TODOS SANTOS, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR — Chanting "Water over concrete!" and waving signs that read "Don’t Sell Our Soul to Developers," hundreds of residents of Todos Santos, a picturesque "Pueblo Mágico" in Baja California Sur, took to the streets this week in a fiery protest against a new urban development plan they say threatens their community’s environment, culture, and water supply.
The Fight Against the "Power Grab" PDU
The flashpoint is the Urban Development Program (PDU), pushed through by La Paz City Council without public input. Advocacy groups like “Defend Todos Santos” and “BCS Against Corruption” argue the plan greenlights unchecked construction in ecologically sensitive areas, including El Palmar, a vital oasis and aquifer zone locals call "the lifeline of the desert."
"This isn’t progress—it’s a corporate takeover," said protest organizer María Sánchez, 42, a lifelong resident. "They’re trading our history, our water, and our way of life for luxury condos and resorts. We won’t let them turn us into another Cancún."
Protesters Call Out Mayor: "Show Us the Money!"
The march turned sharply political as crowds targeted La Paz Mayor Milena Paola Quiroga Romero, chanting "Hey, Milana! How big was the payout?"—a nod to suspicions of backroom deals with developers. Others shouted "Coppel out!", referencing a powerful Mexican business family accused of influencing the PDU.
"This mayor works for big money, not for the people," said Tomás Rivera, a local farmer. "We’re done with politicians who sell us out."
Grassroots Movement Gains Steam
The protest blended art and activism:
- A "Wall of Demands" displayed messages like "Our water is NOT for sale" and "Tourism yes, destruction no."
- Live music from traditional tambora bands kept spirits high as marchers weaved through the town’s historic streets.
- Community workshops laid out maps showing how the PDU could pave over protected lands.
Three Key Demands
1. Scrap the PDU and create a new plan with binding community input.
2. Legally protect El Palmar and its aquifers from development.
3. Full transparency on all permits and audits of recent projects.
What’s Next?
Organizers aren’t backing down:
- Launching a petition drive to challenge the PDU in court.
- Planning a town hall with environmental experts and urban planners.
- Demanding a public showdown with Mayor Quiroga Romero. "She can’t hide forever," said activist Luisa Gómez.
Silence from City Hall
As of press time, neither Mayor Quiroga Romero nor La Paz officials have responded to the outcry. Locals vow to keep the pressure on: "This is just Round 1," said protester Javier Morales. "We’ll fight this in the streets, in court, and at the ballot box."
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#SaveTodosSantos | #WaterNotConcrete | #PDUShutdown
Why It Matters: Todos Santos, known for its surf-friendly beaches, art galleries, and organic farms, has long balanced tourism with sustainability. Residents fear the PDU could tip that balance, prioritizing profit over people. "This isn’t just our fight—it’s a wake-up call for every town facing greedy developers," said Gómez.
Hermelinda Vargas, reporter, contributed to this article.
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