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.
If calling 911 in Ensenada lately has felt like shouting into the void, you’re not imagining it.
The FGEBC (Baja California’s State Attorney General’s Office) confirmed on Thursday that the 911 emergency line is having technical issues. Calls may not go through, and if they do, don’t expect the usual speedy response.
The Citizen Security Secretariat says it’s working with C5 command centers to fix it. But until then, they suggest using the “911 Móvil BC” app. Here’s the catch: that app has a lovely 3.0 out of 5 stars on the App Store. So… good luck.
#911 Movil BC App
For now, authorities advise calling local emergency numbers directly if the line fails. And yes, they’re thanking you for your patience while they figure this mess out.
In a wild twist, Mexican authorities uncovered what felt more like a jungle than a city home. This weekend, things got wild in Tijuana. The FGR (Federal Attorney General’s Office) and the FGEBC (Baja California State Attorney General’s Office) raided a home in colonia Buena Vista. What they found looked more like a zoo than a house.
Inside, officers rescued a Siberian tiger, a mandrill, and a spider monkey. They also found a snapping turtle, two horned owls, a lilac-crowned parrot, three bearded dragons, a chameleon, and a tarantula. Yes, all in one place.
#Siberian tiger
#spider monkey
#Horned owl
#chameleon
#two horned owls
#three bearded dragons
The suspect, Juan José “O.”, was arrested. Along with the animals, he had firearms and military-only ammo. Not exactly pet supplies.
One of the animals—the spider monkey—is protected under Mexican law. So now, the suspect faces charges for both illegal animal possession and weapons violations.
Today, 133 cardinals from around the world locked themselves into the Sistine Chapel. Why? To pick the next Pope.
This secretive meeting—known as a conclave—comes after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. And no, they’re not allowed to bring their phones.
The word conclave comes from the Latin cum clave, which means “with a key.” As in, they’re literally locked in until a decision is made. The tradition began in 1274 after a papal election dragged on for nearly three years. Talk about deadlines.
The voting? It’s old school. Handwritten ballots, burned in a special stove. If the smoke is black, no Pope. If it’s white—ding ding—we have a winner.
The process can take a day or stretch into weeks. But this time, many expect a decision in under three days. Cardinals Pietro Parolin of Italy and Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines are top contenders, but in conclaves, surprises happen.
#Photo by Claude Truong-Ngoc / Wikimedia Commons
Cardinal Pietro Parolin#Photo by Lawrence OP / Wikimedia Commons
Looking for a weekend that feeds your soul and your stomach? Rosarito has you covered.
Artwalk Rosarito returns May 24 and 25 to the CEART Playas de Rosarito, and this year’s edition isn’t just another stroll through art booths.
It’s a celebration of creativity, cross-border connection, and Baja’s unbeatable vibes.
Over 40 Artists, One Giant Weekend
Expect a lively mix of painters, sculptors, designers, and artisans—more than 40 in total. They’ll be showcasing their work in the open-air plaza, where conversation flows as easily as craft beer and coastal breeze.
One of the highlights? A featured exhibit titled “The Line That Connects: Cross-Border Connections.” This one digs into the artistic and cultural bonds between Mexico and the U.S. It’s powerful. It’s timely. It’s exactly what this region needs.
Not Just Art—It’s a Full Baja Experience
There’s more than just eye candy. Artwalk will also serve up:
Live literary and stage performances
A foodie zone with local bites and beverages
A welcoming, pet-friendly vibe
And yes—free entry for all
If it sounds like a chill time, that’s because it is.
Featured Artist: Francisco Javier Macías Rosales
Hailing from Aguascalientes and now based in Puebla, Francisco Javier Macías Rosales brings 50 years of creative fire. His family were metalworkers and foundry artists. Today, his work honors that heritage while pushing boundaries.
When his pieces speak, you listen.
When & Where
📅 May 24–25
📍 CEART Playas de Rosarito
💸 Admission: Free
🐾 Pets welcome
Final Word?
Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your dog. Just don’t miss it.
Rosarito’s not just throwing an art show—it’s throwing a reminder that culture doesn’t need a passport.
A new executive order from President Trump is shaking up border trucking like a pothole on the Tijuana freeway. The mandate? All commercial drivers entering the U.S. must speak English — and they’ve got 60 days to prove it.
Currently, only 3 out of 10 truckers along the border speak English well enough to explain a flat tire, let alone communicate with U.S. safety officials. As a result, this mandate has sent ripples through the transport community — and not the good kind.
Representing the voice of many concerned drivers, Israel Delgado Vallejo, vice president for the Northwest Region of CANACAR(Mexico’s National Chamber of Freight Transport) and delegate in Tijuana, weighed in on the decision:
# Israel Delegado Vallejo, vice president CANACAR
👉 “There are many capable drivers who simply don’t speak English, and that doesn’t make them less safe.”
In theory, the rule aims to improve communication and road safety. In practice, however, it’s throwing a wrench into binational commerce. The order requires drivers to read signs, follow written instructions, and speak directly to U.S. officers — all in English. If they can’t, they’ll be sidelined.
Meanwhile, truckers and companies now scramble to meet the language requirement. For many, that means urgent training, higher costs, and disrupted schedules — all under a tight two-month deadline.
Moreover, Vallejo warns this could clog ports of entry and delay cargo, affecting everything from avocados to auto parts. “This is a slap in the face to working people who’ve delivered goods safely for decades,” he said.
So now what? Either drivers pick up English fast — or trade slows down faster. Border business just got bilingual. And no, “Spanglish” doesn’t count.
