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9/7/10: Suit filed to force residents, railroad to open access to Tumacacori lane

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Is Santa Gertrudis Lane in Tumacacori a private road or a historic crossing that should be open to all residents?

9/7/10: Members’ Open at Tubac Center of the Arts kicks off on Sept. 10

By Regina Ford, Wick News Service

Published: Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Tubac Center of the Arts kicks off the 2010 season with the Members’ Open reception Friday, Sept. 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

9/7/10: Public invited to tour local organic farms and gardens

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Seven organic farms and gardens in the Santa Cruz Valley will open their fields to the public for free farm tours on Sunday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

9/3/10: Tubac Fire District gets burned on truck purchase

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Friday, September 3, 2010

A new $155,000 fire truck ordered and mostly paid for by the Tubac Fire District hasn’t been delivered because the manufacturer has entered bankruptcy proceedings, Fire Chief Kevin Keeley said.

9/3/10: UniSource, city OK compromise on scholarships

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Friday, September 3, 2010

UniSource Energy Services sweetened the pot by another $1,000 a year and the mayor and city council agreed Wednesday to sign a scholarship agreement that “closes the door on a confusing time.”

9/3/10: Monsoon hitting the mark in 2010

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, September 3, 2010

Crashing thunderstorms and drenching rains didn’t arrive in Santa Cruz County until early July, but the county is having a normal monsoon this year, said John Hays, floodplain coordinator.

9/1/10: District 35 tax rate will drop amid belt-tightening measures

By Mary Donnelly, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Property owners in the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District will be paying less, not more, taxes to support education in the coming year, despite earlier reports that rates could go up slightly in the school district.

8/31/10: Realtors see gains, optimistic on future

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Nationally, sales of new homes dropped sharply last month to the slowest pace on record. But the real estate story in Santa Cruz County is not so grim.

8/31/10: Local colleges see student enrollment rising

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Enrollment in community college classes is climbing in Santa Cruz County.

8/31/10: Shortages at food bank

By Karen Walenga, Wick News Service

Published: Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The Amado Community Food Bank is feeling the effects of the long summer with just cereal, crackers and condensed milk to offer clients the past couple of weeks.

8/27/10: Authorities investigating body discovered in Tubac pool

By JB Miller, Nogales International

Published: Friday, August 27, 2010

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a 36-year-old New Jersey man who was found dead in a Tubac swimming pool.

8/27/10: Huerta is winner in constable race; SCC voter turnout at 25 percent

Nogales International

Published: Friday, August 27, 2010

Augustin “Augie” Huerta appears assured of another term as constable in Justice Court Precinct 1 after winning the only contested primary race in Santa Cruz County outside of the City of Nogales races.

8/27/10: Election night glitch delays vote count, forces hand delivery

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, August 27, 2010

At 9 p.m. Tuesday night, Santa Cruz County had still not posted its primary election results on its website or on the Secretary of State’s site.

8/24/10: As county’s big new jail goes up, local prisoner population falls

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The number of inmates at the Santa Cruz County Detention Center has taken a steep drop this year, and local law enforcement officials aren’t sure why.

8/11/10: Gala is a smash; crew clears trail

By Regina Ford, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Tubac Center of the Arts kicked off its latest art exhibition July 31 with a champagne gala and it was a smashing success.

8/11/10: Principal pushes faster emergency response time

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, August 11, 2010

When a student at Coatimundi Middle School in east Rio Rico broke his wrist at a football practice in September 2009, an ambulance from the Tubac Fire District, more than 5 miles away, responded to the scene.

8/6/10: Sups vote to turn off 879 street lights

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, August 6, 2010

A divided board of supervisors voted this week to stop paying for 879 street lights in Santa Cruz County that are not designated as crucial to traffic safety.

8/6/10: Filing period over for candidates for fire, school boards

Nogales International

Published: Friday, August 6, 2010

In the general election on Nov. 2, the Rio Rico Fire District will elect a five-member board for the first time.

8/6/10: City close to deal to ease utility’s scholarship liability

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Friday, August 6, 2010

The City of Nogales is poised to rework a decade-old, unfulfilled agreement with UniSource Energy Services by allowing the company to back out of a 1999 pact to provide loans to college-bound students.

8/6/10: SCC is West Nile free, but lack of dry ice inhibits testing

By Marisa Gerber, Nogales International

Published: Friday, August 6, 2010

While monsoon-related, mosquito-borne disease has popped up in other areas of the state, Santa Cruz County has yet to be threatened – we think.

8/4/10: Damage to historic mission is repaired

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, August 4, 2010

How big a deal could a hole in the wall be? As it turns out, it was major.

7/30/10: Local Artist Honored

Eastern Arizona Courier

Published: Friday, July 30, 2010

The Gila Valley Cowboy Poets Inc. is rounding; the local cowboys and cowgirls at heart for the second annual Family Night Talent Search Program.

7/30/10: Help local shutterbug raise funds for pets

Nogales International

Published: Friday, July 30, 2010

The Santa Cruz Humane Society is in dire need of funding and support as mid-year donations have slowed to a trickle.

7/30/10: Canoa Ranch rest area on I-19 reopens

By Karen Walenga, Nogales International

Published: Friday, July 30, 2010

The only rest area between Nogales and Tucson on Interstate 19 is expected to be fully operational by the end of this week.

7/28/10: School opens Aug. 3 in Rio Rico

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, July 28, 2010

It will be hot and swimming pools will still beckon, but summer is just about over for students who live in the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35.

7/28/10: Light committee left ‘in the dark’

By Denise Holley, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Members of a citizens committee on street lights erupted in anger and frustration after Santa Cruz County supervisors shut them out of an executive session with county attorneys.

7/24/10: Kirkner named Executive Director of Tubac Chamber of Commerce

Green Valley News

Published: Saturday, July 24, 2010

The Board of Directors voted unanimously to confirm Angela Kirkner as the new Executive Director of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce, following the resignation of Kim Etherington.

7/21/10: Tubac's Biddle found dead at home

By Marisa Gerber, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A 70-year-old Tubac silver shop owner, endearingly called “the governor” by friends in the community, died of natural causes at his Tubac residence on July 12.

7/20/10: SCVUSD approves slight tax boost

By Mary Donnelly, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Less than the cost of a soda from a vending machine.

7/20/10: Area gets $2M-plus for border

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Gov. Jan Brewer is sending Santa Cruz County $1.3 million and the City of Nogales $703, 755 in federal stimulus funds to help fight border-related crime, she announced Monday.

7/16/10: County to host meeting on Palo Parado bridge design

Nogales International

Published: Friday, July 16, 2010

The public can get a look at a bridge design for Palo Parado Road beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at the Tubac Fire District Station No. 3, 333 Camino Josefina at Vereda Patria.

7/16/10: County resorts feeling effects from SB 1070-inspired boycotts

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Friday, July 16, 2010

Santa Cruz County’s two major resorts say their business have been affected by boycotts stemming from Arizona’s new immigration law, but one says its status as a Hispanic-owned business has helped keep losses to a minimum.

7/16/10: Lack of cuts leads to gloomy forecast from county manager

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Friday, July 16, 2010

Already “spending beyond its means,” Santa Cruz County took on an additional expense Wednesday when it backed down from a plan to pass half of a $149,000 increase in health-insurance premiums on to employees.

7/14/10: Sups vote to raise landfill fees

By Denise Holley, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A Tubac resident pleaded for a better analysis of landfill fees. A supervisor spoke up for equal increases at the county’s three dump sites.

7/14/10: Tour seen as step toward cooperation

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Leaders of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce called a recent tour of the Border Patrol’s interim checkpoint on northbound Interstate 19 a positive step toward more agency-community interaction, but said it lacked new information and open dialogue.

7/14/10: Tubac fire tax drops 7 percent; new stations are under budget

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The property tax rate for residents in the Tubac Fire District will drop 7 percent in the new fiscal year that started July 1, from $3.37 per $100 of assessed valuation to $3.14.

7/14/10: Library board needs member from Tubac

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Do you visit the public library and have an interest in helping to guide its future?

7/13/10: Lawman-turned-barman dies

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, July 13, 2010

About two months ago, nearly 600 of Abraham T. Trujillo Sr.’s closest friends showed up to celebrate his 81st birthday and his 60th year of bartending at the Old Tumacacori Bar.

7/13/10: Supervisors vote to raise fees by different rates at county landfills

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted July 7 to let the county’s solid waste division raise its dumping fees, with different increases at each of its three sites.

7/13/10: County unveils revised flood-plain maps

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Nogales residents and business owners can weigh in on newly revised maps that try to predict the course of water that would spill from local waterways in a 100-year flood.

7/7/10: Town hall to focus on water rates

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, July 7, 2010

A proposed change in organization for customers of the Arizona American Water Co. (AAW) in Tubac could result in lower monthly water rates.

7/7/10: Search is on for new Tubac chamber chief

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, July 7, 2010

For the second time in a year, the Tubac Chamber of Commerce is searching for a leader after executive director Kim Etherington announced she would resign effective July 16.

7/7/10: Local man makes border film

By JB Miller, Nogales International

Published: Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Nogales native Luis Carlos Romero-Davis says he wanted to share with the world what he had seen while growing up along the U.S.-Mexico border.

7/6/10: Candidates can file for school, fire races

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, July 6, 2010

County residents who want to jump into local politics and run for a school board or fire district must file between July 5 and Aug. 4, said Elections Director Melinda Meek. Candidates will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot.

7/6/10: SCC eyes energy-efficient builder ratings

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, July 6, 2010

A proposed “green building rating system” for Santa Cruz County received enthusiastic reviews during its first public hearing on June 24.

7/6/10: Residents trash proposal to hike fees at county dumps

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, July 6, 2010

On his way to the county landfill off West Frontage Road, Robert Dolan of Rio Rico stops to pick up trash others have dumped along the way, he told county supervisors on June 30.

7/2/10: Independence Day Weekend offers fun at locations around SCC

By Marisa Gerber, Nogales International

Published: Friday, July 2, 2010

Locals who plan accordingly can attend three different Independence Day Weekend festivities in Santa Cruz County, with Tubac holding events on Saturday, and Nogales and Patagonia celebrating on Sunday.

7/2/10: Restaurant inspections show mixed results

Nogales International

Published: Friday, July 2, 2010

Twelve local eateries received clean bills of health in June following the inspection of 37 establishments by Santa Cruz County officials.

7/2/10: District cuts middle school sports, open positions to help balance its books

By Marisa Gerber, Nogales International

Published: Friday, July 2, 2010

Rio Rico’s two middle schools – Coatimundi and Calabasas – plan to cut their current athletic programs and adopt an intramural approach next year to help the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District 35 balance its budget.

6/30/10: SCVUSD seeks budget override

By Mary Donnelly, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Voters from the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 will be asked in November to continue to help fund the school district.

6/30/10: Board moves Aliso Springs development toward reality

By Manuel C. Coppola, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Some things turned up green last Wednesday for developer Rick Burns.

6/29/10: Slashing continues as county tries to balance its budget

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors got about $96,000 closer to balancing the FY 2010-11 general-fund budget last week.

6/29/10: Landfill users can have voices heard on fees

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Santa Cruz County government is inviting landfill users to a public hearing on a proposal to raise dumping fees at the Rio Rico landfill and transfer stations in Tubac and Sonoita.

6/22/10: I-19 rest area at Canoa Ranch to reopen in July

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) plans to reopen five of its closed highway rest areas this summer, it announced on Monday.

6/21/10: Shooters targeting immigrants often go uncaught

By JB Miller, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, June 21, 2010

Shooters who have been targeting undocumented migrants continue to elude law-enforcement officers, with recent incidents clustering around the Peck Canyon area in Rio Rico.

6/18/10: Tubac chamber director resigning

By Regina Ford, Green Valley News

Published: Friday, June 18, 2010

After just six months on the job, Kim Etherington is stepping down next month as executive director of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce.

