What´s going on at Rosarito Beach, Baja California

City-Sponsored "Golden State Classic" a Huge Success The Golden State Classic, produced through VARA, the Vintage Auto Racing Association, was held at the famous Auto Club Speedway (formerly the California Speedway) in Fontana, California on July 12 and 13 where Mayor Torres and Laura Wong, President of the Rosarito Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, were among the representatives from Rosarito and were featured in an at-track interview. "It was the first time the city has sponsored a major racing event in Southern California and it truly was exceptional," said Hugo Torres, the Mayor of Rosarito Beach. The Mayor also talked to a drivers' meeting where he mentioned that Rosarito would be interested in exploring the possibility of establishing some sort of race track in or nearby the city.



Both Mayor Torres and Ms. Wong were taken for a pace lap around the 2.8-mile track in a convertible with the top down at speeds of 120 mph and more. "I have never experienced those kinds of speeds and it gives one a better perspective of what it must be like to actually be in the race," said a smiling Ms. Wong,.
The Convention & Visitors Bureau had an information booth at the raceway for both days and passed out about 1,000 information packets to people interested in Rosarito. Ms. Wong happily informed the crowds that "Rosarito Beach was waiting to welcome them all with open arms" and many of the race fans indicated that they had previously visited Rosarito at one time or another and would look forward to returning.
At least three cars carried Team Rosarito stickers: A Nissan 240Z, an MG Sprite and an open-wheel Van Diemen. The two main Rosarito drivers were Efrain Olivares, Jr., who had to drop out because of mechanical problems, and Efrain Olivares who won in his class. ______________________________________________
Inauguration of Mosaico Mexicano - July 18th Through August 10

The 13th edition of Feria Rosarito 2008 began on Friday July 18 at the grounds of Plaza San Fernando on Blvd. Benito Juarez. (the empty shopping mall at the east center of town across from the old Commercial) where Mayor Hugo Torres launched the first edition of the artistic, cultural and culinary festival.
Organized by the city with artistic representations from states including Michoacan, Puebla, Guerrero and others, it promises to be an important addition to the events that the city has to offer its visitors and residents of the cultural richness that Mexico has to offer the rest of the world. There will be all kinds of music and entertainment, dancing, art, clothing, jewelry, and especially food. Wonderful, delicious food from many different regions.
The program will begin daily at 6 p.m. and end at midnight on weekdays while ending at 2 a.m. on the weekends. An exception will be on Saturday, July 26 when the program will begin at noon. Try and attend as many days as possible because the entertainment and some exhibits will constantly be changing. _________________________________________________________________________________
Good 4th of July Turn Out Reported by City
"Many of the city's hotels were at or near 100% occupancy over the 4th of July holiday weekend," said Raul Aragon, Rosarito's delegate to the Baja State Secretary of Tourism office.
This is a positive indication that the summer is definitely showing signs of increased tourism.
"We have made a major effort to increase security and comfort for our visitors," said Mayor Hugo Torres. "With the new bi-lingual Tourist Police Force and 24-hour ombudsman office for tourists along with tourist information booths on the weekends, our guests can feel more peace of mind and confidence in coming to visit our city."
The 4th of July, traditionally one of the better weekends of the summer, was in fact the best weekend of this summer to date with many of Rosarito's hotels booked to capacity. But the best part was that again, there were no reported incidents of crime against tourists.
This marks an incident-free summer that actually began with Spring Break. That fact is a powerful testimonial to the new administration's commitment to making Rosarito a safe, secure and fun place to visit for anyone who has wanted to but hesitated over concerns for their safety.
It is also something that city officials are very proud of and would like more people north of the border to know about since Rosarito's economy largely depends on tourism.
"It's nice to see that hotel occupancy is back on the rise," said Rosarito Convention & Visitors Bureau President Laura Wong.
"We are working hard to counter the negative publicity raised by media reports connected to the government's crackdown on drug cartels, which has nothing to do with tourists but nevertheless creates a scare with Americans," she added.--------------------------------------------------------------------------
City Hosting First-Time Mountain Bike Stage Race It is called the Baja Epic
A grueling four day mountain bike competition that will take contestants over the steep mountains and hot deserts of Baja to be held on November 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2008. Starting with Stage One from Rosarito Beach to the Hacienda Santa Veronica, in Tecate, then Stage Two from Santa Veronica to Ensenada's High Sierra de Juárez, then Stage Three from the foothills of Valle de la Trinidad to the Off-Road's world famous Mike's Sky Ranch and back to Valle via the gnarly Simpson downhill, finalizing with Stage Four from Ensenada back to Rosarito Beach. The challenging course covers more than 300 miles and 24,000 feet of climbing on single track and dirt roads. "The Baja Epic will be a little bit more fun than most existing stage races," says Armando Carrasco, president of Too Much Fun Promotions, the race organizer. "Racers and guests will have the opportunity to stay at host hotels every night. We will pick up participants from the San Diego Airport and transport them to the start of the event in Rosarito. If a racer wants to handle their own transportation and lodging, we have a discounted entry fee for them too. We're going to have an exiting race where you can have as much comfort or discomfort as you please," he went on to say. Opportunities are still available for title, stage and supporting sponsorship packages. This event is expected to attract participants from north of the border as well as places as far off as Europe and South America, making it a global opportunity for brand exposure. "This is an incredible chance for European distance enthusiasts. The exchange rate of the dollar, the exotic locale of Mexico, and the warm weather compared to Europe in November makes this an ideal race for the end of the year," says celebrity starter Hans "No Way" Rey. For more information on the race go www.bajaepic.com or about sponsoring opportunities call Steve Boehmke at 714-633-9955. ______________________________________________
What's Happening in Town?

