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Photo of the Week
A horizon-spanning rainbow provides a spectacular welcoming gift for Evin Abromowitz and her husband, who recently purchased this piece of property in Sonoita. (Photo by Evin Abromowitz)
News
County voters approve spending limit increase
By Dave Lumia
Santa Cruz County voters gave a clear stamp of approval to raising the county’s spending limit on Tuesday, with Proposition 417 receiving 60.6 percent yes votes in unofficial results posted on the county website early Wednesday morning.
Passage of the proposition authorizes a permanent $1.5 million adjustment in the county’s base spending limit, which was established in 1980 as $2.3 million annually. The base is adjusted annually based on population increases and inflation. With the adjusted base limit in place, the county will be authorized to spend up to $50.2 million in its 2027-28 budget instead of $30.4 million if the measure had failed. The spending is not automatic — it is contingent on a corresponding increase in county revenues — and it will not impact tax rates. It will allow the county to spend money that is already coming in.
John Fanning, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said he learned of the outcome while driving home Tuesday night. “I was incredibly excited,” Fanning said after Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Board in Nogales.
“I know one of the major detractors from this is what happened in the past with not only our county treasurer but also some other irregularities with funding,” he said. “So I knew we were working against that. To have a 60-40 proportion made me feel fantastic, knowing that we are making strides in gaining trust back from our constituents.”
In pitching the increase to voters, deputy county manager and finance director Mauricio Chavez said county revenues were increasing about 6 percent annually, outpacing the spending limit formula’s increase of 3.5 percent. Increasing the limit, he said, would enable much needed expansion of county services while also keeping up with rising expenses, which are also increasing at a higher rate than 3.5 percent.
“Of course we are pleased with the outcome, that the residents of Santa Cruz County acknowledge the importance of the proposition and what it stands for and the opportunities that we’re going to have moving forward,” Chavez said.
Supervisors Rudy Molera and Luis Carlos Davis joined Fanning and Chavez in thanking the voters. “Now it’s time to work even harder to show we have the community’s best interests at heart,” Davis said.
The increased spending limit will take effect with the 2027-28 budget, but Chavez cautioned that there won’t be an initial spending surge. First, the revenues must accumulate. In the meantime, Fanning said the county will determine the best way to involve constituents in setting priorities.
“The real work starts now,” he said. “That means actively involving our community i decisions ahead, listening to the ideas and concerns, setting priorities on how we use public dollars responsibly and keeping you informed on where the money goes and what we accomplish.”
This is a developing story. Check back on the PRT website for further reaction and details.
Lobos sweep Joseph City, advance to quarterfinals
By Gerald Gay
The Lobos were hungry for a win in their victory over Joseph City during the first round of the Class 1A state volleyball tournament Tuesday night.
“We made very minimal mistakes, which is very impressive for a volleyball game,” coach Brenda Somoza said. “They wanted it tonight. They came out here ready to fight.”
Patagonia’s 25-20, 25-19, 25-21 triumph means the team that earned the No. 6 seed in the tournament is now moving on to the quarterfinals. Next up is third-seeded Rock Point at 1 p.m. on Friday at Coronado High School in Scottsdale.
The Arizona Interscholastic Association’s state tournament bracket archive dates back to 1999, and a search of the archive indicates that this is the first state tournament victory for Patagonia dating back for those 27 years.
Tuesday’s victory followed on the heels of a 14-3 regular season and a loss to St. David in the 1A South regional tournament last Friday.
Rock Point, located within the Navajo Nation in the far northeast corner of the state, went 17-0 during its regular season and has swept three postseason matches. The Cougars needed five sets to defeat 14th-seeded Williams on Tuesday by scores of 25-20, 25-22, 20-25, 13-25, 15-6.
Patagonia, meanwhile, will go back to its usual routine for the next two days: practice, practice, practice.
“We had some shanked balls,” coach Somoza said. “We work on that constantly. We’ll do that again tomorrow.
“Passing, hitting, serving. We try to hit all of the skills.”
Local schools earn A’s and B from state while improving scores
By Carrie White
Grades, awarded annually by the Arizona Department of Education, are in for
eastern Santa Cruz County Public Schools:
• Patagonia Union High School District #20: A
• Patagonia Elementary School District #6: B
• Sonoita Elementary School District #25: A
Those grades are unchanged from last year, when both Patagonia High and
Sonoita Elementary moved from a “B” to an “A” and Patagonia Elementary
stepped up from a “C” to a “B”.
What did change, however, was “total points earned” toward that perfect
100. Patagonia High School scored 85.06, up from last year’s 76.17. Patagonia Elementary ticked up to 77.93 from the 2025 score of 77.26. And, Sonoita Elementary earned a 97.68, stepping it up compared to last year’s 95.3.
