(FYI: “Retén” = checkpoint. You’ll be using that word a lot down here.)
If you’re driving into Baja these days, don’t be surprised if you get greeted by flashing lights, a clipboard, and someone asking, “¿Y las placas, joven?”
Since April, security checkpoints have popped up like taco stands—starting at San Ysidro, rolling through Playas de Tijuana, Rosarito, the scenic highway, and greeting you again at Ensenada’s toll booths.
Whether you’re local, foreign, or just trying to find a decent beach, odds are you’ve passed at least one. Or five.
The official story? It’s part of a long-term plan to reinforce security across the state. Vehicles without plates, questionable tints, and anything that looks slightly too chill are fair game.
And while some say it feels like overkill, others see it as a welcome sign of order—finally.
There’s a new proposal making noise across the border—and it’s got Baja’s name all over it. U.S. lawmakers are pushing for a 5% fee on money sent through remittances. That might sound like a distant debate in D.C., but here in Baja? It hits close to home.
Who Sends the Money?
Baja California—especially Tijuana—runs on a two-country rhythm. According to government data and INEGI, over 75,000 people live in Baja but work across the border in the U.S. Every day, they cross, earn in dollars, and spend or send money back home. Whether it’s covering rent, buying groceries, or paying school fees, those remittances keep thousands of families afloat.
So, what happens if those wire transfers suddenly come with a 5% tax?
That’s the question everyone’s asking.
The Proposal That Started It All
Last week, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee gave the green light to a bill that would charge a 5% remittance fee. The catch? It applies only to people who aren’t U.S. citizens or legal residents. That includes visa holders and undocumented workers—many of whom pay taxes and contribute to the U.S. economy every day.
Supporters say it would fund border security. Critics say it’s a slap in the face to the same people holding up entire industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
Sheinbaum Fires Back
President Claudia Sheinbaum didn’t hold back. She called the proposal “unacceptable” and “unconstitutional,” pointing out that Mexicans working in the U.S. already pay taxes—on both sides of the border, in many cases.
She also warned that this kind of policy could backfire. “This will only encourage informal money transfers,” she said, “and hurt the people who rely on them most.”
Mexico has already started reaching out to U.S. lawmakers to push back diplomatically—and loudly.
Will Baja Feel It?
Yes, but maybe not how you think.
Since so many people live in Tijuana but earn their income in the U.S., they often spend their dollars directly here, not through formal remittances. That daily, cross-border flow of people and money keeps Baja’s economy humming.
Still, if this proposal passes, families who rely on transfers from relatives deeper in the U.S.—say in Arizona, Nevada, or California—will feel the squeeze.
And if workers start using informal channels to dodge the tax? That could make things messier—and riskier.
Will Baja Pay the Price for Earning the American Dream?
What’s Next?
For now, the bill still has to make it through the full House, then the Senate, then land on the president’s desk. Even if it passes, it wouldn’t go into effect until 2026 at the earliest.
When someone recommended “Yatai” to us, I expected a fancy restaurant tucked away in Ensenada’s downtown. Maybe soft jazz. Maybe a waitlist. Instead, I found a carreta—yes, a literal street cart. But don’t let that fool you. This cart packs more fire (sometimes literally) than many fine-dining kitchens.
Yatai, which in Japanese means “mobile food stall,” is led by chef David Lara and Marco Antonio Salinas. Although it may appear modest, what’s happening behind the counter is far from ordinary. Chef David trained in Mexico, but his culinary compass points straight to Japan. In fact, he’s even performed ronqueos—the knife skills required to break down a whole bluefin tuna. It’s not just impressive; it’s sacred in Japanese seafood culture.
Chef David Lara shows off his yanagiba—Japan’s blade of choice for slicing sashimi with surgical precision and serious style
One Meal, Many Surprises
My husband Oliver and I chose Yatai to celebrate our wedding anniversary. At first, we weren’t even sure we’d found the right place. After all, you don’t expect high-end omakase under a tarp. But there it was—and as soon as we sat down, the team welcomed us with a complimentary sake. A small detail, but a thoughtful one. And yes, it was real Japanese sake (they even showed us the bottle).
We ordered the omakase—a Japanese tradition where the chef decides what you’ll eat. It translates to “I leave it up to you,” and when you leave it to Chef David, you’re in expert hands. He watched us as we tasted, quietly noting our reactions to guide the next course. That night, I discovered I like sea urchin more than I ever thought possible.
