Rosarito

United for a Safer Rosarito
 Articles, Rosarito, Security

A Safer Rosarito Begins with a Single Step

PLAYAS DE ROSARITO — This time, the police didn’t show up with flashing lights or handcuffs. Instead, they brought flyers, smiles, and a mission: to build trust with the community.

The State Citizen Security Secretariat (SSCBC) and Rosarito’s local police organized a march of recognition through the Real de Rosarito neighborhood. Their goal was simple—to bring safety information directly to families and strengthen the culture of prevention.

Walking the Talk

Officers from Baja’s Violet Squad joined local police and crime prevention staff for a neighborhood walk. Together, they visited homes and small businesses, greeting residents and sharing practical safety advice.

They encouraged people to use 911 for emergencies, 089 for anonymous reports, and the official mobile security apps. With these tools, residents can respond faster and feel more protected in their daily routines.

Building Awareness and Confidence

Moreover, the team focused on identifying the roots of violence rather than just reacting to it. They explained how to recognize early signs of abuse—physical, emotional, or financial—and where to seek help when needed.

“Safety begins with awareness,” said one officer. “When people understand the signs, they can protect themselves and their neighbors.”

During the walk, residents asked questions, voiced concerns, and shared personal experiences. As a result, the exchange turned into something more meaningful—a bridge of trust between locals and law enforcement.

Trust That Stays on the Streets

Because the SSCBC plans to continue these visits across other neighborhoods, this won’t be a one-time event. The idea is to stay close, listen often, and work hand in hand with residents. After all, a friendly conversation can go further than a patrol siren.

As one neighbor put it, “We’ve seen patrol cars drive by for years. This time, they stopped and talked. That’s new—and it matters.”

Through these actions, Rosarito is proving that prevention doesn’t just live in offices or press conferences. It lives in the streets, between people willing to look out for each other.

Real security isn’t about fear. It’s about connection, cooperation, and trust.

No Bad News.

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 Articles, Crime, Local Politics, Rosarito

Araceli Brown Fights Back After Mexico Freezes Her Bank Accounts

Mexico’s political world has seen its share of storms, but few hit as suddenly as the one surrounding Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo, a federal congresswoman from the Morena party and former mayor of Rosarito. In late September, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control added her name to its sanctions list, accusing her of ties to a network linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. Within hours, Mexico’s own Financial Intelligence Unit followed suit, ordering her bank accounts frozen.

The move came after U.S. officials named several people connected to what they described as the Los Mayos faction, a branch of the Sinaloa Cartel run by René Arzate García, known as “La Rana.” The Treasury statement claimed that Brown worked closely with Candelario Arcega and local businessman Jesús González Lomelí to protect the group’s criminal operations in Rosarito. According to the allegations, they collected payments, placed allies in government, and helped guarantee “security” for cartel activities through Rosarito’s police department.

Brown has publicly rejected all accusations. She said she has no connection to any criminal network, no information about why her name appeared on a sanctions list, and no notice of any bank restrictions at the time the U.S. announcement came out. She even said she crossed into the United States days before the news broke without issue. But things changed quickly once Mexico’s financial watchdog moved to act on Washington’s alert. Her accounts were suspended in at least two banks, and her access to private banking services was cut off.

In Mexico, being placed on the blocked persons list under Article 115 of the Credit Institutions Law is not a conviction. It is a preventive measure that stops a person from moving money while authorities investigate. The Financial Intelligence Unit, or UIF, says this step is routine when someone is flagged abroad. It is meant to protect the country’s financial system from possible laundering or illicit transfers. Still, for Brown, the move felt less like a formality and more like a sudden lockdown on her life.

She has now filed an amparo, a legal protection that serves as a constitutional shield in Mexico. The case was registered in a district court in Tijuana. Her filing challenges two actions: being added to the list of blocked persons and the freezing of her assets. If she wins, the court could order the banks to restore her access until the case is resolved. In her argument, she claims her rights were violated because she was never notified or given the chance to defend herself before the freeze took effect.

