Hand Hygiene Day

🧼 It’s Hand Hygiene Day, folks!

Before you grab that taco or adjust your sunglasses — wash your hands. Seriously.

Every May 5, the world celebrates Hand Hygiene Day, and this year the Baja California Health Department joined in, reminding everyone that soap and water are still the OG disease fighters. From the flu to COVID-19, handwashing helps keep the bugs at bay.

Dr. Adrián Medina Amarillas, our state’s health secretary, didn’t mince words: clean hands save lives. He recommends a solid 40–60 seconds of washing — palms, backs, between the fingers, thumbs, under the nails — the works. No soap? Use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.

#Hand Hygiene Day

👏🏼 But here’s the twist — Mexico’s own ReMIEIE (Red Mexicana Interdisciplinaria de Educación e Investigación en Enfermería) is also backing the campaign, because nurses and researchers know better than anyone: health starts with the basics.

So today, celebrate your hands. Wash ‘em like you mean it. And maybe keep that hand sanitizer handy… just in case.

🧴 Stay soapy, Baja.

CESPT crews working

Water Outage in Otay: CESPT Nears Completion on Emergency Repair

Since Sunday, several neighborhoods in Otay have gone without water. A busted 18-inch pipe on Bellas Artes Boulevard caused the disruption. CESPT crews identified the break and started repairs immediately.

The affected area includes Otay Módulos in Nueva Tijuana. Workers have battled through mud and tight conditions to replace the damaged section. This morning, May 5, CESPT announced they had reached 80% completion on the job.

They expect to finish repairs around 1:00 p.m.. After that, water service will gradually return to the neighborhoods.

Many residents, frustrated by the lack of notice, scrambled to adjust. Some stocked up on bottled water. Others just hoped the fix would hold longer than the last one.

CESPT crews working on 18-inch pipe in Otay after water service disruption

Photo: CESPT crews working on 18-inch pipe in Otay after water service disruption

Crews stayed on-site through the night, pushing to wrap up the work before Monday rush hour — or at least before dinner. In Otay, water breaks are a recurring guest.

💧 Water’s political. Thirst is personal. Stay tuned for updates — and in the meantime, maybe skip laundry day.

Cinco de Mayo, 2025 Edition

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Aleta Azul (Bluefin)

Celebrate the Tuna: A Fun-Filled Day at Caracol Science Museum

Ensenada Celebrates Tuna Day with Free Family Event

This Saturday, May 3, Ensenada is throwing a party for one of our favorite sea creatures — the tuna.

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Caracol Science Museum will host a free event full of tasty food, hands-on activities, and cool facts. The star of the show? The bluefin tuna. The event also celebrates the reopening of the exhibit “Aleta Azul: El Atún del Pacífico.”

Aleta Azul (Bluefin)
#Aleta Azul (Bluefin)

One highlight is the ronqueo demonstration — the traditional art of filleting bluefin tuna. An expert from Baja Aqua Farms, along with chef Miguel Bahena, will show the process live. It’s a mix of tradition, precision, and culinary skill you rarely get to see.

filleting bluefin tuna
#filleting bluefin tuna

Throughout the day, guests can also enjoy educational talks, raffles, fun stations for kids, and plenty of food. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seafood fan, science lover, or just looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday.

The event is organized by the Caracol Museo de Ciencias, with support from Baja Aqua Farms and Bluefina. Best of all, admission is free.

🐟 Come celebrate one of Baja’s greatest catches — and yes, we mean that literally.

Bus Gets Stuck

Bus Gets Stuck, Snarls Traffic on Calle Ruíz and Ámbar

This morning in Ensenada, a bus got stuck in a dip at the intersection of Calle Ruíz and Ámbar, causing a serious traffic slowdown.

According to witnesses, the driver didn’t notice the shallow but sneaky dip in the road and ended up wedged halfway in. It’s the same dip locals have warned about before, but this time it trapped a whole bus. A backhoe was brought in to help, followed by a cement truck attempting to assist.

As of 9:20 a.m., the bus was still there, with just one police officer managing the chaos. Drivers in the area reported long delays and confusion.

