Happy Holidays... Here Comes 2025

It's a Wrap! Top Stories of 2024

Top five stories of 2024

2024 was a busy year in Oro Valley. Here us out cut at the top five stories. 

1. Celebrating 50 years of community and growth
The Town of Oro Valley commemorated its 50th anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of events that highlighted the community’s history and spirit. The celebrations included a vibrant parade on April 6, featuring over 90 participants from local schools, community groups, and businesses, along with a spectacular fireworks display on April 13 at James D. Kriegh Park. Additionally, on April 27, the town hosted the “50 Trees for 50 Years” community tree planting event, where residents gathered to plant 50 trees across four locations, enhancing the town’s green spaces. The Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce also launched the “50 Businesses for 50 Years” Shop OV campaign, highlighting 50 local businesses throughout the year to encourage community support and economic growth.

2. Robb and Murphy elected to council
In the 2024 Oro Valley Town Council election, two new council members were elected by a vast majority of votes, reflecting strong community support. Elizabeth Robb, a local business owner, and Mary Murphy, a longtime resident and community advocate, bring fresh perspectives to the council. Their addition is expected to influence upcoming decisions on key community issues, including development projects, public services, and fiscal policies. Residents anticipate that the new council members will prioritize transparency and community engagement, ensuring that the voices of Oro Valley citizens are well-represented in the town’s governance.

3. The OVCN’s onslaught on Oro Valley’s historic neighborhood took a new turn
The Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) put its plan to build a massive sports complex on hold, at least for the moment. However, that plan is not dead; it’s simply on hiatus. Instead, they are now pursuing the addition of new facilities to their campus, substantially increasing their footprint. The latest effort is to ask permission for buildings of greater height than currently exists. As we wrote yesterday, it’s a continuing cycle of misery for the residents. This saga will continue into 2025.

4. Another year of nothing for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve
The Town Council did lots of talking about the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. There was much discussion about plans to do something. The council even agreed to “do something” only to learn that one of those plans — repurposing the abandoned pond into a “desert garden” — was an unattractive alternative. Residents noticed this, and the council temporarily paused the approved plan to take another look at the water feature instead of a desert garden. More on this in 2025. In the meantime, the preserve looks like an abandoned golf course.

5. "OVPathForward" moves forward big time
The town made progress this year in creating its 2026 General Plan, called “OV Path Forward.” A draft vision and guiding principles were developed with the input of thousands of residents. The next step is to flesh out the details around these principles. Working groups will tackle this in 2025.

Honorable mention

There were some other notable happenings this year:

• The fourth annual Rockin’4Heroes concert was a huge success.
• The town implemented an 8.3% increase in water rates, while continuing to use thousands of gallons of water on recreation facilities, earning the LOVE Water Waster Award for the fourth time.
• The town council adopted a $151.2 million budget.
• Oro Valley celebrated the opening of Naranja Park.
• The Arizona Heroes Memorial at the park was dedicated.
• The town ended its contract with Visit Tucson and took over its own destination marketing program.
• The Town Council rejected the tiny homes project in Rancho Vistoso.

And on a sad note
Rick Messina, a well-liked groundskeeper at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course, tragically died from a bee attack in July. Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf raised almost $10,000 to help Rick’s parents.

It was indeed a busy year in Oro Valley.

We suspect that 2025 will be just as busy.

Happy holidays to all.
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We Rocked 4 Our Heroes: Part II

 

We Rocked 4 Our Heroes: Part II
In November, Rockin’ 4 Heroes asked LOVE readers to stay tuned for more info on our ‘Hero Tributes’ that occurred on Nov 10th! We’d like to again extend our sincere gratitude to all of you who were able to attend, sponsor, donate or volunteer at our 4th annual concert. We look forward to seeing you at our 5th event next year. We don’t stop because the music is over … Rockin’ 4 Heroes is ramping up for many engagements throughout our community as 2025 begins. Now, on to the tributes...

