Bits and Pieces

Town expands its SRO program to Lehman Academy
The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved an agreement on Wednesday night between the Town of Oro Valley Police Department and Leman Academy of Excellence to assign a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) at the academy. The SRO position will be funded by a grant awarded to Leman Academy by the Arizona Department of Education, covering the officer’s salary and related expenses for a three-year period. This collaboration is intended to strengthen the relationship between the school and the police department, enhancing safety and support for the school community.

Welcome “Panorama Trails”
The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the renaming of West Lambert Lane Park to Panorama Trails as part of the town’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The change was necessary to better reflect the park’s purpose as a space dedicated to scenic trails rather than a traditional park with playgrounds or other facilities. 

The name “Panorama Trails” was recommended by both the STEAM camp participants and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) because of the park’s beautiful views of surrounding mountain ranges. During the discussion, council members emphasized the importance of honoring the youth’s contributions and agreed that the new name accurately describes the park’s tranquil trails and panoramic scenery.

Town receives yet another award for financial reporting
Each year the Town of Oro Valley finance department receives an award for its financial reporting. 2023 was no exception. A recent town media release announced that the town was named a “Triple Crown” winner for financial reporting for the fiscal year 2023 by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This designation is awarded to governments that achieve GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award within a single year. Oro Valley is one of only 356 governments to receive the Triple Crown distinction in 2023, marking the town’s 12th consecutive year of receiving this honor. Chief Financial Officer David Gephart expressed pride in the achievement, attributing it to the hard work of the finance team in maintaining high standards for producing clear and accurate financial reports. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Some fun things to do this weekend

This weekend in Oro Valley, there are three exciting events for the community to enjoy. 

• Tonight from 7-9:30 p.m., head to Steam Pump Ranch for the Friday Night Concert, featuring live music from Hardscrabble Road, playing hits from the 50s, 60s, and select country favorites. 
• Tomorrow enjoy "Movie at the Ranch", a free outdoor screening of Back to the Future III starting at 6 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch. Bring your blankets and chairs for a fun family movie night under the stars. 
• Also Tomorrow join the Oro Valley Hiking Series at 7 a.m. for a beginner-friendly 2.3-mile hike at Honeybee Canyon, led by certified staff who will provide interpretive information along the trail. It's the perfect weekend to explore local music, movies, and nature!

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks Bulletin)

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Bits and Pieces

Sign Destruction Continues…Police Involved
Council candidates report that all candidate signs were stolen at corners on La Cholla and Lambert and LaCholla and Naranja.  This appears to be vandalism. However, Robb and Bohen’s signs have been targeted and destroyed in multiple locations, including Pusch View Lane and Oracle.  Tuesday night we learned that a Greene sign at LaCholla and Tangering was sliced with the face cut out. A Murphy sign was on the ground in the same area. 

What is going on people? The police have been notified and are currently investigating the incidents. They are determined to catch the culprits.

Incidents are under investigation by the
Oro Valley Police Department

Follow Up: SRO Program Costs Oro Valley $550,000 Annually
In April, we reported that in 2023/24 the town received $90,000 from the Amphi School District for the School Resource Officers it provides to the district’s schools. According to the Oro Valley Police Department the cost of these officers is $639,885 for this year. Though the years are different, our best guess is that the annual cost of the program to the town is about $550,000. 

Sandbags available during Monsoon season
Last week marked "… the official start of monsoon season, and the Town of Oro Valley wants to make sure residents are monsoon ready. The Town will once again provide free sandbags to residents who may need to protect areas of their homes from storm runoff. Sandbag pickup is located at 9451 N. Egleston Drive, which is behind the fields at James D. Kriegh Park. Sandbags will be available beginning Monday, June 17, through September 30, 2024. The lot is accessible from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. "(Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

CDO shared use path closures to enable water flood control
This week, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District began a Cañada del Oro (CDO) Wash Levee Augmentation Project along share use path.  There will be intermittent closures from N. La Cañada Drive to N. Oracle Road, with completion expected by November 2024, weather permitting. Following the 2020 Bighorn Fire, sediment build-up decreased the wash’s capacity, necessitating this project to restore capacity and enhance flood protection for nearby homes and businesses.  (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley Town Council formalizes School Resource Officer Program
Last week, the Town Council formalized the town's policy regarding deployment of and reimbursement for School Resource Officer. The council unanimously agreed that  “Every K-12 school in Oro Valley should have the Oro Valley Police Department and emergency responder planner annually review and provide input to their security and emergency plans; should have a resource officer, or other alternative security approved by the Oro Valley Police Department. Oro Valley shall request a reimbursement from each school for the cost of the Oro Valley provided SROs.” We don't this will make a difference in the town's current SRO deployment, which essentially covers all of the town's public schools.

