Get ready, flavor fanatics—Cocina la Baja 2025 is gearing up for another round of seafood bliss this July 12 at Estero Beach in Ensenada, and let me tell you, this is no ordinary festival. I sat in on the press conference, and not only did they give us the full scoop—they fed us, too. Baja’s very own Bluefina served up samples of their signature bluefin tuna, carved on the spot. Think buttery, rich, fresh-off-the-boat perfection.
The event, organized by SEPESCA BC and led by Alma Rosa García Juárez, is more than just food—it’s a full-on celebration of the people who bring Baja’s marine bounty to our plates: fishermen, aquaculture pros, and creative chefs from across the state.
From left to right: Chefs Román González Vázquez, Erick Rene Pérez Velardes, and Jaime Martin Montaño Hernandez.
This year, 45 duos of producers and chefs will whip up original seafood dishes featuring everything from abalone and sardines to curvina, mussels, seaweed, and that glorious bluefin. Each team is cooking 500 tastings, which means over 22,000 bites for the expected 1,500+ guests. Bring your appetite, folks.
And yes, there will be plenty to see too—live cooking shows, oyster-shucking contests, and a VR tuna pen experience by Baja Aqua Farms. Kids get their own science and conservation zone, and grown-ups can learn a thing or two about sustainable fishing practices.
Chef Carlos Gaytán—Mexico’s first Michelin-starred chef—is in. So is Popotla’s beloved traditional cook Lorena López. The Minerva Pérez Castro Culinary Challenge also returns, with culinary students from top Baja schools battling it out on July 11 at UABC El Sauzal.
Tickets are 950 pesos, and you can snag them online at Eventbrite (https://cocinalabaja2025.eventbrite.com.mx) or at select restaurants in Mexicali, Tijuana, and Ensenada.
Don’t sleep on this one. I already had a taste—and trust me, it’s worth every bite.
You didn’t need to be at Estadio Azteca to feel the rivalry heat—Ensenada brought the Clásico Nacional to life this Sunday with its own flare, sweat, and sea breeze. The City Sports Complex (Ciudad Deportiva de Ensenada) turned into a mini football temple as Club América Legends took on Chivas Legends in an exhibition match that drew hundreds of passionate fans.
No VAR, no million-dollar contracts—just pure fútbol, nostalgia, and carne asada aromas in the air.
Legends, Jerseys, and Local Flavor
Gates opened early, and so did the chants. Families, vendors, die-hard fans, and curious locals in half América, half Chivas jerseys (yes, it’s a thing) flooded the area. Flags waved, beers flowed, and kids reenacted goals they weren’t alive to see.
Outside, a steady flow of fans moved through checkpoints—no drama, just anticipation. The crowd was mostly peaceful, although some friendly taunts flew like misplaced corner kicks.
Security, paramedics, and vendors worked like a well-oiled midfield. Tacos? Check. Jerseys? Check. Inflatable screaming chicken? You bet.
A Win for the Community
The real score? Ensenada won—no matter what the scoreboard said.
Events like these bring life to the city’s sports scene and give locals a taste of the national stage without needing to cross a border or mortgage a kidney for tickets.
Both teams signed autographs, posed for photos, and showed that legends age, but rivalries? They don’t fade—they ferment like good Baja wine.
📍 Spotted: Unidad Deportiva, Ensenada. May 26, 2025.
📸 Photo by a local reader—probably still yelling “¡Águilas!” or “¡Rebaño Sagrado!”
Were you there? Send us your photos, chants, or conspiracy theories about that missed penalty—we’ll publish the best ones (minus the bad words).
Waves Don’t Forget: Surfers Honored One Year After Tragedy in Ensenada
Exactly one year after tragedy hit the surf community near La Bocana, Ensenada—friends, locals, and fellow wave-chasers gathered to remember Callum and Jake Robinson, two Australian brothers, and Carter Rhoad, their American companion.
They weren’t just surfers. They were sons, friends, explorers—and now, symbols of a community’s heartbreak and resilience.
A Memorial Where the Waves Still Break
On Tuesday, May 28, the community unveiled a memorial site near Punta San José, just south of Santo Tomás. The gesture was simple, but powerful: three surfboards standing tall—one for each life lost—and a plaque with their names etched in the wind.
Attendees included locals, international surfers, and even Australian Ambassador to Mexico Rachel Moseley, who joined the tribute with a few quiet words and many long gazes toward the horizon.
There were no speeches trying to make sense of it. Just flowers, surf wax, tears, and a few brave smiles.
