BajaNomad - Scary story reports

Scary story reports

Bob H - 9-10-2007 at 08:53 PM

These reports are getting rediculous. You can have things happen to you anywhere in the world, including the US in any town in andy state. I'm not afraid, never.
Just be aware of your surroundings and be smart!
Bob H

Mango - 9-10-2007 at 09:58 PM

Too many people in the good ole' USA, and elsewhere, let fear rule them IMO. Sure it's good to be a little cautious and listen to your instincts; but, remember.. the leading cause of death is life.

So enjoy what you've got when you can.

If I were a cat I'd have been dead about 7 lives ago. Lucky for me I have some purpose yet to fulfill. Personally, I know I will be reincarnated just so I can watch the Raiders lose some more, it's my version of hell. :no:

FEAR?????

Barry A. - 9-10-2007 at 10:14 PM

I think for many of us (me, anyway) "fear" is not the real issue--------when I go to Mexico I go for pleasure, recreation, and exploration-----not to be looking over my shoulder to see if some bad guys are about to violate me. These incidents just make me uncomfortable (especially when my family members are with me), and who needs that when there is so much to see and do in the USA without worrying about "being attacked" or "ripped off" at gunpoint, even at night. Besides, in the USA I can arm myself (a huge difference)------not so in Mexico.

This is NOT the Mexico that I have experienced over the past 55 years, or so. Mexico now appears to be tending towards being "out of control" in my estimation--------and who needs that! Not me.

Barry

Bob H - 9-10-2007 at 10:47 PM

If you are aware and sense a fearsome situation you can make decisions. To be afraid of going to any country not in a war zone situation is not my type of thinking. Audrey and I spent three weeks in Turkey a couple of years ago and all of our friends though we were crazy. We had the greatest time ever, and laughed about it walking through the streets of Turkey during our visit. But, please be afraid of Mexico... and leave it for us who are not. Ahaahhahhaa.... Bob H

shari - 9-11-2007 at 09:49 AM

This is a popular topic of discussion in our casa and interestingly enough my mexican husband Juan is very disturbed about the increase in violence, kidnapping, corruption and general lawlessness. It's not just you tourists who should and do worry, it is the local people too. It has risen to a critical point and is very sad that we all are a bit fearful these days. We take extra precautions now where we never did before and travel much less. PLease do take heed and be more careful....baja is very groovy...until it's NOT...for you...I don't want to lose any of our newfound amigos because they are macho. I"ve never been afraid in baja but I sure am much more cafeful now. Open your eyes folks...it IS more dangerous than before and we must simply adjust our lifestyles to reflect these changes. Ten mas cuidado.

Barry A. - 9-11-2007 at 10:19 AM

I believe that Shari is "right on point", and I applaud her and Juan's observations and willingness to talk about it.

It is a shame that this is happening, and I sincerely hope that it begins to reverse. Like Bob H. I have traveled all over the world in some pretty strange places (Tibet, Kajicistan, China, Peru, Equador, Belize etc.) (pardon my spelling) and had a wonderful time while still being careful and watchful, and not foolish.

But my point is that I never had to "act" this way in Mexico before, and I guess I resent that NOW I have to be careful, watchful, and suspicious----as if I was walking/driving thru "dangerous country". That just takes the fun out of it for me. I visited Mexico constantly over the past 55 years, not just a one-time visit as in the other countries, and I don't expect to feel "threatened" in some place that I go constantly. In all the countries that I have traveled in, only Belize City made me uncomfortable the way some Mexico cities do to me now-------and that is not fun. I NEVER feel this way in the USA, with the possible exception of LA as I drive thru it on Int. 5. If you can't trust the cops, who CAN you trust???

I Championed Mexico, and especially Baja California, all of my life, but now I am having second thoughts, mostly because I fear the Government is totally losing control, has some very poor policies, and in fact it's officialls are now so corrupt that I only trust those that prove to me they are worthy of "trust"-----a sad state of affairs, it seems to me.

I hope all this changes, but I have sincere doubts.

Case in Point: why in the world has this "state of affairs" on the "hill" in western TJ been allowed to continue???? This is disgusting, and an example of what I am talking about. As an ex-cop myself, I KNOW that this particular situation could be stopped easily-----------but it has not------------the officials have got to be involved, that's why. Yes, it IS the wild west, all over again, only this time only the bad guys are armed--------------no thanks, that is not my cup of tea, and Bob H. you are welcome to it, and the best of luck to you.

