BajaNomad - Nomad family carjack attempt in Playas TJ just now...

Nomad family carjack attempt in Playas TJ just now...

Woooosh - 2-18-2010 at 02:32 PM

I was hoping to never have to post another family story. I was pushing to get the media to report the crime news, not for us to become it.

First- everyone is fine. They were not successful only because two other Mexican drivers stopped their cars, got out and intervened. Being noon on a weekday helped too. So much for everyday Mexicans being passive in the face of an active crime. Not this time.

All I have is our nextel walkie-talkie conversations to post this with. She's still driving the rest of the way up to San Diego to her sisters house. I tried to get as many details as I could while it was still fresh in her mind- but there are still some questions I'll ask later. She drives a Nissan Xterra with CA plates. Nice, clean and shiny- but nearly 10 years old. Here's the bullet points I have so far:

- Cars were merging into one lane in the construction area between the end of the toll road from Rosarito Beach and the Via Rapida in Playas de Tijuana.
- She was alternating (yes, we do alternate) with other cars to get into the one open lane.
- After passing through the one lane, but still going slow- a black car came up fast behind her. She saw no lights and the car had no markings. The car blocked her somehow (not sure how yet) and forced her to stop.
- The driver and the passenger got out and came up to her in an aggressive manner. No uniforms or badges. Visible gun (not sure where it was holstered or size yet)
-They yelled something like "Why didn't you stop when you saw our lights"? She told them (through the partially opened window) that she was busy alternating traffic lanes and didn't see any lights behind her.
-They pulled on the door handles on each side of the car to get her out, but the doors were locked and now the windows were fully up too.
-Two other cars pulled up and the people came up to the truck to see what was happening. (Alternating pays). They probably thought it was a traffic accident/dispute because the other car was unmarked, it was close to the lane merging area, the men were abnormally animated and Police wouldn't try to force a car door open.
-There was much yelling and screaming of obscenities from everyone at the scene. The two men were the most verbal and upset.
-The two men got back in their car and drove away quickly towards downtown TJ.

I can't really put his all together in my head yet. The two bad men probably thought the truck was nice enough to carjack and it was an easy target in a construction area. The people who helped probably thought it was a traffic dispute. If the car was marked and the men in uniform no one would have stopped I'll bet. I don't know yet if the two men displayed their gun to the others who confronted them. If they were real police, they wouldn't have run away. If they knew who she was and this was targeted, they would have used the gun- even with witnesses.

I'll know more later. I know she is mad at herself for not getting the license plate- but told her that wasn't something anyone could be calm enough to memorize and it was probably stolen anyway. I'm really proud of her. Outside of not stopping at all unless in a public area- she did all the things we trained ourselves to do (be aware of cars around you, keep your windows mostly up, keep all doors locked, do not get out of the truck for any reason- the real police will always let you follow them to a police station.)

And no, we will probably not file any type of police report.

Donjulio - 2-18-2010 at 02:41 PM

Important thing is everyone is OK. Thank God for that.

lizard lips - 2-18-2010 at 02:58 PM

She did everything right. Glad it came out the way it did and no one got hurt. We need people to intervene more often and it's nice to know others will stop.

mtgoat666 - 2-18-2010 at 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
I was hoping to never have to post another family story. I was pushing to get the media to report the crime news, not for us to become it.

And no, we will probably not file any type of police report.

glad everyone is ok. you want media to report, but don't want to tell police. trying to make sense of that. things won't change if people hide the bad

Bajahowodd - 2-18-2010 at 03:21 PM

Wow! Glad it turned out OK. And despite what ol'666 had to say, I'm guessing that since you guys have to live there, you fear retribution, inasmuch as these days one doesn't know who they can trust.

geomike - 2-18-2010 at 03:36 PM

Woooosh, I'm 2000 miles away and that story gives me the hebee jeebees

Very cool headed behaviour on the part of the victim.

I'm very sure I would not have done as well...and faced with weapons too.

Glad it turned out well, please post more details when you get them if you are comfortable doing so.

Best wishes for you and your family
Mike

BajaGringo - 2-18-2010 at 03:44 PM

So very glad everybody is OK. She did the right thing and glad to hear that others stood up and helped. You must have aged a year or two today.

arrowhead - 2-18-2010 at 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Wow! Glad it turned out OK. And despite what ol'666 had to say, I'm guessing that since you guys have to live there, you fear retribution, inasmuch as these days one doesn't know who they can trust.

Howard, Woosh does not HAVE to live there. He has a choice. Maybe he will reconsider after this. Sometimes it is hard to admit that better decisions could have been made. Things are NOT going to get better anytime soon down there. Nobody is in charge.

Since I've been reading his posts, I can recall him recounting:

1) A man shot dead in front of his house.
2) A prior attempted kidnapping.
3) Somebody laying claim to his federal franchise land on the beach.
4) Puppies stolen from the back of his truck.

