BajaNomad - ARE YOU TIRED OF BEING BRUTALIZED IN CIUDAD CONSTITUCION?

ARE YOU TIRED OF BEING BRUTALIZED IN CIUDAD CONSTITUCION?

DENNIS - 7-10-2010 at 06:44 PM

I'll bet you are. The street-side extortion is intolerable, not only for the expense, but the humiliation which you have to endure only to drive through this city.
All you want to do is pass through while obeying all traffic laws. That's all.

But....there seems to be a hinderance to your journey; a crew of predator cops who insist on your payments of serious money for nebulous infractions. Things not done.

How Mexican this is, the little bite that has so much cultural reference and works so well in the community when it's controlled and expected. It's almost a relief to use the process when your time comes. It's painless and convenient whem properly administered.

Oh ****** yeah?........That's not what were talking about in Ciudad Constitución.
We are talking about extortion commited by people who are allowed to wear guns. They, the city police, are robbing travelers through their otherwise fine city.
The city condones their actions.
The city enjoys a piece of the action, whether through subsidizing pay with this method, or a more greenback kick-back method.

The point is...they are strong-arm robbing US travelers as they traverse the town.

In real appreciation of my Nomad friend's efforts to co-opt the local law enforcement agencies, Mexican, of course, and seemingly apprise these agencies of activities which they are sure the agencies are unaware of, I must find their efforts mis, if not totally uninformed.

In other words, my buddies are completely nuts.
Efforts to appeal to the US government are a laughable joke and they will fall on deaf ears. They're only here to support business....not citizens.

So....what do we do to ****** the scumball cops in CC? We affect the people who support them. Local and southern businesses.

We boycot all businesses in and south of CC.

We don't go there. We don't shop there. We tell the businesses why.

Boycot everything in and south of CC.
Boycot everything north of CC if you live south.

Tourists....don't go through there. Don't go south of there till they work it out.

I'm sick and tired of these efforts appealing to useless agencies to solve our problems. We can do it without them.

They won't do it anyway.

OK..............does this make any sense to anybody? Lemme know later. I'm going back to Sharky's.

[Edited on 7-11-2010 by BajaNomad]

David K - 7-10-2010 at 06:50 PM

Too bad there isn't a Libramente Constitucion highway that goes around the place, so we don't have to go through it!

Unless you use the Baja 1000 race course, there isn't an option to get to La Paz without passing through CIUDAD MORDIDA!

woody with a view - 7-10-2010 at 06:52 PM

if you ain't trying your dead.....

i'm just glad all of our fun zones are WAY north of that outhouse....

DENNIS - 7-10-2010 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Too bad there isn't a Libramente Constitucion highway that goes around the place, so we don't have to go through it!

I doubt that technique would escape the police.
In fact, that would probably be another infraction.

Boycott [how many Ts are in boycot] the freakin place.

I'm tellin' ya...this is the answer.

Problem is.., and I know it,...Americans don't have a clue as to solidarity. We only worry about our own little world.

That will make all of these appeals useless.

David K - 7-10-2010 at 07:13 PM

Boycotting Constitucion is fine, but how do you suggest we pass throught it to get to La Paz? Maybe you mean we should AVOID it, and that would mean a boycott of all businesses south of there, too?

Maybe Jesse can help? Is there no free press in Baja Sur to report on this crime comitted by the Constitucion police?

DENNIS - 7-10-2010 at 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Boycotting Constitucion is fine, but how do you suggest we pass throught it to get to La Paz? Maybe you mean we should AVOID it, and that would mean a boycott of all businesses south of there, too?

What I'm saying is, for tourists, don't go south of there. Don't spend your money there or south of there. Let those who expect your money know why you won't be spending it there or south of there.
Eventually, and not to far removed, the word will get out from the southern business community that CC is causing a substantial loss of revenue and people with power will step in.
I've only said this about a thousand times, but others here want to appeal to the spiritual qualities of local agencies who, in fact, couldn't care less. That includes the US Consulate.

