BajaNomad - MISSION SAN BORJA: Fire burns the Gerardo home

MISSION SAN BORJA: Fire burns the Gerardo home

David K - 7-25-2026 at 04:45 PM

[scroll to end to see updates 8/11/26]

José's ex-wife, Ana Licia, who lives at the mission and gives tours, messaged me today (with photos) that the home where they raised their family has burned down. She said she was alright, but everything they had in it is gone.

On Facebook, daughter Nonih Gerardo posted (Facebook translated):

Please share 🙏
To all my friends, family, followers, and the entire Adixion Tour community: adventurers, Adixioners, Coasters, travelers, and contacts in general, today I want to ask for a very special support for a family that means a lot to us.
The Gerardo family, who live in the historic Misión de San Borja and have for years welcomed us with incredible hospitality on every Baja Coast to Coast trip, is going through a very difficult moment. A fire consumed their home, leaving them practically with nothing.

Those who have visited the mission or know Nonih Gerardo know about the huge heart with which he always receives each visitor. Today it is our turn to return a little of that generosity.

Losing a home is devastating for any family, but rebuilding it in the middle of the desert, where access to resources is limited, represents an even greater challenge.

If it is within your possibilities, any contribution, no matter how small, will make a big difference. Every peso counts and will be one more step for this family to be able to get back on their feet.

Details to support:
Nonih Gerardo
📞 615 103 0814
Banco Azteca
💳 4027 6658 7345 6249

If someone wants to make donations in kind that can help, they can leave them at our Adixion Tour offices and we will deliver them to you!
If it is not possible to support economically, help us by sharing this post. Together we can make this message reach more people.

❤️ From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your solidarity, support, and for helping a family that has always opened the doors of their home to those we travel with in Baja California.

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[Edited on 7-26-2026 by David K]

[Edited on 8-11-2026 by David K]

David K - 7-25-2026 at 04:49 PM

The original Spanish:

Favor de compartir 🙏

A todos mis amigos, familia, seguidores y a toda la comunidad de Adixion Tour: aventureros, Adixioners, Coasters, viajeros y contactos en general, hoy quiero pedirles un apoyo muy especial para una familia que significa mucho para nosotros.

La familia Gerardo, quienes viven en la histórica Misión de San Borja y que durante años nos han recibido con una hospitalidad increíble en cada Travesía Baja Coast to Coast, está atravesando un momento muy difícil. Un incendio consumió su vivienda, dejándolos prácticamente sin nada.

Quienes han visitado la misión o conocen a Nonih Gerardo saben del enorme corazón con el que siempre recibe a cada visitante. Hoy nos toca a nosotros devolver un poco de esa generosidad.

Perder un hogar es devastador para cualquier familia, pero reconstruirlo en medio del desierto, donde el acceso a recursos es limitado, representa un desafío aún mayor.

Si está dentro de tus posibilidades, cualquier aportación, por pequeña que sea, hará una gran diferencia. Cada peso cuenta y será un paso más para que esta familia pueda volver a levantarse.

Datos para apoyar:

Nonih Gerardo

David K - 7-25-2026 at 05:02 PM

[Edited on 7-26-2026 by David K]

Biznaga - 7-25-2026 at 06:51 PM

David,

Very sad and tragic news for sure. If you hear of any Go Fund Me efforts, or other ways we might be able to donate to support this family on-line, please let us know.

Thank you

BoenBaja - 7-26-2026 at 08:40 AM

Hola David, thanks for posting this, such a tragedy. I went to my Wise account to make a donation but it says the Clabe number needs to have 18 characters. Can you offer any assistance? Also a Curp number might help.

David K - 7-26-2026 at 09:13 AM

Hi Paul, I am only sharing what I have seen and read... Maybe call Nonih?

Nonih Gerardo
📞 615 103 0814
Banco Azteca
💳 4027 6658 7345 6249

I messaged Nonih about the 18 character vs her 16.

