A Canadian expatriate volunteer gets it done in México

Arlene Sieman, a local expatriate, has retired from the Playas de Rosarito Cruz Roja after ten years of service as Secretary to the American Volunteers.

She was presented with a plaque of appreciation from the Cruz Roja Consejo.

Arlene's duties included:

• Taking the Minutes at just about every meeting - the board and general Red Cross Meetings (2 a month) for ten years.

• She made sure all the necessary information got into the books, one book for each year, including all the speakers, guests, etc., plus whatever they brought - pamphlets, business cards.

• She jotted down basically what they spoke about.   All ten Minute Books are at the Office in the Red Cross Hospital.

• Every month she inputted the Red Cross Newsletter into the Minute Books. Each section had the month, i.e, January, February, etc.

• She demanded the Reports from each Board Member - i.e, Treasurer's Report, Thrift Store Report, Membership Report, etc.  They are all in there.

Since she was a legal secretary for thirty years, as a result her work was in mint condition.

Left to right: Raul Manuel Zapata Cerda, Gisel Estrada Leon, Arlene Sieman, Javier Rodriguez Gonzalez

 

 

Raul is the present President of the Hospital Consejo and Gisel is President of the Damas.  Javier is the former President of the Hospital Consejo.

Information concerning a local worker from:
Richard Nicholas (Email address: rnicholas2000 at earthlink dot net)

Dated: Mar 26, 2012

"I have an employee that has been helping me build my home for 2+ years. I am completing the work and do not need him full time any longer...but would like to keep him for a couple of days per week for maintenance.  I'm looking for a few neighbors who might want to regularly employ him for a day or two each week or month."

His name is Salvadore.  He'a about 30ish, clean cut.....and very honest (he reads the Bible during lunch hour and breaks). He's a really good guy with two small kids at home and he needs to work.  He can basically do anything: fine wood work, plumbing, electrical, plaster, paint, tile work....you name it.  Very careful,thoughtful and precise work.  Always on time.  I pay him 55 pesos an hour and he is worth every penny.  If anyone is interested, please ask them to contact me directly by e-mail or at 858-395-4114 ..."

"He lives on the north side of Rosarito. He doesn't always have access to a car but gets to and from by thumb, friends and bus.  He's always on time ..."

Sister Clare's anniversary
Wednesday, June 8, marked Sister Clare Manhart's sixtieth anniversary with the religious order of Sisters of Mercy (Omaha). She came out of retirement to oversee operations at the convent school in Colonia Mazatlán, Municipio Rosarito, when Sister Ruth became disabled. A luncheon in her honor was held at the Rosarito Beach Hotel.

We love you sister Clare!

Radiation plume from Japan is apparently on its way

Break out the kelp tablets. Projected path of radiation plume from Japan headed towards U.S., according to NYT.

URL: http://tinyurl.com/4wx7gpo


Posted by Pat

Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia" (DIF) of Rosarito



From: Rosarito Town Crier anne@rosaritotowncrier.com

Mon, January 17, 2011 12:00:14 AM News from Rosarito Town Crier

Playas de Rosarito, B.C. , January 15, 2011

Dear Friends:

Once again, I would like to extend a cordial and warm greeting on behalf of the collaborators of the "Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia" (DIF) of Rosarito.

This is a picture of those of us who took the Oath of Office to help "DIF" on 12/10/10: http://tinyurl.com/6zw4ao2

As planned, we met last Wednesday, 1/12/11 at the Salón Rojo of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. We had an excellent second planning meeting, and more programs and projects of DIF Rosarito were discussed at length.
Our Mayor, Mr. Javier Robles Aguirre, joined us at the end to say hello and take a picture with us. You will find this picture at: http://tinyurl.com/5wmkmn4 .

We had a very enthusiastic group of people who are excited about helping the less fortunate in our city. We had more people come to this second meeting and join our ranks. We welcome them wholeheartedly! Please invite your English-speaking friends to come join us for our next meeting, we need them! We will let you know a few days in advance when the meeting will be.

We want to report and thank you for your enormous help in allowing us to feed 300 families for Christmas; give out almost 4,500 toys (photos here: http://tinyurl.com/4j89pzd);gifted the first babies of 2011 with Layettes (pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/4pnmozc ); gave out groceries on 12/31/10 (pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/4v7ul3x ); gave out blankets at the Battered Women's Shelter on 1/12/11 (pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/45hfeoh ); and much more.

