BajaNomad

G-20 Cabo

thefishaholic - 6-3-2012 at 08:09 AM

Recieved this G-20 info from friends.

Saturday, 02 June, 2012 14:25
Written by Ali Ordonez
We attended a security informational meeting yesterday at Fiesta Americana, held by the Official Organizers of G-20: Lic. Julio Camarena & Chief of Staff General Miranda

The following are the most important notes from the meeting

1.The toll road will be closed from the 14th – 19th of June. This will be open only to those transporting delegations. Anyone who needs to go to the airport will have to use the old route through San Jose Del Cabo
2.The Convention center will be open for the G 20 summit
3.All beaches including access to beaches from the Holiday Inn (Known before as the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel, next to the estuary) allt he way to Punta Ballena will be restricted from the 12th – 20th of June
4.Highest concentration of Security will be in Cabo del Sol & Punta Ballena
5.Anyone who hasn’t submitted the names of staff by the 5th of June, of those who work inside of the developments or whom have any dealings with resorts where dignitaries are staying will NOT be able to access from the 12th until the 20th of June
6.You must carry official identification with you at all times when in Cabo from the 12th on
7.From the 15th until the 20th of June during the evening, there will be various events, concerts, movie screenings, ballet & exhibits at the cultural pavilion located in down town Cabo. All functions are open to the public & free
8.The Cabo San lucas bay & port will remain open as usual until further notice, possibly expect it to close on the 18th & 19th, but it is not official
9.All schools, hospitals & regular businesses will remain open, unless a decision is made by the actual institution
10.There will be no boat traffic allowed east of Misiones del Cabo towards the Estuary close to shore, but further out at sea it will be open for navigation
11.This means that the popular snorkeling spots like Santa Maria, Chileno Bay & surf spots like El Tule, Acapulquito, the Rock & Zippers will not be accessible from the 12th until the 20th
12.The Cabo San Lucas FBO (MMLS) is where all private jets will have to arrive who are not attending the G20
13.Be prepared to wait in traffic, so leave at least 30-45 min before your meetings or appointments, there will possibly be various check points along the highway
14.Don’t forget to smile, this is an unprecedented event in our destination,which we are certain will be a catalyst to re active foreign investment on our shores, in the near future
15.We thank all the authorities for the hard work & for bringing this event to our destination & we will keep you abreast if anything changes
16.If you are here during this event & want to venture out, there are so many places to see along the pacific coast towards Cerritos, Pescadero & Todos Santos and towards the east you have Santiago, Miraflores, Los Barriles, Bay Of Dreams, La Ventana & La Paz.

Federales have taken over the abandoned apts in front of Missiones and another apt/commercial building just west of Costco. Troops are being trucked all over town but no check points yet.

Do we stay or should we go?

David K - 6-3-2012 at 09:31 AM

In June? Wow, great... I had heard July a while back... Makes things nicer if we get that far south on our July vacation!

Thanks for the post!

Bajahowodd - 6-3-2012 at 04:00 PM

Two observations:

First is that closing the toll road completely is just plain crazy.

Second, timeshare owners at Hacienda Del Mar ought to seriously consider trading their time, if they booked for that week.

The convention center there has hosted a number of high profile get-togethers over the year, including one that was attended by GWB.

But, unless the timeshare owners are willing to become captive in their units, not being able to easily drive off or into the property, let them be beware.

willardguy - 6-3-2012 at 04:07 PM

third, at least they're not closing amnesia!

DavidE - 6-3-2012 at 04:11 PM

Wonder how much money this is going to bring into that local economy? Governmental prestige and ego aside.

yellowklr - 6-3-2012 at 07:47 PM

I'll be there for that time so I'll give a full report

BornFisher - 6-3-2012 at 08:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by yellowklr
I'll be there for that time so I'll give a full report

Derek-- Hope you don`t get stuck in all that mess. Looks like I`ll slide (arrive the 22nd with 30 others for one BIG party)!
I have no clue what this event is or who is protesting. But the party will continue, I know that.

karenintx - 6-3-2012 at 09:15 PM

We received the same email this morning. You can bet it will cause some delays, detours and other things, but only for a few days. Actually, we are using the G-20 meeting to tell our friends NOB that Baja is safe. We tell them..."If it is safe enough for the leaders of 20+ nations, then you know it is safe!''

