Tijuana

Calle Segunda Takes the Wheel
 Articles, San Diego, Tijuana

New SENTRI Route Gives Border Crossers Hope for Shorter Waits

(UPDATE 7:00PM): We have heard from several unofficial sources that Blvd. Kino will still remain open for Sentri users along with the new Calle Segunda entry, making both entries available for users. We should be able to confirm this information tomorrow with authorities.

Starting mid-November, SENTRI traffic moves to Calle Segunda under a four-month pilot to unclog the world’s busiest border.

If you’ve ever crossed back into USA on a Sunday night, you know the smell of despair — exhaust fumes mixed with cheap coffee. We at Gringo Gazette North know it too. Many of our readers — and yes, our reporters — have survived those endless lines crawling toward San Ysidro, trapped somewhere between Spotify playlists and lost patience. You’ve probably seen our Instagram stories from those traffic purgatories, headlights melting into infinity.

That’s why this time, we’re cautiously hopeful. Maybe, just maybe, this new border plan will save us all a few hours — or at least a few nerves.

What’s changing

Starting mid-November 2025, the City of Tijuana will reroute SENTRI vehicles through Calle Segunda and move All Traffic to Paseo de los Héroes. Officials describe it as a four-month pilot project designed to untangle congestion at the world’s busiest border crossing. If it works, the setup may become permanent by spring.

The plan’s goal is simple: reduce the massive queues clogging Padre Kino and Vía Rápida, where traffic can stretch all the way to Lázaro Cárdenas High School.

Interactive map detailing current and new Sentri routes. Current Sentri route shown in red, new one shown in green.

Why now

According to Pedro Montejo Peterson, Tijuana’s Secretary of Economic Development, the data made the decision obvious. “Four times more vehicles use SENTRI than general lanes,” he explained. “So we flipped the layout to match demand.”

It’s a rare case of logic in government form. The move also reflects months of coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), whose staffing levels often determine real-world wait times.

Years in the making

This change didn’t appear overnight. Since 2024, city engineers and border task forces have studied lane flow, traffic density, and the impact on local businesses. For years, SENTRI lanes were limited to Padre Kino, even though demand ballooned. Now, after two studies and multiple consultations, the city finally pressed “go.”

Local business leaders support the effort. “Every minute lost in line is money lost for both sides of the border,” said a member of Tijuana’s Chamber of Commerce. With over 70,000 vehicles crossing daily, improving flow isn’t just about convenience — it’s about keeping the region’s economy breathing.

What people are saying

Regional outlets like Telemundo 20, SanDiegoRed, and Uniradio Baja confirmed the timeline and route changes. The reaction? Mostly relief — with a healthy dose of skepticism. Drivers welcome any solution, but they’ve heard promises before. For now, the plan’s success depends on clear signage, driver cooperation, and a touch of border magic.

What it means for crossers

Here at Gringo Gazette North, we’ve lived those epic waits ourselves. Our team has spent hours inching forward with only podcasts and sarcasm for company. So we’ll be watching closely to see if Calle Segunda becomes the miracle lane we’ve all been praying for.

For SENTRI users, the change could save precious minutes heading north. For “All Traffic” drivers, the hope is less chaos — and fewer wrong turns. Still, expect a learning curve as everyone adjusts to the new route.

City officials promise daily monitoring during the pilot phase. Adjustments will be made as needed, and by early next year, Tijuana will decide whether to make the move permanent.

A cautious optimism

No one expects miracles overnight, but this is the most promising attempt in years to restore flow to San Ysidro. If the experiment works, it could mark a rare moment where border bureaucracy bends to common sense.

And if it doesn’t? Well, you’ll probably see us back in line — phones out, documenting every inch of progress (or lack thereof) for your reading pleasure.

