What began as a sparse, symbolic protest to save historic cottonwood trees from the destructive machinery of border-wall construction has blossomed into something much grander. A growing camp of activists have transformed the movement from symbolic to tangible – with a demarcated stopping point protecting the last remaining “grandmother” cottonwood in the path of machinery, and a show of binational solidarity with a corresponding tree-sit south of the border.
Local News
Posted inBreaking News
Border wall update: Lochiel tree sit becomes binational
The San Rafael border wall protest that began three weeks ago has done binational with a tree-sitter on the Mexican side joining tree-sitters north of the border.
Posted inEnvironment
A love of place that no wall can keep out
Cross-border conservation collaborations between U.S. and Mexican communities remain unbroken.
Posted inLocal News
SEFD agenda for Aug. 24 meeting includes update on Gutfahr litigation
SEFD’s Aug. 24 board meeting will include an update on status of Santa Cruz County’s litigation and recovery efforts related to the theft of public funds by former County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr.
Posted inPRT Newspaper
County animal shelter earns “No Kill” designation
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter received official recognition as a No Kill Shelter.
Posted inLocal News
Sierra Club border presentation draws packed house
Sierra Club Border Program Coordinator Erick Meza was greeted by a full house as he detailed the upheaval being caused to the San Rafael Valley as a result of border wall construction.
Posted inLocal News
Momentum, resistance builds in fight to save Lochiel’s grandmother cottonwood
As construction of the 30-foot-high steel bollard border wall system continues through the San Rafael Valley, a growing group of activists staging a tree-sit to save a “grandmother” cottonwood say they are”not going anywhere.”
Posted inLocal News
Sonoita-Elgin Fire District Notes, June-July 2026
June Meeting The 4th annual Future Firefighters Camp 2026 welcomed 20 children ages 6 to 13 for two weeks of activities in June. Each day focused on a different topic and included physical fitness, with a strong emphasis on fun. Tricia Flaherty, who organized the event, reported that the children and firefighters all had a […]
Posted inLocal News
Sheriff’s Blotter: June-July 2026
Santa Cruz County sheriff’s blotter for June-July 2026.
Posted inLocal News
100th anniversary of Lon Parker’s death commemorated by Border Patrol, family, friends
Family, friends and Border Patrol personnel from Naco, Nogales, Sonoita and Tucson gathered in the Huachuca Mountains on July 25 along with friends and family to commemorate the death of Inspector Lon Parker, murdered 100 years earlier.