Luisa Rosas-Hernández

Luisa Rosas-Hernández

Luisa Rosas-Hernández is a writer for the Gringo Gazette North, where she covers Baja’s wine scene, good eats, and public safety—with a healthy dose of wit and no bad news allowed. By day, she’s a health researcher recognized by Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI), and by night, she handles the Gazette’s finances and dabbles in social media—making sure the numbers add up and the posts pop. When she’s not chasing stories or crunching data, you’ll likely find her in the Valle enjoying a glass of red (or a crisp white with oysters)… for research purposes, of course.
Trump Wants Sugar Coke—Baja’s Been Winning That Game for Decades
 Articles, International

Trump Craves Sugar Coke—Baja’s Been Sippin’ It for Years

While President Trump stirred up fizzy feelings in the U.S. by demanding Coca-Cola “the old-fashioned way,” folks in Baja are just sipping, smiling, and shrugging.

Because down here, we’ve always preferred the real thing.

What’s All the Fizz About?

During a recent interview, Trump shared he wants Coca-Cola with cane sugar again—like in the good ol’ days. No corn syrup. No lab tricks. Just sugar. His words sparked both nostalgia and confusion, especially among Americans who’ve been unknowingly gulping high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for decades.

In contrast, Mexico’s Coca-Cola still uses real cane sugar. The result? A crisper, cleaner flavor that actually tastes like something you’d want to put in your body. It’s been that way for years—and yes, it’s noticeably better (or so everyone says after the first glass-bottle chug).

So, What’s the Difference?

Let’s break it down. HFCS is a sweetener derived from corn. It’s cheaper, sweeter, and favored in U.S. manufacturing thanks to government subsidies and tariffs.

Cane sugar (sucrose), on the other hand, is pricier but arguably more natural. And more delicious. Some studies claim people can’t tell the difference. But fans of Mexican Coke beg to differ. They say it’s less syrupy, more refreshing, and leaves zero weird aftertaste.

So, while 93% of the sweetener used in the U.S. is HFCS, here in Baja it’s cane sugar or nada.

#Truth Social: “I have been speaking to Coca‑Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so.”

Could This Really Change Anything?

Well, maybe. But replacing HFCS with cane sugar in U.S. products would be a logistical sugarquake. Imports from top-producing countries like Mexico, Brazil, and India would need to rise sharply. That could disrupt trade quotas and ruffle feathers from Nebraska to Wall Street.

And then there’s Big Corn. They’re not exactly keen on giving up their syrupy empire.

Baja’s Already There

If Trump wants sugar Coke, he just needs to visit Baja—or better yet, move here. We’ve got it chilled, bottled in glass, and ready to go. You can find it at any corner store, paired perfectly with street tacos and sea breeze.

So, What’s Your Take?

Are you Team Mexican Coke or Team HFCS? Let us know. And if you’re not in Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito, Tecate or Ensenada this might be the perfect excuse to visit. Taste the difference, enjoy the views, and maybe—just maybe—smuggle a six-pack back home.

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Sky Columns in Formation
 Articles, Tijuana

New Tijuana Viaduct Hits Delay, Not the Brakes

If you were hoping to cruise above Tijuana’s daily traffic chaos by next year… slow down. The Viaducto Elevado—that shiny, elevated road linking the airport to Playas—won’t open in 2025 after all.

According to Tijuana’s Chamber of Construction (CMIC), this big-budget shortcut is now aiming for mid-2026.

What’s the Viaduct About?

This project plans to build a 10.5-kilometer road, with 6.6 kilometers suspended in the air. It connects Tijuana International Airport to Playas de Tijuana. No stoplights (No semáforos), just smooth, high-speed transit over the worst congestion zones.

Work officially began in November 2023. Engineers installed columns. Beams followed. Things looked promising.

So… What Went Wrong?

Don’t blame politics or Trump’s tariffs. The holdup is local.

Crews can’t finish certain sections because of land ownership issues. Some property owners haven’t moved. Underground utilities also need relocation. And areas like Cañón del Matadero? Not the friendliest ground for concrete.

#Workers and machines hustle under the sun, assembling what might just be the fastest road Tijuana has never seen… yet.

