Articles GGNorth

Genaro García Luna, former Mexican security czar, and his wife Linda Cristina Pereira.

Articles

Former Mexican Security Czar Owes $1.7 Billion Debt

His Wife? $1.7 Billion.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your credit card bill, just imagine owing $250 million dollars. Now imagine your spouse owes $1.7 billion more. That’s not a typo. That’s the real, court-ordered debt now tied to Genaro García Luna, former Mexican security czar, and his wife Linda Cristina Pereira.

The sentence came down in a Florida civil court, not as a couple, but as two individually corrupt players. Apparently, crime doesn’t just pay—it pays so much, you can lose track of a billion or two.

According to Pablo Gómez, chief of Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit (known by its Spanish acronym, UIF), this power duo didn’t just steal from the people—they cleaned it through the U.S. and somehow sent it back to Mexico. The details remain vague, but the consequences are loud and clear.

At today’s morning press conference (yep, Friday, May 23, 2025), officials confirmed the ruling. And for once, the math doesn’t lie: theft at this scale finally comes with a receipt.

Of course, some say this is political theater, sparked by the 2018 power shift. But others note that even within Morena, not everything is squeaky clean. Just take a look at our recent report on visa revocations among top Mexican politicians.

Still, for today, justice made a little noise—and it came with a dollar sign.

The criminal trial in Mexico is still pending, with multiple arrest warrants open and active investigations underway. So while Florida handled the civil side, Mexico’s own courts are warming up.

Whether this marks real change or just a PR win, one thing is clear:

corruption isn’t hiding as well as it used to.

Not all thieves wear ski masks. Some wear suits, hand out contracts, and smile for the camera—until the system finally snaps back.

Luisa Rosas-HernándezMay 23, 2025, 1:18 pmMay 28, 2025 0 410

Viñedos en Flor 2025: Wine, Art & Causes Worth Toasting To

Articles, Charities, Ensenada, Tourism, Wine

Experience Viñedos en Flor: A Festival of Wine, Food, and Fun

“Terruño, Identidad y Vocación” (Which basically means: This land was made for wine—and we’ve got the talent to prove it)

This June 13 and 14, Ensenada will bloom—literally—with the 19th edition of Viñedos en Flor. It’s where wine, art, food, and social causes come together in the prettiest season of the year.

Hosted by the Provino Committee, the event will unfold at Rancho San Gabriel. Organizers describe it as a family-friendly festival filled with education, sustainability, and, of course, wine.

A Program with Purpose

On Friday, June 13, the event begins with Conferencias en Flor at CEVIT Auditorium at CETYS University in Ensenada, Baja California. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in both English and Spanish.

Speakers will explore topics like water conservation, migration, and land care. The lineup includes voices from the Berry Good Food Foundation, Capacity is limited to only 100 seats.

The main event takes place on Saturday, June 14, from 12 to 5 p.m. at Rancho San Gabriel. This celebration will feature:

80 local wineries
160 wine labels to sample
An ecological corridor and educational zones
Entry capped at 1,000 guests only

Tickets cost $950 pesos and include a wine glass and unlimited tasting. Kids under 18 enter for free.
🍇 Buy tickets here 🍇

Eat, Sip, Give

Chef Miguel Bahena leads the food section, joined by chefs who work by donation. In addition, organizers are seeking fruit and vegetable donations to support local, seasonal cooking.

Furthermore, dishes will highlight regional flavors and pair beautifully with the wines. You’ll eat well, drink better, and support a great cause—all in one bite.

Besides, a farmers market will showcase bread, cheese, honey, lavender, and more. Every product comes straight from the Ensenada valley.

Meanwhile, kids get their own fun:

Art workshops for ages 3–11 (Prisma Academy sponsor)
Kite-making
A mini zoo from Pai Pai
A child-friendly food area, thanks to La Canasta

Art With a Mission

The event’s signature fundraising moment is the “Artists & Kids” art auction. Proceeds will support schools, sports fields, and the Porvenir Fire Department, which received 96,000 pesos last year.