Meanwhile, the story continues to evolve. Mexican media outlets have reported that the U.S. Treasury briefly removed her name and an accompanying chart from its online statement, leading some officials to suggest that there may have been confusion or even an error. Others insist the connection is too specific to dismiss. For now, the official U.S. position remains unchanged. Her name is still listed, and sanctions are active.

The case has become more than a personal fight for Brown. It highlights the uneasy space between Mexico’s financial sovereignty and its cooperation with U.S. enforcement efforts. When Washington designates someone, Mexico usually reacts within hours, but domestic law still demands that any restriction on property or access must stand on legal ground. The courts will now decide whether the government crossed that line.

For Brown, once known in Rosarito as a straightforward, sometimes defiant public figure, this is a political and personal crisis. She is facing accusations that could end her career and stain her reputation permanently, even if she is never charged with a crime. The court’s decision in the coming weeks will tell whether her shield holds or if the arrows aimed at her have already found their mark.

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Splash Baja by Night | Waves, Lights and Flavor
 Articles, Podcast, Rosarito

From Waves to Plates, Splash Baja Celebrates 16 Years

From bartender to builder

Baja has many oceanfront eateries, but Splash Baja hits different. The waves smack the rocks, plates land heavy with oysters, and the vibe never feels staged. Nico and Agapo Santos, two brothers with more grit than glamour, built it that way.

Agapo came from Chihuahua chasing law school, only to ditch statutes for sauté pans. He learned high-end American gourmet in kitchens that served venison, buffalo, and even kangaroo. Nico meanwhile poured drinks, charmed tourists, and learned English fast enough to sling jokes at the bar. Together, they traded steady jobs for Bahía Cantiles in 2007, survived a brutal recession, and kept standing when others folded.

That survival streak sparked their next chapter: a raw patch of coast where waves hit the windows. Locals said, “Who eats there?” The Santos brothers said, “Everyone will.” They named it Splash—short, catchy, and exactly what the surf was doing.

An anniversary worth toasting

On September 21, Splash marked its 16th anniversary. While Mexico throws its big party on the 16th, this family-run spot waits a few days to raise its own glass. For regulars, it’s a reminder that while fiestas come and go, some traditions—like oysters and rib-eye by the sea—stick around.

Built block by block

The first menu was stripped to basics: ceviches, tacos, aguachiles, shrimp cocktails. Prices were local, not tourist-trap numbers. Americans already knew the brothers’ hospitality, so curiosity carried them in. Soon enough, Splash had both crowds—weekend locals in flip-flops and Californians with fresh passports.

Growth wasn’t sudden. They bought land in pieces, poured cement when money allowed, and upgraded one slab at a time. Pandemic closures pushed them to improvise an outdoor bar so people could sip beer with take-out. Guests loved it, so the “temporary” fix grew legs.

Today, the property spans more than 1,600 square meters facing the Pacific. It’s a sprawl of patios, decks, and dining rooms where the sea soundtrack never stops.

Adriana brings the sweet side

Every family needs the next generation to shake things up. Enter Adriana, Nico’s daughter. She trained at the Culinary Art School in Tijuana, polished her skills in Barcelona, and brought back a pastry toolkit sharper than a new chef’s knife.

She started with desserts. Think silky tiramisú, caramel-cracked crème brûlée, and glossy tartlets that look like edible jewelry. Sure, there’s still chocolate cake and cheesecake, but Adriana lifted the end of the meal into a new lane. Her long-term dream is a café-bistro with a pastry focus. For now, she feeds the sweet tooth of Splash’s crowd.

Why people stay

Food matters, but Splash’s secret sauce is people. Nico takes care of his crew. Staff stick around, and regulars notice. Ask Sr. Claudio, one of the veterans, why he still loves working here. He’ll grin and give you a story. That culture shows in the service—efficient, warm, sometimes a little chaotic, always real.

The menu mirrors the family’s journey. You’ll find Mexican comfort—chiles rellenos, enchiladas, tacos. You’ll find American grill standards—rib-eye, porterhouse, big sandwiches. There’s Italian too: wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and even a Governor’s Pizza loaded with shrimp. And yes, the mariscos still headline.

