The November issue of the PRT is out today!
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…
Patagonia School’s Leaky Roofs a Symptom of State Funding Gaps
By Marion Vendituoli
Significant repairs are needed throughout the Patagonia campus—but funding is unavailable due to politics and bureaucratic red tape, frustrating school administrators and district officials. “Our kids deserve better,” says one teacher.
PVFR Receives Surprise Fire Engine Donation
By Mary Tolena
Patagonia resident Rick Small was looking for a utility trailer to buy on Facebook Marketplace when a fire engine popped up in the search results. Here’s what happened next.
Spooky Times!
By Robert Gay, Linda Jade Fong, and Megan Thomas
A gallery of Halloween scenes from around eastern Santa Cruz County—plus a video.
Making Space for Grace
By Linda Jade Fong and Binx Selby
How new Patagonia Community UMC pastor Katrina Pahulu left her partying days behind.
Family Foundation Gains Title to Lochiel Landmark
By Adele De La Ossa Post and Carrie White
After being caught up in the web of assets tied to Elizabeth Gutfahr, the De La Ossa Family Cemetery and chapel have been returned to the family via a new nonprofit.
Communities Give Input to Wildfire Protection Plan
By Mary Tolena
Officials say that once completed, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan should help communities attract grant money and organize collaborative firewise efforts.
Notes From SEFD: Not Everyone Has Assured Fire Service
By Eddie McArthur
In Eastern Santa Cruz County, there are large pockets of land where there is no assured fire service. Here’s why that is—and what property owners in those areas can do about it.
Sheriff’s Blotter
A log of calls to the Sheriff’s office from eastern Santa Cruz County from Sept. 27 through Nov. 2, 2025.
New Teachers at Patagonia Schools: Gardenia Moffett
By Sondra Porter
Patagonia Elementary’s new first grade teacher is happy to be working close to her Elgin residence and with a small class size. “I feel like I am home,” she said.
New Teachers at Patagonia Schools: Michael Tackett
By Sondra Porter
“I have checked out Patagonia for years,” said Patagonia’s new high school science teacher. “I thought this would be a great place to teach, and it is.”
New Teachers at Patagonia Schools: Priscilla Carrasco
By Sondra Porter
The first-year teacher’s fifth-grade classroom is alive with color and student projects. “I completely fell in love with the kids and curriculum,” Carrasco says. “They are just getting smarter and the teaching is so rewarding.”
Lobos’ Volleyball Success Mirrors Growth of Seniors Lewton, Majalca
By Dave Lumia
“Watching them grow over the years has been incredible,” said Lobos coach Brenda Somoza. “Their athletic ability, their leadership and their demeanor on the court, it’s unmatched. I haven’t seen that in a long time.”
Cowbelles Seek New Members
By Pat McNamara
The Cowbelles was started as a social club by a group of 16 ranch wives in 1939. Today, one no longer needs to own a ranch, be married to a rancher or, indeed, even own a cow to join.
Glimpses Into Our Past: The Solano Family
By Alison Bunting
Here’s the story of the Solano family, who arrived in the Arizona territory in the late 1880s.
Great Trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County: The Cottonwood at the Lochiel Schoolhouse
By Angie Soto Jessup
This tree witnessed many years of schoolkids, including my mother, enjoying innocent, happy times: boys and girls playing baseball, kids chasing each other, children laughing.
Take a Hike!: Gardner Canyon Trail #143
By Wayne Tomasi
If you are seeking an isolated and seldom used route to the upper reaches of the Santa Rita Mountains, this is the trail you are looking for.
Nature Journeys: Aerial Maneuvers
By Vince Pinto
Observing and learning about nature’s winged things—from flying ants to white-throated swifts—can be truly awe-inspiring.
A New Chapter for the PRT
By Carrie Lumia, PRT Board President
Change is coming. After nine years at the helm of the Patagonia Regional Times, managing editor Marion Vendituoli is stepping down.
Latchkey Wars, Part II
By Cassina Farley
The house next door to my childhood home was a rental. This meant that we had many colorful neighbors.
Letter to the Editor
Mearns quail need better management, says Patagonia winter resident Greg Munther.
Starstruck: The Pillars of Creation
By Harold Meckler
It’s illuminating how a simple, direct question—especially from a grandchild—can reorient one’s perspective.
Check It Out at the Library: The Library of Things
An Orion StarBlast 4.5’ telescope—as well as a trailcam and a nature exploration backpack—can be […]
Town Council Notes
News from the October 2025 public meetings of the Patagonia Town Council.
What is that?? –
Can you identify this curio from the Patagonia Museum?