6/18/10: It’s official: SC County has a motto

By Marisa Gerber, Nogales International

Published: Friday, June 18, 2010

Local residents may soon notice the following four words on official brochures, websites and letterheads in Santa Cruz County: “Birthplace of Arizona history.”

6/18/10: Police promote safe drug disposal

Nogales International

Published: Friday, June 18, 2010

Local law enforcement agencies are teaming up to promote the safe disposal of over-the-counter and prescription medications.

6/15/10: SunSational: 3rd Annual Garlic & Onion Festival!

By Regina Ford, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Tuesday, June 15, 2010

It’s time to stock your pantry with fresh garlic and onions harvested on the farm, enjoy tasty food, music and more as Agua Linda Farm in Amado, 2643 E. Frontage Rd., hosts its 3rd annual Garlic & Onion Festival, June 19-20 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

6/15/10: New St. Andrew’s clinic head knows the ropes

By Regina Ford, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Social service work is a family tradition for Laura M. Romero, the recently appointed acting-executive director of St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic in Nogales, Ariz.

6/15/10: Ruiz’s limit on public comment raises ire

By Denise Holle, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 15, 2010

If a meeting is open to the public, does that mean members of the public can speak out? Apparently not.

6/15/10: Tubac Fire District wants to annex Morning Star Ranch

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The Tubac Fire District is taking steps to annex the Morning Star Ranch area and will hold a public hearing on the matter at 6 p.m. on June 23 at Station No. 3, 333 Camino Josefina in Rio Rico.

6/11/10: Parched riverbed could be blessing

By Marisa Gerber, Nogales International

Published: Friday, June 11, 2010

The visible tire marks and raccoon footprints along the bed of the Santa Cruz River near Chavez Siding Road suggest that locals – humans and animals alike – have noticed the dried-up sections of the river.

6/11/10: County to lower its property tax

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, June 11, 2010

The Santa Cruz County government says it will make good on its promise to lower the primary property tax now that voters have passed the community college tax.

6/11/10: College district struggles for funding

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, June 11, 2010

When voters said “yes” to a community college tax on May 18, they gave new life to the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District they formed 10 years ago.

6/8/10: Eight area eateries earn perfect inspection scores

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Eight local food establishments in Santa Cruz County received clean bills of health last month from the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Department.

6/8/10: Fire strikes home in Tumacacori

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 8, 2010

An occupied home in Tumacacori burned and collapsed on June 3 after smoldering in the walls of the structure for hours.

6/7/10: Amado group is about more than business

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Green Valley News

Published: Monday, June 7, 2010

Depending on your point of view, Amado is a community rich with the history of silver mining, cattle ranching, natural beauty and hospitality.

6/1/10: New market plans its grand opening

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The Tubac Market, formerly the Anza Marketplace, plans to celebrate its new name and updated format with a grand opening that begins today and runs through Saturday.

6/1/10: Post-vote budget backtracking has some crying foul

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Last month’s special election brought good news for schools, Cochise College and Santa Cruz County.

6/1/10: Census workers struggle to count county

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Santa Cruz County continues to lag in reporting for the 2010 Census, and so Census workers are fanning out to collect data in person and calm residents’ fears about reporting.

6/1/10: Wine shop boasts ‘local store’ feel

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Tubac’s loss is Nogales’ gain. La Viña Fine Wine and Spirits has relocated to the Loma Mariposa Shopping Mall on Mariposa Road.

5/31/10: Taxes to drop for Tubac Fire District

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, May 31, 2010

Property tax rates are predicted to drop slightly for residents of the Tubac Fire District, which also includes the north half of Rio Rico.

5/31/10: Fire districts looking for help on boards

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, May 31, 2010

In Rio Rico and Tubac, emergency medical response and fire fighting is provided by the fire districts, and the governing boards for both districts will have openings to be filled by election Nov. 2.

5/28/10: Plan for library district fizzles

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, May 28, 2010

The idea to form a county library district was born during Santa Cruz County’s budget crisis last winter.

5/27/10: Immigrant crushed by train in Arizona

AZCentral.com

Published: Thursday, May 27, 2010

Santa Cruz County authorities say an illegal immigrant was crushed after trying to hitch a ride on a train Wednesday.

5/25/10: Long-anticipated truck stop project set to start in fall

By Manuel Coppola and Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Nearly four years after it was announced, construction is expected to begin in the fall on a $7-million Love’s Travel Stop at Ruby Road and Interstate 19, south of the Pilot Travel Center in Rio Rico.

5/25/10: Law lets county keep back roads as ‘primitive’

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

By late July, the county government will be able to designate most of the vehicle-jarring back roads of Rio Rico as “primitive roads,” thereby keeping them in the county system and providing them with minimal maintenance.

5/25/10: Volunteers now run historic Tubac park

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is now being operated by volunteers working under the direction of the Tubac Historical Society.

5/25/10: Barn destroyed by fire

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

A barn fire at a farm near Tumacacori resulted in no human or animal casualties, but caused the structure to be destroyed.

5/24/10: The artist’s daughter

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, May 24, 2010

Ann Groves, daughter of the late artist Hal Empie, has opened her father’s studio and gallery to the children of Mountain View for the past three years.

5/21/10: Relieved county gov’t won’t slash budget after vote

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, May 21, 2010

Thanks to Tuesday’s election results, Santa Cruz County won’t have to cut its budget by 28 percent.

5/21/10: Supervisors will consider library district May 26

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, May 21, 2010

With the election behind them, Santa Cruz County supervisors will take up the issue of a county free library district when they meet at 9:30 a.m. on May 26.

5/19/10: Census workers now visiting homes

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Wednesday, May 19, 2010

This week and through July 10, Census workers are scheduled to visit residences in Tubac, Tumacácori, Amado and Arivaca, along with other locations.

5/19/10: Community college tax wins by wide margin

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Santa Cruz County voters said a resounding "yes" to a tax for their provisional community college district, approving the ballot measure on Tuesday by a nearly two-to-one margin.

5/18/10: Proposition 100 tax easily passes

The Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Arizona voters on Tuesday soundly approved a temporary sales tax increase to help close the state's projected big budget shortfalls and avert cuts to education, social services and law enforcement.

5/17/10: Local group takes over Tubac park operations

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Green Valley News

Published: Monday, May 17, 2010

A festive occasion marked the transfer Monday of responsibility for the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park as about 130 people squeezed into the park’s Otero Hall to observe the signing of documents.

5/13/10: AZ senators introduce illegal immigration bill

By Suzanne Adams, Daily Miner

Published: Thursday, May 13, 2010

Arizona's new illegal immigration bill seems to have gotten the attention of Congress.

5/10/10: Historical society to get park control

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, May 10, 2010

Responsibility for the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, opened in 1958 by Arizona State Parks, is scheduled to be transferred to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and to the Tubac Historical Society on May 14.

5/7/10: Supervisor promotes rural issues in Washington

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, May 7, 2010

Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Maynard missed the April 28 board of supervisors meeting for a good cause: He flew to Washington, D.C., to lobby for the county wearing a different hat.

5/7/10: Supervisors want money back for enforcing SB 1070

By Jonathan Clark, Nogales International

Published: Friday, May 7, 2010

The county government, which has already closed parks, cut services and eliminated jobs as a result of a funding crisis, wants its money back if it has to enforce Arizona’s tough new immigration law.

5/3/10: Money, land issues put Tubac fire station site on hold

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, May 3, 2010

Construction on a main fire station in Tubac has been indefinitely postponed due to an expected drop in property value and tax revenue in upcoming years.

4/27/10: Trujillo celebrates 60 years at Old Tumacacori Bar

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The family of Abe Trujillo invites the community to celebrate Trujillo’s 60th year of bartending at Abe’s Old Tumacacori Bar on April 30.

4/26/10: Checkpoint report due in December

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, April 26, 2010

A report on the effectiveness of the Border Patrol’s upgraded checkpoint on Interstate 19 north of Tubac is expected to go to Congress by mid-December.

4/23/10: SCC pays other counties top cash for college classes

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, April 23, 2010

It costs Santa Cruz County about $287,629 a year to educate the equivalent of 247 full-time students at Cochise College Nogales/Santa Cruz Center.

4/23/10: Supervisor: Let’s get county’s parks open

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, April 23, 2010

It’s time to reopen Santa Cruz County parks, move them back to their original department and give them a budget, Supervisor John Maynard says.

4/20/10: Tubac nets 1/3 of SCC sales-tax dollars

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tubac is rural, charming, historic and trendy. But with more than 150 businesses, it’s also a strong economic engine for Santa Cruz County.

4/19/10: Exact numbers elusive

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, April 19, 2010

Sales tax revenue from Tubac is down, but the community’s contribution to Santa Cruz County’s general fund is still significant.

3/26/10: County agrees to join effort to keep Tubac park open

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, March 26, 2010

Santa Cruz County is moving quickly to help keep the state from permanently closing the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.

3/26/10: U.S. Census forms not delivered in some areas

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Friday, March 26, 2010

Thousands of residents of Amado, Arivaca, Tubac, Rio Rico, Carmen and Tumacácori didn’t receive their Census 2010 forms in mid-March.

3/23/10: Walden considers Senate run

By Dan Shearer, The Sahuarita Sun

Published: Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A political poll released last week that showed Sen. John McCain could be vulnerable against GOP challenger J.D. Hayworth has FICO vice president Nan Stockholm Walden thinking seriously about entering the race.

3/23/10: Film crew revives Anza trek at local ranch

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, March 23, 2010

When a Tucson organization received funding to bring the 1775-1776 Anza Expedition to life in a documentary, its staff decided to shoot it on the oldest ranch in Arizona – Hacienda Corona de Guevavi on South River Road in Nogales.

3/23/10: Thanks for support

Nogales International

Published:Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Santa Cruz Humane Society's "Gimmie Shelter" golf tournament was a tremendous success in thanks to the overwhelming support of this community.

3/22/10: Health center won’t turn you away

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, March 22, 2010

General medical care is the primary role of the Tubac Regional Health Center.

3/22/10: Rotary helping stomp out polio

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, March 22, 2010

Two members of the Tubac Rotary Club joined other volunteers for a weekend visit to Hermosillo, Mexico, recently to immunize children against polio.

3/22/10: Tubac visitor center closes its doors

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, March 22, 2010

Due to a scarcity of funds, the Tubac Santa Cruz Visitor Center in the La Entrada Plaza was closed March 15.

3/22/10: Vogt named to District 30 House seat

By Philip Franchine, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, March 22, 2010

District 30 Republican chairman Ted Vogt was appointed March 16 by the Pima County Board of Supervisors to the House seat vacated by state Sen. Frank Antenori. The district includes Amado and Tubac.

3/19/10: Supervisors to consider aiding Tubac park effort

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Friday, March 19, 2010

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will consider partnering with a volunteer group to reopen the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park after the state closes it for business on March 29.

3/16/10: Board hears of ‘nuclear option’ for budget

By Mary Donnelly, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The outcome of a May 18 public vote on whether or not to raise Arizona’s state sales tax by 1 percent will either make or break the budget of Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35, school officials say.

3/15/10: Superintendent Fontes built a team, then helped build a better district

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, March 15, 2010

After progressing for the past 10 years under the steady leadership of Daniel “Dan” Fontes, students and employees at the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 will have to get to know someone new next year.

3/15/10: Supervisors, college board to meet March 23 in Tubac

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, March 15, 2010

Discussion about the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District is planned for an upcoming meeting.

3/15/10: Tubac vows to keep park open

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Green Valley News

Published: Monday, March 15, 2010

Undaunted by a planned March 29 closure for the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, community members have pledged more than $28,000 to keep the facility open to the public — and the fundraising isn’t over yet.

3/12/10: ‘Dog whisperer’ calms canines at SCHS shelter

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, March 12, 2010

When a handler takes a dog out of a cage at the Santa Cruz Humane Society, it immediately puts its nose to the ground and pulls on the leash.

3/9/10: Pet lovers play for shelter

By Mike Touzeau, Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Even if you’re a hardened sports nut, you probably still have a soft spot for abandoned puppies.

