Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com

Tubac Community Center, 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Agenda
October Speaker: John Ashley
“Protecting Tubac’s Night Skies” This short slide presentation defines Light Pollution, offers simple solutions, and identifies some of the values provided by dark nighttime skies.
John Ashley is a retired biologist and photographer specializing
in night sky images. He has been a Dark Sky advocate for more
than 20 years. He lives in Rio Rico, Arizona.
8. Community Announcements
October 2026 Newsletter
1. Proposed New Animal Control Building Facility (Repeat from Sept)
The attached link to photographs shows the preliminary plans for a new
Animal Control building. The proposed site is located on the west side of the County Complex, at the far end of the property. To provide some context on how this project could potentially be funded, there is a relevant measure on the upcoming November ballot: Proposition 417 (General Budget Flexibility Measure with Increased Budgets).
Here are the factual points regarding how Proposition 417 affects
county infrastructure and this project specifically: Current Spending
Limits: The county’s expenditure caps are currently locked at levels
approved in 1980. Due to population growth and necessary
infrastructure inflation, these fixed limits no longer adequately cover
expanding service and repair needs.
2. Outdoor Recreation Inventory and Needs: (Repeat from Sept)
Rio Rico to Amado
SCVCC Area Plan Committee and Destination Tubac; Tumacácori group and other engaged partners are asking for help to inventory assets and needs. Click this link for a document that explains the background and includes a starter list. Thank you for your help!
3. I-19 CBP Checkpoint Expansion (New and repeat information)
Attached are two position papers sent that outline the concerns of our community and our communication with CBP.
Tubac Chamber of Commerce Position Paper sent to CBP.
SCVCC Letter sent to CBP regarding Scoping Letter.
Real Estate Values: The 2009 GAO study found a significant negative impact on real estate values for properties south of and near the checkpoint. This not only affects the pocketbooks of the owners but will also be reflected in the county property valuation, translating into lower tax assessments and reduced income for the county.
Security: For years local residents have experienced that those involved in illegal activity often try to circumvent the checkpoint and reconnect with their rides north of the checkpoint. We expect this trend will continue and become more pronounced once a larger more invasive checkpoint is established. The circumvention often takes place in our neighborhoods and communities to avoid the electronic sensors established in the desert areas around the checkpoint. The CBP has indicated one of the main reasons for the checkpoint is agent safety but community safety is just as important!!
What Can I Do About It? Make Your Voice Heard! Click Here

