Bits and Pieces

2026 Election Update... Five so far... Petition signing begins

As of last Friday, five individuals have submitted statements of interest for positions on the Oro Valley Town Council. Former Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier has filed to run for mayor. Chris DeSimone, a local media personality, is seeking a council seat. Former Councilmember Rhonda Pina, who served for four years on council from 2018-2022, has also filed. Current Budget and Finance Commission member Dan Karlsberg and Jacob Herrington. former member of Planning and Zoning Commission, submitted statements of interest as well. The next step in the process is for each to obtain the required number of signatures to appear on the August ballot. We will let you know as we learn of additional candidates. 

Our plan is to interview each person during the petition-signing period to provide clear, fact-based profiles of their backgrounds, priorities, and reasons for seeking office.

Sunday is the Northwest Chanukah Festival at the Oro Valley Marketplace

Join in the celebration of the first night of the eight days of Chanukah this Sunday at the Oro Valley Marketplace. The event begins at 3 p.m. and will include craft booths and activities, music, food for sale, and free latkes (potato pancakes) and donuts. The Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony and “gelt drop” will take place from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. We went to last year's celebration. It was family fun for all.

Update: Copper Creek Elementary closing still in the works... Amphi decision may well backfire on District

On Tuesday, the Amphi School District formally advanced its recommendation to close Copper Creek Elementary at its board meeting. The proposal, presented to the governing board, will take effect in the 2026–27 school year if approved. One change has been made since our earlier report: Half of Copper Creek’s students would attend Wilson K–8, and the other half will go to Harelson Elementary.  Harrelson is not even remotely close to Copper Creek. The governing board is scheduled to make its final decision on January 13.  

Families with children at Copper Creek are devastated. Their efforts have to date been ignored. One parent at the meeting said the closure is likely to push more families to seek alternatives outside of Amphi, worsening the district’s enrollment problems. 

Town's December economic development notes Saddlebrook outreach and more...

The Town of Oro Valley Economic Development Department has released an expanded December 2025 update. The provides a more comprehensive picture of ongoing business activity, community engagement and development efforts than previous reports. For examplee, on notable item is the SaddleBrooke outreach. The town received 909 survey responses from residents that detailed their preferences for dining, retail and medical services, along with how they prefer to receive community information. These findings will guide future business recruitment and communication strategies.

Other highlights from the report include progress on multiple business assistance projects, continued growth in restaurant and retail interest, and updated marketing efforts that promote Oro Valley as a regional hub for outdoor recreation and high quality living. The department also noted rising interest from bioscience and technology companies and increased coordination with regional partners to attract new investment.

The lights are in full bloom

The Landoran holiday lights display is now in full bloom, and it’s well worth a visit. As we reported earlier, the show combines synchronized lights, music, and dramatic displays at the western intersection of Landoran and Golf View Drive. The display runs through New Year’s Day, with extended evening hours on weekends. If you haven’t been yet, this is a great time to take a drive or stroll through the neighborhood and enjoy one of Oro Valley’s most festive traditions.

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Bits and Pieces

Holiday Festival of the Arts this weekend at the Oro Valley Marketplace 

Art State Arizona and the Town of Oro Valley will host the 14th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration on December 6–7 at the Oro Valley Marketplace. The free two-day event features more than 150 artists, over 500 performers, hands-on activities for kids, festive food, and the community tree lighting at 6 p.m. Saturday. This long-running celebration has grown into one of Southern Arizona’s signature holiday weekends, drawing thousands each year. See the two day event schedule here.

 “Safest City in Arizona” and holiday scams featured in this month's Crimefighter Newsletter

The Oro Valley Police Department ("OVPD") reports that Oro Valley was ranked the #1 Safest City in Arizona earlier this year by security company SafeWise, based on the latest FBI crime statistics showing the town had the lowest violent crime rate in the state. The department credits the community’s support, strong crime-prevention programs, and the work of its officers and volunteers for maintaining the town’s safety record. See the list here.

OVPD is warning residents about a spike in holiday scams, citing a Visa report showing that criminals are using more sophisticated, AI-generated fake shopping sites, package-delivery texts, travel deals, and even bogus charities to steal personal and financial information. Residents are urged to avoid clicking unknown links, verify websites before purchasing, and confirm the legitimacy of any charity before donating. (Source)

Council continues silence on possible Copper Creek Elementary closing
Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council remained silent on the possible closing of Copper Creek Elementary during last week’s meeting. This was the final meeting of the year, so there will be no further opportunity for council discussion before the Amphi School District makes its decision in January. Not one council member suggested adding the matter as a future agenda item.

