**Dark Path for Cetis 25 Students in Tecate**
For two school cycles, both students and parents at Cetis #25 in Tecate, located in the Alberto Aldrete neighborhood, have been grappling with significant safety concerns due to the absence of street lighting on the main road leading to the school. This issue has been compounded by daylight saving time, which has restricted natural light until 5 PM, leaving the majority of the evening students at risk as they depart class.
The primary street, which serves as the main entry and exit point for students and faculty, is shrouded in darkness, creating a hazardous situation for those navigating it, particularly as it borders the municipal cemetery. Students have reported multiple incidents, including attempts of theft, sexual assault, and encounters with homeless individuals in the area.
One student recounted a frightening experience: “I leave school around 8 PM. Once, my usual companion was absent, so I walked alone towards the bus stop by the cemetery wall. A homeless man approached me, asking for money. When I said I had none, he tried to embrace me. I was terrified because the street was completely dark and deserted.”
Additionally, another student fell victim to a mugging: “I wasn’t carrying anything valuable, but a couple on a motorcycle cornered me, demanding my wallet. I handed it over, and they left.”
Neighborhood residents have also highlighted an increase in high-impact crimes near the school. On November 16th, a man was murdered inside his vehicle next to the school’s perimeter fence during class hours, which caused panic among the students.
Over 300 students leave the campus under darkness, with at least 100 having to traverse nearly 400 meters to reach the bus stop. Parents have discussed with school authorities the possibility of shorter class schedules, especially since many attendees come from rural areas like El Hongo, Valle de las Palmas, and even the eastern areas of Tijuana.
“Parents are deeply concerned about the class timings imposed from Monday to Friday. While this is a prestigious institution, the management must consider the risks students face due to these schedules and the lack of attention to major street safety,” expressed a concerned parent.
In the past year, six murders, four shootings, and at least three knife assaults have been reported near the school.
—
**Secondary Article: Rising Crime Rates in Tecate Pose Challenge to Student Safety**
In the broader context of Tecate, the rise in crime has become a pressing issue affecting multiple sectors, particularly education. Recent events have underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures. On November 27th, students from a nearby educational institution were attacked, further emphasizing the vulnerability of youth in transit between school and home.
Local authorities are under scrutiny as residents and educational institutions alike call for increased police presence and improved infrastructure, such as adequate street lighting and security patrols. Despite ongoing discussions, concrete actions remain to be seen, leaving families anxious and hopeful for swift resolutions that assure the safety of their children.
This growing concern is not isolated, as schools across the region face similar dilemmas, contributing to a statewide dialogue on how best to address public safety in education zones. Community leaders have urged immediate intervention, highlighting the necessity for collaborative efforts between government bodies, law enforcement, and residents to establish lasting security solutions.
As Tecate navigates these complex challenges, the community remains vigilant, advocating for reforms that promise a safer environment for students and all inhabitants.