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Gasoline Shortage Hits Tijuana, Tecate, and Rosarito!

Buckle up, folks! The gasoline shortage has hit Tijuana, Tecate, and Rosarito, and it’s not pretty. Carlos Roberto Rubio Arreola, the head honcho of the Onexpo Baja Gas Station Association in Tijuana, spilled the beans: some gas stations are already dry. Why? Because Pemex-Rosarito has hit the brakes on fuel distribution, thanks to a never-ending blockade by the residents of Maclovio Rojas, who are fed up with the lack of solutions to their property title issues.

Carlos Roberto mentioned that they’ve been chatting with Pemex to fix the mess, but as of this Tuesday, some Tijuana stations have already hung up the “No Gas” signs. Since last Sunday night, the residents of Maclovio Rojas set up camp and blocked the fuel trucks at the Pemex plant in Playas de Rosarito. Their gripe? Authorities aren’t paying attention to their property title problems.

Onexpo Baja confirmed in an official statement that their members are worried. Not only is Pemex unable to deliver fuel, but the authorized distributors are also stuck in the same boat.

Rubio Arreola warned that the problem is getting worse by the day, causing more and more gas stations to run dry. Onexpo promises to keep us in the loop about the efforts to restore fuel supplies and hopes for a quick and lasting solution to the Pemex Distribution Plant conflict. They’re as clueless about the root of the problem as we are, dear citizens.

If you can still find a gas station with fuel, fill up while you can. Some stations have already shut down, and who knows when they’ll be back in action. Good luck, and may the gas gods be with you!

Get Ready for the Sassy Fine Art Festival 2024!

Rosarito is about to get a whole lot sassier! On Saturday, June 8th, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Hacienda Km 43 will host the Sassy Fine Art Festival. This all-day event promises a feast for the senses, featuring 23 of northern Baja’s finest artists, live music, delicious food from Chef Santos, and three fully stocked bars. It’s set to be a day of pure enjoyment.

The festival, inspired by the talents of Marlen Caster and Polo Valencia, will showcase a range of artistic brilliance. Marlen Caster’s glowing-in-the-dark artwork highlights the tragedy of discarded fishing nets in the sea. Her pieces are nothing short of mesmerizing. Polo Valencia, a seasoned artist with a gallery in Popotla since 1988, has helped curate the festival’s lineup. Polo’s gallery has attracted celebrities like Mel Gibson and James Cameron, and he has a knack for discovering incredible talent.

Adding to the excitement, Canadian author Marnie Ross, now residing in San Felipe, will be present to share her Baja-set murder mystery series. Young talents Maky Garcia Romero, and brothers Tonatiuh and Emiliano Ramírez, are also set to impress with their work.

The entertainment lineup is equally stellar. World-class violinist Jose Enrique Tovar, formerly of the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra, will perform. Jose, now living in Mexico, is renowned for his versatility, seamlessly switching from classical violin to fiddle.

Following Jose is Storyteller, a band of seasoned rockers guaranteed to get the crowd moving. Known for their infectious energy, drummer Todd and lead guitarist Dante, along with the rest of the band, promise to deliver a performance that will have everyone dancing.

The Sassy Fine Art Festival’s first year is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of art, music, and community. From stunning visual art to live performances and culinary delights, this event is all about enjoying the finer things in life.

Don’t miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable day at the Sassy Fine Art Festival!

May 20, 2024 Edition

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Arena Valle de Guadalupe Opens Its Doors with a Bang!

Get ready, music lovers! The brand-new Arena Valle de Guadalupe is set to become Baja California’s premier entertainment hub, boasting a capacity of 10,000 and promising top-tier events. Although the arena is still a work in progress, the venue opened its doors to the press for an exclusive tour on May 16th, revealing its impressive architecture and design, all set against the stunning backdrop of the wine valley.

The grand opening concert will be headlined by none other than Christian Nodal on May 26th, marking the first of many spectacular events. Following Nodal, a star-studded lineup awaits: Carín León on June 8th, Ricky Martin on June 21st, Banda MS on June 22nd, and Los Aguilar on July 27th. And that’s just the beginning!

Nelly Sanoja, the arena’s representative, highlighted the venue’s modern yet regionally respectful design. Equipped with nearly 300 restrooms, 3,000 parking spaces, and advanced security systems, Arena Valle de Guadalupe is ready to welcome both national and international visitors. The venue also prides itself on its eco-friendly construction, featuring its own power substation and septic systems, and ensuring accessibility for all guests.

