Rosarito

Jennifer_Tribute
 Articles, Healthcare, Humane Society, Rosarito

Jennifer’s Final Gift: A Rosarito Teen’s Legacy

Jennifer Lives On Through Organ Donation

What started as a sunny afternoon in Los Arenales ended in tragedy for 16-year-old Jennifer López Díaz. On Friday, April 11, she suffered a serious accident that caused a traumatic brain injury. Paramedics rushed her to IMSS Clinic 20 in Tijuana, where doctors worked to save her.

Despite their efforts, doctors confirmed that Jennifer had no brain activity. Her family faced the heartbreaking reality as she remained on life support.

But what followed brought hope in the middle of sorrow.

Jennifer’s mother and older sister made a brave choice. They gave permission to donate her organs. That decision gave life to six people. Her heart, liver, kidneys, and corneas went to patients who desperately needed them.

Jennifer wasn’t just generous in death—she was known for her kindness in life. She loved animals, nature, and always cared about others. Her final gift reflected who she truly was.

This moment also shifted the numbers. In 2024, Baja California recorded only 25 organ donors. Until Jennifer, 2025 had seen just four—all cornea donations. Jennifer changed that. She gave more than hope—she set a new standard.

Image courtesy of CNR TV Noticias. Used with permission.

Special medical teams flew in from Monterrey and Mexico City. They handled the transplants with care and precision.

Because of Jennifer, six people will live longer. Her light didn’t go out. It spread.

🕊️

Jennifer López Díaz

April 6, 2009 – April 11, 2025

Your kindness lives on.

This story was published with authorization from CNR TV Noticias. We thank them for sharing Jennifer’s story with us and the community.

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Sea lions who eat contaminated seafood become poisoned.
 Articles, Rosarito

Toxic Algae Threatens Sea Lions in Rosarito

Rising Concerns Over Toxic Algae Bloom Impact on Sea Lions

In recent days, at least four sea lions have washed up dead on Rosarito’s beaches. Additionally, seven others were rescued alive—but in serious condition.

According to experts, the cause is a toxic algae bloom. This bloom produces domoic acid, which builds up in fish and shellfish. As a result, sea lions who eat contaminated seafood become poisoned.

Although red tide isn’t new, this recent wave is stronger and more frequent. Consequently, officials and marine groups are raising alarms.

Photo: Courtesy / City of Playas de Rosarito

Moreover, the effects are heartbreaking. One young pup was spotted nudging its mother’s lifeless body. That moment, captured on video, spread quickly on social media.

The toxin attacks the nervous system. It causes seizures, confusion, and often death. Even though rescue teams responded quickly, they couldn’t save every animal.

Therefore, local authorities are asking residents and tourists not to approach stranded sea lions. These animals may be sick, aggressive, or contagious. Instead, they encourage people to report sightings to 911.

Beaches remain open. However, people with asthma or other respiratory issues should be cautious. Some toxins can become airborne under the right conditions.

Furthermore, seafood lovers should pay attention to local health alerts. Domoic acid can harm humans too—especially when it enters the food chain.

Ultimately, this isn’t just about sea lions. It’s about the health of our coastline. Changing ocean temperatures, pollution, and runoff are part of the problem. If we don’t pay attention, we may be next.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we’ll keep covering stories like this. Because we don’t just love Baja’s beaches—we respect the life around them, too.

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 Public Security, Rosarito

Half the Cops Failed Their Test, So the Marines are Stepping In

Rosarito’s Mayor says “Better fewer good cops than more bad ones”

In a move that sounds shocking—but also kind of reassuring—Rosarito’s mayor Rocío Adame Muñoz announced that 122 police officers are getting the boot after failing their control and trust evaluations. That’s nearly half of the city’s active and commercial police force. Yikes.

Out of 277 officers evaluated, more than a hundred were deemed “not fit” for service. The city has now begun the formal process to show them the door. No scandal, no cover-up—just a big, ugly clean-up.

