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GRINGO s s e l e ic r P h t r o N VOL. 2 ED. 11 • JULY 27TH, 2015 • NO BAD NEWS .com Oh for crying out loud! This guy is Facebooking while his irrigation is running amuck, making puddles! Hey buddy, you know there’s a water shortage going on! This issue we’ve got a good story for you on our pretty dire water shortage. Immigration Officials To Start Inspecting Southbound Visitors To quote a famous American Statesman, “We don’t gotta show you no stinkin paperwork”. BY TOMMY CHONG Mexican immigration officials are taking a closer look at us as we enter the country, preparing to ramp up inspection of us as we arrive on foot. Soon we’re going to be asked to show ID in the form of a passport or passport card. They say they’re goin gto get serious about this next fall when the new digs for Mexican immigration officials opens at the TJ foot entry. They promise they will sneak this up on us slowly, and if traffic gets jammed up, they’ll open the flood gates. Officials claim this shouldn’t be a burden, as we’re going to have to pack those pesky documents anyway, just to get back in the United States, so what’s the big damn deal? This has been tried before but south bound immigration inspections have met with stiff resistance from businesses and the tourist industry. Particularly poorly received was a requirement that anyone planning to stay in Mexico for more a week would need to pay a fee of about $21. Immigration officials stepped up document checks last fall at Otay Mesa but that was quickly bagged when Governor Kiki Vega took the immigration officials to the woodshed. But now, immigration is going to try it again, and local officials say they have the full backing of supervisors in Mexico City, so there. When their whiz bang new building is completed, immigration authorities plan to open two lanes for pedestrians entering CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 So What’s Our Gov’t Done For Us Lately? Plenty, and we’re ever so grateful BY REN DRAKE HILL This month Mayor Abarca made good on his promise to the people of FRAO, (the Foreign Residents Attention Office), by providing a bus trip to many of Rosarito’s newest city and state projects, and explaining what our government is doing for us. Guides Carlos and Reynaldo provided information at the four sites visited, and we are passing along to you what we learned. We are nearing completion of the Benny Juarez Boulevard renovation. (I can I hear an “A l l e l u i a ! ” ) This is what we are getting for our trouble and $2.2 million US dollars. The concrete used is rated MR 30-42 which means it can accommodate heavy trucks without cracking, which leads to potholes, which leads to more road shutdowns. Previous makeovers were asphalt which is an incredibly bad choice. The project started at the Rosarito Beach Hotel and has CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 2 Que Pasa in Baja? July 27th, 2015 .COM BY OLIVER QUINTERO Tijuana floods. Around 100 houses were damaged by the rains last Sunday when the city sewage system clogged up because all the trash on the streets was swept into the sewers by the rushing water. Some parts of the city were under as much as three feet of icky water. Most of the affected areas were low income neighborhoods, were people habitually toss their trash on the street. Add to that the crappy street cleaning services the city provides and presto, we’re under water Guys cut through border. Two guys riding motorbikes, cut through the international border fence to sneak into the US with their bikes. But U.S. bor- Subs or we’ll tcribe!! kitty und hrow the er Go to pa the bus ge 4 der patrol officers were Johnny on the spot and fixed the fence after the fence cutters were long gone. Well, guess the border guys weren’t that Johnny on the spot. Why didn’t anyone think of this already? Just torch through the steel. A flame throwing torch, that could double duty as protection in case of hot pursuit. Lyme disease on the rise. The state health department reported that 18 people have died because of Lyme disease just in the state of Baja alone this year. Ticks have been reproducing rapidly as heat has turned up, leaving cozy conditions for the little bastards. The health department recommends to have your pets clean and preferably keep them inside and to inspect them every once in a while. Like with a lot of other diseases, the biggest problem with Lyme disease is people don’t get treatment fast enough because its symptoms are very commonly confused with other bad stuff. If you have fever above 102 F, headaches, muscle aches and general discomfort get yourself to a doctor. Course that could be just another bad hangover, but it never hurts to be cautious. More pesos for your dollars. The dollar keeps rising, breaking once again the historical record with a selling price of 16.44 pesos for each dollar. The peso has seen a big depreciation against the dollar in the last few months going from an average of 12.80 to 16.44 in less than a year. This 30% increase in the value of the dollar has pushed of jail. We have no reason to doubt his 5% recidivism rate, but we think there might be other reasons involved: could it be that they just don’t catch them again? They just learn to be better criminals? That and on second thought, we do doubt those figures. They’re lying their asses off. In a country were the impunity rate is 75.7%, they have no business crowing about their so called recidivism rate. Yup, liars, liars, pants on fires. State promotes medical tour- STORE YOUR BOAT FOR PEANUTS! We’ll bring your boat to our storage and have it ready when you need it for only $69.99 monthly or $3.50 per day. • 24 hr security • Up to 34 ft. boats • Self-Storage Units Available Call (646) 149-9186 www.elparianselfstorage.com Esmeralda #722-C, Valle Dorado, Ensenada border tourists to visit Mexico more frequently as everything is cheaper for them. Not in all places of course because some businesses, especially the ones that cater to tourists, charge dollars to their clientele. If you want to save a ton of money, try spending your money in places that charge pesos. The power of stats. Recently Jesus Grijalva, head of the Baja California state prison system, stated very proudly that only 5% of ex-prisoners commit crimes again and go back to jail. He boasted about the success of the educational and work programs in the prison system and how they work to keep people out ism. Baja recently became the first state in Mexico to come up with a strategic plan to pitch the profitable medical tourism industry. State governor, Kiko Vega, said in a press conference that around 1 million foreign patients spend a little over $500 million USD every year in medical procedures and related expenses here. The governor gave a check for $65,000, earmarked for the improvement of the urban image of the industry in Mexicali. Well, for starters, we could stop kill people who comes here for a butt lift. That happened last month in TJ. Killed by a butt lift. Makes for a rather unattractive obituary. Baja by the sea. The state government, in a joint effort with municipal authorities, are participating in the Baja by the sea event this August first in Park North, San Diego. The event focuses on promoting what Baja has to offer to potential tourists. “It’s like bringing a little taste of Baja to the US” said one of the organizers. Wineries, craft breweries, and restaurants bring their samples to share. The event also promotes the calendar of the many events in Baja. “Baja by the sea has historically has had three audience: intermediaries like meeting planners, concierges and media; tourism companies and tourists.” Said the Public Relations director Angel Flores. No more roaming. All the major cell phone players offer roaming-free programs between Mexico and the US. Now. Mexican cell phone calls used to cost more than a dollar a minute in the US and sky high data charges. This move was most CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 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 July 27th, 2015 We Have Plenty Of Water Here, Right? No! Where have you been, in a coma? BY GUNGA DIN Our local farmers receive most of their water from the Colorado River, but shortages are chronic. At a recent meeting of the International Boundary and Water Commission, farmers looked to authorities for answers they don’t have. Water managers in the region have developed contingency for stretching the state’s dwindling water supply such as desalination plants, wells and reservoirs, canal lining projects, and novel irrigation techniques to try to solve the region’s water plight. “There practically has not been one day since I became secretary that the main topic has not been water,” said Manuel Valladolid, Baja California’s agriculture secretary. The coastal regions from Tijuana to Ensenada represent the most severely affected, according to Conagua, the National Water Commission. Tijuana is