Harvard might be thousands of miles from the border, but last week it got a strong taste of Baja’s cultural flavor thanks to artist and cultural promoter Benito Del Águila. He brought the borderlands to the Ivy League during the symposium “Distant Neighbors or Regional Partners?”—a heavyweight gathering at Harvard University reflecting on U.S.–Mexico relations under two new administrations.
While academics, investigative journalists, Indigenous community leaders, and even a coalition of borderland mayors tackled migration and trade, Benito came with brushes, vision, and something Harvard hadn’t seen much of lately: borderland soul.
His talk focused on the power of art as a form of cultural diplomacy. According to Benito, it’s not about red tape or policy—art gets things done the old-fashioned way: by bringing people together. He shined a spotlight on the Tijuana–San Diego art community and how it’s been building bridges way before the diplomats got around to it.
Del Águila didn’t just theorize—he showed real-life examples of how the arts are opening dialogue and encouraging mutual respect between Mexico and the U.S. He also promoted “La Línea que Une – Conexiones Transfronterizas”, an exhibit featuring over 50 artists from both sides of the border who reflect on life in a binational community.
That show is part of Artwalk Rosarito 2025, which, if you haven’t been, is not just a walk—it’s a cultural sprint across gallery spaces that’s fast becoming the go-to art event of the region.
Benito’s participation at Harvard didn’t go unnoticed. Outlets like Flash Cultural Tijuana echoed the event, highlighting his role in pushing for deeper cross-border understanding through creativity and cultural connection.
It wasn’t just about showing off pretty pictures. It was a reminder that culture—unlike certain policies—actually crosses borders. Through art, music, and shared stories, Benito made it clear: when creativity leads the way, people follow.
And while Washington figures out which neighbor gets what, artists like Del Águila are already living in the future—one where Mexico and the U.S. aren’t distant at all.
At the Gringo Gazette North, we say skip the red tape—pass the paintbrush. Benito’s brushstrokes just hit Harvard, and Baja’s voice is louder than ever.
Tijuana authorities finally caught a crime boss known as “Mario Bros”. He’s a suspected leader in the Los Mayos cartel. This time, he tried to escape during a raid in the Natura neighborhood. However, there were no power-ups to save him.
The Mexican Army led the operation. In addition, the Navy, local and state police, federal agents, and prosecutors all joined in. Basically, every badge in Baja showed up.
As a result, officers seized weapons and other shady items. According to investigators, Mario is linked to multiple homicides and cartel activity across the region.
At the moment, he’s behind bars. Authorities are still deciding whether to keep him in Tijuana or move him to another prison. Either way, the bust shows how serious these agencies are about working together.
More importantly, this is another win in the ongoing effort to make Tijuana safer. While crime headlines are rarely good news, this one might just be the exception.
At the Gringo Gazette North, we keep it real—with a wink. And in this case? Let’s just say, game over, Mario.
U.S. and Mexico Pull the Plug on Banda That Praised “El Mencho
Looks like the U.S. and Mexico are finally singing the same tune—and it’s not a narcocorrido.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Christopher Landau, who also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, confirmed on April 1 that the U.S. has revoked both work and tourist visas for all members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco. Why? Because they thought it was a good idea to glorify El Mencho—one of Mexico’s most wanted drug lords—during two concerts in Jalisco and Michoacán.
The shows featured songs and video tributes to Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” leader of the CJNG cartel—one of the most violent criminal organizations in the region.
Screenshot taken during the concert video
Landau made it crystal clear in his post on X: “Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. We’re not rolling out the welcome mat for anyone glorifying criminals and terrorists.”
And Mexico isn’t sitting this one out either. President Claudia Sheinbaum called for an investigation, saying, “That shouldn’t happen. It’s not right.” But it didn’t stop there.
The mayor of Zapopan confirmed that a formal complaint was filed with the Jalisco State Attorney’s Office—against both the venue (the University of Guadalajara Auditorium) and the band itself. On top of that, the City of Zapopan announced a fine of 300 Unidades de Medida y Actualización (UMA), which comes out to 33,942 pesos. So yes, real consequences are happening on both sides of the border.
Whether you’re in a cowboy hat or a business suit, praising a cartel boss just got a whole lot more expensive—and a whole lot less welcome.
Zero tolerance is the name of the game now. U.S. or Mexico—narco worship is out of tune
For decades Baja California has been known as a destination for Spring breakers. But this image has changed over the years. There is a new look and presence to be enjoyed, and Baja has much more than the margarita to sample. This is found by the true traveler as their curiosity takes them off the beaten path. Surprises await. This Easter season is celebrated in many different ways in Baja and one of those is a good old fashion Easter egg hunt. With a short drive through sleeping grape vines, orange groves and hidden in the hills of the Guadalupe Valley is the En’Kanto winery. Each year they host a community egg hunt. Part of the festival includes a visit to their very special heritage chickens. Baja is one of the very few purebred chicken breeding farms. These classy hens are known for their rainbow eggs.
