# Headline or Light?
## By Óscar Hernández
“Light of the street and darkness of the house,” goes the popular saying that describes someone who shines outside, but leaves their home in darkness. This adage perfectly applies to Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, the Governor of Baja California, who leverages social media—sometimes excessively—to promote her daily and official activities. She is very active on **Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp**, and even maintains her own website: [marinadelpilar.com.mx](marinadelpilar.com.mx).
Her social media accounts are filled with photos from tours, inaugurations, concerts, and visits, always “with her heart on her sleeve.” She rarely misses an opportunity to travel to Mexico City for official duties, unofficial visits, or to attend party functions with AMLO, Claudia Sheinbaum, or other Morena leaders. This is while signing letters of support for candidates or governors facing issues.
Occasionally, she ventures abroad to “promote” Baja California, with trips to destinations in the USA like New York, Washington, Virginia, and San Diego. When a request was made for information about her trips in 2023, under the pretext that revealing her geographical location could endanger her safety, the information was withheld for five years. This response was given despite the fact that the request pertained to trips already made, illustrating a lack of transparency.
Meanwhile, Baja California faces significant challenges. Uncertainty and insecurity continue to plague the region, with rising violence, business extortions, robberies, and instances of “narcomantas” (drug cartel banners). July saw the business sector leading a “Vigil for Security,” which included civil organizations, neighborhood committees, and citizen groups across Playas, Rosarito, Mexicali, Ensenada, and Tecate. Unfortunately, not much has changed.
According to the **Citizen Council for Public Security of Baja California (CCSPBC)**, crime has increased by 15%, homicides are up by 10%, and the impunity rate exceeds 95% during the current administration.
It seems that Marina del Pilar is more focused on political maneuvering than addressing the pressing issues of Baja California, shedding light only faintly like a dim streetlight. With an overrepresentation of Morena in legislative seats, combined with the proposed amendments to the Amparo Law, the military leadership of the National Guard, and potential reform of the Federal Judiciary, what lies ahead is uncertain.
### Additional News
#### AMLO Renders Final Report, Highlights Opioid Crisis and Judicial Reforms
On **September 1st, 2024**, the President of Mexico delivered his final report, emphasizing the government’s efforts to eradicate fentanyl and other opioids. He also discussed the proposed judicial reforms aiming to enhance the country’s legal framework to better address current challenges. However, this comes amidst criticism from various judges who argue that the reforms could undermine judicial independence.
**AMLO also reported that since his tenure began, 196,684 people have been executed, highlighting ongoing security concerns.** Moreover, a recent judicial strike in Baja California Sur has paralyzed access to justice, reflecting a state in dire need of reform and effective governance.
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