I posted this on another board.  I thought I’d post it here too.

Most years during the Holiday Season there is an increase in the number of problems mongers experience with the cops in Tijuana.  This year we are already experiencing more problems than normal and I fear things are going to get worse.  

Cops, like everybody else, have Christmas gifts to buy.  Many have "women on the side" and are especially in need of additional income.  This translates into increased shakedowns.

In Mexico, gifts are given on Christmas Day or The Day of the Three Wise Men, which is January 6th.  So don't relax your guard prematurely.

Other thoughts:

Before long the number of chicas in the Zona will drop as they start returning to their hometown to spend Christmas with family.  Many won't return until warm weather arrives.

In the final weeks before Christmas expect the time needed to cross the border to increase.  There will also be very heavy traffic near the border as many Mexicans with visas will be shopping at the Outlet Mall on Camino de la Plaza and elsewhere.

I enjoy the holiday season in Tijuana.  In the final weeks before Christmas I always like to visit the open air markets near the Cathedral.  Some years I've also watched Three Wise Men parade in the Zona Rio.

The new administration takes office on December 1st.  It will take time for time to appoint new officials and get the reigns of power in their hands.  During the first few weeks I expect a sort of anarchy to prevail, making things especially dangerous for mongers.  Only time will tell if the new administration will eventually be able to assert control over the police and reduce the problems tourists face.  For our sakes I hope that happens.