### IEEBC Rejects Mayor’s Complaint Against Absent Councilors
The Technical Unit for Electoral Contentiousness of the State Electoral Institute of Baja California (IEEBC) has dismissed the complaint filed by Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramírez. The complaint, which accused certain councilors of “political violence based on gender” and “obstructing the performance of their duties,” was rejected after two weeks of consideration. The reasons for this decision have not yet been disclosed by the IEEBC.
The Baja California Electoral Tribunal of Justice (TJEBC) had earlier informed the absent councilors that they must attend the council meeting as a precautionary measure while the IEEBC resolved the mayor’s complaint. This development followed an extraordinary council session on Monday, August 19, which had been postponed multiple times. The session saw the appointment of Councilor José Cañada as the new secretary of the Tijuana government, albeit under protest from the councilors.
Commenting on the issue, electoral expert Carlos Barboza emphasized that the right to be elected also includes the right to govern, particularly for women. He highlighted that this falls under the scope of political violence against women based on gender, noting the historical obstacles women face in exercising their electoral rights. Barboza also mentioned that Mayor Caballero Ramírez must prove that the councilors’ absenteeism is a result of gender discrimination, not unrelated factors.
### Secondary Article: Local News Updates
#### Tijuana Councilors Accuse TJEBC of Overstepping Boundaries
Councilors in Tijuana have accused the Baja California Electoral Tribunal of Justice (TJEBC) of overreaching its authority. This follows notifications from the TJEBC mandating that councilors who missed recent extraordinary sessions must attend the council while awaiting the IEEBC’s decision on the mayor’s complaint.
#### Residents Seek Legal Action Against Fire Station Relocation
Residents affected by the relocation of a Tijuana fire station are considering legal action. They aim to file for an injunction to prevent the move, citing significant disruptions to their daily lives.
#### New Secretary of Government Appointed in Controversial Session
In an extraordinary council session, José Cañada was appointed as the new Secretary of Government for Tijuana. Despite the sessions’ multiple deferrals, the councilors expressed their dissatisfaction by approving the appointment under protest.
#### Pet Adoption and Sterilization Drive in Tijuana
During the current administration, Tijuana has seen the adoption of 1,900 pets and the sterilization of over 3,800 animals. The goal is to reach 3,000 sterilizations before the end of this administration.
#### New Commission to Unite Search Collectives
The newly appointed Commissioner for Missing Persons in Baja California is tasked with uniting various search collectives. This comes amid increased pressure from activists and families of the missing, who accuse the state of neglecting its responsibilities in addressing disappearances.
#### Concerns Over School Year Delays Due to Teacher Salary Disputes
Parents in Tijuana are concerned about potential delays in the new school year owing to unpaid teacher salaries. They are calling on the State’s Department of Education to ensure timely payments to educators to prevent disruptions in their children’s education.
#### Judicial Workers Continue Protests
Judicial workers in Tijuana continue to protest, accusing their union of failing to support them adequately. The peaceful demonstrations aim to encourage dialogue and resolution.
#### Arrests Made in Connection with Armed Incident in Zona Río
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with a recent armed incident in Tijuana’s Zona Río. The suspects, who claimed affiliation with a criminal cell, are currently under investigation.
#### Major Drug Bust at Mesa de Otay
Authorities seized $5 million worth of methamphetamine hidden inside watermelon shipments at the Mesa de Otay border crossing. The driver, a 29-year-old man, attempted to smuggle the drugs from Tijuana into the United States.