Baby Owls Turn HR Department Into a Nesting Ground

In a surprising turn of events, the staff at a factory in Rosarito discovered six baby owls in the human resources office, prompting an unusual rescue operation by local firefighters.

On a typical Tuesday morning around 10:00 AM, the call for help came from Manufacturing, a local factory nestled in the Lucio Blanco neighborhood on Balbino Obeso Street. The human resources manager stumbled upon the little owls and quickly reached out to the firefighters for assistance in safely handling the feathered foundlings.

The owlets were promptly taken to a veterinary clinic managed by Francisco Ayala, a well-respected figure in the community and former president of Rosarito’s Veterinarian Association. According to Ayala, the owlets were barely over a week old and needed immediate care.

To provide the best environment for their recovery, the decision was made to house the baby owls in a residential setting temporarily. Here, they could be closely monitored and fed until they were ready to grow their full plumage. Once mature enough, the plan is to move them to a wildlife refuge located in Ensenada.

Ayala explained that owls are primarily nocturnal feeders, and currently, the rescuers are feeding them meat. However, he noted a concerning detail; two of the baby owls showed little interest in food, a potential indicator of health issues that will require close observation.

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Rosarito Steps Up: A Commitment to Protecting Youth in Tourism

In a significant move towards safeguarding children and adolescents, the administration of Playas de Rosarito has officially joined the fight against exploitation and abuse in the travel and tourism sector. This commitment was formalized through the signing of the National Code of Conduct Declaration for Protection in the Tourism Sector.

The mayor of Playas de Rosarito stressed the municipality’s dedication to implementing the six actions outlined by the declaration. These include enforcing the national conduct code guidelines, training public officials, fostering a culture of reporting abuses, promoting responsible and ethical tourism practices, and calling for proactive engagement from all stakeholders.

The signing of the declaration marks only the beginning of what promises to be a comprehensive journey toward change. The mayor emphasized that signing the declaration isn’t enough; it must be followed by tangible actions that transform how the tourism sector operates. She highlighted the necessity of turning these commitments into concrete steps that genuinely protect the youth involved in or affected by the tourism industry.

The mayor made a direct appeal to everyone in the tourism industry—hotel operators, travel agencies, tour guides, host communities, and government authorities. She urged them to unite in this critical cause to forge a tourism sector that is not only more responsible and ethical but also actively safeguards children’s rights.

Expressing her vision for the future, the mayor shared her ambition for Playas de Rosarito to become a national leader in protecting children’s rights within the tourism industry. She pledged relentless effort towards achieving this goal, signaling a proactive and protective stance that sets a new standard for tourism operations.

The event was well-attended, with representatives from the State DIF (System for the Integral Development of the Family), the Secretary of Tourism, and various tourism organizations from across Baja California, underscoring the broad support for this initiative. This collective presence highlighted the widespread recognition of the importance of this issue and the strong commitment to making a difference in protecting the youngest members of our communities.

Baja Beach Fest 2024: The Ultimate Summer Festival

Get ready for the ultimate summer experience as Baja Beach Fest 2024 rolls out an electrifying lineup and a stunning beach setting in Rosarito, Mexico. This year’s festival, scheduled from August 9th to 11th, promises an unforgettable weekend with some of the biggest names in Latin music.

Lineup Breakdown

Kick off the festival on Friday, August 9th, with headliners like Raw Alejandro and Chencho Corleone setting the stage ablaze. Joining them will be Yandel, Xavi, De la Ghetto, Álvaro Díaz, and Deorro, among others, ensuring a day packed with dynamic performances.

The excitement continues on Saturday, August 10th, with Peso Pluma and Becky G leading a lineup that includes Jhayco, Sech, and Latin Mafia. The day is set to deliver an eclectic mix of rhythms and beats, perfect for any music enthusiast.

Wrap up the festival on Sunday, August 11th, with performances by Fuerza Regida, Mora, and Jowell y Randy. Piso 21 and Tiago PZK will also take the stage, alongside Snow Tha Product and others, ending the festival on a high note.

Tickets

Though initially sold out, tickets for Baja Beach Fest 2024 are now available through a regulated secondary market partnership with lyte.com. Ticket prices are as follows:

  • General Admission: $569
  • General Admission Plus: $809
  • VIP: $1,054
  • La Playa: $3,199

These tickets provide varying levels of access and perks, from general admission to an exclusive beachfront experience.

If you’re looking to dive into a weekend full of vibrant music, cultural immersion, and beachside fun, Baja Beach Fest 2024 is the place to be. Make sure to check lyte.com for ticket availability and secure your spot at one of this summer’s most anticipated music festivals!

Tragic Accident at San Miguel Toll Booth Leads to Delays and Fatalities

Ensenada, April 19, 2024 – A severe car accident occurred at the San Miguel toll booth on the toll road in Ensenada this Friday, causing significant delays and a fatality.

