### José Refugio Cañada Named New Municipal Government Secretary
In a recent extraordinary session, the city council of Tijuana appointed José Refugio Cañada García as the new Secretary of Government for the 24th Ayuntamiento of Tijuana. The former councilman from the Partido del Trabajo (PT) secured the position with ten votes in favor, while the current mayor, Montserrat Caballero Ramírez, abstained from voting. Mayor Caballero expressed her faith in the council members and their discernment.
The extraordinary session took place on Monday at 2:00 PM after eight prior attempts to convene were unsuccessful due to a lack of quorum. “It is a great responsibility that I undertake today, especially to work alongside the council members, addressing the city’s most significant issues,” said Cañada García after the session. Cañada García filled the role following the resignation of Miguel Ángel Bujanda Ruiz. Bujanda stepped down on August 12 after facing threats, signaled by a banner accompanied by a corpse.
This appointment makes Cañada García the fourth person to hold the Secretary of Government position under the current administration, following Jorge Salazar Miramontes, Jesús García Castro, and Miguel Ángel Bujanda Ruiz.
Cañada García will hold the position until the administration concludes in a little over a month. He has not ruled out continuing in a public role under the incoming government of Ismael Burgueño. “After completing my tenure, I will take a few days to rest and see what comes next. I am involved in a significant social movement in the eastern zone, which I will continue to support,” added Cañada García.
During the same session, a proposal to waive penalties and interest on property taxes was also voted on, but it was rejected with four in favor and seven against. One councilwoman, Claudia Casas, stated she voted against the measure due to the limited time left in the current administration and suggested it should be addressed by the incoming administration.
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### Outgoing Secretary of Government Resigns Amid Threats
In related news, Miguel Ángel Bujanda Ruiz, the outgoing Secretary of Government, resigned last week after his name appeared on a threatening banner alongside a dead body. Mayor Montserrat Caballero has acknowledged the situation, explaining that Bujanda chose to step down to prioritize his safety and well-being.
### Tijuana’s Struggle with Organized Crime
The recent events highlight the ongoing issue of organized crime in Tijuana. Local authorities have reported multiple violent incidents, including a recent attack on Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada Boulevard that left three injured. In another incident, an armed attack on the Tijuana-Rosarito Freeway led to one death and one woman injured. The local police have had to coordinate closely with the State Attorney’s Office to investigate these crimes and manage public safety.
### Economic Support for Young People
Amid these challenging times, the city continues to launch initiatives aimed at economic support and development. The “Youth Building the Future 2024” program aims to provide financial assistance to young people while they gain valuable work experience. Qualified participants can receive up to 7,000 pesos monthly.
For more updates on these stories and other local news, visit TJGringo.com.