My Rosarito

My Rosarito! Episode 2: Rosarito, here we come! A drive by weekend in paradise

2008-05-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Episode 2: Rosarito, here we come! A drive by weekend in paradise.
Running Time: 15 minutes, 38 seconds

Listen to the second episode.

In Episode 2, "Episode 2: Rosarito, here we come! A drive by weekend in paradise" listeners will rediscover...or discover for the first time... the promise of serenity, beauty and hospitality of this little extension of America along the Baja strip of Mexico. The episode opens with a description of the drive across the border with seven Emerson students and our professor. In part 2, Laura Torres, President of the Rosarito Beach Hotel & Motel Association and the daughter of Rosarito Beach's Mayor, Hugo Torres, shares the charming and nostalgic history of the Rosarito Beach Hotel and Resort. This is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Baja. Local residents and expatriates share their favorite destinations and outings. Finally, in part 4, classmate Sarah Moniz joins host Mary Ann in an exploration of the booming nightlife and bustling streets of this whimsical belt named a "super hot spot" for spring break, by Playboy Magazine.

Find out more at www.rediscoverosarito.org and join the discussion here.

My Rosarito Documentary

2008-04-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

A recent media trend has portrayed the Baja as unsafe, and has created the perception of Rosarito as an unattractive tourist destination and a poor investment opportunity. As a result, tourism has declined in the Baja area by at least 30%. For Rosarito Beach, tourism is the life blood of the community, as 70% of the 130,000 residents depend either directly or indirectly on tourism for employment.

Is the perception that Southern California and North America media have portrayed about the safety of Rosarito Beach and the Baja strip of Mexico a reality? Amateur producers, Mary Ann Cicala and Sarah Moniz, question local residents of Rosarito Beach who attempt to debunk the negative media labels in this four minute "My Rosarito Documentary."

The participants are honest, transparent, often personable and always honest...

My Rosarito! Episode 1: Why Rosarito?

2008-03-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Listen to Episode 1

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."

Significant Tourism Increase Over Spring Break,Easter Weekend, and Events!

2008-03-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

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=

Citizens Watch

2008-03-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

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

The Modern Day Gold Rush--The New Frontier of Home Ownership in Mexico

2008-03-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

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).

If you picture a country that has been dominated by foreign owners since the early 1500’s, you will begin to see why Mexico is so protective of its most valuable resource…land.

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

Retire in Mexico… What’s to think about?!

2008-03-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

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/

The home of the Pet Rock

2008-03-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

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...

The Pet Rock

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!)

A unique reason to visit Rosarito

2008-02-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

If you know of Rosarito, you know what the area has to offer for tourists: beaches, nightlife, surfing, and other activities for the entire family. What you may not know is that Rosarito, a town of 55,000 just south of San Diego, is home to Baja Studios, a state-of-the-art motion picture studio where well known movies have been filmed (i.e. Titanic). And, even better, it offers Xploration, a movie theme park where visitors come to discover all areas of the movie production process.

Xploration offers exciting activities for anyone who enjoys movies, is curious about the movie making process, or is just looking for a day of fun. Currently, the park offers a Xmen Exhibit, Titantic Museum, Old-fashioned Film Lab, Amphitheater with live performances and an ocean view, Manhattan Street movie set, plenty of photo opportunities and more!

Not only is Xploration a fun learning experience, but admission costs much less than, say, visiting Universal Studios in California (admission is $100 and up for all ages vs. $9 for children/$12 for adults at Xploration). Take a ride from Southern California for the day and have dinner in town before going home or make Xploration part of a weeklong vacation.

While Xploration is easy to find, if you prefer to take a bus to the park, there are pick-ups before the Mexican border as well as at the last trolley stop in Mexico. Remember to be safe and have fun rediscovering Rosarito!

To learn more, visit http://www.xploration.com.mx/english/index.html.

