Exploring Oro Valley’s Rich History: Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities

Gratitude for Oro Valley Chamber Foundation Grant
Last month, we expressed our gratitude to the Oro Valley Chamber Foundation for their generous grant, which will allow us to install permanent signage on the historic grounds of Steam Pump Ranch. These signs will provide visitors with information about the history of the buildings, whether or not our volunteers are present. Our committee met in December to begin the process, and they are excited about the progress so far!

Holiday Exhibit: Decking the Halls with Many Traditions
While sharing that wonderful news, we want to highlight our holiday exhibit, Decking the Halls with Many Traditions, which was on display through last Saturday. The exhibit showcased holiday traditions from Southern Arizona, Mexico, Germany (where George Pusch was born), and beyond. We’re confident you’ll discover something new about how different cultures in our region celebrate this magical season.

Upcoming Exhibit: All in a Day’s Work – Life on the Ranch
Starting January 11 and running through February 8, our exhibit at the Pusch House Museum will change to All in a Day’s Work – Life on the Ranch. This exhibit will explore ranch life in our area from the late 1800s into the early 21st century. Who were some of the ranchers who called this area home? Why did they choose Oro Valley? What kinds of plants and animals did they raise? What were the challenges and rewards of ranch life? And what led to the decline of ranching in the region? Our volunteers will be on hand every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon to answer these questions and more. Tours of the Pusch House Museum are free, and donations are always appreciated.

Join the Oro Valley Historical Society
The Oro Valley Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization with the mission: “To promote research, preservation, education, and dissemination of historical information related to the greater Oro Valley area.” We invite you to become a supporter and help keep Oro Valley history alive.

Volunteer Opportunities Available
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as docents at the Pusch House Museum and for tours of Steam Pump Ranch. If you love social media, fundraising, or gardening, we’d love to have your skills—there’s something for everyone. History loves company!

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Council To Consider General Plan Amendment Tonight... Public Input Invited

Oro Valley land use change under discussion
Every parcel of land in Oro Valley has a permitted use, defined by the town’s zoning code. A permitted use is a legal right that defines how the land can be developed or used under the town’s zoning code. Any change to a permitted requires Town Council approval. The approval results in a zoning change, and sometimes an amendment to the general plan (GPA).

Tonight, the Town Council will discuss an application to change a permitted use: A GPA and zoning change for property at the intersection of Moore Road and La Cañada Drive. 

Northridge Subdivision proposal
The parcel under evaluation is called Northridge Estates, a proposed 31-lot single-family development on 35.4 acres of vacant land at the southwest corner of Moore Road and La Cañada Drive. The property, owned by the estate of Dewayne and Daniella Hopson, is currently permitted by the general plan for low density residential use. The developer is Insight Homes, LLC.  The developer and the land owner are being represented by Paul Oland of Paradigm Land Design.  Oland, a non Oro Valley resident, is involved in almost all of the GPA and/or rezoning requests that are made of the town.  If approved, the GPA and rezoning change will allow for more homes, immediately increasing the vacant land's market value by permitting higher-density development.

Proposed changes to zoning
The amendment seeks to change part of the site’s designation from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Medium Density Residential (MDR) and rezone the land from low density to medium density use. According the the GPA amendment request, this would create lot sizes consistent with nearby subdivisions. The plan includes 47% open space preservation, pedestrian connectivity with a public trail easement, and a private recreation area.

Conditions for project approval
Conditions, approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission when it voted in favor the the changes, are proposed to ensure the development aligns with community standards. Landscaping along Moore Road, including boulders and shallow-rooted vegetation, will prevent parking along the sidewalks. Future homeowner-installed walls must match the design and materials of neighboring properties, as specified in the community’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).

Applicant: Development will fit well within the area and within existing town requirements

According to the General Plan Amendment application, Insight Homes has a proven track record in Oro Valley, including the development of the La Cañada Ridge neighborhood, located directly south of the proposed Northridge Estates site. La Cañada Ridge features "...luxury custom homes on generously sized lots" and has set a standard for high-quality, low-density residential development in the area. Insight Homes has been active in Marana in the Tortolita Vistas Phase II development; building and selling homes in the low seven figures.

