My Rosarito!
Host: Mary Ann Cicala
The "My Rosarito"podcast series is brought to you by Rediscover Rosarito-- a public affairs campaign that develops an international coalition between students from Emerson College, in Boston, and local leaders of Rosarito Beach in the Baja area of Mexico.
We are dedicated to restoring the image of Rosarito Beach as a safe, secure, and prime location for tourism, retirement, and realestate investment. Join the discussion at myrosarito.blogspot.com and find out more information at rediscoverosarito.org.
"My Rosarito" is a 5 part podcast series that explores a quaint and beautiful town in the Baja strip of Mexico. Each week, Mary Ann will explore a different aspect of Rosarito Beach Mexico. You will hear from locals and tourists of Rosarito Beach, the ex patriots, long time residents of Rosarito Beach, the tourism office, and Mayor Hugo Torres.
Episode 1: Why Rosarito?
Running Time: 11 minutes, 30 seconds
In Episode 1, Why Rosarito?, the host, Mary Ann Cicala, provides an overview of the RediscoveRosarito campaign. We talk about why the students of Emerson College decided to take Rosarito Beach, Mexico on as a client. In part 2, Dr. Gregory Payne provides an overview of the RediscoverRosarito Project. He shares his own personal goals and objectives as a professor leading and advising the students and explore what Emerson College can offer to the project. He also shares a little bit about what he loves about Rosarito Beach. The episode ends with a description of the next episode, "Rosarito, Here we come! A drive by weekend in paradise."
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Significant Tourism Increase Over Spring Break,Easter Weekend, and Events!
Good News! Baja California tourism officials say they saw a significant increase in visitors during the four-day Easter weekend compared with the past few months, bringing much-needed income to economically struggling tourist destinations.
At a news conference Monday, Tourism Secretary Oscar Escobedo Carignan said 143,000 U.S. and Mexican travelers spent about $18 million from Thursday to Sunday. Last year, the state tallied 149,000 visitors during the popular vacation period, when spring break and Christian Holy Week coincide.
“We consider it a success story,” Escobedo said. “We feel there's a turnaround as far as tourist activity.”
Hotel occupancy was highest in the Gulf of California community of San Felipe, which registered average occupancy rates of 99.4 percent for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In Ensenada, the figure was 84.5, and Rosarito Beach, the average occupancy was 62.5 percent, according to the tourism secretariat's tally.
Also! The 29th Anniversary Rosarito Ensenada 50 Mile Fun Bicycle Ride will take place on April 19. And while a fearful few are still avoiding Baja due to negative media reports on safety, security surrounding the event is at an all-time high.
"Security for tourists in Baja has dramatically increased and we'reseeing positive results," said Gary Foster of Bicycling West, a San Diego sports marketing company that promotes large-scale participatory events in Baja California. "Rosarito Beach hosted 150,000 visitors for spring break and there were no crimes reported against tourists."
Foster attributes recent decreases in Baja tourism to not only a weak U.S. dollar, but also a fearful public that has been misled by the media.
"News is a product, and fear sells. Violence anywhere is tragic, but the tragedy here has been compounded by unbalanced media coverage. Crime rates in Tijuana are no worse than Los Angeles, yet the headlines have focused on Baja."
"The truth is there's a lot more security now and crime has dropped off," said Foster. "The state secretary of tourism has implemented security along the road between the San Ysidro border crossing and the beginning ofthe toll road in Tijuana. Federal Police have increased patrols on the toll road between Tijuana and Ensenada, and so have the federal Angeles Verdes tourist police. State police are posted at exits, on-ramps and toll plazas,and the city of Rosarito Beach launched a new tourist police force."
"We're impressed by Mexico's efforts, and we're pleased to see that it's working," concluded Foster. "We're looking forward to a great season of events." The Rosarito Ensenada bike ride is semi-annual and will tak eplace on April 19 and September 27 in 2008
Yay! It is nice to see a credible source who is familiar with the area and is confirming what we have found in our research and efforts!
For more info:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20080324-2019-bn24tourism.html
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-26-2008/0004780165&EDATE=
At a news conference Monday, Tourism Secretary Oscar Escobedo Carignan said 143,000 U.S. and Mexican travelers spent about $18 million from Thursday to Sunday. Last year, the state tallied 149,000 visitors during the popular vacation period, when spring break and Christian Holy Week coincide.
“We consider it a success story,” Escobedo said. “We feel there's a turnaround as far as tourist activity.”
Hotel occupancy was highest in the Gulf of California community of San Felipe, which registered average occupancy rates of 99.4 percent for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In Ensenada, the figure was 84.5, and Rosarito Beach, the average occupancy was 62.5 percent, according to the tourism secretariat's tally.