That reeeeely includes the US Consulate.

bajariverrat - 7-10-2010 at 07:42 PM

In the Mexicali Valley and northern Baja we have a hotline...072 to call and report corruption. A guy from the Internal Affairs Dept. (I know, could be a big joke!), came and talked to us and handed out posters and bumper stickers. I don't know if 072 is good throughout Baja, only Baja North, or only the Mexicali Valley. I'll get the guy's name and contact info. for anyone who wants it and U2U to you. After the earthquake on Easter, we were having a HUGE problem with shakedowns in Mexicali. The main problem was police officers collecting money which the IA guy said should never happen, even if you were wrong and the amount seems fair.

mtgoat666 - 7-10-2010 at 07:46 PM

dennis,
you have not been to CdC in many years, and probably never will again. why the inebriated rant?

desertcpl - 7-10-2010 at 07:53 PM

Cuss Dennis wants :fire:

fishabductor - 7-10-2010 at 08:24 PM

While were at we should tell businesses north of CCD that they will be boycotted from those of us that live south of CCD. I like going to Agua Verde, mag bay, loreto...etc. but I don't want to mess with dirty cops.

Russ - 7-10-2010 at 08:43 PM

This just not reported from CdC! They are now stopping all north bound speeding buses in the morning and south bound at night. Shift change? They are making all passengers pay a fine for speeding. :wow:

Paula - 7-10-2010 at 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
This just not reported from CdC! They are now stopping all north bound speeding buses in the morning and south bound at night. Shift change? They are making all passengers pay a fine for speeding. :wow:

Salsa - 7-10-2010 at 09:13 PM

I just sent an Email to Palmes de Cortez stating that we will NOT be coming until the Highway Robbery in Constitucion is fixed.

Don

chnlisle - 7-10-2010 at 09:46 PM

There is something I just have to tell the BajaNomads who actually think they can do something about the problem in Ciudad Constitución. Give it up. No way, Jose. You really have NO CLUE as to what is going on in Baja California Sur. I saw a post that Jesse made a few days ago about the real Baja California Sur, but it went right over your collective heads. The government of Baja California Sur and organized crime go together like "peas and carrots," as Forrest Gump was known to say. The reason why the homicide rate is so low down there, compared to the rest of Mexico, is that the "plazas" are all well defined and protected by the government.

If you read Spanish, here is a recent article in Zeta about the situation down there:

http://www.zetatijuana.com/html/Edicion1889/Reportajez_Captu...

The Reader's Digest Version: The carteles and government are in bed together. They are even cousins.

Your problems in Ciudad Constitución are not from some rogue cops operating outside the law. They are part of the system. They operate with the consent of the government. There is nobody, and I mean NOBODY, in Baja California Sur that is going to do one damn thing about it. You are talking about a state government that just tried to assassinate the state senator, Coppola.

The governor of BCS is Narciso Agúndez Montaño. He is as dirty as they come. The governor before him was his cousin, Leonel Cota Montaño. It is dynasty down there. If you ever wonder why you pay $100 for a taxi ride from the airport to the hotel in Cabo, in a thrid world country where gas is $2.50 a gallon and wages are $5 a day, it's because Narciso owns a major taxi company. These people are so crooked, when they die they will have to screw them into the ground.

If you drive through there, you are just another chicken to be plucked. Writing to the businesses complaining about the mordida won't do jack for you. They are as helpless as the rest.

JESSE - 7-10-2010 at 09:46 PM

Federal congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Esthela Ponce is dining with us, i already explained the problem to her and told her this is getting out of hand, she promises she will do something about it.

BajaBruno - 7-10-2010 at 10:18 PM

If nothing else, I agree with Dennis that the sole focus of the US Consulate is US business interests. Other than that, they feign concern, but are functionally totally indifferent.

Unfortunately, I doubt Dennis' strategy will work--the Mexican mindset is simply to ignore broad economic reality for short-term gain. There are exceptions, of course, but they are rare.

woody with a view - 7-10-2010 at 10:23 PM

Quote:

the Mexican mindset is simply to ignore broad economic reality for short-term gain. There are exceptions, of course, but they are rare.

well said. but i think that applies, unfortunately, to the mass of the human race.......

DENNIS - 7-10-2010 at 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Federal congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Esthela Ponce is dining with us, i already explained the problem to her and told her this is getting out of hand, she promises she will do something about it.

Buy her a Pacifico....on me.

DENNIS - 7-10-2010 at 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Salsa
I just sent an Email to Palmes de Cortez stating that we will NOT be coming until the Highway Robbery in Constitucion is fixed.

Don

Excellent. The straw that WILL break the camels back.
Thanks, Don.

k-rico - 7-10-2010 at 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chnlisle

The carteles and government are in bed together.

Sounds peaceful to this TJ guy. Make love, not war. :tumble:

DENNIS - 7-10-2010 at 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chnlisle
Writing to the businesses complaining about the mordida won't do jack for you. They are as helpless as the rest.

