BAJA News

13/09/2025

Friendship Without Borders: A Day at Friendship Park
by Joan Lucci
On August 16, the Day of International Friendship, I found myself at Playas de Tijuana, in the vibrant heart of Friendship Park. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 200 people gathered, filling the seaside space with music, laughter, and the irresistible aromas of churros and tortillas on the grill. Families mingled, grassroots organizations set up booths, and children darted between workshops and performances. The energy was warm, hopeful, and deeply human a reminder that even in the shadow of a border wall, community flourishes.

The festival had been on my mind for weeks. In mid-July, I joined friends to watch artists at work on the border wall. Students, volunteers, and well-known local artists collaborated on Abrazo Mutuo (The Mutual Hug), a new mural whose central figures an eagle and a condor were drawn from the Indigenous prophecy of unity across the Americas. I caught a glimpse of Alfredo “Libre” Gutiérrez, the artist leading the effort, painting with a steady hand as his vision came to life. That day, my colleague Anne Porter introduced me to Daniel Watman, Director of Programs for Friends of Friendship Park. His enthusiasm was infectious. It was clear this place wasn’t just a park it is a gathering ground for healing, resistance, and creativity.

By the time August 16 arrived, our Baja California Democrats Abroad team was ready to contribute. Along with Anne Porter and Lisa Briganti, I set up a nonpartisan Get Out the Vote (GOTV) information table from 1 to 4 p.m. For many binational families and U.S. citizens living abroad, voting rights can feel confusing and out of reach. That day, we helped several people confirm eligibility and begin their registration process.

The cross-border contrast could not have been starker. The Mexican side radiated life: murals splashed color across the wall, music drifted through the air, and neighbors embraced. Just steps away, on the U.S. side, the beach stood desolate silent, nearly abandoned, barbed wire giving it the feel of a ghostly no-man’s-land. Both sides share the same coastline, the same Pacific waves. But only one side celebrated friendship.

Throughout the day, I met remarkable people who embodied the spirit of the park. One was Javier Salazar Rojas, known as the Deported Artist. Born in Tijuana and raised in Oakland, Javier’s life changed at age eleven during what was supposed to be a family vacation. That was the day he discovered he was undocumented, forced to walk back across the border while the rest of his family drove north. Today, Javier transforms that painful history into powerful art, and I was proud to take home one of his pieces. Before the event ended, Javier introduced me to his wife, who had flown from the United States to see him. Their reunion was a moving reminder that behind every deportation is a family enduring separation. Meeting Javier and his wife together brought his art and story to life.

I also met Reverend Guillermo Navarrete, Carol Clary, and Israel Olguín from the Border Church my neighbors at the table next to ours. For years, the church held weekly services at Friendship Park, welcoming people on both sides of the fence. Since 2020, with the U.S. side locked, Rev. Guillermo and his congregation have continued to gather on the Mexico side. Their ministry continues, a weekly act of unity against the forces of separation.

The Day of International Friendship revealed many layers the authentic joy of families sharing food, music, and laughter. There was also the binding energy of organizers, artists, and activists who created the event and refused to let the wall define the community. But, in stark contrast was the solemn acknowledgment of separation seen in couples and children who once touched fingertips through the mesh of the wall.

As the sun set over the Pacific, I felt grateful being there, alongside Anne and Lisa, contributing in our small way with voter outreach. Democracy, after all, is no abstract concept. It lives in moments like this, when people show up, connect, and claim their voice.

Friendship, like democracy, doesn't stop at walls. And at Friendship Park, both friendship and democracy feel unstoppable.

