jueves, 29 de octubre de 2009

Marathon On November 7 Runs From Rosarito Beach Downtown To Puerto Nuevo



More info www.rosarito.org

lunes, 26 de octubre de 2009

U.S. Rotary Club Sponsors Rosarito Event To Show The Region Is Safe For Visitors

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO---The Rotary Club of Cambria, California is co-sponsoring with its Rosarito counterpart a Nov. 14 beach maintenance day --- but its main purpose is to show this area is safe for U.S. visitors.

“Any beach can benefit from a clean-up day, but the ones here are maintained very nicely,”
said Bruce Howard, past president of the Cambria club.
“Our main goal in bringing Rotary members down is to help correct misperceptions in the U.S.”

Howard, who has a vacation home in Rosarito, said media coverage of the Mexican government’s aggressive crackdown on drug cartels has created the impression among many in the U.S. that the area is unsafe for visitors.

“Those of us who love this area and visit it often know that is not true,” Howard said. “But unfortunately the perception is seen as reality by many and it has badly hurt the economy and many people here.”

“We’re hoping events like this and others we are planning involving club members and their families will help spread a more accurate perception in the U.S.,”
Howard said.
“It’s also a great way to strengthen our relationship with clubs in Mexico,”
he added.
“Many members of California Rotary clubs and their families love this area and have enjoyed visiting here for decades.”


Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres praised the Cambria club’s effort and expressed his gratitude.

“This is a bad time to be involved with organized crime in Mexico,” said Torres. “But for our millions of visitors the area is as safe or safer than ever. Still, it is difficult to overcome negative perceptions.”


“We are extremely grateful to the Cambria Rotary Club and other U.S. groups who love Rosarito and have stepped forward to help us convey an accurate picture,”
Torres added.
“We know they are among our best ambassadors in the U.S.”


Participants in the beach maintenance day will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 on the beach in front of the Rosarito Beach Hotel.

One group will head south, towards Rene’s Campo, while the other group will head north to clean up as much of the beach as possible during the two-hour event, according to Edson Ruiz, the President of the Rotary Club of Rosarito.

Ruiz is asking all youth and service groups, clubs and organizations in the area, including members of Rosarito’s large expatriate community, to participate.

Further information on the event, including lodging discounts, is available by contacting Jack George at; jeg925@yahoo.com or, in the U.S., Bruce Howard at; bruce@brucehowardrealtor.com.

Marathon On November 7 Runs From Rosarito Beach Downtown To Puerto Nuevo

A half-marathon on Nov. 7 will run from the downtown area of the popular tourist city of Rosarito Beach to its famous Puerto Nuevo Lobster Village to the south. Registration is underway.

This is the fifth edition of the popular event along the Pacific Ocean.
Categories for the event are men or women ages 18 to 24; 25 to 29 30 to 34; 35 to 39; 40 to 44; 45 to 49; 50 to 54; 55 to 59 and over 60 years. There also is a wheelchair category so that athletes with special challenges can participate.
Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category, including wheelchairs. Cash prizes for the winners are first $400, second $300 and third $ 200.

For winners in the wheelchair categories first will be $150, second $100 and third $50. The winning Rosarito residents in men and women’s categories will each receive $200. They must prove at least three years of residence.
Commemorative medals will be awarded for the first 150 men and 50 women who finish and shirts given to each participant.
Entry fee is $100 pesos or $10 U.S. and registration is available at the Rosarito Convention & Visitors Bureau or the Institutes of Sport in Mexicali, Ensenada and Tijuana.

The last day to register will be Friday, Nov. 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the race pavilion. More information is available by calling 661-614-1454 in Puerto Nuevo, 661-612-0396 in Rosarito or emailing promoter@rosarito.org
From the U.S. people can phone 1-800-962-BAJA.

Management of the event is provided by the State Association of Athletics of Baja California and the event is endorsed by the Mexican Federation of Athletics.
"This event is a tradition in Rosarito and people are excited about another great event with a large of number of participants,” said Gerardo Medina, president of the State Association of Athletics.

martes, 13 de octubre de 2009

Rosarito’s Year-To-Date Crime Total Declines To Lowest Level In 5 Years

The number of crimes in this city from January to August of 2009 compared to the same eight months of 2008 declined by 24 percent, according to state government figures.