📍If you’re headed through this part of town, take another route. And if you’re behind the wheel of a larger vehicle — slow down and stay alert, especially on familiar streets. You never know when a “little dip” turns into a big problem.

Photos taken on the scene show the unusual rescue effort in action. We’ve posted them below.

🚨 When buses bounce into dips, we bring you the bumpy details — only at the Gringo Gazette North.

Golfing for Good in Tijuana

Golf Clubs & Good Deeds: Tijuana Tournament

An event with a purpose, not just a swing.

On May 22, Fundación Mi Chante will tee off at the Club Campestre de Tijuana with its 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. This year, the day honors José Sulaimán — the late boxing icon whose legacy still fuels dreams in and out of the ring. While many charity tournaments exist, this one stands out because it’s about more than golf. It’s about changing young lives.

Through this event, the foundation raises funds to support athletes across Mexico. These aren’t just handouts. Instead, proceeds cover real needs: travel to competitions, athletic gear, training costs, physical therapy, and even school expenses. Meanwhile, Fundación Mi Chante works directly with these athletes to find sponsors, mentors, and resources. In fact, their support goes far beyond the field or the gym — it’s a full-circle approach to youth development.

#Golfing for Good in Tijuana

President Abelardo Peña Madrigal leads the organization with a clear mission. “This tournament is a celebration of community and generosity,” he said. “It’s about giving talented young people the chance to pursue their dreams and stay on the right path.” That vision has turned a simple sports fundraiser into a regional event with real momentum.

A cross-border effort with local heart.

This year, they’re getting a major boost from their main sponsor: Escondido Golf Cart Center, a California-based company that specializes in all things golf cart — sales, rentals, repairs, and custom jobs. Their work stretches into hotels, warehouses, and industrial spaces, but their support of this tournament shows their reach goes beyond business.

CEO Victor Lopez Duron sees the partnership as a perfect fit. “We believe in supporting the next generation — not just through business, but by investing in their future,” he said. As a result, the company’s involvement adds not only resources, but real heart to the event.

While golfers from across northern Baja are expected, the invitation is open to anyone who wants to help out — from San Diego to Ensenada. Whether you play a killer short game or just want a good excuse to be outside for a cause, you’re welcome to join.

For details, donations, or registration, visit www.fundacionmichante.com.

Because sometimes, changing a kid’s life starts with a tee-off.

TianguisTuristico2025

Tianguis Turístico Welcomes Everyone

Baja California Throws Open the Doors

Since Friday, April 26, the Tianguis Turístico has been buzzing at the Baja California Center in Rosarito. And for the first time ever, it’s not just suits and business cards—the general public is invited too.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda announced the change, calling it a historic move to bring Baja’s magic closer to its own people and visitors. Let’s be honest—who better to celebrate Baja’s beauty than the people who live it every day?

At this year’s event, you’ll find:

  • Baja’s top wineries, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators all showing off their best.
  • Special buyer meetings and seminars that, frankly, sound way fancier than we’re used to.
  • Public spaces where you can taste, see, and experience Baja without a press badge.

The Baja California Center, perched between Tijuana and Ensenada, couldn’t be a more perfect spot to show off our beaches, wine valleys, art, and tacos… yes, especially the tacos.

Whether you live here full-time or you’re just Baja-curious, this is your chance to dive into what makes this place unforgettable.

And if you want to plan your visit like a pro, you can download the full schedule here:

🔗 Download the Program

Because this year, you’re not on the outside looking in—you’re officially part of the show.

Source: Tianguis Turístico 2025 Official

400 Specialized Agents Arrive to Reinforce Security in Tijuana

400 Federal Agents Arrive to Boost Security in Baja California

Their mission: strengthen public safety in high-risk neighborhoods.

This week, 400 specialized agents were deployed to Tijuana as part of Mexico’s National Security Strategy.

The operation targets areas like Lomas Taurinas, Sánchez Taboada, Otay, Terrazas del Valle, San Antonio de los Buenos, Camino Verde, Emperadores, and Downtown.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila announced the reinforcements as a response to growing concerns over crime. Additionally, she confirmed plans to expand the city’s surveillance network in the coming months.

