Baja California Governor Francisco Vega accepted Wednesday being accountable regarding the public safety crisis and the criminal wave residents have suffered in recent months.
During a speech delivered during the installation of new board members and president of the state Entrepreneurial Coordinating Council, Gov. Vega said the public safety issue must be addressed also by Mexican authorities and at the international level.
“This is an issue in which all of us must take part,” he said. “Just this way we will be able to produce positive results in an expedite manner.”
Gov. Vega told businessmen that he understands residents’ concerns and recalled that he, along with other state governors, have stood publicly to solve security problems with the help of the military.
The governor’s speech was a response to claims made by businessmen days ago who urged officials to at least reduce crime rates, especially murders and robberies.
During the event Federico Díaz Gallego assumed the presidency of the board, succeeding Humberto Jaramillo.
First Lady denies claims
Baja California’s First Lady Brenda Ruacho said all tickets for the Fourth Annual “Primera Dama” run are sold in a voluntary basis.
According to media reports the Department of Family Development, or DIF in Spanish, presided by Ruacho, has forced employees to sell around five registrations each for the event scheduled for Sunday in Mexicali.
In a press conference Ruacho denied such claims.
In social media, state spokesperson Raúl Reynoso also rejected such accusations.
The 5k run will take place Sunday at 7:30 a.m. in Mexicali’s Civic Center.
Last year the event had 8,503 participants, of which a third were from Mexicali.
Registration costs 200 pesos or $11.
Proceeds will go towards a Family Center in Tijuana that will shelter over 24,000 people yearly whose family members receive medical attention in the coastal city’s public or private hospitals and clinics.
Chief Justice proposes drug courts
Baja California Chief Justice Jorge Armando Vásquez announced Wednesday a proposal to create a special court to hear cases of drug-related crimes.
Vásquez, who also leads the Judiciary Council, said between 75 and 85 percent of prisoners have consumed a certain type of controlled substance.
“We are trying to offer an alternative in the delivery of justice that goes along the application of a sentence according to a people’s needs,” he said. “Above all prisoners are ill citizens who require comprehensive and appropriate attention.”
Four other Mexican states have similar courts, the Chief Justice said.
The proposal is based on Article 18 of the constitution that allows jails and prisons to provide proper rehabilitation to reincorporate prisoners into society.
The project would require an undisclosed amount of funds, staff, equipment and facilities that must be approved by lawmakers, Vásquez said.
Lawmakers ask for report on center
State female lawmakers asked a state official to report on the status of Baja California Women Justice Center.
The legislators, who belong to the Equality Commission, urged Secretary of Government Francisco Rueda to report on the project.
Assemblywoman Blanca Ríos said women have suffered violent acts, especially at home, as well as at schools and at work.
Authorities have until June 30 to have the center ready according to a state law approved on December 2015.
The petition was signed by Assemblywomen Mónica Hernández, Alfa Peñaloza and María Trinidad Vaca.
Party chair appoints new legislative leader
National Action Party (or PAN in Spanish) state chair José Luis Ovando appointed Assembly Speaker Ignacio García as the new Legislative leader.
García succeeds Assemblyman Carlos Torres.
The appointment goes into effect immediately, Ovando announced in a press release.
The appointment announcement was made at the caucus meeting in which the 13 party lawmakers were present.
Ovando acknowledged Torres work that led the Assembly to cut millionaire funds in expenses.
Ovando asked the new party Legislative leader to keep up the hard work done until today.
PAN lawmakers approved the Water Law bill that threw thousands of residents to the streets by the beginning of the year to demand its repealing.
Man arrested for robbery
A 21-year-old man was arrested Wednesday evening after allegedly robbing a convenience store in western Mexicali, said the Municipal Public Safety Department.
Authorities said police officers apprehended Gustavo “Doe.”
The police received a robbery report at 9:56 p.m. at Muérdago Street and Eleventh Street at an Oxxo store.
An employee told the police the suspect brandished a firearm to threaten her.
The suspect took around 200 pesos or $11, as well as six packages of cigarettes and cookies.
Police agents found and arrested the suspect blocks ahead in possession of an unloaded .25 caliber firearm.
The suspect was transported to the police headquarters.