The legacy in motion

Splash didn’t just grow; it dragged a sleepy strip of Primo Tapia onto the food map. Neighboring restaurants like El Encanto and Los Portales? Their founders once trained at Splash. Instead of resenting it, the brothers see it as proof they built something bigger than a restaurant.

Future plans include a sushi bar with proper cuts—tuna, salmon, urchin, caviar—the kind of thing a coast like this deserves. Until then, Splash keeps doing what it does best: feeding Baja with heart, hustle, and salt spray.

So next time you roll south, pull off at KM 52.5 of the Libre Rosarito–Ensenada. Sit close enough to feel the spray. Order oysters, steak, and dessert. Don’t forget to ask Claudio why he’s still smiling. And if it’s September 16, raise your glass. You’re not just toasting Mexico—you’re toasting Splash.

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 Articles, Breaking News, Crime, Mexico: Making Headlines, Public Security, Rosarito

Rosarito’s Ex-Mayor Tagged by U.S. for Alleged Cartel Collusion

Washington woke up with a list and Rosarito’s former mayor was on it. The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) says Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo, who ran Rosarito City Hall from 2021 to 2024 and now sits in Congress under Morena’s banner, was part of a Sinaloa Cartel racket. The accusation isn’t a court case but a financial hammer: sanctions that freeze any assets in U.S. reach and bar Americans from doing business with her or with the fifteen Rosarito companies the Treasury just blacklisted.

The U.S. statement is blunt. During Brown’s term, cartel operators tied to the Arzate brothers—better known as “Aquiles” and “La Rana”—allegedly installed allies inside local government. Treasury claims Brown, along with fixer Candelario Arcega, collected extortion money, greased operations, and made sure Rosarito’s police looked the other way. In government jargon it’s “facilitating illicit operations.” For residents, it reads more like the city was subcontracted to organized crime.

Brown’s response came quickly and angrily. She called the allegations an “infamia,” insisted her bank accounts are fine, and said she only found out by watching the news like everyone else. She promised to cooperate with whatever authority asks questions. It’s the political equivalent of shrugging while the U.S. slaps a neon sticker on your forehead.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila was caught mid-press scrum in Tijuana when reporters asked for comment. Her answer was cautious: just received the info, no further details, let’s wait. She did admit Brown once sat in state security meetings. That’s not the endorsement you want when Washington is describing you as a bagwoman for the Sinaloa Cartel, but it’s all she offered.

For locals and expats, it’s important to understand what sanctions mean. No police raid, no handcuffs, not yet. OFAC designations are paperwork weapons; they strangle money, not people. Banks from San Diego to Mexico City see the list and quietly close doors. Suppliers stop answering calls. Mexico’s own Financial Intelligence Unit has already said it will mirror the move with an administrative freeze, which means even more banking headaches. None of it is proof in court, but it can ruin business overnight.

The credibility question hangs in the air. OFAC doesn’t publish courtroom evidence, only carefully worded accusations. Targets deny everything, always. Still, the U.S. rarely backpedals once a name is public. And the list is long—Brown’s not alone. Operators, relatives, and companies in Rosarito were all designated together, suggesting a network, not a typo.

Brown remains in Congress, still drawing a salary and still claiming innocence. The governor is hedging, the federal party is silent, and the Americans have already moved on to drafting the next sanctions package. Meanwhile, Rosarito is left wondering if its city hall was ever working for the voters or if it was just a branch office of “Los Mayos.”

For expats who wire money, rent property, or buy into local businesses, this is where you pay attention. Sanctions ripple. If a firm is half-owned by someone on the list, banks can shut it down. Compliance departments don’t care about local politics—they care about not getting fined by the U.S. Treasury.

The bottom line is simple enough. The United States just accused Rosarito’s ex-mayor of helping a cartel tax her own city. She says it’s all lies. The governor says she’ll wait and see. And everyone else is left to calculate how long it takes for financial blacklists to turn into political consequences in Mexico. Until then, it’s just another day in Baja, where the ocean steals your flip-flops and Washington steals the headlines.

