Cocina la Baja 2025 Delivers Another Delicious Hit
If your taste buds weren’t at Estero Beach this weekend, you missed out. Big time.
Cocina la Baja 2025 turned up the heat with a full-on seafood fest. Chefs, fishers, and food lovers gathered for one of Baja’s most flavorful events of the year.
A Feast from the Sea
Guests were welcomed with a wine glass and a massive display of the event’s logo. The air was filled with the scent of grilled octopus and sizzling clams.
More than 40 booths offered tastings of Baja’s best. Think fresh ceviche, smoked oysters, sea urchin pasta, and even oyster ice cream.
Over 24,000 individual tastings were served throughout the day. That’s a lot of bites—and a lot of happy bellies.
Top Dishes, Big Wins
The People’s Choice went to Ilusso from Tijuana. Their taco of merluza in nori with plantain tortilla stole the show.
First place from the judges? A tiradito of cabrilla with yuzu and miso by Bocalobina and chef Abraham Gutiérrez.
Second went to Bivalva for their smoked oyster ice cream. Third place was a rich pasta with sea urchin cream by Almatierra.
Not Just Eating—Learning Too
The event wasn’t only about food. It was about education and fun.
At the Pabellón Manglar, kids colored sea creatures and joined a fishing-themed rally. Meanwhile, adults watched a live tuna “ronqueo” (butchering demo) by Bluefiná.
Cocina la Baja also featured producers from all over Baja. Wine and craft beer flowed freely between bites.
A Toast to Baja’s Coast
Cocina la Baja keeps getting better. With support from SEPESCA BC, COMEPESCA, and dozens of local chefs, the event once again proved why Baja is king of the sea.
It’s not just a food festival. It’s a love letter to Baja’s coast—and a reason to come back next year.
If you’re heading to Cocina la Baja today, make a pit stop on your way. President Claudia Sheinbaum is in Ensenada this Saturday, July 12, and she’s not just here for the view—she’s cutting the ribbon at one of the most important medical projects in decades: the brand-new IMSS Bienestar Regional Hospital No. 23.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new IMSS hospital, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum herself, is scheduled for 2:00 PM. Yep—the exact same time Cocina la Baja kicks off. So if you’re torn between fresh seafood and fresh medical facilities… we totally get it. Priorities, right?
President Claudia Sheinbaum arrives in Ensenada to inaugurate the new IMSS Bienestar Hospital. Photo courtesy of the Government of Mexico, Ensenada Delegation.
A Big Dose of Hope
Set right by El Ciprés (Av. Reforma and Calle Margaritas, Ex Ejido Chapultepec), this public hospital is expected to serve over 300,000 residents across the region. We’re talking 216 hospital beds, 32 specialties, and fully-equipped facilities for oncology, dialysis, pediatrics, and general surgery. And it’s all under the IMSS Bienestar model, which means free care for anyone without social security coverage.
Yep, real healthcare—no fine print, no wallet pain.
Years in the Making
This is the first federally built hospital in Ensenada in over 60 years. After some partial operation last year, the hospital is now officially open and ready to get to work. The site was donated by the state government, and today marks the full launch.
Local officials—Governor Marina del Pilar and Secretary of Health José Adrián Medina—are also attending. Just one thing to note: while the building is top-notch, the staffing and supplies still need to catch up. Progress, but not perfection.
The President’s Health Tour
Sheinbaum’s not just stopping in Baja. She’s on a larger tour of IMSS Bienestar facilities nationwide. This program is part of a broader push to deliver health services to people who’ve been left out of Mexico’s social security system.
The federal government is teaming up with states like Baja California to ensure staffing, meds, and funding actually show up where they’re needed. A good start, but the work’s just beginning.
🌮 Bonus Tip: Sheinbaum Before Seafood
Now here’s a local hack: if you’re heading to Cocina la Baja 2025 at Estero Beach this afternoon, guess what’s right on the way? Yep—the new hospital. Swing by, snap a photo with the President, and send it our way!
Oh, and while you’re hunting oysters and abalone later, keep your eyes peeled for Leonardo Quintero. He’ll be covering Cocina la Baja for us today. Tell him we said hi—and maybe share your best bite.
Projecto El Sauzal: Ask the President
If you’ve got questions—like what’s happening with El Sauzal port or road upgrades, or how this hospital ties into broader regional plans—today’s your chance. Residents have concerns about the El Sauzal megaproyecto, including environmental risks and changes to the local economy . The President and your local officials will be there—drop by, ask away, and get informed.
🟣 No Bad News. Just fresh hospitals, fresh seafood, and fresh reasons to celebrate Baja.
