A Pro Life group headed by president of the National Front for the Family in Baja California Marcela Vaquera turned in a document to the Governor’s office to demand Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda veto the bill approved by the state Assembly that would decriminalizes abortion.
Former legislative candidate Rigoberto Campos demanded Secretary of Health José Adrian Medina Amarillas read the agency’s internal regulations and intervene to prevent the Assembly from approving “atrocious” laws.
Last week, lawmakers approved a bill that would modify the State Penal Code, the State Victims Law and the Public Health Law of Baja California to decriminalize abortion. However a Constitutional reform that would have prevented protecting unborn children was denied.
Pro Life groups have demanded that the governor veto said reform, to the point of demonstrating at her inauguration on October 31.
On Thursday, the group held a demonstration in the governor’s office to demand once again that the governor veto the bill, appealing that during her campaign she promised to fight for life.
“Let’s hope that the governor wants to start like all governors, listening to the people, listening to the vast majority of the population,” he conservative activist said.
Vaquera refused to reveal the actions they would take place if the state authorities ignore the request. However, she assured that they have “several legal strategies” planned.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Mexicali police officer accidentally kills senior resident
A Mexicali police agent ran over and killed a senior resident in downtown while driving a patrol car in the opposite way.
According to media reports the incident occurred Wednesday afternoon.
The victim was identified as Salvador Bastidas, 67.
According to the reports the victim was crossing a downtown street when the officer ran over the elderly man.
The victim was transported to Clinic 30 of the Mexican Institute of Social Security, where he succumbed to the injuries.
Witnesses said the police officer was driving the wrong way without any lights or sirens.
The incident is now under investigation of the state Attorney General’s office.
Red Cross left without funds
The Mexicali office of the Red Cross has reported a 8.5 million pesos deficit or about $425,000.
The nonprofit needs around $75,000 to pay employees their Christmas bonuses.
Red Cross Board President Francisco Fiorentini said restrictions imposed by the administration of Governor Jaime Bonilla cut the number of ambulances from six to just three per shift.
According to the nonprofit president the state delayed funds raised through donations made by taxpayers for several months.
The nonprofit has recorded four employees who died of Covid-19, he said.
Fiorentini said a meeting has been requested with health officials to discuss the waiting times of up to nine hours for General Hospital staff to admit patients transported by the Red Cross.
Hospital staff have said the delay has been caused by the lack of beds.
Fiorentini said a proposal was made to Mexicali Mayor Norma Bustamante in order to request city taxpayers a donation of about a dollar when paying property taxes.
On average, the Red Cross transports 65 patients daily.
Covid-19 cases detected in state, city offices
Several Covid-19 cases had been detected in state and city offices, according to media reports.
City Spokesman Edgar Covarrubias told La Crónica newspaper that eight confirmed positive cases had been detected in the Tax Collector’s office and the Treasurer’s office.
Four more were detected days ago.
The employees with Covid-19 were quarantined and their co-workers had been tested to avoid an increase of cases.
La Voz newspaper reported that at least a case was detected in the third floor of the Assembly building.
Although the area was not closed the Legislature has strengthened protocols including use of face masks, antibacterial gel and providing proof of vaccination.
Also, the Assembly plans to reduce capacity during meetings and events organized by lawmakers.
On Wednesday, the Assembly held an event of recognition of senior residents.
The state Arts Council notified parents whose children take part of the Symphonic Orchestra several cases.
Governor Marina Avila took the oath of office Sunday in a ceremony held in the center’s Auka Hall where children hold rehearsals.
Teachers demand state bonus payment
Several dozen automobiles were driven by teachers through Civic Center streets in order to demand the payment of a bonus that former Governor Jaime Bonilla left unpaid.
Teachers with the Local 2 of the National Education Workers Union demanded the payment of a bonus equivalent to 9.5 days of work.
In the meantime, teachers with the Local 37 along with those affiliated to the Local 2 keep a strike to demand the payment of bonuses, salaries for interim teachers and monthly pensions to retired teachers.
The strikes began last week, according to La Voz newspaper.
Separately, Independent Teacher Union Secretary General Francisco Javier Gutiérrez said the state and the Mexican government are close to signing an agreement that would cut local teachers up to 75 percent of bonuses while benefits would be cut by 22 percent.
The modification, which seeks to level up Mexican and local benefits for teachers, would impact up to 55,000 teachers.
Among the benefits that are in plan for cut is the payment of a Christmas bonus that equals 40 days of work.
State restarts restaurant safety program