You can bet I will be staying closer to home for a few days.

Be forewarned if coming to Los Cabos

bajajudy - 6-8-2012 at 10:13 AM

The Federales are everywhere with check points. Since I live here, I am thankful that they are, hopefully, making sure that there are no problems with the G20. The last thing we need is another Seattle.
So if you are here or coming, be sure to bring your patience with you and remember that many of the world leaders will be here and they need to be protected.
Just a heads up!

gnukid - 6-8-2012 at 10:31 AM

This week a hummer rolled killing two marines and police were involved in a shooting of a marine following another car incident.

There are rallys for democracia and peace by the coalition yosoy#132.

http://www.oem.com.mx/elsudcaliforniano/notas/n2571476.htm

http://colectivopericu.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/detalles-de-...

http://colectivopericu.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/bronconon-en...

http://colectivopericu.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/la-balacera-...

http://colectivopericu.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/tragedia-de-...

http://colectivopericu.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/la-marcha-de...

bajajudy - 6-8-2012 at 11:30 AM

Yosoy#132 sounds like good cause. I am a child of the 60's so I am not against protests but I was and still am against violence.

Cypress - 6-8-2012 at 11:48 AM

What does the "G20" do? They hold meetings:?: and? Who picks up their tab? Who are they?

woody with a view - 6-8-2012 at 11:52 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-20_major_economies

just a bunch of rich guys getting rich(er).

bajajudy - 6-8-2012 at 12:03 PM

They are 12 more than G8.
I am not proponent of these meetings; just trying to make anyone's life easier who is coming down here.

maspacifico - 6-8-2012 at 12:05 PM

rich getting richer....nice

I was in town yesterday and ate at one of the places on the way to the airport. Good way to unwind before the trip back home. Two Federal Police trucks pull in, three guys with three entertaining ladies sit down, three more guys with machine guns eyeball everyone in the restaurant and spread out inside. Three more armed guys outside. Very relaxing.

woody with a view - 6-8-2012 at 12:19 PM

kinda like Obama being at Pt Mugu yesterday. secret service profilers checking id's at the gate dressed like normal guards. or so i was told....

DavidE - 6-8-2012 at 12:21 PM

"THE GOLDEN RULE". They don't trust each other either. They have to have periodic communal forums where "everyone" gets to listen in on their own "philosophy" of economics. Communal declarations of camaraderie so that later after the conference there may be less double-dealing.

karenintx - 6-8-2012 at 12:29 PM

If this has already been posted then please disregard. Lots of talk and rumors are going around the CSL area. People are saying the Federal Police are impounding foreign registered cars. Here is a "New Flash" from The Gringo Gazette.

Rumors of foreign registered cars impounded

So far these appear to be just rumors, but we have suggestions if you are stopped.

Stories are circulating that United States registered cars without proper insurance or up-to-date registration stickers on their plates are being impounded by the federal police. The Gringo Gazette called the offices of the federal police and requested an emergency meeting. This is the result of that meeting.

Inspector Sergio Ceseña denies any cars have been impounded for registration or insurance infractions. He states that the Mexican police have no authority over American registration issues and can’t even give you a ticket for expired registration. Car registration issues are handled by customs agents and customs is not in collusion with the police, nor do they go out looking for registration irregularities, they work at points of entry to the country.

Cesena does admit that the federal police do have access to the U.S. motor vehicle department records and they often check the VIN numbers of cars to see if the car has been reported stolen in the United States. The police can not access this information from their police cars, but they can call their headquarters from the car and wait for the information to be radioed back to them. They can also check to see if you are wanted for any crimes through NCIC, the United States’ National Crime Information Center. Cesena states that between January and May of this year, approximately 11 stolen vehicles were impounded.

Sub-Official Adriana Perez works in this office and speaks excellent English. You may contact her at 624-146-1241 and 624-146-1240. Our advise is, carry this number and name with you, and call them if you feel the federal police are treating you unfairly.

For the G20, several hundred federal police, along with their cars and equipment, have been ferried here from the mainland to support our small contingent of federal agents that normally patrol the federal highway and the federal airport. This increased federal police presence is what has so many foreigners freaked out. These police are setting up checkpoints looking, not for insurance or stickers, but for guns and drugs. Some of those checkpoints have machines that can scan cars for contraband. The total number of federal officers now on duty is about 350. This does not include the Sedena (National Defense forces), or the state police whose numbers have been increased as well.

