Thursday, February 6, 2025

Celebrating Arizona's 113th Birthday

Celebrating Arizona's 113th birthday
Are you ready to celebrate a birthday?! Well, it’s time, Arizonans, because it’s ours! And don’t forget, it’s Valentine’s Day, too. Yes, 113 years ago, on February 14, Arizona became the 48th state, so let’s enjoy the festivities!

The long road to statehood
The process wasn’t easy, and it took a long time (just like it took a long time for Oro Valley to become its own town), but it was worth it. Politics was involved, with the Hamilton Bill in the U.S. Congress making a case to have the territories of Arizona and New Mexico join the United States as one state instead of two, and President Teddy Roosevelt was in favor of that.

Sharlot Hall’s fight for Arizona's independence
However, an Arizona woman wanted none of that, believing Arizona should be its own state. The first female territorial historian, Sharlot Mabridth Hall, a Prescott resident, wanted to keep Arizona history alive. When she heard about the movement in Congress, she wrote a poem, “Arizona,” possibly her most famous. Parts of it are reprinted here.

Excerpts from Sharlot Hall's poem, "Arizona"

"Link her, in her clean-proved fitness, in her right to stand alone—
Secure for whatever future in the strength that her past has won—
Link her, in her morning beauty, with another, however fair?
And open your jealous portal and bid her enter there
With shackles on wrist and ankle, and dust on her stately head,
And her proud eyes dim with weeping? No! Bar your doors instead
And seal them fast forever! but let her go her way—
Uncrowned if you will, but unshackled, to wait for a larger day..."

"…Yet we are a little people—too weak for the cares of state!”
Let us go our way! When ye look again, ye shall find us, mayhap, too great.
Cities we lack—and gutters where children snatch for bread;
Numbers—and hordes of starvelings, toiling but never fed.
Spare pains that would make us greater in the pattern that ye have set;
We hold to the larger measure of the men that ye forget—
The men who, from trackless forests and prairies lone and far,
Hewed out the land where ye sit at ease and grudge us our fair-won star."

Arizona's journey to statehood
In this poem, she shows the beauty of our land, the adventurous pioneer spirit of the Arizona territory, and our willingness to wait until we can become a state on our own, while shaming government officials who do not recall that where they now live was once a land as open and free as the territory they deem not worthy of statehood on its own.

Valentine’s Day statehood
The complete poem was read into the Congressional record, and an amendment was added to the bill subject to popular vote. It still took about seven years, but on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1912, the Arizona we love became our 48th state.

A legacy of powerful feelings
Sharlot Hall would probably have agreed with William Wordsworth who said, “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” We are grateful for Sharlot Hall’s powerful feelings.

Explore Arizona’s history at Pusch House Museum
Current exhibit in the Pusch House Museum is All in A Day’s Work – Life on the Ranch, and beginning on February 15, our exhibit will be Arizona from Territory to Statehood. Visit on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – noon to see Oro Valley history come alive!

Plan your visit
Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley, FREE, visit website for hours, www.ovhistory.org
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Next time you are in Prescott, visit the Sharlot Hall Museum on 415 W. Gurley St.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Closing The Loop: Bohen Absolved of Alleged Open Meeting Law Violation That Wasn't

Closing the loop
We will revisit some unresolved issues from time to time—to update you, to "close the loop." Too often, the resolution of an issue does not get reported. Instead, all that is remembered is the accusation, even when it was proven false. Here's an example.

Open Meeting Law complaint against former councilmember Tim Bohen dismissed by State
In 2023, Oro Valley Town Attorney Tobin Sidles filed an Open Meeting Law complaint (OML2023-0020) against former Councilmember Tim Bohen. The complaint alleged that Bohen had improperly disclosed a February 1, 2023, memo written by attorney Jonathan Rothschild. It suggested that Bohen may have shared the memo on social media, potentially violating Open Meeting Law by disclosing privileged information.

Bohen denied the accusation, stating he was not even remotely guilty. Despite this, the complaint was filed and became part of the public record.

The Findings--No basis for complaint

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office reviewed the complaint and determined that no violation had occurred. Key findings include:
- No social media post containing the memo was ever presented as evidence.
- No proof linked Bohen to the alleged disclosure.
- The memo itself did not fall under executive session protections, meaning its release did not violate Open Meeting Law.

In other words, the complaint against Bohen was unfounded and unsubstantiated.

At the time of the complaint, Bohen had voiced concerns about the town’s outside attorney
During his final year on the Council, Bohen raised concerns about the town’s legal representation. The law firm Mesch Clark Rothschild continued to provide services and bill the town even after its contract expired on September 6, 2024. The firm’s contract renewal was not approved until November 6, 2024—minutes after Bohen’s term on the Council had ended. Bohen, who had consistently opposed renewing the firm’s contract, still questions whether the delay was intentional, preventing him from publicly raising concerns before the Council’s decision. 

