North .com - Gringo Gazette

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Vol. 2 ed. 17 • OCTOBER 19TH, 2015 • NO BAD NEWS
.com
Here we have a nice combo of Day of the Dead and Halloween
Just What Does The
American Consulate
Do For Us?
Well, for starters, they can’t even show up
BY REN DRAKE HILL
Representatives from the
American Consulate in Tijuana,
one of nine that serves Americans
in Mexico, (and the only one in
Baja), met with American citizens at the monthly FRAO (Foreign Residents Attention Office)
breakfast meeting. The new head
honch, Brian Simmons, was a no
show, leaving the packed house
dissapointed. But his underlings
did the best they could for us.
The Consulate, located outside
of Otay Mesa, near the border
crossing into California, has a staff
of 28, including American and
Mexican workers. The most common services requested concern
passports (renewal and loss), missing persons, and problems with
handling issues about Americans
who have died while in Mexico.
Appointments may be made
online, usually for a next-day appointment. Emergency walk-ins
are accepted, usually in the cases
of assault, kidnapping, or missing
persons. There is a call-in hour
daily, for questions, at the main
telephone number, below. Unfortunately there are no federal benefits (for Social Security questions)
available at this consulate, as the
location is so close to San Diego
federal offices.
In the case of American citizens
dying abroad, information is available for notifying the next of kin.
American citizens should always
have information with them at all
times, including a list of names of
family members who are able to
identify what’s left of you in case
of serious injury or death. It’s best
to keep the personal information
page in your passport updated at
all times. Enrollment in the STEP
(Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), will keep this information,
and much more available to the
Consulate in case of emergency.
Sign up is available at http://travel.
state.gov. They say this is so they
know who’s in the country in case
of an emergency, however, if you
think they don’t share this info on
your whereabouts with the IRS or
child services, you are being naive.
Passports: All forms and information are available online for
renewal of passports or issuing a
replacement for a lost or stolen
passport. Americans with Permanent Resident status are to renew
passports through the Consulate,
not in San Diego. Passport renewal is $45. A first-time passport card
is available for $55. General wait-
time for passport appointments
is one day, but you won’t get your
passport for two to three weeks.
The office strongly suggests that
you start working on that passport
renewal five or six months before
expiration. (Why, when it only
takes a couple weeks, you need to
start that early, may best be left up
to your imagination.) Passports
can be delivered via DHL to Mexican addresses for 120 pesos, or to
US addresses for $26.
The American Consulate wants
to know of any Mexican immigration problems Americans may be
having, because the Consulate says
Is
This
You?
they are buddy-buddy with the
Mexican government, and may
be of help. For those wishing to
apply for “Residente Permanente”
status in Mexico, the Consulate
website has information. Note: the
Consulate cannot help you fill out
the list of household items being
imported to Mexico upon moving here. This paperwork must
be completed with the Mexican
Consulate in the United States.
It is strongly suggested that an
expediter be hired to help with
this action.
One of the biggest concerns
continued on page 6
Dazed &
Confused
Over The Time
Change?
How many times a year do we have to sing you our little
ditty? Man springs forward and falls back.
On Nov 1, since it is fall and the end of daylight savings time,
you will need to turn your clock back. Get it? Fall back.
Best to turn that clock back before you go to bed on Saturday
night. Better yet, do this before you go out drinking Saturday
night, just to cut down on the probability that you’re going to
screw this up and be late for Sunday school.
2
Que Pasa in Baja?
October 19th, 2015
.COM
BY OLIVER QUINTERO
Ensenada Museum Open.
Although the Caracol Museum
in Ensenada hasn’t been officially
inaugurated, two temporary
exhibits are already open or visitors. The exhibits come as a nice
surprise since the museum has
been trying to open its doors for
many years now but were unable
to secure the funding. Museum
officials haven’t released a date
for the official opening of the
museum but feel
tions and transport agency just
announced an investment of $30
million USD on the ChapultepecManeadero road (the part from
Estero Beach to a little after Baja
Country) for 2016. This section
of the road has been traditionally
called the death stretch because
of the numerous deadly accidents
occurring there. The investment
is supposed to make the stretch
a lot safer which is a good thing
for all our expat friends living
out near the Punta
Banda area, and
especially the
ones who like to
drink and drive.
Ne w Baja
Lottery. Baja just
became the first
state in Mexico
to have its own
lottery. Although
state lotteries are
very popular in the
US, Mexico only had
a federal lottery until last month
when the federal office of games
and lotteries authorized the permit for Baja’s lottery. The project,
which has been heavily pushed by
our state governor, is set to support construction of classrooms
as well as dry out centers for addicts of one sort or another. How
The number of followers
you have is not
important. Hitler had
millions, Jesus had 12
free to visit these parts:
–Poles in danger and The
Totoaba: A giant of the California gulf- Monday to Friday from
9:00am to 2:00pm and from 4:00
to 6:00pm and Saturdays 9:00 to
1:00pm.
Throwing money in the
streets. The federal communica-
about the sort of addicts who are
addicted to gambling? Can they
go to the head of the line? The
first tickets don’t go on sale until
next year.
The lottery has been controversial since Mexico hasn’t exactly had a squeaky clean record
from the Travel Warnings the
US issues.
The next travel warnings will
be published in November and
Baja asked for a fair assessment
before they willy nilly pass out
judgements on our public safety
system.
Escobedo said that in statistical terms more tourists suffer
crime related incidents in California than foreign visitors in Baja.
Well, we all know that our government pulls their statistics right
out of their ass, so who knows?
Remittance increase. Mexico’s
remittances received from the
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regarding lotteries. Three years
ago government lottery officials
scammed the melate lottery
where they staged a supposedly live drawing of the winning
numbers. But it was proven that
the drawing was recorded. Of
course the tickets were bought
by the family of the crooked officials. The lottery scam brought
$ 10 million USD in prizes. The
federal government was able to
snatch the money back as the
fraud was discovered before the
loot got very far. But it did blow
the credibility of the national lottery system.
And the new state lottery
is going to be any cleaner? Oh,
please, what turnip truck did you
just fall off?
No travel warning. The head
of the state tourism office, Oscar
Escobedo, informed us they
were recently in Washington,
D.C. sucking up to US officials to
have Baja California eliminated
Subs
or we’ll tcribe!!
kitty und hrow the
er
Go to pa the bus
ge 4
US in 2014 grew by 7.8% from
2013. This is probably boosted
by a better economy in the US.
A total of $23.6 billion was sent
from Mexican workers in the US
to their families in Mexico and
an interesting thing is that the
majority of this money is now
being transferred through the
banking system. Historically, it
was almost exclusively sent by
money orders, so it seems the
Mexicans in the US are getting
more sophisticated. $619 million
of that money was sent to Baja.
We are the fourth highest
remittance country from the US
just after the Philippines, China
and India.
Now, does anybody still think
it’s not the government’s official
policy to send as many Mexicans
to the US as they can? Remittances, along with oil and tourism, share the top spot for earned
foreign capital. Each of the three
are about 20 to 25 billion dollars
a year.
Pemex toll road access on
its way. The Pemex access road
off the toll road, which has been
under construction for a couple
of months now, is at the half way
point, and authorities say there
is no delay with the project as
the word on the street says there
is. The $4.8 million build, which
is located at the north entrance
to Rosarito, is going to facilitate
the access to downtown Rosarito.
Rumors started flying because
it often looks like just a few men
are working on such a big project,
but authorities tell us it was just
a matter of perception, that lotsa
guys were working on the founcontinued on page 4
GRINGO
Published bi-monthly in
Vista, CA and distributed in
Mexico & The United States
by Enojoso Publicaciones
S.A. de C.V.
Northern Baja
044 (646) 179-4599
Cabo San Lucas
(624) 143-5750 & 143 0865
United States
303 Magnolia Dr.
Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
Ph. (562) 714 6735
Subscriptions available
see page 10 or 11, maybe
12, sometimes 4.
