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Photo of the week
Sunset in Elgin. (Photo by Kat Crockett)
News
Three days in Lochiel: Life, death and rebirth
PRT reporter Robert Gay pieced together this account of the activities at the Lochiel encampment based on email exchanges and social media communications from people on the scene and a visit to the campsite on Monday afternoon. The PRT has reached out to the Border Patrol by phone and email for their account of Monday’s altercation but has not received a response.
Day 1, Life. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
This breezy San Rafael Valley day saw roughly 70 people gather for an all-day, multipart celebration along the border wall at the still-unwalled segment in Lochiel. The agenda for the day integrated other issues: a nod to Vermont’s week (Oct. 4-10) of “shutting down ICE,” and an afternoon panel on the hot-button issues around data centers. Additionally, a Sukkah structure and celebrations have been added to the encampment, honoring Jewish customs. With these added layers of meaning, it’s fair to label the Lochiel encampment as an inclusive polycultural community of land defenders.
In email correspondence with two event goers, Patagonians Maggie Urgo and Mary Sky Schoolcraft offered their observations on the celebration. Edited together for flow, here is their reporting:
“It was, an upbeat, even joyous, celebration of the resistance, the encampment, and Mother Nature itself. It was peaceful, nonviolent, joyful and simultaneously quite serious, as people declared their opposition to the border wall construction and all it represents.
“It opened with the daily sunrise ceremony and prayers and included a guided nature walk at 8 a.m., a festive parade at 10:30 a.m., a communal lunch served under the tree, a public info meeting on data centers, and closed with a sunset ceremony. The parade was simple, with a few banners and a speaker booming out lively music and protest songs. Along with a call to protect the Earth, prayers, poems and banner phrases were offered, including one slogan the earth defenders have chanted to Border Patrol in a couple of encounters, “All walls must fall.
“At the rally a jaguar, a spotted owl, and Justice, a young woman poet from the Southern border of Texas, and others spoke movingly of why they were there, what the wall meant, its destructive effects on the natural and human environment, the insanity of the double wall and wove in some connections to the largest issues of the day. The spotted owl cried out “Migration is an earthright!” And then everyone started dancing again.”
Click here to continue reading.
Free produce distribution on temporary hold
By Carrie White
While some 50 people regularly pick up free produce at the Senior Center of Patagonia on Mondays, for the past couple of weeks that distribution has halted.
Borderlands Produce Rescue in Nogales, where Tony Purifie gets the goods, has been void of edible fruit and vegetables. Purifie, who heads the Senior Center’s produce program, said some of the problem relates to the seasonal swap of crops in Mexico. But some of it is a border issue.
“I think they’re having a little trouble getting the stuff across the border,” Purifie said.
Jim Staudacher, president of the East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank in Patagonia, believes the former reason is the main factor.
“This time of year it’s expected — that there’s almost nothing,” Staudacher said. “In fact, we used to close down in July and not start again until November — until the harvest came in from Mexico.”
While availability of free fresh produce has been absent, the need has not diminished.
“In the last three or four months we have been distributing about 100 supplemental food bags at our regular distribution every month,” Staudacher said. “Normally in the summer that drops down to around 80. So yes, we’ve seen a bunch of new faces.”
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the food bank will be looking for help to make sure everyone can have a proper holiday meal.
In the meantime, Purifie will continue to visit the Borderlands food warehouse in Nogales each Monday to see if — and what — he can acquire for local families.
For more information, or to make a donation to the East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank, visit https://escccfoodbank.org/.
Lobos keep stacking up victories
By Dave Lumia
The Patagonia Lobos have reached the “keep chopping wood” stage of the volleyball season.
One practice at a time, one game at a time, focus on slow, steady improvement. It’s worked so far, so why change now.
The Lobos remain ranked fourth in the current Arizona Class 1A rankings with a 10-0 record after Tuesday night’s 25-20, 25-7, 25-19 victory over Lourdes Catholic. (The rankings do not include their 7-5 record in tournament play – primarily against much larger schools.)
Seven regular-season matches are left over the next three weeks, including an Oct. 19 home encounter with top-ranked St. David and an Oct. 28 road match with second-ranked Cicero Prep, so there is work left to do and improvements still to be made.
Click here to continue reading.
An ode to Fall
By Carrie White
The change of seasons has always intrigued me. One day it’s this. The next, that.
Last week fall came to eastern Santa Cruz County. I knew the page had turned when I woke up. The air was lighter and cooler — even inside. Looking out the window, the number of hummingbirds fighting around feeders had diminished. And the rays of sun that usually hit Mount Wrightson as I climbed out of bed weren’t there. They come later now.
Fall has always been my favorite season. It’s when recipes switch from salad and sandwiches to stews and soups. Summer clothing rotates to the back of the closet. And porch sitting in the evening is pleasant once again.
