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Splash Baja by Night | Waves, Lights and Flavor
 Articles, Podcast, Rosarito

From Waves to Plates, Splash Baja Celebrates 16 Years

From bartender to builder

Baja has many oceanfront eateries, but Splash Baja hits different. The waves smack the rocks, plates land heavy with oysters, and the vibe never feels staged. Nico and Agapo Santos, two brothers with more grit than glamour, built it that way.

Agapo came from Chihuahua chasing law school, only to ditch statutes for sauté pans. He learned high-end American gourmet in kitchens that served venison, buffalo, and even kangaroo. Nico meanwhile poured drinks, charmed tourists, and learned English fast enough to sling jokes at the bar. Together, they traded steady jobs for Bahía Cantiles in 2007, survived a brutal recession, and kept standing when others folded.

That survival streak sparked their next chapter: a raw patch of coast where waves hit the windows. Locals said, “Who eats there?” The Santos brothers said, “Everyone will.” They named it Splash—short, catchy, and exactly what the surf was doing.

An anniversary worth toasting

On September 21, Splash marked its 16th anniversary. While Mexico throws its big party on the 16th, this family-run spot waits a few days to raise its own glass. For regulars, it’s a reminder that while fiestas come and go, some traditions—like oysters and rib-eye by the sea—stick around.

Built block by block

The first menu was stripped to basics: ceviches, tacos, aguachiles, shrimp cocktails. Prices were local, not tourist-trap numbers. Americans already knew the brothers’ hospitality, so curiosity carried them in. Soon enough, Splash had both crowds—weekend locals in flip-flops and Californians with fresh passports.

Growth wasn’t sudden. They bought land in pieces, poured cement when money allowed, and upgraded one slab at a time. Pandemic closures pushed them to improvise an outdoor bar so people could sip beer with take-out. Guests loved it, so the “temporary” fix grew legs.

Today, the property spans more than 1,600 square meters facing the Pacific. It’s a sprawl of patios, decks, and dining rooms where the sea soundtrack never stops.

Adriana brings the sweet side

Every family needs the next generation to shake things up. Enter Adriana, Nico’s daughter. She trained at the Culinary Art School in Tijuana, polished her skills in Barcelona, and brought back a pastry toolkit sharper than a new chef’s knife.

She started with desserts. Think silky tiramisú, caramel-cracked crème brûlée, and glossy tartlets that look like edible jewelry. Sure, there’s still chocolate cake and cheesecake, but Adriana lifted the end of the meal into a new lane. Her long-term dream is a café-bistro with a pastry focus. For now, she feeds the sweet tooth of Splash’s crowd.

Why people stay

Food matters, but Splash’s secret sauce is people. Nico takes care of his crew. Staff stick around, and regulars notice. Ask Sr. Claudio, one of the veterans, why he still loves working here. He’ll grin and give you a story. That culture shows in the service—efficient, warm, sometimes a little chaotic, always real.

The menu mirrors the family’s journey. You’ll find Mexican comfort—chiles rellenos, enchiladas, tacos. You’ll find American grill standards—rib-eye, porterhouse, big sandwiches. There’s Italian too: wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and even a Governor’s Pizza loaded with shrimp. And yes, the mariscos still headline.

The legacy in motion

Splash didn’t just grow; it dragged a sleepy strip of Primo Tapia onto the food map. Neighboring restaurants like El Encanto and Los Portales? Their founders once trained at Splash. Instead of resenting it, the brothers see it as proof they built something bigger than a restaurant.

Future plans include a sushi bar with proper cuts—tuna, salmon, urchin, caviar—the kind of thing a coast like this deserves. Until then, Splash keeps doing what it does best: feeding Baja with heart, hustle, and salt spray.

So next time you roll south, pull off at KM 52.5 of the Libre Rosarito–Ensenada. Sit close enough to feel the spray. Order oysters, steak, and dessert. Don’t forget to ask Claudio why he’s still smiling. And if it’s September 16, raise your glass. You’re not just toasting Mexico—you’re toasting Splash.