Also! The 29th Anniversary Rosarito Ensenada 50 Mile Fun Bicycle Ride will take place on April 19. And while a fearful few are still avoiding Baja due to negative media reports on safety, security surrounding the event is at an all-time high.
"Security for tourists in Baja has dramatically increased and we'reseeing positive results," said Gary Foster of Bicycling West, a San Diego sports marketing company that promotes large-scale participatory events in Baja California. "Rosarito Beach hosted 150,000 visitors for spring break and there were no crimes reported against tourists."
Foster attributes recent decreases in Baja tourism to not only a weak U.S. dollar, but also a fearful public that has been misled by the media.
"News is a product, and fear sells. Violence anywhere is tragic, but the tragedy here has been compounded by unbalanced media coverage. Crime rates in Tijuana are no worse than Los Angeles, yet the headlines have focused on Baja."
"The truth is there's a lot more security now and crime has dropped off," said Foster. "The state secretary of tourism has implemented security along the road between the San Ysidro border crossing and the beginning ofthe toll road in Tijuana. Federal Police have increased patrols on the toll road between Tijuana and Ensenada, and so have the federal Angeles Verdes tourist police. State police are posted at exits, on-ramps and toll plazas,and the city of Rosarito Beach launched a new tourist police force."
"We're impressed by Mexico's efforts, and we're pleased to see that it's working," concluded Foster. "We're looking forward to a great season of events." The Rosarito Ensenada bike ride is semi-annual and will tak eplace on April 19 and September 27 in 2008
Yay! It is nice to see a credible source who is familiar with the area and is confirming what we have found in our research and efforts!
For more info:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20080324-2019-bn24tourism.html
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-26-2008/0004780165&EDATE=
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Citizens Watch
More than 300 Rosarito Residents Volunteer For
New Tourist-Assistance Citizens’ Watch Program
ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO---More than 300 residents here have volunteered to provide citizens’ watch services for the more than one million people a year who visit this popular tourist city.
Members of the newly formed Citizen Council for Assistance to Tourists were sworn in at a March 4 ceremony at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. They included both Mexican-born and expatriate residents of the city, tourism officials and business people.
The city of 140,000 which is 30 miles south of San Diego includes about 14,000 expatriate residents.
The group was formed by the new city administration of Mayor Hugo Torres. Members will watch for and report any problems that might affect visitors in Rosarito’s tourist areas. The new mayor has made security for both residents and visitors the top priority of his administration.
About 325 people have joined the group so far. Torres said at the ceremony that the huge response is indicative of the how highly people in the city value visitors. “This shows how much people care,” Torres said.
Identification cards also were issued to members of the group. Anyone wanting to join should contact Marco Nuno at marco@rosarito.org. He works from the city’s Tourist Assistance Office.
Formation of the group comes in the same month that Rosarito will start a special tourist police force to patrol areas frequented by city visitors. The force is both to provide additional security and prevent any police extortion of visitors.
“As the Mexican government cracks down on drug cartels, there have been a few highly publicized incidents of violence between authorities and organized crime in Baja,” Torres “Some people in U.S. have asked if it safe to visit.”
“In reality, we have had very few crimes targeting our visitors, but we believe that any is too many,” Torres said. “There also is the perception of crime being greater than the reality, and we must deal with that as well. Our visitors must feel comfortable.”
“Federal, state and local police patrols have been increased throughout northern Baja. We want people to know that we are doing everything possible to make our visitors feel secure and comfortable when they come here.”
Rosarito also has created a 24-hour-a-day ombudsman office to assist any visitor involved in an accident or crime. Ricardo Moreno, an attorney, heads that office. He can be reached at 661-612- 5071 (office), 664-261-5984, 152*159230*1 (Nextel) or ccspm_rosarito@yahoo.com.mx.
*This press release from Ron Rapose, Public Relations for Rosarito Beach
New Tourist-Assistance Citizens’ Watch Program
ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO---More than 300 residents here have volunteered to provide citizens’ watch services for the more than one million people a year who visit this popular tourist city.
Members of the newly formed Citizen Council for Assistance to Tourists were sworn in at a March 4 ceremony at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. They included both Mexican-born and expatriate residents of the city, tourism officials and business people.
The city of 140,000 which is 30 miles south of San Diego includes about 14,000 expatriate residents.
The group was formed by the new city administration of Mayor Hugo Torres. Members will watch for and report any problems that might affect visitors in Rosarito’s tourist areas. The new mayor has made security for both residents and visitors the top priority of his administration.