Photo courtesy of Alejandro Zepeda

Ricky Martin’s concert on June 21st is particularly anticipated, as he will be the first international artist to grace the new arena’s stage. Fans can expect a phenomenal show with Ricky’s greatest hits, including “Livin’ la Vida Loca” and “She Bangs” enhanced by a full symphony orchestra. Tickets range from 2,000 to 10,000 pesos, promising a high-quality visual and auditory experience.

Marco Santalices from InHouse, the production company behind the arena, assured that while a few final touches are still being made, the venue will be fully ready for Nodal’s concert. The arena’s long-term strategy already includes bookings up to 2025, big names like J.Lo, Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, Raw Alejandro, and Maluma are already being mentioned while Luis Miguel is said to be already confirmed to perform, with the date to be announced soon.

Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready to experience world-class performances in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe!

Baja California Gets its First Michelin Stars

Baja California has always been a hotspot for sun, surf, and, let’s be honest, some of the most drool-worthy tacos on the planet. But now, the culinary scene here is getting some serious global recognition. That’s right, folks—Michelin stars have landed in Baja, and it’s time to dish out the details!

Recognized as having “the most revolutionary gastronomy in Mexico,” the region secured 16 awards and 22 restaurant recommendations, showcasing its diverse and innovative culinary landscape.

The Star-Studded Lineup

One Michelin Star Winners:

  • Damiana (Valle de Guadalupe) – Esteban Lluis
  • Conchas de Piedra (Valle de Guadalupe) – Drew Deckman
  • Animalón (Valle de Guadalupe) – Javier Plascencia and Oscar Torres

Bib Gourmand Recognitions

These spots are celebrated for offering excellent food at reasonable prices:

Green Stars for Sustainability

Restaurants committed to sustainable practices include:

Special Awards

  • Sommelier Award: Animalón (Valle de Guadalupe) – Lauren Plascencia
  • Service Award: Restaurante Amores (Tecate) – Marcelo Hisaki and Reyna Venegas

Honorable Mentions

Michelin also highlighted several outstanding eateries:

Baja California’s culinary scene is not just about delicious food but also about innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for local ingredients. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just love a good meal, these Michelin-recognized spots are a must-visit.

So, next time you’re here, make sure to indulge in these top-notch dining experiences. Bon appétit!

Rosarito Celebrates 139 Years with Sun, Fun, and Community Spirit

Rosarito just threw a birthday bash for the books! The city celebrated its 139th anniversary, and let me tell you, it was a party you wouldn’t want to miss. The government pulled out all the stops to make sure this milestone didn’t just pass by; they turned it into a grand celebration of Rosarito’s rich history and vibrant community.

The day was packed with cultural performances that showcased the local talent and traditions. Picture this: dancers in colorful costumes moving to the rhythms of folk music, each step and note telling a story of the city’s past. It wasn’t just a treat for the eyes but also a reflection of Rosarito’s cultural heritage.

But hey, what’s a birthday without a cake, right? And Rosarito didn’t disappoint. The city presented a giant cake, because when you’re celebrating 139 years, a regular-sized cake just won’t cut it. This wasn’t just any cake; it was a symbol of the city’s gratitude towards its residents and a sweet start to another year of growth and development.

The mayor, along with city officials, took this opportunity to remind everyone of Rosarito’s journey from its early days to becoming the vibrant tourist destination it is today. They highlighted the achievements over the years and outlined future plans that promise to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

$800 Million Approved to End Desalination Plant Dispute in Rosarito

Tijuana.- The Baja California government has secured federal funding totaling 800 million pesos to purchase land for a new desalination plant and settle an international lawsuit with Aguas de Rosarito. Víctor Amador Barragán, Secretary for Water Management, Sanitation, and Protection (Seproa), announced the allocation for the formalization of the land purchase and the discontinuation of international arbitration.

The dispute began after a contract cancellation by former governor Jaime Bonilla Valdez, prompting Aguas de Rosarito S.A.P.I, a consortium slated to execute the desalination project, to file a lawsuit under the trade agreement between Mexico and the European Union.

Marco Moreno Mexía, State Finance Secretary, indicated that an agreement with the consortium is imminent, which will conclude the international litigation. He mentioned that details on the restructuring of the project are forthcoming, emphasizing the sensitivity of the ongoing negotiations involving the Mexican state.

The planned facility will be built on the same site initially intended by Aguas de Rosarito, next to a hydroelectric station operated by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). Moreno Mexía cited this location as optimal due to existing infrastructure.

Moreover, he revealed that the states of Arizona and California have shown a “real interest” in investing in the project, but priority will be given to addressing local water supply issues in Baja California. The plant is expected to produce one to two cubic meters of desalinated water per second, ensuring water supply to the coastal zone of Baja California for the next decade.

