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Rosarito

Articles, Events, Rosarito, Wine

Crossing South Wine & Food Festival – Segunda Edicion

BY REN DRAKE HILL

Directly from last year’s “resounding success,” the Crossing South Wine and Food Festival will again adorn the Gardens of the Rosarito Beach Hotel, Saturday, April 20, 3 – 9 pm. Crossing South claims there was an “overwhelming” demand for a second Festival. Jorge Meraz, host of Crossing South on PBS will again be the Host of Honor this year. There will be many photo ops around the festival, so feel free to take some snaps of your favorite chefs, vintners, and the host Jorge, himself. 

Due to this success, the number of restaurants, wineries and entertainers were expanded. Thirteen wineries of the Valle de Guadalupe will join with 25 restaurants and three craft breweries from Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, and points in between. Restaurants will provide tastes of their signature dishes. Now I know you may have a different “signature dish” in your minds, but this will be a chance to sample other great menu items from your favorite bistros. All this while being entertained by many talented musicians and entertainers. There may even be a salsa dancing class, or two.

This year’s Crossing South event promises to be more spectacular. One new touch, to celebrate spring, the Crossing South Wine and Food Fest will be a White Attire Event. (I hope I can still wear my blue Crossing South hat!)

Some of the local restaurants include Marea Alta, Pasta y Basta, Chaubert’s (Rosarito Beach Hotel’s fine dining establishment), Tacos Kokopelli, ad Hacienda de Badu, a favorite of roasted lamb lovers. 

Crossing South on PBS is in its 12th season. New episodes featuring arts, artists, culture, and food, from fine dining to the best in taco stands, will be airing starting this month. If you are unable to catch the episodes as they air on PBS, many episodes are available at the PBS website. Some past shows have highlighted the Blues Against Hunger drive and the Rosarito Club de Ninos y Ninas. 

PBS joins COTUCO and CANIRAC of Rosarito, the ministry of tourism, and the Chamber of Restaurants as co-hosts of this gastronomic event. 

Tickets are available at www.Eventbrite.com, under “events in Mexico.” General admission to this “all you can eat/sip event”: $80; VIP admission $150, or $72 and $145.90 respectively with the 10% discount. Last year this event sold out, so get your tickets pronto. Your attendance doesn’t merely delight your taste buds, but you will be supporting the emergent culinary scene in northern Baja California. 

Crossing South is a “Feel good” show to entice those in the southern US to visit our beautiful Baja, and to remind those of us living here, Tijuana to Ensenada, what a culinary paradise we are living in.

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Charities, Rosarito

Kids With Autism Receive Wave Therapy in Rosarito

Wave lovers unite! Kids from the Fundación Autismo Esedin in Mexicali got to ride the waves, thanks to the free “Olas para todos” (Waves for All) program offered by the Locales Surf School.

Here’s the fun part: this wasn’t just any trip to the beach. The kiddos and their families were chauffeured free of charge, all thanks to the “Corazones Viajeros” (Traveling Hearts) initiative. The heart behind this? The Tourism Department of Baja California! They’ve kickstarted this Social Tourism Program to sprinkle some magic and offer enriching experiences for locals. The big goal? Free and accessible tours showcasing the splendid tourist spots of the state.

Just like the previous year, these little surfers-in-the-making received guidance from the top pros of the sport. The Escuela de Surf Locales has been diving into this for a whopping nine years, striving to give these children an unparalleled sea experience.

Our main man, Juan Carlos Luna, who heads the “Olas para todos” program stated that the surf therapies started rolling in April and are set to make a splash till October. October is particularly exciting as they’ve got back-to-back sessions planned in Rosarito and Ventura, California.

Here’s a heartwarming tidbit: these therapies are a Godsend for families with children diagnosed with Down Syndrome or other conditions. The number of beneficiaries has been on a steady rise. To give you an idea, a digital count over the last three years recorded about 800 enthusiastic participants, including beneficiary children and volunteers. As Juan puts it, “The numbers keep growing because parents spread the word, and pictures from the sessions shared on social media only adds to the buzz.”

