BajaNomad

ATTENCION - WARDEN MESSAGE

CaboRon - 1-14-2010 at 03:37 PM

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO
AS MANY AMERICAN CITIZENS AS POSSIBLE

Warden Message

Violence in Baja California

January 14, 2010

Violence in Baja California

The U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana advises U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico, to be aware of a recent rise in violent attacks in the Tijuana area, most of which are thought to be related to narco-trafficking.

Given the recent arrest of a major narco-trafficker in La Paz, Baja California Sur, it is likely that violent attacks related to narco-trafficking will continue and could increase.

The U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana is not aware of any attempts to specifically target U.S. citizens with this violence. U.S. citizens are advised to exercise caution when travelling in and around the states, and to avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Actions to Take if Caught in the Middle of a Gunfight/Gunfire

The U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana takes this opportunity to recommend to U.S. citizens the following courses of action if you find yourself in a situation in or near gunfire:

- Always be aware of your surroundings.

- Whenever possible, carry a cell-phone with up-to-date contact information for emergencies.

- When gunfire/explosions are heard, immediately move to a safe area with good cover. For example, look for something substantial to hide behind, seek cover in a room made of solid construction (e.g., concrete, steel, etc.), stay away from doors and windows, and do not venture out to try and observe the conflict.

- Immediately convey the sense of danger/threat to those around you.

- Do not attempt to move to a vehicle if you are in a safe area. Remain there until local security tells you that it is safe to move.

- Always carry information about your personal medical needs.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Alerts or Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at
https://travelregistration.state.gov.

By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Consulate General Tijuana located at: Ave. Tapachula # 96; Colonia Hipodromo, 22420 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico;

telephone (664) 622-7400;

after-hours emergency number 001 (619) 692-2154;

fax (664) 686-1168;

e-mail ACSTijuana@state.gov.

Information is available on the Consulate General’s website at:

http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/

U.S. citizens in Baja California Sur may also contact the Consular Agency, located in Cabo San Lucas:

U.S. Consular Agency Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.
Blvd. Marina Local C-4, Plaza Nautica, Col. Centro
Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., 23410

Telephone and Fax Number: (624) 143-3566

E-mail: usconsulcabo@yahoo.com

In case of an after-hours emergency involving U.S. citizens, please contact the Duty Officer.

From Mexico dial 001 (619) 692-2154,

from the U.S., call (619) 692-2154.

To contact U.S. Consulate General Tijuana
Call (52) (664) 622-74-00

To contact the U.S. Consular Agency in Cabo San Lucas
Call (52) (624) 143-35-66




This email is UNCLASSIFIED.




[Edited on 1-14-2010 by CaboRon]

Bajahowodd - 1-14-2010 at 03:58 PM

You getting your jollies by posting this? Do you think anyone on this forum is not clearly aware of hazards and how to avoid them?

baja Steve - 1-14-2010 at 04:57 PM

It must be a warning for drug traffickers.

k-rico - 1-14-2010 at 05:03 PM

Darn it, looks like I'll have to get home from La Coahuila before 4 AM on the weekends.

wessongroup - 1-14-2010 at 05:21 PM

Gee, what if I get shot, where should I go: to the car wash, dentist, or just put Bengay on it...

Please....

Woooosh - 1-14-2010 at 05:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by audiobaja
When are they going to warn me about Chicago, Detroit, St Louis, Los Angeles, etc?


I think they did... "U.S. citizens are advised to exercise caution when travelling in and around the states"


Here's something you don't have to worry about in TJ either- "avoid large crowds and demonstrations". You can't cower and protest at the same time.

motoged - 1-15-2010 at 02:52 PM

Ooooooooohhhhhhhhh.....ssssscccaaaarrrrrryyyyyy :lol::lol::lol:

Mexicorn - 1-15-2010 at 03:07 PM

What time is curfew at Adalitas, Hong Kong Chicago club?
Cabo Ron Thanks for pointing something thats already known-
Thats to bgad about your boy Mc Cain losing the election.
Look at it this way the Gal who can see Russia front yard is getting her own talk show:tumble:

woody with a view - 1-15-2010 at 08:19 PM

Quote:

- When gunfire/explosions are heard, immediately move to a safe area with good cover. For example, look for something substantial to hide behind, seek cover in a room made of solid construction (e.g., concrete, steel, etc.), stay away from doors and windows, and do not venture out to try and observe the conflict.

- Immediately convey the sense of danger/threat to those around you.

- Do not attempt to move to a vehicle if you are in a safe area. Remain there until local security tells you that it is safe to move.


they're kidding right? this should be taught to 1st graders.... if you learned something from this advisory maybe you shouldn't be here....

Cornholio, why are you still drinking?

Curt63 - 1-15-2010 at 11:07 PM

Ron chose a much s:spingrin: -Las Vegas

Bernardo - 1-15-2010 at 11:13 PM

To the State Department, Washington:

Copy of letter sent to the bums regarding warning of drug violence because of recent arrest in LaPaz......