A silent tribute with a view of the Pacific. Surfers and loved ones honor Callum, Jake, and Carter one year after their tragic deaths in Ensenada.#A silent tribute with a view of the Pacific. Surfers and loved ones honor Callum, Jake, and Carter one year after their tragic deaths in Ensenada.
What Happened?
In case you missed last year’s headlines: the three surfers went missing in late April 2024 during a surf trip along Baja’s rugged coast. Their bodies were later found in a remote area, sparking outrage, international headlines, and soul-searching in Baja’s outdoor tourism circles.
The suspects were caught. But justice can’t fix grief.
What remains is this: a community that refuses to forget.
Not Just a Surf Story
This isn’t just about surfers. It’s about travelers and dreamers, the ones who find joy off the grid and expect the basics—respect, safety, and humanity. The memorial is a quiet but permanent reminder that what happened here matters. And that we owe it to each other to protect more than waves.
A Moment, Not a Headline
No protests. No press circus. Just footprints in the sand and boards facing west.
Because sometimes, the loudest messages are the ones carved into silence.
📍 Memorial at Punta San José, unveiled May 28, 2025
This morning, if you were cruising along Ensenada’s blvd. costero and saw a long line of teachers with signs, chants, and serious determination—no, it wasn’t a school field trip gone rogue.
It was a coordinated protest involving thousands of CNTE (Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación) members, all demanding something pretty basic: a paycheck that actually covers their monthly expenses.
What’s This All About?
Teachers across northern Baja California are asking for a salary adjustment. Right now, many of them earn 7,000 pesos a month—that’s around $400 USD. Their demand? 14,000 pesos per month, just to keep up with rising costs in this high-expense region.
Their argument is simple: border cities like Ensenada, Tijuana, and Mexicali are far more expensive than many other parts of Mexico. From housing to groceries to school supplies, teachers here are getting crushed by inflation, and the paycheck just doesn’t cut it.
As CNTE reps told El Imparcial, this isn’t just about salaries. It’s about ending systemic inequality between education workers in the north and those in less expensive southern states.
📷 Photo captured by the Gringo Gazette North team. Teachers Take the Streets in Ensenada Today
But Did They Block the City?
Not even close. And that’s important.
Unlike other protests that cause full shutdowns—or spark a flood of “¡Ya pónganse a trabajar!” Facebook comments—today’s protest in Ensenada was respectful and intentional.
Teachers formed a human chain along one lane only, letting traffic continue on the boulevard. No smoke bombs. Just messages, chants, and signs meant to be seen and heard without stopping the city cold.
Even at the toll booths in Rosarito and Ensenada, they made their point in true Baja fashion: they let drivers through without paying.
Yes, you read that right. Protest with a FastPass. Who knew civil disobedience could save you cash?
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a fight about teacher pay—it’s about regional fairness.
When national pay scales ignore the cost-of-living differences, the people on the frontlines of education suffer. These teachers aren’t asking for riches—they’re asking for the dignity of being able to buy groceries, pay rent, and support their families.
And they’ve made it clear: they don’t want to hurt the public. They’re targeting a system that, in their view, has left them behind.
Think of it as civil disobedience with a lesson plan.
What’s Next?
The CNTE says this protest is indefinite until the federal government responds. But so far, schools in the northern zone haven’t shut down. Most classes are running with modified schedules or online alternatives.
So if you spotted the protest this morning, maybe honk and wave next time. These teachers aren’t blocking your way. They’re clearing a path toward something better.
📍 Spotted on Blvd. Costero, Ensenada – May 28, 2025
The U.S. isn’t just humming a different tune—it’s pulling the plug altogether.
In the latest move that proves Washington isn’t bluffing, the U.S. has started revoking visas from Mexican artists linked to narcocorridos—that musical genre that glorifies cartel life, luxury SUVs, and the occasional gold-plated rifle.
It’s not just talk anymore. And this time, the consequences are real.
When Music Gets You Banned
Let’s start with Julión Álvarez. The popular singer had to cancel a concert in Arlington, Texas, after his visa was revoked—again. Yes, again. You might remember he was sanctioned back in 2017, later cleared in 2022. But now he’s back on the no-fly list.
#Julión Álvarez performing at the Uriangato Fair
Then there’s the band Los Alegres del Barranco, whose visa got the axe after projecting a giant image of a cartel boss during a concert in Guadalajara. The message? Not so subtle.
Washington didn’t like it. And neither did CBP.
This is more than a cultural disagreement. It’s a policy shift.
The Law Is on Their Side
Here’s the kicker: the U.S. doesn’t need a criminal conviction to cancel your visa. Thanks to Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, all it takes is “reasonable suspicion” of ties—direct or indirect—to criminal activity. No trial. No appeal.
