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bajabound2005
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POSTPONED -Talks to be held today on ways to improve Baja tourists' safety
From today's San Diego Trib
By Diane Lindquist
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
November 30, 2007
After the number of Baja California visitors dipped over the Thanksgiving holiday, tourism industry representatives are urging state officials to take
swift and decisive measures to better protect American tourists who have been targets of recent road attacks.
Tourism officials are scheduled to meet with state officials today in Tijuana.
“We want to make it safe for visitors all the way from Tijuana to Bufadora (south of Ensenada),” said Hugo Torres, who is being sworn in today as
Rosarito Beach's mayor.
Torres, who also owns the Rosarito Beach Hotel, estimated a 30 percent decrease in the number of visitors to his city over the recent Thanksgiving
holiday.
Data compiled by the state government from hotel occupancies showed a 2.5 percent drop in visitors to Rosarito Beach and a 2.7 percent decrease in
Ensenada visitors compared with last year's Thanksgiving holiday.
Reports of at least six armed assaults on American travelers along Baja California's coastal highway in recent months have concerned frequent
visitors, with many vowing never to come to the state again. Some, but not all, of the cases have been determined by authorities as credible accounts.
The attacks, staged in some instances by paramilitary-style criminals driving vehicles with flashing lights and sirens, could significantly hurt the
state's tourism sector, which last year attracted 25 million people, including repeat visitors.
“Tourists that come to Rosarito, 90 percent come from Southern California, and they read the papers,” Torres said.
Some tourism officials say the attacks already have cost the area millions in tourism dollars.
“If we don't take care of tourism, it's going to go away,” said Gabriel Robles, president of the Baja Resort Developers Association. “It's going to
take a lot of work, a lot of commitment on behalf of government officials.”
Baja California representatives have said several state agencies are working to beef up patrols along the roads most used by tourists, including
Avenida Internaciíonal, adjacent to the border fence in Tijuana, and the 65-mile toll road from Tijuana to Ensenada.
Tourism industry executives, who have grown frustrated that more is not being done, sought today's meeting with state officials.
“We've reached a situation that has become very embarrassing for Baja. That's all we've been talking about for the last two weeks,” said Nico Saad,
director of the Ensenada Tourism Board.
“Definitely, we need to clean things up,” said Jean-Loup Bitterlin, the board's president. “We're doing all we can to make sure the government
understands the consequences of this.”
Saad, a former Baja California tourism secretary, said the industry wants the involvement of the federal government because it operates the toll road
and oversees a tourist assistance group known as the Angeles Verdes (Green Angels).
“They only patrol during the day. We don't have any at night,” he said.
The industry also wants more exits along the toll road and better lighting.
“It's very dark,” Saad said. “You're better off using the free road because it's lighted.”
Federal government representatives will not be attending today's meeting, but Baja California's incoming tourism secretary, Oscar Jesús Escobedo, and
incoming public safety secretary Manuel Diíaz Lerma will attend, tourism undersecretary Ives G. Lelevier said.
“This is the responsibility of the local and state governments,” Lelevier said.
Nevertheless, he said, a request has been made to the federal government to double the Angeles Verdes force from two to four, so that they can make 20
trips daily along the coastal corridor.
“We understand the concerns people have,” Lelevier said. “We feel confident that with the resources currently in place for visitors to get information
and assistance, it should provide them a safe and pleasant stay.”
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Diane Lindquist: (619) 293-1812; diane.lindquist@uniontrib.com
[Edited on 12-1-2007 by bajabound2005]
Friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel.
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dccf
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This is a start.
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bajaandy
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Interesting....
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajabound2005
Federal government representatives will not be attending today's meeting |
...but not surprising.
At least there seems to be a 'wake-up' call happening amongst the local buisness owners. Maybe now this crime wave will begin to diminish some.
subvert the dominant paradigm
"If you travel with a man, you must either fall out with him or make him your good friend."
JBL Noel
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Hook
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It is a good start. But I hope they dont put too much hope in the Green Angel idea.
I cant believe law enforcement simply ends after a pre-determined time of night. That's the first thing they should change. Rearrange police shifts,
fer chrissakes.
Install GPS tracking devices in existing police cars and map what they do and where they go during the night shifts.
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bajaguy
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Talking is great, but I would like to see an armed response/patrols by the Federal Highway Police and the Military. Nothing slows down crime like
newspaper photos of a couple of dead crooks and shot up cars.
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Osprey
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I never thought of the Green Angels as anything but road assistance -- the kind travel clubs/tow services provide. I know they are well equiped and
well trained -- always thought of them as an important road safety necessity for safe travel in unforgiving environments. For the kind of crimes I've
read about on this and other forums my vote goes to the Mexican Army -- not a short term contingent but special crime fighting groups where everybody
agrees they are needed.
