The October issue of the PRT is out now!
Click on the cover below to read the entire issue in PDF format.
You can also read every story from the new issue of the PRT at our website. Here are direct links to a few of the stories…
An Audience With the Mayor
By Marion Vendituoli
Andrea “Andy” Wood sat down with the PRT to talk South32, the border wall, PVFR and Patagonia’s future.
Changing Water Into Wine
By Keith Krizan and Wayne Tomasi
It’s harvest season at local wineries. Here’s how they do it at Callaghan Vineyards in Elgin.
Produce for the People
By Mary Tolena
Recent arrival ‘Farmer Richard’ Gambino is meeting the demand for organic, locally grown vegetables in Patagonia.
County Seeks Public Input on New Wildfire Protection Plan
By Dave Lumia and Mary Tolena
The county is embarking on a long-overdue strategic initiative designed to mitigate wildfire risks through collaborative planning and local action.
Notes From SEFD: Why Did My Insurance Rate Triple?
By Eddie McArthur
Rates are going up dramatically for many homeowners. A veteran local insurance agent says some historically expensive properties now can’t be insured at all. What’s going on?
PARA Gets New Leader
By Dottie Farrar
Meet professional storyteller and urban planner Anna Darian, the first executive director of the Patagonia Area Resource Alliance.
Citizen Committee Maps New Planning, Preservation Priorities for Sonoita-Elgin Area
By Carrie White
The group plans to create a community website, pursue preservation of dark skies in the Sonoita-Elgin area, and find a means of recognizing the area’s history.
Town Council Notes
News from the August and September public meetings of the Patagonia Town Council.
Sheriff’s Blotter
A log of calls to the Sheriff’s office from eastern Santa Cruz County in August and September.
The 2025 Santa Cruz County Fair
By Pat McNamara
Here’s photos and a report on the fair, which set an attendance record, plus a list of all the 4-H/FFA Grand Champions.
Annual Pie Auction Fundraiser a Delicious Success
News release
An enthusiastic crowd of about 75 attended the 23rd Annual Pie Auction at the Patagonia Community Garden on a perfect fall day on September 13.
PUHS’s Journee Hayes Named County Teacher of the Year…
By Dottie Farrar
“I’m so honored,” Hayes said as she accepted the award. “Look at all these wonderful educators up here. I’m among the best.”
…and Elgin School’s Anna Coleman Wins Runner-Up
By Dottie Farrar
The art teacher has been at Elgin School since 2004. “I absolutely love it,” she said. “We have a culture of rowing a boat together.”
One Blade at a Time
By Carrie White
Elgin artist Matilda Essig finds new dimensions of beauty in native grasses.
Glimpses Into Our Past: Walter and Anna Fortune
By Alison Bunting
On May 1, 1907 “two of Santa Cruz County’s most popular young people were united in marriage,” according to one local newspaper. This is their story.
Take a Hike!: Cave Canyon Trail #149
By Wayne Tomasi
The trail, which is near three caves that are favorites of the spelunker community, combines the best of two worlds: the first half is a relatively easy walk, and the second half is challenging.
Great Trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County: A Most Magnificent Cottonwood in Canelo
By Bill Steen
Over the years I have probably walked by this tree numerous times without paying it much notice, but on this day there was something different—it was as if we were connected on the same frequency with no distractions.
Nature Journeys: Welcome to My Laboratory!
By Vince Pinto
Let’s look at several local species associated with Halloween itself, sorting out ones that are truly dangerous from those that lack any real menace.
Letter to the Editor
The Patagonia Pool is on its own now, says Bob Brandt. Here’s how the community can keep it open.
The Latchkey Wars
By Cassina Farley
No one knows what caused the fight between factions of neighborhood latchkey kids to escalate, but I’m ashamed to say that my sister and I were involved.
Now What Do I Do?
By Manuel Coppola
I had no idea how I was going to keep myself preoccupied after working nearly 30 years in a fast-paced, stressful business. Then, I got the pink slip.
New Interim Director of Operations and Development Joins PRT
The PRT is excited to welcome Amy Glass to our team. “We are confident Amy’s addition will assist us in focusing resources as we position ourselves for the future,” said Board President Carrie Lumia.
Check It Out at the Library: Act One Culture Pass
Here’s how you can get free one-week passes to arts and cultural centers throughout the state from the Patagonia Library.
Starstruck: An Elemental Truth
By Harold Meckler
‘Fast radio bursts,’ like the one detected this past March, allow our imagination to roam freely, eventually coming to a place where we understand that the impossible is, indeed, very possible.
