Baja California Honors 14 American Foreign Residents on World Tourism Day
TIJUANA---"Fourteen American expatriates were honored as part of a Foreign Resident Appreciation event on Sept. 27 (World Tourism Day) at the
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) in the UABC Rubén Vizcaíno Valencia theatre.
The award plaques were signed by Baja Gov. Osuna and presented by state Secrteary of Tourism Juan Tintos to foreign residents for their exceptional
contributions to the Baja region, The award recipients are a group of expatriates who have been positive ambassadors for the region and made a wide
variety of contributions to the region and the Baja Image Committee.
Hugo Torres, president of the committee, said many in the group have joined state tourism authorities in promoting Baja to Americans, among other
efforts to help the region, Governor Osuna chose World Tourism Day for the celebration to symbolize the effect that tourism has on social, cultural,
political and economic values worldwide.
"Visiting other countries and regions like Baja helps to preserve cultural heritage and enhance peace and mutual understanding," said Secretary
Tintos.
"We are honored that so many Americans make Baja their adopted home and encourage anyone thinking of a trip or second home to consider our wonderfully
rich region of Baja."
Mr. Torres added: "For decades, foreign residents have been an important part of Baja California, often coming first as visitors and then choosing to
live here.
"Over the years, they have helped to improve life south of the border through charitable contributions, education and social life. The entire State of
Baja would like to thank them for their efforts."
Award recipients were:
TIJUANA
Anne Hines --- For years, Ms. Hines has kept foreign residents of Baja informed with timely and accurate information though her Rosarito Town Crier
website and emails, which she updates daily --- all on a volunteer basis. A Canadian by birth, she is a past board member and president of the United
Society of Baja California. She has been an ongoing, strong advocate of Baja California, and an excellent spokesperson to media outlets.
ENSENADA
Tillie Foster --- Beginning her early involvement in Baja with the "La Sociedad de Vecinos of Punta Banda," Ms. Foster continued with Cancer
Association of Baja California, Annual International Sailing Regatta , and in 2001 was presented a recognition award as "Amigo De Baja California" by
the Governor of Baja Alejandro Alcocer. Additionally, in 2003, she received an award from the International Foundation of the community of Ensenada,
the Rotary Club Calafia and Cetys University for contributions to the philanthropic culture in Ensenada . Ms. Foster continues to be active with the
Baja Image Committee, among numerous activities.
Margit Gantt --- A Baja resident for almost two decades, Margit has not only worked on behalf of the Baja image, she has been a vital part of
bettering the cultural experience of foreign residents as well as local residents in Ensenada by her participation and leadership in organizations
such as Suma de Culturas International Festival and Hands Across the Border music program. Further, Ms. Gantt volunteers for C.A.M.E. which helps
battered and abused women and families in crisis, is an Ensenada "Red Hatter," and helped organize the international community Mega Mixer .
Connie Ellig --- Ms. Ellig has served as a voice for the foreign resident community for many years as a writer, editor and publisher of several
English language publications serving the community in Baja. Her writing and photography on Baja have received many awards. In recognition for her
volunteer community activities and long professional service advancing a positive image of Baja California, in 1999 she received the Amigo de Baja
California Award from Baja California Governor Alejandro Alcocer.
ROSARITO BEACH
Gil Sperry --- The author of several books on mariachi, Mr. Sperry is the organizer of Rosarito's annual international mariachi and folkloric dance
festival. The hugely popular annual event is also a fundraiser for the Rosarito Boys & Girls Club, to which Mr. Sperry has donated many other
efforts and time. For many years a teacher in the United States, Mr. Sperry also has been a strong advocate and promoter for Baja at the many
prestigious festivals in which he is involved in the United States.
Dr. Gregory Payne --- A professor of public affairs at Boston's Emerson College, Dr. Payne five years ago started the Rediscover Rosarito project to
distribute accurate and positive information about Baja throughout the United States and elsewhere in the world. Working with his college classes and
other institutions, Mr. Payne has taken the lead in creating a website and a yearly film festival in Rosarito. He also has given presentations on the
region in conferences throughout the world.