dependent upon the Colorado River for 98% of its water, while Ensenada is the only municipality in Baja California not currently using water from the river. It relies on aquifers, but they’re not enough: the city began implementing water rationing measures last year. But while California has adopted a mandatory cut in urban water use, which has been received very well, Baja California has not turned to such conservation measures. The first desalination plant in Baja California is set to begin operating in 2017 in Ensenada. The reverse-osmosis facility, a $48 million plant, will supply 5.7 million gallons daily to Ensenada, the nearby San Quintín export-oriented agricultural region, and the wineproducing Valle de Guadalupe. Mexico’s National Infrastructure Fund contributed US $14 million to the desal plant, and a $22 million loan was procured from the North American Development Bank. A South Korean company was contracted by the state to build the facility. Ensenada has relied historically on its over-burdened aquifers for both municipal and agricultural purposes. Those sources are running out of water, with the water table dropping so much that salt water is seeping in. Governor Kiki Vega recently Ask a Mexican 1. Yesica Avila. Living in Cabo for 20 years. Housekeeper. I would like to live in the 1800’s since I have been reading history books and watching 1 movies. That was the time when there was better education, better manners, and a more decent way of dressing, l i v i n g , a n d e at i n g . Women were much more discreet, even if their thoughts were sinful, they did not show it. Men used to be more respectful in society. Men had more spirit and courage, so the family could trust them. Even though the women at that time could not study with men or get an education in school, wome n we re mu ch , much more feminine. They stayed at home and dedicated 100% to their family. They sewed children’s clothes and their own. They spent time cooking for the 3 .COM family, and they were really tranquil and happy, every one doing their jobs with joy. Compared with the present time, when every home is a real mess. You 2 can see it for yourself, not just in books or TV. Every member of the family does what they want, no matter if they hurt the rest of the family. The old times were better. 2. Rosy Lisama. Living in Cabo for 17 years. General decorator. I do like rock and roll. So, yes I would like to go back to the past and live in the ‘60s. The way the young people used to dress, the girls so feminine with skirts, and the dancing parties in the evenings which started at 4:00 p.m. and ended at the latest, at 8:00 p.m. Those were really beautiful times, with sandwiches and Coca-Cola. And the love letters, the boys and girls starting a romance, waiting for the expected answer, Happy Hour Mon-Friday 2-6 PM Dinner Special $9.00 Chicken w/ oporto wine sauce & potatoe risotto announced plans for another desalination plant south of Ensenada in San Quintín. The hard hit farmers in this region have been using privately-operated desalinations plants for years to avoid using the well water, which is not to their liking. It is unreliable and brackish. The state’s agricultural secretariat estimates the number of private desal plants in the area at 52. “By instructions of the governor, we are turning toward the Pacific, through public-private investments,” said Germán Lizola, director of the Baja California State Water Commission (CEA). Not only will the ocean supply water to Ensenada through desalinization, but the Colorado On the old Splash location KM 52 Free Road Rosarito-Ensenada River will also be used to pick up some of the slack. By the end of summer, Ensenada will begin receiving approximately 6.8 million gallons each day from Tijuana through re-purposed infrastructure, which will carry water from the river to Ensenada for the first time. Our precious Valle de Guadalupe, known worldwide for its wineries, has been one area that has been studied closely, with projects such as piping in treated wastewater from Tijuana weighed as a solution. Well, TJ is a big city, and certainly not lacking for sewage, so all we have to do is treat the stuff really, really carefully and then CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 This Week’s Question is, If you had a choice, would you like to live in the past or the future? the little awkward kisses hidden from the grownups. Oh, that was delicious! Compared to the present times, where the kids do not respect anything, not 3 even themselves. You can see a beautiful young girl well dressed with high heels, walking like a model, and suddenly saying to her companion, “Hey stupid, do not &%#& with me, son of a #&%$#!” Yes I would like to be back in the old days. 3. Carlos Lopez. Living in Cabo for four years. Grocery deliveries’ driver. I would love to live in the future. Let’s say, 2080. That would be so exciting! Watching the technology advance in vehicles where you may even fly converting your 2080 Ford to a helicopter. Batman would be my partner, and he would envy me; I could travel to my mother’s home and have dinner with her and eat my favorite food, and come back to my work. That would be awesome. And money would be no obstacle. I think that everything would be very easy. 4 4. Hugo García. Living in Cabo for 27 years. Book and magazine seller. I think that living in the future would be magic. At that time, we will not need a language to speak with the people around the world. We all would be much closer. At the present time we have a lot of technologies for communication; even so we use different idioms. But, in the future, there could be only one language and only one type of money. I think it is time to stop being a separate country on every continent. We need to be close. So I think that we also are going to have only one president. And then, the entire world could be really a democratic society. We would all give our ideas to a committee that would express them to the president. The president would study them and make the changes that are needed for a better life. 5 5. Rosa Maria Figueroa. Living in Cabo for 19 years. Laundress. The past is only good memories. The future, we must not worry about. The time will come no matter what! I am a widow. I have five children to feed, not only with food, but with education and love and respect for God. If you are born a woman, be a woman. If you are born a man, live like a man. Human beings are beautiful creatures. Just respect yourselves, and stop dreaming about the impossible life. You are who you are. If you would like to be better, then pray for it, and the Lord will change your life for the better. If you are a boss, be a good one. Do not use your employees. Do not abuse them. Treat them the way you would like to be treated. If you are an employee, be loyal to your boss. I am not a moralist. Life has made 6 me the way I am now. Be happy. I am happy in the present time. 6. Jose Maria Riquelme. Living in Cabo for 30 years. Fisherman. Well, yes I would like to live in the past, 20 years ago, and live here in Cabo San Lucas. Such a gorgeous time in the past. We the people who lived here spent such a nice time without so many visitors. We were free to go to the beaches and have picnics, to play with our kids on the shore, fishing and swimming during the weekend all together. We locals shared the same life. We were really happy. Now we hardly see each other. I would like to go back 20 years ago. , 4 July 27th, 2015 .COM Fourth Annual Baja Blues Fest Comming Here’s the lineup, the dates, the cost BY REN DRAKE HILL Open your pocketbooks! Late summer is all about the children – uniform drives, school supply drives, and that standby cultural event on which we wind-up summer: The Baja Blues Fest. For three days, August 21 – 23, all of Rosarito will be jammin’ at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Tickets are $35 for the three day event, purchased in advance; $20 for Saturday only; $10 for either Friday night’s meet-andgreet, or Sunday’s informal jam session. Keeping with the tradition of Helping Kids With The Blues, and increasing public awareness of the needs of our local children, this 501(c)3 nonprofit will donate funds to organizations that offer food, shelter, clothing ,education, and medical care, rather than to a set number of institutions as in the past. This year’s sponsorship includes several southwestern television stations including KSWT 13, KYMA 11, and Estrella 13.3. The first event of the weekend Scene from last year’s BluesFest to participate in this event. The lineup of bands iis phenomenal this year. Headlining is Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, a contemporary blues/rock band known for their hard biting and gritty sound. They were the house band for three seasons on NBC’s late night Comedy Showcase, and Castro has opened for B.B. King during his summer concert tours. The Backwater Blues Band is back for its third year as the host band. They are well