BajaNomad - Rosarito Vacation Safety

Rosarito Vacation Safety

gd98 - 6-8-2011 at 02:42 PM

Hola nomads. I was thinking about renting a home with some friends for a quick vacation near Puerto Nuevo later this year; mostly tequila, lobsters, and maybe some fishing. I went last year and had a great time, but once again the safety questions are popping into my head.

I understand how the media paints Mexico is not always (maybe never) accurate, so I thought I would ask you nice folks what the real situation is. Are there any recent surges of violence or crime that I should be aware of? I read (probably here) that car theft is pretty bad in Rosarito lately; this kind of heads up or any other local advice would be greatly appreciated.

Our time would be mostly spent back and forth between Puerto Nuevo and Rosarito.

[Edited on 6-8-2011 by gd98]

DENNIS - 6-8-2011 at 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gd98
I understand how the media paints Mexico is not always (maybe never) accurate

I read (probably here) that car theft is pretty bad in Rosarito lately; this kind of heads up or any other local advice would be greatly appreciated.

Your first statement is patently false. Even Mexico wouldn't say that. Instead they say the news of crime in the country is presented too much by the US press. What they want, to improve tourism, is censorship. What do you think? Should the US press be silenced to improve tourism in Mexico?
The US press doesn't lie about crime in Mexico. They get their stories from the same sources as the Mexican press who, by the way, print all of it with photos that would floor a US housewife.
Rosarito is still one of the dirtiest places around here. Zeta [That's a Mexico publication] says the entire police force is corrupt.

So....believe what you want, but you're on your own.

Auto theft is epidemic everywhere down here.

Have a good trip and familiarize yourself with the ABC bus schedule. You may need it.

jenny.navarrette - 6-8-2011 at 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gd98
I thought I would ask you nice folks what the real situation is.

No comment.

gd98 - 6-8-2011 at 03:59 PM

Thanks for the reply, and sorry if my jab at the press was off color; just a little left over cynicism from my school days.

I guess that I meant that it is hard to piece together an accurate idea of day to day safety from only news sources, given that most stories will tend to be negative.

I suppose I already had my answer about the safety; there was just a part of me hoping that I was wrong. Thanks anyway (not jenny, no comment to you too jenny.)

[Edited on 6-8-2011 by gd98]

DENNIS - 6-8-2011 at 04:04 PM

Yeah...nobody wants to buy good news.
Go on down and have fun. Just increase your level of vigilance and buy insurance to cover any loss. You'll be alright.

Bajahowodd - 6-8-2011 at 04:10 PM

Don't know where gd98 was planning to stay. "Near Puerto Nuevo".

My experience all around the world has been that whether it's Jamaica, Mexico, Croatia, Italy, Greece.....Etc., The more any tourist travels around the area, the greater their risk of encountering trouble.

This problem was the genesis of the all-inclusive resorts that now proliferate all over the world. Sure, there are some who buy into those places because they can drink as much as possible.

But having been in a beachfront hotel in San Juan years ago, where they had a 15 foot high fence with barbed wire on the top, that had a single gate allowing exit to the beach, which was locked at dusk, I can only suggest that if anyone has a fear of crime and violence, they stick to the larger, self-contained resorts. Or just don't go.

Understand that I am no fan of all-inclusives, and considered a major part of foreign travel to be the ability to get out and about, absorbing the flavor of the local culture and enjoying myriad local restaurants.

In my opinion, given current conditions, a facility such as Estero Beach Hotel (South of Ensenada proper) would represent a great compromise, in that they are relatively secure and provide food and beverage on site, but not all-inclusive.

That said, I defer to Dennis on this. I'm of the mind that a tourist is in significantly greater danger in Rosarito right now than than they would be in Ensenada.

DENNIS - 6-8-2011 at 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I'm of the mind that a tourist is in significantly greater danger in Rosarito right now than than they would be in Ensenada.

For certain. I get the feeling that gd98 is looking for something with a bit more life than Estero although the cemetary atmosphere would suit me fine.
If I were much younger and wanted to dive right in, I'd pick a motel right on First Street in Ensenada. Walk [crawl] to everything. Good restaurants in every direction and Anthony's might be having a special. Never know.
Yep....that's what I'd do.

gd98 - 6-8-2011 at 04:39 PM

Interesting points, and thanks for the reply Bajahowodd. I admit part of my concern is just from going somewhere foreign and the risks that come from that, but that is something I'm actively trying to overcome. I fear that this desire might push me to ignore the real warning signs and put myself in a situation I can't get out of. This isn't something I really wanted to get into in a board like this, given its trailblazing type, but I wanted to give an honest response.

This would be an informal trip with minimal preparation, a place like Estero Beach Hotel sounds like a good compromise. Thanks for the tip.

Woooosh - 6-8-2011 at 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gd98
Interesting points, and thanks for the reply Bajahowodd. I admit part of my concern is just from going somewhere foreign and the risks that come from that, but that is something I'm actively trying to overcome. I fear that this desire might push me to ignore the real warning signs and put myself in a situation I can't get out of. This isn't something I really wanted to get into in a board like this, given its trailblazing type, but I wanted to give an honest response.

This would be an informal trip with minimal preparation, a place like Estero Beach Hotel sounds like a good compromise. Thanks for the tip.

Enjoy yourself. Don't drive after dark and keep your heads up at all times you are out in the open. Avoid anyone that approaches you speaking English with neck tattoos. Put a can of wasp spray in your car for protection (not from bees) and make sure you all have passports. If you run into serious trouble, call the Military- not the Rosarito police.

DanO - 6-8-2011 at 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Anthony's might be having a special. Never know.

You mean like a twofer? Or would it be more like a clearance sale on irregular or blemished items?

Udo - 6-8-2011 at 07:23 PM

gd98:
Here are my two centavos...

I do the same thing as you are planning on doing, (Puerto Nuevo, etc.), but I stay at Poco Cielo, (760-670-3336) good security, good food, great atmosphere. Puerto Nuevo is 8 minutes north (eat at Villa Ortegas, waterfront on left corner). Fishing from Ensenada boats is about 20 minutes away. The restaurant Muelle Tres is at the Malecon next to the fish market in Ensenada.
The parking lot in Ensenada near the fish market is well secured.

BTW...when is your famous trip? I'll be down south, same area, in three weeks.

mtgoat666 - 6-8-2011 at 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

gd98:
rosarito is the stinky armpit of the region. it has lots of problems ranging from crooked cops, and tolerating the presence of drug lords, to being a new home for deported LA gang bangers.
i suggest you drive past rosarito and go to to ensenada. ensenada is quite nice.
rosarito is just sketchy.

check six!!!

EdZeranski - 6-8-2011 at 08:15 PM

Quote:

So....believe what you want, but you're on your own.

Auto theft is epidemic everywhere down here.

Have a good trip and familiarize yourself with the ABC bus schedule. You may need it.

