Bits and Pieces

Town expands its SRO program to Lehman Academy
The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved an agreement on Wednesday night between the Town of Oro Valley Police Department and Leman Academy of Excellence to assign a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) at the academy. The SRO position will be funded by a grant awarded to Leman Academy by the Arizona Department of Education, covering the officer’s salary and related expenses for a three-year period. This collaboration is intended to strengthen the relationship between the school and the police department, enhancing safety and support for the school community.

Welcome “Panorama Trails”
The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the renaming of West Lambert Lane Park to Panorama Trails as part of the town’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The change was necessary to better reflect the park’s purpose as a space dedicated to scenic trails rather than a traditional park with playgrounds or other facilities. 

The name “Panorama Trails” was recommended by both the STEAM camp participants and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) because of the park’s beautiful views of surrounding mountain ranges. During the discussion, council members emphasized the importance of honoring the youth’s contributions and agreed that the new name accurately describes the park’s tranquil trails and panoramic scenery.

Town receives yet another award for financial reporting
Each year the Town of Oro Valley finance department receives an award for its financial reporting. 2023 was no exception. A recent town media release announced that the town was named a “Triple Crown” winner for financial reporting for the fiscal year 2023 by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This designation is awarded to governments that achieve GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award within a single year. Oro Valley is one of only 356 governments to receive the Triple Crown distinction in 2023, marking the town’s 12th consecutive year of receiving this honor. Chief Financial Officer David Gephart expressed pride in the achievement, attributing it to the hard work of the finance team in maintaining high standards for producing clear and accurate financial reports. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Some fun things to do this weekend

This weekend in Oro Valley, there are three exciting events for the community to enjoy. 

• Tonight from 7-9:30 p.m., head to Steam Pump Ranch for the Friday Night Concert, featuring live music from Hardscrabble Road, playing hits from the 50s, 60s, and select country favorites. 
• Tomorrow enjoy "Movie at the Ranch", a free outdoor screening of Back to the Future III starting at 6 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch. Bring your blankets and chairs for a fun family movie night under the stars. 
• Also Tomorrow join the Oro Valley Hiking Series at 7 a.m. for a beginner-friendly 2.3-mile hike at Honeybee Canyon, led by certified staff who will provide interpretive information along the trail. It's the perfect weekend to explore local music, movies, and nature!

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks Bulletin)

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Bits and Pieces

Rancho Vistoso VCA seeks board candidates
Two weeks ago we asked a simple question as to why someone who is barely a resident of Rancho Vistoso, in terms of tenure, is President of the VCA. Rancho Vistoso makes up one quarter of the households in Oro Valley.  

If you are concerned about rising HOA dues and unnecessary capital improvement projects brought on by the current board, then now is your chance to effect change. The VCA has issued a “Call for Candidates” for the Board. Learn more here.

Town Finance Department wins award for financial reporting

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Dec. 13, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley has just received notification that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Town for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year 2020/21. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

State of Town Address available online

"Mayor Joe Winfield delivered his fourth State of the Town Address to a record crowd at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort on October 27. His message focused on the “four pillars of local government,” and a video of the event is now available online. Click here or visit orovalleyaz.gov and type STATE OF THE TOWN ADDRESS into the search bar. This annual event, which is hosted by the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, was also a farewell to Chamber President/ CEO Dave Perry who announced his retirement after 11 years of service. Thank you Dave—we'll miss you!" (Source: Oro Valley Vista Newsletter, December-January 2023)

Its Davis Pediatric Dentistry

For those wonder what is being constructed in the Fry's shopping center on LaCanada, it is a building for Davis Pediatric Dentistry. Their current Oro Valley location is where former Mayor Hiremath housed his practice. Meanwhile...

Hiremath... big advocate of economic growth... no longer practices in Oro Valley 

Former Mayor and Dentist, Dr. Satish Hiremath, we believe, sold his practice to or perhaps merged it with Dental Excellence. Hiremath is listed as one of the five practicing physicians.  That practice is locate south of Oro Valley.  We find it curious, perhaps ironic, that a former Mayor, one passionate about adding business to Oro Valley, moved his practice out of Oro Valley. His philosophy was to "build  more rooftops" to attract business. Well, Oro Valley certainly has built more rooftops, thanks to Hiremath. His response? He got out of Oro Valley.

Planning for the 2026 General Plan Begins

"Preparations for the next General Plan have started. The Town’s current General Plan, ratified by voters in 2016, must be acted upon no later than 2026. The first step in initiating the General Plan update is creating and seeking Town Council adoption of a Public Participation Plan (PPP). The PPP identifies the extent of community outreach and methods to reaffirm, adjust or rewrite the current General Plan. An advisory group, composed of Council, Board and Commission members is currently being formed to help create the PPP. Initial input to help identify key stakeholders and ideas for community outreach was gathered from residents through the Community Academy program. Feedback from residents will also be gathered through a survey. Staff anticipates presenting the PPP, which will incorporate the feedback from residents and the PPP Advisory Group to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council next year.' (Source Town of Oro Valley Town Manager's November Report To Council)

Kick off the New Year by participating in Oro Valley’s Hot Cocoa 5k Run/Walk

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Dec.14, 2022) – It's not too late to register for the 9th annual Hot Cocoa 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, January 1, 2023! The race will take place along the multi-use path, beginning at Steam Pump Ranch, and will include snacks, water, and of course, hot cocoa. This is a professionally timed race, and prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female winners and five-year age group categories. Proceeds from the race will benefit Oro Valley’s Round Up for Youth Recreation Scholarship program." Register here. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Bits and Pieces

OVCN rezoning meeting, Monday, October 24

You will most certainly want to attend or as a minimum listen to this meeting. As LOVE has covered extensively, it is a request of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene ("OVCN") to build a mega sports complex in Oro Valley's oldest, and most natural neighborhood.

