“Los Cabos has it all, but there is much to do.”
“You already got my first smile,” says Christian Agúndez Gómez, Municipal President-Elect, when he hears the question of what his childhood in Baja California Sur had been like. Sitting tranquilly on a bench in Plaza Teniente Antonio Mijares, facing the Municipal Palace of San José del Cabo, Christian conversed with Claudia del Pino, the Director of Tendencia. During their discussion, he conveyed that his happy childhood likely fostered his passion for architecture, a field he later pursued. He also emphasised his affection for Los Cabos and his determination to take tangible actions to benefit the dynamic municipality and address its myriad challenges, as entrusted by the community.
His work as an official keeps him busy, but he always makes sure to set aside time to enjoy with his family. “In the end, it’s the most important thing,” says Christian, a father of two daughters with whom he relives his childhood times in nature. “It’s always important to spend time with them. We go skating, we go to the movies; my daughters love going to the beach and being able to get in the water and take the little dog.”
One of Christian’s most memorable milestones was the Easter vacation when he camped with his family at Barco Varado beach in Cabo San Lucas. He fondly remembers that, at times, up to 40 people would gather, and he says those were genuinely unforgettable moments.
“It was very peaceful growing up in San José del Cabo and La Paz. My mom used to tell me that when I was a kid, I used to amuse myself by making little roads in the dirt; maybe that’s where architecture came from,” he says. He recalls his appreciation for certain concepts, moments, or scenes and how they influenced his interest in architecture. “I don’t regret it in the least. I like it. I enjoyed my career and was very happy on my graduation day.”
Claudia: Speaking of architecture, sitting here with the municipal palace behind you, what does the historic center of San José del Cabo represent in terms of architecture and conservation?
Christian: “A lot of change. I must disagree very much with the last concept or design given to Plaza Mijares, an iconic plaza in San José del Cabo. The group of buildings, the area, and what it represents are things that all the people carry inside, especially the native families. However, if we had the opportunity to change or transform the plaza into something like what we had several years ago, I think we would do it. The native families, especially those residing nearby, are not many anymore; they have sold their heritage, houses, and land. If we could restore the plaza’s design to the way we, had it before, I think I would try to do so. It is always important to remember and commemorate traditions; this square has a lot of traditions and memories.”
Claudia: What are the primary values in your life that will set the tone for your decisions as president?
Christian: “I could mention decisiveness and firmness. My parents have instilled these values in me when deciding to take one course or another because you never know how far you can go. Being firm in your choices can give you a sense of what might come next, allowing you to anticipate future actions or activities and control what you need to happen.”
In August 2020, Christian contracted Covid-19. The pandemic was still a global concern at that time, with ongoing efforts to control its spread. However, the virus continued to spread, hospital capacity was stretched to the limit, and the economic and social impact was significant. The hope for a vaccine seemed distant. All we could count on was maintaining a safe distance, wearing partial face masks, and using alcohol gel. At that time, Christian was a councilman in the XIII administration and a local deputy for the XII District, where he worked on promoting laws and policies. After testing positive for Covid-19, he was hospitalised and required intubation, and a coma was induced for ten days. “A journalist left me for dead; all hell broke loose,” he says, cracking a smile. “When I woke up, I thought it had been a long time, maybe one or two years; that’s how I felt. I didn’t remember how I got to the hospital, and I didn’t remember the date of my birthday either.” After receiving treatment, he was finally discharged. However, his journey didn’t end there, as it took him months of rehabilitation.
Claudia: Looking back, with the time that has passed since the Covid-19 experience, what did you take away from being hospitalised?
Christian: “It was delicate and sensitive, but appreciating life is best. It changes anyone; to value life much more, it gives you an appreciation that you didn’t have, to value the moments, to try to take them as they come. Some people comment, “Live life to the fullest,” but it is about appreciating the good moments. You must always remember that, not only in a crisis, illness, or vulnerability.”
Claudia: Undoubtedly, it has been a challenging period. In terms of the experiences that have shaped your leadership abilities, which ones do you consider vital?
Christian: “Facing difficult decisions anytime builds your character and makes you aware of various issues. The experiences gained during professional development in any field provide a broader perspective of what you could handle in critical or urgent situations. This condition can enhance your ability to react swiftly, which is crucial in challenging moments that shape your character and enable you to make better decisions in any field.”
Claudia: Was it a difficult decision to become a candidate?
Christian: “No, not really. Despite being a top international tourist destination, the social conditions in Los Cabos are not ideal. There’s a common misconception that Los Cabos is self-sufficient and doesn’t require assistance. While the city experiences high economic and tourist activity, the less affluent neighborhoods face social challenges. As a public servant, I find this deeply concerning. It’s a call to action for all of us. As public servants, we have a crucial role in improving our city. Much work must be done, and we must all contribute and participate in this cause to secure a better future.”