Rosarito had the largest decrease of any of northern Baja’s five cities --- which had an average decline of 10 percent --- and it was the only city where figures reached a five-year low.

“We are proud of the decrease,”
said Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres.
“We attribute it to improving our police force and expanding its size from about 140 officers to about 230, better equipment and expanded citizen watch efforts.”

“Police Chief Jorge Montero also has done an exceptional job,”
he said. Montero, a former Army captain, was brought in as chief in December of 2007.

Torres also cited strong support from the state attorney general’s office and arrests of high-level criminals by the Mexican military as reasons for the decline.
“We know there is much additional work to do, as there always is in fighting crime, but these are some very solid and encouraging numbers,”
added Torres, who took office in December of 2007.

The total number of crimes throughout the state declined from 92,060 to 83,155, with Rosarito accounting for 3 percent. Almost every major category declined with the exception of homicides, which went from 417 to 482 in Baja and 17 to 19 in Rosarito.
“The increase is primarily due to members of rival drug cartels killing each other as it becomes tougher for them to function because of the government’s crackdown on organized crime,”
Torres said.

“We hope to see a significant reduction in that category in the future. Currently it’s significantly higher than the U.S. average although lower than 2007 figures for cities including New Orleans and Baltimore, and about the same as Washington, D.C.”

viernes, 9 de octubre de 2009

A friend told me today

"A friend of mine who lives in Northern California, but spends half the year in Baja, was asked by somebody at home, “Isn’t it dangerous to go to Mexico?” And my friend said, “Yes, it is. You have to pass right through L.A.” -- Steven Sorensen

jueves, 8 de octubre de 2009

Registration Underway For November 7 Rosarito-Puerto Nuevo Half Marathon

Registration is underway for the fifth Rosarito-Puerto Nuevo Half Marathon on Nov. 7, an event that organizers hope will attract 600 participants in various categories.

Categories for the event along the Pacific Ocean are men, women 18 to 24; 25 to 29 30 to 34; 35 to 39; 40 to 44; 45 to 49; 50 to 54; 55 to 59 and over 60 years. There also is a wheelchair category.

Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category, including wheelchairs. Cash prizes for the winners are first $400, second $300 and third $ 200.

For winners in the wheelchair categories first will be $150, second $100 and third $50. The winning Rosarito residents in men and women’s categories will each receive $200. They must prove at least three years of residence.

Commemorative medals will be awarded for the first 150 men and 50 women who finish and shirts given to each participant.

Entry fee is $100 pesos or $10 U.S. and registration is available at the Rosarito Convention & Visitors Bureau or the Institutes of Sport in Mexicali, Ensenada and Tijuana.

The last day to register will be Friday, Nov. 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the race pavilion. More information is available by calling 661-614-1454 in Puerto Nuevo, 661-612-0396 in Rosarito or emailing promoter@rosarito.org

From the U.S. people can phone 1-800-962-BAJA.

Management of the event is provided the State Association of Athletics of Baja California and the event is endorsed by the Mexican Federation of Athletics.

"This event is a tradition in Rosarito and people are excited about another great event with a large of number of participants,” said Gerardo Medina, president of the State Association of Athletics.


More info: www.rosarito.org

San Diego To Assist Baja California In Training New Tourist Police Force

The San Diego Police Department will help train members of a new Mexican metropolitan tourist police force that will patrol from Tijuana to Ensenada.

The training agreement was formalized in a letter of intent signed Monday at San Diego City Hall by Mayor Jerry Sanders and mayors of the Baja California cities of Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada.

The new force will patrol primarily the 50-mile coastal tourist corridor from the U.S.-Mexico border to Ensenada. Exact size of the force and other details will be developed in the next few weeks prior to the start of training.

The goal is to have the force in operation by early next year. It will be designed primarily to deal with visitors from the U.S., Baja's traditional main market.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on our working relationship with our friends to the south,”
Sanders said, adding that the economies of the two regions are closely tied and both benefit from binational tourism.

“What’s good for Rosarito and Tijuana and Ensenada is good for San Diego,”
he said.

