Waves of Love: Kids With Disabilities Ride in Rosarito

Rosarito’s most heartwarming tradition is making its way back to shore. After weeks of uncertainty, the beloved surf therapy sessions for children with disabilities are officially returning to Raul’s Beach starting May 31—and they’re bringing big smiles and even bigger waves.

The nonprofit behind this feel-good project, Olas Para Todos (Waves for Everyone), has been giving kids the chance to catch waves and confidence for over a decade. Spearheaded by Carlos Luna, the group pairs children and teens with expert volunteers who guide them safely into the ocean for what many call life-changing therapy.

Although Raul’s Beach, located near Kilometer 42 in Primo Tapia, has been closed off to the general public, the landowners have graciously agreed to open it for these monthly sessions through November.

Photo: Example of activities in the event

The first event will accommodate 40 participants, ages six and up. And here’s the kicker—it’s all free. From wetsuits to boards, everything is provided. Parents only need to sign up through the association’s social media pages.

This year, the organization is stepping up its safety game with help from a local paramedic school, ensuring more support both on land and in the water. And now that Olas Para Todos is officially registered as an association, it can receive donations—helping expand a program that already touches the lives of 350 to 400 kids annually.

Luna says the group is also hoping to rally support from the local government, including councilman Fidel Ortiz Mendoza, who heads up the Disability and Inclusion Committee.

With a fresh wave of backing and plenty of heart, Rosarito’s surf therapy program isn’t just back—it’s stronger than ever.

Want to donate, volunteer, or register your child? Look up Olas Para Todos on Facebook and be part of the magic.

More Signs, Smoother Roads on the 2000 Corridor

Drivers on the Tijuana–Rosarito 2000 highway might notice some new changes—and they’re not just cosmetic. The state’s infrastructure department (SIDURT) is in the middle of adding fresh road signs and fixing up a five-kilometer stretch that’s seen more than its share of accidents over the years.

The new signs include directions to Ensenada and downtown Rosarito, plus posted speed limits of 60 and 40 km/h near the Rosarito-Ensenada junction. It’s part of a push to reduce wrecks in a spot that’s become notorious for crashes.

In addition to the signage, workers have been patching potholes, fixing the shoulders, and cleaning up the medians between KM 35 and KM 40, in both directions.

SIDURT’s top official, Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, said the signs are there to help drivers make safer choices, and he reminded everyone to stay under the speed limit and actually follow the signs. He also asked drivers to keep the road clean—apparently, some folks have been turning the highway into a dumping ground.

It’s a simple message: slow down, pay attention, and don’t treat the corridor like a racetrack. The smoother ride is just a bonus.

Artwalk Rosarito Brings Color, Culture, and Connection

Looking for a weekend that feeds your soul and your stomach? Rosarito has you covered.

Artwalk Rosarito returns May 24 and 25 to the CEART Playas de Rosarito, and this year’s edition isn’t just another stroll through art booths.

It’s a celebration of creativity, cross-border connection, and Baja’s unbeatable vibes.


Over 40 Artists, One Giant Weekend

Expect a lively mix of painters, sculptors, designers, and artisans—more than 40 in total. They’ll be showcasing their work in the open-air plaza, where conversation flows as easily as craft beer and coastal breeze.

One of the highlights? A featured exhibit titled “The Line That Connects: Cross-Border Connections.” This one digs into the artistic and cultural bonds between Mexico and the U.S. It’s powerful. It’s timely. It’s exactly what this region needs.


Not Just Art—It’s a Full Baja Experience

There’s more than just eye candy. Artwalk will also serve up:

  • Live literary and stage performances
  • A foodie zone with local bites and beverages
  • A welcoming, pet-friendly vibe
  • And yes—free entry for all

If it sounds like a chill time, that’s because it is.