Mayor Torres and The Rosarito Police

2008-02-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

I would like to go into deeper detail concerning the perception toward corruption of police in the Rosarito Beach area. It is a fact that Mayor Torres has made great improvements regarding the police force in order to fight the war against drugs in the area. Everyday as he makes improvements, he is putting his own life in danger because it has caused him to become a likely target by the drug cartel. He has gone so far as to taking all guns away from the local cops, and had them ballistics tested to see if any of the bullets found innumerous dead guys came from those guns, and even had them take lie detector tests. Mayor Torres has decided to risk his own life to improve and protect the lives of Americans and Mexicans of the area.

Tijuana has begun a vigorous effort to let criminals -- and police, know that criminals in the tourist zone will be caught. Since March, 97 officers have been fired and prosecuted for bribes and corruption, says Gonzalez, the deputy commander. Low pay, as little as $600 a month for a Tijuana officer, feeds corruption, he said. Officers now get a raise every month as the mayor carries out a pledge to double salaries in three years and add hundreds more officers. Salaries could reach up to $1700 a month. In this situation it was only a matter of time before these improvements had to be made and no one said it would be an easy job, but someone's got to do it.

Perception versus facts: which matters more?

2008-02-26T17:59:00.000-08:00

The "Rediscover Rosarito" team has been doing a lot of research regarding all aspects of Rosarito Beach and Tijuana. If there is one thing that we have learned collectively, a theme that has stayed consistent throughout all aspects of our research is that image and perception matter more than facts and statistics.

So what are some perceptions that have enveloped Rosarito Beach, and what are the facts that lay underneath?

Perception: Rosarito Beach is more dangerous than any US city.
Fact: Rosarito Beach has fewer murders than Washington D.C. (the two cities are similar in size) and according to the Baja Insider has 25% less crime than Philadelphia.

Perception: The entire police force of Rosarito Beach is corrupt and the city isn't doing anything about it.
Fact: This couldn't be further from the truth! Mayor Torres recognizes the severity of the image problem and is reaching out to America and Rosarito Beach to let people know that he is taking the problem seriously and is taking action to change things.

Perception: Only Americans are being targeted as victims of crime.
Fact: The huge majority of the crime and drug problems in Rosarito Beach is internal, with Americans being isolated incidents and sometimes caught in the crossfire.

Simply stating the perceptions versus the facts is by no means a magic formula. Yet it is a basis for understanding the groundwork of any public affairs campaign. Before you can create a campaign and set out to change others perceptions, you have to do a huge amount of research, collecting as much information as possible so that you can truly understand the situation yourself.

Hopefully from this you will take a second to consider the facts before you consider the hearsay.

My Rosarito: Rediscovering this beach paradise

2008-02-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

News gets around fast these days, effecting markets very quickly. In this world of inter connectivity, hardly anything goes unnoticed. Unfortunately Rosarito Beach in Mexico is no exception. With seemingly constant murders and drug problems, the tourism rate is dropping quicker than you could drink a shot of tequila.

Of course all cities have crime, Las Vegas, Miami, are have high in crime rates in the United States but still have through the roof tourism rates. So the question becomes this-what separates a place like beautiful Rosarito from Miami? The answer is-image. Some would even argue that in Las Vegas and Miama the crime and bad boy scene is part of it's appeal.

So is Rosarito really any more dangerous than any other tropical getaway-probably not, in fact-most likely it's even safer.

Nevertheless Rosarito's entire economy is suffering, especially tourism because of it's rocky internal conflicts. From a public relations/public affairs paradigm Rosarito makes a very interesting and challenging case.

A group of graduate students at Emerson College have decided to take on the challenge of the economy/tourism crisis in Rosarito, and have formed a campaign called "Rediscover Rosarito" to address real estate, community relations, crisis control, image control, government relations and tourism issues within Rosarito. It is from this that "My Rosarito" has formed-the campaign within "Rediscover Rosarito" that is working towards improving the tourism economy in Rosarito.

We will keep you up to date on our creative process and goals, as well as Rosartio news. This will be a challenging and creative project, but we are looking forward to every step of the way.