News

On December 30, 2009, representatives of Baca Float Coalition, Inc. delivered a retainer to their attorneys and signed a litigation agreement to begin a legal action to reopen Santa Gertrudis Lane.

"The Santa Gertrudis Lane legal action has begun and we are preparing for the collection of Affidavits from persons who have established a historical use of the Lane to access businesses in Tumacacori and Tubac and to access the I-19 corridor," according to Coalition board member Ron Campana. "The January BFC newsletter will have additional information," he said.

Santa Gertrudis Lane has been closed to all but adjacent property owners since March of 2008, when the Union Pacific Railroad erected a gate at the eastern end of the lane. It was opened for a few days at the end of last May when a group of eastside residents, who claim a legal and historical right to use the road, cut the lock off and chained the gate open. UP closed and relocked the gate a few days later.

The Baca Float Coalition Board of Directors refused to sanction the May event, preferring to concentrate on a legal remedy through the courts. Their current action comes at the end of a year-long fund raising effort.

Campana said that "fundraising must continue to cover all contingencies that may arise."

More information about the Baca Float Coalition is available at www.bacafloatcoalition.org.