Spring Break

We usually go to La Paz for a fishing trip in May, around Memroial Day weekend. I haven't heard of much happening there, but what would you do? Cancel or still go? We were planning to take our wives and 10-year old sons with us.

Man, I would be worried about taking a kid there. The kidnapping thing is getting out of control and "rich americans" are an easy money target. JMO
 
Skiing and snowboarding? Seriously? What a waste of good hunting money.



Exactly!


If you are a skier/snowboader...well...
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Look at this, don't go to Mexico is what it says, right?


Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
This information is current as of today, Fri Feb 20 2009 11:55:41 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time).
Mexico
February 20, 2009
This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the
Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.
While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every
day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers
understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one
becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas
during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that
travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.
Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico
The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout
Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and
foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the
heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across
Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping
or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as
possible, and should consider returning to the United States.
U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota")
roads, which generally are more secure. Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as
well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous
conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When warranted, U.S. government
employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors.
When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post
the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for
which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas
of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid
traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is
capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts
of money, or other valuable items.
Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border
Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican
security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat
violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should
cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.
Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with
cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities
across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. During
some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The U.S.
Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of
Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to
MIG: Mexico Travel Alert http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html?css=print
1 of 3 2/20/2009 11:55 AM
Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in
those two states. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed
engagements cannot be predicted.
A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies,
homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable
spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have
recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals
have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo,
Matamoros, and Tijuana.
The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have
been killed in the city since January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000
car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while
traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to
news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants
for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay
for those services using a non-cash method.
U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are
armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or
military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican
citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in
Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and
assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.
Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings
Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations
intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have
resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day
celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens
are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.
Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens
should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of
protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in
detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other
activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S.
citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.
Further Information
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. Information on security and travel to popular tourist
destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!" at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html For the latest
security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at
http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and
canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling
or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State
Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The
U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the
United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within
Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: [email protected]. The
Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.
MIG: Mexico Travel Alert http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html?css=print
2 of 3 2/20/2009 11:55 AM
Consulates:
Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-n, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000. http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100. http://guadalajara.usconsulate.gov/.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500. http://hermosillo.usconsulate.gov.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402. http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov.
Merida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700. http://merida.usconsulate.gov.
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 047-3100. http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov.
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150. http://nogales.usconsulate.gov.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512. http://nuevolaredo.usconsulate.gov/.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400. http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/service.html.
Consular Agencies:
Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or
(52)(744) 469-0556.
Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.
Cancún: Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone
(52)(998) 883-0272.
Ciudad Acuña: Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone (52)(877) 772-8661
Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor,
locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755) 553-2100.
Mazatlán: Hotel Playa Mazatlán, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.
Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcalá no. 407, interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.
Piedras Negras: Abasolo #211, Zona Centro, Piedras Negras, Coah., Tel. (878) 782-5586.
Playa del Carmen: "The Palapa," Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303.
Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit,
telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.
Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodríguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331
San Luis Potosí: Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444)
811-7802/7803.
San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.
MIG: Mexico Travel Alert http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html?css=print
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When Mexico's own Government employee's are restricted from certain area's... I would say there might be a problem:eek:
 
When Mexico's own Government employee's are restricted from certain area's... I would say there might be a problem:eek:

Did you see the bad guys threatened the Juarez sherriff and actually got him to resign?

There was no replacement named, he resigned because one of his officers was being killed every day, until he did resign, so he resigned.
 
My poor neglected son will be doing this for spring break. I have to work.

TylerMike2.jpg

TylerSkiing2.jpg
 
It was sketchy in Mexico a couple times last week. It was really close, touch and go. Several times I wasn't sure if the beach waiter was gonna get me a fresh Pacifico in time. A person can go with the bucket of beers, but the ice melts so fast. Tough times for sure.
 

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I was going through pictures and just realized that Jose must have been in Mexico as well rounding up new crews;)
 

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No and I am very disapointed that plate is taken.

Any one see the associated press license plate request the other day? Some chick loved tofu and wanted the world to know.
 
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