Barry

toneart - 9-11-2007 at 10:35 AM

Much philosophy regarding the subject of fear has been tossed around in other threads on BajaNomad. The most most recent involving the surfers who, according to their account, were ambushed in TJ in the wee morning hours.

We have also had to come to terms with how safe we feel when it concerns the so called "War on Terrorism". It is the stuff that politicians thrive on.

What Bob H. has brought up here sort of captures my own sense of fear: I won't let it stop me from living my life, and that includes going to Baja. I refuse to let fear intimidate me. But to put that out there without accompaniment by words of caution would be irresponsible.

If we are aware, and take precautions based on the information we have, we should be fine. Then put it on auto-pilot; let it run in the background and go out and enjoy your life.

I am not going through TJ anytime during darkness. I am not going down the offramp of the freeway in South Central Los Angeles during the dark hours. I am not going to Baghdad anytime soon. I would go to Istanbul, Los Angeles, New York and Jeruselem.

Use common sense, and be aware wherever you are that there is always the potential that something bad could happen. But, it most probably won't.

Has anybody noticed the red wax seal at the bottom of this forum, The Secret? Well, the basic premise discusses the "Law of Attraction". We draw to us what we are thinking. Given that, you had damn well better concentrate on positive thoughts rather than the negative. Even if you are skeptical of such Universal Law, (and you should be skeptical of everything), why not just add this practice to your arsenal of self-protection? :spingrin:

Bob H - 9-11-2007 at 10:46 AM

Shari, right on! Great post.

Barry A... I guess it's part of having a law enforcement background - we think a lot alike. And, I quote you: "... had a wonderful time while still being careful and watchful, and not foolish." That is exactly what I mean.

toneart has another great quote "Use common sense, and be aware wherever you are that there is always the potential that something bad could happen. But, it most probably won't." Also: "We draw to us what we are thinking. Given that, you had damn well better concentrate on positive thoughts rather than the negative."

Fantistic information here!
Bob H

JZ - 9-11-2007 at 10:49 AM

There are also different situations. Some people are grow men and all they have to worry about are themselves. Others are in a different boat.

I had thoughts of taking my twin six year olds on a road trip, visiting BOLA, etc. That seems like it would be very irresponsible now, and I'm pi$$ed about it.

Skipjack Joe - 9-11-2007 at 01:11 PM

Barry,

I usually don't comment on these type of posts but your observations and assessments are right on. I, too, have done a bit of traveling around the world and to be frank part of the pleasure was the danger involved.

When you get off a train in Colombia you look at people's eyes and you can almost feel them assessing your worth, what you may be carrying, and how best to get at it. These bandits hang out at the 'conveyer belt' waiting for the tourists to show up.

And Belize City! That place took the cake. As I parked my car to just walk to the market people came by and checked it up and down to see where it's vulnerabilities lay. I couldn't believe it. They didn't even wait for the wife and I to walk away. Right in front of us the plans were being made. Incredible!

On the other hand, we went to Guatemala during the 'revolucion' when the US government was issuing warnings to stay away due to the 'rebellion'. It was the best thing we ever did. We had Tikal all to ourselves. Lago Atitlan was left to european tourists and american hippy expatriates. I have never experienced a more peaceful vacation than during these supposedly violent times.

But you're right, baja, we thought was different. Most of these places had certain locations where you needed to be on alert. When you got away from them you met marvelous people. The smart tourists knew this and benefited from some wonderful travel experiences. But these baja murders are occuring all over and during daylight hours. Last year there was the man camped at conception bay, an elderly man with no drug connections, simply enjoying his stay. Then came Racqual and Larry who were gunned down in daylight on open highway near Catavina (just days after we passed through that area). And now it's these guys at 4AM on the toll road. I just don't get the feeling that you can feel real safe by just avoiding a section of highway at a certain time. And I'm not an alarmist by nature.

Neal Johns - 9-11-2007 at 05:13 PM

Another vote for Barry's post. I too, have been all over the world and not felt threatened. I'll be a lot more careful in Baja.

longlegsinlapaz - 9-11-2007 at 05:26 PM

Well, I won't be driving to the states again by my lonesome, anytime in the foreseeable future!

