another Travel Warning?

http://www.ocregister.com/travel/border-297744-warning-travel.html

Whats the above link all about, once again great timing

We travel down to RP every year and have never had a problem....we are planning on going first part of July but all of our friends are telling us not to....can anyone that has been there in the last month give us some words of encouragement?

If anyone wants to caravan down there...we are leaving July 6th in the am from Gilbert...I think my fiance will feel a lot safer if we had another car or two traveling with us.

Danny

welcome to the forum Danny!! I have been going quite often due to work to RP, specially in the last few month and I can tell you that it is safe, as in your home town do not go to the bad areas and you will be fine, in other words stay where all the tourist are specially if you are not familiar with the town, as many thought this last week, being Easter, that there will be a lot of problems well nothing happen other than over 100K people having fun in the sun and so should you too!! as of right now I can not tell you if I will be going down in july 6th but if I am I will let you know thru this thread, I will be driving from Tucson, where are you driving from?

Thanks for the info Inka....we are driving from PHX suburb..GILBERT...I'm sure we will be fine..there are so many false stories flying around tho....

you know what they say: believe a quarter of what the newspaper say, in my opinion you should believe only a nickel!! and that will be a lot!!

My wife has been driving that road every Wed. Morning for the past 5 years and has had no problems. July 6 is a Wed. so if you are leaving early she leaves city of Maricopa about 5am. Let us know if you are interested in following her down. [email protected]

Danny, gas her up and get down here. As a fulltime resident for almost 5 years living here with my wife of 29 years and my 17 almost 18 year old kid (who just moved into his own place here) I say dont trust what your government says to you about travel they have lied to you before. What is the real motive in their warnings? Nobody here knows for sure but we know it is fake.

The police/prison industrial complex needs a new enemy as the failed oil wars are winding down.Mexico is the next target of people that make money of death and hand cuffs

mexicoruss said:

Danny, gas her up and get down here. As a fulltime resident for almost 5 years living here with my wife of 29 years and my 17 almost 18 year old kid (who just moved into his own place here) I say dont trust what your government says to you about travel they have lied to you before. What is the real motive in their warnings? Nobody here knows for sure but we know it is fake.

I am going to post this letter that I received from Rosie this morning I think it is a good letter and offers real information - I hope I dont make her mad that I posted this.......

Hello all,

It is obvious to me that the U.S. State Department warning is politically motivated. Those of us who are paying attention know that these warnings always come out prior to a big holiday weekend when large numbers are expected to travel to Mexico. In this case, the State Dept. apparently missed the deadline, because the warning didn’t come out until Saturday of Easter Weekend. Does this mean they rushed it through at the last minute? Why is the only incident mentioned in the warning something that happened so long ago and something that happened in a non-touristic area in the middle of the night? Should State Department warnings be geared to warning travelers about problems they themselves are likely to encounter?

It actually speaks well of Puerto Peñasco that the politicians couldn’t find anything more recent than a shooting that, while traumatic, was not even close to being relevant to tourism.

The U.S. Consulate in Nogales has appointed three Americans living in Peñasco as wardens. Those wardens are charged with communicating to the Consulate any situations in the community that might impact American citizens living here. They are also expected to help provide relevant information from the Consulate to the expat community here. It is my understanding that this State Dept. warning was issued without anyone bothering to inquire locally as to whether anything had happened to justify frightening away potential visitors.

It has been suggested that the U.S. State Department in Washington D.C. released the warning to appease high-ranking politicians in Arizona. Fortunately for those of us who care about Puerto Peñasco, the warning was released too late to hurt us for Easter Weekend.

Those of you who have read any of the quotes I’ve given to the media, know by now that I think this particular warning will not have much of a negative impact on us at all. The State Department is quickly becoming like the Boy Who Cried Wolf. Their alarmist attitude is only chipping away at the credibility of that agency. Yes, there are potential travelers who will now wonder if the State Department knows something that would motivate the warning, but I trust that those same travelers will get online to search news stories, call or email someone who lives in or frequents Rocky Point, or simply read over the warning carefully enough to find that it is obviously vague and without basis.