3/9/10: Nogales International adds managing editor

By Jonathan Clark, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

My name is Jonathan Clark and I’ve just arrived to Nogales from Mexico City to serve as the new managing editor of the Nogales International.

3/9/10: Canopy set to be erected at I-19 checkpoint

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

A night-time detour on northbound Interstate 19 in Tubac was scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 9, for construction.

3/9/10: Interstate 19 sign changes to metric put on hold by state

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The Arizona Department of Transportation won’t replace the metric signs on Interstate 19 anytime soon, it announced on March 2.

3/9/10: Meet the artists during this year’s Tubac ArtWalk

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Tubac will host a weekend celebration of art and the creative process during ArtWalk on March 27-28.

3/8/10: Volunteer group not giving up on Tubac park

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, March 8, 2010

A group committed to saving Tubac Presidio State Historic Park from being closed has made progress.

3/5/10: County plans for possible major disaster ahead of time

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, March 5, 2010

Santa Cruz County will soon recruit medical practitioners and train them to serve the community during a major disaster.

3/5/10: SCVUSD braces for the worst while considering money crisis

By Mary Donnelly, Nogales International

Published: Friday, March 5, 2010

The news seemed to go from bad to worse Tuesday as more than 100 parents, students, teachers and administrators were at the Rio Rico High School cafeteria for the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 second budget planning session.

3/5/10: New road takes shape at Palo Parado crossing

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, March 5, 2010

It takes time to build a road from the ground up.

3/2/10: PAD: Developers lose ‘density bonus’

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Land developers will no longer get a “density bonus” for building affordable housing under a Planned Area Development (PAD) in Santa Cruz County.

3/2/10: Renewable energy does pay for itself

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, March 2, 2010

In 2002, Marshall Magruder ordered a solar system for his home in Tubac and wanted to plug into the power company’s grid, he said.

3/1/10: New hotel could go on Tubac site

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, March 1, 2010

The historic village of Tubac, founded in 1752, has been home to an unexpected remnant from the 1970s — a dome home, frequently used as a business.

3/1/10: Property tax bills raise questions

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, March 1, 2010

Concerns about property taxes dominated the discussion at a town hall Feb. 23 in Tubac led by Santa Cruz County District 3 Supervisor John Maynard.

2/26/10: SCC parks won’t reopen yet

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 26, 2010

Santa Cruz County will not reopen its closed parks on its target date of March 1.

2/26/10: Santa Cruz County may go broke by the next spring

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 26, 2010

A year from now, Santa Cruz County may run out of money, Finance Director Jennifer St. John told supervisors and department heads Feb. 24 during study session on the county budget.

2/26/10: U.S. Census will be coming to your mailbox soon

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 26, 2010

Santa Cruz County might pass a milestone this year – the smallest county in Arizona could reach a population of 50,000.

2/23/10: Tucson Sector gets new Border Patrol chief

Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Victor M. Manjarrez Jr. took over last week as the new Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol.

2/23/10: S.C. Humane Society finds happy endings

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Aspen left the kennel where she had lived for three years and found a new owner to love her at the Tubac Festival of the Arts.

2/23/10: River walks offered at Tumacácori park

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tumacácori National Historical Park is offering nature walks to the Santa Cruz River through April 2010.

2/22/10: ‘Heir Looms’ in Tubac a genuine labor of love

By Mike Touzeau, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Tuesday, February 22, 2010

How many of us can say we were able to combine three of our passions into one harmonious endeavor?

2/22/10: Tourists are welcomed to Tubac in two locations

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, February 22, 2010

The Tubac Chamber of Commerce has opened a “Welcome Center” for tourists just steps inside the village entrance, with shopping guides and information brochures.

2/22/10: Plans in works to re-open county parks

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, February 22, 2010

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors closed all county parks on Jan. 8, but promised to consider ways to re-open them.

2/22/10: Local efforts helping save state parks, but Tubac likely to be closed in March

By Alec Nielson, Arizona News Service

Published: Monday, February 22, 2010

The Arizona State Parks Board gave one historical site marked for closure a brief reprieve this week, and is supporting local efforts to save several more from the budget ax.

2/19/10: Maynard to host area meetings

Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 19, 2010

Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Maynard of District 3 will meet with constituents in three town hall meetings.

2/19/10: SCC to lower property tax if voters OK college tax

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 19, 2010

Santa Cruz County supervisors voted 3-0 on Feb. 17 to lower the primary property tax almost 7 cents per $100 of assessed value effective July 1, 2010.

2/19/10: Plastic bags are littering all parts of county

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 19, 2010

They escape from store parking lots, fly high in the air like balloons and then catch on the spikes of bushes and mesquite trees.

2/15/10: High-speed internet gets a local boost

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, February 15, 2010

A new business is offering high-speed wired and wireless Internet access, data and voice transmission to residential and business customers.

2/15/10: Commercial development approved in Tubac

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, February 15, 2010

A unanimous vote by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors paves the way for a commercial development on the west side of Interstate 19 in Tubac.

2/15/10: Printing press is now up and running

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, February 15, 2010

Commemorative copies of the first newspaper in Arizona, dated March 3, 1859, are available at the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, which is presenting printing press demonstrations in February and March.

2/12/10: County eyes plan to turn landfill gas into electricity

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 12, 2010

With its steamy mass of decaying produce, the Santa Cruz County landfill in Rio Rico could someday generate million of dollars in electric power, said Karl Moyers, solid waste manager, during a Feb. 3 study session with county supervisors.

2/12/10: SCC to send funding lists to Reps. Giffords and Grijalva

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 12, 2010

Santa Cruz County supervisors voted Feb. 10 to send separate wish lists for federal funding to U.S. Reps. Gabrielle Giffords and Raul Grijalva, Democrats who represent different parts of the county.

2/9/10: SCC to receive emergency food, shelter funds

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Santa Cruz County has been chosen to receive $37,117 to supplement emergency food and shelter program in the county.

2/9/10: New name, sign, menus for Amado restaurant

By Kathy Engle, Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Drawing on comments from customers and their own market research, owners of the Stockman’s Grill at the Amado Territory Ranch have re-invented the restaurant they purchased in March 2009.

2/8/10: New restaurant opens in Amado

By Mark Bollin, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, February 8, 2010

There are few aromas that attack the hunger-driving sensory receptors of the brain faster than the smoky sweet smell of fresh BBQ.

2/5/10: Oates works to save lives of abandoned dogs in SCC

By Marion Vendituoli, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 5, 2010

Things could have turned out very differently for Fred the dog if it weren’t for Barbara Oates and her non-profit organization, ASAP.

2/5/10: Peña Blanca Lake reopens

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 5, 2010

Water has been running over the spillway, and the recent rain topped off nicely the now-full Peña Blanca Lake, about 10 miles west of Rio Rico on Ruby Road.

2/5/10: Chula Vista vs. Palo Parado: Where should $$ go?

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 5, 2010

If Congress comes up with funds this year for an infrastructure project in Santa Cruz County, what project should top the wish list?

2/5/10: Building permits continue sinking in SC County

Nogales International

Published: Friday, February 5, 2010

Builders and homeowners took out permits for $1,609,620 in December 2009, compared with $4.1 million in December 2008. In that month, about $3 million was designated for construction in Rio Rico.

2/2/10: Proposed district would bring new tax

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The proposed Santa Cruz County Library District would operate on a new property tax of approximately 14 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, which would in turn free up money from the general fund budgets of Santa Cruz County and the City of Nogales.

2/2/10: County faces cash shortage before end of FY2010

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, February 2, 2010

For the first time in 18 years, Santa Cruz County may have to register warrants to pay its bills, said Treasurer Caesar Ramirez.

2/2/10: Tolman to be featured at Tubac art festival

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Watercolor painter Sherry Tolman will be the featured artist at the 51st Annual Tubac Festival of the Arts, Feb. 10-14.

2/2/10: 30 eateries in SCC inspected for healthiness

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The results of restaurant inspections in Santa Cruz County between Nov. 23, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2009, ran the gamut from zero violations at six locations to seven critical and five non-critical violations at one establishment.

2/1/10: Village getting ready for 51st annual festival

By Ellen Sussman, Green Valley News

Published: Monday, February 1, 2010

Touted and publicized as Arizona’s longest-running art festival, the Tubac Chamber of Commerce will soon be welcoming 175 vendors from across the country to its five-day, 51st annual juried festival Feb. 10-14.

2/1/10: Retail shops planned for west Tubac

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, February 1, 2010

Tubac’s first commercial development on the west side of Interstate 19 is scheduled to be considered at the Feb. 10 meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

2/1/10: Bring ‘em on: Most shops welcome festival

By Ellen Sussman, Green Valley News

Published: Monday, February 1, 2010

When 175 vendors come to Tubac for the annual five-day Festival of the Arts — bringing a good dose of competition — do the village’s 100 shopkeepers welcome it?

2/1/10: Amado Ranch restaurant features major changes

By Kathy Engle, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, February 1, 2010

Drawing on comments from customers and their own market research, owners of the Stockman’s Grill at the Amado Territory Ranch have literally re-invented the restaurant they purchased in March, 2009.

1/29/10: Printing Press Demonstrations at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Arizona State Parks.com

Published: Friday, January 29, 2010

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park presents printing press demonstrations in February and March 2010.

1/29/10: Doctors group gets help from Tubac

Green Valley News

Published: Friday, January 29, 2010

La Paloma de Tubac, which features Latin American textiles, crafts and antiques, held a fund-raiser recently for Doctors Without Borders.

1/29/10: County looks to keep college funding here

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, January 29, 2010

Santa Cruz County voters created a community college district in 2000, but voted three times against a property to fund it.

1/26/10: State bill would reduce supervisors’ authority

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Santa Cruz County supervisors oppose an Arizona Senate bill that if approved would cut them out as middlemen in the apportioning of money for elected offices.

1/26/10: S.C. Valley Car Nuts Show shows off cars

By Roger Conroy, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010

From the common to the uncommon – the unique to the ubiquitous, Car Nuts and their cars, trucks, motorcycles, hot rods, dragsters and more gathered Saturday at the Tubac Golf Resort for the 16th Annual Santa Cruz Valley Car Nuts Show.

1/25/10: Tubac arts center looking back and to future

By Regina Ford, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 25, 2010

The Tubac Center of the Arts Annual Home Tour brought hundreds of visitors to Tubac on Jan. 16.

1/25/10: Koorey Creations a Cut Above

By Mike Touzeau, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 25, 2010

Harry Truman said you should “find out what your children want and then advise them to do it,” and that’s pretty close to the way Damian Koorey has helped not only his kids but also his wife Deborah experience beauty and learn to duplicate it for others.

1/25/10: Momentum grows to protect Tubac park

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 25, 2010

The Tubac Historical Society has agreed to head up a new community group that is working to find ways to preserve and secure Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, which is scheduled to be closed March 29.

1/25/10: Weather doesn’t dampen Tubac’s classic car show

By Roger Conroy, Nogales International

Published: Monday, January 25, 2010

From the unique to the ubiquitous, area “Car Nuts” and their cars, trucks, motorcycles, hot rods, dragsters and more gathered at the Tubac Golf Resort Saturday for the 16th Annual Santa Cruz Valley Car Nuts Show.

1/22/10: Supervisors face obstacles to reopen parks

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, January 22, 2010

Santa Cruz County parks closed on Jan. 8. The workers who maintain the parks were laid off in August and December to save the county an estimated $200,000 a year, said Finance Director Jennifer St. John.

1/22/10: Sales tax revenue from state slows to a trickle

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, January 22, 2010

Sales tax revenues that help fund the Santa Cruz County government continue to shrink, said Finance Director Jennifer St. John.

1/19/10: Giffords tours I-19 checkpoint project

By Ellen Sussman, Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on Saturday met with officials from the Border Patrol, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and contractor MRM Construction Services of Phoenix to evaluate progress on the new interim checkpoint site, which is being moved one-third of a mile south of its present location on Interstate 19 north of Tubac.