Kind of makes you want to say, Screw Baja, doesn't it. This place is going to the starving dogs.

BajaBruno - 7-10-2010 at 10:41 PM

Dear woody with a view (I love that moniker on so many levels, BTW), I agree that in a macroeconomic view the world is short-sighted, but third world countries have the disadvantage of poor education and few good job opportunities, which makes them, as you know well, particularly myopic.

We have all driven through a village with a tope (I call them Enterprise Zones) where some resourceful citizen has opened a stand selling, maybe mangos, only to have fourteen other mango-selling booths next to him the next time you drive through. "Hey, if he can make money selling mangos, so can I!!!" Well, as supply and demand dictates, there are only so many mangos to be sold and they all go hungry where one prospered.

First World countries have the same issues, but at much higher levels and at such high societal costs that it takes trillions of dollars (instead of dozens) to fix the mess the greed creates.

DENNIS - 7-10-2010 at 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chnlisle
If you drive through there, you are just another chicken to be plucked. Writing to the businesses complaining about the mordida won't do jack for you. They are as helpless as the rest.

I never suggested appealing to businesses. I only proposed they be apprised as to why individual plans have changed.
Businesses will extrapolate cause and develop their own response.
I have to believe the business community has some clout left. It's their livlihood at risk. Not ours.

[Edited on 7-11-2010 by DENNIS]

irenemm - 7-11-2010 at 01:17 AM

The Hwy I goes through town? I have never been south. I was talking with a retired cop from Ensenada and I know this from here also. If you are on the Federal hwy the Local cop can not stop you only a Federal cop black and whites.
A federal cop can not pull you over on the city street.
This cop told me CC is just like Vicente Guerrero, Main Hwy through town and dirt road every where else. She also said (female cop that's right) that the Police Station is open. It is open everyday. The Delagado's office is closed but the station is open.
Someone stated they got stopped by a federal cop south of San Quintin and he wanted you to pay the fine to him . Just for future reference in the County of Ensenada which by the way is goes to Guerrero Negro. You can only pay it in Ensenada. NO office out side the City of Ensenada.
So if your on Hwy I you can tell the Officer you know he has no right to stop you on the FEDERAL HWY.
But Dennis is right boycott the businesses and they will do something about the crooked cops.

fishabductor - 7-11-2010 at 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by irenemm

But Dennis is right boycott the businesses and they will do something about the crooked cops.

Consider yourself included by us BCS people, if we are going to boycott all business south of CCD, us Southerns should do the same to all Northern business. I for one won't be going north of CCD

Iflyfish - 7-11-2010 at 05:51 AM

Jesse

"Federal congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Esthela Ponce is dining with us, i already explained the problem to her and told her this is getting out of and, she promises she will do something about it."

Thank you Jesse. Water running through rock created the Grand Canyon and the Copper Canyon. Make a stink, make news, do what Jesse has done with people you know, report Police Extortion in Ciudad Constitution.

If people have experienced Police Extortion in Ciudad Constitution in the recent past I hope they will join the others who have sent detailed reports of their experience to:

American Citizen Services

US Consulate General Tijuana

ACSTijuana@state.gov

Please also report your experiences driving through Ciudad Constitution here on Baja Nomads.

Thanks,

Iflyfish

[Edited on 7-11-2010 by Iflyfish]

Osprey - 7-11-2010 at 06:36 AM

I'll let our local regidor know that a large part of 15,000 people who use a common internet forum will not be driving Mex 1 to any distination south of CC until the police problem there eases back into the 100 peso per stop area. I mean, 7 bucks is like a toll -- you can't expect pavo frio.

Skeet/Loreto - 7-11-2010 at 06:49 AM

Happy Days are here Again!!!!

Keep it up Fish. The people of Constitution are very Happy to here all the crazy DOPER Americano SPEEDERS are going to stay away.!!

Constitution goT started so many years ago and developed into a Great Community with a buNch of Great People. Some of the Best Medical Care in all of Baja Sur, lots of real help and care for the Poor children out in the Fields.'Rasing lots of good Corn, giving people lots of work, and not giving a Damn about a bunch of CRY BABY Whimps that are going broke because they got caught Speeding throuGh their To.

Their comment to me,

GOOD RIDDANCE, BAD RUBBISH!!!

Hurray

Constitution: Keep it up! Hope you put on a couple of more Officers as I suggested.