For our third experience, we brought Chef David and Marco to our home for a larger family gathering. Since Yatai only has six seats and we were a group of ten, this setup made more sense. That time, we had tuna from Bluefina. Every dish felt intentional, fresh, and beautifully executed. Here’s what we enjoyed during that experience:
Seaweed salad
Oyster with negitoro (minced tuna belly + green onion)
Kampachi nigiri
Akami nigiri (lean tuna)
Chutoro nigiri (medium fatty tuna)
Truffled tuna tartare
Seared salmon nigiri
Toro nigiri with truffle paste
Spicy onion hand roll
Truffle hand roll
Miso soup
Eel with foie gras
Yes, you read that last one right. Eel. With foie gras. It sounds insane—but it tastes like silk and smoke with a hint of “this is your new favorite dish.”
The Secret Is in the Ingredients
While the presentation wows, it’s the ingredients that make Yatai unforgettable. Every element is fresh, often local, and carefully selected. Take the oyster, for example. It came from Bahía Falsa in San Quintín—a great origin on its own. But the way it was prepared? That turned it into the best oyster I’ve ever eaten. The tiny flower on top wasn’t just decoration. It was flavor. It was purpose.
Then there’s the value. In a town where food prices keep climbing “Valle-style,” Yatai remains grounded. Chef David delivers top-tier ingredients without the high-end ego. And when you’re feeding a family of six like mine, that matters.
A Gringo Gazette North special ops unit (armed with chopsticks, forks, and questionable self-control).
Chef David isn’t just slicing fish—he’s crafting memories, quietly building something special under that awning. So if you find yourself lucky enough to land a seat at Yatai, don’t ask for the menu. Just let go. Trust the chef. Let the food speak.
After all, not every treasure sparkles on the outside. Some smell like seared toro… and taste like love.
Welcome to Sabor Patrol—the section where we hunt down everything worth tasting in Baja and beyond. No five-star rating scales. No white tablecloth snobbery. Just real stories, unexpected finds, and flavor with zero filter.
Whether it’s sushi served under a tarp or ribeye that makes grown men cry, we’re chasing the unforgettable—one bite at a time. Sometimes it’s sizzling. Other times it’s hidden behind a handwritten menu taped to a cooler. Either way, we’ll find it.
Of course, not everything lives up to the hype. If it’s overrated, we’ll let you know—gently. (Maybe.)
The numbers are grim—46 lives lost in Baja California this year to heat-related causes, with nearly 250 others suffering serious effects. In response, the state has rolled out its “Verano Seguro” campaign, a life-saving effort to prevent more deaths as temperatures continue to climb.
On Friday, state health secretary José Adrián Medina Amarillas confirmed what many feared: 2024 has already broken records for heat fatalities, and summer hasn’t even peaked. “The first two deaths were agricultural workers,” Medina said, “which is why we’re getting ahead of this now.”
The state is deploying 300 hydration stations across Mexicali, the Valle, and San Felipe—strategically placed where they’re needed most: near agricultural zones and places where people experiencing homelessness gather. These mobile hubs will provide water, electrolytes, and a moment of relief for those enduring the furnace-like sun.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the lives of people who work under the sun for hours without shade, and those with nowhere to sleep but the streets. Health teams will also be visiting packaging centers and job sites across the valley, hoping to intercept dehydration before it turns deadly.
Medina made it clear: recognizing heatstroke symptoms can make the difference between life and death. These include extreme body temperature, chills, confusion, and seizures. “It starts with internal overheating,” he explained, “and can spiral into system-wide collapse, brain damage, or worse.”
If you’re working outside, walking long distances, or even just stuck without AC, take this seriously. This is no ordinary summer—it’s a scorching, relentless gauntlet. And for some, hydration could be the only thing standing between them and tragedy.
Water isn’t just refreshing anymore. It’s survival.
This week’s border buzz isn’t about people. It’s about cows—and one nasty little parasite.
The U.S. just paused cattle imports from Mexico. The freeze will last 15 days. The reason? A flesh-eating pest called theNew World screwworm.
The worm showed up in Chiapas and Veracruz. Those states aren’t major cattle exporters. Still, the U.S. didn’t want to risk it.
So, they shut the gates—fast.
