This week, María Quijada Maldonado will step in as interim mayor of Tecate. The City Council approved the move to ensure operational continuity and maintain governability while Mayor Román Cota Muñoz is away on an official trip.
Cota Muñoz is scheduled to travel from May 6 to 10, and during that time, Quijada Maldonado will take over his duties.
Mayor of Tecate Heads to China
According to Calafia Noticias, the mayor’s trip to China follows a direct invitation from Chinese companies already operating in Tecate.
In a statement, City Hall explained that these firms are looking to expand in the region, and Cota’s presence aims to strengthen commercial ties while opening up new opportunities for economic development.
Mayor Cota highlighted that these companies already generate around 350 local jobs. Their planned expansion, he added, could bring even more employment opportunities to the municipality.
The trip comes shortly after Cota met with the Consul General of China, Fu Xinrong, where both sides recognized the importance of collaboration to boost development, investment, and cultural exchange in Tecate.
The mayor clarified that all travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the inviting companies, meaning no burden will fall on the city’s budget.
Beyond visiting the businesses, Cota’s agenda also includes meetings with local government officials in China, with the goal of positioning Tecate as a competitive destination for international investment.
Back home, the City Council has approved Quijada Maldonado to carry out Cota’s responsibilities while he is away.
Quijada has been serving as a councilwoman in Tecate since 2024. Recently, she worked with the Municipal Institute of Youth of Tecate (IMJUVET) to strengthen prevention and awareness efforts against human trafficking.
Those initiatives stem from ongoing coordination with state agencies in Baja California and youth groups, focusing on addressing the issue through education and early intervention.
Quijada also previously served as assistant to the president of the Board of Trustees for the System for the Comprehensive Development of the Family (DIF) in Tecate from October 2019 to June 2020, and later as General Director of this system from October 2021 to June 2022.