DENNIS - 9-11-2007 at 05:27 PM

Caution and fear have saved more lives in combat than body armor. If these disciplines are forsaken, chances of survival rapidly diminish. There is a very fine line between combat and society today and in many cases, the line doesn't exist. Be careful. It doesn't make you paranoid or weak. It could easily save you from disaster.

shari - 9-12-2007 at 10:12 AM

I'm a "positive vibrations yeah" type person all the way to the point of being naive (according to myhusband). There are alot of dangerous places in the world and our village isn't one of them...BUT...these days we must be on guard for thee because crime is rampant in baja. Not to alarm anyone but another issue besides robbery is the serios problem of kidnapping. It DOES happen way more than we think and as more foreigners are moving to baja, they (we) should be aware of this and take precautions. Last year there was a case in La Bocana and even in our village recently so don't be complacent thinking the small villages are exempt from this activity. Be carefu..l Besmart.

windsurfeddy - 9-12-2007 at 10:13 AM

We have always driven through TJ around 3-4 a.m. in order to get to Bahia Los Angeles by 2-3 p.m., thinking it would be safer, less traffic etc. Now, not so sure.
I am thinking of heading at the same time now through Tecate...can anyone tell me if the Mexican side of the border is open at that time?

DENNIS - 9-12-2007 at 10:16 AM

Tecate is open from 5 AM till Midnight.

DENNIS - 9-12-2007 at 10:18 AM

Come to think of it, that may be right or wrong. Those are the hours for the US operation. I'm only assuming the Mexican gates are the same.
Anybody?

windsurfeddy - 9-12-2007 at 10:43 AM

Well, we always come back via the Tecate route, and I do know the US side is limited from around 5 am to midnight. Any info on the Mexican side??

DianaT - 9-12-2007 at 10:58 AM

If it happened here in Bahia Asuncion, we would like to know more details---just for safety reasons.
Thanks
John and Diane

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
I'm a "positive vibrations yeah" type person all the way to the point of being naive (according to myhusband). There are alot of dangerous places in the world and our village isn't one of them...BUT...these days we must be on guard for thee because crime is rampant in baja. Not to alarm anyone but another issue besides robbery is the serios problem of kidnapping. It DOES happen way more than we think and as more foreigners are moving to baja, they (we) should be aware of this and take precautions. Last year there was a case in La Bocana and even in our village recently so don't be complacent thinking the small villages are exempt from this activity. Be carefu..l Besmart.

Mango - 9-12-2007 at 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
I think for many of us (me, anyway) "fear" is not the real issue--------when I go to Mexico I go for pleasure, recreation, and exploration-----not to be looking over my shoulder to see if some bad guys are about to violate me. These incidents just make me uncomfortable (especially when my family members are with me), and who needs that when there is so much to see and do in the USA without worrying about "being attacked" or "ripped off" at gunpoint, even at night. Besides, in the USA I can arm myself (a huge difference)------not so in Mexico.

This is NOT the Mexico that I have experienced over the past 55 years, or so. Mexico now appears to be tending towards being "out of control" in my estimation--------and who needs that! Not me.

Barry

I've been shot at in the USA, robbed at gunpoint in the USA, and had property stolen from me in the USA. Never had a problem in Mexico; but, I also realize that I have spent more time in the USA so the odds are I would have more problems there.

Sure, some of you may live in nice little towns in the USA. But, come on down to Richmond, CA (8 people shot, 3 killed, there last night.. yes 8!), two murdered in their home while sleeping in San Jose last night, Oakland(nightly), or Hunters Point in San Francisco(were the police don't even go unless they bring at least 2 cars). It's not even just the big cities in the USA, two campers were killed while sleeping on the beach near Bodega Bay in Northern California last year. My parents live in a small town of 20,000.. they had not had any murders for over 30 years.. they had two just last year.

It's not just here or there..... as a world culture.. we are going though a period of war and violence between have's and have not's, this way or that way..

Either way.. far too many people are currently are subscribing to the ideal that cheating and violence is an acceptable tactic to solve problems, get ahead, or provide resources/fulfill needs. Unfortunately, this sentiment is reinforced by governments, corporations, athletes, media, etc.. etc.. around the globe.

I'm not recommending blind macho bravado.. But, what choice do we really have other than to be careful and do our best to deal with the situation that you are given?

I would agree that Mexico has changed for the worse; but, the rest of the world is also along for the ride.

Barry A. - 9-12-2007 at 11:15 AM

Holy cow----now I (even more so) appreciate why we moved from the "big city" some 40 years ago-------we don't even lock our doors when we go out for the night-----either does my son who lives in another CA small town.

We went to dinner at my Lawyer's house last night, and found that they never lock their doors at night, or when gone, either.

You guys obviously live in the wrong place if THAT much crime is happening----I am appalled!!!