Since 2021, locals near a dog shelter in Ensenada had been complaining. They said something smelled bad—literally and figuratively. They weren’t wrong.
In July 2025, things finally came to a head. A multi-agency raid exposed what may be one of the worst shelter scandals Baja has seen. And yes, it’s exactly as bad as it sounds.
We’ve always backed animal groups. We’ve covered rescue stories and wagged tails across these pages. But when a rescue turns into a rotting kennel of disease and death, it’s time to stop applauding and start reporting.
The Shelter That Hid a Horror
The shelter, Ellos son la Razón (“They Are the Reason”), operated for years without a license, vet, or basic hygiene. In 2023, shocking photos led the city to shut it down—briefly. Still, dogs kept coming, and the problems stacked up.
The director, Keila Rodríguez, said many dogs arrived already sick. That may be true, but by July 2025, it was clear no one was getting better inside those walls.
The Raid That Changed Everything
Between July 5 and 6, a court-approved raid led by Baja’s Prosecutor’s Office and the city of Ensenada uncovered the truth: 300 dogs packed into small, filthy rooms. Some rooms held up to 35 animals. There was no clean water, no drainage, and plenty of fleas, feces, and rotting remains.
Veterinarians found cases of distemper, mange, transmissible tumors, and cancer. Some dogs were too far gone. They had to be euthanized. Others were treated immediately and transferred to real clinics.
Rescue, Treatment, and Real Help
Municipal and state vets stepped in fast. Norma Olimpia Guerrero and Wilber Agumada Torres led medical evaluations. With help from certified shelters, they began treatment, rehab, and a plan to rehome the dogs responsibly.
Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila backed the effort and promised tighter shelter regulations in Baja. The city pledged ongoing support—meds, food, vet teams, and transport.
It wasn’t just a clean-up. It was a full system reboot.
Legal Action and What’s Next
Two investigations are now open—one from mid-2024 and one from this July. While no arrests have been made yet, authorities issued penalties and are preparing further charges.
The case is already changing how Baja thinks about animal protection. Officials are working on stricter rules, regular inspections, and real accountability for shelters.
Want to Help? You Can.
If this story breaks your heart, good. That means you’re human. And you can help.
The rescued dogs are currently under the care of government-led veterinary teams and are being assessed for relocation. While they are not being housed by independent shelters, you can still support the work of permitted and trustworthy rescue groups like Los Adoptables, Guillermina’s Sanctuary, 4 Patas, and Ayudando a los Animales—who continue rescuing and caring for animals across Ensenada.
If you’re thinking of donating, in-kind support is always best. Shelters often need food, medicine, cleaning supplies, and blankets more than anything.
Pro tip: Ask questions. Visit in person. If the place avoids showing you the kennels—run.
You can also check Petfinder for adoptable pets near Ensenada or contact the Centro de Atención Animal for verified information.
The Ruff Reality
Good intentions aren’t enough. Rescue means care, structure, and vet support—not just stacked cages and forgotten animals.
This shelter claimed the dogs were “the reason.” And you know what? They still are.
But now, thanks to loud neighbors, brave vets, and some much-needed pressure, these dogs finally have a reason to hope.
If you thought Baja’s wine scene was just local buzz, think again. Vinitácora: Wines and Wineries of Baja California just snagged the world title for Wine Guides at the Gourmand Awards 2025 in Portugal—beating out publications from over 60 countries . ¡Salud!
What’s the Gourmand Award?
Known as the “Oscars of food and wine books,” the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards have celebrated stellar gastronomic literature since 1995, with over 200 countries competing annually . In 2025, winners were announced in Estoril, Portugal—where Vinitácora took first place for Best Wine Guide worldwide .
Why Vinitácora Stands Out
This isn’t just a pretty picture book. Vinitácora offers deep dive coverage of 80+ wineries, 900 wines, and all seven valleys that define Baja’s wine map . Organized, bilingual, and user-friendly, it’s built for wine travelers—whether you’re Instagram-savvy or GPS-wary .
Founded by sommelier-authors Lorena Hernández (Vionda) and Fabián Jáuregui, the guide isn’t just a list—it’s a living tool. They’re celebrating 10 years of highlighting Mexico’s wine regions—covering Valle de Guadalupe and touching Aguascalientes and California too .
In Portugal, they stole the spotlight with a special tasting event in Cascais, showcasing flagship Baja wineries like Adobe Guadalupe, Casa de Piedra, and Vena Cava .
What This Means for Baja
Baja’s Secretary of Tourism, Miguel Aguíñiga Rodríguez, praised the win as proof that the region is now an international wine powerhouse . Vinitácora’s award-winning content, maps, expert notes, and aesthetic design convinced judges worldwide .
