BajaNomad - Local Los Barriles man arrested at Charity event!

Local Los Barriles man arrested at Charity event!

LB - 3-15-2009 at 12:29 PM

We had a small thread going about our new policia here in
Los Barriles....but now it is time for people to stand up
and tell their stories of encounters with the new THUGS!
We need to stop this before it gets more out of hand.

A local charity was having an event in the arroyo and
selling beer, the thugs came by and told the group they
needed to stop as it was illegal. Top thug order an innocent
man who was only cooking hot dogs to collect the beer out
in the golf field. When he expressed his opinion about doing it,
(Nothing fowl, etc. nor drunk) he was handcuffed and taken to the local jail and held for 10 or 15 min than released after paying a fine.

Numerous stories or coming out about gringo encountersin Los Barriles with these new polcia, lets hear yours!! Our town needs to care!

DianaT - 3-15-2009 at 12:32 PM

A couple of questions?

Was it all gringos?

Were they breaking the law?

Were the police just doing their job and was he rude to them?

Just curious.

Diane

comitan - 3-15-2009 at 12:56 PM

It sounds to me as tho they were collecting money, I believe that is breaking the law even if its a charity event. Unless you have the correct immigration status and permits. Could be he got off easy.

shari - 3-15-2009 at 01:09 PM

too bad about "thugs" breaking up your little party...BUT...many times these gatherings are illegal...mexicans who put on events have to get a permit to do so...and a special permit to sell beer. Perhaps this charity group didnt realize it and didnt get the permit. Let this serve as a lesson to others that it is important to check with the local constabulary BEFORE putting on events.
There are LOTS of things you need permits for that most gringos dont realize or care to even check into...so word to the wise...check out your local laws.
But it is a drag that new cops might enforce these laws that have not been enforced before...but remember that your town pays it's workers with these permit fees and try not to be bitter about it...just comply.

Fred - 3-15-2009 at 01:44 PM

This golf tourny has been going on for years. My friend said he got stopped on the first arroyo the other day going both to and from town. I guess they understand there is a lot of $$$$$$ out that way with all the new homes.

Russ - 3-15-2009 at 02:31 PM

Our community had to get a Mexican business especially for charities. And like all businesses they have to have elected company officers and tight accounting practices. I don't know exactly what was required but now all our events go through this license and everyone/ all most everyone is happy. So Far :?:

shari - 3-15-2009 at 02:35 PM

Just curious...was the arrested man mexican? Is the charity mexican? How big was the fine? What was it for? this might help everyone understand what happened and better plan events in the future.
the aroyo does sound a bit like a cash cow though

LB - 3-15-2009 at 02:52 PM

The charity is a register non-profit corp been around for 11 years.. The man was gringo. He was not selling beer, he was cooking hotdogs. The board of corp
was there and not bothered. No permit needed to play in arroyo. Looks like
permit needed to sell booze. The man was ordered to go get the beer from
all the players....he was a volunteer cooking hotdogs. As stated in beginning
of thread..he refused. Was accused of not respecting the badge, handcuffed
and arrested. THE ARREST HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE EVENT OR SELL BEER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I said he was not fowl mouthed, just stood his ground.

Fine 350 pesos I believe. This is not about the event.

The point being, people in this town are getting stopped right and left. This is not the police behavior we are used to. Prior thread explained the team
was from La Paz nite shift with an shady backgound. It is not what we
need here. My hope was to hear from people who have been harrarssed.
To see where we stand.

shari - 3-15-2009 at 03:03 PM

thank you for that LB...just trying to understand in hopes of some helpful hints...document as many incidents as you can and always get badge numbers, get them to write down the charges for you ...photo if possible, fully document it all in writing...and make a complaint to the comandante when you haev los of ammunition. Organize yourselves to do this effectively and you WILL get results...hopefully.

Good luck!

Sharksbaja - 3-15-2009 at 03:12 PM

I would forward this and any related info to the municipal judge, the tourist officials maybe the PFP or whoever.