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 Articles, Ensenada, Events, Guadalupe Valley

Masked Magic Lights Up Valle de Guadalupe at Castillo Ferrer

The Valle de Guadalupe knows wine, paella, and opera. However, it has never seen masks, fire shows, and aerial spirals—until now. Castillo Ferrer is launching the first edition of Renacimiento Mascaradas this October 4, creating a carnival of elegance with a Baja twist.

A New Signature Event

For years, Castillo Ferrer celebrated harvest with different themes. One year it leaned Mexican, another went patriotic in September. Because of that inconsistency, organizers decided it was time for one identity. As director Luis Alonso Altamirano said, “This is our renaissance.”

The word Renacimiento honors Italy’s 15th-century masquerades. Yet it also marks the vineyard’s revival of concerts, paused after the pandemic. Before that, Castillo Ferrer hosted acts like Tigres del Norte. Now, the stage returns.

A Program Full of Surprises

The party runs from 4 p.m. to midnight. Guests will enjoy grape-stomping, live music, and circus-style spectacles. Meanwhile, acrobats, jugglers, fire artists, and stilt walkers will keep the night electric.

Artistic director César Cervantes even promises Baja’s only aerial spiral performance. In other words, Cirque du Soleil finally meets Cabernet.

The stage is set—literally. Installations for Renacimiento Mascaradas are already taking shape at Castillo Ferrer’s vineyard grounds.

Music Across Centuries

Violinist Luis Henry will welcome guests with a DJ-violin duo. Later, he joins a string orchestra mixing Bach, Vivaldi, Coldplay, and boleros. Because nothing says Renaissance like waltzing to “Clocks” under vineyard lights.

Dress Code and Tickets

The event is formal. Women wear dresses, men suits. Ties are optional, but jackets are required. Every ticket includes a mask, although guests can bring their own—yes, lucha libre counts.

General admission costs $900 pesos. VIP tickets are $1,700 pesos, with extras like a glass and bottle of wine. Tickets are available on PrimeraFila.mx, City Express Tijuana, or at the winery box office.

Safety and Comfort

Organizers expect around 1,000 guests, though the venue can hold 2,000. Because no one should risk driving after Tempranillo, PB Tours will run shuttles from Ensenada and Tijuana.

A Baja Tradition in the Making

Renaissance masquerades blurred social lines. Everyone mingled freely, hidden behind masks. This festival aims for the same spirit. Finally, Valle de Guadalupe gets its own masked ball.

So prepare your gown, shine your shoes, or grab that lucha mask. Castillo Ferrer promises mystery, music, and midnight firelight this October 4.

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 Articles, Baja Norte, Business

Insurance Pros Gather at Corona del Valle

On September 26, 2025, the vineyards of Corona del Valle in Ensenada swapped their usual symphony of cork pops and clinking glasses for something a little different: the buzz of insurance talk. The Mexican Association of Insurance and Bonding Agencies (AMASFAC) held its 21st Regional Pacific North Congress, drawing in agents from all over Baja California, plus colleagues from Sonora, Sinaloa, and beyond.

This wasn’t just another corporate mixer. It was a full-scale meet-up where Mexico’s most trusted insurance agents traded strategies, heard inspiring talks, and—of course—did some serious networking. Bernabé “Bernie” Hernández, president of AMASFAC’s Tijuana section and our good friend from Bernie’s Insurance, personally invited us to attend and cover the event.

Ana Gabriela León Vegas, president of AMASFAC Ensenada, summed up the purpose of the gathering perfectly:

“These events are designed to keep us informed and updated in the insurance field so we can do better business. Most of the agents belonging to AMASFAC attend, and we are recognized by society, our colleagues, insurance companies, and institutions as the most reliable insurance agents.”

For anyone shopping for coverage, that’s the key point—when you deal with an AMASFAC agent, you know you’re working with a licensed professional recognized at the national level.