Featured Artist: Francisco Javier Macías Rosales

Hailing from Aguascalientes and now based in Puebla, Francisco Javier Macías Rosales brings 50 years of creative fire. His family were metalworkers and foundry artists. Today, his work honors that heritage while pushing boundaries.

When his pieces speak, you listen.


When & Where

📅 May 24–25

📍 CEART Playas de Rosarito

💸 Admission: Free

🐾 Pets welcome


Final Word?

Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your dog. Just don’t miss it.

Rosarito’s not just throwing an art show—it’s throwing a reminder that culture doesn’t need a passport.

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

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.

Sea lions who eat contaminated seafood become poisoned.

Toxic Algae Threatens Sea Lions in Rosarito

Rising Concerns Over Toxic Algae Bloom Impact on Sea Lions

In recent days, at least four sea lions have washed up dead on Rosarito’s beaches. Additionally, seven others were rescued alive—but in serious condition.

According to experts, the cause is a toxic algae bloom. This bloom produces domoic acid, which builds up in fish and shellfish. As a result, sea lions who eat contaminated seafood become poisoned.

Although red tide isn’t new, this recent wave is stronger and more frequent. Consequently, officials and marine groups are raising alarms.

Photo: Courtesy / City of Playas de Rosarito

Moreover, the effects are heartbreaking. One young pup was spotted nudging its mother’s lifeless body. That moment, captured on video, spread quickly on social media.

The toxin attacks the nervous system. It causes seizures, confusion, and often death. Even though rescue teams responded quickly, they couldn’t save every animal.

Therefore, local authorities are asking residents and tourists not to approach stranded sea lions. These animals may be sick, aggressive, or contagious. Instead, they encourage people to report sightings to 911.

Beaches remain open. However, people with asthma or other respiratory issues should be cautious. Some toxins can become airborne under the right conditions.

Furthermore, seafood lovers should pay attention to local health alerts. Domoic acid can harm humans too—especially when it enters the food chain.

Ultimately, this isn’t just about sea lions. It’s about the health of our coastline. Changing ocean temperatures, pollution, and runoff are part of the problem. If we don’t pay attention, we may be next.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we’ll keep covering stories like this. Because we don’t just love Baja’s beaches—we respect the life around them, too.

Half the Cops Failed Their Test, So the Marines are Stepping In

Rosarito’s Mayor says “Better fewer good cops than more bad ones”

In a move that sounds shocking—but also kind of reassuring—Rosarito’s mayor Rocío Adame Muñoz announced that 122 police officers are getting the boot after failing their control and trust evaluations. That’s nearly half of the city’s active and commercial police force. Yikes.

Out of 277 officers evaluated, more than a hundred were deemed “not fit” for service. The city has now begun the formal process to show them the door. No scandal, no cover-up—just a big, ugly clean-up.

But before anyone panics about security—especially with vacation season and the Tianguis Turístico just around the corner—Mayor Adame says the Marines and the National Guard will step in to fill the gaps and keep everyone safe. Because nothing says “we’ve got this under control” like calling in the Marines.

Still, Adame is taking a no-nonsense stance: “It’s better to have fewer good officers than a full squad of the wrong kind.”Hard to argue with that.

The remaining officers who passed their evaluations will return to duty, and efforts are already underway to recruit new, reliable candidates through the police academy.

“We don’t need to be alarmed,” said the mayor, reassuring residents and tourists alike. “The ones who are staying are trustworthy and will do a good job. The rest will be handled properly.”

So while the timing isn’t ideal, the message is clear: Rosarito is cleaning house. And honestly, if nearly half your police force flunks a trust test, better now than never.

With federal forces stepping in and a renewed focus on quality over quantity, let’s hope this shake-up leads to a stronger, safer Rosarito—because what’s worse than no cops? Bad ones.

Uber Finally Reaches the Streets of Rosarito—Just in Time for Tourist Season

It’s official—Uber is now rolling through the streets of Playas de Rosarito. The ride-hailing giant just launched operations in the beachside city, and local officials say it couldn’t have come at a better time. With vacation season heating up and the 2025 Tianguis Turístico event on the horizon, both locals and tourists are getting a much-needed boost in mobility.