Local winery owners say this kind of shine can turn corks into visitors—and shipments. It’s marketing gold for Baja’s wine tourism industry .
A Toast to the Future
With this global medal, Baja California not only cements its title as the Capital of Mexican Wine—it doubles down. Backed by Vinitácora’s credibility, the Tourism Secretariat plans to promote it at international fairs and tastings .
🟣 No Bad News. Just big sips and even bigger wins for Baja.
If you thought Ensenada couldn’t get any tastier… think again. Cocina la Baja returns next weekend with 24,000 reasons to loosen your belt and hit the coast.
This isn’t just a food festival—it’s the seafood showdown of the year, mixing chefs, students, scientists, and shellfish in one big Baja-style feast. Set your reminders now: the flavor storm lands on Saturday, July 12 at Estero Beach, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Tacos, Tuna, and Talent
This isn’t your average fish taco party. We’re talking about a culinary lineup of fishermen, aquaculture producers, and top Baja chefs, all dishing out the best of what the sea has to offer. From oysters and clams to smoked marlin and bluefin tuna—you’ll need both hands, an appetite, and probably a nap after.
A panel of expert judges and festival-goers (yes, that includes you) will crown the most popular dish with the People’s Choice Award. So come hungry, come opinionated.
Students Face Off for Seafood Bragging Rights
Before the main event, things heat up on Friday, July 11, with the Reto Culinario—a student cooking challenge at UABC El Sauzal. Culinary students from all over Baja will battle it out with guidance from real producers, local chefs, and academics.
And yes, there’s a trophy: the Minerva Pérez Castro Award, honoring one of Baja’s loudest champions for seafood, sustainability, and future foodies.
Winners of Cocina la Baja 2024. Photo courtesy of SEPESCA.
It’s a Festival with a Message
Beyond the flavor, Cocina la Baja is about knowing your food—where it comes from, how it’s raised, and why it matters.
You’ll find booths from CONAPESCA, EDF México, Pronatura Noroeste, and even Baja Aquafarms, sharing cool facts about species like bluefin tuna and Baja’s underwater ecosystems. Expect hands-on exhibits for kids in the Mangrove Pavilion, live cooking demos, and lots of info you didn’t know you wanted.
Yes, it’s family-friendly. Yes, it’s ocean-friendly. Yes, there will be ceviche.
How to Get In
Tickets are still available on Eventbrite (https://cocinalabaja2025.eventbrite.com.mx), or swing by SEPESCA BC, La Q BajaMed, or UMAI Progressive Asian Food to grab yours in person. And heads up: this thing fills up fast.
So if your July plans don’t yet include standing on the beach with a cold drink and a plate of grilled octopus in your hand… you might want to fix that.
🟣 No Bad News. Just good seafood, good vibes, and the best bites in Baja.
Ensenada usually serves up wine tastings, scenic strolls, and seafood towers—but this weekend, it’s all about touchdowns and flag-grabbing glory.
From July 3 to 6, the Tochella Flag Festival has taken over the Raúl Ramírez Lozano Sports Complex—better known to locals as Ciudad Deportiva de Valle Dorado—and turned it into a full-blown flag football battleground. With 380 teams from all over Mexico (and a few from the U.S.), this thing is officially huge.
Not Just a Game—It’s a Movement
Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz called Tochella one of the biggest sporting events in the region, right behind Baja’s legendary off-road races. And she’s not exaggerating—between players, coaches, and their families, thousands rolled into town for the four-day showdown.
“For us, events like this are a win-win,” said Agatón. “They promote physical activity, but they also boost the local economy—from street vendors to hotel owners.”
Flags, Footwork, and Fresh Kicks
This isn’t a friendly neighborhood scrimmage. Tochella features 5-on-5 matchups with real stakes, elite divisions, and serious talent—like the kind that can juke you out of your sandals before breakfast.
Games have been running from 6:00 a.m. until sundown, with finals set for today, Sunday, July 6. And while the action on the field is intense, the off-field vibe is pure festival: DJs, food stands, merch booths, and even sneaker-cleaning stations.
If you’ve ever wanted to watch a touchdown while eating ceviche and bobbing your head to reggaetón, this is your moment.
Meet the Minds Behind the Madness
The mayor gave a well-earned shoutout to the brains behind Tochella:
Luis Fernando Gutiérrez Acosta, Defensive Coach and World Champ with Mexico’s Women’s National Team.
Iván Méndez, U-20 national team player and world silver medalist.
Luis Moreno, the organizer who helped make all this happen.
Agatón also said her administration is committed to improving the sports complex’s courts, aiming to make Ensenada a prime destination for international tournaments.
