Emtpy Streets of Tijuana

Hola! Que Tal?

I have something pretty amazing to share with you today, and I have to admit, I’m pretty stoked to post this on our site.

As some of you know, I was born in Tijuana, and grew up in San Diego, constantly crossing the border to visit the family and friends.

Recently, however, I noticed that trips across the border have become less frequent due to the brutal drug war in our sister town.

I’m sure at some point we all have shared some sort of narco-related story involving family, friends, or friends of friends. Unfortunately, we got to the point where we had too many stories to tell, and we all began to seriously worry about the situation.

While living in San Diego, and speaking with many different people throughout the last few months, I’ve realized many really don’t take trips down to Tijuana anymore. It just got too out of hand.

I remember heading down to Tijuana to see LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS play a concert in the stadium that is ironically on the property of the infamous Hank Rohn. That night I saw something that has stuck with me ever since. On our way to the concert, we heard the screaming sirens approach us from behind and as we looked back, we witnessed multiple trucks pass us by with both  drivers and passengers all wearing ski masks, fully armed with machine guns.

Scary, I know. We were all pretty concerned and so kept our distance on the road.

Eventually we arrived at the stadium and very quickly overheard talk about another ‘balacera’ or gun fight, happening nearby. The multitudes said it most likely involved rival cartels who are continuously fighting over control of the town or in narco terms ‘plaza’.

This documentary reminds me of that trip and the unique welcoming that only a city like Tijuana can offer. Don’t get me wrong, I love the city and its people, but the crime and violence that has taken place due to drug war does haunt and affect many. It simply cannot be ignored.

So Chek this doc out, and you’ll get a taste of what its like to live in a border town haunted by this horrible reality.

Gurus gives it two thumbs up!

I’d like to make a special Shout out to Current.com and Vanguard production manager, Jennifer Olivar, who participated in the production of this reportaje! We here at LMG always make it a point to commend those who represent our community and inspire us with their high caliber work.

Felicidades por tu trayectoria y tu participacion en este gran reportaje!

Este trabajo definitivamente ha tocado a mucha gente, incluyendome a mi. Muchos hemos perdido a gente muy cercana debido a este problema.  Este documental le da luz a la epidemia de violencia y muerte que viven las ciudades fronterizas. Estas manchas debidas a la corrupcion de la autoridad y el narcotrafico.

Gracias por tomarnos en cuenta.