The Tubac Historical Society is proud to announce the launch of our new website, tubachistory.org — your online gateway to the rich and fascinating history of Tubac and the Santa Cruz River Valley.
Our mission is to support research, preserve local history, and share it with the public through educational programs, oral histories, archival collections, and community events. Visitors to the new website can explore historical photographs, maps, artist biographies, family histories, upcoming events, and more using our Online Catalog. Whether you are a longtime resident, researcher, history enthusiast, or first-time visitor, we invite you to discover why Tubac is truly “Where History Has a Home.”
Click here for more information
Santa Cruz County voters may see several local measures on their November General Election ballot, depending on where they live. Here is a brief overview:
Santa Cruz County Permanent Base Adjustment
Voters will decide whether Santa Cruz County may permanently adjust its 1979-80 base expenditure limit. A “yes” vote allows the adjustment. A “no” vote keeps the current base expenditure limit in place.
Pima County Joint Technical Education District No. 11 Bonds
Voters within the district will decide whether to authorize $250 million in general obligation bonds. The bonds would be repaid through secondary property taxes. A “yes” vote authorizes the bonds. A “no” vote does not authorize them.
City of Nogales Alternative Expenditure Limitation
Nogales voters will decide whether to extend the City’s alternative expenditure limitation for four fiscal years beginning in fiscal year 2027-28. A “yes” vote continues the alternative limitation based on the City’s budgeted expenditures and available revenues. A “no” vote returns the City to the state-imposed expenditure limitation.
The measures appearing on an individual voter’s ballot will depend on the voter’s residence and applicable voting districts.
For more information, including official ballot language, voting locations, and other important election updates, visit the Santa Cruz County Elections Website.
If you have any technical difficulties with the Zoom transmission, please text 1-520-245-6776.
Or, you may also join by Phone (One tap mobile)
+17193594580,,82874132563# US
or
+12532050468,,82874132563# US
If you’d like to add the 2026-2027 Meetings to Your Calendar, click the button below. You’ll be reminded of the meetings that occur on the 2nd Monday of each month from October onward.
Add the 2026-2027 Meetings to Your Calendar
We are here to help you keep Tubac’s sky dark.
Contact us at TubacDSA@gmail.com with questions or to request a review of your home’s lighting. We greatly value your support!
Tubac Dark Sky Association is a committee of the SCVCC.
Thank you to all who have renewed your memberships. We currently have 445 members with a goal of 500. Such a membership base gives us more clout as we lobby for your interests. We greatly value your support! Membership questions: treasurerscvcc@gmail.com
Copyright (c) 2026 Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council. All rights reserved.
Questions?
Website: https://yourscvcc.org
Membership: treasurerscvcc@gmail.com
All other questions: secretary@yourscvcc.org
Our mailing address is:
SCVCC
PO Box 1501
Tubac, AZ 85646
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WELCOME to TUBAC WEEKLY !
See TABS at the top & the bottom of page for the SECTIONS TO EXPLORE.
Tubac Weekly is in its 4th year online . It serves as aCommunity Journal that posts Local news, Events, Classes, Cultural information & Interviews.
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VOTING IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Nogales, AZ, August 27, 2026 -
The Santa Cruz County Recorder’s Office is reminding voters to plan ahead for the November General Election by completing their ballot, returning it promptly, tracking it, and using official election resources for accurate information, including BallotTrax sign-up and official ballot drop box locations.
Arizona offers several tools to help voters access reliable election information. BallotBot, available through azsos.gov and Arizona.Vote, provides 24/7 answers to frequently asked election questions in English and Spanish.
BallotBot can help voters find information about:
BallotBot is intended to supplement assistance from county election officials and the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office. For questions specific to Santa Cruz County, voters may be directed to the Recorder’s Office for additional assistance.
Voters who plan to vote by mail are encouraged to sign up for BallotTrax to receive notifications as their ballot moves through the process, including the day it mails to them, and after the voter completes the ballot and deposits it in a ballot drop box or with the USPS, and is received by election officials and accepted.
Early voting begins and early ballots will be mailed out on October 7, 2026. If you are registered for an Early Ballot and do not receive your Early Ballot by October 14, 2026, you may contact the Registrar’s Office to discuss your options.
If you do not receive your ballot as expected, contact the Recorder’s Office promptly.
Once you receive your ballot, vote and return it as soon as possible. Voters may return their ballot by mail or use one of Santa Cruz County’s official ballot drop box locations.



