Priceless

VOL. 6 ED. 16 • SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 • NO BAD NEWS www.ggnorth.com

has garnered several awards th for his hard news reporting, 10 Annual Mariachi and is a champion of many So What Are These Latino issues. This year’s Mariachi Fest Fest Comes To Town is much different than years ? Enjoy a great show and feel good about it past. Normally a five or six These colorful monsters are originally from day celebration of workshops, since all proceeds go to the Rosarito Boys fetes, Hall of Fame induction, Oaxaca and are now world-famous and Girls Club international contest, and student showcase, this year’s BY ALEJANDRA BORBOLLA BY REN DRAKE HILL salute is boiled down to one explosive evening. On Saturday, October 5th, ality Jose S. Ronstadt. Yes, he The reason for cancellation Ed note: We received a lot of of fantastical creatures. The first the Mariachi Fest will return is the supremely talented son of the pre-gala components positive feedback on our cover alebrijes, along with the use to the Rosarito Beach Hotel of singer Linda Ronstadt. He’s were unclear, but a number photo of last issue. This issue of the term, originated from a gardens. As in the previous “witty” and “enthusiastic,” and of factors may be involved: we bring you the story behind Mexican artisan named Pedro nine years, 100% of all net has an extensive background insufficient resources, not these fabulous monsters called Linares. In the 1930s, Linares proceeds will benefit Rosarito’s in television; he was recently enough volunteers, stars un- Alebrijes. became very sick, and while he Club de Ninos y Ninas (Boys inaugurated into the Interna- willing or unable to commit Alebrijes (pronounced all- was in bed, unconscious, Lin- and Girls Club). The gala will tional Mariachi Hall of Fame. to the better part of a week, eh-brie-haze) are brightly col- ares “dreamt” or hallucinated, be hosted by Mexican person- Not merely a pretty face, he CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 ored Mexican folk art sculptures CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 2 September 30, 2019

know that this is not enforced most of the time, but why GRINGO risk it? Eight million brought by Published bi-monthly and expats. That’s what the im- distributed in & The migration office says our -be United States loved expats bring to Rosarito, considering the 8,000 reported Northern Baja Winemakers protest. Rep- Provino is complaining that foreigners living here, with 044 (646) 179-4599 resentatives from various win- there are huge developers in in court until the first week of each of them spending an United States eries in the Guadalupe Valley the city who are “encouraging” November, because you know average of $800+ dollars per P.O. BOX 1700 just announced that if the sec- the local council to prevent ap- how things move just a little bit month. Chula Vista, CA, 91912-1700 toral plan for the Valley is not proval of the measure. slower here. Rosarito is a favorite among Ph. (323) 952-4925 approved, they will be forced Ex-mayor will get his day About 1,000 illegal expats the expat community because Subscriptions available to protest, such actions would in court. That is Gilberto Hi- in Rosarito. That’s the number of its beaches, the closeness to see page 10 or 11, maybe paralyze the city’s economy. rata, the former Mayor of being thrown around by im- the USA and the affordability 12, sometimes 4. Fernando Perez Castro, Ensenada, who is accused of migration authorities. Their of life in this beach town. Or mail $65 for one year, head of the Provino organiza- mishandling about 1.5 mil- estimate was blown out of New Baja Earthquakes app (26 issues) or $45 for six months (13 issues) tion, denounced that they have lion USD of federal funds place by a regional newspaper developed. CICESE, the center to the U.S. already worked with authori- that where tagged for several which erroneously reported for science research located in ties on the plan but have seen projects like bike lanes in the in its headline that there were Ensenada, has launched a new Follow us on FB: a lack of willingness by the city city, a library, street repairs, actually 8,000 Americans who app that will let you know 3 to GringoGazette North to implement it. baseball stadium repairs and were here illegally. 5 minutes after an earthquake Subscribe to our mailing The sectoral plan for the more, none of which were What they were trying to has occurred (yes, you will list to get our news in your Guadalupe Valley would limit completed, and some of which say was that from the 8,000 be able to read all about the inbox: www.ggnorth.com the number of big develop- weren’t even started). expats living in Rosarito, there earthquake that just happened ments like hotels, bars, and At the moment, former are only about 1,000 who are while you’re under the rubble Check the paper online: restaurants in the Valley that Mayor Hirata isn’t being ac- here without any immigration waiting for a rescue team) all www.ggnorth.com You may view the entire do not comply with the rural cused of stealing the money; permit. the information about it, like newspaper, just as it image the Valley wants