We never stop until below Ensenada. I've talked to several people who had trouble in the Rosarito/Puerto Nuevo area. When I left Iraq in 2008 the Iraqis I talked to in Bagdad were woried when I said I was driving in Mex when I got home. Yep...folks in Bagdad heard nexico was too dangerous.

EdZ KG6UTS

Woooosh - 6-8-2011 at 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EdZeranski
So....believe what you want, but you're on your own.

Auto theft is epidemic everywhere down here.

Have a good trip and familiarize yourself with the ABC bus schedule. You may need it.

no way! I'd say "how cool is that?" but not so much this time...

I do agree Ensenada has a lot to offer though. Another thread here has the Ensenada events calendar.

BajaBlanca - 6-8-2011 at 08:30 PM

we also stay in ensenada twice a year and we love it ... like anywhere, heads up, main roads only at night, one of you should be sober at all times to ward off trouble before it ever even becomes an issue. I would carry a copy of my passport and not the passport itself. have a copy of all docs on your computer

I spent a month once in rosarito and thoroughly enjoyed it and felt perfectly safe - but it was so long ago that I cannot comment now.

welcome to bajanomad and have a wonderful "adventure", gd98.

mcfez - 6-8-2011 at 10:53 PM

I usually spend a great deal of time in Mexico. Mostly on the Sea of Cortez these days. Have been going to Mexico for years.

Never had a issue. I know many folks that never had an issue. 99% of the stories you read about concerning Mexico's violence is drug related.

Unless you plan to cruise the hoods at midnight....looking for a hot honey and good blow for the nose.....while wearing your Rolex watch with a Stetson hat to match.....common sense works great to keep you safe and sane. Just as it would visiting Hollywood or South Sacramento.

So I am leaving for Vegas for a week....tomorrow.... with son in tow. We will use common sense there.....and have a good ol time. No drugs, no hookers, no booze......and no wife. Yahooooooo!

[Edited on 6-9-2011 by mcfez]

nbacc - 6-9-2011 at 06:37 AM

Have fun!!! Nancy

Localizan el cuerpo de un hombre con narcomensaje en Rosarito

jenny.navarrette - 6-9-2011 at 09:55 AM

Quote:

PLAYAS DE ROSARITO.- Un hombre de aproximadamente 40 años de edad fue localizado muerto en las inmediaciones de la delegación Plan Libertador.
El cuerpo que hasta el momento no ha sido identificado fue ubicado atrás de un centro comercial en la calle José Hipólito, de la colonia Independencia debido a una denuncia anónima que se realizó al C4 durante la madrugada.

El hombre estaba semidesnudo, con huellas de tortura y tenía un narcomensaje que decía:

Por andar chapulineando atte. Los Tigres.

Al lugar arribaron elementos municipales quienes notificaron a agentes periciales los cuales se encargaron de realizar las indagatorias correspondientes para que el Servicio Médico Forense se hiciera cargo del cuerpo.

Link to story.

It says the semi-naked body of an unidentified man who was tortured and killed was found behind a shopping center in Rosarito today. He had a narco message on his body: "Por andar chapulineando atte. Los Tigres."

That translates literally as "For being a grasshopper. The Tigers."

What it really means is that he was killed for changing sides.

DENNIS - 6-9-2011 at 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jenny.navarrette
What it really means is that he was killed for changing sides.

That's exactly why I've been a Dodger fan my entire life. Yep....that's why.

Woooosh - 6-9-2011 at 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jenny.navarrette

Quote:

There have been two recent murders in my neighborhood that never saw print ink. Both cases were "grasshoppers"- street drug dealers who changed teams. There was a lady raped a few days ago in downtown Rosarito- local press covered it though. These are all considered "local interest" stories and are not covered stateside in the press. Crime is always around us these days in every country- so when traveling just try to blend in and don't draw attention to yourself like McFez said.

krafty - 6-9-2011 at 04:30 PM

once again, if you are involved with drugs or cartels you take your life in your hands. We live SAFELY in Rosarito and have had not a problem

Bajahowodd - 6-9-2011 at 04:41 PM

It's an absolute shame that Rosarito has come to this. I'm guessing that location, near the border, as well as, at least a few years back, a great deal of tourists gave a certain amount of cover to the bad guys.

That said, with reference to the goat, there still are many US ex-pats and retirees who make their home in the area part or full time. In a certain respect, it doesn't help those folks one iota to trash Rosarito.

I look at it as a chicken/ egg thing. If, all of a sudden, Rosarito returned to its prior glory days of tourists, what would the bad guys do? Move on?
I dunno.

Although I personally feel totally safe in Ensenada, I still feel a certain amount of pain that the local tourist industry is so moribund. It used to be almost like Mardi Gras on Lopez Mateos certain times of the year.

DENNIS - 6-9-2011 at 04:59 PM

Rosarito self-corrupted. Nothing has changed.
Can't imagine what it would be like for me if I knew that those in charge of my safety were my predatory enemy.

JESSE - 6-9-2011 at 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jenny.navarrette

Quote:

Yes, ARROWHEAD!!!!!!!!!!

Bajahowodd - 6-9-2011 at 05:28 PM

:lol:

805gregg - 6-9-2011 at 05:58 PM

Just make out a will or better yet a living trust, and don't sit near any rich Mexicans at a restautant.

krafty - 6-9-2011 at 06:00 PM

Thank you Bajahowodd, you are so right-we are here year round and it pains me to hear everyone trashing Rosarito.And Dennis, you are being harsh with your predatory enemy comment. You don't much like where you live either, as I have gathered from several of your posts, or at least don't feel that safe.

DENNIS - 6-9-2011 at 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
Thank you Bajahowodd, you are so right-we are here year round and it pains me to hear everyone trashing Rosarito.And Dennis, you are being harsh with your predatory enemy comment. You don't much like where you live either, as I have gathered from several of your posts, or at least don't feel that safe.

Well...thank you, Krafty, for your evaluation of my evaluations.
I like very much where I live....I just don't like where I live is.........in the middle of a war zone. That will be hard to fathom, but it makes sense to me.
Don't you start scolding me now. I like you and your posts...a lot. I hope we can keep it that way.

Von - 6-9-2011 at 06:57 PM

Scary place to be at lol~ Rosarito :lol:

Its like going to any beach now a days. You need to go 500 miles south to feel the real Rosarito feling of the 60's. Rosarito is to Modern with an applebees lol! Waltmart? Come on~

Woooosh - 6-9-2011 at 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Von
Scary place to be at lol~ Rosarito :lol:

Its like going to any beach now a days. You need to go 500 miles south to feel the real Rosarito feling of the 60's. Rosarito is to Modern with an applebees lol! Waltmart? Come on~

60's? I would be happy with 1980 here again when there were more horses than cars on the main dirt street running through Rosarito.

jenny.navarrette - 6-9-2011 at 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
Thank you Bajahowodd, you are so right-we are here year round and it pains me to hear everyone trashing Rosarito.