These officers will be engaged in check points as far away as Todos Santos and Los Barrilles and again, they are looking for bad guys, guns, and drugs, not insurance and stickers. Legally, your car can be taken from you only when you have caused damage to public property, as in hitting a lamp post or federal highway signage.

The GG has been unable to speak to anyone who has had their car taken from them. And we have looked. We have made numerous phone calls, trying to track these rumors of impounded cars, and we can not find anybody who as had their car taken. All we can find is people who claim to have heard about someone who has had their car taken. But they can’t even come up with the name of the person who allegedly had their car taken. This looks like just a case of runaway rumors.

If anyone reading this knows of anyone who has had their car taken, and can come up with a name and phone number for this person, please call Carrie on my cellie at 624 177 1910 or email me at carrie@gringogazette.com.


The other "rumor" we have been hearing is the Mx Federal Police are working with the California DMV to cross check and find counterfeit license plate stickers on California vehicles. If this is true you can bet South Dakota will be busy with new clients!

We have also noticed if a car has dark tinted windows, foreign or Mexican plated, the Feds pull that car over...they don't have to do anything wrong just have dark tinted windows. Something they have never done here.

I am only passing along what we are hearing...hopefully it is helpful.

[Edited on 6-8-2012 by karenintx]

DavidE - 6-8-2012 at 01:30 PM

Third paragraph should be re-worded "Mexican Police" to "Federal Mexican Police" meaning the PFP and SSP.


Both estados de Bajas have state laws allowing state, municipio, and local transitos to cite drivers of extraneous motor vehicles who do not display and have proof of current license plate tags from their home state*. Not all police enforce this law. The ones that do, have lawful sanction to do so.

*A current and legal temporary motor vehicle import permit with hologram exempts extraneous motor vehicles from the rule stated above.

Hope this helps

bajajudy - 6-8-2012 at 01:50 PM

"We have also noticed if a car has dark tinted windows, foreign or Mexican plated, the Feds pull that car over...they don't have to do anything wrong just have dark tinted windows. Something they have never done here."

This is perfectly legal because when you register your car here, you have to be in the car and the police check to make sure that you dont have dark windows. While I was there getting my vehicles registered, I saw 2 people with razor blades removing the dark coatings so they could get their cars registered.
So if you have dark windows, they have every right to pull you over.

karenintx

john/gerda - 6-8-2012 at 03:48 PM

Read the post here from Karenintx,,,,wanted to say thanks for the in-depth and informative post...... j

karenintx - 6-8-2012 at 04:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajajudy

This is perfectly legal because when you register your car here, you have to be in the car and the police check to make sure that you dont have dark windows. While I was there getting my vehicles registered, I saw 2 people with razor blades removing the dark coatings so they could get their cars registered.
So if you have dark windows, they have every right to pull you over.


Yes, we are aware of the law...just making a remark on an observation.

The other day the Feds had set up a road block. Several gringos were handing out cold bottles of water to the guys. They would smile real big then practice their English with "Thank You."

We are not bothered with the increase of police. Actually there is about 300 Feds living 150 yards from us. They have been very polite and friendly. One of them gave us his cell phone #, how cool was that! Of course my hubby immediately called to see if it worked. Sure enough the phone started ringing...we all laughed.

John/Gerda...Your welcome. Glad you found it helpful.

[Edited on 6-8-2012 by karenintx]

Headin North

thefishaholic - 6-8-2012 at 06:37 PM

We passed 1 Federale bus and 3 Military convoy's (6-12 trucks loaded w.troops) today between Mulege and San Quintin.

gnukid - 6-8-2012 at 09:16 PM

The rumors about USA plated vehicles being harassed and impounded in the vicinity of SJD and Cabo is likely due to the fact that Federal Police have been harassing USA plated vehicles who entered the airport or the toll road, and surrounding regions, even those with correct plates, tags, DL and based on no infraction. The Federal cops would stop every vehicle and claim the tags are wrong even when they are right.

These incidents were mentioned here. I experienced it as did others. The Feds use an intimidation tactic and threaten to impound the vehicle. Though I do not know of them actually doing so ever.

