingly serious theme of “Terruño, Identidad y Vocación” (which basically means “This land was made for wine and we’ve got the talent to prove it”), this year’s events promise to be a delicious mix of vino, seafood, culture, and just enough fancy to remind you to iron your linen shirt.

Let’s take a tipsy stroll through the year, shall we?

IX Salón del Vino

  • 📍 Hotel Coral & Marina
  • 📅 April 11
  • 🎟️ Invitation only (aka, bring your wine biz card)

This is Provino’s version of a job fair—but for wine. No crowds, no “try this and smile awkwardly,” just serious sniffing, swirling, and schmoozing between 70 Baja wineries and buyers from Mexico and SoCal. You can’t buy your way in, so unless you’re a distributor or food & beverage exec, you might have to settle for sipping in the parking lot. (Kidding. Sort of.)

V Mesas Marinas

  • 📍 Andador Cultural UABC, Sauzal
  • 📅 April 12 | 2:00 PM
  • 🎟️ 3,500 pesos (but it’s a steal, really)

Imagine this: 15 tables, 20 lucky guests per table, and a dream team of chef + winemaker + shellfish whisperer serving you a four-course feast by the sea. We’re talking abalone, oysters, mussels, and other seafood you can’t pronounce but will gladly eat. Pair that with Baja’s finest whites and bubbly, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable afternoon—just try not to lick the plate.

XXV Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo

  • 📍 Hotel Coral & Marina
  • 📅 April 13 | 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
  • 🎟️ 1,400 pesos
  • 🚫 No kids, no pets. Just grown-up fun.

This is the big one, folks. The Conchas Festival is turning 25, and like any quarter-life celebration, it’s going all out. 80 wineries, 50+ restaurants, and over 160 new wine labels await you, from fresh whites to effervescent Pét-Nats. There’s also a shellfish pavilion (try saying that after a few tastings), live cooking demos, a mollusk cook-off, and the now-iconic “marina island” with seafood rice and noodles flying off the burners. Wear stretchy pants. Trust us.

VIII Conferencias en Flor

  • 📍 Auditorio CEVIT, CETYS Universidad
  • 📅 June 13 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • 🎟️ Free (just register and pretend you’re a responsible adult)

For those who like to learn while they sip, this one’s for you. Experts will dive into sustainable farming, water conservation, and vineyard science. It’s like TED Talks for people who know the difference between Tempranillo and Nebbiolo.

XIX Fiesta de los Viñedos en Flor

  • 📍 Somewhere green and magical
  • 📅 June 14 | 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
  • 🎟️ 950 pesos | Kids under 18 get in free (finally!)

This is the rare Provino event that lets you bring the whole family—and for a good cause, too. All the proceeds support local vulnerable communities, and everyone donates their time and products. Expect wine (of course), a country market, kid-friendly zones, an art auction with paintings made on-site, and even traditional Kumiai cuisine. Bonus: your kids might finally understand why you love Baja wine so much.

Inauguración XXXV Fiestas de la Vendimia

  • 📍 Hotel Coral & Marina
  • 📅 July 30
  • 🎟️ Invitation only—again with the exclusivity!

This is where the wine party season officially begins. If you know someone, now’s the time to cash in that favor.

XXXV Muestra del Vino

  • 📍 Centro Cultural Riviera del Pacífico
  • 📅 August 1 | 7:00 PM
  • 🎟 1,200 pesos

The OG wine tasting event that launched the Fiestas de la Vendimia decades ago is still going strong. With 84 wineries, 160+ wines, and the people who made them pouring directly into your glass, it’s like Baja’s answer to Comic-Con—but instead of capes and comics, it’s corks and canapés.

XXXV Concurso de Paellas

  • 📍 Viña de Liceaga
  • 📅 August 17 | 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
  • 🎟️ 1,450 pesos | Kids under 12 get in free (but keep Fido at home)

We’re closing out Vendimia season with a bang—and a whole lot of saffron. This beloved event is peak Ensenada summer tradition, where 80+ teams battle it out to cook the ultimate paella while 84 wineries pour over 160 wine labels. It’s rustic elegance under 120-year-old oak trees with a whole lot of rice and rhythm. Come hungry, leave happy (and probably a little sun-kissed).

