Bits and Pieces

LOVE Grades Last Night’s Candidate Forum: A+

Full Coverage Next Tuesday

Last night’s Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce candidate forum delivered a full and engaging evening. From the opening meet and greet to the seven-question council candidate discussion and the thirteen-question mayoral discussion, the program moved at a steady pace. Candidates offered opening and closing statements in a setting that remained collegial and respectful throughout. With hundreds in attendance, the event drew strong community interest. Read what was said, and who said it, in next Tuesday in LOVE.

Agreement allows drones to be deployed from fire stations for faster response
Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council approved an agreement between the Oro Valley Police Department and the Golder Ranch Fire District to launch a Drone as First Responder program. The program will place drones at two Golder Ranch fire stations, allowing officers to deploy them quickly and view live video of incidents before arriving on scene. The effort is funded in part by a state grant, with the Town responsible for equipment and operations, and the Fire District providing space and utilities. The agreement reflects a continuation of the two agencies’ long-standing cooperation on public safety and is intended to improve response times and situational awareness.

Council reviews possible changes to animal rules and local food access
Also Wednesday, the Town Council discussed a proposed zoning code amendment addressing small animal husbandry and food access, but took no action as this was a study session. The discussion focused on whether to allow more small animals on large residential lots with neighbor approval, whether to continue prohibiting roosters or allow them under limited conditions, and whether to permit on-site processing of animals for personal use. Council also reviewed options to expand food access, including allowing community gardens at schools, churches, and on certain residential lots, expanding where farmers markets can operate, and formally permitting food banks and mobile food pantries in additional zoning districts. The item was presented for feedback only, with staff planning additional community outreach before drafting a formal ordinance for future consideration. These potential changes could affect how residents use their property, what activities are allowed in their neighborhoods, and access to locally grown food and community-based food programs.

Town explains limits on controlling fiber expansion in neighborhoods
Council reviewed the Town’s role in expanding fiber-to-the-home broadband service. Staff explained that multiple providers are actively installing fiber across Oro Valley and that state and federal law require the Town to allow access to public rights-of-way without favoring any provider. The discussion focused on what the Town can and cannot control. While the Town can require permits, inspections, and adherence to construction standards, it cannot restrict providers, delay projects, or impose additional fees beyond actual costs. Council also discussed communication with residents, including requirements for advance notice to HOAs and documentation of construction conditions. The presentation emphasized that the Town’s role is largely regulatory, ensuring safety and coordination, while allowing broadband expansion to proceed under state law.  

Once fiber is available to your home, you will be able to access fast and reliable internet, often at a cost comparable to cable. This will support remote work, online learning, video streaming, telehealth, and other everyday uses. Some areas of town have fiber access. However, it is rolling out unevenly. There may be access on one street but not the next. The only reliable way to know is to check your specific address with a provider who is going to serve your neighborhood (Wyyerd, CenturyLink, Novos, Ripple, Trico). Check this link to see which provider is serving your neighborhood.

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