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Columns

What Mexico Has Taught Me

BY THE UNKNOWN GRINGO

International Trade

I’m a docent at the Autry Museum of the American West where I take kids on tours during the school year. Usually grade school but sometimes older. No matter what age they are I always start my tour in front of the huge, stuffed bison / American buffalo we have. He’s visually impressive and I tell the kids how the native Americans would use the bison’s meat, bones, organs, sinew, hooves, leather, and fur to make food, tools, clothes, shoes, blankets, weapons, containers, and shelters called teepees. Nothing went to waste and the products they made were often traded far and wide with tribes that didn’t live in the Great Plains area.

The Pacific Coast natives, of course, harvested ocean fish and shellfish. There is evidence that the sea shells they collected were traded from tribe to tribe to tribe going eastward all the way into Nevada. Traded, eventually, to people that would never understand or see an ocean. The shells were used for beads, jewelry, ornaments, and fish hooks. They were an object of great prestige and could be considered a form of money because of that.

Does any of this apply to me or you? It sure does when some of my friends know I’m going to Mexico soon. They want me to bring back STUFF FOR THEM. The latest thing is Voltaren, an arthritis pain relief gel. They can easily get it here in the States but it is usually at 1% strength. In Mexico I can get it at Extra Strength of 2.32% AND at a better price than regular strength up north. I made the mistake of telling two friends I was doing this for one friend. Bingo, now I have three customers!!

Coffee. I get ground coffee for the woman who was my father’s wound care nurse and now feeds my beloved kitty when I am gone. I get her a wide range of beans from Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. I tell her to save the empty bag of anything she wants more of. So far, she likes them all.

Cuban cigars. My mailman pushed me to do this many years ago. He didn’t want big fat ones. He wanted the small thin ones. I got him some, he said he liked them ……. and he wouldn’t pay me back. I kept reminding him. It took several months of me hounding him. He finally paid and then got transferred to another area of town. He was already off my list.

Olive oil. The oil made in the Guadalupe Valley by L.A.Cetto can be found at their winery in the valley, at their store in Ensenada, and sometimes at the large Calimax in Tecate. Again, I have three customers and packing 750ml bottles of olive oil on a motorcycle takes some delicate planning. (The Voltaren and coffee travel much easier.) Oddly enough, I haven’t even tried the local stuff because I buy small 250ml bottles of olive oil at Trader Joe’s.

Menthol cigarettes. Their getting banned in California in November, 2022 caused one desperate neighbor to ask me to get cartons of them EVERY TIME I went to Mexico. I had to turn him down. I did not want to have Customs at the border looking at me suspiciously and I wish there was no such thing as tobacco to harm good people. I would have felt guilty supplying him. 

When I started going to Mexico over 30 years ago I would go to the first Costco that Tijuana had. This was years before Ensenada finally got one. I would see Americans buying DOZENS of cartons of American cigarettes and was told they sneak them back across the border because cigarettes made in the U.S. cost a lot less in Mexico because there is no tax on them there. They would hide them in their RV’s and make good money selling them to their friends back home. Help to pay for part of their vacation down south. 

Mole. One year I sent surprise Christmas gifts to several friends that had salsa macha, Japanese peanuts, and mole in each box. Those packages went to friends in California, Utah, Oregon, and Alaska. The guy in Alaska sent me a desperate letter in return. Could I please send more mole because his estranged girlfriend loved the stuff and she was barely speaking to him even though they were still living together in the same house? Drama. That mole could solve? He got his wish but they remain “just friends”.

And this international trade goes in both directions. I have a buddy who works in a liquor store in Ensenada who asks me to bring un-baked buttermilk biscuits in a tube. Sure. Cheap, easy, small. Just pack them in a plastic bag in case a tube “blows”. No ruptures yet.

High-end American craft beer that isn’t exported down south. One guy swears the beer I brought him that’s made in Michigan is the best he’s ever tasted. For years I’ve given out my favorite IPA from Seattle to friends down there. It’s Elysian Space Dust IPA. The room I create for this stuff going south on my motorcycle makes room for olive oil going north.