Or mail $65 for one year,
(26 issues) or $45 for six
months (13 issues)
to the U.S.
Check the paper online:
www.gringogazette.com
You may view the entire
newspaper, just as it
appears in print, online
Who's to blame:
Publisher
Carrie Duncan,
carrie@gringogazette.com
US (562) 714-6735
Editor
Oliver Quintero
oliver@gringogazette.com
Subscriptions
Santiago
@gringogazette.com
Sales & Distribution
Oliver Quintero
Cell (646) 179-4599
Graphic Design
Oliver Quintero
Journalism is publishing
something that somebody
doesn’t want
printed.
Everything
else is
just public
relations
October 19th, 2015
3
.COM
Ask a Person!
This Week’s Question is,
What would you do if you won the lottery?
This week we asked the same question to Gringos as we asked to Mexicans just to see the difference. There wasn’t
any. Seems everyone wants the same, to continue on as they are but with more comforts, and to insure that their
loved ones are more comfortable. Could it be that we’re more alike than different?
Americans
1. Sara de la Vos.
Living in Baja for 23
years, Artist. The first
t hing I’d do is t a ke
one trip to Costco to
1
buy everything I ever
wanted. What I couldn’t
consume, I’d give away.
I’d travel f irst class
whenever and wherever
I wanted, which is all
over. I’d keep the gallery
going like it is and keep
painting. I’d like to do
a ten acre sanctuar y
where I could hire
people (paid vets) to
take care of stray dogs
a n d c at s . A n a n i m a l
shelter. I’d do more body
work like massage, and
foot reflexology, and a
2
we i g ht l o ss pro g r am .
Maybe dental implants
(but nothing painful). No
plastic surgery!
2. Connee Young.
Visiting Baja for 28 years.
Business manager for a
doctor’s office. I assume it
would be a lot of money.
I’d pay off my mortgage.
Then, I’d quit my job. I’d
give some to charity (my
Mexicans
1. Luis Enrique Arellano. Living in Baja for
26 years. Tourist activities service. First of
all I would pay for my
1
children’s future studies.
And I would buy a yacht
with all the best equipment in the market so I
could offer my clients a
comfortable fishing trip.
Also, it would make it
possible for me to continue working and saving
for my family’s future
and for myself. If only the
government would let
me have some money left
after paying the taxes for
being a lottery winner.
2. Victor Hugo Escalante. Living in Baja
for two years. Works at
the Marina dock selling
tickets for glass bottom
boat trips. I would buy
a residential home in San
2
Diego, California. Then I
would like go to Cuba for
my honeymoon. I would
buy a luxury boat, and for
the future I would invest in
a Mexican food restaurant
up in San Diego.
3. Humberto Rentería.
Living in Baja for 15 years.
Cuban cigars salesman on
the Marina. I would buy or
rent the best store here in
Baja to sell my merchandize. I would serve a good
cup of coffee to my clients
and get the best handmade
jewelry from artists all over
church). I’d look back into
having a place down here.
(We had land here years
ago and used to keep a
trailer on it). I’d travel.
3
comfortably for the rest
of my life. I think most
people would do pretty
much the same, unless
they were in a family feud.
4
aren’t even hooked up to
water anymore.
4. Ron “Quadman”
MacRae. Living in Baja
for 20 years. Traveler.
5
shops. I‘d set my kids up
for life and my brother.
I’d help p eople out.
That’s it! Can I get you
some chocolate?
6
Mostly to here.
3 . D o n n a Ry a n .
Liv ing in Baja for 14
years. Owner and baker
at Road Runner Café and
Bakery. I wouldn’t think
of anything fancy. Would
it be a big lottery or little
one? I’d take care of the
well-being of my family
and myself, now and in
the future, so I could live
Assuming there was a
bunch left, I’d like to help
beautify the area. A lot of
people help people, but
I want to make things
more attractive, like hang
baskets or something.
Where I live, it could be
so cute, but there are a lot
of abandoned lots where
people started something
and then let it go. They
Where and how much?
What seems like a lot to
some people is not a lot
to me. I’d fund the top ten
charities with the lowest
administrative costs in
the U.S. And, then I’d buy
a new motorcycle.
5. Charlie Hampton.
Living in Baja for nine
years. Chocolatier. I’d
open up more chocolate
6. Kelly Martin.
Living in Baja for 16
years. Manage r at
Quadman. I’d retire.
I’d travel. I’d like to go
to Thailand. I’d buy a
car. Send some money
to Mom and Dad. Make
them comfortable. Put
my kids into a good
school. And get them
a college education. 
Mexico. So I would continue living a future with
dignity, not just lying on
a hammock at the beach
drinking a vodka coconut
That is one of my dreams.
That could be a career in
my future. And of course,
I would help the people
around me who have real
car, train, and ship. And
for a real adventure I also
would like to hitchhike all
over Europe. That would be
sooo… great! And I would
I would travel to New
York, New York (like
that Frank Sinatra song).
There I would buy a penthouse in the Big Apple. I
3
waiting to be broke. With
my business, by running it
successfully I could make
it, and then take holidays.
4. Valeria Barboa. Living in Baja for six years.
Manager of a mini-super
store. Well first of all, I
would help my family. I
would buy a house and a
car for my mother. I have
a little girl, so I would buy
education insurance so she
would study with no worry
about her future. And of
course I would have my
own business: a boutique.
4
needs in their lives.
5. Daniela Bon Castillo. Living in Baja for eight
years. Eighth grade English teacher. The first thing
would be paying off my
debts. After that I would
take a whole journey all
over the world. To do that,
I would get special permission from my school, asking for a Sabbatical year. (I
could not let myself quit
my job. I love to teach,
and I love my school). Well
talking about my trip, I
would to do it by plane,
5
not forget my dearest animals. I could really help
every little or unprotected
dog or cat, and continue
giving my students talks
about what it means to
have an animal under your
care. That might help stop
the cruel treatment of all
animals, and children in
the near future.
6. Ana Espinoza Ceseña. Living in Baja for
seven years. Seventh and
e ig hth g rad e Eng li sh
teacher. I would pay all my
debts immediately. Then
6
would move there with
all my family: mother,
husband and my child.
And I would give my
three year old daughter
the best education in the
best schools or institutes
in Europe. And for myself I would like to have
a Language Institute in
New York where people
could study French, Italian, English and Spanish.
That is a dream I have. I
love teaching, and I love
life. 
4
October 19th, 2015
.COM
What’s With All
These Skeletons?
Thinking of Retiring in Northern Baja?
Take a brief survey
and you could
win $250 USD!
Hush, It’s A temporary thing, and all very symbolic
REN DRAKE HILL
It’s the time of the year to pull
your skeletons out of your closet.
No, not your drunken brother
in law, we mean your Katrina
figurine.
The Calavera Catrina, simply
known as Catrina or sometimes
spelled Katrina, was created in
the early 1900’s by Mexican
artist/printmaker, Jose
Guadalupe Posada,
s atir izing p ompous Mexicans who
wished to adopt the
traditions of aristocratic Europeans. The
most familiar example
of this is his flowered
and feathered French cou-
the great equalizer.
Folk artists ran with the subject, and created representations
of Catrina from papier mache,
wood, ceramics, metal, paper and
even sugar.
Whereas Posada created the
original characterization, Mexican artist Diego Rivera is
credited with bestowing this visage with
the “Catrina” moniker, and adding an
elegantly outfitted
body to the hatted
head. Later in the century Catrina became the
“face” of Day of the Dead
celebrations throughout
betty’s
www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthernBajaRetirement
ebrating November 1 and 2
with intricate alters dedicated to
deceased loved ones, and family
meals in cemeteries. Coincidentally, the Catholic celebration of
All Saint’s and All Soul’s Days
are celebrated on these same
two days.