No residents attended the meeting to voice concern or ask for council support. Perhaps the council viewed the absence of public comment as a reason to do nothing. Still, as we and others reported last week, there are residents who are worried.

We had hoped the council would show some leadership by ensuring those residents are heard and that their concerns are communicated to the Amphi School District before its January decision. We are not alone in that view. “This should have been anticipated and we should already have engaged area residents and at least have some options for addressing this. Unfortunately, not so,” Mayoral Candidate Mark Napier wrote on our Facebook page.

"Lights On Landoran" 

The holiday display and synchronzed musical light show is back at the west intersection of Landoran and Golf View Drive. The display runs nightly through New Year’s Day—6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It's well worth the visit.

Council Member Greene announces that he is "alive and well"

Council Member Mo Greene addressed a "social media" rumor that he was going to resign from council. Greene, speaking at the Wednesday Council meeting, quoted Mark Twain, noting that "the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." Greene has every intention of completing his term.

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Bits and Pieces

Free document shredding Saturday 

The Town of Oro Valley will host a free document-shredding event for residents on Saturday, November 22, at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Shredding runs from 8 a.m. to noon, or until the trucks fill up, with all materials destroyed onsite. The Town encourages residents to use the service as a simple way to reduce the risk of identity theft. Questions can be directed to Constituent Services Coordinator Jessica Hynd at 520-229-4711. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Ambitious thinking? A 5.8% annual nominal growth rate needed to support the RTA NEXT's 20-Year revenue goal

To meet the revenue levels projected in the RTA NEXT plan, the region’s taxable sales would need to grow about 5.8 percent each year for the next 20 years. RTA NEXT described this assumption as conservative, combining normal economic growth with inflation. Based on the current distribution of taxable transactions, Tucson would supply the largest share of those dollars at 45 percent, followed by Marana at 15 percent, Sahuarita at 9 percent, and Oro Valley at about 8 percent. The remaining 23 percent would come from the rest of Pima County.  This growth rate includes both inflation and real sales growth. [Source: LOVE Research]

Oro Valley bed tax revenues reached peak levels in 2025

Oro Valley’s bed tax revenues are now at their strongest level in eight years. The bed tax is a 6 percent tax applied to the cost of any room stay under 30 consecutive days, including hotel rooms and short-term rentals. Collections rose from $1.47 million in FY 2018 to $2.52 million in FY 2025, an increase of more than $1 million, despite the pandemic drop to $1.03 million in FY 2020. Town staff believes this growth reflects the rebound in travel. Other contributing factors include higher room rates, the 2021 annexation of Westward Look, and the introduction of registering and taxing short-term rentals. These factors expanded the Town’s lodging tax base. Early FY 2026 results show the upward trend continuing. (Source: Oro Valley Tourism Advisory Commission Meeting, 11-17-25)

RTA says: Good roads bring visitor

At Monday’s meeting, the Town’s Tourism Commission heard from RTA representative Steve Huffman, who emphasized that transportation infrastructure plays a direct role in attracting visitors. He noted that good road access is often a traveler’s first impression of Oro Valley, and highlighted how completed and proposed overpasses improve regional travel for visitors arriving from airports or nearby communities.  He added that RTA investments in bike paths, multi-modal access, transit service, and wildlife linkages also enhance mobility and the overall visitor experience.

You want to be in pictures?

Oro Valley resident Mark Headley, an actor and producer, believes the town should explore becoming a film-friendly community. He has introduced the idea to both the Town Council and the Tourism Commission, noting that smaller film productions are seeking new, affordable, and cooperative locations. Headley says Oro Valley offers strong assets, including striking desert scenery, open space, historic buildings at Steam Pump Ranch, vacant commercial sites that could serve as temporary studios, and more than a thousand hotel rooms. He adds that film crews often leave a significant share of their budgets in the communities where they work. The challenges, he notes, include Arizona’s lack of major film-industry tax incentives and the absence of local film infrastructure. Certainly, more work is needed to determine whether the concept is a feasible way to increase town revenues.

