📍Ensenada, Baja California — Saturday, June 14, 2025
We recently received a note from Anne Porter, a member of Democrats Abroad in Baja, letting us know about a peaceful rally happening this Saturday in Ensenada. It’s called “No Kings / No Tyrants”, and while we didn’t organize it—and it’s not our story to tell—we figured it was worth sharing for anyone curious or interested.
The event is part of a global day of action coordinated by Democrats Abroad. According to the organizers, the rally is in response to recent actions taken by former President Trump’s administration that they feel challenge democratic norms.
The Ensenada version of the rally will take place at Parque Revolución from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It’s fully permitted, peaceful, and open to both U.S. citizens living in Baja and any locals who want to show support for civil rights and democracy—whatever that means to them.
👉 ¿Y Baja qué?
We don’t endorse rallies, parades, protests, or piñata parties. But we do love community. So if this speaks to your values, or if you just want to see what democracy looks like with a Baja breeze, go check it out. If not, no worries—your Saturday tacos or Vineyards in Bloom await.
16-Year-Old Still Missing After Entering the Ocean in Ensenada | Photo: Ensenada Fire Department
What started as a regular Monday beach day turned into an emergency rescue at Estero Beach, Ensenada.
At 3:58 PM on June 9, a distress call was made: four teens entered the ocean near Ex Ejido Chapultepec—only three came back. A search immediately began for the fourth, who hasn’t resurfaced.
But here’s what many don’t know: Estero Beach isn’t as friendly as it looks.
This spot is infamous for powerful ocean currents. It’s where estuary and sea meet, creating swirling waters that pull swimmers out fast. Locals and authorities have repeatedly warned: don’t swim far, and never go deep.
According to SEMARNAT, unfamiliarity with ocean conditions and poor judgment—like ignoring lifeguards or signs—are leading causes of drownings.
Sadly, this beach has seen similar accidents before. And while lifeguards do their best, nature doesn’t negotiate.
Authorities haven’t yet released the teen’s name, but efforts to locate him continue.
What started as a quiet early Friday morning turned into smoke, sirens, and a frustrating crawl. Around 2:30 a.m. Friday, a cargo trailer flew off the scenic Tijuana–Ensenada highway near km 72 in La Salina. The impact ignited the truck, lighting up the cliffs like a bonfire gone very wrong.
Firefighters from Station Obregón, along with a rescue team, responded quickly. While putting out the blaze, they discovered a charred body inside the cab. No ID confirmed yet. The cause? Still unclear. The aftermath? Brutal.
📸 Photo and video by the GGNorth team
Drivers on Friday experienced delays of 5 to 15 minutes—an eternity when you’re trying to make it to brunch or beat the Market rush. Locals called it “business as usual” for this bumpy stretch of paradise.
👉 And What About Baja?
This isn’t the first time this stretch of highway makes headlines. Between rockslides, closures, and now flaming trucks, it’s becoming more of a scenic gamble than a scenic route. Is it time to invest in a safer plan? Or just carry extra patience (and gas)?
#Breaking #GGNorth #NoBadNews
Stuck in traffic? Caught it on camera? Share it with us—we’re all in this lane together.
It’s not a breakup. It’s a full-blown digital war.
Once upon a tweet, Elon Musk and Donald Trump were pals—posting praise, sharing platforms, and backing each other up in the strangest bromance this side of politics. But that bromance? Over. Done. Roasted.
Now they’re digging up receipts from years ago and launching digital grenades across their platforms—Musk on X (formerly Twitter), and Trump on Truth Social. Yes, they each have their own social network, because of course they do.
So what’s this fight really about?
Trump’s latest jab? Accusing Musk of breaching federal contracts and being nothing more than a self-serving opportunist. Musk clapped back with a reminder that he reinstated Trump’s X account and expected at least a thank-you card. Then came the interviews, leaked emails, and snide comments—all making it clear: these two are not getting brunch anytime soon.
Former bromance parked permanently
And why should Baja care?
Because Mexico, especially border regions like ours, could very well end up in the middle of this fallout.
Trump hinted (again) that under his leadership, companies that don’t invest inside U.S. borders shouldn’t expect favors. So what happens if Musk takes that personally? What if he turns his gaze to Baja, where land, talent, and cross-border logistics are ready for the taking?
Our region has long been a tempting option for clean energy, aerospace, and tech investment. If Musk is looking to break ties with U.S. institutions and flex his independence, Baja California could be more than just a pit stop—it could be a plan B.