The sooner complaints start piling up unwantedly in various places the better. Make sure to note the new attitude towards locals.

With tourism off it's up to them to keep biz afloat in towns like yours.

I guess that's part of the problem, not enough tourists to go around.

These power tripping cops are scary. They will keep doing this as long as they get away with it.

I would love to see them get set up in a sting. Perfect candidates. Like anyone(official) is watching or cares...... :rolleyes:

CaboRon - 3-15-2009 at 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
It sounds to me as tho they were collecting money, I believe that is breaking the law even if its a charity event. Unless you have the correct immigration status and permits. Could be he got off easy.

Correct

He could have been deported.

[Edited on 3-15-2009 by CaboRon]

CaboRon - 3-15-2009 at 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
thank you for that LB...just trying to understand in hopes of some helpful hints...document as many incidents as you can and always get badge numbers, get them to write down the charges for you ...photo if possible, fully document it all in writing...and make a complaint to the comandante when you haev los of ammunition. Organize yourselves to do this effectively and you WILL get results...hopefully.

Many gringos are afarid of filing a complaint ...

Some have been laughed out of the station ...

Others flatly refused with the excuse that they are not funded to investigate anyghing.....

The police are part of the corruption ....

The reason they ask for us to document everything is that they refuse to investigate anything on their own ....

This is Mexico after all ..... they are not here to help gringos , only to fleece us of our money ....

And all this is overlooked by the highest officers in city, state, and federl government.

CaboRon

Bajahowodd - 3-15-2009 at 03:53 PM

350 peso fine is mierda de pollo. 15 minutes in jail. I think what's happening there is just a sign of the economic times. Maybe some cop was able to put food on the table for his kids. Desperate folks. Perhaps I'm wrong, but it's just what I'm seeing here.

LB - 3-15-2009 at 04:19 PM

Thanks Sheri for helping get my thoughts expressed.
Please LB residents let us hear your story.

CaboRon - 3-15-2009 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
350 peso fine is mierda de pollo. 15 minutes in jail. I think what's happening there is just a sign of the economic times. Maybe some cop was able to put food on the table for his kids. Desperate folks. Perhaps I'm wrong, but it's just what I'm seeing here.

Do these criminals take any kind of oath when they join the police department ????

I would love for someone to post it :lol:

[Edited on 3-16-2009 by CaboRon]

Packoderm - 3-15-2009 at 06:06 PM

Haven't we heard here that one of the draws of Baja has been its freedom and the lack of red tape that plagues "Kalifornia?" On so many occasions I just don't see it. Often, they seem more litigious than even us. Disputes that don't go to court usually get settled in some perverse sort of gift to the more powerful or locally popular.

vandy - 3-15-2009 at 06:49 PM

Los Barriles has always been my favorite town to visit, cop-wise. I thought they had them trained not to hassle their golden goose.

Here in nearby Santiago, they have tried to shake me down a couple of times for driving an ugly pickup truck, couple of times in San Jose del Cabo, but NEVER in Barriles or La Ribera.

I hope it's not a trend; I may have to print up a new set of papers soon!

One more

bajadave1 - 3-16-2009 at 04:09 AM

Several weeks ago, friends on the north end of town had their motor home stolen out of a lot they own near their casa. It took several days before the LB policia would even take a report!
Glad they can find the time to harass a charity that has raised many thousands of dollars to send the local kids to school in Santiago after they graduate here . Hopefully the "new policia's kids will be the first to NOT get the funding for continued education. I'm sure they can always get jobs as police when they grow up.
:lol:

[Edited on 3-16-2009 by bajadave1]

Acuity - 3-16-2009 at 07:25 AM

So I wonder what's the legal position with "accepting donations" (sometimes even "minimum donation of x") as seems to be done by many people and groups in BCS? Any experiences of consequences? Just wondering, the practice appears to be prevalent.

