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fulano
Banned
Posts: 496
Registered: 3-31-2008
Location: Ramona, CA
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Businesses close in Rosarito
http://el-mexicano.info/nota.aspx?idNota=309974&esSecc=t...
Too long to translate. The article says that "The slowdown of the US economy" has caused a lower flow of tourists to Rosarito in the last 6 months.
This has caused the closure of dozens of businesses and the layoff of more than 1,000 workers in the commercial, restaurant and hotel sector.
The article is intresting in that there is not even one word mentioning the crime rates or police problems, it's just the economy in the US that is
the entire problem. However, if one reads the readers' comments below the article, they almost all talk about the crime and the corruption. Here is
one interesting reader's comment:
| Quote: | | Cabe mencionar que aparte de la recesion economico en la que nos vemos envueltos los residentes de amabas Californias tambien esta el problema de la
"inseguridad" en Baja California. Por otro lado hace ya tiempo que lo que eran precios atractivos para comer en Rosarito se han ido aumentando a tal
gardo que sale mas caro comer y tomar en Rosarito que en Chula Vista y San Diego. Si quieren que el turismo vuelva hay que hacer mas atractiva la
oferta de servicios y bienes. |
Translation:
"It is worth mentioning that apart from the economic recession in California, there is also the problem of "security" in Baja California. On the other
hand, some time ago the price to eat in Rosarito was attractive, but they have increased prices such that it is more expensive to eat and drink in
Rosarito than in Chula Vista and San Diego. If you want tourism to return there must be more attractive prices on goods and services."
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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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Couldn't agree more with the price gouging comment. You pay a lot of money these days for an americanized presentation of "mexican" food with little
plastic portion cups everywhere. We stopped eating out after the constant (and expensive) disappointments. I still do TJ Juniors for their
fish/shrip burrito combination with soup (less than $6), and the roadside taco shops sometimes.
example: One restaurant (The Lobster Shack) closed so fast the employees were protesting outside for months after- looking for their pay I guess. The
loaction was kinda stupid to begin with- halfway through town on Blvd. Benito Juarez. Then the prices were horrible ($30 plus for a lobster
combination) and no one smart eats seafood in an empty restaurant (and expects fresh fish or live lobster).
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
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fulano
Banned
Posts: 496
Registered: 3-31-2008
Location: Ramona, CA
Member Is Offline
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More confirmation from the Baja Times
Boy, when this newspaper starts saying things are bad, things are really bad.
| Quote: | EDITORIAL
By Laura Wong
The Greatly Anticipated 4th of July
Merchants from Baja California are anxiously awaiting the arrival of July 4th, because if sales continue to drop the way they have in the last few
months, many of them will have to close their stores and restaurants by the end of September.
Actually, there has already been a mass dismissal of employees due to shortened schedules in tourist oriented businesses. If the tourists don’t return
in July and August these businesses will barely survive through the low season after Labor Day, the last holiday weekend of the summer. If the high
(summer) season doesn’t recuperate, many of our businesses will not survive.
In the past, Memorial Day weekend reliably marked the start of the high season, but this year it was a dismal reflection of former visitor traffic.
Hotels were not at full capacity and the streets, shops and restaurants were empty. Since we rely on the summer heat and vacation season to drive
tourism we are now hoping that Mexican-American families will continue to come to Baja California.
Our tourism authorities are implementing a series of measures to improve the image of violence and insecurity the country currently has. However, the
recession in the United States, the hike in gasoline prices, the long waits at the border and confusion over the passport requirements of the Western
Hemisphere Initiative, have scared away a large number of visitors who traditionally travel to have fun in Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada. (To be
clear, passports are NOT required until 2009. Returning Americans can prove their citizenship with a state-issued ID and a birth certificate.)
The recent Baja 500 race was a clear example that this a safe place to visit. No significant incidents were reported, and I believe that the thousands
of visitors that attended are the best tourism promoters of northern Mexico.
