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Make a Difference for Animals in Need

Red Barn Rescue, based in San Diego, CA, and extending its help to Baja, Mexico, serves as a safe haven for animals that have faced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. More than just a rescue, this nonprofit educates the public on important issues like the benefits of spaying and neutering and the joys of adopting a rescue animal.

The organization invites you to support their mission by attending a special fundraising event on April 29, 2024, from 3 PM to 6 PM at Hacienda K43. For a $25 USD donation, guests will enjoy a mini buffet featuring pizza, pasta, and salad, and receive a complimentary margarita or sangria.

This fun-filled afternoon offers a chance to meet fellow animal lovers, enjoy delicious food, and contribute to a cause that transforms lives—one animal at a time. Funds raised will help Red Barn Rescue continue their work, partnering with approved local fosters to provide nurturing temporary homes until each animal finds their forever family.

To learn more about the event or how you can help, visit Red Barn Rescue. Your support can lead to a brighter future for these deserving animals. Join us on April 29th to make a lasting impact in your community!

Set Sail or Fail: Guadalupe Island Regatta’s Wavy Third Edition!

Exciting news for sailing enthusiasts and adventure lovers! The third edition of the Guadalupe Island to Ensenada Regatta is set to sail on May 18th. This isn’t just any race; it’s a challenging offshore journey that stretches over 400 nautical miles and lasts between five to six days, depending on the weather.

Carlos Hussong González, a member of the Todos Santos Ocean Racing Club and a promoter of this maritime competition, shared that this year, they’re expecting around three sailboats to participate. He mentioned that this race is catching the eyes of international sailors each year, helping to solidify its status as a top-tier offshore sailing event. Offshore races, unlike coastal sailing where boats stay close to land, involve greater risks and demand intense technical skill and effort from the crew, making them a major draw in other parts of the world, both as a sport and a tourist attraction.

This edition of the race has the backing of the Mexican Sailing Federation and will feature international judges, which just adds to its prestige. Hussong González also highlighted the potential for local tourism, noting the huge sailing community in California, with over fifty thousand sailboats, suggesting a promising market for sailing events in Mexico.

The race starts and finishes in the city of Ensenada and promises to be an exhilarating challenge for everyone involved. So, if you’re into sailing or just love the thrill of a good race, this event might just be what you’re looking for!

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Alert on “Zombie Drug” Spreading in Baja

The Mexican Observatory on Mental Health and Addictions has issued an early warning about the rise of Xylazine, a veterinary drug, being mixed with Fentanyl and methamphetamine among addicts in Mexico. Known as the “zombie drug” in the United States, Xylazine is gaining popularity due to its potent, relaxing effects, similar to Fentanyl, and can be lethal in cases of overdose, leading to respiratory arrest.

Juan Manuel Quijada Gaitán, the National Commissioner of Mental Health and Addictions in Baja California, noted that while Xylazine use is still rare in Mexico, its presence has already been detected in our State. It remains a legal substance under the regulation of the Federal Commission against Health Risks (Cofepris) due to its veterinary applications. Like Fentanyl, it is used medically, primarily in veterinary practices, for its sedative properties that depress the central nervous system, akin to opioids.

The alert was triggered after consultations with prosecutors, health secretaries, forensic medical services, and associations such as Prevencasa in Tijuana and other rehabilitation centers. Gaitán expressed concern over the affordability of synthetic drugs like Xylazine and Fentanyl, which makes them accessible to those struggling with addiction. In the event of an overdose, it can be countered with naloxone.

Four Trucks Pulled from the Sands of Rosarito

In an unusual scene last weekend on the beaches of Rosarito, Baja California, authorities were called to rescue four stranded vehicles. Two of these vehicles, found partially submerged in the sea, attracted considerable attention from onlookers and required several hours of effort to be safely removed. The operation took place near the Mar y Sol condos, close to the Baja California Convention Center.