Sprouts to charge for plastic bags

Sprouts Supermarket on Oracle will be charging for plastic bags in a few weeks. For a few dollars you can get one of their heavy duty totes.  It can be used anywhere. We wonder why the Town of Oro Valley has not banned plastic bags.

Enforcement of Oro Valley’s short term rental ordinance now in effect

The Town of Oro Valley would like to remind residents that as of Friday, May 5, 2023, enforcement of the Town’s ordinance for short term and vacation rentals is now in effect. The new ordinance, which establishes rules, regulations and licensing requirements for short term and vacation rentals (e.g. Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), officially went into effect on February 3; however, Town Council allowed for a 90-day implementation period where the ordinance would not be enforced to allow individuals to become familiar with the licensing process. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release). Learn more here.

Oro Valley community invited to participate in housing survey 

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (May 9, 2023) – The Town of Oro Valley is inviting everyone who lives, works or owns a business in Oro Valley to participate in an online survey about the Town’s current and future housing needs. Your help is needed to answer questions like, “What types of housing does Oro Valley need?” and “What are barriers to homeownership?”

There are two separate surveys. The resident survey is for people who live in Oro Valley. The business owner/employee survey is for non-residents who work in Oro Valley or anyone who owns a business in Oro Valley (whether or not the business owner is a resident).” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Two Amphi School District Seats on Ballot as Superintendent Updates Council

Jaeger updates Council

Todd Jaeger, Superintendent of the Amphi School District ("Amphi"), updated the Oro Valley town Council last Wednesday. His message was three-fold: First thank you so much, Oro Valley, for providing the School Resource Officers to our schools.  Second: Amphi doesn't have enough money. Third: Student academic performance is better than the State of Arizona average. Jaeger concluded remarks by saying “…how proud we are of serving the community of Oro Valley.”

SRO program is a shining light

LOVE has written about the school resource officer program. It is a shining light in our community. It is most certainly something that the Town of Oro Valley will continue to provide. Amphi can not get independent funding for school resource officers so the fact that Oro Valley is providing is that great bonus.

Pressure to spend spend where there are few added funds

The Amphi School gets half of its funding from the local property tax assessment. That assessment has been greater than allowed by the State because local taxpayers have voted to override the State aggregate expenditure limit. That override must be voter approved every five years. 

According to Jaeger, the biggest problem caused by lack of funding is the inability to fill open positions. Most of these positions are for support personnel.  Attracting employees, as Jaeger noted, is a general problem that’s happening today’s economy, whether in the public or private sector.

Spending has also increased because the District provides all day kindergarten programs and preschool programs. These programs require funding and essentially result in the District raising our children. This is a daunting challenge.

The District has a budget of approximately $106 million.  This is $9,200 per year per student.  35% of these students receive free or reduced lunch cost.

Student academic performance better than State average... but that standard is very low

The Superintendent espoused the fact that District students test scores are better than some other school districts and better than the state average when it comes to academic performance. 

Whether it be in math or English, that performance is below any reasonable standard. Less than of half the students can profess proficiency at grade level in math or english. Jaeger refereed to political signs that have been posted regarding the inability of Amphi students to read at grade level. Those signs say that only 40% of students can read at their grade level. The number Jaeger reported was 46%. Not much difference.

Jaeger attributes the low scores to his contention that the District has a diverse population. For example, it has 741 english learners of its more than 11,500 student body. Of these, 2,166 are gifted enrollment. Total enrollment is declining as parents find other options using Charter Schools. Oro Valley has several of these options. Jaegar also noted that the District has the capacity for enrollment growth.

Oro Valley is a major funding source for the District

The Amphi School District is in accident of history. It was established years ago before Oro Valley was truly the kind of community it is today. Oro Valley is the bulwark of funding for the Amphi School District. Oro Valley taxpayers pay a large cost of the District because Oro Valley property values are higher than in the rest of the District. In addition, Oro Valley has a very high proportion of retired people who do not burden the system with students.