This year, organizers expect to raise over 735,000 pesos. This isn’t a commercial festival—it’s a community effort.

Who’s Running the Show?

The logistics are managed by Daniel Sánchez Olivares, who’s been coordinating the event for six years. His wife, Gaby Melchum of Hacienda Guadalupe, is also rumored to be lending her magic touch.

Viñedos en Flor isn’t just about sipping under the sun. It’s about roots—of vines, people, and purpose. And like a good vintage, this event just keeps getting better with time.

Luisa Rosas-HernándezMay 22, 2025, 8:57 amMay 22, 2025 1 393

From podiums to politics: Sheinbaum, Marina del Pilar, and Trump caught in the storm over U.S. visa revocations.

Articles

The Diplomatic Mystery: U.S. Revoking Visas of Mexican Politicians

Blacklist or Power Move? The U.S. Tightens the Visa Grip on Mexican Officials

Something’s shifting between Mexico and the U.S.—and it’s not the tectonic plates.

Lately, a growing number of Mexican politicians have had their U.S. visas revoked. There were no big press releases. No formal charges. Just quiet denials, awkward press conferences, and canceled trips.

Who’s on the List?

That part’s still murky. Depending on who you ask, there are either 35 or 44 names. What’s more, those names aren’t small. Reports from ProPublica, El Universal, and the Diario de Yucatán point to governors, mayors, lawmakers, and even military officers.

The alleged reasons vary. Some involve organized crime links. Others mention fuel smuggling—a.k.a. huachicol fiscal.

Here are just a few of the names making the rounds:

Marina del Pilar Ávila, Baja California governor
Américo Villarreal, Tamaulipas governor
Alfonso Durazo, Sonora governor
Samuel García, Nuevo León governor
Layda Sansores, Campeche governor
Mario Delgado, federal Education Secretary
Ricardo Monreal and Adán Augusto López, Morena power players
Several mayors from Tamaulipas and Chihuahua
At least four high-ranking generals
And even Manuel Bartlett, still in the headlines somehow

Map of suspicion: U.S. visa revocations ripple through Mexican politics, with 44 names rumored and Uncle Sam keeping the list sealed.

So… Are These Claims True?

That depends who you ask. Some governments, like Tamaulipas, first called the visa reports “fake news.” Later, they downgraded the statement to “unconfirmed.”

Others went the quiet route. Alberto Granados, mayor of Matamoros, reportedly had his visa yanked while trying to cross into Brownsville. He denied it. But the story didn’t go away.

Marina del Pilar simply said, “It’s not a requirement to govern.” She’s right. But being on a U.S. blacklist doesn’t exactly boost your image either.

What’s Washington Doing?

Apparently, a lot—without saying much.

According to a U.S. official quoted by journalist Tim Golden, canceling visas sends a message. It shows the U.S. is no longer looking the other way.

Instead of courtrooms and criminal cases, Washington is using its travel system as a pressure valve. No charges, no trials—just a silent pushback.

This quiet strategy lets the U.S. act without sparking a full-blown diplomatic firestorm. For now, it’s working.

Why This Matters

Even if there are no indictments, the consequences are real. A revoked visa can hurt relationships, business, and international credibility.

It also raises bigger questions. If the U.S. is willing to act alone, what comes next? Will there be sanctions? Will the public ever see the full list?

More importantly: how will the Mexican government respond if the quiet list keeps growing?

One thing is certain—this isn’t just about travel. It’s about power, politics, and pressure.

And for many Mexican politicians, the message seems clear: stay clean—or stay home.

If you’re wondering whether this is the start of something bigger, the answer might be: yes, and it’s already happening.

Luisa Rosas-HernándezMay 22, 2025, 7:03 amMay 22, 2025 2 991

Articles, Charities, Rosarito

Empowering Rosarito: Supporting Kids with Beat the Cycle

Rosarito just got a little closer to hope.

Something unusual is happening in Rosarito—and it’s not another Starbucks or beachfront development.

This week, the nonprofit Beat the Cycle broke ground on a center for kids dealing with real struggles: autism, illiteracy, hunger, and poverty. While other projects target tourists or retirees, this one is all about local families who need help now.