[Edited on 7-26-2026 by David K]

BoenBaja - 7-26-2026 at 09:21 AM

Thank you.

Just guessing, but.....

AKgringo - 7-26-2026 at 10:59 AM

One link I found stated that the international banking code for Mexico was MX.

Try entering 69 before the sixteen digits. That would be MX on a ten digit key pad.

BoenBaja - 7-26-2026 at 12:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

One link I found stated that the international banking code for Mexico was MX.

Try entering 69 before the sixteen digits. That would be MX on a ten digit key pad.

Thank you but I’m not sure that’ll work. I’ve used Wise to electronically transfer to two different people in Mexico several times and the Clabe numbers on both accounts started with 01.

BoenBaja - 7-26-2026 at 01:04 PM

Hey David, please check your U2U. Can I text to Nonih’s phone?

[Edited on 7-26-2026 by BoenBaja]

[Edited on 7-26-2026 by BoenBaja]

CaboMagic - 7-26-2026 at 04:20 PM

Horrible tragedy.
I think THAT might be a debit /credit card number - could be connected to Zelle.
I called Nonih on WhatsApp 4:20pm Sunday no answer.
I sent a WhatsApp message

Here you go...

David K - 7-26-2026 at 04:29 PM

757280584_122195006156810561_2989905610340331170_n.jpg - 27kB

BoenBaja - 7-26-2026 at 06:03 PM

I used Google Translate to write her a text but haven’t heard back from her yet. I’ll use the most current info to see if Wise will allow a transfer.

[Edited on 7-27-2026 by BoenBaja]

David K - 7-26-2026 at 06:14 PM

Ana Licia, the mom, who was/ is there, is still online texting/ posting on her Facebook page: Anna Gag

BoenBaja - 7-27-2026 at 11:12 AM

After a successful trial run of $25 pesos I was able to send a donation to the “Mercado Pago W” account using Wise if anybody else wants to donate.

David K - 7-27-2026 at 01:08 PM

Very nice, thank you! :light:

advrider - 7-28-2026 at 08:23 AM

We are headed to LaPaz in September, my plan is to bring down as many tools, screws and nails as I can haul. My question is, what is the best way to go in, I've only done it on my moto, so hard to judge the drive in my jeep.
Would it be better to go in and out off of Hwy 1, or from Hwy 12? We usually pass through and stay in BOLA, but we will want to keep heading South on this trip after the drop off.

AKgringo - 7-28-2026 at 09:27 AM

I would drive into the mission from hwy 1, then take the road out to the BOLA pavement. I drove it a couple of years ago and it was fairly decent side trip.

By the way, any new tools or supplies may cost you an extra 18% duty crossing the border. It may be better to shop at one of the box stores in Baja. Maybe some Nomad who has done this before can chime in.

advrider - 7-28-2026 at 12:20 PM

Thanks AK, that's what I was thinking. Drive in one way and out the other side, depending on the timing we will stay the night in Bola before or after.
My plan is to mix the tools in with my camping gear so maybe it won't be obvious. Shopping local might be a good option.

How long would you guess it will take from Hwy 1 across to 12?

AKgringo - 7-28-2026 at 12:27 PM

I did the road in two legs, with an overnight car camp and a bit of exploring, but it probably is just a couple of hours total.

David K - 7-29-2026 at 08:02 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

We are headed to LaPaz in September, my plan is to bring down as many tools, screws and nails as I can haul. My question is, what is the best way to go in, I've only done it on my moto, so hard to judge the drive in my jeep.
Would it be better to go in and out off of Hwy 1, or from Hwy 12? We usually pass through and stay in BOLA, but we will want to keep heading South on this trip after the drop off.