1/19/10: SC County to close and pave Palo Parado Road

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Rio Rico’s shortcut to Interstate 19 is to be closed on Monday, Jan. 25, while the Santa Cruz County Public Works Department paves the dirt roadway and installs new cattle guards and cross-drainage culverts.

1/19/10: Trade beads are topic of free talk in Tubac

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Bead historian Steve Ellis will give a presentation to the Santa Cruz Valley Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the North County Facility at 50 Bridge Road in Tubac.

1/18/10: Rotary Club Poker Hike’s goal is to fight polio

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 18, 2010

The Tubac Rotary Club is holding a fundraiser titled, “Take a Hike to End Polio Now.”

1/18/10: Safe, smooth roads are Jimenez’s goal

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 18, 2010

Tubac resident Henry Jimenez has worked for Santa Cruz County’s public works department for 36 years and still loves his job.

1/17/10: I-19 set for shift to mileage signs

By Brian J. Pedersen, Arizona Daily Star

Published: Sunday, January 17, 2010

Miles or kilometers? That's what the Arizona Department of Transportation wants to know.

1/16/10: Tubac state park to close in March

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun News

Published: Saturday, January 16, 2010

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park was closed in July and August 2002 for 31 days because of state budget problems, but that’s nothing compared to a decision made Friday.

1/12/10: UA branch in Nogales turns out teachers

By Becky Pallack, Arizona Daily Star

Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The University of Arizona's two-year-old branch campus in Nogales, Ariz., is taking root by training teachers.

1/12/10: School libraries seek books for the annual SCVUSD No. 35 sale

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Why not clear out space for new books by donating your old books to a good cause this New Year?

1/12/10: Supervisors refuse to break county hiring freeze

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Santa Cruz County supervisors said “no” to letting the flood- control district hire an equipment operator at their Jan. 6 meeting.

1/12/10: Council OKs tall signs at Sahuarita Road, I-19

By Philip Franchine, The Sahuarita Sun

Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Town Council on Monday overwhelmingly approved 65-foot freeway signs in Rancho Sahuarita, delayed consideration of freeway signs around Duval Mine Road out of concern for the rights of neighbors, and authorized the Green Valley Fire District to begin efforts to annex the north half of town.

1/11/10: Healthier water flowing in Tubac

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 11, 2010

Nine years after stricter water regulations were announced, Tubac customers of the Arizona American Water Co. have drinking water that meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

1/11/10: Tubac hair salon welcomes art

By Dede Isaacson, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 11, 2010

Creativity is the hallmark of Tubac businesses and the new Donna’s Salon in Tubac is a great example.

1/11/10: Meeting day for SCVUSD school board changes

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 11, 2010

School board meetings for the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 (Rio Rico and Tubac) will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month this year.

1/8/10: SCHS board coping with parvo, crowding

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, January 8, 2010

The challenges at the Santa Cruz Humane Society shelter are daunting: a recent outbreak of parvovirus, too many dogs to exercise, and a budget that relies solely on donations.

1/8/10: Rosemont pit will pump deep, create acid lake

By Dick Kamp, Nogales International

Published: Friday, January 8, 2010

A study of flow impacts from water drainage at a proposed open-pit mine in the Santa Rita Mountains predicts the formation of an 819-foot acidic “pit lake” 100 years after the mining is completed.

1/8/10: U of A Santa Cruz classes slated to begin Jan. 13

Nogales International

Published: Friday, January 8, 2010

The University of Arizona’s Academic Outreach program in Santa Cruz County is in the Pierson Educational Complex at 455 N. Arroyo Blvd., in Nogales.

1/8/10: Master gardener classes slated

Nogales International

Published: Friday, January 8, 2010

A Master Gardener/Horticulture Training Program will be taught by the University of Arizona Santa Cruz County Cooperative Extension in Santa Cruz County.

1/7/10: Arizona's Tubac Golf Resort is where "Tin Cup" came to life

By ERIK PETERSON, Travel Editor, GolfChannel.com

Published: Thursday, January 7, 2010

TUBAC, Ariz. – A 45 minute drive south of Tucson sits Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, an oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert.

1/6/10: TCA Home Tour Opens doors to Tubac’s best

Green Valley News

Published: Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Tubac Center of the Arts Home Tour coming up this month is a real tour de force, says Annette Brinck, TCA executive director.

1/6/10: Council tackles freeway signs Monday

By Philip Franchine, Green Valley News

Published: Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Sahuarita Town Council on Monday will consider two separate proposals for freeway signs much higher than the current 10-foot signs.

1/5/10: Upgrades begin at BP interim checkpoint on Interstate 19

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Construction began Monday on upgrades to the interim Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 19 north of Tubac.

1/5/10: Grant expected to enhance local library services

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, January 5, 2010

With the aid of the Recovery Act Public Computer Center grant, the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records will help 84 public libraries enhance service to their communities with additional public-access computers in their institutions.

1/5/10: State parks losing over $8.5 million after meeting

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Following action by the Arizona Legislature on Dec. 18 to withdraw $8.6 million from Arizona State Parks to help balance the state budget, the state park board must make tough decisions on what will happen next, which could include closing parks.

1/4/10: Three sought for advisory board

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 4, 2010

Much of the charm of the village of Tubac is that its buildings are similar in design to those of 100 years ago. A Santa Cruz County ordinance requires certain design aspects before building permits are issued.

1/4/10: Tubac man casts aside disability to enjoy his craft

By Mike Touzeau, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, January 4, 2010

“I know it’s not politically correct to call myself handicapped anymore,” said Chris Fonseca, a world-class comedian who has appeared on David Letterman’s show and in other big-time venues, and just happens to have cerebral palsy.

1/1/10: Supervisors vote to end library pact with Nogales

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, January 1, 2010

Santa Cruz County supervisors voted on Dec. 16 to end an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Nogales to fund three branch libraries in Rio Rico, Tubac and Sonoita.

12/30/09: Santa Cruz River getting ‘healthier’

Nogales International

Published: Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The first of a series of reports on the health of the Santa Cruz River from the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Rio Rico to Tubac cites pollution and a lack of river species as main concerns.

12/29/09: Can county parks stay open?

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Santa Cruz County will close all its parks on Jan. 8, 2010, after it laid off three maintenance workers to save an estimated $200,000 a year. But local groups may fill the gaps in maintenance and allow the parks to reopen in the spring.

12/29/09: Tubac chamber promotes its assistant to exec director

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Kim Etherington is the new executive director of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce, replacing Carol Cullen whose resignation took effect Dec. 18.

12/28/09: Checkpoint construction begins Monday

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, December 28, 2009

The Border Patrol said construction is scheduled to start Monday, January 4th, on improvements on the immigration checkpoint on Interstate 19 between Tubac and Amado.

12/28/09: Families pushing to save Tubac park

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, December 28, 2009

There’s anxiety over the future of Ronald R. Morriss Park in Tubac.

12/28/09: Talk of the Town: Germaine Juneau

By Regina Ford, Green Valley News

Published: Monday, December 28, 2009

Tubac’s Germaine Juneau is among 44 artists from four states whose works were selected for the Arizona Edges exhibition, a national juried show and sale of all art of all media across the nation running Jan. 8 through Feb. 14 at Tubac Center of the Arts, 9 Plaza Road.

12/28/09: Tubac Fire, others bring Christmas cheer

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, December 28, 2009

Firefighters and medical responders along with administrative staff from the Tubac Fire District donated toys and food to six families Dec. 22.

12/22/09: Volunteers may help reopen parks

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Santa Cruz County will close all its parks on Jan. 8, 2010, after it laid off three maintenance workers to save an estimated $200,000 a year. But local groups may fill the gaps in maintenance and allow the parks to reopen in the spring.

12/22/09: County complex evacuated after bomb threat

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A bomb threat sent dozens of Santa Cruz County employees out into the parking lots of the county complex at 2150 N. Congress Drive about 9 a.m. today in Nogales.

12/22/09: Agriculture to be Tubac topic

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Archaeologist Jeremy Moss will give a presentation to the Santa Cruz Valley Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society on Jan. 21, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the North County Facility at 50 Bridge Road in Tubac.

12/18/09: Permit allows go-ahead for interim checkpoint

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Green Valley News

Published: Friday, December 18, 2009

More than two years after it was announced, it appears there are no more impediments and that construction will begin soon on the $1.5 million interim Border Patrol checkpoint on the east side of Interstate 19, between Tubac and Amado.

12/18/09: S.C. Humane Society needs ‘a miracle’

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, December 18, 2009

New board members of Santa Cruz Humane Society were upbeat as they welcomed visitors at the Dec. 11 open house at the shelter.

12/18/09: S.C. County Supervisors OK speedy move to new jail

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, December 18, 2009

CORE Construction may finish Santa Cruz County’s new jail and courts buildings three months ahead of schedule, said Project Manager Steve Shields.

12/17/09: White Elephant announces donations

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Country Fair White Elephant announced $1.3 million in donations to organizations that are local or help local residents. Here is the list:

12/15/09: Anza trailblazer helped preserve history

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Anza Trail, which parallels the Santa Cruz River and offers an outstanding walking and bird-watching experience, has been created during the past 17 years by the efforts and donations of many energetic volunteers.

12/15/09: Guest Comment: Checkpoint decision is far from final

By Gary Brasher, Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The headline on Sunday’s article, “Checkpoint Here to Stay,” is misleading and does not provide sufficient context regarding this issue.

12/15/09: Traffic won’t be routed across the I-19 median

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Northbound traffic on Interstate 19 won’t be routed across the median while Border Patrol builds an interim checkpoint north of Tubac.

12/15/09: Nogales family finds lost dog at local parade

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Buddy spent more than three months at the Santa Cruz Humane Society while staff searched for an adoptive home that could treat his hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition.

12/15/09: County plans to close some parks next year

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Santa Cruz County parks are scheduled to be closed as part of wide-ranging action to keep the county budget balanced and to save $2.8 million.

12/14/09: School district earns award for nutrition

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Skipping a meal could cause learning difficulties, so school children throughout the United States frequently qualify for free or reduced-price breakfasts, lunches and after-school snacks.

12/14/09: Tubac shows off: Center draws on local artists for market

By Ellen Sussman, Green Valley News

Published: Monday, December 14, 2009

Handmade pottery and metal art, colorful mosaic wall hangings and hand-painted tiles, holiday cards and arty Christmas stockings, glass mobiles and framed paintings, books and CDs, and an array of hand-crafted jewelry and wearable art fill the Tubac Center of the Arts.

12/14/09: Last year for huge shoe give-away

By Regina Ford, Green Valley News

Published: Monday, December 14, 2009

The feet of thousands of needy men, women and children were given the gift of new shoes for the last time Saturday during Operation Bootstrap when the Tubac Rotary Club, with the help of more than 150 volunteers, gave away nearly 8,000 pairs at the Tubac Community Center.

12/11/09: SCHS flooded with resignations recently

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, December 11, 2009

When the Santa Cruz Humane Society (SCHS) opened its Dec. 7 meeting at 2 p.m., five of its six board members showed up. By 3:30 p.m., only three were still on board and one member was absent.

12/11/09: Santa Cruz County plans to lay off 7 employe

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, December 11, 2009

Santa Cruz County will deliver pink slips to seven employees before Christmas to let them know their jobs will end on Jan. 8, 2010.

12/9/09: Napolitano asserts commitment to interior checkpoints

By Daniel Newhauser, Green Valley News

Published: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday that the agency will continue using interior checkpoints as part of its border enforcement plan.

12/9/09: 2 men sought in fatal shooting in Rio Rico

By Manuel C. Coppola, The Nogales International

Published: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The campus at Pena Blanca and Calabasas schools in Rio Rico were under lockdown for up to three hours Tuesday after gunmen shot and killed one man and injured another in a nearby neighborhood.

12/8/09: ADOT cutting trees for I-19 project

By Philip Franchine, Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The state highway department is cutting down trees on both sides of Interstate 19 from Tubac to Rio Rico as part of a project involving replacement of barbed wire fences.

12/8/09: P&Z backs plans for tall signs on I-19

By Philip Franchine, The Sahuarita Sun

Published: Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The town’s skyline is going to get higher as the community grows and attracts larger businesses, planning and zoning officials said Monday before they recommended approval of up to seven freeway signs ranging from 48 to 65 feet above the roadway.

