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Tijuana Tailspin Hurting San Diego?
I am a frequent visitor to Tijuana. I have had ties and friends in TJ since I moved to San Diego 30 years ago. I usually go to areas away from the main tourist areas. I have had a passport for some years but I believe many people don't travel to TJ these days because of the passport requirment. Many family visitors who come to San Diego from other parts of the country, some as close as Los Angeles. The first place they want to go is Tijuana. When I mention the passport requirment they are dissappointed. Most don't worry about the so called violence because any metropolitan city in this country has its share of violence and bad areas. My biggest problem over the years visiting Tijuana has been the police. They see an American and I would get stopped frequently even though I hadn't broken any traffic laws. Now the police will only stop the worst drivers. The other invonvenience is the customs inspectors. The vast majority are respectful and do their jobs professionally. But once in a while I will get an inspector that makes me feel like a criminal or one that is rude. I am a former law enforcement officer and I know the range and scope of what is needed to be asked and those few go beyond that range. I feel fairly comfortable in Tijuana but just like any big city you need to be aware of your surroundings. To sum things up. I feel the biggest change in the past year has been the passport requirement for American citizens. I think a certified birth certificate with valid ID would be sufficient for re-entry to the U.S. I will continue going to Tijuana as I always have because I love being able to be in a forign country in a few minutes. I love the tacos and the food and I love the Mexican people. They have a rich culture, a spirit and customs that too few Americans will ever experience.— November 3, 2009 12:11 a.m.