There is a long history of how the egg became part of a holy tradition we know as Easter today. The egg is an ancient symbol of new life and it has been associated with Pagan festivals celebrating spring. It is said that the tradition of decorating and coloring eggs dates back to at least the 13th century. The first hunt was recorded in the 16th century in Germany. Martin Luther, a Protestant leader for the Lutheran church, introduced the egg symbolizing life and resurrection. And now children around the world are delighted when they find special eggs hidden in the grass.
Tom and Eva invited me out to meet their good friend, Cassie. Forgive the pun, but this is how the story was hatched. It all started when Cassie wanted to have fresh eggs for breakfast. The vineyard and casita rentals were surround by plenty of beautiful landscaping and room for a chicken coop. Little did anyone know at the time that they would one day have a purebred farm in Baja California.
Cassie and I met at the expanded enclosure. I learned right away that you have to have a sense of humor to be a “Poulterer.” Cassie just grinned and said, “We have some pretty funny titles; Chief Hen’Kanto Officer CHO, La Cluckadora and Madam Hatch-a-lot.” This is seriously funny way of life. She has a T-shirt that reads, “I might look like I’m listening to you, but in my head, I’m thinking about getting more Chickens.” We are both laughing by the end of the list. We started with the basics. It takes a rooster and a hen and the right set of factors for purebred birds. We stepped inside the brooding grounds; I watched for poop hidden the hay. There was a cacophony of clucking like a barnyard symphony and birds were running everywhere. But these were not ordinary chickens, these were beyond the idea of chicken. It was a funny, wildly beautiful display of bird life. The plumage of the different breeds was like a moving art show, from orange, rusty red and iridescent black of the studly rooster to the cream and white hen with the jazzy feathered hat and skinny legs reminiscent of Dr Suess’ little “Things” characters.
Cassie pointed out how the hay was laid out, “Actually we just throw in a bale of hay and they do all the work. They love to pick at it and they spread it everywhere.” She opened an inner door and pointed out how they roost at night. The feeding is simple, but Cassie exclaimed, “Oh the feed has gone sky high! It has doubled in price!” The feeders themselves are uniquely created to keep the mice out of the grain. Cassie knew all of her birds and the future pairings that would go on to create new chicks. But she was worried, “There are way too many roosters now and this is a problem as you can imagine.” When the breeding begins there is a special place where one lucky rooster is put in separately with eight or nine hens of his breed. Otherwise, there will be “mut” a mixed breed. She explains, “This is just like dog breeding to get the specialty breeds; it is the same with chickens for their rainbow eggs, plumage displays, dual purpose, or just for being cute.”
She continued, “I didn’t want to have roosters because they start crowing at four in the morning and I didn’t want them to disturb the guests staying in the casitas.” One thing led to another, and she admitted, “People start to get addicted.” There is a natural desire to begin to breed them she said, “It’s called Chicken Math.” This opens up a whole new experience and it is no longer just about the eggs. It creates a different way of life. The Poulterer begins to keep all the breeding schedules in their heads and to a layperson it is mind boggling.
When the hens begin to lay, Cassie collects 22 fertilized eggs for the incubator. It takes 21 days to hatch, however on the 18th day the eggs need to go into “lockdown” with higher humidity in the incubator. They no longer rotate hourly and must be removed and placed under the heat lamp. This allows more space for them when they hatch. Recently Cassie purchased a second incubator and is deciding on a third one. “Each one will be in process of hatching in 21 days so every week you have little chicks.” On top of this, there is the schedule for breeding to coincide with the batches leaving the incubators. “Chicken Math” is ongoing in Cassie’s head all the time. She explained, is a joke among backyard chicken-keepers. It means you start with 4 or 6 chickens and before you know it you have 50!”
“There are very few sources for purebred chicks here in Baja, and now we can begin to sell them. Some people love a special breed for pets, but there is also the opportunity of having eggs. There is a new Polish breed I have coming, and people are going to love them!” Laughing, “Yes, I am addicted!” Cassie hopes there will be the first batch of little chicks for April. What a fun Easter gift this can be.
There is so much here to enjoy all year around. The natural landscaping features massive granite boulders that are millions of years old and were left here like ancient art forms. The vineyard is always a wonder to behold in its different stages of growth. In Spring the first tiny leaves are seen pushing out of what looks like dry dead wood. In the fall the vines are heavy with grapes and the citrus groves are lush with fruit. Old tree growth provides lovely setting to enjoy wine tasting. The outdoor restaurant serves up a delicious array of homecooked delights as well as those maintaining a personal diet. And yes! You can experience eating an omelet made with fresh eggs from the classy hens. This is a real gem off the beaten path. If you visit, be sure and tell them that Martina sent you. Open Friday through Sunday, www.enkanto.mx
Editor’s Note: Martina is a freelance writer, author and columnist for Baja Bound where this story first appeared. Visit the Baja StoryTeller and read many more of her years of travel stories. See our aid and order a copy today.
