BAJA News

01/06/2021

Mask Madness.
by Vivian Marlene Dunbar.
It’s been a little over one year since an invisible virus rocked the world. The World Health Organization has reported over 3 million deaths since the dreadful Covid 19 was discovered. Since that day...sometime in January of 2020...we have lived to see all manner of human endeavors struggle to subdue if not stop the spread of the most deadly pandemic since 1918. It should not be humorous, of course. Yet how can we not laugh at the incredibly insane events that unfolded as we humans tried to put a face on Covid 19.What is it? Who is to blame? Did it originate in Chinese Whulan wet markets or did it escape from a Chinese laboratory? Here in the United States...the Covid pandemic immediately became a political football. Former President Donald Trump was in office. and his more radical supporters accused Democrats of closing schools and businesses to ruin Trumps-alleged economic triumphs. Confusion erupted about whose responsibility it was to see to it that states had the supplies they needed ventilators and PPE gear, to keep people alive and protect front line health care workers. Big pharma rose to the occasion and frantically whipped up a vaccine which could stop the spread of Covid not soon enough for the 167, 011, 807 people who died worldwide. Nevertheless, the race was on to vaccinate as many people as possible. as soon as possible. World leaders posed for photos receiving the vaccine assuring everyone that it was truly safe. Not everyone was convinced and in the United states a marketing plan was initiated that targeted every single American relentlessly attempting to erase all doubt with bold assurances that the vaccine was indeed safe. Mark Zuckerberg took control of all social media posts intercepting all communications mentioning Covid .and related topics with Facebook approved CDC facts. Pharma giants Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson trotted out their powerful mRNA vaccines and the newly elected president Joe Biden promised to have every American vaccinated by July 2021. Marketing campaigns hit the airwaves in full force Social workers and health workers accompanied by firemen went door to door in senior communities making sure vulnerable elderly folks got their vaccines. States started giving prizes tickets to the ball game, lottery tickets to encourage people to come out and get vaxxed. The late Larry Flints Hustler Club in Las Vegas held vaccine parties and stadiums and churches and gymnasiums all morphed into vaccine stations. Europeans were not far behind and even to encouraged people to come get their vaccine at Draculas Castle in Romania. Standing on the sidelines were the Never Vaxxers. These folks have no intention on getting any vaccines and its become apparent that Red states have less vaccinated people than Blue states. What will this mean? Will the unvaccinated pose a risk? What about the folks from countries that have no vaccine? As of this writing Covid cases are fast disappearing. California Governor Gavin Newsom has set June 15, 2021 as the magical day when California can finally ' reopen' ending mask requirements state wide. Other states. like Texas and Florida. have already tossed mask laws aside. Mexico seems in lockstep with the United States gradually lifting restrictions and mask mandates as time goes by. Our top health officials here in the Western Hemisphere seem to believe we can come out from behind closed doors and take of our masks if we all get the vaccine. We can only wait and see. And hope that Mother Nature takes it a little easier on us in the future.

01/06/2021

Art and it´s artists
By Rocio Hoffman
Hi friends, welcome to this new column where we will learn a little about the art movement and its artists in Baja California.
Baja is a community of immigrants mainly from latin-america, and it is rich in tendencies, cultures and ways that converge and feed off each other.
These artists have found a suitable atmosphere to create and live off their work thus aiding the tourist trade and the economic development of the area.
Rosarito has been a key point.
Since the last 40 years, we´ve seen an emergence of galleries, from commercial, with merely decorative art, as well as fine art galleries, with highly internationally recognized and valued artists, many of them still working hard right now.
Pioneer galleries as Pepe Navarro´s and Del Mar Armando Gonzalez, are now gone.
The trend continued,
Galerias ¨Lizarraga y Hoffman´now ´ROHO Art Souvenirs´in Rosarito Plaza Pueblo@galeriaroho featuring paintings by Manuel Lizarraga Garibaldi, Laura L. Hoffman, Francisco Morales y Rocio Hoffman, plus hand crafted souvenirs and original art by 17 artists with their best work:
Ugi from Janet and Ugi(still located at Hotel Rosarito) Galeria Santini at km 60 that is now open to the public.
And as the most important in quantity and the quality of our regional artists, Polos´s Gallery, where 30 artist of international prestige are represented.
Martin Tellez and Eduardo Orozco´s Galeria del sol at hotel Rosarito. ¨Luca¨, in Pueblo Plaza, with art by Lucrecia Muñoz, Carolina Alvarado and Atilano. In Pueblo Plaza, two more galleries have started business with a variety of offerings.
These and other art and hand crafts and jewelry venues, are also available in Rosarito.