So far, this legal backdoor has been used not only against musicians, but also against politicians.
And while some deny it, others call it a smear campaign. But words are cheap. Visa revocations? Not so much.
As we said before in “No Entry for Narco-Cheerleaders”, the message is loud and clear: if your brand benefits from glorifying crime, expect your access to Disneyland and outlet malls to disappear.
Why It Matters
This isn’t about censorship. It’s about signal control.
The U.S. has decided it won’t tolerate public figures—musical or political—who promote or profit from organized crime imagery. It’s not about your playlist. It’s about your passport.
And here in Baja, where cross-border culture runs deep and artists tour constantly, this isn’t just news—it’s a warning.
What’s Next?
The growing list of visa cancellations is making headlines, but the real story is the pattern. U.S. policy is shifting from speeches to visible, targeted actions. The consequences aren’t symbolic. They’re logistical. No plane ticket. No tour. No Las Vegas residency.
And unless artists and politicians shift their messaging, that list will likely grow.
Bottom Line?
Freedom of speech? Sure.
Freedom to enter the U.S.? That’s a different border.
On Monday afternoon, May 26, 2025, the San Ysidro Port of Entry became the stage for a rare—and tense—cross-border chase.
A man driving through the Mexican side was reportedly intercepted by members of Mexico’s National Guard. Things escalated quickly. Guns were drawn. A physical scuffle broke out. And just when it looked like the man would be detained—he hit the gas and drove straight into U.S. territory.
Once across the line, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents took over. They ordered him to the ground and quickly placed him in custody.
#Mexican National Guard officer also crossed the border
But the scene didn’t stop there. In the heat of the moment, a Mexican National Guard officer also crossed the border, weapon in hand. U.S. agents wasted no time instructing him to return to the Mexican side, which he did—without further conflict.
The chaos led to a temporary shutdown of vehicle lanes at the port, frustrating crossers and sending social media into overdrive.
So… Why Was He Being Chased?
Good question. As of now, no official explanation has been given by Mexican authorities about what triggered the attempted arrest. No details about the man’s identity, charges, or legal status in the U.S. have been released either.
But the images—viral videos, armed confrontations, a man lying on U.S. pavement—have reignited debates about border jurisdiction, cooperation, and just how chaotic the world’s busiest land crossing can get.
From Ensenada to Italy: Isaac del Toro Paints the Giro Pink
If you needed a reason to scream “¡Viva Ensenada!” today, here it is. Isaac del Toro, a 21-year-old cyclist from Ensenada, Baja California, is wearing the pink jersey at one of the most prestigious races in the world: the Giro d’Italia.
Not familiar with the Giro? Imagine the Tour de France, but with more pasta, sharper hills, and Italian fans shouting things you don’t understand but somehow love. It’s one of cycling’s three “Grand Tours,” and Isaac is currently leading it.
That’s right. Not participating. Leading. And not just by a little.
From Baja to the Big Leagues
Isaac didn’t just show up. He’s earned every second of that lead. With mountain legs of steel and a calm head on chaotic roads, he’s currently 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Britain’s Simon Yates. Not far behind is his own UAE Team Emirates teammate, Juan Ayuso.
The race started on May 9 in Albania (yes, Albania), and will end June 1 in Rome. Between those two cities? 21 grueling stages and over 3,500 km of pure madness: cobblestones, climbs, descents, and enough drama to fill an Italian soap opera.
What Makes This Huge?
Simple. No Mexican has ever worn the pink jersey this long. Ever.
Not in a sport dominated by Europeans. Not in a race where altitude, weather, and road gradient are designed to break you. Isaac isn’t just surviving—he’s thriving.
And if you think this is a lucky break, think again. Back in 2023, he won the Tour de l’Avenir, aka “The Tour de France for future stars.” That was the first time a Mexican even came close to winning it. Now, he’s got a shot at making history on an even bigger stage.
The Team Is All In
Photo courtesy of @TeamEmiratesUAE on X: The UAE Team Emirates–XRG lineup at the Giro d’Italia 2025, where Ensenada’s Isaac del Toro continues to shine in pink.
UAE Team Emirates isn’t playing it safe. They’ve gone all-in on the Ensenadense. The team director, Joxean Fernández Matxin, didn’t mince words:
“Isaac has shown he’s the strongest in the race. He’s earned that jersey.”
Isaac, always the calm one, says he’s in the best shape of his life. And it shows. He’s already survived vicious climbs, brutal pace attacks, and the pressure of leading one of cycling’s toughest events.
