All A "Twitter"

There was a DUI checkpoint past Saturday night right here in Oro Valley. It was on Oracle between McGee and Hardy. KOLD reported that people were alerted to it using "Tweeter".

"Tweeter" is a social networking site. It lets you tell your "network" exactly what you are doing at any particular time. So, for example, if you are getting a haircut you can use Twitter to send out a message that tells your network that you are getting a hair cut. Not that anyone would care.

But "Twitter" is a rage among the younger set. Apparently, they like making everything "public."

Twitter aficionados were alerted to the checkpoint by receiving a "Twitter" notice on their phones telling them about the checkpoint. So, they could avert the checkpoint. Or better yet, maybe not drink and drive!

Make Lemonade From Lemons

Our next event: Amphi Unified School District ("AUSD") v Oro Valley Parks and Rec.

Seems that AUSD is going to increase its charges to Oro Valley for use of its facilities.

As reported in the Explorer, Oro Valley estimates that fees charged by AUSD will triple (to $60,000 per year) under this new system of charges. "The town uses district schools for numerous parks and recreation programs."

In the reported article, AUSD blamed it all on the (overwhelming) defeat of the Naranaja Theme Park Bond. And the AUSD letter to Oro Valley on the matter, noted Oro Valley supposed lack of sufficient properties.

RUBBISH!

A few thousand dollars more a year is far cheaper than even the interest that Oro Valley would have paid on the proposed and defeated $47 million bond issue. And there is absolutely no "one to one program" mapping that proves that Oro Valley would have eliminated all of the fees it pays AUSD.

No. This is pure propaganda.

So, what should Oro Valley do?

Why not make "lemonade from lemons".

-Evaluate the programs that are using AUSD and eliminate those that are underused.
-Charge or raise program fees to those who use the programs. Base the fees on the "cost of service", like any well-run business.

The end result: Oro Valley will deliver more efficient and financially effective programs.

Much Ado

Not much new reported in the Explorer article on last week's Council decision to not change the lighting codes.

Oro Valley has a lighting code: 10PM. The code has not been enforced. It should be enforced.

End of story?

Probably not.