Two of the five Amphi Governing Board Seats are on the ballot

The Amphi Governing Board has five seats. Two on the ballot. Mona Gibson and Jeff Utsch are challenging two incumbents. Both Gibson and Utsch are focussed on bringing greater parental input into the school system. According to Utsch: "We need to put the children first and help elevate the teachers."

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About Todd Jaeger

Todd Jaeger joined is now in his sixth year as Superintendent of the the Amphi School District. He was the TUSD legal council prior to that.

Oro Valley Cops Are Ready To Take Out The "Bad Guys" In An Active Shooter Situation

How safe are Oro Valley's schools?

That's a question on the minds of many of our families here in Oro Valley, after the horrific school massacre at Uvalde Tx last week.

Based on our conversation with Oro Valley Police Lt. Mike Gracie, we've concluded that our children are definitely safer than those in Uvalde. 

Here's five reasons why.

Reason 1: The Prime Directive: "Get the bad guy and do it quickly"

First, and foremost, an Oro Valley Police Officer will not be waiting for reinforcements before taking on the situation. Indeed, every officer in the Oro Valley Police Department has been trained and is ready to do whatever it takes to eliminate the threat in an active shooting situation. Their prime directive (see panel) is to immediately engage in the situation, strap on their packs and do whatever it takes to get to the bad guy.

The officer's priorities are clear. Protect the lives of the potential victims and bystanders. Then, protect their own life.  Protecting the life of the perpetrator is last.  The same priority is applied for providing medical assistance.

Reason 2: Each officer is  an "Army of One"

Second, each Oro Valley Police Office has been trained to do the job.

Oro Valley Police Lt. Mike Gracie has devoted a significant portion of his career to focusing on the active shooter world.  According to Gracie, each officer is trained to deal with active shooter situations. The training is extensive. It includes training at schools as well as training at a "mock site" at Davis Monathan AFB. The department also trains with other Southern Arizona public safety forces.

"We train officers to be competent with a solo officer response. The officer might be the first person there. Second officers might be thirty seconds away and you can hear the sirens. But if you have actionable intel and reason to believe your presence here is not even worth waiting 30 seconds, we have trained you and how to do something by yourself." 

The Oro Valley Police Officer has been trained to be an "army of one". When an active shooting situation develops, they are to act to save lives. They should not hesitate and wait for backup. Other officers who arrive are to move into immediate action. At some point, an arriving officer will take "command and control," coordinating the many activities that have to take place: From making sure that traffic in the area is controlled; to ensuring that ambulances get to the site; to ensuring that parents can find their kids in a school shooting incident.

Reason 3: The SRO plays a key role in school safety

Third, the town's school resource officer (SRO) program puts a cop in those schools who want an SRO.

When it comes to schools in Oro Valley, the SRO plays a key role. In the schools in which they are located, they become the first officer in. The SRO, like all Oro Valley police officers, is trained in what to do. SRO's are in Oro Valley schools at the behest of the Amphi School District or the private school. They are invited in. They have not been invited to all schools in town.  (We will not identify schools that have no SRO coverage.) Regardless, the Oro Valley Police Department will respond to any threat at any school in town at any time.

The actual design of school security and the plan for what students and teachers are to do if something happens is done by the school itself. The Oro Valley Police Department has no input on that.

Reason 4: State of the art equipment keeps the police force "ready to roll"

Fourth, the Oro Valley Police Officer has the right equipment in "ready to go" condition.

"Another part of our preparation is our equipment. We recently [March] revamped our laser-sight sidearms. We equipped them with a micro-dot sidearm system." This will improve the officer's use of force decision-making as well as enhance accuracy. Officers have their sidearm on them at all time. 

The department also upgraded and standardized their rifles. "Intentionally made them shorter because that is easier to use inside a structure...They are also much higher quality, much more modular, and much more customizable." All rifles are now suppressed. That's important because firing a rifle on a hallway, such as we have in our schools, can be deafening to all. The police force has also miniaturized breaching equipment, making it one officer portable. 

Reason 5: Constant surveillance

Fifth, the Oro Valley Police Department follows up on all tips and leads that it gets.

The police department is constantly monitoring information they receive from various sources and using various means to determine if there is an imminent threat or if one could possibly develop. For example, students at CDO high school have an online bulletin board where students can report any concerns of things they've heard or seen.  The department may get a call from a concerned citizen or parent concerned perhaps something isn't quite right.  The department follows up on all of these.

