BajaNomad - Surfers warn of armed robberies while camping on Mexican coast

Surfers warn of armed robberies while camping on Mexican coast

bajabound2005 - 11-14-2007 at 08:52 AM

From today's San Diego Trib:

Troubling sign in Baja
Surfers warn of armed robberies while camping on Mexican coast
By Terry Rodgers and Anna Cearley
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERS
November 14, 2007

The fear is growing.

Southern California surfers have reason to be especially wary about venturing to Baja California after a spate of armed robberies by paramilitary-style criminals.

About a half-dozen robberies and carjackings that targeted U.S.surfers en route to camping spots along the 780-mile Baja California peninsula have occurred since June, accordingng to unconfirmed tallies reported via the Internet.

Mexican authorities said they've heard of few such crimes since August, but concede that American tourists may not be stopping to report the incidents before returning to the United States.
In addition to the buzz created by online postings, members of the Swamis Surfing Association heard from one of their own last night about the heightened crime risk.

Pat Weber of Encinitas talked during the club's meeting about his traumatic experience last month at Cuatro Casas, a popular but remote surfing spot about 200 miles south of the border.

Weber said he and his girlfriend had gone to Baja to escape the foul air caused by the wildfires in San Diego County. Just after sundown Oct. 23, two men wearing military clothing and ski masks confronted the couple. Weber said he initially refused to come out of his motor home, but surrendered after the robbers fired a shot into the vehicle.
“They made us get down on all fours – execution position – and put guns to our heads,” said Weber, who owns the San Diego Surfing Academy in Carlsbad.

The gunmen sexually assaulted his girlfriend before stealing $10,000 worth of computers, video cameras and other gear, he said.
Weber had logged more than 500 days in Baja and taken dozens of students there over the past 10 years. He now considers it hazardous territory.

“My career guiding surfing tours into Mexico is over,” he said. “I'm cutting it off. I'm urging everyone else for their safety to do the same.”

Unlike many other victims, Weber stopped in Ensenada to report the robbery and assault to police. He wasn't the only recent victim at Cuatro Casas.

On Sept. 16, three San Diego-area surfers camping there were robbed at gunpoint by two men fitting the same description as those who attacked Weber and his girlfriend.

The three surfers, each in their 20s, were rousted from their tents at midnight and robbed by the masked men. The victims lost everything but their vehicle and keys. Terrified, they did not report the crime until they had returned home.

Some visitors don't trust Mexican law-enforcement officers, who have been linked to corruption and criminal groups over the years. Other travelers just want to put the trauma behind them as quickly as possible.

Mexican authorities said they have increased patrols along the U.S.-Mexico border highway, Calle Internacional, and along Mexico Highway 1 leading to the Ensenada toll road.

Investigators need help from victims to solve the recent cases, said Antonio Martínez Luna, the attorney general for Baja California. Mexican tourism officials have assigned a liaison to document the robberies and encourage people to provide more information.
“There are lots of things we need to go over,” Luna said. “As more time passes, the trail is lost and the memory is lost.”

Several recent crimes against surfers – and one against fishermen – were roadside robberies.In each of those cases, the perpetrators fooled tourists into pulling off the road by using flashing lights similar to those mounted on police cars. These thieves forced their victims to kneel and put firearms to their heads.

On Aug. 26, a group of anglers traveling along the border highway were carjacked and robbed. They later reported it on a sportfishing Web site.

Five days later, a similar crime occurred about 4:30 a.m. along the same stretch of the highway.

In that incident, three surfers from North County were traveling in two trucks. A group of armed men pulled them over just north of the Ensenada toll road. The surfers were forced out of their vehicles at gunpoint, and one was ordered to kneel and crawl down the face of a cliff as if he were about to be executed.

The gunmen took the trucks and other equipment – worth $60,000 – and left the surfers dazed on the roadside.

Eric “Bird” Huffman, owner of SouthCoast Surf Shop in Pacific Beach, has traveled to Baja for more than 30 years. He now considers it too risky to travel anywhere within 100 miles of the border.

Huffman said his apprehension is based on a proliferation of harrowing stories from his customers. “The bad guys are obviously getting more aggressive,” he said. “It's like the frickin' Wild West down there.”

Some people posting comments on various surfing and sportfishing Web sites have speculated whether members of the Zetas, a gang tied to drug traffickers, committed some of the crimes. But U.S. law enforcement agents who track violent trends in Mexico could not confirm any connection with the Zetas.

