Thursday, September 30, 2010
Hacienda Los Algodones, B.C., Mexico
Hacienda Los Algodones www.haciendalosalgodones.com U.S. Phone 928-257-1136 MX. Phone 011-52- 658-517-3188 New Lodging Services Full Service Restaurant & Bar Security Boxes Available in Rooms Laundry service Maid service Cable TV Free Internet access Secure Parking Brand new queen size beds and Furniture. One Block (east south-east) From Ave “B” and Zaratoga Area Note: Tourist Office at the Border may have a coupon, which might allow you if paying for first two nights of lodging and get the third one for free when you present said coupon.
West Nile reminder Los Algodones, B.C., Mexico
West Nile Reminder; each year we are advised that Mosquito Traps at and Near the Mexican Border and In The Yuma, Arizona Tri (country) State areas. Az, Ca., Baja, Ca; and Sonora state area, have West Nile mosquitoes found in the traps.
Residents and Visitors need to be alert and take average precautions to limit one’s exposure.
It’s about the same as years past.
If needed you can call up and print out the CDC West Nile Virus (WNV), Fact sheet.
Said sheet, gives information on
What is West Nile Virus.
What one can do to Prevent WNV.
The Symptoms of WNV.
How WNV gets Spread.
Information about when people get sick.
The WNV treatment.
What to do you think you have WNV.
The Risk of Getting Sick from WNV.
What CDC is doing about WNV.
And What Else you should know.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/westnile
or call CDC at 800-CDC-INFO (english and spanish) or 888-232-6348 for (TTY) users.
Residents and Visitors need to be alert and take average precautions to limit one’s exposure.
It’s about the same as years past.
If needed you can call up and print out the CDC West Nile Virus (WNV), Fact sheet.
Said sheet, gives information on
What is West Nile Virus.
What one can do to Prevent WNV.
The Symptoms of WNV.
How WNV gets Spread.
Information about when people get sick.
The WNV treatment.
What to do you think you have WNV.
The Risk of Getting Sick from WNV.
What CDC is doing about WNV.
And What Else you should know.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/westnile
or call CDC at 800-CDC-INFO (english and spanish) or 888-232-6348 for (TTY) users.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Sat Church Chicken Sale one monthly
Church Once Monthly Saturday Fried Chicken Dinner Sale (near middle of month)
Los Algodones B.C.; Mexico
Where: Catholic Church “B” Street Between 2nd and 3rd.
How to get there: From the Border walk South two blocks on Second St., (past the town water tower which you could see from you car on the US. Side parking lot. Should also be able to see the church bell while driving south into the Indian Parking lot.) At “B” St., turn west (right) and One Half Block to the West on the (left) South Side is the Church and the Bell tower is very distinctive.
What: Monthly they have a public Chicken Dinner Sale in Front of the Church during the day. While most of the sales go to Vendors and locals, who pick up or request delivery, they welcome the passing public to purchase dinner(s).
The Meal: It comes in a take out container with four or five small tortillas ( not sure they count) a small mixed salad combined lettuce salad with a small amount of Macaroni (yes it is good), included is a large amount of rice, a small bag of green sauce (also good) with two pieces of Fried Chicken and a plastic fork (ask for a napkin as they may not of included it).
Cost: Very good meal at a low price. The prices today with the peso at about eight cents (0.0795368).
Exchange rate approximately $ 1. Dollar U.S. equals 12.5728 Mexican pesos.
Today Four Dinners were priced at 120 Pesos or under Ten Dollars U.S.
Good food at a very low price per serving.
The Staff are volunteers and the group appreciates additional donations, for their projects.
September Sale date is Saturday 25th, 2010. The October sale date is Scheduled for Saturday October 16, 2010.
(Due to weather and other issues, dates could be subject to change). When in town on Sat., watch for the sale.
A number of purchasers take there dinner west a block and a half to the park and enjoy it there, if some one in your party does not like chicken there are Sales Vendors located on the side street side of the Park, and throughout town. You can stop and purchase sodas at the Grocery at “B” and 3rd. S.W. corner.
As you could expect from a church group they are very nice, friendly and give their best to see your served quickly and properly.
Over the years I found out about the sale from acquaintances in the town. Mostly local workers who go or send some one to make purchases and ask if I’d like to place an order and they would bring it back, also moving about town you would see them in front of the church. I have placed orders a number of times and have stopped and eaten in front of the church.
Enjoy and hope to see you there. And not many places that you can find a good meal for such a reasonable price.
I have always been happy with my purchases, price, service and quality of food.
Los Algodones B.C.; Mexico
Where: Catholic Church “B” Street Between 2nd and 3rd.
How to get there: From the Border walk South two blocks on Second St., (past the town water tower which you could see from you car on the US. Side parking lot. Should also be able to see the church bell while driving south into the Indian Parking lot.) At “B” St., turn west (right) and One Half Block to the West on the (left) South Side is the Church and the Bell tower is very distinctive.
What: Monthly they have a public Chicken Dinner Sale in Front of the Church during the day. While most of the sales go to Vendors and locals, who pick up or request delivery, they welcome the passing public to purchase dinner(s).
The Meal: It comes in a take out container with four or five small tortillas ( not sure they count) a small mixed salad combined lettuce salad with a small amount of Macaroni (yes it is good), included is a large amount of rice, a small bag of green sauce (also good) with two pieces of Fried Chicken and a plastic fork (ask for a napkin as they may not of included it).
Cost: Very good meal at a low price. The prices today with the peso at about eight cents (0.0795368).
Exchange rate approximately $ 1. Dollar U.S. equals 12.5728 Mexican pesos.
