Articles GGNorth

Eye on the sidewalk colors before you park!
 Articles, Breaking News, Ensenada, Legal

Parking in Ensenada Just Got Colorful

—Pay Attention or Pay the Price

Planning a stroll down Ensenada’s tourist zone? Better start looking at the sidewalk colors, not just the wine list.

New rules are now in effect: green curbs mean you can only park for two hours. Yes, two. After that, move it or risk a fine. The city made the change after businesses complained that some folks were parking all day. We get it—those tacos are hard to leave.

White curbs? Those are only for loading and unloading tourist buses. Don’t even think about parking your SUV there while grabbing souvenirs.

Why all the paint? Because Ensenada, like most beautiful places, has a parking problem. Officials want to keep traffic flowing and tourists happy. Rotating cars more often means more chances to find a spot—at least in theory.


Parking along Ensenada’s tourist zone—especially Calle Primera—is still a challenge. But with new two-hour zones and clearer curb markings, things are expected to improve. Just keep an eye on the sidewalk colors before you park!

This isn’t just for locals. Expats and visitors are affected too. So, next time you head downtown, keep an eye on the curb. Green? Set a timer. White? Drive away slowly and act innocent.

Local police say they’ll enforce these changes. Whether that means tickets or just warnings remains to be seen. But hey, better safe than booted.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we’re here to help you park smart, not pay dumb. Watch the colors and enjoy Ensenada—just not from behind the wheel too long.

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 Articles, Ensenada, Transportation

Ensenada Will Be The First City in Mexico to Roll Out Local EV Buses

Move over Tesla, Ensenada is getting its own fleet of electric vehicles—and they’re way bigger than a sedan.

That’s right, our little coastal city is making national headlines as the first in Mexico to launch a full fleet of electric buses, designed and built right here in Mexico by DINA and MegaFlux. The shiny new model? It’s called Taruk—which, honestly, sounds like the name of a sci-fi superhero… and we’re here for it.

In the coming months, 80 Taruk buses will hit the streets in the first stage of a mega plan to eventually roll out 345 units across all 78 public transport routes in Ensenada. If you’ve ever tried to get from one end of town to the other during rush hour, you’ll know just how welcome this is.

Mayor Claudia Agatón is leading the charge—pun intended—and she’s not being subtle about it: “Ensenada isn’t just adopting clean tech, we’re writing the manual for Mexico’s energy transition,” she said. “Our port city is going to be the live lab for proving electric public transport works—both technically and financially.”

Taaruk Bus. Photo courtesy of Dyna México

Each Taruk bus can travel 390 km on a single charge, enough for a full 12-hour workday with the AC on full blast. And yes, they’ve already been tested under real-world conditions in Mexico City—because if a bus can survive that traffic, it can survive anything.

But this isn’t just about swapping diesel fumes for cleaner air. The project is Made in Mexico from start to finish—so every bus represents local jobs, homegrown know-how, and a big win for Mexican manufacturing. According to the numbers: each vehicle creates 25 jobs in the supply chain, and 78 out of every 100 pesos spent stays in the national economy. Compare that with imported buses, where most of the cash flies out of the country faster than a tourist spotting a taco stand.

In Ensenada alone, the project has already generated 50 new specialized jobs, with plans to train another 200 technicians before the end of the year. Plus, MegaFlux will install fast and slow charging stations across the city, working with the national electric utility (CFE) to make sure the grid doesn’t blow a fuse.

And guess what? Other states are watching closely. Baja California Sur, Jalisco, Nuevo León, Hidalgo, Michoacán… they all want in on the action. No surprise there—the federal government has already set its sights on deploying 3,000 electric buses nationwide in the next few years.

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 Beaches, Ensenada

Ensenada Beaches Get the Green Light for Fun in the Sun

Good news for beach bums, sun lovers, and margarita sippers: all Ensenada beaches are officially safe for recreational use, just in time for that post-Easter tan.

According to the latest test results from Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (aka COFEPRIS—because why use one word when you can use six?), the water quality is looking squeaky clean. The beaches clocked in well below the 200 enterococci per 100 milliliters threshold. Translation: you can swim without worrying about bacteria crashing your beach party.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz made the announcement, highlighting that popular spots like Playa Hermosa, La Joya, Monalisa, La Misión, and Playa Pacífica (which covers El Ciprés, Conalep 1 and 2) are all good to go.

