Articles GGNorth

Articles

Holy Week Shutdown Strikes Again

Yes, You’ll Survive Two Days Without the Bank

If you were planning to do anything remotely bureaucratic this Thursday or Friday, think again. Banks will be closed. Most government offices? Also closed. Why? Because it’s Holy Week, and in Mexico, that means it’s time to hit pause on anything that resembles productivity.

From Thursday (April 17) through Friday (April 18), offices all over the country are locking up and heading out—presumably to the beach, a barbecue, or church (in that order, probably).

So what does this mean for you? If you need to do anything involving money transfers, immigration paperwork, permit renewals, or your favorite pastime—waiting in line at the SAT office—save yourself the heartbreak. It’s not happening.

ATMs should still work (we said “should”), and you might find some banks with limited services at grocery store branches. But anything requiring an actual human behind a desk? Nope.

Post offices, courts, city halls, and other official spots are joining in the national long weekend. You know it’s serious when even the people who stamp your papers are saying “mañana.”

On the bright side, it’s a great excuse to take a break yourself. Go enjoy some sunshine, eat too many empanadas, and reflect on the fact that life in Mexico comes with siestas and government-wide vacations.

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 Breaking News, San Diego

Shaky Monday Morning—5.2 Earthquake Rattles San Diego

Baja Feels It Too

If your coffee trembled this morning—it wasn’t the caffeine. At around 10:08 a.m., a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit near Julian, in the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego.

The quake shook much of Southern California, and yes, folks in Tijuana and Mexicali felt it too. No serious damage has been reported on either side of the border, but that jolt was enough to get our hearts racing.

Minor damages Protección Civil
Minor damage, according to Protección Civil.

Authorities in Baja California confirmed that the quake was felt lightly in urban areas. No injuries or major damages have been reported as of press time, but local Protección Civil teams are staying alert in case aftershocks follow.

So, should you panic? Nope. But should you double-check your emergency plan and maybe refill that earthquake kit? Absolutely.

You can track real-time seismic activity here: earthquake.usgs.gov

Even minor quakes remind us—Baja is quake country. Preparedness beats surprise every time. And if you felt it, the USGS wants your input: Did You Feel It? Report It Here

At the Gringo Gazette North, we don’t do bad news—but we do help you stay standing when the earth doesn’t.

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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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 Baja Norte, Breaking News, Humane Society, Legal, Tijuana

Bullfights Are Back in Tijuana! Court Lifts Ban and Sparks Big Reactions

After nearly a year of silence in the bullrings, bullfighting is making a comeback in Baja California. A federal court has unanimously overturned the judicial suspension that had stopped all bullfighting events in the state since April 2023.

The news was shared by Manuel Bowser Miret, owner of the Nuevo Toreo in Tijuana, who celebrated what he called a “legal victory” for fans and supporters of the tradition. With the suspension lifted, events can now legally return to venues like the iconic Tijuana bullring.

Photo: Clarence Alford. Adobe Stock

Bowser said more announcements will be made soon, including what’s next for bullfighting in the region.

The ban began after animal rights groups filed a legal motion that was backed by federal authorities. It even forced the cancellation of a major event planned for July 2023. Since then, bullfighting in Baja California had been off the table—until now.

This court decision reignites a long-standing debate between culture and animal rights. While some cheer the return of la Fiesta Brava, others are already calling for new legal battles. One thing’s for sure—bullfighting is no longer just a memory in Tijuana.

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Screenshot of the Presidential broadcast
 Breaking News, Taxes, Water

Sheinbaum Keeps It Cool While Trump Flirts and Threatens

Sheinbaum responded diplomatically

Donald Trump sent flowers on X—digitally, of course. He called President Claudia Sheinbaum “a magnificent president” and “a very elegant woman.”

Lovely words… but he followed them with a not-so-subtle threat. Trump warned that Mexico could face tariffs and a water shutoff if it doesn’t deliver what’s owed to Texas under the 1944 treaty.

Sheinbaum? She kept it classy. In her own post, she laid it all out: Mexico has already submitted a proposal to the U.S. State Department. It includes short-term actions and technical solutions to make up for water delays—despite three years of drought.