All this adds time. So, forget September 2025. Mid-2026 is the new goal—if nothing else pops up.

Where’s the Money Coming From?

Mexico is footing the bill. The total investment tops 12 billion pesos—about $700 million USD. Most of it comes from FONADIN and the Customs Fund.

SEDENA, Mexico’s military engineers, are running the build. No budget drama here. They’ve got the plan, the crew, and the machines.

And here’s a smart move: they’re using Mexican steel. That means U.S. tariffs don’t apply. Local companies like INGETEK and APROS are supplying the prefabs, cutting import delays and cost surprises.

What’s in It for You?

Once finished, the viaduct could cut your airport-to-beach time by half. Tourists will love it. So will delivery drivers, border commuters, and anyone who’s tired of hearing Waze say, “rerouting again.”

It’ll also take pressure off key roads like Vía Rápida and Libramiento Sur. Less congestion, less honking, better air. That’s a win.

So, Is It Still Worth It?

Absolutely. Sure, the finish line moved. But this isn’t a failed promise—it’s just delayed progress. Projects this big always hit snags.

The important part? It’s still happening. It’s still funded. And it’s still going to make life better when it opens.

We’ll keep an eye on the timeline. Until then, pack patience. And maybe download a good podcast. That’s a win. Even if it arrives fashionably late.

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Tuna in Formation: Wellness in Motion
 Articles, Ensenada

Happy Tuna Swim Better

Baja Aqua Farms breaks silence with world-first tuna ranch report

Salmon farms? Sure, they’ve had sustainability reports for years. But tuna ranches? Nothing but crickets—until now.

Baja Aqua Farms just dropped the first-ever sustainability report from a Pacific bluefin tuna ranch. And they didn’t hold back. It’s got transparency, tech, tuna behavior charts—and even a Tuna Shocker. No joke.

Five freedoms, zero fishy business

The farm follows the five internationally recognized animal freedoms. Not for show, but because healthy tuna make tastier tuna. They’re aiming for higher survival rates and better product quality. It’s ethical. It’s smart. It works.

Lunch time at the ranch. That sardine never stood a chance. Healthy tuna = strong appetite = premium harvest.
#One Hungry Bluefin

Algae? Not on their watch

In late 2024, two nasty blooms of harmful microalgae crashed the party. These sudden outbreaks mess with oxygen levels and can suffocate fish. Baja Aqua’s crew didn’t panic. They hit the emergency protocol and evacuated the farm fast.

This wasn’t luck—it was training. The team checks ocean conditions 24/7. Every 15 minutes, sensors measure oxygen, temperature, and currents at multiple depths. They also take four phytoplankton samples a day to spot toxic microalgae early. If numbers rise? Boom—contingency mode activated.

A simple chart tells the team when to go from green to red alert. It even tracks tuna behavior: from “hungry and speedy” to “swimming weird and starving.”

Gentle harvest, Japanese style

Harvesting starts with a Tuna Shocker (yes, it’s a real thing). Then comes the Ikejime method, a precise, painless technique that prevents stress and preserves flavor. No bruising. No panic. No yake—that rubbery texture that ruins good sashimi.

All harvesting happens by daylight, under calm ocean conditions. Fish go straight into chilled seawater at 0°C. No delays. No shortcuts.

No GMOs, no exceptions

The farm follows strict rules from Mexico’s National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), and the National Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INAPESCA). These agencies regulate wild tuna capture and say: no GMOs allowed. Baja Aqua Farms listens.

These aren’t alien landing pads—they’re the offshore homes where Baja Aqua’s bluefin tuna grow big, strong, and sushi-grade.
#Not Your Average Fish Tank

Chill tanks, traceable tuna

Each tuna is tracked from sea to table. They store the harvest in tanks chilled to –0.5 °C using a custom-built chiller. It’s all about keeping it fresh, safe, and sushi-ready.

This isn’t just a fish tale. Baja Aqua Farms raised the bar. Now, let’s see who swims up next.