13/09/2025

13/09/2025

Social Security Scandal:
Chief Data Officer Resigns Special Report
Aug.29, 2025.
Social Security Administration’s Chief Data official, Charles Borges, resigned. According to the Washington DC Government Office of Accountability Project attorney Andrea Meza, " Borges informed congress this week thru protected whistleblower disclosure of his grave concerns that the private information of Americans, including their social security numbers, were copied to a server without proper oversight or security controls" Att. Meza added that he ( Borges) felt that he could no longer continue to work for the Social Security Administration in ' good conscience' given what he had witnessed . Borges resignation letter, sent to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisiqnano, included Borges statement that, " since filing his complaint. The SSA agencies actions made his duties " impossible to perform legally and ethically and have caused him physical, mental, and emotional distress, " and describing a work environment of " exclusion, isolation, and fear." a culture of " panic and dread' with frequent talk of employee terminations and organizational dysfunction. “Borges also sent out an email to employees. mentioning the " mishandling of sensitive data" and. within 30 minutes the recipients could no longer access this email.! What is happening? Could Elon Musk and his notorious post puberty minions have taken control of our nation’s social security data? Were there not efforts to stop Elon Musk from doing this? America labor groups and retiree groups, tried, and almost succeeded when a federal judge blocked DOGE access last March 2025, but the Supreme Court overruled the decision. So yes it seems that Elon Musk & crew in filtered SSA offices. and. with a little bullying. managed to get our nations SSA data base and send it off to some sort of "insecure cloud’. What does this mean? It means the sensitive information of over 300 million Americans is at risk! Sensitive information includes banking info, health diagnosis, income, familiar relationships personal biographic data and who knows what else! Many Social Security recipients report that they are already experience worsening and incompetent service. A copy of Charles Borges resignation letter. Can be obtained at [email protected].

13/09/2025

Trump Troops in Mexico"?
Will Trump Send US Troops to Mexico? Maybe! by Vivian Marlene Dunbar .....
A huge fight is brewing in Mexico over Trumps latest wish to deploy US troops to " fight cartels". This is not the first time US government officials have expressed the idea of sending troops to Mexico. This time however, this threat or promise how anyone might perceive it is taking on a new intensity that is causing a great disruption and scandal in Mexican politics. A woman has emerged from the sidelines to challenge Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaums steadfast resolve to protect Mexican sovereignty and never allowing US troops to invade Mexican soil. This woman, Mexican senator Lilly Tellez, has taken center stage denouncing President Sheinbaums " resistance" to Trumps " help". Tellez boldly accused Sheinbaum of being in cahoots with cartels and insisting they had supporting her campaign and that of Claudia’s entire political party the Moreno Group. Senator Tellez is a member of the opposition party, the PAN party. MS Tellez was a former media personality on Noticias Fox a Mexican version of US Fox News Tactics for getting attention include disrupting meetings with a bullhorn and referring to her country as a "Narco State." President Sheinbaum has taken notice of Tellez theatrics and has called her a " traitor" Sheinbaum was particularly angry with Tellez giving an interview to an American TV station. slandering Mexico with an assortment of nasty accusations. Tellez defends herself by insisting that she only wants to " help Trump". "Helping Trump protect Mexico" could mean welcoming US troops on to Mexican soil something President Sheinbaum declared would never happen. Trump recently authorized the US Pentagon to " consider" US military force against the cartels. This week Sept.2-4, 2025. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Mexico and El Salvador, where he plans to discuss or propose a " Bi- National L Security Deal." This deal would include focus on fighting international drug trafficking, and curbing illegal immigration. President Sheinbaum firmly stated that" Mexico would never sign something that violates our sovereignty." Meanwhile Lilly Tellez says that is " proof" Sheinbaum is protecting criminals. Tellez also proclaims that this is what Mexicans want claiming" Mexican are scared”! Will Claudia Sheinbaums declarations of protecting Mexico's sovereignty be enough to keep Trump from deploying US troop into Mexico or will Senator Tellez and opposition party leaders be able to roll out a red carpet for Trump's army. This battle has just begun. and it will be interesting to learn how Americans in Mexico feel about this!

13/09/2025

The Night Sarah Saw an Alux...by Laura LaBrie.

