Member of the Mexicali Resiste Movement rejected the new Water Law bill proposed by a state lawmaker in recent days.
In a press release the activists said the measure was not thoroughly analyzed and its provisions included give Governor Francisco Vega full power on water-related issues.
The group has been protesting for 150 days against several issues, including the original Water Bill approved by the Assembly that was eventually repealed by lawmakers due to demonstrations.
The new bill was introduced by Assemblyman Carlos Atilano before the hearings held by lawmakers.
The movement said although the new bill includes suggestions made in forums the proposal was not appropriately addressed by public opinion.
Mexicali Resiste said if the bill is not amended the group will go out on the streets again to stop the bill from moving forward in the Legislature.
Two men sentenced for robbery
Two men were sentenced to 32 months in jail after declaring guilty for a February 2015 robbery.
The Attorney General’s office said the convicted men are Jose Angel “Doe” and Miguel Angel “Doe,” no ages reported.
The individuals were linked to a robbery committed at a family store located at colonia Carlos Salinas de Gortari neighborhood.
The individuals arrived with two minors and brandished a firearm and a dagger to threaten the store owner and her daughter.
The men left the scene with 15,000 pesos or $857.
The suspects attempted to flee on a Lincoln vehicle driven by another individual, but were eventually arrested.
Two indicted for robberies
Two men were indicted in separate hearings for their alleged involvement in robbery cases, said the Attorney General’s office.
The agency said Jesús “Doe,” no age reported, was indicted for the May 2015 robbery of a Fraccionamiento Real del Río subdivision.
The suspect allegedly put a knife on the victim’s neck.
Then the suspect forced the victim to enter the residence to tie him up by the hands.
Authorities said the suspect took a lap top, two cell phones, a wallet and a bank card.
The suspect fled on the victim’s vehicle, a 2012 Chrysler Attitude.
A state judge decided to keep the suspect behind bars during trial and gave detectives a month to close the investigation.
In the other case Jesús “Doe,” who also went under the names of Cristian Jesús and Jesús Manuel “Doe,” was indicted for a residential burglary reported on May 28 at Fraccionamiento Valle de Puebla.
The suspect allegedly left the scene with cash, a computer, a flat screen TV and other electronic devices.
Neighbors reported the burglary at the emergency center.
Police agents found the suspect blocks ahead with the property.
The suspect attempted to flee by absconding in other homes. In one of the residences the suspect threatened to kill himself if entry was denied.
The home owner allowed entry and again tried to flee, but was caught moments later.
The suspect has been allegedly involved in other crimes like trespassing, firearm possession and criminal attack.
Bill introduced to increase sex crime penalties
A state lawmaker introduced a bill that, if enacted, would increase penalties for those who have consensual sex with minors.
Assemblywoman Alfa Peñalosa, of the National Action Party, introduced the bill that seeks to modify the state’s Penal Code.
According to state law the crime disappears when violators marry the victim.
The lawmaker looks to eliminate such benefit.
“I insist to eliminate marriage as a way to extinct penal action given the laws text provides parents and tutors legally responsible if their children are allowed to marry,” Peñalosa said. “This affects the minor’s right for self-determination through a civil contract that seems to punish the victim as well and not just the violator.”
The bill includes provisions to mandate medical and psychological attention for victims and includes male victims.
The bill was turned to the Justice Commission.
Lawmaker criticizes public safety lack of action
A lawmaker said residents are afraid of criminals and angry with the government’s incapacity to address the issue.
Assemblyman Alejandro Arregui, of the Institutional revolutionary party, said public’s angriness increases with public officials excuses.
Arregui said 33,823 crimes have been reported statewide in the first four months of 2017, similar to past years. However, robberies and homicides have almost doubled.
Arregui said Baja California is second nationwide in vehicle theft with 7,948 reported cases.
“We don’t want to hear that suspects get out of jail after police officers arrest them,” Arregui said. “We must give authorities legal elements to provide us tranquility.”
The lawmaker asked his colleagues to include in the penal code criminal catalogue of crimes with mandated jail in cases of residential burglaries, all armed robberies and fuel theft.
Assemblywoman Victoria Bentley, with the National Action Party, introduced a bill that seeks to include those crimes in the national catalogue.
The lawmaker, who chairs the Justice Commission, said in the last months residents’ perception towards public safety has increased significantly and one of the reasons behind the climb in crime rates is the release of suspects who have committed armed robberies or are in possession of guns.
These crimes are not included in the criminal catalogue and therefore authorize judges to release suspects from jail.
“After several days, crime victims are told that suspects are again on the street, which causes a feeling of insecurity,” Bentley said.
Recycling bill introduced
A state lawmaker introduced a bill package that looks to force state and local authorities to adopt water and energy measures in public facilities.
Assemblyman Jorge Nuñez made the proposal after a series of meetings held during the last months.
The lawmaker said the bills seek to strengthen the Environmental Balance Law
According to the bills text state and cities would be obligated to conserve water, install energy efficient equipment, dispose solid waste appropriately and recycle items like paper and carton.
The proposal includes changes to several laws like the purchase, rent and service law to mandate the purchase of at least 50 percent of recycled paper.
Nuñez said the state uses tons of paper every day, which would be reduced with this bill.
Paper waste would be donated to non-profit organizations.
According to Nuñez state facilities must include appropriate containers to separate waste for recycling.
The bill was turned to the Environmental and Sustainable Development Commission.