SustainabilityReport2024BAF_ESPDownload
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Rosarito’s artisan market brought color, flavor, and heart to Los Portales
 Articles

Shop Local, Feel the Love at Rosarito’s Artisan Market

Craft beer, piñatas, and handmade honey—what’s not to love?

Local Love on Display

On July 21, Rosarito hosted the fourth edition of Emprendiendo con el Corazón—a pop-up market with serious soul. More than 40 local vendors took part, including six Indigenous artisans from Santa Catarina and La Huerta.

The venue, Los Portales de García, filled with music, handmade goods, and proud entrepreneurs. Visitors explored tables bursting with color, flavor, and heart.

Handmade, Not Factory-Made

Here, you didn’t just shop—you connected. While walking booth to booth, you could sample granola, honey, and local beer. There were soaps, earrings, colorful piñatas, and sweet bread too.

Each product came with a backstory. A family recipe. A cultural tradition. Or just a lot of love packed into a jar of jam.

Instead of mass-produced souvenirs, shoppers left with something personal. And that’s the whole point.

Supporting Indigenous makers never looked this good. ❤️
#Supporting Indigenous makers never looked this good. ❤️

Small Business, Big Impact

Michelle Guerrero Jaimes from Baja’s Secretary of Economy and Innovation said it best: “This isn’t only about selling. It’s about recognition, opportunity, and growth.”

The event gave artisans a real chance to show off their work and expand their customer base. Many of them dream of growing their businesses. This market gives them a solid step forward.

These are not charity cases. They’re businesspeople—hardworking, talented, and passionate. Buying from them means helping Baja’s economy thrive from the bottom up.

Indigenous Voices in the Spotlight

Vanesa Romero, director of citizen outreach, highlighted the presence of Yumana, Kiliwa, and Kumiai artisans. They came from remote communities to share what they make—and what they stand for.

Through their crafts, they pass on identity, pride, and centuries of tradition. Every bracelet, snack, or handwoven bag holds meaning.

Their participation brought depth to the event. It wasn’t just fun—it was cultural exchange with purpose.

More Than Just a Market

Yes, there was delicious food. Yes, there were great gifts. But this was also about something bigger. These markets connect people, build bridges, and celebrate what makes Baja unique.

They remind us that shopping can be meaningful. That it’s worth spending a few pesos extra if it helps a real person—someone who’s working hard and dreaming bigger.

Don’t Miss the Next One

If you didn’t make it this time, stay alert for the next round. These events happen with heart, and they leave you with more than just a full bag.

So next time you see “Emprendiendo con el Corazón” on a flyer, go. Support the community, enjoy the culture, and maybe grab a piñata on the way out.

Trust us—it’ll be worth it.

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Legalize Your U.S. Car in Baja—Without Paying Bribes
 Articles

Unlock Baja’s Car Amnesty and Drive Legal Today

If you’re an American living in Baja California and brought your U.S. car with you, chances are you’ve heard about the “autos chocolate” program. The term comes up during coffee chats, taco runs, or while waiting in line at Recaudación de Rentas.

Here’s the good news: You can register your American car legally in Mexico.

And here’s the better news: You can also report abuse or corruption if someone tries to overcharge you.

First: What’s the “autos chocolate” program?

Mexicans use the term for cars that entered the country without proper customs paperwork—usually from the U.S. or Canada. The Mexican government created a program to let people regularize those cars. You pay a fixed fee of 2,500 pesos (about $140 USD), and the car gets official Mexican plates.

This avoids risky backdoor deals and shady importers.

Can Americans use the program?

Yes. The program doesn’t require you to be a Mexican citizen. Instead, you must live in Baja California as a legal resident.

There are two ways to prove it:

  1. Get a temporary or permanent resident visa through Mexico’s immigration office (INM).
  2. Apply for a municipal residence certificate (like the Carta de Vecindad) through your local city hall.

Both options are valid and accessible if you’ve made Baja your home.

What kind of car qualifies?

To be eligible, your vehicle must meet these conditions:

  • It must be a 2017 model or older
  • The VIN should start with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 (vehicles made in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico)
  • The car must not be luxury, electric, salvaged, or stolen

You’ll also need to show:

  • Proof of ownership (title or registration)
  • A local utility bill or lease (with your name)
  • Passport and Mexican residency ID

What if someone asks for extra cash?

