Flying High in Baja

Baja 1000 Stays Put With a Cabo Celebration Next Year

Rumors spread fast in Baja, faster than a Trophy Truck on the dry lake beds. The latest? That the legendary Baja 1000 was packing up and leaving Baja California for good. Relax. Put the panic on hold. SCORE International and the Baja California Secretary of Tourism have confirmed the race is not going anywhere—at least not permanently.

Cabo Gets the Spotlight in 2026

Next year, the Baja 1000 will run a special edition starting and finishing in Los Cabos. We already told you about it in our story Baja 1000 Makes History with Los Cabos as Start and Finish in 2026. Cabo’s turn is part of the race’s tradition of roaming the peninsula. It doesn’t mean Ensenada is out of the game.

Ensenada Holds the Crown This Year

The 58th Baja 1000 this November will start and end in Ensenada, the Off-Road Capital of the World. Baja California also stays the main home of the SCORE Desert World Championship. The 2025 season includes San Felipe 250, Baja 500, Baja 400, and the Baja 1000. In 2026, Baja keeps three races: San Felipe 250, Baja 500, and Baja 400.

Baja California Digs In

Let’s be honest. SECTURE wasn’t about to lose its crown jewel. With the support of Governor Marina del Pilar, Ensenada, San Felipe, and San Quintín all lined up to back SCORE. Officials praised Baja’s capacity to host international events, its unique tourism appeal, and the unbeatable hospitality of its people.

SCORE’s Vote of Confidence

SCORE International highlighted the collaboration with Baja authorities, from state to federal. They called Baja the “ideal home” for their races, a mix of wild desert, dramatic coastlines, and taco stands just when you need them most.

#Every boulder is just another speed bump when the desert is your playground. Photo courtesy of Grabowsky Brothers Racing.

So, What Happens Next?

The Cabo edition will be flashy, no doubt. But will it become a regular stop? Baja California swears the race remains its own. Still, with Cabo flexing its party credentials, this story isn’t finished.

Your Turn to Decide

Where would you rather see the Baja 1000?

  • Ensenada, the forever Off-Road Capital
  • Los Cabos, where the finish line means margaritas

Whatever the outcome, Baja proves once again that nothing here stands still—not the racers, not the fans, not even the rumors.

Photos courtesy of Grabowsky Brothers Racing, capturing the true spirit of Baja’s desert playground.

Cutting Traditions, Not Corners

From Rosarito With Craft: Tlaqueparte Brings the World to Baja

A Ribbon Cut with Soul

At exactly 12:30 p.m. on September 12, the air at the Baja California Center wasn’t just filled with incense—it was filled with anticipation.

The Kumiai, one of Baja California’s indigenous communities, opened the 11th Rosarito edition of Expo Tlaqueparte with a traditional spiritual cleansing. It was quiet, reverent, and deeply grounding—an unusual but beautiful way to open a commercial event. And then, like every good Mexican fiesta, came the scissors.

Tourism Secretary Zaida Luz López cut a handcrafted ribbon that looked more like a woven sash than something from Office Depot. No dull red polyester here—this one had character.

Confetti? Nope—That’s Culture”
Colorful handcrafted pompoms hit the floor as the ceremonial ribbon unravels. This is how Rosarito opens a craft fair.

Global Goods, Local Vibes

With over 180 booths and more than 200 artisans, this edition of Tlaqueparte has become a cultural juggernaut. But don’t call it a flea market—this is more like a living museum with very persuasive salespeople.

Exhibitors hail from 25 Mexican states and 16 countries, including:

🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇸🇳 Senegal, and 🇪🇬 Egypt.

Each booth offers a slice of its homeland—from Cuban cigars and Colombian hats, to Turkish lamps, Indian jewelry, and Kenyan textiles. Some smells sweet, some smells spicy, all of it pulls you in.

Kumiai to the Core

The Kumiai also have a booth—and it’s more than just symbolic. Their display includes woven baskets, beaded necklaces, pieces inlaid with deer horn, and ethnobotany books that tell you more about Baja’s native plants than most locals know.

It’s not a gimmick. It’s a reminder that we’re standing on their land.

 Food, Flavors, and a Little Mezcal

Tlaqueparte isn’t just a treat for your eyes. Your taste buds get a passport too.

You’ll find hand-ground mole, salsas, dulces, artisanal cheeses, fresh coffee, and plenty of tequila and mezcal to keep things interesting. One vendor’s Oaxacan mole tasted like a burnt sienna sunset—complex, smoky, and worth smuggling across borders (figuratively, of course).

