Luisa Rosas-Hernández

The Mexican Monsoon is our not‑so‑secret summer guest. It flips wind patterns and drags in humidity from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California .

Baja lies on its fringe, so rain’s usually shy—think sudden summer sprinkles, not monsoon home invasions .

Those moisture surges from the Gulf of California—like a sneaky wet wave that barrels up the Gulf—often spark the action .

This Week’s Forecast: Baja’s Mid-Week Weather

Starting Monday (today) afternoon through Wednesday night, monsoon moisture is expected to push into Baja. Mountains get the first round of showers, heavy downpours, and lightning shows. Keep your shoes and phones dry.

Even Mexicali and San Felipe might score surprise storms—show up uninvited, yes. So yes, umbrellas are a must.

Elsewhere? Rain odds are low, but officials are on watch. And yes, the 9‑1‑1 number still works—no need to get creative.

Power Woes in the Rain

Meanwhile, locals are raising eyebrows about those wild CFE voltage swings. Cleaning up that mess amid lightning storms? That’s asking the power crew to dance in flip‑flops. Let’s hope repairs hold, or we’ll all be charging our phones with portable generators.

Why Monsoon Timing Matters

Monsoon rains are short, intense, and often hit hard. Hard‑packed arid soil doesn’t absorb quickly—flash floods are the kind of drama no one wants .

Still, those storm clouds help. They lower the heat and mop the air. But don’t get spoiled—lightning can spark fires, even when the rain looks helpful .

Power Prep Checklist for Locals

• Watch official updates (yes, “watch TV” still works).
• Secure loose objects—wind loves surprise missile launches.
• Have a flashlight or battery stash.
• And unplug chargers during storms—no one wants fried electronics when the clouds clear.

Final Word

A bit of rain, a flicker of thunder, and hopefully no power dramas. It’s that sweet middle ground: weather that keeps us entertained, but not stuck in the dark. Monsoon’s on its way—pull your rain boots closer.

Counting People, Not Problems

While most of us slept, more than 300 workers hit Tijuana’s streets. Their mission: the city’s first-ever night census of people living on the streets. The goal is simple. Who are they, where are they, and how many are there? If you want to plan the future, you better know the present.

How They Did It

The effort came under Governor Marina del Pilar’s orders and tied into the national program led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. A command center buzzed at Delegación Centro, hosting federal, state, and city officials. On the ground, teams spread across the Zona Norte, Zona Centro, La Mesa, Playas de Tijuana, and San Antonio de los Buenos.

Each group had staff from health, social welfare, and public safety. They carried supplies, clipboards, and enough coffee to fuel an army. Their task: record everyone they could find, all night long.

Words from the Top

Beatriz Olivares from the National Center for Crime Prevention put it this way:

“We worked together to close the gap of inequality.”

State Secretary Alfredo Álvarez Cárdenas said the census created a reliable database to connect people with health, shelter, ID, and jobs. Mayor Ismael Burgueño went a step further, calling it “an act of empathy” and a way to humanize those often ignored.

What Comes Next?

That’s the big question. The census gives Tijuana a snapshot. Now comes the real challenge—turning numbers into action. That means opening shelters, boosting mental health care, and linking people to jobs. The hard part isn’t counting. The hard part is following through.

Learning from Los Angeles

Other cities already do this. In Los Angeles, volunteers conduct the “Homeless Count” every January. Thousands walk neighborhoods for three nights, logging who sleeps on sidewalks, in tents, or in cars. They repeat it yearly, because the situation changes fast. Housing costs, migration, and addiction all reshape the crisis.

The lesson for Tijuana? One night isn’t enough. A census is useful only if it becomes routine, transparent, and followed by action.

We’ll Be Watching

This first night census is a start, not a finish line. The next step is clear: show the results and act on them. GGNorth will keep an eye on whether this late-night headcount sparks real change or ends up filed under “good intentions.”

Because yes, the city finally counted its invisibles. Now we’ll see if it can give them more than a number.

Ensenada doesn’t just make wine and fish tacos. We also know how to host a serious race with a not-so-serious vibe. On Sunday, August 17, the city’s waterfront turned into a giant track for the 22nd Powerade Ensenada International Half Marathon, drawing thousands of runners, cheerleaders, and more than a few tired legs.

Over 2,500 athletes took on the 21k challenge, while another 2,300 participants joined the 2k fun run. The combination made the boulevard feel less like a street and more like a moving, sweaty parade.

Starting with honor

The event began on a note of respect and tradition. A civic ceremony opened the day, featuring the Banda de Guerra and Escolta from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Campus Ensenada, under the leadership of psychologist Carlos Cortés. The beat of the drums and the sharp presence of the escolta gave the runners a sendoff that was as solemn as it was motivating. It’s not every day you lace up your sneakers to the rhythm of a UABC marching band.

The men’s showdown

The men’s race quickly turned into a battle of pace and grit. Daniel “Pollito” Valdez López of Mexicali stole the show with a winning time of 1:09:22.0. His performance had fans cheering and earned him bragging rights as the fastest bird on the boulevard.

Second place went to César Mireles Barrios, also of Mexicali, who crossed the line in 1:09:46.6. Hot on their heels was Bernard Kibet Too from Zacatecas, finishing third with 1:10:09.4. With less than a minute separating the top three, the finish line tension could have been cut with a butter knife.

The women’s drama

On the women’s side, Natali Naomi Mendoza of Uruapan, Michoacán, claimed victory in 1:16:47. Close behind was Argentina Valdepeñas at 1:17:47, with Mary Akor taking third in 1:21:19.

Now here’s where the race gets more than just athletic. Word around the finish line is that Mendoza might be the girlfriend of Pollito himself. We can’t confirm it, but if true, Ensenada may have just crowned running’s new power couple—literally crossing the line as champions together. Move over Kardashians, the running world has its own golden duo now.

Local pride on the course

Not every hero wears a bib number in the single digits. Some wear a newspaper bag. Our very own Alberto Rosas Hernández, who delivers the Gringo Gazette in southern Ensenada, finished the 21k with an official time of 1:44:41. When he’s not dropping the Gazette on doorsteps, he’s clearly putting in the miles. Alberto is living proof that community heroes aren’t just behind steering wheels or desks—they’re on the course, racing with heart.

Scenes from the finish line

If you camped out at the finish line like we did, you got more than just split times. Some runners gave every last ounce of energy and collapsed dramatically as they crossed. Volunteers rushed to help, and thankfully, everyone was okay. Others, fueled by who-knows-what, celebrated with push-ups—because apparently 21 kilometers just isn’t enough.

The most emotional scenes, though, came from families. Kids sprinted across the last meters to grab the hands of their parents or siblings. Hugs, tears, and cheers filled the finish line, reminding everyone that running is just as much about love as it is about endurance.

Big rewards and bigger smiles

The event wasn’t only about medals. With a record 274,500 pesos in prize money and more than 100 raffles from generous sponsors, the marathon felt like a blend of competition and raffle night. Even those who didn’t crack the top spots had a shot at walking away with something—besides sore calves.

Why Ensenada wins again

What sets Ensenada apart isn’t just the fast times or the scenic coastal course. It’s the atmosphere. From the UABC band giving the sendoff, to rumors of a running love story, to Alberto’s community-powered finish, this was more than a race. It was a reminder that the city doesn’t need much of an excuse to come together and celebrate.

The 2025 Ensenada Half Marathon was everything at once: athletic, emotional, hilarious, and unforgettable. Runners collapsed, others did lagartijas, kids stole hearts, and yes, Pollito and Natali might have stolen the show—and maybe each other’s hearts.