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Video of the Week
A slice of Patagonia summer life from PRT contributor Linda Jade Fong: “The other day I saw the kids ‘speeding by’ singing in full voice. When I saw them this morning I asked them to recreate their joyride for me. Not same level of spontaneous robustness but enough, I hope, to bring a smile to your face. In case you can’t quite make out the lyrics, sung to the tune of Jingle Bells: ‘Oh what fun it is to drive/ This rusty Chevrolet!'”
Maya Donnelly, Santa Cruz County’s new school superintendent.Contributed photo
On July 23, 2025, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting at 8am to conduct interviews with three candidates who applied for the position of county school superintendent.
During the regularly scheduled board meeting at 9:30am, the Board voted to appoint Maya Donnelly as the new county school superintendent, effective July 28, 2025.
This appointment follows the retirement of County Superintendent of Schools Alfredo Velasquez, who concluded his service on July 3, 2025, after years of dedicated leadership and innovation in the county’s education system. Ms. Donnelly will fulfill the vacancy until the next general election in November of 2026.
The newly appointed County School Superintendent shared: “I am very proud and grateful to be appointed as the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent. I don’t take the position lightly. I plan to lead with integrity, pride and compassion, and especially love for our biggest customers who are our students across Santa Cruz County.”
Board Chairman Rudy Molera stated: “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, we appreciate the three individuals who applied for this position. It was a difficult decision, but we are confident in our selection. Congratulations to Maya Donnelly on this well-deserved appointment. As former educators ourselves, we recognize the profound impact this role has on shaping the future of our county. Voters will have the opportunity to make their choice during the 2026 election.”
Gila monster makes extremely rare appearance at Research Ranch
With only a single confirmed sighting since 1980, Gila monster observations are a rarity on the Research Ranch. That is, until staff spotted this one on July 2 during the opening of this year’s monsoon…
Photo by Ben Beal/AWRR
While they’re not seen often, these chunky lizards are likely somewhat common here on the Research Ranch. They spend most of their lives underground, emerging only briefly in the early spring and mid-summer to take advantage of the bounty that our winter rains and summer monsoon provide. All told, they may be active on the surface for as little as three weeks each year! So, while we see them infrequently, the Research Ranch’s ground-nesting birds should still watch out—Gilas love a tasty clutch of eggs for breakfast!
Aug. 8-10: Help Sky Island Alliance ‘renaturalize’ decommissioned roads in the San Rafael State Natural Area
A volunteer works to physically decommission a closed road as part of a Sky Island Alliance initiative.Contributed photo
Join SIA as we physically decommission closed roads in the San Rafael State Natural Area.
In 2019, after a years-long public process, the Coronado National Forest decided to close 160 miles of old roads within southern Arizona’s Sierra Vista District that no longer served the needs of the forest or visitors. These “administratively decommissioned” roads are now technically not for travel. However, until they are physically blocked, many of these roads continue to be used regularly, allowing vehicle traffic in otherwise isolated areas, spreading invasive species, disturbing wildlife, and contributing to erosion. Now is our chance to physically close and renaturalize these roads!
We will be digging up compacted soils, building rock structures to control erosion, seeding the roadbed with native plants, camouflaging the road with woody debris, brush, and rocks, and installing signs to notify the public about the road closures. All of this will entail digging with tools and carrying, moving, and placing objects of various sizes and weights. Some heavy lifting might be required, though no one will be asked to lift more than they feel capable. Be prepared for getting dirty!
In the video above, a pair of bordered patch butterflies mate while perched atop a desert honeysuckle. The female, slightly larger than the male, is upside down.
This species is one of the most variable lepidopterans in the world with numerous variations on their variegated theme. They have a large range—from the Southwest U.S. all the way into South America. As caterpillars, they consume various members of the Aster family, including sunflowers. In the Sky Islands region you can observe them from desert foothills up into Oak woodland anywhere from January through November, though especially during the monsoon.
Males often seek females by “hilltopping”—a behavior where male butterflies patrol the tops of hills, searching for a mate. Once paired, the couple may stay joined for many hours, helping to ensure that the male thwarts the efforts of other suitors. The female then searches for a suitable host plant where she may lay up to a 100 eggs, thereby completing the life cycle.
Remember When?
We’ve posted over 3,100 articles from past years’ print editions on the PRT website, with more to come. Take a walk down memory lane with this article from August 4, 2017…
A house and truck destroyed by the Encino Fire.Photo by Betty Barr
“I’m glad it’s almost over,” SEFD Fire Chief Joseph DeWolf said about this year’s fire season. The fire departments in both Sonoita and Patagonia have responded to an unusually high number of fires in the past few months.
As of July 20, 2017 there had been only three days out of the last 50 when no fires were called in to SEFD’s station. In Patagonia, firefighters have responded to approximately nine fires in their area and were involved in several of the fires in Sonoita.
Thrift Shop co-managers Nell and Kyle are happy to accept drop-in volunteers to help pack up and move inventory during the first week of August. Please come by the Thrift Shop at 387 McKeown Ave.
School News and Youth Events
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Upcoming Events
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Celebrate the season of renewal with Borderlands Restoration Network at our Monsoon Mixer! Join us for a casual evening gathering where you can connect with BRN staff, board members, and fellow supporters who care deeply about restoring and protecting the borderlands.
Enjoy music from Connie Brannock & Little House of Funk, a great beer and wine selection, and delightful company as we share updates from the field, stories from the borderlands, and our vision for the work ahead. This is a special opportunity to meet the people behind the work and learn how your support makes a lasting impact.
Let’s raise a glass to rain, resilience, and restoration. We can’t wait to see you there!
Get ready for the 110th Annual Labor Day Rodeo — it’s almost here! Tickets will be available starting July 30 at SonoitaFairgrounds.com — so hold on to your hats and mark your calendars!
The announcement for our upcoming season was designed by the talented Paula Schaper and inspired by Pat McNamara’s wonderful work of art. Please mark your calendars for the 2025-2026 season at the Benderly-Kendall Opera House. Tickets will go on sale September 15.
Recurring Events
From the 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
Alcoholics Anonymous:
Sonoita Bible Church – Tuesdays at 7pm, 3174 N. Doors open at 6:30. Highway 83, Sonoita. Zoom option: 601-758-3907.
Patagonia Methodist Community Church – Thursdays at 6:30pm. 387 McKeown Ave., Patagonia. Contact Dave at 207-249-8302.
Overeaters Anonymous: to find a meeting go to oasouthernaz.org. Contact Adrienne H. for more info 520-404-3490.
The Patagonia Senior Center has received a grant from Delta Dental of Phoenix to help seniors with dental expenses. Vouchers are provided for up to $350 to participating dentists. If interested, please call the Senior Center at (520) 394-2494.
We are hiring!!!! We have openings for Patrol Deputy, Detention Officer, and Communications Officer (Dispatch).
No experience? That’s completely okay! We’re here to support you every step of the way by sponsoring your training through a trusted, certified academy.
Who’s eligible? We are accepting applications from certified officers and sponsored recruits.
Applicants for sponsored recruitment must be at least 21 years old, pass a physical and written test, undergo a polygraph and medical exam, and successfully complete a background check.
Where can you apply? Only applications received through the link below will be accepted.
For information on advertising in the PRT’s print edition, Weekly News Bulletin, website or a custom package, please contact Nisa Talavera at prtads@gmail.com or 740-206-9594.
Private collector interested in buying good quality minerals from the Patagonia area and other Arizona locations. Please contact Bob Stewart, 315-440-2786 (Sahuarita)
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