Bomberro - 3-16-2009 at 07:48 AM

This Charity Group in Los Barriles has been around for years and has all of the necessary paperwork filed with the Mexican Gouverment to operate. They hold several events each year and ALL of the proceeds go to support local students in school and has several they have supported into college. The new local police Comandante has arrived and started to fleece the community. His name is Valdadero. Here is a quote from another thread on Nomad. "I really do believe that in general things are much better all around for us in BCS, in La Paz and through the south. Everywhere I go the police are being open, communicative and positive. But I wanted to point out that one positive step for La Paz-the removal of the night shift commandante Valdadero ended up the worse for LB. BTW he just arrived and has been there for about a week or so. I know him personally as I have been in situations where people were taken by police and extorted and he was in charge, but he is very good at being sheepish and gosh oh golly gee I can't do anything about it I am only the commandante... and by the way on occasion the military was there too and they stood there as the police extorted money for charges so fake and absurd they could not be possible-for example you recall they said one guy had drank 300 hundred beers in about 2 hours and he his bill was $1200/US of course that's not possible, but Valdedero was sure insistant that HE had to be paid the $1200/us."
We here in Los Barriles can only hope that his removal is swift and that he be sent to some place like Isla Partida. I think we need to enlist the support of perhaps the VanWarmers as they have in the past come to aid of our community and have truly made this a better place to live.

CaboRon - 3-16-2009 at 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Acuity
So I wonder what's the legal position with "accepting donations" (sometimes even "minimum donation of x") as seems to be done by many people and groups in BCS? Any experiences of consequences? Just wondering, the practice appears to be prevalent.

Here in Todos Santos the police actually set up road blocks on occasion and come to your window with a white can ....

when you drop something in the can they give you a slip of white paper with something printed on it ....

that is your hall pass for the rest of the day :fire:

I haven't had the balls to see what happens if you do not put money in the can ...

This is in addition to the occasional shake downs ....

Some poor souls become regular targets , usually those without papers ....

[Edited on 3-16-2009 by CaboRon]

shari - 3-16-2009 at 07:56 AM

thanks for that Bombero...when an official is bad, he doesnt get fired...he just gets relocated...very sad and can really make it uncomfortable for the villages who end up with them....only recourse is to make LOTS of noise and complaints to higher ups...even the governor of the state.

oldlady - 3-16-2009 at 08:14 AM

I have seen this done in La Paz, once, during the week before Christmas. The officer was practically falling all over himself trying to explain to me that this was a purely voluntary thing. The guys who regularly and cheerfully pick up the trash (we receive no monthly trash bill as we did in California)
come at Christmas time too, for propina. Maybe a different custom for many of us, but then our low taxes are a different custom too.
I guess it's all in how you look at it.

Bomberro - 3-16-2009 at 09:30 AM

Just a quick update! I just finished talking to my Mexican neighbor and he emphatically says that the arroyos are Federal Property and the local Los Barriles Police have no jurisdiction over them and can not make arrests there, period. He was born and raised here, also states drinking beer in a arroyo is perfectly legal by Federal Rules. As a side note, the beer was donated to the Charity Group and of course the money was donated by the players too. All of which just supports that, the "Bad Cops" were just looking for a bribe. Gnukid's statements in a prior thread is also supported as this neighbor also said his wife had talked to the new Commandante and he seemed very nice! Watch out for the 'nice guys'!

ELINVESTIG8R - 3-16-2009 at 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon Do these criminals take any kind of oath when they join the police department ????

I would love for someone to post it :lol:

As reported by Agencia Fronteriza de Noticias on March 15, 2009.

