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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