You can find a report in Spanish, and pictures, of all our activities in our Facebook page: "DIF Rosarito". Here is a shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/4nwveh7

And you can see all the pictures of what we've been doing at: http://tinyurl.com/4almdrv .
Several needs were identified for the month of January and we'd like to extend a cordial invitation to you to please help us out so we may, in turn, help our families in need.
First, I would like to reiterate that we are still looking for cash donations as well as some specific items to help those who have a great need.

1) SCHOOL BREAKFASTS
We feed 25,000 cold breakfasts and 25,000 hot breakfasts to school children in Rosarito. The cost of each cold breakfast is .20¢ US per child.
The cost of each hot breakfast is .25¢ US per child.
These are the costs for us. We have approximately 25 school breakfast rooms throughout the city and in very needy neighborhoods. We believe that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day to sustain good health, as much as physically as mental, for the boys and girls of Rosarito.
All of these breakfasts are approved by nutritionists who have identified the amounts of protein, minerals and carbohydrates that are needed daily.
The children's Moms volunteer in preparing and serving these breakfasts in a schoolroom that has been turned into a kitchen. The groceries have to be bought for them to prepare them; but unfortunately sometimes a child doesn't have enough money to pay the .20¢ US to pay for the breakfast and that's why we come to you, our valued volunteers, to help us find patrons so these children may have a daily breakfast.
Please remember that with only $10 Pesos, which equal about $1.00US Dollar, you can help a child eat breakfast for a 5 day week.
Sometimes this is the only meal that child may have during the day.
This is why, our DIF friends, we are soliciting your support; and knowing the altruistic spirit that characterizes you, we have no doubt that your response will be positive for we know that you will agree with us that to be able to draw a smile on the face of a healthy and strong child is priceless.

2) GROCERIES
The groceries for senior citizens cost $2.50US
The groceries for unwed mothers and destitute families is $2.25US

3) DAY CARE ITEMS
We have 3 Day Care Services for children of all ages. We need to paint them because they're not in very good condition. We need donations of: tall, portable dry-erase white boards (or on an easel - if you find it in Amazon.com, we can get it shipped for free), coffee pot, cribs, crib mattresses, bedding, bassinettes, child carriers, children's chairs, high chairs, etc. Everything for a nursery, new or used.

4) BLANKETS
In this cold season we need to help the very poor people who don't have a way to keep warm; it is expected that because of the weather phenomenon "La Niña" we will have extreme cold conditions from January thru March.
We get the blankets at a very special, reduced price of $100 Pesos or $9 US Dollars each. We are asking for your monetary contribution. Or you may donate blankets as well.

DIF is self-supporting so we are in extreme need of your donations. We help out the people who need it the most in our city; mainly the children, the single mothers, and the senior citizens, without religious or political party prejudice. We have carefully identified all of those who are truly in the worst economic conditions.
We are able to give you a receipt for a tax deduction for México income tax. We will be investigating the possibility of setting up a US tax deduction as well in the near future.
We accept donations in cash in Pesos or in Dollars. If you write us a check, at this time we are only set up to accept it in Pesos and please make it out to: "Sistema DIF Municipal." We are also looking into the possibility of accepting checks in dollars and from US Banks soon.

If you have a group of friends who speak English, please forward the email with this attachment to all. We really need your help with dissemination so we may achieve our goals of helping out our indigent population.
Thanking you in advance for your altruistic spirit; I remain at your service.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Karla López de Robles
First Lady of Rosarito
President, DIF Municipal
H. V Ayuntamiento of Playas de Rosarito, A.C.
dif@rosarito.gob.mx
Look us up in Facebook under "DIF ROSARITO" and become our "friend"! Our webpage is coming soon!

Rosarito Alcalde Javier Robles Aguirre and Staff Officers of V Ayuntamiento to host meeting with Rosarito expatriate community on January 17, 2011 - Representatives from the State of Baja California to attend

TIME: 11:00 A.M.

