Tropical Storm Lorena
Tropical storm Lorena brought heavy rains and severe flooding to Los Cabos on Wednesday, September 3rd. The storm is weakening and not currently predicted to make landfall on the peninsula but all of Baja Sur should be prepared for rain and possible flooding. You can find updates on our Road Conditions Page.
Mexican Independence Day
Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16th. This date marks the day that the call for revolution was first given in 1810 after 300 years of enslavement and rule by Spain. Learn all about this vibrant holiday in our Mexican Independence Day article.
Military Checkpoint Reminder
There have been numerous complaints recently about the San Ignacio military checkpoint. Please keep the following in mind:
-If they ask to look in the back of your vehicle, you should get out with them to open up the back and to keep an eye on them while they are looking through your belongings.
-These items are illegal and should not be brought to Mexico: vapes and paraphernalia, shells, coral, pepper and bear spray, guns, pocket knives, drugs including marijuana and edibles (while these may be legal in the U.S., they are not legal in Mexico).
-Fishing knives must be locked in a tool box or not within hand reach.
-Be courteous and polite in answering their questions. Let them know you are on “vacaciones.”
San Felipe Blues and Arts Festival
This year’s San Felipe Blues and Arts Festival will take place October 24-25, 2025. This is the 19th annual festival, which is not only a get-together of Musicians and Artists; it is also a charity event where 100 percent of the donations are given to the community. For tickets and more information, please visit the website.
Baja’s New Thermosolar Plants
CFE announced the construction of the first two thermosolar plants with storage in Baja Sur. The specific sites for the plants have not been selected yet. This project will help accelerate the fulfillment of Mexico’s energy transition goals, which mandate that at least 35% of electricity generation come from clean energy by 2030.
Todos Santos Tropic of Cancer Lineup Announced
The Todos Santos Tropic of Cancer music festival has announced its lineup. The festival will take place January 14-18, 2026. Tropic of Cancer Music & Arts Festival is an annual gathering of musicians in the arts community of Todos Santos hosted by The Cordovas. The Cordovas are an Americana, Country-Rock band who spend half the year in Nashville , TN and the other half living in Todos Santos. They have hosted this festival for the past 8 years inviting fellow musicians from all over the world to perform and share their art with this community. For tickets and more information, please visit the Tropic of Cancer festival website.
New Mural Wall in Tijuana
There’s a new mural in Friendship Park on the Tijuana side of the border wall with the U.S. The mural “Abrazo Mutuo” (Mutual Embrace) was painted by artist Alfredo “Libre” Gutiérrez. It spans about 3,700 square feet and shows an eagle and a condor flying together. Inspired by the indigenous tale of the “Eagle and Condor,” the mural represents unity and balance between two cultures. Libre worked with students, families, Kumiai collaborators, and deported individuals on the project. Friendship Park just celebrated its 54th anniversary last month.
Tourism Assistance Hotline
A reminder that in the state of Baja California (norte), the Secretary of Tourism has created a system for reporting any negative experiences with one of the state’s tourism service providers.
Travelers affected should send an email to: assistance@baja.gob.mx
Please include the following information:
-A detailed description of what happened
-Names and data of people or agencies involved
-Badge number, ID card, or patrol vehicle number if applicable
-Location, date, and time of the incident
-Any proof or evidence (receipts, messages, contracts, photographs, etc.)
-Your contact data (full name, phone number, and e-mail)
Through the Directorate of Tourism Assistance, comprehensive support will be provided to people affected by the state’s tourism service providers, channeling cases to the appropriate agencies. This initiative reaffirms Baja California’s firm commitment to tourism excellence. The department of tourism ensures that all cases will be addressed promptly with the appropriate measures in accordance with the law. To learn more or to receive direct support, travelers can call the number 011-52-664-624-2020 ext. 6418.
Update on the Amigos de los Californios Health Center
In December we included an article in the newsletter about Amigos de los Californios. For 20 years this nonprofit, volunteer group provided dental clinics for the communities in the Sierra de San Francisco in Baja. The final project for Amigos is to build a Health Center in San Francisco. We asked if anyone would be willing to contribute to this project. The response from DB members was overwhelming. Several of you are even giving monthly donations. Work on the Center is progressing well. The foundation is complete and walls are rising. We are getting regular reports from the architect and community members. Gracias for your generosity in making this all possible.