to instead, he’s accused of misap- The National Immigration where was the epicenter, what appears in print, online project. propriating it. Those charges Institute has stated that it's ille- magnitude it was and some The plan has been submit- could be added to his file if gal to be here without a permit general information about Who's to blame: ted to the city council three more irregularities are found. and that one can be deported earthquakes in Baja. Publisher times now, but it has never Although the complaint to San Ysidro if found to be The app is available in iOS Oliver Quintero, been approved because of a was filed in May 2017, the living here without the proper and Android under the name [email protected] lack of quorum in the council. former mayor will have to be documentation, although we RSC Resnom; sorry guys but this one is only in Spanish for Editing the time being. David Beyer City workers protest. Distribution About 400 city workers were Ensenada: David Beyer protesting that their salaries Rosarito & TJ: were already four days over- Luis "The Brush" Muñoz. due, and they had the brilliant Sales idea to threaten the city by Cell (646) 179-4599 blocking the SCORE Lucerna [email protected] Baja 400 race unless were paid immediately. Needless to say Collection that the problem was solved Luisa Rosas in a few hours. [email protected] The city is said to spend about 67% of their budget Journalism is publishing in salaries; this is why your something that somebody trash never gets picked up, or doesn’t want you don’t see lots of street re- pairs. There is just not enough printed. money to cover all the city’s expenses. The city’s payroll is said to have an excess number of salaried positions that could be eliminated, but since Mexican Everything law requires them to pay a else is severance or “finiquito” when just public they lay someone off, it’s not relations CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 September 30, 2019 3

revolutionaries. Handmade pastas, fresh Hands Across In 1821, Spanish sol- dier Agustin de Iturbide de- seafood, and more fected from Spain and joined The Border Mexico’s quest for freedom. Open 1pm - 10pm He led troops into Sunday 1pm - 9pm We Are Family With Common Dreams and declared it independent. Closed Thursday He issued a decree promising Ph. (646) 977-7089 BY DAVID BEYER an end to Spanish rule, guaran- Blvd. Costero #987, teeing equality among citizens, Zona Centro Ensenada and solidified Roman Catholi- Next to Subway September has been a well-being of the US. cism as the singular religion memorable month, marking The huge Mexican for Mexico. He declared him- War resulted in the annex of example, home-made mole’ the end of summer and the holiday, Dieciseis Septiembre, self emperor, but squandered those territories by the United can take days to make. The beginning of autumn, featur- is an observance of Mexico’s the nation’s wealth enriching States. That war lasted from ever-popular tamales require a ing events in which the locals liberation from its cruel domi- himself, which angered the 1846 to 1848, and was char- lot of time and effort to prepare and expats shared the many nation and occupation by military leaders who had sup- acterized by Mexico as an properly. Even the food carts layers of each other’s heritage, Spain. The struggle for inde- ported his original campaign. “intervention,” an invasion and on the street provide fresh, enriching all their lives. pendence began on that date He was overthrown occupation of their sovereign lively and colorful bouquets of The first weekend of in 1810, when a Catholic Priest by the military, behind Gua- territories. flavor, color and aroma. the month was a three-day (Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo) dalupe Victoria, who became Mexico, the US, and even Americans love to come to holiday for US citizens; Labor issued a decree calling for the first president of the newly France engaged in other con- Baja to escape from burden- Day is dedicated to the social independence from Spain, re- formed democratic state. flicts over the following years, some regulations and stressful and economic achievements distribution of land, and racial The story that begins with but no one has succeeded jobs. Baja is close to the border of American workers. It’s an equality. The Spaniards quickly the liberation from Spain was in conquering this country, with CA, and, thanks to the annual tribute to the contri- quashed that revolution and a long and bloody one; the which never relinquished the transpeninsular toll road, is butions workers have made to beheaded Father Hidalgo as a 11-year struggle came to an independence that it fought so a breathtakingly scenic and the strength, prosperity, and warning to any other would-be end on August 24th, 1821, hard to attain. memorable trip. when Spain finally recognized There remains an integra- Unless a person becomes Mexico’s independence by tion of the cultures of Mexico disorderly, or draws atten- signing the Treaty of Cordoba. and the US to this day, espe- tion to himself for the wrong The Mexican terri- cially in SoCal, AZ, NM and reasons, he probably won’t be tory once included what is TX. hassled by the authorities here. now the entire west coast of Americans envy and revere Baja is safe, entertaining the US, including Washington the casual, freewheeling Mexi- and peaceful. The locals are state, Oregon and California; it can lifestyle. sociable, confident, generous also controlled Arizona, New Mexico’s culinary heri- and tranquilo. Mexico and Texas. tage features recipes that are One benefit of Mexico’s The Mexican-American complex and appealing; for CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 Grand Opening Special ($950 VALUE) free cover, free delivery and free steps ON YOUR NEW SPA