known in the San Diego area for their original and classic arrangements, and have performed all over the world and are a key reason the Baja Blues Fest iis able to acquire such great blues musicians. Dianna Bogart, a contemporary blues artist who has coined the term blusion to describe her sound of integrating boogie-woogie with country/jazz. This multi faceted performer is the winner of many music awards. Missy Andersen, known in the San Diego area for her soul and blues renditions, has Sometimes the first step to forgiveness is realizing that the other person is batshit crazy is the ever popular Meetand-Greet on Friday night, 7:00 – 11:00 pm, or whenever the musicians peter out. The gates open on Saturday at 10:30 and again, the music will carry on until 8:00pm or whenever the musicians peter out. Sunday’s informal jam session will rock 1:00 – 4:00 pm. All are encouraged Decoration de Ventanas Imperial WE OFFER FREE Installation & Estimates LIFETIME • Roller Shades (Motorized) WARRANTY • Wood and Faux Blinds Serving Rosarito • Granite counter tops & Ensenada area • Vertical Blinds • Roman Shades Mexico: (661)112-6496 • Woven Woods San Diego: (619)552-9761 • Wood Shutter 2109 Salerno, Rosarito • Laminated Flooring wholesalewindow619@yahoo.com SUBSCRIBE GRINGO Yes! Yes! Sign Me Up! received several awards and was nominated in 2015 for BMA soul female blues artist. Hola Soy Lola of Tijuana is known for their joyful rock and classic blues. Fairly new to the scene, they have shared the stage with many of the blues greats. They lead the cultural movement known as Border and Blues Jam, which she’s been nominated for Best Blues in the San Diego Music Awards multiple times. The BBF will also feature many local artists and artisans displaying their wares on Saturday. Food venders will include popular local eateries including Susanna’s, Bobby’s By the Sea, the Mongolian Grill, and Santa betty’s Authentic American Burgers “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 promotes the blues in reviving the Tijuana music scene. The Bayou Brothers offer a unique blend of the Zydeco and Cajun tunes of the Louisiana dance clubs. Enthusiastic performers, they bring the rousing, heart-thumpin’ musical gumbo. Michelle Lundeen, the Queen of Steam, blends R&B with swing in her dazzling vocals and soulful performances. Well known in the San Diego Gaslamp District, Brigida Cheeses. Tickets are available online at www.bajabluesfest.org or at Click-On.com (KM 44.4 on the free road), or at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. For more information: w w w. b a j a b l u e s f e s t . o r g ; email: admin@bajabluesfest. oirg; phone: US: 1-800-5205471; MX: 01-661-614-0513. There are special weekend rates at the Rosarito Beach Hotel, available at www.rosaritobeachhotel.com. , order now or we'll throw the kitty under the bus. North It's not gonna be my fault the kitty got tossed under the bus! 6 Months 2nd Class Mail (13 Issues) -$45 12 Months 2nd Class Mail (26 Issues) - $65 Send Your Dinero To The Gringo Gazette and save the kitty! Desert CAand 92252 MakeP.O. your Box check13168 payablePalm to Gringo Gazette send it to Oliver Quintero, PMB-80 PO BOX 189003, Coronado, CA, 92178 562 714 6735 Name ___________________________________________________________ continued on page25 Street _____________________________________ City___________________ State/Province _______________________________________ Zip___________ Phone (in case we can't read your crummy E-mailwriting)______________________ Sorry, Canadians, we just could not reliably get them to you so we’re not mailing to Canada anymore. To subscribe, you must have a United States address. What’s Going On In This Country? 5 .COM BY SANTIAGO VERDUGO July 27th, 2015 Classified Ads Easy Sign Up dddd First an announcement: Enough with the rumors already, Rene’s mail room is not closing despite the renovations going on at the former Rene’s bar/restaurant, which is becoming a casino. The mail room is only moving about 20 feet from its present location, can you go with that? As compensation for this colossal inconvenience, the parking lot will be reconfigured with spots dedicated just for mail picker uppers. The mail room is still open every day during daylight hours for letter pickup and drop-off, and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00 – 4:00 for full service. Pass the word, people seem to be over wrought over this. , NEXT DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, AUGUST 4th, 2015 Phone It or Text It In You can call or text Oliver at (646) 179 4599 Mail It In You can mail it along with your check to: Oliver Quintero, PMB-80 PO BOX 189003, Coronado, CA, 92178 Make check payable to Gringo Gazette Email It In You can email it to oliver@gringogazette.com Well, it’s about damn time. The star crossed Boleo mine in Santa Rosalia half way up the Baja has finally produced some copper. They just shipped the first 2,000 tons of copper since the troubled mine finally began production last January, after years of strife. El Boleo is a copper-cobaltzinc-manganese deposit. First exploited in 1885, the mine Santa Rosalia is a cool town, all built with wood, like no other town in all of Baja. The wood was brought down here when the mine was first worked, more than 100 years ago as ballast in the empty ships that returned from delivering copper. How that town has stood all these years is a miracle, as one careless match and poof! The whole town will go up in smoke. 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 produced rich ore within a decade. By 1900 Santa Rosalia had become a world class copper producer, but deposits eventually petered out. The mine closed in 1954 and the smelter shut down in 1985. Now, the mine is being re worked with new technology. A Canadian firm took a shot at it, finally bailing out, and now the majority owner is a consortium of Korean companies led by Korea Resources. They finally got the thing started again last January. They hope to cash in for the next 23 years, taking 2,000 metric tons of cobalt, 25,000 tons of zinc sulfate, and 50,000 tons of copper. Copper, like gold, has recently shot up in value. Since 1971 Let us pay pay your household bills on your behalf. Easy set up There is a very cool wooden hotel that was built in the late 1800’s by a Frenchie. It’s still in service and is fun to stay in, (note the fire escapes before retiring) It’s on the tippy top of the only hill, you can’t miss it. Up there, too, is a famous bakery, the best in Baja. Soft drink tax takes the fizz out of soda industry. The cost of all sodas and other sugary drinks in Mexico increased by about 1 peso per liter, effective last January, in the interest of so called national health. Since then, consumption has gone down. And, according to the National Association of Producers of Soft Drinks, so have jobs in the Mexican soft drink industry, whine, whine. The organization’s honcho claims 1,700 jobs have been eliminated, due to a 2.5 percent drop in sales. Mexico is one of only a few countries in the world that have managed to pass such a tax. France has done it, and Chile is working on it and the Peoples’ Republic of Berkeley, California has slapped a 1% tax on pop, but we all know that town is full of goofy left wing zealots, if not downright commies. New app watches gas stations. In response to increased, uh, anomalies found at gas stations in Mexico, three young guys from Yucatan developed the Zenzzer application that verifies how much gas you’re getting. “We do not seek to discredit any gas station,” says Randy Cruz, marketer and creator of this ap- How easy are those choices? Hint: Very easy. Cost is only 80 cents a word, and that includes posting your ad in our online version as well as the printed edition. We do take credit cards. Total Words Times 80 Cents A Word X .80 Total Amount Owed ____________ DELIGHTFUL 1 br, 1 bath ocean view bungalow in Rosarito, 3 min walk to large sandy beach only PRICE SLASHED: $10,000 (land rent $165./ mo.). 