**Primary Article: Businessman Assassinated in El Sauzal, Ensenada**
On December 3, 2024, tragedy struck the community of El Sauzal in Ensenada as a prominent shark fishing businessman, identified as Servando Valenzuela Nakato, aged 56, was murdered. Valenzuela, a member of the National Chamber of Fishing Industry (Canainpesca), was fatally shot in an attack that occurred around 9:40 a.m., as confirmed by the State Attorney General’s Office.
The incident unfolded at the intersection of Piñón and Vista al Mar, where Valenzuela was shot in both the chest and head. Despite being rushed to a local IMSS hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. This tragedy marks the second murder of a Canainpesca member in the area, following the killing of its president, Minerva Pérez Castro, earlier this year in July.
The community of El Sauzal has been grappling with challenges related to local business operations and environmental concerns. In October 2020, several El Sauzal businesses voiced their struggles during a meeting with the Ensenada Business Coordinating Council, addressing issues with local authorities and residents of Vista al Mar over environmental and logistical concerns, such as container congestion and pollution.
**Secondary Article: Rising Violence in Baja California’s Fishing Community**
The murder of Servando Valenzuela Nakato comes amid increased concerns over violence in Baja California, particularly affecting the region’s fishing industry. This tragic event has highlighted the vulnerability of those working in the sector, as they face both economic and personal risks. Ensenada, a crucial hub for the fishing industry, now faces mounting pressure to address security concerns to protect its residents and the vital trade they rely on.
In recent years, violence targeting business figures in the fishing industry has risen, drawing stark attention to the underlying factors that may be fueling these incidents, such as disputes over fishing rights, environmental regulation conflicts, and broader criminal activities in the area.
As the investigation into Valenzuela’s murder progresses, local businesses and industry members are urging authorities to take decisive action to ensure safety and security for the community, potentially affecting policy decisions in both local governance and industry regulation. Public safety remains a critical issue as the fishing community demands greater protection and accountability from local and state authorities.