Finally in Baja: Spas, Patio Furniture & Saunas Magic Spas & Patio Where Relaxation And Quality Cometogether www.magicspasandpatio.com Ph. 661 104 08 67 Visit our showroom in Transpeninsular Highway #669 Colonia Echeverria, Rosarito. Across from Pabellon Mall, between La Maroma bar and the hardware store, old Tooginos pizza location 4 September 30, 2019 Rosarito Calendar Classified Ads of Events Easy Sign Up All prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. NEXT DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, OCT. 10TH, 2019 Every Monday through Fri- at IMAC Rosarito, at the Library. Flying Samaritan’s Outrageous Submit it and Pay it Online day, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm; Pick- To register, send name and phone Bingo at Popotla Jr. Restaurant Go to: http://www.ggnorth.com/classified leball at the Rosarito Pickleball number to eabel@bajaexpatser- (across from El Nido - formerly Complex and Training Camp at vices.pro. California Fresh), Food and Phone It or Text It In You can call or text us at: Parque Reforma (west of Pabel- Every Wednesday, 10:30 am Drink specials; free parking Mex Cell (646) 179 4599 or US (323) 952-4925. lon center – turn left at Oxxo). – 12 pm; Speak Spanish Naturally behind restaurant; Six games, 4 Three courts. $2 court fee per day. with Erendira Abel at IMAC Li- cards for $10; Karen: kajomc@ Mail It In You can mail it along with your check to: Bring water and folding chair. brary. eabel@bajaexpatservices. yahoo.coojm; (US) 1-818-515- Gringo Gazette North, P.O. BOX 1700, Chula Vista, CA, 91912- 1700 Facebook.com/ Rosarito Pickle- pro. 0067l (MX) 664-609-3419. ball for all information. Every Wednesday, 10am Second and Fourth Wednes- Email It In You can email it to [email protected] Every Monday, 10:45 am, - 12pm; Adult painting class day, 1 pm; Cruz Roja Primo Tapia How easy are those choices? Hint: Very easy. duplicate bridge at Baja Gold at IMAC Rosarito in the main Bingo at El Pescador Restaurant. Cost is only 80 cents a word, and that includes posting your ad in Bridge Club, KM 42 at the Ro- park. Bilingual instructor. 200 6 games/ 2 cards for $5. Reduced our online version as well as the printed edition. sarito Beach Christian Church. peso registration/ 300 pesos per price menu; Jamesphausmann@ We do take credit cards and paypal also. bajagoldcoastbridgeclub@gmail. month. IMACRosarito@gmail. gmail.com; 1-623-217-9795. com. com; Facebook/imacrosarito. Every Other Thursday 12 pm; CALAFIA 3BR FOR SALE 2006 SPRINTER Every Tuesday, 10 – 11 am, Every Wednesday, 7:30 – Baja Wordsmiths Writing group CONDO FOR SALE https:// VAN. White, Mercedes diesel Chair Yoga at IMAC Rosarito, 9:00 am; Tai Chi classes with meets at L’Estancia Restaurant calafiacondo.wordpress.com motor. 225,000 miles. Perfect Salon 3 (behind Banamex). To certified instructor Eugenio En- (turn at the wooden water wheel). for surfing/camping. Asking register, send name and phone cinas at Galeria Fausto Polanco Bring something to write with. ENSENADA CITY LIGHTS: 3BR/2BA quality view home $12,500usd. Call (949)424- number to wellnesshealingliv- Rosarito. 350 pesos per month. RSVP to Facebook.com/ Baja 4787 [email protected]. Alyce: 664-368-6733; Alberto: Wordsmiths for date. for rent minutes from down- Every Second Tuesday, 1 pm; 661-125-9191. Every Thursday. 8:30 am. town. 2500 sq ft. Sundeck, FOR RENT IN ROSARITO The Baja Business Club Unlim- Every Second Wednesday Local Board of Realtors (APIR) patio, garden, fireplace. Hi- One bedroom appartment, ited Meeting (BBCU) at Ruben’s (except December). 10 am. meets at Oceana Grill. Good speed Internet & Direct TV furnished or unfurnished. Restaurant (k 43). Network with Friends of the Library meeting place for buyers or sellers to find available. $1000/mo. Arman- Two blocks from Benito Juarez other local business professionals. at CEART Rosarito. Promotes a Realtor do at 646-171-6806 or email Blvd, between the toll road and Chuck Smith: Gorgeouswom- reading and literacy in Rosarito. Every Second Thursday. 10 bajaConstruc20@hotmail. the Blvd. Walking distance to [email protected] for more www.friendsofthelibrary.com. am. Cruz Roja Volunteers, Ro- com (#15) shopping centers, restaurants information. mx. 661-612-3659. sarito Chapter General Meeting NEW FOR SALE! Just listed and bars. Starting from $250 Every Tuesday – Rotary Club Every Third Wednesday of NOW at Beach Comber Rest. . fantastic house with coastal, p/month. Secure place, fenced meets at Rosarito Beach Hotel. the Month (except December), www.cruzrojarosarito.org.mx; ocean and mountain views! parking. Call Heriberto @ US 664-376-2620. Flying Samaritan’s General Meet- President: Mary Moreno, mi- Partially furnished and ph. (562) 760-6410 or email Every Tuesday, 10 – 11 am; ing at Villas Del Mar (k 31.5). [email protected]. comes with washer/dryer. [email protected] Chair Yoga with Erendira Abel at www.flyingsamaritansrosarito. Every Third Thursday. 