Tijuana

Baja Norte, Breaking News, Humane Society, Legal, Tijuana

Bullfights Are Back in Tijuana! Court Lifts Ban and Sparks Big Reactions

After nearly a year of silence in the bullrings, bullfighting is making a comeback in Baja California. A federal court has unanimously overturned the judicial suspension that had stopped all bullfighting events in the state since April 2023.

The news was shared by Manuel Bowser Miret, owner of the Nuevo Toreo in Tijuana, who celebrated what he called a “legal victory” for fans and supporters of the tradition. With the suspension lifted, events can now legally return to venues like the iconic Tijuana bullring.

Photo: Clarence Alford. Adobe Stock

Bowser said more announcements will be made soon, including what’s next for bullfighting in the region.

The ban began after animal rights groups filed a legal motion that was backed by federal authorities. It even forced the cancellation of a major event planned for July 2023. Since then, bullfighting in Baja California had been off the table—until now.

This court decision reignites a long-standing debate between culture and animal rights. While some cheer the return of la Fiesta Brava, others are already calling for new legal battles. One thing’s for sure—bullfighting is no longer just a memory in Tijuana.

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Photo courtesy of Zeta Tijuana
 Public Security, Tijuana

Massive Baja Manhunt for Cop-Killing Fugitive

Suspect escapes despite choppers, drones, and elite forces

Just when Baja officials were patting themselves on the back over dropping crime stats, a violent fugitive turned Tijuana into a war zone—and got away.

Abigail Esparza Reyes

On Wednesday afternoon, Abigail Esparza Reyes, commander of Liaison for Baja California’s State Citizen Security Force (FESC), better known as the Gringo Hunters, was shot and killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant in the gated neighborhood of Residencial Barcelona. The target? Allegedly César Hernández, a U.S. fugitive wanted since December 2024 by the Delano Police Department in California.

What was supposed to be a routine operation turned deadly. Hernández opened fire, hitting Esparza Reyes before barricading himself inside a home. Despite being rushed to the Red Cross in Tijuana, the officer later died of her injuries.

Cue one of the biggest law enforcement mobilizations in recent memory: local, state, and federal forces swarmed the area. Two helicopters buzzed overhead, three drones scanned the streets, and a tactical unit rolled in. Residents captured dramatic footage of the standoff, expecting a dramatic capture. But after four hours of searching, the fugitive managed to slip away—again.

This wasn’t Hernández’s first escape. Reports say he previously fled U.S. custody while in court—yes, you read that right.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila expressed her condolences, promising justice: “The life of Abigail will be honored, and her death will not go unpunished.” She also praised the courage of the officers involved in the operation.

Suspect escapes walking after killing a state police officer

Still, the incident raises serious questions—how did a known fugitive manage to kill an officer, escape a massive manhunt, and vanish in plain sight?

The timing couldn’t be worse. Just a day earlier, officials were showcasing glossy graphs about falling crime rates, boasting Tijuana had dropped from second to tenth place in national homicide rankings. But real safety isn’t measured in stats—it’s measured in justice, accountability, and making sure criminals, whether local or international, don’t get a free pass.

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about protecting the people who risk their lives for the rest of us. No tolerance for violence. No excuses for failure. No forgetting Abigail.

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Ensenada, Local Politics, Mexicali, Rosarito, San Felipe, San Quintin, Tecate, Tijuana

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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Tijuana Talent at Harvard
 Articles, Arts & Literature, Border, Tijuana

Benito Del Águila Takes Border Culture to Harvard

—No Wall Can Hold Back Art

Harvard might be thousands of miles from the border, but last week it got a strong taste of Baja’s cultural flavor thanks to artist and cultural promoter Benito Del Águila. He brought the borderlands to the Ivy League during the symposium “Distant Neighbors or Regional Partners?”—a heavyweight gathering at Harvard University reflecting on U.S.–Mexico relations under two new administrations.

While academics, investigative journalists, Indigenous community leaders, and even a coalition of borderland mayors tackled migration and trade, Benito came with brushes, vision, and something Harvard hadn’t seen much of lately: borderland soul.

His talk focused on the power of art as a form of cultural diplomacy. According to Benito, it’s not about red tape or policy—art gets things done the old-fashioned way: by bringing people together. He shined a spotlight on the Tijuana–San Diego art community and how it’s been building bridges way before the diplomats got around to it.

Del Águila didn’t just theorize—he showed real-life examples of how the arts are opening dialogue and encouraging mutual respect between Mexico and the U.S. He also promoted “La Línea que Une – Conexiones Transfronterizas”, an exhibit featuring over 50 artists from both sides of the border who reflect on life in a binational community.

That show is part of Artwalk Rosarito 2025, which, if you haven’t been, is not just a walk—it’s a cultural sprint across gallery spaces that’s fast becoming the go-to art event of the region.

Benito’s participation at Harvard didn’t go unnoticed. Outlets like Flash Cultural Tijuana echoed the event, highlighting his role in pushing for deeper cross-border understanding through creativity and cultural connection.

