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Baja Norte

Baja Norte, Breaking News, Weather

Baja California Faces the Big Chill: How Cold is Too Cold?

Baja California, where margaritas flow as freely as the sunshine, is now bracing for a rare visitor: a cold front. Yes, folks, it’s time to put away your flip-flops and dig out that jacket you swore you’d never need. With not one but two cold fronts—numbers 9 and 10—set to crash the party, Baja residents are preparing for a taste of what the rest of Mexico calls “autumn.”

Blame It on the Polar Air

The good news? You’re not imagining things. The bad news? The temperature drop is as real as a frozen margarita in July. The cold front isn’t just a breeze; it’s a full-on polar air invasion. Temperatures are predicted to nosedive, especially in the early mornings when Baja’s usual sunny optimism might feel more like a frosty slap in the face.

Rain? Check. Wind? Double-check. And let’s not forget the chill-factor mornings that will have locals considering—gasp!—buying socks. It’s all courtesy of this polar express, sweeping through Mexico and reminding everyone that, yes, weather does occasionally change.

What to Expect in Baja

While the mainland is dealing with frost and even whispers of snow (seriously, Mexico?), Baja’s unique geography spares us from the worst of it. But don’t get too cozy. Winds will kick up, especially in coastal areas, and morning temperatures are expected to dip below the comfort zone for your average Baja native. You know, the kind who thinks anything below 20°C (68°F) is apocalyptic.

For those in northern Baja, temperatures could hit a teeth-chattering low, especially in Tijuana and Mexicali, where residents might even spot a bit of frost. Meanwhile, in southern Baja, Cabo San Lucas is likely to experience cooler evenings that might finally justify all those outdoor fire pits nobody ever uses.

Will It Snow? Don’t Hold Your Breath

Some parts of Mexico are expected to see snow (hi, Chihuahua and Durango), but Baja is, thankfully, not on that list. Our desert landscape might get a little damp and chilly, but the white stuff isn’t in the forecast. You can safely leave your snow shovel dreams for another day—or decade.

What Should You Do?

First, breathe. This isn’t the Ice Age. Second, enjoy the cooler weather—it’s practically a vacation from Baja’s relentless sunshine. Need tips? Here are a few:

                  •               Dust off that sweater you’ve been hiding in the back of your closet.

                  •               Stock up on hot chocolate—yes, you can still spike it with tequila.

                  •               Take a moment to enjoy how much better your coffee tastes when you can see your breath in the air.

For those running on solar-powered lifestyles, keep an eye on your panels. Overcast skies might affect your energy supply, so don’t be shocked if your favorite device takes a little longer to charge.

Sure, a cold front in Baja might feel like Mother Nature lost a bet, but it’s not all bad. The drop in temperatures means fewer mosquitoes (finally!), and you might even get to light that fancy candle that smells like pine trees for “seasonal vibes.” Plus, let’s face it, the chance to complain about the cold is a refreshing change from griping about the heat.

So, bundle up, Baja! This chill is temporary, and soon enough, we’ll all be back to sweating over our cervezas. Until then, enjoy the novelty of waking up and not immediately regretting life. Just remember: winter is coming—Baja style.

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 Baja Norte, Editions

November 4, 2024 Edition

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 Articles, Breaking News, Real Estate, Rosarito, Tijuana

Baja’s New Luxury Towers “The Wavve” Break Ground

The Wavve, a new luxury residential project by Estrategia Urbana, has officially begun construction on the scenic toll road to Rosarito.

Located in Punta Bandera, at kilometer 18 of the coastal highway, The Wavve will feature two towers, each with 150 apartments offering stunning panoramic views.

Today, Thursday, the ceremonial first stone was placed, with company executives from Estrategia Urbana, Bustamante Realty Group, local officials, and invited guests in attendance.

Notable figures at the event included Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, Baja California’s Secretary of Infrastructure; Mónica Vega Aguirre, Secretary of Environment; Miguel Aguíñiga, Secretary of Tourism; and Tijuana’s Secretary of Urban Mobility, María del Pilar Vázquez, among others.

Leading the ceremony were Jonathan Cohen, CEO of Estrategia Urbana, and Moises Zapan, the company’s CCO. They expressed their gratitude to local authorities, their clients, and everyone who contributed to the company’s establishment in Baja California. Special thanks went to the construction team working on The Wavve.

Héctor Bustamante, the director of the company managing the sales, announced that 60% of the units have already been sold.