Ice Cream. I tried taking Haagen-Dazs ice cream south ONCE over twenty years ago for a friend who works at my favorite hotel. With dry ice and lots of insulation in a cooler in my van. He had to rush it across the street to a restaurant’s freezer since it had turned too soft.

Drill bits. For a friend who worked in a gem shop and needed special drill bits for shaping his stones and minerals. A dear friend. Who never paid me back. I let it go because he was so much older than me and was probably struggling financially. I wrote about him before in the March 27, 2023 article about the Big Bottle of Mezcal – Part Two.  He was almost a legend to me with all the stories he would tell me late at night over a bottle of mezcal about “lost Spanish gold mines, partnerships ending in murder, briefcases of money that would bring out the worst in men, eight foot tall human skeletons found in a cave, mining huge meteorites in the desert for big bucks, and how eating powdered rattlesnake helped him to please the ladies”. He’s passed now and when I go by his old shop I can get a little choked up. I wish I could buy him more drill bits.

A lot of things cross our border in both directions. People, ideas, music, food, products. Sometimes with conflict but also with convergence. International trade brings us closer. My motorcycle and I are a small part of that. I imagine most of you are.

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 Baja Norte, Columns

Que Pasa in Baja?

Baja Sees Growth in Medical Tourism. Currently, 4.5 million visitors are seeking medical treatments in Baja California, with Ensenada seeing a significant recovery since the pandemic, as highlighted by Atzimba Villegas Pérez, president of the Health Tourism Association. After speaking at the Ensenada Business Coordinating Council, Villegas mentioned that Tijuana attracts 57% of these medical tourists, while Ensenada now receives 15%, showing recent growth.

Popular services include plastic surgery, orthopedics, stem cell treatments, and gynecology. This demand has led to projects like Epione Medical Plaza, which aims to become a comprehensive health tourism district, offering a mix of medical facilities, hospitality, and dining.

Villegas emphasized that Baja California is a leader in responsible medical tourism, promoting only accredited professionals and infrastructure. Ensenada is also poised to become a major wellness and assisted living destination, attracting more investment and economic growth as it caters to aging baby boomers.

Hugo Torres Chabert Shares His Journey in New Book. In an emotional event, businessman and politician Hugo Eduardo Torres Chabert presented his book, “Mi compromiso con Rosarito 1943-2023”, reflecting on his commitment to Rosarito’s prosperity and the growth of Hotel Rosarito. The event was held at the Hotel Rosarito’s Salón Mexicano, with friends, family, and special guests in attendance.

The book details Torres Chabert’s journey, including Rosarito’s municipalization, his retirement from politics, and his family’s management of the hotel. It also highlights his contributions to local culture and education, such as promoting civic life in schools and supporting cultural events.

Dedicated to the people of Rosarito, his family, and his friends, this 149-page book contains exclusive images of Rosarito’s history. Torres Chabert expressed that the book is a reflection on his legacy and a gift to inspire future generations.

Credit Rating Boost for Baja. The financial management of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda has led to an improvement in Baja California’s credit rating, as per the latest HR Ratings report. The rating has been upgraded from HR BBB to HR BBB+, thanks to the administration’s focus on transparency and responsible spending.

Governor Ávila highlighted that this financial success has allowed Baja California to strengthen its economy, attract investment, and create better jobs. The state achieved a financial surplus in 2023, marking its third consecutive credit rating upgrade.

Valuable infrastructure projects, like the expansion of the La Nopalera water treatment plant in Tecate and the rehabilitation of Rosarito Norte’s wastewater treatment plant, were key factors in this rating improvement. The agency also acknowledged the strength of Baja California’s manufacturing sector, which plays a significant role in contributing to the national GDP.