Prefectly understandable. If I bought an overpriced house in Rosarito and then learned I could not sell it for anything near what I paid for it because of the crime, it would pain me too.

Woooosh - 6-9-2011 at 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jenny.navarrette

Quote:

I found the link for that story and it has a disturbing last line. I don't recall three Rosarito Policeman and a civilian being beheaded, ever.

http://www.rosaritoenlanoticia.info/2011/06/encuentran-hombr...

"Cabe mencionar que por ese mismo rumbo fueron encontrados tres policías decapitados y un civil."

jenny.navarrette - 6-9-2011 at 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
60's? I would be happy with 1980 here again when there were more horses than cars on the main dirt street running through Rosarito.

Don't worry, Woooosh, as Krafty says, as long as you are not involved in drugs or cartels, you are safe in Rosarito.

Tell us about that guy, Jay, who was murdered around the corner for 1,000 pesos. What drugs were he selling? Or the guy who was shot dead while jogging in front of your house last year. What cartel was he in? What about the American woman who had her car jacked at gunpoint if front of Rene's last year? I forget, was she dealing crack or mota at the Flying Samaritans monthly meetings?

And what about last year when that American man in La Salina who retired to Baja and had his brains blown out a month later by two construction workers who did some work on his retirement home? Was he with El Teo or the Sonoran cartels? I forget?

bajabound2005 - 6-9-2011 at 07:50 PM

just spent 2 fabulous days in rosarito without incident of any kind....btw the folclorico show at the rosarito beach hotel is INCREDIBLE!

jenny.navarrette - 6-9-2011 at 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
just spent 2 fabulous days in rosarito without incident of any kind....btw the folclorico show at the rosarito beach hotel is INCREDIBLE!

I just took 5 bullets out of a 6-shot revolver, spun the cyclinder, put it to my head and pulled the trigger without incident. I don't care what anybody says about the odds. I can tell you absolutely from my own personal experience that playing Russian Roulette is perfectly safe. Don't let any of those naysayers tell you any different, and don't beleive a word of what you read about Russian Roulette in the newspapers. It is just a gross exageration to keep people from enjoying playing Russian Roulette.

Besides everybody knows that the only people who blow their brains out playing Russian Roulette are drug dealers and cartel members. Ordinary people who mind their own business, don't dress extravagantly nor drive fancy cars and are aware of their surroundings can play Russian Roulette safely.

krafty - 6-9-2011 at 09:19 PM

Oh I am scared now...Dennis no worries-love your posts-I just go on livin my life with mi familia-our son is in the service and he loves it here and tells his bosses, tough chit, I am visiting my family-my daughter as well. There was a guy in SD 2 days ago, car stopped, he leaned over to HELP them, and they shot him. Tell me where there may be justice, or perhaps we are born and have a number/.day on us-our fate?

JoeJustJoe - 6-9-2011 at 10:18 PM

It's nice to see Jenny and Woooosh teaming up to scare the masses.

So the "grasshopper" was killed. So what? It's obvious he was involved with the drug cartels and this was an employer employee dispute of some kind? Did you see the picture in the El Mexicano?

http://www.el-mexicano.com.mx/informacion/noticias/1/22/poli...

Visiting Rosarito Beach isn't like playing Russian Roulette by taking 5 bullets out of a 6-shot revolver and then spinning the cylinder. Isn't it more like playing the game with a 100,000 shot revolver and then taking out 99,993 bullets and then putting the gun to your head? I like those odds, and if your not involved with illicit actives you could probably even take out more bullets and reduce your odds even more of being shot or killed in Mexico.

That said, I personally would like to see the next person that asks the question," is Mexico safe?" Being hung from some Mexican bridge when they go actually visit Mexico. That's because I'm tired or hearing the loaded question. But hey I also understand the media reports scare people who don't actually live in Mexico or visit there.

Woooosh - 6-9-2011 at 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JoeJustJoe
It's nice to see Jenny and Woooosh teaming up to scare the masses.

So the "grasshopper" was killed. So what? It's obvious he was involved with the drug cartels and this was an employer employee dispute of some kind? Did you see the picture in the El Mexicano?

http://www.el-mexicano.com.mx/informacion/noticias/1/22/poli...

Visiting Rosarito Beach isn't like playing Russian Roulette by taking 5 bullets out of a 6-shot revolver and then spinning the cylinder. Isn't it more like playing the game with a 100,000 shot revolver and then taking out 99,993 bullets and then putting the gun to your head? I like those odds, and if your not involved with illicit actives you could probably even take out more bullets and reduce your odds even more of being shot or killed in Mexico.

That said, I personally would like to see the next person that asks the question," is Mexico safe?" Being hung from some Mexican bridge when they go actually visit Mexico. That's because I'm tired or hearing the loaded question. But hey I also understand the media reports scare people who don't actually live in Mexico or visit there.

You are correct. Sorry for the hijack. I was giving good trip info for a while, but fell off the wagon when I saw the "3 Rosarito Beach policeman beheaded" in the link. I should have started a new thread if I thought that was important.

bajatravelergeorge - 6-10-2011 at 07:26 AM

Bad things can happen anywhere. If you really worry about it happinging to you, barracade yourself in your house and never take a chance coming out to do anything. Heck, you can even shop for food online now and have it delivered to your door. Be carful though, the delivery person might want to kill, rob, or rape you.

Woooosh - 6-10-2011 at 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajatravelergeorge
Bad things can happen anywhere. If you really worry about it happinging to you, barracade yourself in your house and never take a chance coming out to do anything. Heck, you can even shop for food online now and have it delivered to your door. Be carful though, the delivery person might want to kill, rob, or rape you.

Ok then- I'll continue the hijack... Mexicans in Rosarito don't leave the house without good reason, they do what you are saying- barricading themselves safely inside their homes and only peeking out the windows. It's been this way for about four years here. We have families living nearby and have never, ever seen the children outside. We have adult children living with their parents nearby and even the adult kids are not allowed outside for fear of being misidentified and killed. No one retires to Mexico to hide indoors, but in Baja Norte it is better to hide indoors than be targeted as a gringo with money easy for the taking. Even the local businesses keep their door locked during business hours for fear of the owner being kidnapped. It's bad out there right now and with 100% of the Rosarito police accused of working with the cartels (per Zeta magazine) there in no to call besides the military if you need help. Paranoid? not really- just reacting to reality like the locals are.

JoeJustJoe - 6-10-2011 at 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

I think it's a bunch of BS that all the local citizens of Rosarito Beach are barricading themselves inside their homes, and not allowing their adult children and small children to go outside and play!

I think you Woooosh have been watching too many old westerns
of the bad guys who comes riding into town at dusk, and all the locals are terrified and barricade themselves inside their home but peek from the window.

But there is one person who isn't scared and that's the tough Sheriff who is very fast with the gun who meets the bad guys in the middle of the street.

No doubt you Woooosh identify with the sheriff, but if you ask me. I think you Woooosh you are suffering from some type of delusion where you are transferring(projecting) your fears onto the locals.