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 Ensenada, Rosarito

Ensenada Told to Hand Over Rosarito Land, Again

The Baja California Congress has had enough of the territorial tug-of-war between Ensenada and Playas de Rosarito. Lawmakers have once again told both city halls to sit down, coordinate, and finally wrap up the handover of disputed land and assets.

Yes, again.

This latest “exhorto”, basically a strongly worded reminder, was approved unanimously in Congress. The message was clear: Ensenada needs to finish delivering the goods to Rosarito, and Rosarito needs to get its ducks in a row to take over. The call came from Morena deputies Juan Manuel Molina García and Jaime Eduardo Cantón Rocha, who insisted that after years of dragging feet, residents deserve legal certainty and decent public services.

The backstory goes like this. The Baja California Territorial Statute (Decree 15, for those keeping score) set rules for municipal boundaries. It told Ensenada to hand over certain properties, records, and even tax authority to Rosarito. Articles Five and Six of the statute gave a 180-day deadline for transferring files and updating regulations. That deadline passed long ago, yet here we are.

Even January 2024 saw a similar resolution pushed by the very same players: Rocío Adame Muñoz (now Rosarito’s mayor) and Claudia Agatón Muñiz (now mayor of Ensenada). Both promised cooperation. Both still have homework.

In the meantime, confusion reigns in the disputed neighborhoods. Which city collects taxes? Which city provides services? Residents aren’t amused. Congress says the situation undermines trust in government.

The new exhorto adds a layer of accountability. It calls for a legislative follow-up table involving committees on governance, finance, and municipal strengthening. Translation: lawmakers will keep checking until the job is done.

Some voices are calling for more than just a handover. Miguel Ángel Lazcano Campos, legal advisor for the Pro Municipio Committee, argues that Ensenada should not only stop charging taxes in Rosarito’s turf but also pay back what it’s already collected. That idea should spice up future negotiations.

For her part, Ensenada mayor Claudia Agatón recently met with deputies and promised to cooperate. “We want this resolved so residents have certainty and can receive all the services they’re entitled to,” she said. Sounds good on paper—now it’s about action.

Congress isn’t pretending this is optional. The unanimous vote shows legislators are done with excuses. Rosarito and Ensenada have to finish the handoff, transfer the files, and put the territorial dispute to rest.

Until then, it’s a tale of two cities sharing one headache.

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 Articles, Rosarito

Dreaming off the Grid, A Family takes the Leap, Part 2

By Martina Dobesh


Since the family found water on their property, they went to work creating their first garden. It
was a steep learning curve. During the dry season, the garden became a virtual foodie-heaven for the
wild critters and the neighbor’s cows. Annel shared, “We had worked so hard and were so proud of our
flourishing first garden. We admired it as we drove passed it into town.” She stops and gulps, “But when
we returned the garden was gone! The cows had destroyed it.” Annel moaned, “I have never been so
devastated in my entire life.” This followed with battling the rabbits and mice. If you are committed to
living in harmony with the land that sustains you, poison is not the first thing you want to reach for.
Poison disrupts nature in ways rarely thought about in urban communities. When a mouse or rat has
just eaten a poison pellet, it becomes a death meal for an owl or hawk. When your water comes from
ancient aquifers you become very careful about what you put in the soil.
For power Drew had two small solar panels and a couple of batteries. But he wanted something
more adequate. Living off the grid doesn’t mean what it used to in the old days. Now there is the
worldwide web and invisible information flying through the air. Drew said, “I went to work online to find
how to build a solar system large enough for our needs.” He grinned, “It turned out to be really easy just
following the directions. But I did blow out the battery when I first connected everything!” He added,
“One thing you have to learn when you live so away from the city; you can’t just jump in the car make a
quick run into town. You must begin to think differently. There has been a lot of trial and error.”
Of the three most important things for living, water, power and what to do with the poop.
Usually, people don’t need to know what to do with “it.” However, off the grid “it” can’t be overlooked.
Our intrepid family bypassed the old fragrant outhouse method. They chose a composting toilet that is
in harmony with nature, preserve water, and prevent water pollution.
Sasha, now 12 is a respected working member of the family and is hands-on learning the family
business. She attends a five-day online school with changing subjects; sketching, painting, marketing,
first aid, science, public speaking, and entrepreneurship. Good old fashion outdoor fun is known to be
the healthiest activity for the young. Sasha thrives in Mother Nature’s school with her friends. Bright
minds explore the sunrises and sunsets, the moon in its cycles, the star filled night skies and rainbows.
This family has already stretched the boundaries together, but they are not done dreaming.
Currently, they have returned to their earlier success story. Their outdoor kitchen, Alumina Sagrada
translated Sacred Alchemy is open. Drew explained. “We always wanted to bring people back to the
table to share a meal.” The menu features home-crafted meals. Drew looked at his wife, “Annel is the
visionary and I have crazy ideas. We are being called to follow them.” Annel smiled, “We have merged
our goals with our dreams.”
info@alquimiasagradabaja.com
AlquimiaSagradabaja.com