Mexicans spend much money
creating their family alters each
year. Take time to view some of
these exhibits at local restaurants and hotels in Rosarito, and
throughout Mexico. ,
Authentic American Burgers
QUE PASA IN BAJA?...
“Simply stated - the real deal“
KM 28 on the Free Road. Almost across the street of the
purple motel. Ph. (661) 116 6120. Closed Mondays
ture hat.
The skull icon was chosen to
parody those of Indian descent
who wore copious amounts of
white make-up to make them
look more European, as they
were ashamed of their indigenous roots.
Originally titled Calavera
Catrina (the Dapper Skeleton),
Catrina does not only symbolize
death, but the well-coiffed figure
portrays someone with money,
illustrating that death, indeed is
Mexico. In fact, the figure is
so popular many people collect the figurines and artworks
through the year and display them year-round.
Mexicans treat the
subject of death differently than Americans and Europeans do. Death here
is celebrated as the
next and natural
stage of life. Hence,
the activity of cel-
dation of the access and the guys
couldn’t be seen. It’s still going
to be several months before
we’ll be bailing off the toll
road at the north end.
More water leaks.
The Rosarito-La Mision
water line that we’re using to bring more water to Ensenada has
proven to be a really
bone head idea. As we
wrote about this before, (pay attention!)
the idea was to use
the water line that was
already there, reversing
GRINGO
to last year. Ives Lelevier, from
the state tourism office, said in
the remaining three months of
this year we are still expecting a
steady influx of tourism, which
will make 2015 one of the greatest
years for tourism
in the entire decade.
Crime down
in Rosarito. Joaquin Antonio
Olea, head of
public security
in Rosarito, said
the crime rate was
14% lower overall
this year than in
2014. God knows
what dark hole they
pulled that statistic out of, we’re
just passing it on.
This sets a good precedent, he
said, especially now that our state
authorities are sucking up to the
powers in Washington DC to get
us off the travel warning list. The
next one comes out next month.
If that isn’t pressure to dig deep
in that dark hole for these stats,
I would be surprised. Olea did
concede the business robberies
have increased “a bit” and that
they are focusing their efforts on
strategies to fix this. ,
You can be the juiciest
peach in the world, and
there’s still going to be
someone who hates
peaches
continued from page 2
SUBSCRIBE
Yes! Yes! Sign Me Up!
the flow and to bring water to
Ensenada. The problem is the
line was so old that it’s leaking
like a sieve with very little water
actually reaching people from
Primo Tapia and La
Mision, who are without water for days at a time.
Maybe it would have been better
to install a new pipe from the
beginning. Duh.
High season rides into the
sunset. We have officially fallen
into the low tourist season, although the heat has persisted and
the hot beach weather still brings
tourists our way. We had a great
high season, the best we’ve seen
and enjoyed since 2007. Rosarito
was the clear winner in state
tourism with an incredible 30%
increase in visitors compared
order now or we'll
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October 19th, 2015
What’s Going On
In This Country?
.COM
5
Manhole cover alert. In rural
areas of Mexico, thieves help
themselves to petroleum products by tapping into the vast
network of Pemex pipelines.
But in Mexico City they go after
manhole covers and drainage
Minimum wage grief. While
hamburger flippers in the States
are whining for $15 an hour,
minimum wage in Mexico is
about $4.50 a day. Katie, bar
the border. There are now two
minimum wages in the country,
First in Rosarito,
first in service
• Health and life insurance
• House and Condo insurance
• Legal Assistance
• Car insurance (Mexico and US)
• Board Association Insurance
• Personal Accident
Benito Juarez # 10, Quinta del Mar strip
center, in front of the stop light
Phone 661-6121028 and 661-6130692
Email: info@berniesinsurance.com
www.berniesinsurance.com
grates and sell them to scrap
metal dealers.
City officials say the current
administration has spent more
than a million dollars, replacing the covers and grates in the
city’s water distribution system.
Water system chief Miguel Carmona Suárez said there were 367
reports of missing grates in the
first seven months of the year.
Each one costs more than $500,
including installation. They can
also be costly in terms of the
danger they pose to vehicle and
pedestrian traffic.
Since
1971
Let us pay pay your household
bills on your behalf. Easy set up
depending on where one toils
for so little, but soon there will
only be one. The spread is about
6 pesos a day but that is seen as
such a huge gap, that they’re going to (about 30 cents a day), will
be phasing it in slowly. It went
up about 4/5% this year, which
some saw as barely keeping pace
with inflation. Nobody believes
the “official” rate of inflation,
which most feel is fictitious to
justify not raising the minimum
wage more. The minimum wage,
widely regarded as stingy and,
according to the Economic
BY SANTIAGO
VERDUGO
I’ve been getting ready for Halloween this week, check out the first
picture here, it’s a selfie of my spooky look. I just covered my normally
handsome stripes in black shoe polish on a trial run to see how I look.
Turns out that stuff rubs off on the furniture, who knew? Next picture
is the clean up, not so much fun. Scratch the shoe polish look.
My mom’s idea is for me to go as taco cat in a nod to my heritage,
she says. I says I think this idea sucks and the costume lacks appropriate
dignity, and that’s just for starters on my list of objections.
My next bright idea is a way better acknowledgment of my heritage,
I could go as a lion! Yes, that’s it, that’s the winning ticket! I would be proud to go as a jungle cat, and here I am practicing my jungle look in the back yard. This is way handsomer
than a stupid taco.
Mom’s got my girlfriend Fluffy dressed up as, what? Donald Trump in drag? What’s that the Flufster’s got on her head, a babushka for crying out loud? I’m not taking her to the
party in that getup, Mom’s got to do better than that. A jungle cat’s concubine could work out. I need one of those.
Oh, and here’s your national news for the week. I hope you enjoy it cause I need this job to pay for the furniture cleanup. ,
Commission for Latin America
and the Caribbean, below the
poverty line. Mexico is the only
country in the region to have
earned that distinction.
The problem is, Mexico is
aggressively going after manufacturing jobs they can only get
if their wages are low. Or, they
could improve their education
system and go after more technical jobs, which pay better. Or
not.
Reboot. The Mexican communications satellite Morelos
3 was launched successfully
from Cape Canaveral, only four
months after a another, disastrous launch by the Ruskies.
When Russia screwed up the
launch of the Boeing built satellite, and it blew up shortly after
launch, the Mexicans vowed not
to buy a cut rate launch again,
and contracted with the Americans for this one..
The lifespan of the communications satellite is expected to
be 15 years, a period in which it
will serve as a critical communications tool during emergencies
and natural disasters. “This satellite will provide the best satellite coverage to those Mexicans
living in remote areas, where
conventional means of communication haven’t yet reached yet,”
said Communications Secretary
Gerardo Ruiz. Mexsat is a $1 bil-
lion program.
determined by the Vatican, still
The horse is gone. Time to has not been determined,” said
close the barn door. 13 men, presidential spokesman Eduardo
including three high-level cartel Sanchez announced. The daily
members, were extradited from La Jornada confirmed that the
Mexico to the United States to Mexican Bishops Conference,
face charges on a number of known as the CEM, said that
crimes such as drug trafficking last week The Vatican informed
and murder, including the kill- it that the pope would come to
ing of a U.S. consulate employee. Mexico in 2016. So far the only
Following El Chapo’s embar- part of the trip that has been
rassing jailbreak, the Mexican firmed up is that Francis will
government admitted it had visit Mexico City.
received an extradition request
Oh good luck with this.
from the United States for him The new trade deal called the
to be kept there. But nooooo...... Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP),
Mexico said they were perfectly whose ratification is expected
capable of keeping the human between January and March next
WEthank
OFFER
mole in their prison,
you year, will compel Mexico
to fully
LIFETIME
•
Roller
Shades
very much. Ja! Guess not.
So (Motorized)
establish an anti-corruption
WARRANTY
• Wood and Faux Blinds
now Mexico has packed
offcounter
13 system
can’t play.