About 325 people have joined the group so far. Torres said at the ceremony that the huge response is indicative of the how highly people in the city value visitors. “This shows how much people care,” Torres said.
Identification cards also were issued to members of the group. Anyone wanting to join should contact Marco Nuno at marco@rosarito.org. He works from the city’s Tourist Assistance Office.
Formation of the group comes in the same month that Rosarito will start a special tourist police force to patrol areas frequented by city visitors. The force is both to provide additional security and prevent any police extortion of visitors.
“As the Mexican government cracks down on drug cartels, there have been a few highly publicized incidents of violence between authorities and organized crime in Baja,” Torres “Some people in U.S. have asked if it safe to visit.”
“In reality, we have had very few crimes targeting our visitors, but we believe that any is too many,” Torres said. “There also is the perception of crime being greater than the reality, and we must deal with that as well. Our visitors must feel comfortable.”
“Federal, state and local police patrols have been increased throughout northern Baja. We want people to know that we are doing everything possible to make our visitors feel secure and comfortable when they come here.”
Rosarito also has created a 24-hour-a-day ombudsman office to assist any visitor involved in an accident or crime. Ricardo Moreno, an attorney, heads that office. He can be reached at 661-612- 5071 (office), 664-261-5984, 152*159230*1 (Nextel) or ccspm_rosarito@yahoo.com.mx.
*This press release from Ron Rapose, Public Relations for Rosarito Beach
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Modern Day Gold Rush--The New Frontier of Home Ownership in Mexico
Before you jump on the next bandwagon south of the border to drop your stake in the ground, it helps to know a the basics about how ownership in Mexico works. There are complications beyond the standard language barrier (and the fact that it might be a wee bit difficult to cross the border in a covered wagon these days).
Timeline:
1517:
Hernandez de Cordoba sailed from Spain and laid claim to Mexican lands. Spain decided that since they had landed here, it was now theirs.
1822:
Mexico declared independence, the lands were still owned by wealthy foreigners.
1930’s:
President Lazaro Cardenas disassembled the large property holding & distributed them in the form of cooperative farms or “Ejidos”. Although it is farmed by the people, it was still owned by the Federal Government.
1992:
The Mexican people are finally allowed to sell the properties. The 1992 Agrarian Law recognizes property rites within the Ejido and allows for the owner of record to sell or lease property to a non-Ejido member.
1994:
Amendments to the Constitution permitted foreigners to purchase and own real estate in Mexico located within the “restricted zone”. This Law permitted ownership through a land trust or “Fideicomiso”.
Today:
How the “Fideicomiso” works: The Dept. of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City is issues a permit to a Mexican Bank, allowing the bank to act as purchaser for the property. The bank acts as a “Trustee”. Much like Living Wills or Estate Trusts in the U.S., the Mexican Bank, takes instructions only from the Beneficiary of the Trust (You). You have the right to use, occupy and possess the property, including the right to build on it or otherwise improve it. You may sell the property by instructing the Trustee to transfer the rights to another qualified owner, or bequeath the property to an inheritor. The initial term is 50 years, and it can be renewed for additional periods of 50 years indefinitely, providing for long-term control of the asset.
Source: www.la-cscada.com.mx
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Retire in Mexico… What’s to think about?!
I have spent a decent about of time researching the opportunities for Americans have to spend their retirement in Mexico. Specifically, my focus is in relocating to the Baja area.
I know what you’re thinking… Move to a foreign country, where I don’t speak the language, are you crazy? After speaking with a resident of Rosarito Beach, a town south of Baja, I learned that there are in fact many details that must be addressed when moving to the area. Details that are even more important then speaking the native language. The good news is that there are many resources designed to help expats establish their new life, south of the border.
Baja Relocation and Solutions Abroad are the two organizations that I came across that appear to be strong resources for people looking to retire in Mexico. Over the next week I’ll take a deeper dive into these organizations to analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and what else is out there to make the transition to paradise, smoother.
http://www.baja-relocation.com/
http://www.solutionsabroad.com/
I know what you’re thinking… Move to a foreign country, where I don’t speak the language, are you crazy? After speaking with a resident of Rosarito Beach, a town south of Baja, I learned that there are in fact many details that must be addressed when moving to the area. Details that are even more important then speaking the native language. The good news is that there are many resources designed to help expats establish their new life, south of the border.
Baja Relocation and Solutions Abroad are the two organizations that I came across that appear to be strong resources for people looking to retire in Mexico. Over the next week I’ll take a deeper dive into these organizations to analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and what else is out there to make the transition to paradise, smoother.
http://www.baja-relocation.com/
http://www.solutionsabroad.com/
Monday, March 3, 2008
The home of the Pet Rock
I just returned from a fact gathering mission with six other students in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. I look forward to sharing the experiences and revelations shared by the residents, expats, and opinion leaders that form the Rosarito Beach community.