Sarah tried to wake up. A deep pall hung over the bedroom. As she struggled to consciousness, the sound of heavy scratching wafted into the room. She was sure it was the dog wanting to come inside. Pulling herself further awake like she was pulling herself from the dark silty waters of a fathomless lagoon, she slipped out of bed and left her bedroom only to find she had to step over the dog who was fast asleep on the floor by her bedroom door. The scratching sound had been loud enough to warrant investigation, but before she headed out into the living room, she stopped to check on her 6-year-old son, Ayden. He too was fast asleep. It felt like a sleeping spell had been cast over the whole house. Silvery light from the full moon streamed in through the windows casting gentle shadows and illuminating everything. Sarah stepped into the living room where a long couch covered in a handwoven flowery blanket sat flanked by two formal looking armchairs. Immediately, she caught the site of something moving on the floor and snapped her head to catch the source of the sound. Two tiny bare legs were scrambling under one of the armchairs, scrambling into a space too small for her 6-year-old to ever fit into. Sarah just stood there, looking straight at the little legs, watching the little feet and tiny toes as they pushed against the white tile floor until they too slipped under the chair and were completely hidden from view. Nothing else moved; not the dog, not her son. It was like all the birds and frogs and chicharras were also asleep. Perhaps the small being that scrambled under the couch had cast a spell over all of creation, not wanting to be discovered. We believe Sarah saw an alux (pronounced aloosh). Her experience fit the description perfectly. Aluxob (plural for alux) are small humanoid creatures, sometimes a foot high, sometimes 2-3 feet high, who can shape-shift or be invisible. They are created by Maya shamen for the purpose of guarding land/homes. There is so much to learn about them. But for now, I know that they are real as I have had several run-ins with them myself. To read about the day I saw one near the ruins, go here: Seeing an Alux on the Island of Cozumel To discover 10 things about aluxob, go here: Alux: Guardian of the Maya Jungle Sarah thinks her cat, Elliot, who was rescued from the middle of the road in a small Maya pueblo, might be an alux. It's possible, as they often take the form of small animals when they are not in their tiny human form and by the way where WAS the cat during this alux episode? Perhaps Elliot is an alux, or perhaps Sarah brought one home with her on an expedition into the caves and jungles of the Yucatan. We may not know the details of where it came from, but we will continue to watch out for nighttime activities and listen for scratching in the dark. Until next time, Staying under the covers, laura

13/09/2025

What is TPO and DMTA?
At Mándala Salon we care about the safety of every client we serve, which is why we always strive to be at the forefront of the products we use on our clients, paying attention to the needs of each client, continuously training our team, and following international recommendations regarding products and procedures for pedicures, manicures, and nail services. On September 1st of this year, a regulation came into effect in the European Union, which has considered TPO (trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide) and DMTA (dimethyltolylamine) as substances that represent a danger to human health, but as of that day, the use of these ingredients in the products that different spas and beauty salons offer to their clients in the services they provide is prohibited in the European Union. Now, what is TPO? It is a component that makes it possible for gel polish to harden under UV or LED lamps, thanks to its polymerization function, but it is also important to clarify that there are gel polishes that do not contain TPO. On the other hand, DMTA is a substance that helps nail polish adhere better to the nail, improving its durability and preventing it from peeling. Both chemicals are classified as CMR 1B, which is the second most dangerous category for human use. Both can cause DNA mutations. They can cause skin irritation, as well as allergic reactions, and are also linked to fertility problems. Finally, exposure to DMTA, especially when inhaled, can be dangerous and cause poisoning due to its ability to damage hemoglobin. For all the above reasons, Mandala Salon makes a considerable investment in purchasing gel polishes free of these substances and even in brands that do not require a UV/LED lamp for drying, since at Mandala Salon we are socially responsible in caring for the health of each of our clients. Therefore, our nail polishes we purchase use alternative photoinitiators that offer fast curing and similar performance without the risks of TPO and/or DMTA. So if you're the type of person who likes to pay attention to what type of products you use on your body, consider Mandala Salon, which is TPO and DMTA free.