ACROSS FROM THE PRESIDIO

ACROSS FROM THE PRESIDIO


You can sign up for this newsletter to go into your inbox on the county website-or call Shannon Hall at 520. 375.7643 to subscribe to the County Newsletter.
Proposition 417 addresses Santa Cruz County’s Annual Expenditure Limitation, a state-established limit on how much the County can legally spend each year. Voters will decide whether to approve a permanent adjustment to the County’s expenditure base.
Key points:
Know the Facts about What's on the Ballot
Watch the presentation: https://www.youtube.com/live/pemJ8EbUds0?si=48V27Zqi_gVoEbqi
Visit the website:https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/1099/Expenditure-Limitation
Watch the Spanish presentation on We Love Nogales: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AzVhwowdq/
Planning to vote in the November General Election? Learn about important dates, ballot tracking, official drop box locations, and trusted resources to help you prepare and return your ballot on time.
November Election Info & Resources
Santa Cruz County voters may see several local measures on their November General Election ballot, depending on where they live. Here is a brief overview:
Santa Cruz County Permanent Base Adjustment
Voters will decide whether Santa Cruz County may permanently adjust its 1979-80 base expenditure limit. A “yes” vote allows the adjustment. A “no” vote keeps the current base expenditure limit in place.
Pima County Joint Technical Education District No. 11 Bonds
Voters within the district will decide whether to authorize $250 million in general obligation bonds. The bonds would be repaid through secondary property taxes. A “yes” vote authorizes the bonds. A “no” vote does not authorize them.
City of Nogales Alternative Expenditure Limitation
Nogales voters will decide whether to extend the City’s alternative expenditure limitation for four fiscal years beginning in fiscal year 2027-28. A “yes” vote continues the alternative limitation based on the City’s budgeted expenditures and available revenues. A “no” vote returns the City to the state-imposed expenditure limitation.
The measures appearing on an individual voter’s ballot will depend on the voter’s residence and applicable voting districts.
For more information, including official ballot language, voting locations, and other important election updates, visit the Santa Cruz County Elections Website.
In 2024, former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr embezzled public funds, prompting a comprehensive review of the County’s financial controls, auditing practices, and internal procedures. Since then, Santa Cruz County has implemented additional safeguards to strengthen oversight, improve transparency, and better protect public funds.
These measures include stronger payment controls, restricted access to financial systems, enhanced banking security, additional reconciliation procedures, independent audits and recurring reviews of internal controls. The County continues to evaluate its financial practices and identify opportunities to strengthen accountability and protect taxpayer dollars.
For a full list of safeguards and controls:
Major improvements are underway at Nogales International Airport on the Patagonia Highway. A new Jet and general aviation fuel storage and bulk dispensing facility is being built. The old fuel “farm” was built many, many years ago with, rumor has it, used tanks and equipment. The new fuel farm will be fully 21st-century, with double-walled tanks to prevent spills, brand-new pumps and meters, and other safety features not even imagined when the old system was installed.
Santa Cruz County and the Arizona Department of Transportation recently held a public open house to share information and gather feedback on proposed improvements to the Interstate 19 frontage roads between Ruby Road and Rio Rico Drive.
The project is currently in the design phase and is intended to improve traffic flow and access to businesses, residences, Calabasas School, and emergency services along the corridor.