Community Hero Award – Tom Brandhuber
The Rockin’ 4 Heroes Community Hero Award honored Golder Ranch Fire District’s (GRFD) Fire Chief, Tom Brandhuber, for his 35+ years in the Fire and EMS Services. During his public service career, Chief Brandhuber also served as a member of the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves. Cris Grissom, Assistant Fire Chief at GRFD, was on hand to accept the award. The actual award was presented to the Chief during a ceremony at GRFD on October 15th (a portion of which can be viewed on the Rockin’ 4 Heroes YouTube channel).

Tom Brandhuber served in the Corona De Tucson Fire District and Rural/Metro Fire Department prior to his service in Oro Valley. These fire districts saw our Chief rise through the ranks as a firefighter paramedic, Captain, Battalion Chief, Fire Chief and Regional Manager. In 2010, as a member of the United States Air Force, he was deployed to serve as the Fire Chief at the Kirkuk Regional Air Base in Iraq.

Tom came to GRFD in 2013 to serve as the Assistant Chief of Operations. He assumed the position of Fire Chief in 2023. Oro Valley knows how fortunate we are to have Chief Brandhuber as a leader in such an important area of public service! Thank you for your service, Chief!

Fallen Hero Recognition – Officer Adam Buckner
The ‘Honor and Sacrifice’ flag was developed for the 15th anniversary of 9/11 to honor public servants who lost their lives in an effort to save others. During our 4th annual event, it was befitting to present this flag to the family of Officer Adam Buckner of the Tucson Police Department who died on March 31, 2024.

Officer Buckner answered a call to service on this fateful night when his patrol car was hit by another vehicle. Adam began his law enforcement career with the New Orleans Police Department. TPD was fortunate to have his service and dedication for over two years.

Officer Buckner’s wife, Catie, and mother, Joy, were on hand to accept the ‘Honor and Sacrifice’ flag. The Rockin’ 4 Heroes circle of family, friends and supporters will forever remember the ultimate sacrifice of Officer Adam Buckner.

Full Circle - The Rockin’ 4 Heroes Jacob Dindinger Memorial EMT Scholarship
This past year saw Rockin’ 4 Heroes create the first EMT Endowment Scholarship opportunity through the Pima Foundation at Pima Community College. This scholarship is named in honor of Jacob Dindinger who tragically lost his life while on duty serving his community in 2021. This scholarship highlights the shortage of EMS workers nationwide.

Jacob worked for American Medical Response in Southern Arizona. Jacob’s answer to a call for service saw him mortally wounded in July 2021. Jacob’s service shows the dangers under which our heroes serve to protect us all.

Rockin’ 4 Heroes was pleased to introduce the first recipient of this scholarship: Ms. Thea Cromwell. Thea decided to switch careers after witnessing the tragic death of Officer Adam Buckner. She saw this collision from a store where she worked and raced to his side without knowing what to do. As a result, Thea decided to seek a career that would enable her to serve others. Jacob Dindinger’s mother, Corrine, was on hand to pay tribute to her son and celebrate the first recipient of the scholarship created in his name.

It was befitting that Rockin’ 4 Heroes paid tribute to Officer Adam Buckner for his ultimate sacrifice while, moments later, honoring Thea Cromwell as the first recipient of the EMT scholarship, which brought the mission of Rockin’ 4 Heroes full circle. Rockin’ 4 Heroes knows how public servants can inspire others to pursue heroic careers that keep us all safe every day, year after year. For that, Rockin’ 4 Heroes is forever grateful.

Looking to the future
Stay tuned to our social media platforms for all things Rockin’ 4 Heroes related – we hope you join us when we show up near you! Also, please consider donating to our Hero Fund that supports initiatives that align with our mission and allows us to provide assistance to hero groups year-round. Contributions are always accepted on our website’s donation site, which is an easy and secure online platform! Thank you, in advance, for your support and following. We’ll be seeing you soon!