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After Years of Bumps, Blvd. 2000 Gets a Real Fix
 Articles, Tijuana, Transportation

Tijuana’s Blvd. 2000 Finally Gets a Smooth New Start

If you’ve ever driven down the infamous Blvd. 2000 in Tijuana, you’ve probably asked yourself if your car’s suspension deserved such punishment. Between the potholes, cracks, and random dips, the so-called “express route” connecting Tijuana to Rosarito has been anything but express. But after years of complaints, memes, and broken shocks, the long-awaited reconstruction finally began—and this time, there are actual machines moving, not just promises.

A Road Long Overdue for Help

According to Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, head of the state’s Infrastructure and Urban Development Secretariat (SIDURT), the official work started on September 15, 2025, along the stretch between the second and fourth kilometer marks of the boulevard. Crews are currently clearing the central median, removing old light posts, and leveling the ground for what will become the first stage of new confined lanes.

That technical term basically means lanes designed to better separate heavy traffic from everyday commuters—something anyone who’s been tailgated by a loaded semi will appreciate. The goal: make this chaotic highway safer and faster for everyone.

What’s in the Plan

This first stage covers 12 kilometers of the total 40 that make up Blvd. 2000. Yes, only 12—but hey, at least it’s a start. As every local knows, the road stretches from the free road to Tecate all the way down to the Tijuana-Mexicali toll booth, and eventually connects to Rosarito. Fixing all of it at once would be ideal, but we’ll take progress over perfection.

SIDURT’s plan includes:

  • Full rehabilitation of existing lanes.
  • Reconstruction of access points and U-turns.
  • Installation of new lighting and drainage systems.
  • And, believe it or not, a three-for-one tree replanting program to replace vegetation removed during construction.

If all goes according to schedule, the project should wrap up by early 2027.

Why It Matters

For years, Blvd. 2000 has been the lifeline between the growing eastern suburbs of Tijuana and the coast of Rosarito. Every day, over 120,000 vehicles travel this route—commuters, families, truckers, and yes, the occasional overconfident Uber driver. But its poor condition turned what should have been a 25-minute drive into a daily obstacle course.

The road’s cracks weren’t just cosmetic. They slowed emergency services, damaged vehicles, and frustrated everyone who depended on it. So, for locals, this project isn’t just about asphalt—it’s about finally seeing public investment where it’s needed most.

A Greener Side of Progress

One of the most interesting parts of the plan is environmental. SIDURT announced that for every tree removed from the central divider, three new ones will be planted in nearby parks. In a city where construction often wins over nature, that’s a refreshing idea—if they actually do it. Tijuana residents have learned to celebrate promises cautiously, but at least this one sounds like a step in the right direction.

Drive Safe, People

Espinoza Jaramillo also asked drivers to behave like civilized humans during construction. That means slowing down, respecting cones and signs, and resisting the urge to test whether their car can jump over heavy machinery. Accidents have been common in the area, and a little patience now could mean a much smoother ride later.

What’s Next

The crews are currently focusing on the northern section of the boulevard, but SIDURT says a southern work front will open soon. Once both sections are underway, residents should see noticeable improvements in traffic flow.

It’s hard not to be a little skeptical—after all, Tijuana drivers have seen their share of half-finished projects—but something about this one feels different. Maybe it’s the scale, or maybe it’s the fact that people have stopped rolling their eyes and started taking pictures of actual progress.

The Big Picture

Whether you call it Corredor 2000 or Blvd. 2000, it’s the same battered road locals have cursed for years. The official name sounds fancier, but everyone from cab drivers to delivery trucks just calls it “the two-thousand.” And while 12 kilometers of repair won’t change everything overnight, it’s a visible start—proof that the government finally noticed that eastern Tijuana exists.

When finished, the boulevard should be smoother, safer, and maybe even a little greener. Drivers will spend less time dodging craters and more time actually getting somewhere.

Sure, we’d love to see all 40 kilometers rebuilt, but as every Tijuanense knows: you can’t drive the whole road until someone fixes the first stretch.

For now, engines are rumbling, dust is flying, and optimism—believe it or not—is back on the road.

