Members of the State Assembly approved recently a bill that, if enacted, would prohibit genetic manipulation to create humans.
Assemblyman Roberto Dávalos, a Tijuana member of the leftist Democratic Revolution Party, introduced the bill that would impose violators between 2 and 7 years of prison and up to $1,166.67 in fines.
The disciplinary actions would double if the manipulation turns into pregnancy or if violence was used in the process.
The bill includes a new chapter to the Penal Code regarding the disposition of cells and assisted pregnancy.
Fertilizing eggs, cloning, genetic engineering, usage of eggs and sperm for other purposes or implanting fertilized ovules to women without their consent are also included on the bill.
The proposal includes provisions to make it mandatory to law enforcement agencies and attorneys general to investigate these violations without a lawsuit from adult victims or handicapped residents.
City ordinance changed
A Mexicali City Councilwoman said her colleagues approved a modification to the local ordinances in order to hold referendums during state elections.
Councilwoman Mayra Flores, a member of the Social Encounter Party (or PES in Spanish), said her proposal changed the content of the Neighborhood and Citizens Participation Regulation for the Municipality of Mexicali.
The measure will allow local voters to make decisions regarding relevant issues by using state elections infrastructure.
“As a City we are showing our commitment with citizens to make them part of the decision-making process,” she said. “An administration that takes citizens into consideration will always find its support.”
Flores said the reformed ordinance would promote voters trust in institutions and would increase voter turnout.
Earthquake plan announced
Over six years after the Easter earthquake that left two fatalities authorities announced the creation of a statewide temblor preventing plan to protect residents’ integrity.
The document will come out of the working groups created by the State Civil Protection Council and whose meetings began Monday.
“I want to thank for your willingness to integrate and add your efforts to protect physical integrity and residents’ patrimony,” said Secretary of State Francisco Rueda. “This is why the responsibility and work done by everyone of us, from our competence areas, is very important.”
The state official said the April 2010 earthquake impacted severely the state, especially Mexicali and some rural areas, causing significant damages to infrastructure.
State Civil Protection Coordinator Antonio Rosquillas said the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday Sept. 20, from which the new plan will be finalized.
The document will include several preventing measures regarding communications, safety, legal affairs, environment, damage evaluation, health, humanitarian assistance, rescue, hospital services and firefighter issues.
“We are about to leave a practical document that could be used by standing and upcoming administrations that will permit to know what to do after an earthquake with severe consequences,” Rosquillas said. “The underlined part of this document is that it will be done by all areas in a coordinating manner with support from education institutions and investigation centers.”
Local, state and federal agency representatives, as well as staff from private companies, non-profit organizations and colleges took part of the meeting.
Well-known dentist kidnapped
A well-known orthodontist from Los Algodones was kidnapped during the weekend and freed hours later, according to media reports.
Doctor Bernardo Magaña was reportedly kidnapped Saturday several years after criminal band members of the Los Garibay organization kidnapped the victim.
Sources with the Attorney General’s office, who spoke under anonymity, said a file was opened for the case for false imprisonment, but the victim has not testified.
However, authorities launched an investigation regarding the case, but it is very likely it will not move forward due to the lack of testimony.
According to media reports, Magaña’s family asked authorities to stay away from the case.
The victim was kept captive for around 15 hours.
Several armed suspects arrived at the doctor’s residence and kidnapped him early Saturday, the source said.
Magaña was back home early Sunday.
Man shot to death
A man was shot to death Tuesday afternoon by an unknown individual, said the Municipal Public Safety Department.
Authorities said police officers arrived at Callejón Revolución Street and Bahía de los Angeles Street where a 60-year-old man was found with a bullet injury.
The victim was identified as David Robles, aka “Fox,” authorities reported.
A report was made at the emergency dispatching center regarding the issue.
The victim was found lying on the floor by the side of a bicycle.
Red Cross paramedics arrived on scene and declared the victim’s decease.
The suspect was only identified as a hairless man with robust complexion, dressed with a white t-shirt and brown slacks.