Sanders also commended the three Baja California mayors on their “very courageous” efforts in Mexico’s crackdown on organized crime elements involved in the international drug trade.

Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres said that having San Diego police, who are very experienced in dealing with international and U.S. tourists, assisting with training would be a great benefit.

“It will help us find out how American police work so we can provide better services,”
Torres said.

Torres said that visitors always have been safe in Baja but the new metropolitan tourist police would help make them feel more comfortable, secure and welcome.

Rosarito in 2008 started its own 30-member tourist police force, a special city department for attention to tourists, an ombudsman’s office to assist visitors and now issues bilingual traffic tickets that can be mailed in with fines from the U.S.

Rosarito’s Year-To-Date Crime Total Declines To Lowest Level In 5 Years

The number of crimes in this city from January to August of 2009 compared to the same eight months of 2008 declined by 24 percent, according to state government figures.

Rosarito had the largest decrease of any of northern Baja’s five cities --- which had an average decline of 10 percent --- and it was the only city where figures reached a five-year low.

“We are proud of the decrease,”
said Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres.
“We attribute it to improving our police force and expanding its size from about 140 officers to about 230, better equipment and expanded citizen watch efforts.”

“Police Chief Jorge Montero also has done an exceptional job,”
he said. Montero, a former Army captain, was brought in as chief in December of 2007.

Torres also cited strong support from the state attorney general’s office and arrests of high-level criminals by the Mexican military as reasons for the decline.

“We know there is much additional work to do, as there always is in fighting crime, but these are some very solid and encouraging numbers,”
added Torres, who took office in December of 2007.

The total number of crimes throughout the state declined from 92,060 to 83,155, with Rosarito accounting for 3 percent. Almost every major category declined with the exception of homicides, which went from 417 to 482 in Baja and 17 to 19 in Rosarito.

“The increase is primarily due to members of rival drug cartels killing each other as it becomes tougher for them to function because of the government’s crackdown on organized crime,”
Torres said.

“We hope to see a significant reduction in that category in the future. Currently it’s significantly higher than the U.S. average although lower than 2007 figures for cities including New Orleans and Baltimore, and about the same as Washington, D.C.”


In other categories in Rosarito, total crimes of violence went from 40 to 39 (-3 percent), robberies and burglaries (combined) from 1,657 to 1,178 (-29 percent), vehicle thefts from 768 to 430 (-44 percent) and home burglaries from 362 to 364 (+1 percent).

jueves, 1 de octubre de 2009

Rosarito’s World Famous Puerto Nuevo Celebrates 17th Annual Lobster Fest Oct. 11


You very well may have enjoyed Puerto Nuevo-style lobster at many restaurants in California and Mexico --- on Oct. 11 you can eat it at a festival where it was invented.

That Sunday from noon to six on Renteria Street (the main thoroughfare) the 17th annual lobster festival will be held in the Puerto Nuevo Lobster Village. Cost for a plate of lobster and three drinks will be $15.

It is the latest edition of the annual festive celebration of the delicious spiny crustacean that helped make Rosarito a popular tourist destination.

The festival is organized by the Puerto Nuevo Restaurant Union and Rosarito’s Convention & Visitors Bureau. Restaurants participating include La Escondida, Puerto Nuevo II, Casa de Langosta, Villa Ortegas, Susanna’s and the Grand Baja Resort.

“Supporting these type of events is fundamental for Rosarito; we want to show to our visitors the real side of Rosarito, its food, colors, culture and warmth of our people,” said Daniel Cortes, President of the Rosarito Chamber of Restaurants.

The family friendly festival will include Baja wine tasting, Baja beer breweries and traditional Mexican Candies, as well as Mexican dance numbers, live music, raffles, prizes and much more.

“Millions of people have visited Puerto Nuevo over the past five decades,”
said Rosarito Beach Mayor Hugo Torres.
“It has become world famous and one of the attractions for which Rosarito is best known. The festival is a great way to enjoy it.”


Puerto Nuevo, about 10 miles south of downtown Rosarito on the Free Road, began as a simple fishing village. For local fishermen, in the days before refrigeration was common, a meal of fresh fried local lobster, rice, beans and tortillas was common.