13/09/2025

Spacifico Med Spa: Botox, Lip filler, Bioestimulators and Regenerative Medicine

Hoping all of you are having a great summer:) Here at your favorite Spa we been working nonstop, to make your Spa visit not only a visual experience with our classic Spa services Ocean view, if not The Most Espectacular Ocean View on any other Spa on the Coast, this Spa keeps on being a hidden Gem, with access to the Beach and fully renovated Hotel rooms, with Wi-Fi and AC in all rooms, the Spa. Is also going renovations and NEW services from our in House Doctor, Adolfo Reyes Carbajal, a young talent emerging in the Regenerative Medicine area, with skills unmatched by other professionals, we are bringing Wellness to this area, We invite you to book your consultation and add wellness to your things to do for yourself, We have in our new services Salmon S***m Facials with Dermapen, to hydrate your skin with a cocktail of vitamins, it helps refine fine lines around there area in a safe manner, we also offer HiFu technology to remove stubborn pockets of fat, from contouring the body to tightening the neck and other benefits, Lipoenzymes: melt that double chin, contour face, get a flat smooth belly, remove that Bra muffin top that accumulates on the back, and other benefits that you can achieve safely and effectively, it’s recommended at least 3 rounds, one per week, I loved my results and totally recommend this to you, I have to mention that all services in our Menu I have tried them myself:) We have skill hands on our team to help you get Lucios summer lips, we have been doing a lot of lip corrections from people coming to us, so we find ourselves doing Lip design, correction and re-doing to help our clients achieve their desired Lips, it’s Safe, great product and beautiful results Fibroblasts: Key for the production of collagen and elastin, to maintain a good bounce and fuller looking skin, I love the results, this is an amazing way to regenerate your skin plumpness and restore elasticity, also beautiful results, this is performed by our Doctor Adolfo Reyes Carbajal, a great investment to regenerate the Firmness of your skin Botox: Discover why we are becoming a favorite on the area for the application, we have developed our technique for application, not only to help you with crow’s feet and forehead, we also offer other techniques to give you a lift to your mid face, smooth necks, soften jowls, also we perform Botox application to treat migraines and other advance techniques to help you look your best B12 shots, feeling rundown? Make a stop and recharge with our B12 shots, we also offer NAD IV and multivitamin IV to restore your hydration levels and rid of hangovers and get you going with your day CO2 Fractional Laser: This technology is a game changer and we offer it To you at our Spa, this technology will do a blepharoplasty without cuts with beautiful results, it can also change and smooth the skin texture delivering tightness’s too your skin, remove sun damage, skin tags, plantar warts, smooth crepe looking neck, It also can help treat incontinence and rejuvenate the vaginal canal for better lubrication and healthier tissue (this is performed by our Doctor) I invite you to visit us or book a consultation Thank you for your ongoing support, and we have been working really hard to accomplish this in the perfect collaboration, all of this just for you, we want to offer you the best and want to make sure you are in the Best hands to achieve the results you want in a safe manner, Rediscover what we have to offer you Antonio Salceda Spa Director

24/08/2025

Dead Artists Make More Money
By Scott Haynes

Hundreds of musicals are written every year that no one will ever see or hear. It’s a tough business to break into. So it is with great humility and excitement that I introduce you to the new musical, Dead Artists Make More Money, otherwise known as DAMMM. The following is the genesis of the show. Many moons ago I was part of a mystery dinner theater group as the writer. We had a bunch of crazy actors and I had the ideas. One of them was Dead Artists. The dinner show was a wild success but I wasn’t satisfied because I wanted to develop the complete story, and tell it through music. As a songwriter, there is nothing more enjoyable for me than to tell stories in songs. But life got in the way, and the DAMMM story lay dormant for 30 years until I went to see a local production at the La Misión Performing Arts Center. I was impressed with the production. After the success of the show, the theater company reached out to the community asking for suggestions for other musicals, plays or other forms of musical or theatrical entertainment that they could do in the coming year. That was early 2024. I ran my idea by a friend Suzanne who was involved with LMPAC. We were at a party drinking tequila and she laughed hysterically when I told her the DAMMM story and she suggested I contact the performing arts center. So I wrote to them that I had an idea I wanted to develop and asked if they would consider an original musical. Next thing I know I’m at a board meeting reading the treatment I had just written. Since some of the board consists of professionals from the theater and film business, I knew I might not get past them. But everyone liked it! That was April 2024. I just needed one more piece of the puzzle to make my story work, and it came from my wife Kristin. So now I was ready. I went to work writing and recording, and I finished the first draft in November. Then after consulting with board members Joan Lucci and Derek Werner, I ended up rewriting the script 3 more times. At every stage Kristin read the newest version and made suggestions. I changed the ending twice, changed lyrics, wrote new music, cut some stuff out. All that. Along the way I had several confidants I bounced ideas off of, who helped with editing, arranging the music, dialog and writing lyrics. In fact, they are my neighbors Paul Ross, Maria Rosales and Derek Wille. They all nudged me one way or the other. Paul is also building the sets and is in the cast, and Maria is in the cast also. In addition, Jana McGill recorded all my female voice song demos, gave me some great suggestions, and she too is in the cast. Once we decided it was ready to workshop, we put out a casting call and some fabulous talent came out to audition. Turns out everyone wants to do an original work. We are creating characters never seen! We now have a cast of 15. We are 5 weeks into rehearsals and it’s going great. Lots of laughter and singing along. We have a fantastic costume designer, Nichole Maua choreographer Rachael Martin, Director David Cattanio, Assistant director Jan Folsom Fowler, stage manager Cathy Stevenson, arranger Derek Wille and the music director is yours truly, Scott Haynes. It’s a massive undertaking and everyone is a volunteer. They are there because they love the project like I do. And we’re creating it together. We open the show September 26 at the La Misión Performing Arts Center outdoor theater.