PLACE: ROSARITO BEACH HOTEL

Recent photo - Robles listens to residents of Primo Tapio

Your submitted issues have been duly noted and will be addressed at the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: Department Heads will be conducting workshops immediately after the meeting for those who wish to stay.

Next opera is:
From: kanti Jocelyn - kantijocelyn at gmail dot com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"La Fanciulla del West" by Puccini.
Mark your calendars: It is on Wednesday 26th January at 6.30pm.
Kanti

Rape in Punta Banda

From: vincebaja@gmail.com

A few notes about the reward for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of the two perpetrators of the crime against the young girl
on December 30th:

1. The car used by the attackers was described as follows:
"The car apparently was a two-door Blazer or Bronco type vehicle,
dark-colored, with brownish windows; it was old and faded-looking, and
had no back seats."

2. We are not collecting any money at this point. When the
criminals are brought to justice, we will contact each and every donor
to honor his/her pledge. Currency, US checks, and PayPal will be the
options you have to make payment.

3. We will not take it upon ourselves to determine to whom and at
what point the reward will be paid. We are only amateurs organizing the
effort; we are in contact with a trusted Mexican-licensed private
investigator who will be asked to navigate through the "system"
on our behalf, pro bono.

4. We are open to your suggestions/ ideas about how to see that
justice is done and, equally importantly, how this and other types of
crime can be reduced or prevented in the future in Punta Banda.

The response to this situation by the community has been nothing short
of incredible.

Don Carlos Opera
It is time for Don Carlos on Wednesday Jan 5th at 6.30pm.  The Opera usually lasts about 4 hours, so we usually get back around 11pm.  I am going and have 2-3 seats for people who are interested in going with me.  Let me know if you are interested. You will need to bring your SENTRI passes and your passport.

The ticket at the Chula Vista AMC theatre is $18 and bring something extra for some food. I leave about 3.30pm to allow time to get through the border and then to get something to eat.

If anyone else wants to drive as well and wants to volunteer space in their car, maybe I can coordinate that.

Kanti:  kantijocelyn at gmail dot com
-------------------------------------------------

From Arlene:

I went across the border today (SENTRI lane) and asked the fella at the gate - I heard you cannot take aluminum cans, plastic bottles across, etc.

He said that is right.

I said why? Because the stores take a DEPOSIT and I want my money back.

He said it is a BUSINESS.

I said, oh, come on - that is STEALING. You are taking money as a DEPOSIT and I am only getting the DEPOSIT BACK. I am NOT gaining money - I am WASTING gas getting this stuff to you so it doesn't end up in the DUMPS. So I am out money!  Now, I said, WHAT IS THE REAL REASON THIS IS HAPPENING!!!!!!!! What you are telling me doesn't make sense???

He said this has been on the CUSTOMS' books for a very long time that you cannot take cans/plastics across the border - they have been very lenient - until NOW!!

I wasn't going to let him get away with it - I said, WHY?

He said, well, they found drugs in the center of these large bags crossing the border so CUSTOMS is stopping it COMPLETELY - Oh, I said, since I worked with a criminal law attorney for over 10 years, I knew you were telling me something fishy.

So it is the DRUG BUSINESS that is stopping the crossing of the aluminun cans, etc.?????  Pretty well, he said, that was right.

He said you can go to CUSTOMS in Otay Mesa and get the cans/plastics through that way. I said, Oh, geez, that means paperwork - and a cost involved??? Not worth it to me to cross with a bag every 8 to 9 months.

I would suggest anyone wanting to take cans/plastics across to check further with CUSTOMS and the SENTRI office to make sure you don't lose your SENTRI pass! I am sure if there are large amounts an organization is collecting to make some money, you can probably still do so if you go through CUSTOMS. But check first as to exactly what you have to do!!

BTW the Rosarito Theater Guild is no longer collecting cans and bottles

Twitter:

They close a bar in Colonia (Lomas) Baja Malibu

TIJUANA, Baja California(PH)

Last night a bar located on the Scenic Highway in the Colonia (Lomas) Baja Malibu area (k 22, HWY 1D) was closed for selling alcoholic beverages without permission.

According to the Municipal Police, the business closed is 'Plan B,' located in the commercial plaza Baja Malibu and Caesar Martínez Ramírez, 38, was detained.

