**November: Farewell to “La Estrella” and Other Highlights from the Month**
As 2024 draws to a close, Tijuana remained a city abuzz with events and incidents that sparked conversation. November saw a flurry of activity including protests by bureaucratic workers, the tragic deaths of families seeking shelter from the cold, and the reimplementation of a checkpoint at the international border crossing.
On a hopeful note, the new General Hospital in the Eastern Zone has finally opened. However, the inauguration seemed rushed, marked by insufficient medication and a lack of specialist staff. Alarmingly, there are even concerns about the medical staff not receiving their promised wages. Despite the fanfare, local residents quickly saw through the polished narrative and continued to face the realities of the healthcare situation.
Health workers have been quietly protesting the lack of payments, cautious of potential reprisals, contrasting sharply with the more vocal demonstrations held on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Although this year’s turnout was quieter compared to previous years, strong criticism was again directed at the State Attorney General’s Office, which wrapped up the year with over 2,000 murder investigations, including at least 29 femicides.
Politically, the “party of the roll” is still trying to find its footing with a new state and national leadership, while appearing to be directionless against an increasingly autocratic landscape masked as democracy.
During the month, Tijuana also quietly bid farewell to “La Estrella,” a well-known establishment on Sixth Street, now just a memory filled with legendary stories and iconic murals that once adorned its walls. A final toast to “La Estrella” as the city enters the holiday season.
**Additional Developments:**
– **San Ysidro Border Checkpoint:** The reintroduced security checkpoint at the San Ysidro border crossing witnessed low vehicle traffic.
– **Medicinal Shortage Claims Disputed:** The governor asserted there is no shortage of medication at the new General Hospital, countering recent reports.
– **Women’s March:** Participants took to the streets advocating for the victims of gender-based violence as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
– **Economic Updates:** The minimum wage increase in Baja California aims to benefit 700,000 workers, while the impact on social security quotas is being evaluated.
– **Public Transit Concerns:** Local authorities reported over 1,345 complaints against public transport operators in Tijuana in 2024 alone.
– **New Infrastructure Project:** The Morelos Knot construction project is on track to be completed by year-end, with notable progress on key structural elements.