**Final Week to Legalize Foreign Vehicles in Tijuana**
The final stretch to regularize foreign vehicles, commonly referred to as “autos chocolate,” ends next Monday, September 30, coinciding with the conclusion of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s government. As of July 23, 2024, a significant 380,952 vehicles have been regularized in Baja California, according to the Federal Delegation’s Social Communication Department.
Tijuana leads with the highest number of legalized vehicles in the state, standing at 142,220, followed by Mexicali with 108,950, and Ensenada with 45,820. The funds generated from this regularization process are directed towards paving works. Up to the given date, the state has collected 952,380,000 pesos, placing Baja California third in revenue collection, after Chihuahua and Tamaulipas.
**Related Developments**
In related news, the impact of the “autos chocolate” decree has been far-reaching. With the regularization program, Baja California has seen a substantial increase in funds allocated for road infrastructure projects. However, the state remains only fourth in terms of overall road improvements.
Elsewhere, commuters between San Ysidro and Tijuana have experienced heightened inspections, leading to longer waits. Reports indicate that some drivers paid as much as $40 to bypass queues, resulting in extensive lines this past Sunday.
On another front, more than 2,515 migrants in Baja California await the initiation of their asylum processes in the United States, a situation exacerbated by existing systemic delays.
Locally, authorities discovered a body inside a barrel in the Jardín Dorado neighborhood late Sunday night, adding to the region’s pressing security concerns. Meanwhile, persistent issues have also been noted in infrastructure upgrades, evidenced by stalled projects at the Playas de Tijuana promenade and ongoing community discontent over insufficient signage and cleanliness.
With regards to currency, the exchange rate for the dollar continues to be a point of interest for residents, with banks across Mexico adjusting their rates accordingly.
Lastly, activists remain troubled by the increased militarization of the National Guard, citing human rights violations during public interactions. Additionally, infrastructure setbacks, pointed out by local council members, highlight a need for increased funding and attention to road maintenance and safety measures.