Website: https://rockin4heroes.org/

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Residents Voice Concerns and Confusion About the OVCN "Ask"

Concern and confusion reigned last week
Residents voiced concern and confusion at last week's second neighborhood meeting regarding the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene. The church wants to increase its footprint in the area and seeks the town’s permission to build facilities with heights greater than what currently exists on the property.

Concerns
Residents are unanimously against the proposal, as discussed in previous articles. Concerns range from an increase in traffic to potential flooding and the impact the taller buildings may have on their views.

Confusion
The only issue residents were allowed to discuss at last week’s meeting was the potential impact on their views. This limitation exists because the church’s current request is solely for permission to increase building height. The property, zoned as Private School (PS), permits structures up to 45 feet for certain uses. However, this wasn’t the primary purpose of last week’s meeting.

This Is not a "variance request"
This is not a variance request; it is a request for permission to build to a height already permitted by the zoning code. The church is asking for something allowed within the zoning regulations but requires formal approval. To be clear, the town is not required to grant the request.

Four height variances in one review
The Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s proposed sanctuary includes multiple height requests within a single structure. The tallest section, the sanctuary, is proposed at 40 feet, including a 5-foot parapet to screen mechanical equipment. Other building sections vary in height: the multipurpose space at 34 feet, the lobby corridor at 30 feet, and additional multipurpose areas ranging from 24 to 37 feet. These heights reflect the functional needs of each section while contributing to the overall design.

Town Council has final say if it chooses to do so
Town staff explained at both meetings that the Planning and Zoning Commission has the authority to approve these height requests. However, the Town Council has the prerogative to review and potentially override such decisions. According to Section 22.9.8 of Ordinance 17-05: ""The Town Council shall have the right and prerogative to initiate its own review of any decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission or Town staff and shall uphold, modify or overrule said decision. Council shall have twenty (20) days to initiate a review and the applicant shall be notified."

More than two criteria for approval
At the meeting, residents were told by staff that two main criteria apply: Whether the request is code-compliant and whether it aligns with the General Plan. While these are important, there are additional criteria of which they were not in. These are included in Section 22.9 of Ordinance 17-05. The proposed height must be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and zoning districts, respect the character of adjacent properties, and minimize visual impacts. Architectural elements must enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal and align with Oro Valley’s high design standards, while all structures must harmonize with the Sonoran Desert environment. The proposal must also mitigate impacts on adjacent properties, such as blocking views, casting shadows, or creating a sense of overbearing scale.

No Basis for alLawsuit if the request is denied
At the first neighborhood meeting, staff implied that denying the request could expose the town to legal challenges if the project met zoning code requirements. However, the zoning code does not mandate approval of the request—only that it be reviewed. Therefore, if the Planning and Zoning Commission denies the height increase, the town cannot be sued on the basis of non-compliance with the code.

Next Up: Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on January 14

The next step is for town staff to review the request and present a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission. It is likely staff will recommend approval of the request and say it as consistent with the General Plan, encouraging the commission to approve it.  The meeting will be conducted as a public hearing, where attendees will have the opportunity to provide comments and submit them for the official record. The commission will then decide whether to approve or deny the request. 

If the request is denied, OVCN will likely appeal the decision to the Town Council, which will be required to hear the case. If the commission approves the request, it will be up to residents to get the Town Council to start a review of that decision within 20 days of the commission’s decision. If the council reverses that decision, it’s likely that OVCN will bring the matter to the Board of Adjustment, as it did in a previous request some years back. The Board of Adjustment will then have the ultimate say.

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Bits and Pieces

Looking for some part time work? Check out the Town of Oro Valley

For residents looking to stay active and engaged while enjoying the flexibility of part-time work, the town offers several appealing opportunities. Positions like Recreation Aide in Parks & Recreation are perfect for those who want to assist with community programs and events without committing to full-time hours and might be an interesting part-time job for retirees or others seeking flexible schedules. Another great option is the Facility Monitor role, which involves overseeing town facilities during events and ensuring everything runs smoothly—a simple yet rewarding way to stay connected with the community. Check out all openings here. 