Tijuana BC 15 de marzo de 2009(AFN).- Hoy concluyen 109 agentes municipales un curso de certificación a nivel internacional, que los capacita como parte de las fuerzas policíacas de Tijuana. El curso impartido por instrucciones del Presidente Municipal Jorge Ramos Hernández, pretende profesionalizar a la corporación en técnicas de manejo de armas, traslado de detenidos y atención ciudadana, dijeron autoridades municipales Los cursos de estándares internacionales SUBSEMUN y CALEA, aplicados cada 15 días a un grupo de 100 agentes policíacos, son algunos de varios que se instrumentarán de manera paulatina, con la finalidad de mantener actualizados los conocimientos que a nivel mundial se aplican en las corporaciones policíacas.
El Secretario de Seguridad Pública Municipal Teniente Coronel D.E.M. Julián Leyzaola Pérez encabezó el acto protocolario de clausura de este grupo.

Here is the picture: As you can see Coronel D.E.M. Julián Leyzaola Pérez is reading the oath of office from a piece of paper. The new officers are raising their hand and taking that oath. The picture is located at: http://afntijuana.info/blog/?p=4383.

If you save the picture from the above site you can zoom in and just make out the words they swear too in the oath.

[Edited on 3-16-2009 by ELINVESTI8]

LB - 3-16-2009 at 11:50 AM

What is the authority of "Policia Preventive"? They have popped up
all over LB. Are they county, state or Fed?

CaboRon - 3-16-2009 at 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ELINVESTI8

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon Do these criminals take any kind of oath when they join the police department ????

I would love for someone to post it :lol:

HEIL WHO ?

LB

longlegsinlapaz - 3-18-2009 at 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LB
What is the authority of "Policia Preventive"? They have popped up
all over LB. Are they county, state or Fed?

Please check your U2U's. :yes:

shari - 3-18-2009 at 08:57 AM

perhaps an article or notice on the Pony Express would be fitting...maybe even a meeting about it to organize or brainstorm some ideas about addressing and hopefully alleviating the "problem".

oldjack - 3-18-2009 at 10:03 AM

Shari....

good idea.... but... I wrote a paragraph to the Baja Pony Express... and it was not posted... instead I was informed that site is not for such discussions and it would best be addressed on other websites such as bajanomad... Los Barriles is changing WAY TOO FAST and I long for the old days.. such as when I choose to be there beginning 10-12 years ago...

shari - 3-18-2009 at 10:19 AM

oh my word! I have been checking on the "Express" for any mention of the incident...did notice there may be a meeting to discuss permits required for events perhaps even invite the Poli "preventivas". This would have to be well planned but think it is a very good idea. I'm sorry the PE isnt more helpful..this is a very important community issue that affects everyone and I would think a consolidated effort might be helpful here.
This can happen in ANY Baja community and certainly is of interest to nomads how to deal with it...so much Baja...so much to learn!

LB - 3-19-2009 at 09:29 AM

There is a group of Mexicans and Gringos going together to the Mayors office in Los Barriles..
It is just not Gringos getting harassed. Having the Mexican's involved instead
of just gringos is a great step. Anyone in LB who wants to submit a complaint
should present it to the Mayor.

Liquor permit procedure is in the works for future events!

Thank you all for your input

shari - 3-19-2009 at 09:53 AM

that is great news...glad to see some action on this issue...thanks for reporting it.

gnukid - 3-19-2009 at 09:56 AM

As part of a Rosa Delia purge of forces, some pretty unpleasant fellows have left La Paz for nearby regions. Its been a flogging in LB since, they are out everyday working tricks.

The upshot is now we leave our cars unlocked in La Paz and its so quiet and peaceful. When we look around practically all the bad guys are gone, in jail or relocated, in this case unfortunately to LB.

This is pretty severe situation for LB which will likely become much worse over the warm months when these problems increase.

For those that do engage the boys, do not give in, do not pay and do not panic. They might threaten you or put you in jail but its a bluff, you'll be out in no time, as will your 10 year kid they're holding and your mom.

Practice saying the words NO ME MOLESTES, YA!