A sumServing
Rosarito
• Granite
tops or they
of their highest risk
prisoners
indicates
& Ensenada
area
• Vertical
Blinds mary of the agreement
to face serious time in
American
member
countries
• Roman
Shades that the 12Mexico:
(661)112-6496
Woven
Woods
prisons, which they• will
find
to of the TPP
to adopt or
Sanpledged
Diego: (619)552-9761
• Wood
2109that
Salerno,
Rosarito
FREE
Installation
be
no day
at the beach.
ThereShutter
will maintain laws
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• Laminated Flooring wholesalewindow619@yahoo.com
&
Estimates
be no buying of favors there, as the actions of public officials
they do here.
who offer or ask for “unfair adHere comes the Pope. Next vantages or benefits.”
year is Mexico’s turn to host the
The summary also states that
Pope, who is expected to visit us signing countries must “increase
at a date to be determined, but the training of public officials
will be in 2016. The Mexican to take steps to discourage gifts,
President’s office confirmed that to facilitate reporting acts of
contacts between the govern- corruption, and to provide for
ment and The Vatican have been disciplinary or other measures
initiated to prepare for a visit by for public officials engaging in
Papa Paco.
acts of corruption.” This poses a
“He is definitely going to big problem for Mexico, as the
come; The date, which will be country has now fewer than 38
trade pacts with countries from
all over the world, and would
very much like to qualify for this
trade deal.
In addition to Mexico, the
U.S. and Japan, the 12 participating countries are Canada, Chile,
Peru, Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and
Vietnam. In the last Corruption
Perceptions Index published by
Transparency International in
2014, Mexico falls well behind
the other TPP member countries. Of those, New Zealand
leads the list with a 91 accountcontinued on page 7
Decoration de Ventanas Imperial
6
October 19th, 2015
.COM
So Are We Going To
Go Trick or Treating?
You’re in Mexico, you feed your dead, you
don’t feed yourself
BY MYRA MAINS
On the day of the dead, Novemeber 1, people go to cemeteries
to be with the souls of their departed loved ones and there they
build private altars containing the
events and anecdotes about the
departed.
The Mexican flower cempasúchitl, (we would call them
marigolds), is the traditional
quila, mezcal or pulque or jars of
atole for adults. Families will also
offer trinkets or the deceased’s
favorite candies on the grave.
Ofrendas are also put in homes,
usually with food such as candied
pumpkin, pan de muerto, (“bread
of the dead”), candy skulls made
of sugar, and beverages such as
atole. The ofrendas are left out
in the homes as a welcoming
gesture for the deceased. Some
people believe the spirits of the
dead eat the “spiritual essence”
of the ofrendas food, so though
the celebrators eat the food themselves after the festivities, they
believe it lacks nutritional value.
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or small shrines in their homes
which sometimes feature a Christian cross, statues or pictures of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, pictures
of deceased relatives and other
persons, scores of candles, and an
ofrenda. Traditionally, families
spend some time around the altar, praying and telling anecdotes
about the deceased. In some
locations celebrants wear shells
on their clothing, so when they
dance, the noise will wake up the
dead; some will also dress up as
the deceased.
Public schools at all levels
build altars with ofrendas, usuall y
omitting the religious
symbols. Government offices usually have at least
a small altar,
as this holiday is seen
as important to the
Mexican
heritage.
,
1•866•323•3969
www.lajollareal.com
On the free road to Tijuana #3114
Blvd. Popotla, Rosarito
favorite foods and beverages, as
well as photos and memorabilia,
of the departed. The intent is to
summon the souls of the dead,
so the souls will hear the prayers
and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone,
as celebrants remember funny
flower used to honor the dead. In
modern Mexico the marigold is
sometimes called Flor de Muerto
(Flower of Dead). These flowers
are thought to attract souls of the
dead to the offerings.
Toys are brought for dead
children (los angelitos, or “the
little angels”), and bottles of te-
Pillows and blankets are left out
so the deceased can rest after
their long journey. In some
parts of Mexico people spend
all night beside the graves of
their relatives. In many places
people have picnics at the grave
site, as well.
Some families build altars
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646 227 0161
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Great Food!
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JUST WHAT DOES THE...
continued from page 1
Americans have in foreign countries is what happens if someone
comes a croaker, and with
good reason. It’s hard to get a
dead body across the border,
and there’s going to be a lot of stink
associated with it before you get
the papework completed.
Notifying the Consulate should
be your first move. They will issue
a Report of Death Abroad, which
will allow the probate administer
to perform legal duties. After the
Mexican death certificate is issued,
no less than 20 copies of the report
will be available to whoever is in
charge of the diseased’s affaris.. If
he, (or she), was a Mexican resident, there are additional moves to
make. There should be a Mexican
will listing the holdings existing in
Mexico. This must be on file with
the government. Copies should
also be with a trusted relative,
(do most people even have one of
those?) You will also need copies
of titles to homes and cars owned.
As you can see, it’s imperative that
if you feel your death coming on,
you leave instructions of what to
do and who to contact so that the
Consulate can help your family.
Deaths in Mexico are listed
in one of three ways: natural,
accidental, or intentional. If you
have a doctor knowledgeable of
the condition of your health, ,
he will be able to sign your death
certificate in the case of a natural
death. There is no morgue, no
autopsy (unless the death is ruled
suspicious, which is unlikely because these people aren’t keen on
extra work), and the body may be
transferred directly to a funeral
home. Spring for a hearse, a bus
would be rude.
It the death is suspected of being accidental or intentional, two
people must identify the remains,
one of which is a relation. You
might have to fake this part, who’s
to know it it’s your relative or not?
continued on page 9
October 19th, 2015
Fish Report
Coronado Islands
Watch out for the dive boats
at Pukey Point. They are trying to
shoot one of the wahoo that are
living on the spot. They appear to
be boat-shy however as we don’t
have any word of anyone catching
or spearing one.
Yellowtail are around —
mostly the smaller variety 10
pounds or under — try the South
Kelp Ridge, Middle Grounds,
Ribbon Kelp and South Kelp.
The Rockpile is said to have some
green, cold water now.
Farther outside there are
striped marlin, dorado and small
yellowfin being caught beneath
floating kelp.
Ensenada
There’s almost nothing going
on this week because of changing
conditions. After several hours
offshore, boats found big swells,
lower water temperatures and no
fish and elected to return to inner
bank for limits of bottom fish.
7
.COM
Up at Salsipuedes several
boats caught yellowtail as well
as bottom fish. Hopefully when
the weather settles down, the
offshore action will improve for
the fleet.
San Quintin
Inshore a good grade of yellowtail plus some quality white
seabass have been feeding on
the surface in shallow water. The
bottom fish are a good go-to if the
action slows.
Cranky seas have kept most
of the boats close to shore. Some
yachts passing by on their way
south have reported steady yellowfin and wahoo bites plus an
occasional marlin bite.
Bahia de Los Angeles
Weather remains hot with
little wind. Live bait is spotty
and catching is not always a slam
dunk; it is wise to bring fresh
or frozen bait to be on the safe
side. Yellowtail continue to be
the crowd pleaser around the
So, What’s On The
Minds Of Our Hosts?
This year the
best selling
Halloween
costume in the
country is their
hero, escaped
drug lord
El Chapo
And at a recent
soccer match
held in California,
there were several
pinatas of Donald
Trump on display.
Mexico whopped
the U.S. 3 to 2
Fish Killer Of The Week
BY GARY GRAHAM
islands along with some grouper
and cabrilla. Another bonus was a
small roosterfish caught recently
on a lure.