Rosarito Tourism Suffers Due to Poor Policing. According to Rosario Castillo, a local restaurateur, 2023 and 2024 have been the worst years for tourism in the city, largely due to the poor performance of the municipal police, especially the Traffic section. Castillo expressed hopes that with a change in local authorities, the issues of police extortion and rising insecurity can be addressed.

He highlighted that police officers often take advantage of tourists’ lack of knowledge, stopping them on Benito Juárez Boulevard for minor reasons like tinted windows, and using these as excuses for extortion. The new traffic regulations haven’t been widely publicized, leaving drivers vulnerable to intimidation.

Castillo is optimistic about the incoming administration led by Rocio Adame, who he believes listens more to citizens and organized groups. He hopes the new government will focus on preventive policing rather than punitive measures.

Baja to Benefit from New Social Housing Program. Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda announced that the incoming president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has a social housing program that will benefit Baja California, among other states. This announcement was made during the opening of a new Infonavit Service Center (CESI) in Tijuana, where Infonavit’s Director General, Carlos Martínez Velásquez, was also present.

Ávila Olmeda emphasized the importance of the State Housing Plan, describing it as unique in the country. She mentioned how they have helped San Quintín, where new, spacious homes for workers have been built.

The governor also highlighted that Baja California will be a focus for the new social housing program, with plans to eliminate local taxes to make the process more accessible. She also noted the ongoing efforts to rescue abandoned properties and create more affordable housing options, addressing the lack of attention from major developers to workers’ needs.

45th Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride a Success. This weekend, over three thousand cyclists participated in the 45th edition of the Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride, bringing in an estimated economic boost of over a million dollars. Claudia Ley, the event promoter, noted that the ride coincided with a long weekend, leading many visitors to extend their stay, which further boosted the local economy.

The ride featured cyclists from across Mexico, the U.S., and even participants from Peru, Colombia, and various Central American countries. The event’s economic impact was estimated by the State Tourism Department, which considered not just the number of cyclists but also the additional companions each brought along.

Ley thanked everyone who has supported the event over the past 45 years, acknowledging that while there have been challenges, they are proud of promoting family-friendly and healthy tourism in Ensenada. Moving forward, a new company will take over organizing the ride.

Sheinbaum Outlines Major Plans for Baja California. After receiving the Presidential Sash, Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans for significant infrastructure projects in Baja California. Among her 100 commitments are efforts to ensure water supply and reuse, build the Punta Colonet port, and maintain current tax incentives in border areas.

In her first national address, Sheinbaum emphasized the promotion of clean energy, including private participation, and pushing for less gasoline consumption and more electromobility. She aims to maintain the energy generation split—54% state and 46% private.

Sheinbaum also announced initiatives for water management, starting this month, and plans to improve irrigation on over 200,000 hectares. On the port front, she revealed investments to construct Punta Colonet and expand several other ports across Mexico.

Additionally, Sheinbaum intends to start a large-scale housing registration program in Tijuana and implement solar panel installations to help reduce electricity costs for residents in high-tariff areas.

Baja California’s Strong Export Numbers in Q2 2024. Baja California ranked as the third highest contributor to Mexico’s total exports in Q2 2024, reaching $14.35 billion, representing 10.3% of the national total. According to data from Inegi, Baja California saw a 4.4% annual increase in export value.

The state stood out particularly in exporting computing, communication, and electronic equipment, contributing $4.03 billion, or 19.5% of the national total, coming second after Chihuahua.

Baja California also ranked fourth for exports of electrical components and power generation equipment, with $882.8 million, accounting for 10.2% of the country’s total.

In the agricultural sector, Baja California placed fifth, with $307.8 million in exports, although it saw a decrease of 23.1% compared to the previous year. Overall, Baja California continues to play a significant role in Mexico’s export landscape, especially in technology and manufacturing sectors.