12/8/09: Amado food bank feeling stretched

By Jaime Richardson, Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The Amado Community Food Bank has seen a 40 percent increase in clients this year, and with Christmas less than three weeks away, it’s looking for donations and all the helping hands it can get.

12/7/09: Entrance fees rising at state parks

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, December 7, 2009

Entrance fees will increase March 1 for Arizona State Parks, including the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Lake Patagonia State Park and Sonoita Creek Natural Preserve.

12/7/09: Artist reaches across state, generations

By Mike Touzeau, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, December 7, 2009

“Color and shape always attract my attention first,” Roberta Rogers declares.

12/7/09: Local artists take awards at TCA’s Members’ Juried Exhibition

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, December 7, 2009

George Blanchard of Tubac won an Award of Excellence for “Flooded Plain” and DeDe Isaacson, also of Tubac, won an Award of Merit for her work, “Little Castles” in the Tubac Center of the Arts 40th Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition running through Jan. 3 at the TCA, 9 Plaza Road.

12/7/09: Storing your stuff or helping you move is the mission of Amado businessman

By Mike Touzeau, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, December 7, 2009

A bit of a nomad much of his life, Denis Tucek knows a lot about moving and storage needs, which is why his customers at Amado RV & Self-Storage appreciate his personal guidance when they need it.

12/4/09: Developers to loan S.C. County $47,500

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, December 4, 2009

Four developers will loan Santa Cruz County $47,500 to pave Palo Parado Road in Rio Rico, the next step in converting the dirt road to an all-weather shortcut to Interstate 19.

12/4/09: The Tumacacori Fiesta to celebrate valley cultures

Nogales International

Published: Friday, December 4, 2009

The 39th annual Tumacacori Fiesta is free and will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, at Tumacacori National Historical Park.

12/3/09: Supervisors approve 60-day rabies quarantine in county

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Thursday, December 3, 2009

Rabies is taking a heavy toll on wild animals and threatening pets and people in all parts of Santa Cruz County, Lt. Jose Peña told county supervisors on Dec. 2. Peña, supervisor of Animal Care and Control, asked for a countywide rabies quarantine for the next 60 days.

12/1/09: Supervisors declare drought in SCC

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 1, 2009

County supervisors declared a drought emergency at their meeting on Nov. 25, after ranchers testified about the bone-dry range areas where their cattle forage.

12/1/09: Santa Cruz River is cleaner, healthier near Tubac

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Santa Cruz River near Tubac is now a cleaner place thanks to several local students, groups and businesses who participated in a River Cleanup Weekend Nov. 21-22.

11/30/09: A Charles Poston Christmas to open Dec. 11 in Tubac

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, November 30, 2009

Tubac Performance Studios presents “A Charles Poston Christmas” adapted for stage by Polly Schlitz and starring Shaw Kinsley beginning Dec. 11 at the Tubac Performance Studios, 2243 E. Frontage Road, Tubac.

11/30/09: Wine expert knows customers, product

By Mike Touzeau, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, November 30, 2009

It’s not your typical supermarket wine department.

11/30/09: Water rates going up 17%; Tiered system will help average users

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, November 30, 2009

Water rates for customers of Arizona American Water Co. are increasing, but not by as large amount as was proposed in May 2008.

11/28/09: Central Pet - a dream get-away for pets

By Mark Bollin, Green Valley News

Published: Saturday, November 28, 2009

For Central Pet’s owner, Julie Grounds, her dream creation offers pets a quality fun get-away, and owners a one-stop center for everything for their pets ... boarding, day care, training programs, grooming, pet foods and supplies.

11/27/09: Cullen to leave Tubac chamber post

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Green Valley News

Published: Friday, November 27, 2009

Carol Cullen, executive director of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce for six years, is resigning in December.

11/27/09: Tubac to be glowing Dec. 4

Nogales International

Published: Friday, November 27, 2009

Luminaria Nights-Fiesta de Navidad is planned in Tubac on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5, from dusk until 9 p.m. This 25-year tradition is Tubac’s annual celebration of the holiday season.

11/27/09: You can recycle your electronics waste free soon

Nogales International

Published: Friday, November 27, 2009

The first coordinated free electronics waste recycling event on both sides of the United States-Mexico border will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

11/25/09: Checkpoint project getting closer

Green Valley News

Published: Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A Border Patrol plan to detour traffic on Interstate 19 to accommodate a checkpoint in Tubac is inching forward. State officials were given a document Monday that should allow them to issue a needed permit, Border Patrol officials said Tuesday.

11/25/09: Brasher does it: 3 days, 3 triathlons

Green Valley News

Published: Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Tubac Realtor Gary Brasher set out to achieve a seemingly impossible task this weekend — three Ironman Triathlons, three days — and pulled it off, completing his 422-mile journey at Ironman Arizona in Tempe on Sunday.

11/25/09: Home Depot, Round 2: Developer asks for 3 tall signs

By Philip Franchine, The Sahuarita Sun

Published: Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The developer of Rancho Sahuarita is resuming talks with Home Depot and once again seeking town approval for towering freeway signs.

11/24/09: No permit yet for work on the Interstate 19 checkpoint

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Representatives from Green Valley, Tubac and Nogales are scheduled to meet today with officials from U.S. Border Patrol to learn more details about planned construction work on Interstate 19 between Tubac and Amado.

11/24/09: SCC accepting donations for work on Palo Parado Road

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Santa Cruz County, short of cash, is trying to pave Palo Parado Road in Rio Rico with donations from landowners and citizens who rely on the shortcut to Interstate 19.

11/24/09: Landfill gas - measure it and put it to work

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Greenhouse gas rising from the Santa Cruz County landfill in Rio Rico now has to be measured and perhaps monitored to comply with a rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

11/24/09: Coronado sets new target dates for study

By Dick Kamp, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Recently, Coronado National Forest officials said they will release a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) on the Canadian-based Augusta Resource’s proposed Rosemont Mine in the Santa Rita Mountains by the end of “the second quarter of 2010.”

11/23/09: Musician shares history, song in ‘narrative concert’

By Lynn Carey, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, November 23, 2009

Art that relishes innovation and generates excitement best describes “The Piano Story” as it was told recently at Rogoway’s Turquoise Tortoise Gallery in Tubac.

11/21/09: Firm wins contract to build freeway border checkpoint near Tubac

By Brady McCombs, Arizona Daily Star

Published: Saturday, November 21, 2009

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $1.54 million contract to a Phoenix construction company to build an interim Border Patrol checkpoint facility on Interstate 19 north of Tubac — but nobody knows when work will begin.

11/21/09: Truckers might skirt I-19 construction

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Saturday, November 21, 2009

Representatives from Green Valley, Tubac and Nogales are scheduled to meet Tuesday with officials from Border Patrol to learn more details about planned construction work on Interstate 19 between Tubac and Amado.

11/21/09: Rosemont mine timeline pushed back

By Dick Kamp, Green Valley News

Published: Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Coronado National Forest on Friday said they will release a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) on the Canadian-based Augusta Resource’s proposed Rosemont Mine in the Santa Rita Mountains by the end of the second quarter of 2010.

Rabies cases set county record with 47th animal

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, November 20, 2009

A feral cat in the Carmen-Tumacacori area is the latest animal to test positive for rabies in Santa Cruz County. Now 47 animals, wild and domestic, have been confirmed with the rabies virus since the beginning of 2009.

3 triathlons in 3 days for Tubac man

By Roger Conroy, The Sahuarita Sun

Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Gary Brasher is taking charitable fundraising to an unprecedented level.

I-19 goes down to one lane each way

By Jaime Richardson, Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

About 1,500 feet of Interstate 19 is down to one lane in each direction for three months while workers expand and reinforce the Continental Road overpass, according to the Pima County Department of Transportation.

Truck stop drops light-level request

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, November 16, 2009

Owners of a proposed Love’s Truck Stop in Rio Rico withdrew their request for increased lighting levels last week, two days before the Santa Cruz County Board of Adjustment was scheduled to consider the matter.

Tubac Golf Resort restaurants go green

By Karen Walenga, Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The links aren’t the only green things thriving at the Tubac Golf Resort.

Delivering mesquite mystique in Tumacacori

By Mark Bollin, Special to the Green Valley News

Published: Monday, November 16, 2009

I first met Art Flores in 2002. He had just purchased the 20-year-old Tumacacori Mesquite Sawmill from artisan Richard Maul.

Taxpayers foot bills for mileage, bigger retirement paychecks for officers.

By Brady McCombs and Stephen Ceasar, Arizona Daily Star

Published: Monday, November 16, 2009

US border-security cash leaves towns on the hook.

Border program has vague goals, little oversight

By Brady McCombs and Stephen Ceasar, Arizona Daily Star

Published: Sunday, November 15, 2009

No yardstick for success, failure of enforcement effort.

Checkpoint construction date undecided; Project on collision course with tourism

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Saturday, November 14, 2009

Information released Friday night casts doubt on an announcement from U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ office that work on the interim Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 19 will begin in December.

SCC leaders addressing budget crisis, $3 million shortfall feared

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, November 13, 2009

Finance Director Jennifer St. John delivered the bad news via a PowerPoint presentation: Santa Cruz County faces a $3 million hole in its 2010-2011 budget and may have to lay off 15 employees in January and close its parks.

Supervisors vote to end contract with lobbyist

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Santa Cruz County supervisors voted 3-0 on Nov. 4 to end a contract with an attorney paid to lobby for federal funds to complete the Chula Vista flood-control project and build a bridge at the Palo Parado River crossing.

Nogales man dies after an injury in Tubac

By JB Miller, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

A Nogales man was airlifted to a Tucson hospital after being injured at a construction site near the Tubac Golf Resort on Wednesday. Hector Gonzales, 57, later died at University Medical Center (UMC).

Construction begins for fire stations

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Construction on two fire stations in Santa Cruz County started the same day, Monday, Oct 26.

Tubac festival adds international touches

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The first International Wine & Art Festival in the historic village of Tubac is scheduled Friday, Nov. 20, featuring a sampling of foods and wines from several countries.

Specialized Hohokam Villages is topic Thursday

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Archaeologist Matthew Pailes will give a presentation to the Santa Cruz Valley Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the North County Facility at 50 Bridge Road in Tubac.

Water gardener brings Amado pond back to life

By Karen Walenga, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, November 9, 2009

The newly renovated pond at the Amado Territory Ranch is drawing attention from visitors, staff and even a hungry heron with a taste for goldfish.

Vaccine arrives in SCC; seasonal variety scarce

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, November 6, 2009

Finally, the H1N1 flu vaccine has arrived at medical offices in Santa Cruz County. But it may be too late to prevent more cases of a flu that has already infected thousands of people in Arizona.

Checkpoint upgrades plan upsets Tubac

By Dan Shearer and Kathleen Vandervoet, Green Valley News

Published: Saturday, November 7, 2009

The groundbreaking on upgrades for the interim Border Patrol checkpoint has been moved to December, apparently in answer to concerns from Tubac business owners who feared construction would cut into the tourist season.

Artist found his niche, held on tight

By Mark Bollin, Special to the Green Valley News

Published: Friday, November 6, 2009

David Voisard wanted to spend time on the slopes, but a warm winter changed his life.

Adobe is his passion, tool for preservation

By Joyce Bertschy, Arizona Daily Star

Published: Sunday, November 8, 2009

Adobe buildings tell David Yubeta their stories … and he listens.

WHO YOU GONNA CALL? COWBUSTERS!

UNS gas bills to drop, says AZ Corp. Commission

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 3, 2009

One cost on your UNS gas bill “the purchased gas adjustor (PGA)“ will go down by eight cents per therm, according to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Customers are faced with unpaid trade-ins

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, November 3, 2009

In July, Patrick Beck, 44, got the bad news that Chrysler Financial Corp. was shutting down his dealership in Nogales after 11 years. Yanira Valenzuela, 25, did not realize this meant bad news for her, too.