That didn’t sit well with Mexico. President Sheinbaum fired back. “Mexico is no one’s piñata,” she said. Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué called out the lack of warning. After all, both countries have protocols for this.
Despite the drama, both sides are working together. Mexico jumped into action. Officials started releasing sterile flies to stop the worms from spreading. Weird, yes—but also effective.
The USDA admitted the effort is solid. They’re staying in touch with Mexican authorities. That’s a good sign.
But ranchers are nervous. Mexico sends over $1 billion in cattle to the U.S. each year. Even a short delay can cause headaches. On the U.S. side, buyers are watching closely too.
Nobody wants worms crossing the border. But nobody wants to lose business either.
The image titled “¡Cuidado con el Gusano Barrenador!” (Beware of the Screwworm!) provides information in Spanish about the New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, and its life cycle. It warns about the dangers of screwworm infestation, where some fly species deposit their eggs in superficial wounds of mammals. The larva is described as resembling a small screw with rings of spines and hooks for tearing tissues. It affects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, with cattle, horses, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, birds, and deer being more susceptible, usually in open wounds. In people, infestations require hospitalization. The life cycle includes oviposition where the female fly lays up to 3,000 eggs in three days, the larval phase where the larvae hatch and feed on living tissue, the pupal phase in the soil, and finally the adult that emerges in 7 to 10 days and can fly long distances. If animals do not receive treatment, they can die within one to two weeks. The image also highlights that it is a zoonosis, emphasizing the need for extreme precautions for its control. In summary, the infographic alerts about the screwworm, details its life cycle, identifies hosts, describes the effects, and underscores its zoonotic nature and the importance of control.Read more: Cows on Hold, But Cooperation Rides Strong
Dust off your patience—roadwork is back in town. The City of Ensenada just kicked off a major pavement rebuild on the Ensenada-Tecate highway, right between the El Sauzal traffic node and Emiliano Zapata Street. And yes, it’s going to slow you down—but there’s light at the end of the construction zone.
Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz says the project will tear up and replace over 5,200 square meters of crumbling roadway with tough-as-nails hydraulic concrete. It’s the kind of stuff that lasts—and at 25 centimeters thick, it’s built to take a beating from Baja’s relentless traffic and heat.
The price tag? A cool 8.8 million pesos, coming straight from the federal fund known as FORTAMUN—the Fund for Strengthening Municipalities. And while detours and traffic jams are guaranteed, the city insists it’ll be worth it once the pavement’s done and smooth sailing returns.
In the meantime, the mayor’s asking drivers to take it easy, drive carefully, and expect slowdowns. With heavy equipment, lane closures, and inevitable backups, she recommends giving yourself a little extra time to get where you’re going—and maybe leave the road rage at home.
While this stretch is under the knife, the city says the long-term payoff is fewer potholes, smoother drives, and better flow between Ensenada and Tecate. So next time you’re stuck behind a bulldozer in Sauzal, just remember: you’re helping build a better commute. Eventually.
Rosarito’s most heartwarming tradition is making its way back to shore. After weeks of uncertainty, the beloved surf therapy sessions for children with disabilities are officially returning to Raul’s Beach starting May 31—and they’re bringing big smiles and even bigger waves.
The nonprofit behind this feel-good project, Olas Para Todos (Waves for Everyone), has been giving kids the chance to catch waves and confidence for over a decade. Spearheaded by Carlos Luna, the group pairs children and teens with expert volunteers who guide them safely into the ocean for what many call life-changing therapy.
Although Raul’s Beach, located near Kilometer 42 in Primo Tapia, has been closed off to the general public, the landowners have graciously agreed to open it for these monthly sessions through November.
Photo: Example of activities in the event
The first event will accommodate 40 participants, ages six and up. And here’s the kicker—it’s all free. From wetsuits to boards, everything is provided. Parents only need to sign up through the association’s social media pages.
This year, the organization is stepping up its safety game with help from a local paramedic school, ensuring more support both on land and in the water. And now that Olas Para Todos is officially registered as an association, it can receive donations—helping expand a program that already touches the lives of 350 to 400 kids annually.
Luna says the group is also hoping to rally support from the local government, including councilman Fidel Ortiz Mendoza, who heads up the Disability and Inclusion Committee.
With a fresh wave of backing and plenty of heart, Rosarito’s surf therapy program isn’t just back—it’s stronger than ever.