Right now, I long for the time when I can get the fireplace going. There’s been a stack of mesquite in the garage for months waiting for a match. There is something about a fire that speaks to security, providing both physical and emotional warmth.
I am sure you have seasonal rituals around fall in your family. Here at the Poggi — the name we call our little slice of heaven — there is a traditional salute to the season in the preparation of a sauerbraten (a traditional German pot roast). It is made complete when accompanied by potato pancakes, gingersnap gravy, Polish cabbage and homemade applesauce.
And then there are the duvets that are dragged out from their summer hiatus. I am grateful to those fluffy comforters that encourage a morning laze rather than a dash to complete outdoor chores.
Soon we will be dialing up a favorite seasonal movie — Pieces of April — and watching the latest The Great British Baking Show series. I mean, who wants to think about making Nigella Lawson’s Coffee and Walnut Layer Cake when it’s 90 degrees out.
Also, I seem to spend more time reading this time of year, accompanied by a cup of tea and biscotti. (The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is my latest c’est fait.)
Spouse and I have traditionally traveled this time of year, but that’s no longer the case since moving south. In my opinion, this is the best time of year in eastern Santa Cruz County. Why would you need an escape?
Patagonia Library Dogs of the Month: Choco and JoJo
Choco and JoJo are the Patagonia Public Library’s October Dogs of the Month. In addition to getting their picture and names up on the library’s Hall of Fame, they get delicious treats – as all dogs do – when they visit the library.
The library, located at 346 Duquesne Avenue, welcomes well-behaved dogs (and people) to its facility. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The library is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Age: Choco – 7 years old; JoJo – 15 years old
Breed: Choco is a Shih Tzu; JoJo is a Chihuahua
Adopted from: Choco was adopted from Nogales, Sonora; JoJo was adopted from a family friend
Their relationship: Besties
Favorite foods: Choco – chicken and rice; JoJo – popcorn and chips
Favorite toys: Choco – a squeaky lamb chop toy and JoJo – his bed
Favorite pastime: A good Netflix movie
Human companion: Andrea Sanchez, Patagonia
If they were human, what would their jobs be: Choco – model; JoJo – security guard
Dog and cat adoptions are available through the Santa Cruz Humane Society and Santa Cruz County Animal Care & Control. The Humane Society, located at 232 E. Patagonia Hwy, Nogales, is open Tuesdays from Fridays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Phone: 520-287-5654. Santa Cruz County Animal Care & Control is located at 1368 N. Hohokam Drive, Nogales and open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Phone: 520-375-7860.
Oct. 14 deadline set for Babocomari Bridge comments
Santa Cruz County is accepting public input on proposed options for the Babocomari Bridge through Oct. 14.
Comments can be submitted via the following means:
- Online Comment Form: https://azdot.gov/BabocomariBridgeComments
- Phone: 520.375.7830 or 520.584.3632
- Email: jfontesjr@santacruzcountyaz.gov or ted.buell@hdrinc.com
- Mail: Babocomari Bridge Project HDR Engineering Inc., 1 South Church Ave., Suite 1400, Tucson, AZ 85701
Display boards and background information on the project are available on the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
The display boards detail the four alternatives being considered:
- Option 1: Do nothing
- Option 2: Construct a new bridge at a new location/alignment
- Option 3: Rehabilitate existing bridge
- Option 4: Construct a new bridge at the current bridge’s location
In December 2024 Santa Cruz County received $3.9 million of federal funds through the Off-System Bridge Program for replacement of the one-lane bridge, which has a weight limit of 10 tons. Monies for this project must be authorized by ADOT by September 2027. If they are not, they will be returned to the federal government.
ADOT is currently completing the environmental clearance process required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The project team is also conducting an alternatives analysis and evaluation under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966.
Because the project receives federal funding, Section 4(f) requires the project team to consider feasible and prudent alternatives that avoid or minimize impacts to protected properties. These can include publicly owned parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
This review will help determine how the project can address transportation needs while considering the bridge’s historic significance and other potential impacts.
Guest Editorial: County hasn’t earned our trust on Prop. 417
We have been involved and concerned Santa Cruz County citizens in many matters, and we have been trying to understand the current ballot proposal for Proposition 417, aka, A resolution proposing a permanent adjustment to the state-imposed 1979-80 expenditure base for Santa Cruz County. Basically, this proposition would allow the County to increase its expenditures over the current State cap. After reviewing the County’s website on this matter, https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/1099/Expenditure-Limitation; we are still lacking details. Therefore, we plan to vote against this measure in spite of this claim on the County’s website:
Is this a tax increase?
NO. Adjusting the Annual Expenditure Limitation:
- Does not increase property taxes.
- Does not increase sales taxes.
- Does not create new fees.
