Bits and Pieces

Barrett qualifies for mayoral ballot with maximum signatures
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett has qualified for the Oro Valley mayoral ballot, submitting 1,050 signatures, double the 525 required. Barrett, who has served two terms on council, cited priorities including fiscal responsibility, parks and recreation, and protecting views and open space. “I am incredibly grateful to each person who signed and helped us achieve this significant milestone,...This level of support demonstrates significant grass-roots support in the community, as well as hundreds of conversations with citizens of Oro Valley.” She will now continue her campaign leading up to the July 21, 2026 election. (Source: Media Release, melaniebarrett.org)

Scramble for youth returns April 18 at El Conquistador
The Oro Valley Optimist Club will host its annual “Scramble for Youth” golf fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the El Conquistador Golf Course, with an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start and lunch included. Proceeds support local youth programs such as Camp Fury, Project Graduation, Police Explorers, and Arizona Youth Partnership. Organizers note that the event remains a key fundraiser for these efforts and will also include raffle prizes. Residents can learn more or register here

2025 Annual Police report shows strong response times and high call volume and much more
The Oro Valley Police Department’s 2025 Annual Report is now available online, offering a detailed look at department activity and priorities. Among the highlights, officers handled more than 50,000 calls for service in 2025, while maintaining average response times of about 3 minutes for high-priority emergencies and under 5 minutes for other calls. The report also outlines staffing levels, community programs, and crime trends, giving residents a clearer picture of how police services are delivered and where resources are focused.

Volunteers lead push to make Pusch Ridge a certified wildlife sanctuary
The latest newsletter from Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf highlights a growing volunteer effort to transform the course into a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. As detailed in the March update, 14 volunteers recently planted 61 pollinator plants along key areas of the course to begin creating butterfly gardens that will support birds and other wildlife. The effort is part of a broader, multi-year process that includes habitat management, water conservation, and environmental education, with participation from residents, local organizations, and Town staff. Residents can contact the group about the Audubon project at puschaudubon@gmail.com ( Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf Newsletter, March 18, 2026)

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