...and I've probably forgotten other events. Nobody should have to put up with all that crap.

Bajahowodd - 2-18-2010 at 05:00 PM

So, maybe I should have omitted the "have". Would still make my point. It is strictly the decision of Woooosh and his family as to where they live. Neither you nor I know what constraints may exist, be they financial, familial, legal or otherwise as to how they may influence a decision. And let's not overlook one possible factor. Maybe he's just crazy in love with Baja. I know you have repeatedly posted information and opinion that reflects negatively on the area. You are entitled to your opinion. In many cases the facts are on your side. But facts don't always sway judgment when emotions are involved.

arrowhead - 2-18-2010 at 05:15 PM

Woosh, when things calm down and you are able to gather all the facts, you can report the incident to the US Embassy in Tijuana. Here is the email address:

ACSTijuana@state.gov

Here is a link to their lastest warden message:

http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/wm_violencebc.html

Your report should be forwarded to the FBI by the embassy. You should consider that somebody in Rosarito wants your burro.

[Edited on 2-19-2010 by arrowhead]

Thank You

Bajahowodd - 2-18-2010 at 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead
Woosh, when things calm down and you are able to gather all the facts, you can report the incident to the US Embassy in Tijuana. Here is the email address:

ACSTijuana@state.gov

Here is a link to their lastest warden message:

http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/wm_violencebc.html

Your report should be forwarded to the FBI by the embassy. You should consider that somebody in Rosarito wants your burro.

[Edited on 2-19-2010 by arrowhead]

DENNIS - 2-18-2010 at 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

I can't really put his all together in my head

NO? I can.

DENNIS - 2-18-2010 at 05:55 PM

The point is, there's an over-abundance of scum working the streets all over Baja.
They used to have a job with the cartels, but they're on a time-out and the scummy workers need something to do..........and that's you.
They're gonna do you and me and you again till we understand the only thing that will stop these scums is if we have a pistol in our hands along with the big balls to use it.

We need to be armed for our own self protection. No arms.....no protection.

Enjoy whatever you choose, but when it all goes bad, don't tell me.

Donjulio - 2-18-2010 at 06:16 PM

I am 49, 6'4", 285 lbs. I hike 1-2 hours everyday. I workout at least 3-4 times a week. I have two big german shepherds. I studied martial arts for years. There is no way that I would live in TJ or Rosarito right now.

JESSE - 2-18-2010 at 06:33 PM

Thats not a carjacking, seems like cops angry because they didnt pull over to me. :rolleyes:

noproblemo2 - 2-18-2010 at 06:39 PM

So glad everyone is ok, and that people actually stopped to intervene. Someone is looking out for you. I do agree with arrowhead, you need to file this report.....

[Edited on 2-19-2010 by noproblemo2]

The Gull - 2-18-2010 at 06:54 PM

They were looking for the lifeguard towers.

Udo - 2-18-2010 at 07:03 PM

We need to break bread, shake hands, and hug on this one, DENNIS. Thank you!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

They're gonna do you and me and you again till we understand the only thing that will stop these scums is if we have a pistol in our hands along with the big balls to use it.

We need to be armed for our own self protection. No arms.....no protection.

noproblemo2 - 2-18-2010 at 07:08 PM

Are stun guns legal down here???

Exactly

Dave - 2-18-2010 at 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Thats not a carjacking, seems like cops angry because they didnt pull over to me. :rolleyes:

Doesn't sound like the ideal place for a carjacking.

The Gull - 2-18-2010 at 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Thats not a carjacking, seems like cops angry because they didnt pull over to me. :rolleyes:

Doesn't sound like the ideal place for a carjacking.

Where are some of your best places for a carjacking, Dave?

noproblemo2 - 2-18-2010 at 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Thats not a carjacking, seems like cops angry because they didnt pull over to me. :rolleyes:

Doesn't sound like the ideal place for a carjacking.

Where are some of your best places for a carjacking, Dave?

Maybe in broad daylight in front of Renes mail room????

vandenberg - 2-18-2010 at 07:31 PM

I have one small difficulty with this report. If the traffic was going slow and merging into one lane, how were these alleged carjackers going to get out of there once they had posession of the vehicle. Seems to me they would be kind of stranded in the middle of a traffic lane with nowhere to go till the traffic came to an intersection or moved back to multiple lanes.?? :?:

Maybe just not too smart carjackers. :?:

susanna - 2-18-2010 at 07:32 PM

If i ever go back thru TJ i will make sure i take some wasp spray in my purse and if any one trys to do one of those i will spray them on the face.I am glad the victim did the right thing.We need to be prepared for this type of stuff.

Dave - 2-18-2010 at 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
Where are some of your best places for a carjacking, Dave?

Anywhere there's not much traffic flow.

Like not on a busy highway. :rolleyes:

josie - 2-18-2010 at 07:52 PM

Your wife must have been so scared and how difficult for you having to hear it over the phone and not be able to be there! Thank God she is ok!