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 Articles, Baja Norte

Women Take Charge at All Levels of Government

Move over boys, there’s a new leadership trend sweeping Baja California—one led predominantly by women, and it’s a major shift. If you blinked, you might’ve missed the news: women are now leading at nearly all levels of government in our beloved Baja. It’s like the rest of Mexico finally got the memo that Baja’s ladies have been calling the shots at home long enough—now they’re officially taking the reins in city halls and beyond, too.

Rosarito’s got itself a new boss lady: Rocio Adame, stepping in as mayor and keeping the coastal vibes positive while showing the boys how it’s done. Not to be outdone, Ensenada welcomes Claudia Agaton as the new mayor—yes, the same Ensenada that’s known for its expansive coastline, fine wine, and, apparently, a no-nonsense approach to governance.

Moving further down to the beautiful desert city of Mexicali, Alicia Bustamante is ready to bring some much-needed feminine finesse. And over in San Quintin, we have Miriam Cano, who’s got her sleeves rolled up to take on whatever challenges the town throws her way.

If you’re starting to see a pattern here, you’re right. This new wave of leadership isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a carefully orchestrated revolution by the Morena party, who has seemingly decided that women’s time to lead has arrived. With Marina del Pilar already paving the way as the Governor of Baja California for three years now, and the new President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, stepping into office, it’s safe to say that Mexico’s political landscape is getting a much-needed dose of diversity and representation at every level.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s rise to the presidency is a historic moment—not just for Baja California, but for all of Mexico. As the first woman elected as President of Mexico, Sheinbaum brings a wealth of experience from her time as the Mayor of Mexico City, where she implemented groundbreaking social programs, strengthened environmental policies, and tackled the challenges of urban insecurity head-on. While she has made it clear that she intends to continue many of the initiatives started by her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), her leadership offers a fresh perspective, especially as she builds on these foundations with her own approach and ideas.

Of course, let’s not forget our lone cowboys still holding it down. San Felipe’s José Luis Dagnino, Tecate’s Román Cota, and Tijuana’s Ismael Burgueño are the exceptions to the all-woman lineup—but they, too, carry the Morena banner. We’ll see if they can keep up with the ladies or if they’ll just be taking notes.

Now, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves; nobody’s saying this guarantees utopia overnight. Politics, after all, is a complex beast. But the Morena party has clearly decided it’s time for a different approach. And given the history of male-dominated leadership in Mexico, it’s hard not to feel a little bit hopeful. A little bit curious. Maybe even a little bit excited.

After all, there’s something undeniably refreshing about seeing Baja’s leadership reflect the women who’ve long been its backbone—whether it’s managing businesses, raising families, or, as of now, governing municipalities. This isn’t just about representation—it’s about tapping into a wealth of talent and perspective that’s been long overlooked in political spaces. And with Claudia Sheinbaum at the helm of the nation, it’s also about demonstrating that leadership isn’t a man’s game anymore.

Sheinbaum’s presidency also brings hope for tackling some of Baja’s ongoing issues. Baja’s security situation has been, shall we say, a bit of a rollercoaster. With this new wave of leadership—women who are known for their pragmatism, empathy, and strong will—perhaps we can finally start seeing meaningful, lasting improvements that make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Sheinbaum’s emphasis on community-oriented security measures and her previous work in reducing crime rates in Mexico City might just be what Baja needs to see more stability and safety at the local level.

So what does this mean for Baja? Hopefully, better policies for families, more community-focused initiatives, and an approach to leadership that values collaboration over conflict. And let’s be real—one thing we’re all hoping for is better security across the board. With leaders like Marina del Pilar and Claudia Sheinbaum setting the tone, we have reason to believe that a different kind of politics—one that focuses on the well-being of every citizen—might just be possible.

But let’s not forget—these women aren’t just there to play nice. They’re tough, they’re determined, and they’re ready to make waves.

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Earthquakes Are Shaking It Up: But Hey, We’re Still Here!