Like me, many of you are already fielding calls and emails from acquaintances asking for “the real scoop” about Rocky Point. I suggest you tell them. Tell them that we are a community like any other, that we are small enough and friendly enough to either know each other or know someone who knows each other. That we sincerely want all visitors to have a positive experience and that those of us in the private sector do all we can to work with city officials to provide help to visitors when they have a problem. Explain that we have more English-speaking people in local government than ever before, that we have a special force of Tourism Police who speak English and are specially trained to deal with issues more common to tourists. While you’re at it, tell them that Rocky Point has 24-hr free, English-language visitor assistance for anyone who encounters a problem.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Rosie Glover
www.proalliance.com.mx
www.tourismrockypoint.com
www.rockypointnewsonline.com
U.S. 602.512.1601
U.S. 602.773.1031
MX Cell (011-521) 638.386.9081

Another "hit"....in the Republic this morning (paper and online)....

http://www.azcentral.com/travel/articles/2011/04/27/20110427rocky-point-warning-disrupts-travel.html

At least the "other" viewpoint was provided this time.....

As I said in a previous thread:


Oh, and by the way, these warnings pop up before holiday weekends because that's when Americans travel!!! Not just to Mexico but to other countries as well. Wouldn't you expect to see more advisories during the holidays?

http://www.azcentral.com/travel/articles/2011/04/27/20110427rocky-point-warning-disrupts-travel.html

Here is today's rehash of the same old shit.

Don't get me wrong, I will continue to travel down to Penasco and be honest with my friends about what has recently happened, and how it could have just as easily been a bad part of downtown Phoenix or South Tucson, and that American tourists are not the target and the American kidnapping/roadblock rumors are just that--rumors and lies. But let's not lose credibility and just cry wolf at any warning that comes down the road.

The advisory even used the phrase "in the last year." The recent events WERE drug-related revenge killings, but they actually happened. You can either keep saying it's all a bunch of lies or you can get the government to do something about it and show a stronger military presence in the area. AND convince business owners and those in real estate that turning a blind eye is slowly killing the town. Sure, the lies don't help, but these isolated incidents are just giving them the "ammo," if you will, to fuel the rumors.

GringoZona said:

Don't get me wrong, I will continue to travel down to Penasco and be honest with my friends about what has recently happened, and how it could have just as easily been a bad part of downtown Phoenix or South Tucson, and that American tourists are not the target and the American kidnapping/roadblock rumors are just that--rumors and lies. But let's not lose credibility and just cry wolf at any warning that comes down the road.

The advisory even used the phrase "in the last year." The recent events WERE drug-related revenge killings, but they actually happened. You can either keep saying it's all a bunch of lies or you can get the government to do something about it and show a stronger military presence in the area. AND convince business owners and those in real estate that turning a blind eye is slowly killing the town. Sure, the lies don't help, but these isolated incidents are just giving them the "ammo," if you will, to fuel the rumors.

I am unclear on where you stand on this issue.

Bad things indeed happen everywhere including Peñasco. Anywhere where people go there can be trouble. As it relates to tourism though why are some places protected and others highlighted at the same time.

Police chief shot in the middle of the night in a place where there is no tourism related activity for miles and yet it is re-hashed for the gringos over and over as proof that Rp is not safe. If the balance was there then Phoenix cant be safe for tourist because a cop was found dead in an
alley with no suspects or motive. Bad guys come to town get get even with a foe in broad daylight and they are successful, big news for tourist if its Mexico. This deranged man that killed six and wounded many others in Tucson did so in broad daylight. Is there a travel advisory for Tucson for tourist? NO. People are gunned down every single day in New Orleans in the USA. There are tourist related festivals there every weekend with no tourist travel advisory's, ever!. Why not? Because it is the USA, the perps are not targeting tourist (everybody knows that) so the perception is that you are safe.
I have a problem with travel advisory that looks like if you go to this place you are entering a war zone. There is a motive, there is an agenda, if not then it would not take place as none of this has to do with tourist. None of us are immune to bad things happening to us in this sick old world but lets get real about what we believe because of what we are fed. Or better yet go on a media diet and enjoy your life.
I am sure this wont sit well with some but it is the way I feel.
I have lived in RP for 5 years with my wife and kid. I go where I please and do what I do. It insults me to think that there are lies being perpetrated for some reason other than for the stated reason. The lies and exaggerations do nothing to improve anything, it assaults the senses of 115 million honest hardworking Mexican people who for the life of them cant figure out what the US is doing.