LB - 3-19-2009 at 10:02 AM

The cell hazs no working toilet, no water and no food!! Hope they get
our before they have to pee! :lol:

Trex - 3-19-2009 at 10:08 AM

To whom it may concern (Mayor & Business Owners in LB),

I was planning a two week vacation in June for a group of 8 (family and friends) in Los Barriles. We always stay in hotels, eat in restaurants and charter pangas. After reading what is going on in Los Barriles regarding the police, I am going to pass. As a respectful and law abidding person, I do not need the headache of being harassed. My group and I will be spending our money and relaxing in Loreto instead.

[Edited on 3-19-2009 by Trex]

gnukid - 3-19-2009 at 10:10 AM

I remember when Martine Vedugo put my friend in Jail for stealing a shower while not being registered in the campground. He paid up and was released.

Valdadero, Jaun Luis and Cecil I think are these guys names-or similar. I recognized them with a sense of shock since they are the same guys that ran extortions in La Paz a while back as I have reported to you. They have no shame and likely are unable to stop the rip offs since they are used to the income and once you live a certain lifestyle its hard to change. They are also masters of acting all nice and sweet and playing the game like they are CSI crimestoppers. haha Help!

LB

akbear - 3-21-2009 at 08:31 AM

Trex,

Sorry to hear that you are not coming down to Los Barriles. Most of the people in Los Barriles/Buena Vista are Great neighbors & friends. Do not think that this happens everyday or to everyone. More good that bad happens here !

The winter winds are slowing down & spring is here. The Sun is warm, the water is flat & fishing is picking up !

akbear

Ford - 3-21-2009 at 10:23 AM

I have been shaken down a few times in San Jose and in Cabo San Lucas. One time I was sort of wrong by having dealer plates....as soon as I explained what they were he let me go. But I did let him know right away there would be no mordita....either he let me go or we go to the station and I take care of things there. The other notable time was in San Lucas and we were in a place we shouldn't have been at a time of night we should have been asleep! We were walking around looking for our car....when the officer told us up against the wall and spread em....I refused and let him know that this was only going down one of two ways either he let us go or we were going to the station and would wait till out lawer got there. He told me I needed to show respect to Federal Officers....I told him I will respect you as a Federal Officer when you act like a Federal Officer! That is when the old (senior guy) got out of the truck and asked where we lived and who our lawer was. I told him where our house was and the name Francisco Hernadez....(he is kind of a lawer, but I figured there must be opne by that name) and he told us okay go ahead....
Then we asked if he could drive us around and help us find our car? We all laughed and he said no! We have had many laughs about that night....
I guess it could have gone bad but we had some liquid courage to help us through! Plus my spanish is way better when i'm drinking!

LB cops are a joke

ArroyoTaxi - 3-21-2009 at 03:31 PM

After many years in LB, I have become a master at avoiding the shakedowns - because the LB cops come RIGHT TO YOUR HOUSE and HONK until you come out and give them money. They do this 3-4 times every December and tell you they are "raising money for the children" it is such a joke - Sometimes I see them coming and I hide inside until they give up. If they catch us in the yard, I go inside and gather up as much change as I can find and hand it over. The new top guy in LB is working it big time - he even has a gringo as his mouthpiece, trying to organize all the folks to hand over "gas money" so the police can drive 5 minutes out of town and "check on" our houses. Sometimes, the cops block the entrance to LB and shake you down right there in front of the barrels. *sigh*

CaboRon - 3-21-2009 at 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
As part of a Rosa Delia purge of forces, some pretty unpleasant fellows have left La Paz for nearby regions. Its been a flogging in LB since, they are out everyday working tricks.

The upshot is now we leave our cars unlocked in La Paz and its so quiet and peaceful. When we look around practically all the bad guys are gone, in jail or relocated, in this case unfortunately to LB.

This is pretty severe situation for LB which will likely become much worse over the warm months when these problems increase.

For those that do engage the boys, do not give in, do not pay and do not panic. They might threaten you or put you in jail but its a bluff, you'll be out in no time, as will your 10 year kid they're holding and your mom.