You still have time to provide input. Public comments will be accepted through October 6. Visit the ADOT Project website to view open house materials, submit a comment, and learn more about the project.
Santa Cruz County continues to evaluate options for the Babocamari Bridge following a community open house held September 1 in Elgin.
During the open house, residents reviewed project information, learned about the alternatives under consideration, spoke with County staff, and shared comments. The County is considering the public comments received as it continues its project evaluation.
Santa Cruz County Public Works employees were recently recognized by Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 for their continued partnership and support of the District.
During a recent Governing Board meeting, Superintendent David Verdugo and the SCV35 Governing Board recognized Public Works team members Howdy Aguilar, Ramon Ibarra, Luis Acedo and Lysette Sanchez for their dedication and service.
Thank you to SCV35 for taking the time to recognize our employees, and to our Public Works team for their hard work and commitment to supporting our schools, students and community.
Fall is bringing a little more color to the Santa Cruz County Complex as crews continue painting the building's exterior. The project is giving the Complex an updated look while helping maintain and protect the facility for years to come.
Thank you to our residents and visitors for your patience and understanding while crews complete the work. We appreciate your cooperation as County offices and services remain accessible throughout the project.
9:00 am - 2:00 pm, October 14, 1500 N. Hohokam Dr., Nogales
ARIZONA@WORK Santa Cruz County will host a free Job Fair & Community Resource Expo to connect job seekers with employment opportunities and community resources. Free round-trip transportation will be available from the Primera Alta Museum, with service beginning at 8:30 a.m.
For more information, call 520-375-7670 or visit santacruzonestop.org.
Last Day to register to vote.
Deadline to mail back your ballot.
Early Voting Begins / Early Ballots are mailed.
Last Day to Vote Early In Person at 7:00 pm.
Last Day to request a Mail in Ballot.
Election Day
Vote in person or drop off your ballot by 7:00 pm.
9 am, Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, 325 McKeown Ave, Patagonia
Celebrate 37 years of art, music, and small-town charm at the Patagonia Fall Festival — Arizona’s largest small-town celebration. Under the canopy of cottonwoods, browse 120+ artisan booths, enjoy live music, and savor local food, wine, and family fun in one of Arizona’s most scenic communities. Explore hands-on activities in the South32 Family Zone. To learn more, visit https://www.patagoniafallfestival.org/
Photo courtesy of the Sky Islands Tourism Association
9:00 am - 2:00 pm, October 31, 1060 Yavapai Dr., Rio Rico
Stop by the Motor Classic Car Show to see more than 60 cars on display, with food, vendors, a costume contest, and trunk-or-treat!.
6:00pm - 8:00pm, Saturday, October 31, Rio Rico Community Center, 391 Avenida Coatimundi, Rio Rico
Join Santa Cruz County, Rio Rico Medical & Fire District, and the Rio Rico Community Center for a night of family fun featuring food, music, and a Trunk or Treat!
Bring the family, wear your favorite costume, and enjoy a fun evening with the community.
Trunk or Treat spots are limited, if you would like to participate, please Sign Up Here.
9:30 am, Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 2150 N. Congress Dr. Ste 120, Nogales
The meeting can also be viewed on the Santa Cruz County YouTube Channel. The latest agenda is available in the Agenda Center.
9:30 am, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 2150 N. Congress Dr. Ste 120, Nogales
The meeting can also be viewed on the Santa Cruz County YouTube Channel. The latest agenda is available in the Agenda Center.
Early voting begins, and early ballots will be mailed out on October 7, 2026. If you are registered for an Early Ballot and do not receive your Early Ballot by October 14, 2026, you may contact the Registrar’s Office to discuss your options. (520) 375-7990.