But nothing quite matched the moment his mom appeared at the podium, full of tears and pride, waving a massive Mexican flag and probably making every viewer sob into their espresso.
A Win for Baja and Beyond
For us in Baja California—especially Ensenada—this isn’t just about sports. It’s a global mic drop. We export wine, we export sea urchins, and now we export world-class cyclists.
And let’s be real: how often does someone from your hometown lead a historic Italian race while draped in pink?
So whether you’re a casual fan, a Sunday cyclist, or someone who just likes seeing Mexicans win on the world stage, Isaac’s ride is one to follow.
The Final Push
With a week left in the Giro, nothing is guaranteed. The Alps are coming. So are the attacks. But if there’s one thing we know about Isaac del Toro, it’s this:
He doesn’t just ride—he climbs, he calculates, and he conquers.
We’ll be watching, cheering, and maybe, just maybe, learning how to pronounce “maglia rosa” properly.
Ed. Note. A couple of weeks back, we ran a piece in our Cabo edition about the alleged closure of Hotel Serenidad. Well, that stirred the pot. Sandra Johnson gave us a very heated call to set the record straight: according to her, the hotel hasn’t closed. She told us they’re lawyering up and fighting to keep the property, which, she says, was legally purchased by her mother, Nancy Ugalde Gorosave. Sandra also pointed out that five generations of her family were born in Mulegé, and claims the local Ejido is trying to take their land. So, is it closed for good? Sounds like the story isn’t over just yet.
Martina’s note: Years ago, I fell into this story quite by accident. I love when the story finds me. I have decades of fond memories of my travels into Baja Sur. The story that follows was one of the first published in my column for Baja Bound. What is special about this is that I was able to talk with the elder owner, Don Johnson. And for those of us who have just learned the hotel might be closing it can feel like the loss of an old friend. I hope you enjoy traveling back in time.
The Heydays of Hollywood Baja Style
Light splashes everywhere on the palm fronds, the surface of the swimming pool, and the drops of water falling into the fountain. I step into the magic of the Hotel Serenidad. Here on this very patio stars of the silver screen walked during the heydays of Hollywood when glamour created dreams. Those who created those dreams came to Mulegé, where they could hide from their adoring fans. It was their secret place and Don Johnson was their host. They danced here and sang here and romance was a companion of the night. Don Johnson was an icon of this era. Fate brought the opportunity for an interview.
For some reason I’m just a little starstruck. Don welcomes me and makes me feel right at home. He is a good storyteller himself and jumps right in. “I first discovered Mulegé by way of a leaky boat from San Felipe, before Highway 1 was completed in 1972. I came to investigate and to dream. Once I set foot on the shore, I never wanted to leave.” This began a love affair with the pristine gulf region and a potential for a new life. By then Leroy Center was finishing up construction on the Hotel Serenidad in 1961. Don applied and became the hotel’s boat manager.
Later Don along with investors bought the resort from Mr. Center and began living his dream. “I didn’t want to go back to the rat race. I wanted to be involved with what I had a deep interest in. I was interested in meeting people; meeting all kinds of people is like a shot in the arm to me.” Don loved the Saturday night Pig Roast. Baja pilots flew in just for the feast. What a time it must have been, no paved highway, Mulegé with dirt streets, a sleepy fishing village, deeply peaceful and star studded like the Mulegé nights.
Don Johnson
Fate danced into Don’s life one warm evening with the breezes rustling the palm trees. Don was the host for the evening of Mariachi music for a lively quinceañera. All the young women wore beautiful dresses in swirling colors. As if in a movie, Don looked across the patio and just beyond the sparkling fountain, there was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. It was love at first sight. He walked through the crowd, held out his hand and introduced himself. On January 12, 2014, Nancy and Don celebrated 50 years of marriage and have raised three daughters. It was evident how much he cared for all his women and he said about Nancy, “She is real, a truly wonderful person and I am the luckiest man to have lived with her so long.” Within these 50 years Don and Nancy together created an era of true Hollywood magic for people from around the world.
Today as we sit talking the sun is fiercely hot, typical of Mulegé summers. One of the waiters bring Don and I tall glasses of iced lemonade. I noted how the employees treated him with respect. Don smiles and continues his story. “After World War II, sound came to the Hollywood big screen. This was the beginning of what is called The Golden Age of Hollywood. It lasted into the late 60s.” He spun a tail of dashing heroes and beautiful starlets creating a rich fantasy. However, none was more romantic than being in Baja; flying in over the blue gulf waters, touching down on the dirt airstrip. It was a joy to welcome them all to paradise.” He asks me, “Do you know how you talk to a famous person? You be yourself and don’t try to be someone else.”