Today Four Dinners were priced at 120 Pesos or under Ten Dollars U.S.
Good food at a very low price per serving.
The Staff are volunteers and the group appreciates additional donations, for their projects.
September Sale date is Saturday 25th, 2010. The October sale date is Scheduled for Saturday October 16, 2010.
(Due to weather and other issues, dates could be subject to change). When in town on Sat., watch for the sale.
A number of purchasers take there dinner west a block and a half to the park and enjoy it there, if some one in your party does not like chicken there are Sales Vendors located on the side street side of the Park, and throughout town. You can stop and purchase sodas at the Grocery at “B” and 3rd. S.W. corner.
As you could expect from a church group they are very nice, friendly and give their best to see your served quickly and properly.
Over the years I found out about the sale from acquaintances in the town. Mostly local workers who go or send some one to make purchases and ask if I’d like to place an order and they would bring it back, also moving about town you would see them in front of the church. I have placed orders a number of times and have stopped and eaten in front of the church.
Enjoy and hope to see you there. And not many places that you can find a good meal for such a reasonable price.
I have always been happy with my purchases, price, service and quality of food.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Border International Conference 2010
The Governor (Schwarzenegger) tells us how important the state international border issues are, however he cancels his participation in the governor border talks? What’s up with that? So he’s going to continue with the budget talks, how can he do the budget concerning the border issues, and not include the up dated information that would be available, Guess he’s on his way out and it will become someone Else's problem. ( Yes, Ours, yours and mine).
His office sent an email saying he would be a no-show, AGAIN! What do they mean canceled due to lack of interest!
They have wasted two months on the budget, and numerous delays. Duh, he went to trade mission in China, Japan and South Korea, in stead of addressing the Budget, now he’s said that was more important, and now the budget is more important than the residents safety of the border areas. I think he needs to stay out of politics.
His office said in an e-mail Saturday that he will remain in Sacramento to attend budget talks with Legislative leaders Monday. what was wrong with getting facts on Sunday?
Schwarzenegger returned last week from a six-day mission to China, Japan and South Korea. The countries are significant trading partners (we think so is Mexico), but the trip's timing was criticized by some observers because the state budget is more than two months overdue. And he does not think we are as important?
The site was changed from Arizona (what do you mean you don't know why) to Santa Fe, New Mexico is site of the latest in a series of Border Governors Conferences, taking place right now. Hosted by Governors Schwarzenegger (CA, Who Dropped out, how can the Co-host be a no show?) and Richardson (NM), the governors of US and Mexico border states – Arizona, Baja California, California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, New Mexico, Sonora, Tamaulipas and Texas – are hashing out vital issues tied to Border Security, Economic Development and Energy, and our daily lives.
His office sent an email saying he would be a no-show, AGAIN! What do they mean canceled due to lack of interest!
They have wasted two months on the budget, and numerous delays. Duh, he went to trade mission in China, Japan and South Korea, in stead of addressing the Budget, now he’s said that was more important, and now the budget is more important than the residents safety of the border areas. I think he needs to stay out of politics.
His office said in an e-mail Saturday that he will remain in Sacramento to attend budget talks with Legislative leaders Monday. what was wrong with getting facts on Sunday?
Schwarzenegger returned last week from a six-day mission to China, Japan and South Korea. The countries are significant trading partners (we think so is Mexico), but the trip's timing was criticized by some observers because the state budget is more than two months overdue. And he does not think we are as important?
The site was changed from Arizona (what do you mean you don't know why) to Santa Fe, New Mexico is site of the latest in a series of Border Governors Conferences, taking place right now. Hosted by Governors Schwarzenegger (CA, Who Dropped out, how can the Co-host be a no show?) and Richardson (NM), the governors of US and Mexico border states – Arizona, Baja California, California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, New Mexico, Sonora, Tamaulipas and Texas – are hashing out vital issues tied to Border Security, Economic Development and Energy, and our daily lives.
We should listen when these six Mexican and four US governors talk? Because their 10 Border States represent a joint economy that ranks third in the world. And, with 42 different ports of entry, the region also represents one of the most dynamic trade and border crossing regions in the world. Did we mention, cartels, drugs, crime, safety, security, troops. Why are those issues not important to him?
Gov. Schwarzenegger (the no show was to be has been ) the state’s A-List deal maker; his recent trip to China resulted in preliminary agreements with Chinese suppliers for a high-speed, north-south rail link for the Golden State. (just as in the 19th century, China again contributes to Western US rail expansion… this time through infrastructure technology!)(but none for Mexico nor the Border and the Border States)?
Gov. Richardson just secured a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) targeting expansion of cross-border commercial rail service between New Mexico and Nuevo Leon (and he was Pres. Obama’s early nominee for Secretary of Commerce). Why Az. and Ca., not receive any? Oh, they were not Nominees of the President!
Arizona's Jan Brewer and Governor Rick Perry of Texas will not attend. According to Gilbert Gallegos, Deputy Chief of Staff for Gov. Richardson, Gov. Perrys reason for not attending was said to be a scheduling conflict. Gov. Brewer’s office stated that her reason is that “she does not support a boycott of Arizona and this meeting is being held in response to an organized boycott of the state.”
Late news. Now for his State meetings, he claimed before the meetings, he was too ill to meet with anyone. So he ended up canceling everything. What a shame.
We on the California side of the border go under represented again! Both in the Budget and all other areas.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Mexico's 2010 Two Hundred Year "Bicentennial" Celebration
September 16th 2010, today Mexico celebrates the 200th Anniversary of it's Independence. Same as our 1776-1976. Our rebellion from Britain, theirs from Spain. Bi Centennial.