While this may be true for several years, we do not have faith that the County has sufficiently studied or educated the populace in how this would work out into the future. Some immediate questions we had include, where are the internal County data analyses and narratives used to develop the modeling showing the increasing revenues allowing for this increase in expenditures? What happens in a downturn in the economy or for that matter, global price fluctuations in mining production and product costs? Right now, all we see is a graph showing very optimistic forecasting of expenditures out to FY 40/41. NO DETAILS. NO PLANS. This effort is too much of “Trust us and vote for our proposition”.
We are in favor of robust County services and maintenance. We support the idea that the County could, with this proposition, fund more programs and improvements. However, there is a very real risk that, once the County has committed to expenditures, such as improved roads or increased health services, say, there could be a serious downturn in revenue coming in, especially from mining. Then, funding would not be there for those programs, but we may be bound to continue paying for them. The County would have to increase taxes.
The County has not educated us and other citizens about how they came up with these numbers and what they will do if the numbers don’t match the increased cost of programs they put in place. As far as we know, only one piece of information has been sent out, and only to those who sign up for County news. And only one public presentation was planned, in Rio Rico. With voting starting October 7th, we believe they have rushed the process. Maybe in two years they can convince us to vote for a similar proposition, but we hope Prop 417 doesn’t pass.
Chuck and Sarah Klingenstein
Patagonia
Mail-in ballots go out today
While the deadline to register to vote in November’s general election has passed, mail-in ballots are being sent today (Oct. 7) to Santa Cruz County residents.
Registered voters who requested — but do not receive — a mail-in ballot have until Oct. 23 to request a second ballot. Those requests can be made by calling the recorder’s office at 520-375-7990. The deadline to mail ballots back is Oct. 27.
Additionally, ballots can also be dropped off prior to general election day — Nov. 3 — at Patagonia Town Hall, 310 McKeown Ave., or the Sonoita Library/County Complex Building, 3147 Highway 83.
Mail-in ballots can be dropped off on election day at one of the following poll sites:
- Cady Hall, 346 Duquesne Avenue, Patagonia
- County Complex Building, 3147 Highway 83, Sonoita
- Elgin Community Hall, 475 Elgin Rd, Elgin
On election day, the polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Citizens choosing to vote in person at one of the poll sites are reminded to bring a valid Arizona driver’s license. The address must reasonably match the electronic poll book.
The coffee’s on us: See you Friday at the Quail Covey
Dave Lumia, interim managing editor, and Mary Tolena, board member and writer, are waiting to have coffee with you this Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Quail Covey, 277 McKeown Ave., Patagonia.
This is an opportunity meet one-on-one with staff/board to suggest thoughts and ideas for your community paper.
Those visiting with Dave and Mary are welcome to order a small cup of Joe — on us.
Through the end of the year, Coffee with the PRT will be held at the same time and place on October 23, November 13 and December 11.
General Election debate: Secretary of State
Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes and Republic challenger Alex Kolodin debate their qualifications for Arizona Secretary of State in advance of November’s general election.
From Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve: Community survey
Every voice helps shape the future of Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve.
We’re inviting community members to take a short survey and share their perspectives on visiting and connecting with nature in southern Arizona. Whether you’ve spent time at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, or haven’t had the chance to visit, we’d love to hear from you!
Take the survey: nature.ly/4z5oCey
Please share with friends and neighbors. The more perspectives we hear, the more we can learn.
Arizona Lottery contributes to Borderlands Restoration’s hands-on youth program
The Arizona Lottery and Borderlands Restoration Network announced a new partnership supporting conservation education and career-readiness opportunities for young people across Southern Arizona.
Through a $25,000 Arizona Lottery Gives Back contribution, the Lottery will support Borderlands Restoration Network’s Borderlands Earth Care Youth program, a week-long paid conservation experience that introduces young people to environmental restoration, natural-resource careers and stewardship of Arizona’s unique borderlands.
The program serves youth in Santa Cruz and Cochise counties and provides participants with hands-on experience in areas that include watershed restoration, erosion control, native plants, wildlife conservation and career development. Participants receive the equipment, meals, training and other resources needed to take part at no cost, as well as a stipend upon completion of the program.
Borderlands Earth Care Youth has operated for more than a decade, giving young people an entry point into conservation work and helping participants build practical and professional skills. Some alumni have gone on to pursue additional education and careers in conservation, including positions with Borderlands Restoration Network itself.
The next program will take place Oct. 11-16 in Cochise County, with another cohort planned for March 15 – 20 in Santa Cruz County. Each week typically brings together approximately 10 to 12 young people for a 40-hour experience combining field work, environmental education and professional development.
“Support from the Arizona Lottery will equip the BECY program with essential gear and program necessities to continue providing youth with memorable experiences in nature.” said Karla Hernandez, Environmental Field Coordinator at Borderlands Restoration Network. “These experiences not only connect participants with the outdoors, but also introduce them to potential pathways they may have not previously considered, and inspire them to become stewards of their local communities.”
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!
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 and Thursdays 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.