Our beautiful coast is lined with new condominium buildings quickly erected for the vacation or retirement home markets, but Americans can no longer
take cash out of their lowered home values, and are afraid to make a major expenditure in the current economic slowdown. Hundreds of real estate
brokers came to live here in Baja to service this market, and have had to diversify their jobs or move to other cities. They then shop less, eat out
less, use fewer services, and that ripples through the economy.
We are caught in a perfect storm of circumstances that combine to create a tsunami of economic woes. Baja California is in trouble.
Despite these many factors contributing to the decline in tourist visits, we are hopeful that this July 4th will mark a turning point. We hope that
people will regain confidence in Baja California as the right destination option for travel and vacations. We’re ready to see old friends and new ones
head south for the holiday weekend. The curio shops have been stocked with fireworks and the owners of hotels and restaurants are crossing their
fingers.
We cordially invite our neighbors in the U.S. to remember the long tradition of traveling to México, a close, friendly and affordable destination. Our
cities are safe for tourists, the drive from Southern California is easy, and gas is 50% cheaper here. Waits at the border are shorter than they have
been in years. Our endless beaches, charming hotels, interesting shops and inexpensive restaurants beckon - and our tomatoes are salmonella free.
There’s almost always a cool ocean breeze to refresh the visitor from hot, inland areas. Our sunsets are still spectacular, and our warm and happy
people are eager to welcome you! |
http://www.bajatimes.com/editorial.asp
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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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Geesh- maybe the shootout in Puerto Nuevo that busy sunday afternoon could have an impact on summer visitors? You thought people forgot? This paper
is the mouthpiece of the corrupt realtors who chased the Gringo Gazette out of town from challenging them and the shady real estate practices. Fulano
is right- if this rag admits there's a problem, there's a huge huge problem. Of course they are admitting to the wrong problems and they twisted
every fact to what little benefit they could gain.
It's good to know they have exactly what tourists want- "the curio shops have been stocked with fireworks"
* Of course they hit the real estate market. No one comes to Rosarito Beach for a holiday without shoiopping for real estate after all. ?! It's not
that Americans don't have money to invest- they just don't see the value in investing in baja at these prices. Stateside foreclosures are more
attractive and everyne but Mexican realtors know there's no rush anymore to buy up baja. While the house prices in San Diego have dropped 25%- they
haven't been dropped by developers in Baja and no one who put down a deposit on a $400K house or condo is being a offerred the same place at $300K
now. Not many buildings are getting finished to the frustration of those who have already paid. When no one new is putting deposits down there's no
money to fund the legal pyramid scheme of "no completion bond required" construction.
* They are hoping Mexican American tourists will save the summer?! Of all groups impacted by the economic crush- Mexican Americans stateside are
getting squeezed the hardest. They are upside-down in their homes and their country is too upside-down to safely move back to. Wait til you see what
your water and electricty bills statesdie will be in four months.
*and pity the poor realtors. not.
* "Our tomatoes are salmonella free" LOL. Yeah, that's the big health threat we worry about most when traveling in Baja- salmonella. Now that the
tomatos are safe-come on down. Actually the CDC/FDA hasn't even establilshed that tomatos anywhere were the casue of that outbreak.
* "waits at the border are shorter than they have been in years". Simply not true.
* Does anyone in this country have a marketing degree from a non-internet institution? How about DISCOUNTING to improve sales and business? Hello?!
[Edited on 7-1-2008 by Woooosh]
[Edited on 7-1-2008 by Woooosh]
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
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Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
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Thanks Fulano
For your reports from the field. Your translations that cut through the Chamber of Commerce PR and explain the local attitudes for those of us who
are Spanish grammer challenged are very appreciated.
The Lobster Shack restaraunt that Woosh mentioned was a poorly-thought-out venture that would have failed even in a booming economy, north or south of
the border.
They were trying to be Rockin Baja Lobster, but they forgot the basics so it was all show and no go.
1st rule - When your only customer of the day enters, make them feel welcome and start the service process. Grade F.
