BajaNomad

La Paz Cartel activity -Safety and well being

Lengua - 1-27-2015 at 11:59 AM

La Paz Citizens , what's the latest and greatest on the Cartel activity? Does it appear under control ? Do you feel safe walking the Malecon at Night ? what about visiting your favorite restaurant -Do you fear that a gunman looking for a rival gang member may show up and spray the place with bullets ?

Just how bad is it down there?.......

Your honest responses are appreciated!

Thanks ,

Mike

gnukid - 1-27-2015 at 12:59 PM

Read all about it

http://colectivopericu.net

http://www.bcsnoticias.mx/lapaz/

rts551 - 1-27-2015 at 01:26 PM

http://colectivopericu.net/2015/01/26/resumen-de-los-hechos-...

for recent news. First paragraph

.-The last 48 hours have been panic in the city, has left two drug deaths and two injuries, but also have unleashed gunfire between criminals and persecution of others who had to be subdued by police with gun shots, causing fear, distrust various events promoted by organized crime apparently has taken over La Paz.

Oh and do not shoot the messenger -

[Edited on 1-27-2015 by rts551]

DianaT - 1-27-2015 at 01:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551  


Oh and do not shoot the messenger -

[Edited on 1-27-2015 by rts551]


Killjoy. :biggrin::biggrin:

It really is sad to see so much violence happening there. :no::no:

weebray - 1-27-2015 at 04:37 PM

We're just hunkered down in the root cellar. We wait until it's full daylight then dash down to the local tienda for staples.

Cappy - 1-27-2015 at 05:54 PM

That's the saddest news about a place named "LA PAZ"

AKgringo - 1-27-2015 at 06:31 PM

There shouldn't be much to worry about, after all, Mexico gun laws are FAR stricter than any gun control laws being considered in the US!
That has to make La Paz safer than an American port city of that size....doesn't it?

willardguy - 1-27-2015 at 06:36 PM

it can't be all bad, it forced weebray underground! ;)

monoloco - 1-27-2015 at 06:38 PM

Borderland Beat featured a 4 part report on what's going on in La Paz, narco groups are enjoying impunity because they are working with state police officials and politicians. The state government of BCS is about as corrupt as you can get.

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2015/01/seido-target-hitmen-in...

bajabuddha - 1-27-2015 at 06:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
There shouldn't be much to worry about, after all, Mexico gun laws are FAR stricter than any gun control laws being considered in the US!
That has to make La Paz safer than an American port city of that size....doesn't it?


Like Chicago?

Or New Orleans?

Ever taken a human life yet, or only wishing? Scumbags, shoot-em-all.

Then remember their faces.

La Paz is only another travesty in man's inhumanity to man, and all the NRA of the world is not going to fix it; just exacerbate.

I own guns, BTW. A 30.06 for deer and elk. A shotgun for popping a cartridge at a partridge. A .22 Hi-Standard pistol and a .25 cal. cabbage-buster boot-gun (last two, unwanted gifts). Sold my .357 years ago knowing i'd eventually use it.

I suggest the NRA forms a formal legal 'contractor' business, internationally licensed, for the REAL patriots of this world to sign on, go to foreign lands (as well as our own, of course!!!! Like the border regions, for instance) and PUT UP OR SHUT UP. BE A WARRIOR. Find out what it's really like to DO rather than dream or flap lips.

Notice, this is not just b-tchin' about 'what-ifs' but an actual answer to problems wrought. Lock 'n' load.

baja Steve - 1-27-2015 at 09:42 PM

Just spent the last 6 weeks working in La Paz. Was out all over town even after dark. Came across a couple of problem areas but never felt unsafe. Just go have fun and don't listen to all the reports from people that just rumors.

Cliffy - 1-27-2015 at 11:20 PM

Detroit kills more by far than any other city and it's all driven by drugs. I won't go there nor will I go to south central Los Angeles even in the day time. You pays your money and you takes you chances!

paranewbi - 1-28-2015 at 05:34 AM

Sat in my living room yesterday and watched on the evening news about a Mom who killed her three kids, a Dad who killed his family and then himself, a daughter convicted of murdering her mom, a young mother who held her 18 month old son under water in the bath tub 3 TIMES! because he survived the first two and between each attempt snuggled him on her bed!

Seems to me we might start keeping an eye on those we sit around the Thanksgiving table with.

I love La Paz and plan on going every chance I get.

rts551 - 1-28-2015 at 07:54 AM

Don't quiet understand why it is OK to go to a certain area just because it is worse or the same somewhere else. If that was the case you would vacation in Yemen because Syria is holding hostages.

Why wouldn't you want to be aware of rising tensions in certain areas of Mexico and Baja?