Early reports suggest that the accident was caused by a driver who, traveling from north to south, allegedly fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle, under the driver’s control, collided at high speed with the structure of the San Miguel toll booth.

Tragically, the collision resulted in the immediate death of the 27-year-old driver. Another individual was injured in the incident, although it remains unclear whether this person was a passenger in the same vehicle or was involved in one of the three other cars affected by the crash.

The accident led to extensive traffic jams, with wait times reaching up to three hours for vehicles attempting to pass through the toll booth. Given that this is a federal highway, the National Guard was on the scene to manage the aftermath of the crash. Unfortunately, they have not released any official statements regarding the details of the incident as of yet.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Drivers are advised to stay informed and exercise caution when traveling through major toll points.

Photos by Patricia Lafarga. https://www.facebook.com/LafargaReportera

Make a Difference for Animals in Need

Red Barn Rescue, based in San Diego, CA, and extending its help to Baja, Mexico, serves as a safe haven for animals that have faced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. More than just a rescue, this nonprofit educates the public on important issues like the benefits of spaying and neutering and the joys of adopting a rescue animal.

The organization invites you to support their mission by attending a special fundraising event on April 29, 2024, from 3 PM to 6 PM at Hacienda K43. For a $25 USD donation, guests will enjoy a mini buffet featuring pizza, pasta, and salad, and receive a complimentary margarita or sangria.

This fun-filled afternoon offers a chance to meet fellow animal lovers, enjoy delicious food, and contribute to a cause that transforms lives—one animal at a time. Funds raised will help Red Barn Rescue continue their work, partnering with approved local fosters to provide nurturing temporary homes until each animal finds their forever family.

To learn more about the event or how you can help, visit Red Barn Rescue. Your support can lead to a brighter future for these deserving animals. Join us on April 29th to make a lasting impact in your community!

Set Sail or Fail: Guadalupe Island Regatta’s Wavy Third Edition!

Exciting news for sailing enthusiasts and adventure lovers! The third edition of the Guadalupe Island to Ensenada Regatta is set to sail on May 18th. This isn’t just any race; it’s a challenging offshore journey that stretches over 400 nautical miles and lasts between five to six days, depending on the weather.

Carlos Hussong González, a member of the Todos Santos Ocean Racing Club and a promoter of this maritime competition, shared that this year, they’re expecting around three sailboats to participate. He mentioned that this race is catching the eyes of international sailors each year, helping to solidify its status as a top-tier offshore sailing event. Offshore races, unlike coastal sailing where boats stay close to land, involve greater risks and demand intense technical skill and effort from the crew, making them a major draw in other parts of the world, both as a sport and a tourist attraction.

This edition of the race has the backing of the Mexican Sailing Federation and will feature international judges, which just adds to its prestige. Hussong González also highlighted the potential for local tourism, noting the huge sailing community in California, with over fifty thousand sailboats, suggesting a promising market for sailing events in Mexico.

The race starts and finishes in the city of Ensenada and promises to be an exhilarating challenge for everyone involved. So, if you’re into sailing or just love the thrill of a good race, this event might just be what you’re looking for!

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Alert on “Zombie Drug” Spreading in Baja

The Mexican Observatory on Mental Health and Addictions has issued an early warning about the rise of Xylazine, a veterinary drug, being mixed with Fentanyl and methamphetamine among addicts in Mexico. Known as the “zombie drug” in the United States, Xylazine is gaining popularity due to its potent, relaxing effects, similar to Fentanyl, and can be lethal in cases of overdose, leading to respiratory arrest.

Juan Manuel Quijada Gaitán, the National Commissioner of Mental Health and Addictions in Baja California, noted that while Xylazine use is still rare in Mexico, its presence has already been detected in our State. It remains a legal substance under the regulation of the Federal Commission against Health Risks (Cofepris) due to its veterinary applications. Like Fentanyl, it is used medically, primarily in veterinary practices, for its sedative properties that depress the central nervous system, akin to opioids.

The alert was triggered after consultations with prosecutors, health secretaries, forensic medical services, and associations such as Prevencasa in Tijuana and other rehabilitation centers. Gaitán expressed concern over the affordability of synthetic drugs like Xylazine and Fentanyl, which makes them accessible to those struggling with addiction. In the event of an overdose, it can be countered with naloxone.

Four Trucks Pulled from the Sands of Rosarito

In an unusual scene last weekend on the beaches of Rosarito, Baja California, authorities were called to rescue four stranded vehicles. Two of these vehicles, found partially submerged in the sea, attracted considerable attention from onlookers and required several hours of effort to be safely removed. The operation took place near the Mar y Sol condos, close to the Baja California Convention Center.