Private schools do not receive a report card and are largely independent
from government accountability.
Dan Erickson, superintendent/principal of Sonoita Elementary, was decidedly
happy with the district’s showing.
“Maintaining an A rating for the second consecutive year while achieving our
highest score ever is something our entire community should celebrate,”
Erickson said. “I am incredibly proud of our students and grateful for the
teachers, staff, parents and community members who work together every
day to ensure our students receive an outstanding education.”
Kenny Hayes, superintendent/principal of the Patagonia Schools was equally
complimentary to the investment faculty, staff, parents and the community
have made to area youth.
“While letter grades are one measure of progress, our true focus is
supporting each child’s academic and personal growth every single day,”
Hayes said.
Where scores come from
Every spring, Arizona students take different tests based on their grade level.
Grades 3-8 take Arizona’s Academic Standard test, which assesses English
and math. Grades 5, 8 and 11 take the Arizona Science Test, which measures
student progress toward achievement on standards adopted by the Board of
Education in 2018.
High school juniors take the American College Test (ACT), which assesses
knowledge in English, math, reading and science, with an optional writing
test. Freshman take ACT Aspire, which assesses strengths and weaknesses in
English, math, reading and science. It is designed to help students and parents
track progress toward college and career readiness.
Independent of those tests is the College and Career Readiness Index that is
administered to high school seniors.
Patagonia Elementary students of the month embrace ‘Cooperation’
“Cooperation” was the theme for Patagonia Elementary School’s Student of the Month for October.
Students embracing this value were lauded at a recent assembly presided over by Ann Gortarez, special education director and teacher.
Kindergartener Link Gudenkauf was tapped for his ability to be a “friend to all.” Other students recognized from their respective grades were Payton Rohde, first; Victoria Castellanos, second; Alyn Medina, third; Niah Pina, fourth; and, Zion Broom, fifth.
Fourth grader Isaac Mann was the elementary school’s overall student of the month for October. He received numerous nominations from staff for his cooperation and kindness to others.
Congratulations Lobos.
Halloween festivities offer spooky fun for all
Halloween weekend brought multiple opportunities for locals to get costumed up, including Trunk or Treat on McKeown Avenue and a community Halloween party at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. The heavy rains that arrived did nothing to dampen the spirits of the costumed-revelers young and old, as captured in photos by Robert Gay and Dave Lumia.
Eats and treats at Elgin Club Halloween dinner
The Elgin Community Club held its monthly dinner on Halloween night at the Community Club building in Elgin. Prior to the dinner, the Club held a candy giveaway for the local children, much to the young’uns delight. For the dinner event, many members and guests dressed in costume, adding to the festive occasion.
Lurking in the corner of the room was a 12- foot Being with obvious long-standing anorexia, haunting eyes that glowed and moved eerily and seemed to suspiciously scrutinize all of the participants. Between that, the giant spider that appeared to be creeping down the chimney of the fireplace and other well-placed and creative décor, the normally quiet and staid atmosphere of the historic Elgin Club took on a whole new character.
Members and guests had a great time except, perhaps, for the anorexic Being in the corner who appeared to be noncommittal. The camaraderie, costumes, decorations and great food made for an enjoyable evening for all.
Flamenco guitarist Pascual kicks off SCFPA 20th season
By Samantha Morriss Collins
Internationally acclaimed flamenco guitarist, composer and bandleader Juanito Pascual inaugurated the 20th anniversary season of the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts on a blustery and rain Sunday at the Benderly-Kendall Opera House.
Pascual’s performance was especially endearing, as he was one of the first performers after the SCFPA was founded in 2006.
The audience of 40-plus who braved the inclement weather were treated to a vibrant and meticulously executed performance by Pascual on his new guitar, straight from Los Angeles, CA. Performing only a second time with this guitar, he admitted that it was “risky” to use it before a live audience without more practice.
His music showcased a range of traditional flamenco songs interwoven with some of original compositions. A reception immediately followed his final song of the afternoon, where patrons could sip prosecco and meet with the artist.
Pascual releases a new single with his band, The Flamenco Trio, on Dec. 4, available on YouTube.
Pascual’s website: https://juanitopascual.com
Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda at Patagonia Community Garden
By Samantha Morriss Collins
The festivities didn’t end with the passing of Halloween. Two days later, community members were invited to place photos and memorabilia of loved ones at the second annual Patagonia Community Garden’s Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda. The ofrenda was created primarily by Mary Sky Schoolcraft, Janie Hartline, Peg Kazda and Cynthia Matus Morriss. A reception of tea, cookies, some leftover Halloween candy, and other goodies were enjoyed by patrons over shared stories of their loved ones: human, canine and feline alike. Mike Hogan provided gentle tunes on his guitar.