As porches across Arizona are decked out with Halloween decor, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding the public that edible, outdoor decorations may attract unwanted trick-or-treaters– hungry wildlife looking for an easy meal.
Habituating wildlife to human food sources can lead to property damage and potential conflicts that could result in serious injuries to people or pets. Additionally, the public is reminded that it is illegal under state law (A.R.S. 13-2927) to knowingly feed wildlife in Pima, Maricopa and Pinal counties, with the exception of birds as well as tree squirrels.
“A ripened pumpkin sitting outdoors is like candy for javelinas,” said Darren Julian, urban wildlife specialist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Pumpkins and other edible decorations are easy meals for wildlife and often attract javelinas, coyotes, deer, elk and even bears.”
It is recommended that jack-o-lanterns, uncarved pumpkins and cornucopias be displayed indoors on window sills, so they can be seen from outside if desired, then discarded securely to help prevent encounters with foraging wildlife. If edible decorations must be displayed outdoors, place them high off the ground where they cannot be reached by wildlife.
For more tips on minimizing wildlife conflicts, visit www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife.

Dear Tubac Business Community,
The Tubac Chamber of Commerce has released a statement regarding the proposed expansion of the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 19 near Amado.
We believe it is important for the Chamber to clearly represent the interests of our business community on a project that could affect Tubac’s tourism, economy, accessibility, and character.
We have shared the statement with several media outlets, as well as our federal and state representatives, to ensure Tubac’s business community and concerns are part of the conversation.
We encourage you to read the full statement below and stay informed as this process moves forward.
Thank you for your continued support of Tubac.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tubac is a welcoming destination where Arizona’s history, art, culture, hospitality, outdoor recreation, and exceptional night skies come together. Located just 45 minutes south of Tucson along Interstate 19, Tubac welcomes visitors from Arizona, across the country, and around the world. Its galleries, restaurants, lodging, historic attractions, festivals, and cultural experiences support businesses and jobs throughout Santa Cruz County. Each February, the Tubac Festival of the Arts brings thousands of visitors to the region and generates significant economic activity.
Tubac is also an International Dark Sky Community, and the surrounding region is home to world-class astronomical research, including the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory on Mount Hopkins. Protecting the accessibility, character, and night skies of this region is important not only to Tubac, but to the broader Santa Cruz County economy.
The Tubac Chamber of Commerce supports effective border security and recognizes the important role of the U.S. Border Patrol in protecting our communities and our nation. We also support reasonable improvements to the existing I-19 checkpoint that improve safety, efficiency, and traffic flow.
However, the Chamber opposes the proposed 17.4-acre expansion of the checkpoint near Amado as it is currently conceived and disclosed.
A federal project of this size and scope should be proportional to a clearly demonstrated operational need, and the communities and businesses affected by it should have a clear understanding of what is being proposed. Recent reporting has raised significant questions about the scope of the project, including an account from the affected property owner that plans presented to her by CBP contained facilities and functions that have not been publicly disclosed. CBP should clarify the full scope of the proposal.
Interstate 19 is the primary gateway to Tubac and a critical transportation corridor for Santa Cruz County, tourism, businesses, and international commerce. A large permanent federal facility involving substantial infrastructure, lighting, fencing, and traffic controls could affect the region’s visual and historic character, night skies, visitor experience, and access to Tubac. Those impacts deserve careful evaluation before the project moves forward.
The Tubac Chamber of Commerce calls on CBP to:
• Publicly disclose the proposed facility’s design, footprint, functions, lighting, traffic capacity, and operational plans.
• Demonstrate the operational need for a facility of this scale.
• Provide a comprehensive assessment of potential tourism, economic, traffic, environmental, and community impacts.
• Specifically evaluate potential impacts to Tubac’s International Dark Sky designation and the region’s night sky resources.
• Hold meaningful public meetings and provide opportunities for community input.
• Evaluate less intrusive alternatives that could address legitimate safety and operational needs without creating an unnecessarily large permanent facility.
Border security, international commerce, tourism, and quality of life are not mutually exclusive. We believe necessary security and infrastructure improvements can be accomplished while protecting Tubac’s accessibility, economy, environment, character, and visitor experience.
Tubac has thrived for generations as a place of history, culture, commerce, and hospitality. We intend for it to remain open, welcoming, and easy to visit for generations to come.
Until the scope and necessity of this proposed expansion are fully disclosed and justified, the Tubac Chamber of Commerce cannot support the project as proposed.
Arizona Daily Star Coverage
The Arizona Daily Star recently reported on the proposed expansion of the I-19 Border Patrol checkpoint near Amado, including concerns raised by Santa Cruz County officials, residents, the agricultural industry, and the local tourism community.
READ THE FULL ARIZONA DAILY STAR ARTICLE
https://tucson.com/news/local/border/article_69e1814a-96d6-4aa5-8b3b-ecc8881966c9.html
The Arizona Daily Star reported Sunday, Aug. 23 on federal plans to expand the temporary Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 19, near Amado, into a much larger, permanent checkpoint facility adjacent to the highway
Here’s what you need to know:
https://tucson.com/news/local/border/article_522a9569-d127-4396-8b22-85faa9c5e927.html

For anyone who missed the presentations Gary Brasher has made recently regarding his intention for a high-density housing development just across from De Anza Park, you can see his plan below. It includes 18 homes on 2.745 acres immediately west of the park. Heads-up Tubaqueños!
[Barrio Concept E.jpg - Google Drive](