The only question I have is why would anybody especially an American would live under such conditions? I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd jump in the car and just move back to the USA if it was as bad as Woooosh claims.

So I guess if you believe Woooosh Rosarito Beach is a Ghost town and you probably couldn't find one person on the street except for perhaps a few stray dogs.

Now I haven't been to Rosarito Beach for a few months now, but when I was visiting I didn't see everybody hiding, and I did visit Tijuana just the other day, and TJ is as it always is. You find plenty of people on the streets, and even kids playing near their homes. Life goes on.

Woooosh - 6-10-2011 at 12:06 PM

it's all true. Sorry you can't understand it. When you live among the people (not in an expat community) you see what is really going on. You can't see it visiting or passing through. It may not be rational fact-based behavior (hiding indoors), but this is how they are acting and it is what it is. I'm not a cowboy btw- I'm a Connecticut Yankee and we just call it like we see it.

I hope Fulano File won't mind- but I grabbed this from his site today. It's not just Mexicans hiding indoors. These gringas weren't scared- just crazy...

"Two American Women Hid For 15 Years In Rosarito

Frontera is reporting this morning that two American women, mother and daughter, have been turned over to Mexican immigration for deportation.

The two women had apparently lived at the same address in Rosarito for 15 years and rarely were seen or went outside. Police went to the door to evict the two after the owners of the house lost a judgement brought forth by Quintas del Mar. A woman answered the door and said she was Mary Caigle, 60-years old. Behind her was another woman who identified herself as Amanda Caigle, 20-years old, who said she had lived in the house from the age of 5 and almost never went outside.

Upon entering the home, authorities found it was full of trash and had a fetid odor. Paramedics from the Red Cross examined the women, determined they were in good health, and the women were taken to a judge for deportation proceedings. The American Consulate was aiding in the procedures.

[Edited on 6-10-2011 by Woooosh]

gd98 - 6-10-2011 at 01:23 PM

Hey everyone, thanks the for the advice/info! I guess the discussion going on here is an example of the kind of road block I've been running into.

There are such polarized opinions regarding the safety in Mexico; in the US it seems you are either crazy for wanting to go to a "warzone," or a sheep for listening to the "hyped up" media, and forgive me for saying it seems to be equally polarized with the locals.

I understand that living somewhere and visiting for vacation are entirely different, and it seems a lot of the advice for staying safe over there would rely on a fairly intimate understanding of the situation and surroundings. Common sense may vary and stakes seem higher than normal (for a vacation especially.)

So after all that, given my inexperience relative to the situation, I think I will hold off (not cancel) my Rosarito experience. Thanks for all the advice, I learned more than I had anticipated. I will buy the next nomad I run across a beer for you guys.

DENNIS - 6-10-2011 at 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gd98

So after all that, given my inexperience relative to the situation, I think I will hold off (not cancel) my Rosarito experience.

Good idea. Drive right past the place and don't stop until you get to Hussong's Cantina.

toneart - 6-10-2011 at 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by jenny.navarrette
What it really means is that he was killed for changing sides.

That's exactly why I've been a Dodger fan my entire life. Yep....that's why.

Yep! As a Giants fan, hopping to Dodger Stadium is not good for one's health. One of our guys didn't fare too well. I ain't goin'....to Dodger Stadium or Rosarito! :no:

Now, in regards to the original question of this thread:

So much has been discussed here. Fulano/Arrowhead/Palmeto99/jenny.navarrette, and the many other identities that are represented by that cabal, be it one or several persons, take one position and that is their agenda..."avoid anywhere in Mexico" (paraphrasing).

Polly Anna represents the other extreme..."it is no worse than anywhere else".

Here is my take: Groupo Fulano is the more correct when it comes to Rosarito Beach and much of the mainland. It has evolved to that. Having said that, I don't think you can paint all of Baja with the same broad brush.

If you live in Rosarito you are living behind walls in fear. Those who do must not have many options. For me, it would be better to leave as a pauper refugee and go elsewhere.

If you are traveling further south, statistically you are safer. The murder incidents in other areas of Baja and Baja Sur are fewer and not necessarily because of drug activity. They are probably below the averages than in of much of the U.S.

Also, if you are an aware traveler and have no involvement with drugs, and you avoid contact with those who do, you will not encounter any problems relating to violence. You also spread the risk by geography and distance, whereas the Rosarito area is a concentrated nest of malfeasance looking for an easy target.

So why drive into Rosarito knowing its current history and notoriety? You may remember the good times at The Rosarito Beach Hotel, Los Rocas or Puerto Nuevo, but the times have changed. Being a tourist there now, you would be a duck out of water. You would not know your way around and you would be naive. Being friendly wouldn't help. Your chances of a fatal encounter is greater there than almost anywhere else in the world.

Personally, I don't operate in fear, but I also don't take stupid chances. The rules of travel are universal and the sophisticated know them. Keep your head. You need it!

JoeJustJoe - 6-10-2011 at 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
it's all true. Sorry you can't understand it. When you live among the people (not in an expat community) you see what is really going on. You can't see it visiting or passing through. It may not be rational fact-based behavior (hiding indoors), but this is how they are acting and it is what it is. I'm not a cowboy btw- I'm a Connecticut Yankee and we just call it like we see it.

I hope Fulano File won't mind- but I grabbed this from his site today. It's not just Mexicans hiding indoors. These gringas weren't scared- just crazy...

"Two American Women Hid For 15 Years In Rosarito

Frontera is reporting this morning that two American women, mother and daughter, have been turned over to Mexican immigration for deportation.

The two women had apparently lived at the same address in Rosarito for 15 years and rarely were seen or went outside. Police went to the door to evict the two after the owners of the house lost a judgement brought forth by Quintas del Mar. A woman answered the door and said she was Mary Caigle, 60-years old. Behind her was another woman who identified herself as Amanda Caigle, 20-years old, who said she had lived in the house from the age of 5 and almost never went outside.

Upon entering the home, authorities found it was full of trash and had a fetid odor. Paramedics from the Red Cross examined the women, determined they were in good health, and the women were taken to a judge for deportation proceedings. The American Consulate was aiding in the procedures.

[Edited on 6-10-2011 by Woooosh]

You win Woooosh! It looks like you scared another one from visiting Rosarito Beach.

BTW I'm not a gringo, and I probably wouldn't be caught dead in a over priced "expat community unless it was real cheap.( in fact I have often been told that I hate gringos! Not true)

I'm Mexican, although I was born in the USA and my family has been in the US many generations, but I grew up in Mexican barrio in LA, and I have many Mexican in-laws by marriage( 2nd generation) and friends in Mexico that I often visit. And I'll flat out come out and say that Mexicans don't live like you claim hiding behind their doors and walls. I don't care how many news articles they read. People live that only in rich communities where they don't even know their next door neighbor. Most Mexican streets are always teeming with people. Maybe at night it's quiet?