01/06/2021

Blind Dog
Have you ever wondered what a blind puppy can do to survive the cruel world? How would he know where to go, what to eat? Meet this little soul who is blind by birth and was left at our doorstep without any notes or notices. We opened our door by hearing the lost souls cry and we were shocked that someone could just abandon a poor soul to die alone in the streets.
We of course took him in regardless of our poor supplies, funds and resources; we could not abandon him to rot. We discover immediately that he was blind by birth and he never had a bath. His entire body was filled with fleas and ticks. We cleaned him up and tried to feed him but he was too scared but hungry at the same time. When finally one of our staffs could comfort him, he began to drink the milk and some water.
We are taking especial care for him for the past one week so he can survive. As he is blind, he needs special care and support most of the time. We often have cases like this where injured and sick puppies and dogs are dropped off without any notices. We cannot be heartless and we do take all of them in. But we need resources, supplies, and food to help them too. We would urge everyone who loves and cares for the humanity, please donate according to your ability so poor souls like this can survive. Do not be ashamed of any amount you are donating, every penny in charity counts!
Want to help us save the lives of dogs?
*DONATE!* Every dollar or item you contribute is greatly appreciated and helps tremendously!
We have helped/saved over 10,000 dogs and continue to help over 1,000 dogs yearly
Your generosity has allowed our 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue to save thousands of dogs!

Please consider becoming a monthly donor so we can continue helping animals in need.
•PayPal – [email protected]
•Donate Button at the top of our page Bajadogrescue.org or at the bottom of this post.
•Venmo –-dogrescue (if prompted, the last four of the phone number is 7257)
•Zelle – [email protected]
•Mail – Baja Dog Rescue P.O. Box 437920, San Ysidro, California 92173 letters only

12/05/2021

12/05/2021

Deep in the Foothills
El Laurel Winery and Artisan brewery
By Martina

El Laurel is an afternoon destination that will take you six miles into the hills of the Guadalupe Valley. The directions are a bit challenging, but for the hearty Baja Traveler it is a piece of cake, and will take you away from the maddening summer crowds. While the name might remind us of the Laurel wreath made from laurel sumac, it is not how the winery got its name. Laurel is the last name of the owner, Raymondo Laurel who first opened his winery to the public almost ten years ago. Pulling in, the parking is easy and there is an immediate sense of welcome in the midst of long needles Jeffery pines and other mature trees. The large open patio is covered with shade cloth for outdoor parties. A smaller terrace welcomes a more intimate group setting for tastings. Today I am greeted by Juan who has two years of study with El Laurel. He feels he is very lucky to have found work in the growing wine culture of the Guadalupe Valley.

I have chosen to bypass the offer of the four young wines in favor of the four aged reds. However, I was curious about the one white wine from the Muscatel grape. Muscatel grape is usually used in blends and one does not often see it standing alone. It is said that the history of this grape goes all the back to the ancient Greek winemakers. The aroma was “grapey,” but very pleasant as is said about this varietal. Golden yellow in color with intense aroma was the first impression. It was slightly sweet with citrus, flowers and a nice tart finish. Well chilled, it would be a fine addition to summer events.