Officials attested it was personnel of the Regulations office who indicated to them that they themselves observed the irregularity which was happening and they were the ones who asked the support of the Office of the Secretary of Municipal Public Security (SSPM).
-------------------------------------------

Clausuran bar en colonia Baja Malibú

TIJUANA, Baja California(PH) La noche de ayer fue clausurado un local ubicado sobre la Carretera Escénica, a la altura de la colonia Baja Malibú, por estar vendiendo bebidas alcohólicas sin contar con permiso.

De acuerdo a la Policia Municipal, la negociación clausurada es "Plan B", localizada en la plaza comercial Baja Malibú y se detuvo a César Martínez Ramírez, de 38 años.

Según los oficiales, fue el personal de Reglamentos quienes les indicaron que se percataron sobre la irregularidad que estaba sucediendo y fueron ellos quienes pidieron el apoyo de la Secretaría de Seguridad Pública Municipal (SSPM).

Dog needs a temporary home

Cheryl Shepard's brother Terry had an accident wherein his car caught on fire and his feet were horribly burnt. It's pretty bad.

He has a bitch named JJ, a one year old spayed black lab mix. She weighs about 40 lbs and has had all her shots. She was in the car with Terry when the fire started and he went back in to rescue her - so he loves this dog.

She hasn't been trained very well but I think she could be. She's a nice dog and good guard dog as she will let you know when anyone comes near the house. She needs a good home to stay in while Terry's in the hospital. It will need to be a fenced yard situation. They're no money in it although all food will be paid for.  Her friend, JoEllen, would be willing to field some legal questions for the favor.  Cheryl says she's sweet and nice dog. Cheryl doesn't have a yard, only a small patio that's easily escapable - and she hops the little wall and takes off. Cheryl's can't keep her and Terry will be in the hospital in San Diego for about 3 months.

They had to cut off the skin and meat from his toes to his heel and so far has amputated one toe.  She/we need someone to give JJ a place to stay until Terry comes back to Rosarito - he lives in Rene's campo.
Please circulate this around and maybe someone will be kind enough to help.

Break-ins

According to information provided to the SADM Administrator, there has been a series of break-ins and attempted break-ins over the past week and a half.

1) The most recent incident (reported 4/22/2010) was the theft of a computer from a residence in the 100 block of Cantil. This theft occurred sometime during the night/early morning in an office area of the residence while the occupants were present in other areas. In this incident, the perpetrator gained entrance through an unlocked window.

2) At approximately 2:30 am yesterday (April 21), a perpetrator attempted to break into an occupied residence in the 400 block of Farallon, but was driven off by the residents.

3) Last week, we received reports of an individual running across roof-tops adjacent to the 600-block pool. In the same week, attempted break-ins occurred in 2 occupied homes in the 800 block of Roca during the early morning hours. In both cases, it appears only one perpetrator was involved, and in one, the residents left bedroom sliding doors unlocked. An unoccupied house in the 700 block of Roca was forcibly entered. Relatively inexpensive, small items were taken from the residence but it was ransacked. The thief entered through a small side window (12 x 12 inches) which he had broken.

4) Sometime during the past ten days while the homeowners were away, a burglar broke down the entrance of their house in the 400 block of Farallon and stole a computer and other small valuables. This crime was reported today. Our security stated that there was evidence the burglar had turned off the electricity, perhaps in an attempt to determine if anyone was present before committing the burglary.

Based on the limited information available, it is our opinion that these incidents are a pattern of criminal activity committed by one individual who is apparently of medium build, thin (entrance through very small window at Roca house), agile (athletic), most likely young.

These are the incidents that have been reported to the Administrator’s office. It is critically important, as we pointed out in our recent Security Bulletin of April 14, that residents report IMMEDIATELY to the guard caseta (631 30 26) any crimes and/or suspicious activity or behavior. DO NOT HESITATE TO REPORT ANYTHING OR ANYONE THAT CAUSES YOU CONCERN. Also, if a crime has been committed in the past and you discover it now, even minor thefts, report them to the Administrator, Dr. Alvarez (631 33 63).

In two of these incidents, the perpetrator entered through an unsecured window or door. Make certain that all entrances into your house are locked at all times, even if you are present in your residence or leaving it for a short period of time. This is especially urgent for those houses which have entrances that are easily accessible or immediately adjacent to the street, vacant lots, unoccupied residences, etc.

