Thursday, December 10, 2009

Mexican officials meeting in Santa Ana

By THERESA CISNEROS
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ANTA ANA Leaders from across Southern and Baja California are gathering at the Police Department today to share information on public safety, economic development and regional infrastructure.
It's an ongoing effort to strengthen communication between cities on both sides of the border.

The discussions are taking place during the 2nd Bi-National Mayors of the Californias Summit – sponsored by the cities of Santa Ana and Rosarito Beach.

Mayor Miguel Pulido said such steps help Mexico become a stronger partner, which directly benefits the United States.
"A safer Mexico and a stronger Mexico is a better Mexico for us all," he said.

Local officials scheduled to participate include Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and Irvine Councilman Steven Choi. Mayors from Rosarito, Ensenada, Tijuana and Tecate are also participating.

They'll meet in small groups to talk about issues and draft plans.

They are trading ideas on renewable-energy technologies, water agencies and law enforcement.

The inaugural summit, held in Anaheim in January, focused mostly on boosting tourism in both regions, and was followed up by a summer meeting in Ensenada. The next gathering is scheduled for the spring in Rosarito.

Mayors on both sides say they're starting to see fruits from the increased communication.

The city of Ensenada, for example, has debuted new jail facilities and crime-predicting computer software based on what representatives witnessed during visits to the Santa Ana Police Department.




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