The breeze moves through and ruffles the shade cloth, the calico kitty and friendly pooch, hang around our table as Juan pours the 100% 2016 Tempranillo. This has an interesting process and shows the artistic nature of Mexican wines. This 100% Tempranillo is a blend from two different American old barrels; one having been aged one year and the other having been aged two years. Tempranillo’s name is derived from the Spanish temprano, meaning early, as it is a grape that ripens several weeks ahead of the other red grapes. It is said to have been introduced in the Western Hemisphere by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 17th century. Guianna, the name of this wine, is a blend of the names of Raymondo three grandsons. Juan pours the deep red liquid into the glass. The bouquet has a hint of smoke from the wood. It is full bodied with dark plum notes, finishing with gentle acidity.

As we move on to the 100% 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon with 1 year in both French and American oak, I ask about the interesting name, Tetabiate. As the story goes Raymondo’s grandfather tried to get his unruly little grandsons to settle down we would holler, “Tetabiate!” If one took the time to take the word apart, it would actually be very funny in an earthy sort of way. Tetabiate is dark and dry with a prominent oaky tannin finish and those who love more barrel in the glass will favor this.

The 2015, ROEYA, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Nebbiolo with one year in American oak. So many of the family wineries honor family and this is no exception. Raymondo has five brothers and he took the first letter of each name creating a label which shares the loving bond. The name has almost a musical sound. Another unique process keeps each varietal separated into their individual barrels for 1 year. The blending takes place a few weeks before bottling. ROEYA presents with the distinctive cabernet, mellowing into a lovely finish.

Presented last is Alejandrina, a 2016 blend of Cab and Nebbiolo with 1 year in French and American oak. This honors Raymondo’s grandmother. As a young girl of 16 she became a school teacher in southern Baja. For fifty years she traveled north teaching the children of Baja and writing poetry of her experiences. She came to make her final home in Ensenada. Her poems of life fill a book. Dark sparkling ruby color fills the glass and is enjoyably l***y and complex. It offers hints of blackberry, red fruit and Vanilla. Alejandrina calls you to pay attention as you let the taste linger almost a poem in itself

Juan points out that the artisan beers they produce are a community collaboration. New breweries have sprung up all over the valley, seemingly overnight. When you are already producing wine, it is not a reach to add a few artsy beers to your menu. When traveling with people who have not yet discovered they love wine, they will gladly come along for a fresh brew. While El Laurel produces the well-known Double IPA Amber they also have a Moscatal grape fermentation which is highly favored by their patrons. All in all, El Laurel has you covered and a handmade sign tucked into the garden foliage recommends, “Wine a bit, you will feel better.” Oh, how true!

Directions
Starting from San Antonio de Las Minas, proceed east. Watch for a cute café in the shape of a wine barrel on your right. Just before the café, slow, turning right onto a dirt road. Proceed up the hill. A curve to the right you will see a Toscana sign, watch for the first left where you will see El Laurel’s blue winery sign. This will take you up and around the hills and down into a lush arroyo with dense tree growth. During the rainy season expect to ford a stream. The roads are good enough for passenger cars. What is surprising as you continue to follow the blue El Laurel signs is how many lovely homes there are so far from the main road. The signs might disappear for a while, but will appear just as you need them. You know you are close when there is a U turn sign, which puts you on a secondary road and to the entrance of El Laurel.
Open Friday thru Sunday
11:00 to 7:00
646-947-8655

Author note: Martina has authored over 70 Baja Wine reviews featured in Baja Bound.com. Her most recent book, Dust in My Sandals, Tales from a Baja Traveler, is a unique travel adventure. Now on Amazon