To those of you questioning or criticizing I would suggest that unless you were there you have no clue as to what really happened. I can't believe how calm Wooosh was to be able to post this info and I applaud his wife for being so brave. She knew how to do the right thing and all the people who stopped to help are heroes to me.

torch - 2-18-2010 at 08:09 PM

I love the wasp spray idea.

torch - 2-18-2010 at 08:11 PM

and that is not the only defense I'll bring to a fight

Now here's an interesting observation

arrowhead - 2-18-2010 at 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead
Here is a link to their lastest warden message:

http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/wm_violencebc.html

About one hour after I posted that link to the Tijuana US Consulate's Warden Message, which has been out since January 14, 2010, AFN put it up as the headline story:

http://afntijuana.info/blog/?p=27730

So, guess they read Baja Nomads. Who knew?

Anyways, they also added on to an earlier story about the US Consul's speech. Here are a few paragraphs:

Quote:

"Se afirma que se han dado caso donde visitantes han sido violados, asaltados o secuestrados y se les ha mantenido privados de su libertad, en tanto eran utilizadas sus tarjetas de crédito en varios negocios y cajeros automáticos.

Por eso les sugieren a los ciudadanos estadounidenses, ser muy cautelosos al utilizar cajeros automáticos en esta entidad.

En el caso de los secuestros, se advierte en esa información que el plagio, incluido el de personas no mexicanas “continúa a un ritmo alarmante” y que los secuestros Express además de los intentos por obtener dinero rápido, a cambio de la liberación de una persona “se han producido en casi todas las ciudades de México y parecen estar dirigidas a la clase media así como a los ricos”.
Luego advierte sobre otros hechos que se registran en ciudades y carreteras de México, sin embargo revela que el Consulado General establecido aquí en Tijuana, recibe numerosas denuncias de extorsión por parte de agentes de la policía supuestamente en Baja California.

A veces los autores son agentes de la policía local y en otras ocasiones son delincuentes que utilizan uniformes falsos y credenciales."

You can drop it in to Google to translate it. In summary it says there are cases where visitors to TJ have been raped, assaulted and kidnapped, including holding them to use their ATM cards. It also says the kidnapping, "including kidnapping of non-Mexicans" continues at an "alarming rate." The US Counsul General in TJ has also received numerous complaints of extorsion by the police.

Woooosh - 2-19-2010 at 12:59 AM

Thanks- for most of the comments anyway. Spent the day training a puppy and painting some interior door trim. A couple of my bigger nephews came to the house to drink my beer, play loud music, keep me company and watch me work- as usual.

Yes, today wasn't fun and I aged a bit, but we really don't live in fear of things like this. We talk about our security in general, have some specific plans, actually practice them and then enjoy every day. When we drive in the truck together we discuss the "what ifs" if we see something irregular up ahead. We try to anticipate in a country where most people seem slow to just react. Pretty much like living in Israel I would imagine- where everyone is militarily-trained and you are mentally ready for anything.

We do this because we have always felt we would be on our own when/if something bad happened to us or a guest. It's you, your family, your connections... your friends- their families and their connections- like a "Web" built slowly with trust. That web is the only thing we and most people trust down here.

It hasn't been one kidnap attempt Senor Pointyhead, it has been two- plus an extortion if you're keeping score. Sometimes I feel like a crash-test dummy. We handle these things as best we can through our "Web"- without direct contact with the police. Why put your name out to potentially worse people looking for victims? The police department is getting better at patrolling and neighborhood security though.

The events of the morning are pretty much accurate as in the first post. The black car came up from behind and then cut her off as she turned onto the cloverleaf getting on to the via rapida from playas. She cranked the wheels to get around them, but didn't have enough room and couldn't back up. She did get sideways enough to block the traffic lane though. The guy did not fully display the gun, but had it pushed into his jeans pocket- not in a holster. Everyone did think it was a fender bender until the guys tried the door handles and started being very aggressive.

They were probably just local thugs or tweekers. Times are the hardest for young men in this area as I have ever seen them and that's who is doing most of this- the uneducated, desperate and hopeless. Real criminals with a plan don't work in groups of two and stuff a .22 pistol in their pockets. They use real guns in multiple vehicles. Real cops do wear badges and use gun holsters. They also don't try to break into your car while you're screaming bloody murder at them.

We're very glad other people yelled and got out of their vehicles to see what the commotion was. Had she just pulled over where they tried to block her in - the other cars would have just gone past thinking it was a traffic stop. It was a good day in the end for us actually. We are more confident and know now to keep our guard up much much more.

No- it's not for everyone. No- we're not brain dead except for the "senior moments". Yes, we have had cousins in TJ chased away from their homes and businesses when their children were threatened. This is where the family I love lives and the good of being here simply outweighs the safety risks. Leave my wife's family, the dogs, the mother in laws chicken mole? No way. Every other Mexican faces these exact same risks every day with few of the resources we have to resolve them.

wessongroup - 2-19-2010 at 01:25 AM

Well, glad all is well .... just looked up stat's on the "act"

WOW.....Had no idea, thanks ...