Red Cross Day and Local Efforts in Rosarito

Every May 8th, we celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. It’s a special time to acknowledge the local and global humanitarian efforts spearheaded by the Red Cross and founded over 160 years ago by volunteer Henry Dunant. This day is not just about remembering our roots but also about paying tribute to the millions of volunteers and staff who dedicate their lives to helping those in dire need of protection, medical care, social aid, and solidarity.

Across the globe, the Red Cross steps up in scenarios most of us can barely imagine—armed conflicts, natural disasters, climate crises, epidemics, and more. Their emblem, recognized worldwide, is a beacon of hope and safety. It’s crucial for ensuring the safety of Red Cross personnel everywhere, allowing them to deliver life-saving assistance while maintaining the neutrality essential for reaching isolated and endangered communities.

Despite numerous challenges vying for attention and resources, the Red Cross remains committed to highlighting forgotten crises and upholding humanity, especially in contexts of extreme polarization and dehumanization. Upholding international humanitarian law is not only a commitment to the dignity of those affected by crises but also to our shared humanity.

In Rosarito, the local Red Cross chapter mirrors this global mission with profound dedication. They recently kicked off the 2024 School Collection with an event at El Rosario Primary School, aiming to surpass last year’s impressive fundraising total of two hundred thousand pesos. The demonstration by Red Cross paramedics showed students the critical work performed in emergencies, inspiring the next generation to support and contribute.

Sergio Conrado Hernández, the local Red Cross President, shared a touching personal story about how Red Cross paramedics saved his hand, motivating him to support the organization. He encouraged students from all educational levels to contribute, with the funds aimed at supporting the over 500 monthly emergency calls responded to by the Rosarito Red Cross.

Today, as we honor the bravery and sacrifice of Red Cross volunteers worldwide, let’s also celebrate the significant impact of our local chapter in Rosarito, whose tireless efforts keep the spirit of humanity alive every day.

Ensenada Navy Conducts Medical Evacuation from Cruise Ship

The Mexican Navy, operating through its Coast Guard duties, successfully carried out a medical evacuation in recent days. This operation was executed by personnel from the Naval Station for Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance (ENSAR) in Ensenada, which is part of the Second Naval Region.

The rescue mission commenced following a report to the Navy Command Control Center about a 70-year-old foreign national exhibiting symptoms of a myocardial infarction aboard a cruise ship south of Ensenada, B.C.

To ensure the safety and well-being of the individual, the Navy dispatched a MLB-type vessel equipped with Naval Health personnel to securely transport the patient to the naval facilities. Upon arrival at a safe port, the individual was transferred to an ambulance and subsequently taken to a local hospital for specialized medical care.

The Second Naval Region reminds the public that in maritime emergencies, they can contact their hotline at (646)-177-38-30. Additionally, the Secretary of the Navy provides a contact number: 800 MARINA (800-627-46-21) for further assistance.

Netflix’s “Gringo Hunters” Filming in Baja California

Roll out the red carpet, Baja California! Netflix is making waves in our coastal paradise with their latest series, “Gringo Hunters,” slated to hit screens next year. This gripping crime series is inspired by a real elite Mexican police unit known for nabbing American fugitives across Mexico, promising to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. 

This Monday morning, the bustling area around the Palacio Municipal in Tijuana turned into a film set, complete with extras holding protest signs and actors in police uniforms, creating a vibrant scene of staged chaos that’s sure to translate into thrilling television. 

But the action isn’t just confined to Tijuana. From the iconic Avenida Revolución to the Chevron Stadium in Zona Río and the sunny shores of Playas de Tijuana, the production has been hopping across our state. Not to be outdone, the scenic city of Ensenada has also caught the director’s eye, featuring picturesque locations like the Ventana al Mar pier, the bustling boardwalk, and the panoramic El Vigía hill. 

“Gringo Hunters” draws its inspiration from a Washington Post article by Kevin Sieff, which detailed the daring exploits of this police squad and where the Gringo Gazette North was proudly mentioned.

With a stellar cast including Harold Torres, Mayra Hermosillo, Manuel Masalva, Andrew Leland Rogers, and Héctor Kotsifakis, this series is poised to be a highlight of Netflix’s offerings next year. 

Netflix announced that alongside Baja California, some scenes will also be shot in Mexico City, adding an urban flair to the series’ diverse Mexican landscapes. 

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, keep your eyes open: you might witness some movie magic—or even find yourself in the middle of it! “Gringo Hunters” isn’t just filming in our backyard; it’s shining a spotlight on the unique charm and drama of Baja California. Get ready to binge-watch this action-packed series that celebrates our local culture and scenery while unraveling high-stakes crime stories. 

Stay tuned, and let’s watch our beloved Baja become a star on the small screen! 

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