24/08/2025

Jorge Ramos Returns..!
Mexican Journalist Jorge Ramos Bold New Future.
by Vivian Marlene Dunbar ..August 26, 2015.
Mexican news Univision top journalist Jorge Ramos became internationally famous on this day when Donald Trump, candidate for US president, had Ramos physically removed from his press conference. Jorge Ramos representing US Spanish language viewers stood up to ask Trump about Trumps immigration policies. This was at the time Trump was calling immigrants " criminals and rapists" promising to deport 11 million of them and build a Wall. When Jorge Ramos stood up to ask a question, Trump told him " excuse me sit down, you haven't been called on "Ramos countered back with " I have the right to ask a question" and Trump fired back by telling Ramos to " go back to Univision" Next One of Trumps security men physically removed Ramos from the press conference. TV screens lit up worldwide with images of a top Mexican reporter shocked and stunned after being physically ousted from a press conference. A little later Ramos was permitted back in....but his employer Univision notified Trump that they would no longer broadcast his Miss Universe Pageant Trump immediately sued Univision for 500 million dollars. Fast forward to Sept. 2024 when Ramos announced that he would be leaving Univision in December 2024. Pressed for details Ramos told reporters that his decision to leave Univision. after a 40-year long career as their top news anchor was based on a " mutual agreement". Jorge Ramos came to Univision when he was 28 years old. in 1986, and anchored the Noticiero Univision live broadcast for 30 years. A few events occurred prior to his formal resignation. which were two live interviews with Trump. One interview was held at Trump's Florida Mar A Lago estate and this interview infuriated top Univision staffers and executives for " coddling Trump" Jorge Ramos himself expressed indignation at the reporters refusal to ask Trump " the hard questions," Baja News covered this story titled " MAGA Vision" A few months later Univision reporters again interviewed Trump and once again succeeded in infuriating long time Univision staffers for " coddling" Trump Baja News covered this second interview and the resulting exodus of a number of top Univision executives . It was about this time when Jorge Ramos announced that he would also be leaving Univision This announcement shook the media around the world Jorge Ramos, nicknamed the Mexican Walter Cronkite had been reporting on Latino news for three decades interviewing world leaders like Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, and US presidents Barak Obama, George H & W Bush, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump. Time Magazine named Ramos as " One of the 100 most influential people in the World " The New York Times recognized Jorge Ramos " the voice of the Latino Voters, Apparently, Jorge Ramos is well aware of the importance of providing a voice for Latino community and has declared the urgent need to give voice to the Mexican community suffering the terror of the ICE raids currently happening in Los Angeles, San Diego and around the United States. ." Now is not the time to quit" States Ramos. Ramos said " US is the second largest country in the world where Spanish is spoken, second after Mexico. More people speak Spanish here than in Argentina and Colombia so this is just going to continue" . Jorge Ramos is creating his own new digital platform and is currently a New York Times syndicated columnist featured in 40 newspapers in US and Latin America US news lady Ana Navarro commented on Ramos Instagram post " Thank you for everything you have done, my dear Jorge, for uplifting informing and representing our community’s adding " Looking forward to your next chapter". We too at Baja News will be following Jorge Ramos "next chapter" knowing that there is no "cut off"" point or timeline for the news :it's always happening and no true journalist ever really retires.