Fishermen’s wives also served this delicious meal to many Americans who came down for the day to fish --- and fame and demand for luscious lobster prepared Puerto Nuevo-style grew.

In the early 1950s a small stand opened near a Newport cigarette billboard there (which gave the village its name and which translates into Puerto Nuevo in Spanish) and many restaurants opened soon thereafter.

The cigarette billboard is long gone but more than 30 restaurants and many shops now dot what has become one of the most famous lobster destinations in the world.

More information about Puerto Nuevo and the 17th annual lobster festival is available by dialing toll free 1.800.962.BAJA or visiting www.rosarito.org

Legendary Hotel Offers Chance to Rediscover Rosarito

For $19.25 a Night, September 14 Through October 29

The legendary Rosarito Beach Hotel is offering the chance to rediscover the resort and the tourist city for $19.25 a night Sundays through Thursdays from Sept. 14 through Oct. 29, 2009.

The rate applies to select rooms in its oceanfront Coronado Tower, one of three at the 500-room resort which, not coincidentally, opened in 1925. U.S. holidays and special events are excluded, and reservations must be made by Sept. 14.

“The $19.25 price is the lowest we have offered in decades,” said hotel Executive Director Laura Torres, a third-generation owner of the landmark hotel. “The weather is perfect and it’s a beautiful time to be here.”

“The price of $19.25 is a reminder of the year we opened,” Ms. Torres said. “More importantly, we want to give people an irresistible incentive to rediscover this wonderful area and the resort. That’s why we’re calling the program Rediscover Rosarito.”
The hotel also will offer lower rates on attractive packages and suites, including the 271 in its 18-story luxury condo-hotel Pacifico Tower, which opened in 2007.

Rosarito, 30 miles south of San Diego, is known for its pristine beaches, surfing, fine dining including the famous Puerto Nuevo Lobster Village, exceptional shopping and original arts.
It also home to Baja Studios, where James Cameron’s Titanic and Master & Commander were filmed and which now offers tours and a museum of Titanic sets and memorabilia.

The city has been so popular with its many visitors that an estimated 14,000 expatriates now call it home.
The hotel opened in 1925 and become the resort for Baja and Southern California, including Hollywood. Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Gregory Peck and John Wayne are among the galaxy of stars who have been guests.

The hotel has a quarter-mile fishing pier, two restaurants, including Chabert’s, the world-class Casa Playa Spa located in the former family mansion, world-class music and dance events, bars and fine shops. It also is a popular wedding destination.
Advance registration is required to take advantage of the $19.25 offer. People can visit www.RosaritoBeachHotel.com or call 1-866-ROSARITO

Baja Charity Golf Tournament

AMPI, Rosarito Board of Realtors invites you to enjoy a fabulous day of October golf over the Columbus Day weekend at the beautiful Real Del Mar Golf Course. Your day will include 18 holes of golf with cart, continental breakfast, lunch at the turn and ending with a catered steak and shrimp dinner plus dancing to the sounds of a big band. Save the date of Sunday, October 11th. Golf is open to all who want to play for $125 USD pre-registration, or $150 USD day of the event.

Please register at www.BajaCharity.com

This will be a 4 person scramble with check in at 8:30 AM. Play begins at 10:00 AM. There will be prizes, contests, silent auctions and all around great fun for a field of 144 golfers.

Dinner and dancing will be open for non golfers as well and we encourage the community to join us for this festive evening. Dinner and dancing for non-golfers is $40 USD.

The tournament will benefit three of the City’s most involved charities; DIF Rosarito, Flying Samaritans, and Boys & Girls Club of Mexico.

Summary

What: AMPI Charity Golf Tournament & Dinner Ball
Where: Real Del Mar Golf Course – just 12 miles south of the border - www.realdelmar.com
When: Sunday, October 11, 2009
For: To Benefit the children and their families from Rosarito Beach
Charities: DIF Rosarito, Flying Samaritans and Boys & Girls Club of Mexico
Price: Pre-registration is $125 USD. $150 at the day of the event
Time: Check-in at 8:30 am. Play starts at 10:00 am