The Narco War Next Door // Documentary on the Drug War
August 30, 2009 by David Villafaña
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.
Dude, its crazy what is happening. I really feel sorry for the people of Mexico that are going through this crazy turmoil. Nice post.
Good job Jennifer Olivar, and the rest of crew, Brave souls for education the public on the war against drugs in Mexico, Although it sicken me to my very stomach to see how much violence and death occurs just to make a buck. Of course nobody wants to starve to death, If they would only learn to be content with substance for the day. It’s no different in California too many people hook on drugs,and booze. Oh Yeah, don’t forget the so called Glory!!! I guess the old proverbial saying is so true “Hang around stupid people,you become stupid. By watching this informing video confirms that we truly must be living in the last days. Critical times, hard to deal with.
2 Timothy 3:1-17 puts it in clear perspective,
1 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up [with pride], lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. Not all Mexican’s are drug dealers, No such thing as a preferred race with God,there is good and bad in every race, It’s a choice, unfortunate these youngster are being mislead to bad choices to make a fast buck instead of being taught to be persistence in looking for a honest job.
Said a lot.