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The Best Of Heather's Corner: Oro Valley Participation in the School Resource Officer Program and a Pleased Parent

This is a reprint of an article that appeared originally on September 8, 2015
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As a first time around parent of a kindergartner, I am happy to say that I am finally navigating the pick-up and drop-off debacle with ease. Also as a parent new to the public school system I was pleasantly surprised but taken back by the presence of uniformed police officers on campus. It turns out the School Resource Officer Program is not new to Oro Valley and has a standing history since the town's inception in 1977.

Instantly I thought to myself, after unfortunate school events in the news for over a decade or longer, how great it was to have the increased safety of an officer on campus. But it turns out, they actually provide a multitude of services. Oro Valley's Resource Program (SRO) Unit is "designed upon the 'Basic Triad Concept' of being a law enforcement officer, teacher and counselor to the school community." So with law enforcement comes working closely with school staff and counselors, interacting personally with students as role models, and teaching classes on drug awareness, bullying, and stranger awareness to the younger children, and drinking laws and date rape awareness to our highschoolers.

Unfortunately not all schools nationwide are able to participate in such programs. According to one 2011 study, "Public Perceptions of School Resource Officer Programs," local police departments and sheriffs' offices currently employ an estimated 20,000 full-time school resource officers but "budget reductions have led to cutbacks in many school resource officer programs." And these positions are not without some parental opposition and debate.

Some studies indicate that unnecessary arrests have been made by SRO's that should have been through school disciplinary channels and not have escalated to juvenile courts. Others feel that this increased safety can be experienced by all schools if the emphasis is taken away from SRO programs and more effort is put into creating a safe environment through school related programs. Finally a third area of concern is cost of these programs. Those favoring the program say all costs justify the presence and safety provided by SRO's and those programs for public schools with tough budget cuts are then usually covered by the local law enforcement agency. Those opposing costs say for example, "that for the price of one school resource officer, most districts could hire one teacher and have money left over."

My son adores his school's resource officer, Officer Sara Buchanan-Leiner, and is sure to say good morning to her each day as she welcomes the children and directs parent drop-off traffic. My personal opinion is that I am grateful for Oro Valley's SRO program and feel just a little bit safer leaving my 5 year old out in the big world without me. Wondering what your thoughts are on Oro Valley's SRO Unit? Please share.

(Sources: Oro Valley Web Site,Wikipedia)
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 7 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!

Bits and Pieces

Waters Recall Makes National News
The national publication "Daily Caller" has reported that Oro Valley Council Member Lou Waters' is involved in a recall election. The article is entitled: "Former CNN Anchor Involved In A Sticky Recall Election In Filthy Rich Tucson Suburb."

Imagine. Oro Valley-a filthy rich suburb!

The highlights the following about Waters:

• "The Oro Valley government website has an impressive sounding but really poorly written bio on him."
• "But it seems poor Lou isn’t so enthralled with the state of the journalism industry"
• "As much as Waters claims to be a big proponent of getting the facts, revealing basics on himself is another story. In a bio for the Arizona Daily Star, he refused to reveal his age. “Would not disclose,” reads the age line. A 2014 profile, however, in Tucson Local Media lists his age as 75.

Courtesy: The Daily Caller

The article posts a picture (at right) of Waters when he was on CNN.

Not very flattering.

Hiremath gets more Oro Valley money for Explorer Program.. fails to reveal that his son is a member.

Mayor Hiremath asked for a $5,000 increase in the towns funding of the Oro Valley Police Department Explorer program. The program, paid via donations in most other communities, is funded by the Town Of Oro Valley.

What Mayor Hiremath failed to disclose, so Council Member Bill Garner did it for him, is that the Mayor's son is a member of the Explorers.

Town Council To Call For Recall Election

"Oro Valley, Arizona (June 4, 2015) - Recall petitions were officially filed today against Town of Oro Valley Vice Mayor Waters, Councilmember Hornat and Councilmember Snider. State statute requires that the recall petitions are not officially filed until the Town Clerk determines that the total number of valid signatures are sufficient to meet the minimum requirements for a recall election.

Pursuant to A.R.S. 19-208 and 19-209, Waters, Hornat and Snider have five business days during which they may choose to resign. If a resignation is not tendered, the order calling a special recall election shall be issued within 15 days.