At the Hotel La Fonda, a popular oasis for travelers along the Baja coast, general manager Alejandro Martinez said he hasn't noticed a drop in the number of American surfers.

But Joe Segal of Hawaii, who operates a Web site that offers Mexican car insurance and guide books on Baja surfing, said his sales dipped sharply after articles about the robberies spread on the Internet.

“Southern California surfers are affected by this the most because they are the ones who regularly drive down there to escape the California scene,” Segal said.

Carol Kramer, co-owner of the Baja Discover Travel Club in San Diego, said she has urged Baja tourism officials to address the latest crime fears swiftly and decisively.

“You always hear about the 'mordidas' – the bribes. But these recent incidents were far more severe,” said Kramer, referring to the longtime practice of Mexican police officers taking bribes for trumped-up traffic citations.

“(Mexican officials) have to realize that if this keeps happening, they will cut off their foot, and tourism will dwindle,” she added.
________________________________________
Terry Rodgers: (619) 542-4566; terry.rodgers@uniontrib.com

Al G - 11-14-2007 at 09:17 AM

Hope you don't mind...posted this on EcoBaja to spread the word.

bajaandy - 11-14-2007 at 09:22 AM

Sounds like there will be more room in the lineup!

Mexitron - 11-14-2007 at 09:54 AM

Interesting because Quatros Casas isn't some remote spot--there's a gringo encampment there as well as the camp's on-site owners and their dogs(at least they used to have dogs there...).
I was robbed just down the coast at Shipwrecks ages ago--just my camera and one of the ice chests fortunately--the locals said it was the guys from Camalu but it might well have been the locals themselves. Anyway, I've generally steered clear of that stretch of coastline for a long time now--there's so much development going on between Colonet and San Quintin that its bound to bring out the baddies.

Slowmad - 11-14-2007 at 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaandy
Sounds like there will be more room in the lineup!

Gal gets sexually assaulted, and some nozzle's ready with a quip.
Stay classy Escondido.

Bob H - 11-14-2007 at 10:16 AM

What a way to protect surfing spots in Baja, huh?

bajaandy - 11-14-2007 at 10:52 AM

Mexitron... I had the same experience at Shipwrecks in the early 90's. They came through camp while everyone was sleeping and took the cooler, swimfins and shoes. That was the last time we camped there. I don't even bother to stop until I'm further south. Never found out who it was, but figured it was locals.

mikeintj - 11-14-2007 at 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaandy
I don't even bother to stop until I'm further south.

This is what depressed me most reading the Tribune story. I always thought that once you were passed Ensenada it was safe. Now it seems that you have to go way further.

Surfer tourism

Dave - 11-14-2007 at 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
“(Mexican officials) have to realize that if this keeps happening, they will cut off their foot, and tourism will dwindle,” she added.

Each year, thousands of surfers spend hundreds of dollars on Bimbo, bologna and beer.

Something needs to be done. :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Something needs to be done. :rolleyes:

Maybe something is being done. This is the first time recently I've seen anything like a group of people organizing with a complaint. Nobody will hear the single voice but, a group, even if they eat too much Bimbo, may get the attention of the traveling public. This is the ONLY way to involve the officials in Mexico. Hurt them in the wallet.
Now...If the surfers could get the support of an organization such as AARP, AAA or the US State Department, results would be forthcoming.

[Edited on 11-14-2007 by DENNIS]

Will wonders never cease?

Dave - 11-14-2007 at 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
This is the first time recently I've seen anything like a group of people organizing with a complaint. DENNIS]

Surfers?... Organizing?... Dude! :lol:

What's next? That they'll stop smoking dope, learn English, get real jobs?

Scary.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 01:25 PM

Now Now, Dave. Primo is a gremlin magnet so you don't see them all. The old timers at Wind'nSea or San Onofre would be hurt by your evaluation of them and I can't imagine why you would think that a travel advisory from Surfer Magazine would be useless. It would be more effective than one from the State Department.

Actually, an advisory would be ill advised. A total boycot is what it would take. Advisorys are like scoldings. Very inefective.

[Edited on 11-14-2007 by DENNIS]

dccf - 11-14-2007 at 01:32 PM

I hear Donald Trump is planning a tri-tower of condos near Ensenada. Maybe if his organization were to apply some arm twisting (pun intended) changes would be made by the Mexican government.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 01:37 PM

Donald Trump is more of a problem than the Mexican government. His project is closer to the border, north of Rosarito.