We've Closed the Loop on This One
Now that the facts are clear, we wanted to ensure this matter is properly addressed. Once an accusation is made, it can remain in the public record—even when the person involved is fully exonerated. In this case, the Arizona Attorney General determined that no violation occurred. That’s why we are closing the loop on this one.
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Tuesday, February 4, 2025

OVPathForward Phase 2 Up and Running...

Last week, the town hosted a kickoff meeting for Phase 2 of the “OV Path Forward” creation process
Phase 1, completed over a one-year process, resulted in a draft vision statement and guiding principles based on extensive community input gathered through surveys, public booths, and online participation. The draft vision statement envisions Oro Valley as a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community that preserves its natural beauty, supports responsible growth, and enhances residents’ quality of life. The guiding principles emphasize managed growth, economic resilience, community well-being, sustainability, and transportation connectivity.

The Goal of Phase 2: Flesh out the details
The goal of Phase 2 is to translate these principles into specific goals, policies, and actions that will guide Oro Valley’s development over the next 10 years. Resident working groups will refine and prioritize strategies to ensure the final plan reflects community values while remaining practical and actionable.

Building consensus will be key to creating the plan

One hundred forty participants attended this Zoom-hosted kickoff meeting. The meeting had two main objectives. The first was to familiarize participants with Zoom and its various features, particularly the whiteboard function, which will be used throughout the process.

The second objective was to introduce the concept of building consensus, which will guide decision-making in the four focus groups as they develop recommendations. Attendees at the meeting agreed that consensus does not mean everyone must fully agree but rather that the group can accept and support the decision as a whole. If disagreements arise, participants should focus on finding common ground rather than pushing for absolute agreement. The goal is to ensure all perspectives are considered and that decisions reflect the broader community’s interests rather than individual preferences.

Guiding principles for working groups
The attendees established principles for the working groups to follow, ensuring productive discussions and effective decision-making. These include:
Respect all perspectives
Everyone’s input is valued and that critique is directed at ideas rather than individuals to maintain constructive dialogue.
Support consensus decisions
Once a consensus is reached, members will support its implementation.
Follow structured decision-making
To maintain efficiency, each group will establish clear guidelines for voting, discussions, or ranking options while staying focused on designated topics and avoiding unnecessary revisits of past decisions.
Actively listen and engage in constructive dialogue
Participants will practice patience, empathy, and open-mindedness while avoiding interruptions to foster meaningful discussions.
Be prepared for each meeting
Participants will review discussion materials and submit responses before meetings to facilitate informed conversations.
Collaborate using online tools
To enhance engagement, participants will use virtual tools such as polls, chat functions, and virtual whiteboards and to seek technical assistance when needed to ensure full participation.

Get Involved Now.. Make this your plan

There is still time to get involved. Thee will be four to eight meetings for each group of two hours each. The number of meetings will be a function of group size, pace of discussions and topics. All meetings are schedule from 5:30 to 7:30pm.  And their are all on Zoom. Click the link below to join and contribute to Oro Valley’s future.

Sign up here
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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Bits and Pieces

"Battle of the Bands" registration open
Registration is now open for the Oro Valley Battle of the Bands, happening on Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. at Riverfront Park. High school bands interested in competing must submit an original demo or YouTube link to dhiatt@orovalleyaz.gov by April 12. At least 50% of the band members must be in high school to qualify. Selected bands will perform a three-song set in front of a live audience, and winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
(Source: Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Newsletter, 1-24-25)

Oro Valley's "Path Forward" receives awards and moves to next phase 
Oro Valley's community engagement efforts for the OV’s Path Forward 10-year action plan have received two prestigious awards: the Impact Award from the Public Relations Society of America and the Granicus Digital Government Award. These awards recognize the town’s commitment to involving residents in shaping the community’s future. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley author brings adventure to life in "The Lady and the Locket"
Oro Valley resident Tim Tarris debuts his storytelling skills in The Lady and the Locket, a captivating novel that follows USAF pilot Todd Stewart during his exchange tour with the Dutch Air Force. Set against the backdrop of military life and international experiences, the story explores themes of duty, adventure, and personal growth. Tarris, drawing from his own rich experiences and deep understanding of aviation, brings authenticity and depth to his characters. As a local author, Tarris’s work is a testament to the diverse talent within the Oro Valley community. This engaging read, available on Amazon, is perfect for those who enjoy military fiction...with a bit of time travel...with a personal touch.