I just think Woooosh that you are use to suburban living and never experienced living among the poor. Barrios are the same all over the world.

jenny.navarrette - 6-10-2011 at 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JoeJustJoe
I'm Mexican, although I was born in the USA and my family has been in the US many generations...

I remember when you were Asian.

http://i51.tinypic.com/2exao09.jpg

[wank]...[wank]...[wank]

Woooosh - 6-10-2011 at 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jenny.navarrette

Quote:

Originally posted by JoeJustJoe
I'm Mexican, although I was born in the USA and my family has been in the US many generations...

I remember when you were Asian.

http://i51.tinypic.com/2exao09.jpg

[wank]...[wank]...[wank]

Hey Joe. I don't want to win this (and stronger points to skip Rosarito were made by others anyway), I just want Mexico to progress. I don't hate Rosarito Beach, I want it fixed or at least looking like it's headed the right direction from a security perspective. Too many changes in personnel come with every election if the opposing party wins- so they start over and nothing moves forward for the people. We went from a Captain Montero and a better-than-before military model police force to one the Zeta magazine now calls 100% corrupt moving drugs with the cartels through and within Rosarito. I moved here for retirement because I surfed here 20 years ago and feel in love with it and the view of the Coronado's. I know nothing is the same or as safe as it was 20 years ago. What Mexico as a country, and Baja in particular- has gone through the past five years is so far from the heart of what Mexico used to be that it boggles the logical mind. It's heartbreaking. It was also fully preventable. This isn't about me winning or you losing- it's about the truth.

Yes, my street used to have kids out bike riding (even skateboarding) all the time- but we had narcos move into four or five rental houses. The military has surrounded three houses on our street in the last month. That tends to make people think there is a reason to stay indoors right now. The streets have aren't active here at night with people because a 16 year old was kidnapped last year riding his bike after dark and the security guard who tried to help him was decapitated and left at McDonald's. Maybe the summer heat will bring people outside again. And I think this IS a typical neighborhood in middle class Mexcio- it's just not the same one I thought I retired in...

[Edited on 6-10-2011 by Woooosh]

Bajahowodd - 6-10-2011 at 04:27 PM

Although my opinion probably means nothing in this situation, I would hazard a guess that Whoooosh is living in a different situation than most of the folks on this board.

It doesn't take a brain scientist to realize that local is local. Woooosh is living local.

For a number of year, nee, decades, the street gangs of LA have functioned with impunity. Simple fact is that those same gangs are openly operating in Rosarito.

I have no words of wisdom. But, I did want to express my own feeling that Woooosh knows what he's talking about.

JoeJustJoe - 6-10-2011 at 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jenny.navarrette

Quote:

Originally posted by JoeJustJoe
I'm Mexican, although I was born in the USA and my family has been in the US many generations...

I remember when you were Asian.

http://i51.tinypic.com/2exao09.jpg

[wank]...[wank]...[wank]

I don't know why Jenny you don't want to accept the fact that I'm Mexican, Mexican-American, or Chicano, and if pressed I'm guess I'm American too, but I don't usually refer to myself as American, and besides most gringos don't accept that, and say, "hey what do you mean you're American? You look Mexican to me." Then I question them when they says, I"m just white!"

Perhaps Jenny you think if you represent me as a Muslim, Gay, or even a Gringo that it will give me less credibility when I talk about Mexico?

Jenny I accept the fact that you want to be a women, and be called Jenny. I don't call you all those names the others here are starting to call you when they finally started to figure out who you really are. ( I started to wonder when they were finally going to get a clue?) What happened Jenny the psychiatrist wants you try out being a women before the actual sex change operation? That's a great idea playing the part of a women on a forum. It will give you much need practice.

I don't know what happened to Wooosh? It's obvious he went over to the dark side and joined the insane of Jenny, Maggie and Fox news and in a vain attempt to keep people from traveling to Mexico. They want to present Mexico/Baja in the worst possible light possible.

Sorry girls, it ain't going to happen. You can't stop Americans from coming to Mexico because you're bitter about something that happened to you in Mexico. Once the economy get better and it's already showing signs. Americans will return in droves to the Mexican resorts. The border regions are going to have to spend a little money updating themselves to get the tourists to return. Right now there isn't much to do in the border region unless it's something specific like buying prescription medicines, visiting the bars, or going to some event.

[Edited on 6-10-2011 by JoeJustJoe]

Woooosh - 6-10-2011 at 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JoeJustJoe

Quote:

Originally posted by jenny.navarrette

Quote:

Originally posted by JoeJustJoe
I'm Mexican, although I was born in the USA and my family has been in the US many generations...

I remember when you were Asian.

http://i51.tinypic.com/2exao09.jpg

[wank]...[wank]...[wank]

I don't know why Jenny you don't want to accept the fact that I'm Mexican, Mexican-American, or Chicano, and if pressed I'm guess I'm American too, but I don't usually refer to myself as American, and besides most gringos don't accept that, and say, "hey what do you mean your American? You look Mexican to me." Then I question them when they says, I"m just white!"

Perhaps Jenny you think if you represent me as a Muslim, Gay, or even a Gringo that it will give me less credibility when I talk about Mexico?

Jenny I accept the fact that you want to be a women, and be called Jenny. I don't call you all those names the others here are starting to call you when they finally started to figure out who you really are. ( I started to wonder when they were finally going to get a clue?) What happened Jenny the psychiatrist wants you try out being a women before the actual sex change operation? That's a great idea playing the part of a women on a forum. It will give you much need practice.

I don't know what happened to Wooosh? It's obvious he went over to the dark side and joined the insane of Jenny, Maggie and Fox news and in a vain attempt to keep people from traveling to Mexico. They want to present Mexico/Baja in the worst possible light possible.

Sorry girls, it ain't going to happen. You can't stop Americans from coming to Mexico because you're bitter about something that happened to you in Mexico. Once the economy get better and it's already showing signs. Americans will return in droves to the Mexican resorts. The border regions are going to have to spend a little money updating themselves to get the tourists to return. Right now there isn't much to do in the border region unless it's something specific like buying prescription medicines, visiting the bars, or going to some event.

[Edited on 6-10-2011 by JoeJustJoe]

There isn't a lack of tourists here Joe, just ones from north of the border. Plenty of Mexican tourists- especially from Mexicali. My family from Torreon visits- for them it's a relief (not so much any more and no- they don't got out at night either). The excellent themed weekend Rosarito Beach events bring plenty of people to town- but they are using the 200 peso-per-night boulevard motels and roadside taco stands, not the RBHotel and fine dining restaurants. You can't sustain a thriving tourist economy on that. You are right, eventually the economy will come back, but several big Rosarito clubs, bars and restaurants closed last year and the tourist zone is on the verge of blight with the plywood protecting closed storefronts (you'd think Mexican landlords would understand basic economics and lower retail rents to keep their places open, but no- so everyone loses). But it will come back. What needs to happen for high-revenue American tourists (and expats) to return to Rosarito is: make it a value, make it easy, make it safe. Same goes for the revival of the Real Estate market here: Make it a real value to the already depressed US market, make the deal happen with a legal land title, think about security upfront.