After years of bumps, Blvd. 2000 gets a real fix
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Baja’s Michelin Constellation
 Articles, Baja Norte, Cuisine, Ensenada, Guadalupe Valley, Sabor Patrol, Tijuana

Baja Chefs Win Michelin 2025 Glory in the Valley

Baja California once again proved it isn’t just about fish tacos or tequila shots. And yes, we already told you: wine is the backbone here, not some side note. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide came to town, and the chefs of Baja walked away carrying stars, plates, and the kind of bragging rights usually reserved for French grandmas with secret recipes.

What Those Stars Actually Mean

The Michelin system can feel like a mysterious club. So let’s clear it up. A red star is the classic award. It says the food is worth a special trip. If a restaurant has one star, go. When it has two, change your route. With three, call your banker.

Meanwhile, the Green Star is relatively new (2020). It rewards restaurants committed to sustainability. Think kitchens where the fish isn’t confused about its passport, and the vegetables don’t rack up frequent-flier miles.

Finally, there’s the Bib Gourmand. It isn’t a star, but it matters. It celebrates restaurants that serve incredible food without demanding your mortgage papers at the door.

Valle de Guadalupe Takes the Crown

Here’s the fun part. All five of Baja’s red stars landed in the Valle de Guadalupe. Yes, every single one. Therefore, if you’re not convinced the valley is the capital of Baja dining, you’ve officially missed the memo.

These restaurants aren’t just making plates of food. Instead, they’re serving flavors as layered as the valley sunsets, with dishes that dance between ocean and vineyard.

Sheyla Alvarado Takes the Stage
#Lunario’s chef Sheyla Alvarado beams with pride as she brings a Michelin Star home to the valley.

Green Stars for a Greener Future

The valley also swept the sustainability awards. Olivea, Lunario, Conchas de Piedra, and Deckman’s en el Mogor all grabbed a Green Star. That means they’re not only plating art. They’re farming responsibly, fishing thoughtfully, and cooking with the planet in mind.

Bib Gourmand: Flavor Without the Painful Bill

For diners who prefer to spend pesos on wine instead of entrées, the Bib Gourmand list is a gift. For example, Ensenada classics like Sabina and La Conchería, valley gems like Merak and Villa Torél, and the unstoppable Doña Esthela prove you don’t need a fortune to eat like royalty.

In addition, Carmelita Molino y Cocina in Tijuana joins the list. It shows the border city can serve soul-warming plates with just the right hit of smoke and spice.

Sabina Honored in Ensenada
#The legendary Sabina, queen of Ensenada’s seafood flavors, celebrates her Bib Gourmand with the warmth only she can serve.

The Recommended Hit List

Michelin went even further with 21 recommended restaurants. These range from street tacos that can silence a room (La Principal, El Franc) to high-end temples like Misión 19 and Manzanilla. Meanwhile, valley names such as Primitivo, Latitud 32, Envero, and Bruma Wine Garden reinforce the obvious. If you want the best of Baja, head to the valley.

More Than Plaques on the Wall

Tourism secretary Zaida Luz López pointed out that these recognitions aren’t just for chefs. Instead, they represent farmers, fishers, vineyard workers, and communities who open their doors and pour their hearts into every plate.

Moreover, the stars ripple far beyond the dining rooms. They strengthen local producers, attract international visitors, and boost an entire tourism chain. In other words, it’s not just about dinner—it’s about an economy that grows when the food is this good.

What This Means for Travelers

For visitors, the message is simple. Baja California now stands shoulder to shoulder with the great culinary regions of the world. You can book a table in the valley, sip a glass of Nebbiolo, and enjoy a dish that carries a Michelin star while still watching the chef wave at a neighbor’s goat. Try doing that in Paris.

Bottom Line

The 2025 MICHELIN Guide made it official: Baja California is a heavyweight on the global dining stage. The Valle de Guadalupe dominates with stars, Ensenada offers classics at every price, and Tijuana proves it’s more than street tacos.

So, whether you chase sustainability, fine dining, or the perfect taco, Baja has it all. Michelin has spoken—and this time, the accent is pure Baja.