3 decks,furnished, natural wood beam living room ceiling. For photos and more info. Richard (weekleyabc@yahoo. com) 661-478-8536 (USA) SINGLE MALE looking for double jointed super model who grows her own pot. Open minded twin sister application is connected to your phone via Bluetooth. “You can actually see in real time how the fuel is falling into the tank. Once the fill up is complete, you can rate the service and supply a map with the best and worst stations,” he adds. Now, that’s the crux of it. You will be able to quickly determine which stations near you are ripping you off if you download the app, even if you don’t buy the sensor yourself. And why hasn’t PROFECO already done this? Thanks to this technology the stations can no longer bribe PEOFECO agents, because citizens are going to expose those stations. And we intend to print a list of them right here on these pages. The project was assisted by an engineering student, and a student of engineering physics, both from the University of Yucatan. All three entrepreneurs are less than 30 years old. The trio’s plan is to offer this service for free, and they are now If you are agitated and confused my work here is done Undercover investigative journalist at Rene’s mail room cleverly disguised as a cat. plication. “This is just a measuring instrument that serves to recommend to people which gas stations are doing things right.” According to data provided by the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO), 58 percent of the stations they checked in the first quarter of 2014 were found to be ripping us off. They are afraid to discredit? Screw that pussy footing around, these station owners are thieves. Is that discredit enough for you? Randy says the Zenzzer app works with a sensor that is installed in the fuel tank and the ____________ a plus. Me, famous and well paid newspaper columnist, quite handsome. Call 646 179 4599 and ask for Santiago. CALL ME FOR GREAT BARGAINS on houses, lots and rentals! bill’s baja bargains 760554-4238 mex:01646-1550029 gracias! MOBILE HOME 4 SALE 24’x64’, 2x4ConstructionGoodRoof, 2BR2BA, HugeKitchenGreatRoom/LR. 805-2050395, 6461258785 looking for financing to launch Zenzzer next December. The sensor can be purchased on the company’s website. More livers for Mexicans. Hold the onions. President, Peña Nieto made a deal to send our national health guys, (the IMSS system), to study how to transplant a liver. France is a global pioneer in this type of transplant surgery. The Frogs have also helped us treat heart attacks better. Our president and the president of France, Francois Gérard Georges Nicolas Hollande, (just Nick to his friends), agreed to achieve greater integration between the two nations. Translation: better pals. But we’re not taking any of his overload of Muslims off his hands! They can stay right where they are and shoot up that country. Greek tragedy affects Mexico. The debt crisis in Greece may affect Mexico’s exports to that country, which is about $8 million. Greece’s financial and political disaster, wherein the Greeks refuse to tighten their belts and continue to overspend CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 6 July 27th, 2015 .COM So What’s The Deal On Those 14 Foot Horses? Harder to pack than a picuture of Guadalupe painted in day glo on black velvet, but just as good a conversation starter in the living room BY TOM EMANUEL In a dusty industrial yard on the south end of Rosarito, 30 Mexican men are creating magic for over 20 years. Founded in 1994 by Arturo Castellanos, The Metal Corral produces replicas of large animals such as horses, bulls, giraffes, dragons, dinosaurs, winged mythical creatures, and anything their world wide clientele can dream up and want. These men are wizards in Each of these critters takes one man three days to create and wholesales for around $1200 mostly wrought iron, but they also work in bronze and copper. The last two metals are melted on the surface of the iron to give it a sheen and to change the color and pattern of the critter they’re fabricating. This technique is mainly used on smaller pieces, often hung as art work for the walls of residences. These are items like turtles, moons, suns, birds, cactus, sleeping Mexicans in sombreros, and other kitch. ‘Scuse, art All of their work is handmade and is special ordered by their clients. Over 75% of their clients are wholesaleers who resell it. They have such customers from all over the United States as well as from Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Italy and across the European continent. These customers sometimes want large shipments of large animals which are sent by airfreight or packed into containers and stacked on ships. It may take some time to fulfill an order like that because a big animal, for instance a horse, rearing 12 feet in the air and measuring 14 feet in length takes at least three days to create. And if the customer has ordered a dozen of them in different configurations it can take them more than a month working night and day to satisfy the order. Animal representations of this size are surprisingly cheap, running about $1,200 USD at the wholesale level. This allows their customers to make handsome profits when they sell it retail. The smaller art works, used in residences, have a beautiful patina to them, which is produced by the use of copper and bronze layered on the surface and covered with a clear coat to keep it all from tarnishing over time. The Metal Guard Your Investment Profesional Community Management At Associa we know there are unique needs for every community that requires management. That’s why we provide transparent, customized homeowners association management, using the most rigorous financial safeguards in place to assure that your investment is secure We ensure the board that all properties are up to the community’s expectations. Depending on the individual need of the community, our goal is to improve the overall value of the community and the properties within it. From individual homes in open and gated communities to high rise condominiums with often absentee owners, we bring everyone into the circle of communication. Every community is unique and we have the scale and depth to take care of every one of those special needs. Beyond board meetings, accounting and budgeting, we take care of the things that you see and experience every day. We make sure the flower beds look fresh. We hire trained and licensed security personnel (and make sure the gates work properly too!). We even perform association and homeowner maintenance via Associa OnCall. We ensure the board that all properties are up to the community’s expectations. The list goes on, and we are there to be responsive to phone calls, emails and online requests via Associa Access. It’s a sense of professional service that we are proud to perform; it is our job to be knowledgeable and responsive, providing our “Five Star Service” for all clients, and we take that job very seriously. It is our goal at Associa to provide the best return on your association’s investment and for your residents to see that value every time they come home…across every property we serve. Rosarito Beach Office: Land line (664) 631-3331 Cell: (664)389-6493 Southern Baja: US 214 295 6245 Toll Free 1 (888) 613 2059 Email: info@associamexico.com U.S. 5401 N. Central Expressway Dallas, TX 75205. 800 808 4882. www.associaonline.com Corral wholesales these items to shops all over Mexico. They are very popular both with expats and with Mexicans. Many of the items that you see in the store fronts in south Rosarito all the way down to Popotla were fabricated right here by The Metal Corral. These items wholesale for as little as $25 to as much as $100 depending on what material was used and the intricacy and size of the work. A little secret: you do not have to buy them from a retailer because you can have your decorative work custom designed directly by The Metal Corral. Of course they construct more serious work there as well. They can make anything you can name that looks great in wrought iron work. Common requests are gates, balconies, staircases and railings, chandeliers, security screen doors and huge solid doors. Typically prices for these items are a quarter to a fifth of what you would be expected to pay in the States. A woman who owns a multi million dollar home in Orange County purchased an elegant curving staircase railing in a leaf pattern to set off the marble stairs leading to her second story. She was quoted over $11,000 for the construction and installation in the States, but she was able to get it produced, delivered and installed from here for less than $2,500. She was thrilled and her referals have already produced three more customers. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 July 27th, 2015 7 .COM Fish Report Coronado Islands Clean warm water loaded with yellowtail is pushing up from the South. The Rockpile was the first to see this change and now the South Kelp Ridge Porque todos necesitamos opciones KM. 22 Ens-Tij Toll Road Baja, Mexico and the South Kelp are in better water and have yellows again. Current is running uphill so the spots in the lee of South Island, like the Ribbon Kelp, should already be in good shape or they will be very soon. The Middle Grounds will follow shortly. Recent storm seems to have turned conditions upside down but should recover quickly as the ocean settles down. Ensenada Got a call this morning and the word was the same — nothing has changed and the fishing is excellent. The local yellowtail and barracuda fishing is excellent and steady. The fish are pretty much everywhere from Salsipuedes to Todos Santos Island to Punta Banda. A great way to locate the fish is to troll an X-Rap or Rapala and be ready with a surface Fish Killers Of The Week BY GARY GRAHAM iron once you get a hook up. Bluefin are running around inside the bay. Remember though, bluefin are not legal in Mexican waters. If you catch one, you have to release it back alive! San Quintin While yellowfin frolic offshore, most boats can’t resist the extraordinary white seabass bite that’s happening right now. In addition the yellowtail bite remains strong for the anglers seeking them, as well as the usual suspects that are found in deeper water, including lingcod and rock cod. Bahia Los Angeles Dorado numbers continue to climb as the yellowtail and white seabass catches remain strong. Cedros Island Cranky weather resulting from Dolores failed to slow the SO WHAT’S OUR GOV’T... continued from page 1 progressed northward one mile. Yes, the project is only one mile long. Stepping through it felt way longer didn’t it? In addition to the sturdy lanes are the decorative dividers with much improved street lighting, plants, and colorful stamped concrete. Two additional cross walks, corner planters, and monuments were added, which makes the central area much more inviting. Underneath it all are massive storm drains which will divert rainwater away from the main boulevard to the beach. We are told that the inclusion of theses drains is what has taken so much of the time and resources. Apparently storm drains don’t come cheap. Zona Rosarito, the “esplanade” (looks like just a street to us), that runs from the restaurant El Nido to the beach, past Papas and Beer and party central, is nearing its first stage of four stages of completion, and includes Calle Coronado, and crosses the boulevard running in front of the Catholic church. The complete project is slated to cost about $10 million. Michael Ciarametero of San Diego caught this nice white seabass with Garcia’s pangas at San Quintin. Pretty junked up boat you got there, Mike, we’d hate to see the bottom of your car. How do you find the fish you caught earlier in the day or last week? By the smell? Yeah, that would work. The wide sidewalks promoting walking instead of driving will accommodate many and provide a pleasant place to walk. Benches and mounted trash receptacles are provided. There is a single lane for cars (our bus nearly didn’t make it). Beach goers have a direct path to the sand, but there is little parking. calico bass bite. We made the run to Punta Norte Saturday and Sunday. The weather was rough on the way, but the fishing was off the charts and calm once we got there. 100 fish days per per- son was the norm and the kelp is making a huge comeback so if you are into the calico fishing, the kelp is there to fish. Gary Graham, gary@garycgraham.com. , The second phase includes Calle Rosarito between Don Porifino Cantina and Playita Mariscos (behind El Nido). The area will be known as a cultural corridor and provide outdoor spaces to many artisans. Phase three includes the rebuilding of sidewalks between the boulevard, the beach and the main city park. Work will be done to the east side of the boulevard, alongside the Catholic church and connect to the phase one esplanade. A l l i mprove m e nt s include colore d stamped concrete, plants, benches and trash cans. Every state in Mexico has a state sponsored art center and Baja’s is being constructed at the south end of Rosarito. There are several phases to this complex which was started two months ago on the east side of the toll road. Turn inland at Ave. Lienzo Charro (that’s the blinking signal south of Pemex), a little way up the hill; just follow the signs for La Cascadas condos. The main building, built first, will include galleries for art and photos primarily by artists from our state and should be completed by year’s end. Operative word being should. Later, this will include national and international art. The cost of this part of the project is $1.1 million. There will also be an outdoor theatre. This art and cultural center will be on a par with the greatest centers of Mexico, and is free to the public. Well, our guides promised it will be as good as any center in Mexico, even better than what those hicks in Mexico City have. Maybe not. Up in the hills due east of the Rosarito Beach Hotel and near the Baja California University at Rosarito, is the new city park and the new charro (rodeo) arena. The park is in a quiet glen just below the arena. There is plenty of grass, children’s play areas, shaded tables and benches, BBQs, and restroom facilities. The arena seats 4500 spectators and has already hosted several events, with the next large one scheduled for October. The arena is open year round with free use by the public. Those looking for a little more activity in their lives will appreciate the Punta Azul Tennis Center. Located (again) on the east side of the toll road at KM 28, one can see the bright white and blue walls stenciled with silhouettes of tennis players that surround the center. This is a professional tennis center offering 13 courts including one center court with stadium seating for 1200 spectators; grass and hard courts; locker and restroom facilities. There is no dues structure and court use is open to the public, and almost free; just enough is charged to pay for facility maintenance and cleaning. There are instructors CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 Whisky Tango Foxtrot It is what it is 8 .COM July 27th, 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 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, 661-100-6066, U.S. 858-240-2360. susansmithz@ hotmail.comEvery 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 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 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 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. July 20-27. Monday-Monday. Discover the Baja Peninsula week-long bus tour stops in Guerreo Negro, San Ignacio, Mulege, Loreto and LaPaz $580 USD 664381-9046 and 664-202-2647July 23, Thursday, 11:00 am. Friends of the Library no Limit Texas hold ‘em. Doors open at 10:00 am. Club Marena Clubhouse. Buy-in: $30/ Seat reservations are required; 48 player max. Rules and Information: www.friendsofthelibrary.com.mx. 40 mile race and 20 mile fun ride. Info www.rutadelvinobikeride. com July 20-22. Monday-Wednesday. Premios de Los Calles. Mexican Music Awards, various styles. Bombay Club AND Rosarito Beach Hotel. First time outside of Los Angeles. Red-carpet event. 20 nominees will be performing. Tickets available for $10, $20 and $35 US available at Roma Farmacias. Info on groups appearing, contact Gina Rosales vía e-mail ginarosales@premiosdelacalle. mx or call 619 248 4428. July 23. Thursday. 3pm. Las Rocas Hotel, Km 35.5 on free road. Presentation on emergency response watch. Push a button and get a paramedic. Free snacks! RSVP 01-800-030-0070 or 661-612-9090.July 25. Saturday. 830am. 12Km Family Hike — Meseta El Palmar 661850-1614 Approximately 4 hours. $50 pesos for parking and bathroom use. July 24. Friday. 6pm. Papas and Beer 32nd Anniversary w/ Space Theme — Rosarito. Table reservations vipaniversario@papasandbeer.com. Cel. (661)110-3246 July 25. Saturday. 2pm. 7th Annual Opera by the Sea — Parque Abelardo Rodriguez, by the Library, behind the BanaMex FREE admission July 25. Saturday. 6pm. San Diego presents 43 artists and musicians for the missing 43 protestors in Ayotzinapa. Casa de la Raza, Balboa Park, San Diego. Music by: Cruz Radical (Tijuana), Jahlan (Mexicali), Angel Lita (San Diego), Cumbia Machin (San Diego). July 30. Thursday. 5-10pm. Volunteer organizational meeting for Baja Sand at Paradise Cove, Km 36, Organizers of the 2015 Baja Sand Festival invite you to hear about volunteer opportunities for the Big Event. Food and entertainment at this meeting. July 25. Saturday. 5pm. Baja Cowboys Rockin’ Summer Concert Under the Stars — Ruben’s Palm Grill, Primo Tapia. Dinner: 5-7pm (sold separately at venue). Concert: 7:00 to 9:30pm After Party Jam: 9:30 to 11pm. Tickets with a variety of packages. A portion of this concert’s proceeds goes to benefit All the Pretty Horses. July 26. Sunday. 7am. Tijuana International Marathon and Half-Marathon August 1. Saturday. 11am. Annual Chili Cook-off — La Salina Beach Cantina 7th chili cookoff. Sign up sheets will be at the Cantina after June 1st. $20.00 team entry fee. Cooking starts at 11:00 & judging @ 3:00. Sign up sheets are at the Cantina. $20.00 team entry fee. Cooking starts at 11:00 & judging @ 3:00. Raffle to benefit the local food bank and La Mision Children’s Fund. August 1-2. Saturday-Sunday Baja International Short Course Race, held at Estero Beach Hotel. Tickets and info at lucasoiloffroad.com August 1, Saturday, 12:00 – 5:00 pm; Baja Glass Art Studio and Gallery at Calafia Hotel is hosting a literary art event featuring readings by Alice Donenfeld Vernoux and Winfred Morice. Free. Information: Jose: 661-613-2244 or Lee: 661-613-2146. August 1. Saturday. 12-6pm. The Best of Baja at the Big Bay — Embarcadero Park North, San Diego. Promotion from 5 Baja cities showcasing Baja culture. Baja food, entertainment, ourism attractions and infrastructure will be highlighted. Free food and drink. Presented by the Baja California Tourism Authority and the Port of San Diego. Contact Martha Ofelia, mlobobaja@gmail.com. canaricbaja@gmail.com 664 628 6125 August 6. Thursday. 