Mónica Vega highlighted the project’s environmental efforts, which include a water treatment plant and solar panels for common areas, showcasing the developer’s commitment to sustainability.

With an investment of nearly 1.5 billion pesos, The Wavve is expected to generate over 450 jobs. According to Jonathan Cohen, this is just the first of several projects planned for Baja California by Estrategia Urbana, a company with over 25 years of experience and more than 70 projects completed in Mexico and the U.S.

More information on the project can be found at www.thewavvebaja.com

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 Baja Norte, Editions

October 21, 2024 Edition

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 Baja Norte, Columns

Que Pasa in Baja?

Baja Sees Growth in Medical Tourism. Currently, 4.5 million visitors are seeking medical treatments in Baja California, with Ensenada seeing a significant recovery since the pandemic, as highlighted by Atzimba Villegas Pérez, president of the Health Tourism Association. After speaking at the Ensenada Business Coordinating Council, Villegas mentioned that Tijuana attracts 57% of these medical tourists, while Ensenada now receives 15%, showing recent growth.

Popular services include plastic surgery, orthopedics, stem cell treatments, and gynecology. This demand has led to projects like Epione Medical Plaza, which aims to become a comprehensive health tourism district, offering a mix of medical facilities, hospitality, and dining.

Villegas emphasized that Baja California is a leader in responsible medical tourism, promoting only accredited professionals and infrastructure. Ensenada is also poised to become a major wellness and assisted living destination, attracting more investment and economic growth as it caters to aging baby boomers.

Hugo Torres Chabert Shares His Journey in New Book. In an emotional event, businessman and politician Hugo Eduardo Torres Chabert presented his book, “Mi compromiso con Rosarito 1943-2023”, reflecting on his commitment to Rosarito’s prosperity and the growth of Hotel Rosarito. The event was held at the Hotel Rosarito’s Salón Mexicano, with friends, family, and special guests in attendance.

The book details Torres Chabert’s journey, including Rosarito’s municipalization, his retirement from politics, and his family’s management of the hotel. It also highlights his contributions to local culture and education, such as promoting civic life in schools and supporting cultural events.

Dedicated to the people of Rosarito, his family, and his friends, this 149-page book contains exclusive images of Rosarito’s history. Torres Chabert expressed that the book is a reflection on his legacy and a gift to inspire future generations.

Credit Rating Boost for Baja. The financial management of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda has led to an improvement in Baja California’s credit rating, as per the latest HR Ratings report. The rating has been upgraded from HR BBB to HR BBB+, thanks to the administration’s focus on transparency and responsible spending.

Governor Ávila highlighted that this financial success has allowed Baja California to strengthen its economy, attract investment, and create better jobs. The state achieved a financial surplus in 2023, marking its third consecutive credit rating upgrade.

Valuable infrastructure projects, like the expansion of the La Nopalera water treatment plant in Tecate and the rehabilitation of Rosarito Norte’s wastewater treatment plant, were key factors in this rating improvement. The agency also acknowledged the strength of Baja California’s manufacturing sector, which plays a significant role in contributing to the national GDP.

Rosarito Tourism Suffers Due to Poor Policing. According to Rosario Castillo, a local restaurateur, 2023 and 2024 have been the worst years for tourism in the city, largely due to the poor performance of the municipal police, especially the Traffic section. Castillo expressed hopes that with a change in local authorities, the issues of police extortion and rising insecurity can be addressed.

He highlighted that police officers often take advantage of tourists’ lack of knowledge, stopping them on Benito Juárez Boulevard for minor reasons like tinted windows, and using these as excuses for extortion. The new traffic regulations haven’t been widely publicized, leaving drivers vulnerable to intimidation.

Castillo is optimistic about the incoming administration led by Rocio Adame, who he believes listens more to citizens and organized groups. He hopes the new government will focus on preventive policing rather than punitive measures.

Baja to Benefit from New Social Housing Program. Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda announced that the incoming president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has a social housing program that will benefit Baja California, among other states. This announcement was made during the opening of a new Infonavit Service Center (CESI) in Tijuana, where Infonavit’s Director General, Carlos Martínez Velásquez, was also present.

Ávila Olmeda emphasized the importance of the State Housing Plan, describing it as unique in the country. She mentioned how they have helped San Quintín, where new, spacious homes for workers have been built.

