By Ángel Ruiz
Photo: Abdiel Ortega
Encouraging citizens to file complaints and ensuring that regulations are applied in ways that genuinely improve daily life in Tijuana have been among the main challenges—and achievements—of Teresita de Jesús Balderas Beltrán’s first year leading the City Auditor’s Office.
“We’ve worked hard to raise awareness, both among the public and within the Auditor’s Office itself,” said Balderas Beltrán in an interview.
One of the most impactful measures for rebuilding public trust, she explained, was the amendment of Articles 78 and 98 of the Vehicle Towing and Storage Regulations. The change allows individuals to recover stolen vehicles within 72 hours without paying additional fees or fines for towing and impound services.
“Previously, citizens had only 24 hours to complete the process and avoid those charges. That timeframe was simply too short,” she noted.
The reform’s benefits extend beyond victims of vehicle theft. This administration has also shown sensitivity toward other cases—such as elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or single mothers facing emergencies or special circumstances.
“We understand Tijuana’s mobility challenges and how difficult it can be to find legal parking spaces,” Balderas Beltrán said. “Towing companies have been cooperative, and once the necessary paperwork is complete, they’ve agreed to offer flexibility in these specific cases.”
Another major change is the expansion of vehicle storage options. Instead of a single impound facility, there are now nine authorized lots, giving citizens more choices for retrieving their vehicles.
Additionally, the City Auditor’s website now allows residents to enter their vehicle’s serial number to locate the corresponding lot and view inventory photos online.
“This is one of the most significant and meaningful actions we’ve implemented in recent months,” concluded Balderas Beltrán.