An item has been added to the June 17, 2015, Council Meeting Agenda to call the election for November 3, 2015."

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

2015 General Plan Is Ready For Your Review

The 2015 General Plan is 60% complete. The plan paints a vision of what Oro Valley is and wants to be. It is ready for public review. Visit this link to learn more. There you can read the plan and provide comment. If you prefer, you can comment by sending an email to YourVoiceOV@orovalleyaz.gov.  Public comment will close on July 31.

According to the town's press release:

• The plan is entering a summer review period during which the public, stakeholders, boards and commissions, and local agencies will provide comment. 
• Planning and Zoning Commission will be holding study sessions on July 7th and July 9th.
• We’ll also be reconvening the committees in August to decide on edits for the Recommended Draft (90% plan version).
• That draft will then be presented to Planning and Zoning Commission as well as Town Council this fall.

Please do invest the time to review and comment.

Golf Course Signs Apply
One of our readers wrote to us. The reader questioned the restrictive nature of the signs telling people to stay off the golf course. The reader stated this it is a public course owned by the community and that it should be available to all.

This is not the case. Public safety comes first.

According to Town Manager Caton: ""It is now publically owned; however, access is restricted for the intended use. For example, if I visit the Aquatic Center, I have to pay and I can’t ride my skate board around the pool deck. Also, the signage is intended to prevent accidents. A golf course, unless a special event is occurring, is for golf. If someone randomly walks onto the course, then they could get hit by a golf ball."

Meet Council Candidate Steve Didio
Oro Valley resident Steve Didio has announced his candidacy for council in the November election. LOVE will be posting a "Meet The Candidate" article about him on June 22. In the meantime, if you want to know about about Steve an article about him in Sun City OV.

OVPD is named Model Agency of the Year for School Resource Officers program

Oro Valley, Arizona (June 9, 2015) - On June 16, 2015, the Arizona School Resource Officers Association (ASROA) will present the Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) with the award for Model Agency of the Year. This is the second time OVPD has received this distinction; the first was in 2013.

The Town's School Resource Officer (SRO) program, which dates back to 1977, was restructured in 2002 and is based on the "Basic Triad Concept" of being a law enforcement officer, teacher and counselor to the school community in which they serve. ((Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Oro Valley to offer FREE community enrichment classes for adults/seniors

Oro Valley, Arizona (June 10, 2015) - The Town of Oro Valley is proud to announce a series of free summer enrichment classes for adults and seniors. All classes will be held in the Sunset Room at the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Drive. To register, call 520-544-1900. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

The classes include:

• Understanding Joint Conditions of the Spine and Treatment with instructor Dr. Steven Hanks 
• Are you tired of taking the purple pill? Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. with instructor Dr. Martin 
• AARP Foundation Finances 50+ Part 1, Monday, July 13 at 9 a.m. Part 2, Tuesday, July 14 at 9 a.m. Part 3, Wednesday, July 15 at 9 a.m 
• Diabetes 101 Friday, July 17 at 11 a.m. with instructor Dr. Leila Wing 
• Computers 101: I've turned it on. Now What? Wednesday, July 29 at 9 a.m. with instructor Audrey Sharp
• Heart to Harddrive Online Security: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age Tuesday, August 18 at 9 a.m. with instructor Audrey Sharp
• Diverticular Disease Thursday, August 20 at 10 a.m. with instructor Dr. Martin 
• The Weekend Warrior and that Problem Shoulder Wednesday, August 26 at 10 a.m. with instructor Dr. Prickett

Bits and Pieces

What Me Worry? Lou's Confused

Council Member Lou Waters must have been confused at last week's Northwest Conservatives Forum.  He said that he moved to Tucson to be news director at Channels 4 and 13. Actually, before that, he worked for friend Phil Richardson at KTKT Radio.

Do You Agree With The Oro Valley "Approved" Vision

In May, the Oro Valley Town Council approved a vision statement the will be in the general plan. It is:

"To be a well-managed community that provides all residents with opportunities for quality living. Oro Valley will retain its friendly, small-town character, while increasing access to daily services, employment and recreation. The Town’s lifestyle continues to be defined by a strong sense of community, a high regard for public safety and an extraordinary natural environment and scenic views."