Everything is beautifully presented, with textures that range from silky to crunchy and aromas that jump out of the packaging.

  • Jewels in Bloom
  • Silver Tales from Taxco

Just a Little Buyer’s Advice

Most prices are fair and reflect the work behind each item. But let’s be honest: some copper mugs were priced like they came with a bartender.

Just take a breath before you tap that card. Admire first. Ask questions. If you still love it—go for it. If not, plenty of other booths will charm your wallet.

Plan Your Visit

Tlaqueparte runs until Tuesday, September 16. It’s open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and entry is free. Bring cash, a tote bag, and maybe a little restraint. Or not—live your best artisan-loving life.

And yes, it’s pet friendly. So go ahead, bring your chihuahua named Frida.

If you love culture, craft, and casually dropping phrases like “This is hand-carved from Guatemalan granadillo wood,” this event is for you.

No bad news—just good crafts.

Rosarito’s Ultimate Fun Run: ‘Corre con Don Pisto’ Charity Race for Fitness and Community

Rosarito is lacing up its running shoes — or maybe just its walking shoes — for the first ever Corre con Don Pisto, a community race with a cause that blends exercise, charity, and a splash of local pride.

The press conference introducing the event felt less like a stiff announcement and more like a family reunion. That makes sense, because Don Pisto isn’t just a liquor company; it’s part of the Rosarito DNA. For over 30 years, the brand has been pouring not just drinks, but also steady support into local projects.

This first edition is dedicated to Bernardo Pérez, founder of Don Pisto, who passed away two years ago. Pérez was remembered as a strong, athletic, big-hearted man who rarely turned down an opportunity to help his community. His legacy is now running forward — quite literally — through this race.

The Cause Behind the Course

Proceeds will go to DIF Municipal, specifically to bolster rehabilitation services in Rosarito. Plans include a playful outdoor space for patients beginning the tough process of physical recovery, plus a circuit designed to help restore mobility after injuries. Organizers stressed this is more than just a race: it’s a way to fund hope, therapy, and second chances.

The Route & Rewards

The 5.5 km race kicks off September 7th at 8 a.m., starting and finishing at Don Pisto Castillos on Boulevard Popotla. The route winds through key intersections, with local authorities promising full security, ambulances on site, and traffic control so runners (or walkers, stroller-pushers, and wheelchair participants) can move safely.

Cash prizes are on the line: 3,000 pesos for first place, 2,000 for second, and 1,000 for third, with categories for men, women, and wheelchairs. Registration costs $250 pesos per person and can be done at Don Pisto branches, DIF offices, INDER, or even via WhatsApp if you’re out of town. The first 400 finishers will also score a commemorative medal at the finish line.

A Race for Everyone

Worried you’re not fast enough? Don’t be. As organizers said with a smile, “It’s okay, let’s walk. Bring the stroller, bring the dog, bring the neighbor. The important thing is to show up.”

And yes — because this is Rosarito — the press conference closed with an invitation to enjoy a cold Don Pisto beer. After all, it’s not every day you get to hydrate post-race with the sponsor’s finest brew.

So mark your calendars, Rosarito. Whether you’re sprinting, strolling, or rolling, Corre con Don Pisto is your chance to support the city, honor a local legacy, and maybe even earn a medal. Or at the very least, a well-deserved beer.

“Enough Is Enough”: How the Cartels Choke the Seafood Lifeline of Baja California

We pride ourselves on bringing you No Bad News. That’s the deal. But some truths demand an exception. Today, we echo a voice too long suppressed by fear—and we refuse to let it be silenced.

They call it derecho de piso—literally a “floor right,” but let’s be clear: it’s nothing more than protection money, cartel extortion in its rawest form. For decades, Ensenada’s seafood industry—from abalone harvesters to family-run marisquerías—has been strangled by this invisible tax.

Dark waters run deeper than we thought. Cartels like Sinaloa and CJNG don’t just threaten—they control every link of the chain. They underpay the catch, enforce quotas, hijack supply, and procure “monitored” seafood—often at gunpoint—leaving independent operators to choose between extortion or obliteration.