10 2 Large lots, 2 br 2 bath, IMAC, Salon 3. eabel@bajaexpat- org; [email protected]; am. General Meeting for FRAO, double garage w/ automatic services.pro. 1-858-234-2360; 661-100-6066. Foreign Residents Assistance Of- door opener, out-shed, large Every Wednesday, 10:30 am Every Third Wednesday (ex- fice. Open to the public. Calafia shaded palapa patio, quiet – 12 pm; Learn Spanish Naturally cept December) 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Hotel. Speaker’s presentation. neighborhood, secure gated [email protected]. american community. La Every Friday, 12 - 2 pm; mision area. 45 Easy min- Subscribe to our Free Some Space @ Home!! Adult painting class at IMAC Ro- utes to the us border via Breaking News Bulletins sarito in the main park. Bilingual freeway, 5 minutes from They’re Free!! instructor. 200 pesos registra- great restaurants, bars, and tion/ 300 pesos monthly. IMAC activities. Only $149,000 [email protected]; Facebook/ usd. Owner financing avail- To have them appear in Office Hours: 9am-5pm • Closed Wednesday imacrosarito. your email go to: Gate Hours 8am-6pm Everyday able with substantial down Every Monday and Friday payment-email me for more www.ggnorth.com/blast Storage space starting (that is NOT a Mexican holiday) info. Also same area 2 br 2 Proudly brought to 11 am – 1 pm; Free beginner and bath only $39,000. Plus long you by one of the many from $75 monthly intermediate Spanish Classes at term rentals available $300 wonderful advertisers the Palacio Municpal, through and up. E-mail mexico-real- of the Now offering moving services! the FRAO office. Contact Liz for [email protected]... 30 KM 40.5 Free Road in Rosarito information: 661-614-9600, ext. Years in fantastico mexico Ph. (661) 614 1642 • US. (619) 797 8097 1080, or email: frao@rosarito. ! Lucky me! Give me a call [email protected] gob.mx. ...Bill's Baja Bargains 760 554 www.bajapublicstorage.com Every Saturday, 10:00 am at 4238 mex 646 155 0029 CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 September 30, 2019 5

and champions for the inclu- [email protected]. 10TH ANNUAL MARIACHI... sion of Mariachi music into Little known fact: The first First in Rosarito, continued from page 1 public schools. Victor “El Pato” time Linda Ronstadt sang first in service Since Cardenas, perhaps the best publically in Spanish was in 1971 fewer hotel rooms available, vihuela (giant Mariachi guitar) 1986, accompanied by Ma- • Health and life insurance logistics, whatever. The lead- player in the world, has been riachi Vargas, at the Tucson ership of the Rosarito Beach a member of several Mariachi International Mariachi Con- • House and Condo Hotel has changed recently, groups since his youth, and a ference. , insurance creating somewhat of a top- member of Mariachi Vargas • Legal Assistance heavy cadre of managers after since 1960. the retirement of Son Hugo Making its second onscreen ALEBRIJES... • Car insurance Torres. I have been told that appearance at Mariachi Fest is continued from page 1 (Mexico and US) some attendees were confused the MagiConcert Virtual Or- • Board Association as to which event to attend. I chestra, produced by Edward more likely, of a strange place Insurance used to tell them to just “go March. Dozens of musicians resembling a forest. to everything!” I for one will will accompany the live per- There, he saw trees, animals, • Personal Accident miss seeing many of the large formers for a unique and rich rocks, clouds that suddenly Benito Juarez # 10, Quinta del Mar cast of entertainers that used audio and visual experience. turned into something strange, strip center, in front of the stop light Phone 661-6121028 and 661-6130692 to perform. The projection is so outstand- some kind of animals, which he Email: [email protected] Let us pay your household bills The slate of performers is ing it rivals a live onstage had never seen before. He saw www.berniesinsurance.com on your behalf. Easy set up vast, including personalities production. a donkey with butterfly wings, of Mexico and the US. Ste- Rounding out the cast are a rooster with bull horns, a lion carving of a local wood called veen Sandoval, once the lead Alberto Alfaro and Miguel with an eagle head, and all of copal; this type of wood is said you have a piece carved by one tenor of Mariachi Vargas de Angel Barron, violinists ex- them were shouting one word, to be magical. of the original great carvers. Tecalitlan will pay homage traordinaire, with Mariachi "Alebrijes." Talk about a bad The papier-mâché-to-wood The later carvers didn't learn to the Mexican “Churreria” Vargas; Julio Martinez, master dream! carving adaptation was pio- the technique of making each (tradition) and a true spirit of the Jarocho and Paraguayan With the devilish figures neered by Manuel Jiménez, piece fit so well that it could