Juan adds that the therapies are held at beaches where the waves are gentle. But they don’t leave it to chance. Dedicated teams monitor the currents and waves, predicting the wave conditions a cool 16 days in advance.

Safety first! The therapy zones are pristine, free from pollution. The water quality? Top-notch. There have been zero reported cases of allergic reactions or other ailments.

In closing, a massive shoutout to the volunteers who ride this wave of goodness. These are not just experienced surfers but also young enthusiasts chipping in to the program.

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Events, Rosarito

Baja Beach Fest 2023 Brings 30,000 Tourists to Rosarito

UPDATE: Although the official statement from our local authorities said that “not even a wallet was reported stolen” we have now received reports of cell phones, jewelry and even drugs being stolen at the event. When we asked a victim if they had filed police reports she said: “we were on a tight partying schedule, we were not going to lose a day filing a report over a stolen cell phone!”

This past weekend, Baja California hosted one of its most significant events: the Baja Beach Fest. With an influx of 30,000 tourists, ensuring safety was a top priority, resulting in no incidents or mishaps.

Marina del Pilar Ávila, the Governor of Baja California, expressed her gratitude to the local and federal institutions for their unwavering support during the festival. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in ensuring such events remain incident-free.

Leopoldo Tizoc, the Secretary of Public Safety in Baja California, highlighted the teamwork between multiple entities: the National Defense Department (SEDENA), National Guard (GN), Municipal Police, and the State’s Public Safety Department (SSCBC). He noted that their success was due to the implementation of three core security layers: internal, perimeter, and external. Thanks to these efforts, there wasn’t even a single reported loss of a wallet, attesting to the orderly conduct of attendees.

Tizoc detailed the deployment of 600 SSCBC personnel, inclusion of the entire ‘Violet Squadron’, 120 National Guard members, and 200 soldiers. He reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining security across all regions of Baja California, regardless of the nature of the operation.

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Rosarito, Water

Former Director of CESPT Discusses Water Issues with Pro-Municipality Committee

The Pro-Municipality Committee of Rosarito, Baja California recently invited Enrique Ruelas, former director of the State Public Service Commission of Tijuana (CESPT), to discuss water issues affecting the region.

During the meeting, Ruelas spoke about the challenges faced by the CESPT, particularly with regard to the distribution of water to different parts of the state. He also discussed the need for better infrastructure and more efficient water management systems in order to ensure that all residents have access to clean and reliable water.

Ruelas emphasized the importance of collaboration between different government agencies and civil society groups in addressing water-related issues. He also noted that the issue of water scarcity is not unique to Baja California, but is a global challenge that requires innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability.

The Pro-Municipality Committee is a grassroots organization that advocates for the creation of a new municipality in Rosarito. The group argues that creating a new municipality would allow for more efficient and effective governance, and would help to address long-standing issues related to public services, infrastructure, and economic development.

The discussion with Ruelas is part of the group’s ongoing efforts to engage with experts and stakeholders on issues of importance to the community. Through these conversations, the Pro-Municipality Committee hopes to build support for its campaign and to work towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for Rosarito and its residents.

The meeting was seen as a positive step forward in addressing water-related issues in the region, and in promoting greater collaboration and cooperation between different actors in the community.

SOURCE: Ecos de Rosarito by Juan Pablo Sebastián

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 Articles, Arts & Literature, Breaking News, Rosarito

Santini Gallery Presents the Most Recent Work of Juan Angel Castillo

Giorgio Santini Gallery presents the most recent work of Master Juan Angel Castillo in an exposition titled “Quijote’s Panoply” which will take place on October, Friday 22 and Saturday 23 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. In this exposition a series of 21 works recently created by the artist.

