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Community Input Helps Shape Rio Rico Tree Planting Project

Santa Cruz County has partnered with the University of Arizona and the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District #35 on an important project to bring shade, beauty, and environmental benefits to Rio Rico. Funded through a grant from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the initiative will plant 300 to 500 trees along the West Frontage Road.

A community survey was circulated and received several hundred responses—thank you to everyone who shared input! Your feedback will help guide this project as it moves forward.

SR 83: Black Oak Drive to Lower Elgin Rd Reconstruction

A reconstruction and pavement rehabilitation project on SR 83 between Black Oak Drive to Lower Elgin (mileposts 31 and 29) will tentatively begin Tuesday, Oct. 14. 

Seeking Public Input on Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Santa Cruz County is inviting residents and stakeholders to participate in a series of open-house-style public meetings designed to enhance wildfire preparedness and community safety. 

Santa Cruz County Pushes Back against AG's Claims in Embezzlement Fallout Santa Cruz County continues to prosecute its legal dispute with the Arizona Auditor General after their annual audits failed to discover a decade-long embezzlement by former Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr. The final pleadings were recently filed in response to the Attorney General's Counter-Complaint and Third-Party Complaint, which the Auditor General is attempting to name several County employees, contractors, and their spouses as responsible individuals.  The County's filings argue that these claims are without merit and should be dismissed.  A Motion for Attorneys' Fees was also submitted, citing the baseless nature of the AG's legal actions. Oral arguments are scheduled for October 9, 2025 and the Court is expected to render a decision within 60 days after that. Gutfahr, who resigned in April 2024, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in June 2025 after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges stemming from the decade-long embezzlement.

Meet Our New Chief Building Official: Juan Ceballos Santa Cruz County is pleased to welcome Juan Ceballos as our new Chief Building Official.  In his new role, Juan is responsible for enforcing building codes throughout Santa Cruz County, encompassing both residential and commercial construction. He is also leading efforts to expedite code enforcement and is developing a new permitting system to provide better service to contractors, permit applicants, and construction crews.

Community Development Launches New Online Permitting and Complaint System The Santa Cruz County Community Development Department will transition to a new online permitting and complaint system on October 1, 2025. The County will move from the SmartGov platform to Cloudpermit, a user-friendly system that streamlines applications, improves efficiency, and enhances service for residents and builders.

Keeping Our Public Right of Way Safe and Clear Santa Cruz County is asking for the community’s help in keeping our public spaces safe and accessible. The public right-of-way refers to the space along roads that is reserved for public use—such as driving, walking, biking, and utilities. This includes areas like sidewalks, road shoulders, and utility easements. Keeping these areas clear helps ensure safety for pedestrians, drivers, and emergency services. Under Ordinance 2013 04, vehicles and signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way without prior approval through a permit. Unauthorized use can create hazards, block visibility, and make it more difficult for people to move safely through our community. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining clear and safe rights-of-way. Together, we can make sure these public spaces remain open, welcoming, and safe for everyone. To learn more about Ordinance 2013 04 and right-of-way regulations, visit the Santa Cruz County Right of Way Information website.

Shopping Local Strengthens County Services

Every time you shop at a local business, whether grabbing groceries in Nogales, dining in Patagonia, or picking up supplies in Sonoita, you’re doing more than supporting a neighbor. You’re helping fund essential county services. Local sales taxes and property values help keep our roads safe, fund law enforcement, support public health programs, maintain courts, and run elections. They also enable us to offer parks, recreation, and community programs that exceed state-mandated services. When you shop outside the county or online, those dollars go elsewhere. Keeping your spending local strengthens the services and programs that touch all of us and makes Santa Cruz County a better place to live. Shop local. Support your community.