Town of Oro Valley's drinking water waste still concerns residents
Residents have not forgotten. The town’s use of drinking water for irrigating two parks and a golf course continues to raise concerns. In 2024, the town used more than 69 million gallons of potable water for Pusch Ridge Golf Course, Kriegh Park, and Riverfront Park—enough to supply almost 823 homes. Critics argue that the town is prioritizing recreational use for a small group over the essential needs of 48,000 residents. Adding to the frustration, the council has failed to take meaningful action to address the issue. Some residents are calling on the town council to lead efforts in securing grants for reclaimed water infrastructure and collaborating with others to reduce potable water use. (Source: Resident email to LOVE)

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve water feature awaiting council discussion
Another water issue residents have not forgotten is the council’s “final” direction on the revitalization of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Will it have a water feature? What will be the cost? The last update suggested a decision would be made by the end of this month, but it now seems likely to happen in March. One key consideration is the cost of creating the feature, while another is the water usage involved. According to an engineering-experienced resident, a reasonably sized pond would hold approximately 5.7 million gallons of reclaimed water and require the same amount annually to maintain. The initial cost to fill the pond is estimated at just over $20,000, with annual maintenance costs around $28,500. Importantly, only reclaimed water—not drinking water—would be used. (Source: Resident email to LOVE)
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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Traffic Safety Concerns at the Buena Vista and Concordia Intersection

Traffic control challenges ahead
The intersection of Buena Vista and Concordia presents unique traffic safety challenges. The current traffic control setup includes stop signs only on the north-south road, Buena Vista, while the east-west road, Concordia, has no traffic control measures. This disparity can create confusion among drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with the intersection, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Data from 2014 to 2024 shows a total of 30 accidents at this intersection.

High School traffic causes many incidents
One of the significant factors contributing to traffic congestion at this intersection is the presence of CDO High School. During weekdays, traffic volumes peak in the mornings and early afternoons as students, parents, and staff commute to and from the school. In fact, 60% of recorded accidents in the past ten years occurred during school hours and days, highlighting the impact of increased traffic during these periods. The increased volume of vehicles, combined with the absence of a traffic signal, can lead to congestion and higher chances of collisions.

Intersection layout complicates safe crossing

Another challenge stems from the unique layout of the intersection [panel right]. Drivers crossing from one section of Buena Vista to the other cannot proceed in a straight line; they must first turn left and then right to continue across. This complex maneuver introduces additional opportunities for driver error, potentially contributing to the high number of angle (front-to-side) collisions reported at this location. Of the total collisions recorded, 70% were angle collisions, further demonstrating the difficulties posed by the intersection's layout.

Most common accident cause is "Failure To Yield"
Accident data indicates that the most common cause of collisions at this intersection is "Failure to Yield Right of Way." This issue is particularly prevalent among vehicles traveling north or south on Buena Vista, which are required to stop at the intersection. In contrast, east-west traffic on Concordia, which does not have to stop, often proceeds at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Of the accidents caused by failure to yield, 81% involved north or southbound traffic.

Speeding and driver misjudgment also play a role
Speeding and misjudgments are additional contributing factors. Several accidents have been attributed to drivers traveling too fast for conditions, particularly during peak hours. The absence of dedicated turning lanes or clear signage further complicates navigation, making it crucial for drivers to remain vigilant.

Better traffic control needed now...
To improve safety at this intersection, potential solutions could include enhanced signage, additional traffic control measures such as flashing lights, or even a reconfiguration of the crossing pattern to allow for smoother transitions between Buena Vista's sections. Increased enforcement during high-traffic times may also help mitigate risks and promote safer driving behaviors. 

 ...Needed even more if OVCN expands
While 30 accidents over ten years might not be considered excessively high, it does suggest room for improvement in traffic safety. The unique intersection layout, school-related traffic, and the significant increase in Sunday morning and Wednesday night traffic as a result of the pending massive expansion of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene contribute to these incidents and could potentially add to future risks. Measures such as improved signage, traffic calming, or re-evaluating intersection control seem like viable actions the town should take to enhance safety and reduce accident occurrences.
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Statistics for the article were from accident data provided by the Town of Oro Valley.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Oro Valley Land Giveaway? Balancing Public Property and Private Profit

Turning public land into private gain
What is the easiest way to make a windfall profit in Oro Valley? Just ask the town to hand over land for next to nothing. Believe it or not, that can happen if the town owns a right-of-way (ROW) next to your property—one that it no longer needs or plans to use. If the town agrees to vacate it, state law says they can’t charge you more than what they originally paid—usually a minimal amount, far below market value. Once it’s yours, you can combine it with your existing property and sell it at full market price, potentially making a significant profit.

Our guess is that this is exactly what Chris Phillips of Phillips Company LLC hopes the town will help him do. Phillips isn’t new to Oro Valley—he’s a resident and has done business with the town before. As manager of DC La Canada LLC, he once owned the dirt lot next to the town’s community center parking lot. In 2022, he traded that land for another piece of property.