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 Articles, Events, Rosarito, Sports, Video

Rosarito’s Ultimate Fun Run: ‘Corre con Don Pisto’ Charity Race for Fitness and Community

Rosarito is lacing up its running shoes — or maybe just its walking shoes — for the first ever Corre con Don Pisto, a community race with a cause that blends exercise, charity, and a splash of local pride.

The press conference introducing the event felt less like a stiff announcement and more like a family reunion. That makes sense, because Don Pisto isn’t just a liquor company; it’s part of the Rosarito DNA. For over 30 years, the brand has been pouring not just drinks, but also steady support into local projects.

This first edition is dedicated to Bernardo Pérez, founder of Don Pisto, who passed away two years ago. Pérez was remembered as a strong, athletic, big-hearted man who rarely turned down an opportunity to help his community. His legacy is now running forward — quite literally — through this race.

The Cause Behind the Course

Proceeds will go to DIF Municipal, specifically to bolster rehabilitation services in Rosarito. Plans include a playful outdoor space for patients beginning the tough process of physical recovery, plus a circuit designed to help restore mobility after injuries. Organizers stressed this is more than just a race: it’s a way to fund hope, therapy, and second chances.

The Route & Rewards

The 5.5 km race kicks off September 7th at 8 a.m., starting and finishing at Don Pisto Castillos on Boulevard Popotla. The route winds through key intersections, with local authorities promising full security, ambulances on site, and traffic control so runners (or walkers, stroller-pushers, and wheelchair participants) can move safely.

Cash prizes are on the line: 3,000 pesos for first place, 2,000 for second, and 1,000 for third, with categories for men, women, and wheelchairs. Registration costs $250 pesos per person and can be done at Don Pisto branches, DIF offices, INDER, or even via WhatsApp if you’re out of town. The first 400 finishers will also score a commemorative medal at the finish line.

A Race for Everyone

Worried you’re not fast enough? Don’t be. As organizers said with a smile, “It’s okay, let’s walk. Bring the stroller, bring the dog, bring the neighbor. The important thing is to show up.”

And yes — because this is Rosarito — the press conference closed with an invitation to enjoy a cold Don Pisto beer. After all, it’s not every day you get to hydrate post-race with the sponsor’s finest brew.

So mark your calendars, Rosarito. Whether you’re sprinting, strolling, or rolling, Corre con Don Pisto is your chance to support the city, honor a local legacy, and maybe even earn a medal. Or at the very least, a well-deserved beer.

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State Water Agency Shares Rosarito Desal Plant Progress
 Articles, Ensenada, Rosarito, Tijuana, Water Watch

Rosarito’s Big Plan to Bring More Water to Ensenada

Rosarito’s dry promise might finally pour

On Friday, August 22, Baja California’s Secretary of Water, Víctor Daniel Amador Barragán, met with Ensenada’s top business group to talk water. Again.

This time, he came with numbers, blueprints, and what sounds like political backing. The focus? The infamous Rosarito Desalination Plant. The one we’ve all heard about, but never actually seen.