Still Time to Catch the Action
Haven’t been yet? No problem. Entry is totally free, and today’s finals promise some of the best flag football you’ll see this year. Whether you’re in it for the sport or the snacks, Ciudad Deportiva is the place to be.
Want to follow the brackets or check who’s still undefeated in the Femenil D1 division?
Check out @tochella_flag_festival on Instagram—it’s got everything from game schedules to crowd highlights.
🟣 No Bad News. Just high-fives, highlight reels, and a whole lot of heart.
Think your doodles could make a difference? Mexicali is handing you a paintbrush—and a cause.
The Centro de Justicia para las Mujeres (CEJUM) which means Women’s Justice Center, alongside Baja’s Secretary of Culture, is inviting locals to take part in a community mural with a bold message: end gender violence and support real equality.
This isn’t just art for art’s sake. The mural will live on the outer walls of the new CEJUM building, which is about to open its doors to women seeking support after experiencing violence. The center will offer legal help, psychological care, and social services—all under one roof.
Not Just Pretty Paint
Magdalena Bautista, CEJUM’s director, said it best: “This mural is more than a work of art—it’s a statement.” Every brushstroke is meant to remind us that we can build a future where women live free of fear, with access to justice and respect.
Alma Delia Ábrego, Baja’s Secretary of Culture, chimed in with heart: “This mural is a way to reflect on gender violence—and create hope.” It’s not just color on concrete. It’s a voice. A message. A reminder.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a pro. First-timers, families, students, art collectives—everyone’s welcome. If you’ve ever held a paintbrush, or even just liked a mural on Instagram, you’re in.
State Government invites the community to help create a mural promoting the end of gender-based violence.
A Mural with Meaning
The project follows the vision of Governor Marina del Pilar: use art not just to beautify, but to heal, support, and inspire. The mural is meant to send a clear message—this is a space where women are safe, heard, and empowered.
So whether you’re a muralist or just someone with something to say, here’s your shot to leave a mark on something that matters.
Want In?
To join the project, just email your name, age, and a quick blurb about yourself to:
📧 dmexicali.cjm@gmail.com. No fancy portfolio needed. Just your time, your energy, and a little heart.
Because sometimes, change starts with color.
🟣 No Bad News. Just bright walls and big messages.
We get it—buying a house in Baja sounds dreamy. Ocean breeze, fish tacos, and a fresh start. But if you’re buying from someone who isn’t licensed… you might be buying trouble.
The Risk Is Real
Right now, more than 80% of people selling real estate in Baja California don’t have a license. They just decided one day, “Hey, I sell houses now!” And poof—they’re in business.
Only around 350 agents are officially licensed, out of more than 2,000 working the market. So when you hear someone say “my cousin can show you some lots,” maybe ask what paperwork he’s actually got.
Time to Clean Up
The State Economic Planning Office is trying to fix this. They just launched 100 free training spots for people who actually want to learn the rules and get legal.
The 40-hour course is the first step to getting the real deal: a state license and a spot on the official registry. That list separates the legit folks from the ones selling swamp land in Rosarito “with a view.”
At the recent “Semana del Inmobiliario 2025,” state officials, real estate leaders, and a few sharp-dressed agents came together to push this message: If you’re selling homes, get licensed—or get out of the way.
Why You Should Care
Because it’s your money. And your house. And if anything goes wrong, you don’t want to hear “well, I didn’t know I needed to mention that lien.”
Unlicensed sellers:
Don’t follow any rules.
Can vanish after the sale.
Probably don’t know what they’re doing.
Licensed agents, on the other hand, are at least on the record. If they mess up, you can find them. That alone is worth more than a handshake.
✅ What Buyers Should Do
Ask for their license. It’s a number, not a vibe.
Check they’re listed on the state registry. Don’t just take their word for it.
Don’t get blinded by “deals.” Cheap now could mean costly later.
Buying a house in Baja? Ask for a license. Not a vibe. Photo by Oliver Quintero
Final Word
Look—we’re not trying to scare you. But if you buy a house from someone who isn’t licensed, don’t say nobody warned you. When it comes to real estate, the only thing worse than paying too much is paying twice.
Baja’s housing market is hot. But the smartest move you can make? Buy with someone who actually knows what they’re doing—and has the license to prove it.
🟣 No Bad News. Just the stuff you wish someone told you sooner.
Turns out, a little beach cleanup goes a long way.
This Tuesday, July 1st, Playa Hermosa in Ensenada wasn’t just sun and sand—it was gloves, trash bags, and a team effort. State Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SEPESCA BC), Alma Rosa García Juárez, showed up with her crew for a cleanup event organized as part of the National Week Against Sanitary Risks.