But first, I must share the most fascinating news that I learned while in Baja this weekend...
Rosarito Beach is the home of one of the most endearing (if not enduring) fad of the 70's...
According to Articlesoftheuniverse.com, the "Pet Rock" was the million-dollar brain child of an advertising executive named Gary Dahl in 1975. Dahl’s playfully entrepreneurial marketing was nothing more than bland rocks and pebbles that were then sold as live pets. This idea, that precedes "virtual pets" was inspired by the fact that these pet rocks, unlike needy cats and dogs, are hassle-free and don't make a mess. For a mere $3.95, they also cost far less money to purchase and keep up than the other pets required. And so, you too can own the Pet Rock, which does not need to be walked, and does not cost hundreds in vet bills, and would not poop on the floor.
The idea came when Dahl was having drinks with his buddies one night in April 1975 when the conversation turned to pets. He informed his friends that he considered dogs, cats, birds, and fish all a pain in the neck. According to Dahl, "They made a mess; they misbehaved; they cost too much money. " He, on the other hand, had a pet rock, and it was an ideal pet - easy and cheap, and it had a great personality. His buddies started to riff with the off-the-wall idea and pretty soon they were al tossing around the notion of a pet rock and all the things it was good for.
The company was named "Rock Bottom Productions". Imported from Rosarito Beach, Mexico, the pebbles were then packaged in a small cardboard box, designed like a pet carrier. Dahl also created a "Pet Rock Training Manual," containing instructions on how to properly care for one's pet, including how to house train one’s pet: "Place it on some old newspapers. The rock will never know what the paper is for and will require no further instruction.” The instruction manual included such commands as sit, stay, roll over, play dead, and come.
In addition to picking up random facts about Rosarito Beach, I also managed to collect a few of my own pet rocks. While mine do not include the ventilated travel box and care guide, each was tested for obedience (just like Dahl explained to Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show"). Once I download the photos from my digital camera, I will post a photo of the tour group's mascot, "Gustavo", an introverted little blue speckled stone I picked up directly from the beach. While my own pebbles will not go for the $15-$30 prices they are fetching on ebay these days... to me they are priceless.
(I would like to thank Ron Raposa of Rosarito Beach, MX for sharing this fascinating story!)
But first, I must share the most fascinating news that I learned while in Baja this weekend...
Rosarito Beach is the home of one of the most endearing (if not enduring) fad of the 70's...
According to Articlesoftheuniverse.com, the "Pet Rock" was the million-dollar brain child of an advertising executive named Gary Dahl in 1975. Dahl’s playfully entrepreneurial marketing was nothing more than bland rocks and pebbles that were then sold as live pets. This idea, that precedes "virtual pets" was inspired by the fact that these pet rocks, unlike needy cats and dogs, are hassle-free and don't make a mess. For a mere $3.95, they also cost far less money to purchase and keep up than the other pets required. And so, you too can own the Pet Rock, which does not need to be walked, and does not cost hundreds in vet bills, and would not poop on the floor.
The idea came when Dahl was having drinks with his buddies one night in April 1975 when the conversation turned to pets. He informed his friends that he considered dogs, cats, birds, and fish all a pain in the neck. According to Dahl, "They made a mess; they misbehaved; they cost too much money. " He, on the other hand, had a pet rock, and it was an ideal pet - easy and cheap, and it had a great personality. His buddies started to riff with the off-the-wall idea and pretty soon they were al tossing around the notion of a pet rock and all the things it was good for.
The company was named "Rock Bottom Productions". Imported from Rosarito Beach, Mexico, the pebbles were then packaged in a small cardboard box, designed like a pet carrier. Dahl also created a "Pet Rock Training Manual," containing instructions on how to properly care for one's pet, including how to house train one’s pet: "Place it on some old newspapers. The rock will never know what the paper is for and will require no further instruction.” The instruction manual included such commands as sit, stay, roll over, play dead, and come.
In addition to picking up random facts about Rosarito Beach, I also managed to collect a few of my own pet rocks. While mine do not include the ventilated travel box and care guide, each was tested for obedience (just like Dahl explained to Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show"). Once I download the photos from my digital camera, I will post a photo of the tour group's mascot, "Gustavo", an introverted little blue speckled stone I picked up directly from the beach. While my own pebbles will not go for the $15-$30 prices they are fetching on ebay these days... to me they are priceless.
(I would like to thank Ron Raposa of Rosarito Beach, MX for sharing this fascinating story!)
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