But before anyone panics about security—especially with vacation season and the Tianguis Turístico just around the corner—Mayor Adame says the Marines and the National Guard will step in to fill the gaps and keep everyone safe. Because nothing says “we’ve got this under control” like calling in the Marines.

Still, Adame is taking a no-nonsense stance: “It’s better to have fewer good officers than a full squad of the wrong kind.”Hard to argue with that.

The remaining officers who passed their evaluations will return to duty, and efforts are already underway to recruit new, reliable candidates through the police academy.

“We don’t need to be alarmed,” said the mayor, reassuring residents and tourists alike. “The ones who are staying are trustworthy and will do a good job. The rest will be handled properly.”

So while the timing isn’t ideal, the message is clear: Rosarito is cleaning house. And honestly, if nearly half your police force flunks a trust test, better now than never.

With federal forces stepping in and a renewed focus on quality over quantity, let’s hope this shake-up leads to a stronger, safer Rosarito—because what’s worse than no cops? Bad ones.

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 Baja Norte, Rosarito, Transportation

Uber Finally Reaches the Streets of Rosarito—Just in Time for Tourist Season

It’s official—Uber is now rolling through the streets of Playas de Rosarito. The ride-hailing giant just launched operations in the beachside city, and local officials say it couldn’t have come at a better time. With vacation season heating up and the 2025 Tianguis Turístico event on the horizon, both locals and tourists are getting a much-needed boost in mobility.

“This is a huge step forward for Rosarito,” said Mayor Rocío Adame Muñoz. “Visitors now have a safer, easier way to move around and enjoy everything our city has to offer.”

For international visitors, this launch makes getting around Rosarito a lot easier. No need to worry about language barriers or negotiating taxi fares—just open the Uber app, set your pickup point, and go. The app works the same in Rosarito as it does back home, so American tourists in particular will feel right at home. You can even pay with your usual debit or credit card through the app, so there’s no need to carry cash.

Uber’s launch includes all of its top safety features: live GPS tracking, encrypted audio recordings, 911 integration, real-time ride monitoring, and even a PIN system to make sure you get in the right car. The app is also connected to Baja’s emergency response system (C5), giving riders peace of mind at every step.

For residents, Uber also brings new job opportunities. The platform offers flexible income options for people of all walks of life—students, single parents, retirees, and more.

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Los Arenales Shooting
 Breaking News, Rosarito

Shots Fired in Rosarito’s Arenales

—Now All Eyes on Justice

Over the weekend, gunfire echoed through Los Arenales in Rosarito—a popular off-road and beach adventures. According to early reports, at least four people were injured in the incident. However, none of them were found at the scene by the time authorities arrived nor in nearby hospitals.

Authorities arrived quickly and locked down the area. Since then, the Baja State Attorney General’s Office has launched a formal investigation. However, they’ve yet to release further details.

#LosArenalesRosarito


For those who live nearby, own property in the area, or just enjoy a weekend drive through the dunes—don’t worry. We’re not here to stir panic. Instead, we aim to keep our community informed and grounded.
In recent years, Rosarito has made solid progress on public safety. As a result, this kind of incident has become the exception, not the rule. Moreover, local and state forces have shown they’re not afraid to act.

Now, all eyes are on the justice system. If previous cases are any sign, we can expect action. Recently, we’ve seen prompt arrests and follow-throughs that show the region means business.

Of course, one isolated event doesn’t change the big picture. Rosarito remains a safe, vibrant destination. Therefore, there’s no need to cancel your trip or rethink your weekend plans. Just stay aware, and let the authorities do their job.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we believe in facts, not fear. And we’re confident Baja knows how to bounce back—even when the sand gets a little stirred up.

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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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 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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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Charities, Local Politics, Rosarito

Sheinbaum Kicks Off Housing Program in Playas de Rosarito

President Claudia Sheinbaum recently visited Playas de Rosarito to launch the National Housing Program, aiming to build 50,000 homes in Baja California as part of a nationwide effort to construct one million affordable residences. 