5-10 pm. Wateke Fiesta and Fundraiser #3 for Baja Sand. Location pending. Hear about opportunities to get involved, enjoy great food and great performers August 7, Friday noon – 4:00 PM. Cruz Roja 40th Anniversary Fashion Show. Calafia ballroom. $20 donation, advance tickets. Mary Moreno, miquerdomx@yahoo. com. August 26, Saturday, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Sabor de Baja White Attire Party and Culinary Competition at the Rosarito Beach Hotel garden. Showcasing Baja’s top chefs paired with fine Mexican wines and craft beers. $65. Tickets are limited, and all guests must wear white. Price includes all food and drink pairings, entertainment by Maryam Malak, and a commemorative wine glass. Available at Extreme Hair Salon (cash only), Rosarito Beach Hotel (cash or credit card), and the Mi Casa Supper Club, (cash, check or credit card), or through PayPal at Sabordebaja@gmail.com. Must be 21. www.facebook. com/SaborDeBaja, 664-609-3459. August 9, 12:00 – 7:00 PM. Rosarito Sea Food Festival at Rosarito Beach Hotel. 15+ Rosarito area sea food restaurants represented. Live music, folk dancers, singers, raffle. CANIRAC.Rosarito@gmail.com; www.rosarito. org. phone: 661-612-0396 or 612-0700. August 15. Saturday. 4pm. Cruz Roja Voluntarios Fundraising Dinner — San Antonio Del Mar. Maryam Malak and Ed Jones in their 1st joint appearance, Raffle, craft beers, more. August 15. Saturday. Placido Domingo at Vinedos San Gabriel, Valle de Guadalupe August 15. Saturday. 12pm-12am. Food Truck and Beer Fest Rosarito 2015 — Hotel Festival Plaza. Gourmet food trucks, craft beers and live music. August 15-16. Saturday-Sunday. Rosarito Surf and Music Festival 2015 — by the pier. Need sponsors, need bands, need exhibitors and vendors of products. Free entry. Contact 619-5817121 or 661-106-4812 or craigklein@onebox.com. August 15-16. Saturday-Sunday. 11am-3pm. Latin Food Fest Broadway Pier, San Diego. The 3rd annual Latin Food Fest grande tasting is an all-inclusive Latin food, wine and spirits tasting journey to the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, Portugal and Spain. Must be over 21 August 21-23. Friday - Sunday. Baja Blues Fest — Rosarito Beach Hotel. Help support local charities. Beachfront gardens of Rosarito Beach Hotel. Ticket packages available, or single day tickets. Friday night and Sunday afternoon jams. Full line-up on Saturday. Outdoors, bring sunscreen, hat, jacket, etc. August 21 – 23, Friday - Sunday; Baja Blues Fest. Friday, 7:00 – 11:00 pm; Saturday, 10:15 am – 8:00 pm; Sunday jam session. Six blues bands featuring Tommy Castro; vendors, food and drinks. 3 day ticket $35 in advance; Saturday only: $30 in advance or $25 at gate. Friday or Sunday tickets, $10 each day. Tickets online at www. bluesfest.org, or at Click-On.Com after June 1. Contact Jackie Alameda for more information or to volunteer. Admin@bajabluesfest.org; phone: 1-800-520-5471 (US) OR 001-880-520-5471 (MX). August 22. Saturday. Baja Reggae Camping — Papas & Beer August 26, Wednesday, 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Sabor de Baja White Attire Party and Culinary Competition at the Rosarito Beach Hotel garden. Showcasing Baja’s top chefs paired with Mexican wines and craft beers. $65, tickets are limited, and all guests MUST wear white. Price includes all food and drink pairings. entertainment by Maryam Malak. Tickets at Extreme Hair Salon (cash only), Rosarito Beach Hotel (cash or credit card), and the Mi Casa Supper Club during business hours (cash, check or credit card), or through PayPal at Sabordebaja@ gmail.com. Must be 21 years of age. Information: www. facebook.com/SaborDeBaja, 664-609-3459. August 26 Wednesday The culinary event of the year is always Sabor de Baja, held at the beachfront gardens of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. This annual event always sells out, so get you tickets early. (661) 100 6066 or (858) 240 2360. $65. www.sabordebaja.com CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE July 27th, 2015 August 27, Thursday all day. A day at Del Mar horse track. Bus leaves from Rene’s parking lot. $42, includes reserved seating in shade. Required to make $15 in refreshment purchases. Money must be to Dorothy Southern by July 11. Information: email: bdbaja@gmail.com; phone: 1-619-370-6285. Aug 29. Saturday. 1pm. Arts and Trees 2015 — Revolution Ave., between 9th and 10th, Tijuana. An Urban Festival of music and art, with a focus on DIY (Do It Yourself) creations being displayed and sold. Family friendly and Pet friendly. No cover. Aug 29. Saturday. 1pm. Arts and Trees 2015 — Revolution Ave., between 9th and 10th, Tijuana. An Urban Festival of music and art, with a focus on DIY (do it yourself) creations being displayed and sold. Family friendly and pet friendly. No cover. August 29-30 Saturday and Sunday. Baja Sand. Build sand castles to raise money for local charities. Sand sculptures, food, entertainment.Rosarito Beach, north of the Pier.Also beach games: soccer, basketball, volleyball, 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, A.C. 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.comEvery Friday. 7:30-9:30pm. Live world and cultural music at El Callejón Colectivo Culinario, Floresta #320 near southern Blvd. IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS... continued from page 1 Mexico, one for Mexican citizens and the other for everyone else. “If we don’t have enough agents to review everyone, we’ll review everyone we can,” the P.R. flack for immigration explained in the announcement. What’s up with that? Either this new procedure is important enough to stop everyone, or it doesn’t matter, in which case, why stop and harass anyone? And just what are they looking for, anyway? People entering Mexico with too much money? “I’m sorry, but you can’t bring that much money to spend here, we can’t use it, don’t want 9 .COM surfing and a bike fun ride. Nighttime entertainment. 50 pesos. www.facebook.com/Wateke Baja Sand. www. flysams4thjulybbq.com or flysams4thjulybbq@gmail.com Reserve a table to guarantee seating in the shade. August 30, Sunday, 9:00 am. “Wateke” Baja Sand and Social. At Rosarito Beach Hotel. Culmination of the sand castle contest and beach games: futbol, basketball, volleyball, surfing and a bike fun ride. Nighttime entertainment, 5:00 pm– 10:00 pm. Donation 50 pesos. www.facebook. com/Wateke Baja Sand. September 25. Friday. San Diego Padres Fiesta at the Park at Petco Park, San Diego. Presentation of Mexican culture with mariachis, folklorico and flamenco dancers, Lucha Libre Exhibition (yes Luche Libre!!!), Live DJ, and food & drink. Watch the presentation and then stay for the Padres game. September 26. Saturday. 10 am. Rosarito to Ensenada Bicycle Ride starts on Benito Juarez Blvd, in front of Rosarito Beach Hotel. This family-friendly bike ride is held twice a year. Some ride to compete, but most ride for fun. Big end-of-ride-party in Ensenada. September 30 to October 3. Wednesday to Saturday. 6th Annual Mariachi & Ballet Folklorico Festival, people’s choice competition and workshops, held at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. The two time Grammy Award winning mariachi divas, workshops, and cocktails with the stars. October 1-3. 8am. Mariachi y Ballet Folklorico Festival/Workshops. Rosarito Beach Hotel. 6th Annual October 2-4. Friday-Sunday. EnTijuanaArte Art Event — Cecut, Tijuana and competitions between U.S. and Mexican mariachis, singing and dancing. (661) 100 6066 or (858) 240 2360 or Facebook it again. Oct 8-12 Baja Culinary Fest — Tijuana, stay tuned for more info. Oct 14-18 Tijuana Tequila Expo Festival — Tijuana, stay tuned for more info. Oct 31 October-1 November. Saturday-Sunday. KatrinaFest — IMAC Park, Rosarito, Costero extension, Fracc. Acapulco, 1 1/2 miles south of Ensenada. Free. Performer schedule with Alex O., cell 646-101-0812. anlof9@gmail.com 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. July 22. Wednesday. 7pm. Jazz and Blues Afternoon Concerts Series, featuring Mj’s Trio, Free. ICBC Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044 July 23. Thursday. 7pm. Concert, Noches Sonicos. ICBC Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044 July 24. Friday. 8pm. Music Recital featuring Camara. Free. ICBC Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044 July 24. Friday. Papas and Beer 32nd anniversary celebration, they’re shutting down the street again. July 24. Friday. 8pm. Music Recital featuring “Ca- mara”, FREE Admission — ICBC Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044July 25. Saturday. 8pm. Concert, featuring Padma Khandro — ICBC Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044 July 29. Wednesday. 