The vehicles involved included older models of Ford and Chevrolet trucks, one of which was notably stuck about 50 meters into the sea. Local police coordinated the rescue efforts, which included the use of contracted tow trucks to haul the vehicles out of their precarious positions. The trucks were described as two Ford pickups, one red and one grey, both from the early 2000s, a white Ford F-50 from 2000, and a brown Chevrolet Silverado from 1998.

The incident, while certainly unexpected, ended without any reported injuries, but it did leave many wondering how the vehicles ended up there in the first place. As of the latest updates, there was no clear information on whether the vehicles had been abandoned or if they had been driven onto the beach for some reason that led to them being caught by the tide. Additionally, it wasn’t immediately clear if the vehicles had been claimed by their owners or if any charges would be pressed related to the incident​.

Do you know how this vehicles ended up there? Comment below or on our facebook page.

SOURCES: El Imparcial, AFN Tijuana, Debate

Campaign Kickoff in Baja California: A Guide to the 2023-2024 Local Elections

As Baja California enters its official campaign period for the 2023-2024 local elections, political activity is picking up across the region. From now until May 29, candidates will compete for various positions within the state’s seven municipal governments—including mayors and city councils—as well as 25 seats in the State Congress. This election cycle, managed by the State Electoral Institute of Baja California (IEEBC), will determine 122 new local officials, such as council members, legal trustees, mayors, and local deputies.

This election is historic for San Quintín and San Felipe, which will choose their mayors via the ballot box for the first time. These elections are simultaneous with the Federal Electoral Process, where Mexicans will vote for federal lawmakers and the President.

Participants in this year’s election include nine political parties, a coalition, and an independent candidate aiming for the mayoral seat in San Quintín. Local dynamics are interesting, with some parties forming a coalition for select municipalities and others choosing to go solo after planned alliances dissolved.

The campaigns also emphasize gender parity, with regulations requiring parties to nominate a balanced lineup of male and female candidates for mayor across various competitive blocks. This measure aims to foster a more inclusive political environment.

New logistical features such as candidate photos on local ballots will debut, enhancing voter familiarity and engagement. Another significant update is the inclusion of specific mandates for parties to present candidates from underrepresented groups, including indigenous, Afro-Mexican communities, and LGBT+ individuals, promoting diversity in representation.

With the stage set for a dynamic election, the residents of Baja California are ready to influence the future of their local governance, making informed choices that will shape the region’s socio-political landscape in significant ways.

Celebrating Baja’s Marine Delights and New Wines

BY LUISA ROSAS

In the scenic coastal city of Ensenada, the anticipation is palpable as the Provino Committee of Baja California, under the fresh leadership of Engineer Wenceslao Martínez Payán, has unveiled the eagerly awaited details of the 24th Festival of the Shell and New Wine. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Hotel Coral & Marina, the announcement, made on March 14th, promises a vibrant tribute to local ingredients perfectly paired with the region’s latest vintages.

This annual celebration, born from a simple gathering on San Miguel beach among friends—six winemakers, four shellfish producers, and two chefs—has flourished over 24 years into a grand platform showcasing the splendor of Baja California. It unites the viticultural, aquacultural, and gastronomic sectors, creating a sense of community centered around the region’s oysters and newly released wines.

The festival, taking place from April 12th to 14th, has lined up an array of activities designed to delight and educate attendees. Highlights include the 15th Shellfish Cultivation Workshops and, for the first time, a Startups Contest from April 8th to 12th. This competition invites innovative business ideas within the oyster and wine sectors, particularly focusing on enotourism, food, and economics, with the best projects presented on April 12th.

The festival also features the fourth installment of “Marine Tables,” an exquisite enogastronomic experience where guests are treated to a four-course pairing menu by the sea, showcasing a variety of shellfish accompanied by the region’s finest wines. A team of three pastry chefs will prepare 330 desserts for this unique dining adventure, highlighting the collaboration and creativity that define the festival.

The main event on April 14th, the XXIV Festival, will be held at the Hotel Coral & Marina’s Terrace del Mar, featuring over 84 wineries and 60 restaurants from across Baja California and beyond. Attendees can expect a splendid array of seafood dishes and over 160 wine labels, emphasizing whites, rosés, and sparkling wines, along with some young reds that complement marine flavors.

In addition to tasting opportunities, the festival emphasizes educational experiences, including a pavilion dedicated to aquaculture and fishing, where around 20 companies will showcase their products and engage with the public about the importance of sustainable seafood consumption. As Provino’s President, Wenceslao Martínez, aptly put it, this joint effort not only highlights the region’s bounty but also cements its status as a leading enogastronomic destination. Attendees are invited to become ambassadors of local ingredients, embracing the richness of Ensenada’s maritime and viticultural heritage.

Tickets for the Festival of the Shell and New Wine are $1,200 pesos, the marine tables  experience is $3,500 pesos, for more details and information, visit Provino’s official website provinobc.mx

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