In 2025, Playas de Rosarito marks 30 years since it became the fifth municipality of Baja California, the result of a twelve-year grassroots movement led by men and women determined to shape the future of a budding city.

For some, these three decades have faded into obscurity. For others—those who participated in and witnessed Rosarito’s transformation—the anniversary prompts reflection.

Mixed opinions linger in the air. Questions like Was municipalization worth it? Did it achieve its goals of a better quality of life and becoming a model municipality? Did the people of Rosarito benefit, or was it only the politicians? remain unanswered, often viewed through subjective lenses.

Amid the 30th anniversary of Rosarito’s founding, the Pro-Municipality Committee, dedicated to preserving and honoring this historic achievement, continues its mission of spreading the city’s history and fostering a strong sense of local identity among its residents.

Some of those who took part in the original municipalization effort have shared their reflections on what these three decades have meant.

Retired teacher Ramón López Arce continues to question the true impact of municipalization—particularly the long road still ahead before Rosarito can claim the status of a “model municipality,” especially in light of the city’s ongoing struggles with education, health care, and social welfare.

Fellow municipal advocate Norma Gutiérrez Espinoza expressed concern that Rosarito’s management of public resources still falls short of serving the community’s genuine interests, often sidetracked by political and electoral motivations.

“Deterioration has come hand in hand with government,” she stated. “We’ve had ten administrations now and still haven’t received what we deserve. We pay taxes and expect services. Entrepreneurs, for instance, pay employer contributions but we still don’t have a proper social security hospital for our workers.”

“We’re proud of the civic movement because it proved we could be economically self-sufficient. But along with that came the responsibility of dealing with our own challenges,” she added.

Former legislator Francisco Zepeda Villaseñor, who was part of the state congress that voted for the creation of Playas de Rosarito, believes the municipalization was indeed worthwhile, as it stemmed from a genuine social movement striving for a better future.

“What this group has always dreamed of is a model municipality,” he said. “That dream is still distant, but they’re on the right path. I believe that as long as society remains engaged in the city’s development, progress will continue to come.”