Tubac’s Art Experience highlights the weekend

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, November 2, 2009

The public is invited to Tubac’s “Art Experience” on Nov. 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Tubac Art Experience gives visitors a chance to meet the artists of Tubac.

Elvira’s, a family tradition with a twist

By Kathy Engle, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, November 2, 2009

The decor is much more dazzling, the menu has been pared down, the prices are slightly higher. And gone are the complimentary shots of tequila, forbidden by federal law.

Maynard pushes to alter dirt road law in county

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, October 30, 2009

Santa Cruz County would like state legislators to move the clock forward and redefine what it considers a primitive road. This week, Supervisor John Maynard (Dist. 3) asked the County Supervisors Association (CSA) to sponsor a bill to change the designated date of a primitive road from before 1975 to before 1985.

Bobb Vann exhibit opens in Tucson

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, October 26, 2009

The work of nationally-acclaimed Tubac artist Bobb Vann is on exhibit at the law firm of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild, in Tucson, through February.

Checkpoint upgrades set for February

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, October 26, 2009

Work to widen northbound Interstate 19 between Tubac and Amado for an interim Border Patrol immigration checkpoint could begin mid-February.

JTED program goes to vote

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, October 26, 2009

More career and technical education classes will be offered at Rio Rico High School if voters approve the formation of a Joint Technological Education District (JTED) on Nov. 3.

3 fire hydrants funded

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, October 26, 2009

The Tubac Fire District approved three new fire hydrants at a special meeting Oct. 21.

Benefit book sale looks for donations

The Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, October 26, 2009

Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District libraries are looking for book donations for the annual book sale fund-raiser.

Tubac’s a cow town: Cattle overrun gardens, street

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, October 19, 2009

A “no cows allowed” sign won’t do anything to protect private property from the beasts. If fences are cut or gates are left open, cows will generally saunter toward tasty cactus pads, flowers and tender young grass, leaving behind their droppings in the form of odorous cow patties.

Amado food bank needs 200 holiday turkeys

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, October 12, 2009

Amado Community Food Bank is looking for donations of frozen turkeys through the end of the year to help fill the holiday food boxes.

Board to vote on fire hydrants

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, October 19, 2009

The five-member governing board of the Tubac Fire District was expected to gather this week for a special meeting to consider spending about $30,000 for three fire hydrants in a residential area on the west side of Interstate 19.

Vaccine is scarce in Santa Cruz County for H1N1 flu, say officials

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

H1N1 flu is circulating in Santa Cruz County, but the vaccine to prevent it is only trickling into local medical offices.

Heritage status would boost SCV

By Alexander MacLean, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

On 63 Amado acres in the picturesque Santa Cruz Valley, Stewart Loew raises cattle and grows organic lettuce, onions, pumpkins and other produce. But the way of life he inherited from his father is in some ways under siege as development, rising property values and escalating costs leave some family farmers struggling.

Environmental impact statement delayed

By Dick Kamp, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Southern Arizona’s Democratic two congressional delegates want the head of the United States Department of Agriculture to consider a “no-action” alternative in an environmental impact statement that could lead to a decision to deny the proposed Augusta Resource Rosemont Mine.

Spooky times in Tubac for Halloween

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, October 19, 2009

Nothing screams louder than Halloween and Tubac Productions is taking you to terror when it presents the first Terror of Tubac at La Entrada de Tubac, 2221 E. Frontage Road on Oct. 31. This safe community Halloween, sponsored by Tubac-Santa Cruz Visitor Center, kicks off with a costume parade from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with children, adult and pet categories.

Anza Day event marked in Tubac

Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, October 13, 2009

In 1776, while new Americans were fighting for their independence from Britain, Capt. Juan Bautista de Anza II was gathering about 300 Spanish settlers and military people for a long trip.

Magazine honors Shelby’s Bistro

Green Valley News

Published: Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Shelby’s Bistro in Tubac has been named one of Arizona Highways’ top restaurants in Southern Arizona.

County will sue for back taxes on Rio Rico lots

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, October 9, 2009

Someone owes Santa Cruz County more than $5 million in back property taxes on some 2,400 unoccupied lots in Rio Rico. On Wednesday, the board of supervisors voted unanimously to pursue litigation against that entity, Vatere LLC, to collect those taxes.

Parks director visits Tubac, vows to help out during tough times

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Renee Bahl, director of Arizona State Parks, was in Tubac last week to talk with Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Maynard about partnerships to ensure the continued strength of the four state parks in Santa Cruz County.

County rabies cases set 2009 record

By Denise Holley, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The Santa Cruz Animal Control Department has recorded a record 37 rabies cases this year as of Friday, breaking the 2002 record of 32.

Hope still alive for fire hydrants

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Tuesday, October 6, 2009

No decision was reached about additional fire hydrants in west Tubac at the Sept. 30 meeting of the Tubac Fire District, but Chief Kevin Keeley said later that progress has been made toward making it happen.

Chacoan culture revealed at local archaeology meeting

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, September 21, 2009

Archaeologist Jeremy Moss will present a program about Chaco Canyon, N.M., one of the largest archaeological sites in the Southwest, at a meeting of the Tubac/Santa Cruz County Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society.

Tubac is among "America's Coolest Small Towns"

Yahoo! Travel

Published: Friday, October 3, 2009

Every now and then, you stumble upon a town that's gotten everything right--great coffee, food with character, shop owners with purpose. These 10 spots have it all, in perfectly small doses.

Voters must register by Monday

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published: Friday, October 2, 2009

Monday is the last day to register to vote for the Nov. 3 special-election ballots for Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 and Nogales Unified School District No. 1.

County to keep roads and lights on

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Friday, October 2, 2009

Santa Cruz County won’t abandon its back roads in Rio Rico and it won’t pull the switch on rural streetlights for now. County supervisors listened to dozens of residents speak at meetings in Rio Rico on Tuesday and the board meeting room on Wednesday and voted 3-0 to pass two motions.

Palo Parado crossing to close for two days

Nogales International

Published: Thursday, October 1, 2009

Union Pacific Railroad will close its crossing at Palo Parado on Oct. 6 and 7 to make improvements so the track area can become a public crossing.

Tubac moving to install fire hydrants

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, September 28, 2009

Project presents opportunity, but money is an issue. The opportunity to install fire hydrants on several Tubac residential streets was nearly missed, but action may be taken this week to correct it.

SCC attorney blasts use of 2007 memo to justify light plan

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Public Works Director Scott Altherr used a two-year-old memo from the county attorney’s office “out of context” to justify turning off 879 streetlights.

Wyatt Earp play scheduled at Tubac Plaza Main Stage

Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, September 29, 2009

On Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. Theater Under The Stars at the Tubac Plaza Main Stage will present a one-man show titled “Wyatt Earp: A Life On The Frontier.”

Heritage Area Bill Faces Tough Road

By Philip Franchine, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Monday, September 28, 2009

The House of Representatives approved designation of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area, which could improve the marketing of local tourism, but the measure must pass the Senate, where it could face opposition, starting at home.

CHECKPOINT DEBATE POINTS TO TUBAC: Rio Rico not in running for station

By Dan Shearer, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published: Thursday, September 17, 2009

The debate over whether to put a permanent Border Patrol checkpoint near Rio Rico or place it a kilometer south of the current checkpoint north of Tubac wasn’t much of a debate after all, according to a recently released government report.

County may switch off rural streetlights

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published: Tuesday, September 15, 2009

This fall, as the sky grows dark earlier, many of the streetlamps that light the roads of Rio Rico and Tubac may blink off. At its meeting tomorrow, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will discuss and possibly vote on a proposal from the Public Works Department to darken 879 of the 1,164 streetlights.

Deeper look at GAO report on Border Patrol checkpoints

By Dan Shearer, Green Valley News

Published: Friday, September 4, 2009

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is heading back to Washington with an earful of advice on the Border Patrol checkpoint north of Tubac, but for now she supports moving forward with $1.5 million in improvements to create an interim checkpoint.

TCA member's show opens Sept. 11

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The Tubac Center of the Arts annual Member's Open exhibition will kick off September 11 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at TCA, 9 Plaza Road, Tubac.

Checkpoint report scrutinized at town hall

By Dan Shearer, Green Valley News

Published: Wednesday, September 2, 2009

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is heading back to Washington with an earful of advice on the Border Patrol checkpoint north of Tubac, but she supports moving forward with $1.5 million in improvements to create an interim checkpoint.

GAO says Border Patrol overstated effectiveness of its Az. checkpoints

By Brady McCombs, Arizona Daily Star

Published: 08.31.2009

The U.S. Border Patrol's own performance measures of its highway checkpoints aren't sufficient to determine if the inspection stations are operating efficiently and effectively, found a long-awaited government evaluation of the of U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints.

ACC schedules a meeting on the power line route dilemma

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Most people quickly learn to ignore utility poles as they gaze into the distance. But if the power poles are going to be moved, it's appreciated when public opinion is taken into consideration.

Giffords sets meeting on checkpoint report by GAO

By Daniel Newhauser, Nogales International

Published Friday, August 28, 2009

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., has scheduled a community meeting in Green Valley on Sept. 2 to unveil a federal study on the effectiveness of interior Border Patrol checkpoints such as the one on Interstate 19 at Agua Linda Road north of Tubac.

Nogales business leaders pull together

By Mariana Alvarado, Arizona Daily Star

Published: 08.26.2009

Private business owners from the twin border cities of Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales, Sonora, have agreed to create a formal alliance to address issues affecting the economic development within the U.S.-Mexico region, particularly to improve its image.

Tubac fire

Regina Ford, Green Valley News

Published: Saturday, August 22, 2009

A house fire in Tubac just west of the Tubac Golf Resort on Bernabe Circle was believed to have started in the garage Saturday afternoon. Both Green Valley Fire District and the Tubac Fire District responded, according to a Santa Cruz County sheriff directing traffic on the scene. It is unknown if the residents were at home at the time of the fire.

Giffords plans 3 town halls on health care

Green Valley News

Published: Friday, August 21, 2009

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will hold three town halls on health insurance reform, including one in Green Valley on Sept. 1. The Health Insurance Town Halls will take place in Sierra Vista, Green Valley and Tucson.

Santa Cruz County now seeking new tax districts

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published Friday, August 21, 2009

It was a painful process for Santa Cruz County supervisors and staff to hammer out a budget for fiscal year 2009-10, and the future does not look any brighter. We will still be short $2.1 million going into next year's budget, said County Manager Greg Lucero.

Animal Control raises licenses, impound fees

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published Friday, August 21, 2009

It's getting more expensive for Santa Cruz County Animal Control to round up stray animals and care for them, Lt. Jose Pena told the county supervisors. At a meeting on Aug. 12, the supervisors concurred and raised the rate for licenses and impound fees.

New fitness boot camp opens in Tubac

By Regina Ford, Green Valley News

Published: Wednesday, August 19, 2009

There's no denying it. Americans love fast-food and the scale isn't the only one groaning under our increasing backsides. Doctors across the U.S. are also groaning, moaning and encouraging patients to lose weight, eat healthier and get more exercise.

Duo takes over Tubac Long Realty franchise

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Steve Marino and Russell Palmer are the new owners of the Long Realty Tubac franchise office.

Legislature approves state property tax repeal

Associated Press

August 18, 2009

PHOENIX (AP) - The Arizona Legislature gave final approval to the repeal of a state property tax that has been suspended for three years but is set to take effect again.

Historical park invites junior rangers

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Tuesday, August 18, 2009

A shiny park ranger badge may do more to lure children into learning about history than several textbooks. After visiting various spots in a park, completing a workbook and promising to protect park resources, a badge and a certificate are formally presented to each new junior ranger.

One-room schoolhouse endures as comfy home

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Tuesday, August 18, 2009

School buses haven't always transported children to their classes. During the late 19th century and the early 20th century, public schools in rural southern Arizona were small and within easy walking or horseback riding distance to their pupils.