IV Festival Vino Sin Fronteras

  • 📍 Tijuana, B.C.
  • 📅 October 11
  • 🎟️ 1,500 pesos | Adults only, sorry fur babies

This cross-border celebration brings together 40 wineries and 100+ wines, plus restaurants from all over Baja. Expect a musical lineup that spotlights local talent and a guest wine region that keeps things fresh. It’s all about wine, unity, and a little international flair—because why limit your palate to one side of the border?

III Velada Cultural del Día de Muertos: Noche de Ofrendas

  • 📍 Sala de Tintos, Bodegas de Santo Tomás
  • 📅 November 1 | 7:00 PM–12:00 AM
  • 🎟️ 1,200 pesos | Adults only

This isn’t your average Day of the Dead gig. It’s a cultural deep dive into the afterlife with wine—100+ Baja labels, traditional Mexican food, mariachi, ballet folklórico, and live music. Come dressed to impress your ancestors (think catrina chic) and dance the night away surrounded by altars and ofrendas.

Tarde de Ofrendas

  • 📍 Plaza Santo Tomás, Ensenada
  • 📅 November 2 | 2:00 PM–7:00 PM
  • 🎟️ Free | Family-friendly

A lighter, more casual follow-up to the previous night’s festivities. Expect a kermés-style afternoon with altar contests, food stalls, live performances, and of course—more wine. It’s the perfect setting to bring the whole family and honor tradition with a Baja twist.

Wanna go? Check out provinobc.mx/eventos for tickets and details.

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Los Arenales Shooting
 Breaking News, Rosarito

Shots Fired in Rosarito’s Arenales

—Now All Eyes on Justice

Over the weekend, gunfire echoed through Los Arenales in Rosarito—a popular off-road and beach adventures. According to early reports, at least four people were injured in the incident. However, none of them were found at the scene by the time authorities arrived nor in nearby hospitals.

Authorities arrived quickly and locked down the area. Since then, the Baja State Attorney General’s Office has launched a formal investigation. However, they’ve yet to release further details.

#LosArenalesRosarito


For those who live nearby, own property in the area, or just enjoy a weekend drive through the dunes—don’t worry. We’re not here to stir panic. Instead, we aim to keep our community informed and grounded.
In recent years, Rosarito has made solid progress on public safety. As a result, this kind of incident has become the exception, not the rule. Moreover, local and state forces have shown they’re not afraid to act.

Now, all eyes are on the justice system. If previous cases are any sign, we can expect action. Recently, we’ve seen prompt arrests and follow-throughs that show the region means business.

Of course, one isolated event doesn’t change the big picture. Rosarito remains a safe, vibrant destination. Therefore, there’s no need to cancel your trip or rethink your weekend plans. Just stay aware, and let the authorities do their job.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we believe in facts, not fear. And we’re confident Baja knows how to bounce back—even when the sand gets a little stirred up.

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Sheinbaum stated that, with the Mexico Plan, she aims to recover the production that has been lost in the country. (Photo: Presidency
 Articles, Baja Norte, Economy

Baja California? Holding its breath.

🇲🇽 Mexico Dodges a Trade War (Sort Of) — But Tariffs Still Sting

Baja watches the big game with nosebleed tickets

Trump’s trade policy just got real. The U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on imports from multiple countries, and although Mexico managed to avoid retaliatory tariffs, it couldn’t dodge the hit entirely. Over 50% of Mexican exports to the U.S. are now subject to the new rates.

Mexico’s response? Diplomatic silence. No counterattacks. No panic. Just a quiet commitment to ride the wave without starting a trade war.

SúperPeso

📊 The twist? Mexico is doing pretty well, all things considered.

The peso didn’t collapse. The markets didn’t flinch. And the world noticed: Mexico’s now seen as a stable and strategic partner in a world full of economic tantrums.

🌉 Baja California, however, is in limbo.

Despite being in the ideal location for cross-border trade, we’re still stuck with infrastructure bottlenecks, overloaded ports, and a grid that flickers at the worst times. We could be leading this moment, but instead we’re fumbling to keep pace.

💸 Meanwhile, remittances keep sliding—which hits harder in Baja than people think. The big wins in macroeconomics don’t always make it to the kitchen table.Mexic

📰 At Gringo Gazette North, we believe good news doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes, staying calm under fire is the real headline.

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 Breaking News

Elon Musk Might Be Out of Trump’s Inner Circle

But Not Out of the Picture

Elon Musk may soon step down from his official role as an advisor to President Donald Trump—but that doesn’t mean he’s off the radar. According to Trump himself, Musk is expected to leave his post as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—yes, that’s the actual name, no meme left behind.