Ofrenda primary organizers (from left): Cynthia Matus MorrIss, Janie Hartline, Mary Sky Schoolcraft, Peg Kazda. (Photos by Samantha Morriss Collins) 
Mike Hogan provided the musical backdrop. (Photos by Samantha Morriss Collins) 
Peg Kazda puts photo of her brother, Jim, on the ofrenda. Jim was a corpsman in the Vietnam War. (Photos by Samantha Morriss Collins) 
Michelle Gisser with her border collie, Trudy, and a photo of her late friend and fellow film director, writer, and actor Betsy Burke. (Photos by Samantha Morriss Collins) 
Patagonia residents Jacqui Treunen and David Crest paid a visit to the ofrenda. (Photos by Samantha Morriss Collins)
Weekend rains leave local roads flooded
You know those roadside warnings about “Do Not Enter When Flooded”? There’s a
reason for them, as this Hermosa-mine-bound truck discovered Sunday on the Cross
Creek Connector.
Sunday’s unofficial rainfall amounts according to the National Weather Service were 1.46 inches for Sonoita, 1.39 for Patagonia and 1.17 for Elgin. Saturday’s total was 0.53 in Sonoita, 0.57 in Patagonia and 0.11 in Elgin.
Skies will be clearing this week, with daytime highs ranging from upper 60s to low 70s,
with light and variable winds.
Local news, exclusively for you
Your contributions make the local news coverage provided by the PRT’s Weekly Bulletin and monthly print edition possible. On Nov. 1, the PRT kicked off our annual NewsMatch campaign. This two-month drive is our major fundraising event of the year, as every dollar donated gets matched up to $12,000. If you value the connectivity and civic engagement we provide as the only local news source in eastern Santa Cruz County, please consider donating during this two-month fundraising drive. We can’t do it without you. You can make your donation on our website, or send a check to Patagonia Regional Times, P.O. Box 1073, Patagonia, AZ 85624.
Public Service Announcements
Blood pressure checks at the Senior Center
From the Patagonia Senior Center:
Did you know the Patagonia Senior Center is offering blood-pressure checks for seniors (ages 60 or over) on the first and second Monday of every month, from 10:15 a.m. until 11 a.m.? We hope to see you there!
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
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. To list an event, please submit by Monday, 5pm. Remember to submit your event at least one week before the event date. Thank you!
From Elgin School Parent Teacher Club:
The Elgin PTC is looking for new members to join our team and help make our school an even more amazing place for our students, staff, and families! Whether you can volunteer a few hours a month or help with a specific event, there is a place for everyone in the PTC! Interested in learning more? Send us a message at Elginptc@elgink12.com. We’d love to have you join our flock! Together, we can help Elgin soar even higher!
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!
The Friends of Sonoita Creek will host a presentation from author and journalist Mary
Reynolds about her book The Quake That Drained the Desert on Saturday, Nov. 7 at
10:30 a.m. at the Patagonia Library. In May of 1887, a major earthquake centered just
south of Douglas, Arizona, caused significant changes to our area. A letter written in
1942 by J. A. McCarty to Clarice Oldfather describing this earthquake is on display in
the Centennial Room of the Patagonia Museum.
Recurring Events
To list an event, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format. Remember to submit your event at least one week before the event date. Thank you!
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.
The Sonoita Food Pantry at The Vine Church is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Monthly bird walks at the Paton Center
From the Paton Center:
Fun news: we will now be having regular monthly Paton Center bird walks led by docent Wayne Smith on the fourth Saturday of every month! Join us for a relaxing morning featuring short, easy walks (less than a mile total) along trails like the Cuckoo Corridor and Gray Hawk Birding Trail. We’ll also spend some unhurried time enjoying the activity around the bird feeders.
-Alexis Stark, Paton Center Site Manager
Attention Patagonia residents:
Boat tours at Patagonia Lake State Park
Every Saturday and Sunday, $7 per adult, $5 per child (13 years and under)
- 9 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
- 10:15 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
- 11:30 a.m. Lake Discovery Tour
- Twilight Tour on Saturdays only. Time varies.
Call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791
Boat rentals are available at the Patagonia Lake Marina.
Alcoholics Anonymous:
- Sonoita Bible Church – Tuesdays at 7pm, 3174 N. Highway 83, Sonoita. Doors open at 6:30. 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
To advertise in the PRT’s print edition, Weekly News Bulletin or website – or a custom package – contact Priscilla Bolanos at prtads@gmail.com or 520-313-6062.
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A 2026 CORE Grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona provides the Patagonia Regional Times with valuable operating support.
Funding for the Patagonia Regional Times’s operating expenses is supported by a generous contribution from the El Paso Community Foundation Borderland News Fund.