12/05/2021

My skin, my back, what’s good for me at the Spa

Now that an imminent celebration is at your local Ocean Front Spa, we are pleased to announce the pool is ready for our patrons so if the day gets hot, our pool will Cool you off, just a few steps from the Sandy Beach.
Now it’s the time to celebrate You and keep on going with your skin care treatments such as Fibroblast: It helps rid droopy eyelids, give a rejuvenation to your neck, and it also changes the texture of your skin. Or for this Mother’s Month celebration enjoy “The Mother of all Facials”, DMK skin Revision; a no gimmick result oriented science based treatment. It helps break hyperpigmentation, repair and ward off Sun Damage (Acumulative solar radiation) and tone your facial muscles to maintain your beautiful looks. ProTip: ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN.
The Hollywood peel Elevated: we decided to rid the hype off and really use the blue light emitted to break patches of pigmentation on your skin, providing an overall exfoliation as it promotes collagen production and give you a more even tone skin, alleviating sun damage secuels. Get into it!!!
Your Spa also offers Dry sauna:) chair massages, and weekly Spa Deals, and variety of local CBD products to our Signature Spa products
Enjoy what we have to offer:)
Any day.....................50min Swedish massage $40.00
Monday.....................CBD Massage w/rocks 60min $50.00
Tuesday....................Any 50min massage oceanfront $40.00
Wednesday...............Ocean Front pedicure $15.00
Thursday..................Body scrub &30min massage $60.00
Friday.......................CBD Deep cleansing Facial $50.00
Fibroblast technique, HiFu technology and skin tag removal also offered, call for more info We are also collaborating with an expert of Lifting Threads, BOTOX, Fillers to define check bones, hollow areas and more, LETS GIVE 2021 OUR BEST FACE EVER! Call us 646-488-0004

Be sure to Book your Private Ocean Front Experience!

Antonio & Spacifico Spa Team Antonio Salceda
Spa Director - Master Esthetician Massage
Therapist LMT Esthetics
Instructor 646-488-0004, Hotel Line: 646-1550872

10/05/2021

With all our love and respect happy mothers day to all our queens of Baja!!

06/05/2021

NO ONE LEFT BEHIND
BY JENNIFER MARTINEZ MEDINA

The Leave No One Behind Mural Project calls on First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to help stop the deportation of parents that tears immigrant families apart. Our coalition formed because current immigration legislation in Congress does not go far enough to repatriate deported veterans, protect childhood arrivals, reunite families and stop the separation of children from their parents. We are organized around a multi-sited public art project that seeks to uplift the stories of over fifty (im)migrants currently left out of President Biden's immigration legislation. Our murals are being displayed across various cities in the United States, including a Washington, D.C., installation by a delegation coinciding with the end of President Biden's first 100 days in office.
Dr. Biden's historic visit comes at the heels of the passage of the American Dream and Promise Act ("Dream Act") and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act ("Farm Act") in the U.S. House of Representatives, after a year of the disproportionate impact caused by the pandemic on farmworkers and their families. These policies are long overdue. While immigrant families will sleep with more ease knowing a pathway to citizenship is possible, our coalition believes proposed legislation leaves families at the mercy of an already unjust and punitive immigration system with catch-all lists of deportable offenses. These laws do not go far enough to address the mass criminalization of immigrants.
March 31 is a commemorative holiday that celebrates Cesar Chavez, the civil rights and labor movements. Forty Acres is a special place that housed the Farmworker Movement. Adjacent lies Agbayani Village that housed Filipino union members who played critical roles in the farmworker movement and sought refuge from racist laws that limit their mobility and access to basic labor rights. It is this legacy that the Leave No One Behind Mural Project coalition follows. It is critical connecting these struggles to ongoing immigration movements and to the classroom.
The coalition calls on Dr. Biden to consider the adverse effects on children caused by their parents' detention and deportation. Recently, the United Teachers of Los Angeles, the second largest teacher union in the country, passed a motion supporting our coalition's cause and condemning the separation of immigrant and military families due to the trauma inflicted on their students.
A study in 2014 found about 5.3 million children live with undocumented immigrant parents, of which 85 percent are U.S.-born children (Passel et al. 2014). Studies by the Urban Institute and Migration Policy Institute have found parental deportation causes severe impacts on children, including physiological distress and economic dislocation.
These barriers and fears play a role in Central Valley classrooms. The Public Policy Institute of California found San Joaquin falls behind in student outcomes compared to the rest of the state. In the Central Valley, half of the students are less likely to enter the University of California and California State University system. Many students run into financial barriers to pay for their education. With a lack of career options in farmworker communities, some students look to the military as a means to pay for their education. In 2018, counties in the San Joaquin Valley were identified in the top 500 counties with the highest recruitment rates. When students return as non-citizen veterans, they too are susceptible once again to deportation. That is the story of a few veterans across the region, including my brother.
In Dr. Biden's visit to Forty Acres, we ask her to protect children in the classroom from parental deportation by calling on President Biden and Congress to take concrete steps to end family separation and support family reunification by 1) Passing an Executive Action or a series of actions as outlined by Sen. Tammy Duckworth to begin the process of repatriating deported veterans; 2) Calling on Congress to pass the New Way Forward Act as reintroduced by Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia. This legislation will allow for many U.S. citizen children to be reunited with their deported parents, as well as stopping the separation of families at-risk.
The Central Valley has intensely felt the impact of mass incarceration and deportation. We can look to McFarland to see how fiercely residents fought to keep GEO from expanding an immigration detention center. This is the reason we chose Bakersfield as a site for our Leave No One Behind Mural Installation and Deported Veteran mural unveil. We were honored when the city of Delano Mayor Bryan Osorio showed up in support and shared remarks that demonstrated the need to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from terrorizing our communities.
No one should have to experience family separation, including students. This is the moment for the Biden administration to take bold steps and address the harms caused by the immigration system. The susceptibility to deportation and family separation creates fragmented students.
Jennifer Martinez-Medina is a Ph.D. candidate and Leave No One Behind Mural Project