be of Mexican folklore. His ren- harps and member of Maria- running through his mind, native from Arrazola, a town in removed and put back in again dition of “Por Amor” (For chi Vargas since 1995; Danza Linares gave life to his vision Oaxaca. This version of the craft and again. Those pieces have Love) is the most requested Ticuan of Tijuana, featuring and the art of making alebrijes has since spread to a number more than tripled in value. vocal selection in Mariachi dancers sporting beautiful was born. of other towns, The painting on these fig- history. Accompanying Sr. authentic costumes of native After Linares recovered, most notably ures is also more intense and Sandoval is Pepe Martinez Jr Mexico while accompanying he started to remember of Mariachi Angeles, who was the music of the Mariachi. his hallucinations and trained in Mariachi by the best, The evening will conclude he wanted his family CHARLY’S PLACE his father. The mission that is with an explosive fireworks and everybody to know There's No Place Like Charly's Place! most important to him is to show over the Pacific Ocean. about the animals he saw, ensure the next generation of Good tickets are still avail- so he took a piece of pa- per HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Thu 4PM-7PM Mariachi musicians “receive able at www.ClubRosarito. and he molded the figurines LIVE MUSIC: Thur, Fri, Sat & Sunday the greatest quality and most org. VIP: $100 with reserved from his memory. He then KM 37.5 Rosarito-Ensenada Free Road. Almost across the authentic instruction possible.” table seating, Silver, $60, and painted them as he saw them St. from the big Jesus. Ph. (661) 613-2685 US. (619) 663-1587 Unfortunately, the talleres General, $25 (All prices are in his dream. (workshops) won’t be available USD). Doors open at 6:00 pm. His work caught the at- San Martín Tilca- jete and varied. The first to copy the this year. Or arrive at 5:00 pm, pay $25, tention of a gallery owner in La Unión Tejalapan, and be- fantastic forms and bright col- Dr. Jeff Nevin, Director and enjoy a celebrity-filled Cuernavaca, in the south of came a major source of income ors was Manuel Jiménez, who of Mariachi Champana, head cocktail Meet and Greet in Mexico and later, artists like for the area, especially for Til- carved the figures in local copal of Southwest College’s Music the Hotel’s Salon Azteca. Can’t and . cajete. wood rather than using paper. Department, is an award-win- attend the concert? There are In the 1980s, British film- Many rural households in The market is di- ning classical composer and numerous ways to donate to maker, Judith Bronowski, ar- the Mexican state of Oaxaca vided into two levels, the pro- performs frequently with the the Club listed on the Club ranged an itinerant Mexican art have prospered over the past CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 San Diego Symphony, lectures website. For more information, craft demonstration workshop three decades through the sale throughout the United States, please contact Rosy Torres at in the U.S. featuring Pedro of brightly painted, whimsical Linares, Manuel Jiménez and wood carvings they call alebrijes a textile artisan Maria Sabina to international tourists and the from Oaxaca. Although the owners of ethnic arts shops in CARPET & UPHOLSTERY ULTRA Oaxaca valley area already had the U.S., Canada, and Europe. a history of carving animals What is called “alebrijes” in CLEANING WITH THE and other types of figures from Oaxaca is a marriage of native DRYMETHOD LET US HELP WITH CLEANING! wood, it was at this time, when woodcarving traditions and Bronowski's workshop took influence from Pedro Linares’ ENGLISH SPEAKING No Soap / Residue FREE. Dries in 2-4 Hours NOT DAYS! place, that artisans from Oaxaca work in Mexico City. One of the AA meetings in Ensenada Carpets stay clean longer. We do Persian and Wool area rugs learned about the alebrijes pa- most important things about Call for times pier-mâché sculptures. Linares the fantastical creatures carved and locations: Call Patti @ 661-6140526 showed his designs on family of wood is that every piece is U.S. +1.619.721.0299 15 years in Rosarito • Work Guaranteed • Free Quotes visits which were adapted to the removable; it's how you can tell Mex 52.1.646.244.7116 6 September 30, 2019

heritage that has both Spanish and Mexican descent, but I do Ask a Mexican have to recognize that Europe- Columbus Day is a national holiday in many ans made native Mexicans suf- fer a lot. I am happy the whole countries of the Americas and elsewhere which concept has changed because officially celebrates the anniversary of Christopher there are more races than just Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, Europeans with Mexicans. A 1492. In Mexico, it was formerly known as “dia de little while ago, the afromexi- cans were recognized as a race la raza” day of the race; it is now known as “day of of their own and maybe they the celebration of cultural diversity.” didn’t come on the same ships Do you know what is celebrated on October 12? as the Europeans, but they are definitely here as a consequence How do you feel about such a celebration? Do of Columbus. you