Bits and Pieces

Pusch Ridge Course has strong use... vastly exceeds expectations

According to Friends Of Pusch Ridge Golf, "Rounds at Pusch Ridge exceeded the last year it was open in the first two months. They met the town’s budget for the year by the end of January. Plus, they exceeded the Friends goal of 10,000 for the season as of this writing. This is also with several days of Disc Golf play instead of traditional golf.

 
We believe it is possible, with Friends help, to end the first season with more than double the town's budget. With luck we might exceed 14,000 rounds! So keep playing and enjoying this gem of the desert." (Source)

Kreigh Playground Reopened
Last week, the Town of Oro Valley announced the reopening of the Kreigh Park recreation area. It has new play structures. Yesterday was the ribbon cutting.

"The updated playground amenities include a jungle gym, slides, swings, climbing structures and interactive music structures. The playground is ADA accessible and has a seating area for adults to keep an eye on little ones.

 
The previous playground equipment was over 20 years old and was identified as needing to be replaced through the Parks and Recreation Master Plan process that was conducted in 2020/21. The playground temporarily closed in early February to replace the equipment." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release, 3-17-22)

Former Economic Development Director Amanda Jacobs now at Fountain Hills

Oro Valley's former Economic Development Director, Amanda Jacobs, is now the Economic Development Director in the Town of Fountain Hills.

"I was looking for a new opportunity where I could continue to serve and make a positive impact in local government,” Jacobs said. “Fountain Hills’ mission aligns with my values, is a well-managed community that is charming, safe and has several economic opportunities making it an ideal location to live and work." (Source)

Good luck Amanda. Thank you for you service to the residents of Oro Valley.

Spring Arts Festival this weekend

There is a Spring Arts Festival this weekend at the Oro Valley Marketplace.

"The 2-day outdoor artisan market in Oro Valley showcases some of the Southwest’s finest artisans in fashion, food, home goods, painting, and visual arts. In addition, pop up music performances and food trucks will be onsite for attendees to enjoy.

 
Our curated arts and crafts market celebrates the ingenuity of independently owned, small businesses and artists who channel their passions into creating one-of-a-kind handcrafted products.

 
Shop with the makers themselves – and learn how they make their unique works of art. Support small, local & sustainable!" (Source)

Riverfront Park light schedule changes start March 27

"Overhead pathway lights have been installed along the multi-use path around Riverfront Park, which will improve visibility for those using the path at night. Because of this, the field lights will now only be programmed while activities are scheduled on the fields. This means the field lights will no longer be programmed on Sunday nights." (Source)

Zinkin Is The Victim Of Dirty Tricks and Foul Language

---
Then...

On December 1, 2011, Betty A. Dickens, then Oro Valley's Human Resources Director filed a 2-inch think grievance alleging "... a pattern of inappropriate behaviors that are condoned and modeled by the Mayor ([Hiremath]), Council Members, Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Police Department personnel."  Her's was a serious set of allegations.

As it turned out, an attorney hired by the town concluded that Dickens allegations were without merit. Perhaps, we will report on this one day.  Our point at the moment:  Not every allegation, not every assertion has merit.

Now...

Town economic development manager Amanda Jacobs has filed a "complaint." The complaint alleges that Council Member Zinkin used inappropriate language.  A complaint is not a grievance. It is simply a complaint.  It holds less weight than a formal grievance that must be filed in accordance with specific town guidelines.

The inappropriate language is said to have occurred in June 18, 2012, a few weeks after Zinkin took office.    Zinkin, she claims, used an inappropriate word in a conversation with her.

The "10-Second Incident"

Here is the conversation exactly as Jacobs reports it:

"I said 'Mike, I am not a push over (referencing TREO's quarterly report ).'

Mike replied, 'I know you are not a slut.' I was offended and replied

'Mike, I did not say I was a f****** slut. I said I am not a push over. I don't care if you are an elected official, I will not tolerate this sh** Don't ever call me a slut again.'"

According to Jacobs, she went directly to Town Manager Caton's office to report the "incident."  "I said I would not be filing a formal complaint at this time, " writes Jacobs.  Caton, in a memo dated August 16, states that he has spoken to Zinkin on this matter:  "As we discussed I brought the matter of inappropriate comments to council member Zinkin's attention and he appreciated the conversation."

Case closed?

Not quite.

A Case of Strange Timing

Amanda Jacobs filed her complaint a few weeks ago.  She filed it 19 months after the incident. She filed it after LOVE observed in our postings regarding the recall that not one accusation had been formally filed against Council Member Zinkin.

The town has begun its investigation of the complaint.  That Zinkin should be vindicated and that Jacobs should be rebuked for using foul, abusive language is an obvious conclusion, for it was Jacobs who used foul language, not Zinkin.

But, we think the inquiry should go further...

So Many Unanswered Questions

If Jacobs was so taken by what happened in June, 2012, she should have filed a written, formal complaint at that time. Instead, she said she was not going to do so (at that time).

Why did Jacobs file now, 19 months after the alleged incident?

Is this another orchestrated effort by the recall cabal to build a case against Zinkin?

Is Mayor Hiremath involved?

Caton also notes in his August 16, 2012 memo that:  "Following my conversation with Council member Zinkin I also brought Council member Zinkin's behavior to the attention of the Mayor. "  Certainly, Mayor Hiremath, who LOVE has directly tied to the Zinkin recall effort and who has publicly advocated the recall, knows of this incident.  Did he solicit Amanda Jacobs to file this complaint now?

Is Jacobs violating town policy 29.3 by filing a complaint in support of a political activity:   "Town resources, including but not limited to facilities, funds, employee services, and email accounts, may not be used in any manner to influence an election or solicit support for any candidate or political party."  This recall effort is, as we have proven, a political activity.

Our Conclusion:  Zinkin Is The Victim Of Dirty Tricks and Foul Language

We present three conclusions.

First, Amanda Jacobs is not the victim here. A fair and impartial complaint adjudication would find that Amanda Jacobs was the aggressor in this incident. It was Jacobs, not Zinkin, who used filthy words. Zinkin should have filed a report on her!

Second, this complaint is another attempt to smear the reputation of Council Member Zinkin on the part of the recall cabal.

Third, there is no end to the depths to which the recall cabal will sink to achieve their goal.

We have no doubt that the Jacobs complaint is without merit.  Not every allegation, not every assertion has merit.  Saying something "don't make it so."
---