Skeet/Loreto

DENNIS - 7-11-2010 at 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishabductor
Consider yourself included by us BCS people, if we are going to boycott all business south of CCD, us Southerns should do the same to all Northern business. I for one won't be going north of CCD

Good. That's the idea. Tell your friends to do the same.

Osprey - 7-11-2010 at 06:58 AM

Okay, now you've done. That's it. I'm changing my vote. Not voting for Skeet for "Nomad of the Year".

DENNIS - 7-11-2010 at 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
I'll let our local regidor know that a large part of 15,000 people who use a common internet forum will not be driving Mex 1 to any distination south of CC until the police problem there eases back into the 100 peso per stop area. I mean, 7 bucks is like a toll -- you can't expect pavo frio.

Great. Now you're talkin', Jorge. That will be my fantasy for the day, that even a small percentage of that number of self-centered Americans could mount such a concerted effort, but it's fun to think about.

DENNIS - 7-11-2010 at 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto

Poor children out in the Fields.'Rasing lots of good Corn,

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087050/

David K - 7-11-2010 at 07:20 AM

Skeet.... in other posts Nomads have reported being pulled over for made up crimes, not for speeding. It reads like pure mordida practices.

I am sure the 'people' of Costitucion are fine Mexicans who deserve our business... but they have a crooked police force from so many reports posted here.

Skeet/Loreto - 7-11-2010 at 07:31 AM

David K.

That may be so David, But--------------- I do not beleive that most of the people stopped were not speeding.

Sure it is like every other Town in Mesico. Happens every Day.

It is just the way, manner, and words used such as "Brutalized" "Raped" etc.

Just think how bad those Poor Babies look when they come out the South end of Constitution!!!

DENNIS - 7-11-2010 at 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto

Just think how bad those Poor Babies look when they come out the South end of Constitution!!!

Skeeterino....you have a way of characterizing this issue as one of indigestion. :lol:

DENNIS - 7-11-2010 at 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto

I do not beleive that most of the people stopped were not speeding.

Careful, Skeet. You'll be giving the city fathers ideas, like posting speed limit signs all over town that show a great big zero.

BajaBlanca - 7-11-2010 at 07:55 AM

When we were driving north from la paz recently, before reading this forum, we were amazed at how "empty" the streets on CC were. For sure - without a shadow of a doubt, those businesses need people to spend pesos or they will NOT be in business for very long. There was not one person in the cafe we stopped at for coffee .... not one person in the restaurant we stopped at for breakfast ... we were alone.

woody with a view - 7-11-2010 at 07:57 AM

they were all in the twilight zone.......

Marc - 7-11-2010 at 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by irenemm
The Hwy I goes through town? I have never been south. I was talking with a retired cop from Ensenada and I know this from here also. If you are on the Federal hwy the Local cop can not stop you only a Federal cop black and whites.
A federal cop can not pull you over on the city street.
This cop told me CC is just like Vicente Guerrero, Main Hwy through town and dirt road every where else. She also said (female cop that's right) that the Police Station is open. It is open everyday. The Delagado's office is closed but the station is open.
Someone stated they got stopped by a federal cop south of San Quintin and he wanted you to pay the fine to him . Just for future reference in the County of Ensenada which by the way is goes to Guerrero Negro. You can only pay it in Ensenada. NO office out side the City of Ensenada.
So if your on Hwy I you can tell the Officer you know he has no right to stop you on the FEDERAL HWY.
But Dennis is right boycott the businesses and they will do something about the crooked cops.

Badges?? We don't gota show you no stinkin' badges!! :mad:

Ciudad Constitución

Dave - 7-11-2010 at 09:37 AM

The least they should do is rename the place.

Maybe the city fathers had a sense of humor...or purpose. :rolleyes:

DavidE - 7-11-2010 at 10:14 AM

Chnlisle estimado señor...

Big sharks eat little sharks entiendes? What -could- happen is if the impossible should take place and enough tourists stop at the large markets, stores and hotels and tell management (not some sleepy cash register jockey or el velador) that you refuse to stop and spend money in Constituction, then these guys are going to start biting the smaller sharks. It is a matter of greed and cajones.

As far as corruption, Constituction is a joke as compared to Culiacan Sinaloa. A firecracker compared to an H-bomb. A few years ago a transito tried to tell me that I had ran a red light. The semafora was not working. I spent a half hour with el commandante and he chewed the cop's ass out up one side and down the other. An act? I doan theen so. The cop's face turned beet red, the veins on his neck stuck out and he sweated like a pig.

