If you look more carefully, about half of the time, the uniformed cops is not even a TJ City Policeman, they are transit cops or housing authority cops, who are in it for the money. Probably a gentleman's agreement that the TJ cops will share the wealth for the proceeds obtained. Some are armed, others are not.

Latest 411 was that there were a lot fewer incidents of Shakedowns at tne Sentri post, because..... the drug lords could easily kidnap the cops or gun them down, in an exposed area like Sentri (NO place to duck and hide). Also, the TJ Mayor and Police Chief have had SO many complaints, and tourisim is down over 80-90 % this year due to news reports and the violence and the press, they cannot afford another black eye in the media.

The veteran mongers know to cross the footbridge from the McDonalds over to this side, and the foot ramp takes you past the Sentri Post, and a free sidewalk to the border crossing. Other mongers know a back route with certain taxi drivers to get them safely past the Sentri. But again, the Sentri has been fairly quiet of late, for all of the reasons noted above.

Bottom line, cross back into the USA in pairs or larger, avoid Sentri via the foot bridge or weaving thru traffic and cars, or taxi routes, and hide your money and passports in safe locations like money belts, underwear, socks or your jock strap. Don't go back drunk, and have a good time, if you choose to go South for Tacos.

I have heard some stories, especially about a regular Tj monger (Aussie) I use to know well (supposedly taken for a long car ride), but I haven't been able to talk to him since the so-called incident and he hasn't returned inboxes (on another board) so, who knows :( Third-world countries sometimes have incidents and 38k are killed on US freeways every year.

Educate yourself, be prepared and live your life. Up to you

P.S. Hey, Soc - many times I am in Tj, the SGs ask about you. I guess they still want to be your gf. Watch out for their padrote

It's funny how good the memories of the chicas are. I pretty much stopped going there for +3 years now except for more recently. My last trip, I ran into a sg that had a big crush on me way back when, and apparently still does as she asked random street people to come up to me to tell me she wants it bad, everything gratis. She's young and cute, has a really tight pussy and does a mean bbbj but is also a stage 5 clinger no doubt.

I went down for tacos this weekend and did not see any police issues, but there are a few rogue cops out there, always looking to make som extra cash, so travel wisely. I can report that there was plenty of talent everywhere, the SG were all out there, AB and HK club were busy, Chavelas got remodeled and lots of local girls and new girls hanging out in Chavelas. Chicago was still fairly quiet, they are trying but just can';t seem to compete with the big boys acorss the street. Do not bother with Mermaids, it is a rip off IMHO. Buena suerte.

JUST MY HUMBLE OPINION AS A FORTUNATE NON-ADDICT. ;

In the mornings, there are fewer 'witnesses.' I've walked from the Zona to the bank ATMs a few blocks away and I've had some rateros following me to where I cross the street multiple times and sometimes eventually go back into the Zona and return to the ATMs later in the day.

In the morning, I've walked to the border and have had the local policia stop me thinking they might make some extra dinero, NOT.

In regards to the waiting time at the order, there are multiple variables, but usually before sunrise it's not as bad until the morning commuters arrive.

Of course, late in the night, there will be more opportunists of all kinds everywhere. For anyone's initial trips into the Zona, it's a good idea to be given a general tour to acclimate to the Zona environment although sometimes a little adrenaline rush can be fun

For up-to-date and more thorough information about the Zona (but very limited information on other international scenes), check tjamigos.com.

It really has quieted down recently.
But for the ones concerned to be as safe as possible, it is best to cross the border when it is the busiest. That is when the people who live in TJ and work in San Diego are in line, ie daytime.

For the new ones, you also reduce your exposure time to the cops and other rateros, by taking taxis to and from the border.
Walking at night is pretty safe in ZN, just don't doddle or look like you are a newbie. Of course don't talk to or go with anybody in ZN somewhere else. Because for one thing there is no other area of interest for us in TJ.