Ana Gabriela Leon, president of AMASFAC, Ensenada Chapter.

Throughout the day, attendees discussed industry changes, customer experience, and the everyday realities of selling trust in uncertain times. Panels and presentations touched on everything from motivational stories to practical agreements with hospitals—yes, even free parking at Hospital Ángeles in Tijuana made the list of perks negotiated for clients.

It wasn’t all spreadsheets and policy talk. There were lighter moments too—like the gifting of fancy chocolates, jokes among colleagues, and remembering leaders who left a mark on the organization. The atmosphere was more family reunion than dry convention, proving once again that AMASFAC isn’t just about policies, it’s about people.

For Ensenada, hosting the congress meant putting the region on the map as more than a wine destination. The Corona del Valle backdrop made sure every conversation came with a side of vineyard views. Between the barrels and the PowerPoints, the message was clear: the insurance sector in Baja is alive, well, and working hard to stay relevant for the clients who depend on it.

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Baja’s Michelin Constellation
 Articles, Baja Norte, Cuisine, Ensenada, Guadalupe Valley, Sabor Patrol, Tijuana

Baja Chefs Win Michelin 2025 Glory in the Valley

Baja California once again proved it isn’t just about fish tacos or tequila shots. And yes, we already told you: wine is the backbone here, not some side note. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide came to town, and the chefs of Baja walked away carrying stars, plates, and the kind of bragging rights usually reserved for French grandmas with secret recipes.

What Those Stars Actually Mean

The Michelin system can feel like a mysterious club. So let’s clear it up. A red star is the classic award. It says the food is worth a special trip. If a restaurant has one star, go. When it has two, change your route. With three, call your banker.

Meanwhile, the Green Star is relatively new (2020). It rewards restaurants committed to sustainability. Think kitchens where the fish isn’t confused about its passport, and the vegetables don’t rack up frequent-flier miles.

Finally, there’s the Bib Gourmand. It isn’t a star, but it matters. It celebrates restaurants that serve incredible food without demanding your mortgage papers at the door.

Valle de Guadalupe Takes the Crown

Here’s the fun part. All five of Baja’s red stars landed in the Valle de Guadalupe. Yes, every single one. Therefore, if you’re not convinced the valley is the capital of Baja dining, you’ve officially missed the memo.

These restaurants aren’t just making plates of food. Instead, they’re serving flavors as layered as the valley sunsets, with dishes that dance between ocean and vineyard.

Sheyla Alvarado Takes the Stage
#Lunario’s chef Sheyla Alvarado beams with pride as she brings a Michelin Star home to the valley.

Green Stars for a Greener Future

The valley also swept the sustainability awards. Olivea, Lunario, Conchas de Piedra, and Deckman’s en el Mogor all grabbed a Green Star. That means they’re not only plating art. They’re farming responsibly, fishing thoughtfully, and cooking with the planet in mind.

Bib Gourmand: Flavor Without the Painful Bill

For diners who prefer to spend pesos on wine instead of entrées, the Bib Gourmand list is a gift. For example, Ensenada classics like Sabina and La Conchería, valley gems like Merak and Villa Torél, and the unstoppable Doña Esthela prove you don’t need a fortune to eat like royalty.

In addition, Carmelita Molino y Cocina in Tijuana joins the list. It shows the border city can serve soul-warming plates with just the right hit of smoke and spice.

Sabina Honored in Ensenada
#The legendary Sabina, queen of Ensenada’s seafood flavors, celebrates her Bib Gourmand with the warmth only she can serve.

The Recommended Hit List

Michelin went even further with 21 recommended restaurants. These range from street tacos that can silence a room (La Principal, El Franc) to high-end temples like Misión 19 and Manzanilla. Meanwhile, valley names such as Primitivo, Latitud 32, Envero, and Bruma Wine Garden reinforce the obvious. If you want the best of Baja, head to the valley.