The governor also highlighted that Baja California will be a focus for the new social housing program, with plans to eliminate local taxes to make the process more accessible. She also noted the ongoing efforts to rescue abandoned properties and create more affordable housing options, addressing the lack of attention from major developers to workers’ needs.

45th Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride a Success. This weekend, over three thousand cyclists participated in the 45th edition of the Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride, bringing in an estimated economic boost of over a million dollars. Claudia Ley, the event promoter, noted that the ride coincided with a long weekend, leading many visitors to extend their stay, which further boosted the local economy.

The ride featured cyclists from across Mexico, the U.S., and even participants from Peru, Colombia, and various Central American countries. The event’s economic impact was estimated by the State Tourism Department, which considered not just the number of cyclists but also the additional companions each brought along.

Ley thanked everyone who has supported the event over the past 45 years, acknowledging that while there have been challenges, they are proud of promoting family-friendly and healthy tourism in Ensenada. Moving forward, a new company will take over organizing the ride.

Sheinbaum Outlines Major Plans for Baja California. After receiving the Presidential Sash, Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans for significant infrastructure projects in Baja California. Among her 100 commitments are efforts to ensure water supply and reuse, build the Punta Colonet port, and maintain current tax incentives in border areas.

In her first national address, Sheinbaum emphasized the promotion of clean energy, including private participation, and pushing for less gasoline consumption and more electromobility. She aims to maintain the energy generation split—54% state and 46% private.

Sheinbaum also announced initiatives for water management, starting this month, and plans to improve irrigation on over 200,000 hectares. On the port front, she revealed investments to construct Punta Colonet and expand several other ports across Mexico.

Additionally, Sheinbaum intends to start a large-scale housing registration program in Tijuana and implement solar panel installations to help reduce electricity costs for residents in high-tariff areas.

Baja California’s Strong Export Numbers in Q2 2024. Baja California ranked as the third highest contributor to Mexico’s total exports in Q2 2024, reaching $14.35 billion, representing 10.3% of the national total. According to data from Inegi, Baja California saw a 4.4% annual increase in export value.

The state stood out particularly in exporting computing, communication, and electronic equipment, contributing $4.03 billion, or 19.5% of the national total, coming second after Chihuahua.

Baja California also ranked fourth for exports of electrical components and power generation equipment, with $882.8 million, accounting for 10.2% of the country’s total.

In the agricultural sector, Baja California placed fifth, with $307.8 million in exports, although it saw a decrease of 23.1% compared to the previous year. Overall, Baja California continues to play a significant role in Mexico’s export landscape, especially in technology and manufacturing sectors.

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 Articles, Baja Norte

Women Take Charge at All Levels of Government

Move over boys, there’s a new leadership trend sweeping Baja California—one led predominantly by women, and it’s a major shift. If you blinked, you might’ve missed the news: women are now leading at nearly all levels of government in our beloved Baja. It’s like the rest of Mexico finally got the memo that Baja’s ladies have been calling the shots at home long enough—now they’re officially taking the reins in city halls and beyond, too.

Rosarito’s got itself a new boss lady: Rocio Adame, stepping in as mayor and keeping the coastal vibes positive while showing the boys how it’s done. Not to be outdone, Ensenada welcomes Claudia Agaton as the new mayor—yes, the same Ensenada that’s known for its expansive coastline, fine wine, and, apparently, a no-nonsense approach to governance.

Moving further down to the beautiful desert city of Mexicali, Alicia Bustamante is ready to bring some much-needed feminine finesse. And over in San Quintin, we have Miriam Cano, who’s got her sleeves rolled up to take on whatever challenges the town throws her way.

If you’re starting to see a pattern here, you’re right. This new wave of leadership isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a carefully orchestrated revolution by the Morena party, who has seemingly decided that women’s time to lead has arrived. With Marina del Pilar already paving the way as the Governor of Baja California for three years now, and the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, stepping into office, it’s safe to say that Mexico’s political landscape is getting a much-needed dose of diversity and representation at every level.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s rise to the presidency is a historic moment—not just for Baja California, but for all of Mexico. As the first woman elected as President of Mexico, Sheinbaum brings a wealth of experience from her time as the Mayor of Mexico City, where she implemented groundbreaking social programs, strengthened environmental policies, and tackled the challenges of urban insecurity head-on. While she has made it clear that she intends to continue many of the initiatives started by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), her leadership offers a fresh perspective, especially as she builds on these foundations with her own approach and ideas.