The Federal Cop harassment of USA plated cars became so laughable, that literally the Feds were laughing outloud talking complete nonsense while the tourists laughed back in their face.

This occurred while families were loading and unloading, in every case I witnessed, Feds made it clear, they just wanted to play games and hoped for cash. Kids were crying, women were angry and it was a sad scene repeated daily.

We were always, very serious, polite, and refused the tactic as well as let them know they were seriously damaging they reputation of the region and it would not go unnoticed.

It seemed so constant and idiotic that it had to be condoned and orchestrated and well understood that it was communicated to Federal Police time to harass USA plated cars.

So sad, that so much nonsense occurs with these guys in Cabo, they hurt themselves, damage their reputation and fail to understand that people are taking photos, recording video and do recall their faces, names, id and vehicle numbers and it hurts the reputation of Mexico, Cabo and the Federal Police very badly-what a total joke. G20 may the be reason.

I had children crying as well as families and seniors, who lost all faith in the Federal police over the last year in Cabo. There is nothing more sad than to see a child see that federal police are not good guys. More than once I witnessed parents explaining to children that these are not actually the good police-these are fakes.

There is no surprise to the Gringo Gazette concerns. G20 has a bad rap, Feds have bad rap, Cabo has a bad rap. For those of us who live here and enjoy Cabo, this is very very sad.

There is a solution, always stand up to police corruption, demand identification. Take photos, immediately write down all facts and publish it everywhere. Take it as a serious offense to your well being freedom and right to transit. Call and write TV, news, radio and report your factual experience here and everywhere and provide photos and video. Name names. Enough is enough with these criminals.



[Edited on 6-9-2012 by gnukid]

bajachris - 6-8-2012 at 10:35 PM

Hot off the press from Discover Baja



Dear Discover Baja Members:

A member forwarded this important information to those traveling in Los Cabos June 12 though 20.

2012 G20 Summit in Los Cabos, 18-19 June 2012

The Group of 20 (G20) Summit of the world's twenty major economies will take place in Los Cabos, Mexico to discuss economic issues. It will be the first such summit to occur in Latin America. The G20 comprises: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa , The European Union, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

The Summit will involve crowds and heightened security:
1. The toll road will be closed from the 14th - 19th of June. This will be open only to those transporting delegations. Anyone who
needs to go to the airport will have to use the old route through San Jose Del Cabo.
2. The Convention center will be open for the G 20 summit.

3. All beaches including access to beaches from the Holiday Inn (Known before as the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel, next to the estuary)
all the way to Punta Ballena will be restricted from the 12th - 20th of June.

4. Highest concentration of Security will be in Cabo del Sol & Punta Ballena.

5. You must carry official identification with you at all times when in Cabo from the 12th on.

6. From the 15th until the 20th of June during the evening, there will be various events, concerts, movie screenings, ballet & exhibits at the
cultural pavilion located in down town Cabo. All functions are open to the public & free.

7. The Cabo San Lucas bay & port will remain open as usual until further notice -- possible closure on the 18th & 19th, but it is not
official.

9. All schools, hospitals & regular businesses will remain open, unless a decision is made by the actual institution.

10. There will be no boat traffic allowed east of Misiones del Cabo towards the Estuary close to shore, but further out at sea it will be open
for navigation.

11. This means that the popular snorkeling spots like Santa Maria, Chileno Bay & surf spots like El Tule, Acapulquito, the Rock & Zippers will
not be accessible from the 12th until the 20th.

12. The Cabo San Lucas FBO (MMLS) is where all private jets will have to arrive for any who are not attending the G20.

13. Be prepared to wait in traffic, so leave at least 30-45 min before your meetings or appointments, there will possibly be various check points
along the highway.

Be safe and happy,
Discover Baja Staff

Discover Baja Travel Club
(619) 275-4225
(800) 727-2252
(858) 458-0722 Fax
www.discoverbaja.com

Become a fan on Facebook
www.facebook.com/discoverbaja

who goes to cabo at that time of year ???

captkw - 6-8-2012 at 10:40 PM

if anyone goes to cabo or san jose del cabo:cool: at this time of year?? get a grip !! I hope you like HOT !! K & T..:cool:

oxxo - 6-9-2012 at 04:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
if anyone goes to cabo or san jose del cabo:cool: at this time of year?? get a grip !! I hope you like HOT !! K & T..:cool:


