Bits and Pieces

OVCN building height hearing continued
The Town Council hearing room was packed with those for and against the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s (OVCN) request to build a 40-foot sanctuary. As we reported yesterday, many attendees were likely disappointed to learn that the hearing was continued until April 2. The continuation was requested by John Gillespie of Rose Law Group, who is now representing OVCN. This marks yet another delay in the church’s plans for the property.

Rancho Vistoso residents need vote on street parking enforcement
A new Arizona law may limit the Vistoso Community Association’s ability to enforce street parking rules, but a community-wide vote could allow enforcement to continue. If the association loses this authority, it could lead to safety concerns such as blocked views for drivers and pedestrians, restricted access for emergency vehicles, and reduced property values due to unsightly parked vehicles. Residents are urged to participate in the upcoming vote before the annual meeting on March 27, 2025, to help maintain the community’s safety and aesthetics. (Source: VCA Newsletter – January 2025)

Tucson Bicycle Classic returns to Oro Valley Sunday—expect traffic delays
The Tucson Bicycle Classic returns to Oro Valley on Sunday, bringing more than 600 professional cyclists to Naranja Park for the final stage of the three-day race. The Oro Valley Circuit Race, featuring a new 2.8-mile course and a challenging uphill finish on Musette Drive, is expected to generate over $180,000 in economic impact. Spectators can enjoy prime viewing spots inside Naranja Park, with food trucks and vendors available.

To ensure safety, road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. on race day. Naranja Drive (between Monterra Vista Dr. and Musette Rd.) will be closed, along with several surrounding roads. Motorists should expect delays and plan alternate routes. Free spectator parking will be available at the Oro Valley Public Library and Town Hall. For a full list of closures and detours, visit [event website].

Oro Valley’s latest project updates
Ongoing projects include accessibility enhancements at the Community & Recreation Center, safety improvements near Leman Academy, and drainage upgrades at Naranja Park. The Town is also advancing efforts to enhance public spaces, with upcoming Resident Working Groups set to help shape Oro Valley’s next 10-year plan. These projects aim to improve infrastructure, safety, and community engagement. (Source: Oro Valley Vista)

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Bits and Pieces

When it comes to legal advice, Oro Valley is looking more like Tucson

Oro Valley was established with the explicit intention of maintaining independence from the City of Tucson. It is ironic the Town Council reengaged the services of Jonathan Rothschild and his firm. Rothschild, a two-time former Mayor of Tucson, previously demonstrated lack of regard for Oro Valley, as seen in a video clip we posted when he, at one of his Tucson council meetings, he said: "You guys are going to turn into F..ing Oro Valley." 

Despite this, the current council has chosen to involve him in various matters, including the Oro Valley Village Center Economic Development Agreement, the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene rezoning request, and negotiations for the entitlements at Ross Rulney's Vistoso Highlands Drive upcoming apartment project.  Additionally, either Jonathan or his son serve as a parliamentarian at council meetings and provide legal advice during Council meetings. 

With the arrival of a new town manager, one might have expected that the town council also would have taken a fresh look at outside legal advice alternatives. But they did not do so.

July 30 is now the primary date

The primary date for voting in the Oro Valley Town Council election is July 30th. This is a state-mandated change from the August election date. If you are a registered Independent, you need to order a ballot by calling 520-724-6830; otherwise, you will not receive a ballot. Additionally, you can use this number to have your ballot sent to you if you are an Oro Valley registered voter, regardless of party affiliation, but will not be available to vote in person. 

It is likely that the election will be decided in the primary, so there will be no November general election for the council.

Candidates must make sure that signature petitions signatures collected on or after February 9, 2024 have the July 30 Primary Election date and not the original August 6 date. If signatures are challenged, the court [not the Town of Oro Valley] will make any determination about the validity of those signatures. Be safe: Only sign nomination petition forms with the July 30, 2024 Primary Election date so that your signature will count.