Of course, let’s not forget our lone cowboys still holding it down. San Felipe’s José Luis Dagnino, Tecate’s Román Cota, and Tijuana’s Ismael Burgueño are the exceptions to the all-woman lineup—but they, too, carry the Morena banner. We’ll see if they can keep up with the ladies or if they’ll just be taking notes.

Now, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves; nobody’s saying this guarantees utopia overnight. Politics, after all, is a complex beast. But the Morena party has clearly decided it’s time for a different approach. And given the history of male-dominated leadership in Mexico, it’s hard not to feel a little bit hopeful. A little bit curious. Maybe even a little bit excited.

After all, there’s something undeniably refreshing about seeing Baja’s leadership reflect the women who’ve long been its backbone—whether it’s managing businesses, raising families, or, as of now, governing municipalities. This isn’t just about representation—it’s about tapping into a wealth of talent and perspective that’s been long overlooked in political spaces. And with Claudia Sheinbaum at the helm of the nation, it’s also about demonstrating that leadership isn’t a man’s game anymore.

Sheinbaum’s presidency also brings hope for tackling some of Baja’s ongoing issues. Baja’s security situation has been, shall we say, a bit of a rollercoaster. With this new wave of leadership—women who are known for their pragmatism, empathy, and strong will—perhaps we can finally start seeing meaningful, lasting improvements that make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Sheinbaum’s emphasis on community-oriented security measures and her previous work in reducing crime rates in Mexico City might just be what Baja needs to see more stability and safety at the local level.

So what does this mean for Baja? Hopefully, better policies for families, more community-focused initiatives, and an approach to leadership that values collaboration over conflict. And let’s be real—one thing we’re all hoping for is better security across the board. With leaders like Marina del Pilar and Claudia Sheinbaum setting the tone, we have reason to believe that a different kind of politics—one that focuses on the well-being of every citizen—might just be possible.

But let’s not forget—these women aren’t just there to play nice. They’re tough, they’re determined, and they’re ready to make waves.

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 Baja Norte, Editions

October 7, 2024 Edition

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 Baja Norte, Editions

September 23, 2024 Edition

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 Articles, Arts & Literature, Breaking News, Ensenada

Valle de Guadalupe Film Festival to Honor Mexican Filmmaker Alfonso Arau

Lights, camera, action! The first edition of the Valle de Guadalupe Film Festival is kicking off with a well-deserved tribute to renowned Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Arau. Known for directing hits like A Walk in the Clouds (starring Keanu Reeves), Zapata: The Dream of a Hero, and the iconic Like Water for Chocolate, Arau has made a lasting impact on Mexican cinema. This special homage will take place on Friday, September 20, at 5:30 PM at the Museo de la Vid y el Vino. 

Arau also holds the unique distinction of being the first to direct famed American director Woody Allen in the film Picking Up the Pieces. Intrigued?

You can learn more fascinating details like this at the film discussion led by critic Ernesto Diezmartínez, starting at 6:00 PM right after the tribute. Following this, the visual artist Julio Orozco will unveil his exhibition “Halls of the Past, Projections of the Future” at 7:00 PM.

To round off the festival’s opening day, there will be a concert of “Great Works of the Seventh Art” performed by the Wind Quintet of the Baja California Orchestra at 8:30 PM. And if that’s not enough, stick around for the video mapping presentation “Libélula” at 10:00 PM.

Best of all? Admission to all these activities is free! The festivities start on Friday, September 20, at 5:30 PM at the Museo de la Vid y el Vino in Valle de Guadalupe. The museum is located at Carr. Fed. Tecate-Ensenada Km 81.3371 Fracc. Norte, 22750 Francisco Zarco, B.C.

For the full festival program, visit: https://festivaldecinevalleguadalupe.com

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 Articles, Breaking News, Ensenada, Events

The 2nd Baja Women’s Conference is Here to Save Your Sanity: Ready to Recharge?

Ladies of Baja, it’s time to dust off your best yoga pants and get ready for a day that’s all about you—no kids, no partners, no to-do lists. Just you, a bunch of like-minded women, and an agenda that’s all about recharging those life batteries. 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21st, because from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, the Second Baja Women’s Conference is taking over CEART in Rosarito. Think of it as a spa day for the soul, but with more chakras, a splash of creativity, and a side of salsa—yes, dancing, not the dip.

This isn’t your average conference where you nod off after too much coffee. No, this is a day designed to make you feel like the rockstar you are. Whether you’re looking to rediscover your creative side, sort out your chakras, or just want to have a comfortable chat about sex (because, why not?), there’s something here for everyone.