Stay Informed with Planning and Zoning Updates

The Santa Cruz County Planning and Zoning Commission meets each month on the fourth Thursday to review development projects, zoning requests, and other matters that shape the future of our community. Meetings are held in person, and a virtual option is also available for those who prefer to attend online. You can stay up to date on upcoming meetings by signing up to receive Planning and Zoning agendas directly to your email. This is a convenient way to stay informed about what’s being discussed and how you can participate in the planning process. To be added to the distribution list, email Frances Paredes at fparedes@santacruzcountyaz.gov.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Honoring the Arts in Our Community Santa Cruz County is proud to celebrate October Arts Month, a time to recognize the creativity and culture that enrich our community. This month is an opportunity to appreciate the arts in all their forms and the ways they make our county a vibrant place to live.

Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors (Evening Meeting)

5:30 pm, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Santa Cruz County Complex, 2150 N. Congress Drive, Ste 120, Nogales.

The Fall Fiesta Presented by Ranchito Market

1:00 pm -8:00 pm, Saturday, October 4, 2025, Ranchito Market, 7 Avenida Pastor, Rio Rico
Singer Songwriter Roy Rivers, JV Ranch, live music, horseback rides, petting zoo & more

Wildfire Protection Plan Open House (Sonoita / Elgin)

6:00 pm, Monday, October 6, 2025, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 3142 AZ-83, Sonoita
Learn more about wildfire preparedness in their community, and provide input that will help shape the future of the county’s wildfire protection efforts.

Wildfire Protection Plan Open House (Patagonia)

6:00 pm, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Patagonia Union High School, 200 Naugle Ave, Patagonia 
Learn more about wildfire preparedness in their community, and provide input that will help shape the future of the county’s wildfire protection efforts.

Wildfire Protection Plan Open House (Nogales)

6:00 pm, Wednesday, October 8, 2025, VFW Post 2066, 653 N Grand Ave, Nogales
Learn more about wildfire preparedness in their community, and provide input that will help shape the future of the county’s wildfire protection efforts.

Community Check-In with District 3 Supervisor John Fanning

(TIME CHANGE)

8:00 am to 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Elgin Community Club, 475 Elgin Rd, Elgin
These meetings are an opportunity to discuss issues, share your thoughts, and ask questions directly with Supervisor Fanning.

Wildfire Protection Plan Open House (Rio Rico)

6:00 pm, Thursday, October 9, 2025, Rio Rico High School, 590 Lito Galindo, Rio Rico
Learn more about wildfire preparedness in their community, and provide input that will help shape the future of the county’s wildfire protection efforts.

Pancake Breakfast for Annual Fire Prevention & Public Safety Day

9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Saturday, October 11, 2025, 822 Pendleton Drive, Rio Rico
The Rio Rico Medical & Fire District is inviting the community to their Annual Fire Prevention & Public Safety Day.  Families are welcome to enjoy a free pancake breakfast while learning important safety tips and exploring fire prevention.  

Patagonia Fall Festival

9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday, October 11, 2025, (Oct 12, 9-4)Patagonia Town Park, 325 McKeown Ave, Patagonia
Celebrate the magic of fall in the Sky Islands with two days of art, music, food, and small-town charm.

Nopal Festival

4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Saturday, October 11, 2025, M&M Family Orchard, 310 Camino Caballo, Rio Rico
Celebrate with food, music, and family activities. 

Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors (Evening Meeting)

5:30 pm, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Santa Cruz County Complex, 2150 N. Congress Drive, Ste 120, Nogales.
Attend in person or stream the event on YouTube.  

Job Fair & Community Resource Expo

9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Arizona at Work, 610 N Morley Ave, Nogales.

"Standing Together" Domestic Violence Vigil

5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Thursday, October 23, 2025, City Hall Park, 777 N Grand Ave, Nogales
Hosted by County Attorney George Silva in partnership with Mariposa Community Health Center.

Nickel's Diner Motor Classic '25

9:00 am, Saturday, October 25, 2025, Nickel's Diner, 1060 Yavapai Dr., Rio Rico
Join Nickel's Diner for the annual Motor Classic Car Show.

Trick or Treat at Copper Mountain Air, Nogales International Airport

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, October 31, 2025, Nogales International Airport, 11 Access Way, Nogales
Bring your kids in their best costumes for a chance to win tricks and treats.

See You at the Festival