I like it hot.

bajajudy - 6-9-2012 at 06:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
if anyone goes to cabo or san jose del cabo:cool: at this time of year?? get a grip !! I hope you like HOT !! K & T..:cool:


Me too:P

HOT

captkw - 6-9-2012 at 06:31 AM

HOLA,Myself leave april 1st and thats getting warm enough for me !!we all have are own comfort zones and thermastats !!

karenintx - 6-9-2012 at 07:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
if anyone goes to cabo or san jose del cabo:cool: at this time of year?? get a grip !! I hope you like HOT !! K & T..:cool:


There are lots of people that come to Cabo at this time of year...the planes are full. Guess they like it hot too! I probably don't like it has hot as OXXO & Baja Judy but I can handle the heat. If not, I just sit in the a/c and look at the ocean through the patio glass door!

We have been lucky when going to SJD...as much as we make that trip we have never been harassed on the way highway, toll road or at the airport. Call me crazy but as I drive into the airport I smile real big and wave to the Feds. Guess I am lucky. I have noticed the Feds pull over people with Onappafa stickers...both Mexican and Gringo.

Last night while BBQ-ing on the patio we watch a couple of dozen Feds walking down to the beach with towels. Some got in the water while others sat on the beach to watch the surfers. A few of them waited until after dark to start back up the hill. Good thing a couple of them had brought along their flashlights. They were having a difficult time determining which trail to use to get back to the top...it was cheap entertainment.

SFandH - 6-9-2012 at 07:57 AM

An important question!!

Do the cops have breathalyzers?

gnukid - 6-9-2012 at 09:59 AM

These fed cops in the region of SJD would come up to the car saying "open container, open container? One empty bottle and everyone goes to jail." They would demand to search to the vehicle, and really there are just trying to delay your trip to irritate you into giving them a donation. We say don't look in the cooler, don't look inthe cooler, then they open it and one wiff and they turn.

There are occasional breathalyser checkpoints along the way in downtown and on the transpeninsular. More often on a weekend.

[Edited on 6-9-2012 by gnukid]

DavidE - 6-9-2012 at 10:41 AM

Just say..

SSP cops are usually more professional than PFP who are most likely trainees. Both are policía federal, the latter have jurisdiction on federal highways, marked "Cargo de SCT"

They as with every other cop have a right to search a motor vehicle.

They have a responsibility to do it professionally.

It is a delito grave, to solicit money or other recompense of any form. They can be canned and go to prison for doing so. This law is no longer a joke. They mean it.

Drunk drivers should go to jail IMHO. Containers do not get popped inside a car for their air freshener qualities. SI TOME NO MANAJE is a good law, it saves lives. Cars that get towed go to the corralon. Cars that have felonies against the driver go to the corralon federal.

karenintx - 6-9-2012 at 10:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
These fed cops in the region of SJD would come up to the car saying "open container, open container? One empty bottle and everyone goes to jail." They would demand to search to the vehicle, and really there are just trying to delay your trip to irritate you into giving them a donation. We say don't look in the cooler, don't look inthe cooler, then they open it and one wiff and they turn.

There are occasional breathalyser checkpoints along the way in downtown and on the transpeninsular. More often on a weekend.

[Edited on 6-9-2012 by gnukid]


Funny you should talk about the open container. Lots of our friends ask us to have "a cold one" waiting for them in the car. I always tell them "Sorry I can't do that but here is what we can do...wait 45 minutes until we get to the house, sit at the Corona Bar (inside Terminal One) so you can have a cold one or you can always take a taxi!" So far every one of them have waited 45 minutes for a cold one.

I do explain to them why it is not worth "a cold one" and they understand.

Thanks for sharing this info...maybe I should keep a stinky cooler in the car just in case I am stopped!

Bajahowodd - 6-9-2012 at 04:27 PM

People come to Cabo this time of year? Thank the time share people who have successfully sold 52 weeks of every room. Not to mention that as was already mentioned, some like it hot.

On top of that, for many NOB, scholl lets out and it becomes a time for family vacations.

That said, the G-20 presents a double edged sword for Mexico. The revel in the publicity of being host nation. On the other hand, if, perchance, some act of terrorism was to occur, it would provide a huge blemish on the image of Mexico.

Hence the huge lock down.