That’s where it gets interesting. Governor Marina del Pilar launched a new Mobile Complaint Unit to fight corruption. So if anyone at a government office tries to charge you “extra,” you don’t have to stay quiet.

These mobile offices let you file a report immediately. Staff will explain your rights and ensure the complaint moves forward. You won’t face retaliation, and your name stays confidential.

Call these numbers to report abuse:

Why this matters

Many Americans avoid legalizing their car because they worry it’s complicated—or corrupt. It doesn’t have to be.

Mexico has made the process easier, and now you can go through it without fear. You’re part of this community, and you deserve the same fair treatment.

So the next time someone says, “You need a fixer,” just smile and show them the law. You’re doing it right—and legally.

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Ensenada Airport Plans Resurface—Is This Finally for Real?
 Articles, Ensenada

New Ensenada Airport Could Land by 2029—For Real This Time

If you’ve been hearing rumors about an international airport in Ensenada since the ‘90s—you’re not alone. It’s been the Baja version of “I’ll believe it when I see it.” But this time, it might not be just talk.

From Rumors to Blueprints

Plans for a new airport date back to the mid-1990s, and in 2007 it was even listed in Mexico’s National Infrastructure Plan. Multiple studies were commissioned for a site in Ojos Negros, about 80 km inland. At the end, only one dirt runway was built, which is barely used as an alternative to the Cipres airport, during the Baja 1000 off-road race.

Fast forward to 2024, and the federal Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT), which oversees infrastructure and transportation, allocated over 16 million pesos for studies on hydrology, soil conditions, and environmental impact in Ensenada. That’s a lot more than just lip service.

Then, in July 2025, Ensenada’s mayor Claudia Agatón confirmed that the project is officially back on the radar. According to her statement and sources from federal agencies, the plan is for a new international airport to be located in El Tigre, a zone about 30 km north of downtown Ensenada.

The ASA Plan

The airport would fall under the management of Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), the federal agency in charge of Mexico’s airport network. ASA has already released blueprints that include:

  • A 2,800-meter runway
  • An 8,000 m² terminal
  • A new control tower
  • Commercial zones, parking, and access roads

The total investment? 5.5 billion pesos—but important note: that budget is not just for Ensenada. It’s part of a broader ASA strategy that includes multiple airport projects across Mexico. So while Ensenada is in the mix, it’s sharing the pot.

So… Is This Finally Happening?

We know what you’re thinking: Didn’t they say the same thing in 2007? And in 2016? Yep. Baja residents (and frequent visitors) have seen this movie before. But this time we’ve got:

  • Confirmed site and design (El Tigre)
  • Federal and municipal coordination
  • Concrete funding allocations
  • A proposed timeline: earthworks in 2026, terminal structure in 2027, and operations by 2029.

Bottom Line

We’re cautiously optimistic. With backing from SICT, project management by ASA, and a mayor who’s actively promoting it, this version of the Ensenada airport feels more grounded than ever.

But let’s be honest—we’ll believe it when we see the bulldozers. Until then, Gringo Gazette North will keep a close eye on progress. And if it does happen, maybe you can book your next flight into Ensenada instead of dealing with Tijuana or San Diego.

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Indie Filmmakers Wanted for Ensenada’s Séptimo 2.0 Showcase
 Articles, Ensenada, Film Industry

Indie Filmmakers Wanted for Ensenada’s Séptimo 2.0 Showcase

Lights, camera, community. If you’ve been editing a film in your garage or storyboarding between coffee breaks, now’s your moment. “Séptimo 2.0,” Ensenada’s indie film showcase, is back—and this time, it’s calling for filmmakers from all corners, including you, dear Gringo.

Set to take place on September 6, the event is organized by local cinephile and creative agitator Víctor Valdez, and backed by the Subsecretariat for Creative Industries under the Baja State Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Their mission? To shine a projector-sized spotlight on emerging storytellers who are often overlooked in the big-budget, algorithm-driven film world.