Juan Angel Castillo is one of the most important and influential painters from Baja California, unique in his genre, that has won national and international recognition. His works can be found within important public and private collections.

Owner of a masterful technique acquired along more than 50 years of tireless and perseverant creativity, Castillo portrays 21 Quijotes that will be presented in the “Quijote’s Panoply” exhibit, which will be an impressive sample of his talent.

This free admission event, will be a unique opportunity to socialize with the artist and his work in the premises of the Giorgio Santini Gallery where the work of the best artists in Baja California is presented in a dignified and careful way.

The Giorgio Santini Gallery is located on Km 40 of the Rosarito – Ensenada free road, in the Santini Plaza. Call or WhatsApp (661) 126 5988 or email giorgiosantinigallery@gmail.com for more information.

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 Articles, Charities, Ensenada, Rosarito

Bomberos Need Your Help

Baja is deep into its annual fire season, and as in every year in recent history, brave firefighters are in need of help from the public. The first major fundraising event of the year, Valle en la Playa, was held in the gardens of Castillos del Mar Hotel and Resort in September, with all funds going to help Rosarito’s firefighters through the Pro Firefighters Board. This was a “must-attend” meeting, even with respect to Covid-19 social distancing. Thanks to event organizer Martha Dominguez for granting me last-minute press coverage as a representative of this periodical.

Valle en la Playa 2020 was held with COVID safety elements firmly in place: tables, widely spaced, had seating reduced from 10 or 12 guests per table in past events to six; servers and guests were temperature-tested and hand-sanitized prior to entry, and masks were worn by all when not seated at tables.

Valle de Guadalupe wineries in attendance were La Cetto, Al Ximia, Corona del Valle, Santo Tomas, and Vinos de Casa Emiliana, aka “VE.” The Rosarito Tourism Board was also set up to announce that Rosarito is still open for visitors from the North as well as other Mexican cities. “We want to create a different impression of Rosarito,” declared Paul Corona, Emcee of the event. “We are more than Papas and Beer.”

Small monthly events, to be held at different venues, are planned to continue to raise money for the Rosarito Fire Department. Three-course meals, following pandemic safety protocols, will be held at various Rosarito establishments, with proceeds going to local firefighters.

Proceeds from the evening’s tickets were donated to the Pro Fire Fighters Board towards the purchase of a special drone with a thermal camera to allow firefighters to view and better plan their firefighting efforts before entering dangerous areas.

Rosarito proper is not the only area needing to help their Bomberos. La Mision firefighters, who serve areas such as Santa Anita and Alisito, are community volunteers that spend much of their own money on uniforms, firefighting equipment and gasoline. Fire boots have been set up as collection jars at Del Valle Café, Shorty’s vet shop (across from Magana’s), Splash, and Kraken, to gather funds to go toward gasoline and other necessities. Please throw a handful of pesos in them when you visit. The firefighters will be there for you when the need arises.

Currently the firefighters of La Mision are renting space in a nearby building, but a new fire station is being designed by students at the University of Ensenada as a permanent installation. Future plans include training by certified trainers in Baja. These newly trained firefighters will return and train others.

The La Mision Rotary is very active in helping out the firefighters in the extreme southern area of Rosarito, and the “doorway” to the Valle de Guadalupe. Of number one importance is money for gasoline for the fire engines, trucks and support vehicles. Also needed are four Scott air tanks with straps, Indian (or like-brand) collapsible backpack sprayers, as much of the firefighting is “gorilla” style. Also needed are firefighter gloves, suspenders, and boots of varying sizes.

Several Rotarians have contacts that can help with the purchases, so cash donations are of utmost importance. If you have contacts that could help firefighters, please contact Sunny Crowley at sunima8@mac.com. The official Bomberos Facebook page is www.facebook.com/groups/507783403257151.

We can all help our local firefighters when called upon through social media to purchase cases of water, or help make sandwiches to be delivered to firefighters on the line.