El Conastador golf course turf reduction project raises concerns over accountability and transparency

Concerns about the incomplete turf reduction project on the 5th hole of the Conquistador Course have intensified. According to a resident, the Town Council did not formally approve the project plan during the September 18, 2024, meeting. Instead, the Town Manager reportedly proceeded without Council authorization, implementing only part of the proposed work. The plan had included the use of 1/4” Desert Brown gravel, but none has been installed, leaving the project incomplete and inconsistent with the original scope.

Residents are frustrated by the lack of accountability, noting that inspections by the Mayor and Parks and Recreation Director have not led to resolutions or updates. They allege the Town Manager intends to defer corrective action to a future budget cycle instead of holding the contractor accountable for the shortfall. This has led to calls for immediate action from the Council to ensure the project is completed as agreed and to maintain transparency and oversight in managing public projects.

Seasons has changed... Decrease your outside water use

Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf are featuring discussions with Oro Valley Water Utility Director Peter Abraham in their monthly newsletter. This month’s edition highlights the importance of adjusting water use as the seasons change, particularly by reducing outdoor irrigation. Abraham emphasizes that irrigation accounts for about 60% of residential water use and suggests practical ways to conserve, such as adjusting irrigation schedules during cooler months and regularly maintaining systems to avoid leaks or waste. He also recommends the WaterSmart program, which helps residents monitor daily and hourly water consumption, making it easier to track and reduce usage. These tips not only help save money but also support Oro Valley’s commitment to sustainability.

Register now for this year's Hot Cocoa 5K Run/Walk

Kick off the New Year with Oro Valley’s 11th annual Hot Cocoa 5K Run/Walk on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The race begins at Steam Pump Ranch and follows the scenic multi-use path, offering participants snacks, water, and, of course, hot cocoa. It’s a fun way to start your New Year’s resolutions! Runners, walkers, and strollers are welcome, with prizes awarded to top finishers in various categories. The registration fee is $35 until December 18, 2024, and $40 thereafter. Children 12 and under can participate for free with a paying adult. Proceeds benefit the Town’s Recreation Scholarship Program. To register, please visit the Hot Cocoa 5K 2025 event page. 

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OV’s Path Forward: Help Spark Action in Shaping the Community’s Next 10-Year Plan

Why should all residents help create OV’s Path Forward?
OV’s Path Forward, the community’s next 10-year plan, will shape OV’s quality of life. It will include resident-driven actions that hold the Town accountable and address resident priorities for safety, development, views, water, and more.

Implementing the actions leads to real results in the community. Improved protection measures for saguaros, more amenities at parks, and family-friendly events are just some of the results-fulfilling actions from the current plan. Now, your help is needed to craft actions for the next 10-year plan.

All residents, especially youth, are encouraged to get involved!
Using the substantial amount of direction provided by residents over the past year, Resident Working Groups will craft the goals, policies, and actions that will be implemented over the next 10 years.

There is truly a topic for all interests and backgrounds. Are you interested in park amenities, trail connections, safety, community gathering spaces and events, managing growth, water conservation, views, and more? Join a Resident Working Group to spark action in your community!

Keep up the great work, OV!
Residents’ commitment and care for Oro Valley continues to be recognized. The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) of Southern Arizona recognized the substantial amount of resident engagement provided to shape OV’s future.

The 8,900+ resident contributions received over the past year were used to assemble the draft vision and guiding principles. The drafts were improved by residents through the Wordsmith Challenge.

On December 4, the Town Council accepted residents’ improved draft vision and guiding principles. This is a major milestone in this important process. It signifies the drafts are ready for use by Resident Working Groups to continue building the plan over the next year.

There is still a lot of work to be done, and all residents are needed! Resident Working Groups will kick off in January and meet (mostly online) throughout the spring. Learn more and sign up for a Resident Working Group at here. 