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Photos courtesy of Facebook users documenting the aftermath of the attacks.
 Articles, Ensenada, Security, Tijuana

Coordinated Attacks Rock Baja California Prosecutor’s Offices

Some nights in Baja California, the sirens are just background noise—an unholy lullaby. But on September 20, that lullaby turned into something harsher.

Armed groups hit the offices of the Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE) in both Tijuana and Ensenada. The attackers stormed the Ensenada branch around midday, firing at the building and setting vehicles ablaze. At the same time, at least two installations in Tijuana were struck. Four state facilities hit in near-synchrony—that’s not local anger, that’s choreography.

Security forces scrambled to lock down the sites. Guards now surround the buildings, patrols circle the blocks, and staff have been displaced while walls are patched and bullet holes filled. But the reinforcement feels like an admission: these buildings are vulnerable, and the people inside are targets.

Fiscalia Offices in Tijuana

Why the Fiscalía?

The Fiscalía is the state’s backbone for prosecutions, the symbol of law and justice. To take a swing at it is to shout: we’re not afraid of you. Attacking police or rival gangs is one thing. Attacking the prosecutors is another. It erodes the public’s already fragile confidence, reminding everyone that even the watchdog bleeds.

And let’s be blunt—when things are quiet, it often means there’s an understanding, spoken or not, between the Fiscalía and the people it’s supposed to be chasing. Calm can be camouflage. So when bullets suddenly rake across government walls, it may be a sign the deal fell apart, or that negotiations were never on the table.

This isn’t a first for Baja. The region has seen its share of blockades, arsons, and warnings from the U.S. Consulate telling staff to shelter in place. But there’s a line that many believed criminal groups would not cross: striking the state directly. That line is gone.

For those living here, expat or local, this is the new equation. Not just fear of stray violence, but the creeping sense that institutions themselves are fragile. It seeps into daily life—how you think about safety, insurance, business, even where you walk after dark.

They say violence speaks when silence fails. And so, just days after the attacks, the Fiscalía of Baja California announced three arrests tied to the bombings and arson at their offices.  The captures followed coordinated raids and a trove of field evidence, according to state officials.  These aren’t wild guesses: prosecutors say they now have “sufficient proof” to hold the suspects under investigation.  The message, unspoken but clear: retaliations exact consequences—if you want to hit the state, expect to be hit back.

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Texas Fugitive Busted in Tijuana
 Articles, Public Security, Tijuana, USA/MEX

Tijuana Cops Nab Texas Fugitive Wanted for Smuggling and …

Rumors in Baja move fast, but sometimes fugitives move faster — at least until the cops slam the brakes on their fun. That’s exactly what happened last week in Tijuana, where a young woman from Texas turned a quiet patrol into a headline.

A Reckless Ride Down Paseo de Santa Fe

At first, it looked like an ordinary afternoon. However, officers from Baja California’s Citizen Security Force spotted a black 2015 Ford Explorer cutting across traffic on Avenida Paseo de Santa Fe. The SUV swerved, braked suddenly, and forced other drivers to dodge out of its way.

Because of her erratic moves, officers turned on their lights and sirens. Eventually, the driver pulled over. She introduced herself as Arielle “N,” a 24-year-old from Lyford, Texas. At that point, she seemed like just another American lost in Tijuana traffic. Yet, the real story started when police ran her name.

Warrants That Read Like Drama Scripts

Immediately, the C5 system revealed a jackpot of trouble. In fact, Arielle had not one but three active warrants in Texas. And no, they weren’t for speeding tickets.

Her record included:

  • Human smuggling.
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
  • Theft.

Consequently, what should have been a simple traffic stop turned into an episode fit for television. Forget a rap sheet — this was practically a Netflix mini-series.

Stolen Wheels Add Another Twist

As if the warrants weren’t enough, officers also checked the SUV. Soon, they confirmed it had been reported stolen in Garden Grove, California. So, let’s recap: a Texas fugitive, driving a stolen car from California, caught in Tijuana traffic. Honestly, it sounded less like a police report and more like bad tourism marketing.