Practice saying the words NO ME MOLESTES, YA!

That is great news for La Paz ...

We drove there yesterday and didn't see any outlaws working the south Hwy 1 ...

The really sad thing is that these persons are not charged for their crimes .....

Sending them away just gives someone else the problem ....

These guy need to be put down ..... whatever that may mean to you ...

CaboRon

one more

bajadave1 - 3-28-2009 at 04:58 AM

Heard another story yesterday from the same person arrested at the fund raiser. a friend of his was hit for a "fine" in the north arroyo. federal property. any news about a meeting with the mayor?
:no:

Cardon Man - 3-28-2009 at 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldjack
... Los Barriles is changing WAY TOO FAST and I long for the old days.. such as when I choose to be there beginning 10-12 years ago...

I agree 100%. The "old Baja" feeling is long gone from LB. Too many Norte Americanos, too much development, too many limitations.

Fred - 3-28-2009 at 01:07 PM

bajadave1..........are people still camping in that arroyo?

Campers

bajadave1 - 3-28-2009 at 02:54 PM

Yes, there are still a few windsurfers/kiters, camped there.
:bounce:

Bajahowodd - 3-28-2009 at 03:12 PM

This is why if you find your own little piece of paradise, you should not tell others about it. Geez. I can think of places all around the globe where there was once a feeling of paradise that has turned into condos, timeshares, fast food and big box stores. Maui, Kauai, Santorini, Mykonos, Playa del Carmen, Cabo, Santa Fe, Mammoth Lakes, Sedona........

LB Cops and arrests

Marinero - 3-28-2009 at 08:27 PM

I have read all the comments and, as I was there, I will say there is a lot of truth to the postings. However, I do not fully agree that it was a cop looking for a bribe. I have supported the local police with direct propinas and the "gas fund". We do get lots of patrols here north of town and the cops are good about checking for problems.

We need to remember this is Mexico, and different than the US. The many charities here have banded together to try to find out how to sell booze at charity events and not get sideways with the law, real or perceived. We have had some heavy handed cops in the past and they are gone now.

LB has changed, Mexico has changed, but think about this. So has the world and the US, big time. Mexico is still pretty mellow by comparison. We can keep LB peaceful by cooperation and by standing our ground when required. But there are ways, and calling a macho cops hand will almost always get you a set of Mexican bracelets.

DianaT - 3-28-2009 at 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marinero
I have read all the comments and, as I was there, I will say there is a lot of truth to the postings. However, I do not fully agree that it was a cop looking for a bribe. I have supported the local police with direct propinas and the "gas fund". We do get lots of patrols here north of town and the cops are good about checking for problems.

We need to remember this is Mexico, and different than the US. The many charities here have banded together to try to find out how to sell booze at charity events and not get sideways with the law, real or perceived. We have had some heavy handed cops in the past and they are gone now.

LB has changed, Mexico has changed, but think about this. So has the world and the US, big time. Mexico is still pretty mellow by comparison. We can keep LB peaceful by cooperation and by standing our ground when required. But there are ways, and calling a macho cops hand will almost always get you a set of Mexican bracelets.

What a great post---very insightful. Thank you

Sharksbaja - 3-29-2009 at 02:06 AM

"But there are ways, and calling a macho cops hand will almost always get you a set of Mexican bracelets."

Oh, you mean like U.S. cops?

CaboRon - 3-29-2009 at 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
This is why if you find your own little piece of paradise, you should not tell others about it. Geez. I can think of places all around the globe where there was once a feeling of paradise that has turned into condos, timeshares, fast food and big box stores. Maui, Kauai, Santorini, Mykonos, Playa del Carmen, Cabo, Santa Fe, Mammoth Lakes, Sedona........

That is just the natural progression of things ...

Nothing stays the same, and you have to get a move on if you want to stay in paradise.

The address changes with the times.

CaboRon