Ambulance traffic is overflowing in Genoa, in the Pink Zone

The Cuauhtémoc borough has reopened its dog area within Parque México following completion of rehabilitation work, according to local officials. The area, located in the Hipódromo Condesa neighborhood, was officially announced open by Mayor Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, who described the project as part of the broader "Renace Cuauhtémoc" initiative aimed at restoring public spaces throughout the district. The park’s canine zone is divided into two sections, one designated for small dogs and another for large dogs. Rojo emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, urging visitors to follow rules such as keeping their pets under control, cleaning up after them, securing entrances, and ensuring dogs wear identification tags. The mayor highlighted that this year alone, 75 public areas have been restored across the borough, including parks, plazas, sports facilities, streets, sidewalks, markets, and other communal spaces. She expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating that the park's reopening marks a milestone in the effort to reclaim and revitalize urban environments. However, she also reminded residents that the space is strictly for dogs with owners, with restrictions in place to ensure safety and harmony among users. Animals that are sick, in heat, or pose a risk to others are prohibited from entering. The reopening of the dog area comes amid ongoing efforts to manage the bustling commercial activity in the Zona Rosa, particularly along Génova Street in the Juárez neighborhood. This area has become a hub for street vendors selling a wide range of goods, from Mexican national team jerseys and flags to items targeting the LGBTQI+ community, such as clothing, makeup, fans, and candles shaped like phallic symbols. Many vendors operate on pedestrian walkways outside established businesses, creating crowded conditions for pedestrians navigating around makeshift stalls and statues placed during recent renovations. Tourists and locals alike frequent the area, drawn by the vibrant atmosphere and availability of souvenirs related to the World Cup and other cultural themes. Some vendors even accept credit or debit card payments, as well as bank transfers, catering to customers who prefer not to carry cash. Despite the rain, many vendors continue operations using transparent plastic tarps and large umbrellas to protect themselves and their merchandise. The presence of informal commerce extends beyond Génova Street, though it is more concentrated near the intersection with the Glorieta de Insurgentes. On Tuesday night, tensions escalated when street vendors in the Zona Rosa reportedly attacked personnel from the Cuauhtémoc borough government during an operation led by Mayor Rojo de la Vega. According to reports, six police officers were injured and required medical attention from civil protection services. The incident occurred near Liverpool 136 Street in the Juárez neighborhood, prompting the city government to take shelter inside the offices of the Secretariat of Citizen Security. The attack drew criticism from political figures, including members of the National Action Party (PAN), who expressed solidarity with the mayor and condemned the violence against her and her staff. PAN leaders accused certain groups, such as PRO Diana, of exploiting public spaces through illegal activities and demanded that authorities investigate the incident thoroughly. They argued that the government should not allow such behavior to go unpunished and called for legal action against those responsible. PAN representative Frida Guillén criticized the normalization of violence against women and expressed confidence that the mayor’s complaint would lead to appropriate consequences for those involved. The party pledged continued support for Rojo de la Vega, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining order in the borough and her popularity among residents. The situation highlights the complex interplay between urban renewal projects and the challenges posed by informal commerce in densely populated areas. While the reopening of the dog park represents progress in revitalizing public spaces, the persistent issues surrounding street vending and occasional clashes with law enforcement underscore the need for balanced approaches to managing shared urban environments.