Yes, "lies and exaggerations" are bad, but there was nothing in this report that was not factual, and if anything, it left out the most recent incident. That's what I'm trying to say. These reporters are quoting a report that is based on fact. THIS TIME! True, before in May that stuff was made up out of thin air. Bad reporting, no fact-checking. But to go after reporters who aren't even bringing up something that DID happen in a tourist area and DID happen in broad daylight, your outrage and attacks on reporters this time is not justified.

I can tell you that July is hot, sticky and usually full of man o wars, crappy time to go

GringoZona said:

.......They could have mentioned the recent Mardi Gras weekend shooting at the car show/parade--which happened in broad daylight w/ the perpetrators leaving town without incident--but they didn't......

James, you have to understand that the regular crimes commited in RP are of no interst to the government/media only the ones that are cartel related as many believe the Police Chief was, no cartel have taken responsiibility for it that I heard, everyday occurances are just that and it does not matter where they take place as you have come to find out with the carnival shooting incident.
Incidents like that one take place in Tucson/Phoenix in a daily basis and we do not even hear about them in the media unless a political figure is involved on it.

I totally understand the point you are trying to make about crime in Penasco being relatively lower, etc. But you don't seem to understand that you are attacking a reporter who wrote about a government-issued statement. And there were no lies in that statement. You cannot lump this together with the rest of the media hysteria. You cannot fault a writer for writing about something just because it speaks poorly on your community. I'm speaking solely from a journalistic viewpoint. Yes, the initial online rushed article didn't provide another perspective, but further versions did (though the Republic recent article did so best). But you can't keep saying this advisory was based on rumors when it was based on facts that nobody denies, on either side of this "issue."

GringoZona said:

I totally understand the point you are trying to make about crime in Penasco being relatively lower, etc. But you don't seem to understand that you are attacking a reporter who wrote about a government-issued statement. And there were no lies in that statement. You cannot lump this together with the rest of the media hysteria. You cannot fault a writer for writing about something just because it speaks poorly on your community. I'm speaking solely from a journalistic viewpoint. Yes, the initial online rushed article didn't provide another perspective, but further versions did (though the Republic recent article did so best). But you can't keep saying this advisory was based on rumors when it was based on facts that nobody denies, on either side of this "issue."

I am confused.

Non-related to tourist yet need to be reported to tourist.

I am not attacking the messenger, rather placing responsibility on them to make sure that what they report is not just fluff from a trusted source (the Us Consulate) gag! What the consulate reported may have been been based in fact but the message they are to expound is to tourist and how it impacts them, in this case foreign tourist to Mexico, none of these events have anything to do with that segment at all!

So all the Mardi Gras invites and promotion I saw over the prior months were geared toward locals only? That was a city-sponsored event!!! Am I wrong? How the hell was that able to happen and nobody was caught? And the police were seen ducking for cover?

GringoZona said:

So all the Mardi Gras invites and promotion I saw over the prior months were geared toward locals only? That was a city-sponsored event!!! Am I wrong? How the hell was that able to happen and nobody was caught? And the police were seen ducking for cover?

Its obvious I cant help you here. Yes Carnival was geared toward locals it is a shame that something bad happened, but it did. It had nothing to do with tourist PERIOD.

Neither do the problems in Nogales, but look at what a disaster that turned into in just a few years. I don't think anything like that will happen to Penasco, but if people keep turning a blind eye and saying "it has nothing to do with tourists," things can only get worse. It's much easier to take care of this stuff early on, you know what I mean? This vitriol should be aimed more at Penasco city leaders than the media in Tucson and Phoenix. They spread just as much fear about our respective towns on a nightly basis, believe me.

GringoZona said:

Neither do the problems in Nogales, but look at what a disaster that turned into in just a few years. I don't think anything like that will happen to Penasco, but if people keep turning a blind eye and saying "it has nothing to do with tourists," things can only get worse. It's much easier to take care of this stuff early on, you know what I mean? This vitriol should be aimed more at Penasco city leaders than the media in Tucson and Phoenix. They spread just as much fear about our respective towns on a nightly basis, believe me.

It is wrong for you to assume that EVERYBODY is turning a blind eye, instead of generalities why dont you present a plan to the leaders and explain why your idea is better than theirs. This is tough and when all you have is criticism its kind of hard to move forward.....