Happy Birthday.
I went across the border all three days of events, in Los Algodones. They do know how to party.
It all started with a Priest. He was Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. He rang a church bell (that Bell is now outside the Presidential Palace), but it all started in the city of Delores when he requested the churches parishioners (members) to Rise up against the Spanish Colonial Rule (that should sound familiar to Americans and just maybe the people down south knew of something similar that happen in the United States.
the priest gave a speech known as "El Grito de Dolores (city of Dolores). err six months after his little action he was executed by Spanish Soldiers. After an Eleven year fight, Mexico won it's Independence and Freedom from Spanish rule.
For some reason Canadians and some Americans, confuse Mexican Independence Day, with the Holiday of Cinco de Mayo, which is when the Mexican troops defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. However it was two completely separate occupations of the country.
I spent a lot of time in East Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Diego and all of Southern California and the Mexico influence is found in all those locations and in Arizona, where I frequent now.Being from Ohio, i noticed the large influences of cultural differences.
My Neighbors on both sides of the Border are dedicated hard workers
Mexico played a Major part of our growth and life here up into the middle of the 19th Century.
look around you to day the Virgin de Guadalupe, patron saint is known for being revered during the revolution, the independence and in religious services.
I was out front and Saturday after noon, the farm labor bus pulled up and out came a load of day labor's who have always played a major part, in my day to day life and even the food I eat, and let me tell you, the melons and things given to me by the workers, taste much better than the items i find in the stores. those workers still are a major factor in our local agricultural market.
I enjoyed the Birthday Celebrations. Look forward to many more.
the parades here were beautiful, my local taco order taker was the queen. I saw many school children that I recorginized. The community required every child to take part in the festivities, just think fifty years from now that child is going to recall. Yes they took an active part.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
U.S. Customs and Border Protection service, Again.
Reportedly; A Texas-born U.S. citizen who was detained, questioned and deported to Matamoros, Mexico, in the middle of the night has been allowed to re-enter the United States, ending a nearly three-month ordeal. Luis Alberto Delgado, 19, was carrying his valid American birth certificate, valid Social Security card and valid Texas ID when he was pulled over in a routine traffic stop on June 17, according to Houston immigration lawyer Isaias Torres, who represented him in his legal battle for repatriation.
A South Texas sheriff’s deputy who apparently (is the cause of the problem) and (does not think he's profiling when not believing people with poor English skills) so he assumed the documents were not authentic, even though he handles these type documents daily! (he was so wrong, and I'll let it go at that) handed Delgado over to U.S. border agents, who does not look like they did a good job in this case nor were they acting fairly and impartially in this one case. After eight hours of questioning, (yes, after eight hours of brow beating and threats of prison) Delgado felt pressured to sign a document agreeing to voluntary removal from the country and waiving his right to a lawyer. The Border Patrol then drove Delgado to Matamoros and left him, he said.
He finally able to return home this weekend. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection service said it could not comment specifically about the brow beating!
Delgado born in Houston, raised in Mexico by his mother after a divorce. he speaks remedial English, and believes he was discriminated against because of his poor language skills. reportedly the two brothers were pulled over by a deputy in Elsa, Texas, about 150 miles north of the border, for a seat~belt violation (want to bet the cop has never used his seat belt)?. When they were turned over to the border agents, Delgado’s brother was released, apparently because he had additional documentation with him -- valid registration for Selective Service and a valid receipt for a U.S. Passport application, he said.
But Delgado was questioned from about 4 p.m. until around midnight, (after eight hours you would also break down) he agreed to sign the waiver due to fear and in the mistaken belief that he would be able to return to the border city of Brownsville to solve the misunderstanding, Torres said. it's said they kept saying, not your papers. You’re lying. We will put you in prison for 20 years’,” “They wore down a 19-year-old child.” He tried to plead his case for months and was unsuccessful. An immigration lawyer took the case pro bono good for him. His mother was forced to travel 600 miles to be interviewed in support of her son.
He had proper documentation with him, issued by lawful agents of the U.S., Basically this is discrimination based on his language skills. Hes lying because he doesn’t speak English well.”
It's common now that many U.S.-born kids are now being raised in Mexico. Grand parents or single parents. Parents have deported or left because of economy.
A tort claim for negligence is in the works, against federal officials.
He lost his construction job when the government prevented him from report to work during his three-month ordeal. Something just does not sound right in this one....
A South Texas sheriff’s deputy who apparently (is the cause of the problem) and (does not think he's profiling when not believing people with poor English skills) so he assumed the documents were not authentic, even though he handles these type documents daily! (he was so wrong, and I'll let it go at that) handed Delgado over to U.S. border agents, who does not look like they did a good job in this case nor were they acting fairly and impartially in this one case. After eight hours of questioning, (yes, after eight hours of brow beating and threats of prison) Delgado felt pressured to sign a document agreeing to voluntary removal from the country and waiving his right to a lawyer. The Border Patrol then drove Delgado to Matamoros and left him, he said.
He finally able to return home this weekend. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection service said it could not comment specifically about the brow beating!
Delgado born in Houston, raised in Mexico by his mother after a divorce. he speaks remedial English, and believes he was discriminated against because of his poor language skills. reportedly the two brothers were pulled over by a deputy in Elsa, Texas, about 150 miles north of the border, for a seat~belt violation (want to bet the cop has never used his seat belt)?. When they were turned over to the border agents, Delgado’s brother was released, apparently because he had additional documentation with him -- valid registration for Selective Service and a valid receipt for a U.S. Passport application, he said.
