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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
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I listened to the Rick Roberts audio and was disappointed to hear him repeatedly suggest that if you don't want to risk these crimes you should just
not go to baja.
That's not an option for me. It's too much in my blood now to just let go like that.
On a lighter note I enjoyed listening to the ad for Michael Savage. I disagree with everything he says but I love the way he says it. What a perfomer.
Thank you, Doug.
P.S. I like your idea Dennis for an enormous sign at the border saying essentially "Enter at your own risk".
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Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaNomad
On this Rick Roberts show, "John" identifying himself as a "senior" customs officer says he was there when the family walked through... and here's
more of what he says:
"They weren't denied drinking water - they were pointed to the public drinking fountain. We do not have a public restroom. We had to shut that down.
"If they'd asked for a supervisor I'm sure they would've been treated a little bit different.
"I stayed and made sure they were able to get through. Although I didn't deal with them, I watched from the side. I'm a senior officer.
"Um, the officer they went through didn't give 'em any trouble at all. But I think he should've realized it was a little more than the usual, 'people
had their truck ripped off by the police or something', that happens, you know, eight or nine times a day.
( asked to repeat that statement, he follows with: )
"It happens a number of times a day that people lose their cars to the Tijuana police. They get ripped off for their vehicles... for stealing from
the police or whoever.
"Right now we're having a lot of problems with the police down there."
Here's the audio (caller is at minute 25):
http://www.760kfmb.com/podcast/files/rick_roberts_4hr-11-20....
[Edited on 11-21-2007 by BajaNomad] |
How about (and I'm paraphrasing) "a lot of the agents feel that there are warnings from the state department, people go down and they are tired of
hearing (whine) oh, I got ripped off. You mean they got what they deserved?"
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Tomas Tierra
Super Nomad
Posts: 1281
Registered: 3-23-2005
Location: oxnard, ca
Member Is Offline
Mood: Tengo Flojera
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fdt
In regards to the meeting today with the new Secretary of tourism and other officials and local businesspeople, is that the Secture wil have
continuous patrols on the corridor between the border and the first toll gate and as soon as they see a cop stop anyone, they will stop and investiate
why the stop was made.
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Interesting,
When I was pulled over at the top of the last big hill on the way out of Baja last July, the moto cops escorted me up a side street away from the main
drag. out of site for his $40.I hope the secture is aware of this tactic on their patrols.
A sad state of affairs here on the Nomads lately. I use to tune in to BS about out of the way spots, look at photos and read trip reports. now I'm on
here twice as much, contributing twice less, and turning off my comp. in complete disgust after reading horrible reports of real experience
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Woooosh
Banned
Posts: 5240
Registered: 1-28-2007
Location: Rosarito Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Luminescent Waves at Rosarito Beach
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They designated the road that runs from the San Ysidro border to the first toll booth at Playas de Tijauna a "No Ticket"zone last summer. THey aren't
supposed to stop cars that are obviously tourists. The whole route is totally on camera now. Funny story- the TJ police got peeed off when the
Army was called in last summer and the TJ police all had their guns taken away from them for being suspect of corruption. Instead of taking to the
streets with slingshots- a few cops began watching every minute of the cameras. They caught six of the Army soliders ripping off a carload of
Americans in the "No Ticket"zone and actually caught the bill-passing on camera. This country is just too poor to expect people with no accepted
social values to do the right thing.
The "No Ticket"zone was the direct result of pressure from the Rosarito real estate communty. They were estimating the amount of lost sales due to
police harasssment in the millions of dollars last summer. People would call the agents and said they tried to get down to see the property, but were
stopped by the policeon the way- turned around and went back home.
Trump didn't even try to sell his resort in Mexico- he figured a fancy reception at the San DIego Marriott with his daughter and slide shows with his
logo would be enough to sell them out- and he was right. The reality is he billed it as "the new cancun"without telling them they have to run the
gauntlet to get there. Of course he didnt want them to see the 3 million gallons of wastewaster CESPT dumps just 100 yeards from the site every day
there either.
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
Member Is Offline
Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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| Quote: | Originally posted by jodiego
[I have always felt safe, but why take the chance ?
We will avoid TJ as we have the past few years, and plan to cross at Tecate. We will travel only in daylight.]
Several of you have mentioned using the Tecate road to cross back into the US. It seems to be that that road would be asking for trouble, especially
at night. Not a lot of traffic and not a lot of towns. Is my perception off here? |
I would not drive any of those rodes at night anymore. I am one of those that prefer to drive at night, but no more in Baja north.
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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jodiego
Nomad
Posts: 319
Registered: 2-16-2007
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: ever hopeful
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Diver
I have always felt safe, but why take the chance ?
We will avoid TJ as we have the past few years, and plan to cross at Tecate. We will travel only in daylight. |
Several of you have mentioned using the Ensenada/Tecate road to get back to the US. I would think that that road would be less safe because there is
less traffic and few towns along the way. Is my perception wrong?