I know, I'm sure everyone feels helpless, I do hope there are people working behind the scenes. I just remember after the police chief shooting that the mayor boasted about how there was to be a lot more done, big changes, more police, more military, and it looked good for a few weeks there, but the military need to be a constant presence if this kind of thing can happen. And that no-confidence vote recently from the police union, it's a bit too inside baseball for this non-local gringo to figure out, but it doesn't sound like they are getting the support they need.

Rocky Point is SAFE!


by Ocv Puerto Peñasco on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 6:02pm



April 26th, 2011

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
US Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Clinton,
As President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico (aka Rocky Point) I strongly urge Rocky Point be removed from the Traveler’s Alert issued on April 22nd, 2011 by the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs.
We believe this alert does not accurately reflect the reality of Rocky Point and does not demonstrate the economic, political, and diplomatic strategies you have espoused in the past when forming a general outlook for American foreign policy. Within the strategy of “smart power”, you emphasized use of the full range of tools at your disposal, among these economic, legal and cultural, in “picking the right tool or combination of tools for each situation” (ww.state.gov). Placing Rocky Point at the same level as other cities in Mexico where violence has been more prevalent does not acknowledge the varied realities throughout the country.
Puerto Peñasco has often been characterized fondly as “Arizona’s Beach.” For decades, hundreds of thousands of tourists have visited and invested in the area, choosing this destination not only due to its proximity to the US but also given the beauty of its beaches, tranquility and security.
Today, more than ever, we have strived to continue providing this security with partnerships between civil society and the government. Our safety levels in Rocky Point are much higher than the national media presents, and especially when compared to major US cities such as Phoenix or Tucson in neighboring Arizona.
It is unfortunate to see how government offices, such as the one you direct, do not consider costs and consequences of their actions by basing alerts such as this one on rumors and extemporaneous facts.
I am available to respond to any further concerns, questions or information needed from your office; I extend an invitation for you or someone from your department to visit this fabulous paradise on the shores of the Sea of Cortez in northwestern Mexico as our guest.

Respectfully

Héctor Vazquez del Mercado M.
President of Puerto Peñasco Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.cometorockypoint.com
http://cometorockypoint.com/news/rocky-point-is-safe.ht

GringoZona said:

Neither do the problems in Nogales, but look at what a disaster that turned into in just a few years. I don't think anything like that will happen to Penasco, but if people keep turning a blind eye and saying "it has nothing to do with tourists," things can only get worse. It's much easier to take care of this stuff early on, you know what I mean? This vitriol should be aimed more at Penasco city leaders than the media in Tucson and Phoenix. They spread just as much fear about our respective towns on a nightly basis, believe me.

James, what gives you the impression that anyone is turning a "blind eye"? I know you visit when you can, but as you acknowledge, you aren't privvy to what is being done. The complaints against the AZ media are quite valid as long as they continue their fear-mongering tactics. There are several reporters in Tucson and Phoenix that are doing a decent job, but there are others who haven't a clue what RP is like and they simply go for the sensationalistic approach. If they are so convinced they're right about Rocky Point, why don't they come here and do a real report? They go to Juarez, they go to Afghanistan, and they even go to Nogales. They aren't coming to Rocky Point because everyone knows they'd have nothing to do but take the Russ Taco Tour and drink beer at JJ's....which is great, but wouldn't quite be a convincing report on the "Dangers of Mexico", now would it?

This problem could have been avoided, but wasn't. Why is there no military presence in AZ. This crap happens all the time here? If you are afraid of Mexico, don't go, but quit the F......g trying to figure it out until you can figure out the problems in your own backyard.

In Kino Bay 300 people were arrested over easter... http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Policiaca/02052011/512866.aspx

Someone earlier Had posted the link to the Fronteras Desk article. This guy was on 12 news this morning taking about what he has seen or that has been reported to him and is saying that there is a lot that is not put out to the general public. He alluded to there being more violence and crime but that people may not speak as witness as they fear retribution.

What is the story with the military presence? In all my years of going down there, I don't recall military roaming around. federales, yes. Military, no.

To protect you, a little, more to relax you and your fears!