2nd rule - Serve decent food at fair prices. The menu was some sort of a attempt at a Mexican-East Asian fusion theme, and everything (repeat,
everything) was badly executed, tasted yuck and, yes, was overpriced. Grade F-
Across the street, you can get a sublime carnitas plate with all the fixings at La Flor de Michoacan. Two beers or two margaritas and you are out the
door for less than US $10 per person.
[Edited on 7-2-2008 by Gypsy Jan]
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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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 Gypsy Jan
Across the street, you can get a sublime carnitas plate with all the fixings at La Flor de Michoacan. Two beers or two margaritas and you are out the
door for less than US $10 per person. |
An outstanding place to eat!!!!!
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The Gull
Super Nomad
Posts: 2223
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Rancho Descanso, BCN
Member Is Offline
Mood: High
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I'm sure that the thousands of unemployed workers from the tourist industry will be taking advantage of the new WalMart and HD shopping facilities
along with the New Cinema. They certainly have mass amounts of disposible income to toss around.
Where are all those self proclaimed, self righteous Nomads who were playing "Pile on" during the first 1/2 of this year? Shall I name the names of
the Nomad Nobility who couldn't stop comdemning the entire northern part of the peninsula while writing that they not only believed the trash stories
from the San Diego Union, but EXPERIENCED the same things themselves. It was as if the world gave all of the Nomad Nobility a free pass to condemn
the tragic events run by the drug cartel and make it sound like the good, hard working people of Rosarito had somehow brought on this horrible
situation and were getting what they deserved.
Are ya as proud of what you wrote back then?
Backlash expected and welcomed. Have a nice day.
�I won\'t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.� William F. Buckley, Jr.
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fulano
Banned
Posts: 496
Registered: 3-31-2008
Location: Ramona, CA
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by The Gull
It was as if the world gave all of the Nomad Nobility a free pass to condemn the tragic events run by the drug cartel and make it sound like the good,
hard working people of Rosarito had somehow brought on this horrible situation and were getting what they deserved.
Are ya as proud of what you wrote back then? |
Speaking of being proud of what you wrote, you last promised to buy up the houses for sale in San Antonio del Mar. When do they go into escrow?
And the posts I have read didn't say it was the "good, hardworking people of Rosarito" who had "somehow brought on this horrible situation and where
getting what they deserved." The posts I read said it was the corrupt politicians and police, working within a system of patronage, nepotism and
elitism that brought on this situation. As a matter of fact, the posts I read said the good, hardworking people were the prime victims, having
suffered through almost 90-years of indolence and exploitation from the ruling elite since the last revolution.
Perhaps we have been using words that are a little too big for you?
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3825
Registered: 2-9-2004
Member Is Offline
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There have been boom and bust cycles throughout history. California gold rush; Baja land rush; You've seen the boom - here's the bust - after the
reality check.
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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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Just because they build' em doesn't mean they can fill'em. These are all being built for gringos- although the developers say otherwise. Home Depot
parkin glot was empty saturday day afternoon. The Mexicans have plenty of local hardware stores with better prices and people they know. IMHO
mexican men don't go out shopping much and when they do they want it to be easy and social- The little storefront harware store. In most cases "if
they don't have it, you don't need it"
WalMart pays 850 pesos (plus benefits) for a six and half day work week.
They won't be buying many buckets of popcorn at Cineopolis or Double-Whoppers with cheese on that. I do miss going to the movies though so look
forward to the geezer-matinees- so long as the truck is safe when parked outside.
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
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bancoduo
Banned
Posts: 1003
Registered: 10-3-2005
Location: el carcel publico mazatlan sin.
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Woooosh
Home Depot parkin glot was empty saturday day afternoon. The Mexicans have plenty of local hardware stores with better prices and people they know.
IMHO mexican men don't go out shopping much and when they do they want it to be easy and social- The little storefront harware store. In most cases
"if they don't have it, you don't need it"
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GOOD FOR THEM!