Applicant: Development aligns with 2016 General Plan

The applicant believes that Northridge Estates project aligns Oro Valley’s “Your Voice, Our Future” General Plan by emphasizing compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods, environmental preservation, and enhanced pedestrian connectivity. Public outreach has addressed concerns such as traffic impacts and parking issues along Moore Road, and the builder has committed to incorporating measures like wildlife-friendly infrastructure, mitigation of unauthorized parking, and adherence to Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO) requirements.

This is a public hearing

Residents will have the opportunity to present their thoughts on the GPA/Zoning request tonight. "Your feedback is critical in helping to shape the proposal that will ultimately be considered by the Town Council. The Town encourages participation from surrounding neighbors and interested parties." (Source)

Check back here. We will update you on tonight’s discussion.

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Residents Want Maintenance of Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Boundaries..Town Staff Says "NO"

Council to consider Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve boundary maintenance
The Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve can be a cherished asset in Oro Valley, symbolizing the community’s dedication to preserving open space for recreation and conservation. However, the town's planned  preserve’s management does raise questions about town staff's commitment to realizing this vision.

Most recently, this is evident in staff-prepared rules for managing the boundaries of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.  The Town Council will consider these rules tomorrow evening. According to town staff, these rules "...are reasonable, clear, and actionable under the terms of the Conservation Easement (CE), an enforceable agreement establishing what may and may not be done, and by whom, on and with Preserve lands." Tomorrow’s Oro Valley Town Council meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to share their input on these rules.

There will be no maintenance of the perimeter
Under the proposed rules, the Town will not maintain the property’s boundary unless there is a health or safety issue, limiting its routine maintenance efforts to walking trails and right-of-way areas. Homeowners are restricted to maintaining their own property lines, with any encroachment on preserve land requiring prior written authorization. 

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is not a "Preserve"

The Town justification for this, one supported by the conservation easement holder Archeology Southwest, is based on their interpretation of the CE agreement. They believe that the land is legally a “designated preserve,” relieving the town of broader maintenance responsibilities. Legally, however, this is not the case. The easement’s purpose is to “...protect the Conservation Values of the Property and to preserve the continued natural, scenic, open space, and/or recreational uses of the Property.” (Source: CE Document P 5)

The Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, while functioning as a preserve in many respects, differs from a legally designated “preserve” in key ways. It is governed by a Conservation Easement, which protects its natural, scenic, and recreational values under specific restrictions, but does not explicitly use “preserve” as a legal designation. Unlike some preserves established under federal or state law, the easement allows for limited development, such as low-impact recreation infrastructure, and is enforced by a private grantee (e.g., Archaeology Southwest) rather than a government entity. Additionally, the easement imposes obligations on the Town to maintain and restore the property, a level of specificity not always present in general preserve designations. While similar in intent to preserves, the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve’s protections are tied to the terms of its easement rather than broader legislative definitions.

Lack of routine maintenance concerns residents
To date, the town 's minimal maintenance approach has forced homeowners to address boundary issues to protect property values. With no long-term restoration plan in place, the proposed rules effectively leave invasive growth unchecked, impacting neighboring properties.  

The perimeter is a mess [Panel right]. What was once a strip of carefully replanted desert behind homes—a manicured and low-lying landscape—has now transformed into a chaotic mix of invasive species and barren ground. During the rainy season, this area becomes a dense forest of non-native plants, overshadowing the original desert flora. When the rain subsides, the once-vibrant space turns into a sea of dried, bladed devastation, leaving a stark and unkempt expanse.

The path forward on this requires your input

Residents with properties bordering the preserve are concerned about their ability to maintain fence lines and address issues like noxious weeds and pest infestations. The Friends of Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve have advocated for clearer and more actionable rules. They reviewed the draft rules and provided input, but none of their suggestions were incorporated into the rules being presented tomorrow night.

