A community’s path to autonomy
“On June 29, 2025, Playas de Rosarito marked its 30th anniversary as an autonomous municipality—a milestone that celebrates the city’s transformation from a distant outpost of Tijuana into an independent local government. As part of the commemorations, residents reflected on the civic leaders whose tireless efforts made municipalization possible. Among them is certified public accountant Hugo Eduardo Torres Chabert, who—alongside other committed citizens—formed the Comité Pro Municipio (Pro-Municipality Committee) and gave structure and purpose to the movement.”
The birth of the Pro-Municipality Committee
Not all members of the committee were Rosarito natives, but many, like Torres Chabert, had developed a strong sense of belonging. From the start, the movement was deliberately nonpartisan, focused instead on grassroots activism and community cohesion—principles that remain central to the committee’s legacy.
Early resistance and a community united
The seeds of discontent were sown in 1981 when the federal government nullified property records in central Rosarito and began expropriating land to issue new titles as it saw fit. The move shocked residents, who had long organized their own community projects and services. In response, they mobilized to fight the decree through legal arguments and sustained pressure.
After nearly a year of legal and political struggle, they succeeded in convincing incoming president Miguel de la Madrid to repeal the expropriation order in April 1982.
Calls for basic services spark a broader movement
Despite this victory, frustrations lingered. Rosarito’s residents still faced a lack of infrastructure, social services, and government support—particularly from Tijuana’s municipal government, which then had jurisdiction over the area. In response, on March 2, 1983, the Comité Pro Municipio de Rosarito A.C. was officially formed.
A mission rooted in community empowerment
The committee brought together local business owners, educators, professionals, ejidatarios (communal landholders), and residents. Their shared goal: to establish a self-governed municipality capable of overseeing local development, protecting property rights, encouraging tourism, creating jobs, and managing public services.
A symbol of civic activism
During a regular session of the committee, members recognized Hugo Eduardo Torres Chabert for his pivotal role—particularly as head of the financial studies commission. He presented the committee’s goals at the forum El compromiso con el Municipio Libre (“Commitment to a Free Municipality”).
The path to autonomy was far from smooth. Rosarito’s leaders negotiated with four governors, four state legislatures, and five Tijuana mayors over the course of the struggle. Twice, legal and political roadblocks were placed in the way of municipalization—first to stop it outright, and then to force the process to start from scratch.
Leading the first plebiscites
As president of the Pro-Municipality Committee, Torres Chabert oversaw the first plebiscite mandated by the state congress to gauge public support. Under his leadership, the committee launched a vigorous promotional campaign: press ads, leaflets, bumper stickers, and slogans like “Sí a la Municipalización” and simply “ROSARITO.”
However, severe weather struck days before the vote. Only 49% of registered voters were able to cast their ballots, as flooded and muddy roads prevented many from reaching polling stations.
A second plebiscite was held on September 13, 1992—again with Torres Chabert at the helm—but fell just short of the legal threshold. State law required a 50% plus one turnout to validate the result. Although support was strong, the turnout was insufficient.
Third time’s the charm: The decisive vote
For the third plebiscite, authorities adjusted the rules: instead of a 50% turnout requirement, results would now be valid if 40% of registered voters participated.
Out of 15,193 registered voters, 10,881 cast ballots—a 71.61% turnout. Of these, 9,435 voted in favor (62.19%), with just 629 opposed (4.14%) and 817 votes nullified (5.37%).
Torres Chabert becomes municipal council president
With overwhelming public support and state congressional approval, Rosarito’s municipalization moved forward. While the first official city government was being organized, a provisional municipal council was formed. Hugo E. Torres Chabert was elected to lead it.
The council was formally installed in December 1995, with Torres Chabert at its helm—a symbolic culmination of years of civic determination.
Laying the foundation for self-governance
Over the next three years, the municipal council set the groundwork for a sustainable and independent city. According to attorney José Luis Ibarra, then a council member, the body prioritized infrastructure, economic development, and the regulatory framework needed to demonstrate Rosarito’s viability to state authorities.
Working through committees focused on tourism, public safety, administration, education, and more, the council built the institutions required for a functioning municipality.
Under Torres Chabert’s leadership, most of the goals were achieved. The progress was documented in three official council reports, each highlighting the critical role of local civic groups, neighborhood associations, and the broader community.
Thanks to this coordinated effort, Rosarito emerged not just as a municipality, but as a self-sufficient city—a vision Hugo Eduardo Torres Chabert had fought for, and ultimately helped realize.