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Flux Canyon fire destroys family home
Crews are on the scene as a house burns in Flux Canyon on Saturday. Photo courtesy PVFR 
A second view of the Flux Canyon house’s roof becoming engulfed in flame. Photo courtesy PVFR 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Fire damage. Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Amongst the wreckage: a muffin tin and sewing machine. Photo by Robert Gay 
A statue of the Buddha can be seen in the background, away from the area damaged by fire. Photo by Robert Gay
By Dave Lumia and Robert Gay
Lisa Marie Bezzina was at work with her five-year-old twins in her family-owned piercing business in Tucson shortly after 2 p.m. on Saturday when her phone buzzed with a text from a friend.
“Hey there’s a fire in Flux Canyon,” the text read.
Uh-oh. Lisa’s husband, Alec, has made his home in Flux Canyon for about 14 years, and she joined him there about ten years ago. At first, she thought it might be a neighbor’s house. Then she was texted a photo.
“That’s when everything started getting really weird,” she said.
The family rushed back, to have their fears confirmed. Flames were shooting from the roof of their home. A garage and workshop were reduced to ashes, as was a wooden boardwalk and rustic Old West village that Alec had erected over the years on the grounds.
Fortunately there were no human injuries, and the family’s dogs and tortoise had been rescued by response teams, though their chickens and ducks were not so fortunate.
“It’s a crazy feeling,” Lisa said. “It doesn’t seem real.”
Faced with an unimaginable tragedy, Lisa said the family has stayed true to what they were before the fateful text.
“Just keep doing the things we’re doing,” she said Monday. “We took the kids to the circus Sunday; we already had tickets, so we went. Did a little shopping. Staying positive.”
The family is temporarily staying with a neighbor, Joe Higgins, while looking for rental properties, preferably in the canyon. South32 owns four vacant homes in the vicinity, and the Bezzinas are hoping an agreement can be reached with the mining company. Their home was insured, and they are intent on rebuilding.
“We love this location, we love this land, we love our home,” Lisa said.
Flux Canyon neighbor Cindy Mohr has set up a GoFundMe account to assist the Bezzinas with rebuilding.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Mohr said. “They’re just super-nice, gracious, really good people. Great neighbors.”
Lisa gratefully acknowledged the outpouring of community support and personal donations for the family in the immediate aftermath. “People have already given so much,” she said. “It’s amazing.”
Mohr said the fire was first noticed by guests at her home who were outside, smelled smoke and heard some loud popping sounds. They knocked on the doors to make sure no one was home and called 911.
Zay Hartigan, chief of the Patagonia Volunteer Fire and Rescue (PVFR), said the call came in at 2:13pm.
In an eerie twist of fate, Saturday was the day of the memorial service at Patagonia Union High School for former PVFR chief Ike Isakson, and Hartigan said neighboring fire departments were on call until 2pm to cover for the Patagonia department. Those neighboring agencies had crews at the memorial, but most had dispersed when the call came in.
Tubac Fire District still had a truck on site, and it was the first to arrive at the incident, followed by a Sonoita-Elgin crew; two PVFR tenders, which were needed to supply water to fight the fire in the isolated location; and Patagonia’s main structure engine.
All told, 13 members of PVFR responded to the fire, along with the two tenders, the structure engine and three brush trucks. Crews from Sonoita-Elgin, Tubac, Rio Rico Medical and Fire District, Nogales Fire Department and Coronado National Forest, most of whom were returning to their bases after the memorial, also helped extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to the landscape and surrounding properties.
Click here to continue reading this article.
Revitalization efforts underway for Sonoita-Elgin Chamber of Commerce
By Carrie White
While membership in the Sonoita-Elgin Chamber of Commerce (SECC) has waned over the years, some local residents and business owners are interested in revitalizing it to once again serve as a reliable source of information for visitors to the area.
Gail Christmann, Aaron Gudenkauf, Kati Spencer, Josh Mentesana, Lori Reynolds and Matthew Richardson met recently to discuss reinvigorating the organization.
Reynolds, Sonoita Vineyards winemaker, was part of the SECC when it boasted 40-50 members. She said the difficulty the chamber faced then was continued engagement of the business community, eventually leading to its dormancy.
“There was a perceived lack of value among business members,” Reynolds said. That’s something organizers hope will be rectified with this next go-around. The SECC retains its 501(3)(c) status and a website, the latter ready for a refreshening. To view that website, click here.
