March 24, 2025 Edition

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What Happens Up River, Happens Here

Water Wars – Water Watch Update Series

Is it really climate change causing Baja California’s water issue? A truth lies beneath the blaming of Mother Nature for the water predicament facing seven US states and Mexico. There has been for a number of years a water-war going on behind closed doors. Not with guns of course, but legal infighting about who get the greater allotment of water from the Colorado River. In fact, it is still much like the old fashion range wars between cattlemen and farmers. Who wins a war? Who decides who wins? All this has to be decided by 2026.

What is the truth? To find out, research sends us all the way back to 1869, and John Wesley Powell, a small bearded man who lost his right arm at Shiloh. He didn’t let his loss inconvenience his desire to discover the truth. He set out with six men and two boats to take a first-hand look into the canyons where the mighty Colorado River ran. It was the first trip of its kind by the European settlers. Of course, the first Paleo-Indians knew this wild arid land because it had been their home for 13,000 years. 

It was Powell who reported what he saw, “an arid region and a land of scarcity.” He made it his life’s work to report, “You have to plan on the scarcity, not on the abundance.” He advocated strict water resource conservation. In 1878 he published Report on the Lands of the Arid Regions of the United States. His book suggested it made more sense to draw state boundaries according to watershed areas. His brilliant ideas became under attack by politicians, scientists, railroad corporations, and a belief that the United States was ordained by God to move westward. This ideology was created by John O’Sullivan and called The Manifest Destiny. There was also included a variety of measures designed to remove or destroy the native population. 

 Powell discouraged the practice of dividing government land into arbitrary rectangular plots for settlement, arguing that this technique ran the risk of concentrating valuable water resources on single plots. In developing the United States, Powell proposed that settlements consist of cooperative communities, similar to those of the Mormons, Pueblos, and Hispanic New Mexicans. This communal lifestyle would allow groups to pool the capital for the irrigation projects necessary to draw water from large rivers. For all his efforts, John Powell, lost even more favor from the American public and vested commercial interests. This conflict made his plans for the scientifically managed developament of the West politically impossible. As a result, Powell’s ideas went generally disregarded with the Homestead Act, large-scale damming projects and water rights up for grabs. He resigned from the USGS in 1894. 

 Mexican nationals who have lived in Baja for generation have seen changes in weather. Many of us who immigrated decades ago have also seen the changes. However, are these weather changes the actual cause of the dwindling water concerns we are facing today? John Powell clearly pointed out that the arid land had to be treated wisely. It would be interesting to know what he would say about the use of his name on Glen Canyon’s, Lake Powell Reservoir, and the urban sprawl in the metropolitan areas of all seven Basin States. If Mr. Powell was still alive, he would probably shake his head thinking that bringing the water to the people simply lacks insight into human nature.

Hidden in our own Gringo Gazette was a warning, February 10, Que Pasa in Baja; Scientist from the Center for Scientific Research, reported that “Ensenada is experiencing its driest start to the rainy season since 1950. Without significant rainfall in February and March, a critical situation is anticipated. If the trend continues in the upcoming months, we could face severe water shortages in the summer.” And as of this writing we have only had two spats of rain that carried little hope. The record keepers here tell us it is the driest since 1895. And according to the US Drought Monitor, 24.5 million California residents live in this drought area. 

It can be safely suggested that concerns about water allotments are not about climate change. There has been a fundamental error made which Powell foresaw. Of course, no rain and snow fall stress the system, which should mean government cut backs. As Powell pointed out development should not be focused on hoped for abundance. The problem is overdevelopment of arid lands. These lands were never meant to maintain alfalfa for cows, almond groves, mega agriculture and landscaping to name just a few of the mega users. One question to asked; Can consistent migration west with its foreseeable development be truly sustainable? As has been written, “More water means more people,” and it is simply a non-sustainable loop. 

During 2025 there are several important water issues to keep in mind. Baja receives 80% of its water from the Colorado River allotments, however this has already been reduced by approximately 263 million cubic meters, roughly two trillion gallons. Governor Pilar Ávila is the first Baja governor to address this reliance on the Colorado water. But the state is already entering a severe drought pattern. 

The second issue to keep an eye on is what is happening to the north and the political climate. This year is the last opportunity for all the seven states and Mexico to be self-governing in the way they propose to reduce the allotments. For if the states cannot come to an agreement and go to court, the final decisions will fall into Federal hands. The US government was given more power by a recent Supreme court case, “Texas vs New Mexico, if the states cannot come to an agreement, the government has the right to intervene. Tom Buschatzke, Arizona’s top water negotiator, stressed, “I think each state honestly does not want to be in a courtroom rolling the dice regarding how a judge might rule.” We will see how the US treats Mexico’s water rights. Keeping in mind that the massive damming along the river course, stole from Mexico 75 miles of the beautiful Colorado River which use to run into the Gulf of California. 

Water leaders said they do not expect Donald Trump’s return to the White House to shake up the Colorado River negotiation process. However, the president did admit that it would be different than the last administration. Some water users and onlookers say the new administration could impact the future of the river in other ways. What happens up river happens to us. We are all connected by our need for water.

References:

  • drought.gov/states/california
  • KUNC NPR News, Colorado Stories
  • Memorandum from the Secretary of the Interior
  • Arnold & Porter
  • National Park Service
  • Gringo Gazette

Editor’s Note: Martina is a freelance writer, author and columnist for Baja Bound. She has a passion to keep updated on current affairs concerning Baja’s water future. Get her book from Amazon: Dust in my Sandals, Tales from a Baja Travel. It’s time to plan your Baja Adventure! Put on your sandals and visit places you’ve never been.

March 10, 2025 Edition

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February 24, 2025 Edition

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February 10, 2025 Edition

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January 27, 2025 Edition

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Quinta Los Delfines Estate Sale: A Historic Opportunity

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.

Rosarito Rocks the First 100!

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!

December 16, 2024 Edition

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December 2, 2024 Edition

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