2,200 liters per second? That’s the goal

The plan, according to Amador Barragán, is to build the plant under CONAGUA, with the state in charge of operations. The plant is still in the planning and engineering phase — yes, still.

But they’re talking serious numbers now:

  • Capacity: 2,200 liters per second
  • Budget: 15 billion pesos
  • Impact: Double the water supply to Ensenada
  • Bonus: Also benefits Tijuana and Rosarito

If all goes well, this plant could finally put an end to water rotations and last-minute garrafón runs.

A bigger plan for a thirstier Baja

This plant isn’t a solo act. It’s part of the Programa Estatal Hídrico (PEH), which currently includes 58 active projects. The total investment: over 24 billion pesos.

These projects aim to fix everything from drinking water access to wastewater management. And if that’s not enough, there’s the Bono Verde (Green Bond) initiative too.

The Green Bond covers 59 additional projects, worth 3.2 billion pesos:

  • 36 for potable water
  • 19 for sewage
  • 4 for water reuse

It’s a full-on attack against Baja’s water problems — on paper, at least.

The business community wants to believe

The meeting was held with the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial de Ensenada (CCEE). Their president, Julio Salinas López, welcomed the plan and praised the state’s attention to water infrastructure.

He called the project a step toward not only better service, but also poverty reduction. Access to water, he argued, affects health, education, and the economy. And he’s not wrong.

Still, these business leaders have seen plenty of “in-progress” projects stall. So while they’re hopeful, they’re also cautious — and likely keeping an eye on the budget sheet.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this

Back in May, we covered the reactivation of this very same plant. It was headline-worthy then, and it still is now.

Baja’s Big Water Fix Starts in Rosarito

Even my dear Martina Dobesh got in on the action. In her Water Watch column, she warned of the risks of continued inaction. Her editorial in July 2024 was clear: no more delays, or the state could face massive water cuts.

A Stark Warning of Water Cuts – A Water Watch Editorial

She said what most people were thinking but few dared to write. You don’t have to agree with her tone to know she’s got a point.

So, will we finally get water or just more words?

Here’s the good news: the plans are detailed, the budget is real, and the political support seems aligned. That’s more than we had five years ago.

The bad news? Nothing has broken ground yet. Not a single pipe has been laid. Not one shovel photo-op. And until that happens, it’s hard to say this time is different.

Still, if you’re tired of hearing your neighbor’s pump running all night, or rationing toilet flushes, this might be a step in the right direction.

Just keep the garrafón around — for now.

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 Articles, Events, Rosarito

Rosarito Brings the Opera Back to the Beach—Free for All

Rosarito’s seaside stage gets ready for its second grand operatic comeback—yes, with real high notes and no high drama.

If you’ve ever wanted to sip wine, watch the sun dip into the Pacific, and hear a soprano hit a note that could crack glass—this is your moment. Rosarito’s XIII Opera by the Sea is back for its second official Operatic Encounter, and it’s not your grandma’s opera night (though she’s totally invited).

From Street Corners to Sea Stages

Back in 2009, inspired by Tijuana’s “Ópera en la Calle,” a group of cultural movers and shakers brought the drama (the good kind) to the beach. Their goal? Take world-class opera out of the theater and into the heart of Baja—with ocean views and free admission.

#Flyer from 2016

For a few years, it became a local favorite. Then, after a break, the festival returned in 2023. This time, it wasn’t just about singing—it added workshops, lectures, and more ways to get the crowd involved.

What’s Happening This Year?

From August 9 to 15, Rosarito’s CEART will host the Second Operatic Encounter (ENOR). This means a full week of masterclasses, rehearsals, and musical happenings—all open to the public and completely free.

Moreover, the grand finale takes place on Saturday, August 16, from 3 PM to 9 PM at the Explanada de las Artes, an outdoor space just steps from the sea. Expect theatrical performances, powerful voices, and the best sunset backdrop on the coast.

Why Should You Go?

First off, it’s fun. This isn’t a black-tie event where clapping at the wrong time gets you the side-eye. Instead, think flip-flops, food trucks, and open-air arias.

Second, it brings the arts to everyone. Whether you’re an opera regular or have no clue what a mezzo-soprano is, there’s something for you here. Even kids get into it.

