State, local and federal officials met Wednesday in order to address the recent flow of immigrants from Haiti and Africa.
The meeting was held at the state’s Executive Building in Mexicali’s Civic Center.
Baja California Governor Francisco Vega presided the gathering.
According to a press release, those attending discussed coordination among authorities to set policies in order to provide support to African and Central American immigrants who have arrived recently seeking asylum in the United States.
The parties agreed on a strategy to strengthen relationships with non-profit organizations and keep helping migrants while waiting to cross the border during their asylum petition process.
City program concludes
The City of Mexicali announced the finish of a local program aimed to outreach residents every Wednesday at City Hall.
The Miércoles Ciudadano program, or Citizen’s Wednesday in English, was held for 127 times and received over 32,000 requests from residents, according to a city press release.
Mayor Jaime Díaz said the program was cancelled two months and a half before the end of his term due to the beginning of the delivery-reception process between standing and upcoming administrations.
Days ago, a federal electoral court confirmed National Action Party’s candidate Gustavo Sánchez victory that turned him the elected Mayor of Mexicali.
Díaz last day in office is Nov. 30, according to state law.
Mayor Díaz said 96 percent of petitions, most of them related to public works, public services and environment, were appropriately addressed.
The program was originally launched by Mayor Eugenio Elorduy in 1995 and has been an iconic one under the conservative party’s city administrations.
Mayor Díaz said residents could still be able to make requests through the 072 city hotline.
Trash collection regularized
The city’s trash collection service will return to normalcy during the weekend, although Mexicans celebrate Independence Day and state and city public employees will enjoy a long weekend.
Municipal Public Service Director Juan Carlos Talamantes said service will be provided on Friday and Monday in a regular basis as mandated by the Civil Service Law.
Mexican agencies are scheduled to close doors on Friday due to the Mexican Independence Day, while state and local public offices close Monday due to the anniversary of the public employee union.
The director said a special trash collection event was held during the weekend to address delay in service.
As of Thursday 99 percent of trash collection routes on 520 neighborhoods or subdivisions are covered and receive service at normal levels.
Residents have complained on social media regarding the collection service for several days.
The city picks up trash twice a week in both rural and urban areas.
Residents can report anomalies at the city’s hotline 072, he said.
Men arrested for robbery
Two men were arrested early Thursday after allegedly committing a robbery in a convenience store, said the Municipal Public Safety Department.
Authorities said at 1 a.m. police officers observed the armed suspects inside an Oxxo store located at Fourteenth Street and Lázaro Cárdenas Boulevard while patrolling the area.
The suspects were exiting scene when police agents arrived.
Police officers arrested Felipe “Doe,” 39 and Jesús “Doe,” 33, and seized 350 pesos or $19.44, 11 cigarette packages and two black imitation firearms.
The suspects were transported to the police headquarters.
