**New Monument in Tijuana Marks 50 Years of Grupo Madrugadores**
A new monument has been unveiled in Tijuana’s Zona Río, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Grupo Madrugadores, a civic group known for its contributions to the community. Located at the intersection of Boulevard Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada and Paseo de los Héroes, near the Preparatoria Federal Lázaro Cárdenas, the monument features two arches, a sphere, and a rooster atop, symbolizing a new dawn in Tijuana. The arches represent the mountains, the sphere the sun, and the rooster is the group’s iconic logo.
Oliver Haziel Rodríguez Velasco, vice-coordinator of the Tijuana chapter, spearheaded the creation of the statue. He expressed that the installation is a legacy to acknowledge the group’s ongoing efforts since its inception in Tijuana in 1974. What started as informal gatherings among friends over coffee to discuss ways to improve the city has grown into 15 groups across Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora.
The journey to install this monument took 24 months of administrative approvals and was designed by architect Alonso Velarde, who completed the construction in three months. The metal structure was funded with 600,000 pesos, donated by the group’s 33 members and its founders.
Grupo Madrugadores has established a significant presence over its 50-year history, challenging city leaders and prompting civic dialogue, although sometimes meeting resistance from local authorities. The monument aims to solidify their impact and ensure their dedication to the city’s growth is commemorated.
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**Grupo Madrugadores: Continuing a Legacy of Community Engagement**
In line with its 50th-anniversary celebrations, Grupo Madrugadores held several events to engage the wider community of Tijuana. This organization is known for its commitment to civic improvement initiatives and fostering dialogue among residents about pressing local issues.
To mark this milestone, the group organized a series of workshops and public forums focusing on community planning, environmental sustainability, and tourism development within the region. These events aim to encourage active participation from community members in shaping the future of Tijuana.
Grupo Madrugadores has received recognition over the years for its role in advocating for accountability and transparency within the local government. This proactive approach has helped implement various welfare and development projects, which have significantly impacted the social and economic landscapes in Tijuana and neighboring areas.
As the group moves forward, it continues to seek collaborative efforts with governmental and private partners to further advance its mission to improve the quality of life for Tijuana’s residents.