The vehicles involved included older models of Ford and Chevrolet trucks, one of which was notably stuck about 50 meters into the sea. Local police coordinated the rescue efforts, which included the use of contracted tow trucks to haul the vehicles out of their precarious positions. The trucks were described as two Ford pickups, one red and one grey, both from the early 2000s, a white Ford F-50 from 2000, and a brown Chevrolet Silverado from 1998.

The incident, while certainly unexpected, ended without any reported injuries, but it did leave many wondering how the vehicles ended up there in the first place. As of the latest updates, there was no clear information on whether the vehicles had been abandoned or if they had been driven onto the beach for some reason that led to them being caught by the tide. Additionally, it wasn’t immediately clear if the vehicles had been claimed by their owners or if any charges would be pressed related to the incident​.

Do you know how this vehicles ended up there? Comment below or on our facebook page.

SOURCES: El Imparcial, AFN Tijuana, Debate

Campaign Kickoff in Baja California: A Guide to the 2023-2024 Local Elections

As Baja California enters its official campaign period for the 2023-2024 local elections, political activity is picking up across the region. From now until May 29, candidates will compete for various positions within the state’s seven municipal governments—including mayors and city councils—as well as 25 seats in the State Congress. This election cycle, managed by the State Electoral Institute of Baja California (IEEBC), will determine 122 new local officials, such as council members, legal trustees, mayors, and local deputies.

This election is historic for San Quintín and San Felipe, which will choose their mayors via the ballot box for the first time. These elections are simultaneous with the Federal Electoral Process, where Mexicans will vote for federal lawmakers and the President.

Participants in this year’s election include nine political parties, a coalition, and an independent candidate aiming for the mayoral seat in San Quintín. Local dynamics are interesting, with some parties forming a coalition for select municipalities and others choosing to go solo after planned alliances dissolved.

The campaigns also emphasize gender parity, with regulations requiring parties to nominate a balanced lineup of male and female candidates for mayor across various competitive blocks. This measure aims to foster a more inclusive political environment.

New logistical features such as candidate photos on local ballots will debut, enhancing voter familiarity and engagement. Another significant update is the inclusion of specific mandates for parties to present candidates from underrepresented groups, including indigenous, Afro-Mexican communities, and LGBT+ individuals, promoting diversity in representation.

With the stage set for a dynamic election, the residents of Baja California are ready to influence the future of their local governance, making informed choices that will shape the region’s socio-political landscape in significant ways.

Celebrating Baja’s Marine Delights and New Wines

BY LUISA ROSAS

In the scenic coastal city of Ensenada, the anticipation is palpable as the Provino Committee of Baja California, under the fresh leadership of Engineer Wenceslao Martínez Payán, has unveiled the eagerly awaited details of the 24th Festival of the Shell and New Wine. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Hotel Coral & Marina, the announcement, made on March 14th, promises a vibrant tribute to local ingredients perfectly paired with the region’s latest vintages.

This annual celebration, born from a simple gathering on San Miguel beach among friends—six winemakers, four shellfish producers, and two chefs—has flourished over 24 years into a grand platform showcasing the splendor of Baja California. It unites the viticultural, aquacultural, and gastronomic sectors, creating a sense of community centered around the region’s oysters and newly released wines.

The festival, taking place from April 12th to 14th, has lined up an array of activities designed to delight and educate attendees. Highlights include the 15th Shellfish Cultivation Workshops and, for the first time, a Startups Contest from April 8th to 12th. This competition invites innovative business ideas within the oyster and wine sectors, particularly focusing on enotourism, food, and economics, with the best projects presented on April 12th.

The festival also features the fourth installment of “Marine Tables,” an exquisite enogastronomic experience where guests are treated to a four-course pairing menu by the sea, showcasing a variety of shellfish accompanied by the region’s finest wines. A team of three pastry chefs will prepare 330 desserts for this unique dining adventure, highlighting the collaboration and creativity that define the festival.

