Articles

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:

👉 “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.

A woman in her 50s tragically died Tuesday afternoon after crashing into a pole at the “El Gallo” overpass in Ensenada.

The accident happened around 3:50 p.m. at the busy Reforma and Delante intersection. According to early reports, the driver of a gray 2016 Nissan Versa lost control of her car and hit a traffic pole. The impact was severe enough that emergency crews declared her dead at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved, and no bystanders were hurt.

While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, authorities are looking into whether speed, a mechanical issue, or a health emergency played a role.

Locals point out that signage at this intersection remains confusing—a problem that’s been flagged before. Could better signs have made a difference?

Traffic was briefly backed up while crews cleared the scene, but everything is flowing normally again.

This isn’t just another car crash headline. It’s a wake-up call about safety at intersections we all use daily.

Drive smart. Baja’s roads need your attention. What do you think about signage at El Gallo? Chime in at Gringo Gazette North.

Mega Earthquake Simulation Today, But Baja’s Sitting This One Out

If your phone starts screaming today and you happen to have a Mexico City area code, don’t worry—you’re not being abducted by aliens or warned about a tsunami. It’s just the 2025 National Earthquake Drill, a massive simulation to help Mexico get its emergency ducks in a row.

But before you panic, take a sip of your Baja wine and relax. Ensenada, Mexicali, Rosarito and Tijuana won’t hear the sirens. The alert system will only go off in 13 states that are usually in the seismic spotlight:

CDMX, Chiapas, Colima, Edomex, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, Tlaxcala, and a few other jittery spots.

The simulation is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. Mexico City time (that’s 9:00 a.m. for us here in Baja California). It’s a nationwide test to evaluate emergency preparedness. Sirens will blare. Phones will buzz. Authorities will get in formation. The goal? Be ready for the big one—whenever it decides to show up.

🔔 So, if you’ve got a CDMX number on your phone, don’t freak out when it goes off—you’re just an honorary chilango for a minute.

And hey, it’s not a bad idea to use the moment to double-check your emergency kit. Flashlight, batteries, snacks… and maybe a bottle of vino blanco, just in case.

Stay safe, stay informed, and remember—no bad news. This one’s just practice. 😉

Renewed Commitment

Baja California Sur is entering a new phase in its security strategy. On April 25, Isaí Arias Famania, Subprosecutor for Criminal Proceedings, submitted his irrevocable resignation—joining other senior officials stepping aside for a new era of leadership.

Far from a setback, these changes reflect the government’s commitment to make security a national priority. New strategies and stronger coordination are already underway to protect Baja’s communities.

In recent days, authorities have moved quickly. A series of operations in Cabo San Lucas led to the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of weapons linked to organized crime. National efforts are also boosting local security: Mexico’s Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, confirmed the dismantling of a criminal cell operating in La Paz and Los Cabos.

This reshuffle is part of a broader effort to strengthen public trust and reinforce the rule of law across the state. As new leaders step in, Baja California Sur is ready to turn the page—with a sharper focus on peace, safety, and justice for all.