But Delgado was questioned from about 4 p.m. until around midnight, (after eight hours you would also break down) he agreed to sign the waiver due to fear and in the mistaken belief that he would be able to return to the border city of Brownsville to solve the misunderstanding, Torres said. it's said they kept saying, not your papers. You’re lying. We will put you in prison for 20 years’,” “They wore down a 19-year-old child.” He tried to plead his case for months and was unsuccessful. An immigration lawyer took the case pro bono good for him. His mother was forced to travel 600 miles to be interviewed in support of her son.
He had proper documentation with him, issued by lawful agents of the U.S., Basically this is discrimination based on his language skills. Hes lying because he doesn’t speak English well.”
It's common now that many U.S.-born kids are now being raised in Mexico. Grand parents or single parents. Parents have deported or left because of economy.
A tort claim for negligence is in the works, against federal officials.
He lost his construction job when the government prevented him from report to work during his three-month ordeal. Something just does not sound right in this one....
Thursday, September 9, 2010
2010 - 2011 Calendar of Events Los Algodones, B.C., Mexico
NAME OF EVENTS DATE ADDRESS
2010 EVENTS
MEXICAN REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY NOV. 20
Welcome Winter Visitors Party DEC. 04 Ave A Between 2nd & 3rd St
MEXICAN PARTY "EL PARAISO RESTAURANT DEC. 10
2011 EVENTS
SAND DRAGS AT THE DUNES JAN. 1
NEW YEARS PARTY AT GREEN DOOR (NIGHT CLUB) JAN. 2
VALENTINES PARTY AT GREEN DOOR FEB. 14
Mexican Flag Day FEB. 24
FEISTA OF La Paloma de Plata Curios MAR.06 3rd Street Between Ave A & Ave B
Spring Party Winter Visitors Mar. 19 Ave A Between 1st & 2nd St
ANNIVERSARY OF EL PARAISO RESTAURANT APRIL 06 Ave A Between 1st & 2nd St
117 ANNIVERSARY OF LOS ALGODONES DOWN TOWN JUL. 17
All DATES & EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
For Complete Information go to http://www.losalgodones.com/events.htm
Compliments: Copyright Global Village Communication. All rights reserved
2010 EVENTS
MEXICAN REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY NOV. 20
Welcome Winter Visitors Party DEC. 04 Ave A Between 2nd & 3rd St
MEXICAN PARTY "EL PARAISO RESTAURANT DEC. 10
2011 EVENTS
SAND DRAGS AT THE DUNES JAN. 1
NEW YEARS PARTY AT GREEN DOOR (NIGHT CLUB) JAN. 2
VALENTINES PARTY AT GREEN DOOR FEB. 14
Mexican Flag Day FEB. 24
FEISTA OF La Paloma de Plata Curios MAR.06 3rd Street Between Ave A & Ave B
Spring Party Winter Visitors Mar. 19 Ave A Between 1st & 2nd St
ANNIVERSARY OF EL PARAISO RESTAURANT APRIL 06 Ave A Between 1st & 2nd St
117 ANNIVERSARY OF LOS ALGODONES DOWN TOWN JUL. 17
All DATES & EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
For Complete Information go to http://www.losalgodones.com/events.htm
Compliments: Copyright Global Village Communication. All rights reserved
Mexico's 2010 Two Hundred Year "Bicentennial" Celebration
Mexico's 2010 Bicentennial Celebration
In 2010, Mexico will commemorate the bicentennial of its Independence movement and the centennial of its Revolution with an extensive program of events. Mexicans and foreign citizens alike are invited to participate in these events to learn about and reflect on Mexico’s past.
The movement that led to Mexico's independence began on September 16, 1810, and the Mexican Revolution began on November 20, 1910, so there will be many events held on these dates in 2010, as well as other major projects that are being planned.
Here's a rundown of some of the bigger projects that are in the works for Mexico's 2010 bicentennial celebration.
Arco del Bicentenario - Bicentennial Arch:
A monument to commemorate the bicentennial will be constructed in Mexico City along the Paseo de la Reforma, the city's main avenue, beside the Torre Mayor. A contest was held for the design of this monument, and the winner was architect César Pérez Becerril with his design of two 104 meter high columns made of steel and covered in quartz. The Bicentennial Arch will be inaugurated on September 15, 2010.
Ruta 2010 - Route 2010:
This is a project undertaken by the Mexican Secretary of Communication and Transport (SCT), in conjunction with the Secretary of Tourism, which will mark several routes along highways throughout Mexico that were traveled either during Mexico's War of Independence or the Mexican Revolution. The routes will be marked with special signs and there will be historical information as well as historical information available along the way. Six routes have been chosen, three from the independence movement and three from the Revolution.
Individuals interested in retracing the military campaigns of these two periods of history will be able to travel the routes and access historical information at strategic points. You can download maps of the different routes in PDF format here: ROUTE 2010
Expo Parque Bicentenario - Bicentennial Expo Park:
Over 245 acres have been set aside for a Bicentennial Expo Park in the state of Guanajuato, where a type of world fair will take place from July through November, 2010. The Expo park will contain exhibitions and photographs that will teach visitors about Mexico's past and allow them to reflect on the future. Various pavilions will house cultural, historical, artistic, musical and ecological exhibits as well as featuring artistic, and folkloric events, gourmet tastings, and events highlighting Mexico’s heritage.
The Bicentennial Expo Park's grand opening is planned to take place on July 10, 2010, and special events will be held on September 15th for the grito, and on November 20th, the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.