We went to San Borja two months ago. Drove down from L.A. Bay highway, spent the night there then went out to the west to Nuevo Rosarito. Photos (on page 2): https://vivabaja.com/baja-526/

I have been to the mission several times since 2001, and the north road was always the better drive, but not a big difference. This trip, however, was a really slow, rough drive. The hurricanes of past recent years really chewed up the roads. All 'fill dirt' has been washed away, leaving the jagged, step surface. Near the mission, the arroyo route was washed out and a detour now takes you up the hillside giving you a high view of the mission before dropping down to it. We were in a loaded Tundra, which also was slower driving than my Tacomas had traveled the 21 miles. 10 mph or less average this time.

The east road was better, but it too was detoured up the slope, out of the arroyo going west... off camber driving for a few miles. Really a shame, as this most-northern of the complete stone mission churches should be seen by those without 4x4 or fearful of bad roads.

I texted with Nonnih (the youngest daughter of José & Ana Licia) last night and learned her mother is in Guerrero Negro, to see a doctor, and Nonnih is at the mission staying in one of the rooms that didn't burn.

Nonnih's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gerardo.nonnih
Her mother's (has several FB pages, but this is the most recent): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585093354222

[Edited on 7-29-2026 by David K]

wilderone - 7-29-2026 at 08:51 AM

I want to go there and bring some stuff. I don't want to go by myself in my 13-year old Honda CRV. I'll split gas with someone - camp along the way. Anyone in with me?

cupcake - 7-29-2026 at 10:14 AM

I don't have access to Facebook. Maybe this has been reported on Facebook, but I will ask here:

Is it known that this fire was an accident?

Reportedly, there is increasing cartel activity just south of San Borja. There is a good water source at San Borja, perhaps the cartel would want?

Tioloco - 7-29-2026 at 11:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone

I want to go there and bring some stuff. I don't want to go by myself in my 13-year old Honda CRV. I'll split gas with someone - camp along the way. Anyone in with me?

Very hot and unforgiving time of year. Go prepared.

David K - 7-29-2026 at 01:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake

I don't have access to Facebook. Maybe this has been reported on Facebook, but I will ask here:

Is it known that this fire was an accident?

Reportedly, there is increasing cartel activity just south of San Borja. There is a good water source at San Borja, perhaps the cartel would want?

Of course, it was the family home and Ana Licia was living in it while conducting tours and providing camping accommodations.

Now, I want to ask if anyone knows how to set up a Go Fund Me page. Baja Bound Insurance and an off road tour/racing group will contribute. My friend Dave W. (of Toyotas in Baja group) is crossing into Mexico today for the Ejido Eréndira Monos Baseball Team event this weekend: https://www.facebook.com/events/1912179996141050/

Anyway, as he is kind of busy and so many things happening, I want to try and gather the details so people can help Ana Licia rebuild.

cupcake - 7-29-2026 at 01:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone

I want to go there and bring some stuff. I don't want to go by myself in my 13-year old Honda CRV. I'll split gas with someone - camp along the way. Anyone in with me?

Perhaps you could deliver your donation to Nuevo Rosarito. Depending on what vehicles the family still has, and what logistics you can organize, you might be able to work around having to make the drive to the Mission. In any event, you might want to coordinate with the family to make plans.

[Edited on 7-29-2026 by cupcake]

You have a 13 year old CRV?

AKgringo - 7-29-2026 at 02:04 PM

I'm jealous! My current Baja rig is a 22-year-old Honda Element. It is basically a CRV with a different box slapped on top, and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it into the mission. I do spend a lot of time off-road though, and tend to push the limits of my vehicles, so my advice is questionable.

David K - 7-29-2026 at 02:26 PM

As soon as I get more data from Nonnih or Ana Licia, I will report.

David K - 7-30-2026 at 08:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

As soon as I get more data from Nonnih or Ana Licia, I will report.

What I asked Ana Licia on Wednesday:

I am trying to help organize assistance for you. Can you provide me with more details? Are coming back to San Borja soon? Is there a room you can sleep in until the home is rebuilt? Are you staying in Guerrero Negro for very long? Thank you!

Some are asking how the fire started? An accident of some kind?