From Patrol to Podcast

After confirming everything, officers followed procedure. They cuffed Arielle, read her rights, and turned her over to the authorities. Still, the story doesn’t end there.

Because this arrest has all the ingredients for a viral hit, it could easily inspire a new chapter of the Caza Gringos podcast. Or better yet, maybe Gringo Hunters will grab it for a new episode. Imagine the title: “Warrants, Weapons, and a Stolen Ford Explorer.”

Therefore, if someone from @CazaGringosPodcast or @GringoHuntersShow is scrolling right now, we’ve already done the marketing. Just remember to mention the Gringo Gazette North when the cameras roll.

Mexico Sends a Clear Message

Meanwhile, authorities stressed that Baja is no playground for fugitives. They reminded everyone to report crimes at 911 or 089. As a result, locals and visitors alike can help keep the drama on screen, not on Avenida Santa Fe.

Final Thought

For years, some folks north of the border thought they could cross into Mexico and disappear. No rules, no problems, no consequences. However, that myth is collapsing fast. As this case proves, ya pasa (translation: “it already happens” — meaning crime catches up with you here).

So, if Arielle’s little road trip doesn’t convince you to check your paperwork before driving south, nothing will. At least you’ll know which podcast to tune in to afterward.

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Tijuana Fair 2025 Lights Up the City
 Articles, Events, Tijuana

Food, Music, and Memories Await at Tijuana’s Big Fair

The wait is over. Tijuana’s biggest family party of the year is back, bigger and louder than ever. From August 28 to September 28, the Feria Nacional de Tijuana 2025 takes over Parque Morelos with music, rides, food, and a Palenque lineup so heavy it could tip the border fence.

More Than Concerts

Of course, the lineup is huge, but the fair isn’t just for superfans clutching VIP tickets. Instead, it’s designed for everyone. Families stroll through colorful midway lights, kids spin themselves silly on rides, and abuelas hold court over the food stalls. Meanwhile, you’ll find games, exhibitions, and performances that keep all ages entertained.

A Century of Fun, Border Style

Back in 1915, the first “Feria Típica” gave Tijuana a taste of culture and carnival. Since then, the event has grown into a month-long bash that mixes tradition with modern spectacle. In fact, what began with horse shows and crafts now features roller coasters and stadium-level concerts.

Who’s Playing and Where

The fair runs on two main stages: the Palenque (indoor, ticketed, usually pricier) and the Teatro del Pueblo (outdoor, fair-style). Both offer star power. Here are just a few:

  • Grupo Firme – Palenque, Sept. 28. Tickets start at $925 pesos, VIP runs up to $4,625. Bring tissues for your wallet.
  • Banda MS – Palenque, Sept. 27. Prices range from $1,390 to $3,700. Expect sing-alongs so loud they rival airport noise.
  • Alfredo Olivas – Palenque, Sept. 19. From $1,160 to $3,245. Ballads guaranteed to raise both eyebrows and bar tabs.
  • Eden Muñoz – Palenque, Sept. 25–26. Between $925 and $2,890. Two nights, twice the tears.
  • 90’s Pop Tour – Teatro del Pueblo, Sept. 20. From $250 to $1,500. Nostalgia with a neon glow.
  • Banda El Recodo – Teatro del Pueblo, Sept. 21. Entry runs $200 to $1,000. Mexico’s Mother Band keeps the tradition alive.
  • Paty Cantú & Piso 21 – Teatro del Pueblo, Sept. 28. From $300 to $1,200. Pop anthems for the dreamers.

Tickets and Access

When you buy a ticket, your choice really shapes the night. General gets you inside the show or fairgrounds. Preferente moves you closer to the action with fewer elbows in your ribs. VIP, meanwhile, plants you practically on stage. At the Teatro del Pueblo, tickets are easier on the wallet and often include fairground access too.

Beyond the Music

The fair is also about family bonding. Parents grab tacos al pastor while kids line up for cotton candy taller than they are. Couples wander through craft exhibits. Teens scream their lungs out on roller coasters. Finally, everyone somehow ends up with a giant stuffed bear under their arm.