If you’ve noticed those strong Santa Ana winds lately, you’re not imagining things. According to María Tereza Cavazos Pérez, a researcher from Cicese’s Department of Physical Oceanography, these conditions are typical during a La Niña event—but this year, they come with an added danger. A dry winter and intense winds are creating a perfect storm for wildfires in Baja California.
La Niña, which can last over a year, took its time arriving after being forecasted back in mid-2024. It’s now firmly in place, and satellite imagery confirms that since early January, strong winds have been blowing from the continent toward the Pacific. This has created high-pressure conditions, sunny skies, and those infamous Santa Ana winds sweeping through California and northern Baja.
The outlook? Dry weather is expected to stick around until at least the end of January, with little rain on the horizon. This dryness, coupled with strong winds, means an increased risk of wildfires. Recent blazes in Maneadero, Ojos Negros, Valle de la Trinidad, El Tigre, and Tecate highlight the danger. In fact, Baja California’s border region is considered a wildfire hotspot, especially under these conditions.
Dr. Cavazos warns that fires in Baja could be as catastrophic as those seen in Los Angeles, where even with advanced resources and technologies, controlling wildfires has been a massive challenge. “If they can’t manage it, what can we do?” she asks. She stresses the need for heightened awareness and preventative actions: no flicking cigarette butts, no burning trash, and definitely no campfires.
Globally, the risk of extreme weather events is rising due to climate change and phenomena like La Niña. The dry conditions in Baja California are a stark reminder that these aren’t isolated issues—they’re part of a larger trend that demands attention.
So, stay vigilant, Baja. It’s fire season, and every small action counts in preventing disaster. Let’s keep those winds blowing, but without the flames.
Deported Mexicans arriving back into Baja California will now have access to federal support programs, including resources available directly within shelters, according to Alejandro Ruiz Uribe, the regional delegate for Federal Welfare Programs in Baja California. Ruiz Uribe shared the news following a meeting with the Business Coordinating Council of Ensenada (CCEE), led by Marco Antonio Estudillo Bernal.
The Mexican government has provided extensive training to officials to improve their treatment of deported migrants. Drawing on past experiences in Tijuana, Chihuahua, and Matamoros during the Trump administration, Ruiz Uribe emphasized that the shelters will now serve as entry points for social programs like Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro (Youth Building the Future), pensions for seniors, and childcare support for mothers with young children.
“Each person arriving at a shelter will have the chance to enroll in these programs and receive benefits either on-site or in their hometowns,” said Ruiz Uribe.
Expanding Welfare Access
Ruiz Uribe also discussed efforts to increase funding for welfare programs in Baja California, aiming for an additional 48 billion pesos to serve over 583,000 beneficiaries. Currently, more than 360,000 seniors in the state receive a pension of 6,200 pesos, while 30,000 working mothers benefit from childcare stipends.
With these measures, the government is committed to offering comprehensive support for deportees and expanding welfare initiatives for vulnerable communities in the region.
Proceeds from the sale will go toward expanding La Misión Performing Arts Center
Step into history and culture at the Quinta Los Delfines Estate Sale, a one-of-a-kind event taking place on February 7th and 8th, with a special VIP preview on February 6th. This extraordinary sale offers a rare chance to acquire antique heirlooms, artwork, and collectibles from a family deeply connected to Baja California’s history and cultural growth.
The story of Quinta Los Delfines began in 1950 when Esther López de González Saravia was inspired by then-President Miguel Alemán to invest in Baja California as part of a tourism initiative. Over the years, Esther and her son, José Miguel, developed a passion for art and antiques, amassing an impressive collection and dreaming of creating a cultural complex with a museum and theater. Today, the estate has evolved into a vibrant community hub, hosting theater productions, art classes, and cultural events that benefit residents, expats, and nonprofits like Cruz Roja and Rotary.
To support the continued growth of its programs and facilities, Quinta Los Delfines is letting go of cherished pieces from its collection. Items up for sale include fine furniture, porcelain dinnerware, sculptures, collectible models, paintings, books, and much more. A highlight of the weekend is the live auction of premium items and a silent auction, both happening on Saturday from noon to 2 pm.
The event kicks off with the exclusive White Diamond VIP Preview on February 6th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. For $25, attendees can enjoy champagne, caviar, hors d’oeuvres, and a sneak peek at the auction items. The main estate sale will run Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, offering something for everyone, from casual collectors to seasoned antique enthusiasts.