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Council Identified Five Concerns Regarding a Vistoso Trails Water Feature

Five concerns
The town is exploring the possibility of adding a water feature to the Vistoso Nature Preserve, a concept discussed during last week’s council meeting and covered in yesterday’s article. Based on councilmember remarks during that discussion, it appears a water feature faces five challenges before gaining a council majority approval.

1. Is there enough reclaimed water?
Securing enough reclaimed water is a critical concern for the proposed water feature. At the meeting, Mayor Winfield stated that such a feature could require up to 76 acre-feet of water annually, costing nearly $70,000 each year. Town staff noted that the town is now using nearly all its annual reclaimed water allotment. Only10 acre-feet remain available. Thus, if Winfield is correct, and there no assurance that he is correct, there is not enough reclaimed water for a water feature.

2. Will cost be comparable to a desert garden?

When it comes to cost, the comparison here must be to building and maintaining a desert garden. Here's what we know so far about the issue around cost and a water feature.
Construction Cost
Mayor Winfield believes that building a water feature would be a significant financial undertaking. He believes that “re-creating, operating, and maintaining an artificial pond would cost significantly more than restoring the area to a natural state.” Initial cost would include rehabilitating pumps, liners, and other infrastructure if needed. 
Ongoing Maintenance Cost
In addition to construction cost, operation and and maintenance expenses could place a long-term strain on town resources. The cost of water replenishment alone is estimated to cost $70,000 annually. Councilmember Nicholson noted at the meeting: “Ponds can be more expensive to run… it’s definitely more expensive to build than desert revegetation.” This underscores the importance of ensuring the water feature’s cost is at least comparable to creating the desert garden.

3. Will the feature receive a matching grant?
The council has prioritized obtaining matching grant money for the preserve’s restoration. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) offers potential funding. However, staff feedback from Arizona State Parks suggests that a pond may not score well in the grant process unless it includes recreational uses like fishing or kayaking. Consequently, according to town staff, Arizona State Parks has recommended focusing on the desert garden concept, which provides more recreational opportunities and, therefore, a better chance of securing funds.  The council has never discussed self-funding a water feature or a desert garden.

4. Is this use of water consistent with town policy?
The town’s zoning code prohibits ornamental water features, emphasizing water conservation. Councilmember Jones-Ivey highlighted this challenge: “If we apply for a grant for fishing or however we’re going to use this pond, and we don’t get awarded that grant, are we then considered an ornamental water feature?” If so, would the town's ordinance not permit that?

5. Will a water feature send a mixed message on the town's commitment to water conservation?
Adding a water feature may contradict the town’s water conservation efforts. While residents are urged to conserve water, the town uses millions of gallons annually on parks and golf courses, which has drawn criticism in the past. Some of this water is drinking water; though in this case, the water that would be used as reclaimed water. Incorporating a water feature risks amplifying this perceived inconsistency and undermining the town’s credibility on conservation issues.

Some other Concerns
Other, concerns include whether the water feature fits the preserve’s natural desert setting, its potential impact on wildlife, increased maintenance demands, and whether the town's residents see it as a valuable use of limited resources.

The council is between a "rock and our place"
The entire discussion of a water feature is indeed very challenging. At the meeting, Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett emphasized the need to balance community desires with environmental responsibilities: “We need to ensure that any development aligns with our commitment to water conservation and the preservation of our natural resources.”

Residents: Are you up for the challenge?
Installing a water feature in the abandoned pond area faces hurdles before gaining approval. None of these, however, are insurmountable. One thing we know is that there’s much more than logic at play in this decision. Residents will need to stand up and make their case. Will they turn out in large numbers to convince the council that a water feature is essential? Are they willing to contribute financially to its maintenance and operation? This is something that supporters of operating and maintaining the town’s golf courses have done. In the past, Vistoso residents have shown their willingness to “put their money where their mouth is.” After all, they contributed $2 million to the purchase of the Preserve. These questions remain unanswered for now, but the next council discussion on this topic is sure to be interesting.

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