"You are invited to attend and participate in a Focus Area neighborhood meeting, either in-person or online, regarding the property owner’s proposed rezoning to Planned Area Development to build new athletic facilities at the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene located on the northeast corner of the Calle Concordia and Calle Buena Vista intersection (project number: 2002978). 

This meeting is open to the general public and anyone may attend, but the purpose is to provide an opportunity for a focused issue discussion between the immediate neighbors and the applicant. Immediate neighbors may ask questions directly to the applicant and Town staff, share concerns in greater detail and explore potential resolution of issues."

“Rockin’4Heroes”, Sunday,  2PM, at Kreigh Park

Don't forget the "Rockin' for Heroes Event" this Sunday at Kreigh Park. “Rocking 4 Heroes is a community musical event that pays tribute to those who serve our communities and country. It's FREE, but leave the coolers at home and bring some spending money for the fabulous food trucks and beer/wine tent. This event is rain or shine and is sure to be a blast...especially if you like the band, Chicago! Make sure to bring a chair or picnic blanket. 

Gate opens at 1pm with the opening ceremony beginning at 2pm sharp. Overflow parking at CDO (there will be a golf cart to help transport those with mobility issues from the lot to the park). All net proceeds from this event will go toward building the Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park." (Source: rockin4heroes.org, resident email, Press Release)

Town of Oro Valley named “Triple Crown” winner for financial reporting

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Oct. 11, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley has been named a Triple Crown Winner for fiscal year 2020 by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The Triple Crown designation recognizes governments that have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award and the Distinguished Budget Presentation in a single fiscal year. The Town of Oro Valley is one of just 317 governments that received the Triple Crown for fiscal year 2020. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Town of Oro Valley to celebrate completing golf irrigation replacement project, and tennis and pickleball court reconstruction

"YOU ARE INVITED! RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY ON OCTOBER 26 The Town of Oro Valley invites the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Conquistador Golf Irrigation Project and Tennis and Pickleball Court Reconstruction and Expansion Project on Wednesday, October 26, at 10 a.m. at the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center (10555 N. La Cañada Drive). The projects are part of the Town’s Park Improvement Bond." (Source)

Bits and Pieces

Pima County has a "solution" to lost dogs
We are astounded by the number of pets that are lost almost daily in Oro Valley.  "Attaching a tag to your pet's collar might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference! Lost pets wearing tags return home faster." When you register your pet with the County, as you should annually, your pet becomes part of the "HomeSafe" program. Your pet gets a tag with their name on it and a unique code. When someone finds your pet, all they need to do is go to docupet.com to find you. If you lose your pet, you can go to the same site to let the world know your "baby" is missing. The service comes when you pay your annual fee.

Oro Valley wins 27th consecutive annual finance award

Oro Valley, Arizona (October 19, 2021) –– 

For the 27th year in a row, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Town of Oro Valley by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment for the Town. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Jim Williams is writing "Oro Valley History"

Oro Valley resident Jim Williams, author of "Claiming the Desert" is in the process of creating a history of the Town of Oro Valley, from incorporation in 1974 to present. "I got bored during covid and I already researched some early parts of life in the sixties and seventies, I thought: 'Well, I'll keep going." Williams is in the process of interviewing and gathering information. If you have and interesting story you would like to share with Jim please send it to us a letorovalleyexcel@yahoo.com. We will forward it to him.

Next town council meeting will be November 3

This week's council meeting had a consent agenda item that would have cancelled the November 3 meeting. This cancellation would have followed two consecutive council meetings in which there were no regular agenda items. That is: Nothing of any substance discussed.  After much confusion about what no vote would me, the council decided to not approve the cancellation. In other words, there will be a November 3 town council meeting. 

Speaking in favor of holding the meeting, Council Member Bohen said he had identified five items that ought to have regular meeting session attention. For some very odd and unknown reason, Bohen was not allowed to mention the five because the outside legal council said it would be a violation of the "open meeting laws." We believe that mentioning what the five were would not be a violation. Discussing and deciding upon them would have been because there would have been no public notice that such a discussion would take place.

Mural unveiling Monday at Kreigh Park

"The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, the Town of Oro Valley, Visit Tucson, and the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce will officially debut a new vibrant mural by local artist Ashley White at the James D. Kriegh Park at 23 W Calle Concordia, Oro Valley, AZ 85704. The celebration marks the first ever community mural project in Oro Valley, AZ." (Source: SAACA)