Highlights from last night's town manager's report to Council

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins briefed the Council on several upcoming community activities and transportation updates, including an RTA Next open house scheduled for December 10, where residents can learn about Propositions 418 and 419 ahead of the March 2026 vote. He noted that the popular holiday ornament hunt begins November 28, featuring wooden ornaments crafted by CDO High School students. Wilkins also reminded residents of the ongoing construction at the Oro Valley Marketplace, assuring the public that full access will remain open through the holidays. Additional updates included progress on the Naranja Multi-Use Path, Movies on the Lawn starting December 6, the Pickalicious Jingle Jam pickleball tournament December 12–14, the Festival of the Arts and tree lighting on December 6–7, Snow OV on December 18, and the upcoming Hot Cocoa Run on January 1.

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Bits and Pieces

This weekend celebrate the season at the Oro Valley Festival
The Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, hosted by SAACA, takes place this weekend at the Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Rd. Enjoy festive performances, a visit from Santa, and a vibrant arts showcase, with the tree lighting set for Saturday at 6 p.m. This free event is a beloved holiday tradition. (Source: Town of Oro Valley “Vista” newsletter, November-December 2024)

Barrett unanimously re-appointed vice mayor 

At Wednesday's council meeting, council member Melanie Barrett was reappointed as vice mayor of the Town. Barrett has been vice mayor for the past five years.

Council unanimously approves three ordinances: Streamline litter enforcement, set zoning request time limits, and implement state-mandated accessory dwelling unit rules
Also Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved three ordinances during Wednesday night’s meeting. The first, Ordinance 024-10, updates the town code on garbage and litter to streamline enforcement of property maintenance violations. The ordinance allows alternative noticing methods, such as posting notices on properties or filing with the county recorder, making it easier for the town to address abandoned or neglected properties.

Ordinance 024-11 amends the zoning code to comply with state law on residential rezoning applications, legal protest areas, and development review expirations. It establishes a 180-day processing deadline for rezoning applications, clarifies the exclusion of government-owned properties from legal protest areas, and sets a 12-month inactivity cap for development applications before they expire.

The third measure, Ordinances 024-12 and 024-13, aligns the town’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations with state law, including height, location, and rental provisions. These changes aim to balance compliance with state mandates while addressing potential community concerns, such as neighborhood density and short-term rentals. There was minimal council discussion, as most items followed state law requirements.

The Cottage at Immaculate Heart: Check us out for the holidays!

"The Cottage is a vintage thrift store located at scenic 420 E Magee Rd, Oro Valley.  All items are previously loved, with all proceeds supporting the Sisters of Immaculate Heart.  Since our last ‘Bits ‘n Pieces’ in 2023, we’ve grown! Due to the generosity of others, we were able to enhance the landscape to allow increased parking and acquire several storage units, allowing space for increased inventory. 

We want to remind you that we’re here to offer a unique shopping experience and are a viable place at which you can donate.  Please visit our website for info regarding days/hours; donating; and, some photos of inventory (www.thecottageov.com).  Current hours are Weds thru Fri, 9am -1pm (website will always be most accurate source of info for hours and Saturday sale dates).  Call 520-405-4613 with information about pick up of items, donating on-site or any other questions.  Hope to see you soon!" (Source: The Cottage reader email)

SnOV on December 21
"Join us for the SnOV event on Thursday, December 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center! Enjoy games, crafts, food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), holiday characters, real snow, and a special visit from Santa. Due to limited parking, visitors are encouraged to park at the Oro Valley Town Hall parking lot (11000 North La Cañada Drive) and walk to the event, with Parks and Recreation staff and the Oro Valley Police Department ensuring a safe path. ADA parking will be available at the Community & Recreation Center." (Source)

Bits and Pieces

Council approves reconsideration of Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve plans
Wednesday night, the Oro Valley Town Council approved, by a 5-1 majority, a motion to reconsider previous plans for improvements to the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Mayor Winfield voted against the reconsideration, and Councilmember Joyce Jones-Ivey abstained. This decision reopens discussions on potential features, including the addition of a water feature, which had been excluded from earlier proposals. The motion allows the council to once again determine the direction of the project. This reconsideration aims to address community feedback on the desire for a water feature and explore enhancements that could benefit the preserve’s overall appeal and functionality.  The actual discussion will take place at an upcoming council meeting. OK, we will keep you posted.

Council approves change for permitting commercial vehicle storage
Also on Wednesday night, Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. (O)24-09 on November 20, 2024, amending the zoning code to require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for stand-alone vehicle storage facilities and clarifying related development standards. The amended regulations changed the designation from permitted to conditional use in certain districts. According to town staff, the decision follows extensive study sessions, public feedback, and recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

OVCN attendees use Robb’s driveway for parking
The “good neighbor” OVCN has such large crowds at their services that attendees park illegally. Every car you see parked here is in a no-parking zone. One car with a trailer was even parked on Council Member Robb’s driveway. Meanwhile, the saga of OVCN’s variance request continues on December 12. The town will host the “second” neighborhood meeting on their request. We put quotes around the word “second” because the first neighborhood meeting, held about a month ago, provided absolutely no information to residents. It was a sham.