But now, with the current business activity and traffic to the area, the time might be ripe to revisit a chamber presence and its mission.
An information meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, March 2, at the Bowman-Stradling History Center. The history center is located inside Pioneer Hall at the Santa Cruz County Fair and Rodeo Association, 3142 Highway 83, Sonoita.
The cost to join the chamber will be $200. Residents and businesses are not required to prepay prior to the event. Payment may be made on the day of the meeting, allowing interested parties to hear and consider what is being proposed.
“We are seeking renewed involvement from both the business community and local residents,” Reynolds said. “By working together, we can support one another and strengthen the promotion of the Sonoita–Elgin area.” To submit an electronic version of the membership application, click here.
“I consider this to be a result of local residents getting involved in community building and recognizing there is an opportunity to revive an organization that greatly benefitted the community,” Gudenkauf said.
Patagonia Elementary and Middle School spelling bees showcase skills
Patagonia Elementary School spelling bee contestants get ready to spell at last week’s event. Photo by Sondra Porter 
Isabella Felix, Middle school winner. Photo by Sondra Porter 
Maribel Espinoza, Elementary school winner. Photo by Sondra Porter 
Second grader Connor Craig made it to the final round for Elementary. Photo by Sondra Porter
By Sondra Porter
Tension filled the air as the first and second place winners from each grade, elementary school (first through fifth) and middle school (six through eighth) faced off to determine the school winners.
After four rounds, fifth grader Mirabell Espinoza correctly spelled the final word ”writing” to be declared the Patagonia Elementary School winner. The middle school bee lasted for eight rounds with eighth grader Isabella Felix finally taking the award by correctly spelling “skewer.”
Despite the tension at the beginning of the Bee, the pronouncer Kate Peake managed to ease the situation with clear instructions and careful pronunciation of the words. The competition provided a showcase for all the participants’ spelling skills.
The two winners will represent Patagonia Union School District at the Santa Cruz County Spelling Bee in February.
It’s that time of year again…
Looking for the ‘Mexican Specialty’ bird whose name is bigger than the bird itself
By Vince Pinto
During the relatively cold temperatures of winter many of our famous Sky Islands birds are either entirely absent or exceedingly rare. Good luck locating a wintering Elegant trogon, Hepatic tanager, Gray hawk or Sulphur-bellied flycatcher. One thing this list of species has in common is that they are all “Mexican Specialty” birds: species that barely breach the international border, and which are far more typical of Mexico than the U.S. Their sources of food largely absent here in winter—reptiles for the Gray hawk, and insects for the rest—these Mexican Specialties head south in autumn for warmer, more tropical locales that promise significant calories.
One Mexican Specialty bird that somewhat bucks this trend is the Northern beardless tyrannulet. While the numbers of this diminutive flycatcher—the joke is that its name is bigger than the bird itself—do dip in winter, some are generally still to be found in select locations. As the range of this species only barely enters Arizona in the Sky Islands region, the tyrannulet is a prize find for avid birdwatchers.
To enter the tyrannulet lottery you must first head to appropriate habitat for this often hard-to-spot species. I took the two photos above in the extensive mesquite woodland, or bosque, at Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary. The bare countenance of some tree branches in winter makes seeing them a bit more likely. Riparian habitat, such as that found at Patagonia Lake State Park, is another good bet to secure this coveted species. Once in appropriate habitat, locating a tyrannulet often involves keying into their common vocalizations. Even from a distance a keen ear can easily distinguish their distinctive call – described as “a plaintive, squeeky, ascending ‘eeah.'” Often this raspy call is the tipoff to the presence of this species. Sometimes accompanying it is a descending/piping song, particularly in late winter through summer, characterized as “Peeur, peeur, peeur, peeur, peeur, peeur.”
I have had great success over the years in vocally imitating both the call and the song of the tyrranulet in order to lure it in for a closer look. Often the curious bird comes in within a minute or so, sometimes landing within 20 feet of me.
Though I’ve long since identified it by sound, I admire the bodily traits and behaviors that identify a bird as a Northern beardless tyrannulet. First is its size: about as big as a small vireo or warbler. Then there is the overall coloration: drab gray with olive and even beige overtones. The head is very distinctive with its shaggy sub-crest—often expressively raised—and the tiny beak which sports a dark yellowish area at its base. Finally, the behavior of this smallest of North American flycatchers is indeed very vireo-like, involving many fits and starts as it searches for its dietary staple: insects. Unlike other flycatchers, tyrannulets rarely catch insects in flight, preferring to glean them from shrubs and trees.