Let the town know what you think by taking the survey.
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Firefighters Weigh-In On The Election

As we surmised on June 30 in our posting: 2014 Election: Majority-4's Oro Valley's Special Interests , the International Association of Firefighters, known to many of us for their work in supporting "Jerry's Kids," are back supporting Dr. Hiremath for Mayor.

Once again, we ask: What skin do they have in this game?

The answer is: NONE.

Firefighters have their own fire district. They are not going to be impacted by the Oro Valley election.
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Watch Oro Valley's History

There are 3 excellent videos that discuss Oro Valley's history. One was produced by Oro Valley resident Bill Adler. It is entitled: "Determining Our Destiny: Oro Valley's Heritage."  It was produced this year.

The other is a 2-part video entitled: Oro Valley-An Oral History. It was produced in 2007. Both of these videos are the recollections of 2 individuals.  One video is a video of Henry Zipf.  Henry lives in Amado.  Henry is the grandson of George Pusch, who founded Steam Pump Ranch. The other significant individual is Jim Kreigh, a town engineer who was one of the of the founders of Oro Valley.
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State Funds Some SRO Programs

The State of Arizona has provided grants to the Marana, TUSD, Amphitheatre School Districts for School Resource Officers ("SRO").  The grant provides for a "whopping" one SRO for the entire district.

"Each district handles safety at its schools differently. For example, some of the schools in Amphitheater Public Schools fall within the Town of Oro Valley boundaries. Oro Valley Police say they provide school resource officers at all the schools within town limits through a grant or its budget." (Source)

Bits and Pieces

GFRD and Oro Valley To Partner On On-Site, Full-Time Health Clinic For Employees

 "The Town of Oro Valley, Arizona is seeking competitive proposals from qualified and interested firms to design, furnish, staff and manage an on-site health and wellness clinic to provide quality medical services to Town employees and dependents....Golder Ranch Fire District is considering partnering with the Town of Oro Valley in the operation of this Health and Wellness Clinic. The Fire District has 147 employees and a total of 494 individuals covered by their health insurance." (Source: Oro Valley Bid Solicitation 14032)
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Zinkin Appointed To NLC Steering Committee

Council Member Mike Zinkin "...has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2014 Community and Economic Development Steering Committee. This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC federal policy positions on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation and international competitiveness. The appointment was announced by NLC President Chris Coleman, mayor, St. Paul, Minn." (NLC Press Notice)
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Burns Gets New Job

Council Member Brendan Burns is now a member of prestigious law firm Fennemore Craig.  Brendan practices in the area of commercial litigation, plaintiff's personal injury, professional liability, medical negligence defense, and land use planning and zoning. (Source: Press Release)
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Oro Valley Schlock Sign

Here's our nomination for Oro Valley's Schlock Sign.  We didn't know that Oro Valley allowed this kind of sign.  It looks like a bed sheet with some writing on it. We hope the quality of the $7.99 haircut is better than the quality of the sign.  We also wonder if this type of sign is "In Our Nature."
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Aquatic Center Closed For Maintenance

The Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be closed for maintenance from January 27 to February 2.(Oro Valley Press Release)
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Oro Valley 2013SRO Annual Report Available

The Oro Valley Popular Annual Report can be viewed on line or downloaded.
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"OVPD teen driving program receives a boost from National Auto Collision Centers

The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) School Resources Unit has received a donation of $1,100 from National Auto Collision Centers for the Impact Teen Driving Program.

Program curriculum is being taught by OVPD School Resource Officers in Oro Valley high schools. With the donation from National Auto Collision Centers, an incentive will be added to the program. Students who complete the course will receive an I.C.K.Y. (Ignorance Can Kill You) to place in their vehicles as a reminder to not engage in distracting tasks while driving, such as texting." (Source: The Oro Valley Police Department press release)
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Drzazgowski Wins Shop OV Holiday Campaign 

"The Town of Oro Valley is proud to announce that Oro Valley resident Molly Drzazgowski is the winner of the final prize drawing for the Shop OV Holiday Campaign. Drzazgowski will receive a two-night stay at the Hilton El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, including a choice of one round of golf for two, or two 50-minute custom spa treatments and breakfast for two at the Sundance Café. " (Oro Valley Press release)
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OV announces art, photo and multimedia contest For K-12 students 

"In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Town of Oro Valley is proud to host the "Life in OV" art, photo and multimedia contest for students in grades K - 12.

