Rio Rico Rotary seeks county partnership for April community day; board signals support

Representatives of the Rio Rico Rotary Club asked the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 3 to partner in planning a one-day "Rio Rico Community Days" event on Saturday, April 18, 2026, intended to showcase county departments, nonprofits and local businesses at the fitness center corner of Kodamundi and Pendleton in Rio Rico.

Tony Bartola, speaking for the Rotary Club, said the organizers are not asking for county funds and want county departments and area organizations to participate with free activities and informational booths. "We are not asking for any money. We're not asking any of the organizations for any money," Bartola said during his presentation. The proposal includes a half-day schedule (roughly 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), a pancake breakfast to kick off the event, a small number of food trucks and low-cost activities for children, and invitations to local schools, health providers, utilities and other community groups.

Board members responded positively. County staff recommended coordinating with emergency management and the sheriff's office early to develop an event safety plan and to identify in-kind county participation. Supervisors said the county would support the effort and directed staff to begin planning and to coordinate with Rotary organizers.

Bartola said the Rotary has secured space from the property owner at no charge so long as the event is for community benefit and not a fundraiser. Organizers asked the county to be an active partner in planning and publicizing the event; no county funding was requested during the presentation.