And they weren’t alone. Red Cross volunteers also joined the effort, rolling up their sleeves to help clear the coast.
From Sand to Seafood
Alma Rosa didn’t just show up for a photo op. She’s been vocal about how clean beaches create a ripple effect—benefiting everything from marine life to food safety.
Her team reminded everyone that clean sand means cleaner water, which is key for aquaculture. That’s especially true for shellfish like oysters, mussels, and clams—aka the pride of local seafood culture. When the water’s dirty, so is the product. Nobody wants plastic-flavored ceviche.
Floating trash and microplastics don’t just look gross—they release toxins, upset the pH of the water, and open the door for harmful bacteria. The result? Bad news for both fish and fishermen.
Trash-Free = Tourist-Ready
Beyond the seafood, there’s tourism. Because let’s be honest: no one’s booking an Airbnb next to a trash heap.
Baja’s already blessed with great weather. Add a sparkling coastline, and you’ve got a spot that sells itself. Clean beaches attract more visitors, boost local business, and keep the “Baja magic” alive.
This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about living better. As Alma Rosa said, a clean ecosystem reflects a healthy, inspired community.
Global Goals, Local Wins
There’s also the bigger picture. Beach cleanups tie directly into the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda—specifically climate action and marine life preservation. Who knew tossing a bottle in the right bin could help save the planet?
During the Playa Hermosa cleanup, Alma Rosa met with local leaders including COFEPRIS, the Baja State Health Department, and Ensenada’s ecology team. Their message was clear: clean beaches are a shared job—with shared benefits.
And with Red Cross volunteers pitching in too, it’s proof that Baja cares—from its officials to its citizens.
#Photo courtesy of SEPESCA BC, taken during the July 1st cleanup at Playa Hermosa—because protecting the ocean starts with cleaning up the shore.
What You Can Do
Don’t ghost your garbage. Take it with you.
Support recycling efforts. Even if it’s not glamorous.
Join the next cleanup. It’s cheaper than therapy and better for the ocean.
Clean beaches mean better seafood, healthier oceans, and a brighter Baja. Let’s keep the coast clear.
Security isn’t just talk in Baja California anymore—it’s action. And not the Hollywood kind.
A criminal gang that was shaking down business owners in Ensenada has been taken down. The charge? Cobro de piso—that ugly racket where criminals demand money in exchange for “protection.” Refuse to pay? They light your place on fire or spray your home with bullets. That’s exactly what happened to one local restaurateur.
But here’s the plot twist: he reported it. That one act of courage set off a chain of events that ended with four men in cuffs. Boom.
From Flames to Arrests
According to the State Attorney General, these suspects were tied not only to extortion in Ensenada but also to a homicide in Mexicali. After committing the murder, they tried to lie low back in Mexicali—unaware that investigators were already connecting the dots.
They weren’t just petty criminals, either. Authorities say they were part of an organized crime group dealing in drugs and human smuggling. One tip, one complaint, and the whole thing unraveled.
As the AG put it, “We needed a formal complaint to make this happen.” In other words: silence helps the criminals. Speaking up helps everyone else.
More Boots, More Brakes
This isn’t an isolated case. As we’ve reported this month on ggnorth.com, the Baja California government has ramped up security with more patrols, more agents, and more checkpoints—especially around high-traffic corridors like Tecate–Tijuana.
Some folks complain about the delays, but let’s be real. A few extra minutes in traffic is worth it if it means your car doesn’t end up stripped in a canyon. Besides, these stops are working.
A National Guard officer (who asked to stay anonymous) told us that just last week at the Tecate–Tijuana checkpoint, they recovered four stolen cars and seized illegal substances. So yeah, those checkpoints aren’t just slowing you down—they’re stopping crime.
Not Just Luck—A Plan
All of this is part of Baja’s broader plan to make safety a priority. And it’s showing. From Ensenada to Mexicali, authorities are coordinating efforts and connecting cases across cities. This is real policing, not PR.
Even better? It’s giving business owners and tourists a reason to breathe easier.
Still a Long Road
The authorities believe this isn’t the only group operating. More victims may be out there, afraid to speak up. But this case proves that one voice is enough to tip the scales.
So if someone’s trying to charge you for “protection,” don’t stay quiet. Report it. You’re not alone—and the law might just be a few steps behind them.
Here’s the Deal
Extortion ring: Busted.
Cars & drugs: Recovered.
Officers: Working overtime.
The state: Making security a priority.
Citizens: Starting to believe it.
This time, Baja isn’t reacting—it’s taking charge.