Also in two of the incidents, ladders were conveniently available for the thief to gain access to upper levels of the residences. Do a security inventory of your residence and its surroundings to make certain that items are not present that can aid or encourage a break-in. We have continually recommended that residents install a security alarm system in their houses. If you are not able to do this, at least have motion detector lights placed strategically around the perimeter of your property. In the case of one of the attempted break-ins on Roca, the motion-sensitive lights which turned on when the perpetrator entered a patio area contributed to scaring him off.

Finally, San Antonio is a large community. We have over 800 lot parcels with houses on most. Our security team can be present at only one place at any given time. In a real sense, each of us has to consider ourselves a “security guard.” We ARE the first line of prevention and defense for ourselves and our neighbors.

We hope with your support, your extra vigilance, the strengthening of your house security and encouragement of neighbors to do the same, we will put an end to the current string of property crimes and eliminate the need for notices such as this.

Your San Antonio del Mar Homeowners Committee and Administrator

Al Rosen, President

Dra. Martha Alvarez, Administrator

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH BREAK-IN REPORTS - Ladders & advisory correction

At noontime on Thursday, April 22, the occupant at Calle Farallon, Nº 414, returned home to discover that her house had been burglarized.

SAM security and a team of TJ police officers arrived soon thereafter. If you find evidence of burglary when you return home, do not enter it. Call SAM security (631.3967)and the Tijuana police (066) and let them enter first. Also, please contact your neighborhood watch Captain.

The door strike in the wooden door frame had been jimmied to gain access to the house at ground level of the home.  The thieves turned off the circuit breakers located at the front of the house, apparently to ensure that the house was unoccupied. After no one turned the breakers back on, they entered the property at night over/through the back fence, which was located immediately adjacent to the carretera. Neighbors were unable to observe any disruption or activity because side and front walls completely obscured observation from those perspectives.  They completely ransacked the home, among items taken were a personal computer, jewelry, a telephone, foodstuffs, and a white sweatshirt with the word "ENGLAND" printed on the chest.

This blue/purple mochila (backpack) was used to carry items up the bank behind the home to the fence. The items were apparently handed to another accomplice over the fence; it belonged to one of the burglars.

All or most of the food in the refrigerator had spoiled, and had to be discarded.
______________________________________

Two recent break-ins in SADM were facilitated by unsecured ladders in occupied homes thoughtfully left in an area near homes where the burglars could use them to gain entry.

Intruder Event Follow-up - Neighborhood Watch

At approximately 2:30 this morning a black-clad male intruder wearing a baseball cap attempted to break into a second-story window at the rear of the occupied residence at Nº 422, Calle Farallon.

The rear of the home is completely fenced with cyclone fencing and barbed wire, separating the home from a vacant lot and the carretera, which was breached by the intruder. Awakened by noises, one of the occupants awoke to see the outline of a man at a window as he was breaking the window in an attempt to gain entry into the home.

BROKEN SCREEN – VIEW FROM ABOVE THE WINDOW – THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW LEDGE IS APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL

BROKEN REAR WINDOW

At that point, a ladder the man had found at the rear of the home to reach the window became unstable and he returned to the ground. The occupant then awoke her companion and went to the front of the house to call the police. As she did this, the intruder went to the front of the house, and climbed to the second-story terrazza of the home, apparently unaware that the house was occupied. When he approached the front sliding-glass entry door, he encountered the male occupant, turned and fled down a couple of steps and jumped to the top of a wall separating the home from the adjacent building. He ran along to top of this wall and leapt up to the top of another wall which abutted the wall he was on, and jumped or fell about 15 feet to the street below.

A team of six Tijuana police officers and a security guard from the colonia arrived no less than ten minutes after the call to emergency services was completed. After they made a quick search of the immediate scene, they departed.

Although the intruder was described as “ … the fastest man I have ever seen.” and “very agile” he may have suffered an injury during his flight from the terrazza.  Please be on the look-out for a male of medium height who has recently suffered an injury, especially to the hip, leg, or ankle.

Neighborhood Watch Advisory

INTRUDER ALERT: At approximately 2:30 AM a male twice tried to break into the home at Calle Farallon #422. San Antonio del Mar Security & Tijuana police team are presently searching for suspect.

