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.
Sea lions who eat contaminated seafood become poisoned.
 Articles, Rosarito

Toxic Algae Threatens Sea Lions in Rosarito

Rising Concerns Over Toxic Algae Bloom Impact on Sea Lions

In recent days, at least four sea lions have washed up dead on Rosarito’s beaches. Additionally, seven others were rescued alive—but in serious condition.

According to experts, the cause is a toxic algae bloom. This bloom produces domoic acid, which builds up in fish and shellfish. As a result, sea lions who eat contaminated seafood become poisoned.

Although red tide isn’t new, this recent wave is stronger and more frequent. Consequently, officials and marine groups are raising alarms.

Photo: Courtesy / City of Playas de Rosarito

Moreover, the effects are heartbreaking. One young pup was spotted nudging its mother’s lifeless body. That moment, captured on video, spread quickly on social media.

The toxin attacks the nervous system. It causes seizures, confusion, and often death. Even though rescue teams responded quickly, they couldn’t save every animal.

Therefore, local authorities are asking residents and tourists not to approach stranded sea lions. These animals may be sick, aggressive, or contagious. Instead, they encourage people to report sightings to 911.

Beaches remain open. However, people with asthma or other respiratory issues should be cautious. Some toxins can become airborne under the right conditions.

Furthermore, seafood lovers should pay attention to local health alerts. Domoic acid can harm humans too—especially when it enters the food chain.

Ultimately, this isn’t just about sea lions. It’s about the health of our coastline. Changing ocean temperatures, pollution, and runoff are part of the problem. If we don’t pay attention, we may be next.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we’ll keep covering stories like this. Because we don’t just love Baja’s beaches—we respect the life around them, too.

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Generated by our newsroom’s digital team using AI tools to reflect the news story visually and respectfully.
 Breaking News

Pope Francis Dies at 88—A Voice for the Poor,

Not a Fan of Mass Deportations

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a champion for the poor, died this Monday at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully in Casa Santa Marta, his residence at the Vatican.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis made history in 2013 when he became pope after Benedict XVI stepped down. He kept things simple. He lived modestly. And he shook things up.

Pope Francis
Pope Francis

Francis focused on compassion, not grand speeches. He spoke often about migrants, climate change, and inequality. Unlike many of his predecessors, he didn’t stay behind marble walls—he walked into the mess.

One of his strongest stances? He condemned mass deportations.

In a message to U.S. bishops, Francis called mass deportations “a disgrace.” He warned that such policies destroy families and rob people of their dignity.

So if you ever wondered how a pope felt about border walls and detention buses, well—now you know.

His critics called him too progressive. His followers called him necessary. He didn’t aim to please. He aimed to be human.

The world is now preparing for the next pope. The conclave will meet, and eventually, white smoke will rise again from the Vatican. Until then, many will remember Francis for his humility, his fire, and his habit of saying what others wouldn’t.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we don’t do incense and Latin prayers. But we’ll tip our hat to a man who spoke up for the voiceless—and reminded us that faith isn’t always quiet

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Even in Holy Week, Baja’s security doesn’t take the day off.
 Articles

Driving with California Plates?

This Might Be Why You’re Getting Stopped

If you’ve noticed more checkpoints or patrols giving your car a longer look—especially if you’ve got California plates—you’re not imagining things.

This Wednesday night, Rosarito police responded to a 911 call at Pabellón Rosarito shopping center. Inside a suspicious vehicle with California plates, officers found human remains. Yes—actual remains.

The car was a white Ford Focus, found with its trunk and doors slightly open and visible blood stains. Police quickly secured the area. The Baja State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) is handling the case now.


Even in Holy Week, Baja’s security doesn’t take the day off.

And while the model may not matter moving forward, the plates certainly do.

Local and federal security forces have increased their presence lately, and if you’re driving around Baja with U.S. plates, especially California ones, you may be getting stopped more often. Not because they don’t like you—because they’re working.

It’s not about panic. It’s about patterns. And when something this serious shows up in a car from out of state, every similar vehicle gets a second look—at least for a while.

So if you’re pulled over for a routine check, don’t take it personally. Take it as a sign that Baja’s not letting things slide.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we don’t do bad news—but we do keep our eyes open. If you’re on the road, be cool, be legal, and maybe clean out your trunk—just in case.

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 Breaking News, San Diego

Shaky Monday Morning—5.2 Earthquake Rattles San Diego

Baja Feels It Too

If your coffee trembled this morning—it wasn’t the caffeine. At around 10:08 a.m., a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit near Julian, in the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego.

The quake shook much of Southern California, and yes, folks in Tijuana and Mexicali felt it too. No serious damage has been reported on either side of the border, but that jolt was enough to get our hearts racing.

Minor damages Protección Civil
Minor damage, according to Protección Civil.

