Men sentenced for homicide

Two men were sentenced by a state judge to 22 years in prison for homicide.

The state Attorney General’s office said Iván Alvarado González, aka “Diablo,” and José de Jesús García Cantú, aka “Pepe,” no ages reported, were also sentenced for carjacking.

The agency said the victim, who was only identified as Adrian, arrived on an undisclosed date with his 2012 Honda Civic at Alvarado González’s Colonia Santa Clara area home.

The suspects took the victim’s vehicle and then caused Adrian injuries with a knife.

The suspects then shot at the victim.

Adrian succumbed to the injuries at the scene. According to the agency, the suspects buried the corpse in an empty lot located next to the residence. Eventually, the suspects extracted and burned the body.

The suspects were convicted after prosecutors and the defense attorney reached an agreement.

State, NPOs, and private company seek to protect birds

Environmental groups, a private company, and state officials launched an effort to protect several native birds, including the beaver bird.

The project plans to rehabilitate over 200 hectares, or about 494 acres, of local poplar and willow trees that are a refuge for these birds.

State Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development Mónica Vega said, “uniting efforts we can achieve better results.”

Sempra Infrastructure is involved in the effort.

The company’s External Affairs Manager Mario López said the company took part in the effort as a socially responsible company that is committed to the development of activities that protect the environment and communities.

Representatives of the Colorado River Delta Program said the effort to rehabilitate the river forest located in the heart of Mexicali Valley is in its second phase.

This phase will allow families, students, and the general public takes part in guided tours that include information regarding Colorado River history.

In Phases One and Two, the state and the company have invested $359,000 USD.

Colorado River Senior Program Manager Francisco Zamora said the project seeks to bring awareness among people and awaken the sense of care for native birds that are part of the region’s identity.

Zamora recalled the beaver bird is under threat of extinction.

In the effort, the Sonoran Institute plans to plant over a quarter million trees in the area.

– Arturo Bojórquez, abojorquez@ivpressonline.com