More Than Plaques on the Wall

Tourism secretary Zaida Luz López pointed out that these recognitions aren’t just for chefs. Instead, they represent farmers, fishers, vineyard workers, and communities who open their doors and pour their hearts into every plate.

Moreover, the stars ripple far beyond the dining rooms. They strengthen local producers, attract international visitors, and boost an entire tourism chain. In other words, it’s not just about dinner—it’s about an economy that grows when the food is this good.

What This Means for Travelers

For visitors, the message is simple. Baja California now stands shoulder to shoulder with the great culinary regions of the world. You can book a table in the valley, sip a glass of Nebbiolo, and enjoy a dish that carries a Michelin star while still watching the chef wave at a neighbor’s goat. Try doing that in Paris.

Bottom Line

The 2025 MICHELIN Guide made it official: Baja California is a heavyweight on the global dining stage. The Valle de Guadalupe dominates with stars, Ensenada offers classics at every price, and Tijuana proves it’s more than street tacos.

So, whether you chase sustainability, fine dining, or the perfect taco, Baja has it all. Michelin has spoken—and this time, the accent is pure Baja.

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 Articles

Sanctioned Rosarito Ex-Mayor Calls It Harassment, Stays Put

Hilda Araceli Brown has decided that the best defense is standing still. The former Rosarito mayor, now sitting comfortably in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies, says she has no plans to give up her seat just because the United States insists she was part of a Sinaloa Cartel extortion ring. “I have the right to the presumption of innocence,” she told reporters, repeating it like a mantra. She insists she has the public backing of Morena, her political party, and that the only thing that matters is “continuing to legislate the initiatives of our President.”

Brown’s line hasn’t changed since Treasury put her on the sanctions list: deny, carry on, claim innocence. The new wrinkle is visibility. She turned up in Mexicali at an event for President Claudia Sheinbaum, smiling and clapping along with the faithful. When asked why she hadn’t resigned, she brushed it off with the same phrase: no reason to step down. “The important thing,” she said, “is to keep working for the transformation.”

Opposition lawmakers smell blood

Juan Zavala of Movimiento Ciudadano has already filed for a political trial, arguing that congressional immunity cannot be used as a shield for anyone accused of betraying public trust. In the halls of San Lázaro, PAN veteran María Elena Pérez-Jaén confronted Brown directly, urging her to take leave until the accusations clear. Brown’s response was short: “Don’t harass me.” Cameras rolled, the crowd leaned in, and Brown kept walking.

Meanwhile, Morena’s congressional leadership prefers to look the other way. Ricardo Monreal said flatly that there is nothing concrete in Mexico to justify a criminal process or stripping Brown of her seat. He stressed the need for actual evidence from prosecutors before anything could happen. In practice that means nothing will happen until someone forces the issue.

President Sheinbaum herself has been cautious. She admitted that Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit reviewed the U.S. claims weeks ago and even considered joint work, but concluded there was not enough evidence to freeze Brown’s accounts under Mexican law. In the absence of hard proof, she said, there is no case for money laundering.

The U.S. Treasury sees it differently. Their release names Brown alongside Rosarito businessmen Jesús González Lomelí, owner of bars like Bombay Beach Club, Coco Beach Club, and Mariscos El Caimán, and political operator Candelario Arcega. Together, Washington says, they funneled extortion payments to the Arzate brothers and ensured the Rosarito police provided cover. It is as damning as it is detailed.

Brown, for her part, seems confident that repeating “presumption of innocence” loudly enough will make the storm pass. For now, she keeps her seat, keeps her salary, and keeps showing up at party rallies. The Americans have blacklisted her, opposition deputies are filing motions, and her critics are calling her out on the steps of Congress. Yet in Mexico’s political calendar, it is still business as usual.

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Tijuana’s water reuse project flows toward Baja’s future
 Articles

Tijuana turns wastewater into new water for Baja’s future

Water is Baja’s real luxury. Forget gold chains, craft beer, or limited-edition sneakers—around here, the real status symbol is a reliable water bill. And once again, Tijuana is making headlines with a project that could reshape how the state quenches its thirst.