Bajahowodd - 2-19-2010 at 01:05 PM

Thanks for the follow-up, Woooosh. All the speculation and stuff aside, I had a feeling that I knew where your head and heart were on this. And I understand completely.

DENNIS - 2-19-2010 at 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Real cops do wear badges and use gun holsters.

They do now. The state police had a fashion statement of their own once upon a time. They would carry their pistols tucked into the waist of their Levis. No holsters.
When Ruffo became governor, he put a stop to the "legal thug" persona they portrayed.

The Gull - 2-19-2010 at 01:47 PM

This entire thread was truly inspirational.

Sharksbaja - 2-19-2010 at 08:10 PM

:wow:

Nothing like a day in the life of Sr.Wooosh!!

fishingmako - 2-19-2010 at 09:27 PM

A lady friend of ours was coming back home a couple of weeks ago from the States, and while going thru TJ was pulled over, and they took her wedding rings, wallet, camera, and whatever else they found in the truck, they did point a Gun at her.

She did make some mistakes that she now realizes, #1 the number one no-no, driving at night.

How many of these things are going on? no one knows about, and not reported as she chose not to report it.

DENNIS - 2-19-2010 at 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishingmako

she chose not to report it.

I'm sorry to hear that although I'm sure she was thoroughly terrorized.
Now the guessing game can commence. Who was it?

Woooosh - 2-19-2010 at 10:30 PM

we didn't report either. I don't know how you can measure crimes people don't report. It's not a low number though.

Is it just my bad memory- or weren't there pole mounted cameras all along that stretch of road (Playas to the Via Rapida and all the way to the border) jst a few months ago??

Merged

Woooosh - 2-20-2010 at 11:28 AM

Interesting the UT today also published a story about the Tijuana Mayors efforts to convince the USA to re-word its Travel Advisory he claims is hurting Tijuana badly. I guess if you are kidnapped and brought into TJ- you aren't a tourist, so he is technically correct. I don't many people would find that comforting though.

And exactly what does it take to be a crime targeting Americans? Does the crook need to ask for your passport first? Clearly the two recent carjackings of US plated cars occupied by US citizens in Rosarito doesn't qualify. Clearly the attempted carjacking of my spuose last week doesn't either. So what does?

Merged

mtgoat666 - 2-20-2010 at 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Clearly the attempted carjacking of my spuose last week doesn't either. So what does?

you said you would not report it to police, so mayor does not know it happened

The Gull - 2-20-2010 at 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja
:wow:

Nothing like a day in the life of Sr.Wooosh!!

Something akin to Perils of Pauline http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Perils_of_Pauline_(1914_serial)

Or a novela
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telenovela

But always providing a bully pulpit from which to complain about things that change only when people participate in the change by doing something.

[Edited on 2-20-2010 by The Gull]

Merged

Woooosh - 2-20-2010 at 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Clearly the attempted carjacking of my spuose last week doesn't either. So what does?

you said you would not report it to police, so mayor does not know it happened

We would report it if we thought it would do some good and not put ourselves in greater danger. The wife's a dual citizen- but has CA plates onthe car. So they would just say it wasn't a tourist crime- which is true. It doesn't mean TJ is safer though. I figure if they can point a gun and take your car (the two carjacks in Rosartio Beach) and that doesn't qualify- why even bother.

Merged

DENNIS - 2-20-2010 at 11:54 AM

Woooosh....May 9th is Mothers Day and I think you should buy the little woman one of these doodads:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/1277336.html

Merged

arrowhead - 2-20-2010 at 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Clearly the attempted carjacking of my spuose last week doesn't either. So what does?

you said you would not report it to police, so mayor does not know it happened

Oh, he knows about it. I can guarantee that. Woosh posted the story about the attempted kidnapping of his wife. In reply, I posted a link to the US Counsulate's Warden message for Tijuana, which has been on their website for over a month. An hour later AFN had an article on that Warden message. The next morning Ramos is in the paper demanding that the US rermove the Warden message.

This website is monitored daily by the Mexican press, and the Tijuana police know who Whoosh is.

The power of the free press. Woohoo!

durrelllrobert - 2-20-2010 at 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by torch
I love the wasp spray idea.

Is wasp spray legal in Mexico? :lol:

Merged

Sharksbaja - 2-20-2010 at 02:25 PM

I think you meant to say " Woohoosh"

The Gull - 2-20-2010 at 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by torch
I love the wasp spray idea.

Is wasp spray legal in Mexico? :lol:

It may only work on a WASP. There probably aren't many WASP's doing violent crime in Mexico. There are more in New England.

Merged

woody with a view - 2-20-2010 at 02:46 PM

Quote:

doodads

word of the day, WORD!

