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News
Momentum builds in saving Lochiel’s grandmother cottonwood
By Carrie White and Dave Lumia
As construction of the 30-foot-high steel bollard border wall system continues through the San Rafael Valley, more activists and journalists are showing up to protest or document activity.
One participant in the latter is John Darwin Kurc, who collaborated on the documentary American Scar that can be viewed HERE. His passion to “capture the moment” has brought him to Lochiel with camera and drones.
“I’m not going anywhere,” said Kruc, whose perseverance documenting environmental disruptions caused by the border wall has extended from a three-week visit to the desert from his home in Charleston, S.C., to now five years in the southwest.
Heavy equipment pushes earth and downed vegetation on Sunday from the road being created to accommodate the double border walls along the U.S./Mexico border in Lochiel. (Photos by Dave Lumia) 
Activists hold an impromptu meeting Sunday at the base of the “grandmother” cottonwood being occupied by a tree sitter. (Photos by Dave Lumia) 
A scattering of tents among the grasslands shows the growth of the support community for Lochiel tree-sitting protest. (Photos by Dave Lumia)
Kate Scott, too, isn’t going anywhere soon. The co-founder of the Madrean Archipelago Wildlife Center, she has been at the border in Lochiel for seven weeks now. She is unwavering in her resolve to save the last of four grandmother cottonwood trees there.
“We are going to give it everything we have,” Scott said. “A double wall through Lochiel makes no sense. It destroys everything. Fifty feet from another wall? Come on. I’m an engineer. I went to engineering school. They have to have an easement on either side. How are they going to build this without asking (private landowners) for land?”
At grandmother central, a few hundred yards from the former border-crossing U.S. Customs House, an activist sits in the 200-plus year-old cottonwood as heavy equipment rattles past it. A bucket-and-rope system has been established to transport food up to the makeshift treehouse and trash down to the makeshift community. At the base of the tree, a community meeting space has been set up with for sleeping accommodations — aka tents scattered in the high grassland below. Walkie-talkies are used to communicate needs from the Customs House, Command Center One, to the Tree Camp.
“We want to see the D.C. people here,” Scott said. “Not these minions from Tucson. I think we are in a good spot to say, ‘full stop’.”
Sierra Club border presentation draws packed house
By Robert Gay
The Sierra Club’s Border Program Coordinator Erick Meza was greeted by a packed house at the Patagonia Library on Saturday, filled with folks interested in the “state of the wall” at Lochiel.
The presentation was sponsored by Voices from the Border. India Aubrey summarized the organization’s binational work in support of migrants, now largely operating on the Sonoran side of the border.
Beginning with the big picture, Meza showed the Customs and Border Protection’s map of the entire border and zeroed in to show the current 27-mile wall-building project stretching from the Huachuca Mountains to Kino Springs. He cited the project having begun with the largest waiver of existing laws in history — such as the Endangered Species Act, Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act. Just east of Lochiel, he said, an archaeological site is also being ignored.
A full house gathered at Patagonia Library on Saturday to take in a presentation from the Sierra Club’s Erick Meza on the latest border-wall developments in Lochiel. (Photo by Maggie Urgo) 
Erick Meza shows an overview of the border wall construction operation in San Rafael Valley. (Photo by Robert Gay) 
A Friends Across Borders banner straddles the older border fence outside of Lochiel. (Photo by Robert Gay) 
An overhead view of the Fisher Sand and Gravel staging area at the Duquesne Wash. (Photo by Erick Meza)
The overall intention, Meza said, is a continuous “smart wall” that will include not only a second wall parallel to the first but also new access roads and in some places stadium-level lighting. Along with the walls will be even more accurate AI-facilitated vehicle and facial recognition technologies. The most violent land changes, in the Huachuca and Patagonia Mountains, are yet to come.
Meza listed the watershed among the wall’s collateral damage. He said the construction’s new wells (six so far) will suck water from the area’s aquifers at up to 100,000 gallons a day, most of it for concrete. Grading of the new road has blocked many washes with no culverts, so there will be flooding and erosion as well. As Fisher Sand and Gravel barrels through its $309-million no-bid contract, the peace of the San Rafael Valley and the world-class darkness of its night skies are being pierced.