“This is a huge step forward for Rosarito,” said Mayor Rocío Adame Muñoz. “Visitors now have a safer, easier way to move around and enjoy everything our city has to offer.”

For international visitors, this launch makes getting around Rosarito a lot easier. No need to worry about language barriers or negotiating taxi fares—just open the Uber app, set your pickup point, and go. The app works the same in Rosarito as it does back home, so American tourists in particular will feel right at home. You can even pay with your usual debit or credit card through the app, so there’s no need to carry cash.

Uber’s launch includes all of its top safety features: live GPS tracking, encrypted audio recordings, 911 integration, real-time ride monitoring, and even a PIN system to make sure you get in the right car. The app is also connected to Baja’s emergency response system (C5), giving riders peace of mind at every step.

For residents, Uber also brings new job opportunities. The platform offers flexible income options for people of all walks of life—students, single parents, retirees, and more.

Los Arenales Shooting

Shots Fired in Rosarito’s Arenales

—Now All Eyes on Justice

Over the weekend, gunfire echoed through Los Arenales in Rosarito—a popular off-road and beach adventures. According to early reports, at least four people were injured in the incident. However, none of them were found at the scene by the time authorities arrived nor in nearby hospitals.

Authorities arrived quickly and locked down the area. Since then, the Baja State Attorney General’s Office has launched a formal investigation. However, they’ve yet to release further details.

#LosArenalesRosarito


For those who live nearby, own property in the area, or just enjoy a weekend drive through the dunes—don’t worry. We’re not here to stir panic. Instead, we aim to keep our community informed and grounded.
In recent years, Rosarito has made solid progress on public safety. As a result, this kind of incident has become the exception, not the rule. Moreover, local and state forces have shown they’re not afraid to act.

Now, all eyes are on the justice system. If previous cases are any sign, we can expect action. Recently, we’ve seen prompt arrests and follow-throughs that show the region means business.

Of course, one isolated event doesn’t change the big picture. Rosarito remains a safe, vibrant destination. Therefore, there’s no need to cancel your trip or rethink your weekend plans. Just stay aware, and let the authorities do their job.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we believe in facts, not fear. And we’re confident Baja knows how to bounce back—even when the sand gets a little stirred up.

Baja Voters Face a Judicial Marathon: 220+ Picks in Under 12 Minutes

On June 1, every citizen in Baja California will be hit with one of the most daunting ballots in history—over 220 judicial positions, including 172 state-level and 50 federal posts, with roughly 1,000 candidates in the mix.

According to election officials, casting a vote could take anywhere from 10 to 12 minutes per person. That’s right: voters will need to sift through hundreds of names to choose their judges, magistrates, and ministers. The process, described during a breakfast meeting by María Guadalupe Plaza Medina from the INE, could stretch to 12 minutes as some voters take their time reading and double-checking candidate details.

To keep things moving, each polling station will be set up with 8 to 15 voting booths so multiple people can cast their ballots at once. In total, Baja California will have 2,625 polling stations—Tijuana leading with 1,396, followed by Mexicali with 730, Ensenada with 287, Playas de Rosarito with 73, Tecate with 69, San Quintín with 59, and San Felipe with 11, plus six special sites in universities and transit hubs.

This “judicial” election, a first of its kind in the country, has already prompted a significant budget request of over 241 million pesos to cover everything from printing ballots to upgrading voting materials. The federal INE has also capped campaign spending for judicial candidates at about 220,000 pesos (11,000 U.S dollars) per person to ensure fairness.

With radio, TV, print, and social media campaigns, along with forums at universities and community centers, officials are working hard to prepare voters for what promises to be a true test of patience and civic duty. Can Baja handle the judicial marathon? Only time will tell.

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