Beauty salon opens its doors in Amado

By Kathy Engle, Nogales International

Published Tuesday, August 18, 2009

In the midst of bleak economic times, many people are hesitant about leaving a well-paying job and launching a new business. Not Green Valley resident Gayle Creamer. She recently opened her own beauty salon at the Amado Territory Ranch, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Discussion planned on development regulations

Nogales International

Published Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The public is invited to an informal discussion of the draft Planned Area Development (PAD) regulations being considered by the Santa Cruz County Planning and Zoning Commission. The session is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Tubac Community Center, 50 Bridge Rd.

County seeks to abandon' roads

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The back roads of Rio Rico took center stage at the Aug. 12 meeting of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Public Works staff asked the supervisors if they could begin the legal process to abandon 25.6 miles of dirt roads in Rio Rico Ranchettes 9, 17 and 18.

Closed Sonora eatery finds a new life in Tubac

By Mariana Alvarado, Arizona Daily Star

Published: 08.16.2009

TUBAC A popular Nogales, Sonora, restaurant that closed last year because of a devastating drop in business has moved north of the border to Tubac.

Business briefs: Stables Ranch Grille earns wine award

Green Valley News

Published: Thursday, August 13, 2009

The Stables Ranch Grille at the Tubac Golf Resort is the first Arizona restaurant south of Tucson to earn the Wine Spectator Restaurant Award.

The Stables joins more than 4,000 restaurants worldwide recognized for outstanding wine programs, and is featured in the Aug. 31, issue and the Wine Spectator Web site, www.winespectator.com.

Operating owner Ernst Ernie Andreas, worked closely with partners Eric Flatt and John Malcolm to achieve this award.

The Stables Ranch Grille is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Contact: Stables Ranch Grille, 398-2678, www.tubacgolfresort.com.

Tubac hosting patriotic golf tourney

By Nick Prevenas, Green Valley News

Published: Saturday, August 15, 2009

Southern Arizona golfers will have a chance to display their patriotism on Sept. 5.

The "Patriots' Golf Day" tournament will take place at the Tubac Golf Course, with proceeds and donations going to the Folds of Honor foundation, which benefits fallen veterans and their families.

TCA's opening gala goes gangbusters and everyone is talking success'

By Regina Fiord, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The Tubac Center of the Arts' Summer Gallery opening gala August 1 was a smash hit.

New fitness boot camp opens in Tubac

By Regina Fiord, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Wednesday, August 12, 2009

There's no denying it. Americans love fast food and the scale isn't the only one groaning under our increasing backsides. Doctors across the US are also groaning, moaning and encouraging patients to lose weight, eat healthier and get more exercise.

UA Santa Cruz classes to begin

Nogales International

Published Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Classes at the University of Arizona Santa Cruz campus begin Aug. 24. Orientation for incoming students will be on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 5-8 p.m. at UASC, 610 N. Morley Avenue.

ACC plans hearing in Nogales on UniSource bid to hike gas rate

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The cost of natural gas has gone down, but your gas bill may soon go up. UniSource Energy Services (UES) has lowered the charge for the gas itself, but it wants to raise the fixed service charge that its customers pay.

Hacienda Corona concerts resume Aug. 8

By JB Miller, Nogales International

Published Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Fans of swing and bluegrass should head for Nogales this week. On Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. Tucson's premier Titan Valley Warheads will jam out at the historic Hacienda Corona at 348 S. River Road. Tickets are $15 at the gate and you are invited to bring a chair and a picnic dinner to enjoy. The concert starts at 7 p.m.

Continental off ramp to be closed in August

Nogales International

Published Friday, August 7, 2009

The northbound Interstate 19 off ramp at Continental Road will close for about eight months beginning in early August, according to the Pima County Department of Transportation.

Giffords backs the interim checkpoint in area of Tubac

By Daniel Newhauser, Nogales Internationaln

Published Friday, August 7, 2009

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., said Tuesday that she supports an interim Border Patrol checkpoint north of Tubac, but will withhold judgment on a permanent post until a long-awaited GAO report on the effectiveness of internal checkpoints is released this month.

Supervisors vote to lay off eight

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published Friday, August 7, 2009

Santa Cruz County supervisors expressed their regrets, but voted 3-0 on Aug. 5 to cut eight jobs plus a vacant position to save approximately $450,000 a year. The action came in two resolutions.

Reclaiming pets is different now

Nogales International

Published Friday, August 7, 2009

Pet owners may be surprised when they show up at an animal shelter after Sept. 30 to claim a lost cat or dog, said Lt. Jose Pena, supervisor of Santa Cruz County Animal Control.

Ma and pa are cooking to please

By Mike Touzeau, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Travelers know it's often the little out of the way places off the main streets that are memorable dining experiences. Tucked away in tiny Tumacacori is one of thoseliterally ma and pa places, simply called the Tumacacori Restaurant, which features a funky little hole-in-the-wall atmosphere where you can talk to the owners while enjoying a delicious Greek or Mexican dish.

Supervisors approve three subdivisions

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published Friday, July 31, 2009

Paving, extending and widening Rio Rico streets was the theme when the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors considered approving three new residential subdivisions totaling 1,460 new homes.

Students head back to school Aug. 4 in the SCVUSD No. 35

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Nogales International

Published Friday, July 31, 2009

To some, it may seem that there's a lot more time left in the summer. But classes for some 3,500 students in the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 (Rio Rico and Tubac) begin Tuesday, Aug. 4.

SC County makes four-day week official at meeting

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published Friday, July 31, 2009

Santa Cruz County shifted to a four-day workweek in fall 2008 to save on heating and cooling costs. But it had to maintain a skeleton crew on Fridays because state law required five days of service.

'Never Shake a Baby' seminar set in Tubac

Nogales International

Published Friday, July 31, 2009

The Exchange Club of Santa Cruz County will co-sponsor a breakfast seminar on Shaken Baby Syndrome at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Tubac Golf Resort, 65 Avenida de Otero.

The Toddlers of Tubac need You!

By Lara Hull

July 30, 2009

Are you a parent, grandparent, or someone who loves children’s books? This summer, Tubac Public Library has been offering Storytime for toddlers on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. Starting this Friday, July 31st, the summer volunteer is returning to work, so we need some volunteers to continue Storytime. If you would like to read stories for half an hour (and maybe sing some songs) to a fun group of 1 to 3 year olds, please contact Lara Hull at librarianlara@yahoo.com Even if you can only volunteer one day every month or two, the Toddlers of Tubac need you!

NO WORD ON PUBLIC HEARING: Few new details surface at I-19 checkpoint meeting in Tubac

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Little new information resulted from a heavily attended meeting July 15 in Tubac about the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 19 but it provided a chance for residents and business owners to again air their worries and ask for answers.

SOME LIVESTOCK INFECTED: County reports nearly 20 cases of rabies so far

By Denise Holley, Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Two horses, one cow, one coyote and a bunch of skunks. These are the victims of the rabies virus in Santa Cruz County so far this year, some 20 animals, said Lt. Jose Pena, supervisor of the county Animal Control Department.

ACC rate hearing in Nogales Monday

Arizona Daily Star

Published Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The Arizona Corporation Commission will hold a public hearing in Nogales Monday to discuss a rate-increase request by UniSource Energy Services for its natural-gas service. The rate increase would raise average residential bills about 6 percent.

Chief medical officer joins HCS

By Manuel C. Coppola, Nogales International

Published Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Dr. Roy G. Farrell has joined Carondelet Health Network to fill the new position of chief medical officer for Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital. Farrell comes to southern Arizona from the area of Puget Sound, Wash., where he served as medical director for Group Health hospitals in both Seattle and Redmond. He also was chief of urgent care, chief of emergency services and chief of clinical services at various Group Health hospitals.

Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 sees gains in AIMS test scores

By Mary Donnelly, Nogales International

Published Tuesday, July 28, 2009

When it comes to the three Rs of education readin', ritin' and rithmatic the most third through eighth-grade students in the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 are meeting and exceeding state standards.

SCC Realtors need help to aid school kids

Nogales International

Published Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Santa Cruz County Board of Realtors is hosting its annual Back to School backpack drive. Anyone interested in donating backpacks or school supplies may visit the nearest real estate office or call the board office at (520) 377-9613 to schedule a pick up. There is a greater urgency this year due to the budget cuts. All donations will be appreciated, said President-elect Nanci Pottinger.

Money is scarce for pay raises in S.C. County

By Denise Holley, Nogales International

Published Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The last time the non-elected employees of Santa Cruz County saw a raise was in November 2007, said Carlos Rivera, assistant county manager and personnel director.

District 35 board approves $18.8 million budget

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Facing a multitude of unknowns, the governing board of the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 on July 6 approved a budget of $18,877,055. The district educates children from Rio Rico, Tumacacori, Tubac and portions of Amado to the Santa Cruz County line.

Tubac Center of the Arts will be open during August

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Wednesday, July 22, 2009

For the first time, the historic Tubac Center of the Arts will be open during August with Summer Gallery, works by 19 acclaimed painters, sculptors and jewelry artists.

Avatar eyeing new commercial center in Rio Rico

Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Avatar is marching on with plans for a modern shopping center in Rio Rico despite persistent gloomy economic news such as Sunday's filing by Bashas' Inc. for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

Dist. 35 school admin building gets OK

By Kathleen Vandervoet, Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Officials at the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 (Rio Rico and Tubac) thought a new administration building would cost $1.1 million, but due to interest and competitive bidding by builders, they will get that plus several other smaller projects completed.

Pat Beck closes Chrysler dealership in Nogales

By Manuel C. Coppola
Nogales International

Published Friday, July 24, 2009

After 11 years, on Wednesday, Patrick Beck closed his auto dealership on West Mariposa Road in Nogales. Pat Beck Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep was shuttered July 22 pending negotiations between a third-party buyer, whom he declined to identify, and Chrysler Financial Corp., he said.

Moms working to get park built in Tubac

By Kathleen Vandervoet
Special to the Santa Cruz Valley Sun

Published Wednesday, July 22, 2009

A playground for young children is among the goals of a newly-formed group called For Moms By Moms. A meeting open to the public is planned Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. at the Tubac Community Center.

Santa Cruz cleanup on horizon

By Tony Davis
Arizona Daily Star

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.22.2009

Tiny, bright red bloodworms are one of the few critters that pass for life in the Santa Cruz River below the Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. The treated effluent flowing through the channel that passes for a river is not quite dead, but it's close.

County reports nearly 20 cases of rabies so far

By Denise Holley
Nogales International

Published Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Two horses, one cow, one coyote and a bunch of skunks. These are the victims of the rabies virus in Santa Cruz County so far this year, some 20 animals, said Lt. Jose Pena, supervisor of the county Animal Control Department. We haven't had a livestock case in this county for years and now we have three cases," Pena said.

Session to focus on traffic solutions

Nogales International

Published Friday, July 17, 2009

Is there something about the roads you use that bothers you? Maybe it's a dead-end frontage road. Maybe it's the lack of turn lanes. Possibly you'd like to see a bike route or pedestrian pathway. The public is invited to submit comments about roads on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Complex, 2150 N. Congress Drive., Room 120.

County budget unbalanced by $2.1 million

By Denise Holley
Nogales International

Published Friday, July 17, 2009

Santa Cruz County must plug a $2.1 million hole in its 2009-2010 budget and the remedy will hurt, County Manager Greg Lucero told the board of supervisors on July 15.

New details scarce at checkpoint forum

By Kathleen Vandervoet
Nogales International

Published Friday, July 17, 2009

Little new information resulted from a heavily attended meeting Wednesday in Tubac about the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 19 but it provided a chance for residents and business owners to again air their worries and ask for answers.

Board approves new budget of $11.3 million for fire district

By Kathleen Vandervoet
Nogales International

Published Friday, July 17, 2009

The Tubac Fire District has started construction on a Rio Rico area fire station, and work is anticipated to start in September on an additional Rio Rico area fire station. The Tubac Fire District includes the entire north half of Rio Rico, from Camino Ramanote north. It also covers Tumacacori, Tubac and the areas of Amado that are south of the Santa Cruz County boundary.