Of course, the city’s firefighters’ aquatic division will still be on watch, and the mayor kindly reminded beachgoers to actually listen to their instructions. You know, for your own safety and so we don’t end up with a Baywatch episode gone wrong.

If you’re the type who needs to see the receipts, you can check the full report here:

👉 COFEPRIS Beach Monitoring – Semana Santa 2025

So grab your towel, your shades, and your best “I swear I remembered sunscreen” outfit—Ensenada’s beaches are open and waiting.

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 Events, Food, Wine

2025: A Very Grape Year for Provino (Calendar of Wine Events)

Loosen your belt, wine lovers—because 2025 is about to get delicious.—scratch that, walk steadily and hydrate, wine lovers—because Provino Baja California is rolling out the cork carpet in 2025, and the lineup is juicier than a sun-ripened grape in Valle de Guadalupe. Under the charmingly serious theme of “Terruño, Identidad y Vocación” (which basically means “This land was made for wine and we’ve got the talent to prove it”), this year’s events promise to be a delicious mix of vino, seafood, culture, and just enough fancy to remind you to iron your linen shirt.

Let’s take a tipsy stroll through the year, shall we?

IX Salón del Vino

  • 📍 Hotel Coral & Marina
  • 📅 April 11
  • 🎟️ Invitation only (aka, bring your wine biz card)

This is Provino’s version of a job fair—but for wine. No crowds, no “try this and smile awkwardly,” just serious sniffing, swirling, and schmoozing between 70 Baja wineries and buyers from Mexico and SoCal. You can’t buy your way in, so unless you’re a distributor or food & beverage exec, you might have to settle for sipping in the parking lot. (Kidding. Sort of.)

V Mesas Marinas

  • 📍 Andador Cultural UABC, Sauzal
  • 📅 April 12 | 2:00 PM
  • 🎟️ 3,500 pesos (but it’s a steal, really)

Imagine this: 15 tables, 20 lucky guests per table, and a dream team of chef + winemaker + shellfish whisperer serving you a four-course feast by the sea. We’re talking abalone, oysters, mussels, and other seafood you can’t pronounce but will gladly eat. Pair that with Baja’s finest whites and bubbly, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable afternoon—just try not to lick the plate.

XXV Festival de las Conchas y el Vino Nuevo

  • 📍 Hotel Coral & Marina
  • 📅 April 13 | 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
  • 🎟️ 1,400 pesos
  • 🚫 No kids, no pets. Just grown-up fun.

This is the big one, folks. The Conchas Festival is turning 25, and like any quarter-life celebration, it’s going all out. 80 wineries, 50+ restaurants, and over 160 new wine labels await you, from fresh whites to effervescent Pét-Nats. There’s also a shellfish pavilion (try saying that after a few tastings), live cooking demos, a mollusk cook-off, and the now-iconic “marina island” with seafood rice and noodles flying off the burners. Wear stretchy pants. Trust us.

VIII Conferencias en Flor

  • 📍 Auditorio CEVIT, CETYS Universidad
  • 📅 June 13 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • 🎟️ Free (just register and pretend you’re a responsible adult)

For those who like to learn while they sip, this one’s for you. Experts will dive into sustainable farming, water conservation, and vineyard science. It’s like TED Talks for people who know the difference between Tempranillo and Nebbiolo.

XIX Fiesta de los Viñedos en Flor

  • 📍 Somewhere green and magical
  • 📅 June 14 | 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
  • 🎟️ 950 pesos | Kids under 18 get in free (finally!)

This is the rare Provino event that lets you bring the whole family—and for a good cause, too. All the proceeds support local vulnerable communities, and everyone donates their time and products. Expect wine (of course), a country market, kid-friendly zones, an art auction with paintings made on-site, and even traditional Kumiai cuisine. Bonus: your kids might finally understand why you love Baja wine so much.

Inauguración XXXV Fiestas de la Vendimia

  • 📍 Hotel Coral & Marina
  • 📅 July 30
  • 🎟️ Invitation only—again with the exclusivity!

This is where the wine party season officially begins. If you know someone, now’s the time to cash in that favor.

