Bits and Pieces

Archery Demo Day Tomorrow At Naranja Park

Interested in learning Archery? Then do go over to Naranja Park from 9 to Noon tomorrow to join in the festivities. They will be basic archery instruction, vendor booths, a competitive shoot, a course walk-around, and food trucks.

It is billed as "fun for the whole family." Call 520-229-5050 to learn more.

Oro Valley's First Settlers

No. We're not the first settlers!
Former Oro Valley Mayor Loomis, Richard
and Archeologist Allen Denoyer

Saturday's Setter's Day festivity at Steam Pump Ranch gave us pause to think about Oro Valley first setter's, the Hohokam.  There is a replica of a mud adobe hut on the north side of the site, .  It looks in move-in condition.

Its not terribly big. Could probably comfortably fit 4. Maybe a bit risky of getting flooded in the rain. But, then again, we don't have much of that in Oro Valley.

Governor Ducey Signs Wrong Bill

Face with a choice to make the referendum process even more onerous than it already is or simplifying it a bit, Arizona Governor Ducey signed a bill (HB2407) that will make it impossible to have a successful referendum:

"House Bill 2407 by Republican Rep. David Stevens, R-Sierra Vista, modifies requirements for voter referendums and recalls, tightening rules on the signature-gathering process and the wording of the measure. Thousands of signatures can be invalidated over minor mistakes including margin spacing and serial numbers, while single signatures can be disqualified for not matching a voter’s registration or marking the wrong date." (Source)

Does anyone know of a case that the Supreme Court could hear that would give them the opportunity to overturn this legislative overreach?

Oro Valley Optimist Club Sponsors Golf Event on May 16 To Raise Funds For Youth

The Oro Valley Optimist Club, of which Heather wrote this past Tuesday, is sponsoring a "Scramble For Youth" at the El Conquistador Country Club.  All proceeds will go to support Oro Valley Youth Programs.  Learn more and register here.

Sprint Triathlon Tomorrow

The 3rd annual Oro Valley Sprint Triathlon is tomorrow. It is a 800 meter swim, a 14 mile bike ride, and a 3 mile run.  The event runs from 6-11am. The event will impact traffic on Concordia, La Canada, Lambert Lane and Oracle Road.

Visit Tucson Estimates $4million Impact On Oro Valley

Visit Tucson, Oro Valley's external marketing arm, reported to the Oro Valley Town Council this past Wednesday that its efforts have increase the Oro Valley economy by $4million in the past year. It estimates hat 27,000 visitors have come to town as a result of their efforts. Watch this brief video of their report.

Visit Tucson received $175,000 from Oro Valley's Bed Taxes last year. This funds 2.5% of their revenue. Next year, the town is committed to funding it for $225,000.

Bits and Pieces

Settler's Day Tomorrow At Steam Pump Ranch

Last week we posted about Oro Valley's Settler's Days. It's tomorrow from 9am-3pm at Steam Pump Ranch. It is going to be a good time for the entire family.There is a kid's zone with a Petting zoo, Pony ring, Bugs and Snakes with the Olson Brothers, and Baby goats. And food trucks.
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Bill (HB 2450) Requiring Town Clerks To Enter Serial Numbers Awaits Governor's Signature

A bill that requires town clerks to put the serial numbers on referndum forms has passed both the Arizona House and Senate. The bill was sponsored by Oro Valley resident and state representative Mark Finchem.

According to Finchem:

"My statement on this is intended to be neutral on the golf course matter per se, but focused specifically on government controls imposed on citizens attempting to use the political system (the ballot box) to put a matter to a -vote of the people.  

When voters feel they have been disenfranchised it is a responsibility of the appropriate body to provide relief, if needed. In this case, it was clear the issue would have been a non-issue had the number been placed on the first petition in the series. 

In my short time at the Arizona Legislature I have confirmed my suspicion that statues and ordinances are most often the result of a perceived “bad act” by someone, and they seek only to prevent another happenstance, a repeat of the bad act by another." 

The bill is awaiting the Governor's signature.
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Oro Valley Youth Advisory Council Sponsors BBQ Field Day Event for Oro Valley High School Students Tomorrow

Oro Valley, Arizona (April 1, 2015) - All Oro Valley high school students (grades 9-12) are invited to the annual BBQ Field Day on Saturday, April 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Riverfront Park lower field, 551 W. Lambert Lane.

This FREE event, which is hosted by the Oro Valley Youth Advisory Council, will feature music, volleyball, capture the flag and free food. No RSVP necessary; just show up and join the fun! To view photos from last year's event or learn more about the Youth Advisory Council, visit www.orovalleyyouth.com." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Watch The Naranja Park Grand Opening

The Town Of Oro Valley has posted a video of the Naranja Park grand opening. This took place in March. You can watch it here.
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From Our Web Mail

From Ben.:
"Speaking of Snakes The first rattler of the year just came out of the snake freeway put in by the town and called gabion baskets. It would take a flame thrower to get the snakes out of these things."
Those are some sturdy baskets!

AK sent us a link on why golf has lost popularity in the US.

Anonyous wrote: "I saw another blogger mention that maybe OV should annex property further south. My question is- what is the northern boundary of Tucson? How far can OV go? I think Ina West of Oracle is county. Is that a place to start?."
The northern boundary of Tucson is just north of River Road. (Tucson Boundary Map)

CF Asked: "Did the Supreme Court take up the case regarding the purchase of El Con golf courses?'
The Court has not yet ruled on whether or not they will hear the case.
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Pima County Assessor Data: Oro Valley/Catalina House Sale Median Values Rank Third In County

"Economic Districts are a grouping of neighborhoods that have similar economic forces or geographic location. Pima County has 22 such areas." Oro-Valley and Catalina are combined into one of these districts.

The median value of a home used in the 2016 valuation in assessing home in this region was almost $270,000. This ranks third behind homes in the Catalina Foothills ($416,500) and the Northeast ($275,000).

This is a drop from a second raking last year, when Oro Valley values ranked ahead of the Northeast district.

(Source)