New Tourist Tax in Baja California Sur
On November 9, 2019, the state of Baja California Sur will begin charging a tax of $350 pesos (about $18.50 US) to foreign tourists staying for more than 24 hours. The tax will be payable at kiosks at the airports for visitors arriving by air. For visitors arriving by sea, the port authority will collect the tax. For travelers arriving by car, the tax can be paid at hotels or other accommodation providers. The state said that the tax is for use of infrastructure and will be used to fund social service works.
Help Support Fire Victims of Northern Baja
Recent wildfires in Northern Baja left thousands of residents in Tijuana, Tecate, Rosarito, and Ensenada without homes or belongings. The International Community Foundation (ICF) is collecting donations to assist those in need who were affected by the fires.
New Governor in Baja California
The state of Baja California has a new governor, Jaime Bonilla, who took office on November 1. He promises to focus on public services such as education, transportation, and public safety and has announced initiatives such as stopping the contaminated ocean waters of Tijuana from flowing north to San Diego. Bonilla is a part of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) political party, that was founded in 2014 by Mexico’s leftist President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (who is often referred to as AMLO). President Obrador is a close political ally of the new governor.
Passing of Daniel Reveles
Beloved Tecate resident and Baja author Daniel Reveles passed away on October 24, 2019. Reveles was born in Los Angeles to Mexican parents where he worked as a radio DJ and television writer, director, and producer for many years before moving to Tecate in 1977. Reveles was famous for his stories about Tecate which were recounted in his books “Enchiladas, Rice and Beans,” “Tequila, Lemon and Salt,” and “Guacamole Dip.” Reveles was 94 years old.
New Book “Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias”
Discover Baja is pleased to be carrying Michael Wilken-Robertson’s “Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias.” The book explores the remarkable interdependence between native peoples and native plants of the Californias through in-depth descriptions of 47 native plants and their uses, lively narratives, and hundreds of vivid photographs. For thousands of years, the Kumeyaay people of northern Baja California and southern California made their homes in the diverse landscapes of the region, interacting with native plants and transforming them into food, medicine, arts, tools, regalia, construction materials, and ceremonial items. Buy Now!
New Book “The Bare-Toed Vaquero”
Peter J. Marchand takes an intimate look inside the lives of the ranchers of Sierra de la Giganta in Baja California Sur who live much as their ancestors have for the past two centuries. They raise goats and cattle and grow a magnificent variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers in one of the driest places on the continent without the luxury of municipal water or electricity. Buy now!
Ensenada’s Wendlant Named Best Brewery in Mexico
Ensenada craft brewery Cervecería Wendlandt was named Mexico’s best brewery at the Copa Cerveza annual beer competition held in Mexico City in October. There was a tie for best brewery between Wendlandt and Mexicali brewery Cerveza Fauna but Wendlandt was awarded the prize because the brewery had won more gold medals for its beers in the competition. Wendlandt was also awarded best brewery back in 2015. They have two taprooms in Ensenada.
San José del Cabo’s Art Walk Back for the Season
The weekly San José del Cabo Thursday evening art walk reopened on October 31 for the season. Join the festivities on Thursdays from 5-9pm in the historic district of San José del Cabo as art galleries open their doors (some with wine and snacks), and patrons stroll through the streets and galleries while enjoying special art shows and live music. The 2019-2020 season will continue through June.
Discover Baja Has Moved Offices!
Just a reminder that we have moved offices! Our new address is 8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite 101-102, San Diego, CA 92111. We are located between Highways 805 and 163 and there is plenty of parking, even for motorhomes and towed units. Our phone numbers have remained the same but our fax number has changed to 858-430-6119.
The Journeys of Harry Crosby Completes Production
At 92 years old, Harry W. Crosby is a local hero and a Baja explorer and author who helped introduce much of the culture, history, and magic of the Baja California Peninsula to audiences north of the border. Cinewest Productions is collaborating with the San Diego History Center to raise funds to complete The Journeys of Harry Crosby, a one hour documentary that will bring to life the work of this pioneering photographer, explorer and historian to international audiences through Public Television, museums, and online distribution. Learn more.
Discover Baja Now Processing Annual Conservation Passports for Biospheres
The Mexican Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) governs the protected biospheres of Mexico and requires visitors who are in these areas for any recreational activities (such as fishing the Coronado Islands) to purchase either a Biosphere Bracelet that is good for one day’s use, or an annual Conservation Passport, valid for one year. Discover Baja can now process the annual Conservation Passports for DBTC members. Learn more.