VacationVanessa said:

Someone earlier Had posted the link to the Fronteras Desk article. This guy was on 12 news this morning taking about what he has seen or that has been reported to him and is saying that there is a lot that is not put out to the general public. He alluded to there being more violence and crime but that people may not speak as witness as they fear retribution.

What is the story with the military presence? In all my years of going down there, I don't recall military roaming around. federales, yes. Military, no.

Vanessa, the increased military presence is the same throughout Mexico as it is the military that is fighting the war on drugs, not local police or federales. I'm glad they're here. The few times I've had to interact with them, they are respectful and just focused on their job. There is no need to be afraid of them.

This town is small enough that it's quite difficult for crime to be covered up. Eventually we all find out when something happens. I'd say if someone is alluding to stuff without backing it up, it's BS.

mondone said:

http://www.fronterasdesk.org/2011/05/mexicos-hidden-drug-war/

Marizco says it took him eight hours to find an American in RP? Could he have meant tourist? And I'd like to know where in the Old Port someone is selling $5 pizzas and cheap red wine. The only "swanky Italian restaurant" I know that closed down was Portofino's.

I talked to Marizco about his article, I am not impressed by his response to me at all. He says hes just doing his job and is not trying to scare just report. Sounds bogus to me. Why isn't someone trashing San Diego about its crime just before summer vacation? Probably wouldn't sell too well I think!

mexicoruss said:

I talked to Marizco about his article, I am not impressed by his response to me at all. He says hes just doing his job and is not trying to scare just report. Sounds bogus to me. Why isn't someone trashing San Diego about its crime just before summer vacation? Probably wouldn't sell too well I think!

His whole approach seems to have changed since he got the grant that gave him the fancy new website. He's "just reporting"? He says the soldiers "shot a guy". What he didn't say is that they were in pursuit of a bad guy and when he ran they shot him in the leg. He was not killed. He says this story was covered up and he was threatened with being arrested for reporting on the incident. And then he says that local news sources ignored or covered it up. Well, here http://www.numerounoonline.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7137:cae-otro-narco-urbano&catid=42:puerto-penasco&Itemid=109 are photos and the article. I was there. They waved people on because they didn't want a crowd to gather, but they didn't stop anyone from taking photos.
Then Marizco says that after the shooting the soldiers "stormed through downtown". To me, the choice of the word storming brings to mind a raid, not soldiers just driving around on patrol.
He quotes translator Monica Castro speaking English with poor grammar, when Monica happens to speak English very, very well.
That this guy is a good reporter capable of better is clear. If he talked to the wife of a murdered cop, he could have dug a little deeper there so he might tell us something we don't already know, remember, this is a guy who has gone undercover in Sinaloa (hmm, wonder why he needed a translator, anyway?). He didn't even reference earlier articles about it, giving some the impression that this, too, was covered up (it wasn't) when it happened.

PitiquitoRosy said:

And I'd like to know where in the Old Port someone is selling $5 pizzas and cheap red wine.

If you find it, please post it here. I'm SO there! As much as I love Capone's, $25 USD is pretty ridiculous for a pizza -- anywhere!

Stuart said:

If you find it, please post it here. I'm SO there! As much as I love Capone's, $25 USD is pretty ridiculous for a pizza -- anywhere!

OMG!!!! The last time I looked, Capone's pizzas were running between $16-19.......

rockyptjoe said:

$16-19.......

Eh, been a little while since I had one. I seem to recall my favorite, the "Capone," always showing up on the bill over $20 -- a "specialty" pizza.

Menu is here, but no prices listed. Guess I'll have to c'mon down and have one again, just to verify!!

Well this is disturbing. Marizco has a very poor memory or he is just lying for the story. Unless he got up at 5 AM looking for Americans. I met with him around noon, he wanted to interview me but I declined. I set up his meetng with Raphael 'Pino' Noriega who is managing the Portifino's location. He met with Pino at 3. He had already met with the waitress referred to. I think he put her at increased risk by mentioning that she said she saw the killers of her boyfriend. Everyone in town knows who she is and where she works. He did gain a dramatic moment by mentioning that she saw the killers but at what potential cost. He certainly is not concerned about her or her child. That really pisses me off.

How he found out about the shooting and got there after his meeting with Pino and before they were all gone is beyond me. I think the bit about threats from the military was bullshit too. Anything to increase the drama. And yes, he says it was not reported but it was.