Merged

mtgoat666 - 2-20-2010 at 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Clearly the attempted carjacking of my spuose last week doesn't either. So what does?

you said you would not report it to police, so mayor does not know it happened

me thinks you are delusional. no one cares what arrowhead posts on nomad. AFN is not following arrowhead and monitoring his every rant. arrowhead, do you see black helicopters over your house? does your dog talk to you? are you nancy?

news media doesn't spend all day watching the back-an-forth between DK and liberals :lol:

news media doesn't watch this board to keep up with AARP expat c-cktail hour blogging :lol:

Merged

Woooosh - 2-20-2010 at 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Woooosh....May 9th is Mothers Day and I think you should buy the little woman one of these doodads:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/1277336.html

The infamous "Make My Day" gun. lol

I'm from a huge hunting family in the USA. My great uncle was a champion trap shooter and famous gunsmith. My family still hunts- mostly whitetail, elk and a moose once when I was a kid.

Some of my Mexican family hunts a lot too. Mostly birds though. Did anyone think Mexicans don't hunt? Of course they do. You do have to become a member of a Shooting/Hunting Club. There are lots of rules and regulations in where you can and how you must transport guns to firing ranges and hunting areas, but guess where you keep your guns in between hunting/firing range trips?

[Edited on 2-20-2010 by Woooosh]

Merged

wessongroup - 2-20-2010 at 03:39 PM

No but, would be willing to bet, they do know a lot about Woooosh.. and his family, and what he does and does not say.. as, he has said a lot to a lot of folks... and it sounds from his past experiences which he has posted.. he runs on the edge a bit.. not saying good or bad.. but, a squeaky wheel gets the grease!!

It is after all a very small town relatively speaking.... and what is known in Rosarito's City Hall would not surprise me to be known in the City Hall of Tijuana

Would only hope that all parties maintain reasonable levels of normal communication open, in all directions

[Edited on 2-20-2010 by wessongroup]

Merged

Paulina - 2-20-2010 at 03:41 PM

Dennis,

I'll take one for Mother's day. I think they're so pretty. Forget the plastic looking guns, I like the tough cowboy/make my day style.

I've told Dern (hint hint Dern....I secretly think he follows my posts.....)

P<*)))>{

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arrowhead - 2-20-2010 at 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
me thinks you are delusional. no one cares what arrowhead posts on nomad.

Boy, for no one caring, I sure catch a lot of flack.

But, I'm turning over a new leaf, Goat. I'm taking a lesson from Dennis. And I want you to know, Goat, that even though you try to pick fights with half the people on this message board, I do not hold it against you. I think the fact that you have been fired from every civil engineering firm in the country, coupled with the fact that you are a gay cross-dresser is enough of a burden for you.

Why don't you just relax a bit, play Reversi in Hamster Pit, or go shopping online for a new summer dress?

Merged

Woooosh - 2-20-2010 at 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
No but, would be willing to bet, they do know a lot about Woooosh.. and his family, and what he does and does not say.. as, he has said a lot to a lot of folks... and it sounds from his past experiences which he has posted.. he runs on the edge a bit.. not saying good or bad.. but, a squeaky wheel gets the grease!!

It is after all a very small town relatively speaking.... and what is known in Rosarito's City Hall would not surprise me to be known in the City Hall of Tijuana

Would only hope that all parties maintain reasonable levels of normal communication open, in all directions

[Edited on 2-20-2010 by wessongroup]

My Mexican family admires that I fight for a better Rosarito. Everything is in their name, not mine. Don't think we aren't on good terms with the government- local and federal. My words may be short and to the point when posting to this board, and I don't apologize for the way I am. In every dealing with SEMARNAT, PROFEPA or the local Rosarito Palacio, we make sure they understand the benefits we seek are for Mexico, Rosarito tourism and to provide better beach access and services for the hardworking people of Rosarito and their children.

We and our like-minded neighbors have never tried to gain a dollar- and Mexicans do indeed look at us sideways for a while once that sinks in. The people of Rosarito work hard and pay more for almost everything (housing, food, schools) and they are hurting more than Tijuaneros- because more jobs are tied directly to tourism. We get it. They get it.

Who knows, once I get citizenship maybe I can participate without hiding behind the family shield. I did some post-grad work in City Planning and Community Development. I am working with two gov't groups to create a win-win for both- so that's not only possible, it's vital.

As a gringo- and not speaking for my family, I am currently ranting about media intimidation and censorship in the name of promoting tourism. I only want actionable access to crime stats available in English. You don't invite people over to a dirty house and then expect them to cook and clean it. You also don't invite 10,000 Americans to move Rosarito and then tell them they won't let to know what danger is happening around them unless you read Spanish and can get to a newsstand. The police knock on our doors some days to tell us to lock-up and be careful- so why not post it too?

All it would take for me to be happy is for TJ/Rosarito to add a page to a current official website with this information. Transparency. Anyone looking for the info would have access to it on the net. It doesn't have to be in print- just accurate and timely.

