San Felipe-El Tejar Association Dark Two Months Amid Tampering Claims

For the past two months, activities like playing dominoes, music rehearsals, and private lessons at the San Felipe-El Tejar neighborhood association have been limited to just a couple of hours. The reason? There's no electricity.

Francisco Pérez Padrón, who leads the domino club, told us this. His club members now have to play their matches at the Federation's main office. "Island championship games begin at 5 PM, and by 6 PM, it's dark," he explained. He added that classes usually run from 3 PM to 6 PM, and sometimes, they've even had to use candles.

Pérez believes the association "didn't have good leadership." He said some neighbors complained it wasn't being used properly, and that David Hernández, the Councilor for Citizen Participation, "cut off the electricity without warning."

Pérez Padrón blames Hernández directly. He says when they told Hernández about the power cut, Hernández replied that he "already knew." Pérez Padrón interprets this to mean the City Council approved the cut.

However, a notice from the electricity company, e-distribución, dated September 26, is displayed at the entrance of the building on 3 Canastilleras Street. It states that power was cut because of "tampering with the electrical installation."

Pérez Padrón confirms they've met with Hernández three times. Hernández told them the electricity company is responsible. But Pérez Padrón insists, "We don't believe that, because the City Council owns these associations, so we think they authorized the power cut."

Alonso Acevedo, the Councilor for General Services, also attended these meetings. At the most recent meeting, held this Monday, Sports Councilor Alberto Cabo and Mayor Leopoldo Afonso were present. The Mayor promised to "get a certificate from Endesa to find out what happened."

Hernández stated that the Citizen Participation department is responsible for helping associations thrive. He said they are working to "support the creation of a new board of directors, as the previous one has been inactive for years."

Acevedo clarified, "The electricity company is responsible for turning the power back on, and that takes time. We also need to check if there's any unpaid debt or penalty. We are following the proper administrative procedures and have always met with them when asked, but we cannot restore their electricity."

Acevedo also pointed out that they offered the domino club other options, like playing their championship games at the La Peñita neighborhood association. "But they turned down these offers, and despite that, we are still looking for solutions," he emphasized.