Was Musk just campaign arm candy?
Let’s be honest. A lot of people now believe Musk was paraded around for political clout—just another shiny endorsement to rally Silicon Valley voters. But when the confetti cleared, there was no love lost. No thanks. No recognition. Just cold, hard business.
What happens next?
Will Musk retaliate with major moves outside U.S. soil? Will Baja benefit from the fallout of two billionaire egos colliding? Or will this drama just fade into the internet void?
One thing’s for sure: we’re watching. And we’re not judging—some of our readers here still have MAGA hats, others drive Teslas.
But while these two throw punches online, we’ll sit back, open a chilled glass of 80% Chenin Blanc 20% French Colombard (yes, Lola by Symmetríaif you can find it), and enjoy the show.
Because if you’re going to watch the world’s richest man and one of its loudest ex-presidents duke it out, at least do it with a bit of Baja class.
The U.S. isn’t just humming a different tune—it’s pulling the plug altogether.
In the latest move that proves Washington isn’t bluffing, the U.S. has started revoking visas from Mexican artists linked to narcocorridos—that musical genre that glorifies cartel life, luxury SUVs, and the occasional gold-plated rifle.
It’s not just talk anymore. And this time, the consequences are real.
When Music Gets You Banned
Let’s start with Julión Álvarez. The popular singer had to cancel a concert in Arlington, Texas, after his visa was revoked—again. Yes, again. You might remember he was sanctioned back in 2017, later cleared in 2022. But now he’s back on the no-fly list.
#Julión Álvarez performing at the Uriangato Fair
Then there’s the band Los Alegres del Barranco, whose visa got the axe after projecting a giant image of a cartel boss during a concert in Guadalajara. The message? Not so subtle.
Washington didn’t like it. And neither did CBP.
This is more than a cultural disagreement. It’s a policy shift.
The Law Is on Their Side
Here’s the kicker: the U.S. doesn’t need a criminal conviction to cancel your visa. Thanks to Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, all it takes is “reasonable suspicion” of ties—direct or indirect—to criminal activity. No trial. No appeal.
So far, this legal backdoor has been used not only against musicians, but also against politicians.
And while some deny it, others call it a smear campaign. But words are cheap. Visa revocations? Not so much.
As we said before in “No Entry for Narco-Cheerleaders”, the message is loud and clear: if your brand benefits from glorifying crime, expect your access to Disneyland and outlet malls to disappear.
Why It Matters
This isn’t about censorship. It’s about signal control.
The U.S. has decided it won’t tolerate public figures—musical or political—who promote or profit from organized crime imagery. It’s not about your playlist. It’s about your passport.
And here in Baja, where cross-border culture runs deep and artists tour constantly, this isn’t just news—it’s a warning.
What’s Next?
The growing list of visa cancellations is making headlines, but the real story is the pattern. U.S. policy is shifting from speeches to visible, targeted actions. The consequences aren’t symbolic. They’re logistical. No plane ticket. No tour. No Las Vegas residency.
And unless artists and politicians shift their messaging, that list will likely grow.
Bottom Line?
Freedom of speech? Sure.
Freedom to enter the U.S.? That’s a different border.
On May 17, the pride of Mexico’s Navy, the Buque Escuela Cuauhtémoc, left a mark on New York City—literally. The tall ship, known for its elegant sails and globe-spanning goodwill missions, slammed stern-first into the Brooklyn Bridge.
Two sailors died. Over twenty more were injured. And in less than 90 seconds, a picture-perfect farewell turned into a maritime mess.
Cuauhtémoc vs Brooklyn Bridge — The Unexpected Collision
At first glance, it looked like a simple navigational error. A ship backs up into a bridge? Must be the captain’s fault, right?
Not so fast.
Turns out, the Cuauhtémoc wasn’t sailing solo. During the maneuver, a U.S. harbor pilot was in charge. A tugboat was nearby to assist. And conditions on the East River weren’t exactly calm. So what really went wrong?
Let’s break it down.
The Cuauhtémoc began its departure from South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 around 8:20 PM. The plan was simple: back out with help from a tug, then pivot and sail away with style.
But something went sideways—literally. Instead of pulling away, the ship began to drift in reverse, heading directly toward the Brooklyn Bridge. Just four minutes later, at around 8:24 PM, the ship’s rear mast struck the underside of the bridge. All three masts collapsed like dominos.