My Bad

Dave - 11-14-2007 at 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Actually, an advisory would be ill advised. A total boycot is what it would take. Advisorys are like scoldings. Very inefective.

[Edited on 11-14-2007 by DENNIS]

I see your point. A surfer boycott would be just the ticket. They should stay away for as long as it takes.

About thirty years should do it.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
About thirty years should do it.

OK...I know you dislike surfers but I don't think that's the point here. My point is that a grassroots, very vocal boycot of surfer tourism could, with proper press behind it and shareing logical reasoning with other traveling demographics to recruit them to the cause, that of safe protected tourism, would be the best effort to date to change a situation that we all know is wrong and dangerous and getting worse.

Argue with that and I'll call you the enemy.

The Sculpin - 11-14-2007 at 02:19 PM

The day the banditos hit a caravan of road whales is the day something will get done about this. While I think that Dave's bias and prejudice is severely limiting his access to his own brain cells, I agree with his point. A surfer advisory or boycott is iffy at best. Keep in mind that surfers regularly surfed El Salvador during the Reagan years with little difficulty, were in Guatemala during those troubles, and today regularly surf areas in the Indian Ocean commonly known to belong to pirates. In other words, they're not overly concerned with danger to themselves, and they certainly are not concerned about what Dave thinks of them!
That said, now that the surfing community knows about this, I would not be surprised to see a group of surfers actually go looking for these guys. It's happened before, and the policia will then say that, well, somehow the trouble just went away....... :fire:

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 02:29 PM

You may be wrong about the impact that surfers could bring to the table. After all, who else as a group could or would start this ball rolling? I'm not pretending that surfers per se will carry on a one man fight but, it's a start. They bring strong, verifiable evidence and if this asset is left to dry out and blow away with time and disinterest, then we have no grounds to complain about the treatment we recieve from anybody.

fishbuck - 11-14-2007 at 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
This is the first time recently I've seen anything like a group of people organizing with a complaint. DENNIS]

Surfers?... Organizing?... Dude! :lol:

What's next? That they'll stop smoking dope, learn English, get real jobs?

Scary.

What, you never heard of a surf contest?

fishbuck - 11-14-2007 at 02:42 PM

Anybody heard any horror stories from the B1000 people yet? Those stories should start rolling in soon.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
What, you never heard of a surf contest?

Long time no see, Fish......How've you been?

Dave - 11-14-2007 at 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

My point is that a grassroots, very vocal boycot of surfer tourism could, with proper press behind it and shareing logical reasoning with other traveling demographics to recruit them to the cause, that of safe protected tourism, would be the best effort to date to change a situation that we all know is wrong and dangerous and getting worse.

Hate to break it to ya but:

Mexico doesn't give a flip about any tourist driving down Baja. To them, tourism means an organized destination venue like Cancun, PV, Cabo and Ixtapa. Do something to disrupt tourism there and you'll get a response...Pronto!

bajaandy - 11-14-2007 at 03:36 PM

Sculpin has a valid point... getting surfers to agree about anything, let alone form a cohesive stand against an enemy that is at best an enigma, is highly unlikely. The problem is exacerbated when other surfers see what they consider to be the up-side to the situation. Hence my ill-timed, yet valid comment about there being more room in the lineup. (My apologies to the victims of these heinous crimes. I would never wish that experience upon anyone.)
And yet there are those in our tribe who will take advantage of the hype and exploit the stories and tales only to keep others away from "their" Baja surf break. And apparently this tactic is working (at least in my case) as I will never again surf/camp in any of the locations that these stories are emanating from.
But I think I have to disagree with Sculpin about a group of surfers going on a man-hunt of revenge. Best leave that type of thing to the professionals. (And I'm not talking about the Mexican police force or military. Certainly there must be some out-of-work former Blackwater employees that will do the job.)

On edit: Looks like I spoke too soon... http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=28020

[Edited on 11-14-2007 by bajaandy]

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Hate to break it to ya but:

Mexico doesn't give a flip about any tourist driving down Baja. !

Jeezo Dave.... You are such a nutless individual in regards to this issue. You won't discuss the facts. You wont ask questions. All you do is make meaningless comments.
This issue is important to me. Not so much that people have been violated but, we as a people are being violated.
You know this, Dave. Comments to this are dismissed by you as naive, unknowing or stupid.
When anybody here has an idea to fix a problem related to the extortion issue, you shut them down with your time-tested knowledge. I've been here a lot longer than you have and I see your responses as detrimental to the expats here who could truly benefit from your knowledge. The suggestions here are just that. Why can't you work with that? It's OK with me if you're always right but, we have to agree on that.