XXXV Muestra del Vino

  • 📍 Centro Cultural Riviera del Pacífico
  • 📅 August 1 | 7:00 PM
  • 🎟 1,200 pesos

The OG wine tasting event that launched the Fiestas de la Vendimia decades ago is still going strong. With 84 wineries, 160+ wines, and the people who made them pouring directly into your glass, it’s like Baja’s answer to Comic-Con—but instead of capes and comics, it’s corks and canapés.

XXXV Concurso de Paellas

  • 📍 Viña de Liceaga
  • 📅 August 17 | 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
  • 🎟️ 1,450 pesos | Kids under 12 get in free (but keep Fido at home)

We’re closing out Vendimia season with a bang—and a whole lot of saffron. This beloved event is peak Ensenada summer tradition, where 80+ teams battle it out to cook the ultimate paella while 84 wineries pour over 160 wine labels. It’s rustic elegance under 120-year-old oak trees with a whole lot of rice and rhythm. Come hungry, leave happy (and probably a little sun-kissed).

IV Festival Vino Sin Fronteras

  • 📍 Tijuana, B.C.
  • 📅 October 11
  • 🎟️ 1,500 pesos | Adults only, sorry fur babies

This cross-border celebration brings together 40 wineries and 100+ wines, plus restaurants from all over Baja. Expect a musical lineup that spotlights local talent and a guest wine region that keeps things fresh. It’s all about wine, unity, and a little international flair—because why limit your palate to one side of the border?

III Velada Cultural del Día de Muertos: Noche de Ofrendas

  • 📍 Sala de Tintos, Bodegas de Santo Tomás
  • 📅 November 1 | 7:00 PM–12:00 AM
  • 🎟️ 1,200 pesos | Adults only

This isn’t your average Day of the Dead gig. It’s a cultural deep dive into the afterlife with wine—100+ Baja labels, traditional Mexican food, mariachi, ballet folklórico, and live music. Come dressed to impress your ancestors (think catrina chic) and dance the night away surrounded by altars and ofrendas.

Tarde de Ofrendas

  • 📍 Plaza Santo Tomás, Ensenada
  • 📅 November 2 | 2:00 PM–7:00 PM
  • 🎟️ Free | Family-friendly

A lighter, more casual follow-up to the previous night’s festivities. Expect a kermés-style afternoon with altar contests, food stalls, live performances, and of course—more wine. It’s the perfect setting to bring the whole family and honor tradition with a Baja twist.

Wanna go? Check out provinobc.mx/eventos for tickets and details.

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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, Editions

April 7, 2025 Edition

How to download a PDF of this publication:
1. Locate the icon toolbar at the bottom part of the newspaper window. If you can’t find it you can try going full screen by clicking “Read Now” on the screen.
2. Click on the cloud icon (Download PDF) on the bottom right corner of your screen. (See example below)

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Sheinbaum stated that, with the Mexico Plan, she aims to recover the production that has been lost in the country. (Photo: Presidency
 Articles, Baja Norte, Economy

Baja California? Holding its breath.

🇲🇽 Mexico Dodges a Trade War (Sort Of) — But Tariffs Still Sting

Baja watches the big game with nosebleed tickets

Trump’s trade policy just got real. The U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on imports from multiple countries, and although Mexico managed to avoid retaliatory tariffs, it couldn’t dodge the hit entirely. Over 50% of Mexican exports to the U.S. are now subject to the new rates.

Mexico’s response? Diplomatic silence. No counterattacks. No panic. Just a quiet commitment to ride the wave without starting a trade war.

SúperPeso

📊 The twist? Mexico is doing pretty well, all things considered.

The peso didn’t collapse. The markets didn’t flinch. And the world noticed: Mexico’s now seen as a stable and strategic partner in a world full of economic tantrums.

🌉 Baja California, however, is in limbo.

Despite being in the ideal location for cross-border trade, we’re still stuck with infrastructure bottlenecks, overloaded ports, and a grid that flickers at the worst times. We could be leading this moment, but instead we’re fumbling to keep pace.

💸 Meanwhile, remittances keep sliding—which hits harder in Baja than people think. The big wins in macroeconomics don’t always make it to the kitchen table.Mexic

📰 At Gringo Gazette North, we believe good news doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes, staying calm under fire is the real headline.