“These efforts are meant to improve response times and increase police visibility where it’s needed most,” the governor stated.

However, not everyone is convinced.

The Baja California Lawyers Association (FEDABO) raised concerns, calling the move a “failed formula.” According to them, sending more federal agents without adjusting strategy has shown little long-term impact in the past.

Still, authorities insist this collaboration between state and federal forces is essential to restoring peace in Tijuana.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we’ll be watching this closely. After all, safety isn’t just a number—it’s what makes Baja feel like home.

400 Specialized Agents Arrive
400 Specialized Agents Arrive
Jennifer_Tribute

Jennifer’s Final Gift: A Rosarito Teen’s Legacy

Jennifer Lives On Through Organ Donation

What started as a sunny afternoon in Los Arenales ended in tragedy for 16-year-old Jennifer López Díaz. On Friday, April 11, she suffered a serious accident that caused a traumatic brain injury. Paramedics rushed her to IMSS Clinic 20 in Tijuana, where doctors worked to save her.

Despite their efforts, doctors confirmed that Jennifer had no brain activity. Her family faced the heartbreaking reality as she remained on life support.

But what followed brought hope in the middle of sorrow.

Jennifer’s mother and older sister made a brave choice. They gave permission to donate her organs. That decision gave life to six people. Her heart, liver, kidneys, and corneas went to patients who desperately needed them.

Jennifer wasn’t just generous in death—she was known for her kindness in life. She loved animals, nature, and always cared about others. Her final gift reflected who she truly was.

This moment also shifted the numbers. In 2024, Baja California recorded only 25 organ donors. Until Jennifer, 2025 had seen just four—all cornea donations. Jennifer changed that. She gave more than hope—she set a new standard.

Image courtesy of CNR TV Noticias. Used with permission.

Special medical teams flew in from Monterrey and Mexico City. They handled the transplants with care and precision.

Because of Jennifer, six people will live longer. Her light didn’t go out. It spread.


🕊️

Jennifer López Díaz

April 6, 2009 – April 11, 2025

Your kindness lives on.

This story was published with authorization from CNR TV Noticias. We thank them for sharing Jennifer’s story with us and the community.

Read and help

World Book Day 2025: Read, Share, and Make a Difference

World Book Day 2025

Today, April 23, is World Book Day, and there’s no better excuse to open a book—and help someone in the process.

📚 Join the 2025 Reading Marathon

Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial has launched its annual Reading Marathon to promote literacy and support vulnerable communities. It’s simple: for every 20 minutes you read or listen to a book and log at maratondelectura.com, a book gets donated to a child in need.

Penguin Random House Publishing Group
Penguin Random House Publishing Group

🗓️ Active until April 30, 2025, the campaign features:

  • Dozens of eBooks and audiobooks.
  • Categories like Must-Reads, LGBTQ+, Inspiring Authors, and even Horror or BookTok picks.
  • Featured titles include Matilda, The Fault in Our Stars, La Tumba, and Game of Thrones.

Over 61,000 minutes have already been logged, turning reading time into real impact.

How to join:

  1. Register on the site.
  2. Choose a book.
  3. Read or listen for 20+ minutes.
  4. Log your time.
  5. Share it on social media to inspire others.

📖 Baja Celebrates Too

The Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), one of the region’s top public universities, is hosting local events in Ensenada.

  • 📍 April 23 at 1:30 PM – Valle Dorado campus
  • 📍 April 24 at 11:00 AMBiblioteca Central Ensenada, UABC Campus Sauzal (There’ll be a book-themed quiz and even some Starbucks. Yes, please.)
  • UABC is hosting local events in Ensenada
  • UABC is hosting local events in Ensenada

🎉 How to Celebrate

  • Join the Marathon – Your reading minutes can donate books.
  • Attend a Local Event – Book fairs, quizzes, and more.
  • Spread the Word – Share your favorite reads using #DíaDelLibro and #MaratónDeLectura.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we love a good book. Especially when it gives something back.

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