The upcoming Council discussion represents an opportunity to address these issues collaboratively. By incorporating resident feedback and reaffirming the Town’s commitment to maintaining and restoring the preserve, a balanced approach can be achieved.

This matters to all of us

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is more than just open space—it is a shared resource that reflects the community’s values. With continued dialogue and thoughtful action, it can be a treasured asset for generations.

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Happy Holidays... Here Comes 2025

It's a Wrap! Top Stories of 2024

Top five stories of 2024

2024 was a busy year in Oro Valley. Here us out cut at the top five stories. 

1. Celebrating 50 years of community and growth
The Town of Oro Valley commemorated its 50th anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of events that highlighted the community’s history and spirit. The celebrations included a vibrant parade on April 6, featuring over 90 participants from local schools, community groups, and businesses, along with a spectacular fireworks display on April 13 at James D. Kriegh Park. Additionally, on April 27, the town hosted the “50 Trees for 50 Years” community tree planting event, where residents gathered to plant 50 trees across four locations, enhancing the town’s green spaces. The Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce also launched the “50 Businesses for 50 Years” Shop OV campaign, highlighting 50 local businesses throughout the year to encourage community support and economic growth.

2. Robb and Murphy elected to council
In the 2024 Oro Valley Town Council election, two new council members were elected by a vast majority of votes, reflecting strong community support. Elizabeth Robb, a local business owner, and Mary Murphy, a longtime resident and community advocate, bring fresh perspectives to the council. Their addition is expected to influence upcoming decisions on key community issues, including development projects, public services, and fiscal policies. Residents anticipate that the new council members will prioritize transparency and community engagement, ensuring that the voices of Oro Valley citizens are well-represented in the town’s governance.

3. The OVCN’s onslaught on Oro Valley’s historic neighborhood took a new turn
The Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) put its plan to build a massive sports complex on hold, at least for the moment. However, that plan is not dead; it’s simply on hiatus. Instead, they are now pursuing the addition of new facilities to their campus, substantially increasing their footprint. The latest effort is to ask permission for buildings of greater height than currently exists. As we wrote yesterday, it’s a continuing cycle of misery for the residents. This saga will continue into 2025.

4. Another year of nothing for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve
The Town Council did lots of talking about the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. There was much discussion about plans to do something. The council even agreed to “do something” only to learn that one of those plans — repurposing the abandoned pond into a “desert garden” — was an unattractive alternative. Residents noticed this, and the council temporarily paused the approved plan to take another look at the water feature instead of a desert garden. More on this in 2025. In the meantime, the preserve looks like an abandoned golf course.

5. "OVPathForward" moves forward big time
The town made progress this year in creating its 2026 General Plan, called “OV Path Forward.” A draft vision and guiding principles were developed with the input of thousands of residents. The next step is to flesh out the details around these principles. Working groups will tackle this in 2025.

Honorable mention

There were some other notable happenings this year:

• The fourth annual Rockin’4Heroes concert was a huge success.
• The town implemented an 8.3% increase in water rates, while continuing to use thousands of gallons of water on recreation facilities, earning the LOVE Water Waster Award for the fourth time.
• The town council adopted a $151.2 million budget.
• Oro Valley celebrated the opening of Naranja Park.
• The Arizona Heroes Memorial at the park was dedicated.
• The town ended its contract with Visit Tucson and took over its own destination marketing program.
• The Town Council rejected the tiny homes project in Rancho Vistoso.

And on a sad note
Rick Messina, a well-liked groundskeeper at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course, tragically died from a bee attack in July. Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf raised almost $10,000 to help Rick’s parents.

It was indeed a busy year in Oro Valley.

We suspect that 2025 will be just as busy.