Locally expect a major street gathering in Los Algodones, B.C., Mexico. With a Display on the Square and a large amount of Vendor participation.
Come join us in Mexico and enjoy the 200 year celebration.
In 2010, Mexico will commemorate the bicentennial of its Independence movement and the centennial of its Revolution with an extensive program of events. Mexicans and foreign citizens alike are invited to participate in these events to learn about and reflect on Mexico’s past.
The movement that led to Mexico's independence began on September 16, 1810, and the Mexican Revolution began on November 20, 1910, so there will be many events held on these dates in 2010, as well as other major projects that are being planned.
Here's a rundown of some of the bigger projects that are in the works for Mexico's 2010 bicentennial celebration.
Arco del Bicentenario - Bicentennial Arch:
A monument to commemorate the bicentennial will be constructed in Mexico City along the Paseo de la Reforma, the city's main avenue, beside the Torre Mayor. A contest was held for the design of this monument, and the winner was architect César Pérez Becerril with his design of two 104 meter high columns made of steel and covered in quartz. The Bicentennial Arch will be inaugurated on September 15, 2010.
Ruta 2010 - Route 2010:
This is a project undertaken by the Mexican Secretary of Communication and Transport (SCT), in conjunction with the Secretary of Tourism, which will mark several routes along highways throughout Mexico that were traveled either during Mexico's War of Independence or the Mexican Revolution. The routes will be marked with special signs and there will be historical information as well as historical information available along the way. Six routes have been chosen, three from the independence movement and three from the Revolution.
Individuals interested in retracing the military campaigns of these two periods of history will be able to travel the routes and access historical information at strategic points. You can download maps of the different routes in PDF format here: ROUTE 2010
Expo Parque Bicentenario - Bicentennial Expo Park:
Over 245 acres have been set aside for a Bicentennial Expo Park in the state of Guanajuato, where a type of world fair will take place from July through November, 2010. The Expo park will contain exhibitions and photographs that will teach visitors about Mexico's past and allow them to reflect on the future. Various pavilions will house cultural, historical, artistic, musical and ecological exhibits as well as featuring artistic, and folkloric events, gourmet tastings, and events highlighting Mexico’s heritage.
The Bicentennial Expo Park's grand opening is planned to take place on July 10, 2010, and special events will be held on September 15th for the grito, and on November 20th, the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.
Locally expect a major street gathering in Los Algodones, B.C., Mexico. With a Display on the Square and a large amount of Vendor participation.
Come join us in Mexico and enjoy the 200 year celebration.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Sentri Border Pass
Sentri Pass
Border-crossing pass underused
95 percent of legal crossers at San Ysidro don’t have a SENTRI pass
Information By Janine Zúñiga, UNION-TRIBUNE
Originally published August 21, 2010 at 1:07 p.m., updated Aug 23, 2010 at 12:52 p.m.
Customs Officer Jonathan Imus checked the documents of a border crosser with a SENTRI crossing card at the San Ysidro Port of Entry Monday.
Six years after a trusted-traveler program was launched to help speed up border crossings for pedestrians, 95 percent of people who regularly walk into San Ysidro from Mexico don’t have a SENTRI pass and lack a clear understanding of how the system works, according to a new poll.
While crossers on the right line up at the San Ysidro crossing Monday, the line for SENTRI card holders is empty.
The San Ysidro Pedestrian Port of Entry Crossing survey was conducted last month by the South County Economic Development Council, with help from the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce. It found that of those who don’t have a SENTRI frequent-commuter pass, 22 percent said they didn’t believe it would save them time or was worth the cost. Twenty percent said they didn’t know how to obtain one and 15 percent said they had never considered getting a SENTRI card.
In addition, 14 percent said they thought they were ineligible. The rest of the respondents gave other reasons, including fears of having their legal status revoked.
“To wait over an hour, the elderly, children, in the hot sun on a muggy day is not acceptable,” said Cindy Gompper-Graves, CEO of the development council. “We have to find a way to make this work without compromising security and commerce for either the United States or Mexico.”
Gompper-Graves is organizing the survey results and recommended solutions in hopes of presenting a report this week to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin, who recently committed the agency to boosting the overall amount of SENTRI cardholders to 75 percent.
The agency said about 25 percent of vehicles going through the San Ysidro crossing have enrolled in the SENTRI program, while only 2 percent of pedestrians have.
Customs and Border Patrol cooperated with the survey’s coordinators, said Jackie Dizdul, spokeswoman for the agency.
“We will continue to work with our local partners and with our international partners to increase SENTRI enrollment,” she said. “We look forward to using this survey and other feedback from the community as a starting point.”
SENTRI — Secure Electronic Network for Traveler’s Rapid Inspection — allows low-risk, preapproved travelers to be processed quickly when entering the United States. It’s used at land ports of entry in California, Arizona and Texas.
The program began in 1998 for drivers. In 2004, customs officials expanded it to include pedestrian crossers. Since two years ago, SENTRI participants have been allowed to use the same pass for designated vehicle and pedestrian lanes.
Leaders at the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce said many in the community knew anecdotally about why people lacked SENTRI passes and are now pleased to have some statistics to back it up.
The group recently asked customs officials to let it take over marketing of the SENTRI program, said its executive director, Jason Wells.
“(Customs and Border Protection) should do the inspections but work with the community to do the marketing and assistance with the application process,” Wells said. “It can be done at a fraction of what it would cost CBP to do it exclusively.”
Tony Cruz, project manager for the survey, called the results a “snapshot in time.”
Teams of up to 10 people each were stationed at the customs building in San Ysidro, with permission from customs officials, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for seven consecutive working days in July. Cruz said respondents were surprisingly open when answering questions about crossing times.
