Does anyone want to meet up somewhere near L.A. and share (carpool) the high gas cost for a (good time) road trip to TJ?

Have you tried some of the other TJ boards?  This one has been very quiet lately.  World Sex Guide?  International Sex Guide?  TJ Amigos?  Sorry I can't help you -- I live in San Diego.  I was going to suggest checking out the train but I think that's pretty expensive too, huh?  (The train drops you off downtown San Diego.  You hop off the train and then hop on the trolley which takes you right down to the border crossing at San Ysidro.)