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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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Every weekend that I have been in Ensenada, the COSTCO, Home Depot and Wal-Mart stores and parking lots are packed with Mexican families
shopping....and buying.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
Every weekend that I have been in Ensenada, the COSTCO, Home Depot and Wal-Mart stores and parking lots are packed with Mexican families
shopping....and buying. |
That's what I see in Ensenada as well, especially the paint department. It's just a new experience for many of them to be offered such a large
selection of items. If they only knew what a real Home Dpo was like, they'd be amazed.
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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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All is see in Rosarito Home Depot is pretty ladies pushing their kids around in empty race-car carts. They should charge a peso for the car rental. I
do only go inside on weekdays and try to stay off paved roads on the weekends. I think people in Rosarito will still pick things up at the Home
Depots on the other side just because they can- better price, selection, inventory, and value- what smart person wouldn't?
So the Ensenada Costco is full of Mexican families on the weekends?! Can you say "free family buffet" ? LOL I used to call it the "senior buffet"
until I got my AARP card in the mail. I don't blame anyone for going more for the samples than to buy- they pay a membership fee and should take
advantage of it. It does crack me up when people wait in line for hot items to come out of the mini-ovens. It's hard to maneuver your carts around
them though.
[Edited on 7-2-2008 by Woooosh]
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
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The Gull
Super Nomad
Posts: 2223
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Rancho Descanso, BCN
Member Is Offline
Mood: High
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fulano
| Quote: | Originally posted by The Gull
It was as if the world gave all of the Nomad Nobility a free pass to condemn the tragic events run by the drug cartel and make it sound like the good,
hard working people of Rosarito had somehow brought on this horrible situation and were getting what they deserved.
Are ya as proud of what you wrote back then? |
Speaking of being proud of what you wrote, you last promised to buy up the houses for sale in San Antonio del Mar. When do they go into escrow?
And the posts I have read didn't say it was the "good, hardworking people of Rosarito" who had "somehow brought on this horrible situation and where
getting what they deserved." The posts I read said it was the corrupt politicians and police, working within a system of patronage, nepotism and
elitism that brought on this situation. As a matter of fact, the posts I read said the good, hardworking people were the prime victims, having
suffered through almost 90-years of indolence and exploitation from the ruling elite since the last revolution.
Perhaps we have been using words that are a little too big for you? |
Cowardly piling on is what I read. Support it as you wish with whatever color glasses necessary.
Who is the royal WE? Need mice in your pockets for confidence?
Doubt your vocabulary would dwarf anyone but a 10 year old. Practice it here as it should enlighten some posters from your "we" group.
�I won\'t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.� William F. Buckley, Jr.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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| Quote: |
Across the street, you can get a sublime carnitas plate with all the fixings at La Flor de Michoacan. Two beers or two margaritas and you are out the
door for less than US $10 per person.
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mmmmmmm.........drooooool!
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fulano
Banned
Posts: 496
Registered: 3-31-2008
Location: Ramona, CA
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by The Gull
Who is the royal WE? Need mice in your pockets for confidence?
Doubt your vocabulary would dwarf anyone but a 10 year old. Practice it here as it should enlighten some posters from your "we" group.
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You belong to the wee group.
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Baja Bernie
`Normal` Nomad Correspondent
Posts: 2962
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Sunset Beach
Member Is Offline
Mood: Just dancing through life
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'WE' group & Nomad Nobility---WOW---who knew!
And who are they???????
My smidgen of a claim to fame is that I have had so many really good friends. By Bernie Swaim December 2007
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bancoduo
Banned
Posts: 1003
Registered: 10-3-2005
Location: el carcel publico mazatlan sin.
Member Is Offline
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THE LLUG is a ******* ***** ** ****.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bancoduo
THE LLUG is a ******* ***** ** ****. |
Now, Duo is showing that he's a responsible, team member Nomad. Knowing that we are short one moderator at this time, he fills the gap by
moderating himself. Makes me proud.
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