Alan - 1-28-2015 at 11:34 AM

I'm afraid I don't have any current info as I haven't been there since Thanksgiving. However at that time the body count was somewhere about 40. Obviously this has been a significant concern for all Pacenos. At least for me, I found it comforting to see the huge presence of Policia Federale. It is good to see the issue was at least being addressed to the best of their ability.

Typically in La Paz you may see 4 or 5 Federal vehicles in town and they mostly just inspect trucks coming off the ferry. When I was down in October and November federal police were everywhere, in vehicles and even walking foot patrols along the malecon. I would estimate well over 100 federal officers as well as an increased presence of State Police.

I personally still feel safe in La Paz albeit not as safe as years past and at the moment I have no intention of changing any habits. I'm flying back down in the morning and will have a chance to talk with my neighbors. I can only hope right now that conditions are improving.

gnukid - 1-28-2015 at 11:38 AM

The difference between the violence NOB and SOB is that in La Paz the violence is highly organized and controlled. There are not random people shooting at random people, reportedly the sicarios have a binder with photos, identifiable marks, tattoos, etc. with targeted individuals and freedom to move as desired. It seems to be a well orchestrated plan for destabilization of local status quo in order to bring in (external) control. Tourists / non-participants are not targeted.

BajaGringo - 1-28-2015 at 12:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by gnukid  
Tourists / non-participants are not targeted.



I agree, but as I well know, it doesn't always work out that way.

I love this peninsula as much as anybody and have zero plans on leaving. But that doesn't keep me from wanting to be informed of what is going on with local crime, just as I want to know about the weather, road conditions, local politics and events.

There has been a recent spike in crime in La Paz and based on reports of many expats who live there, it is an issue. La Paz most likely still is much safer than many US cities but that doesn't change the fact that it has changed as of late. Let's pray that trend changes soon - maybe with the coming elections we will see some positive results.

I always paid attention to local crime reports when I lived NOB. Why would I want to stop just because I live in Mexico now? The better informed I am, the greater my chances of avoiding becoming a victim IMHO...


[Edited on 1-28-2015 by BajaGringo]

danaeb - 1-28-2015 at 01:09 PM

I just returned to San Diego from two weeks in La Paz. My observations: Business as usual in the stores, but a noticeable lack of pedestrians (locals and tourists) along the malecon. In fact the majority of pedestrians were groups of 3-4 federales on foot.

Sweetwater - 1-28-2015 at 01:33 PM

La Paz has always been my Baja destination and then I turn around and go norte'. I've never been to Cabo and have no real interest in it. I've enjoyed Carnaval multiple times....hope this current batch of problems do not spill onto that venue....

How are the plans for this years Carnaval progressing?

Jack Swords - 1-28-2015 at 01:52 PM

I run the malecon at 5 in the mornjng every day. Been doing this for the past 16 years. I see many of the same people every day. Do not see any difference over other years. My wife and I walk from the marina down the malecon to the ice cream store..la fuente...and sit down to enjoy the ice cream. Again, the malecon is like other years, particularly around 7 to 8 at night. When a cruise ship is in ....16 this year...the malecon is crowded, yet they do not stray up into town.

rts551 - 1-28-2015 at 02:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Jack Swords  
I run the malecon at 5 in the mornjng every day. Been doing this for the past 16 years. I see many of the same people every day. Do not see any difference over other years. My wife and I walk from the marina down the malecon to the ice cream store..la fuente...and sit down to enjoy the ice cream. Again, the malecon is like other years, particularly around 7 to 8 at night. When a cruise ship is in ....16 this year...the malecon is crowded, yet they do not stray up into town.


OK. I will bite. What does this mean relative to the news reports?

micah202 - 1-28-2015 at 02:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Jack Swords  
I run the malecon at 5 in the mornjng every day. Been doing this for the past 16 years. I see many of the same people every day. Do not see any difference over other years. My wife and I walk from the marina down the malecon to the ice cream store..la fuente...and sit down to enjoy the ice cream. Again, the malecon is like other years, particularly around 7 to 8 at night. When a cruise ship is in ....16 this year...the malecon is crowded, yet they do not stray up into town.


...so Danaeb says the #'s are well down on the malecon,,and you say ''they do not stray up into town'' ...I'm wondering what's left? :O

Martyman - 1-28-2015 at 02:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
There shouldn't be much to worry about, after all, Mexico gun laws are FAR stricter than any gun control laws being considered in the US!
That has to make La Paz safer than an American port city of that size....doesn't it?


Like Chicago?

Or New Orleans?

Ever taken a human life yet, or only wishing? Scumbags, shoot-em-all.

Then remember their faces.

La Paz is only another travesty in man's inhumanity to man, and all the NRA of the world is not going to fix it; just exacerbate.

I own guns, BTW. A 30.06 for deer and elk. A shotgun for popping a cartridge at a partridge. A .22 Hi-Standard pistol and a .25 cal. cabbage-buster boot-gun (last two, unwanted gifts). Sold my .357 years ago knowing i'd eventually use it.