Founders Irene Donnell and Sol Carrola lead the effort. They secured the land at Gabriel Esquivel Alvarado 22706, and they’re not wasting time. “We’re not just building walls,” said Donnell. “We’re building futures.”

A Celebration with Purpose

The group plans to host a community celebration on Sunday, May 25 at 12:30 PM, right at the site. Residents can stop by to learn more, meet the team, and sign up to help.

Visitors will hear directly from the founders and see how the land is being transformed. They’ll also find out how to get involved—whether that means donating, volunteering, or just spreading the word.

The center will provide therapy for kids with autism, literacy support, job training, and daily meals. Although modest in size, the facility represents a huge step forward for the neighborhood.

“This is more than a building,” said Carrola. “It’s a safe space where forgotten kids will finally feel seen.”

What’s Needed Now

While the first stage of grading is done, much more remains. Beat the Cycle needs funding, supplies, and local hands to keep moving forward.

Even small contributions can make a big difference. Tools, food, paint—anything helps. Volunteers are also needed to support construction and future programming.

Importantly, this isn’t just charity. It’s a smart investment in Rosarito’s next generation. And it sends a strong message: every child deserves a shot at success, no matter where they were born.

To get involved or support the project, visit www.beatthecycle.org. Because some cycles need to be broken—and this one is finally getting cracked open, shovel by shovel.

Luisa Rosas-HernándezMay 22, 2025, 6:47 amMay 21, 2025 1 845

Cuauhtémoc vs Brooklyn Bridge — The Unexpected Collision

Articles, Breaking News, Mexico: Making Headlines

The Cuauhtémoc Crashed—And It Wasn’t All Its Fault

Mystery at sea… in reverse.

On May 17, the pride of Mexico’s Navy, the Buque Escuela Cuauhtémoc, left a mark on New York City—literally. The tall ship, known for its elegant sails and globe-spanning goodwill missions, slammed stern-first into the Brooklyn Bridge.

Two sailors died. Over twenty more were injured. And in less than 90 seconds, a picture-perfect farewell turned into a maritime mess.

At first glance, it looked like a simple navigational error. A ship backs up into a bridge? Must be the captain’s fault, right?

Not so fast.

Turns out, the Cuauhtémoc wasn’t sailing solo. During the maneuver, a U.S. harbor pilot was in charge. A tugboat was nearby to assist. And conditions on the East River weren’t exactly calm. So what really went wrong?

Let’s break it down.

The Cuauhtémoc began its departure from South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 around 8:20 PM. The plan was simple: back out with help from a tug, then pivot and sail away with style.

But something went sideways—literally. Instead of pulling away, the ship began to drift in reverse, heading directly toward the Brooklyn Bridge. Just four minutes later, at around 8:24 PM, the ship’s rear mast struck the underside of the bridge. All three masts collapsed like dominos.

According to reports, the tugboat assisting the ship wasn’t even tied to it. So when the Cuauhtémoc began to drift, there was nothing holding her back—except hope and a late reaction.

U.S. media noted that the harbor pilot had between 80 and 90 seconds to act. That’s not much time, especially with crosscurrents, wind, and an untethered tug.

Also, a mechanical failure might have played a role. Investigators suspect a delay or malfunction in the propulsion system. Without thrust, the ship was at the mercy of the river.

So was it the Navy’s fault? Not entirely.

Was it the pilot’s? Maybe not exclusively.

This wasn’t one mistake. It was a chain of them—some human, some technical, and some just plain unlucky.

The crash also revealed something deeper: a breakdown in coordination. The Mexican Navy and U.S. port authorities had one job—get the ship out safely. But between communication gaps, a poorly positioned tugboat, and unclear roles, that job fell apart fast.

As of now, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.

Meanwhile, Mexico mourns the loss of two sailors who died far from home, and dozens of others recover from injuries both physical and emotional. The Cuauhtémoc, beloved by generations, is now docked and undergoing damage assessment.

The iconic Mexican tall ship Cuauhtémoc2

There are lessons here. Big ones.