Key Facts of the accident
According to reports, the tugboat assisting the ship wasn’t even tied to it. So when the Cuauhtémoc began to drift, there was nothing holding her back—except hope and a late reaction.
U.S. media noted that the harbor pilot had between 80 and 90 seconds to act. That’s not much time, especially with crosscurrents, wind, and an untethered tug.
Also, a mechanical failure might have played a role. Investigators suspect a delay or malfunction in the propulsion system. Without thrust, the ship was at the mercy of the river.
So was it the Navy’s fault? Not entirely.
Was it the pilot’s?Maybe not exclusively.
This wasn’t one mistake. It was a chain of them—some human, some technical, and some just plain unlucky.
The crash also revealed something deeper: a breakdown in coordination. The Mexican Navy and U.S. port authorities had one job—get the ship out safely. But between communication gaps, a poorly positioned tugboat, and unclear roles, that job fell apart fast.
As of now, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
Meanwhile, Mexico mourns the loss of two sailors who died far from home, and dozens of others recover from injuries both physical and emotional. The Cuauhtémoc, beloved by generations, is now docked and undergoing damage assessment.
There are lessons here. Big ones.
Even the most beautiful ships, with the most experienced crews, need precision and teamwork—especially when you’re sailing in New York City traffic.
We’ll be watching. Not to point fingers. But to make sure the next time Cuauhtémoc sails out of a foreign port, she does it with all her sails up—and her stern facing the right direction.
Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz kicked things off at 2 PM. After that, the celebration rolled non-stop until 10 PM.
Meanwhile, three stages kept everyone moving. Takón Machín, Grupo Claytons, and Mariachi Ensenada played throughout the afternoon. Then, at 8:30 PM, Elefante brought the house down.
In addition, families enjoyed a kids’ zone, folkloric dancers, and DJ sets.
The numbers are grim—46 lives lost in Baja California this year to heat-related causes, with nearly 250 others suffering serious effects. In response, the state has rolled out its “Verano Seguro” campaign, a life-saving effort to prevent more deaths as temperatures continue to climb.
On Friday, state health secretary José Adrián Medina Amarillas confirmed what many feared: 2024 has already broken records for heat fatalities, and summer hasn’t even peaked. “The first two deaths were agricultural workers,” Medina said, “which is why we’re getting ahead of this now.”
The state is deploying 300 hydration stations across Mexicali, the Valle, and San Felipe—strategically placed where they’re needed most: near agricultural zones and places where people experiencing homelessness gather. These mobile hubs will provide water, electrolytes, and a moment of relief for those enduring the furnace-like sun.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the lives of people who work under the sun for hours without shade, and those with nowhere to sleep but the streets. Health teams will also be visiting packaging centers and job sites across the valley, hoping to intercept dehydration before it turns deadly.
Medina made it clear: recognizing heatstroke symptoms can make the difference between life and death. These include extreme body temperature, chills, confusion, and seizures. “It starts with internal overheating,” he explained, “and can spiral into system-wide collapse, brain damage, or worse.”
If you’re working outside, walking long distances, or even just stuck without AC, take this seriously. This is no ordinary summer—it’s a scorching, relentless gauntlet. And for some, hydration could be the only thing standing between them and tragedy.
Water isn’t just refreshing anymore. It’s survival.
Dust off your patience—roadwork is back in town. The City of Ensenada just kicked off a major pavement rebuild on the Ensenada-Tecate highway, right between the El Sauzal traffic node and Emiliano Zapata Street. And yes, it’s going to slow you down—but there’s light at the end of the construction zone.
Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz says the project will tear up and replace over 5,200 square meters of crumbling roadway with tough-as-nails hydraulic concrete. It’s the kind of stuff that lasts—and at 25 centimeters thick, it’s built to take a beating from Baja’s relentless traffic and heat.
The price tag? A cool 8.8 million pesos, coming straight from the federal fund known as FORTAMUN—the Fund for Strengthening Municipalities. And while detours and traffic jams are guaranteed, the city insists it’ll be worth it once the pavement’s done and smooth sailing returns.
In the meantime, the mayor’s asking drivers to take it easy, drive carefully, and expect slowdowns. With heavy equipment, lane closures, and inevitable backups, she recommends giving yourself a little extra time to get where you’re going—and maybe leave the road rage at home.
While this stretch is under the knife, the city says the long-term payoff is fewer potholes, smoother drives, and better flow between Ensenada and Tecate. So next time you’re stuck behind a bulldozer in Sauzal, just remember: you’re helping build a better commute. Eventually.
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.