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fdt
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Take Nico Saad's advise
Or would you need a third opinion?
“They only patrol during the day. We don't have any at night,” he said.
The industry also wants more exits along the toll road and better lighting.
“It's very dark,” Saad said. “You're better off using the free road because it's lighted.”
Here it is in bold type
“You're better off using the free road"
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajabound2005
Nevertheless, he said, a request has been made to the federal government to double the Angeles Verdes force from two to four, so that they can make 20
trips daily along the coastal corridor.
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Oh, Yeah...That's just what the problem calls for, more mechanics. Since when did the Green Angels become a law enforcement agency?
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fandango
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the new road!
it's the only way to go through tijuana.
three times southbound and i have not made it without some wrong turns. northbound is no problem.
fdt:would you please post the directions again from the border southbound to the free road?
thank you.
sbwontoo
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fdt
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here you go
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=26863#pid2603...
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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Al G
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fdt
Or would you need a third opinion?
“They only patrol during the day. We don't have any at night,” he said.
The industry also wants more exits along the toll road and better lighting.
“It's very dark,” Saad said. “You're better off using the free road because it's lighted.”
Here it is in bold type
“You're better off using the free road" |
Fdt...I believe you are right and the people here should use your recommendition...it will benefit the Nomads greatly, but few others.
Let's say the word gets out...and most Baja trips go free road or tecate...Do you think the cops will give up? Will they just say the gringo's have
out smarted us?
The lead post here, is what is published every time we start b-tching about police corruption...it has never changed and is only meant to get us to
stop talking about it...we will stop...because there are many on this board that start putting pressure on others saying it bothers us to talk about
it anymore...the people of Baja are good and decent... and of course they are!!! This is not and never has been about the wonderful people of Baja.
These people(on this board) have weak souls and little pride. We must keep up the chatter to keep all new and potential Baja travelers informed and
especially first time people.
The individuals here with financial interest should stay out of this, as we already know you don't think this is a big deal...it is money first and
safety second.
To end this I want to say, I know not all policia are corroupt...not all business people are trying to down play what is happening...some and I don't
know how many, truly want to change, because they know once the corrupt cops are stopped, things won't JUST be better for the Baja visitor, but more
will come to visit and improve business...
I also know Baja has many irons in the fire...many fronts to fight on.
The corrupt cops in Baja Norte is the root of all crime...drugs, robberies, murders...all stemming from mordida. You stop these cops and you will
solve the abuse for all, including the good people of Baja...
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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fandango
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fdt, thank you for the link.
when i cross the border i stay in the right lane, go up the overpass and watch for signs that say aeropuerto. the next sign i see is via rapido. i
take via rapido and then turn right on blvd cuahutemoc. this turns into the free road, so no more turns. is that correct?
sbwontoo
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Al G
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| Quote: | Originally posted by grover
| Quote: | | Originally posted by Al G...These people(on this board) have weak souls and little pride... |
You
forgot to call them cowards as well. |
No they are not...just don't want to face the hard side of life, like taking a stand for what is right and respectful
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Woooosh
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Which SAFE free road are you talking about? The new tecate to fox studio area Highway 2000 is NOT safe at night, it is far more dangerous than
statyinfg on the toll road! The locals won't even drive that at night. Many problems with roadblocks and jackings and once you drive it in the day-
you can see how dangerous it would be at night.
The free road they are talking about is the last exit for Rosarito Beach which is the xit after the huge new Commerical grocery store. You veer off
to the right- and head north. When yo uget to the very top of the hills (just past the large furniture warehouse)- you take the clover leaf and go to
the left. That road runs all the way to the border (and turns into the via rapido at Playas de Tijuana). This route bypasses the most dangerous part
of the toll road- the section north of rosarito (it also saves you $2.50).
To cath the free road coming from San Diego, you just continue on the via rapido from the border, don't turn right towards Playas de Tijuana.
It really isn't that much longer to drive the free route and when traffic to Playas is bad it's actually faster.
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Woooosh
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Hugo Torres Proposes:
Agreement between Tijuana, Playas de Rosarito and Ensenada to Protect Tourism
Rosarito’s mayor-elect Hugo Torres Chabert proposed the need for a collaborative agreement that would serve to unify the efforts of Tijuana, Rosarito
and Ensenada for the purpose of securing a safe Tourist Corridor for visitors. Tourism is the essential element of the region and a priority for the
new administration of the “Quinto Municipio” (Rosarito was the 5th to be granted municipal city status).
That is what the Mayor-Elect expressed on October 6th at a meeting of the Grupo Político Ciudadanos de Ensenada A.C., a political action group. He
stressed the need for the coastal government administrations to work together and support each other. He deems it necessary due to the security risks
taking place in the State.