Even the most beautiful ships, with the most experienced crews, need precision and teamwork—especially when you’re sailing in New York City traffic.

We’ll be watching. Not to point fingers. But to make sure the next time Cuauhtémoc sails out of a foreign port, she does it with all her sails up—and her stern facing the right direction.

Luisa Rosas-HernándezMay 20, 2025, 7:42 pmMay 28, 2025 0 575

Ensenada just turned 143—and threw a party like it was her quinceañera.

Breaking News, Ensenada

Ensenada Turns 143 and Still Knows How to Party

Ensenada hit 143 this weekend—and threw a party loud enough to wake the whales.

On Sunday, May 18, more than 12,000 people packed the Riviera Cultural Center. From start to finish, it was one big community love fest.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz kicked things off at 2 PM. After that, the celebration rolled non-stop until 10 PM.

Meanwhile, three stages kept everyone moving. Takón Machín, Grupo Claytons, and Mariachi Ensenada played throughout the afternoon. Then, at 8:30 PM, Elefante brought the house down.

In addition, families enjoyed a kids’ zone, folkloric dancers, and DJ sets.

To top it off, 65 booths served Baja wine, craft beer, and enough tacos to fuel the whole city.

Early birds got commemorative cups and wristbands—because who doesn’t love free stuff?

“This celebration is for the people,” said Mayor Agatón. “And for the spirit that makes Ensenada unique.”

All in all, the city looked stunning, sounded great, and reminded everyone why we love living here.

Luisa Rosas-HernándezMay 19, 2025, 5:05 pmMay 19, 2025 0 426

𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨’𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐝 (𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈𝐭)

Articles

Baja’s Big Water Fix Starts in Rosarito

No more excuses. Baja is finally doing something about the water problem.

Governor Marina del Pilar signed the deal this week. CONAGUA’s director, Efraín Morales López, showed up too. Together, they greenlit the Rosarito Desalination Plant.

This time, the promise comes with muscle—12 billion pesos and the backing of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

**CONAGUA’s Director, Efraín Morales López, and Governor Marina del Pilar**

The goal? Bring clean, reliable water to Tijuana and Rosarito, where people have been rationing buckets like it’s 1944.

The plant will sit on a 20-hectare plot in Playas de Rosarito, right next to the Presidente Juárez Thermoelectric Plant, operated by the CFE. Why there?

Simple—access to seawater, an existing discharge channel, and a steady energy supply. It’s also close to where the water’s actually needed. Smart, right?

It will use reverse osmosis to turn salty seawater into fresh agua. And because it’ll share infrastructure with the neighboring power plant, environmental impact should be minimal. That’s the plan, anyway.

For years, locals asked, begged, and even protested. Now, leaders say this is the fix. Construction starts soon. If all goes well—and that’s a big “if”—families might actually enjoy full showers, not just polite rinses.

Meanwhile, the government calls it “historic.” We just hope it doesn’t turn into another expensive blueprint for the archives.

Stay tuned. We’ll keep you posted, especially if someone forgets to turn on the pump.

Luisa Rosas-HernándezMay 19, 2025, 12:01 pmMay 19, 2025 0 664

Baja Norte, Editions

May 19, 2025 Edition

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Gringo GazetteMay 19, 2025, 11:26 amMay 20, 2025 0 400

Articles, Baja Norte, Mexicali

Massive BBQ Protests: Baja’s Flavorful Activism

When people start bringing charcoal to a protest, things are officially getting spicy. And in Baja California, nothing says “we’re fed up” like throwing a carne asada in your governor’s honor—without inviting her.

That’s exactly what happened in Mexicali on Saturday, May 17. Locals gathered for what they dubbed a “Carne Asada Masiva contra Marina del Pilar”—or, in English, a Massive BBQ Protest Against Marina del Pilar. Somewhere between 5,000 and 25,000 people assembled with grills, music, folding chairs, piñatas, and a whole lot of political seasoning.

But this wasn’t just a quirky protest—it was the flame-roasted symptom of something bigger.

