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BAJA CALIFORNIA – With the participation of nearly 30 leaders from the journalism guild representing various states across Mexico, the 67th Session of the Board of Directors and the Committee on Oversight, Honor, and Justice of the Federation of Mexican Journalists Associations (FAPERMEX), as well as the 19th Session of the Board of Directors of the National College of Graduates in Journalism (CONALIPE), took place successfully in Baja California. This important gathering was hosted in the cities of Ensenada and Mexicali and became an unforgettable experience of dialogue, professional reflection, and cultural enrichment.
Activities began on Friday, May 16, with a welcome breakfast in the city of Ensenada, hosted by Municipal President Claudia Agatón, who served as a distinguished host for this meaningful national event. The gathering was organized by Joatam de Basabe, president of the Ensenada Journalists Association, and Zahady Nolasco, treasurer of FAPERMEX, who welcomed participants from states such as Sinaloa, Puebla, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Hidalgo, and of course, Baja California.
The warm and fraternal atmosphere fostered reconnections between colleagues and the exchange of ideas among journalists committed to ethics, freedom of expression, and the defense of journalistic practice across the country.
Following the breakfast, attendees joined a guided tour through some of Ensenada’s most iconic historical sites. One highlight was a visit to the region’s oldest cantina, with over 130 years of history, where stories of the state’s cultural and social evolution were shared. The group also visited the Regional Historical Museum of Ensenada, a former prison built in 1886 and now under the care of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), which houses key artifacts to understand the state’s historical development.
In the afternoon, the group explored the internationally acclaimed Wine Country in the Guadalupe Valley, visiting the historic Las Ánimas estate and the prestigious Cetto vineyard—both iconic landmarks of the region’s wine industry.
The day concluded with a dinner at the renowned Yumano restaurant, located within the exclusive Maglén Resort—a property that merges hospitality, BajaMed cuisine, and local tradition. The resort features cozy accommodations, two restaurants, a winery, and a craft brewery, all operated by an exceptional team led by nationally acclaimed chef Guillermo Muñoz. In this relaxed yet elegant setting, board members continued meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing journalism in Mexico.
Among those present was Congresswoman Rocío López Gorosave, who attentively listened to the journalists’ insights and shared her perspective on the vital role of journalism in the country’s democratic life. Eva Guerrero Ríos, president of FAPERMEX, and María Consuelo Eguía, secretary general of CONALIPE, thanked her for her presence and reiterated her continued support of Baja California’s journalistic community.
Also in attendance was Ellie Burgueno, Editor-in-Chief of Beyond Borders Gazette and current FAPERMEX board member responsible for international affairs. Her presence reinforced the binational ties and international collaboration efforts being fostered within the organization.
On Saturday, May 17, the council’s work continued in Mexicali, the capital of Baja California. This second phase of the gathering was held at the Casa de la Cultura, where the joint session of the FAPERMEX and CONALIPE boards resumed.
During the opening ceremony, Ana Paola Chávez, representative of the Mexicali Center for Justice for Women, attended on behalf of Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. In her remarks, Chávez acknowledged the valuable work of journalists nationwide and wished the council success in its deliberations.
Eva Guerrero, president of FAPERMEX, delivered a message of gratitude to the authorities and guild leaders present. Teodoro Rentería Arróyave, founding and lifetime president of CONALIPE, commended the dedication of those who overcame logistical challenges to attend and emphasized the collective effort to strengthen journalistic unity. Remarks were also made by Teodoro Rentería Villa, vice president of CONALIPE; Óscar Arvizu, secretary general of FAPERMEX; and César Ibáñez Arroyo, coordinator of the Casa de la Cultura and representative of Mexicali Mayor Norma Alicia Bustamante Martínez.
At the conclusion of the formal proceedings, participants enjoyed a delicious Chinese meal—an iconic dish of the region—as part of the event’s cultural and culinary finale. The gathering concluded with a visit to the historic underground tunnels of La Chinesca, one of Mexicali’s most unique and internationally renowned attractions, offering insight into the city’s rich Chinese heritage and unique cultural fusion.
The 67th FAPERMEX Board Session and the 19th CONALIPE Session not only reaffirmed the guild’s commitment to press freedom and the professionalization of journalism in Mexico, but also sent a powerful message: when experience, leadership, and shared vision come together, the voice of journalism is strengthened throughout the country.
Baja California—with its cultural, historical, and human richness—proved to be the ideal setting for this significant meeting, which not only fortified the guild’s structure but also deepened the bonds of friendship among those who strive every day to inform with truth and responsibility.