I am 70-------never had ANY crime against me in the USA in my LIFE, and most of this time I have lived in CA, including 30 years in San Diego.

Everything is relative, isn't it??

Barry

oldhippie - 9-12-2007 at 11:15 AM

These stories have not been reported anywhere I can find other than message boards. Why not? Has anyone seen these stories anywhere except blogs?

Yesterday I telephoned the American Consulate in TJ, where I live, trying to find out what they know, and after being transferred two times, left a voice mail with my phone number. I assume the person who would know was out of the office. I have not heard back yet buy it's been less than 24 hours.

The phone number of the consulate is 664-622-7400. Use the prefix 011-52 if calling from the US.

If you think about it, it's unusal that crimes of this magnitude haven't been picked up by news organizations. It is juicy stuff. My wife is a news junkie and watches local TJ news morning and night, nothing there either.

Has anybody ever shorted stocks? It can be a mean game. Shorts will post negative mis-information on message boards attempting to drive the price down. It has worked more than a few times.

Perhaps someone is trying to drive down the price of gringo real estate in the area. I certainly wouldn't do anything like that.

[Edited on 9-12-2007 by oldhippie]

Mango - 9-12-2007 at 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Holy cow----now I (even more so) appreciate why we moved from the "big city" some 40 years ago-------we don't even lock our doors when we go out for the night-----either does my son who lives in another CA small town.

We went to dinner at my Lawyer's house last night, and found that they never lock their doors at night, or when gone, either.

You guys obviously live in the wrong place if THAT much crime is happening----I am appalled!!!

I am 70-------never had ANY crime against me in the USA in my LIFE, and most of this time I have lived in CA, including 30 years in San Diego.

Everything is relative, isn't it??

Barry

Yeah, Richmond is a hell hole. I avoid it; but, have had to work there a few times inspecting concrete, etc.. I feel safer in a barrio outside Mexico City than I do in Richmond. If there is a place for martial law and the national guard.. I could think of no better place.

I really like far Notherthern CA. aka..Jefferson State. Shasta City, Paradise, Happy Camp, all very nice. Redding and Chico are pretty nice for bigger towns.

I was looking at concrete at 7 year old track homes in North Las Vegas last year for a construction litigation case.. we were pulling bullets out of the stucco on multiple homes just for kicks. The local school was locked down several times within a few weeks, school bus shot at, guns at school, etc.. etc.. and the neighborhood was less than 10 years old with modern homes. Insta Gettho.

"It is far eaiser to build castles, than it is make princes and princesses to go in them." - Thoreau (approximate quote.. from my memory.)

I'm not really sure what is going on with people... but I think there is just a general lack of compassion and understanding for fellow humans in todays world that has driven some over the edge. Resources are scarce and those with power often have those without power pinned under their thumbs. Many people simply feel pinned down and helpless to better themselves.

As I have told my friends.. the Mayan calender ends on Dec. 21, 2112. Many new age type fruit loops believe it is the end of the world, time, etc..

I just plan on having a huge party on the night of the 20th... and when I wake up on the 21st... I will have such a huge hangover I will have wished the world would have ended. LOL

Love and hope.. is our best solution if we intend to avoid killing ourselves off.

mike odell - 9-13-2007 at 07:53 PM

After reading all of the above, I guess I am very lucky, as well as a few others, to live in this little village. We suffer no violent crime, no domestic
violence, no sirens, no gunshots at night or for that matter during the day.
Shure, we have an annual or two snatch and grab radio burgalry, but this
makes major news by word of mouth in this little burg. And usually the
local cops kechum before the townsfolk do. And no, I don't get lax on
protecting my family or our stuff. I have a roll gate in front of my home,
not very high, and a Rottie on guard at night , and I am a light sleeper
with a 357 pillow! So far and I think in the near future nothing more is
going to be needed. I sure hope that I am right, so far in 16 years I have been.
Keep safe all of you in more dangerous locals

Gadget - 9-14-2007 at 04:17 PM

The thing I find interesting if these stories are true is all the banter about not going south, caution, changes in travel habits which are all good if YOU think it's something you need to do.
There has been almost no discussion on just traveling a different route.
You can still cross at TJ, travel down El Rio and go up through town on the free road which joins with the toll road just north of Rosarito. It saves a toll and it's a nice double lane road.
Cross at Otay and drive the new hiway to join the free road just north of Calafia. Saves 2 tolls.
Cross at Tecate and drive the new road as above.
The border fence road is so easily avoided, whats the big deal.
Heck, still use it, roll along untill you see a nice slow mover truck or something and pull in front of it and just track along with it so it's harder for someone to get behind you. That's what we used to do when we were young bone heads and were either loaded or drunk to shield us from the errant cop.
So many solutions, so little worries.