Created to “streamline” the federal government, DOGE under Musk became the ultimate budget-cutting machine. We’re talking agency shutdowns, staff layoffs, and enough red tape slashing to make a confetti cannon. While some praised the reforms as bold, others are calling them reckless. The response? Coast-to-coast protests with the rallying cry “Hands Off!”

Despite the noise, Trump remains publicly supportive. “He’s got a lot of companies to run,” Trump told reporters, suggesting the world’s busiest billionaire may be heading back to the world of electric cars, rockets, satellites, brain chips, and tweets that move markets.

Vice President JD Vance added fuel to the speculation, confirming that even if Musk leaves his government title behind, he’ll remain “a friend and advisor” to both him and the president. Translation: Elon’s still got Trump’s ear—just without the official nameplate.

Meanwhile, Tesla’s having a bit of a bumpy ride. Sales are down, the stock’s sliding, and investors are wondering whether politics and profit can really mix. Some say Musk’s high-profile presence in D.C. has made his brand less appealing in an already divided market.

The bigger question? What does Musk’s departure mean for Trump’s second-term plans? Some insiders believe the White House wanted Musk out of the spotlight to calm the waters. Others say he’s simply had enough of D.C. drama.

Whatever the case, don’t expect him to sit still. Whether he’s launching satellites or lunching with senators, Musk isn’t going anywhere. He may no longer be the official Mr. Fix-It for the federal government, but you can bet his influence is still circling the launch pad.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we say skip the press releases—watch the body language. And if Elon Musk is stepping down, he’s probably stepping sideways… into something just as chaotic.

At the Gringo Gazette, we like our news like we like our tacos—straightforward, a little spicy, and served without the extra fluff.

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Tijuana Talent at Harvard
 Articles, Arts & Literature, Border, Tijuana

Benito Del Águila Takes Border Culture to Harvard

—No Wall Can Hold Back Art

Harvard might be thousands of miles from the border, but last week it got a strong taste of Baja’s cultural flavor thanks to artist and cultural promoter Benito Del Águila. He brought the borderlands to the Ivy League during the symposium “Distant Neighbors or Regional Partners?”—a heavyweight gathering at Harvard University reflecting on U.S.–Mexico relations under two new administrations.

While academics, investigative journalists, Indigenous community leaders, and even a coalition of borderland mayors tackled migration and trade, Benito came with brushes, vision, and something Harvard hadn’t seen much of lately: borderland soul.

His talk focused on the power of art as a form of cultural diplomacy. According to Benito, it’s not about red tape or policy—art gets things done the old-fashioned way: by bringing people together. He shined a spotlight on the Tijuana–San Diego art community and how it’s been building bridges way before the diplomats got around to it.

Del Águila didn’t just theorize—he showed real-life examples of how the arts are opening dialogue and encouraging mutual respect between Mexico and the U.S. He also promoted “La Línea que Une – Conexiones Transfronterizas”, an exhibit featuring over 50 artists from both sides of the border who reflect on life in a binational community.

That show is part of Artwalk Rosarito 2025, which, if you haven’t been, is not just a walk—it’s a cultural sprint across gallery spaces that’s fast becoming the go-to art event of the region.

Benito’s participation at Harvard didn’t go unnoticed. Outlets like Flash Cultural Tijuana echoed the event, highlighting his role in pushing for deeper cross-border understanding through creativity and cultural connection.

It wasn’t just about showing off pretty pictures. It was a reminder that culture—unlike certain policies—actually crosses borders. Through art, music, and shared stories, Benito made it clear: when creativity leads the way, people follow.

And while Washington figures out which neighbor gets what, artists like Del Águila are already living in the future—one where Mexico and the U.S. aren’t distant at all.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we say skip the red tape—pass the paintbrush. Benito’s brushstrokes just hit Harvard, and Baja’s voice is louder than ever.

#Harvard

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Suspect Caught in Killing of Gail Castro
 Breaking News, Tijuana

Suspect Caught in Killing of Gail Castro

Justice Closing In

Baja California authorities aren’t messing around. This week, the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) confirmed the arrest of a man involved in the murder of Gail Castro—brother of popular influencer Markitos Toys.

The suspect had been under investigation for months. Eventually, authorities tracked him down and made the arrest, showing that in Baja, no one gets a free pass when it comes to serious crimes.