The suspect is described as "fast and agile."

SAN ANTONIO DEL MAR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NOTICE - HIGH VOLTAGE HAZARD

There is a broken street lamp hanging from the pole at Calle Farallon #469.

The good news is that Miguel at the security caseta tells me that the municipal lighting workers will come out and fix it.

The bad news is that the wind is blowing it around while it dangles next to the electrical service drop circuits that feed several homes nearby.  This condition may result in downed service wiring, a pole fire, and/or the creation of a ground plane differential in proximity to the fallen wires.

It is recommended that this hazard be avoided until the street lamp fairy fixes it (see photo).

Saludos,

Pat

BEACH CLEAN-UP AT SAN ANTONIO DEL MAR

El Niño has given us much needed rain. But El Niño also has left piles of trash and debris on our beaches. Please join your neighbors for a few hours (or whatever amount of time you can volunteer) to restore our beaches to their natural beauty – SUNDAY, MARCH 21, STARTING AT 8:00 AM AT THE SOUTH PARK.   This is a regional activity and is coordinated with El Proyecto Fronterizo. We need your help. Put this on your calendar.

We especially need 4X4 TRUCKS OR ATVS to haul the bags of trash off the beach. Help your community do a beautiful thing!

Your San Antonio del Mar Homeowners Committee and Administrator

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME TIME ZONE CHANGES ARE UPCOMING:

The pyramid clock of the snake god Kulkulkan in the temple city of Chichen Itza in Mexico is the world’s largest clock. The solstices and equinoxes are indicated by the shadows cast on its steps in relation to the position of the Sun:

Excerpted from URL: http://www.timeanddate.com/news/time/mexico-starts-dst-2010.html

Mexico One Hour Ahead on Easter, April 4, 2010

Most of Mexico will officially begin daylight saving time (DST) on Sunday, April 4, 2010, which is Easter Sunday. However, some of Mexico’s northern regions that border the United States will start DST at the same time as the United States and Canada.

The states of Sonora and Arizona do not observe DST, and remain on Mountain Standard Time (MST) all year round.

Mexico’s DST Schedule

Most of Mexico observes a daylight saving schedule that begins on the first Sunday of April, when the clocks move forward by one hour from 2 A.M. (02:00) to 3 A.M. (03:00) local time.  The DST schedule ends on the last Sunday of October, when the clocks move back from 2 A.M. (02:00) to 1 A.M. (01:00) local time.

Some areas in northern Mexico that border the United States follow a slightly different daylight saving schedule.  DST for these areas runs from the second Sunday of March until the first Sunday of November. This schedule applies to: Tijuana, Mexicali, Ciudad Juarez, Ojinaga, Ciudad Acuña, Piedras Negras, Anahuac, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, and Matamoros.

These areas follow the United States’ DST schedule as a way of maintaining strong business ties and economic relations between US/Mexico border cities and towns. Mexico’s Congress passed a law in December 2009 to ensure that the amended DST schedule for these areas would occur from 2010 onwards.  Sonora does not observe DST so the time does not change there.

I have been told that a modified Horario synchronized with the U.S. DST change will be observed in the entire State of Baja California, not just Tijuana and Mexicali, beginning March 14.  The Federal Congress has apparently approved this change thanks to a petition recently submitted by Sr. Gastón Luken, a Tijuana federal congressman.

I do not know the exact date the petition was approved.

18+ KILOMETERS OF BAD ROAD

It has been established in the Mexican Constitution that citizens have the free right to travel within the national territory, but apparently not according to the brain trust at Capufe (Caminos y Puentes Federales). Approximately 5 thousand Pesos a month are paid every month by hundreds of families living in fraccionamientos such as Real del Mar, Baja Malibu, Punta Bandera, San Marino, San Antonio del Mar, La Joya, and Hacienda del Mar to travel the only road to Playas. Additional campos in the region have the same dilemma.

Jorge Altamirano, the President of the Real del Mar Asociación de Vecinos urged Federal officials from Capufe, Banobras and la Secretaría de Hacienda yesterday to eliminate the toll booth which requires local residents to pay for the 18 kilometer trip to Playas de Tijuana.