From wastewater to lifeline

Víctor Daniel Amador Barragán, Baja’s Secretary of Water, unveiled plans to regenerate treated water. The goal: up to 720 liters per second for potabilization and reuse. Translation? Wastewater that once got flushed away could soon flow back through the faucet. Don’t cringe. Cities worldwide already do this, and it works.

The project was presented to Mexico’s environmental authority (SEMARNAT) and the National Association of Water and Sanitation (ANEAS). It’s tied to Minute 328, the binational agreement where Mexico and the U.S. promised to finally get serious about cleaning up the Tijuana River.

Why Tijuana needs this now

Nine out of ten families in coastal Baja depend on the Colorado River. That’s like depending on one fragile straw to keep the whole state hydrated. Problem is, the Colorado is shrinking fast—think margarita glass left out in July. This project aims to reduce that dependency and give the region a fighting chance at water security.

Amador Barragán summed it up: “Water regeneration is a global trend.” In other words, Baja can’t sit this one out.

How it works

First step: rehab the Ing. Arturo Herrera and La Morita wastewater plants. Next: build a system to send treated water to the Abelardo L. Rodríguez dam. Everything must comply with Mexico’s stricter environmental rules, so no cutting corners with half-clean sludge.

If it comes together, Tijuana gets more reliable supply and less pressure on the Colorado. That means fewer last-minute water shutoffs and a little more peace of mind.

Connecting the dots with Rosarito

Last month in GGNorth, we told you about Rosarito’s Big Plan to Bring More Water to Ensenada. That project focused on moving resources south to keep wine country and Ensenada’s residents supplied.

Now, Tijuana’s new project adds another piece to the puzzle. While Rosarito works on redistribution, Tijuana is doubling down on recycling. Same endgame: stop Baja from going dry. Together, the projects paint the beginnings of a statewide water strategy instead of patchwork fixes.

Real progress or just another promise?

Of course, Baja has seen plenty of water “solutions” that never left the PowerPoint slides. But this time, there’s binational backing, updated regulations, and serious investment. That cocktail of factors gives this plan a stronger shot at becoming reality.

So no, it won’t solve everything overnight. But it’s one of the first serious moves toward long-term water security in Baja.

While you keep hauling bottled water and scolding your neighbor for watering the driveway, remember this: Tijuana’s wastewater could soon be part of the solution. And your next glass of “reused” water might just taste like progress.

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Valle Turns Up the Flavor With Viñadas 2025
 Articles, Ensenada, Wine Valley

Baja’s Hidden Wineries Shine in the Viñadas Celebration

Think Valle de Guadalupe is only wine tastings and sunsets made for Instagram? Think again. Behind the vineyards, there’s a network of entrepreneurs working to keep the valley alive and open for business.

Meet Emprendedores del Valle Guadalupe (EDVG), a civil association of more than 270 businesses. That includes wineries, cafés, hotels, restaurants, and yes, even hardware stores. Their mission is simple: push the valley forward with collaboration, events, and teamwork .

A Network Beyond Wine

Wine might headline the valley, but this group goes much further. They connect with UABC and CEVIT for studies on tourism and restaurant trends. They also stay close to local authorities, which helps members deal with permits and regulations.

Membership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Small businesses with fewer than ten employees pay a lower fee. Bigger operations contribute more. In return, everyone gets access to studies, support, and a valuable business network.

Viñadas: Events That Keep Flowing

Their star project is the Viñadas calendar. It spreads events throughout the year so visitors don’t just come in harvest season.

In 2024, the association hosted ten events. For 2025, the goal is fifteen. At the moment, they’ve already staged eight. The next stops are Indómito, El Cielo, Casa Entre Vés, and Don Tomás Viñedo .