It wasn’t just about showing off pretty pictures. It was a reminder that culture—unlike certain policies—actually crosses borders. Through art, music, and shared stories, Benito made it clear: when creativity leads the way, people follow.

And while Washington figures out which neighbor gets what, artists like Del Águila are already living in the future—one where Mexico and the U.S. aren’t distant at all.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we say skip the red tape—pass the paintbrush. Benito’s brushstrokes just hit Harvard, and Baja’s voice is louder than ever.

#Harvard

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Suspect Caught in Killing of Gail Castro
 Breaking News, Tijuana

Suspect Caught in Killing of Gail Castro

Justice Closing In

Baja California authorities aren’t messing around. This week, the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) confirmed the arrest of a man involved in the murder of Gail Castro—brother of popular influencer Markitos Toys.

The suspect had been under investigation for months. Eventually, authorities tracked him down and made the arrest, showing that in Baja, no one gets a free pass when it comes to serious crimes.

The murder of Gail Castro shocked fans across the country and hit social media hard. While details of the case remain under wraps, the FGE says this is just one of several actions they’re taking to bring justice to the Castro family.

More arrests could be on the way. In the meantime, this capture sends a loud message: run all you want, but sooner or later, Baja catches up.

Here at the Gringo Gazette North, we don’t chase headlines—we chase the silver linings. And today, it’s that Baja California’s getting tougher on crime, and impunity is no longer on the menu.

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Ensenada, Mexicali, Rosarito, San Felipe, San Quintin, Tecate, Tijuana, Weather

Baja California Weather Alert: Brace for Strong Winds, Choppy Seas, and Cooler Days

Baja California kicked off the week with some challenging weather, according to the latest CONAGUA update. Two cold fronts are barreling in from the northwest and north, mixing with the subtropical jet stream to bring intense winds, rough seas, and scattered showers across the region.

Expect wind gusts between 50 and 70 km/h across both Baja California and Baja California Sur—strong enough to whip up dust clouds and reduce visibility on the roads and in the skies. The west coast will see waves between 1 and 3 meters, posing a risk for smaller boats.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect in key spots:

• Tijuana: Partly cloudy with light rains during the day, and thunderstorms in the early morning. Temperatures will hover between 13°C and 17°C, with NW winds reaching up to 30 km/h at night.

• Mexicali: Overcast skies with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 29°C. Strong west winds could hit 56 km/h in the afternoon.

• Ensenada: Expect intermittent clouds with light rain, with temps from 14°C to 20°C and west winds up to 30 km/h.

• Tecate: Cloudy with heavy showers, temperatures between 10°C and 16°C, and winds around 38 km/h.

• La Rumorosa: Partly cloudy with light rain by day turning into thunderstorms later; temperatures between 8°C and 15°C with SW winds gusting up to 79 km/h at night.

• Rosarito: Similar to Tijuana, light rain with occasional early-morning thunderstorms, temperatures between 14°C and 16°C, and winds up to 29 km/h.

• San Quintín: Partly cloudy with temperatures from 12°C to 22°C and winds between 30 and 54 km/h.

• San Felipe: A mix of sun and clouds, temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C, and SE winds between 23 and 39 km/h.

• San Pedro Mártir: Partly cloudy skies with temperatures from 7°C to 20°C and winds up to 55 km/h.

Residents are advised to take extra precautions, whether you’re on the road or at sea. Stay safe out there, Baja!

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 Articles, Breaking News, Real Estate, Rosarito, Tijuana

Baja’s New Luxury Towers “The Wavve” Break Ground

The Wavve, a new luxury residential project by Estrategia Urbana, has officially begun construction on the scenic toll road to Rosarito.

Located in Punta Bandera, at kilometer 18 of the coastal highway, The Wavve will feature two towers, each with 150 apartments offering stunning panoramic views.

Today, Thursday, the ceremonial first stone was placed, with company executives from Estrategia Urbana, Bustamante Realty Group, local officials, and invited guests in attendance.

Notable figures at the event included Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, Baja California’s Secretary of Infrastructure; Mónica Vega Aguirre, Secretary of Environment; Miguel Aguíñiga, Secretary of Tourism; and Tijuana’s Secretary of Urban Mobility, María del Pilar Vázquez, among others.

Leading the ceremony were Jonathan Cohen, CEO of Estrategia Urbana, and Moises Zapan, the company’s CCO. They expressed their gratitude to local authorities, their clients, and everyone who contributed to the company’s establishment in Baja California. Special thanks went to the construction team working on The Wavve.

Héctor Bustamante, the director of the company managing the sales, announced that 60% of the units have already been sold.

Mónica Vega highlighted the project’s environmental efforts, which include a water treatment plant and solar panels for common areas, showcasing the developer’s commitment to sustainability.

With an investment of nearly 1.5 billion pesos, The Wavve is expected to generate over 450 jobs. According to Jonathan Cohen, this is just the first of several projects planned for Baja California by Estrategia Urbana, a company with over 25 years of experience and more than 70 projects completed in Mexico and the U.S.