The contest is an opportunity for Oro Valley's youth to showcase their unique perspective on life in OV. Whatever is important to them-family, friends, pets, school, clubs, sports, parks, nature-we hope they will share their vision through art, photos or multimedia. Get contest rules here. (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Bits and Pieces

Amphi Schools Not Yet Crisis Trained

We attended an Oro Valley Police Department media session on "active shooter" training last week. The term "active shooter" was coined after the Columbine (Co.) school shooting.  The demonstrations included 4-officer and single officer training practices, breech training, and take-down of an active shooter  (see video).

The Oro Valley Police Department has trained private school staff in how to handle emergency situations.  Similar emergency training has not occurred at the Amphi School District schools.

One of our local schools, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, has volunteered use of their property for police training.  Unlike the Amphi Schools, Pusch Ridge does not have a full-time, free Oro Valley-paid school resource officer.
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Sex Offender Notice

Oro Valley, Ariz. (July 12, 2013) – The Oro Valley Police Department is releasing the following information pursuant to ARS 13-3825, which requires law enforcement agencies inform the public when release of information will enhance public safety and protection.


Antonio Alejandro Neira was convicted of possession of child pornography in 2008 and has been classified as a level 3 offender. Neira is a 28-year-old white male, described as 5’07” and 350 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. He resides at 10182 N Tarheel Place, Oro Valley, Arizona.
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This month's Oro Valley
crime statistics are out.  There's little change in the trend.  Larceny is by far to town's number 1 crime.
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TIA Updates Oro Valley Town Council

Mary Davis, Senior Director of Business Development for the Airport, reported the status of the Tucson Airport to town council at its July 3 meeting.  Recently, she reported, Alaska Air Lines announced a non stop flight to Portland.

"It takes a village to retain and maintain an airline in our community," noting that community support is essential to building TIA Traffic.  Mary also discussed the solar array being installed in the new parking facility and a community survey that TIA is launching.

TIA has an enormous challenge.

There is a world class airport 90 minutes to the north with outstanding non stop service to lots of places.  "Sadly, we lose about 800,000 trips a year up the highway," Davis noted.  "We'd like to figure out what the tipping point is."  Our answer: Cheaper fares and more non stops to everywhere.

Another challenge, a huge one that Mary did not mention, is what will happen to service once American is taken over by US Airways.  American is a major Tucson carrier.  US Airways is not.  Maybe there is opportunity for more, and not less service.

What's best for Oro Valley? Certainly, a strong local airport would be helpful in attracting business to our town.   Be lovely, however, to have a Tucson-Phoenix commuter train, one that stopped at Tangerine and I-10; one that took you directly to Sky Harbor.  This is something that is in the works.  Be good to see our Council involved in politicking for it.
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Update: Governor Brewer Will Seek Funding For SRO's

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"The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary was unimaginable.

Our job now is to take common sense steps that lessen the likelihood of a similar tragedy striking Arizona – while resisting the urge to turn a school into a fortress. Part of the solution is something that already has a track record of success: the School Resource Officer. My budget plan will expand State funding for these trained officers." (Source: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer: "State Of The State" Remarks: January 14, 2013).

The Governor delivered these remarks in here 35-minute annual "State Of The State" speech today.  The budget plan will be released this Friday.
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Governor Brewer To Support SRO Funding

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It looks as though Governor Brewer is interested in renewing the State's commitment to the school resource officer ("SRO").  (Report) The program, once funded by the State, was abandoned several years back when the state ran out of money. Now it seems to governor has renewed interest in the program.

Brewer will unveil her ideas regarding the SRO program in her "State Of State" address at 1:45 PM.

Item 2 on this Wednesday's Oro Valley Town Council meeting agenda is: "Discussion regarding the town's school resource officer program."

"This agenda item was requested by Vice Mayor Waters and Councilmember Snider. It will provide information to the Council and the public for discussion regarding the Oro Valley Police Department School Resource Unit," according to the information packet.  The information piece describes the SRO program.  We posted several articles on the program. You can read them here.
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Safety And Oro Valley's Schools

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How safe are Oro Valley's schools? That's a question on the minds of many of our families here in Oro Valley, after the horrific elementary school massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown Ct. on Friday.

Could Oro Valley's schools be safer because of Oro Valley's (SRO) program?  We've posted about the SRP program several times in the past two weeks.  Read these articles to familiarize yourself with the program.

