On Thursday, October 31st, Hugo Torres Chabert, renowned businessman and politician of Baja California, passed away. Family members confirmed his death, which has left an emptiness in Playas de Rosarito, a city where his legacy in business and politics will be remembered for generations.

Torres Chabert was a crucial figure in the consolidation and growth of Rosarito. His contribution was decisive in creating the municipality in 1995, after years of struggles to achieve this community's autonomy away from Tijuana. As president of the municipal council of Rosarito, he promoted essential projects that laid the foundations for urban and social development in the city, paving the way for a community that thanks him nowaday

Keeping a historic legacy alive

Visionary Manuel Barbachano founded the Rosarito Beach Hotel, which opened to the public in 1924. During the prohibition era, in the 1930s, this establishment became the favorite venue of celebrities due to its beauty, charming atmosphere, and impeccable service.

After Don Manuel's death, his wife, María Luisa Chabert, took over the family legacy. Later, she entrusted this emblematic Rosarito establishment to her nephew Hugo Torres Chabert, who continued the founder's hard work.

In 1974, Torres Chabert became the hotel manager and expanded the facilities to promote its image actively. His vision contributed to positioning the Rosarito Beach Hotel as a luxurious destination and a symbol of hospitality, growth, and tradition in Baja California.

A life dedicated to Rosarito and its people

In the 1980s, Torres Chabert led the struggle for Rosarito's independence, which culminated in the municipality's founding in 1995. As president of the municipal council, Torres worked tirelessly to improve the security and quality of life of residents. During his administration, he implemented operations and security measures that resulted in significant crime rate drops, even when the road was full of challenges and conflicts.

In 2007, after retiring from public life for a period of time, Torres came back as mayor to restore order in Rosarito after a spike in violence. His administration faced the problem of directly implementing deep reforms in local police, such as interrogations and lie detectors for all officers, in an effort to eradicate organized crime infiltration.

His commitment to the well-being of Rosarito and its people was constant. During the 2008 recession, when tourism plummeted, Torres Chabert kept the doors of his hotel open and protected his workers' jobs, demonstrating his loyalty to the community.

A legacy that will be remembered

With his death, the community of Rosarito and Baja California has lost a great leader. Still, his story and contributions will continue to be relevant everywhere in the city that he helped build. Hugo Torres Chabert's image will remain in the collective memory as the recollection of a man who lived and worked for the well-being of his community.

In Rosarito, a city that is nowadays a tourist destination like no other, Hugo Torres Chabert left an indelible mark, a reminder that with vision and effort, one can transform lives and build and preserve legacies.