I wasn't joking when I advised victims to take the time, go to the police station and tell el commandante that the cop demanded an on-the-spot fine of five hundred dollars. There is no better way to screw up a conspiracy than to turn one crook against a fellow crook.

But people will continue to weep and groan, they'll spend hours gossiping in forums, ranting and roaring....but then when red lights appear in their rear view mirror, they'll continue to fork over the loot...

Bajatripper - 7-11-2010 at 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chnlisle
There is something I just have to tell the BajaNomads who actually think they can do something about the problem in Ciudad Constitución. Give it up. No way, Jose. You really have NO CLUE as to what is going on in Baja California Sur.

You guys who feel that such efforts are totally useless may be right. Perhaps nothing will change.

But, as someone pointed out a while back, over the years similar things have happened in other parts of the peninsula (TJ during the 70s comes to mind), and enough public outrage was raised to get the attention needed to put a stop to it.

And perhaps it is true that the Big Boys in the state have such a great racket going in the drug trade that they simply don't care. But won't the noise that complaining tourists make bring an unwanted spotlight into the region that could cause harm to those interests? If that were to happen, I'm guessing that those who could be harmed would want to squash the bugs that are responsible. Or maybe not.

While I find Dennis' proposed boycott appealing, I don't think it is practical. Too many of us live in the affected zone and we aren't in a position to support such a boycott. The big tourist dollars fly in, anyway, so they aren't affected by what's going on in CC.

Call me clueless, but I think that the campaign to make public officials aware of it is our best bet. The mordida may be part of the Mexican culture, but what's going on in CC isn't that--as someone else above stated much more eloquently. This situation is highway robbery of tourists, and that isn't something that is usually tolerated in most parts of the world for very long. Will CC be the exception?

Just some thoughts from a clueless one.

Osprey - 7-11-2010 at 10:20 AM

Some years ago in La Paz a government official put the arm on everyone who had to get permisos, made a ton of pesos and forgot to share those pesos with the other people in his office. They ratted him out, he was fired, fined and eventually jailled, made to give the money up. We never learned who the money went to. What's your guess? Comitan probably can give us more inside dope on that one. Not sharing is not caring.

comitan - 7-11-2010 at 10:23 AM

She.

Osprey - 7-11-2010 at 10:25 AM

Okay, she. tell us all about it.

DENNIS - 7-11-2010 at 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper
While I find Dennis' proposed boycott appealing, I don't think it is practical.
Call me clueless, but I think that the campaign to make public officials aware of it is our best bet.

There's impracticality in everything proposed for one reason or the other, so why don't we do both. If any new suggestions come up, do that too.
The only thing that's guaranteed not to work in our behalf is doing nothing.

comitan - 7-11-2010 at 10:27 AM

Osprey

Thank god that problem is gone hopefully never to be mentioned again.

Bajatripper - 7-11-2010 at 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by irenemm
If you are on the Federal hwy the Local cop can not stop you only a Federal cop black and whites.
A federal cop can not pull you over on the city street.

Just for future reference in the County of Ensenada which by the way is goes to Guerrero Negro. You can only pay it in Ensenada. NO office out side the City of Ensenada.

Yes, it is Highway 1 that goes through CC. But, as you likely know, Irene, in most (if not all) cities in Mexico, Federal juristiction ends just before one arrives in town and starts up right after town. It is usually announced by a sign posted where the transition in authority happens.

And if memory serves me correctly, Ensenada comprises Mexico's largest municipality.

Alan - 7-11-2010 at 10:29 AM

I think combination of all of the suggestions presented thus far WILL have an effect. This "combined campaign approach" demonstrated it's effectiveness as recently as two years ago on the Rosarito gauntlet as I haven't heard reports of problems involving tourists in quite sometime. It may take longer in CC because they don't have cartel battles to spotlight them but with enough pressure things will change.

If you always do things the same way, you will always get the same results.

comitan - 7-11-2010 at 10:32 AM

Just a suggestion, don't drive in the center lanes drive in the side lanes where the Mexican's drive you won't be so conspicuous unless your driving a 40ft Class A MH.

Bajatripper - 7-11-2010 at 10:33 AM

Quote:

If any new suggestions come up, do that too.

I personally favor blowing the vermin away with Dirty Harry's weapon of choice. I guarantee that if two-three foreign-plated vehicles left a dead crooked cop in their wake, their buddies would quit pulling us over. Where are all those armed Americans when you need them?

