The Baja Western Onion

18/07/2025

Yesterday the following news item was published in the Baja Western Onion newsletter. It addressed a contentious issue and lots of people expressed need to comment and/or criticize the coverage. I have reposted the news item below. Feel free to comment away. The only requirement is civility. Thank you!
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Wednesday, July 17
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Residents mobilize against building on San Sebastian Dunes
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Residents of the neighborhood of San Sebastian in Todos Santos are up in arms about new construction taking place on oceanfront land owned by John Ohmer. Construction permit 0124/25 indicates the owner is operating under the auspices of the Yellowbrickroad Real Estate Ventures S de RL de CV.
>>License: https://resources.bajawesternonion.com/newsletters/2025-07-15/licencia-de-construccion-0124-25.jpg

The problem? There are a number problems, according to a public letter and signed petition by neighborhood residents sent on July 7 to Ohmer, which was copied to key BCS government officials.

>>Letter:https://resources.bajawesternonion.com/newsletters/2025-07-15/2025-07-san-sabastian-concertned-residents-petition-esp-ing.pdf

The main problem cited is the destruction of the dunes. Which is illegal.

For Ohmer's part, he contends that the neighborhood residents have misplaced anger and facts. His construction, consisting of single-family homes, is squarely within the confines of the law. Plus the real destruction of the dunes are not the result of responsible homeowners such as himself, but rather from the uncontrolled access to the dunes by ATVs and other vehicles.

Protect Todos Santos has gotten involved on behalf of the neighborhood residents and concern for this vital coastal ecosystem. Challenges to the legality of the construction are already underway. Stay tuned for more developments on this situation.
Protect Todos Santos: https://www.protecttodossantos.org

03/07/2025

25/05/2025

24/05/2025

Last night, we lost a beautiful soul. In the midst of our event, Bolo’s journey came to an end. We are heartbroken, but deeply grateful to have shared those last moments with him. Thank you for the light, the laughter, and the love you brought into the world. Your presence touched us all, and your spirit will remain with us always.

11/05/2025

Thank you and Farewell from Alan and Debra
From the May 7th Baja Western Onion Email Edition:
Dear Friends,
It was over 18 years ago with the arrival of Hurricane John that the Baja Western Onion got its start. Debra and I moved to Todos Santos the previous year, and John was our first hurricane.
We were expecting the worst but not knowing what that looked like. By late afternoon [Friday, Sept 1 2006], the power and phones stopped working. Fortunately, we had solar power and satellite Internet so we could stay in touch with the outside world.
Watching the storm track online through the Los Cabos Radar Station, it became clear that John would sidestep Todos Santos and make landfall in the Sea of Cortez.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/msssver2wqihw7hk1g3xf/Hurricane-John-Rendered.gif?rlkey=f0944j3htbovlzres8mt6cbsp&st=tomywmvq
As John passed by La Paz the next morning, we started emailing to let folks know we were safe. In the weeks that followed, we started relaying damage reports and forwarding messages for others. We soon realized that many folks who don’t speak Spanish were eager for a regular source of local Baja information and updates, and not just during storms. This idea became the start of the Baja Western Onion you're reading now.
Emailing every week from the start, we estimate we’ve now published and emailed over 6 million copies of the Baja Western Onion. And 100% of our success and longevity is because of you, our many Subscribers, Supporters and friends.
And now is the time that Debra and I can let new hearts and minds take the Baja Western Onion to the next level. We’ve decided to pass the baton to Brendan Alexander, your new Editor and Publisher. You may know Brendan through his selfless efforts to help promote and sustain the Gastrovino Food and Wine Festival.
Brendan brings tremendous experience and expertise that we’ve been looking for, and we’re delighted he’s able to take the Baja Western Onion in new directions we could only imagine. Brendan will be introducing himself in the next issue, and will be looking forward to receiving your ideas and input on the way forward.
Thank you to all who helped make the Baja Western Onion the success it has become. Your support has made it all possible. We know “our baby” is in good hands and will continue to be a valuable resource for you.
Thank you so much, and mil Gracias a Todos!
Alan and Debra

09/06/2024

Shout out to El Dorado High School Alumni :)

06/03/2024

Wonderful people in the world doing wonderful things! A handful of talented people, whose job is to repair and maintain over 80,000 musical instruments to support students in the LA School System. Take 40 minutes to enjoy:

L.A. Times Short Docs & Searchlight PicturesIn a nondescript warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain over...