Don continued and His stories felt like he was rolling out the red carpet for them. “I had a nice young man stay for a week. He enjoyed himself so much he said he would return with his father. The day that he flew back in I saw him walking into the restaurant with a slender man. Grinning he said to me, I’d like to introduce you to my dad, Fred Astair!” Don sipped his lemonade, musing, “I saw Astair dancing in this very patio. He was a truly beautiful human being.” Don continued to spin the tales, “Now I’ll never forget the day John Denver flew in. Once John was settled, he offered to play later in the evening. Of course, I said yes! He went out to his plane, got his guitar and it was a magical night. There were just a few people staying here and they couldn’t believe I had the budget for that kind of entertainment; of course, I didn’t.” He laughed and said, “People thought I was the last of the big spenders!”
“There were so many who came here, I don’t even recall all their names.” He paused and continued, “You know they called him the “Duke.” Ah, I must admit I’d been waiting for this. I could picture the legendary John Wayne, with his distinctive walk, striding across the patio from the gulf. Don described his developing friendship. “Duke would often cruise on his 135-foot yacht, The Wild Goose, and moor near the lighthouse. He was a super person, a very special type of man. He would frequently ask Nancy and I to lunch on his yacht. On one of his visits, I told John that he would be winning the Academy Award that year. John scoffed at me; he asked how could I possibly know?” But sure enough, in 1969 Wayne won best actor in True Grit. Don reminisced of the times he and Nancy were invited to visit John in his home in Newport Beach, California. “Even though we were good friends, I would think to myself, ‘I’m just this guy with a little hotel in Mexico, how could I be finding myself here? Later after John died, I learned that every time he planned to come down for a visit, he would make sure there was plenty of Rocky Road ice cream in the freezer. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think of John remembering that it was my favorite ice cream.”
Just two weeks after this story was published, Don passed away on September 15, 2020, at the age of 94. Now the legacy he left behind might be closing. It seems this is the way of life. Beginnings and endings. It’s a reminder to fully live life creating the special memories. What calls us to return to Baja over and over is something that words cannot touch. But the heart knows and plans its next trip beyond the cities into the mystical Baja.
Another Editor’s Note (because why not): Martina’s the author of Dust in My Sandals, Tales from a Baja Traveler, and you’ll spot her book in her ad too. Go ahead, start planning that trip.
This Saturday, skip the malls, ditch the couch, and head straight to where Baja creativity takes over the streets. Art Walk Rosarito is back—and it’s not just an event, it’s a full-body cultural experience.
Picture this: coastal breezes, bold colors, spontaneous music, and walls that breathe imagination. This isn’t just a walk—it’s a journey through local identity, talent, and raw creative joy.
Just when you thought the border couldn’t get any pricier—remittances now come with a 3.5% surcharge.
Last week, the proposed 5% remittance tariff set off alarms. We unpacked the implications in our article “The Debate Over the 5% Remittance Fee: Baja’s Perspective”, highlighting concerns for families, cross-border workers, and Mexico’s economy.
But this morning, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed during her daily press conference that the number has been negotiated down to 3.5%. Still, the tariff remains active and very real.
Sheinbaum insists the fee is unjust and violates a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Mexico. She’s pushing to eliminate it altogether. But for now, it stands—and it hits a sensitive nerve in Mexico’s financial stability.
It’s Not Just Money
Remittances represent a significant slice of Mexico’s GDP, especially in border regions like Baja California. Cities such as Tijuana depend on thousands of cross-border workers—many of whom lack formal documentation or status.
So far, no thorough study has determined how many of these workers are U.S. citizens, legal residents, or hold temporary work permits. And that doesn’t even count the thousands working off the books.
In 2024, Mexicans sent home over $63 billion dollars in remittances. That’s not just a number—it’s sacrifice, family ties, and economic survival.
Now, imagine skimming 3.5% off the top. That’s money lost on both sides of the border.
Pushback Grows
To respond, Sheinbaum’s administration is proposing a permanent binational roundtable with diaspora leaders—those representing migrant communities abroad who understand the human impact of these policies.
Critics are lining up. Javier Medina, a Mexican-American professor and researcher living in Arlington, Texas, warned that the fee could undermine the main incentive that drives legal migration and formal employment.
“If you weaken that support channel,” Medina said, “you’re not just taxing dollars. You’re cutting into the very reason many migrants keep going.”
Baja’s Reality Check
For Baja, the stakes are deeply personal. Will this policy drive remittance activity underground? Will families turn away from banks?
And the bigger question—who really gains from taxing care?