The main event on April 14th, the XXIV Festival, will be held at the Hotel Coral & Marina’s Terrace del Mar, featuring over 84 wineries and 60 restaurants from across Baja California and beyond. Attendees can expect a splendid array of seafood dishes and over 160 wine labels, emphasizing whites, rosés, and sparkling wines, along with some young reds that complement marine flavors.

In addition to tasting opportunities, the festival emphasizes educational experiences, including a pavilion dedicated to aquaculture and fishing, where around 20 companies will showcase their products and engage with the public about the importance of sustainable seafood consumption. As Provino’s President, Wenceslao Martínez, aptly put it, this joint effort not only highlights the region’s bounty but also cements its status as a leading enogastronomic destination. Attendees are invited to become ambassadors of local ingredients, embracing the richness of Ensenada’s maritime and viticultural heritage.

Tickets for the Festival of the Shell and New Wine are $1,200 pesos, the marine tables  experience is $3,500 pesos, for more details and information, visit Provino’s official website provinobc.mx

Paella Competition Tickets Still Available: A Fresh Opportunity Amidst the Stormy Skies!

Hey there, food and wine enthusiasts! Remember that stormy weekend when Hilary decided to rain on our paella parade? Well, guess what? The much-anticipated Paellas Festival is back on track and it’s happening this Sunday, August 27th! 🥘🍷

We know, we know. Some of you had marked your calendars and were all set to indulge in the paella goodness. But Mother Nature had other plans. And while we’re truly bummed that a few of our fellow paella lovers won’t be able to join us this weekend, there’s a silver lining to this cloudy tale.

Our fabulous hosts at Provino, being the absolute gems they are, have graciously refunded the ticket price of 1,450 pesos (that’s about 86 USD for those keeping track) to everyone who requested it. And here’s where it gets exciting: this means there are now available tickets for an event that’s usually sold out a month in advance! So, if you missed out the first time around, this is your unexpected second chance. Grab it while it’s hot (just like the paellas)!

Want in? Hurry over to Provinobc and secure your spot.

Now, let’s talk about what’s in store for you. Imagine this: 84 wineries pouring their finest selections for you to sip and savor. Over 80 paella teams battling it out for the coveted title of “Best Paella of the Event.” And yes, you get to feast on their creations. All of this, set against the backdrop of the stunning Liceaga Winery, with live music serenading you through the day. Sounds dreamy, right?

Here’s the rundown:

  • Event Timing: 12pm to 7pm
  • Place: Viñas de Liceaga, in the San Antonio de las Minas Wine Valley
  • First Paella Serving: 1:30pm (Come hungry!)
  • Bonus: Got kiddos under 12? They get in absolutely free!

So, put on your festive hats, gather your crew, and let’s make this Sunday a day of delicious memories. See you there! 🍷🥘🎶

California Beach in El Sauzal Now Recognized as BC’s Most Polluted

Last year, Playa Hermosa in Ensenada was not only the town’s but also the country’s most polluted beach. Now, this concerning title has shifted to California Beach in El Sauzal, as highlighted by Gabriel Camacho Jiménez, the director of the Mexican Civic Association. “We’ve been conducting water quality assessments at California Beach and the Cuatro Milpas stream. The data shows readings surpassing standard limits, indicating concerning levels of fecal coliforms and significant enterococci contamination,” Jiménez expressed.

This activist confirmed these troubling findings with data recently released by the State Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Coepris), which also reported high contamination levels. “Following these results, the Clean Beaches Committee opted to shut down California Beach. It remains the only beach officially closed now, albeit merely in bureaucratic terms. Visitors will find no red warning flags on site, and several individuals continue to frequent the beach. It’s imperative that effective measures are adopted to safeguard public health,” he emphasized.