This isn’t your typical red carpet affair. Séptimo was born in the shadows—literally—where independent films rarely get the recognition they deserve. According to Valdez, the goal is simple: create a space where the stories, messages, and raw talent of new filmmakers get the attention they’ve earned.

What Can You Submit?

  • Short films or music videos made in 2022 or later
  • Minimum duration: 1 minute
  • 1080p resolution or higher
  • All content (including music) must be 100% original

Whether it’s a poetic piece about tacos and existential dread, or a punk-inspired music video shot on the Malecon, they want it—as long as it’s yours.

How to Apply

Submit your work via Google Drive to: 📧 septimo.muestra@gmail.com

Include a PDF with:

  • Project title
  • Genre
  • Synopsis
  • Official poster
  • Full credits list

Not From Ensenada? Even Better

While the event is based in Ensenada, this is a call for creators everywhere, especially our readers across Baja and beyond. If you don’t live here, it’s the perfect excuse to visit. Come for the screening, stay for the coastline—and yes, the wine.

We actually have a hot tip for an incredible local rosé that’s about to hit the radar… but you’ll have to stay tuned for that one.

What to Expect

The Séptimo 2.0 showcase includes screenings, panels, and authentic networking—not the business card kind, the beer-and-brains kind. Think less stuffy film school, more creative BBQ with projectors.

Interested? Follow @septimo.ens on Instagram or message +52 646 256 4016 via WhatsApp.

And who knows—your next big break might start with a cold Tecate, a room full of strangers, and a story only you could tell.

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Provino Speaks Out on El Sauzal Port Project Concerns
 Breaking News

Provino: Port Growth Without Urban Planning Is a Risky Pairing

PROVINO isn’t saying no—but they are definitely saying “not like this.”

One week after more than 11,800 locals signed a petition slamming the proposed mega-port in El Sauzal (yep, this one), Baja California’s prestigious wine industry has officially weighed in—with a polite but firm swirl of the glass.

In a statement released late Thursday night, PROVINO Baja California, the committee representing over 80 wineries in the region, expressed serious concerns—not necessarily about the port itself, but about the complete lack of mobility planning, land-use regulation, or public consultation surrounding the project.

“The development of an industrial zone near a major tourism corridor demands public policies on mobility, territorial regulation, and citizen input,” they wrote.

#Provino Warns: Port Expansion Needs Mobility & Land Use Plans

Translation: They’re not anti-port. They’re anti-“let’s wing it and hope for the best.”

Why this matters

The wine industry isn’t just about sipping on weekends—it’s an economic engine. Events like the Fiestas de la Vendimia attract thousands of tourists, inject millions of pesos into the economy, and shape the global image of Baja wine country.

PROVINO emphasized that the port’s planning lacks transparency and called on the government to release all technical, environmental, and social impact studies. They’re not opposing development outright—but they want it to be smart, sustainable, and community-aware.

Meanwhile, in El Sauzal…

Residents are still waiting for clear answers. The online petition grows daily, and now with PROVINO joining the dialogue, the project faces even more scrutiny—especially from those who know a thing or two about protecting terroir.

Bottom line?

Baja’s wine leaders just told the government: you can’t bulldoze your way through paradise. If there’s going to be a port, it better come with a plan. And maybe a toast to transparency.

🍷 Stay tuned.

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U.S. authorities are sniffing around everything—banks, boxers, and even wedding rings
 Articles, USA/MEX

Think Before You Sign… or Marry, ICE is watching

From money to matrimony, nobody’s flying under the radar anymore.

You may have seen the headlines already. Something about banks being fined. Julio César Chávez Jr. getting detained. A marriage that’s raising more eyebrows than champagne glasses. But you haven’t read it like this—Gringo Gazette North style.

Mexican banks in hot water… and not for overdrafts

The National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) just slapped CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector Brokerage House with a total of 185 million pesos in fines. Why? Because their anti-money laundering systems were about as secure as a tequila bar during Spring Break.

Then the United States Department of the Treasury chimed in. Several international banks—including Visa, Citibank, and BNY Mellon—started freezing accounts and cutting off services faster than a bartender cuts you off after your third mezcal.