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by Woooosh]

elgatoloco - 6-10-2011 at 10:23 PM

Damn, should have shown this thread to the wife. Could have spent her BD in vegas instead.

Woosh, always respect your viewpoint as one who is in the thick of it. Hope you and family stay safe. We are going to see if Yaqui (the original) is still open for lunch tomorrow.

bajabound2005 - 6-11-2011 at 07:49 AM

Yaqui is open indeed. We do a bike ride the 2nd Saturday of every month (Today) and the ride ends there

and you might find this interesting:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=faces+of+rosarit...

if that entire link is not highlighted, copy and paste it!

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by bajabound2005]

jenny.navarrette - 6-11-2011 at 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
and you might find this interesting:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=faces+of+rosarit...

Very interesting indeed. Thanks for the link, and thanks for letting us know what you really think about us. You're a real peach.

Woooosh - 6-11-2011 at 10:13 AM

The "Faces of Rosarito"... none of them brown apparently. Too bad they didn't invite me to participate, but I'm not pushing real estate like they are. This is so over the top to be more damaging to their "cause" than helping it. But this is what Mexico does. These people are pawns. Let's face it- few people are "living the good life" anywhere right now in these unstable economic times.

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by Woooosh]

Dave - 6-11-2011 at 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
The "Faces of Rosarito"... none of them brown apparently. Too bad they didn't invite me to participate, but I'm not pushing real estate like they are. This is so over the top to be more damaging to their "cause" than helping it. But this is what Mexico does. These people are pawns. Let's face it- few people are "living the good life" anywhere right now in these unstable economic times.

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by Woooosh]

Woooosh,

The majority of American ex-pats living in the gated communities South & North of Rosarito are not affected at all. What is happening in Rosarito proper might as well be happening on the moon. They don't care.

JoeJustJoe - 6-11-2011 at 12:03 PM

Quote:

I fail to see the problem of a few ladies getting together to hear a guess speaking and enjoying life.

Please Woooosh don't bring out the "race card" because you are one of the more racist member on the "Nomad" forum! Oh you don't do it deliberately like some of those trolls in the "OT" forum but the racism is unmistakable steeped in white supremacist, and especially "white privilege" talk! I guess other members don't read what you write in those "alarmist" blogs you belong too.

You have this belief that Mexicans can't fix their own problems, and they have to turn to the US to solve their problems. Boy you can't wait till the US troops come to Mexico with boots on the ground kicking ass. What about the Mexican Constitution and human rights? Woooosh would say, "take them away, suspend the Mexican Constitution, and declare Martial law! So what if the military cracks heads on the streets and rounds people up or breaks in houses because they got an anonymous tip. If a Mexican has a shaved head or tats on the neck it's a sure a sure sign he is either a cartel member, ratero, or deported gang banger from the US. Lock them all up based on looks. It's all good. I"m white and privileged and the Mexican people love me, because I speak out on their behalf, because they can't do it with that manana attitude and leaving things to faith Mexican people have."

Sorry Woooosh it ain't going to happen despite what you read in the "WikiLeaks" and even if you got your wish it would not stop the drug cartels. Besides I'm pretty sure the PRI political party will win most elections next time around and have a more sensible approach dealing with the drug cartels.

What you fail to realize Wooosh is there are forces out there, Jenny, Maggie, right-wing media, racists, and you Woooosh that want to paint Mexico in the worst light possible to make others believe Mexico is a war zone. A case in point is the way you present Rosarito Beach with all the citizens cowering in fear hiding behind doors, except you apparently, but then you reverse yourself and say tourism is good in the area for cheapskate Mexicans, but they aren't going to make it unless the gringos returns with their fat wallets.

I actually run into a lot of people espeically on forums that believe the world espeically Baja revolve around the USA and Americans.

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by JoeJustJoe]

Woooosh - 6-11-2011 at 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Yes, of course that is true. Wait until the day their $20 a day security guard at their gate sets them up.

Woooosh - 6-11-2011 at 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JoeJustJoe

Quote:

I fail to see the problem of a few ladies getting together to hear a guess speaking and enjoy life.

Please Woooosh don't bring out the "race card" because you are one of the more racist member on the "Nomad" forum! Oh you don't do it deliberately like some of those trolls in the "OT" forum but the racism is unmistakable steeped in white supremacist, and especially "white privilege" talk! I guess other members don't read what you write in those "alarmist" blogs you belong too.

You have this belief that Mexicans can't fix their own problems, and they have to turn to the US to solve their problems. Boy you can't wait till the US troops come to Mexico with boots on the ground kicking burro. What about the Mexican Constitution and human rights? Woooosh would say, "take them away, suspend the Mexican Constitution, and declare Martial law! So what if the military cracks heads on the streets and rounds people up or breaks in houses because they got an anonymous tip. If a Mexican has a shaved head or tats on the neck it's a sure a sure sign he is either a cartel member, ratero, or deported gang banger from the US. Lock them all up based on looks. It's all good. I"m white and privileged and the Mexican people love me, because I speak out on their behalf, because they can't do it with that manana attitude and leaving things to faith Mexican people have."

Sorry Woooosh it ain't going to happen despite what you read in the "WikiLeaks" and even if you got your wish it would not stop the drug cartels. Besides I'm pretty sure the PRI political party will win most elections next time around and have a more sensible approach dealing with the drug cartels.

What you fail to realize Wooosh is there are forces out there, Jenny, Maggie, right-wing media, racists, and you Woooosh that want to paint Mexico in the worst light possible to make others believe Mexico is a war zone. A case in point is the way you present Rosarito Beach with all the citizens cowering in fear hiding behind doors, except you apparently, but then you reverse yourself and say tourism is good in the area for cheapskate Mexicans, but they aren't going to make it unless the gringos returns with their fat wallets.

I actually run into a lot of people espeically on forums that believe the world espeically Baja revolve around Americans.

My points are accurate and at least I think they are logically presented. Locals are not tourists and tourism is not "one size fits all" for Americas and Mexicans and those business that cater to each. These ladies are not tourists. No tourists will be joining these ladies for c-cktail receptions in their gated compounds. They are the ones who come off looking like elitists in these videos and no Mexicans could ever relate to it. It's sort of like visiting Jamaica mon- the tourists do not leave the Hotel resorts and go into the city where the locals are unless it is a supervised excursion. Does that make it a bad tourist destination? no. But it doesn't mean the tourists really "visited" Jamaica and experienced their culture either. There are very few things in Rosarito you cannot find in San Diego, it is not that unique. You can get the exact same fried lobster at the Ortega's in San Diego as in Puerto Nuevo (same prices, same Ortega family are free parking too), the Fish Tacos at Rubio's are excellent and the souvenirs you find at any Old Town San Diego shop come from the same places in Guadalajara that the Rosarito shops gets them from. So what's the draw for American tourists? It's not a value, it's not easy and whether or not it is "safe" depends on what your security comfort level is.