She’s not looking for a fight. “I’m confident we’ll reach a reasonable agreement,” she said. “I don’t think this will turn into a conflict.” But, she added, “if it does, we’ll be ready.”

Among the fixes: a long-awaited desalination plant in Playas de Rosarito and stricter oversight in Mexicali, where farming water sometimes ends up rerouted and sold.

Now we wait to see if Trump’s admiration for Sheinbaum’s “elegance” will be enough to soften his usual hardline style.


Trump Calls Sheinbaum “Fantastic”—But Still Threatens Tariffs

Want to understand the bigger picture behind these water talks?

Check out our columnist Martina Dobesh, who dives deep into Baja’s water politics—minus the fluff and drama.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we keep it cool—because in Baja, every drop counts.

A Stark Warning of Water Cuts: A Water Watch Editorial
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Trump and his taxes
 Articles, Breaking News, Water

Trump Wants to Cut Off Tijuana’s Water


Says Texas Is Thirsty

Just when we thought we’d seen it all, Donald Trump is now threatening tariffs—and yes, even cutting off water to Tijuana.

The reason? He claims Mexico is hoarding water that rightfully belongs to Texas farmers. According to him, 1.3 million acre-feet of water are missing. That’s not just a lot—it’s Texas’s entire sugar crop and citrus farms crying for help.

The 1944 Water Treaty requires Mexico to send water north every five years. Trump says Mexico isn’t keeping up. And now he wants payback: economic sanctions, closed borders, and zero agua for Baja.

His former Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, chimed in with promises of “escalating consequences.” That’s political code for: “We’re serious. Don’t make us come down there.”

Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz jumped in to stir the pot. He called the situation “a man-made crisis” and said Texas deserves better. Of course, he didn’t mention the part about record droughts on both sides of the border.

Created by AI

The U.S. already rejected Mexico’s latest water delivery proposal. That includes water needed for Tijuana. So yes—this could get very real, very fast.

But let’s take a breath. Treaties are tricky, and diplomacy still exists—somewhere. Baja’s not running dry just yet.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we say this: Let’s stay informed, not inflamed. If water’s the next border battle, let’s keep our cool—and maybe a backup jug, just in case.

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Photo courtesy of Zeta Tijuana
 Public Security, Tijuana

Massive Baja Manhunt for Cop-Killing Fugitive

Suspect escapes despite choppers, drones, and elite forces

Just when Baja officials were patting themselves on the back over dropping crime stats, a violent fugitive turned Tijuana into a war zone—and got away.

Abigail Esparza Reyes

On Wednesday afternoon, Abigail Esparza Reyes, commander of Liaison for Baja California’s State Citizen Security Force (FESC), better known as the Gringo Hunters, was shot and killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant in the gated neighborhood of Residencial Barcelona. The target? Allegedly César Hernández, a U.S. fugitive wanted since December 2024 by the Delano Police Department in California.

What was supposed to be a routine operation turned deadly. Hernández opened fire, hitting Esparza Reyes before barricading himself inside a home. Despite being rushed to the Red Cross in Tijuana, the officer later died of her injuries.

Cue one of the biggest law enforcement mobilizations in recent memory: local, state, and federal forces swarmed the area. Two helicopters buzzed overhead, three drones scanned the streets, and a tactical unit rolled in. Residents captured dramatic footage of the standoff, expecting a dramatic capture. But after four hours of searching, the fugitive managed to slip away—again.

This wasn’t Hernández’s first escape. Reports say he previously fled U.S. custody while in court—yes, you read that right.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila expressed her condolences, promising justice: “The life of Abigail will be honored, and her death will not go unpunished.” She also praised the courage of the officers involved in the operation.

Suspect escapes walking after killing a state police officer

Still, the incident raises serious questions—how did a known fugitive manage to kill an officer, escape a massive manhunt, and vanish in plain sight?

The timing couldn’t be worse. Just a day earlier, officials were showcasing glossy graphs about falling crime rates, boasting Tijuana had dropped from second to tenth place in national homicide rankings. But real safety isn’t measured in stats—it’s measured in justice, accountability, and making sure criminals, whether local or international, don’t get a free pass.

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about protecting the people who risk their lives for the rest of us. No tolerance for violence. No excuses for failure. No forgetting Abigail.

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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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