## Celebrating a Century: The Rosarito Beach Hotel Turns 100
It’s impossible to discuss the history of Playas de Rosarito without acknowledging Hugo Torres Chabert and the iconic Rosarito Beach Hotel. This historic landmark has been central to the development and culture of the region since its founding in 1924. My first experience with the hotel was as a tourist during an unusually warm Christmas. The visit made a lasting impression on me, especially the welcoming beach adjacent to the hotel, which quickly became a favorite spot.
Professionally, my first formal connection with the Rosarito Beach Hotel was in 1989 when I was overseeing public defense work in the area. By the early 1990s, as the Secretary General of Tijuana’s City Hall, I frequently interacted with Rosarito’s municipal delegation. This ongoing relationship deepened during my tenure as the Deputy Secretary General of the Baja California government, from 1990 to 1995. Hugo Torres Chabert, an extraordinary individual with vision and charisma, led a significant citizen movement for Rosarito’s municipalization, an effort that culminated in creating a municipal council where Hugo Torres served as president. His people skills made inter-institutional collaboration seamless.
Later, as the Deputy Attorney General and head of creating the now State Security Ministry, I continued to work closely with Rosarito. As a private consultant, I even had the privilege of advising the hotel on various projects, including developing a public security plan for the region. One of my fondest memories is playing racquetball at the hotel with Hugo Torres, a humble yet influential business figure, and the father of international racquetball champion Rosy Torres. His family, including his sister Laura, were integral to many institutional and professional engagements.
When I returned to public service, Hugo Torres RamÃrez, son of Hugo Torres Chabert, ran the hotel. Their generosity was evident when the hotel hosted the State Transparency Week and provided an exquisite setting for my final report as the ITAIPBC commissioner. The Hotel Rosarito’s Casablanca event hall, set between a massive pool and the iconic pier, served as a stunning venue for a significant conference I led, organized by the Federation of Bars and Lawyers of Baja California.
As the Rosarito Beach Hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Torres family. Though I regrettably missed the grand celebration due to being out of the country, the hotel’s centennial is a milestone that calls for immense pride and joy.
### Additional Insight: Evolution and Current Events Around Rosarito
Beyond the centennial celebrations, the Rosarito Beach Hotel remains pivotal in current events and developments in the area. Recently, the community has shown concern over the construction of new infrastructure, such as the opposition to a new fire station in the Cacho neighborhood. Moreover, broader regional issues like the legal challenges between Iberparking and Tecate residents have surfaced, indicating a complex socio-political fabric that the Rosarito Beach Hotel has navigated expertly over the years.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for the latest updates on Rosarito and Baja California, as we continue exploring and celebrating this historic region.
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Alberto Sandoval is a professor, public servant, consultant, speaker, athlete, and citizen activist. For more information and contact details, visit Alberto Sandoval’s [About Me page](http://about.me/sandovalalberto/). Follow him on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AlbertoSandoval) and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/AlSandoval).
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**Additional Articles for Further Reading:**
– **Concerns Over New Fire Station in Cacho:** Residents express worries about the placement and impact of a new fire station.
– **Legal Struggles Between Iberparking and Tecate Residents:** Balancing public needs with private company interests continues to pose challenges.
– **Rosarito Beach Hotel’s Role in Community Development:** A look at how the hotel has adapted and contributed to regional growth over the last century.
For these stories and more, visit TJGringo.com.