More information on the project can be found at www.thewavvebaja.com

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Ensenada, Mexicali, Rosarito, Tijuana, Weather

Baja California Braces for Scorching Temperatures This Weekend

Baja California’s Civil Protection authorities have issued a heat advisory for the upcoming weekend, warning of significantly higher temperatures across the region. Residents are being urged to take precautions and stay safe as the heatwave rolls in.

According to the forecast, Mexicali is set to hit a scorching 47°C, while Tijuana may reach 41°C. Other areas like Tecate, Playas de Rosarito, Ensenada, San Quintín, and San Felipe are also expected to see high temperatures, ranging from 32°C to 40°C.

Officials are advising residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and seek cool, shaded places whenever possible. For those who must be outdoors, it’s crucial to take extra precautions like wearing lightweight clothing and carrying water.

In case of an emergency, residents should call 911 or contact local authorities.

Stay safe, Baja California! This weekend’s heat is no joke, and it’s best to be prepared.

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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Food, Tijuana, Wine

Join Us for Wine Without Borders 2024!🍷

Mark your calendars for October 5th, 2024, when Tijuana’s Club Campestre will host the 3rd annual Wine Without Borders festival! This year, over 40 wineries from Baja California will offer tastings from more than 100 wine labels, and 25 regional restaurants will present a delicious gastronomic experience. Expect live music, guided tastings, and cooking demonstrations to elevate the festivities. Plus, Temecula, California, will be featured as the guest wine region!

Tickets are priced at $1,500 pesos, which includes access to all the fun and flavors this exciting festival has to offer. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a foodie, this event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cross-border culture and cuisine.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to savor the best of Baja and beyond!

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 Breaking News, Events, Tijuana, Wine

Tijuana’s Ultimate Wine Festival Returns!

UPDATE: This event date was changed to Saturday, October 5th, 2024.

Get ready to sip and savor, wine enthusiasts! The third edition of the “Festival Vino sin Fronteras” (Wine Without Borders Festival) is set to take Tijuana by storm on Saturday, June 29th at Club Campestre Tijuana, starting at 3:00 PM. This fantastic event is all about bridging our border with the rich enological and gastronomical offerings of the region, thanks to the efforts of the Comité Provino Baja California. 

Last Wednesday, June 12th, a press conference was held at the CANIRAC Tijuana conference room to unveil all the juicy details of this year’s festival. Attendees included representatives from Provino Baja California, Zaida López Sánchez, President of CANIRAC Tijuana, Dr. Karim Chalita Rodríguez, President of COTUCO Tijuana, and José de Jesús Quiñónez, Deputy Secretary of Tourism of Baja California. 

“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,” emphasized Juan Carlos Ochoa, General Manager of Provino. 

This year, the festival moves to the picturesque Club Campestre Tijuana, providing an ideal atmosphere surrounded by trees to enhance the enogastronomic experience. Attendees will get to enjoy the best from the Valle de Guadalupe and Baja California’s wine valleys, with 45 participating wineries offering tastings and sales of over 100 wine labels, including whites, rosés, reds, and sparkling wines. Additionally, Temecula, CA, will be the guest wine region, featuring prominent wineries such as Doffo Winery, Falkner Winery, Churon Winery, and Oak Mountain Winery, enriching the event’s wine selection. 

Thanks to a partnership with the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC) of Tijuana, the festival will feature 25 regional restaurants from Tijuana, Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe, Tecate, and Rosarito. These establishments will offer a variety of gastronomic samples, supported by supplies from Distribuidora La Canasta, and some will also sell dishes. 

The musical lineup is set to entertain with regional talent, including DJ Maury de la Vara spinning retro ’80s tunes, DJ Amy with contemporary electronic sounds, and DJ Winstone closing the night with a tropical set guaranteed to get everyone dancing. The main act will be Astros de Mendoza, a Mexican duo with 12 years of experience, who will delight the crowd with their blend of organic and electronic tropical sounds. 

Tickets are priced at $1,500 MXN per person, including a wine glass and tastings of wine and food (while supplies last). Attendees are encouraged to arrive on time to fully enjoy the enogastronomic and musical experience. The event also has a social impact, as part of the proceeds will support Provino Baja California’s projects benefiting the communities of the wine valleys, such as the reconstruction of San Vicente Park in the Valle de San Vicente, south of Ensenada, where the Antigua Ruta del Vino is located. 

Tickets can be purchased at various Farmacias Roma locations in Rosarito (Giramar Juárez), Tijuana (Paseo Playas, Triángulo de Oro, Campestre, Las Américas, Conquistador, Hipódromo, La Mesa, Tropicana, Plaza Torre Agua Caliente, Zona Río Urbana, Chapultepec, Cuauhtémoc), Mexicali (Justo Sierra, Caballito, Plaza 686), and Ensenada (Parque Revolución).  Online tickets are available here.

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