Police begin citing litterers

A woman who threw trash into an empty lot at Colonia Hidalgo neighborhood was one of the first unfortunate residents to get a fine for environmental reasons.

Mexicali Police Chief Alonso Méndez said the woman was found close to the police headquarters, south of the city.

Although police agents were going to give a verbal warning to the woman, the resident asked for the fine, Chief Méndez said.

A recycling business located at the corner of New River Boulevard and Castellón Avenue got a ticket for leaving trash in the public way.

City council members recently approved changes to local ordinances in order to fine residents for several environmental nuisances, including throwing trash and water onto the streets, failing to clean up animal excrement, burning solid waste and playing loud music, among others.

Violators can be fined up to $895.