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fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
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Maybe this sounds redundant but why not take the free road? If most of the reports of hijackings are happening on the toll road, why drive it. I am
not justifying what is happening but I cant understand why people need to drive that hwy. It is very easy to get to the free road. Now here is a news
item that sais that the roberies are not limited to the tijuana area and not limited to northamerican tourists
http://elvigia.net/noticias/?seccion=generales&id=39550
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaNomad
On this Rick Roberts show, "John" identifying himself as a "senior" customs officer says he was there when the family walked through... and here's
more of what he says:
"They weren't denied drinking water - they were pointed to the public drinking fountain. We do not have a public restroom. We had to shut that down.
"If they'd asked for a supervisor I'm sure they would've been treated a little bit different.
"I stayed and made sure they were able to get through. Although I didn't deal with them, I watched from the side. I'm a senior officer.........."
[Edited on 11-21-2007 by BajaNomad] |
(edited by bajaguy)
WTF??????.....John says that he is a "Senior Officer"....and he just stood there?????......and we pay these guys????.......it's incredible to me that
a VICTIM has to ask for a supervisor.
I would think that John, as a "Senior Officer" should have the initiative to take some kind of action on his own, and not wait for a
supervisor......and should not everyone be treated the same??????.......why would someone be treated "differently" by a supervisor.
This whole response by CBP stinks and should be reported and investigated. We need to clean up our side of the border also.
 
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vandenberg
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5118
Registered: 6-21-2005
Location: Nopolo
Member Is Offline
Mood: mellow
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| Quote: | | Several of you have mentioned using the Ensenada/Tecate road to get back to the US. I would think that that road would be less safe because there is
less traffic and few towns along the way. Is my perception wrong? |
I did think of that myself, till it dawned on me that to get anywhere from that highway, you have to backtrack to Ensenada or go to Tecate before you
can dissappear. No side roads that go anywhere easy like there are on the tollroad. Easy to vanish there if you know your way around.
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fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
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| Quote: | Originally posted by vandenberg
I did think of that myself, till it dawned on me that to get anywhere from that highway, you have to backtrack to Ensenada or go to Tecate before you
can dissappear. No side roads that go anywhere easy like there are on the tollroad. Easy to vanish there if you know your way around.
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The Ensenada / Tecate road is were the comando that stole the body went thru, shot and killed 2 police officers and dissapeared. That road is full of
places to hide, more than the toll road wich is fenced off and you can only use the paved exits.
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | | I did think of that myself, till it dawned on me that to get anywhere from that highway, you have to backtrack to Ensenada or go to Tecate before you
can dissappear. No side roads that go anywhere easy like there are on the tollroad. Easy to vanish there if you know your way around.
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There are plenty of side roads there - just not paved ones.
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ElFaro
Nomad
Posts: 231
Registered: 9-16-2007
Member Is Offline
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Tecate - Ensenada Highway Is No Picnic !!
I have travelled the Tecate-Ensenada Hwy (Hwy 3) for over 30 years and it is certainly no picnic. That road is frought with its own unique problems.
1) The hwy is the main truck route between Mexicali and Ensenada. A lot of trucks passing you and you having to pass. Many of the truckers are
intoxicated or sleepy at certain times of the day swerving into your lane. No weight regulations on the trucks means the road takes a pounding
especially in rainy weather. I've seen pavement sink and give way over culverts due to softened ground and heavy trucks.
2) Unlike the coastal "toll road" the Tec-Ens hwy twists, climbs, and decends through mountains and valleys. The hwy was built I believe in the 40's.
Driving in the Summer and Fall takes its toll on your vehicle because it is so much hotter inland. I have driven the hwy when the temperatures are
well over 100 degrees the entire length. This is especially hard on towing vehicles! Why drive this hwy in the summer when you can drive the toll
road at low temps along the coast!! You have a lot of towing up and down hills and stuck behind slow trucks.
3) Another problem especially in the Summer/Fall are brush fires. I have come upon areas while brush fires are in progress that are jumping the road
in several areas spreadout over several miles. No fun trying to run the gauntlet of roadside fires!
4) High winds are another problem especially in the late Fall/winter. Gusty high winds funneling through passes and arroyos throwing your trailer
around are a real challenge when towing and passing high profile semis who often get flipped over.
5) There are local cops (e.g. in the San Antonio del Las Minas - Guadalupe area) who are looking for reasons to pull you over to extract $'s. I have
had cops follow me for several miles only to turn around and head back to town. Along the Tec-Ens hwy there are many isolated stretches where
shakedowns are possible.
If your going to travel this road in either direction the best time of the week I have found is early Sunday morning after light. Little local
traffic, few if any trucks going Tecate to Ensenada, almost no slow trucks going Ensenada to Tecate, maybe a bus or two, no schools and children to
deal with, even the cops and the crooks will take a day off !! Sunday is their only day.
Hope this helps...