About 57 percent of respondents said they crossed at least a couple of times a week, and as many as 24 percent said they cross daily.
More than one-third of the participants said they enter San Diego County to shop, 24 percent said they visit family and friends, and 23 percent said they go to work or conduct some kind of business on this side of the border. Others said they cross to go to school (8 percent), for tourism (6 percent), for a medical reason and for other purposes (5 percent).
Gompper-Graves said the number of people crossing for school was skewed downward because the survey was taken in July. She plans to conduct three more surveys, once for each of the next three quarters, to get a more complete picture.
Cruz also said many of those surveyed thought a SENTRI pass cost $180 to $300 per year, when the actual cost is $122 for a five-year pass.
He said as a SENTRI card-holder himself, he knows the rules. But the survey showed that most respondents were unaware that a pedestrian may pass the long lines of pedestrian crosser in Mexico, and once inside the Customs building on the U.S. side, are directed to yet another shorter SENTRI lane.
“When I cross, I have to deal with people who are upset because they think I’m trying to cut in front of them,” Cruz said. “I walk on the street to avoid them.”
Gompper-Graves said some quick and inexpensive solutions include having Customs agents passing out cards to those they know as frequent crosser, suggesting they sign up for SENTRI and telling them how. They also could have applications at the checkpoints. She said more signage about the program and to direct SENTRI pass holders would also help.
“We think the protocol for SENTRI card users needs to be communicated to the card holders,” Gompper-Graves said. “They need to be told how to get a card and that it’s not as expensive as they might think. They also need to communicate wait times, to effectively show how beneficial holding a card is. If you see that every day, you’ll say I need to get a SENTRI card.”
Cruz and Gompper-Graves are making their first public presentation of the survey results Friday at the San Ysidro Chamber offices.
Victims Easter 2010 Earthquake
Mexicali Valley victims
Help from the US.
By Sandra Dibble, UNION-TRIBUNE
Originally published August 26, 2010 at 6:11 p.m., updated August 27, 2010 at 2:47 p.m.
In the Ejido Durango section of the southern Mexicali Valley, Dolores de Echeverria walked last April through the heavily damaged doorway of her house that became uninhabitable after the Easter 2010 earthquake.
TIJUANA—Five months after their homes were damaged by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, some Baja California residents can expect help from the U.S. federal government. The U.S. Agency for International Development this month donated $100,000 to purchase building materials for victims of the Mexicali earthquake that struck last Easter Sunday.
Carlos Pascual, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, said in a statement that the funds would be channeled through the Baja California government and earmarked for residents of communities near the quake’s epicenter in the Mexicali Valley that have suffered the greatest devastation.
Baja California authorities said this week that the money is being used to purchase building materials: 7000 bags of cement mix, 4.000 ledges of timber and 2150 pieces of plywood. The money will help residents with damaged houses who have yet to receive government assistance, said Juan Jose Sanchez, who heads the Mexicali office of the Baja California state housing agency, Indivi.
“It’s going to help a lot,” Sanchez said. The money will be used to supplement existing housing assistance programs aimed at residents whose houses were damaged, but not completely destroyed, he said. He expects the materials to reach residents next month.
Juan Tintos, head of public relations for the Baja California government, said Sempra Energy has also donated over $100,00 to purchase equipment for the Mexicali Civil Protection Office, and repair the General Hospital, which suffered damage in the quake.
quake
Help from the US.
By Sandra Dibble, UNION-TRIBUNE
Originally published August 26, 2010 at 6:11 p.m., updated August 27, 2010 at 2:47 p.m.
In the Ejido Durango section of the southern Mexicali Valley, Dolores de Echeverria walked last April through the heavily damaged doorway of her house that became uninhabitable after the Easter 2010 earthquake.
TIJUANA—Five months after their homes were damaged by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, some Baja California residents can expect help from the U.S. federal government. The U.S. Agency for International Development this month donated $100,000 to purchase building materials for victims of the Mexicali earthquake that struck last Easter Sunday.
Carlos Pascual, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, said in a statement that the funds would be channeled through the Baja California government and earmarked for residents of communities near the quake’s epicenter in the Mexicali Valley that have suffered the greatest devastation.
Baja California authorities said this week that the money is being used to purchase building materials: 7000 bags of cement mix, 4.000 ledges of timber and 2150 pieces of plywood. The money will help residents with damaged houses who have yet to receive government assistance, said Juan Jose Sanchez, who heads the Mexicali office of the Baja California state housing agency, Indivi.
“It’s going to help a lot,” Sanchez said. The money will be used to supplement existing housing assistance programs aimed at residents whose houses were damaged, but not completely destroyed, he said. He expects the materials to reach residents next month.
Juan Tintos, head of public relations for the Baja California government, said Sempra Energy has also donated over $100,00 to purchase equipment for the Mexicali Civil Protection Office, and repair the General Hospital, which suffered damage in the quake.
quake
South Bound Tijuana San Ysidro Improvements
Mexico begins work on expanded border crossing
By Sandra Dibble, UNION-TRIBUNE
Originally published August 27, 2010 at 7:46 p.m., updated August 28, 2010 at 1:07 p.m.
Mario Diaz, director of strategic projects for the state of Baja California, points out over a construction site in the Tijuana River channel, where bridges are being built to carry southbound traffic that will flow through the expanded border crossing.
A major expansion of the Tijuana San Ysidro Port of Entry entails a counterpart project south of the border, and work has already begun to accommodate the future southbound flow of cars from San Diego into Tijuana.