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 Articles, Rosarito

Victor Diaz Dies at 77

On Saturday, August 8th, Victor Diaz, loving husband and father of 4, passed away at the age of 77 in Tijuana.

He was born in Mexico City on December 1st, 1942, although he lived his final years in Rosarito, where he helped countless families move between the US and Mexico with his business “Fletes y Mudanzas Diaz”.

Mr. Diaz, an honest man of strong convictions, was very well appreciated in the local community, especially by the staff of this newspaper where he was a good friend and a client for over 5 years.

He is survived by his wife Juanita Ramirez, his four children, Victor Hugo, Jose Humberto, Leo Kenneth and Omar Saul, his 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed.

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 Articles, Charities, Rosarito

They Thought They Could Do it and They Did!

In my travels I have never experienced a community so involved in helping one another old/young, native/foreigner, human/animal…as Rosarito, and the communities at its borders.

One such group is Mujeres Para Mujeres (Women for Women), established March 16, 2018. About 50 ladies attended the inaugural gathering and continue to meet on the 8th of every even-numbered month with “Potlucks for a Purpose.” The times and days of the week vary in order to allow everyone  to attend, allowing for those who may have monthly meetings at scheduling conflicts.

I met with Board members Carol Council, Mary Contreras, Valerie Russell, and Barbara Acosta for an update of how the organization was progressing. These four met about a year ago in an effort to find ways that women could share their talents and skills and empower other women. The goal was to be of service and support “with” people, not “at” people; creating and extending relationships for a better community. “More can be helped if more become involved.”

They explained that Women for Women is a multicultural organization dedicated to “meeting the needs of girls and women in Baja,” with the target populations of teenagers, single mothers, victims of domestic violence, and those just striving to improve their lives. They seek  “to empower women to use their voices, acquire new skills, maximize their education, support other women, learn trades, and start businesses.”

On October 16, 2019 the Casa de Mujeres opened its blue door on Paseo de los Heroes in Santa Anita, south of La Mision. The Casa is open Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Several 6-week classes are currently being offered, with more under consideration. Every encounter is valuable. A six-week Self Esteem class led by Joanna Wood started with 13 signups and only three show-ups. Of these three only one lady finished, but this singular student declared, “This class saved my life.” By using the tools she had learned, “I feel happier, healthier, and more peaceful now than ever.”

Most classes suggest a 20 peso donation, but the fee is waived for those who cannot afford the payment. English class with Rita Gullickson is at 10:30 on Mondays, with ladies learning English through simple conversation. The Women’s Creativity Circle meets Fridays at 9:30 for Movement with Laura Mandala an Arts (painting, drawing, collage, writing…) at 10:30 with Sue McDevitt. Classes are mostly in Spanish.

A Sewing Program connected to Casa del Sol Naciente and run by Rosa Martinez is offered to those actually seeking a career in sewing and fashion; it’s a 2-year, 6-days a week intense sewing program. Information and scholarships are available through MPM or email rosamartinez77@gmail.com.

MPM’s Home Health Care program, led by Mary Simmons, is partnered with Rosarito Beach Christian Church. This 8-week course provides skills for the home health care workers who aid those who prefer to stay home during illness.. Tuition is $100. Anyone wishing to provide a scholarship should contact Mary Simmons.

Mujeres Para Mujeres is starting a microfinance program, with the committee chaired by Karen Cebreros. They are currently researching ways in which to provide microloans to women for entrepreneurial and educational ventures. MPM has partnered with VIA International, which has positive experience in micro-lending with 100% payback of microloans worldwide. Helping to fund this program are Greeting Cards by Rhonda, on sale at Baja Mail in Puerto del Valle, near La Mision. The cards may be customized for particular occasions.

For more information, MPM cordially invites you to their next gathering, a cookie exchange Sunday, December 8th at 3:30 pm at La Jolla Condos (km29, across the boulevard from Fat Cat Restaurant). Bring three dozen cookies to exchange. Membership is not a prerequisite.  For additional details, contact ValerieMRussell@yahoo.com.