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 Breaking News

Elon Musk Might Be Out of Trump’s Inner Circle

But Not Out of the Picture

Elon Musk may soon step down from his official role as an advisor to President Donald Trump—but that doesn’t mean he’s off the radar. According to Trump himself, Musk is expected to leave his post as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—yes, that’s the actual name, no meme left behind.

Created to “streamline” the federal government, DOGE under Musk became the ultimate budget-cutting machine. We’re talking agency shutdowns, staff layoffs, and enough red tape slashing to make a confetti cannon. While some praised the reforms as bold, others are calling them reckless. The response? Coast-to-coast protests with the rallying cry “Hands Off!”

Despite the noise, Trump remains publicly supportive. “He’s got a lot of companies to run,” Trump told reporters, suggesting the world’s busiest billionaire may be heading back to the world of electric cars, rockets, satellites, brain chips, and tweets that move markets.

Vice President JD Vance added fuel to the speculation, confirming that even if Musk leaves his government title behind, he’ll remain “a friend and advisor” to both him and the president. Translation: Elon’s still got Trump’s ear—just without the official nameplate.

Meanwhile, Tesla’s having a bit of a bumpy ride. Sales are down, the stock’s sliding, and investors are wondering whether politics and profit can really mix. Some say Musk’s high-profile presence in D.C. has made his brand less appealing in an already divided market.

The bigger question? What does Musk’s departure mean for Trump’s second-term plans? Some insiders believe the White House wanted Musk out of the spotlight to calm the waters. Others say he’s simply had enough of D.C. drama.

Whatever the case, don’t expect him to sit still. Whether he’s launching satellites or lunching with senators, Musk isn’t going anywhere. He may no longer be the official Mr. Fix-It for the federal government, but you can bet his influence is still circling the launch pad.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we say skip the press releases—watch the body language. And if Elon Musk is stepping down, he’s probably stepping sideways… into something just as chaotic.

At the Gringo Gazette, we like our news like we like our tacos—straightforward, a little spicy, and served without the extra fluff.

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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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Tijuana Talent at Harvard
 Articles, Arts & Literature, Border, Tijuana

Benito Del Águila Takes Border Culture to Harvard

—No Wall Can Hold Back Art

Harvard might be thousands of miles from the border, but last week it got a strong taste of Baja’s cultural flavor thanks to artist and cultural promoter Benito Del Águila. He brought the borderlands to the Ivy League during the symposium “Distant Neighbors or Regional Partners?”—a heavyweight gathering at Harvard University reflecting on U.S.–Mexico relations under two new administrations.

While academics, investigative journalists, Indigenous community leaders, and even a coalition of borderland mayors tackled migration and trade, Benito came with brushes, vision, and something Harvard hadn’t seen much of lately: borderland soul.

His talk focused on the power of art as a form of cultural diplomacy. According to Benito, it’s not about red tape or policy—art gets things done the old-fashioned way: by bringing people together. He shined a spotlight on the Tijuana–San Diego art community and how it’s been building bridges way before the diplomats got around to it.

Del Águila didn’t just theorize—he showed real-life examples of how the arts are opening dialogue and encouraging mutual respect between Mexico and the U.S. He also promoted “La Línea que Une – Conexiones Transfronterizas”, an exhibit featuring over 50 artists from both sides of the border who reflect on life in a binational community.

That show is part of Artwalk Rosarito 2025, which, if you haven’t been, is not just a walk—it’s a cultural sprint across gallery spaces that’s fast becoming the go-to art event of the region.

Benito’s participation at Harvard didn’t go unnoticed. Outlets like Flash Cultural Tijuana echoed the event, highlighting his role in pushing for deeper cross-border understanding through creativity and cultural connection.

It wasn’t just about showing off pretty pictures. It was a reminder that culture—unlike certain policies—actually crosses borders. Through art, music, and shared stories, Benito made it clear: when creativity leads the way, people follow.

And while Washington figures out which neighbor gets what, artists like Del Águila are already living in the future—one where Mexico and the U.S. aren’t distant at all.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we say skip the red tape—pass the paintbrush. Benito’s brushstrokes just hit Harvard, and Baja’s voice is louder than ever.

#Harvard

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