Cedros Island
In the home stretch, the end
of the season has been remarkable with so many firsts thanks
to “El Nino.” Still a few dorado
and wahoo, along with a billfish
or two, showing up along with
the standard fare of monster yellowtail and calico bass. ,
remaining vaquitas, a porpoise
like sea critter. Could they relax
at home for the season, spending their free money? No. They
the money and went fishing
Football is finally took
anyway, depleting the 1000 rehere. Catch all
maining vaquitas by about 50%.
your favorite
800 agents of various branches of the federal government
teams at Plan B.
have arrested 19 people and
KM. 22 Ens-Tij Toll Road
seized 22 boats, eight vehicles,
Baja, Mexico
211 fish parts, about 53,000 kilograms of fish and 543 totoabas,
another species listed as endanWHAT’S GOING ON IN THIS...
gered. Huh? That’s 42 cops for
continued from page 5
each arrested fisherman. That
oughta do it all right. Until they
ability score. The last three, by
tunnel out.
score, are Perú, with 38 points,
Movie madness. The people
Mexico, with 35, and Vietof Juarez, a city hard
nam, with 31.
by the U.S. border
P rog ram in
across the river
You
don’t
major fail.
f rom El Paso
protect your
Last year the
Texas, are pisUnited States
heart by acting
sy about a U.S.
sent millions
made movie just
like
you
don’t
of dollars to
out called Sicarhave one
Mexico to pay
io. That’s Spanish
fishermen not to
for hitman and the
fish in certain armovie is about the huge
eas of the northnumber of narco related killings
ern Sea of Cortez f o r f e a r
on the streets of Juarez a few
they would snuff out the last
years ago. They are unhappy that
Chuck Byard
with one of the
recent unusual
wahoo catches
in the lee of
Cedros Island.
people are not showing any sense
of humor about Juarez being the
killing capitol of Mexico, and
anyway that was a few years ago,
they’ve pretty much got things
under control now. Operative
words being “pretty much”.
The mayor of Juarez is calling
for a boycott of the movie, which
Mexicans haven’t even seen yet,
as it has not been released here.
But they’re pretty sure they aren’t
going to like it. ,
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esday
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2 REG. x $3.50
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Walk through the pharmacy,
next to the surf shop
8
.COM
October 19th, 2015
Calendar of Events
All prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
ROSARITO BEACH
Every Sunday 4pm. Cultural Sundays in the park,
featuring local Mexican and American dancers and musicians. At the IMAC in Abelardo L. Rodriguez park, west
of Banamex. Different themes every Sunday. Sometimes
food booths, other times vendors with food carts. Facebook IMAC Rosarito. Free.
Every Second Wednesday (except December). 2pm.
Friends of the Library meeting at main library of IMAC
building next to Abelardo Rodríguez Park. Promotes
reading and literacy in Rosarito. www.friendsofthelibrary.
com.mx. Carmen Dominguez, 661-612-3659. friendsofthelibraryrb@gmail.com
Every Third Wednesday (except December). 10am.
Flying Samaritans meeting at Villas del Mar clubhouse on
free road 2 miles south of Rosarito. Volunteers provide
free health services and clinics. www.flyingsamaritansrosarito.org. Susan Smith, 661-100-6066, U.S. 858-2402360. susansmithz@hotmail.com
Every Wednesday, 12:00 pm. Writer’s Workshop at
Eden Restaurant, (next to Cruz Roja Thrift Store). Published and unpublished writers welcome! Bring samples
(3-7 pages) of your work to share. Marsh Cassady:
marshcassady@yahoo.com.
Every Third Wednesday (except December). 2-4pm.
Bingo at Oceana Grill & Cafe, Blvd. Benito Juárez #90724. Great prizes, 6 different games. Benefits Flying
Samaritans. www.flyingsamaritansrosarito.org. Susan Smith, 661100-6066, U.S. 858-240-2360.
susansmithz@hotmail.com
Every Second Thursday.
10am. Cruz Roja volunteers
general meeting at Rosarito
Beach Hotel. Provides assistance
in case of accidents or disasters.
www.cruzrojarosarito.org.mx.
Rosie Pena, 664-976-0613, U.S.
619-621-0292. wosiepena@yahoo.com
of Baja California, monthly Potluck dinner, held at La
Maroma Sports Bar, across from Burger King. Different
theme evey month. 50/50 raffle. Live entertainment at
most events. Free for members and guests. Membership
only $15 USD per year. Beverages ordered from the Bar
at reduced Club prices.
Every single day. AA “Grupo Gringo” meets daily in
their meeting hall, #16 Mar Meditteraneo (two blocks
behind Hotel Brisas del Mar). Meetings: Saturday, 3:00;
Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 10:00 am; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 6:00 pm. Additional meetings in Cantamar
(just south of the footbridge) Tuesday and Friday, 10:00
am.. For more information, 661-614-1678.
October 23. Friday. International Music Festival Allegro at Rosarito Beach Hotel, free.
October 23 to 25. Friday to Sunday. International
Music Festival Allegro at Rosarito Beach Hotel. Concerts,
workshops and conferences. Ensenada Antiqua, Vito
Nicola Paradiso, Sinfónica Juvenil de playas and other
artists. All concerts are free.
October 23, Friday, 1:00 pm. Baja Scholarship Foundation Food and Wine Pairing luncheon at Susanna’s
Restaurant, with El Cielo. $40 per person includes the
pairing, tax, tip and door prize ticket. Must be purchased
in advance through PayPal, or check (made to BSF) or
cash may be delivered to Susanna’s. PO Box 439060, PMB
652, San Diego, 92143. RSVP:
BSFStudents@aol.com. 100% of
funds go to scholarships.
I’ve thought about
running away more
times as an adult than
as a child.
Every Wednesday, 12:00 pm.
Wr i t e r ’s
Workshop at Eden Restaurant, (next t o C r u z R o j a
Thrift Store). Published and unpublished writers welcome! Bring samples (3-7 pages) of your work to share.
For more information, contact Marsh Cassady: marshcassady@yahoo.com.
Every Third Thursday. 9am. General Meeting for
FRAO, Foreign Residents Assistance Office. Open to the
public. Usually held at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, with
parking validated. Sometimes held at other local sites.
Breakfast occasionally provided, but always available. Different speakers brought in to inform or address issues of
concern to foreigners living in Mexico. frao@rosarito.org
Every Friday. 4pm. Spanish class main library, by
IMAC, in Abelardo Rodriguez park behind BanaMex.
Beginner level class with Sylvia. Free but donation appreciated.
Every First Saturday. 10am. United Society of Baja
California (USBC) general meeting at Casa Blanca Restaurant, Rosarito Beach Hotel. Good info for the English
speaking community of charitable, community service
and social organizations. www.unitedsocietyofbaja.org.
Judy Westphal, 661-614-1113. jawmem@msn.com
Every First Saturday. Noon-sundown. Open Studio
Art Walk, a free tour of galleries in Rosarito Beach Hotel
commercial center. Meet artists at work in their studios.
pacothepainter@hotmail.com
Every Third Saturday. 1pm. USBC, United Society
October 23 to 25. Friday to Sunday. International
Music Festival Allegro at Rosarito Beach Hotel. Concerts,
workshops and conferences.
Ensenada Antiqua, Vito Nicola
Paradiso, Sinfónica Juvenil de
playas and other artists. All
concerts free.
October 24, Baja Spay and Neuter Event. More later
October 24, Saturday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Christmas
in October, Rosarito Beach Christian Church Fundraiser
and Bazaar benefiting local outreach ministries including
Los Angelitos Orphanage, Rey de Justica Church, RBCC
Medical Clinic, and the Sister Guadalupe ministries in
Primo Tapia. Km 42.6 on the free road. Activities include
bake sale, cake walk, face painting and children’s activities.
October 25, Sunday, 12:00 – 7:00 pm. Steak and
Lobster Festival at Rosarito Beach Hotel gardens. live
music, folk dancers. $20 per entrée/drink. Sponsored
by CANIRAC. Information: 661-612-0700 or 612-0396.