celebrate? Estefania Cano, 26, stay at Dear readers: I believe that if it wasn’t for home mom. We have decided to eliminate Columbus, we wouldn’t be the I know and understand my the photos of the respondents. In a culture we are today. heritage and the history behind recent edition, a photograph was it, but I do not want to celebrate published without permission. Al- Jaime Gomez, 47, security the fact that Europeans came though we know that it is always guard. and almost vanished a whole difficult to get photos and names When I was a child we would race and looted its riches. I have amongst all of those we process celebrate at school, but there realized that history is now dif- every issue, we sincerely apologize were kids dressed as Europeans ferent, and my kids do not have to Ms. Laura Piazola Zamora for and kids dressed as indigenous an actual celebratory day like I this mistake. The Editor. tribes, I always wanted to be one did in school. They are taught of the Europeans but I wasn’t that the day is about cultural planets, and some things were there’s three celebrations; Co- Laura Dominguez, 62, shop white enough. I am happy the diversity and I am proud of that. called another. Things were a lumbus Day, the day of the virgin owner. name has changed because being Kids now, I believe that are going little more realistic, now every- and the university foundation. I know it’s about La Pinta, La invaded is nothing to celebrate. to have to face the difference in thing is subject to who will be of- I think it’s a very superficial Niña, La Santa Maria, when Co- We were one of the strongest time, and nowadays they not fended, why we can’t say certain celebration, very European but lumbus came to the Americas. civilizations before Columbus only will have European and things, and this is one of them. not very Mexican. It's about the My kids, when they were little, came, and they took our riches American descent but much The truth is that we are a country merge of two worlds, but for me, had to dress up for the celebra- and left us poor. more due to globalization. woven by the rich heritage of it’s the beginning of disgrace. tion and prepare a speech. I our ancestors, and as bad as it From that date, a conquer started understand things have changed Arturo Velazquez, 51, bar Isaac Jimenez, 33, painter. sounds, the European massacre that lasted more than 500 years. and the particular celebration manager. When I was young all history was necessary for what we are We were free sons of the earth; has had a shift of focus, but I am very grateful for my was different. We had different today. Yes, we lost many indig- we were degraded to slaves. enous groups and the country The government is still in that was left in rags. If we had more position against natives, making indigenous groups survive, we them believe they live under the would have a larger percentage “customs” and take advantage of of Indian blood in us, and I am their poor knowledge of mod- certain our people would be ern law. For example, a poor completely different. community gets its land ripped away by the government because Pablo Lerma, 30, nurse. they have no idea how to defend Where I’m from, that day themselves. ,

[email protected] Rosarito, Baja California September 30, 2019 7

2019, manufacturing grew a QUE PASA IN BAJA?... whopping 9% in our state, put- COCINA A LA LEÑA continued from page 2 ting it in first place for growth WOOD FIRED KITCHEN in all of Mexico. feasible to do so; the amount This is good for our econ- Km. 34 1/2 Free Road Tij-Ens, Rosarito, Baja. Ph. (661) 614 6251 / E-mail: [email protected] of the severance sometimes omy, but why doesn’t it show amounts to months or even up more, you ask? The reason here without persecution or abroad. cated in San Martin Tilcajete, years worth of salaries, and is that manufacturing jobs are fear of deportation, but politics Pieces sold retail in Oaxaca Oaxaca. the city has been financially in one of the lowest-paid jobs being what they are, applying generally range from $1 to $200 To make an alebrije come to dire straits for years now. They around. An average starting for legal residency is highly USD. The most commercial- life, the first step is to find the just haven’t been able to come manufacturing job pays about encouraged. ized figures are those of dogs, right piece of wood, with the up with the money needed to $60 dollars per week, and while Mexico is a peaceful, neu- armadillos, iguanas, giraffes, right shape. The carving starts reduce the payroll under the that could be enough to feed a tral country, and Baja is known cats, elephants, zebras, deer, dol- when the artisan reads the piece existing rules. small family, it is definitely not as “La Frontera,” for it is largely phins, sharks and fish. Animals of wood and decides what it Clinic evacuated in enough to cover rent, trans- a diamond in the rough. Its are often painted with bright will become, based on its knots, Ensenada. At about 10:30 portation, etc. vast, undeveloped areas pro- colors and designed and carved size, curves and grain while the am on September 18th, a foul Another whale dies. Yeah, vide a myriad of opportunities with exaggerated features