[Edited on 2-20-2010 by Woooosh]

Merged

k-rico - 2-20-2010 at 04:27 PM

Woooooosh said: "Anyone looking for the info would have access to it on the net."

Go to google and search the web on these two words - tijuana violence

then search google news using the same search terms

[Edited on 2-20-2010 by k-rico]

Merged

Woooosh - 2-20-2010 at 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
Woooooosh said: "Anyone looking for the info would have access to it on the net."

Go to google and search the web on these two words - tijuana violence

then search google news using the same search terms

[Edited on 2-20-2010 by k-rico]

Will bring up the two Rosarito carjackings? I don't want to read news stories about pick of the day crimes. I want a local crime "blotter" similar to what many cities and communities in the USA post.

I do agree the net is a great tool- but is a story about 7 home invasion robberies in your neighborhood yesterday any good a week or two later? That's IF a major website carries it at all. It's considered a local-interest story unless an American is specifically targeted. Whatever than means.

[Edited on 2-20-2010 by Woooosh]

Merged

k-rico - 2-20-2010 at 04:37 PM

oh, I thought you were worried about Americans not knowing that it's more dangerous in Mexico than the United States. I misunderstood.

Merged

Woooosh - 2-20-2010 at 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
oh, I thought you were worried about Americans not knowing that it's more dangerous in Mexico than the United States. I misunderstood.

I think Americans know the world is dangerous everywhere. How many Americans slapped Canada Flag sticker on their luggage when world-travelling so as not to stand out?

I don't agree that Mexico is more dangerous, just different dangerous. The types of danger Americans face here are ones they aren't socialized to react to and handle. Everyone has their own comfort levels with safety and travel- just let them get to the information. That's all.

Merged

Woooosh - 2-20-2010 at 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Clearly the attempted carjacking of my spuose last week doesn't either. So what does?

you said you would not report it to police, so mayor does not know it happened

Just checked AFN. The "Warden Message" was published four days before our incident... no connection. An affirmation maybe, but not connected.

Merged

mtgoat666 - 2-20-2010 at 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

we all know it's a war zone. don't need a blotter to tell us about every rape, hijacking, murder, acid-disolved body and corpse hanging from overpass.

Merged

Bajahowodd - 2-20-2010 at 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
oh, I thought you were worried about Americans not knowing that it's more dangerous in Mexico than the United States. I misunderstood.

When traveling in the Middle East a couple of years ago, I was struck by the number of people who would engage in a conversation about the American people v. GWB. Same thing happened in Europe. As far as i could tell, foreign resentment was focused on GWB, and not the American people.

Woooosh - 2-21-2010 at 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

we all know it's a war zone. don't need a blotter to tell us about every rape, hijacking, murder, acid-disolved body and corpse hanging from overpass.

WE know, but not everyone does...

I don't know about TJ or further south- but there is a huge new wave of Americans moving down here for purely economic reasons. It's cheaper and they can feed themselves and their kids. They aren't buying real estate- they drive beater cars and rent houses for $400. They don't speak Spanish at all and I can assure you they have NO CLUE as to what is going on around them. All they know is they can afford to live here- and can't in the USA right now.

We have some new "neighbors" like this. They are fully tattooed and pierced, walk around the street barefoot, sit outside in their driveway on lawn-chairs watching their large TV, play loud profane rap music and jam on their amplified electric guitars. (All outside no less). They have no idea how much negative attention they bring to themselves. Not a clue their looks and actions put them on top of the target list for the home invasion robberies.

The families around us and people coming to enjoy the beach shake their heads at having to listen to the obscene rap music on blaring every afternoon. How many weeks more you give these people until they are taken out of action? And these people have their young children along with them too (no school I guess).

Maybe they think they are still in a safe Trailer Park Boys environment stateside or that their freaky looks will win over some cool new friends here. We notice the people who talk with them (English speaking deportees of course) and I'll bet they are only taking inventory and figuring out how much everything out on display is worth.

These people still have no idea how much danger they are in. And how could they? And no- I don't deal with transient renters- so that warning won't be coming from me.

[Edited on 2-21-2010 by Woooosh]

Woooosh - 2-21-2010 at 10:26 AM

I posted this on off-topic, but think many Nomads will find it relevant and possibly even heartwarming- so I moved it here:

Anyone believe in signals/warnings from the dead?

I've posted about the recent carjack attempt. There is a weird twist to this story. From my private blog:

Posted Last Saturday: OK Mom, I'm ready for my wedding ring to come back now!

We have a "memorial shelf" where we light candles and display the urns of our deceased family memebrs and pets. She took the ring right off my hand while I was holding her cremains on her birthday Friday. No kidding. That knuckle was dislocated and I could never get that ring off. The mark a ring leaves right after you take it off was the only thing there when I put her ashes back up on the shelf. She always told me she would try to contact me from the other side. I even called my sisters to see if anything unusual had happened to them. So now what to do? The family wants to hold mass here now... geesh. Mexicans freak at this stuff. She'll probably have the pool blessed again because you can never have too much holy water around... lol

Last nights posting: I got the ring back!

