I diaried here a week ago in the immediate aftermath of the horrific Daycare Tragedy in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. On Friday afternoon a fire erupted in a Center holding 142 small children aged 6 mos.-5 years. There were only 6 adults caring for the children, and only one exit. In frustration, one man rammed a hole in the wall with his pickup. Several dozen children died almost immediately--others were transported to hospitals in Hermosillo, Obregon, Guadalajara, and the Shriners Hospital in Sacramento, California.
A number of the children in critical condition have since perished, so that the total is now 45 gone. We are now in the stage where two major reactions are occurring: 1) There has been a tremendous outpouring of concern and support for the children and families, with a determination to aid them and to increase the support structure in Hermosillo; and 2) as was noted in the local daily El Imparcial, the comment was made, "El Pueblo Desperto" (The People Woke Up). The legal and political reckoning for this horrific fire has just begun.
Let me discuss first the humanitarian response. As discussed last week, Phoenix has a 33-year Sister City relationship with Hermosillo, a broad and deep one involving Police, Fire, Student, Teacher, Sports, Business and other exchanges, as well as city-to-city technical cooperation. Police and Fire officials in the two cities, in particular, have cooperated closely over the years. Dozens of Phoenicians have been home-hosted in Hermosillo as they participate in Spanish Immersion for their work. Law Enforcement on both sides and at all levels collaborate in an organization called PISA (Policia Internacional Sonora-Arizona) that has been key in solving cross-border crimes of all types that previously went unpunished. In addition, Arizona and Sonora were in the midst of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Arizona-Mexico Commission last weekend when this tragedy occurred.
Aware of the urgent need, we (Phoenix Sister Cities, Hermosillo Committee) made preparation for a large-scale fundraising effort (ground was just broken outside of one of our other Sister Cities, Chengdu, on a new grade school that will be named Phoenix--our contribution: $170,000). Since that began, the Mexican Federal Government has committed to cover all medical, transportation, funeral and other costs, plus $12,000/family, so that our funds for immediate needs will be supplemental to that.
A previous fire had led to discussions and some preparation for a Burn Unit in Hermosillo. That capability will now be mandatory. The Unit in Phoenix is one of our country's best, and its doctors are committed to helping make it successful, with proper support on both sides. These babies will need ongoing care for years.
Please understand--as a firefighter told us this week, the scope of this tragedy is such that it would have overwhelmed the capabilities in Phoenix or nearly any American city.
The other major long-term humanitarian need is for a Burn Camp. We have such a thing here, in Prescott, and it is uplifting in helping the kids and their families cope with the emotional and psychological scars that are every bit as real as the physical ones visible on the outside. We can and will support Hermosillo and Sonora in establishing such a resource.
Now, the legal and political ramifications... No one who has taken even a fleeting look at the facts of this case thinks that proper precautions were taken. I outlined some of the situation above. Between the standards and the licensing, I'm not sure where the facts lie, but the deficiencies are manifest.
This facility was owned by three young couples. In Mexico they refer to such young scions and proteges of the Old Bulls or Dinosarios as "Los Juniors". They are often sent to a good University in the US, or, if they're not really all that bright, a community college, then brought back to, nominally, at least, run business and political empires. The most prominent of the three was Antonio Salido, who, it turns out, also happens to simultaneously work for the State of Sonora even as he serves as Representative of Arizona in Sonora....Hmmmmm.....oh, yeah, he resigned both those jobs. Oh, and guess what else? The PRI Candidate for Mayor of Hermosillo is a charming young guy named Pano Salido...yep, his primo (cousin).
The PRI and PAN candidates for Governor also happen to be cousins, as are the current Mayor of Hermosillo (PRI) and the PAN candidate to replace him. There are several Pavloviches running, again in both parties (the PRD is not much of a factor right now in Sonora). Oh, and it turns out that Antonio Salido's wife is related to Margarita Zavala, wife of President Calderon.
Are you getting a picture here??? As fierce as the competition may appear on the surface, there is an emerging picture of a privileged class that crosses those line and has disdain for the poor. Someone even commented this week, "Oh, those are only the daughters of maids"!!! Familial relationships that once seemed humorous now seem to have taken on a sinister pall.
The national and international spotlights are fixed on Hermosillo. Both President Calderon and his wife have flown in. Yesterday the Federal Attorney General flew in for meetings. Mayor Gandara and Governor Bours, no love lost between them, will both be out of office by September, but are striving to preserve their legacies--the Governor seems to be scurrying with more intensity. The new operative statement is "Caiga Quien Caiga"---literally, 'Whoever Falls, Falls', roughly equivalent to our 'Let the Chips Fall Where They May'.
El Pueblo Desperto--the People Woke Up--a midweek Marcha had some 8000 angry participants, demanding justice. Another march, planned for today, seems likely to be even larger. The Federal Subsidies are largely seen as hush money, the legal machinations as last-minute ass-covering.
Phoenix Sister Cities has established an Hermosillo Fire Relief Fund to which people can contribute at any Wells Fargo Bank Branch. We have pledged careful due diligence to ensure that funds go for critical relief efforts. The outpouring of support--from Bomberos (firefighters), companies, individual citizens has already been gratifying and is appreciated in Hermosillo.
The legal and political reckoning, I think, has only begun. The people are much less sure than they might have been over a week ago if they want to trust their lives---and that of their children---to Los Juniors....
Tip Jar: For the Babies....