“The industry of tourism is of utmost importance, and we must take good care of it. When the new city administration begins, a priority will be to
protect it by decree. We’re in an era of conflict and need to act swiftly. I’ve had talks with the mayors-elect of Tijuana and Ensenada and the
challenge is before each of our mayoral responsibilities. We all agree to begin the collaborative process,” Hugo Torres explained.
There is a proposal in the works to create a Policía Metropolitana (Metropolitan Police) force to avoid situations such as recently occurred when
police gave up a chase of a semi that crossed the city border to Ensenada and had to give up the pursuit. In a similar situation, Hugo Torres
explained, any illegal act that may affect tourism from one municipality to the other has repercussions on the entire industry.
Hugo Torres explained that to reactivate the tourism industry also implies the open flow of tourism traffic along the coastal highways with efficient
checkpoints and of streamlining the procedures for buses with tourism from the United States. At the same time is it important to improve our
infrastructure for making our cities more attractive for to visitors and for our residents.
“We need to collaborate efforts to improve public safety and attract tourism. Our cities are basically co-dependent toward this goal, though we are
autonomous in each of regions. What happens in any part of our State has repercussions on our entire economy,” he pointed out.
Regarding the clean-up of our police departments and anti-corruption efforts, he said that each city must act on their own. There are efforts taking
place at the State level for bringing justice to corrupt officials.
Other topics that were discussed during the question and answer session: the need to rekindle the fishing industry, to protect species such as lobster
as a prime industry for the corridor and of international fame, to start thinking of strategies for the water needs of the near future.
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Sharksbaja
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Lots of words.....
...but lets' face it, most everyone is scared to death to approach this problem head-on. It means more killing of officers, officials and others. It's
the same intimidation that is feared by all, big or small.
Quite frankly I think Mexicos approach is rediculous. It's obvious when you read the lip-service they offer up.
If they REALLY wanted to end this crap they would just stage set-ups or lure those thugs in and blow their steenking heads off. Why can't
they(agents) just pretend to be unknowing visitors and then wham,. They would perhaps rethink their MO.
JMHO.
Good on you AL for seeing thru the smokescreen.
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
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Hook
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Sharksbaja
...but lets' face it, most everyone is scared to death to approach this problem head-on. It means more killing of officers, officials and others. It's
the same intimidation that is feared by all, big or small.
Quite frankly I think Mexicos approach is rediculous. It's obvious when you read the lip-service they offer up.
If they REALLY wanted to end this crap they would just stage set-ups or lure those thugs in and blow their steenking heads off. Why can't
they(agents) just pretend to be unknowing visitors and then wham,. They would perhaps rethink their MO.
JMHO.
Good on you AL for seeing thru the smokescreen. |
I know what you mean, Sharks. It's so damn simple. A good sting or two.
And, just for shock value, maybe a nice public display of corpses. 
It's the only language this scum will understand.
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fdt
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fandango
fdt, thank you for the link.
when i cross the border i stay in the right lane, go up the overpass and watch for signs that say aeropuerto. the next sign i see is via rapido. i
take via rapido and then turn right on blvd cuahutemoc. this turns into the free road, so no more turns. is that correct? |
Almost but not quite. Yes, you stay on the right laes and just stay there, do not take via rapida wich is to the left, stay on the
right lanes and that turns into Paseo de los Heroes, at the second traffic circle, you will see the statue of Cuahutemoc, there you make a right or
even on the block prior to that you see the signs that say Ensenada.
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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Minnow
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Sharksbaja
...but lets' face it, most everyone is scared to death to approach this problem head-on. It means more killing of officers, officials and others. It's
the same intimidation that is feared by all, big or small.
Quite frankly I think Mexicos approach is rediculous. It's obvious when you read the lip-service they offer up.
If they REALLY wanted to end this crap they would just stage set-ups or lure those thugs in and blow their steenking heads off. Why can't
they(agents) just pretend to be unknowing visitors and then wham,. They would perhaps rethink their MO.
JMHO.
Good on you AL for seeing thru the smokescreen. |
Once again, I defer and refer all my posts on this matter to Sharks. Good to have you back.
Lipservice SUCKS!
Proud husband of a legal immigrant.
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fdt
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Woooosh
The new tecate to fox studio area Highway 2000 is NOT safe at night, it is far more dangerous than statyinfg on the toll road! The locals won't even
drive that at night. Many problems with roadblocks and jackings and once you drive it in the day- you can see how dangerous it would be at night
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I have said this many times, some people here insist on driving it. And you are very right, we locals wont drive it and specialy not at night.
A well informed Baja California traveler is a smart Baja California traveler!
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