The wife was near the Memorial Shelf this morning and said "come on Mom-where'd you put the wedding ring?" She walked away and heard a ping as it hit the floor and rolled. For real. She had prevailed in an armed carjacking attempt Friday in TJ and did all the right things ... like an angel was there protecting her. The ring's back on my finger and the wife's safe at home now. Thanks Mom.

[Edited on 2-21-2010 by Woooosh]

woody with a view - 2-21-2010 at 10:33 AM

Tiger would be proud of that one!!! :lol:

Woooosh - 2-21-2010 at 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
Tiger would be proud of that one!!! :lol:

I have studied every religion in detail. I even spent time with a Guru in a commune in the 70's. The more I studied and learned about how religions and their texts evolved, the less I believed in any one religion. I take a spiritual approach. I was really hoping that once you're dead and your ashes are in an urn- you're done. Now I'm not so sure... again.

[Edited on 2-21-2010 by Woooosh]

durrelllrobert - 2-21-2010 at 10:39 AM

Quote:

I'm from a huge hunting family in the USA. My great uncle was a champion trap shooter ....[Edited on 2-20-2010 by Woooosh]

How did he prepare and cook the trap he shot? :lol:

Woooosh - 2-21-2010 at 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
I'm from a huge hunting family in the USA. My great uncle was a champion trap shooter ....[Edited on 2-20-2010 by Woooosh]

How did he prepare and cook the trap he shot? :lol:

I think he did the trap and skeet to promote the gunsmith biz and to more likely just to get out of the house. A piece of venison never went to waste for sure. I think the clay pigeons are a little tough on the digestive system. :lol:

DENNIS - 2-21-2010 at 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

The infamous "Make My Day" gun. lol

This one makes the 44 mag look like a pea-shooter. It weighs five pounds loaded.

DENNIS - 2-21-2010 at 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

skeet

Where is he? Anybody hear from him lately?

Wooosh World - a short list

The Gull - 2-21-2010 at 12:52 PM

Cub reporter of all news items in Baja?
Studied every religion in the world?
Wedding ring returned by the dead?
Tatooed neighbors play obscene rap day and night outside?
Champion gunhandler?
Victim of a carjacking?
Living with flooded sewage?
People being shot at in the neightborhood?
People being kidnapped in the neighborhood?
Lives three houses away from Teo's gang?
Defender of everything decent in Playas de Rosarito?
Has five Labrador Retrievers?
Savior of lighthouses?
Has a brother in law with a silver star?
Epliletic?
Studied under a guru at a commune?
Lady delivers Union Trib at 7:30am Sunday w/o being paid?
Built Rosarito home designed by the AIA top SD architect for $30/SF?
Lives next to a gringa strung out on meth?

wessongroup - 2-21-2010 at 01:20 PM

Woooosh....

[Edited on 2-21-2010 by wessongroup]

And that was just last Thursday...

Dave - 2-21-2010 at 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
Cub reporter of all news items in Baja?
Studied every religion in the world?
Wedding ring returned by the dead?
Tatooed neighbors play obscene rap day and night outside?
Champion gunhandler?
Victim of a carjacking?
Living with flooded sewage?
People being shot at in the neightborhood?
People being kidnapped in the neighborhood?
Lives three houses away from Teo's gang?
Defender of everything decent in Playas de Rosarito?
Has five Labrador Retrievers?
Savior of lighthouses?
Has a brother in law with a silver star?
Epliletic?
Studied under a guru at a commune?
Lady delivers Union Trib at 7:30am Sunday w/o being paid?
Built Rosarito home designed by the AIA top SD architect for $30/SF?
Lives next to a gringa strung out on meth?

Before lunch. :rolleyes:

Oh Gregorio

arrowhead - 2-22-2010 at 12:54 AM

This reader's comment in AFN has a familiar ring to it:

Quote:

Gregorio
Febrero 20th, 2010
Sorry- Only English (I use Google to translate AFN).

I want to thank the people of TJ/Plas de TJ who stopped armed men from robbing/abducting/? a family member on the via rapida in Playas last week. If not for people honking horns and getting out of cars to help- the crime would have been completed. The two thugs blocked the car, had a gun in pants and were trying to force open the car doors. When more Mexicans do things to help like others like this it helps everyone. Thank you and eveyone be careful please.

http://afntijuana.info/blog/?p=27730

:rolleyes:

Woooosh - 2-22-2010 at 09:45 AM

Quote:

rather than just attack the flying rat (Gull) as others do, I'll just correct him...

Cub reporter of all news items in Baja?... Nope, not a cubs fan and Crazy Maggie has cornered the local news market.