The Voices We’ve Already Lost

  • Minerva Pérez, head of Baja California’s fisheries chamber and CEO of Atenea en el Mar, spoke out against illegal fishing and extortion—and paid with her life. She was ambushed and shot multiple times outside her Ensenada office in July 2024, just hours after warning the world of cartel infiltration in seafood markets.
  • Sunshine Antonio Rodríguez Peña, a leader in Mexicali’s fishing community, was executed in broad daylight last March—firefights rattled social media minutes after he was live-streaming his fish stand.
  • Servando Valenzuela Nakato, a respected shark-business entrepreneur in Ensenada, was gunned down in December 2024—his life cut short for daring to trade in lawful seafood markets.
  • Emilio Ohiiashi Manjarrez Masuda, a known seafood distributor, was also killed—another voice erased from the chain that feeds families and sustains livelihoods.
  • Rubén Marín Villalobos, founder of the seafood cart El Chava, was assassinated just last week while buying shrimp and octopus at the fish market Mares del Pacífico—a routine visit turned fatal at the very heart of the industry. He was remembered by customers and family as “sencillo, amable y cálido” (simple, kind, warm), yet no arrests have been announced even as the investigation continues.

Each of these tragedies traces back to the same root: a cartel chokehold stretching across sea, supply, and street.

A Voice That Broke Through

And then came Moisés Muñiz, young owner of Mariscos El Compa Moy. On August 23, 2025, his heart-wrenching video exploded nationwide:

“My people… starting today, Mariscos El Compa Moy is closing its doors permanently due to insecurity…, protection money.”

His dream—like so many others—was stolen not by market forces, but by violence and impunity.

Why It Matters—and Why You Should Care

This isn’t an isolated problem—it’s systemic:

  • Cartels control every point: from fishing boats to kitchen tables. Fishers earn as little as 60–75 percent of fair market value—or less—while the rest fills cartel pockets.
  • Illegal species trade is rampant: Highly endangered creatures like totoaba are trafficked for profit, amplifying environmental collapse and cartel dominance.
  • Government response is hollow: Condemnations without action—“cowardly” killings met with empty investigations—only embolden cartels.

Listen to Moisés Muñiz (August 23, 2025)

“My people, starting today, Mariscos El Compa Moy is closing its doors permanently due to insecurity in the municipality. … I have been working here for four years—this was my dream. But today, those dreams have been taken away, just like many of my colleagues in the industry.”

This isn’t just another restaurant shutting down—it’s a siren over dying hopes, a cry for rescue from a community being starved by terror.

These cartels aren’t just drug clans—they’re seafood oligarchs suffocating Ensenada’s lifeblood. And until government forces rise from clichés to concrete action, we’ll keep losing more than fish—we’ll be losing culture, survival, and courage.

Baja on Watch, But No Need to Panic

Tsunami Advisory Hits Pacific—Baja on Watch, But No Need to Panic

Baja California México – July 29 and 30, 2025. A massive 8.7 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s east coast triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including a Naval Tsunami Advisory (CAT‑SEMAR) for parts of Baja California. But here’s the real scoop: no evacuations, no panic—just a heads-up.

The advisory covers coastal areas from Ensenada down to Baja California Sur, including San Felipe, Playas de Rosarito, Tijuana, and San Quintín. According to CAT-SEMAR, wave heights are expected between 0.3 and 1.0 meters—that’s about knee-deep for most folks. It’s considered a sea surge, not a full-blown tsunami.

The U.S. National Weather Service also issued alerts for Hawai‘i and parts of Alaska, with Japan monitoring its Pacific coast. But again—no evacuations have been ordered anywhere in Mexico.

So, is this serious? Yes. Is it dangerous for Baja right now? Not likely. The Mexican Navy recommends staying off the beach, avoiding small boats, and watching for unusual sea activity between the afternoon and evening hours.

What Baja Residents Should Do

Action StepWhy It Matters
Stay away from beaches and waterfrontsEven small surges can generate dangerous currents
Follow official updates onlyAvoid panic from viral but inaccurate posts
Monitor port traffic announcementsCoordinated shifts may occur overnight
Be cautious of shipping or waves in harborsSudden sea movements could reach 1 m or more

What This Means for Baja Locals

While headlines sound dramatic, Baja’s coastal towns are used to nature putting on a show. Local emergency services are monitoring the situation. There’s no disruption to transportation, and all border crossings remain open.

If you’re in San Felipe, Rosarito, or along the Ensenada coast, it’s a good time to skip your paddleboard sessionbut don’t cancel dinner plans. Just keep your eyes on updates from Protección Civil, CAT‑SEMAR, or X (formerly Twitter) accounts from Baja’s civil defense agencies.

And don’t worry, Estero Beach is still standing—but maybe order that margarita a bit further from the shore today.

11,800 Say “Nope” to Port Mega Project in El Sauzal

If you were planning on sipping a cocktail while watching whales off the coast of El Sauzal—might want to do it now. That view could soon come with a backdrop of container cranes and fuel tanks.