Email: CANIRAC.rosarito@gmail.com. Free.
ctober 25. Sunday. Deadline for ordering the 2016
Calendars of The Gorgeous Women of Baja at the reduced
price of only $15 USD. Launch party dates, times and
locations to be announced soon. For questions, or for
placing your orders, contact Chuck Smith at 619-5378929. email
October 28, Wednesday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Theatrical
directing class by Oswell Melton at Rosarito Theatre Guild
(1 block south of Elektra on Benny Juraez.) Subjects include casting, blocking, lighting and much more. For ages
17 and above. Cost: $15, members; $20, non-members,
and must be paid in advance. Fees refunded if minimum
not met. Information: Oswell Melton, email: omelton@
aol.com; phone: MX: 661-119-9214; US 1-619-356-6454.
October 31. Saturday. 6pm. Indian music concert
at Tijuana CECUT, in the Sala Carlos Monsivais, featur-
ing music from the northern areas of India. Come hear
the rich, exotic sounds of the sitar, tabla and contrabajo.
Tickets $10 USD. www.cecut.gob.mx
October 31. Saturday. 4pm. Zombie 5K Run, Run for
your LIFE!!! — Parque Morales, Av Insurgentes 16000
Rio Tijuana 3rd Stage Tijuana, Mexico 01 664 900 0014
http://zombieruntj.masporti.tv/ 12 years old and under
must be accompanied by an adult. Adults $200 pesos,
Kids $180 pesos.
October 31 to November 1. Saturday to Sunday.
12am to 11pm. KatrinaFest — IMAC at Abelardo L.
Rodriguez Park, next to the main library, behind the
Banamex, central Rosarito. Parade of Katrinas , music,
Mexican food, craft beer , pulque , tequila , games, dancing, altars, skeletons , contests , art exhibition, tradition,
party and more . http://www.katrinafestart.com/
October 31, Saturday, 2:00 pm, Halloween costume
party at El Pescador Restaurant and Bar (Km 44 on the
free road). Entertainment includes music by Julio Acosta
and karaoke. Information: 661-614-0854
October 31. Saturday. 4pm. Zombie 5K run for your
life!!! — Parque Morales, Av Insurgentes 16000 Rio Tijuana 3rd Stage Tijuana, Mexico 01 664 900 0014 http://
zombieruntj.masporti.tv/ 12 years old and under must
be accompanied by an adult. Adults $200 pesos, Kids
$180 pesos.
October 31 – November 1, Saturday and Sunday,
noon to 10:00 pm: Katrina Fest 2015 at IMAC park (near
the main library, behind Banamex bank) in Rosarito.
Traditional food, dancing, music, and Katrina/Katrine
costumes. Free.
November 1 Sunday. 2am. Set clocks back one hour.
November 7. Saturday. BajaPalooza at the Lighthouse
Sports Bar and Restaurant, km 58.8 on free road, at exit
for La Mision. 4th Anniversary of the bar. Confirmed
bands include Pachuco Blues, Maryam Malak (El Angel
de la Cancion), KidNoise, Tita Ghoz y La Noche, Tijuana
Jazz Collective, Boomerang, Young Blood, and more.
Roasted Pig Buffet.
November 14, Saturday, 7:00pm – 1:00 am. Dinner
with mariachi at the Rosarito Beach Hotel Salon Mexicano. Celebrate Mexico’s revolution. Tickets $275 pesos
(about $18.00) includes Mexican dinner buffet, music and
activities for children. Mexican Attire contest, raffles and
prizes. Information: phone: 01-800-265-2322 or 661-6121126; www.rosaritobeachhotel.com.
November 19, Thursday, 11:00 am, Friends of the
Library No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. Club
Marena Clubhouse. Doors open at 10:00 am. Reservations required; 48 person max. $30 buy-in. Prizes! 50% of
pot goes to Friends of the Library. Information: Friendsofthelibrary.com.mx or Dave Merino: 664-904-3106 or
1-629-800-7941.
November 19 to 22. Thursday to Sunday. Baja Writers Retreat.
November 21 Saturday, 1:00 pm USBC Thanksgiving dinner at La Maroma Bar (at north end of Rosarito).
Members: $12; Guests: $15. Dave Eliot: dave.eliot@gmail.
com, or 661-100-6240 or 1-619-488-3303. Of course there
will be turkey! The bad news: sautéed brussels sprouts. No
pumpkin pie for you until you eat your Brussel sprouts.
October TBD. Battle of the Bands. Prizes will include:
Recording Studio Time, Custom CD Replication, Musical Instruments, Cash and prizes provided by sponsors.
November 20 & 21, Cruz Roja Damas Christmas
Bazaar. More later
continued on NEXT page
October 19th, 2015
November 27, 28, 29, Friday – Sunday, holiday theatrical performance of “This Wonderful Life!” at the Rosarito
Theatre Guild. Friday: 7:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday,
2:00 pm. Reservations online with credit card or PayPal
at www.rosaritotheatre.org. Phone 664-609-3451, email:
rosaritotheatreboxoffice@gmail.com.
December 2, Flying Sams monthly luncheon, White
Elephant Gift Exchange. More later
December 3. Thursday. Cruz Roja Damas Christmas
Bazar
ENSENADA
Every Monday. 7pm. Ceart Cine Club. Films about
dance with “Billy Elliot” April 13, “Five Dances” April
20, “Desert Dancer” April 27. English with Spanish subtitles. Foro Experimental of Centro Estatal de las Artes
(CEART) on Blvd. Costero (Lázaro Cárdenas) & Av. Club
Rotario. Free. CEART, 646-173-4307.
Every First & Third Wednesday. 10:30am. Club
Compañeros de Baja Norte general meeting at clubhouse
on Calle Mazatlán #256 in Fracc. Acapulco, 1 mile south
of Ensenada. Lunch $6 donation. Multicultural, multilingual, nonprofit service and social club. Nancy McKee,
646-174-5011, U.S. 619-207-4325. cdbcnm@gmail.
comEvery Fourth Thursday. Red Hat Society lunch at
various local restaurants. Tillie Foster, cell 646-171-5292.
bajaqueentillie@gmail.com
Every Friday. 7:30-9:30pm. Live world and cultural
music at El Callejón Colectivo Culinario, Floresta #320
near southern Blvd. Costero extension, Fracc. Acapulco,
JUST WHAT DOES THE...
continued from page 6
There will be an autopsy and they
make such a mess of things that a
cremation is not a viable option.
It may take weeks or months to
effectively solve the case, and the
9
.COM
December 4. Friday. Cruz Roja Monte Carlo Night
— Mi Casa Supper Club
December 5. Saturday. Cruz Roja Thrift Store Holiday
Sale, behind Waldo’s in central Rosarito.
December 5, Friends of the Library Holiday Home
Tour. More later
December 5 Saturday, 6:00 pm USBC Holiday Ball at
Rosarito Beach Hotel. $30 per person (tables of 8 or 10
available). Music by Pachuco Blues. Rose Dillon: 661120-4491. 2015holidayball@gmail.com; Annie Saravera:
Cash donations can
be made in OXXO or
Banamex. Account:
4766 8403 0084 5794
November 30.
Last day to adopt
More information: (661) 116-3050
saraenmovimiento@hotmail.com
Facebook: saraenmovimiento
http://bit.ly/kumiai
February 28 to March 1. Friday to Sunday. Rosarito
Theater Guild presents: Ladies Day at Emerson’s Bar and
Grill. 664- 609-3451 Box Office.
Every Friday 7:30 pm. Live music at El Callejon Colectivo Culinario; Floresta #320, Fracc. Acapulco, Ensenada.
Alex Orendain, anlof9@gmail.com, 646-120-8004; www.
elcallejoncolectivoculinario.com.
October 29. Thursday. 7pm. Lux Boreal and Philip
Adams perform LAMB Contemporary Dance at Foro
Experimental del CEART, Ensenada. Ana Mora Rangel
at 646-173-4307 or 4308, ext 117 for schedule confirmation. Free.
