Neighbors demand action against illegal RV park run by Jennifer Tubas in Tubac

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on April 30, 2025, addressing several community concerns, notably the ongoing issues surrounding an illegal RV park operated by Jennifer Tubas in Tubac, Arizona.

The meeting began with public comments from residents of Sandy Lane, who expressed their frustrations regarding Tubas's RV park, located at 01:32 East Bridge Road. A resident read a letter detailing the history of Tubas's operations, highlighting that she was granted a campground use permit in 2010 for six sites, which has since been violated. Tubas has reportedly expanded her operation to 11 RV sites with electric hookups and allowed guests to stay for extended periods, contrary to the original permit stipulations.

Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the RV park, particularly regarding sewage disposal. Residents claimed that Tubas admitted to allowing RV campers to dump their waste on-site, raising fears of groundwater contamination near the Santa Cruz River. The last inspection of the RV park was noted to have occurred in 2013, despite the permit requiring annual reviews.

Several residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the Planning Commission's handling of Tubas's recent application for a conditional use permit to expand her campground to 17 spaces. They argued that the commission had not adequately addressed the numerous infractions and non-compliance issues associated with Tubas's operations. One resident, Sandra Schinkel, called for an investigation into the matter and requested that the board reject Tubas's application until she demonstrates compliance with her existing permit for a minimum of 24 months.

In addition to the RV park discussions, other community issues were raised, including the need for improved litter management along Pendleton Road and the expansion of library services in the county, particularly in rapidly growing unincorporated areas.

The meeting concluded with a call for the board to take action on the concerns raised, particularly regarding Tubas's RV park, as residents seek to ensure compliance with zoning laws and protect their community's health and safety. The board's next steps regarding these issues remain to be seen as they continue to evaluate the situation.