7pm. Jazz and Blues Afternoon Concert Series, featuring Amaretto Blues. Free. ICBC Ensenada (CEARTE) (686) 553-5044 August 1 & 2 Saturday & Sunday Baja International short course go cart race, held at Estero Beach Hotel. Tickets and info at lucasoiloffroad.com. August 1. Saturday. 12-9pm. Museo de la Vid y el Vino, Valle de Guadalupe. Art, Music, Wine, Food and Workshops, all for $250 pesos. Kids under 12 free. (664) 681-2735 Tijuana (619) 591-8889 San Diego happeningenelvalle@gmail.comAugust 2. Sunday. 9am. Run With Color Ensenada 2015 5K run to support Kids with Cancer. Explanada Playa Hermosa, Ensenada (646) 205-3720 Cost $200 pesos. , it, turn back now and take your stinkin money with you” They’re also making noises about stopping those in cars coming across the border, but that, according to the public relations guy, “is way, way into the future.” Yeah, because he knows the stink that’s going to send up. , QUE PASA IN BAJA?... continued from page 2 likely motivated by the acquisition of Nextel Mexico by AT&T, soon after the acquisition AT&T announced they planned to offer free roaming services and they are investing around $3 billion USD on improving their network HEALTH INSURANCE LESS THAN $100 per MO. • Sophisticated local hospitals • Private ambulance service • Help with claims by native • Licensed Ins. Broker English speaker www.insuranceinbaja.com Ph. (664) 158-0472 • In the Rosarito Beach Hotel strip mall on Benito Juarez Blvd. in Mexico. Hacking Baja. Our state government got caught mixing it up with some professional hacker bad guys when the hackers calling themselves Anonymous released private information from the Hacking Team company and its clients worldwide. The company states on its website that it provides cyber intelligence and data acquisition service. (Read: cyber espionage.) Turns out a couple of Mexican state government officials were on their client list along with the federal police. The state government rushed to say they have hired no espionage services, explaining that what they got from them was, cough cough, “tactical equipment” for the police. Oh well, it’s no surprise that countries spy. But the cops are spying on our own people? They should have been spying on El Chapo when he was calling for tunnel diggers. Boof still struggling. Things have not been sorted out in the land dispute near the Bufadora, where the Ejido Esteban Cantú is reclaiming the land from the trinket vendors there. In an effort to make themselves heard, the Ejido people, armed with rocks and machetes, blocked the road that goes to the Boof, turning back all tourists to Ensenada. The Pssst! Wanna Build An Oceanfront Resort? Project: Land in Rosarito between Las Ventanas and Cantamar is on the block for a mere $27/sq ft. Ideal for resort, now that resort property is selling like hot cakes. Contact Alfredo Aragon, Tels (01 81) 8381-3323, 1806-8164,. bienesraices@publivalle.com. Ejido has won the case a couple times in a couple of courts, but they haven’t been able to evict the squatters as the squatters fight back. Let’s see how long this goes on, our best guess is 15 years unless the squatters hire some big guns. No kidding. 15 years. And, as the squatters well know, the poor land owners, the rightful owners of the land, don’t have the finances to hire anyone to help them. The last Mexican Revolution was all about giving the land back to the people, but the constitution was written so poorly, the new laws do more harm than good. , Subs or we’ll tcribe!! kitty und hrow the er Go to pa the bus ge 4 10 July 27th, 2015 .COM It’s Stingray Season! Better Listen up to our Boyscout lesson, as you may need it BY JACK CROUTON Stingrays have been plentiful this year, so watch where you’re walking. Shuffle your feet to scare them off if you’re wading in the ocean, don’t step down on one, that pisses them off and they will sting. And that will be painful, in the extreme. But, although they are alarming and quite painful, stingray wounds are rarely fatal, unless you’re stung in a vital place. (I don’t know about you, but we’re thinking all our places are vital to us.) Other FRESH LOBSTER 10% OFF YOUR CHECK and a FREE MARGARITA with this coupon In Puerto Nuevo, on the main entrance street, next to Don Pisto reasons for dying from a sing ray is if you’ve bled too much, (try not to bleed), allergic reaction, (try not to be allergic), or secondary infection. (Keep it clean). Stingrays have a flat body with one or two barbed stingers located midway on the tail. They are extremely hard to see against the sand when water is washing over them, so it is understandable if you get stung. These guys normally live scoot right to a doctor. Of course, how do we know what constitutes “excess” bleeding? We’re kind of partial to retaining all our blood, and any loss is excess to us. Allergic reaction is a bad sign and includes swelling of tongue, lips, head, neck, or other body parts; difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing; red and/or itchy rash; fainting or loss of consciousness. Venom intoxication is also a bad sign and includes headache, dizziness, light-headedness, palpitations, muscle cramps, and seizures Now for some practical advise, we figure we’ve scared you enough. Irrigate the wound with sea water, removing all debris and foreign stuff from the wound. Use tweezers from first-aid kit if necessary. (You didn’t bring a first aid kit? What were you thinking?) Once the area is thoroughly irrigated and all foreign bodies are removed, even • Wooden Horizontal • Carpet • Duo Shades • Laminated Flooring • Roman Shades • Synthetic Grass • Motorized Systems 10% OFF in roller shades screen Valid thru July 2015 Buying or Selling a Property? Do it with the experts, more than 30+ years of Real Estate experience in the Rosarito-Tijuana area. 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Blvd. Benito Juarez #16-A, Rosarito Either shuffle your feet or toss a rock into water you’re Across from Bonanova Hospital going to be wading in. This is stingray lingo for, “please if you have to pick those foreign find another beach because I’m coming in.” in coastal tropical and subtropical bodies out with your fingers, come marine waters, (like ours), and sometimes seem to lurk there just waiting to be stepped on so they can get pissy about it. Here’s what to do about a sting and a rundown on just how much trouble you’re in. You will experience: Pain, swelling, bleeding, weakness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea/vomiting/ diarrhea, dizziness/light-headedness, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and sometimes fainting. Altogether, no day at the beach. First, you want to prioritize the severity of your symptoms. Medically speaking, certain symptoms are more serious than others. Determine if you are developing an allergic reaction, suffering from excess blood loss, or experiencing venom intoxication. If you have any of these symptoms you should Free Some Space @ Home!! Office Hours: 9am-5pm • Closed Wednesday Gate Hours 8am-6pm Everyday Storage space starting from $50 monthly Now offering moving services! KM 40.5 Free Road in Rosarito Ph. (661) 614 1642 • US. (619) 797 8097 bajastorage@hotmail.com www.bajapublicstorage.com out of the water and dry the area off with a clean towel, taking care not to injure yourself further. You do still have a somewhat clean towel, don’t you? Well, use a somewhat clean T shirt. Do not remove any penetrating debris if it’s in your neck, chest, or abdomen. Now we’re talking a higher level of triage, and now would be a good time for that doctor run. Control your bleeding. Bleeding is common after a sting. As always, the best way to stop bleeding is by applying direct pressure at the source or slightly above the source with one finger for a few minutes. The longer the pressure is held, the more likely the bleeding will subside. Try using hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with holding pressure to help stop bleeding if you cannot control it with direct pressure alone. You came to the beach without your bottle of hydrogen peroxide? Don’t you think at all?? The hydrogen peroxide is going to sting even more, deal with it. Soak the wound in hot water. You can combine this step with the previous step of applying direct pressure to control bleeding. Soaking the wound in hot water helps alleviate the pain by denaturing the venom protein complex. A good temperature is 45°C (113 °F), but be certain not to cause any burns. You have enough problems without burns. Leave the wound soaking for 30 to 90 minutes, or until the pain has subsided. Monitor the wound for signs of infection. Proper wound care includes keeping the area clean by applying soap and rinsing with water as well as keeping the wound dry at all times. Keep the wound uncovered and apply antibiotic ointment daily. Over the next several days, if the area becomes red, tender, itchy, sore, or begins to swell or develop a cloudy discharge, scoot yourself to a doctor because you may need antibiotics and/or drainage of an abscess. One last thing: Don’t pee on the wound. That’s