The people who have problems with my posts maybe haven't read enough of them over the years. Mexico has been on a roller coaster ride the past five years. There has been good and bad news and I post both. Right now Zeta magazine is reporting 100% of the Rosarito police force has gone over to the dark side moving drugs for the cartels. This is new since January. My posts prior to that were very positive on the police under Montero, but that period is gone. Mexico takes one step forward and then two back and then a couple sideways. The situation in Rosarito is fluid and my posts and viewpoint clearly reflect that dynamic. It's not always pretty- but it is what it is. The problem is not PAN or PRI politics, it is a collective lack of a moral compass.

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by Woooosh]

Well...

Dave - 6-11-2011 at 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Yes, of course that is true. Wait until the day their $20 a day security guard at their gate sets them up.

There's that. :lol:

There have been studies in the U.S. about how electronically gated communities are safer by a factor of x. When a security guard is added the safety factor goes up...Way up.

I'd expect that in Mexico the reverse would be true.

elgatoloco, Three Words, "Tacos el Gerente"

Gypsy Jan - 6-11-2011 at 02:25 PM

We are pausing to interrupt the regularly scheduled vicious Internet infighting and slurring for a Special Report.

Hugo, the main man, left "Tacos Yaqui" a few years ago.

Tacos Yaqui, in my humble opinion, has suffered from the loss.

Hugo opened up his own place, "Tacos el Gerente" is on the same street, same side of the street, about three blocks north.

Try them both (they are walking distance) and please, report back! :yes:

We now return you to the regularly scheduled programming; the internet p**ing match.

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by Gypsy Jan]

Marc - 6-11-2011 at 03:09 PM

A basic rule to follow; Don't shoot back! That seems to really upset them! :lol:

Woooosh - 6-11-2011 at 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
We are pausing to interrupt the regularly scheduled vicious Internet infighting and slurring for a Special Report.

Hugo, the main man, left "Tacos Yaqui" a few years ago.

Tacos Yaqui, in my humble opinion, has suffered from the loss.

Hugo opened up his own place, "Tacos el Gerente" is on the same street, same side of the street, about three blocks north.

Try them both (they are walking distance) and please, report back! :yes:

We now return you to the regularly scheduled programming; the internet p**ing match.

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by Gypsy Jan]

The taco break was a nice touch Jan. We needed the break. You did leave out the accusations of horsemeat tacos being throw back and forth down the block. I don't know which one of them started it. I don't like the beans in my beef tacos, so I pass on the Perrones (did I spell that right?) they are justly famous for. :saint:

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by Woooosh]

Bob H - 6-11-2011 at 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by jenny.navarrette
What it really means is that he was killed for changing sides.

That's exactly why I've been a Dodger fan my entire life. Yep....that's why.

Yeah, Wooosh, I Heard About the Horsemeat Accusations

Gypsy Jan - 6-11-2011 at 06:48 PM

I don't believe them. Seems to be more likely a result of bad feelings about the split up. The old man at Yaqui stands out in the street, waves his arms and yells, pointing to hisi parking lot, trying to divert drivers from going north on the one-way street to El Gerente.

I kinda think that I can tell the difference between beef and horse meat, but I have never knowingly eaten the latter, being sentimental about horses.

On the other hand, my high school algebra teacher used to tell our class stories about living on horse meat when he was a starving student in Paris. He praised it highly.

Woooosh - 6-11-2011 at 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
I don't believe them. Seems to be more likely a result of bad feelings about the split up. The old man at Yaqui stands out in the street, waves his arms and yells, pointing to hisi parking lot, trying to divert drivers from going north on the one-way street to El Gerente.

I kinda think that I can tell the difference between beef and horse meat, but I have never knowingly eaten the latter, being sentimental about horses.

On the other hand, my high school algebra teacher used to tell our class stories about living on horse meat when he was a starving student in Paris. He praised it highly.

I wouldn't care if it was horsemeat really. Not sure if it is illegal- just that some people, like you- are sensitive to it. Once you marinate and slow grill it- it will be great taco meat. They should tell you though. Tacos Jacqui used to close around 3pm or when they ran out of meat for the day- no? The Taxi drivers devour it.

It would be great if some Rosarito foodie would do a Restaurant Review on the two Tacos Jacqui and let us know the scoop on the food these days.

[Edited on 6-12-2011 by Woooosh]

DENNIS - 6-11-2011 at 07:40 PM

Jeeeeezo, Wooooosh....that's Mr. Ed you're talking about scarfing down. How can you?

bajafam - 6-11-2011 at 09:55 PM

I'll take a burro taco or burro machaca anyday!

windgrrl - 6-11-2011 at 09:56 PM

Horse slaughter conditions in Mexico explored by AAEP group
Debate over the practice continues in Congress

Printer-friendly version

Though nearly two years have passed since the last horse processing plant closed in the United States, horses continue being shipped from the United States to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada.

Looking at 2008 Department of Agriculture figures, close to 80,000 horses from the United States traveled to Mexico for slaughter and approximately 40,000 went to Canada. The estimated total of 120,000 is less than the 140,000 figure from 2007.

"That's still a tremendous amount of horses," said Dr. Timothy Cordes, a senior staff veterinarian for equine programs with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. He also noted that the final numbers won't be available until the end of March. The USDA's numbers are based on the number of owner/shipper certificates corroborated with other sources.

To get a better idea of how the Mexican horse slaughter industry operates, a delegation representing the American Association of Equine Practitioners arranged a tour of two Mexican slaughter facilities in the central Mexican city of Zacatecas last fall. Both are federally inspected, but one meets European standards and the other, which is locally owned and run, meets Mexican standards.

"If you look at it from the hard perspective of the meat industry, they're in the business to produce meat. They don't want an injured or down or stressed horse any more than they have to, because it affects the meat quality,"

—DR. TOM R. LENZ, FORMER AAEP PRESIDENT

AAEP past presidents Drs. Tom R. Lenz and Doug G. Corey, as well as an international member of the AAEP board of directors, Dr. Sergio Salinas, visited the area Nov. 9-10. They first toured one of the two South American-owned plants that operate under European Union and Mexican slaughter regulations. Five federal Mexican veterinary inspectors work at the plant in addition to three company veterinarians. In all, 200 are employed there. About 1,000 horses are processed a week; half are Mexican and the rest from the United States. Mexican and U.S. horses are kept separate during travel but are processed at the same facilities.

"All of the American horses arrive in sealed trailers," Dr. Lenz said, noting that the horses aren't unloaded or sold anywhere, but go straight from the border to the plant. A federal seal is placed on the horses at the border. They are then shipped for 10 to 12 hours to one of the two federal inspection type, or TIF, plants in Zacatecas. "They say they could make it in eight hours but choose 10 to 12 because they arrive in better condition," Dr. Lenz said.