As a conservationist, Meza has studied the larger mammals, such as jaguars, bears, deer, mountain lions and pronghorns, being blocked by the walls. A few tiny openings between the bollards are touted as wildlife accommodations but don’t help any of the larger species, Meza explained, showing a javelina poking its head through the slightly wider-spaced bars and backing out. “These walls are ecocide,” he summarized.
In addition to the wildlife communities being severed, the binational human community is impacted by the walls as well. Meza illustrated this with videos showing conservation, performances, dancing and music on both sides of the border from three Lochiel events over the past year.
Ongoing resistance has taken many forms, from legal to grassroots advocacy, to theatrical and artistic creations. Meza portrays the resistance as now focused on the Lochiel cottonwoods, a north-south band of natural towers that are up to 200 years old and are referred to as “grandmothers” in the indigenous view. In the 60-foot federal strip of land at the border, known as the Roosevelt Reservation, three out of four of the ”grandmother trees” were toppled and demolished by Fisher two weeks ago. Since then, an organized tree-sit has prevented removal of the last grandmother tree in this zone, with logistical support (like pizza and rope) from a growing network of activists and cooperation from local landowners.
Of all the reasons to protest, Meza concluded: “We do it for friends.” He was referring to human, animal and bird acquaintances in the indigenous sense, where all living things are related. The tree-sit entered its 14th day on Tuesday.
Public help sought for SEFD’s 20th birthday celebration
By Dave Lumia
The Sonoita-Elgin Fire District is inviting the community to help celebrate its 20th birthday on Monday, Sept. 28.
The open-house celebration will immediately follow the district board meeting, which is also open to the public. Community members will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with district personnel, learn about the district’s history and get a closer look at the station house.
As part of the celebration, fire chief Marc Meredith is asking for the public’s help in documenting the district’s history.
“My guess is there are people who might have photo albums or old documents, maybe from before we became a district, or early on when we became a district,” Meredith said. “Anything that might be interesting, we’re putting together a bit of a history timeline to put on display. I’d be happy to see anything.”
Meredith said the birth of the fire district was a significant milestone for the Sonoita-Elgin area. The bay at the fire station was built in 1989, but prior to 2006, the community relied on Sonoita-Elgin Emergency Services Inc., a nonprofit private entity, for fire and emergency medical services.
“They were relying on donations,” he said. “Flipping pancakes in order to put fuel in the truck, in order to buy turnouts for the firefighters.
“You don’t have anybody at the station 24-7, you don’t have anybody paid to be at the station. By becoming a special tax district, we immediately had more ability to take care of this community from the get-go.
“The expectations of us as a department have only increased, as they should. I think what we’re able to offer folks is pretty remarkable being a small rural agency.”
There are three options for anyone wanting to contribute photos and documents for the celebration: By email to flaherty@sefd911.ofg; by text to 520-988-5162; or hand deliver them to the station Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
County animal shelter earns “No Kill” designation
By Dave Lumia
A few tears, a couple of stray barks and lots of hugs and handshakes greeted the news last week that the Santa Cruz County Animal Care and Control had received official recognition from the Best Friends Animal Society as a No Kill Shelter.
Lt. Jose Peña, the county’s animal control supervisor, invited representatives from a host of local rescue agencies to join him, his staff and a pair of canines in sharing the news with the County Board of Supervisors last Wednesday.
Peña cited the dedication of the animal control staff and the collaboration of the rescue agencies in achieving “No Kill” status – which indicates a save rate of 90 percent or better for animals entering and leaving the county shelter, which consists of only 20 available kennels.
Best Friends provided a $100,000 grant and arranged a mentoring program with Pinal County Animal Care and Control to help Santa Cruz meet its No Kill goal.
“The way the public views us now is totally different,” Peña said in an interview on Best Friends’s website. “We get more donations, more help, more everything from the public.”
The recognition comes as a difficult time for animal protection efforts in the county. The Santa Cruz Humane Society, a nonprofit not affiliated with the county, announced in July it would be shuttering its operation in the next few months due to financial constraints. There is insufficient room in the county shelter to accommodate the Humane Society’s animals, so efforts to rehome those are underway. Meanwhile, the county is considering options for funding short- and longer-term solutions to its lack of capacity, including a new animal control facility with a price tag in the millions of dollars.
Patagonia Library Dog of the Month
The Patagonia Public Library welcomes well-behaved dogs (and people) to its facility located at 346 Duquesne Ave. Library hours are Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Name: Bailey.
Age: 11.
Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer – pure bred.
Adopted From: Mile High Canine Rescue (Mead, Colo.)
Favorite Food: All food – kale, arugula, javelina/cat scat, leaves, grass and, of course, treats.
Favorite Toy: I am a toy destroyer. I’ll fetch for a few rounds, but I’d rather point at small prey.
Favorite Book: Bambi: A Life in the Woods by Felix Salten.
If I were human, my job would be: Hunter.
Human companions: Sharon Barefoot and Steve Watts, Patagonia.
Idiosyncrasies: Fearless, except when it comes to fireworks or gunshots.
Dog and cat adoptions are available through the Santa Cruz County 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.
County salutes top teachers
By Carrie White
It was back to the ‘40s and ‘50s on Friday night as the 2026 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year event rocked around the clock with a Sock Hop theme.
Twenty-one teachers from throughout the county were honored at the banquet including Kyndra Ortiz, Sonoita Elementary School District #25; Elliote Codding, Patagonia Union High School District #20; and, Audrey Doles, Patagonia Elementary School District #6.
The Rio Rico High School Hawx Dance Team provided entertainment for the Teacher of the Year banquet held at Pierson High School in Nogales. (Photos by Carrie White) 
The contingent from the Sonoita Elementary School District #25 included (from left) Kyndra Ortiz, the school’s 2026 nominee and middle school math teacher; Christine Clouse, special education; Anna Coleman, 2025 Teacher of the Year runner-up and art educator; Callie Mattus, elementary lead teacher second grade educator; and Heidi Gonzales, business manager and human resource professional. (Photos by Carrie White) 
Representing Patagonia Schools were Maureen Digan, K-7 special education teacher; Kenny Hayes, superintendent and principal of Districts #6 and #20; Journee Hayes, 2025 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year and high school English teacher; and, Cynthia Matus Morriss, who served on Patagonia school boards 36 years before retiring in 2024. (Photos by Carrie White) 
Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Maya Donnelly presents Sonoita Middle School Math Teacher Kyndra Ortiz with her trophy as one of 21 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year nominees for 2026. 
District 3 Supervisor John Fanning and wife Susie arrive at the sock hop-themed banquet for the 2026 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year. (Photos by Carrie White)
County Supervisors Luis Carlos Davis (District 1), Rudy Molera (District 2) and John Fanning (District 3) were on hand to pay tribute to the educators. County Manager Jesus Valdez and Assistant County Manager Chris Young joined in the festivities at Pierson High School in Nogales. Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Public Schools Maya Donnelly served as emcee, with entertainment provided by the Rio Rico Hawx Dance Team.
Journee Hayes, the 2025 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year from Patagonia, spoke on her path to becoming a teacher, a journey that started with a major in journalism and ended with diplomas. She noted how impressed she was with this year’s nominees as they reminded her “why we do the most important job in the world”.
The 2026 Teacher of the Year distinction went to Ravi Dutt Chauntiyal of Nogales High School. Kim Gonzales of Pierson High School received runner-up honors. Both schools are located in the Nogales Unified School District #1.
This is the 19th year the county has lauded educators with a special night focused on their contributions to the field and future of America.
Busy agenda for Patagonia Town Council meeting
The Patagonia Town Council will hold its regular bimonthly meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
New business items include discussion of a $17,500 proposal to repair leaks at the wastewater treatment plant; acquisition of approximately 90 acres from the Coronado National Forest for a wildlife corridor and preservation area; a contribution agreement with South32 for up to $3,000 per month for Community Protection and Benefit Agreement attorney expenses; a presentation from Zander Ault on the 8th Annual Spirit World 100 cycling event on Nov. 5-8; a $12,200 proposal for parking lot and sidewalk improvements at the public restrooms and reconstruction of 4th Avenue between Naugle and Pennsylvania Avenues; and the resignation of Howard Buchanan from the Flood and Flow Committee.
The public can also stream the meeting on Zoom.
Obituary
Eric Richard Quiroga, 1971-2026
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
From Santa Cruz County:
JP-East Justice Court services are available every first and third Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sonoita Community Space/County Building. We provide civil services, including small claims, civil complaints, evictions, orders of protection and weddings — bringing access to justice closer to Elgin, Sonoita, Canelo and Patagonia. We’re here to serve our community with fairness, empathy and integrity. Call: (520) 375-7661.
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
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.