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–Editorial
Beyond Borders Gazette marked a new chapter in its nearly decade-long journey of binational journalism with a private pre-launch event titled “Unveiling Our Renewed Digital Experience,” held at the Casa Blanca Venue in Holtville, California. The evening brought together community leaders, public officials, business representatives, media figures, and guests from both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the future of cross-border storytelling.
The event took place at Casa Blanca Venue, one of Imperial Valley’s newest and most distinctive event spaces. Designed to offer a truly customized and stress-free experience, Casa Blanca blends rustic elegance with a mansion-like atmosphere. The venue features both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a garden courtyard with a picturesque lake ideal for photography, along with bridal and groom suites, full catering services, and décor options. Its thoughtful design and attention to detail have quickly positioned it as a sought-after location for weddings, Quinceañeras, private celebrations, and high-end community events.
The evening’s seamless execution was made possible with the invaluable support of Oscar García, a trusted partner and friend of Beyond Borders Gazette, widely recognized as one of the region’s most experienced and talented event planners. Known for his impeccable taste, professionalism, and ability to transform visions into memorable experiences, García once again demonstrated why he is a top choice for organizing meaningful and elegant events in the region.
Mario Conde, Beyond Borders Gazette’s trusted and seasoned reporter and multifaceted personality in Imperial County, played the role of Master of Ceremony, skillfully guiding the program. While many team members could not attend, including long-time photographer and partner Francisco Arce from Foro Arce—who has also contributed nationally as a Correspondent Photographer for El Universal and other outlets—the spirit and contributions of the entire team were recognized. The publications’ reporters, art designers, video producers, and digital technical staff from both sides of the border were acknowledged as integral to the Gazette’s ongoing success.
The gathering celebrated not only the upcoming launch of Beyond Borders Gazette’s new website, but also nearly ten years of binational reporting focused on the Imperial Valley–Mexicali region and the broader CaliBaja Mega Region. The renewed digital platform will expand the publication’s reach and services by offering enhanced multimedia content, subscription-based access, and exclusive investigative journalism, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality, independent reporting.
Founded in 2016 by Ellie Burgueño, Beyond Borders Gazette was created to serve as a bilingual bridge between communities on both sides of the California–Baja California border, highlighting their shared challenges, opportunities, culture, and economic development. Over the years, it has grown into a trusted source of regional information, recognized for its balanced coverage and cross-border perspective.
Among the distinguished guests was Rocío Vázquez Álvarez, Consul of Mexico in Calexico, who shared remarks during the event. She emphasized that since her arrival to the region, Beyond Borders Gazette has become a reliable and practical tool for staying informed.
“Beyond Borders Gazette is a publication I personally use,” Vázquez said. “It offers clear and concise information with perfectly translated English and Spanish editions, which is invaluable for understanding what is happening on both sides of the border. It has become a trusted reference for key regional and binational issues.”
Also in attendance was Mary Murillo, Head of COTUCO Mexicali, who participated on behalf of Mexicali Mayor Norma Bustamante. Murillo leads the city’s efforts to promote local events, tourism, resorts, and Mexicali’s rich cultural, gastronomic, and entertainment offerings. During her remarks, she underscored the importance of binational media platforms in strengthening regional visibility and collaboration.
“The binational work this magazine has done is truly important,” Murillo said. “Beyond Borders Gazette has been a driver of binational media and a point of reference in communication, particularly in promoting tourism, gastronomy, and economic development. With this new digital portal, their reach will no longer be only regional — it becomes global.”
Also present were key partners from the industrial, business, and education sectors, highlighting the publication’s growing role as a connector across multiple areas of regional development. Edith Contreras, Corporate Liaison for Index Mexicali, and Carla Carboni, representative of Media and Advertising for CETYS University in Baja California, attended to reinforce the importance of credible media in supporting education, industry, and cross-border collaboration.
The President of the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC), Tim Kelley, also addressed the audience, emphasizing Beyond Borders Gazette’s role as a strategic media partner for regional economic initiatives.
“Beyond Borders Gazette has become an important ally in disseminating information about major projects, investment opportunities, and regional initiatives,” he said. “From binational events to transformative developments such as Lithium Valley, the publication has played a key role in keeping the community informed and engaged about the future of economic growth in Imperial County and the broader region.”
Imperial County District Attorney George Márquez attended the event to show support for what he described as a vital regional publication.
“It’s an honor to be here and to support a periodical that highlights the people and stories of our community,” Márquez said. “Publications like this help strengthen regional identity and awareness.”
The evening opened with a refined musical ambiance provided by Gerson Martínez, accomplished saxophonist and music instructor, whose live performance set an elegant tone as guests arrived. Recently invited to participate in the iconic Rose Parade alongside music instructors from the United States and abroad, Martínez is widely admired for his artistry and dedication to music education.
During the program, Beyond Borders Gazette also received official certificates of recognition from the offices of Congressman Raúl Ruiz, M.D., and State Senator Steve Padilla, honoring nearly ten years of work uniting voices, institutions, and communities across the CaliBaja Mega Region through journalism and public dialogue.
During the event, Ellie Burgueno, Editor-in-Chief of Beyond Borders Gazette and Imperial Valley Insight, expressed her gratitude to friends, partners, readers, and collaborators for their support and trust. She emphasized that the occasion was more than the pre-unveiling of a renewed website—it represented responsibility, purpose, and the evolution of the publications’ mission. Burgueno highlighted the importance of credible, high-quality journalism in the border region, where information moves quickly and misinformation can have immediate consequences. She underscored the publications’ commitment to ethical reporting, verified information, and community engagement across print, digital platforms, newsletters, and signature events. Reflecting on the relationships and collaborations that have sustained the work, she celebrated the approaching 10-year milestone of impact in the CaliBaja Mega Region. Burgueno concluded by reaffirming the mission to foster bridges of respectful, constructive communication between the United States and Mexico and invited attendees to explore the renewed digital experience, assuring that:
“The best is yet to come.”
The event marked a meaningful milestone for the publication as it prepares to launch its renewed digital experience and expand its offerings to readers seeking deeper context, investigative reporting, and exclusive content. It also reaffirmed Beyond Borders Gazette’s role as a platform committed to truth, collaboration, and cross-border understanding.
As the publication looks ahead, readers are invited to subscribe at www.beyondbordersnews.com, follow Beyond Borders Gazette on social media, and subscribe to its YouTube channel. Audiences are also encouraged to stay tuned for the upcoming podcast, Border Perspectives, which will further explore the stories, voices, and issues shaping the binational region.
With renewed energy, an expanded digital vision, and strong community support, Beyond Borders Gazette continues its mission of informing, connecting, and inspiring across borders.