Al G - 11-14-2007 at 06:24 PM

I am beginning to wonder what face Dave wears??? Do you own a mask? Is your brother in law a corrupt cop...maybe just a person with a dissatisfying life. let us hear what's really up with you :?:

Back to what is important

Al G - 11-14-2007 at 06:30 PM

I have posted this on a couple sites...please make suggestions of others. I am really tired of being swepted to the side. I will joint the boards to post, just let me know.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 06:35 PM

OK Al.........Thanks for that.

fishbuck - 11-14-2007 at 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

I sure hate to agree with Dave because I don't want to get beat up(especailly by DENNIS).
But on my last trip I did get the impression that they feel there is an unlimited supply of tourists headed south. So if a few decide not to come no problema. The hotel will still get filled up. Not everywhere but the more popular places for sure. That will only spread.
And they might be right too! I go down every couple of months when I can and I've been noticing accelerated change. At some point Baja will reach a self sustaining mass and nothing will stop it. That may have already happened.
Maybe the crooks already know that too.

[Edited on 11-15-2007 by fishbuck]

Dave - 11-14-2007 at 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
You won't discuss the facts. You wont ask questions. All you do is make meaningless comments.

I don't consider it a meaningless comment to point out that Mexico cares little about the type of tourist who frequents this board. Not only that but it seems that tourists come regardless of the horror stories. I'm amazed. If I were a tourist, and after what happened last month at Puerto Nuevo, I wouldn't stick one toe in Mexico. And I wouldn't care about boycotts or if they ever fixed the problem. There are other places I could spend money. I'd be done.

If you want to have a discussion about ex-pats...that's different. I don't consider tourist and ex-pat problems to be related but we could discuss it.

...And please leave my nuts out of this. I'm very protective of them. :rolleyes:

Diver - 11-14-2007 at 07:10 PM

Al,

Dave is not the same without a deli.
Have you ever been to a good Jewish deli ?
You don;t just go there for the food, the abuse is expected.
Dave needs an outlet !! :biggrin:

You gonna order or just drool on my food ?
Nice tip, come back never !
2 whole chubs ? Hey Abe, another big spender !

.

Al G - 11-14-2007 at 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
Al,

Dave is not the same without a deli.
Have you ever been to a good Jewish deli ?
You don;t just go there for the food, the abuse is expected.
Dave needs an outlet !! :biggrin:

You gonna order or just drool on my food ?
Nice tip, come back never !
2 whole chubs ? Hey Abe, another big spender !

.

I get the picture.......

Don Alley - 11-14-2007 at 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Hate to break it to ya but:

Mexico doesn't give a flip about any tourist driving down Baja. To them, tourism means an organized destination venue like Cancun, PV, Cabo and Ixtapa. Do something to disrupt tourism there and you'll get a response...Pronto!

Perhaps Mexico believes one way to control predation of tourists by the criminal element is to encourage tourists to fly into specific resort areas, like Cabo, Ixtapa, Cancun, etc, rather than attempt to police and control hundreds of miles of rural highways and remote beaches.

bajabound2005 - 11-14-2007 at 07:32 PM

So Dave - what's your story? You apparently LIVE on this (Mexican) side of the border...and we never had the privilege of dining at your deli before it closed (sign is still up - we did try)! Totally understand that "Mexico" doesn't care about the tourists on this board -- but really?? "Mexico" may not care but Baja does! Isn't it time someONE took a stand and did SOMEthing? What happens here is insane, crazy, stupid, bad....I'm sure the rest of the Nomads have better words to describe it.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
I sure hate to agree with Dave because I don't want to get beat up(especailly by DENNIS).
But on my last trip I did get the impression that they feel there is an unlimited supply of tourists headed south. So if a few decide not to come no problema.

That's the point, Fish. Limited supply. How do you think they would act if they thought they were looking at their last tourist?
That's ridiculous, I know but, an abbreviated scenario such as this is possible.
We're loseing sight of the objective here. It isn't how reactive we can be merely for the sake of strength....it's how we can react to abuse. A pain reflex. We're also talking about how we react to the pain of our brothers at the hands of our host. Could we all band together and say, "That's enough. We won't tolerate any more of that crap. We may not have rights but, we do have pride."
Or, do we?

