Current Issues

Customs and Border Protection Checkpoint Potential Changes:

The Issue: The Santa Cruz County supervisors approved an "Access Agreement", on a consent agenda, for a parcel north of the I-19 checkpoint that could lead to a permanent site. It is a "Right of Way" Agreement that allows CPB to go onto the county owned parcel west and north of the current checkpoint and do their due diligence that could lead to a land purchase and establishment of a more permanent structure.

SCVCC Action: The SCVCC Board discussed this news at our February 2026 monthly board meeting. We discussed the potential impact on Tubac and our surrounding communities. We agreed that we needed to contact County Supervisor John Fanning to get more information and to express our concerns.

Board members Mary Vanis and Rich Bohman, along with Gary Brasher, met with County Supervisors John Fanning and Luis Carlos Davis, and County Manager Jesus Valdez to discuss the situation. Because the County Supervisors were heading to Washington, D.C., the group agreed to write a letter formally stating our concerns requesting that the Supervisors rescind their action.

Status: We are awaiting updates from Supervisor Fanning. At this point, our goal is to at least "have a seat at the table" during discussions about any checkpoint expansion.

The Issue

SCVCC Action

In our April 2025 newsletter we alerted our members that Unisource Energy Services announced that it needed to build a new 138 kilovolt transmission line to connect the Kantor Station in Santa Cruz County (Nogales) to the regional electric grid in Pima County. The initial proposed route for the transmission line was down the west side of I19 and would mean installing 85’ “Mono Poles” to carry the power lines between Pima County and the substation in Nogales. Tubac residents became alarmed at the prospect of having these poles being installed on the west side of I19, creating a blight on our scenic vistas and they called on SCVCC to get

involved in expressing the community’s opposition to this route.

SCVCC Action

The Council immediately recognized that installing 85’ mono poles in our west side mountains could cause much damage to our community, including harm to local wildlife

and beautiful vistas, and immediately took action. This included hiring legal counsel to write to Unisource with our community’s concerns. We also encouraged our members to attend open houses sponsored by Unisource and to write letters to show community unity in opposition to this route, and a proposed alternate route down the middle of highway 119. We encouraged members to advocate for installing the transmission lines on the existing poles in the mountains east of the Santa Cruz River.

Status

SCVCC Action

Status

Unisource Listened! At an October 28, 2025, open house Unisource shared that they will be recommending to the Arizona Corporation Commission that the new 138 kilovolt transmission line be a “double circuit” configuration in which the new circuit will be installed on the existing transmission line structures that are east of the Santa Cruz River.

We remain vigilant and we are prepared to continue to advocate for this route as the Arizona Corporation Commission has to approve the route before it is finalized. Their decision is anticipated before the end of the year.

TUBAC ENTRANCE PARK

The Issue: The County announced a plan to construct a "Pocket Park" on a piece of County land located off of Tubac Road near the entrance of the Village of Tubac. The original plans that were submitted for review by the SCVCC was of a 'Modern Design" that in no way matched the character of the Village.

SCVCC Action: After reviewing the plan the SCVCC responded to the County that the park was out of character with the village and asked that a group of representatives for the village, including the SCVCC, the Chamber, representatives of the "Old Town" historic district and the Tubac Historical Zone Advisory Board be involved in reviewing the planning and design of the project. The group advocated for a change in the name from "Pocket Park" to "Entrance Park" and stressed that restroom facilities must be included in the plans.

Status: The County came back to the group and presented a plan that was in keeping with the character of the Village and that included restrooms! The project will be completed in two phases, with phase one construction scheduled to begin before the end of the summer of 2026. The SCVCC will continue to monitor progress of the project until it is completed.

2026 Santa Cruz County Comprehensive Plan

The Issue: Every ten years Santa Cruz County is required to update its "Comprehensive Plan" which provides our county with a vision to guide growth and development. According to the Santa Cruz AZ County Website, "The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to provide guidance to the County Board of Supervisors in maintaining the diverse development styles, culture, and environments that make Santa Cruz County a special place to live". The last update was 2016. The county seeks input from residents as to how to address these issues.

SCVCC Action: Understanding the importance of community involvement in this process the SCVCC board brought this issue to the attention of our members and encouraged them to participate by signing up on the county website for the various action committees.

Status: The county is in the process of reviewing applications and setting up the committees to address the plan. For more information on the Comprehensive Plan, please see: www.santacruzcountyaz.gov and search for Comprehensive Plan.

Ongoing Concerns

Dark Sky

The skies of Santa Cruz County have an impact on all life here. We want to protect our unique environment and be able to enjoy our night sky.

Water Quality.

Commercial and mining interest will have an effect our water. We are working with local organizations and the County to protect our water.

Signage

Protecting Our Environment

We want to keep Tubac the Center for Art, History and Nature. Signage needs to be appropriate to our environment.

Protecting Our Environment

Fire Safety & Sheriff Updates

Protecting Our Environment

Thanks to the support of our community, we have been able to make a significant impact over the years. Learn more about our accomplishments and the positive change we have brought about.

Fire Safety & Sheriff Updates

The Sheriff Department and Fire Department are regular contributors to our programs.

County Issues & Involvement

Fire Safety & Sheriff Updates

Members of the Citizens Council work closely with Santa Cruz Supervisors and Community Development. Join us!

Current Issues

Customs and Border Protection Checkpoint Potential Changes:

Protecting Our I-19 Corridor

The Issue

SCVCC Action

SCVCC Action

SCVCC Action

SCVCC Action

SCVCC Action

Status

SCVCC Action

Status

TUBAC ENTRANCE PARK

2026 Santa Cruz County Comprehensive Plan

Ongoing Concerns

Dark Sky

Water Quality.

Signage

Protecting Our Environment

Protecting Our Environment

Fire Safety & Sheriff Updates

Protecting Our Environment

Fire Safety & Sheriff Updates

Fire Safety & Sheriff Updates

Fire Safety & Sheriff Updates

County Issues & Involvement

Fire Safety & Sheriff Updates

Fire Safety & Sheriff Updates