Plus, you’ll support local talent, meet artists from around Mexico, and enjoy Rosarito’s food scene in one go.

A Cultural Boost, Baja Style

Opera can sometimes feel distant, but this festival makes it approachable. During the week, performers offer workshops and Q&A sessions. As a result, you get to see how the magic happens—no ticket required.

This effort also boosts Rosarito’s profile as more than just a beach town. Thanks to events like this, it’s becoming a cultural destination too.

Know Before You Go

  • ENOR Events: August 9–15, 9 AM–6 PM
  • Location: CEART Playas de Rosarito
  • Final Performance: August 16, 3 PM–9 PM
  • Entry Fee: $0 pesos. Yep, free.
  • What to Bring: Curiosity, sunscreen, and maybe a chair.

Final Notes

Whether you’re an opera buff or just opera-curious, Opera by the Sea makes for a great day out. It’s free, it’s cultural, and it’s got wine. What else do you need?

Besides, where else can you hear Verdi while wearing sandals?

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Family
 Articles, Rosarito

Dreaming off the Grid A Family Takes the Leap, Part I of 2

June fog was just burning off the coast when I pulled into Tempest Traders just south of Rosarito. I’ve long been wanting to write about this family’s story as they are building a life off the grid. This idea has become a popular topic of late. Of course, here in Baja there are many original families who have been living for decades in the wilderness on ranchos with no conveniences. I’m thinking as I get out of the car that a lack of conveniences is not what you would call an American dream. In this age of instant living everything is within a touch of the finger tips. What would inspire a family to make this kind of move? Drew, Annel and Sasha Mattews greeted me with warm hugs and we took seats in the shade.

Drew started with, “We had no idea of moving to Baja, let alone living off grid. But something happened in 2016 and we just knew that we were going to make a move. Our dream had started out wanting to travel.” But on one of their visits to Annel’s parent’s home in Rosarito they were bitten by the Baja Bug. Sometimes it takes a while to realize it. They were doing quite well in North County San Diego. Annel and Drew’s Kitchen was a very popular place at the weekend Farmers Market. Drew had graduated from a culinary school in upstate New York and it aligned perfectly with Annel’s background as she came from the family’s restaurant business. Coming together they created a fresh farm to table menu, as well as a very successful catering business for outdoor events. Annel added about the leaving, “It was the toughest decision we ever made as a family. Drew quipped, “Friends and family were really concerned about our mental health.”

#Rainbow

It became clear they wanted a home outside of Rosarito. With no effort they found just the place in La Misión. It was perfect for continuing their culinary best. The couple created home delivery service to the communities. Later they opened a retreat center following the shamanic practice of the sweat lodge and the lovely Cacao ceremony. (link here). While inviting people into their retreat center a new dream arose to own land. Twelve acres in the pristine hills and a 1960 vintage travel trailer became their getaway place. Drew joked, “A tiny space and big land.” When they lost the lease on their home it forced them into looking at the idea of living permanently off the beaten path. Often times committing to one’s long held dreams comes with a period of sacrifice.

I asked, “What are the first most important things you had to focus on?” Drew nodded, “Water, power, and where the waste goes.” This is rarely considered when purchasing a home in an urban setting. We tend to take for granted that these very important things are provided. Annel giggles about the waste, “No one is interested in knowing where “it” goes.” We all laughed, and a lusty riff began amongst us adding jokes to where “it” went and what to do with “it.”  Yep, living off the grid means you have to be responsible for “it.”

The first need is water. Drew explained, “The camper has a water pump, shower and a hot water heater for a little comfort.” Water, the most important element in life is answered by the water trucks. Their water is hauled from a local well and fills the large storage tanks. Kumiai neighbors came to locate well sites on their property. Using willow branches for dousing they found several well drilling opportunities. Very good luck.

Editor’s Note: Martina is a freelance journalist and storyteller. She has been gathering stories of Baja California for nearly 40 years and has written many of them in her book, Dust in My Sandals, Tales from a Baja Traveler. See our ad and order now!

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