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
I'm amazed. .

That's one of your problems Dave. You stand there, "AMAZED."
What you should be is indignant. Loud and vocal telling the world how **** it is that the government of the country you have chosen to live in has given tacit approval to their agencys to terrorize and rob and abuse their guests.
Amazing, isn't it.

[Edited on 11-15-2007 by Hose A]

Diver - 11-14-2007 at 07:50 PM

Kinda like knowing a friend who says they were beaten by their spouse and then dating the supposed beater for lack of a better date ?

If I don't believe the beaten spouse's story, I am proceeding in good faith.
If I do believe the story, I am ..... hoping it won't happen to me.
Until it does happen to me.
Then what ?
I'll let you know.

.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Alley
Perhaps Mexico believes one way to control predation of tourists by the criminal element is to encourage tourists to fly into specific resort areas, like Cabo, Ixtapa, Cancun, etc, rather than attempt to police and control hundreds of miles of rural highways and remote beaches.

I think that's a good idea. Mexico should fly all of their illegals into Washington DC. Then....well, who knows.

Diver - 11-14-2007 at 07:58 PM

Shy of our government jumping in or the Mexican government making a huge change, either some effort towards solidarity or some type of boycott would seem to be likely solutions.

Since I don't see either governement doing anything without a large volume of complaints, solidarity could be to dutifully report the incidents to all that will listen.

I have been trying to think of some way that we could easily show solidarity and improve the situation.
Caravaning is one option assuming the caravan is not made of sheep.
Perhaps a windshield sticker warning of some sort ?
Perhaps a map of TJ police stations.
Perhaps a card with US and Mexico phone numbers and names of someone who might scare the cops.
Perhaps we need to invent a good way to smuggle our guns south ?
Black-ops of our own sounds good to me - ambush anyone ?
????????????
Anyone ???

.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 08:04 PM

Diver....

I just want to give you a great big kiss for saying all that stuff. I was feeling so alone in my thoughts.
Lets not talk too loud about the gun stuff. Maybe just suggest a lethal caliber.

Diver - 11-14-2007 at 08:18 PM

It is odd.
A few years back, we were at El Requeson when my wife woke me and said someone was outside our camper. Then she said "I think that guy took our gas can".
I got up and ran after the 3 guys in the truck and almost caught them.
They got my gas can and a busted windshield for their trouble.
My camp shovel was barely scratched.
When I got back to camp, no-one seemed to care.
The overall response was "You're in Baja, sh-t happens."
Lots of sheep in Baja.......part of the problem.

.

Mexitron - 11-14-2007 at 08:20 PM

I'd thought of rigging a trip wire around the camp that would set off flashing lights and a loud alarm but I stopped camping in those areas before I got around to trying it out. Where I go now probably only the coyotes or drug runners would set it off and I'd just as soon leave them alone.

Paula - 11-14-2007 at 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver

You gonna order or just drool on my food ?
Nice tip, come back never !
2 whole chubs ? Hey Abe, another big spender !

.

Some people might think NYC, but I know Chicago when I hear it.

Smoked chubs-- I'd almost forgotten. Ricky's Restaurant, Belmont and Broadway. Yum!!

The Sculpin - 11-14-2007 at 08:47 PM

http://forum.surfermag.com/forum/showflat.php?Number=1275018

Forum on Surfer website - fyi :cool:

Dave - 11-14-2007 at 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
So Dave - what's your story? You apparently LIVE on this (Mexican) side of the border...and we never had the privilege of dining at your deli before it closed (sign is still up - we did try)! Totally understand that "Mexico" doesn't care about the tourists on this board -- but really?? "Mexico" may not care but Baja does! Isn't it time someONE took a stand and did SOMEthing? What happens here is insane, crazy, stupid, bad....I'm sure the rest of the Nomads have better words to describe it.

Although we got our share, the deli didn't court/encourage the tourist trade. We targeted ex-pats and the local business professional, a more stable clientele. Besides, locals and tourists don't mix. It worked well. Sold the building last January.

That Baja or its people care?

Sure they do, but what then? The people have proven time and again unwilling to be proactive about anything. They don't hold the government accountable and consequently the government is sterile and corrupt.