If you’ve felt a little extra rumble under your flip-flops lately, it’s not just your margaritas going straight to your head. Ensenada’s been getting a bit of a shake-up this past week, with a series of minor earthquakes that have been giving us all a gentle reminder of just how lively Mother Nature can be. No need to panic, though—these aren’t the kind of quakes that make you run for the nearest doorway. More like a polite nudge than a hard shove. Let’s take a look at what’s been going on and why we should be… not too worried, but definitely aware. 

In the last seven days, Ensenada has experienced a series of mini-tremors—think of them as nature’s gentle “how-do-you-dos.” We’ve had a 2.0, a 2.2, and a 2.3 magnitude twist, culminating in a more respectable 2.9 magnitude. It’s like Mother Earth is stretching her legs and letting out a yawn, without actually getting out of bed. Not exactly headline material for a blockbuster disaster movie, but enough to remind us we’re living on one lively tectonic spot.  

And just when Ensenada thought it was the star of the show, Baja California Sur chimed in with a 4.0 magnitude quake. That one was strong enough to rattle a few windows and maybe send some taco stands into a temporary state of distress—but fear not, all’s well in Baja. 

Why Is This Happening? 

Let’s talk facts. The Baja California Peninsula is essentially sitting on the boundary of two tectonic plates—the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. Every so often, these plates decide to shift a little, and when they do, we get to enjoy these “dance moves” from the comfort of our homes. Nothing major, just tectonic plates working out their differences. It’s kind of like when your upstairs neighbors decide to rearrange their furniture at 2 a.m.—annoying, but harmless. 

Scientists have reassured us that these smaller quakes are actually pretty normal. According to CICESE (Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada), these small tremors are a regular part of life here, a way for the Earth to release tension gradually. It’s like nature’s version of a massage to avoid a stiff back—better the occasional twitch than one big cramp, right? 

For those of you new to Baja and wondering if you need to stock up on canned beans and bottled water, take a deep breath. These mini-earthquakes are not a cause for alarm. Think of them as the Earth’s way of reminding us that she’s still in charge—just a soft poke in the ribs, not a knockout punch. You might feel a little wobble, but unless it’s enough to make you spill your morning coffee, there’s no reason to lose any sleep over it.  

Besides, it gives us all a great excuse to swap stories about “that one time I felt the earth move”—romantic implications entirely optional. 

While earthquakes are an inevitable part of living in a tectonically active area, they also offer us an opportunity to engage with each other. If the ground’s gonna move, maybe our hearts and minds should too.  

Let’s turn these quakes into conversations. Ever felt an earthquake and thought, “Wow, that was kinda cool?” Or maybe you’ve been startled awake, only to realize it was just another “hello” from below. Why not share your story? Whether you’ve been here for years or just arrived, we’d love to hear your experiences. It might help ease someone else’s anxiety, and hey, it’s not every day you get to share a literal earth-shaking event. 

What To Do Next Time 

Now, just because we’re laughing about these tiny tremors doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prepared. If you’re feeling these shakes, it’s always a good idea to have a little plan in place, just in case Mother Nature decides to kick things up a notch. A flashlight, a stash of bottled water, and a sense of humor are always good things to have around. You know the drill—don’t panic, drop to the ground, and hold on.  

The good news is that for most of us, the worst we’ve experienced is a few jittery nerves and maybe a plant falling off a shelf. No bad news here, just a reminder that the ground beneath our feet is never completely still. 

So, folks, let’s take this as a reminder: we’re living in a beautiful, wild, and occasionally unpredictable place. The ground might shake, the tide might rise, but we’re all in this together. Let’s keep things light-hearted, stay informed, and make sure we’ve got each other’s backs.  

If you’ve got a funny earthquake story, a survival tip, or just a thought on how these shakes make you feel, we’d love for you to share. Because in Baja, we’re all about community, a little bit of fun, and keeping things as steady as possible—even when the Earth itself doesn’t. 

Let’s keep laughing, keep talking, and keep enjoying life here in this sometimes shaky, always amazing corner of the world.

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October 7, 2024 Edition

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