Mesquite Bosque Academy Foundation began with a simple challenge: when our local school moved from a five-day to a four-day week, we wondered what we could create for our children on Fridays. What started as a small idea quickly grew—from our eight-week Seedlings program to Trailhead Summer Camp, with families from across Southern Arizona joining us along the way. Founded by Marla Helena Bitterlin and Viviana Delgadillo, Mesquite Bosque is now a Tubac-based nonprofit creating Montessori-inspired, nature-based and bilingual experiences rooted in the landscape and culture of the Borderlands. Through Rooted Fridays, children ages 5–10 learn by doing—exploring STEM, art, cooking and practical life, practicing Tai Chi and movement, and learning about the native plants, wildlife, waterways and cultural heritage of our region. Fridays extend beyond the classroom through experiences with community partners such as the Tubac Nature Center, local artists, educators and other community guides. This fall, we are excited to welcome Amy Maddox as our Enrichment Lead, bringing 11 years of teaching experience and a lifelong connection to Southern Arizona and Sinaloa, Mexico.
At the heart of our vision is the belief that everyone has something to teach, and every generation has something to offer. We are growing a multigenerational community of guides, volunteers and mentors—from retirees, grandparents and high school students to artists, makers, naturalists, farmers, musicians and neighbors. There are many ways to contribute: share a craft or skill, lead an activity, tell a story, bring your knowledge of the desert, or simply spend time alongside children. Beyond Fridays, our community gatherings and seasonal celebrations bring families and neighbors together and deepen our connection to this place we call home. Want to become part of our roots? Volunteer, share your gifts, or make a donation. We need your support and donations to continue growing and enriching these opportunities for our children. Please visit mesquitebosqueacademy.org to get involved. Every contribution, whether time, talent or financial support, helps us grow this community around our children.
Santa Cruz County Animal Care and Control achieved no-kill status in 2025 with a 90% save rate, thanks to a partnership with Best Friends Animal Society and local rescues. The county received a $100,000 grant in 2024 to expand care and is now focusing on finding a new, larger facility to accommodate the growing needs. While the new facility is on hold pending funding, the county is committed to investing in resources to support and enhance animal control operations.

The Tubac Community Center Foundation is inviting the community to take a survey so we can learn about your experience at the Community Center. Your feedback is important and will help us improve the Center and plan for the future. Please follow this link to the online survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7CYF3P9
We appreciate your time! Please share the survey link with your friends and neighbors in Santa Cruz County.
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m-8 p.m. ET
1. Have you spotted a scam and want to report it?
2. Do you need help deciding if something is a scam?
3. Have you or a loved one been a victim of a scam?
Note: We offer guidance and support for your situation, not investigation or case recovery.
Call 877-908-3360

Wed Sept 30th - 4:30pmCommunityfire districtTubac Community Center, Long Room, 50 Bridge Road, Tubac, AZ 85646, USA 
Monthly meeting of the Tubac Fire District Board. The public is invited to attend. More info: www.TubacFireDistrict.org.

Alex just fixed my auto in 3 hours and his charge was less than $1000 from another mechanic. My personal local hero ! Thank you Alex, I know you don't need the promotion because we all know and trust you, but you sure have my gratitude !!!
Susanna, Editor of Tubac Weekly.
1967 E Frontage Rd Tumacacori, AZ
-Open until 5:00 PM-
# 520-891-0108


MON-FRI 9 to 4 CLOSED for LUNCH. 12 to 1 SATURDAY 9 to 1 & CLOSED SUNDAY
FYI _ ALWAYS ADD YOUR PO BOX NUMBER TO YOUR STREET ADDRESS OR ITEMS WILL BE RETURNED TO SENDER.

MON-FRI 8 to 4 CLOSED for LUNCH. 1 to 2 CLOSED SATURDAY & SUNDAY
FYI _ ALWAYS ADD YOUR PO BOX NUMBER TO YOUR STREET ADDRESS OR ITEMS WILL BE RETURNED TO SENDER.

GREAT CLASSIC ROCK, ALL DAY, NO COMMERCIALS. THANK YOU COCHISE BROADCASTING.

Located west of the border check point on West Frontage Rd.- at the end-
SAT SUN & MON 8 -4 closed 12-1 for lunch
Please only recycle clean items.

We're a community of people who share a passion for the environment. We thank you Alexandra Humbree for doing home and business pick-ups !