On arrival at the processing plant, a federal Mexican veterinarian cuts the seal. Any horses severely injured in transport are euthanized.
AAEP delegation
Horses feeding
A delegation representing the AAEP, including Dr. Tom R. Lenz (center), took a tour of two horse slaughterhouses Nov. 9-10 in Zacatecas, Mexico. Dr. Lenz said the plants were well-run, and workers killed the horses humanely by captive bolt.

The AAEP group met with the manager of the plant and was allowed free access throughout the building, where they spent three to four hours.

"They allowed us to look at everything and take pictures. Even in the United States you are seldom allowed to take pictures at a processing plant," Dr. Lenz said.

Dr. Lenz, who is also chairman of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, looked at the horses in the paddocks where most stay for a week or so. He said the pens looked clean and the horses looked good, although he classified them as "slimmer." On a scale ascending from one to nine, as Dr. Lenz put it, he saw many fours and fives. He could tell they were slimmer than the ones he saw at a former plant in Fort Worth, Texas.

"They told us (that's the kind of) horses they're buying now," Dr. Lenz said, noting that is the case because owners are holding onto their horses for a while, even when they can't afford them.

Plant officials told Dr. Lenz they see horses at sale barns too thin for meat processing. They also noted the price of horses has gone down; meanwhile, the cost to ship a horse from Morton, Texas, to Zacatecas stays at about $200.

"(The shipping cost) drives down what they're willing to pay for these horses," Dr. Lenz said.

Before processing, workers move the horses with flags rather than whips. One at a time the horses go into stocks. Once in place, a hydraulic bar pushes the horse forward while a wedge-shaped stainless steel device comes under the chin and cradles the head. This limits the horse's movement, Dr. Lenz said, which better facilitates placement of the captive device.

Dr. Lenz watched a couple dozen horses being killed by captive bolt, with which he said the employees were "extremely accurate." The skulls were then inspected for glanders and the carcasses randomly tested for drug residues and parasites in the meat as well as Escherichia coli and Salmonella infections.

Employees wear white coveralls, hats, gloves, masks, and hairnets while working, in addition to scrubbing their boots before coming in and out of the processing area.

The facility ships the meat to Japan and Europe for human consumption. "If you look at it from the hard perspective of the meat industry, they're in the business to produce meat. They don't want an injured or down or stressed horse any more than they have to, because it affects the meat quality," Dr. Lenz said.

Other parts from the horse do not go to waste. The hides are sent to Italy, hair from the mane and tail goes to China for paintbrushes, the small intestines go to Egypt for sausage casings, the tendons go to Japan for human consumption, and the hooves and tail (without the hair) to a rendering plant.

"(The plant) was an extremely clean, well-run plant. ... From a veterinary perspective, the animals were handled well," he said.

The other processing plant the group visited was locally owned by a Mexican company that solely dealt with Mexican horses. Sellers, arriving in their pickup trucks and trailers, would bring their horses to the plant two or three at a time. This plant processes only about 280 horses a week and has 12 employees. A veterinarian wasn't on site; however, one did come once a week to inspect the meat and facility, Dr. Lenz said.

This processing plant also kills the horses by captive bolt, though the stocks were not as sophisticated as at the other plant.

Overall, the group's assessment of the trip concluded that both plants use captive bolt in a humane and efficient manner, and the horses were well-cared-for and properly handled.
—Malinda Osborne

Woooosh - 6-11-2011 at 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Jeeeeezo, Wooooosh....that's Mr. Ed you're talking about scarfing down. How can you?

OK Wilbur, calm down. I was thinking of the unlucky cuota road-kill horses, not the talking kind- of course, of course.

elgatoloco - 6-14-2011 at 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
Yaqui is open indeed. We do a bike ride the 2nd Saturday of every month (Today) and the ride ends there

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by bajabound2005]

We mised you!. Got there at about 11:00. Saw a LOT of bikes on the old road that were headed north when we continued south. Stopped at Puerto Nuevo for tequila and could hardly park for all the bicicletas strewn about. Muchos gentes pedaling. :dudette:

elgatoloco - 6-14-2011 at 11:35 AM

Quote:

We now return you to the regularly scheduled programming; the internet p**ing match.

[Edited on 6-11-2011 by Gypsy Jan]

I miss Hugo's loud greeting of "hey guero!" when I would arrive for my fix. I will certainly give his place a try next time. I thought I had heard from somone that he opened up in TJ somewhere? When I first 'discovered' Yaqui's in 1987 or 88 Senor Yaqui was making the perrones himself and when he ran out of meat for the day he closed. It made it tough to plan because sometimes he ran out at 2 sometimes he was there until 4, you never knew and that was part of the adventure. The wife and I were greeted warmly by Yaqui by name on Saturday and our guests from Switzerland were a bit skeptical of all things Baja at first, including dining establishments where you walked up to the counter and ordered food that was cooked and prepared right in front of you. After the first bite of a perrone and certainly by the end of our 'sport eating' weekend they were trying to figure out when they could make it back down. I personally noticed no significant change in taste,quality,service at Yaqui over the years but a perrone is not rocket science especially compared to say, chicken fried steak? :saint:

I enjoy reading all of your and others dining reviews and always looking for someplace new and interesting to try. Someday I suspect I will see you sitting across the dining room somewhere down in the Baja for sure. :dudette:

RosaritoKen - 6-14-2011 at 05:34 PM

I thought as an actual resident of Rosarito, I'd respond.

Unless you are a friend of the "grasshopper" and want to involve yourself in his business, you are not likely to deal with his friends.

Nothing wrong with Ensenada... I went there last weekend. For those who chose not to travel that far, Rosarito is safe, pleasant, and convienient. For all the good things about other cities, the apparent fact remains that the largest number of foreign residents, primarily north americans, reside here in Rosarito. The thing speaks for itself.

To answer your question directly, I presume you are planning on renting in a secure location. If you are in a gated community then I don't think you need worry about car theft. I am not aware of problems even in non-gated neighborhoods, but I think a stranger who is not familiar with the area should take that precaution. As far as it goes, some of the people posting here are also on other boards bemoaning crime in their neighborhoods... break-ins and thefts. So rent in a gated, secure community... not one that is open with just a "guard" walking around blowing a whistle.

I would locate in a populated area... not rural. If you are around others similarly situated it is easier to adjust... so between Puerto Nuevo vs. Rosarito, I encourage closer to town... but really, if you hang out at Ruben', Pescador, Boby's, Splash, etc., you will find gringos there dining and drinking into the evening, regularly, having fun, and getting home just fine.

Make no mistake... I am a fan of Baja... Rosarito in particular. But I have no business to promote... nothing to sell. I am a fan because I have enjoyed my life here for 10 years or so without problem. I am not unique.

As far as how the media covers something... it is drug dealer vs. drug dealer... not folks like you and me enjoying lobster, fish tacos, and an adult beverage. So be just as cautious as you would be in a strange place and avoid becoming a victim of everyday crime... it is really not that difficult.

Feel free to write if you want specific thoughts... glad to help.