Jiménez further remarked that California Beach is currently the dirtiest in Baja California. “We’ve lodged complaints with Profepa, Conagua, and Coepris. The head of Cespe has admitted that firms based in Fondeport have been illicitly and secretly discharging biological waste into the sewage system. This activity has inflicted damage upon El Sauzal’s treatment facility,” he detailed. Concluding his address, Jiménez called on the Ensenada Municipal Clean Beaches Committee to take decisive action by putting up clear warnings to prevent the public from entering the contaminated beach area.

Travel Agencies Present 8-Day Tour of Baja California

In an effort to promote the diverse attractions and wonders of Tijuana and the Baja California region, the “8-Day Tour of Baja California” was unveiled at the Tijuana Tourism and Conventions Committee.

Lic. Arturo Gutiérrez Sánchez, President of the committee, expressed, “We are pleased to announce impactful tourism projects like this, initiated with the goal of encompassing a significant portion of the tourism offerings our state has. This reflects the growing interest in our region as a choice destination for tourists in recent years.”

He highlighted that this project is not only about promoting a single city, but all the destinations in this vast region. Different government entities, such as Cotucos, service providers, and other stakeholders, collaborate as one team in this initiative.

Miguel Galicia, General Director of Operadora Travel Shop, outlined that this tour package allows tourists to explore attractions in Tijuana, Rosarito, leading wine valleys, Ensenada, Tecate, La Rumorosa, La Chinesca, and Mexicali. The package includes transportation, hotel stays, and dining, ensuring visitors can fully immerse in the attractions without any hassle.

The 8-day journey kicks off with Day 1 in Mexicali, followed by Day 2 in the magical town of Tecate. Day 3 leads to Valle de Ojos Negros, followed by Valle de Santo Tomas on Day 4. Day 5 showcases Ensenada, including a city tour with craft beer tasting and street food exploration. Galicia mentioned that Day 6 will offer a trip to Valle de Guadalupe, featuring some of its renowned wineries. The tour then proceeds to the municipality of Playas de Rosarito on Day 7 and concludes on Day 8 with the Tijuana border and its various attractions.

“With this package, we want to emphasize that Baja California is more than just wines. Tijuana, for instance, offers exquisite cuisine and craft beer. Mexicali is famous for La Chinesca, and Ensenada is a coastal city boasting a significant cruise terminal on the Pacific coast. Each municipality has its unique hidden treasures,” Galicia stated.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns with a national proposal by the National Association of Travel Agencies (AMAV) that aims to promote comprehensive packages for various Mexican destinations. Raúl Islas Tovar, president of the Mexican Association of Travel Agencies in Baja California, mentioned that this tour complements the product offerings with major agencies, starting with Travel Shop, which will market it to travel agencies nationwide.

This product, created by Napoleón Medina of Cucapah DMC, an affiliate of AMAV, will initially run every Monday throughout the year and can be booked for as few as two people, inclusive of flight tickets, accommodation, and transfers.

For more information about the travel package visit Travel Shop website.

Hilary Downgraded to Tropical Storm Near Baja California

In recent weather developments, “Hilary” was officially downgraded to a tropical storm on Sunday morning, as reported by the Government of Baja California.

The latest update from the National Water Commission (Conagua) states that as of 7:00 AM, the tropical storm is located approximately 80 kilometers south of Cabo San Quintín.

Tragic news emerges from the community of Santa Rosalía in Baja California Sur, where a man lost his life after his vehicle was swept away by a stream caused by the region’s intense rainfall.

Despite Hilary’s reduced intensity, the Civil Protection of Baja California announced that Governor Marina del Pilar has maintained protective measures for the public. This indicates a strong recommendation for residents of the region to take complete shelter to avert potential risks.

Persistent heavy rain forecasts continue not just for Baja California but also for the states of Baja California Sur, Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Zacatecas.

Predictions suggest that Hilary will make its way overland towards California by 6:00 PM on Sunday and is expected to weaken further by early Monday.

Residents in the affected regions are urged to stay updated with local weather reports and heed safety precautions.

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