The January issue of the PRT is out now! - Patagonia Regional Times

The January 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…

A recent bump in oversize traffic on 83 has jeopardized safety, caused delays and tested the patience of motorists. Now State Rep. Gail Griffin is demanding an immediate prohibition of wide load vehicles on 83 and 82.

Wildlife Habitat Restoration, One Step at a Time

By Mary Tolena

In just four years, Anne Vogt has radically expanded the wildlife populations and biodiversity on her Wood Canyon property—even the fireflies have come back. Here’s how she’s done it.

Special Delivery: Sonoita Bids Farewell to UPS Tom

By Dave Lumia

UPS driver Tomas Rojel, whose last day on the job was Christmas Eve, has been a fixture in the area for the past 22 years. “We will miss Tom,” said one local. “His service has been above and beyond.”

The Way It Was

By Sondra Porter

Longtime locals reminisced at the Patagonia Library’s second ‘Living Treasures’ event.

New Biking Program Launched at Patagonia Middle School

By Mary Tolena

This fall, Patagonia sixth-graders had something new to look forward to in PE class: riding brand new mountain bikes.

Lobos Hope for Better Fortune in New Year

By Dave Lumia

The Patagonia High boys and girls basketball teams will welcome a fresh start in 2026, as the 2025 portion of their seasons did not go as hoped or expected.

Sheriff’s Blotter

A log of calls to the Sheriff’s office from eastern Santa Cruz County from Dec. 1 through Dec. 29, 2025.

Town Council Notes

News from the Patagonia Town Council’s Dec. 17, 2025 meeting.

Notes From SEFD: Responding to Highway Accidents

By Eddie McArthur

Traffic collisions on our local highways are taking a toll on everyone, from those injured to those who respond.

The Headless Horseman at the Circle Z

By Linda Jade Fong

…and other secrets, as revealed by
Gilbert Quiroga.

Our Falstaff

By Ann Katzenbach

Writer Jim Harrison, a winter resident of Patagonia for 24 years, wrote a lot, and lived a lot. This is a full and fascinating biography.

What Is That?

By Tom Shore

The obvious answer is a trophy, but the story behind it remains unknown. Can you help?

Take a Hike!: Dutch John Spring Trail # 91

By Wayne Tomasi

This trail is one of the shortest in the Santa Ritas. It is by no means the easiest.

Great Trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County: The Grand Sycamore of Harshaw Road

By Angie Soto Jessup

Generations have come and gone, each with their own history, each with their own memories of their time under this grand tree.

Great Trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County: The Contorted Oak of Piper Gulch

By Wayne Tomasi

This could possibly be the most contorted oak in the entire county. Here’s how to visit it.

Nature Journeys: Vanishing Winter

By Vince Pinto

Climatologists predict increasingly warm weather for the planet. What specific effects can we anticipate in the Madrean Archipelago?

Starstruck: Andromeda, John Muir and Me

By Harold Meckler

Every time I find Andromeda I let go a muffled shout and I think of John Muir trying to grasp the enormity of what is now Yosemite National Park. I am seeing so far into the past I can barely comprehend the view.