October 24. Friday. 7pm. Dance group performance
by Manuel Torres at Foro Experimental del CEART,
Ensenada. Ana Mora Rangel at 646-173-4307 or 4308,
ext 117 for schedule confirmation. Free.
October 25. Saturday. Noon to 8pm. First Annual
festival of food trucks, at the Riviera. Family atmosphere,
live music, craft beers, Kids zone, arts and crafts, cultural
and artistic program. 646 176 4310 or http://www.rivieradeensenada.com.mx/Free.
October 25. Saturday. 6pm. Concert of popular
and classic Mexican music, in the CEART conference
hall. Performewd by Talentos Artisticos, Valores de Baja
Only with your help we can reach our goal!
You can also donate non
perishable food items.
Bring them to
KABACO and Charlies
Bi-National symphony orchestra in the Baja California Center, Rosarito Beach. 01 664 609 7900 contacto@
bccenter.mx. $60 dlls, $100 dlls, VIP gala dinner: $350
dlls per person.
California. Ana Mora Rangel at 646-173-4307 or 4308,
ext 117 for schedule confirmation. Free.
CAMP AMONG THE
KUMIAI INDIANS AND
HELP THEM!
Adopt a Kumiai Family
Christmas Food Box
$30.00
December 12. Saturday. 8pm. Gran Conciert de Gala
de Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan with a
1 1/2 miles south of Ensenada. Free. Performer schedule
with Alex O., cell 646-101-0812. anlof9@gmail.com
body is unable to be claimed during this time.
A little known service of the
Consulate is that they’re supposed to help if you feel your car
has been stolen while it was in the
United States and you feel it may
have been driven into Mexico.
They will work with American law
DECEMBER 12, 2015
anastasiia.mx@gmail.com.
enforcement to try and catch the
car before it crosses the border. If
your car is stolen while in Mexico,
however, they are not going to
be of much help. Unless you pay
them. Our boss got her truck
stolen by persons unknown and
she paid the police $1000 to get it
back. The chief of police drove up
with it within the hour. FYI, she
was over anxious, $300 to $500 is
the going rate.)
Traveling with prescription
medication can lead to problems.
All medications must be in labeled
bottles with the person’s name on
the labels. American prescriptions
must have the doctor’s name on
the label. That person must be
in the vehicle if stopped while in
Mexico, or crossing the border
in either direction. Medications
obtained in Mexico don’t have
labels, so it is important to carry
a copy of the printed prescription
with you while transporting your
medications.
The American Consulate also
visits American citizens who are
arrested while in Mexico. Don’t
expect a cake, much less a file, or
any concrete help.
Northern Mexico and Baja are
the busiest parts of the world for
Americans arrested. Three to five
American nationals are arrested
daily in the Tijuana area, usually
for intoxication or assault. In case
you’re tossed in the stony lonesome for a long time, a representative from the Consulate will visit
monthly with vitamins, toiletries,
and necessary medications. Nope,
no cake. If arrested, the Consulate
advises, do not sign forms or speak
October 30. Friday 5pm. Chayanne in concert at
Vinedos San Gabriel, Valle de Guadalupe. Reggaeton,
bachata and more. Tickets from $85 USD to $265 USD.
October 31. Saturday. 7pm. From Rosarito, the Yohanna Hassan belly dance company will be at the Teatro
de la Ciudad to perform Mystery, magical middle-eatern
dancing. Bring your cameras. The costumes are incredible. Ana Mora Rangel at 646-173-4307 or 4308, ext 117
for schedule confirmation. Free.
November 18 to 21. Wednesday to Saturday. 48th Bud
Light SCORE Baja 1000. ,
church
Christmas In October by Rosarito Christian Church
Gently used clothing, general household stuff, sporting
goods, tools, home décor, new and gently used jewelry,
possibly some kids’ stuff - lots of treasures for treasure
hunters, all at reasonable prices and all to benefit 4 local
ministries.
This is a fun family event with bake sale, tacos, kids’
activities, and more.
KM 42.6 on the Free Road. Sat. October 24 - 10AM-1PM
Info: Diana Dalton dianadalton6@gmail.com
with officers before contacting the
American Consulate. That is your
right as an American citizen. Posters with contact information are
in the jails. The Consulate website
has a list of approved attorneys as
well. This is easier said than done.
When our boss was arrested in
Baja Sur, they threatened her with
great bodily harm if she did not
sign 14 pages she wasn’t allowed
to read. These guys can be scary.
Also, the police water boarded a 68
year old American man accused of
murdering his wife, trying to get
him to confess to a crime he was
exonerated of the next day, but our
continued on page 11
Don’t Risk Jail Time in Mexico!
Federal law requires drivers in Mexico to have a
minimum of $300,000 Liability Insurance
3 Days Liability Ins.
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1Year Liability Ins.
Only $189 dlls
www.insuranceinbaja.com
Ph. (664) 158-0472 • In the Rosarito Beach Hotel
strip mall on Benito Juarez Blvd.
10
October 19th, 2015
.COM
Pueblo Plaza May
Have Ghosts
There have been many sightings in the old
stone cave beneath the restaurant
BY NONA FEAR
They drift among us unseen by some but seen by others. These heavenly creatures
choose to live in this central
flower garden of the small
plaza, as well as the underground cellar, now used for
wine storage and banquet room
by Susanna’s Restaurant owned
by Susanne Stehr.
Those who claim to have
seen them say they do speak
on occasion but usually simply
this same gentleman has been
seen by two of Susanne’s restaurant workers. And then, one
The deliberate attempt
to contact the spirit of
a deceased person is
known as a séance.
time one of the wait staff tried
to open the outside bathroom
door and felt a strong pull in
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drift through walls, mirrors,
and closed doors. It’s not a large
cast of characters, and they
seem unhurried and unfazed by
In folklore a ghost
is the soul or spirit
of a dead person
or animal.
the mortals who work among
them.
There is a tall and wellbuilt gentleman as described
by Daniel, owner of the Balam
Café in the plaza. He says his
restroom is a favorite for this
apparition, as he is seen to
glide out of it, and calmly glide
through the closed spa door
just next door. Daniel claims
the gentleman wears a suit and
a rather large brimmed hat that
obscures his face.
On more than one occasion
the other direction. The waiter
continued to pull and again
met with a tug back. But when
the employee finally gained entrance, there was no one there!
That bathroom has a history of sightings by Susanna’s
restaurant customers, who tell
of hearing footsteps coming
into the room but no one is
It is believed by some
that the soul of a dead
person can appear, in
visible form or other
manifestation, to the
living.
there. Some other customers
tell of hearing people speaking and whistling in that room
but there was nobody there. At
least these spirits seem happy
in this room, as there is often
laughing, whispering and talk-
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ing among themselves. One of
the kitchen workers refuses to
go near this room, so of course
this spreads the belief that supernatural powers hang out in
the public restroom.
Descriptions of ghosts
vary widely from an
invisible presence to
translucent or barely
visible wispy shapes, to
realistic, lifelike visions.
Recently there was a very
loud crash that seemed to come
from the main dining area of
Susanna’s Restaurant. It was a
deafening sound that sent the
kitchen staff rushing towards
it, but they found no pieces of
anything on the floor, nor any
china missing.
Susanne herself was there
for this one, and all she could
do was stare in silence, along
with her staff, and wonder out
loud what was next for their
haunted cellar.
There is an old stone cellar,
often called the cave, that is beneath the restaurant. Susanna
has it beautifully furnished
with antique wooden tables and
chairs and uses it for special
events as well as storing
the restaurant’s wines.
A narrow stone staircase
winds down to this room,
setting the stage for what
would be a spooky experience in any case. It was built
many years ago as storage
for water that fed what was
a laundry where Susanna’s sits
right now. In other words, this
spooky cave was once a water
pila.