ROSARITO CITY FAIR 2008 - JULY 18 to AUGUST 10. Come with your family and enjoy this great event from the 18th of July through the 10th of August, located across from Quinta Plaza. We will have attractions for everyone. Live music, arts and crafts, carnival rides, activities for children, extreme zone, food court and much more. www.bajaevents.com.mx CEVICHE BOWL - AUGUST 1, 2, 3. The Primo Tapia Sand Dunes passing Puerto Nuevo will be the site for this 3 day extreme event that combines an exhibition/competition of Extreme Motocross Freestyle with international and national riders, Skateboard Contest, Bodybuilding Contest, a football (soccer) game between Tijuana and Mexicali, all with live bands, DJ´s, reggae fest and much more. For more information: 664-1995361 xtreme_p33@yahoo.com ROSARITO SHOOTING CLUB "STANDARD GUN TOURNAMENT" -AUGUST 3. Come and compete in this exciting event!, Standard Gun Shooting Competition, 22 Metal Silhouettes. At Rosarito Shooting Club Range, More Info at: +52 (661) 612-1028 clubdetiro_rosarito@yahoo.com SUMMER FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 4, 5, 6, 7. Including the "Steak & Lobster Festival," "Rosarito Art & Furniture Expo" and "The Pavilion of Tequilas." The most spectacular events of summer come together for this festival from the making of furniture, to our regional food tasting of steak and lobster and the best tequilas combined with live music, mariachi and folkloric dancing. Come and join us at the Rosarito Pavilion.For more information: www.bajaevents.com.mx THE BEACH MOTOCROSS SERIES ROUND 1 - SEPTEMBER 6. State Motocross Championships with the best riders from both sides of the border competing on a specially designed race track with jumps and obstacles in a circuit of approximately 2 miles. Participants of all levels compete, from children in peewees category to adults in the professional category. Each race is for points to determine the best racer in each category. For more information: 619.819.6323 www.toomuchfun.com.mx ROSARITO-ENSENADA BIKE RIDE - SEPTEMBER 27. Head to Baja with 7,500 of your closest friends for this award-winning 50-mile bicycle ride along the Pacific Coast and inland through rural countryside from Rosarito Beach to Ensenada. Then join us at the Fiesta Line Fiesta on the Ensenada waterfront for food, drinks and live music until sunset.For more information: 1-800-282-9352 www.rosaritoensenada.com Please visit us in Rosarito Beach for a fabulous experience and memorable time. Other information about Rosarito activities is always available at www.rosarito.org. For events for the local expatriate community, visit www.rosaritotowncrier.com