8:15 am Thursday text message reply, translated:

No, I'll be back at the ranch tomorrow. They just brought me to the doctor, but I'm already better and ready to go. Yes, thank you. The truth is, I didn't have anything left. My eldest daughter and I were left with nothing; everything burned down.; it all burned. We were left with only the clothes on our backs. Everything burned: dishes, clothes, work tools, blankets, everything!

Yes, in an internet room and I start cooking in the palapa.!!

Muchas gracias amigo x su ayuda .!!

CaboMagic - 7-30-2026 at 07:56 PM

EDIT - I dont do Facebook so I look here for info/updates.
As usual DK thank you for taking that on.

When someone has scheduled a trip to bring supplies, please contact me email cabo"at"cabomagic.com or text/WhatsApp 619-819-8634
We will make a monetary contribution.
Thank you, Lori

[Edited on 7-31-2026 by CaboMagic]

David K - 8-1-2026 at 08:52 AM

Photos were posted on Facebook showing clean up work. A couple from California stopped there and reported that the fire was caused by an electrical short.

9:50 am Saturday text (translated)

David K - 8-1-2026 at 09:58 AM

Good morning friend, I'm already at the ranch, thank God. We just arrived very late and my internet battery died; it only works when it's sunny, that's why I couldn't answer you.

Additional:

Okay, thank you very much! Someone asked me for a quote on how the house will be built, and my son is already preparing the quote. Thank you very much!

[Edited on 8-1-2026 by David K]

From Ana Licia, Saturday PM (translated)

David K - 8-1-2026 at 02:33 PM

Good afternoon friend, here's the number of the person where you can leave your things. Adán Capacho, number 686 233 6760, from Nuevo Rosarito.

GoFundMe link

David K - 8-1-2026 at 03:09 PM

https://www.gofundme.com/f/mision-san-borja-fire-recovery-fu...

Updated posts on Facebook & Messenger

David K - 8-11-2026 at 12:36 PM

From Raul Lyle https://www.facebook.com/raul.lyle/
Doña Ana's house was burned down, custodian of the church of San Borja BC, any support we can give her in terms of construction materials, furniture, and food will not go to waste.
Today for you, tomorrow for me.
Collection center in front of Hotel Los Caracoles.

from Rogelio Serrano sound now is on...
https://youtu.be/AilFh0I2Poo?si=k-PRetCduaQWcBUH

Hello again David! I finally got the new video call with audio… here’s the link. Please share it along with the link of the
Gofundme campaign thanks in advance for all your help amigo

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mision-san-borja-fire-recovery-fu...

On Monday, I was sent this:

"David just ended a phone call with Analicia and I had to record the audio separately i'm working in putting the video together and i will send you another message as soon as i finish uploading it so you can share it. What she told me is that no body in the north is helping out only in Guerrero Negro with donations like 500, 300, 200 pesos they need material for the house the only thing they have is water, sand and rock they need everything else plus recovering the power plant the cars because 3 were burned, all the house items, clothing, furniture, kitchen, living room, refrigerator, etc. I would like to get construction materials for them and make the delivery but i don't know if that would be cost effective because of the long drive overthere, so i guess the only option is the gofund me route."

My reply:
Thank you. I know money was sent to Nonnih using the Clave #. I will share your new info when I get back on my computer later.

Rogelio:
Ok thanks. I will regain access to my go fund me tomorrow because I did a mistake in the verification process but it will be up and ready tomorrow. On the money of the clabe number she is stating that no one in the north is helping. Her words. Gofundme will help with that, everyone can donate and share to the fund raiser.

Hello again David! I finally got the new video call with audio… here’s the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AilFh0I2Poo
Please share it along with the link of the
Gofundme campaign thanks in advance for all your help amigo

Biznaga - 8-11-2026 at 06:41 PM

David thanks for this update. Can you please confirm for your fellow nomads that the link to this Go Fund Me account is totally legit, and that the funds raised will go directly to Dona Ana to rebuild her casa?

