Second Annual Baja By the Sea Draws Crowd To Seaport Village

SAN DIEGO---Hundreds of Baja lovers and government officials from both sides of the border flocked to Saturday’s second annual Baja By the Sea event at San Diego’s Seaport Village.

The eight-hour event featured exhibits --- and many free samples --- of signature Baja food and wine, as well as booths highlighting art, tourism, hotels, services and products of the popular region.

Each of Baja’s five cities had exhibits at the event. Several Baja mayors, including Hugo Torres of Rosarito, attended and pitched in to make a giant bowl of cerviche to help inaugurate Baja By The Sea.

The event also featured many statements of good will and the importance of partnership between Baja and neighboring Southern California.

Baja California Gov. Jose Guadalupe Osuna Milan thanked San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders for his great support, including assistance in helping train Baja’s recently launched Metropolitan Tourist Police force.

Steven Kashkett, U.S. general in Tijuana, spoke of the benefits from being in the region and being able to enjoy the things that Baja has to offer. “Ours is one region that is truly binational, bicultural and bilingual,” he said.

Being based in Tijuana, he is able to enjoy those things everyday, Kashkett said, while urging “those who live on this side of the border to come down and enjoy them soon.”

San Diego Port Commissioner Lee Burdick said of the region that “our partnership benefits both countries.” She added that Baja wines “rival some of the best made in California.”

Baja By The Sea was sponsored by the state of Baja, its restaurant association, cities and other groups.