"El what's-his-name lived in a very fancy area of La Paz - close to the private hospital and about two miles away from my home.

First, you guys are always jumping to conclusions that are absurd. Baja Sur is not a drug distribution area. I think the only way we are affected down here is through the money that is pumped
into the local economy. It's good for jobs here.
Second, your advice as to what to do in a shoot out is an astute grasp of the obvious. Get real! There is almost zero physical violence here except for the random fist fights. I do not expect any
increase.
Third, Mr. El what's-his-name lived here only because it is truly the city of peace - mucho tranquilo. With him gone, there is very little for a drug lord to shoot over.
Fourth, Give Mexico a break. The drug problem exists because the USA buys the drugs and it will always exist as long as we have stupid laws against the use of drugs. Just like prohibition.
If there is money to be made, even if illegal, money will be made. De-criminalize it in the US and the problem with drug violence will disappear and we (US) would then be able to afford the killing
Iraqis and Afaganies instead of having to borrow money to do it.

Fifth (really four and a half) There is more violence in San Diego than here (or Phoenix) - maybe you should announce to the Mexicans to not go to the US because of the violence in the USA.

The difference between what Americans think about Mexico and reality is so vast. It is precisely that way because of our State Department and the US press.

They ought to rotate all State Department employees (and politicians) through Mexico to let all the bums in Washington get a taste of reality.

Thank you, but, please, no more bogus announcements!"

Bernard Anderson
La Paz

arrowhead - 1-16-2010 at 01:41 AM

Bernardo, I noticed a few errors in your letter to the State Department that you may wish to correct before you send it off:

It is incorrect that Baja Sur is not a drug distribution area. Any tourist that lays on the beach or hangs out at a nightclub will tell you that the beach vendors or waiters will ask you if you want a silver necklace, mota or ice. I assume you don't lay on the beach or attend nightclubs. Of course, you could always ask anybody about the drug traffic coming across the Sea of Cortez from the mainland and then being moved North along the Pacific side. Or, you could just read the posts here about people down there walking the beach and find large packages of mota washed ashore.

Mr. "El what's-his-name" was not really involved in the drug business. His bosses didn't want him to get too smart about that side of the business. Mr. "El what's-his-name" was involved mainly in kidnapping and extortion, with a little enforcement for his boss thrown in.

It is incorrect to state there is more violence is San Diego than Baja California Sur. The crime statistics are published, if you know where to look:

http://www.cidac.org/vnm/pdf/pdf/IncidenciaDelictivaViolenci...
Baja California Sur: Crime rate per 100,000
Homicides - 4.7
All other - 6,450

http://www.sandiego.gov/police/pdf/200911ratecumneighbor.pdf
City of San Diego: Crime rate per 100,000
Homicides - 3.0
All other - 2,835

As you can see, homicides are 56% higher in BCS and total crime is 275% higher in BSC than in San Diego.

You suggest that the US decriminalize drugs and the problem with drug violence will disappear. I'm sorry to inform you that Mexico has already decriminalized small quantities of drugs for personal use. Unfortunately, the drug problem in Mexico has only gotten worse. Perhaps you have another idea?

So, in summary, all five of the points made in your letter are factually incorrect. Other than that your letter is just fine. Please mail it in. I suggest you also include your US passport in your letter and conclude your letter with the announcement that you are renouncing your US citizenship. As the 12 million illegal Mexican immigrants in the US have an average education level of six years, I think the mean level of education in the US would average up a few points when you are no longer counted. As an added bonus, your tax dollars would no longer by used to kill those pesky "Afaganies". You know, those towelheads who wave their ass in the air five times per day and who organized the operation to fly airliners into the twin towers and pentagon, killing 3,000 innocent people. Maybe you forgot about that?

Sharksbaja - 1-16-2010 at 02:34 AM

"You suggest that the US decriminalize drugs and the problem with drug violence will disappear. I'm sorry to inform you that Mexico has already decriminalized small quantities of drugs for personal use. Unfortunately, the drug problem in Mexico has only gotten worse. Perhaps you have another"

---
I think the impetus to stem the flow of money and power to the cartels lies in decriminalization NORTH of the border.

What's a "Warden" message anyway?

SunnyDay - 1-17-2010 at 02:39 AM

Nobody asked.

Never heard of a "warden" message other than when I was in prison and the warden would announce a change of underware (you change with you, and you with you, and so forth.) But for Baja so-called dangers? Don't get it? Granted been out of the country for a month and just checking back in, but . . .

CaboRon - 1-17-2010 at 08:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SunnyDay
Nobody asked.

Never heard of a "warden" message other than when I was in prison and the warden would announce a change of underware (you change with you, and you with you, and so forth.) But for Baja so-called dangers? Don't get it? Granted been out of the country for a month and just checking back in, but . . .


It is an official message from the U S State Deprtment .

If you had registered with the local Consulate as an expat you would have received this and other information .

[Edited on 1-17-2010 by CaboRon]