Happy holidays to all.
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We Rocked 4 Our Heroes: Part II

 

We Rocked 4 Our Heroes: Part II
In November, Rockin’ 4 Heroes asked LOVE readers to stay tuned for more info on our ‘Hero Tributes’ that occurred on Nov 10th! We’d like to again extend our sincere gratitude to all of you who were able to attend, sponsor, donate or volunteer at our 4th annual concert. We look forward to seeing you at our 5th event next year. We don’t stop because the music is over … Rockin’ 4 Heroes is ramping up for many engagements throughout our community as 2025 begins. Now, on to the tributes...

Community Hero Award – Tom Brandhuber
The Rockin’ 4 Heroes Community Hero Award honored Golder Ranch Fire District’s (GRFD) Fire Chief, Tom Brandhuber, for his 35+ years in the Fire and EMS Services. During his public service career, Chief Brandhuber also served as a member of the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves. Cris Grissom, Assistant Fire Chief at GRFD, was on hand to accept the award. The actual award was presented to the Chief during a ceremony at GRFD on October 15th (a portion of which can be viewed on the Rockin’ 4 Heroes YouTube channel).

Tom Brandhuber served in the Corona De Tucson Fire District and Rural/Metro Fire Department prior to his service in Oro Valley. These fire districts saw our Chief rise through the ranks as a firefighter paramedic, Captain, Battalion Chief, Fire Chief and Regional Manager. In 2010, as a member of the United States Air Force, he was deployed to serve as the Fire Chief at the Kirkuk Regional Air Base in Iraq.

Tom came to GRFD in 2013 to serve as the Assistant Chief of Operations. He assumed the position of Fire Chief in 2023. Oro Valley knows how fortunate we are to have Chief Brandhuber as a leader in such an important area of public service! Thank you for your service, Chief!

Fallen Hero Recognition – Officer Adam Buckner
The ‘Honor and Sacrifice’ flag was developed for the 15th anniversary of 9/11 to honor public servants who lost their lives in an effort to save others. During our 4th annual event, it was befitting to present this flag to the family of Officer Adam Buckner of the Tucson Police Department who died on March 31, 2024.

Officer Buckner answered a call to service on this fateful night when his patrol car was hit by another vehicle. Adam began his law enforcement career with the New Orleans Police Department. TPD was fortunate to have his service and dedication for over two years.

Officer Buckner’s wife, Catie, and mother, Joy, were on hand to accept the ‘Honor and Sacrifice’ flag. The Rockin’ 4 Heroes circle of family, friends and supporters will forever remember the ultimate sacrifice of Officer Adam Buckner.

Full Circle - The Rockin’ 4 Heroes Jacob Dindinger Memorial EMT Scholarship
This past year saw Rockin’ 4 Heroes create the first EMT Endowment Scholarship opportunity through the Pima Foundation at Pima Community College. This scholarship is named in honor of Jacob Dindinger who tragically lost his life while on duty serving his community in 2021. This scholarship highlights the shortage of EMS workers nationwide.

Jacob worked for American Medical Response in Southern Arizona. Jacob’s answer to a call for service saw him mortally wounded in July 2021. Jacob’s service shows the dangers under which our heroes serve to protect us all.

Rockin’ 4 Heroes was pleased to introduce the first recipient of this scholarship: Ms. Thea Cromwell. Thea decided to switch careers after witnessing the tragic death of Officer Adam Buckner. She saw this collision from a store where she worked and raced to his side without knowing what to do. As a result, Thea decided to seek a career that would enable her to serve others. Jacob Dindinger’s mother, Corrine, was on hand to pay tribute to her son and celebrate the first recipient of the scholarship created in his name.

It was befitting that Rockin’ 4 Heroes paid tribute to Officer Adam Buckner for his ultimate sacrifice while, moments later, honoring Thea Cromwell as the first recipient of the EMT scholarship, which brought the mission of Rockin’ 4 Heroes full circle. Rockin’ 4 Heroes knows how public servants can inspire others to pursue heroic careers that keep us all safe every day, year after year. For that, Rockin’ 4 Heroes is forever grateful.

