### Six Candidates Register for the Position of Next Search Commissioner in Baja California
Six individuals have registered to become the head of the State Commission for the Search of Disappeared Persons in Baja California, according to Alfredo Álvarez Cárdenas, the State’s Secretary General of Government. “We did the cut-off the day before yesterday (Tuesday), and we currently have six proposals before the closure. The processes of interviews and evaluations will follow,” stated the government official.
On Friday, August 16, the Official State Gazette (POE) published a call for candidates to register for the position of head of the Local Search Commission for Missing Persons. Álvarez Cárdenas estimated that the shortlist would be presented during the first two weeks of October. “It will depend significantly on the evaluations. Interviews are being planned across various fields such as forensic and legal, among others. The evaluation process is going to take more time,” he added.
The Secretary of Government explained that after the interviews, the shortlist of the best-evaluated candidates would be submitted for consideration to Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda. “Subsequently, the governor will send it to Congress for the designation to be published,” he added.
Álvarez Cárdenas emphasized that the state government has considered feedback from search collectives for selecting the next head of the Baja California Search Commission. “It is a challenging role, often unpopular due to the decisions and actions that need to be taken under complex emotional circumstances, but we are doing our best to carefully evaluate the profiles of those who chose to participate,” he detailed.
Former head Rafael Hernández Murrieta resigned on September 1, 2023, following demands from search collectives who criticized unequal treatment of activists. Since then, the Baja California State Search Commission has been without a permanent head, with different interim officials stepping in.
### Related News: Spike in Search Collectives Highlights Rise in Disappearances
The growing number of search collectives in Baja California reflects the alarming rise in disappearances in the region. As the urgency to locate missing persons increases, these collectives have become crucial in the search efforts and support for affected families.
### Local Updates:
#### Two Bodies Found During Search for Erick Carrillo
During the search for Erick Carrillo, who disappeared five years ago, two bodies were discovered. This tragic find underscores the pressing need for a dedicated search commissioner to streamline efforts and resources effectively.
#### FGE Withholds Disappearance Statistics
The State’s Attorney General’s Office (FGE) has been reluctant to release statistics regarding disappearances in Baja California, drawing criticism from activists and families who demand transparency and accountability in search operations.
#### Increased Fentanyl Consumption
In the past two years, the consumption of fentanyl has surged in Baja California. A significant number of patients seeking addiction treatment in the state are from the United States.
#### High Demand for Gastronomy Degree in Tijuana
The University of Technology of Tijuana (UTT) has seen an overwhelming response to its newly introduced Gastronomy degree, with over 400 applicants for just 120 available spots in its inaugural class.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more updates and the latest news.