Want to donate, volunteer, or register your child? Look up Olas Para Todos on Facebook and be part of the magic.
Ensenada is stepping up big time in the fight against plastic waste. On Friday, May 9, local officials and Coca-Cola México celebrated the grand opening of the new PetStar Collection Center, a project that could help keep up to 52 million plastic bottles a year out of landfills, the ocean, and just about everywhere they shouldn’t be.
The idea is simple but powerful: collect bottles here in Ensenada, send them off to PetStar’s state-of-the-art recycling facility in Toluca, and turn them into brand-new bottles—all without adding a single ounce of new plastic to the planet.
Jaime Cámara, founder and CEO of PetStar, explained that the bottles will be converted into food-grade recycled resin. That resin will then be used by Corporación del Fuerte, one of Coca-Cola’s bottling partners, to produce new bottles. The goal? A closed-loop system with zero carbon footprint and zero need for new plastic.
It’s a big win for Baja California’s environment and a proud moment for Ensenada, which is now part of one of the largest food-grade recycling efforts in Latin America.
This move isn’t just about cleanup—it’s about transformation. That empty soda bottle you toss into a bin today could be back on a store shelf tomorrow, fresh and ready for another round. It’s smart, sustainable, and exactly the kind of forward-thinking the world needs more of.
Recycling just got a lot more real—and a lot more local.
Drivers on the Tijuana–Rosarito 2000 highway might notice some new changes—and they’re not just cosmetic. The state’s infrastructure department (SIDURT) is in the middle of adding fresh road signs and fixing up a five-kilometer stretch that’s seen more than its share of accidents over the years.
The new signs include directions to Ensenada and downtown Rosarito, plus posted speed limits of 60 and 40 km/h near the Rosarito-Ensenada junction. It’s part of a push to reduce wrecks in a spot that’s become notorious for crashes.
In addition to the signage, workers have been patching potholes, fixing the shoulders, and cleaning up the medians between KM 35 and KM 40, in both directions.
#Old Signs
SIDURT’s top official, Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, said the signs are there to help drivers make safer choices, and he reminded everyone to stay under the speed limit and actually follow the signs. He also asked drivers to keep the road clean—apparently, some folks have been turning the highway into a dumping ground.
It’s a simple message: slow down, pay attention, and don’t treat the corridor like a racetrack. The smoother ride is just a bonus.
No charges, no scandals, just a mysterious visa revocation
It’s not every day that a sitting Mexican governor loses her U.S. visa. But here we are. On May 11, Baja California’s governor, Marina del Pilar Ávila, confirmed that both she and her husband, Carlos Torres Torres, had their U.S. tourist visas revoked.
No midnight raids, no courtroom battles—just a quiet click from the folks over at the U.S. State Department. The couple made the announcement through social media, saying it’s an “administrative decision.” That’s government-speak for: we’re not gonna tell you why, but we did it anyway.
So far, no formal accusations, no legal action in Mexico or the U.S., and no indication of wrongdoing. According to both Marina and Carlos, their records are clean, and they’re hopeful this gets resolved soon. She remains calm, collected, and confident. He says it’s politics. We say… welcome to borderland bureaucracy.
Carlos, in case you’re wondering, is the state’s Coordinator for Strategic Projects. So yes, he’s on the government payroll too—and now, apparently, also off the guest list at the San Diego Costco.
The U.S. Embassy, true to form, has said absolutely nothing. And while this kind of visa revocation isn’t exactly rare, it is unusual when it involves high-level public figures. Naturally, people are asking: what’s going on behind the scenes?
Photo from Marina del Pilar’s Facebook account – U.S. Consul General in Tijuana, Christopher Teal, meets with Governor Marina del Pilar on May 8 to discuss security matters..
Is it political? Is it part of a broader U.S. policy shift? Or is it just some paperwork caught in a borderland paper shredder?
We’re not here to speculate. We’re here to report—without turning up the heat. There’s enough fire in the headlines already.
As for Marina, she’s still in office, still traveling around Baja, and still active on Instagram. No signs of slowing down.
📣 What do you think? Overreaction or red flag? Smart move or sloppy diplomacy? Let us know—we’re all ears at the Gringo Gazette North.
Because when it comes to cross-border drama, everyone’s got a visa story. This time, it just happens to be the governor’s.