To me this kind of distortion goes beyond irresponsibility, I think it is a criminal act. I now believe that he is an attention seeker and whoring to the media for attention and money. I think all the crap he writes on the Border Reporter is just that too.

PitiquitoRosy said:

Marizco says it took him eight hours to find an American in RP? Could he have meant tourist? And I'd like to know where in the Old Port someone is selling $5 pizzas and cheap red wine. The only "swanky Italian restaurant" I know that closed down was Portofino's.

I hear it is the "old" Portofino place.

Following is a comment I left for Mr. Marizco and his story. Let's see if it gets 'moderated'

Roberto says: Your comment is awaiting moderation.

May 4, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Unbelievable Michael. Your story is rife with exaggerations and distortions. Titilating but inaccurate. We met at noon or so here in Penasco, I am an American, what time did you start looking? How did you get from your 3 pm meeting with Rafael to the shooting so fast? You have storytelling and reporting confused Michael. “The Mexican army stormed through town”. (BTW, I’ve NEVER seen a ROTATING TURRET on one of the military vehicles here in Penasco). Did you see that Michael or did you guess or just make it up? Where is the video you refer to ?
BTW, that shooting was reported in the local press, the next edition carried the story. Here’s the link. http://www.numerounoonline.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7137:cae-otro-narco-urbano&catid=42:razz:uerto-penasco&Itemid=109
How could you put Veronica and her child at risk by repeating that she know who the killers are. Oh that’s right you did not use her last name did you? How nice, everyone in town knows where she works and who she is Michael. You might as well have followed her home and reported her address as well. Storytelling is different from reporting Michael. Don’ t contact me for help again. Your veracity is gone completely as far as I’m concerned. Did you make up all that other crap in your description on this site too?
You should be ashamed of yourself.

Reply

mondone said:

I hear it is the "old" Portofino place.

Is it owned by the Thirsty Parrot owner?

The writer of the story is an ex-Arizona Daily Star reporter- enough said. It is exactly this type of reporting, filled with distortion and exageration, that caused my husband and I to cancel our subscription. I wish there still were another paper in Tucson. We only get the Wall Street Journal now- the only paper I believe still has credible reporting.

Crap!!!!!! The writer is a friend of mine and it looks like he may have sort of rushed this one...So what is the back story on the waitresses husband?i don't know, it might make her safer if the killers think their names are out there.You would think the police chief would just arrest them. Weird job when you think about it (reporter) lots can go wrong if you try to do your job.Something goes wrong in my job and i just tell them the imperfections are all part of the natural beauty of concrete.

jerry said:

Crap!!!!!! The writer is a friend of mine and it looks like he may have sort of rushed this one...So what is the back story on the waitresses husband?i don't know, it might make her safer if the killers think their names are out there.You would think the police chief would just arrest them. Weird job when you think about it (reporter) lots can go wrong if you try to do your job.Something goes wrong in my job and i just tell them the imperfections are all part of the natural beauty of concrete.

I don't like dramatic language for news reports. Ought to be neutral descriptions. I think he did not find an interesting story so he had to embellish.

jerry said:

i just tell them the imperfections are all part of the natural beauty of concrete.

Same story you use for the dents in your skull, huh? (Sorry, couldn't resist!!!) Bwahahaha!
:jerry2: :jerry2:

You'll forgive me when I buy one of your places in Santo Tomas. :cluck:

MIRAMAR said:

It is exactly this type of reporting, filled with distortion and exaggeration...

Try finding anything in the news media these days that ISN'T fully-injected with the author's personal opinion or obvious political slant one way or the other. Just for the fact that I'm old-school and like to read the paper in the morning, I keep the AZ Republic. But, man-oh-man, there are some mornings I just want to wad it up in disgust at both the quality and tone of the reporting. It's horrible!

By comparison, I grew up with GOOD newspapers - the Philadelphia Inquirer and the old Washington Star. I don't ever remember them having the bias that I see in today's writing.

My follow up to Mr Marizco after reading comments here.