Over 11,800 people (and counting) have signed a petition on Change.org asking Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to scrap the industrial expansion of the El Sauzal port. Their message? Ensenada doesn’t need a megaport. It needs working streets, clean water, and maybe a public restroom or two that doesn’t smell like sadness.

The proposal would turn the current fishing port into a high-volume industrial hub for containers and—because why not—hydrocarbons. The plan includes extending the breakwater by 4 kilometers, dredging the seafloor to gain 60 new hectares (not for swimming), and increasing container traffic from 400,000 to over 6 million. That’s a 15x jump for anyone keeping score.

And in case you thought this was all part of a master plan with full public support and thorough environmental vetting—think again. The project was announced casually by Sheinbaum during her December 5, 2024, morning press conference. No public consultation. No strategic environmental assessment. No technical analysis explaining why this is even a good idea. Just ta-da!—industrial port, coming right up.

Photo courtesy of Jose Alberto Rosas

Opponents say this monster project could wreck the Bay of Todos Santos. Not only would it bulldoze public beaches and block off shoreline access, it could also kneecap local fishing, endanger public health, and snarl traffic in a town that already suffers from daily bottlenecks and potholes you could lose a small car in.

“This puts our quality of life, economy, and marine culture at serious risk,” reads the petition. And they’re not exaggerating. One lane in, one lane out—what could go wrong when you add thousands of trucks?

Critics argue the 5.7 billion pesos set aside for this beast of a project would be better spent on fixing real issues—like modernizing public transport, upgrading wastewater treatment plants that still dump filth into the ocean, or saving what’s left of our water supply before we all start showering with baby wipes.

Change.org says it verifies that the signatures are from real humans, not just bots or angry sea lions.

At press time, no formal response from the federal government. But here in Ensenada, the pushback is real—and growing.

So if you care about your waves staying blue instead of oily gray, maybe check out the petition. And in the meantime, enjoy that sea breeze while it lasts.

Estero La Misión: Where Nature, History, and Drought Collide

Just a short drive south of Rosarito and 35 kilometers north of Ensenada, tucked between the waves of the Pacific and the rush of the transpeninsular highway, lies a coastal gem many travelers zoom right past: Estero La Misión. It may not have the celebrity status of Bahía de los Ángeles or the Instagram sparkle of La Bufadora, but what it does have is something far more rare these days—life. Wild, migratory, riparian life.

This natural estuary is one of the last of its kind on the Baja California peninsula. It’s a permanent mirror of water flanked by reeds, salt-tolerant shrubs, and low riparian growth, home to an astonishing diversity of species. More than 90 kinds of birds either stop here during their long migrations or live here year-round. Some are casual visitors; others, like the black-necked stilt or the snowy egret, consider it home base. Beneath the water’s surface live fish, amphibians, and a long list of invertebrates, while mammals and reptiles lurk in the surrounding brush.

A modest but well-maintained hiking trail runs along the estuary’s northern edge, tracing the water’s path through private ejido lands and into what’s becoming increasingly suburban development. Locals and nature lovers walk the trail with their leashed dogs, binoculars, and cameras in hand, hoping to catch a glimpse of something wild before the tide—or progress—takes it away.

But the estuary isn’t just a haven for birds and fish. It’s also an archaeological site and a historical waypoint. Long before modern Baja homes dotted the cliffs or RVs pulled into beachside parks, this was sacred ground for the Kumiai people, whose cultural ties to the area go back over a thousand years. Around 2010, archaeologists unearthed the remains of “La Mujer de Humo,” or the Woman of Smoke, a pre-Hispanic skeleton that added new depth to the story of the peninsula’s earliest inhabitants.

In the late 18th century, Dominican missionaries arrived and established Mission San Miguel Arcángel right next to the estuary, taking advantage of the fertile lands and fresh water. Though the mission buildings are now mostly adobe ruins, they serve as a reminder that this area has always depended on its wetlands—not just for biodiversity, but for survival.

That dependence is now on shaky ground. Baja California has long struggled with drought, but in recent years, it’s become a full-blown crisis. Between the irregular rainfall and over-extraction of water upstream, Estero La Misión is under pressure. Less fresh water flows in from inland sources, altering the delicate salinity balance that many species depend on. The estuary becomes more saline, more stagnant, and more vulnerable to invasive species. Its natural ability to filter pollutants, buffer against coastal erosion, and mitigate flooding weakens as water levels drop.

It’s a quiet emergency. You won’t see news crews camped out by the reeds, but the signs are there: smaller flocks, shrinking shoreline, fewer frogs singing at dusk. The ripple effects are subtle at first, but they stretch wide—from marine health to agriculture to the spiritual connection many locals feel to the land.

