Bits and Pieces

Amphi Schools Not Yet Crisis Trained

We attended an Oro Valley Police Department media session on "active shooter" training last week. The term "active shooter" was coined after the Columbine (Co.) school shooting.  The demonstrations included 4-officer and single officer training practices, breech training, and take-down of an active shooter  (see video).

The Oro Valley Police Department has trained private school staff in how to handle emergency situations.  Similar emergency training has not occurred at the Amphi School District schools.

One of our local schools, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, has volunteered use of their property for police training.  Unlike the Amphi Schools, Pusch Ridge does not have a full-time, free Oro Valley-paid school resource officer.
---
Sex Offender Notice

Oro Valley, Ariz. (July 12, 2013) – The Oro Valley Police Department is releasing the following information pursuant to ARS 13-3825, which requires law enforcement agencies inform the public when release of information will enhance public safety and protection.


Antonio Alejandro Neira was convicted of possession of child pornography in 2008 and has been classified as a level 3 offender. Neira is a 28-year-old white male, described as 5’07” and 350 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. He resides at 10182 N Tarheel Place, Oro Valley, Arizona.
---
This month's Oro Valley
crime statistics are out.  There's little change in the trend.  Larceny is by far to town's number 1 crime.
---
TIA Updates Oro Valley Town Council

Mary Davis, Senior Director of Business Development for the Airport, reported the status of the Tucson Airport to town council at its July 3 meeting.  Recently, she reported, Alaska Air Lines announced a non stop flight to Portland.

"It takes a village to retain and maintain an airline in our community," noting that community support is essential to building TIA Traffic.  Mary also discussed the solar array being installed in the new parking facility and a community survey that TIA is launching.

TIA has an enormous challenge.

There is a world class airport 90 minutes to the north with outstanding non stop service to lots of places.  "Sadly, we lose about 800,000 trips a year up the highway," Davis noted.  "We'd like to figure out what the tipping point is."  Our answer: Cheaper fares and more non stops to everywhere.

Another challenge, a huge one that Mary did not mention, is what will happen to service once American is taken over by US Airways.  American is a major Tucson carrier.  US Airways is not.  Maybe there is opportunity for more, and not less service.

What's best for Oro Valley? Certainly, a strong local airport would be helpful in attracting business to our town.   Be lovely, however, to have a Tucson-Phoenix commuter train, one that stopped at Tangerine and I-10; one that took you directly to Sky Harbor.  This is something that is in the works.  Be good to see our Council involved in politicking for it.
---