What this tiny Mexican Specialty bird might lack in bright colors and hence flashiness, it easily makes up for with its distinct look, unique behavior for a flycatcher and overall rarity in the U.S.
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
This is a great opportunity to connect with Supervisor Fanning, hear updates, and share questions, concerns, or ideas directly. Community members are encouraged to stop by and take part in the conversation.
CNF schedules Jan. 22 prescription burn in Canelo
From FS-Sierra Vista Ranger District:
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest, along with multiple local partner agencies, plans to conduct a broadcast burn operation in the O’Donnell Canyon and Canelo Hills area of Santa Cruz County, east of Highway 83 and west of Fort Huachuca, if weather and environmental conditions allow.
The purpose of this planned broadcast burn is to reduce future wildfire risks, costs, and resource damage by lowering hazardous fuel loads and reducing the surface fuels in riparian areas by up to 90%. This prescribed operation is also expected to enhance ecological resilience, improve hydrology in the Babocomari River watershed, and reduce impacts to threatened and endangered species.
Burn operations are scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. The burn unit covers 328 acres across Forest Service, Nature Conservancy, and private lands located within the boundary area (please see the map provided).
Residents and visitors may experience smoke during the prescribed burn. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app.
When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
All trails and roadways will remain open during operations, but visitors are asked to avoid the area. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
ADOT restarts SR 83 lane restrictions in Sonoita, will continue through April
From Arizona Department of Transportation:
Lane restrictions along State Route 83 between Black Oak Drive (milepost 31) and Lower Elgin Road (milepost 29) in Sonoita will continue through April for a pavement rehabilitation project. Motorists can expect the following restrictions:
- Daily lane restrictions on east- and westbound SR 83 between mileposts 31 and 29 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Rolling lane restrictions as crews work through multiple sections of the project area each day.
- Flagging operation in the project area
- Speed limit of 25 mph in the work zone
BLM offers permits to collect dead and downed mesquite west of Cieneguita Campground
From the Bureau of Land Management (BLM):
The Bureau of Land Management Tucson Field Office is offering firewood permits for collecting downed, cured mesquite at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area until March 1, 2026!
Mesquite firewood is available because of the BLM’s ongoing grassland restoration program at Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. Invasive mesquite trees are downed to encourage growth of native grasses and improve wildlife habitat for wildlife, such as the pronghorn antelope.
- Permits are $1 per cord (1 cord minimum, 2 cord max)
- Valid for 30 days or until March 31, whichever comes first
- Collection is limited to dead and downed mesquite west of Cieneguita Campground (past the closed cattle gate). No live trees or other species allowed. Permits do not authorize collection on private or State lands. Wood availability is not guaranteed.
Learn more: https://ow.ly/GfAt50XTb5g
School News and Youth Events
To report school news or list an event, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
Patagonia public school district boards elect officers
By Carrie White
Brandon Doles has been elected president of Patagonia Union High School District 20 (PUHS), with Paula Schaper re-elected as clerk.
Marilyn Miller retains her post as president of Patagonia Elementary School District 6 (PES), with Nancy McCoy continuing as clerk.
The elections were held Wednesday January 14 at a joint District 20 and District 6 board meeting held on the Patagonia schools campus.
Ron Pitt, former District 20 president, will continue to serve as a board member alongside Joe Haas.
Yaritza Cortez serves as a board member for District 6.
Board officer terms are one year for both districts.
Free Friday program for 4th-8th graders starts Jan. 23
This winter, art and science nonprofit Mat Bevel Company is offering Power Up Communities, a FREE hands-on program for students in grades 4–8 that begins Friday, January 23 in Patagonia.
Part of the award-winning STEAM world-building curriculum The Universe Within, Power Up Communities introduces youth to energy, electricity and sustainability through playful engineering and mechanical construction. Students take on the role of superheroes who use imagination, science and invention to improve the wellbeing of their communities—both real and imagined.
Youth will explore how light, motion and electricity power the worlds they create, and they will learn how communities can thrive when energy is used as a resource to manage with creativity and care.
Through storytelling, invention challenges and mechanical build projects, students will discover how energy systems shape the way people live and how they can design better, stronger communities.