Proceeds from the sale will go toward expanding La Misión Performing Arts Center, ensuring that Quinta Los Delfines continues to be a cultural beacon for years to come. The estate sale represents not just a chance to own a piece of Baja California’s history but also an opportunity to support its vibrant future.
Don’t miss this unique event filled with history, art, and the spirit of community. For more information, contact quintalosdelfines@gmail.com and get ready to explore a treasure trove of Baja California’s rich cultural heritage.
Big news, amigos! Ensenada is gearing up for a massive road project that promises to ease your scenic drives while beefing up the job market. The upcoming alternative route to the bustling Scenic Road is not just a pathway; it’s a job creator with over 10,500 positions revving up over the next four years. This was all laid out in a recent morning spiel by none other than President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, as part of her grand National Road Infrastructure Program.
The focus of the program? Connectivity, with a hearty side of community support, especially for the areas that could really use a leg up. With a total stretch of 24 kilometers and a hefty tag of 3.5 billion pesos, this two-lane construction dubbed the ‘Bypass from Tijuana to Ensenada’ is set to begin its life as a pile of studies and projects this coming year.
Why all the fuss? Well, apart from making your trips smoother, these roads are part of a much bigger picture. The government’s shelling out a cool 35 billion pesos in 2025 alone, aiming to bridge gaps between communities across the country. By the end of the term, they’re looking at pouring nearly 150 billion pesos into roadworks that span 263 kilometers, including new bridges and roadways that are sure to make life a little easier for commuters and Sunday drivers alike.
President Sheinbaum was clear: this year’s plans are just the start. With decisions made in the spirit of enhancing connectivity and supporting the less fortunate zones, it’s clear that the wheels are turning towards a more connected and cared-for Mexico.
So, buckle up, Baja residents and visitors! New jobs, smoother rides, and better bridges are on the horizon, making sure that whether you’re headed to the beach or back to the border, the road ahead looks promising.
Chinese tourism is emerging as a significant opportunity for Ensenada and Baja California, with visitors from China spending over $181 million in Mexico during 2023, according to Andrés Martínez Bremer, president of Proturismo. This weekend, he and Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz met with representatives from five Chinese travel agencies and influential social media figures as part of a commercial mission connecting China and Ensenada.
Chinese tourists have demonstrated an 8.5% increase in spending compared to pre-pandemic levels, making this demographic a lucrative market for the region. Martínez Bremer emphasized the cultural ties between Baja California and China, reflected in local gastronomy and traditions, and called for enhanced efforts to attract more visitors.
Proposed initiatives include Mandarin signage, tailored hospitality training, and customized culinary options. Digital marketing campaigns and participation in international tourism fairs are also essential to capturing this audience’s attention.
Highlighting events like Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, Martínez Bremer proposed a yearly cultural calendar to strengthen ties and create unique tourism experiences. Collaborating with Ensenada’s Chinese community will be crucial in executing these plans.
With its rich cultural, gastronomic, and scenic offerings, Ensenada has the potential to become a favored destination for Chinese travelers, boosting its economy while celebrating its multicultural identity.
Hold onto your sombreros, folks, because Mayor Rocio Adame Muñoz just wrapped up her first 100 days in office, and boy, did she come in like a mariachi band at a quiet dinner! In a recent reveal that had the local crowd buzzing more than a beachside margarita mixer, Rosarito’s fearless leader dished out a hefty list of improvements that have the town talking.
Starting with a crime rate that’s dropped faster than a tourist’s inhibitions during spring break—25% to be exact—Rosarito is now less about “watch your back” and more about “watch this space.” But it’s not all about dodging the dodgy; there’s a whole revamp going on with schools, libraries, and sports facilities getting facelifts that would make Hollywood envious.
The flagship project, Plan 10×100, is a gutsy blueprint touching everything from the ground up. Picture this: El Morro school now has classrooms ready to withstand even the gnarliest rainstorms, thanks to some nifty upgrades. And for the bookworms among us, three libraries have been spruced up, with the Octavio Paz library now a beacon of knowledge and free Wi-Fi.
But wait, there’s more! The Santuario Milly is on the verge of being the next hot spot for our four-legged amigos, and Rosarito’s youth are getting their game on in newly pimped-out sports centers. Let’s not overlook the introduction of ‘Gobierno Móvil,’ a roving government service that’s been making the rounds, making sure the older crowd doesn’t miss out on the action.
Safety’s also on the up, with new security measures that include more lights in dark corners and weekly round-tables keeping the peace. Tourists can now wander a bit more worry-free with bilingual help desks and improved infrastructure to sweeten their stay.
So, while the margaritas are still cold, the future in Rosarito is looking pretty sunny. Here’s to 100 days down and many more bustling, less bumbling days to come! Cheers, Mayor Muñoz!