The initiative focuses on providing housing for vulnerable groups, including single mothers, young people, indigenous communities, and the elderly.  In Playas de Rosarito, approximately 500 homes are planned, prioritizing female beneficiaries. 

During her visit, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of intergovernmental collaboration to ensure the success of the program and addressed other regional priorities, such as improving access to potable water.

This housing initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing living conditions for underserved populations across Mexico.

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 Breaking News, Events, Rosarito

Rosarito’s Spring Break 2025: A Mixed Bag for Local Tourism

Rosarito’s business community is expressing concern over the noticeable decline in American spring breakers this season. Gustavo Torres Ramírez, president of the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE) and a hotelier, noted a 15% drop in hotel occupancy compared to last year. Despite efforts like discounts and joint promotions with restaurants and beach clubs, the anticipated influx of young American tourists hasn’t materialized.

Torres Ramírez attributes this downturn to economic uncertainties in the U.S., suggesting that fears of a recession are prompting potential visitors to tighten their belts and prioritize financial stability over vacations. This cautious spending behavior is reflected in decreased activity on booking platforms like Booking.com and Expedia, as travelers delay or cancel plans.

Despite these challenges, Rosarito continues to host vibrant Spring Break events aimed at attracting both domestic and international visitors. Papas&Beer, a renowned beachfront venue, is offering four consecutive weekends of festivities featuring live performances from artists like Diplo, Sexyy Red, Wiz Khalifa, and Lil Jon. These events promise pool parties, open bars, and beachfront concerts designed to create unforgettable experiences for attendees. 

Additionally, the Spring Break Bike Fest 2025 took place from March 21st to 23rd at Coco Beach. This action-packed weekend included motorcycle stunts, live performances by artists such as G. Perico and WC “The Shadiest One”, and access to multiple clubs with open bars. 

Looking ahead, the local tourism sector is pinning hopes on the upcoming Tianguis Turístico in April to provide a much-needed boost. However, Torres Ramírez warns that summer occupancy rates may continue to lag behind 2024 figures. He emphasizes the importance of addressing persistent issues, such as police corruption affecting tourists, which tarnishes Rosarito’s image and deters potential visitors.

While the current season presents hurdles, Rosarito’s commitment to hosting dynamic events and improving the tourist experience reflects a proactive approach to revitalizing its appeal as a premier Spring Break destination.

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 Breaking News, Humane Society, Local Politics, Public Security, Rosarito

Four State Police Officers Temporarily Removed in Rosarito Amid Complaints

Four officers from the State Police have been temporarily removed from duty in Rosarito following two formal complaints since the state police took over local security on March 7th.

According to Baja California’s Secretary of Citizen Security, Laureano Carrillo Rodríguez, one complaint was filed with the State Attorney General’s Office, while another was submitted to the Internal Control Body of the security department.

“We’ve had people come forward with complaints about the state police. So far, there are two formal cases, and we are investigating,” said Carrillo Rodríguez.

He also addressed allegations circulating on social media, stating that they are being looked into, but no additional formal reports have been filed.

Officers Reassigned, No Concrete Evidence Yet

Regarding the status of the four officers, Carrillo Rodríguez clarified that they have been relocated for safety reasons while the Internal Control Body conducts an investigation.

“There is no evidence linking them to the accusations, but they have been reassigned while we investigate,” he explained.

Since March 7th, the State Police have been in charge of security in Rosarito, replacing the 264 municipal officers who are currently undergoing psychological, medical, and toxicology tests, along with social background checks and polygraph exams as part of a vetting process. Even their firearms are being inspected for serial numbers and codes.

It’s not every day that you see officers being held accountable, but sometimes justice happens when you least expect it. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a much-needed clean-up in Rosarito’s security forces.

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