Why You Should Go

Because it’s not just a concert series—it’s a full-on experience. Music, rides, food, and family collide under Baja’s night sky. While you might go for Banda MS, you’ll stay for the churros, the carnival lights, and the thrill of seeing Tijuana at its brightest.

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Sip & Crunch
 Articles, Tijuana, Wine

Wine Without Borders 2025 Brings Baja Energy to Tijuana

Tijuana’s biggest wine party is back. On Saturday, October 11th, 2025, the 4th Festival Wine Without Borders takes over the Campestre Golf Club at 3 pm. This is where Baja wine meets Paso Robles, where food meets music, and where nobody asks grapes for their passport.

Baja shows up strong

More than 40 Baja California wineries will pour over 100 labels, proving our local valleys can hold their own against anyone. Add 30 restaurants serving everything from seafood tostadas to mini burgers, and you’ve got enough food to keep even the “I don’t drink wine” friend happy.

And yes, there’s live music, because swirling your glass looks much better with a rhythm.

Paso Robles crosses the border

This year’s guest region is Paso Robles, California. Expect bold reds and smooth blends. Think of it as a friendly sibling rivalry — but with better glassware.

Organizers explained: “The main goal of the event is to continue promoting the culture of wine to the public on both sides of the border, while also serving as a significant promotional platform for enotourism among national visitors and those from Southern California.”

Smiles Served
#At Baja Terra, food comes with extra love and a grin.

Why this festival is one of a personal favorite

For me, this isn’t just another wine event. It’s one of the best. Why? Because the kitchens aren’t hidden in the back. They’re demonstrative kitchens, where chefs cook in front of you. The food is made with love, and you can tell by the smile of the people serving it. Just ask the team from Baja Terra — last year they made you feel like family.

Pro tip: sign up for the maridaje sessions. You’ll get wine and food pairings with top-quality glasses, turning a sip into a guided trip across flavor country.

The fine print

Tickets are $1,500 pesos. That includes a commemorative glass, tastings, and food samples while supplies last. Attendance is limited, so don’t wait. And sorry — no kids, no pets. This playground is for adults only.

So whether you’re a sommelier who loves to lecture, a weekend warrior with a wine app, or just someone who thinks “oak notes” means drinking outside, this is your festival.

🎟 Tickets: shorturl.at/bJXQj

🍇 Wine Without Borders 2025 — because great wine ignores geography.

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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, Tijuana, Wildlife

Massive Whale Found Dead on Tijuana Shore

Beachgoers in Playas de Tijuana got more than just sand in their shoes this week—they got a front-row seat to a 10-foot whale burial.

Yep, you read that right.

On Monday afternoon, a whale washed ashore on the Tijuana coastline, and by Tuesday morning, city workers—alongside Mexico’s environmental agency PROFEPA—showed up with heavy machinery to dig the big guy’s final resting place.

According to officials, the whale had already been dead for over 24 hours by the time the sun came up Tuesday. Low tide hit around 6:45 a.m., and that’s when the backhoes rolled in. Nothing like a dawn funeral with a salty breeze.

Wrapped in a caution tape perimeter (because nobody needs a selfie inside a decomposing whale), the burial became an unexpected attraction. Locals stopped by to snap pics and breathe through their mouths—because by then, the smell had arrived.

“I usually see seals or sea lions washed up,” said René Guzmán, a jogger who frequents the beach. “But this is definitely the biggest I’ve seen.” He also mentioned some mystery creature that floated in a few months back. “It had fur and paws. No idea what it was. The ocean took care of it.”

Nature at work.

As for the cause of death? That’s still a mystery. But officials suspect the same phenomenon that’s been harming marine mammals up and down the coast: domoic acid poisoning. Basically, some not-so-innocent algae bloom releases a toxin. Little fish eat it, big fish eat the little fish, and then sea lions—and possibly whales—end up with neurological damage. Think of it as food poisoning… but ocean-style.