Larceny-Theft is Oro Valley's most serious crime by far

A ten year(2013-2022) look at Oro Valley serious crimes shows that Larceny-theft is more than 82% of all Oro Valley serious crimes. They are the bulk of "Part One" crimes (These crimes include both violent and property crimes). This category encompasses a wide range of theft activities including, but not limited to, thefts of bicycles, motor vehicle parts and accessories, shoplifting, pocket-picking, or the stealing of any property or article that is not taken by force and violence or by fraud.

Fortunately, personal crimes such as home burglary, home invasion, housebreaking, and car theft are much less in occurrence, comprising 9% of all violent crimes.  Still, there is an average of 57 of these each year. So... do keep your home and car locked with nothing of value in it.

Lake Meade and Lake Powell water levels improving

Two years of normal winter monsoons in the West have improved the water levels in both Lake Meade and Lake Powell. Both lakes are at about 35% capacity. The entire system sits at 43% capacity. This is before the winter snow melt from the Rocky Mountains.

The system is a long way from recovering from the 20 year drought.  However, this is a start.

Tucson Bicycle Classic is back this month

The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce the return of the Tucson Bicycle Classic to our community on Sunday, Feb. 25, from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Oro Valley race route will be around Naranja Park (810 W. Naranja Drive) and is expected to bring more than 500 professional riders. Some street closures and traffic restrictions will be in effect to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators. Click here for a map.

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Bits and Pieces

Historical Society fundraiser on February 19

The Oro Valley Historical Society will have a fundraising event on Sunday, February 19 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oro Valley Country Club. Author Wynne Brown will give a presentation on her book, “The Forgotten Botanist – Sara Plummer Lemmon’s Life of Science and Art”. Find out how this intrepid woman climbed to new heights (Mt. Lemmon)! Tickets are on sale at the Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) website. Look for the red ticket on the home page. You can also purchase tickets at the OVHS booth at the Farmer’s Market at Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle) on Saturday from 9 to Noon. Ticket sales CLOSE Wednesday, February 15. We hope to see you at the Pusch House Museum and we thank you for your support!

Tucson Bicycle Classic: March 3-5

"The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce a partnership with Tucson Bicycle Classic, a three-day stage race March 3 – 5, which will bring a circuit race to Oro Valley on March 5, from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Oro Valley race route will be around Naranja Park and is expected to bring about 600-700 professional riders. 

The race route/circuit around Naranja Park is just over four miles long, and riders will complete that route up to seven times, providing spectators an excellent opportunity to view these athletes in action multiple times. The race will begin and end near the entrance to Naranja Park (810 W. Naranja Drive), with various viewing areas along the route. Please see map [above] for suggested locations. On event day, Naranja Park will be closed to all vehicles except to the racers." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Arizona Heroes Memorial groundbreaking February 28

The Arizona Heroes Memorial is going to happen. The groundbreaking is Tuesday Feb.28th at 11am at Naranja Park. Seven long years and it's finally coming to fruition! You can read more about the memorial here. 

Click on panel at left on how to attend.

Sunday is "Super Sports Day at Pusch Ridge Golf"

This Sunday from 11am to 3pm there will be food and live and televised sports for your entertainment at Pusch Ridge Golf.  Blacktop Grill food truck will sell quesadillas, hotdogs and Mexican street corn. The Pusch Ridge Pro Shop will be selling soda, margaritas and beer. Oro Valley Girls Scout Cadette Troop #157 will have their famous Girl Scout cookies for sale. You can watch live or televised sports throughout the day and watch action-packed tennis on El Conquistador’s courts as the USTA Junior Nationals, level 2 Tennis Tournament play. The Pro Shop plans to televise the Waste Management Phoenix Open and some of the Super Bowl pre-game activities.

New short term rental ordinance now in effect; licensing deadline is May 5

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Feb. 7, 2023) – On Jan. 4, the Oro Valley Town Council approved an ordinance establishing rules, regulations and licensing requirements for short term and vacation rentals (e.g. Airbnb, VRBO, etc.). The ordinance went into effect on Feb. 3; however, understanding that some individuals may need time to become familiar with the licensing process, Town Council allowed for a 90-day implementation period during which time the ordinance will not be enforced. The deadline to register short term rental properties is May 5, and enforcement of the ordinance begins May 6." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release) Click here to begin the registration process.

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