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.