The murder of Gail Castro shocked fans across the country and hit social media hard. While details of the case remain under wraps, the FGE says this is just one of several actions they’re taking to bring justice to the Castro family.

More arrests could be on the way. In the meantime, this capture sends a loud message: run all you want, but sooner or later, Baja catches up.

Here at the Gringo Gazette North, we don’t chase headlines—we chase the silver linings. And today, it’s that Baja California’s getting tougher on crime, and impunity is no longer on the menu.

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 Articles

Mario Bros Busted in Tijuana

And No, Not the Nintendo Kind

Tijuana authorities finally caught a crime boss known as “Mario Bros”. He’s a suspected leader in the Los Mayos cartel. This time, he tried to escape during a raid in the Natura neighborhood. However, there were no power-ups to save him.

The Mexican Army led the operation. In addition, the Navy, local and state police, federal agents, and prosecutors all joined in. Basically, every badge in Baja showed up.

As a result, officers seized weapons and other shady items. According to investigators, Mario is linked to multiple homicides and cartel activity across the region.

At the moment, he’s behind bars. Authorities are still deciding whether to keep him in Tijuana or move him to another prison. Either way, the bust shows how serious these agencies are about working together.

More importantly, this is another win in the ongoing effort to make Tijuana safer. While crime headlines are rarely good news, this one might just be the exception.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we keep it real—with a wink. And in this case? Let’s just say, game over, Mario.

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 Articles, Music, National

No Entry for Narco Cheerleaders

U.S. and Mexico Pull the Plug on Banda That Praised “El Mencho

Looks like the U.S. and Mexico are finally singing the same tune—and it’s not a narcocorrido.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Christopher Landau, who also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, confirmed on April 1 that the U.S. has revoked both work and tourist visas for all members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco. Why? Because they thought it was a good idea to glorify El Mencho—one of Mexico’s most wanted drug lords—during two concerts in Jalisco and Michoacán.

The shows featured songs and video tributes to Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” leader of the CJNG cartel—one of the most violent criminal organizations in the region.


Screenshot taken during the concert video

Landau made it crystal clear in his post on X: “Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. We’re not rolling out the welcome mat for anyone glorifying criminals and terrorists.”

And Mexico isn’t sitting this one out either. President Claudia Sheinbaum called for an investigation, saying, “That shouldn’t happen. It’s not right.” But it didn’t stop there.

The mayor of Zapopan confirmed that a formal complaint was filed with the Jalisco State Attorney’s Office—against both the venue (the University of Guadalajara Auditorium) and the band itself. On top of that, the City of Zapopan announced a fine of 300 Unidades de Medida y Actualización (UMA), which comes out to 33,942 pesos. So yes, real consequences are happening on both sides of the border.

Whether you’re in a cowboy hat or a business suit, praising a cartel boss just got a whole lot more expensive—and a whole lot less welcome.

Zero tolerance is the name of the game now. U.S. or Mexico—narco worship is out of tune

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 Ensenada, Food, Wine

A Shell of a Good Time: The Conchas & Wine Festival Turns 25!

If you ever needed an excuse to sip world-class wine while slurping fresh oysters by the sea, here it is: The XXV Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo is back from April 10–13 in Ensenada, and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and brinier than ever. 

For 25 years, this festival has been the place where Baja California’s wine, seafood, and culinary magic come together in one glorious weekend of indulgence. Hosted by Provino Baja California, it brings together top-tier winemakers, chefs, and seafood producers, showcasing the best local shellfish and the freshest new wines from the region. This is not your average “grab a glass and a snack” kind of affair—this is four days of seafood feasting and wine swirling at its finest. 

The festival opens with the XVI Taller de Conchas (April 10-11), a deep dive into all things seafood. If you’ve ever wanted to hear marine biologists, aquaculture pros, and chefs discuss oyster farming, mollusk sustainability, and the future of Baja’s seafood industry—this is your jam. Even if you don’t understand half of what’s being said, it’s still a great way to appreciate where your fancy seafood dinner comes from. 

Next up is the IX Salón del Vino (April 11), where 70 wineries will be showing off their latest and greatest. This exclusive business-to-business event is where winemakers and distributors strike deals and introduce their newest creations to the world. It’s like speed dating, but for wine. 