So if you, your business, or your mother-in-law have accounts or investments with these banks, now’s the time to double-check your paperwork. These days, a little “oops” could cost you millions, get your funds locked up, or have your services revoked altogether.

And to our American readers: okay, you can’t be denied a green card—you’re already rocking the blue passport. But don’t get cocky. The Treasury doesn’t care if you’re from Boise or Brooklyn—if your name shows up in the wrong spreadsheet, you might find yourself in the “extra screening” line next time you try to pay for tacos with your US card.

Julio César Chávez Jr. and the cost of loving dangerously

On July 2, 2025, Chávez Jr. was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Studio City, California, for using false information in his green card application and overstaying his tourist visa.

But that’s just the beginning. Back in Mexico, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has had a warrant out for him since March 2023 for organized crime, weapons trafficking, and alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Why the suspicion? Chávez Jr. married Frida Muñoz, a U.S. citizen and widow of Édgar Guzmán López—yes, that Guzmán, the son of El Chapo.

And here’s the kicker: even though she’s a citizen, and even though he’s a famous athlete, his green card application was denied. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) considers him a “public safety risk” because of his wife’s connections.

So… who your spouse used to be married to might just be your problem now

The lesson? It’s not just about who you marry—but who they married first. If your partner’s ex is a cartel prince, a sanctioned banker, or on any government watchlist… let’s just say immigration won’t be sending you a Christmas card.

The GGNorth rundown:

  • CIBanco, Intercam, Vector: hit with 185 million pesos in fines for poor anti-money laundering protocols.
  • U.S. Treasury: stepped in, pressured institutions, froze accounts, and gave Mexico a short window to clean things up.
  • Chávez Jr.: detained by ICE, sought by Mexican prosecutors, green card denied, and stuck in a legal boxing match he’s not winning.

Here at Gringo Gazette North, we keep it real. With facts, a wink, and just enough sarcasm to make the truth easier to swallow.

Because you know our motto: No Bad News—just the news that matters, told like it is.

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“The Spaces Speak to Me of the Past,”
 Articles

When Art Listens: Ensenada’s Past and Mexicali’s Message of Hope

Art in Baja California isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about identity, healing, and telling stories that matter. This summer, Ensenada and Mexicali are both showing how powerful a splash of color can be.

Ensenada’s Streets, Captured on Canvas

Alejandro Arellano Vega wants you to slow down and look at Ensenada a little differently.

His new exhibit, “The Spaces Speak to Me of the Past,” now open at CEART Ensenada, features paintings of the city’s architecture. Think old facades, weathered corners, and historic spots you’ve walked by but never really noticed.

Arellano studied architecture at UABC and visual arts at CRIA. He’s also a 2024 PECDA Young Creators grant recipient. His style? Careful observation, long walks, historical research, and a deep love for Ensenada’s past. His work turns everyday buildings into emotional landmarks.

If you’re into urban landscapes, or just want to see Ensenada through new eyes, this show is worth the visit.

Mexicali’s Mural of Strength

Over in Mexicali, art is going big—and bold.

At the Centro de Justicia para las Mujeres (CEJUM), a massive community mural is in progress. It’s not just about paint. It’s about healing. Organized through the Cultura Comunitaria program, the mural brings together local artists, students, parents, and neighbors.

Everyone’s invited to add a brushstroke. The goal? To create a message of safety and support for women and girls who arrive at CEJUM, many during very hard moments in their lives.

Magdalena Bautista, CEJUM’s director, called it “a collective hug.” The mural aims to send a strong, visual signal: this is a safe space, and you are not alone.

#Artists, community members, and local leaders stand in front of the in-progress mural at CEJUM Mexicali—a collective work of healing, empathy, and hope.

A Shared Mission Through Art

What ties these two projects together?

Both remind us that art is more than decoration. It’s a tool for reflection. In Ensenada, it honors the past. In Mexicali, it supports healing and change.

We already covered the CEJUM mural in more detail earlier—check it out here.

For now, it’s safe to say Baja’s artistic pulse is strong—and very much worth your attention.

So take a stroll through CEART. Or lend a hand at the CEJUM mural. Either way, you’ll witness something beautiful: people using creativity to build a better, more human Baja.

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