Mexico’s investment in the expansion project—about 700 million pesos, or $54 million—includes work on three bridges over the Tijuana River that will serve to channel southbound traffic into Mexico. Authorities expect to complete two of those bridges by the end of the year, said Mario Diaz, director of strategic projects for the Baja California government. By 2013, Mexico will be ready on its end to receive vehicles at a new southbound crossing located at El Chaparral, west of the current lanes.
Mexico next month expects to open three additional lanes at the existing crossing, increasing the number of lanes from six to nine. But the new Chaparral crossing will have 19 southbound lanes, more than double that number.
The new crossing is being built on Mexican federal property that now is largely vacant, and will not involve relocation of any residents in the adjacent neighborhood, known as Colonia Federal, Diaz said.
Improvements made to enhance your visiting enjoyment.
By Sandra Dibble, UNION-TRIBUNE
Originally published August 27, 2010 at 7:46 p.m., updated August 28, 2010 at 1:07 p.m.
Mario Diaz, director of strategic projects for the state of Baja California, points out over a construction site in the Tijuana River channel, where bridges are being built to carry southbound traffic that will flow through the expanded border crossing.
A major expansion of the Tijuana San Ysidro Port of Entry entails a counterpart project south of the border, and work has already begun to accommodate the future southbound flow of cars from San Diego into Tijuana.
Mexico’s investment in the expansion project—about 700 million pesos, or $54 million—includes work on three bridges over the Tijuana River that will serve to channel southbound traffic into Mexico. Authorities expect to complete two of those bridges by the end of the year, said Mario Diaz, director of strategic projects for the Baja California government. By 2013, Mexico will be ready on its end to receive vehicles at a new southbound crossing located at El Chaparral, west of the current lanes.
Mexico next month expects to open three additional lanes at the existing crossing, increasing the number of lanes from six to nine. But the new Chaparral crossing will have 19 southbound lanes, more than double that number.
The new crossing is being built on Mexican federal property that now is largely vacant, and will not involve relocation of any residents in the adjacent neighborhood, known as Colonia Federal, Diaz said.
Improvements made to enhance your visiting enjoyment.
Tijuana kidnap victims rescued
Two kidnap victims rescued in Tijuana
Suspected kidnappers said to be members of Arellano Felix gang
Story By Sandra Dibble, UNION-TRIBUNE
Originally published September 2, 2010 at 7:07 p.m., updated September 3, 2010 at 7:10 p.m.
TIJUANA — Though said to be severely weakened, the once-powerful Arellano Felix criminal organization was back in the news this week. On Thursday, Baja California agents captured two suspected kidnappers who confessed to being members of the group.
Authorities said the suspects were arrested at an Arellano Felix safe house in the Lomas Hipodromo section of Tijuana. Two victims told members of the anti-kidnapping squad of the Baja California Attorney General's Office that they had been held since Aug. 23. An agency spokeswoman said Friday that both victims were working professionals, and were rescued after family members reported the crime.
The suspects were presented to the media and identified as Edgar Antonio Garcia Urquidez, 20 and Alejandro Espinoza Rodriguez, 29. Fermin Gomez, deputy attorney general in charge of organized crime, said that investigators were still trying to identify the cells leaders and other members.
At the safe house, agents seized an explosive device described as an “interactive mine” with a reach of up to 50 feet. The suspects said the mine was to be used to defend against rival gangs, Gomez said.
Gomez said the suspects confessed to having participated in a half-dozen other kidnappings in recent months, and the victims were freed after family members paid ransoms of more than $50,000.
The suspects said they worked for a criminal cell loyal to Fernando Sanchez Arellano, who is said to lead the remnants of the the once-powerful Arellano Felix drug trafficking organization.
Though Sanchez Arellano remains at large, authorities on both sides of the border have described the group as severely weakened by the death and capture of its top leaders and a split in the organization.
Gen. Alfonso Duarte Mugica, the top military commander in Baja California, said this week that criminal cells headed by Sanchez Arellano and those once commanded by Teodoro Garcia Simental, captured earlier this year, "are pretty much finished." Duarte said other drug trafficking groups have been trying to move in, the Sinaloa Cartel and La Familia Michoacana. He warned that there "could be an increase in violence if authorities don't remain on guard."
Suspected kidnappers said to be members of Arellano Felix gang
Story By Sandra Dibble, UNION-TRIBUNE
Originally published September 2, 2010 at 7:07 p.m., updated September 3, 2010 at 7:10 p.m.
TIJUANA — Though said to be severely weakened, the once-powerful Arellano Felix criminal organization was back in the news this week. On Thursday, Baja California agents captured two suspected kidnappers who confessed to being members of the group.
Authorities said the suspects were arrested at an Arellano Felix safe house in the Lomas Hipodromo section of Tijuana. Two victims told members of the anti-kidnapping squad of the Baja California Attorney General's Office that they had been held since Aug. 23. An agency spokeswoman said Friday that both victims were working professionals, and were rescued after family members reported the crime.
The suspects were presented to the media and identified as Edgar Antonio Garcia Urquidez, 20 and Alejandro Espinoza Rodriguez, 29. Fermin Gomez, deputy attorney general in charge of organized crime, said that investigators were still trying to identify the cells leaders and other members.
At the safe house, agents seized an explosive device described as an “interactive mine” with a reach of up to 50 feet. The suspects said the mine was to be used to defend against rival gangs, Gomez said.
Gomez said the suspects confessed to having participated in a half-dozen other kidnappings in recent months, and the victims were freed after family members paid ransoms of more than $50,000.