The political heat turned up earlier this month when the U.S. reportedly revoked the visas of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and her husband Carlos Torres Torres. While no formal charges have been announced, speculation about corruption has been simmering for years.

Now, with travel restrictions in place and zero public clarity from her office, Baja residents are asking: Is this finally the beginning of the end for unchecked power? Or is it just another round of political smoke with no fire?

***# Tijuana Massive Protest BBQ Against Marina del Pilar***

Following the meat-fueled protest in Mexicali, another one is already marinating. “Carne Asada Masiva en Contra de Marina – Versión Tijuana” is now set for Friday, May 24 at 5 p.m. at the Municipal Palace of Tijuana.

So far, thousands have RSVP’d on Facebook, promising to bring both beef and beefs (yes, we went there). The event is being organized by a local figure known as “Chucky de Tijuana”—and no, we don’t think he’s just offering tacos.

Meanwhile in Ensenada, the same “carne asada against the governor” event is being planned at the Civic Plaza by the Three Heads monument, but so far only 9 people have marked themselves as interested. As for Rosarito, no similar event has been announced there—at least not yet. Looks like the grilling spirit hasn’t quite made it to the coast.

To some, this looks like a satirical spin on activism. But to many Baja Californians, it’s the only language left that gets attention—after years of silence, scandals, and public trust grilled to a crisp.

Whether you’re lighting the grill or just watching from the sidelines, one thing’s clear: the people are fired up, and they’re seasoning their demands with tortillas, laughter, and loudspeakers.

So if you’re in Tijuana this weekend and smell grilled arrachera? It might just be democracy—served Baja-style.

Question for our readers:

Is this just performance protest, or is Baja finally standing up to power in the most Baja way possible?

You bring the opinion—we’ll bring the salsa.

Luisa Rosas-HernándezMay 19, 2025, 9:01 amMay 19, 2025 2 502

A wide, clean gallery view with vibrant art and strong lighting

Articles, Arts & Literature, Baja Norte, Border, Calendar of Events, Events, Humane Society, International

🎨 Benito’s Big Weekend: Artwalk Rosarito Doubles Down on Culture

Cancel your beach nap. You’ve got plans. Artwalk Rosarito returns May 24–25 at CEART Playas de Rosarito, and this year it’s not just another art fair—it’s a full-on cultural upgrade.

Originally a modest setup of scattered tents, the event has now evolved into a polished pavilion experience. That leap is thanks to the bold vision of Benito del Águila, a local artist turned cultural architect. His mission? Elevate Rosarito’s creative scene and give artists the platform they deserve.

So yes—Benito, we see you. Turning creative chaos into a structured, inspiring space takes more than talent. It takes guts and community spirit, and you’ve brought both.

Now, for those coming from the U.S., this is your Memorial Day weekend excuse to skip the BBQ and head south. Instead of traffic jams and outlet sales, you’ll get art, music, and color—just a quick ride from the border.

Art That Crosses Borders (Without a Visa)

At the heart of the event is the featured exhibition “The Line That Connects: Cross-Border Connections.” It brings together over 50 artists who explore what it means to live between worlds. Sculpture, painting, photography, and textiles all blend into a collective narrative—no passport required, just curiosity.

You’ll walk through works that speak not just to identity, but also to resilience, memory, and connection.

In addition to the visual spectacle, visitors can enjoy live performances, poetry readings, and an enigmatic gastronomic area. And yes, we said enigmatic. Will it be tacos? A churro? Something that comes wrapped in banana leaves or just bacon?

No spoilers here—but odds are your cravings will thank you.

To top it off, the music lineup promises a mix of soloists, orchestras, and folk ballet. Picture yourself listening to a string quartet while sipping agua fresca, surrounded by Baja’s boldest creativity. Doesn’t sound too bad, right?

The Real Star? Baja.

Big names like Francisco Javier Macías Rosales will definitely draw attention, but the real power of Artwalk lies in its range. It’s not about one headline artist. It’s about the 90+ creators showing up with paint, metal, textiles, and pure Baja soul.

Why go to L.A. for a gallery when Baja’s beating heart is creating masterpieces right here?