that wood is still “wet.” Then, the smell started invading a pub- this happens a lot in the middle for anyone with vision. , bear little resemblance to what artisan carves the wood with lic health clinic in downtown of the ocean where we don’t see occurs in the natural world. hand tools, including machetes, Ensenada. As it turns out, them, but we’ve had a couple of The process may seem quite files, and sometimes scissors, the forensics service office whale corpses on our beaches ALEBRIJES... simple but it takes a whole lot depending on the size of the neighboring the clinic had one this past month. First we had continued from page 5 of craftsmanship to make an piece of wood and the hardness. authentic alebrije. First, a piece Once the main shape has been 00 Margaritas Everyday! duction of unique, high quality, of copal wood must be picked, carved, the piece of wood must $3. labor-intensive pieces and the which is no easy task. There be dried in the sun, sometimes LIVE MUSIC production of repetitive, average are female trees and male trees soaked in gasoline and baked to WED - SUN quality and inexpensive pieces. and each branch has a different kill off all the bug eggs the piece RESTAURANT & CANTINA Km. 52 Old Road to Ens Those who have produced shape, which is key for the piece might hold. This step might FRESH SEA FOOD Ph. (661) 688-0947 exceptionally fine pieces have it will be made into. make the wood likely to crack [email protected] gained reputations as artists, Before we get into the cutting or break, which is easily fixed commanding high prices. Only of their refrigerators broken one in Rosarito, near Marena, the better carving families gen- down, and the corpses started and just about a week after erally make larger pieces. While to rot, generating that foul that another one showed up pieces can be bought and or- smell. on the Loma Dorada beach in dered from the artisans directly, Although forensics doctors Ensenada. most sell to middlemen who said there was no reason to be Authorities said the animal in turn sell them to outlets in afraid and that the smell was died of natural causes and was Mexico and abroad. not a health hazard, the clinic quickly buried by ZOFEMAT The most successful carving decided to close up shop early authorities with the help of ce- families sell almost exclusively that day, until the forensics ment company CEMEX. This to dealers and may have only process it is of extreme impor- by filling the spaces with small office could get the offending was not the case with the one a few pieces available for the tance to mention that the copal pieces of wood or resin. When refrigerator fixed. found in Rosarito, as it was drop-in visitor. Within Mexico, tree is highly endangered as a the piece has been shaped, it Manufacturing grows in in a non-accessible location, Oaxacan alebrijes are often species. It was originally used by must be sanded to perfection, so Baja. In the first 5 months of which made the removal of the sold in tourist locations such native Mexicans for rituals and the pigments stick the way the corpse very difficult., as Oaxaca city, La Paz, Cancún, has not been preserved properly, artisan means them to. Cozumel and Puerto Escon- which is the main reason why its Before acrylic paint became HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER... dido. commercialization has turned so popular, the wood pieces Most pieces sold interna- into a black market mafia. The were painted with natural pig- continued from page 3 tionally go to the United States, few forests that do grow copal ments, including minerals, Canada, Europe and Japan, only sell it to their own people, ashes, fungus, insects and herbs. long history is its cultural rich- where the most expensive pieces turning everything into a big, These pigments limited the ness in music, art, architecture end up in ethnic craft stores in mean, difficult operation. brightness of the piece but also and education. Children here urban areas, university towns The whole process was sup- increased its value. From only are encouraged to learn Eng- and upscale resorts. Cheaper posed to be done by only one one main ingredient, such as lish as part of their scholastic pieces tend to be sold at trade person, from the cutting of the the bark of the male copal tree, curriculum, providing them a shows and gift shops. Tourists tree to the final painting, but many colors can be achieved broader spectrum of oppor- who buy pieces directly from now it is more typical for fami- from yellow to green to blue tunities. carvers pay about twice what lies to involve all the members adding lime juice, baking soda Porque todos It’s no secret that there is a wholesalers do. The price of in the making of an alebrije. or alcohol. This is pure chem- necesitamos large population of Americans each piece depends on the qual- There are two main workshops istry: the artisans play with the opciones living here that have never ity, coloring, size, originality in Oaxaca where alebrijes are acidity or alkalinity of the pig- bothered to officially register and sometimes the reputation made; Jacobo and Maria An- ments. Natural pigments are not KM. 22 Ens-Tij Toll Road their residency. They are free of the carver. The most expen- geles workshop and casa Don only expensive but also hard to Baja, Mexico to enjoy the benefits of living sive pieces are most often sent Juan. Both workshops are lo- CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 8 September 30, 2019