I mentioned it on another thread some time back. My understanding is that the convention center mentioned is the one on the Sheraton/ Hacienda Del Mar property. There is really only a single access point to this convention center. So, I have to wonder if the hundreds of time share unit owners were either banned from being there that week, or were warned that should the be there, they will become virtual prisoners.

bajajudy - 6-9-2012 at 05:19 PM

"My understanding is that the convention center mentioned is the one on the Sheraton/ Hacienda Del Mar property." This is not correct

There is a brand new convention center that has been built on the cuota very close to Mex #1. Right across from the Mega complex.

They actually turned the big yellow bow so it faces the cuota and have painted it purple, apparently the color of G20.

The highway between San Jose and San Lucas has been spruced up. Native plants planted in the median surrounded by white stones.

There must be 10,000 barrel cactus being used for landscaping. Jeez when we bought our's, they were $30usd each.

Today they were painting the curbs along the highway....by hand, of course.

[Edited on 6-10-2012 by bajajudy]

oxxo - 6-9-2012 at 05:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
These fed cops in the region of SJD would come up to the car saying "open container, open container? One empty bottle and everyone goes to jail." They would demand to search to the vehicle, and really there are just trying to delay your trip to irritate you into giving them a donation. We say don't look in the cooler, don't look inthe cooler, then they open it and one wiff and they turn.

There are occasional breathalyser checkpoints along the way in downtown and on the transpeninsular. More often on a weekend.

[Edited on 6-9-2012 by gnukid]


What on earth are you talking about? I live here pretty much full time, I think you live in La Paz. In the last 6 years I have never seen a breathalyser checkpoint anywhere in the Los Cabos area. Maybe they have them on New Years eve, but I don't go out then - either in Mexico or the US.

I probably go to the SJD airport as much as anyone on this forum. I have never been hassled by the Feds other than motioning me to move (they don't even get out of their car) when I am double parked illegally waiting for someone.

I have been hassled by the La Paz police three times in the last two years on bogus charges. They wanted cash and I refused. They sent me on my way when they saw I wasn't going to play their game. They are looking for "pigeons" who will pay up immediately and pay big.

It is very plain to see how rumors get started by people who don't even live in the area.

oxxo - 6-9-2012 at 06:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There is really only a single access point to this convention center. So, I have to wonder if the hundreds of time share unit owners were either banned from being there that week, or were warned that should the be there, they will become virtual prisoners.


Totally incorrect information. As miamiga Judy says, the new Convention Center is off the toll road near Club Campestre in San Jose. In fact, a friend is building a house at Club Campestre that is about 200 yards from the Center. He and his workers will have full access to the job site throughout the meeting. I live at a development that is hosting the Russian delegation. I have full access to all facilities and I am free to come and go as I please (with proper I.D.).

[Edited on 6-10-2012 by oxxo]

DavidE - 6-9-2012 at 06:57 PM

Some of this info seems to infer that Mexico and the G-20 is akin to a tribal pow pow in the deepest darkest gloom of the Congo. Both the host and the guests are acutely aware that they are in the glare of the world spotlight. There must be thousand reporters down there on their hands and knees every morning praying that something bad, a real faux paus will happen so they can cap an exclusive.

You can bet the cops and the military tell their men that their hind end is on the line if they should be accused of misconduct. Mexican presidents do not like to lose face. I mean they *really* do not like to lose face in the eyes of the world.

BCSTech - 6-10-2012 at 06:19 AM

Posted in the June 08 Baja Western Onion:
Quote:
G20 Summit Information Corrections - Lic. Julio Camarena Villaseñor, G20 Chancellor and the SRE's Oficial Mayor, was interviewed (bilingual) Sunday June 3 on Cabo Mil's Los Cabos Now and made a specific point of refuting/correcting the widely-circulated information on the Lifestyle Villas blog [written by Ali Ordonez, and quoted at the start of this thread] and reprinted in the June 5 edition of the Baja Western Onion. He was particularly concerned regarding inaccurate dates, incomplete or distorted information, and hyperbole regarding beach closures.

The Camarena interview is available as a podcast at http://www.cabomil.com.mx - from the homepage go to the podcast page, choose June 3 from the calendar and the time 1900 / 1930. There is a slider bar to advance the podcast. (As far as I know, the interview is not yet on the main podcast list.). There is also important information in the podcast missing from the list, especially regarding the high security polygon from the Convention Center through to and along Paseo San Jose, San Jose's beachfront boulevard.