[Edited on 7-11-2010 by Bajatripper]

[Edited on 7-11-2010 by Bajatripper]

Skeet/Loreto - 7-11-2010 at 10:40 AM

Marc:

The named was changed From Villa Constitution to Cuidad Constitution when it became big enough.

The Poster who was there and nobody around must of been when there was something going on elsewhere. When I was there Last year and a couple of Months ago it was thiving , crowded and very Populated.
They had been moving a ,long with not too much increase until about 3 or 4 years ago when the price of Corn went up, then the Town Took Off.

For those of you who wonder, I think that if the PRI gets in control there will be some definite changes.

How many people driving through Constitution know What is the Reason for the Memorial located about 10 miles south of Constitution on the right side of the Road. It is White in Color and quiet Large.

Skeet/Loreto

Bajatripper - 7-11-2010 at 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
When we were driving north from la paz recently, before reading this forum, we were amazed at how "empty" the streets on CC were. For sure - without a shadow of a doubt, those businesses need people to spend pesos or they will NOT be in business for very long. There was not one person in the cafe we stopped at for coffee .... not one person in the restaurant we stopped at for breakfast ... we were alone.

Not that I'm an expert on CC. But I experienced a similar situation of abandoned streets/shops in La Paz recently. I'm wondering if you might remember the day. If Mexico was participating in the World Cup still, that could have accounted for it, as it did here. It was a great time to be out taking care of business, no lines anywhere.

My Post from a Similar Thread

Bajahowodd - 7-11-2010 at 04:07 PM

I've posted on a number of the CC threads. Agree or not, it has been my belief that the corruption here is widespread and endemic. Just think about it. Constitucion is NOT a tourist destination. A huge number of Baja travelers just pass through. I agree that there is quite a bit of economic activity there, given the vast agriculture industry. But, the vast number of travelers, mostly gringos, are, in effect, traveling from the tourist destination of Loreto to the tourist destinations of La Paz and Los Cabos. Most don't stop for anything. So, and call me crazy, conspiratorial, but since the highway is, in effect, a pinch point for the travelers, it just makes a certain sense that the folks in CC can get their share of the tourist dollar by busting the folks passing through. Maybe this idea flies in the face of the traditional idea of crooked cops trying to eek out a living. But this has become so frequent as to become the norm. All that said, as someone posted above, given that federal jurisdiction of Mex 1 stops at the city border, I recommend that the city erect a toll both just inside the city. Charge a toll for those who are clearly not local, and do away with the annoying shakedown situation that exists today.

Bajatripper - 7-11-2010 at 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Charge a toll for those who are clearly not local, and do away with the annoying shakedown situation that exists today.

That's a great idea, Bajahowodd. In fact, Mexico already has just such a program instituted that they could use as a blueprint. I drove out to Palenque last summer and had to pay at a toll booth across the national highway prior to being given access to the park itself, where I also had to pay. And I did notice that it was aimed only at tourists. The reason given was to generate funds for the conservation of the region. I'd pay for access to the Cape Region and not feel ripped off, but only if we did away with these pesky cops in CC.

Bajahowodd - 7-11-2010 at 04:36 PM

I would also point out that the Ciudad Constitucion area took a major hit from Hurricane Jimena last year. Massive infrastructure damage and huge agricultural losses. This may be at least a small part of the motivation to garner additional revenue. Despite their relative proximity, neither La Paz nor Loreto sustained anything close to the damage that was witnessed in CC.

maspacifico - 7-11-2010 at 04:44 PM

Bajahowodd....couldn't agree more. I live on the East Cape and there is no reason to stop in Constitution other than to get gas, and that's in Insurgentes. I've got nothing against it, or it's people, it doesn't fit into my timetable and a tourist destination is a stretch. I've never been stopped there till the incredible, invisible, pedestrian scam came up. That's a doozy with the traffic going every which way. I almost believed it, cause who could tell while dodging traffic running the stop signs? That was March and I did the "go to the station" thing and they told me to go away. I would happily pay 500 pesos for a toll road that takes a left after the Sierra Giganticas and ends up at the junction between Los Barilles and Todos Santos. Maybe a petition.........

DENNIS - 7-11-2010 at 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
This may be at least a small part of the motivation to garner additional revenue. Despite

OhhhhPuleeeeze....don't be offering any justification or noble motivation for this larceny. It is what it is. Highway Robbery.

bajarah - 7-11-2010 at 05:12 PM

Welcome to Mexico.