Susanne Stehr --- The owner of Susanna's Restaurant in Rosarito, a popular spot with both foreign and Mexican-born residents, Ms. Stehr has been a
tireless and eloquent advocate for the region, including as a member of the Baja Image Committee. The restaurateur is one of the three creators of the
Baja Blondes, a television pilot featuring three women entrepreneurs who work in the region and enjoy its wide variety of entertainment, recreational
and cultural offerings.
Ron Raposa --- Mr. Raposa served for two years as the international public relations representative for the Rosarito Convention & Visitors Bureau
and three years in that position for the administration of Mayor Hugo Torres. After working for years as a newspaper journalist and public relations
practitioner in the U.S. Mr. Raposa helped formulate strategies for distributing fair and accurate information about the Baja region at a critical
time. He also has helped publicize many non-profit events including media adviser to the Baja Image Committee.
Ken Bell --- After a career in the U.S. as business owner, senior staff in the California Legislature, and president of his local chamber of commerce,
and numerous community and civic positions, Mr. Bell has devoted recent years as the co-chair of the Baja Image Committee, president of the Rosarito
Friends of the Library, and board member of United Society of Baja California. He has devoted tireless hours as an active and vocal advocate to the
public and media on behalf of Baja California, and International Community Foundation panelist in Mexico City reporting to the federal Secretary of
Tourism.
Judy Westphal --- Currently serving as president of the United Society of Baja California, Ms. Westphal has long served the organization and the
foreign resident community in Rosarito. She has directed the USBC's contributions to educational scholarships, local orphanages, and charitable
fundraising. Ms. Westphal organizes annual whale-watching trips to exposes the wonders of Baja's ecology, and supports the Baja Image Committee.
Tom Reeve --- Mr. Reeve began his volunteer efforts in Rosarito Beach as president of the Rosarito Friends of the Library and has continued his
community involvement on the board of the United Society of Baja California, the Rosarito Sister Cities Committee as well as a leadership position in
his church. Prior to coming to Baja, Mr. Reeve was a college professor and Dean, businessman, and publisher of a Spanish language serving the Latin
community in Orange County, California. He has continued to serve the Baja Image Committee, representing the best interests of Baja California and the
foreign resident community.
Elma Sotomayor --- With long ties to the Baja California community, Ms. Sotomayor currently serves as President of the Cruz Roja American Volunteer
program. For numerous years, she has served as volunteer at the Rosarito Cruz Roja Hospital, Cruz Roja Thrift Store, and is a Cruz Roja Dama, a group
of ladies that also support the hospital by visiting the ill, the orphanage and the elderly institutions. In addition, she devotes energy and hours to
Rosarito's community organizations representing the true spirit of community volunteerism.
SAN FELIPE
Vivian Scott --- Vivian Scott divides her time between San Felipe, BC, and Las Vegas, Nevada, but is a full-time booster of Baja. An educator who
holds a PhD and businesswoman volunteers time with the Baja Image Committee and Chairs the Tourism Committee for the United States-Mexico Chamber of
Commerce, California Regional Chapter. Vivian travels widely on behalf of Baja as well as community involvement with the Western Energy Institute,
Pacific Coast Gas Association, United Way, American Heart Association, Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow, Adopt-a-Highway Program, and her
community homeowners' association.
John and Rachel Pack ---
John and Rachel Pack have been publishing and producing events for over a decade and a lifetime independently. John and Rachel have
produced/co-produced/hosted many charity events for Baja children, including the Baja Love Ride, a multi-day cycling event from Rosarito Beach to San
Felipe, 6 years of the Blues & Arts Fiesta in San Felipe held in Spring, and this summer they promoted the Baja Walk and walked 850 miles from San
Felipe to Cabo San Lucas, and hosted the inaugural Baja Blues Fest at Rosarito Beach Hotel all to support Baja children. This winter they will be
producing "The Incredible Baja Travelin' Blues Show", a charity music tour and silent auction series for Baja children. They currently publish the
annual Baja Good Life Guidebook, the Baja Weekly Report, and own and operate the Baja Good Life Club."
“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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