Hi Peter,

Rosarito is a separate city on the coast, miles from Tijuana. I have been
living here since September, 2008 as the Executive Director of Sanoviv
Medical Institute (www.Sanoviv.com). I can assure you that this city is
not the "epicenter" of drug wars and crime as it is being portrayed by the
news. The Mexican people here are very helpful and kind. The US government
is giving this very large and beautiful country a bad name and an unfair
rap.

For example, last week, my car broke down in the middle of a busy
intersection at 6pm. No one honked or gave rude gestures as they drove by
and many total strangers stopped to help. I doubt that would happen in the
US. Notably, I was not robbed, shot at and no one tried to kidnap me.

Most people do not realize that Tijuana has a population of nearly 2.5
million. The News talks about "border towns" and people imagine a
population of less than 200,000. They visualize a poor Mexican shanty town
with streets resembling a "shoot out at the OK Corral."  Nothing could be
farther from the truth.

Cities in the US that are similar in size to TJ include St Louis,
Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Miami. I am sure drug-related crimes and murders
occur there every day. Does the News tell people to avoid Miami? Of course
not. And one person reportedly shot and killed at a kiosk in Mexico City
does not mean millions are at risk. That is unnecessary fear-mongering.

The crimes here truly are Mexican against Mexican. In 2008, nearly 30
million Americans safely crossed the border through San Ysidro. The
"crimes" they were involved in were petty theft, fender benders and a few
bar brawls.

Peter, the last time we crossed paths was on amazing trip you arranged for
our group to Fiji and Australia. I invite you to Rosarito to speak with
people here and see for yourself. You are in a position to set the record
straight about TJ and Rosarito. I hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,
Dr Sherri Tenpenny

This letter was in response of the following:

Spring Breakers Warned to Avoid Mexico Amid Increasing Violence
http://www.petergreenberg.com/2009/03/03/spring-breakers-warned-to-avoid-mexico-amid-increasing-violence/
Peter Greenberg.com Travel News - Studio City,CA,USA
Yesterday the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms issued its own alert, specifically discouraging students from going to Tijuana and Rosarito Beach, ...