I suggest the NRA forms a formal legal 'contractor' business, internationally licensed, for the REAL patriots of this world to sign on, go to foreign lands (as well as our own, of course!!!! Like the border regions, for instance) and PUT UP OR SHUT UP. BE A WARRIOR. Find out what it's really like to DO rather than dream or flap lips.

Notice, this is not just b-tchin' about 'what-ifs' but an actual answer to problems wrought. Lock 'n' load.


Wow...let's get fired up!

danaeb - 1-28-2015 at 03:55 PM

To be fair - it was mostly cool/breezy/overcast when I was there. I have to chuckle at Pacenos during the "winter". Uggs, hats, scarves and jackets. The daytime temps were low 70's.

bajabuddha - 1-28-2015 at 06:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Martyman  
Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
There shouldn't be much to worry about, after all, Mexico gun laws are FAR stricter than any gun control laws being considered in the US!
That has to make La Paz safer than an American port city of that size....doesn't it?


Like Chicago?

Or New Orleans?

Ever taken a human life yet, or only wishing? Scumbags, shoot-em-all.

Then remember their faces.

La Paz is only another travesty in man's inhumanity to man, and all the NRA of the world is not going to fix it; just exacerbate.

I own guns, BTW. A 30.06 for deer and elk. A shotgun for popping a cartridge at a partridge. A .22 Hi-Standard pistol and a .25 cal. cabbage-buster boot-gun (last two, unwanted gifts). Sold my .357 years ago knowing i'd eventually use it.

I suggest the NRA forms a formal legal 'contractor' business, internationally licensed, for the REAL patriots of this world to sign on, go to foreign lands (as well as our own, of course!!!! Like the border regions, for instance) and PUT UP OR SHUT UP. BE A WARRIOR. Find out what it's really like to DO rather than dream or flap lips.

Notice, this is not just b-tchin' about 'what-ifs' but an actual answer to problems wrought. Lock 'n' load.


Wow...let's get fired up!

Marty, this was written entirely tongue-in-cheek with a double helping of sarcasm towards the "gun control vs. the American Right to Arm Bears" ideals.

Hope I didn't hurt your feeling, ruffle your feather, or get on your nerve. If I did, ..... :smug:

micah202 - 1-28-2015 at 06:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha  

Marty, this was written entirely tongue-in-cheek with a double helping of sarcasm ..... :smug:


.....likely a bit of cerveza thrown in the mix ;D

Alan - 2-4-2015 at 08:17 AM

Well I arrived last Thurs and leaving today. Things appear to be significantly calmer than last October. As I moved around the town everything seemed mostly back to normal. Joggers are still out on the malecon every morning and families are back out walking at night. The Federal Police are still out walking a beat in pairs but their presence is greatly diminished. My friends that live here report things aren't completely back to normal as there is still an occasional problem but nothing like it was in the Fall.

I felt completely at ease during this entire stay and had no safety concerns whatsoever. One night I even got stopped by the State Police. He got out of his car and looked at my license plate then turned to his partner and said "15". Then he walked up to my window and said "No problem, lo siento" and walked away. When I got home I looked at my plate and realized that South Dakota registration stickers show the month of expiration in a large number and you have to look close to see the year.

weebray - 2-4-2015 at 01:55 PM

It's quite common in La Paz to be stopped for out of date tags on a "high profile" (read all one color and US plates) vehicle. Just the normal gringo tax by the boys in blue. The unlicensed, uninsured, fender missing Mexican cars go forward unmolested. You can't squeeze blood out of a turnip.

rts551 - 2-4-2015 at 02:14 PM

Why would you drive around with out of date tags (read no insurance either)?

Katiejay99 - 2-4-2015 at 07:39 PM

Because you can?

gnukid - 2-4-2015 at 08:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551  
Why would you drive around with out of date tags (read no insurance either)?


You misread, the poster wrote that his style of plate is easily misread.

Cartels admit they made mistakes, and they have turned upon themselves at times. Officials/police etc are involved in shootings, news reports are not accurate. Corruption is everywhere. Does that help?

Hook - 2-4-2015 at 08:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551  
Why would you drive around with out of date tags (read no insurance either)?


Well, if a vehicle comes from the mainland and has an import permit, Mexico does not require you to keep your US registration current.

I realize it's a rarity in Baja, but the legal justification does exist.

rts551 - 2-4-2015 at 09:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook  
Quote: Originally posted by rts551  
Why would you drive around with out of date tags (read no insurance either)?


Well, if a vehicle comes from the mainland and has an import permit, Mexico does not require you to keep your US registration current.

I realize it's a rarity in Baja, but the legal justification does exist.


Interesting. Everytime I have have renewed my insurance they want to make sure the car has current registration. If I misread the posters post..sorry and no Gringo tax either...hmmm never had one of those taxes.