I will check with my brother in law who traels the length of the peninsula several times a month, and has been doing so for years, to see what he says about the situation.

A well known website used by travelers and prospective travelrs of baja california would help a lot to get the word out, assuming that it could reach a huge audience, including the businesses and people of baja california also.

I have relatives here right now from ensenada ... they brought their laptop computer and are in contacgt with the folks back home, so the viewing public is there.

DENNIS - 7-11-2010 at 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajarah
A well known website used by travelers and prospective travelrs of baja california would help a lot to get the word out, assuming that it could reach a huge audience, including the businesses and people of baja california also.

Are you suggesting a website in addition to BajaNomad or do you feel this one has sufficient coverage?

Marc - 7-11-2010 at 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
The least they should do is rename the place.

Maybe the city fathers had a sense of humor...or purpose. :rolleyes:

How about Cuidad Constipation :lol:

Iflyfish - 7-12-2010 at 08:35 AM

Comitan has added another useful suggestion when driving through Ciudad Constitution and that is to drive in the right hand lane with the locals if you do not have a conspicuous vehicle and do not make eye contact with police.

Another report of recent Police Extortion in Ciudad Constitution has been sent to

American Citizen Services

US Consulate General Tijuana

ACSTijuana@state.gov

Thank you and please send your reports to the email address above with as much detail as possible and u2u me that you have done so.

There is no guarantee that our efforts will succeed but we can certainly till the earth, trim the branches, water the trees and see if this bears fruit.

Thanks to those who have reported their experience, sent info to Baja news and information sites, kept this thread alive, told their friends, family and accountancies about the Police Extortion. Together, with enough exposure we may create enough attention to change what is going on. Now is the time to act, tag, you’re it.

Iflyfish

Bajahowodd - 7-12-2010 at 04:03 PM

I thought the whole idea in separating traffic, with islands, was to expedite the through traffic. It's been that way for years in Cancun on Av. Tulum. Funny thing is that there's no great uproar in Cancun over tourists being targeted for bogus traffic infractions. Obviously, some genius in Cd. Constitucion decided that having those center lanes for through traffic was akin to shooting fish in a barrel. And like I've mentioned before, given the huge number of incidences, this situation is not about a few rogue cops. Who, in their right mind could hang out in town and not notice foreign plated vehicles being pulled over by the policia? It's a revenue plan. CC's piece of the tourist dollar pie.

Lee - 7-12-2010 at 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Who, in their right mind could hang out in town and not notice foreign plated vehicles being pulled over by the policia? It's a revenue plan. CC's piece of the tourist dollar pie.

As Skeet has alluded, the populace of CC secretly, or openly, delight in gringoes being targeted. They know gringoes have money and can spare a few pesos to make the CC economy richer. And if I were to believe what Skeet has written, he is on CC's side -- as most gringoes passing through CC are speeding and Skeet doesn't like speeders. Esp. if they are young, uneducated and on dope.

Picture this: 2 cops, sitting in their truck after a gringo drives off, high-fiving, laughing to the point of tears, fingering the $40 US they just scammed.

''Did you see the look on that pedejo's face? I thought he was going to cry!''

cutexianchick - 7-12-2010 at 10:54 PM

FYI... we got "waved" over as soon as we got into town! LOL I was so irritated... but my husband handeled it. We were told it was just a check point, went with it and nothing happened.

Skeet/Loreto - 7-13-2010 at 06:47 AM

Lee: Yes I am very much in liking Constitution. I have many Friends there, Have had many good experiences.
Set up the "Warm Jackets for Cold Kids" several years ago and have delivered a lot of Jackets to the Cold Kids out in the Fields>

My wife and I have worked with several Doctors in the Area who are working with the many Children. There is a high incidence of Breathing problems among the kids.

Lee: Speeders are Dummies
DOPERS are Dummies

They Kill Innocent People

I think that 30 kmH is a safe Speed to go thropugh Constitution. There is lots of Foot Traffic on the Main Street.

ncampion - 7-13-2010 at 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto

I think that 30 kmH is a safe Speed to go thropugh Constitution. There is lots of Foot Traffic on the Main Street.

Actually the posted speed limit through Constitution is 40 km/h which is about 24 mph. Plenty slow enough for that good of road. I'm always careful to stay right at 40 km/h all the way through and still get pulled over. It's not really about actual traffic/safety violations, it's just plain extortion.