an old wives’ tale, it’s not good doctoring. Come to think of it, have you ever seen a good doctor take a whiz on any wound? No, we haven’t, so why would you do that with a ray attack? Because your grandpa told you to? He was screwing with you. Or he was just a stupid old grandpa. , July 27th, 2015 WE HAVE PLENTY OF WATER... continued from page 3 throw it onto the grape vines, right? Of course we all trust the Mexican infrastructure to do a good job of that. Right? Well, if they screw this up, maybe it will be OK, as alcohol is a disinfectant. Some reprieve for our water woes is in the forecast, as predictions are showing a 96% chance for continued El Niño conditions from next September to November, with a 94% chance of them carrying on through January. If that happens, wetter weather is coming our way. Until then, you might not want to eat any grapes off the vine. Wait until they’re fermented and can deal with the Tijuana sewer water. , 11 .COM program through August 23 to provide additional security for tourists in Mulege. Various Naval units of surface, air and ground services and maritime patrol will monitor the beaches, and provide emergency rescue services. The program also establishes three aid stations to assist domestic and foreign vacationers. If you need help, the Navy has made these phone numbers available: (615)111-5059; (615)152-3352. The lines are open every day, all year. Not that there has been any insecurity in Mulege. The boys are just trying to keep busy, what with very few Naval battles going on. Customs changes. Mexico and United States customs officers will begin working together under one roof at three border crossings as a means to streamline import and export procedures. The initiative came about through the work of the high level economic dialogue established by Presidents Peña Nieto and Barack Obama. They will try customs pre-clearance, which means one single procedure will be used to authorize exports and imports. The first border crossing to see the new system will be Laredo, Texas, which will be dedicated to the movement of electronics parts and components used by the automotive and aerospace industries. Then, next up will be Tijuana for the export of Mexican A BEAUTIFUL Smile Starts With Healthy Teeth Deep Clean • Metal Free Fillings • Porcelain Crowns Porcelain Veneer• Dental Laser • Teeth Whitening La Mision Dentist Appointments: (646) 155-0886 Next door to the Lighthouse Restaurant KM 58.8 on the Tij-Ens Free Road between La Fonda & Hotel La Mision. In Ensenada: Obregon #747 • Ph. (646) 177 1750 • US. (619) 730 0004 agricultural products, followed by Ciudad Juárez in Chihuahua for the export of electronics and computer products. The finance secretary observed that the current administration is investing more than $590 million in 33 projects designed to modernize Mexican customs. That figure is just half of what will be spent on the six year customs infrastructure modernization plan. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 WHATS GOING ON IN THIS... continued from page 5 like drunken sailors on shore leave, has global implications. The main products Mexico exports to Greece include: octopus (13%); chickpea (12.9%); malt beer (12.9%); extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee (12.6%); and tequila (7.5%). Well, when they run out of tequila, maybe they will wake up, because they have crappy credit and we’re not going to extend any to them. It’s cash on the barrel head or nada. We all know Bachoco. We’ve seen their packages of chicken in all the grocery stores. They’re a big operation with a lotta, lotta, lotta chickens. Now they’ve acquired more. Although they mostly sell dead chickens, the national leader in the production and processing of chicken in Mexico announced this week the company is going to acquire the breeding bird assets of Morris Hatchery, a U.S. company in Georgia. That includes chickens and equipment with about one million laying hens. So, now Bachoco will be hawking eggs, too. More tourists, please! Loreto is ready to welcome domestic and foreign tourists for the summer holidays. One of the 83 towns designated as a Pueblo Mágico, Loreto’s tourism service expects a major influx of tourists drawn by the natural attractions, not to mention fishing for dorado, sailfish and marlin, as well as trips to the islands, and clean beautiful beaches. Also not to mention is it’s hotter than hell there at this time of the year. Their tourist bureau is dressing up the season a whole lot. But, you can’t sell em if you don’t dress em up, so we’re passing along their press release. We’re here to help. Helpful sailors. The Navy is implementing what they’re calling the Lifesaver Summer 2015 David Flores david@gringogazette.com Cell (624) 121-1214 12 July 27th, 2015 .COM SO WHAT’S THE DEAL ON... continued from page 6 Many of the men who produce these marvels have been with the company for many years. They typically work five and a half days a week and are always piled up with more work than they can get to. The master fabricators are called chiefs and they must pass a test to get to that level. For instance they may be told to produce six chandeliers of their own design in a certain period of time, say a little more than a week. If the work produced is of very fine quality and was executed on time, they are then promoted to the chief position. This means that they are assigned orders and allowed to fulfill them through their own ingenuity and workmanship. They also head up a team of other fabricators. The bosses that we met with were Jonathon Castellanos, the son of the founder, along with the sole salesperson, Ray Avilla (who is also the only person who speaks English in the entire business). They are both pretty savvy business people and very personable. Just before we sat down to talk to Ray, he was working with an American driving a Mercedes, parked in the entrance to the yard. As the car owner drove off Ray let out a ringing whoop and yelled a congratulations in Spanish to Jonathon. Another great sale on the books. They were happy that day. Americans can pick up their orders at a number of places in the southwest, where they arrive without charge. They have locations in Lake Elsinore, Fresno, Banning, San Diego, Santa Barbara, as well as in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff. For a fascinating tour, visit The Metal Corral at Km 28.5 on the west side of the road or order something from them at 661-613-1894 or 619-520-5698. They also are on Facebook under The Metal Corral and they have a website showing some of their work at themetalcorral.wix.com/ themetalcorral. , SO WHAT’S OUR GOV’T... continued from page 7 and ball-pitching machines available for an additional charge. This summer the center is providing tennis classes for children. Cautionary note: there are no accessibility ramps and stairs are involved, even for stadium spectators; and guardrails are nonexistent. The stairs are up (down?) to Mexican building The Best Deal on Rosarito’s Coast Experience the Grand and Splendor Resort Lifestyle on Oceanfront Condos 1•866•323•3969 www.lajollareal.com On the free road to Tijuana #3114 Blvd. Popotla, Rosarito Starting at 200K La Mision Rentals & Sales Ph. 760-250-7055 www.bajatom.com • bajatomk58@gmail.com Houses for Rent from $300 month Lots for Sale from $20K • Houses for Sale from $50K code, which means each step is a different height. But for those healthy enough for tennis, you will figure out the hardships, and the ocean view can‘t be beat. , WHATS GOING ON IN THIS... continued from page 11 What these changes might mean for the “border lottery” — get a green light when you press the button and you’re good to go — is anybody’s guess. Amaz on is here. July 1 brought Mexico into online shopper’s Nirvana. Amazon (www. amazon.com.mx) is available to Mexican residents, offering everything from electronics and household appliances to diapers. There are several pages dedicated to the avocado; keepers, carri- ers, preppers. What more could anyone want? Many favorite U.S. items are also available. The Amazon Marketplace will also be available, offering items from 3rd-party retailers. Mexican based competitors, (Linio and MercadoLibre), don’t see Amazon as a rival, but as a catalyst which will propel more people into online shopping. According to a study by the Mexican Internet Association, online sales were up 34% in 2014. . Amazon encompasses 20% of all online shopping sales in the US. Delivery times offered are the same as in the US: one-day express, 2-3 days, 3-5 day standard but good luck with that here. We bought something from MercadoLibre and it took no less than six months and many phone calls to get it. , July & August Special! SENIORS 50% OFF YOUR CHECK* showing this ad Located Inside *Restrictions apply. Valid only on El Meson Restaurant. Open 3PM to 10PM Only on orders for adults 55 or older. One coupon per customer. Not valid on lobster, steaks or molcajetes. Valid until August 31.