March 8th will be the 1st anniversary of MPM and elections for next year’s Board will be held. The group is always seeking new energetic members, Mexican and expat, especially from the northern area of Rosarito. I know many of us have been giving generously of our time and funds, especially after the spate of fires Rosarito has experienced, but please consider sharing your talents with this fine group of ladies. Do you have any ideas for a class or a workshop that would benefit local ladies? They are currently seeking a Membership Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Development Director, and Grant Writer… and a dozen folding chairs.

Donations or memberships may be paid through PayPal at MujeresParaMujeres2019@gmail.com. MPM is close to achieving their US 501(c)(3) non-profit status, making all donations tax-deductible. For information on any of the programs, classes, greeting cards, etc., please visit the Facebook page “Mujeres Para Mujeres Group” or phone 646-978-7507.

Consider coming out of retirement for this great cause. Gentlemen are welcome
too!

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 Calendar of Events, Rosarito

Rosarito Calendar of Events

Every Saturday, 10:00 am at IMAC Central park. Chess for all ages. www.facebook.com/IMAC Rosarito.

 Every First Saturday. 10 am. United Society of Baja California (USBC) general meeting at the Titanic Room of the Calafia Hotel. Useful info for the English speaking community of charitable, community service, and social organizations. www.unitedsocietyofbaja.org. 664-748-3949.

Every First Saturday. Noon-sundown. Open Studio Art Walk, a free tour of galleries in Rosarito Beach Hotel commercial center. Meet artists at work in their studios. pacothepainter@hotmail.com

Every Third Saturday. 1 pm. USBC, United Society of Baja California, monthly potluck dinner, at La Maroma sports bar, across from Burger King. Different themes every month. Usually, live entertainment. Free. Membership $20 per year.

Second Sunday of every month, Pet sterilization by the Baja Spay and Neuter Foundation at the Centro de Diagnostico Clinico Vetrinario, ave. Queretaro #2331-3, Col Cacho, Tijuana. 200 pesos, 661-124-3619, or Robin at www.BajaSpayNeuter.org.

Last Sunday of every month, Jewish Chavurah. Gordon Kane – gordonmkane@gmail.com.

November 28, Thursday; Happy Thanksgiving! See our special article on our website www.ggnorth.com.

November 29, Friday, 4 pm; Wine & Design at De Colores Ceramic Studio (k 40) Create a customizable ornament. Starts at $10 for all supplies. $5 holds reservation at https://decolores-mexico.cojm. 661-104-0022.

November 29 & 30, Friday & Saturday, December 1st, Sunday, 10 am – 8 pm; Rosarito Crystal and Gem Show at Hotel Calafia (km 35.5). Gems, minerals & fossils; show, buy and sell. Admission: $3.  664-444-9527.

November 30, Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm; Lecture and Practice about Taoist Arts by Zi Xiao. Chinese traditional culture & history; bioenergetics healing arts; Taoist meditation. Venustiano Carranza, Primo Tapia, Mision Viejo. 646-189-7470; qigong_w.bc@hotmail.com.

November 30, Saturday, 12:30 – 3:30 pm; Harvest Jamboree and Holiday Food Drive at Vista Hermosa Resort (k43). All musicians welcome to join the jam to fight hunger. Acoustic, blues, country, bluegrass, and Americana. Non-perishable food items and donations. Proceeds to support Hearts of Baja. www.BAHsociety.com.

December 1, Sunday, 1 – 4 pm; Tempest Trading Holiday Concert and Art Bazaar (k 40.5). Music by Rosarito’s Academia de Musica Allegro. Local artists, craftspeople, and confectioners. 661-688-1161.