Those who believe they see
ghosts, say they often see an
Certain religious
practices like
funerals and
exorcisms, are
designed to rest the
spirits of the dead.
old Mexican woman dressed
in a long ruffled dress quietly
sitting in a high backed chair in
the water pila. ‘Scuse, she sits in
the wine cellar/banquet room.
A customer swears she asked
her if she would like to leave.
The senora ghost’s answer was
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Email It In
You can email it to oliver@gringogazette.com
How easy are those choices? Hint: Very easy.
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One dark and stormy night,
a restaurant worker was singing gospel music while sorting
wines in the cellar, and he kept
hearing a voice shushing him.
“Shush, be quiet”, was the message by no one in the cave.
(Well, we made up the part
that it was a dark and stormy
night, it was actually on a sunny
day that the worker was told to
be quiet, but it set that seemed
to set the mood better.)
During events in her banquet room, Susanne has taken
photos. Some of these photos
have what is known as spirit
orbs, or large white circles
a plus. Me, famous and well
paid newspaper columnist, quite
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and ask for Santiago.
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photos. (See photo caption on
this page explaining orbs).
Susanne’s Restaurant of-
Ghosts are generally
described as solitary
essences that haunt
locations or people
they were associated
with in life.
ficially opened in 2004 and
that was the first sighting seen
by anyone in the plaza. A bartender saw shadows going
through the stained glass wincontinued on page 12
October 19th, 2015
Thinking Of Marrying
A Mexican?
The tax man is lying in wait for you
BY ORLANDO GOTAY
If you are a U.S. citizen expat in
Mexico, and you’re thinking you’ve
become lucky and are considering marrying a Mexican national.
¡Orale! as they say.
But it is important to understand there will be U.S. tax consequences and important choices
to be made in connection with
marriage to a non-US citizen,
when both of you reside outside
the United States.
If you marry a “non-resident
alien” and do nothing else, you will
be required to file returns at the
married filing separate rates, which
are usually very inconvenient.
Generally speaking —and there
are exceptions— one will end up
paying more tax this way.
Both spouses can elect to have
the non-resident alien treated as a
resident alien for U.S. income tax
purposes. That way, the married
filing joint status is available.
But with the IRS, nothing
comes for free. The joint return
would have to include the other
spouse’s worldwide income as well,
just like the U.S. citizen spouse. For
those who marry often, beware—
this can only be done once. It can
be revoked, but once taken, neither
spouse can take it again. And of
course, the non-U.S. citizen spouse
has to get an Individual Tax Identification Number, or ITIN—always
a fun endeavor outside the U.S.
Of course, that person’s income
and possible deductions, now and
in the future, (in addition to those
of the U.S. citizen spouse), are key
to deciding if this is a worthwhile
decision to make. It is also important to know this action forgoes
any US-Mexico tax treaty benefits
that may be otherwise available as
a resident of Mexico.
Some marriages bring additional people into the picture.
Parents and preexisting children
come to mind. Instead of the election, or the married filing separate
status discussed above, the more
favorable head of household status
may be available if support tests are
met. In some cases, the relatives
have to live in one’s household, but
not in others.
Lastly, timing is everything. It
is important to know that filing
status is determined as of the end
of the tax year, usually December
31. Depending on individual
circumstances, it may be advantageous to marry in either one year,
or the next. I always tell people to
run their numbers.
Marriage is of course, a major
milestone, and it brings about
significant tax consequences, only
11
.COM
magnified in the case of marriage
to what the IRS calls a non-resident
alien.
Orlando Gotay is a California
licensed tax attorney with a Master
of Laws in Taxation admitted to
practice before the IRS, the U.S. Tax
Court and other taxing agencies.
His love of things Mexican has led
him to devote part of his practice
to the tax matters of U.S. expats in
Mexico. He can be reached at tax@
orlandogotay.com. ,
JUST WHAT DOES THE...
continued from page 9
boss could not get the American
Consulate to do didly squat about
it. Do not be overly expecting help
from these Consulate employess,
as they have a long history of doing nothing. One of our reporters
is currently waiting for a call to
return from them and so far it’s
been three days.
Information is available at the
website: http://tijuana.usconsulate.
gov. This includes travel warnings
and alerts; weather warnings and
alerts; links to Homeland Security, California Border Patrol,
Department of State, and U.S.
Citizen Services. Data available
under citizen services is information on STEP (the Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program), passports,
Happy Hour
Mon-Friday
2-6 PM
citizenship/birth abroad reports,
emergency contact information,
notary services, federal benefits,
and what to do in case of death in a
foreign country. It is strongly suggested by officials that everyone
living in or travelling to foreign
countries enroll in this program,
we suspect because they like to
keep track of everyone who pays
taxes.
American Citizen Services
may be contacted in the following ways: Monday – Friday, 7:30
Caesar Salad $9
Ribeye Steak $16
Risoto with shrimp $8
On the old
Splash location
KM 52 Free Road
Rosarito-Ensenada
– 4:00: phone: 664-977-2000 (ask
for American Citizen Services);
Nights, weekends and holidays
(Emergencies only): phone 001619-692-2154 (from Mexico).
General questions: email: TijuanaCitizenship@state.gov; email for
emergencies such as death and human welfare: ACSTijuana@state.
gov. They say there is someone
available or on call but many calls
go unanswered. The American
Consulate may also be followed on
Facebook and Twitter. ,
David Flores
david@gringogazette.com
Cell (624) 121-1214
12
PUEBLO PLAZA MAY HAVE..
continued from page 10
dow behind the bar. There is a
passageway behind there that
goes down to the cave.
And a little girl dressed
in a green and white checked
dress has been seen by several
October 19th, 2015
.COM
welcome to them. She thinks of
them as her friends and maybe
her protectors.
Lorenza works the bar and
is pragmatic by nature. But she
swears she has seen the little
girl in the green checkers come
through the stained glass window that’s behind the bar. But
Lorenza’s cherished long dead
grandma has visited her many
times to, so go figure.
Julio, one of Susanne’s wait
staff, has never seen anything
The term orb describes unexpected, typically a circular
objects that occur in flash
photography, sometimes
with trails indicating motion.
They are especially common
with modern compact and
workers as well as customers,
ultra-compact digital camslipping out of the mirror in
the main dining room and then eras. Orbs are often captured
during low-light instances
passing through the door of the
where the camera’s flash
restaurant. She has been seen in
is used, such as at night or
the courtyard skipping around
very happy, as if she hadn’t a where a bright light source is
near the camera. An orb can
care in the world.
Susanne has spent many a result from retroreflection of
light off solid particles like
night alone in her restaurant
and at that time has seen noth- dust, liquid particles, (rain)
or other foreign material
ing. She feels that the ghosts
within the camera lens.
are there as an integral part
However, those who have
of the ancient adobe dirt and
stones that were used to build seen ghosts in the basement
the plaza. She wishes she could of Plaza Pueblo, believe this
is a sign of them.
see them and communicate her
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and hopes to keep it that way.
He did however hear the big
crash that had no explanation. Julio did tell me that
he has “ghosts in his head”
while laughing and feeling very
pleased that he has been spared.
Fausto was working in the
restaurant and also saw the
little girl come out of the mirror. He was not pleased to see it,
and hopes to never see it again.
Sonia has heard singing in
the bathroom only to discover
there is nobody there. She feels
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nervous but safe if other people
are around. Still, she no longer
uses this restroom.
Susanne is pleased with the
number of wedding parties she
hosts down there and tells us,
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“The ghosts keep sending me
business”. This is said with a
smile and a wink, as she still
waits her turn to actually see
her spirits and goblins.
A search is on to find someone to lead a séance, as a good
medium could possibly put us
all in touch with these spirits. If
anyone out there knows a reputable, knowledgeable person
to lead a séance, please tell Susanne at her restaurant, which
is on Benny Juraez St. near the
Rosarito Beach Hotel. ,
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