The suspects said they worked for a criminal cell loyal to Fernando Sanchez Arellano, who is said to lead the remnants of the the once-powerful Arellano Felix drug trafficking organization.
Though Sanchez Arellano remains at large, authorities on both sides of the border have described the group as severely weakened by the death and capture of its top leaders and a split in the organization.
Gen. Alfonso Duarte Mugica, the top military commander in Baja California, said this week that criminal cells headed by Sanchez Arellano and those once commanded by Teodoro Garcia Simental, captured earlier this year, "are pretty much finished." Duarte said other drug trafficking groups have been trying to move in, the Sinaloa Cartel and La Familia Michoacana. He warned that there "could be an increase in violence if authorities don't remain on guard."
Fall 2010 Baja State Image Update
Baja State Up Dating It’s Image
The state of Baja California has joined forces with its five municipalities in a $500,000 public relations effort aimed at changing Americans’ negative perceptions about the region and winning back the confidence of U.S. tourists.
Leading the year-long campaign is Allison & Partners, a U.S. public relations firm with offices in San Diego. The company signed a $300,000 contract with Baja California officials this week. Tim Wheatcroft, general manager of the firm’s San Diego office, said he expects to use a range of approaches “to make sure that the state has a more positive image.”
Allison & Partners will work closely with San Diego-based Crossborder Group Inc., a market research ,and public relations company, as it conducts the campaign.
The project is Baja California’s latest response to the decline in tourism it has confronted in recent years. An economic recession, drug-related violence, clogged border crossings and last year’s H1N1 swine-flu pandemic have caused the number of U.S. visitors to drop severely. Many hotels and other tourist-oriented businesses in Baja California suffered record losses in 2009, the state’s officials said. Tourism authorities there said the downward trend has been reversed slightly, but “even though things are picking up, we don’t want to go back to how we were,” said Oscar Escobedo, Baja California’s tourism secretary.
The campaign will highlight attractions across the state, such as wineries in the Guadalupe Valley, the shorelines of Rosarito Beach and San Felipe, and restaurants in Tijuana and Mexicali. It will target groups that might want to visit Baja California, such as those interested in action sports, cruises, gambling, medical care and culture.
While major news organizations have a policy of underwriting their own expenses, the campaign has set aside $100,000 to pay airfare and expenses for journalists who visit on sponsored trips. Another $100,000 has been earmarked to promote Baja California’s image through social media.
Wheatcroft said Crossborder Group will seek out contacts with universities, chambers of commerce and other groups north of the border to encourage tourism in Baja California. One objective will be to cancel travel advisories to Mexico, such as the one issued by the California State University system, and stress that visitors with no criminal ties have not been the targets of violent crime.
“If people are going to write horrible stuff, best thing you can do is drown it out with positive stuff,” Wheatcroft said.
Tijuana is key to any image-building project, said Jahdiel Vargas, director of Tijuana’s Tourism and Conventions Committee. It is the state’s most populated city and the one whose reputation has been most tarnished by the drug-related violence of recent years.
This is the first time Baja California’s state government has joined forces with the region’s five tourism and conventions committees in a promotional campaign. The state is covering half the cost, while the committees have committed to pay the rest.
So come on down and do your part to make the program successful.
The state of Baja California has joined forces with its five municipalities in a $500,000 public relations effort aimed at changing Americans’ negative perceptions about the region and winning back the confidence of U.S. tourists.
Leading the year-long campaign is Allison & Partners, a U.S. public relations firm with offices in San Diego. The company signed a $300,000 contract with Baja California officials this week. Tim Wheatcroft, general manager of the firm’s San Diego office, said he expects to use a range of approaches “to make sure that the state has a more positive image.”
Allison & Partners will work closely with San Diego-based Crossborder Group Inc., a market research ,and public relations company, as it conducts the campaign.
The project is Baja California’s latest response to the decline in tourism it has confronted in recent years. An economic recession, drug-related violence, clogged border crossings and last year’s H1N1 swine-flu pandemic have caused the number of U.S. visitors to drop severely. Many hotels and other tourist-oriented businesses in Baja California suffered record losses in 2009, the state’s officials said. Tourism authorities there said the downward trend has been reversed slightly, but “even though things are picking up, we don’t want to go back to how we were,” said Oscar Escobedo, Baja California’s tourism secretary.
The campaign will highlight attractions across the state, such as wineries in the Guadalupe Valley, the shorelines of Rosarito Beach and San Felipe, and restaurants in Tijuana and Mexicali. It will target groups that might want to visit Baja California, such as those interested in action sports, cruises, gambling, medical care and culture.
While major news organizations have a policy of underwriting their own expenses, the campaign has set aside $100,000 to pay airfare and expenses for journalists who visit on sponsored trips. Another $100,000 has been earmarked to promote Baja California’s image through social media.
Wheatcroft said Crossborder Group will seek out contacts with universities, chambers of commerce and other groups north of the border to encourage tourism in Baja California. One objective will be to cancel travel advisories to Mexico, such as the one issued by the California State University system, and stress that visitors with no criminal ties have not been the targets of violent crime.
“If people are going to write horrible stuff, best thing you can do is drown it out with positive stuff,” Wheatcroft said.
Tijuana is key to any image-building project, said Jahdiel Vargas, director of Tijuana’s Tourism and Conventions Committee. It is the state’s most populated city and the one whose reputation has been most tarnished by the drug-related violence of recent years.
This is the first time Baja California’s state government has joined forces with the region’s five tourism and conventions committees in a promotional campaign. The state is covering half the cost, while the committees have committed to pay the rest.
So come on down and do your part to make the program successful.
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