Celebrate the season at the Oro Valley Festival on December 7 and 8 
The Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, presented by SAACA, is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the tree lighting at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Rd. This free event is an Oro Valley holiday tradition, featuring Christmas-themed performances, a special visit from Santa, and a vibrant celebration of the arts, bringing joy and community spirit to all attendees. (Source: Town of Oro Valley “Vista” newsletter, November-December 2024)

Key highlights from the November 2024 Town Manager’s Report
The Town of Oro Valley made notable advancements across various community projects. Road improvements on La Cañada Drive commenced on November 4 and concluded by November 15, while the Community & Recreation Center is undergoing accessibility upgrades, including a new elevator and entryway modifications, projected to finish in early 2025. The Town Court Expansion’s first phase has been completed, adding crucial facilities, with phase two underway and full completion anticipated by late spring 2025. The Cañada del Oro Wash levee project was finished ahead of schedule, enhancing flood protection and repaving trail sections. (Source: November 2024 Town Manager Report to Council)

Oro Valley launches tourism app
Oro Valley has introduced the Explore OV app to enhance the visitor experience by simplifying the exploration of local attractions, events, and businesses. The app is part of the town’s tourism strategy and the town’s designation as a Destination Marketing Organization. The app offers features such as personalized itineraries, themed public art tours, and real-time navigation. Users can create tailored plans, access offline maps, and share their experiences with friends and family. This initiative, according to Paul Melcher, Town of Oro Valley Community and Economic Development Director, is an effort to promote Oro Valley’s unique offerings and foster economic support through tourism. You can download the app at the Apple or Google app stores. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
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Bits and Pieces (Pre Thanksgiving Edition)

Tree Lighting date set
The holiday tree will be located once again at the Oro Valley marketplace. The lighting ceremony is December 2 at 6 PM. There is also an all day holiday festival taking place that day.

Community Center Milestones 

In October, the Community and Recreation Center (CRC) achieved a record-breaking membership with over 3,200 currently registered members. This is a 51% increase from the prior year, adding 1,077 members. Situated at the heart of our town, the CRC stands as a cornerstone of our community, and this substantial growth underscores the growing enthusiasm of the town’s community's amenity and recreation programs. (Town Manager November Report To Council)

Town upgrades 911 system … adds automatic call back feature

In October, the town upgraded its 911 system. The upgrade introduces a major new feature: Automatic Abandoned Callback (AAC). AAC is designed to call back abandoned 911 calls, providing response prompts. Yes. The majority of abandoned 911 calls are accidental. Still, there is a portion of these calls that originate from individuals in urgent need of emergency assistance. (Town Manager November Report To Council)

Treat the “Yellow Signs” kindly
Property owners, applicants, and/or developers are required to submit applications to the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Staff for proposed land development (e.g., General Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Conditional Use Permit, Grading exception) changes The Town is then required to publicly announce all hearings related to the proposed development. Prominent yellow signs are installed on the property to inform residents about upcoming public meetings. 

These signs contain details about the proposed changes, meeting date/location, and the website/contact information for residents seeking additional details. They serve as a visual prompt for residents to engage and gather information about the proposed developments in their community. Unfortunately, some yellow signs have been defaced, knocked down, or blown over by the wind. To report damaged or fallen signs, please call 520-229-4800.

Town focuses on identifying short term rental registrations... issues violation notices

The following are short-term rental (STR) statistics through October:

• There are 341 STR rental unit listings as of 10/30/23, down from 348 listings the prior month.
• September: 67.5% of STRs are single family units, 31.3% are multifamily units, and 1.2% are unknown type. 
• October: 68.8% of STRs are single family units, 29.9% are multifamily units, and 1.3% are unknown type. 
• 2-3 bedroom rentals constitute 41% and 35.1% of all rental listings, respectively. 
• Of the single family units, approximately 96.% include the entire home as the rental unit.