Looking to the future
Stay tuned to our social media platforms for all things Rockin’ 4 Heroes related – we hope you join us when we show up near you! Also, please consider donating to our Hero Fund that supports initiatives that align with our mission and allows us to provide assistance to hero groups year-round. Contributions are always accepted on our website’s donation site, which is an easy and secure online platform! Thank you, in advance, for your support and following. We’ll be seeing you soon!

Website: https://rockin4heroes.org/

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Residents Voice Concerns and Confusion About the OVCN "Ask"

Concern and confusion reigned last week
Residents voiced concern and confusion at last week's second neighborhood meeting regarding the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene. The church wants to increase its footprint in the area and seeks the town’s permission to build facilities with heights greater than what currently exists on the property.

Concerns
Residents are unanimously against the proposal, as discussed in previous articles. Concerns range from an increase in traffic to potential flooding and the impact the taller buildings may have on their views.

Confusion
The only issue residents were allowed to discuss at last week’s meeting was the potential impact on their views. This limitation exists because the church’s current request is solely for permission to increase building height. The property, zoned as Private School (PS), permits structures up to 45 feet for certain uses. However, this wasn’t the primary purpose of last week’s meeting.

This Is not a "variance request"
This is not a variance request; it is a request for permission to build to a height already permitted by the zoning code. The church is asking for something allowed within the zoning regulations but requires formal approval. To be clear, the town is not required to grant the request.

Four height variances in one review
The Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s proposed sanctuary includes multiple height requests within a single structure. The tallest section, the sanctuary, is proposed at 40 feet, including a 5-foot parapet to screen mechanical equipment. Other building sections vary in height: the multipurpose space at 34 feet, the lobby corridor at 30 feet, and additional multipurpose areas ranging from 24 to 37 feet. These heights reflect the functional needs of each section while contributing to the overall design.

Town Council has final say if it chooses to do so
Town staff explained at both meetings that the Planning and Zoning Commission has the authority to approve these height requests. However, the Town Council has the prerogative to review and potentially override such decisions. According to Section 22.9.8 of Ordinance 17-05: ""The Town Council shall have the right and prerogative to initiate its own review of any decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission or Town staff and shall uphold, modify or overrule said decision. Council shall have twenty (20) days to initiate a review and the applicant shall be notified."

More than two criteria for approval
At the meeting, residents were told by staff that two main criteria apply: Whether the request is code-compliant and whether it aligns with the General Plan. While these are important, there are additional criteria of which they were not in. These are included in Section 22.9 of Ordinance 17-05. The proposed height must be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and zoning districts, respect the character of adjacent properties, and minimize visual impacts. Architectural elements must enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal and align with Oro Valley’s high design standards, while all structures must harmonize with the Sonoran Desert environment. The proposal must also mitigate impacts on adjacent properties, such as blocking views, casting shadows, or creating a sense of overbearing scale.

No Basis for alLawsuit if the request is denied
At the first neighborhood meeting, staff implied that denying the request could expose the town to legal challenges if the project met zoning code requirements. However, the zoning code does not mandate approval of the request—only that it be reviewed. Therefore, if the Planning and Zoning Commission denies the height increase, the town cannot be sued on the basis of non-compliance with the code.

Next Up: Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on January 14

The next step is for town staff to review the request and present a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission. It is likely staff will recommend approval of the request and say it as consistent with the General Plan, encouraging the commission to approve it.  The meeting will be conducted as a public hearing, where attendees will have the opportunity to provide comments and submit them for the official record. The commission will then decide whether to approve or deny the request. 

If the request is denied, OVCN will likely appeal the decision to the Town Council, which will be required to hear the case. If the commission approves the request, it will be up to residents to get the Town Council to start a review of that decision within 20 days of the commission’s decision. If the council reverses that decision, it’s likely that OVCN will bring the matter to the Board of Adjustment, as it did in a previous request some years back. The Board of Adjustment will then have the ultimate say.

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