Each event feels different. Some are cozy pairing dinners for 50 guests. Others explode into massive fiestas with music, food stalls, and almost a thousand visitors. Businesses decide if they’ll pour tastings, charge a fee, or just showcase bottles. The variety keeps locals and tourists guessing.

December will even feature a community Christmas parade across the three valley delegations. This time, the spotlight isn’t only for tourists. Locals will be invited to join in, proving the valley is more than a destination—it’s a living community.

More Than Bottles and Glasses

The association also tackles less glamorous work. Members pool money to patch potholes. They adopt stretches of road for cleanup. They even run a photography contest where shots from cell phones compete with professional cameras.

These projects may not sparkle like wine, but they keep the valley clean and inviting. They also remind locals that their home matters just as much as the visitor experience.

#Smiles, bottles, and a splash of Baja spirit—Vinícola Maglén brings its wines to the Emprendedores del Valle showcase.

Working With the Media

Unlike some groups that treat media like intruders, Emprendedores opens the door. They know promotion matters.

Unlike some groups that treat media like intruders, Emprendedores opens the door. They know promotion matters. As Karla, the group’s Public Relations lead who is always knee-deep in logistics and present at every event, explained: ‘If no one promotes our efforts, the impact is lost.

That mindset makes coverage easier and gives journalists a chance to tell the valley’s wider story. It’s a refreshing approach in a region that thrives on visibility.

Why It Matters

When most people think of Valle de Guadalupe, a few big-name wineries come to mind. Yet more than 200 smaller players wait in the wings. Many are family-run projects with fewer than ten employees.

EDVG wants these businesses discovered. They want more wines poured, more menus tried, and more stories told. By encouraging cooperation instead of competition, they make sure the valley doesn’t rest on just a handful of brands.

So next time you sip under the stars, remember: there’s a whole team behind that glass. From the Viñadas calendar to the patched roads beneath your car, Emprendedores del Valle de Guadalupe is quietly—and sometimes loudly—keeping Baja’s wine country fresh, fun, and worth coming back to.

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Photos courtesy of Facebook users documenting the aftermath of the attacks.
 Articles, Ensenada, Security, Tijuana

Coordinated Attacks Rock Baja California Prosecutor’s Offices

Some nights in Baja California, the sirens are just background noise—an unholy lullaby. But on September 20, that lullaby turned into something harsher.

Armed groups hit the offices of the Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE) in both Tijuana and Ensenada. The attackers stormed the Ensenada branch around midday, firing at the building and setting vehicles ablaze. At the same time, at least two installations in Tijuana were struck. Four state facilities hit in near-synchrony—that’s not local anger, that’s choreography.

Security forces scrambled to lock down the sites. Guards now surround the buildings, patrols circle the blocks, and staff have been displaced while walls are patched and bullet holes filled. But the reinforcement feels like an admission: these buildings are vulnerable, and the people inside are targets.

Fiscalia Offices in Tijuana

Why the Fiscalía?

The Fiscalía is the state’s backbone for prosecutions, the symbol of law and justice. To take a swing at it is to shout: we’re not afraid of you. Attacking police or rival gangs is one thing. Attacking the prosecutors is another. It erodes the public’s already fragile confidence, reminding everyone that even the watchdog bleeds.

And let’s be blunt—when things are quiet, it often means there’s an understanding, spoken or not, between the Fiscalía and the people it’s supposed to be chasing. Calm can be camouflage. So when bullets suddenly rake across government walls, it may be a sign the deal fell apart, or that negotiations were never on the table.

This isn’t a first for Baja. The region has seen its share of blockades, arsons, and warnings from the U.S. Consulate telling staff to shelter in place. But there’s a line that many believed criminal groups would not cross: striking the state directly. That line is gone.

For those living here, expat or local, this is the new equation. Not just fear of stray violence, but the creeping sense that institutions themselves are fragile. It seeps into daily life—how you think about safety, insurance, business, even where you walk after dark.