Participants will:
• Create a superhero persona and mission focused on community improvement
• Explore natural energy sources and design the climate, geology and landscapes of their worlds
• Use CAD, 3D printing and Cricut tools to fabricate elements of their dream electri-cities
• Build a working community landscape using circuits, LEDs, motors, buzzers and switches
• Share their inventions and superhero stories in the Circus of Electricity showcaseAll activities are hands-on, inventive and designed to help students understand how energy works while building confidence, creativity and purpose.
Program details:
For students in grades 4–8
Fridays, 9:00–11:00 AM
January 23 through April 17, 2026
Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue (upstairs loft)
Cost: FREESpace is limited. Sign up soon:
Register at: https://the-universe-within.org/power-up-communities-sign-up/
To learn more, contact Paula Schaper at pschaper@matbevelcompany.org or 520-604-6273.The Universe Within is supported by:
Arizona Commission on the Arts, The Burton Family Foundation, Sonora Investment Management, South32, Steve Bowles and Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.
Upcoming Events
To list an event, please submit an image file in JPEG or PNG format. Email your submission to prtadast@gmail.com by Monday, 5pm. Remember to submit your event at least one week before the event date. Thank you!
Friends of Patagonia Library are hosting their annual trivia night fundraiser on Saturday, February 7 at Cady Hall. Players can buy individual tickets or reserve a table by contacting the Patagonia Library. 520-394-2010
Recurring Events
To list an event, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
Fresh vegetable distribution Mondays at the Patagonia Senior Center
Come with friends and pick up your weekly fresh vegetables from East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank every Monday at the Patagonia Senior Center (100 Quiroga Ln, Patagonia) at 10:30am. Take what you need and give what you can.
Borderlands POWWOW in Sonoita, AZ is always on the third Saturday of the month.
*At POWWOW it is a $15 contribution for 70 LBS of produce. No residential or income requirements.
If you’d like to join the Community Volunteer Team or become a Market Vendor, please text/call gardenia 602.292.1616. AND if you know of any youth in the community who would like or need volunteer hours, we can provide documentation for those who would like to volunteer ;D
If you’d like to lend a hand, this is what you would be doing… Sorting and Packing fresh produce, and assisting participants as they go through our farmer’s market style line. The shifts are 6:30 – 9:30 AM AND/OR 8:30 – 11:30 AM. *Those who volunteer for a shift will receive a complimentary unit of produce. If you’d like to give back to your community in this way, please call/text gardenia 602.292.1616 and let us know which dates and shifts you’re able to volunteer. Thank you all in advance! What we do, we do together! GM
Alcoholics Anonymous:
- Sonoita Bible Church – Tuesdays at 7pm, 3174 N. Doors open at 6:30. Highway 83, Sonoita. Zoom option: 601-758-3907.
- Patagonia Methodist Community Church – Thursdays at 6:30pm. 387 McKeown Ave., Patagonia. Contact Dave at 207-249-8302.
Crossroads Quilters: Are you a textile artist (weaving, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting)? The Crossroads Quilters invites all interested textile artists to our meetings. Bring a project to work on and enjoy a morning of information sharing and camaraderie. We meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 9am at the Sonoita Bible Church, 3174 N. Highway 83. For more information email: alisbunting@gmail.com
Overeaters Anonymous: The OA Sky Islands Recovery group meets every Wednesday 11am-12noon at the East Santa Cruz County (ESCC) Food Bank at 772 Harshaw Ave in the meeting room at the end of the driveway. For additional meeting info, go to oasouthernaz.org. Contact Adrienne H. for more info 520-404-3490.
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Employment Opportunities
To list an employment opportunity, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
Farmers Markets
Patagonia Farmers and Crafts Market – Thursdays 10am-12pm by Red Mountain Foods.
Sonoita Farmers Market – Saturday Mornings 9am-12pm at the Sonoita Post Office parking lot (NW corner of Hwy 82/83)
Sierra Vista Farmers Market – Thursday 10am-2pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Nogales “Little” Mercado – Fridays 4-7pm 163 Morley Ave, Nogales.
Church Events and Schedules
St. Therese Parish in Patagonia
Patagonia Community United Methodist Church
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Our Advertisers
For information on advertising in the PRT’s print edition, Weekly News Bulletin, website or a custom package, contact Priscilla Bolanos at prtads@gmail.com or 520-313-6062.
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