Expanding property through town land acquisition

Several years ago, Phillips acquired three state-vacated ROW's at public auction. He now wants to acquire three town owned ROWs that are adjacent to these lots  [Panel Right]. Speaking at last week’s town council meeting, Paul Keesler, Director of Public Works, sought advice from the town council. He said that Phillips wants to combine the three vacated ROWs with vacated land he acquired from the state. The stated reason is to create larger, more developable properties.

Town staff says the land is not needed for public works purposes
Keesler explained that the requested ROW parcels were originally intended for grade-separated interchanges that are no longer needed, and the town has no objections to vacating them, provided that council approval is obtained. He noted that the existing 300-foot ROW along Tangerine Road is sufficient to accommodate future infrastructure needs, including road expansion, drainage, and slope management, making the requested parcels unnecessary for town operations.

Council made it clear: Town must have a compelling reason to vacate land it owns
At the town council meeting, Vice Mayor Barrett expressed strong reservations about vacating the right-of-way (ROW) parcels, stating, “I think we should not give up vegetated natural open space that’s owned by the people of Oro Valley… without an understanding of what will happen to it and what the reason for it is.” She emphasized the importance of protecting the town’s natural open spaces and was hesitant to support the request without clear public benefits. Barrett indicated she might consider the proposal if the applicant provided a detailed site plan showing how the development would generate revenue or improve infrastructure. However, she remained concerned about enlarging the applicant’s property for potential resale or speculative purposes. She stressed that any decision should align with the town’s long-term interests and preserve its open spaces. All council members agreed with her.

These will be very difficult lots to develop
While the town does not oppose the ROW vacation, two key town officials emphasized the significant hurdles the applicant would face in making the land suitable for development.

According to Paul Keesler, Director of Public Works, developing the combined parcels will be challenging due to significant elevation differences, steep slopes, drainage issues, and zoning compliance requirements. He explained that the land sits 10 to 20 feet below Tangerine Road, necessitating extensive grading and drainage solutions, while the site’s natural vegetation and slopes would require costly mitigation efforts. Keesler also pointed out that the preliminary site plan sketches submitted by Phillips do not even remotely meet town code requirements, meaning the project would likely require variances or amendments.

Town Planning Director Bayer Vella echoed these concerns, stating that he is “under no pretension whatsoever that these parcels will be able to achieve code compliance. They won’t. Each one would require numerous exceptions…These are very, very challenging parcels to develop, and that’s probably an understatement.”

Next steps in this ROW vacation process
The next step is for the applicant to submit a detailed site plan that includes a discussion of what it will take for the project to be code compliant. The proposal should also include how the development will benefit the town and its residents.

Our guess is that town council will never hear about this again. However, if they do, there will be a public meeting in which residents can participate.
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Friday, January 24, 2025

Bits and Pieces

Town releases simplified financial report for fiscal 2024
The Town of Oro Valley has published the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), a concise and easy-to-read summary of the more detailed Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The PAFR provides residents with key financial information, including revenues, expenditures, net assets, debt, financial ratings, and historical trends. It offers a clear overview of the Town’s fiscal health and achievements, making it more accessible to the community. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley brings back public art tours
The Town of Oro Valley is relaunching its in-person Public Art Tour Program starting February 2, 2025. The tours, which were suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic, are being offered as a pilot program with free participation this season. Tours will take participants to over 20 locations around Oro Valley to view various public art pieces, with stops at the Oro Valley Marketplace and Oro Valley Hospital. Tours are available on select Wednesdays and Sundays from February to April and can be booked online. The town aims to make Oro Valley a prime destination for art lovers and is gathering community feedback to improve future offerings. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Our police don't have "traffic ticket" quotas
The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) does not have quotas for traffic tickets, as quotas could pressure officers to issue unnecessary citations. Officers focus on addressing significant traffic violations to ensure public safety, with the goal of correcting unsafe behavior rather than issuing tickets automatically. (Source: Oro Valley Crimefighter, January 2025)

Rancho Vistoso residents need vote on street parking enforcement  
A new Arizona law may limit the Vistoso Community Association’s ability to enforce street parking rules, but a community-wide vote would allow enforcement to continue. If the association loses this authority, it could lead to safety concerns such as blocked views for drivers and pedestrians, restricted access for emergency vehicles, and reduced property values due to unsightly parked vehicles. Residents are urged to participate in the upcoming vote before the annual meeting on March 27, 2025, to help maintain the community’s safety and aesthetics. (Source: VCA Newsletter-January 2025)

Oro Valley gets high marks
Oro Valley, Arizona, has been recognized as the #1 safest and wealthiest retirement community in the United States. This recognition comes from a November 2024 report by GoBankingRates.com, which highlights factors such as low crime rates, high average retirement income ($52,098), and a livability score of 81. (Report
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