**Tijuana to Launch Electric Scooter Patrols for Enhanced Downtown Security**
The city of Tijuana is taking a significant step towards bolstering its downtown security with the introduction of electric scooters for its tourist police. Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz announced that the city will be acquiring 144 electric scooters as part of a modernization initiative aimed at increasing the speed and efficiency of police response. The first half of these scooters, totaling 70 units, is expected to arrive before the end of the year, with the official launch of this new patrol system slated for January 2025.
This initiative is a part of broader efforts to update the municipal police force, which will also see the addition of body cameras for officers. The electric scooters will replace the previously used bicycles, known as “bicicletos,” enhancing mobility and allowing officers to quickly navigate the Central Zone of Tijuana. The move is part of the city’s strategy to improve safety and make Tijuana one of the safest cities in the country.
In addition to the scooters, the mayor also disclosed plans to acquire motorcycles to further improve police mobility across various city locations. During the initial months of his administration, a noteworthy drop in homicides has been recorded, which underscores the positive impact of these ongoing security measures.
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**Tijuana Faces Challenges with Santa Ana Winds and Urges Environmental Precautions**
In recent developments, Tijuana has been experiencing severe Santa Ana winds, which have resulted in active fires across ten locations in the city, with the eastern region being the most susceptible due to low humidity levels. The winds, which began right at midnight on Tuesday, have caused power outages in several areas and prompted a critical alert regarding environmental pollution.
Local authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution, particularly warning against the use of fireworks, which could exacerbate air quality issues. With the holiday season approaching, December 24 and 31 are projected to be particularly high-risk days for pollution spikes.
In a related update, the region’s cargo transport sector has highlighted the urgency of opening the Otay 2 border crossing to alleviate traffic congestion at the Otay crossing. The timeline for this project, however, remains uncertain and depends on decisions from the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, the ItaipBC has requested a modest budget of 16 million pesos for 2025 to safeguard its operations and contribute to the development of new guidelines that bolster state transparency and public accountability.
These developments in Tijuana reflect ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and environmental consciousness, underscoring the importance of modern security measures and community awareness in addressing the city’s challenges.