June building permits drop to $1,261,388

Nogales International

Published Friday, July 17, 2009

Building activity continues to slide in Santa Cruz County. In June 2007, builders took out permits for $11,462,109 in construction, commercial, residential, renovations and new buildings. In June 2008, the total anticipated construction dropped to $4,213,519. But last month, permits totaled only $1,261,388.

I-19 checkpoint near Tubac angers locals
Border Patrol post increases danger in area, residents say

by Dennis Wagner — The Arizona Republic

Jul. 16, 2009

TUBAC - U.S. Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona face surging criticism from Santa Cruz Valley residents who say a checkpoint on Interstate 19 wrecks business and endangers their neighborhoods.

Rosemont Mine Opponents Visit Washington, D.C. for Hearing on Reform of 1872 Mining Law

July 15, 2009

TUCSON, ARIZONA A group of Southern Arizona community leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to attend a hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on reform of the 1872 Mining Law, to submit testimony for the record, and to meet with key decision makers on Capitol Hill to voice their opposition to the proposed Rosemont Copper Mine in the Santa Rita Mountains.

New commercial center planned

By Manuel C. Coppola

Published Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Nogales International

Avatar is marching on with plans for a modern shopping center in Rio Rico despite persistent gloomy economic news such as Sunday's filing by Bashas' Inc. for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

A new Border Patrol checkpoint delay on I-19
Interim facility pushed back 10 months

By Brady McCombs
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Published: 07.14.2009

The Border Patrol's $1.5 million interim checkpoint facility planned for Interstate 19 has been delayed again — this time by 10 months.

I-19 metric project in holding pattern

By Philip Franchine, www.scvsun.com

Published Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The Interstate 19 sign replacement project is one of five road projects in Arizona that have not proceeded to the bidding process after being approved for federal stimulus funds. Meanwhile, 33 others have moved forward.

TEAMWORK PAYS OFF: Activism played key role in keeping water fees down

By Kathleen Vandervoet, www.scvsun.com

Published Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Rates for water use are going to rise in Tubac, but not nearly as much as was first dreaded. Uncounted hours of time by several volunteers played a major role in tamping down fee hikes.

Rescue groups ticketed for placing water in desert

Saturday, July 11, 2009 3:31 PM MDT

Humanitarian groups ticketed for placing containers of drinking water on the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge plan to argue in court that providing water for illegal immigrants is not littering.

Rosemont Mine study touts economic benefits

By Gary Brasher

Friday, July 10, 2009 7:02 PM MDT

A study released Tuesday said the proposed Rosemont Copper mine would pump $745.1 million annually into the local economy, but a group opposed to project calls it a PR spin for a project desperate for public support.

Local pecans not part of national recall

Friday, July 10, 2009 4:04 PM MDT

The Green Valley Pecan Company (FICO) issued a press release Thursday saying it does not sell or supply any products to General Mills, which Wednesday issued a voluntary recall of their Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters, a bagged snack food that contains pecans.

Checkpoint strategy endangers citizens

By Gary Brasher

Friday, July 10, 2009

Clearly the issue of the Border Patrol's plan to construct a 25-acre, multi-million dollar permanent checkpoint near Tubac has generated opinions on both sides of the issue. However, when evaluating the Nogales International's June 12 opinion piece by Gary A. Rose, please consider the following. Rose makes the point that the effectiveness of checkpoints is demonstrated each time an illegal cache of drugs is seized at the checkpoint. This argument is questionable considering how the Border Patrol uses statistics to claim effectiveness.

Checkpoint strategy endangers citizens

By Gary Brasher

Friday, July 10, 2009

Clearly the issue of the Border Patrol's plan to construct a 25-acre, multi-million dollar permanent checkpoint near Tubac has generated opinions on both sides of the issue. However, when evaluating the Nogales International's June 12 opinion piece by Gary A. Rose, please consider the following. Rose makes the point that the effectiveness of checkpoints is demonstrated each time an illegal cache of drugs is seized at the checkpoint. This argument is questionable considering how the Border Patrol uses statistics to claim effectiveness.

Upgrade of border treatment plant revives fish

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Published: 07.03.2009

Just a few months ago, the life of a fish on the Santa Cruz River was pretty blue or rather it was brown, murky, rare and stifled by ammonia.

Tubac's 'Triangle' a 'Wreck' for golfers

ARIZONA DAILY STAR - Opinion by Greg Hansen

Published: 07.02.2009

Bing Crosby was one of 60 charter members of the Tubac Valley Country Club. It was so long ago that, to call the pro shop, you picked up the phone and asked the operator to connect you to "Tubac 13." Three years later, in 1963, Crosby sold his $5,000 stake and left behind memories of the nights he would sit in the steakhouse with John Wayne and chat about golf or movies, or maybe Dorothy Lamour.

Sad News From Agua Linda Farms

Stewart Loew

July 01, 2009

Some of you may have heard about our recent tragedy on the farm. We lost our whole petting zoo...

County in need of more funds to complete projects

Nogales International - By Denise Holley

Published Tuesday, June 30, 2009 12:01 PM MDT

Santa Cruz County hopes to land congressional funds to complete two projects: the Chula Vista Flood Control Project north of Nogales, and a road and bridge over the Santa Cruz River on Palo Parado Road in Rio Rico.

Will, should SCC 'abandon' rural roads?

By Denise Holley

Published Friday, June 26, 2009 10:36 AM MDT

When a county grader operator hit a boulder on a dirt road in Rio Rico on Sept. 17, 2008, it was a wake-up call to Scott Altherr, director of the Santa Cruz County Public Works Department.

Plant upgrades are on time, under budget

By Roger Conroy

Published Friday, June 26, 2009 10:36 AM MDT

Ambos Nogales residents can see cleaner, odor-free water in the Santa Cruz River, thanks to an investment of $65 million in the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant. Upgrades to the plant, completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Voters to decide if RR students get assistance

By Mary Donnelly

Published Friday, June 26, 2009 10:36 AM MDT

Members of the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 governing board are hoping to give students in Rio Rico a jump start into the job market.

Summer Storytime at Tubac Library

by Lara Hull

June 23, 2009

The Tubac Community Library is holding Storytime for toddlers from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on Fridays this summer, until July 24th. Come build your toddler's love of reading with music, fingerplay and stories. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone is welcome!

Family Meeting at Ron Morris Park a Big Success

by Lara Hull

June 23, 2009

Sunday, June 14th was a fantastic day for a family barbeque at Ron Morris Park in Tubac. Local parents' group For Moms By Moms in Tubac organized a potluck barbeque for families to get out and enjoy the warm summer evening. The event was a big success with over 40 people attending! While the children played on the swings and slide, organizers Paula Beemer and Katie Munger got the parents together to brainstorm ideas for how to develop a new playground in Tubac. Anyone interested in participating in projects for families in Tubac and the surrounding areas should attend the next parents' meeting on July 22nd at 5:30 at the Tubac Community Center.

Tubac is ready for another old-fashioned 4th of July

The Tubac Presidio

Published Tuesday, June 23, 2009 10:14 AM MDT

State Historic Park will be the site of free games for the kids from 10-11:30 a.m. on July 4, 2009. Children will can enjoy old-fashioned games such as cake-walks, water balloon toss, Hula Hoops, face painting, crafts and more. The Tubac Golf Resort will host a fireworks display in the evening.

Land protection bill is reintroduced in Congress

By Dick Kamp

Published Tuesday, June 23, 2009

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva and co-sponsor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona Democrats, have re-introduced a bill to withdraw all federal lands in Santa Cruz and Pima counties as well as Pima County lands with federal claims from future mining and geothermal development claims.

Border czar promises crackdown on I-19 corridor

By Daniel Newhauser, Green Valley News

Published: Saturday, June 20, 2009

Green Valley, Sahuarita and other communities along the Interstate 19 corridor can expect more effective immigration enforcement at the border and in the workplace, and stepped up prosecution of illegal immigrants who commit crimes such as rape, murder and burglary, President Obama's border czar said Thursday in Tucson.

SCC to get $1M from feds in lieu of property taxes

By Manuel C. Coppola

Published Friday, June 19, 2009 9:17 AM MDT

Seventy-one percent of the land in Santa Cruz County is not subject to property taxes because it is owned mostly by the federal government with a small portion pertaining to the State of Arizona.

But thanks to the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, county coffers will receive more than $1 million from the feds for the fiscal year beginning July 1 to help make up for the fact.

ACC approves funds for water project in Tubac Water funding

ACC approves funds for water project in Tubac The Arizona Corporation Commission approved with a vote of 4-0 on Friday, June 12, Arizona American Waters loan grant application to receive funding from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) of Arizona.

The ACC's favorable consideration of financing this project with federal funding is the result of combined efforts to start construction on this project and ensure customers continue to receive high-quality drinking water, meeting EPA standards, at a reasonable cost like they should, said Joe Gross, Director of Engineering.

3 suspects arrested in Arivaca murders

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 10:30 AM MDT

By Daniel Newhauser and Dan Shearer

Two of the three people arrested in connection with the May 30 murders of an Arivaca man and his daughter headed up a splinter Minuteman group, said officials with the Pima County Sheriff's Office.

AZ to get $12.7M in Stonegarden funds from U.S.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 10:30 AM MDT

By Denise Holley

Law enforcement agencies in Arizona will divide $12,774,896 in federal Operation Stonegarden funds for fiscal year 2009, which begins Oct. 1, 2009. Janet Napolitano, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced June 4 that 13 border states would receive $60 million in grants to help combat crime on the borders. But the Patagonia Police Department won't be on the list of recipients this time.

Garlic and Onions at the Farm: Oh my!

Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 6:36 PM

Posted by Mari Herreras

Everyone knows that garlic and onions make the world a better place, especially the folks at Agua Linda Farm in Amado. Those good foodie folks at the farm are helping to spread the garlic and onion gospel with their second Garlic and Onion Festival this weekend. It starts Friday, June 19, at 5 p.m., and ends Saturday, June 20 at 9 p.m.

New full-service car wash employs 25

Monday, June 15, 2009 6:06 PM MDT

By Mark Bollin, Special to the Green Valley News

Leon Marx knows the car wash business. Starting his first operation in 1965, he has now proudly assisted his daughter and son-in-law, Jody and Ed Bernal, in launching the area's newest full-service car wash and detailing center.

Brushfire burns more than 10,000 acres near Arivaca

Monday, June 15, 2009 5:46 PM MDT

By Jaime Richardson, Green Valley News

A fire that started on state land southwest of Green Valley has grown to between 10,000 and 11,000 acres and is expected to continue burning for the next several days.

Fire that ruined Nogales winery tied to dispute

Tucson, Arizona | 06.14.2009

By Phil Villarreal / arizona daily star

An intentionally set fire that destroyed one of the state's oldest wineries was the result of "an old-fashioned family feud on the border," its owner says.

Giffords, Grijalva move to stymie Rosemont Mine

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 3:11 PM MDT

By Philip Franchine, The Green Valley News

The Forest Service says it cannot stop development of the proposed Rosemont Copper mine in the Santa Rita Mountains, but two local members of Congress have asked the Secretary of Agriculture to overrule the agency's interpretation of the law.

Evening at Tubac protest shows both sides

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 11:28 AM MDT

By Daniel Newhauser, Green Valley News

A caravan of protesters, signs in hand and taped to car windows, slowly makes its way through a Border Patrol checkpoint north of Tubac.

Amado artist forges magnificent metal

Monday, June 8, 2009 7:34 PM MDT

By Mike Touzeau, Special to the Green Valley News

Amado steel artist Cesar Lopez has brought ancient skills and futuristic themes together in designing his unique "celestial sculptures," on display at Purcell Gallery in Tubac.

Recession proof your pet, professional advice

May 3, 2009 08:49 PM

TUBAC, ARIZONA (KOLD) - Master dog chef Micki Voisard, lives in Tubac Arizona, but travels the country giving pet advice. She's noticing a trend, more and more people are asking the same type of questions at her lectures. "People say I have to dump my pet because I can't afford it, I don't think this is true!" Micki adds, "We don't realize how much money we're spending."