Mediation centers on rise in Baja California, Mexico

Sites seek to ease burden on courts

By Sandra Dibble
Union-Tribune Staff Writer
2:00 a.m. September 6, 2009

ROSARITO BEACH — With Rosarito Beach's large U.S. expatriate community in mind, state officials are preparing to open a mediation center staffed by English-speakers trained to address a range of legal disputes.

The idea is to find rapid resolution to many minor issues — including disputes between motorists, neighbors and complaints against local businesses — that up to now have often either languished in Baja California's overburdened criminal justice system or resulted in unnecessary prison sentences.

“The key is reaching an agreement,â€