Regarding "what happens here":

For those who consider it intolerable my suggestion would be to stay away. Encourage others to do the same-or not. Try to influence the powers that be to fix it-or not. Most, if not all, of the bad stuff has been reported and as I pointed out, it doesn't seem to make much difference. People are still coming, so...what do I know? It will probably take something really, really bad to change people's minds. Or maybe not.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 09:06 PM

Thanks Sculpin...

Just tried to register and get in. Guess it takes a little time but, I want to talk with everybody over there. They have to know, in my opinion, of the power they have in their hands and why they should use it.
I'm pleading with a bunch of dead people here.

You first

Dave - 11-14-2007 at 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
I'm amazed. .

That's one of your problems Dave. You stand there, "AMAZED."
What you should be is indignant. Loud and vocal telling the world how ****** it is that the government of the country you have chosen to live in has given tacit approval to their agencys to terrorize and rob and abuse their guests.
Amazing, isn't it.

I like it here and want to stay here. As part of the bargain I promised not stick my nose in Mexico's business. You know that as well.

Not fair.

[Edited on 11-15-2007 by Hose A]

fishbuck - 11-14-2007 at 09:18 PM

What about the BajaNomad sticker. You think that'll scare em?
All there ideas are great but where's the teeth? Who in a position of power is willing to help?
It seems we are helpless. What can we do?

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
They don't hold the government accountable and consequently the government is sterile and corrupt.

That's boolchit as well Dave. They hold the government accountable for everything. They just don't have the power to uphold it. The people know it's true and the government people know it's true. It all stops there. As the people know, a lesson that the American Expats are learning, is the governments propensity to use Implausible Denial. They have the power, so, they can deny anything. They can deny that the sun rises in the east if it serves their purpose. Implausible...impossible. Doesn't matter. The government has spoken.
Logic in Mexico as we know it is a joke. We all know that if we've had any dealings with the people or their government.

I hope I'm being illogical. I like being correct.

Diver - 11-14-2007 at 10:09 PM

Here's the State Department's current list of travel advisories - no Mexico.
I wonder how many Americans go to Eritrea ?

Eritrea 11/14/2007
Somalia 11/13/2007
Nigeria 10/30/2007
Uzbekistan 10/25/2007
Sri Lanka 10/19/2007
Kenya 10/18/2007
Lebanon 10/17/2007
Indonesia 10/05/2007
Yemen 09/24/2007
Nepal 09/24/2007
Pakistan 09/21/2007
Syria 09/18/2007
Algeria 09/14/2007
Timor-Leste 09/12/2007
Sudan 09/06/2007
Haiti 08/31/2007
Burundi 08/09/2007
Central African Republic 08/09/2007
Iraq 07/23/2007
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza 07/13/2007
Saudi Arabia 06/14/2007
Chad 06/11/2007
Colombia 06/04/2007
Côte d'Ivoire 06/01/2007
Iran 05/31/2007
Philippines 04/27/2007
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 04/24/2007
Afghanistan 04/04/2007

.

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
Here's the State Department's current list of travel advisories - no Mexico.
I wonder how many Americans go to Eritrea ?.

When I move out of Mexico, that's where I'm going. I need a place to relax.

Al G - 11-14-2007 at 10:31 PM

Dennis, I was there too...hope you get through to them. Many there are receptive. I thought about it, but I do not do well in...Damn, I cannot find the words to describe the mental level there...sorry...they still need help and maybe would listen. They are the ones being targeted...goog luck...I will read.

Solution

bajaguy - 11-14-2007 at 10:45 PM

I gotta get one of these

[Edited on 11-15-2007 by bajaguy]

DENNIS - 11-14-2007 at 10:48 PM

Me too.

bajaguy - 11-14-2007 at 10:49 PM

ok, didn't work..............

Bajaboy - 11-14-2007 at 11:19 PM

Yep, just watched the lead story on Fox News here in San Diego about the break-in. Good for the victims to report the incident. At least they are going on record. Too often, I question the validity of the report as the supposed victim did not report the crime. I have much more faith with this incident as the victims reported the crime and thus will take precautions. I still think many of the reports are B. S. and that's one of the main problems....we don't know if the crimes are real or not.

Zac

vivaloha - 11-14-2007 at 11:31 PM

Ahem....just a new member, really, but NOT new to surfing in baja
or the threats of banditos, thievery, baja risk factors etc...

A couple of things to consider in this realm...The third world factor....