December 4, Wednesday, 1 pm; Flying Samaritans White Elephant Gift Swap & Luncheon at Las Rocas Resort. Minimum value: $10. Donation $20. RSVP Susan: susansmithz@hotmail.com or 858-240-2360 or 662-200-6066

December 6, Friday, 5 – 8 pm; A Very Merry Diva’s Christmas Party, holiday food drive and fundraiser to benefit Blues Against Hunger Society at Pavilion Restaurant, featuring Brigette Rios Purdy. $18 show with holiday menu available. Tickets at Pavilion Restaurant or online at www.BAHSociety.com.

December 6 & 7, Friday 7 pm, & Saturday 4 pm; The Kumiai Theatre Company presents El Jugete del Ano (Toy of the Year), at CEART Rosarito. Free. 661-100-6338. Facebook/ CEART Rosarito.

December 7, Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Friends of the Library Annual Home Tour for the Holidays. Includes homes with “year-round architectural style.” All proceeds benefit Rosarito Reads program and the Bookmobile. Full tour: $35; North or South tours $20 each. Tickets at Click-on, Mail Express & Xtras, or online at www.friendsofthelibrary.com.mx.

December 7, Saturday, 12 pm; 1st Annual Barra Vieja Art and Beer Festival featuring more than 20 local exhibitors. K 47 next to the fire station in Primo Tapia. Free entry. Food, craft beers, art, live music and more.

December 8, Sunday, 2 pm; A Taste of Black Cross Wines at Black Cross Vineyard. $5 entry. Complimentary tasting. Wine, food, and more. Facebook.com/ Black Cross Wines.

December 8, Sunday, 6 pm; Blanca Navidad (“White Christmas”) Concert at IMAC Rosarito (behind CitiBanamex). All of your Christmas music favorites performed by the Academy of Music de Allegro. $100 pesos. Facebook.com/ IMAC Rosarito.

December 11th, 2019 2:30-3:30 pm Watch your step! Fall Prevention In Seniors. Join us for this FREE conference at  SerenCenter Rosarito. Cookies & coffee will be served to all guests. RSVP: 1800 030 0070 or info@serenacare.net

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 Rosarito

Where To Spend Thanksgiving in Rosarito?

November 28, Thursday; Thanksgiving dinner at Vista Hermosa Resort. Three seatings: 2 – 4:40, 5 – 7:30 & 8 – 10pm. Turkey with ALL the sides, pumpkin pie, one glass champagne. Live music 5:30 – 8:30. Reservations required, 661-114-6278; www.vistahermosaresort.com.

November 28, Thursday; Thanksgiving at Happy Hour Bar & Restaurant (k 43.5). All-you-can-eat turkey buffet with all the fixings, plus one glass champagne or wine. $11.95. Reservations: 661-613-2043.

November 28, Thursday, from 3 pm; Thanksgiving at Los Amigos Sports Bar & Grill (k 30). $13 includes turkey with all the fixings, including one glass of wine & pie. Pre-pay by November 26 to ensure a seat. Music by Eloy Miron. Now accepts credit cards. 661-120-3639.

November 28, Thursday, from 3 pm; Thanksgiving at Popotla Restaurant & Bar (k 34). Includes turkey and all the fixings. Reservations: 1-619-373-8895 or 661-612-1505.

November 28, Thursday, from 3 pm; Thanksgiving at Ruben’s Restaurant and Steakhouse. Turkey with all the fixings, including pie. $13.75. Happy hour 3 – 6 pm. Facebook/ Ruben’s Steakhouse.

November 28, Thursday, 4 pm; Thanksgiving at Susanna’s Restaurant. $25 prepaid. Reservations strongly suggested. 661-613-1187. Facebook/ Susanna’s Restaurant in Rosarito.

November 28 & 29, Thursday and Friday, 12 – 10 pm; Thanksgiving at Rosarito Beach Hotel. $19.90; “Early Bird” dinner (before 6 pm) $17.90. Three courser dinner includes Turkey and all fixings, with pie. Reservations: 1-800-343-8582 or 661-612-1111 x 11365; www.rosaritobeachhotel.com.

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