Studied every religion in the world?... Yes, many people study religion in college- I entered college as a Bible thumper headed towards being a "Minister of Music." A college education is meant to open the mind.

Wedding ring returned by the dead? Got a better explanation? We don't.

Tatooed neighbors play obscene rap day and night outside? Not for much longer.

Champion gunhandler? Not true. My family are avid hunters I don't hunt any more. I don;t like to sit in a tree all day waiting for a deer to run by. And I hate getting a BB in my teeth when eating duck. I did win some Turkey shoots as a kid though.

Victim of a carjacking? Nope. Someone stole my truck from my garage- but luckily I wasn't in it.

Living with flooded sewage? True. "The bubblers" (water coming up through manhole covers) area a sight to see. So are the kids playing in the sewage water while their parents watch. Mexicans much be immune from this stuff. SADM has much more sewage running through it daily than my street does.

People being shot at in the neighborhood? True, and killed.

People being kidnapped in the neighborhood? Half-True. There is a known safe-house nearby with people herded in and out- but I don't think they are actually kidnapped from here.

Lives three houses away from Teo's gang? Not sure. Think the local guys are independents.

Defender of everything decent in Playas de Rosarito? True. And why not? The hardworking people of Rosarito are not the problem.

Has five Labrador Retrievers? Nope. Six

Savior of lighthouses? I love historic lighthouses- never have seen one in baja norte - closest one is the Cabrillo Monument though.

Has a brother in law with a silver star? Yup in Vietnam. Was posted in the context of him needing double knee replacements by the VA.

Epliletic? Nope. eclectic.

Studied under a guru at a commune? True, in Taos New Mexico in 1974 with Guru Baba Ram Dass. He wrote a book called "Be Here Now". Forgot to mention I did Peyote there too.

Lady delivers Union Trib at 7:30am Sunday w/o being paid? Nope- we pay her every six months or so- when we catch up to her.

Built Rosarito home designed by the AIA top SD architect for $30/SF? True, not including the cost of land. How much you wanna spend for all cement blocks? Construction area does not equal usable interior square footage by the way.

Lives next to a gringa strung out on meth? True. I do feel bad for her. From alcoholic to tweeker. I did get a thanks you note from the cream puffs we sent over to her Christmas eve.

Was that it Gull? That's all you've got? No wonder so many are leaving the Nomads for BajaGringo's site. Too much venom here.

Woooosh - 2-22-2010 at 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
Woooosh....

[Edited on 2-21-2010 by wessongroup]

You are a better man than this Wiley, or at least I thought you were.

Woooosh - 2-22-2010 at 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead
This reader's comment in AFN has a familiar ring to it:

Quote:

Someone thanking the people who stopped a carjacking-in-progress is a bad thing? That's pathetic Arrowhead.

arrowhead - 2-22-2010 at 09:52 AM

Studying comparative religions is a good way to gain a deeper understanding of the human condition. The Gull could make good use of a course like that.

arrowhead - 2-22-2010 at 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Someone thanking the people who stopped a carjacking-in-progress is a bad thing? That's pathetic Arrowhead.

I don't think it was a bad thing. I think it was a good thing. And thanking the people of Mexico was a noble thing. Are you seeing words that are not written?

Woooosh - 2-22-2010 at 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Someone thanking the people who stopped a carjacking-in-progress is a bad thing? That's pathetic Arrowhead.

I don't think it was a bad thing. I think it was a good thing. And thanking the people of Mexico was a noble thing. Are you seeing words that are not written?

Sorry Arrowhead. Your post was right after Gulls droppings and I thought I was the victim of a Lucha Libre tag team! My apologies.

DENNIS - 2-22-2010 at 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead
Studying comparative religions is a good way to gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

The human condition. You mean like dry skin? :lol:

josie - 2-22-2010 at 01:02 PM

I believe in signs (it's my upbringing) and I definitely think the ring story has merit. So what time is the padre coming to the house Woooosh? :biggrin:

I BELIEVE!

ELINVESTIG8R - 2-22-2010 at 01:26 PM

CLICK HERE THEN GO TO TOP FOR RANCHO EL METATE SPIRITS

THIS IS NOT DIRT IN MY CAMERA LENS!

[Edited on 2-22-2010 by ELINVESTIG8R]

Woooosh - 2-22-2010 at 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by josie
I believe in signs (it's my upbringing) and I definitely think the ring story has merit. So what time is the padre coming to the house Woooosh? :biggrin:

Umm. Catholicism isn't in my top five cults. I dodge the JoHo's every Saturday too. Been through all that. I'm just gonna have to make believe I'm taking golf lessons again for few weeks... The dogs will shake enough holy water around the house to take care of things I think. :biggrin:

How come when people tell you they will contact you from the other side, they never tell you what to do next?

[Edited on 2-23-2010 by Woooosh]

805gregg - 2-24-2010 at 07:26 PM

I wonder why tourism is down in Baja?