Well looking at the forums it seems that i was right on your "Style" of " reporting". You did write a story to inflame, not to help. At the same time you probably caused some problems for people that wouldn't have occurred had they never met you. Like I said in my earlier email I usually like your stuff, but i think you s t r e t c h e d on this one to gain some scare footing. You may have lost more than a few readers.......Stay true to your work. The damage is done.
--
Penasco Recreation Sa de Cv
Tour guides, Penasco Promoters
Russ Black
Puerto Penasco - Sonora, Mex 83552
Mex Office 638-388-5004
Mex cell 638-113-4591
AZ Cell 928-203-6180
Skype # 928-257-3432

Stuart said:

Try finding anything in the news media these days that ISN'T fully-injected with the author's personal opinion or obvious political slant one way or the other. Just for the fact that I'm old-school and like to read the paper in the morning, I keep the AZ Republic. But, man-oh-man, there are some mornings I just want to wad it up in disgust at both the quality and tone of the reporting. It's horrible!

By comparison, I grew up with GOOD newspapers - the Philadelphia Inquirer and the old Washington Star. I don't ever remember them having the bias that I see in today's writing.

I get sick watching any of the local news programs....the facial expressions and vocal inflections....they're not reporting....they're "acting"!!!! One of them...and I'm sure any from Phoenix knows which one it is, have to end each "story" with "telling like it is"....as if they had to amplify that the story is factual and impartial!!! Are they trying to convince themselves? HA!

I'm impressed with everyone's response. It really shows how much everyone here knows about what's going on. Valuable info. So appreciated.

Of course, the fact that Veronica's husband had his fingernails ripped off and was shot scares me. Yes, this stuff happens all the time in Phoenix, but in such a small town, it still at least makes me want to ask questions.

Roberto said:

Well this is disturbing. Marizco has a very poor memory or he is just lying for the story. Unless he got up at 5 AM looking for Americans. I met with him around noon, he wanted to interview me but I declined. I set up his meetng with Raphael 'Pino' Noriega who is managing the Portifino's location. He met with Pino at 3. He had already met with the waitress referred to. I think he put her at increased risk by mentioning that she said she saw the killers of her boyfriend. Everyone in town knows who she is and where she works. He did gain a dramatic moment by mentioning that she saw the killers but at what potential cost. He certainly is not concerned about her or her child. That really pisses me off.

How he found out about the shooting and got there after his meeting with Pino and before they were all gone is beyond me. I think the bit about threats from the military was bullshit too. Anything to increase the drama. And yes, he says it was not reported but it was.

To me this kind of distortion goes beyond irresponsibility, I think it is a criminal act. I now believe that he is an attention seeker and whoring to the media for attention and money. I think all the crap he writes on the Border Reporter is just that too.

Thanks for the insight, Roberto. This clown has lost all credibility as far as I'm concerned.

Here's Marizco's editors reply. Guess he does not think the story inflamatory or that it put Veronica at increased risk, but he does regret disturbing me so much !!

Roberto,

This is Peter O'Dowd. I'm the News Director at KJZZ, and the editor who worked with Michel on his story. First, I'm sorry you had so many concerns about the piece. In the time that I have worked with Michel, I have found his reporting to be solid and accurate. Michel breaks stories regularly that hold up in both national and international press. His work to uncover the video in the piece you heard about Rocky Point is an example of his tenacity as a reporter.

We stand by the story. We went over the details before they were published. We discuss policies about using names regularly -- in this case it was the source's decision to use her first name. Still, I also regret this story caused you so much discomfort. Journalism can be a tough business. We often don't make friends when our stories come out. We hope you understand.


--
Peter O'Dowd
KJZZ News Director
480.774.8463 - O
602.828.2742 - C

Twitter: odowdpeter

As read between the lines:

"F you, it's news... and we really don't give a flying F who gets hurt in the process."

Si, exatamente !!!

Changed my mind, but I will go along with the following.

"F you, we'll make up whatever we want, we need the exposure... and we really don't give a flying F who gets hurt in the process."

HUGE thanks to all of you. Like I said, your knowledge base is amazing. I love the fact that I can come here, ask the big questions and I get not only quick answers but answers that are solid and without a doubt based in fact because you are all there day in and day out. THAT is what makes me feel good and makes me feel safe. One member of our large group was getting a little weirded out because of this guys article. The good thing is that the more of this crap that gets out there that is easily refutable the more it shows how skewed reporting is on what's going on down there.

Y'all rock.