Authorities in Baja California confirmed that the quake was felt lightly in urban areas. No injuries or major damages have been reported as of press time, but local Protección Civil teams are staying alert in case aftershocks follow.

So, should you panic? Nope. But should you double-check your emergency plan and maybe refill that earthquake kit? Absolutely.

You can track real-time seismic activity here: earthquake.usgs.gov

Even minor quakes remind us—Baja is quake country. Preparedness beats surprise every time. And if you felt it, the USGS wants your input: Did You Feel It? Report It Here

At the Gringo Gazette North, we don’t do bad news—but we do help you stay standing when the earth doesn’t.

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Screenshot of the Presidential broadcast
 Breaking News, Taxes, Water

Sheinbaum Keeps It Cool While Trump Flirts and Threatens

Sheinbaum responded diplomatically

Donald Trump sent flowers on X—digitally, of course. He called President Claudia Sheinbaum “a magnificent president” and “a very elegant woman.”

Lovely words… but he followed them with a not-so-subtle threat. Trump warned that Mexico could face tariffs and a water shutoff if it doesn’t deliver what’s owed to Texas under the 1944 treaty.

Sheinbaum? She kept it classy. In her own post, she laid it all out: Mexico has already submitted a proposal to the U.S. State Department. It includes short-term actions and technical solutions to make up for water delays—despite three years of drought.

She’s not looking for a fight. “I’m confident we’ll reach a reasonable agreement,” she said. “I don’t think this will turn into a conflict.” But, she added, “if it does, we’ll be ready.”

Among the fixes: a long-awaited desalination plant in Playas de Rosarito and stricter oversight in Mexicali, where farming water sometimes ends up rerouted and sold.

Now we wait to see if Trump’s admiration for Sheinbaum’s “elegance” will be enough to soften his usual hardline style.


Trump Calls Sheinbaum “Fantastic”—But Still Threatens Tariffs

Want to understand the bigger picture behind these water talks?

Check out our columnist Martina Dobesh, who dives deep into Baja’s water politics—minus the fluff and drama.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we keep it cool—because in Baja, every drop counts.

A Stark Warning of Water Cuts: A Water Watch Editorial
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Trump and his taxes
 Articles, Breaking News, Water

Trump Wants to Cut Off Tijuana’s Water


Says Texas Is Thirsty

Just when we thought we’d seen it all, Donald Trump is now threatening tariffs—and yes, even cutting off water to Tijuana.

The reason? He claims Mexico is hoarding water that rightfully belongs to Texas farmers. According to him, 1.3 million acre-feet of water are missing. That’s not just a lot—it’s Texas’s entire sugar crop and citrus farms crying for help.

The 1944 Water Treaty requires Mexico to send water north every five years. Trump says Mexico isn’t keeping up. And now he wants payback: economic sanctions, closed borders, and zero agua for Baja.

His former Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, chimed in with promises of “escalating consequences.” That’s political code for: “We’re serious. Don’t make us come down there.”

Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz jumped in to stir the pot. He called the situation “a man-made crisis” and said Texas deserves better. Of course, he didn’t mention the part about record droughts on both sides of the border.

Created by AI

The U.S. already rejected Mexico’s latest water delivery proposal. That includes water needed for Tijuana. So yes—this could get very real, very fast.

But let’s take a breath. Treaties are tricky, and diplomacy still exists—somewhere. Baja’s not running dry just yet.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we say this: Let’s stay informed, not inflamed. If water’s the next border battle, let’s keep our cool—and maybe a backup jug, just in case.

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Eye on the sidewalk colors before you park!
 Articles, Breaking News, Ensenada, Legal

Parking in Ensenada Just Got Colorful

—Pay Attention or Pay the Price

Planning a stroll down Ensenada’s tourist zone? Better start looking at the sidewalk colors, not just the wine list.

New rules are now in effect: green curbs mean you can only park for two hours. Yes, two. After that, move it or risk a fine. The city made the change after businesses complained that some folks were parking all day. We get it—those tacos are hard to leave.

White curbs? Those are only for loading and unloading tourist buses. Don’t even think about parking your SUV there while grabbing souvenirs.

Why all the paint? Because Ensenada, like most beautiful places, has a parking problem. Officials want to keep traffic flowing and tourists happy. Rotating cars more often means more chances to find a spot—at least in theory.


Parking along Ensenada’s tourist zone—especially Calle Primera—is still a challenge. But with new two-hour zones and clearer curb markings, things are expected to improve. Just keep an eye on the sidewalk colors before you park!

This isn’t just for locals. Expats and visitors are affected too. So, next time you head downtown, keep an eye on the curb. Green? Set a timer. White? Drive away slowly and act innocent.

Local police say they’ll enforce these changes. Whether that means tickets or just warnings remains to be seen. But hey, better safe than booted.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we’re here to help you park smart, not pay dumb. Watch the colors and enjoy Ensenada—just not from behind the wheel too long.

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 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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