Before you grab that taco or adjust your sunglasses — wash your hands. Seriously.
Every May 5, the world celebrates Hand Hygiene Day, and this year the Baja California Health Department joined in, reminding everyone that soap and water are still the OG disease fighters. From the flu to COVID-19, handwashing helps keep the bugs at bay.
Dr. Adrián Medina Amarillas, our state’s health secretary, didn’t mince words: clean hands save lives. He recommends a solid 40–60 seconds of washing — palms, backs, between the fingers, thumbs, under the nails — the works. No soap? Use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.
#Hand Hygiene Day
👏🏼 But here’s the twist — Mexico’s own ReMIEIE (Red Mexicana Interdisciplinaria de Educación e Investigación en Enfermería) is also backing the campaign, because nurses and researchers know better than anyone: health starts with the basics.
So today, celebrate your hands. Wash ‘em like you mean it. And maybe keep that hand sanitizer handy… just in case.
Since Sunday, several neighborhoods in Otay have gone without water. A busted 18-inch pipe on Bellas Artes Boulevard caused the disruption. CESPT crews identified the break and started repairs immediately.
The affected area includes Otay Módulos in Nueva Tijuana. Workers have battled through mud and tight conditions to replace the damaged section. This morning, May 5, CESPT announced they had reached 80% completion on the job.
They expect to finish repairs around 1:00 p.m.. After that, water service will gradually return to the neighborhoods.
Many residents, frustrated by the lack of notice, scrambled to adjust. Some stocked up on bottled water. Others just hoped the fix would hold longer than the last one.
Photo: CESPT crews working on 18-inch pipe in Otay after water service disruption
Crews stayed on-site through the night, pushing to wrap up the work before Monday rush hour — or at least before dinner. In Otay, water breaks are a recurring guest.
💧 Water’s political. Thirst is personal. Stay tuned for updates — and in the meantime, maybe skip laundry day.
Ensenada Celebrates Tuna Day with Free Family Event
This Saturday, May 3, Ensenada is throwing a party for one of our favorite sea creatures — the tuna.
From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Caracol Science Museum will host a free event full of tasty food, hands-on activities, and cool facts. The star of the show? The bluefin tuna. The event also celebrates the reopening of the exhibit“Aleta Azul: El Atún del Pacífico.”
#Aleta Azul (Bluefin)
One highlight is the ronqueo demonstration — the traditional art of filleting bluefin tuna. An expert from Baja Aqua Farms, along with chef Miguel Bahena, will show the process live. It’s a mix of tradition, precision, and culinary skill you rarely get to see.
#filleting bluefin tuna
Throughout the day, guests can also enjoy educational talks, raffles, fun stations for kids, and plenty of food. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seafood fan, science lover, or just looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday.
The event is organized by the Caracol Museo de Ciencias, with support from Baja Aqua Farms and Bluefina. Best of all, admission is free.
🐟 Come celebrate one of Baja’s greatest catches — and yes, we mean that literally.
This morning in Ensenada, a bus got stuck in a dip at the intersection of Calle Ruíz and Ámbar, causing a serious traffic slowdown.
According to witnesses, the driver didn’t notice the shallow but sneaky dip in the road and ended up wedged halfway in. It’s the same dip locals have warned about before, but this time it trapped a whole bus. A backhoe was brought in to help, followed by a cement truck attempting to assist.
As of 9:20 a.m., the bus was still there, with just one police officer managing the chaos. Drivers in the area reported long delays and confusion.
📍If you’re headed through this part of town, take another route. And if you’re behind the wheel of a larger vehicle — slow down and stay alert, especially on familiar streets. You never know when a “little dip” turns into a big problem.
Photos taken on the scene show the unusual rescue effort in action. We’ve posted them below.
🚨 When buses bounce into dips, we bring you the bumpy details — only at the Gringo Gazette North.
On May 22, Fundación Mi Chante will tee off at the Club Campestre de Tijuana with its 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. This year, the day honors José Sulaimán — the late boxing icon whose legacy still fuels dreams in and out of the ring. While many charity tournaments exist, this one stands out because it’s about more than golf. It’s about changing young lives.
Through this event, the foundation raises funds to support athletes across Mexico. These aren’t just handouts. Instead, proceeds cover real needs: travel to competitions, athletic gear, training costs, physical therapy, and even school expenses. Meanwhile, Fundación Mi Chante works directly with these athletes to find sponsors, mentors, and resources. In fact, their support goes far beyond the field or the gym — it’s a full-circle approach to youth development.
#Golfing for Good in Tijuana
President Abelardo Peña Madrigal leads the organization with a clear mission. “This tournament is a celebration of community and generosity,” he said. “It’s about giving talented young people the chance to pursue their dreams and stay on the right path.” That vision has turned a simple sports fundraiser into a regional event with real momentum.
A cross-border effort with local heart.
This year, they’re getting a major boost from their main sponsor: Escondido Golf Cart Center, a California-based company that specializes in all things golf cart — sales, rentals, repairs, and custom jobs. Their work stretches into hotels, warehouses, and industrial spaces, but their support of this tournament shows their reach goes beyond business.
CEO Victor Lopez Duron sees the partnership as a perfect fit. “We believe in supporting the next generation — not just through business, but by investing in their future,” he said. As a result, the company’s involvement adds not only resources, but real heart to the event.
While golfers from across northern Baja are expected, the invitation is open to anyone who wants to help out — from San Diego to Ensenada. Whether you play a killer short game or just want a good excuse to be outside for a cause, you’re welcome to join.