Sessions will be offered in English, Spanish, and even a bit of Spanglish because we know you’ve got that bilingual game down. Here’s just a taste of what’s on the menu:

Bilingual Sessions: Start your day with Gloria Snyder’s “Women’s Circle,” where you’ll find and strengthen your voice in life, speech, and even song with Carol Clary’s “Find and Strengthen Your Voice in Life, Speech, and Song.” If you’re in need of some serious zen, don’t miss Rose Lee’s “Chakras, Reiki, Singing Bowls.”

English Sessions: Things get spicy with Sherri Jaye’s “A Comfortable Chat on Sex,” where nothing’s off-limits. On the more holistic side, Winifred Morice will dive into “Nutrition: Wellness is an Inside Job,” while Sue McDevitt explores the “Role of Creativity in Self Care.”

For those of you who’ve been carrying the weight of the world, Alice Vernoux’s “Female Myth of Servitude: Reframing the Caretaker Role” is a must-attend. Heal through art with Shauna Robeson’s “Healing Art Therapy,” and learn how to stock a pantry that would make any nutritionist proud with Karen Schuppert’s “Building a Healthy Pantry.” 

If you’ve got some thoughts about your end-of-life plans but haven’t quite put them on paper, Marti and Karri Benjamin will guide you through “Making Your End-of-Life Wishes Known.”  Stress got you down? Maria Denzin will help you balance it all out in “Stress and Creating Balance.” Suzanne Mulroy takes a deep dive into what it means to be truly healthy in “Rethinking Dis-ease and What it Means to Be Healthy.” Marti Benjamin returns with “Flourish: The Science of Well-being,” and if you’ve got some old wounds that need tending, Elizabeth Bello’s “Transforming Trauma to Passion” will show you how to turn that pain into power.

And let’s not forget the often-ignored but totally important topic of menopause and andropause—Dr. Gloria Godinez has you covered in “Menopause and Andropause.”

Spanish Sessions: For our Spanish-speaking sisters, Dra. Gloria Godinez will also be discussing “Entendiendo la Menopausia y la Andropausia,” while Dra. Neblina Ninel Vega Salazar will explore “La Otra Cara de la Depresión.” If you’ve been carrying childhood baggage, Lic. Claudia Araujo’s “Sanando a Tu Niña Interior” is where you need to be. Creativity doesn’t just have to be in English—Sue McDevitt’s “El Papel de la Creatividad en el Autocuidado” will be offered en español as well. 

Gloria Snyder returns with “El Poder de tu Palabra,” a session that will have you owning your voice in no time. And for those looking to reclaim their power, Dra. Elvia Moreno Berry’s “Mujeres y Empoderamiento” and Nina Raffaele Aponte’s “Empoderamiento de la Nutrición Holística” will be essential stops on your conference journey.

But wait, there’s more! The day wraps up with a salsa dancing lesson from the fabulous Gabriela López Arnaut. So, not only will you leave with a recharged mind and spirit, but you’ll also have some new moves to show off at your next fiesta.

Why Should You Care? 

Let’s be real. Life gets hectic. Between work, family, and the occasional meltdown over where to put the avocado toast on the food pyramid, we all need a day to step back and focus on number one: YOU. The Baja Women’s Conference is your golden ticket to do just that. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, motivated, and maybe even a little bit wiser—or at least with a better pantry.

And hey, it’s not just about the sessions. It’s about connecting with other women who get it, who’ve been there, done that, and might even have the T-shirt. This is your tribe, and they’re waiting to meet you.

Tickets are going fast (because who wouldn’t want in on this?), so grab yours online for $65.00. If you’re more of a last-minute planner, they’re $75.00 at the door. Head over to Baja Women’s Conference Website for all the details, session info, and to snag your ticket before they’re gone.

And let’s not forget to give a shoutout to the conference’s advertising sponsor, The Shack Sports Bar and Grill, because nothing says “women’s empowerment” like knowing where to grab a cold one after a day of self-care.

So, whether you’re looking to strengthen your voice, balance your chakras, or just have a good laugh while learning a thing or two, the Second Baja Women’s Conference is where you need to be. This isn’t just an event—it’s an investment in yourself. And let’s face it, you’re worth it.

Don’t miss out on this chance to recharge, refocus, and maybe even learn how to dance like nobody’s watching (but if they are, you’ll be ready). See you there, chicas!

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