LOVE’s Top Five Stories of 2023

What a year it was
We've scoured our hundred or so postings this year and selected our top five.

1. St. Patrick’s Day Tragedy
There's no doubt that this is the top story of the year. Olivia Villalobos was killed, and her sister was severely injured when struck by a car on St. Patrick's Day at the Naranja Park entrance. They were just trying to get home from the park when they were struck by the car driven by Sabrina Garcia. The case against the driver, Sabrina Garcia, is being prosecuted by the City of Tucson, and we anticipate resolution in 2024. The town had planned to make immediate significant improvements to pedestrian safety in the area, but that has been put on hold because of an $89.6 million lawsuit due to the accident. What happens regarding the settlement of the suit will be a big story in 2024.

2. Residents rail against OVCN proposed sports complex

At the beginning of the year, the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) continued to press for rezoning for a huge sports complex on residential land it had purchased some years ago that is adjacent to the church on Concordia. Residents have fought hard against it. The proposal was heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission in February. It was supposed to be heard by the council after that, but that hearing was postponed. Nothing has happened since then. One might think that the proposal is dormant at this point, but we don't think so. Things like this never go away, so the residents are going to have to continue to be vigilant.

3. Marketplace approved to start with zero town funding

The Town Council "stood tall" when it rejected investing about $10 million in infrastructure to support the recreation area proposed by Town West as part of its planned revitalization of the Oro Valley Marketplace. It will be called the Oro Valley Village Center.  Instead, Town West requested, and the council approved changes to the recreation area so that the revitalization could start. 

4. Record town budget of $148 million

In June, the Town Council passed an historic budget of $148 million, driven up by the imperative to use remaining $25 million from the Naranja Park Bond and the use of $15 million in ARPA funding. Anticipating reduced funds in the future, we foresee subsequent budgets being significantly lower. A major question for 2025 will revolve around how the Town manages its budget amidst the substantial increase in infrastructure costs, coupled with the apparent decline in future construction, thereby restricting potential construction tax revenue.

5. Wilkins era begins

In April, the Town appointed Jeff Wilkins as Town Manager. His hiring was the result of a nationwide search in which the community participated. Wilkins joined the town in July. We don't know Wilkins. From afar, his style strikes us as someone who is focussed on managing the business of Oro Valley as opposed to striving to change our community.

They were many other stories from which to select

• The “Umbrella Lady”, Lydia Reis, was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Ina Road. 
• The Arizona Heroes Memorial in Naranja Park broke ground. 
• The Town of Oro Valley earned the 2023 Water Waster Award. 
• Henry Zipf, great grandson of the Pusch Family and avid LOVE reader died. 
• The town enacted and implemented a short-term rental ordinance. 
• Long-time Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan resigned in July, just two months after we celebrated her 10th anniversary with the Town. 
• Sinking houses on Moore Loop Road. 
• The town council asked for a report on golf operations. The report will include an independent audit of reported operating and financial results. 
• Staff kicked off a three year process to create the 2026 general plan. They're calling it Oro Valley's Path Forward.

We look for more exciting stuff next year.

In the meantime, it's time to kick back and relax.

We'll see you January 2 to help launch Tim Tarris’ historic flight around the globe.

Enjoy the holidays.

- - -