When we go down there with SO MUCH STUFF, we are basically
flaunting our wealth / possessions / stuff right in the faces of both
the humble poor who mind their own business (not a threat) and the
nasty dangerous criminals who are looking for a FAT CAT who is an
easy target. Camping at Cuatros Casas is fairly nasty to begin with...
Sorry to dis that scene but it is...Its been sketchy for years and its
a spot to avoid....Camalu town is super poor, Shipwrecks and Cuatros
and Camalu point are all NO GO zones as far as I am concerned.

What makes these spots NO GO Zones- okay - here goes:
1) Above the Guererro Negro Checkpoint is just not safe...
Why? Because in order to pass into BCS you have to have
proper documentation to cross the checkpoint. Sketchers,
hackers and Banditos - both American and Mexican don't
have it together enough to cross the BCS (Baja California Sur)
checkpoint.
2) The Northern Baja region is filled with sketchers - Americans
on the run and Mexicans who aren't satisfied with the rich / poor
gap they see so clearly everyday driving on the roads right in front
of them, other side of the border...Not to say that most americans
in the North are sketchy and not to say that most mexicans in the
north are sketchy cuz they are not....BUT...there are more #s of
sketchy folks in the Northern Region. I consider Tijuana to be a war
zone....Rosarito is scary too...NO GO ZONE...

3) The Southern Region is just a little bit better cuz the people
are relaxed by the warmer temperatures year 'round...They are happier
with their lives and not constantly comparing themselves to RICH americans...
They are not thinking of running across the border and escaping their scenes...
They have more veggies and fruit in the south and many mexicans have
good lifestyles, albeit still relatively poor, but solid healthy, happy traditional
lifestyles...

4) Bad Combinations = Bad Results:
Expensive vehicles with expensive toys attatched-Flaunting Wealth =BAD
Driving at Night or Pre-Dawn= BAD (This is the #1 no-no)
Camping near the main road, ez access spots= BAD (Banditos see you, rob you then bail)
Leaving any valuables out while camped in an ez access spot = BAD (see above)
Camping in Northern Baja in a highly travelled area near poor populations =BAD

So, basically, camping should be done in safe, remote locations, far from Hackers,
get to know the locals, check the vibe, talk to the locals, befriend the locals or if it
doesn't seem right, bail and find a place that seems right...RV campers should stay
in RV parks where they won't get hassled in the middle of the night by the baddies...

Cheap hotels are safe and often have secured parking.

Plan on a going to a war zone, take all the precautions of going into a war zone
and don't flaunt your wealth or get sloppy with your stuff or drunken antics...

Lock your stuff, stay out of site, stay away from the main roads when camping
and always feel the vibe....Don't force a bad situation - Like driving at night...or
like planning to camp at the last minute...plan out your days and provide for
enough time to do the safest thing...Don't squid out like high school kids on
their first trip to Baja...Take a rational - safety first approach.

Think about how desperate 3rd world people in Northern Baja think about
what you have and why they don't have it...Jealousy and desperation lead
to nasty things and sometimes they lead to gangs, drugs, and crime...

If you enter the baja with this awareness then less bad things will happen...

My wife just came in the room and reminded me to remind you all....
"Don't drive alone" - thanks honey...

Wishing you happy travels, always err on the safe side, good luck
and enjoy the warm mexico as the rest of North America begins
its cold winter...http://forums.bajanomad.com/images/smilies/spin.gif

Roberto - 11-15-2007 at 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vivaloha

1) Above the Guererro Negro Checkpoint is just not safe...
Why? Because in order to pass into BCS you have to have
proper documentation to cross the checkpoint. Sketchers,
hackers and Banditos - both American and Mexican don't
have it together enough to cross the BCS (Baja California Sur)
checkpoint.

This is just funny. That "checkpoint" is hardly a barrier. Most locals don't go through the checkpoint at all.

And why make excuses for the scumbags that do these things? A woman gets raped and we blame her for having too much stuff?

While it always pays to be aware of your surroundings, the truth is that the corruption prevents these problems from being addressed the way they should. Dave is right - the govt doesn't give a flip about the folks that drive down and camp on the beach.

[Edited on 11-15-2007 by Roberto]

only in the north?

DonnaMare - 11-15-2007 at 10:09 AM

Is this confined to the northern area of Baja, where surfers and other travelers come down from San Diego? I'll be at the southern end (it'll be my first time to Baja) next week and I'll be driving between Cabo and La Paz and then looping to SJ del Cabo. I will NOT drive at night. Does anyone know if any criminal activity like what's being discussed on this post, is happening down in those southern areas?