04/05/2021

Mexican Climate Kids....
by Vivian Marlene Dunbar..
It appears as though Mexico now has its answer to young Swedish climate activist Greta Thurberg! meet Xiye Bastida! Xiye is a member of the Otomi- Tolec Nation in Toluca Mexico. Born in the spring of 2002 , this 19 year old lady is emerging as a strong voice for Mexican youth...whose future does indeed depend on convincing their countries leaders to take action to protect their environment. Some youth leaders are not optimistic: Maria Daniela Rivero, founder of Red Jovenes Ambientalistas, a network of young environmentalists, was quoted as saying Mexican political leaders are ' not qualified' to deal with climate change matters. Young Xiye Bastida takes center stage boldly addressing Mexican President Manuel Lopez Obrador and his administrators, publically scolding them for ' perpetuating and upholding harmful systems such as colonialism and capitalism which continue to contaminate the environment. Xiye coordinates with Swedish Greta Thunberg and other climate activists in Fridays for Future Fridays for the Future is an international movement that began when 15 year old Greta Thunberg rocked the world by speaking up to Swedish Parliament for ignoring the climate change crisis. Now Mexico's Xiye Bastida joins forces with Greta and young people from around the world to defend their environmental future.

04/05/2021

WHY NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO ADOPT A PET
By Ellen Harveys
Did you know there is a kitten season and a puppy season? Of course, puppy and kitten litters are born year round, but during the spring months there is a significant increase in the number of births, and this puts a particular strain on the space and resources provided by animal rescue and care organizations. As a result, the stray population grows, the health of the animals is at greater risk, and the effect on neighborhoods is more noticeable.

WHY ADOPT?

So how can you make a difference, and what’s in it for you? Adopt a pet. By doing so you can create a domino effect of positive results that will impact you and your community for years to come. Here’s how it works.