Community groups like Pro Esteros A.C. and Terrapeninsular have stepped in, advocating for the wetland’s protection and monitoring its health. There’s growing interest in turning the trail and surrounding area into a stronger ecotourism attraction, which could bring both visibility and funding. But the long-term survival of Estero La Misión depends on something far more boring than guided bird tours: water policy. Sustainable urban growth. Responsible farming upstream. Actual rain.

In the end, the estuary is a litmus test. If we can’t protect a place so biologically rich, historically deep, and spiritually meaningful—what does that say about the rest of our coastal treasures?

So next time you’re headed down the coast, slow down near kilometer 35. Walk the trail. Listen to the birds. And remember: the real magic of Baja isn’t always in the headline spots. Sometimes, it’s quietly rustling in the reeds.

Rosarito’s Half Marathon

VIDEO: Rosarito Runs the Extra Mile—Literally

Running Toward Community: Rosarito’s Half Marathon Was More Than Just a Race

ROSARITO, B.C. — The streets of Rosarito were pounding with sneakers, sunscreen, and just enough sweat to earn those shiny finisher medals. The 2025 Powerade Rosarito Half Marathon and its 5K sidekick drew over 2,500 runners, turning a sunny coastal Sunday into a full-blown celebration of community, resilience, and movement.

Yes, it was hot. Yes, it was humid. And yes, some runners wished for a few more hydration points. But judging by the smiles (and the glorious sunburns), the event delivered more than just miles—it brought magic.

Winners, Records, and Local Heroes

Daniel “Pollito” Valdez flew past the finish line in 1:09:56, defending his 2024 title like a true Mexicali champ. On the women’s side, Natalie Mendoza dominated with a 1:18:54 finish, leaving no doubt about her podium position.

But hey, this wasn’t just for elite athletes. Hundreds came out to walk, jog, or run the 5K, proving that Rosarito’s race isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of movement in all its forms.

And speaking of everyday heroes, one of our very own—Alberto Rosas, Gringo Gazette’s loyal Punta Banda delivery agent and ad rep—tackled the half marathon like a pro. If you see him out on his route this week, give him a sweaty high-five or a heartfelt “¡Felicidades!”

Meet Alberto Rosas—our Punta Banda newspaper hero, sales agent by day, and now half marathon finisher. Yep, he delivers ads and miles!
Meet Alberto Rosas—our Punta Banda newspaper hero, sales agent by day, and now half marathon finisher. Yep, he delivers ads and miles!

Music, Medals, and Tactical Gear?

Yep, along the route there was music, cheers, and the occasional cowbell. But the post-run scene got a surprising twist: the Guardia Nacional set up an info booth, complete with tactical gear displays and flyers reminding everyone they’re working to improve public safety. Officers Urbida and Cecilia were on hand to answer questions and hand out pamphlets about how to report crime online—turns out, even runners like to stay informed.

National Guard reps Oficial Urbida and Cecilia brought the gear, the pamphlets, and the public safety vibes to Rosarito’s marathon scene.

One Gripe, Plenty of Praise

If there was one recurring complaint? Not quite enough water stations for the heat. But organizers from IMDER were all ears, promising to review the feedback for future editions.

That said, the rest was a hit: good vibes, solid logistics, community support, and plenty of medals to show off on social media.

🎤 Behind the Scenes, All Hands on Deck

Before the race kicked off, a brief ceremonial send-off was held at the iconic Rosarito Arch. Among those present were Mayor Rocio Adame; councilmembers Yoselin Peña, Ricardo Cabrales, and Luisa Vanessa Díaz; Citizen Security Secretary Héctor Manzo; COTUCO Rosarito President Leonardo Verdugo; Immujer Director Irami Cortez de los Ángeles; City Secretary José Luis Alcalá; and Elias Torres Balcázar, representing INDE BC. The event was organized by IMDER—the city’s Municipal Institute of Sports—which also ensured safety, hydration, and good vibes across the board. Between the runners, volunteers, medics, and cheering neighbors, Rosarito showed once again that when it comes to community spirit, it goes the full distance.

Is This Your Sign to Lace Up?

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or someone who considers walking to the fridge a sport, events like these show the power of coming together through movement. And with a 5K option on the table, there’s truly a spot for everyone.

If you ran the Rosarito half or the 5K, we want to hear from you! Tag us, send photos, or just brag a little. And if you didn’t run—well, there’s always next year.

📝 Reporting by GGNorth’s running shoes and not-so-fresh legs

📸 Got race pics? Send them in and we’ll feature a few!

💬 Want more race or community fitness coverage? Let us know!