Bob H - 9-14-2007 at 07:17 PM

We plan to spend 2-plus weeks in Baja starting October 1st. I will not exceed the speed limit, I will come to complete stops at all the Alto signs, and use my blinker when making turns, 100 percent of the time. Let's see if I still end up getting pulled over!.... ugh.
Bob H

Gadget - 9-15-2007 at 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
We plan to spend 2-plus weeks in Baja starting October 1st. I will not exceed the speed limit, I will come to complete stops at all the Alto signs, and use my blinker when making turns, 100 percent of the time. Let's see if I still end up getting pulled over!.... ugh.
Bob H

Where ya headed Bob? We will be leaving in a week or so for until we want to come home or the end of Oct.

CaboRon - 9-16-2007 at 11:13 AM

Do you guys want to make a carravan ?

I was planning on leaving from San Diego on the 2nd of Oct. Have reservations at Antonio's Baja Cactus that night... and hope to do a very leiserly drive to La Paz with frequent stops after Baja Norte.....

That is if you wouldn't be embarresed by my rig....

Not top of the line....just Baja

-CaboRon

Sharksbaja - 9-17-2007 at 01:16 AM

Quote:

So you think they are REAL cops and if you don't speed they won't get you :?:

I get it, only lawbreakers get pistol-whipped. C'mon Bob regadless if they are bonafide cops or not they profile their targets. It's a tough scary call no matter WHO they are. I hope all these incidents get some frickin' attention.

Bob and Susan - 9-17-2007 at 05:44 AM

the question is....

why haven't the "real" news organizations picked up these stories???

does bloodydecks.com have "the exCLUEsive"??? :yes:

i've driven these roads many times at night and the traffic is increasing every trip...makes you think...be careful anyway

CaboRon - 9-17-2007 at 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldhippie
These stories have not been reported anywhere I can find other than message boards. Why not? Has anyone seen these stories anywhere except blogs?

Yesterday I telephoned the American Consulate in TJ, where I live, trying to find out what they know, and after being transferred two times, left a voice mail with my phone number. I assume the person who would know was out of the office. I have not heard back yet buy it's been less than 24 hours.

The phone number of the consulate is 664-622-7400. Use the prefix 011-52 if calling from the US.

If you think about it, it's unusal that crimes of this magnitude haven't been picked up by news organizations. It is juicy stuff. My wife is a news junkie and watches local TJ news morning and night, nothing there either.

Has anybody ever shorted stocks? It can be a mean game. Shorts will post negative mis-information on message boards attempting to drive the price down. It has worked more than a few times.

Perhaps someone is trying to drive down the price of gringo real estate in the area. I certainly wouldn't do anything like that.

[Edited on 9-12-2007 by oldhippie]

I coouldn't agree more.... All of these stories are heresay...
I have thought for some time that we are being spammed with bogus stories.... and many with multiple listings about the same story with small details changed.... BajaNomads are being jacked up.

I live in Anaheim CA and will not take a walk in my neighborhood after dark ..... last week the newspaper boy was robbed at gunpoint right in front of our apt bldg. We think by the smack dealers who have taken over the apt bldg across the street. Anaheim PD doesn't do sh**. Three weeks ago a man was gunned to death 50 ft from my bedroom window. We live in a violent world... Oh, and I live less than two miles from the happiest place on earth.

This is our world.

- CaboRon

If you live in fear, you are vulenerable to those who can sense your fear. And you become a target.... think of this world as a jungle and you are the prey.

woody with a view - 9-17-2007 at 06:27 AM

my neighbor across the alley caught a tweeker coming thru his window at 11.30pm a week ago. beat him really good until the cops showed up and took the piece of crap to jail....i hope he gets the word out to his tweeker friends....daddy sleeps with a machete and can't wait to wield it!!!!!! :yes:

CaboRon - 9-17-2007 at 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
my neighbor across the alley caught a tweeker coming thru his window at 11.30pm a week ago. beat him really good until the cops showed up and took the piece of crap to jail....i hope he gets the word out to his tweeker friends....daddy sleeps with a machete and can't wait to wield it!!!!!! :yes:

Go Woody !!!!!!!!!!!