1. During this time, animal rescue centers are at capacity, so every animal adopted makes room for one more to be rescued and brought to good health, ready for its forever home. The more people adopt, the more healthy, happy animals will have a chance for a family.
2. Adopting a pet doesn’t just save one animal’s life, it saves many. As mentioned above, it frees resources and space for more strays to be cared for. It also increases the safety and balance in the wild animal population. Their natural food sources won’t be depleted, so they’ll be less likely to forage where they shouldn’t, reducing street trash and disease.
3. Animal rescue organizations can save you money when transitioning your new family member. Most offer sterilization, vaccinations, supplies, food and toys, even classes to help you get started smoothly.
4. You’ll be able to choose the perfect pet for you. Higher numbers means more variety. Spend some time and find the best fit for your home.
5. Rescuing an animal when you decide you want a pet in your life reduces the number of puppy mills, dogs bred for profit. The business of breeding pet animals for sale is inhumane and unsafe, forcing females to breed constantly, endangering their physical and emotional health, and producing more animals that can humanely be housed and cared for.
6. Pets have been proven to improve the overall health of their humans. They are truly grateful for your care and will give you unconditional love and plenty of entertainment.
7. An adopted pet is likely to come with the added benefit of the socialization and training provided by the organization, including house training. This means an easier transition into your home and lifestyle, so you can spend more time getting to know your new family member and less time cleaning up!

Now for the bonus you may not have considered yet: the presence of pets, especially cats,, keep mice and other pests away. Get a cat established as a member of your household, and when rodents come looking for food and shelter, your protection system will be ready to keep your home free of unwanted guests.

HOW TO ADOPT
Baja California has worked tirelessly to keep the pet population healthy, safe and cared for, and are eager to help make the process of adopting and caring for your pet an easy and joyous experience. Control Animals Playas De Rosarito and Baja California Spay Neuter Foundation work together to rescue and prepare stray animals for adoption, and are enthusiastic about helping you through the process. Contact information is provided here for both. These organizations have dedicated over 14 years to improving the lives of the animals in Baja California, and as a result, have improved our communities and the health and happiness of many homes.

If you believe in their mission, please consider donating your time or money to reach more communities and more animals. Both Robin Gunther and Maureen Minehan would welcome volunteers with as much passion for keeping our neighborhoods and animals in peaceful coexistence, and it’s a great way to meet people, socialize, and improve our community.

Control Animal Playas de Rosarito
Jesus Leyva Torres 195, Lucio Blanco
661 104 5492

Baja California Spay Neuter Foundation - a 501(c)(3) organization that provides free and low cost Spay & Neuter, Community education, and Veterinarian training in Baja Mexico.
511 E. San Ysidro Blvd #5218, San Ysidro CA 92173
www.BajaSpayNeuter.org - PayPal, Zelle, & Email [email protected] - 602 449-8257
www.Paypal.me/BajaSpayNeuter

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04/05/2021

Snake Avoidance for Dogs. by Marci Plopper

Any behavior that an animal has is tied directly to their physiology. Because of that the coarse is designed to maximize the impact and engage the vomer nasal system , that is the smelling instinct, of the dog. Dogs depend on their noses for almost everything because it is their number 1 information gathering system.

The rattlesnakes in our area seek out rodent holes in the evening. They crawl into these holes to await the return of the inhabitants, sitting and waiting, Dogs like to put their noses into anything that smells different, a hole with an interesting odor is a ‘prize’...... perhaps a bite. Which means more?? The dog’s vomero nasal system , or sight and sound?.Understanding rattlesnake behavior and how the ‘smell’ system of dogs work is crucial! The system used in this training engages the gift of the ‘smell’system ( sight and sound are worthless most of the time when rattlesnakes rely on procryptic ( camouflage ). The first line of defense for all rattlesnakes is to avoid detection by not being seen.
Each team of dog and handler will work individually with herpatologist Carl Pearson.
Live snakes, collected from the area are used. All precautions for safety are used. Snakes are muzzled. Each team will work with Carl for 20 to 30 minutes. Dogs are conditioned to alert on the scent of the snake before they are even seen.
Our class day will be Saturday, May 22 at Rancho Packard. Each team will be given a time slot for their session. Yes these classes are expensive but weighed against the veterinary fees ,if you are lucky enough to get there in time, or the loss of your beloved friend it is worth every penny. For more information or to register contact me: Marci Plopper at [email protected] .