Thanks again!

David K - 8-12-2026 at 01:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Biznaga

David thanks for this update. Can you please confirm for your fellow nomads that the link to this Go Fund Me account is totally legit, and that the funds raised will go directly to Dona Ana to rebuild her casa?

Thanks again!

From what I can see, it appears to be. The GoFundMe page was made by the person (Rogelio) doing the interview with Ana Licia... You all can message her at Facebook. Her current user name there is Anna Gag
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585093354222
Rogelio Serrano, who made the GoFundMe page is one of her friends.

Biznaga - 8-12-2026 at 07:01 PM

Thanks David,

we appreciate the follow up and your efforts to help this family out during such a difficult time.

$4,282 (pesos) raised so far

David K - 8-17-2026 at 11:58 AM

Too bad it's not dollars! But, still it is a start with three donations, so far...
https://www.gofundme.com/f/mision-san-borja-fire-recovery-fu...

cupcake - 8-17-2026 at 04:11 PM

This family has restored, maintained, and protected the magnificent Mission San Borja for many generations.

If there is not a Catholic Church fund for helping such people in a time of real need, there should be.

I don't have any experience with this, but maybe someone on this forum does, or might have some good ideas on where to look and ask.

Catholic Church funding programs to help those who have helped the Church
https://tinyurl.com/3cpp4sev

The beautiful Mission San Borja that this family has cared for...

[Edited on 8-17-2026 by cupcake]

cupcake - 8-18-2026 at 01:09 PM

From Google:

To get the Catholic Church to help or pay for rebuilding the caretaker's (custodio) home that burned down at Misión San Borja in Baja California, you must contact the regional diocese responsible for that remote area, which is the Diócesis de Ensenada. Because remote historical missions in Baja often rely on informal caretaker arrangements rather than formal, salaried employee contracts, getting institutional funding requires direct negotiation and community advocacy.

Steps to Request Church Assistance

Contact the Local Diocese:
Reach out directly to the Diocese of Ensenada (Diócesis de Ensenada), under Bishop Rafael Valdez Torres, which holds ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the territory of San Borja. Call them at +52 646 176 3780 or visit their office at Av. Revolución #782 in Ensenada.

Establish Formal Recognition:
Provide proof or testimony that the family (such as Doña Ana and the Gerardo family) acts as the official, long-term authorized custodians of the mission property, protecting a historical asset of the Church.

Appeal to the Heritage/Property Commissions:
Ask the diocese to route the request through their Commission for Sacred Art and Cultural Patrimony (Comisión de Arte Sacro y Bienes Culturales), as Misión San Borja is an irreplaceable stone-built Jesuit/Dominican historical landmark.

Alternative and Parallel Relief Efforts

Coordinate with Local Aid:
Because bureaucratic church funding through rural Mexican dioceses can be slow, local Baja communities and visitors have already set up immediate assistance and collection centers (centros de acopio) near Hotel Los Caracoles and via regional groups to gather building supplies, food, and direct economic aid for the family.

Engage Organized Fundraisers:
Grassroots networks (such as regional Baja historical and traveler groups) frequently organize verified drives and GoFundMe campaigns specifically designated for the San Borja caretakers' recovery.

David K - 8-18-2026 at 02:03 PM

That's amazing... I will forward it (maybe translated) to the people in Mexico involved.

cupcake - 8-18-2026 at 03:29 PM

Thanks David.

I hope the request is well received by the Church.

Fist GOfundme deposit to Familia Gerardo (Ana Licia)

royelio17 - 8-18-2026 at 03:41 PM

Hello guys, David told me about this topic several days ago, but I didn't have the time or the brains to find my username. I finally found it. Okay, so about the Catholic Church—I will definitely get in contact with Monseñor Eduardo Ackerman, who was there for like 20 years or so and knows everyone well. Or even reach out to the Diocese directly. Monseñor and I are friends, but he suffered some injuries yesterday, so I have to wait a few days.