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Minnow
Banned
Posts: 1110
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: Lost Wages
Member Is Offline
Mood: Embarrased Harry Reid is a Nevadan
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Sunday is also the day you can expect a 4 hour wait at the Tecate Garrita.
Proud husband of a legal immigrant.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fdt
In regards to the meeting today with the new Secretary of tourism and other officials and local businesspeople, is that the Secture wil have
continuous patrols on the corridor between the border and the first toll gate and as soon as they see a cop stop anyone, they will stop and investiate
why the stop was made.
I don't know if they just thought of this in the heat of the meeting but that is what will be starting. Now, how long will it be in place? It's like
someone asked me about the no ticket zone, that was a joke, something the substitute mayor dreamed up and was in place for a week, give or take a day
or two. |
All efforts are appreciated, FDT.
But I just cant help but question the effectiveness of coordination between law enforcement, tourism and the politicos. All of these entities seem
infiltrated to such a degree that the crooks will know the game plan before it is even instituted and will have their plan B, based on it. I doubt
plan B will be to cease and desist for anything but a short time. You destroy an ant hill, the ants just reform and rebuild the site.
No, I really think the concerted boycott is the way to go. No middleman to muck up the effectiveness, no subjective enforcement of the rules of
engagement and no game plan to be leaked to the other side.
All the major players in this only ACT on one motivation.......dinero. They will talk morality but it's looking like morals are riding in the vest
pocket over the heart instead of the heart. So be it.
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DanO
Super Nomad
Posts: 1923
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Not far from the Pacific
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by grover
Federal Road personnel at the San Miguel toll booth told a victim that Federal Preventive Police clock out @ 9:00pm. |
Now THAT, if true, is some key information. When the cats are away, the mice apparently will play. Just cements my commitment to never being on the
road during the late night or early morning hours. If I can't make Ensenada by 9:00 p.m., I'm staying home.
\"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.\" -- Frank Zappa
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fdt
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4059
Registered: 9-7-2003
Location: Tijuana, Baja California
Member Is Offline
Mood: Yeah, what if it all goes right
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Hook
[No, I really think the concerted boycott is the way to go. No middleman to muck up the effectiveness, no subjective enforcement of the rules of
engagement and no game plan to be leaked to the other side.
All the major players in this only ACT on one motivation.......dinero. They will talk morality but it's looking like morals are riding in the vest
pocket over the heart instead of the heart. So be it. |
Ok, as a suggestion why not boycot the toll road, it would hurt the toll roads income.
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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Minnow
Banned
Posts: 1110
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: Lost Wages
Member Is Offline
Mood: Embarrased Harry Reid is a Nevadan
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Ferna, Go read the thread I posted under Baja crime and corruption. It will make your head spin.
They need to build a bridge from TJ to El Rosario.
Proud husband of a legal immigrant.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fdt
| Quote: | Originally posted by Hook
[No, I really think the concerted boycott is the way to go. No middleman to muck up the effectiveness, no subjective enforcement of the rules of
engagement and no game plan to be leaked to the other side.
All the major players in this only ACT on one motivation.......dinero. They will talk morality but it's looking like morals are riding in the vest
pocket over the heart instead of the heart. So be it. |
Ok, as a suggestion why not boycot the toll road, it would hurt the toll roads income. |
Are the toll roads privately administered? I thought it was the Federal govt.
Yes, of course, any part should be considered. If privately held, they will have sway with the Federal Govt, which is the only entity that will be
able to ultimately fix this problem, IMO.
And not through inconvenient military checkpoints that the crooks can easily avoid and further discourage tourism. They need good intelligence and
strong interdiction.
Maybe Mexico should consider hiring a Blackwater type firm to go after these guys in this corridor?
I am totally serious. Pay a firm that would be completely insulated from the fray and have better training and methods than Mexico has.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Hummer Forum Post
Posted by a friend on a Hummer forum ...
i just got back from racing the baja 1000 and with the currant rains that they have had it made great trails for racing. the only problem is after
this race i don't feel safe to ever go to baja again. there were quite a few deaths and one of the hummer communitys friends chris hall had his family
kidnapped and his vehicle and trailer were taken from him at gun point...the mexican police took chris and his family to the U.S. boarder, the boarder
gaurds would not let them use the restrooms, phones or give them a drink of water. they directed them to the mcdonalds a mile away. yes our tax
dollars at work.....as you can tell i am a bit P.O'ed about this.
i am at this point thinking that my racing days are coming to a end. my family means more to me than the trophys in my office.
o.k. i feel better now,
hummech
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DanO
| Quote: | Originally posted by grover
Federal Road personnel at the San Miguel toll booth told a victim that Federal Preventive Police clock out @ 9:00pm. |
Now THAT, if true, is some key information. When the cats are away, the mice apparently will play. Just cements my commitment to never being on the
road during the late night or early morning hours. If I can't make Ensenada by 9:00 p.m., I'm staying home. |
I think you're probably onto something there, but I have to wonder what two guys with handguns in a PFP squad car could (or would) do against the kind
of firepower being displayed.
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