They say violence speaks when silence fails. And so, just days after the attacks, the Fiscalía of Baja California announced three arrests tied to the bombings and arson at their offices.  The captures followed coordinated raids and a trove of field evidence, according to state officials.  These aren’t wild guesses: prosecutors say they now have “sufficient proof” to hold the suspects under investigation.  The message, unspoken but clear: retaliations exact consequences—if you want to hit the state, expect to be hit back.

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Texas Fugitive Busted in Tijuana
 Articles, Public Security, Tijuana, USA/MEX

Tijuana Cops Nab Texas Fugitive Wanted for Smuggling and …

Rumors in Baja move fast, but sometimes fugitives move faster — at least until the cops slam the brakes on their fun. That’s exactly what happened last week in Tijuana, where a young woman from Texas turned a quiet patrol into a headline.

A Reckless Ride Down Paseo de Santa Fe

At first, it looked like an ordinary afternoon. However, officers from Baja California’s Citizen Security Force spotted a black 2015 Ford Explorer cutting across traffic on Avenida Paseo de Santa Fe. The SUV swerved, braked suddenly, and forced other drivers to dodge out of its way.

Because of her erratic moves, officers turned on their lights and sirens. Eventually, the driver pulled over. She introduced herself as Arielle “N,” a 24-year-old from Lyford, Texas. At that point, she seemed like just another American lost in Tijuana traffic. Yet, the real story started when police ran her name.

Warrants That Read Like Drama Scripts

Immediately, the C5 system revealed a jackpot of trouble. In fact, Arielle had not one but three active warrants in Texas. And no, they weren’t for speeding tickets.

Her record included:

  • Human smuggling.
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
  • Theft.

Consequently, what should have been a simple traffic stop turned into an episode fit for television. Forget a rap sheet — this was practically a Netflix mini-series.

Stolen Wheels Add Another Twist

As if the warrants weren’t enough, officers also checked the SUV. Soon, they confirmed it had been reported stolen in Garden Grove, California. So, let’s recap: a Texas fugitive, driving a stolen car from California, caught in Tijuana traffic. Honestly, it sounded less like a police report and more like bad tourism marketing.

From Patrol to Podcast

After confirming everything, officers followed procedure. They cuffed Arielle, read her rights, and turned her over to the authorities. Still, the story doesn’t end there.

Because this arrest has all the ingredients for a viral hit, it could easily inspire a new chapter of the Caza Gringos podcast. Or better yet, maybe Gringo Hunters will grab it for a new episode. Imagine the title: “Warrants, Weapons, and a Stolen Ford Explorer.”

Therefore, if someone from @CazaGringosPodcast or @GringoHuntersShow is scrolling right now, we’ve already done the marketing. Just remember to mention the Gringo Gazette North when the cameras roll.

Mexico Sends a Clear Message

Meanwhile, authorities stressed that Baja is no playground for fugitives. They reminded everyone to report crimes at 911 or 089. As a result, locals and visitors alike can help keep the drama on screen, not on Avenida Santa Fe.

Final Thought

For years, some folks north of the border thought they could cross into Mexico and disappear. No rules, no problems, no consequences. However, that myth is collapsing fast. As this case proves, ya pasa (translation: “it already happens” — meaning crime catches up with you here).

So, if Arielle’s little road trip doesn’t convince you to check your paperwork before driving south, nothing will. At least you’ll know which podcast to tune in to afterward.

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 Articles, Water, Water Watch

Blow up the Dam!

Problem Solved – Part 2 WW Editorial

Read “Part 1: Baja Faces Water Cuts” here…

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.” Edward Abbey

While my water research has been ongoing for decades, I have focused for years on the flow of the Colorado River to Baja California. It was an especially intense time during the drought year in 2022. Water being the primary reason that we can live in comfort in this northern state makes it essential to everyone. The water issue for Baja has infinite unforeseen factors andit is extremely complex. What we don’t consider is that having water in our state along the Pacific coast is a man-made solution to advance development and agriculture. It is simple math,like a bank account. Water is deposited if it rains and we can draw it out, however we run into trouble if we require more than what has been saved. Water can be delivered by the municipalsto households and business if there is water in Lake Mead. Nature is the unknowable source of water. Nature does not give us credit to use more. Nature is no longer providing what it did 100 years ago when a few thousand Native Americans lived along it shores. Today’s focus has to untangled the power struggle over water between the seven basin states. By 2026 they have to decide how to decrease their allotments so that the river can survive.