I started a GoFundMe effort for the recovery of Gerardo's family. Today was the first deposit for them, for about 2,370.44 pesos.

The total received until today from international and national deposits is somewhere near 4,282 pesos, if I recall correctly, so we have a lot of road ahead of us for whoever wants to donate.

The link for the GoFundMe campaign is:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/mision-san-borja-fire-recovery-fund-for-gate-keepers

If anyone is wondering, "Who's this guy?"—I host the Sierra San Pedro Mártir Group on Facebook and the followers page (something like 90k members on both) for information purposes. I'm the guy who got stuck in the sand towards San Borja and couldn't make it, and was helped by this family, and I am truly grateful to them.

Some deposits have been received by Ana Licia (I don't know if Nonnih has) directly through their Banco Azteca account, but nobody from the north, as she stated, has been able to help—maybe or not, I don't know. I started this campaign for the international deposits because I saw some people mentioned that they couldn't deposit directly.

So let me know if someone else can cooperate with the cause—if not with cash, then with canned food or construction stuff for their adobe house, which they have cleaned so far. It would be great to get a team of donors and drive down over there to give them what we can gather together.

Heres the aftermath of the fire. they are cleaning little by little

https://youtube.com/shorts/A8nybzKbq78?si=OZAmHsUPJE6WH37C

Rogelio Serrano aka "Roger"
+526634094576
Only whatsapp messages because the number is public...
Also regular text messages is fine

royelio17 - 8-18-2026 at 03:43 PM

Deposit for today

https://i.postimg.cc/Lhd8XQXJ/deposito-analicia-18-8-2026.jp...

David K - 8-19-2026 at 09:37 AM

Thank you so much, Roger (royelio17) for all that you have done and giving the Baja Nomads this information. :light:

royelio17 - 8-19-2026 at 11:35 AM

Its a Pleasure David hope that more and more people get involved.

royelio17 - 8-19-2026 at 11:48 AM

Update!

A group of good samaritans have filled a truck with materials and drove yesterday or today to the Mission, Raul Lyle posted it in Facebook in the Baja Overlanding group. From what Ive seen in the images they carrying 2x4's, 2x6's, cement, some furniture an other articles that I dont recognize, bed matress, and sheet rock or plywood sheets. Let me know if you know of a donation center to grab the megafone!

David K - 8-19-2026 at 01:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by royelio17

Update!

A group of good samaritans have filled a truck with materials and drove yesterday or today to the Mission, Raul Lyle posted it in Facebook in the Baja Overlanding group. From what Ive seen in the images they carrying 2x4's, 2x6's, cement, some furniture an other articles that I dont recognize, bed matress, and sheet rock or plywood sheets. Let me know if you know of a donation center to grab the megafone!

Wonderful!
Here are the photos, on Raul's page (that he shared on Baja Overlander group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/2880928922142922/user/549196...

Donation

CaboMagic - 8-22-2026 at 07:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by royelio17

Its a Pleasure David hope that more and more people get involved.

Roger - we made a donation on that fundme a few days ago - would you please advise if it has been received? Thank you for spearheading this. Lori

royelio17 - 8-22-2026 at 12:21 PM

Hello Lory I’ve just arrived from fishing and haven’t slept if you have the proof of the deposit then it means that it went true I believe seeing Lory and ? User or the name somewhere but I’ve been busy my apologies. What can you expect from Baja :biggrin:

pure pleasure! Let me recover and I’ll let you know in a couple of hours

royelio17 - 8-22-2026 at 12:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by CaboMagic

Quote: Originally posted by royelio17

Its a Pleasure David hope that more and more people get involved.

Roger - we made a donation on that fundme a few days ago - would you please advise if it has been received? Thank you for spearheading this. Lori

Found it!!!! It went true
6300 ish and counting guys!

Thank you for being in contact