Barry A. - 11-15-2007 at 10:18 AM

Vivaloha-----

Thank you for that post----------lots of really good advice there, and this comment coming from a long time Baja visitor: ME.

Like Roberto, I feel the GN checkpoint probably only effects the "good guys" and not the "bad guys", but still it probably is partially effective.

Everything else you say is spot on.

barry

vandenberg - 11-15-2007 at 10:19 AM

Lady of the sea,

Now don't you go paranoid on us. We have enough of these clowns on this board.
Just enjoy yourself and pretend that you never read this thread. It'safer where you are then traveling around southern California.

Barry A. - 11-15-2007 at 11:17 AM

Perception and experience is EVERYTHING!!!

Never, I repeat NEVER, have I had any kind of a problem in Southern California in my 70 years of living in California as a 3rd generation Californian.

I cannot say the same for Baja, tho my problems in Baja were brought on by my stupidity, long ago. (and no, I will not go into details-----too embarrassing) :lol:

barry

mexicoman6969 - 12-3-2007 at 02:32 PM

We should all just stop going to Baja for a month and see what happens.
Surely, that would wake some folks up someplace. We mean everyone in the U.S., not just a few groups.
It'll be difficult, if not impossible, to get it done though. Just like the big boycott of Aruba after Holloway disappeared. Now, some game shows are even giving free Aruba vacations away!!!
I've driven in Baja and all over BCS, down to Manzanillo and PV, Mazatlan and near Guadalajara. Over 100 trips in all. Never had a problem and the only "ticket" I took care of was when I went through Tecate from Mexicali.
These experiences being related are really horrifying and the only way to get attention to them is a dramatic boycott. These are not some minor infractions. How soon before some doped up or drunk bandido accidentally pulls the trigger and kills one of us?

Hook - 12-3-2007 at 03:04 PM

Wow....for a whole MONTH ??????

Man, I dont know...........that's asking alot. :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 12-3-2007 at 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Wow....for a whole MONTH ??????

Man, I dont know...........that's asking alot. :rolleyes:

For sure. Thirty days of solidarity from Americans is a joke.
Maybe we should flood the place with people who don't mind their own death or having their hosts saying it's allright to see you abused and killed because they don't know how to stop the problem.
What now folks?

David K - 12-3-2007 at 05:38 PM

Some info from the U.S. Customs for crime upon Americans in Baja, the only American office to contact is the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana (from U.S.): 011-52-664-622-7400 (if in Mexico, drop the 011-52). Email: consulartijuan@state.gov (as in 'consular tijuan', no a at the end).

Please do not contact the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) office at San Ysidro if you were mistreated in Mexico.... They can only help if you have a problem with U.S. officers at the border, in the United States.

tripledigitken - 12-3-2007 at 05:40 PM

I can wait a month................wait I may have to go down at Christmas for some business....................wait I am going down in the early spring too..................Easter I have some time and wanted to go to Gonzaga....................then its almost time for the fishing to pick up................

Guess not for me, I'll have to pass on this one. :coolup:

Ken

Gadget - 12-3-2007 at 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dccf
I hear Donald Trump is planning a tri-tower of condos near Ensenada. Maybe if his organization were to apply some arm twisting (pun intended) changes would be made by the Mexican government.

I sure wouldn't mind if Donald took a late night or early morning drive in his Escalade down to check out his construction site. I have an old stick he could borrow for the roof racks. :saint:

Maybe then the banditos would just retire :biggrin:

"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way."

Gadget - 12-3-2007 at 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vivaloha

a spot to avoid....Camalu town is super poor, Shipwrecks and Cuatros
and Camalu point are all NO GO zones as far as I am concerned.

Quote:

The meth capital of BCN.
Have avoided for 2 decades.
Coast camp spots along hiway south of San Quintin are on this list also.
We drive through on the hiway with doors locked on rig.

It would be fun though, to get a crew of Rambos :cool:

together and set up a sting operation. Would be so easy. Take the perps and tie em naked to big cardon and start shooting....some really good photos to post. :light:

Probably wont happen, something could go wrong. :cool:

[Edited on 12-4-2007 by Gadget]

ELINVESTIG8R - 12-3-2007 at 07:38 PM

No sting operations unless we are armed to the teeth. But if we are I'm game. :lol:

[Edited on 12-4-2007 by ELINVESTI8]

toneart - 12-3-2007 at 09:04 PM

Any reports of problems at El Pabellon? I camp there every year.