The toxin’s origin? Washington State. Because apparently even algae enjoy a Baja vacation, hitching a ride down the Pacific current.

The algae issue is still under investigation by CICESE and a lab charmingly named “ficotox,” which sounds like something Batman would fight. But until then, the beaches remain under watch—and every now and then, under whale.

Authorities are asking people to steer clear of the burial site to give workers space. And also, you know, avoid the aroma.

So, if your beach walk turns into a biology lesson (or crime scene-looking cordon), now you know: Tijuana’s taking care of its fallen visitors… one whale-sized grave at a time.

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This Is Where the Story Literally Starts
 Events, Mexicali, Tijuana

Watch Baja’s Best Films Free in Tijuana and Mexicali Tonight

Baja California is known for wine festivals, fresh seafood, and weekend gossip. However, there’s another story worth telling—our movies. We make them here, we win awards with them, and tonight, you can watch two of them for free.

The BC by BC program, backed by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda through the Baja California Film Commission, is bringing local talent into the spotlight. The goal is simple: combine art, economy, and identity, then show the results on the big screen.

Free Screenings in Tijuana and Mexicali

Starting at 6 p.m., Cinépolis Plaza Río in Tijuana and Cinépolis Plaza San Pedro in Mexicali will feature two Baja-born productions: Soy lo que nunca fui (2023) and Entre las cuerdas (2024).

Both have made an impact far beyond Baja’s borders. Now, they return home for a night of free cinema.

Soy lo que nunca fui (2023) — Tijuana Up Close

This is not your typical “border story” full of clichés. Instead, director Rodrigo Álvarez Flores offers an intimate look at a fractured family navigating emotional boundaries that run deeper than any wall.

Because the film was shot mostly at Estudios Baja and on real Tijuana streets, it captures the city’s true character. Each main character has a distinct visual style: wide shots for the restless, close frames for the introspective, and calm tones for those hiding chaos.

The cast includes Ángeles Cruz, Andrés Delgado, César Kancino, plus graduates from UDCI. Over the past year, the film has collected an impressive list of awards. Among them are Best Mexican Feature at GIFF, Audience Award at Cine Las Américas, and Best Picture at “Hola México” in Los Angeles. It has also been honored in Calcuta and Ensenada.

Clearly, Álvarez proves that Baja doesn’t just have stories—it has stories worth sharing with the world.

  • Tijuana, City Lights and Midnight Cinema
    #Some see the city asleep… others are filming it so it wakes up on screens around the world.
  • When Baja Talent Shows Even Behind the Mask
    #You don’t need to see the smile to know he’s directing pure gold. Tonight, 6 p.m., on the big screen

Entre las cuerdas (2024) — Tijuana in the Ring

If Soy lo que nunca fui is a slow burn, Entre las cuerdas throws the first punch early. Directed by Fernando A. Fisher, who grew up in Tijuana, the film follows Martín, a boxer fighting battles inside and outside the ring.

Filmed entirely in Tijuana over 17 days, it features a cast made up almost entirely of local talent. Because of its authenticity, it has earned international recognition, winning Best Picture and Best Director in Sweden, Audience Choice in London, and another Best Picture in Los Angeles.

Fisher’s film doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. Instead, it shows the fight in its raw form, told by people who know it well.

Why This Matters for Baja

For decades, Baja was a backdrop for Hollywood pretending to be somewhere else. Although local crews got work, the stories weren’t ours.

Now, with directors like Álvarez and Fisher, Baja is telling its own stories. These films prove that local talent is not only strong but growing. That is why events like Séptimo 2.0 are essential. They provide a stage, and our filmmakers fill it with stories that travel far beyond the state line.

Tonight’s the Night

If you are in Tijuana or Mexicali, this is your chance. Two films, two directors, dozens of local actors, and hundreds of hours of Baja talent—all for free.

Head to Cinépolis Plaza Río or Cinépolis Plaza San Pedro by 6 p.m., grab some popcorn, and watch Baja’s stories unfold. By the time the credits roll, you will see it too: Baja is not just making movies—it is making its mark.

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