There are those who care more about the wellbeing of the river than further developmentand city growth. The Native American tribes, environmentalists, sports fishing and recreational folks want to maintain a healthy river. Many say that draining Lake Powell would also restore the Glen Canyon ecosystem and the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon. A question might be what is a “legitimate” need for the water? There is an unhealthy loop that has been established by thoughtless development: more water brings more people and this cannot be sustained by the current river system. This massive water delivery system begins in Colorado, the headwaters of the river. Baja is the last spigot to receive its allotment.

Since my early research I have had to go further up river in order to understand how vulnerable water users are. This led me to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon dam. This Lake serves the upper basin states. Water managers then release water allotments down to Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. However, my most current research has exposed big problems with Glen Canyon dam. It’s old, poorly built structure threatens the ablity to deliver water downstream. The outflow pipes are filling with silt and other pipes so old and rusted that they could not hold up under high pressured water released to Lake Mead.

Research shows that a huge about of water is lost yearly from Lake Powell. In 2013, the Glen Canyon Institute commissioned a study of Fill Mead First. Hydrologists found that Lake Powell loses enough water each year to supply Nevada’s annual share of Colorado River water.In 2016, journalist Abrahm Lustgarten wrote in The New York Times that Fill Mead First offered “a solution hard to ignore.” The late Edward Abbey, author of The Monkey Wrench Gang had hischaracters plotting to blow up the dam to free the Colorado. Everyone who has read Abbeyknows he probably really wanted to blow it up as he wrote about the encroachment of theconsumer culture into America’s natural environment.

John Berggren, a regional policy manager for Western Resource Advocates reported,“Mandatory cuts and emergency water releases are “reactive.” If we are going to be able to have a sustainable Colorado River and not just be responding to crisis after crisis, we need large amounts of flexibility built into this new set of guidelines.”

The pending 2026 report calls Mexico to cut 80,000 acre-feet, or 5% of its annual allotment. This might not seem like much, but do we actually know what acre-feet means andwho or what that 5% loss impacts? There are many who know the true size and cost of this problem. Berggren said, “If the states don’t get their sh*t together it’s a huge “hot mess. If statescan’t reach a deal ahead of a 2026 deadline, the federal government can step in and make those decisions itself.

The Colorado Sun reported in August of this year, “The basin needs to be looking at the minimums,” said John Fleck, a former science journalist, “The reservoirs, the big ones Powell and Mead, are not going to recover, they’re actually going to decline to pretty scary elevation levels,” Voices for change are coming from all the sources in the know. The politicians seem to be the only positive voices suggesting it can be handled by a desal plant or two.

Desal Plants take years to build. The Department of the Interior’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Scott Cameron said, “We cannot afford to delay. The health of the Colorado River system and the livelihoods that depend on it are relying on our ability to collaborate effectively and craft forward-thinking solutions that prioritize conservation, efficiency, and resilience.” Cameron’s thoughts could be called idealistic given the current heat in US politics. It is man’s inability to agree that has disrupted a perfectly flowing Colorado River.And it still is.

Blowing up the dam might a bit dramatic, however insiders say that retooling the dam to deal with low water levels would cost upwards to 3 billion dollars. Many say that “a more benign action would be to drain Lake Powell into Lake Mead; decommission the dam, and create a water policy that works with nature and not against it.”

Editor’s Note: For indepth coverage, see our webpage for more Water Watch reports from Martina. Also don’t miss Martina’s book signing at Tempest Trading, October 11, 11:00 to 2:00. First person receives a free book signed by the author.

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