Oro Valley's SRO program puts officers as resident in the five Amphi School District schools. These officers have liaison relationship with the other schools, such as Pucsh Ridge Academy.

SRO's are involved in the security of our schools.  This places a police car in front of the school makes our children safer.  At the high school level, these insane crimes are committed by students.  Hopefully, the simple knowledge that our cops are in the school deters the crazies.

If something does happen, our teacher's and our administrators have been prepared by our officers on what to do.  They have learned to save lives by:

• LOCKing the classroom
• PULLing the shades
• HIDE in the corners or elsewhere

That is the school lockdown process. It was derived from the "Run-Hide-Fight" methodology.

"Generally, a shooter who encounters a locked door, goes to the next door. The lockdown process makes it harder on the shooter," noted Lt. Curtiss Hicks of the Oro Valley Police Department.  "In a High School setting, the shooter is generally a student. "  Having them encounter an unfamiliar, more difficult situation throws the off their game-plan, hopefully saving lives.

Because officers are resident in the schools, response time is virtually immediate.  Response time is critical in responding to these insane situations.  "Our children are citizens," noted Lt. Kara Riley of the Oro Valley Police Department.  "They are entitled to public safety.  For us to assign an SRO to a school is like us sending a patrolman on a call."

Council Member Joe Hornat believes that the the presence of an officer in the school serves as a deterrent:  "The SRO gets to know who the students are.  Students feel comfortable with people who don't have a direct effect on their daily lives.  The SRO meets with students; provides intervention."

This "intervention" aspect of the SRO program is critical because, according to Lt. Hicks, it is not possible to completely secure a school.  "There isn't a school that can be completely locked. There are people coming and going all day."  It is the physical size and layout of the campus  of our larger schools make complete physical security impossible.  Unfortunately, if someone is absolutely bent on creating havoc they will simple blast their way in.

Each quarter, the schools run quarterly lockdown drills.  Annually, the SRO's review and evaluate school emergency procedures, with the goal of recommending improvements.

The safety of our school children is paramount to everyone with whom we spoke.   For some, however, the question is not whether or not the SRO program is an effective deterrent or effective response.  Rather, it is about:

• Who should fund the program: At present, Oro Valley pays $700,000 annually for this program.  Amphi reimburses Oro Valley for one SRO.  They argue that the Amphi School District is responsible for safety of our children and that the school district should pay for the program.
• The funding method of this program:  It is funded by an Oro Valley utility tax.  How does a utility tax relate, any way, to police services? and
• The fact that SRO's do not have a specific job description and a documented training program.

All of these are topics for future discussion.

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Your "SRO" Program

It’s about a month since Oro Valley students returned to school from summer vacation.  Oro Valley's School Resource Officers ("SRO") returned to school as well.

We think that its a "good thing" that our police are resident in the schools.  

The School Safety Program was a state-funded grant program that placed School Resource Officers (and/or Juvenile Probation Officers (JPOs) in selected schools to contribute to safe school environments that are conducive to teaching and learning.  The funds were given to the school districts for this purpose.

State grants dried up in 2008.   At that time, the Tucson District One School Resource Officer program was staffed by 23 experienced officers. Tucson District One eliminated the budget for their entire School Resource Officer Program.   The City of Tucson did not pick up the cost.

Oro Valley, however, did pick up the cost of the SRO's located at the Oro Valley schools in the Amphitheater ("Amphi") school district.

Today, Oro Valley pays for seven (7) full-time SRO's and one sergeant in charge of the SRO unit.

Did you know that there is no job description specific to the SRO Officer? The Oro Valley Police Department considers the seven SRO officers to be an operational assignment (classification 2760).  Did you know that there are no specific skill requirements or training for the classification 2760 as a school resource officer?

Exactly, what do the SRO's do all day? What do they do during summer vacation?

So, to sum it up: The citizens of Oro Valley pay both primary and secondary property taxes and a portion of those taxes is used to support the Amphitheater School District. The Amphitheater School District is responsible for the safety budget of their students.  The Town of Oro Valley pays these SRO's.  The Amphi School District does not pay for nor reimburse the Town of Oro Valley.   The SRO's have no specific job description and there is no public report on what they do.

So we wonder.  Shouldn't the Amphi school district pay for the SRO program?  Shouldn't this position have a specific job description? Shouldn't SRO's receive specific training?
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