.

Barry A. - 7-13-2010 at 07:18 AM

I would try 20 mph and stay out of the way of other traffic and see how that works.

Barry

cutexianchick - 7-13-2010 at 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Lee: Yes I am very much in liking Constitution. I have many Friends there, Have had many good experiences.
Set up the "Warm Jackets for Cold Kids" several years ago and have delivered a lot of Jackets to the Cold Kids out in the Fields>

My wife and I have worked with several Doctors in the Area who are working with the many Children. There is a high incidence of Breathing problems among the kids.

Lee: Speeders are Dummies
DOPERS are Dummies

They Kill Innocent People

I think that 30 kmH is a safe Speed to go thropugh Constitution. There is lots of Foot Traffic on the Main Street.

Skeet I just want to interject something... I was so worried about keeping it at the speed limit and watching out for cops I probably made more mistakes through the town. If 40 kil is 30 MPG (i dont remember) it was hard for my foot to sit there. If you want to call me a dummie I dont care, but I'm not use to driving that slow. Yes I do speed and especially in Mexico, there speed limits are extremely low but I am not gong faster then what we do in USA. If you or anyone doesnt agree with me, that is okay we are all different.

sorry I am tired and awnery today!

fishabductor - 7-13-2010 at 10:26 AM

Skeet...you can count out a lot of gringos helping out CCD with the likes of Jackets...etc, until the problem is fixed. Why would anyone go out of their way to help out a town that targets gringos??

Just my .02.

[Edited on 7-13-2010 by fishabductor]

DENNIS - 7-13-2010 at 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishabductor
Why is Skeet is always calling everyone dummies and uneducated. Has he looked in the mirror lately? His grammar and spelling skills are horrendous, most people who can't spell are uneducated or just plain lazy.

You should know by now it's part of his charm. We have to respect tenure, if nothing else. :biggrin:

Skeet/Loreto - 7-13-2010 at 11:56 AM

Fishtaker

You are a Dummy if you cannot figure a way to get out of Paying when Stopped.

You are a Dummy if you think a bunch of Americanos can influence some people in La Paz to stop something that is happening all over Mexico!

Lookin the Mirror every day:

What do I see??
An old 80 year old Fart with Arthritis in both hands causing my left little finger to hit the S instead of the X aong other mishaps.

Degree in Criminal Investigation
Lots of experiences
38 years in Baja Sur(16 years full time)

Just got through mowing about an Acre of my 5 Acre Rancho, shoveling the Poop of two Horses, taking care of 2 Cats and Two Dogs.

Had a Triple Bypass in 2008, Doctor told me he just put 20 years on my Life.
Had another Treadmill last week say I might have to have another Stent.

Coming up October 5th this year I will celabrate being a Mason for 50 years.
Next week I will be installed as Junior Deacon in my Lodge.
Last week I drove the "MuleSkinners", truck in the Canyon July 4th
Shriners Parade.

I guess that I am too busy to make sure my Spelling is perfect, but would you beleive it I have a 1st Place Blue Ribbon hanging in my room that I got for Spelling in the 2nd Grade at Ada School House near Sweetwater Texas.

I still Fly Airplanes when I get a chance having about 6,000 Hours flying Single Engine Land and Glider Rating{Not Current}

Gnukid: Have you been to School in a High School Class recently?? Go and visit and you will see where i am coming from on the Dummies thing,

Skeet

fishabductor - 7-13-2010 at 12:19 PM

Skeet,

I have never had to pay in CCD, everytime I have been stopped I drove away without paying, however I was peeed off nontheless.

You are right it happens all over mexico, however it just so happens that CCD is the place it's happening very frequently and the people on this site have had enough. You don't see them mentioning it about any other town except CCD, because CCD has become an epidemic area
and numerous people here have had problems. If TJ was the area it was happening more frequently than TJ would be the topic of this discussion, however it's CCD.

I also agree with you that the likelyhood of La Paz helping is about nil.

You got me beat, I have only been coming to baja for 10years, 8 of which I have lived here full time. I am married to a local girl, with an extended ranching family and from what I gather from my talks with them, is that police corruption is not a thing to be proud of or to except. However it is a way of life for many.

Good to see you are out and about at 80y/o, that is the age my grandfather decided to hang up the commercial fishing in ketchikan, AK. However he continued to sail his 27' boat solo, crabbing and salmon fishing until he was 87.

[Edited on 7-13-2010 by fishabductor]