Clarifications from the interview (Courtesy Baja Tips Weekly):

1. The toll road will be closed from the 15th – 19th of June. This will be open only to those transporting delegations. Anyone who needs to go to the airport will have to use the old route through San Jose Del Cabo.
2. Some of the beach accesses in front of the hotels where the government heads will be staying will be restricted from the 15th – 20th of June. Those hotels are One and Only Palmilla, Marquis, Fiesta Americana, Sheraton, Ventanas, Esperanza, and Westin.
3. Other locations with heightened security will be the Hilton, headquarters for the B20 (Businesses) and the Cabo San Lucas Cultural Pavillion where the NGO’s will be convening as well as scheduled concerts and performances. From June 15th-20th, during the evenings, there will be various events, concerts, movie screenings, ballet & exhibits at the Cultural Pavilion located in down town Cabo. All functions are open to the public & free.
4. Highest concentration of Security will be present on June 17,18, and 19, from the new Convention Center off the airport toll road in San Jose to the area around Hotel Barcelo, where the G20 headquarters is located, and around Hotel El Faro, the International Press Center.
5. All names of staff working at any of the resorts or who supply the hotels, need to fill out an accreditation form available at the Accreditation Center at Hotel Mayan, or will not be allowed onto the premises. You must carry the accreditation on you at all times. This does not apply to condominiums in those areas.
6. There will be maritime restrictions around the 7 hotels mentioned above, as well as Barcelo and El Faro. No maritime restrictions in Cabo San Lucas harbor. No private planes will be allowed to land in SJD, but be directed to land in CSL airport instead.
7. All schools, hospitals & regular businesses will remain open, unless a decision is made by the actual institution
8. This means that the popular snorkeling spots like Santa Maria, Chileno Bay & surf spots like El Tule, Acapulquito, the Rock & Zippers will not be accessible from the 15th until the 20th
9. Be prepared to wait in traffic, so leave at least 30-45 min before your meetings or appointments, there will possibly be various check points along the highway.

Saludos, - Sabrina Lear, English Language Programming, Radio Cabo Mil 96.3 FM, loscabosnow@sabrinalear.com, (624) 145 7963, www.cabomil.com.mx

Note there was a further correction from Sabrina to the above info:
Quote:
This line is incorrect:

"This means that the popular snorkeling spots like Santa Maria, Chileno Bay & surf spots like El Tule, Acapulquito, the Rock & Zippers will not be accessible from the 15th until the 20th."

Lic. Camarena clearly stated in the interview that beach restrictions only apply to the official host hotels and Barcelo/El Grand Faro. Lic. C said that the above beaches/surf spots and Medano Beach will not be affected and that all other beaches will be open unless they are at a host resort.

Thanks! - Sabrina

Bajahowodd - 6-10-2012 at 03:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by oxxo
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
There is really only a single access point to this convention center. So, I have to wonder if the hundreds of time share unit owners were either banned from being there that week, or were warned that should the be there, they will become virtual prisoners.


Totally incorrect information. As miamiga Judy says, the new Convention Center is off the toll road near Club Campestre in San Jose. In fact, a friend is building a house at Club Campestre that is about 200 yards from the Center. He and his workers will have full access to the job site throughout the meeting. I live at a development that is hosting the Russian delegation. I have full access to all facilities and I am free to come and go as I please (with proper I.D.).

[Edited on 6-10-2012 by oxxo]


Gawd! I'm guilty of a brain fart. Fact is that oxxo did tell me about the new convention center many months ago.

That said, I was just reading that as of May 31, it was 80% complete. Talk about tight deadlines! It is designed to accommodate up to 6,000 people. Yikes!

Sadly, it is its location that prompt the closure of the toll road from the airport, in that it is very near the intersection of the toll road and highway 1 in San Jose. Great planning. The traffic on the old road was bad enough.

One of the articles I read did indicate that the greatest concentration of security was to be at Cabo Del Sol and Punta Ballena. It was also rumored that the US delegation was to stay at Punta Ballena, which I find humorous from the fact that it was not all that many months ago when the authorities raided a home at Punta Ballena only to have just missed one of the top cartel honchos, who had apparently been residing there for quite some time.