Then, things get serious on April 12 with Mesas Marinas, an ultra-exclusive seafood and wine experience. Picture this: 15 oceanfront tables, each seating 20 guests, with a personal chef, winemaker, and shellfish producer catering to your every need. You’ll get a four-course meal featuring Baja’s finest oysters, clams, mussels, and abalone, paired with the best white and sparkling wines in the region. Chefs from as far as Peru, the U.S., Mexico City, and beyond will be on hand to create unforgettable seafood dishes—and trust us, this is the kind of meal you’ll be talking about for years. 

And then, the main event: The XXV Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo on April 13 at the Hotel Coral & Marina. This grand celebration brings together 80 wineries, over 50 restaurants, and thousands of seafood lovers for a day of pure indulgence. Expect an all-you-can-taste experience featuring fresh oysters, mussels, clams, and more, alongside over 160 labels of wine, most of them crisp whites, delicate rosés, and elegant sparkling wines. 

Oh, and let’s not forget the oyster-shucking contest, the chef-led “marina island” where you’ll get to taste seafood rice and pasta dishes, and a cooking demonstration zone for those who like their food with a side of education. 

Don’t Miss It! The Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo isn’t just a food and wine festival—it’s a celebration of Baja’s rich culinary culture, a place where the region’s best flavors, traditions, and talent shine. And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the ticket price, just remember: 3.5 tons of shellfish, 4,182 bottles of wine, and 25,000 gourmet tastings don’t lie. 

Get your tickets before they’re gone: tienda.clubprovino.mx

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Weather

Baja California Faces the Big Chill: How Cold is Too Cold?

Baja California, where margaritas flow as freely as the sunshine, is now bracing for a rare visitor: a cold front. Yes, folks, it’s time to put away your flip-flops and dig out that jacket you swore you’d never need. With not one but two cold fronts—numbers 9 and 10—set to crash the party, Baja residents are preparing for a taste of what the rest of Mexico calls “autumn.”

Blame It on the Polar Air

The good news? You’re not imagining things. The bad news? The temperature drop is as real as a frozen margarita in July. The cold front isn’t just a breeze; it’s a full-on polar air invasion. Temperatures are predicted to nosedive, especially in the early mornings when Baja’s usual sunny optimism might feel more like a frosty slap in the face.

Rain? Check. Wind? Double-check. And let’s not forget the chill-factor mornings that will have locals considering—gasp!—buying socks. It’s all courtesy of this polar express, sweeping through Mexico and reminding everyone that, yes, weather does occasionally change.

What to Expect in Baja

While the mainland is dealing with frost and even whispers of snow (seriously, Mexico?), Baja’s unique geography spares us from the worst of it. But don’t get too cozy. Winds will kick up, especially in coastal areas, and morning temperatures are expected to dip below the comfort zone for your average Baja native. You know, the kind who thinks anything below 20°C (68°F) is apocalyptic.

For those in northern Baja, temperatures could hit a teeth-chattering low, especially in Tijuana and Mexicali, where residents might even spot a bit of frost. Meanwhile, in southern Baja, Cabo San Lucas is likely to experience cooler evenings that might finally justify all those outdoor fire pits nobody ever uses.

Will It Snow? Don’t Hold Your Breath

Some parts of Mexico are expected to see snow (hi, Chihuahua and Durango), but Baja is, thankfully, not on that list. Our desert landscape might get a little damp and chilly, but the white stuff isn’t in the forecast. You can safely leave your snow shovel dreams for another day—or decade.

What Should You Do?

First, breathe. This isn’t the Ice Age. Second, enjoy the cooler weather—it’s practically a vacation from Baja’s relentless sunshine. Need tips? Here are a few:

                  •               Dust off that sweater you’ve been hiding in the back of your closet.

                  •               Stock up on hot chocolate—yes, you can still spike it with tequila.

                  •               Take a moment to enjoy how much better your coffee tastes when you can see your breath in the air.

For those running on solar-powered lifestyles, keep an eye on your panels. Overcast skies might affect your energy supply, so don’t be shocked if your favorite device takes a little longer to charge.

Sure, a cold front in Baja might feel like Mother Nature lost a bet, but it’s not all bad. The drop in temperatures means fewer mosquitoes (finally!), and you might even get to light that fancy candle that smells like pine trees for “seasonal vibes.” Plus, let’s face it, the chance to complain about the cold is a refreshing change from griping about the heat.

So, bundle up, Baja! This chill is temporary, and soon enough, we’ll all be back to sweating over our cervezas. Until then, enjoy the novelty of waking up and not immediately regretting life. Just remember: winter is coming—Baja style.

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