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Good info for the 200 pesos, 661-124-3619, or cert Virtual Orchestra, Jose Ron- English speaking community of Robin at www.BajaSpayNeuter. stadt, Julio Martinez, Mariachi charitable, community service org. Angeles, folkorico dancers and Credit Cards Welcome and social organizations. www. Last Sunday of every month, fireworks show. Preceded by unitedsocietyofbaja.org. 664- Jewish Chavurah. Gordon Kane - cocktails at 5 pm. Tickets: www. 748-3949. [email protected]. Bajaconcert.com, or Facebook. Every First Saturday. Noon- Every day but one day at a com/ Club de Ninos y Ninas de 6th Annual Wine and Food Pair- ments, there are several layers sundown. Open Studio Art Walk, time AA Grupo Gringo meets Rosarito AC. ing by Marla Poggi. Welcome that go into making an alebrije. a free tour of galleries in Rosarito daily #16 Mar Meditteraneo (two October 5, Saturday, 4:30 cocktail, plus 3 wines paired First, the background must Beach Hotel commercial center. blocks behind Del Mar Beach pm – midnight; 3rd Annual Valle with tapas, cheeses, and choco- be painted solid. Sometimes the Meet artists at work in their stu- Club). Saturday, 3:00; Sunday, Food and Wine Festival at Finca lates. Live music and dancing creature’s body is sectioned and dios. pacothepainter@hotmail. Monday, Thursday: 10:00 am; Altozano (km 83 in the Valle). 40 beachside at Poggi’s Beachfront the background colors can be as com Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: top chefs of the US and Mexico, Patio, 250 Junipero Serra, La many as the artisan wishes, but Every Third Saturday. 1pm. 6:00 pm. Additional meetings live music and dancing, curated Mision. $75. www.bajawineand- always solid. Then, comes the USBC, United Society of Baja in Cantamar (just south of the talks and much more. Tickets: dine.com. second layer; small details in California, monthly potluck footbridge) Tuesday and Friday, General: $140, VIP: $450 (US) October 12, Saturday, 7:30 patterns that sometimes mimic dinner, at La Maroma sports 10:00 am. 661-614-1678. at www.vallefoodandwinefest. pm; A Magical Night of Music feathers or spots, but most of the bar, across from Burger King. October 1, Tuesday, 7 – 8 com. with Alex DePue & Miguel de time are geographic patterns. Different theme every month. pm; Opening of Photo Event “25 October 6, Sunday 8 am; Hoyos at Ruben’s Restaurant The spots and lines are as thin Usually live entertainment. Free. Views of Rosarito” featuring 25 Extreme Motor Fest at San Fer- (k43). 4 course meal and show, as a hair sometimes, the artistry Membership $20 per year. photographers & artists. Free. nando Plaza, Rosarito (across $28. Clam chowder, salad, flan, comes from keeping a steady Second Sunday of every [email protected]; from Smart & Final). Car show, and choice of salmon and BBQ pulse to achieve the beautiful month, Pet sterilization by the 661-100-6338. drifting, mud bog racing, mo- ribs. 661-613-2371. , spaces between colors. Baja Spay and Neuter Founda- October 4, Friday, 1 pm; torcycle exhibition, bikini con- After that layer comes an- tion at the Centro de Diagnostico Susanna’s Food & Wine Pair- test, live music, local vendors. ALEBRIJES... other layer of patterns, comple- ing Luncheon to benefit the Free admission. continued from page 7 menting the first layer, in differ- Baja Scholarship Foundation October 6, Sunday, 12 – 4 ent colors. Some artisans make at Susanna’s Restaurant. $45 all pm; 4th Annual Cruz Roja Primo find, which is why many artisans their alebrijes with up to 10 inclusive, pre-paid only at www. Tapia Oktoberfest at Vista Her- turned to commercial acrylic layers of patterns and outlines, bajascholarshipfoundation.org. mosa Resort (formerly Bobby’s paints to do the job. Either with some less. Bottom line, this is info: [email protected]. by the Sea) HAS BEEN CAN- acrylic paint or natural pig- quite the intricate handicraft., October 5, Saturday 2 pm; CELED. For refunds, contact Octobeerfest at Charly’s Place. www.cruzrojaprimotapia.com. Mon-Fri 8am - 9pm Sat 9am - 2pm SAME DAY All you can drink $20 draft beer October 12 – 13, Saturday RESULTS! and $25 well margaritas, Bacardi & Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm; Meet- Velmar Hospital Arenas St. #151 THE BEST and vodka; German brauts and ing of the Kumiay at IMAC PRICE IN BAJA potatoes. Music by Flashback Rosarito. Music, dancing, food, Ensenada $2,999 PESOS * Valid for conventional studies ($160 USD*) and Julio Acosta. Facebook. handmade craft items, and a BAJA MRI USD amount depends on Exchange Rate com/ Octobeerfest. historical exhibition of archeo- MAGNETIC [email protected] October 5, Saturday, 6 pm; logical pieces.Facebook.com/ RESONANCE (646) 179 2024 Mariachi All Stars Concert, encuentro cultural kumiay. EMERGENCIES: IMAGING benefitting Club Ninos y Ninas October 12, Saturday, 3 pm; Ph. (646) 154 5620 & (646) 977 1654