The body of a college student who was reported missing since July 17 was finally identified by state authorities as the corpse found in an abandoned home, according to media reports.
Mario Eduardo Arce Rodríguez, 23, a Guaymas, Sonora resident who was a Masters in Economy student, left his home with 60,000 pesos to purchase a vehicle and never came back.
The Universidad Xochicalco student’s body was found in an abandoned home at Ejido Hermosillo rural town.
The body was burned out and located inside a bathtub.
The Attorney General’s Office confirmed the fact to reporters over the weekend.
State law enforcement agents made several search warrants at Fraccionamiento Infonativ Cucapah in southern Mexicali where Arce was seen for the last time.
Arce Rodríguez lived in Mexicali since 2011 to study International Trade.
Family members posted on Facebook that Arce’s body was transported to Guaymas, Sonora, to receive funeral services and where “his whole family waits for him to say good bye as he deserves. He will finally rest in peace.”
Christmas village reopened, closed again
The City of Mexicali reopened the Christmas Village installed at the Events, Fair, and Expo Center –known in Spanish as FEX- after the site was closed Friday due to the windy conditions.
The village was opened again Saturday with a new schedule running from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
However, the site was closed on Monday due to the wind and to do some maintenance at the village.
Mayor Jaime Díaz said the Civil Protection Unit until signs and stands are not a risk for visitors.
The place will remain available until January 6.
The village has two ice rims, a human-size Nativity scene, Mexican arts and crafts, Santa’s house, and over 100 small local businesses with food and items.
Entrance is free, but those who attend must provide food, toys, or personal hygiene items to enter.
Parking is also free and police officers are on site to provide safety.
City to inspect buses
The City of Mexicali announced recently the launching of a special operation to keep public transportation buses safe.
Municipal Transportation System Director Alfredo Arenas said the operation began Saturday and is scheduled to watch over buses to make sure users reach their destinations safe and do not become victims of crime.
System inspectors and police officers will work hand in hand to cover more city zones.
System staff will patrol the city with their lights on through the main streets and avenues.
To report any incident, users can dial the 072 hotline.
Kenyan athlete wins marathon
Kenyan athlete Simon Kariuki Njoroge won the Governor’s Marathon 2015 edition held Sunday here with 2:17.09, to add another victory for African runners in the event.
This is triumph number 13 for African athletes.
Athlete Dulce María Rodríguez made 2:41.03 to become the first Mexican to win the competition on the female side.
Last time a Mexican female runner won was on 2005 with Lucila Mariscal from Veracruz.
Second was Nigerian Mary Kor, who has won the competition six times.
Both first place winners got a prize of 50,000 pesos or US $2,941.17.
The fiftieth edition of the sports event saw a registration of 2,536 runners from all over the world.
Kariuki Njoroge led the competition since kilometer 30.
Second and third place went to also African runners Peter Lematian Nkaya and Benjamin Kiplimo Meto.
Daniel “Pollito” Valdez and Laura Bolaños were the best Baja California runners in their respective categories, and won US$1,000 and transportation to a 2016 international competition.
Bolaños also won a 2015 vehicle during a raffle held by organizers.
In the wheelchair category, Gonzalo Valdovinos won the male competition while Micaela Eugenio Márquez won on the female side.
Fredy Armando Guerrero was the winner on the blind category, Teresa Fernández won on the 60+ female category and José Encarnación Martínez won the 60+ male category.
Residents warned against pollution
A state official asked residents to avoid using fireworks and burning of tires and wood during Christmas season due to an increase in air pollution.
Environmental Protection Secretary Carlos Graizbord said the usage of these items impacts the atmosphere and residents’ health.
Winter cold refrain toxic fumes from dispersing, which causes an augmentation of pollution levels.
Secretary Graizbord said fireworks also free a series of substances that impact soil, air, and water.
Some of these substances cause cancer, without forgetting the risk of turning fireworks on residents’ bodies.
He said the federal government will invest 8.6 million pesos in a new air quality monitoring system, while the state will spend 1.4 million pesos on the same system.
State authorities will also receive technical advice from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and American non-profit organizations to update the system.