Town staff assesses STR registrations monthly, initiating a review process at the start of each month to detect any registrations that remain outstanding. Staff issues a violation notice once it has identified a non-registered STR. (Town Manager November Report To Council) 

Bits and Pieces

Monday...Neighborhood meeting of Drive-Thru at LaCanada and Oracle

After years of vacancy, the bladed lot on the northwest corner of LaCanada and W Naranja Drive is proposed for two medical buildings and a drive-thru restaurant. The last neighborhood meeting on this was two and half years ago. Read more about the project here.

Delightful rain last weekend

Last weekend, more than 23,000 acre feet of water fell over Oro Valley. It was mostly a gentle rain. It was the kind that benefits the town's groundwater supplies. More days like that are good!

An awesome holiday display light show

The awesome holiday light show is back. It located at a home at the intersection of W Golf View Drive and W Landoran.  Show starts around 6pm. Well worth seeing.

Next OVCN sports facility hearing in February

The next public hearing on the request by the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) for a major sports facility is in February. It will be held by the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission. At that time, the Commission will vote on whether it approves or does not approve the application. Or, they could approve it with conditions.  After that, the The Oro Valley Town Council will  hear the application. Approval will require a supermajority (three quarters approval) of the council.  

At Wednesday's hearing, town staff planner Hannah Oden stated that the facility will impact views, increase traffic, and increase noise in the area. The only mitigating measure to some of that to is require that the Church not hold more than one event a time. Residents speaking at Tuesday's hearing are staunchly opposed to the project because of its negative impact on their community.

Oro Valley to cut the ribbon on Steam Pump Ranch Garage restoration

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Dec. 7, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley invites the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the restoration of the Garage building at historic Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle Road) on Saturday, December 10 at 10 a.m. Guest speakers include Mayor Joe Winfield and Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Bits and Pieces

Council approves video recording of board and commission meetings

This past Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved a motion by Council Member Bohen to video record all board and commission meetings. Currently, these meetings are audio recorded. They are difficult to follow when there are presentations being made. Thus, the need for video.  The motions increases governance transparency. It wa unanimously approved by all Council Members.

Town Manager Jacobs: Town's staff wellness program is robust"

"We have a extremely robust wellness program here and the Town of Oro Valley for employees and because we are self insured that’s particularly important so that we keep our employees out of the doctor keep them healthy and that ultimately saves taxpayer dollars so it all works out really well with regularly been recognized for outstanding wellness programs and we were notified that we received the official gold seal of good health keeping renewal awards so again we get it again and the employer resiliency recognition from the wellness council of Arizona and so will be receiving that award." (Source: Town Manager Mary Jacobs report to council at meeting of November 17, 2021)

Great holiday lights display for you to watch...

This year, as in past years, the home at the intersection of Landoran and Golf View Drive in Oro Valley has a simply lovely, fun display. It's hard to describe so we've included a video for you to enjoy. It's really something.

OV SafeSteps program wins PRSA IMPACT Award of Excellence

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 15, 2021) –– The Town of Oro Valley’s OV SafeSteps program has been recognized for exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness in public relations and communications by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for Southern Arizona.

 
On November 2, the program was awarded a PRSA IMPACT Award recognizing the highest standards in programs that successfully incorporate the four key elements of: research, planning, implementation, and evaluation and demonstrating the value these practices bring to communities. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Proposed Senior Care Facility at Stone Canyon is no more

"The Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with Spectra Properties for the 51-acre Stone Canyon parcel has been terminated," according to the Stone Canyon Community Association letter of November 24. The project was for a "skilled care facility" and not a resort. In September, the Town's Board of Adjustment unanimously rejected an appeal of a zoning interpretation by Town Engineer Bayer Vella regarding building height. At that meeting, residents were complementary of Vella's detailed study of the matter as well as former Mayor Loomis' comments at the meeting. 

Oro Valley Municipal Golf: How does it compare?

One of ways to understand how well Oro Valley's 36-holes of municipal golf is doing is to compare its "rounds" results to another, reasonably close municipal course.  One of the challenges in doing this is that Oro Valley operates 36 holes of golf while a comparable course operates only 18. Another challenge is that the Oro Valley courses are not strictly comparable because Oro Valley's course has memberships. Member rounds account to 40% of total round played.  Other municipal courses have no memberships.

Considering these differences, we compared Oro Valley Municipal Golf results to that other course, focusing on total non member "played" rounds. For the four months ended October, the other course had 479 non member paid rounds per hole. The Oro Valley course had 323. So, in that regard, the Oro Valley courses are underperforming. 

On the other hand, Oro Valley is outperforming this other municipal course (561 to 479) if total rounds are considered.

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