10 episodes
Border City Los Angeles Times
-
- True Crime
-
-
4.8 • 12 Ratings
-
Border City is the story of a journalist who in 1994 impulsively leaves her job and family in Washington, D.C., to report on Tijuana, Mexico, a city commonly known for drug violence and illegal immigration into the U.S. She expects to stay on the border a year, maybe two. But her plans change as she is drawn deeper and deeper into the different worlds that converge at the biggest crossing point on the U.S.-Mexico border.
-
Crime and friendship
Sandra Dibble expected to stay in Tijuana a year. Instead she found herself drawn into the worlds that intersect at this crossroads of the Americas. Journalists. Migrants. Artists. Drug gangs. Tijuana is a place where paths converge, often in unexpected ways.
-
Building a life
The kidnapping of a prominent maquiladora executive — and the threatening presence of the Arellano drug cartel — overshadow the city’s ambitious effort to boost its image. But like many Tijuana residents, Sandra feels little personal danger as she settles into her new life and explores the city.
-
A journalist is shot
Sandra ponders the fine line that separates danger from safety in this city of contrasts. A prominent Tijuana journalist is ambushed and a family falls victim to the Arellano cartel. But she also sees another side of the city, as her friend Angela throws her a surprise birthday party.
-
Gun battles and concerts
Sandra covers the assassination of another police chief and the arrest of a powerful drug suspect. She also sings with the Tijuana opera and invites friends from both sides of the border to a concert on a hillside looking out toward San Diego.
-
Upheaval in the cartels
The Arellano cartel grows weaker as its top leaders fall, but the violence continues. Threats strike new fears in the highest echelons of law enforcement. The Tijuana opera hosts an inaugural performance. Sandra’s mother flies in from Washington, D.C. and meets Sandra’s friend Angela.
-
Tijuanenses fight back
Doctors in their white coats protest the violence, while some young musicians refuse to stay home, and an arts promoter opens a new gallery. Sandra feels caught between two worlds as she flies back and forth to Washington to care for her ailing mother.
Customer Reviews
I too was moved
This story is so human I loved every single thing. The story telling and the voice. Really provocative
Special
I never review, however so moved was I by Sandra’s story and perspective, I had to congratulate and thank her for sharing them with us. As a part-time Mexican resident/full-time Canadian citizen, I can relate to her wonder at the beauty of the people and culture; and her bewilderment at the contradictions. Such a wonderful, immersive story.
Beautiful story
An intimate storytelling of the magical and misunderstood place that is Tijuana. Sandra delicately wove together a story of journalism, cartel violence, tragedy and hope for a better future. Thank you for sharing this with us.