Bits and Pieces

No Turn On Red

There is one traffic light intersection in Oro Valley where drivers are not allowed to make a right turn on red. Can you guess which one it is?  It is the intersection of Tangerine Road and Oracle Road, specifically for traffic heading eastbound on Tangerine and turning southbound onto Oracle. Lieutenant Eric Larter of the Oro Valley Police Department told LOVE that the “No Turn on Red” restriction for eastbound Tangerine Road turning southbound onto Oracle Road exists because Oracle has a 55 mph speed limit at that location and southbound drivers come over a crest just north of the intersection before heading downhill toward Oro Valley Marketplace. According to Larter, the restriction is intended to reduce the risk of collisions between high speed southbound traffic and vehicles accelerating from a stop on Tangerine. He also noted that quite a few drivers attempt the turn and that officers often stop motorists there simply to educate them about the restriction and signage.

Memorial Day remembrance Monday

A Memorial Day remembrance ceremony is planned for Monday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park. The event will honor the men and women who gave their lives in military service to the nation. The event is hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 132 and Arizona Heroes Memorial.

🎈🎈🎈Congratulations: CDO Softball wins State Championship

Canyon Del Oro High School softball captured the AIA 4A state championship Monday, earning the program’s 10th state title, its first since 2017. The championship run required winning five straight games in a 16 team tournament that began May 2, a feat only one team can achieve. CDO dominated early, shutting out opponents in its first three games, then won its final two contests by one run. The accomplishment is particularly notable because the team’s pitcher, Savanna Mares, is a freshman. Mares was a key force in the 2026 season, compiling a 21-6 record in a year that included a perfect game with 20 strikeouts. Congratulations as well to CDO Coach Kelly Fowler and the entire Dorados team on another state title. The 2026 championship run was powered by a freshman standout, a team that hit when it mattered, and a coach who knows how to win. (Assist from All Sports Tucson)

Explore Oro Valley tourism website launches today

Oro Valley’s new destination marketing website, ExploreOroValley.com will launch today after 11 a.m., according to Destination Marketing Manager Crystal Frank. It was presented to council Wednesday.  The site is the culmination of roughly a year of work. It is intended to support tourism, community awareness, and local business visibility. Frank described it as more than a website, calling it a new destination identity for Oro Valley. The site includes interactive features for events, dining, outdoor recreation, arts, lodging, trip planning, and mobile use, along with a new tourism focused brand and logo system separate from the Town’s official seal and logo. The branding and website effort cost about $175,000, according to Economic Development Director Paul Melcher.

Water customers will need to switch usage tracking apps on June 30

Oro Valley water customers who use the Town’s WaterSmart portal to monitor water use will need to move to a new platform called SpryPoint beginning June 30. According to Town Manager Jeff Wilkins, current WaterSmart users will need to register again and reenter their information in the new system. The change primarily affects customers who actively track their household water use.

Golder Ranch highlights fall prevention app NYMBL

Golder Ranch Fire District is encouraging residents to consider using the NYMBL balance training app, a mobile program designed to help reduce the risk of falls. According to Golder Ranch Fire District materials, the app combines balance exercises with cognitive training activities intended to improve stability, coordination, reaction time, and confidence during everyday movement. The district’s materials state that the program is aimed primarily at older adults and can be completed in about 10 minutes a day using a smartphone or tablet.

Council approves Sun City fountain

The Oro Valley Town Council voted 6–1 Wednesday to allow restoration of the Lion’s Head fountain at the Sun City Oro Valley Recreation Center in Rancho Vistoso. The action approved a site specific zoning amendment allowing the ornamental fountain to return. A council decision on this was needed because Town code prohibits new ornamental fountains. Supporters argued the redesigned fountain would use substantially less water and include conservation features such as rainwater harvesting. Opponents cited drought concerns, water conservation policy, and the precedent of granting an exception. Councilmember Joyce Jones Ivey cast the lone dissenting vote. Readers interested in the background and arguments on both sides can review LOVE’s earlier article on the proposal.  

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Planning and Zoning Commission Split Leaves Sun City Fountain Proposal Unresolved

No recommendation made after tie vote on water fountain
Last week, the Planning and Zoning Commission did not approve nor deny a text amendment to the Rancho Vistoso PAD that would have allowed an ornamental fountain to return to the Sun City Recreation Center. They did this through a split vote of 3-3 on a motion to deny the amendment, meaning no majority decision was reached.

Request made because fountain lost legal status to be restored without approval
The request is to allow restoration of the long-standing Lion Head Fountain. It was made by the Sun City Vistoso Community Association. The fountain was in operation until 2020. Unfortunately, it remained out of service for more than six months, causing it to lose its legal non-conforming status under Town code, which no longer permits ornamental fountains.

Proposal seeks smaller, lower-use fountain

The redesigned fountain will be smaller and more water-efficient than the previous one. It will use a  a closed-loop system of potable water, with the option to supplement with rainwater harvesting. The redesigned fountain would use about 1,300 gallons of water per month due to evaporation, or roughly 15,600 gallons annually. With rainwater harvesting, potable water use could drop to about 200 gallons per month. For comparison, a typical Oro Valley household uses about 7,500 gallons per month, meaning the fountain would use a fraction of a single home's annual water consumption.

Click To Enlarge

Staff says proposal conflicts with town water policies
Town staff recommended denial of the request, stating it conflicts with the Town's General Plan policies on water conservation. Staff referenced both the current Your Voice, Our Future General Plan and the draft Path Forward General Plan, which emphasize responsible water use, conservation, and drought-tolerant development. The zoning code has prohibited ornamental fountains since 2011 as part of that policy direction. Staff said allowing a new or reactivated fountain, even a smaller one, would be inconsistent with those policies and with the Town's long-standing approach to limiting non-essential water use.

Public comment was mostly supportive
Public comment reflected strong interest, with most speakers supporting the proposal. Supporters described the fountain as a valued community feature that provided a gathering place and contributed to the character of Sun City. They also pointed to the redesign and reduced water use. Those opposed focused on water conservation concerns, noting ongoing drought conditions and questioning whether any non-essential water use is appropriate.

Commission divided on whether exception is justified
Commission discussion reflected the same divide. Some members supported the amendment, noting the relatively small amount of water involved and the effort to reduce usage. Others emphasized the need to follow the General Plan and avoid setting a precedent for exceptions to the code. Several commissioners acknowledged the strength of public opinion on both sides.

Town Council will make final decision
With the 3-3 vote, the Commission did not make a formal recommendation. Instead, the matter will move forward to Town Council with notice of the split vote. Council will make the final decision on whether to approve the text amendment.
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Mary Murphy’s Vision for Oro Valley: Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability

Insightful perspectives directly from the candidates 

This is the last part of our series on the Sun City Candidate Forum held on June 12. Last week, we wrote about Mo Greene's council goals. Tuesday and Wednesday we featured the thoughts of Elizabeth Robb and Tim Bohen.  Today we feature the thoughts of Mary Murphy. For personal reasons, Murphy was not at the forum. So we asked her the questions asked the candidates. These are her responses.
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Mary Murphy’s vision for Oro Valley is one of fiscal sustainability, transparency, and community engagement, ensuring that the town’s unique character and quality of life are preserved while fostering sustainable growth and development. These are her thoughts and her words:

No property tax: Build revenues by working with local businesses

Murphy emphasizes the crucial role of the sales tax in providing Oro Valley’s revenue. She believes that fostering strong relationships with local businesses is essential to upholding the town’s high standard of service. “Sales tax plays a very important role in our Town’s revenue,” she states. “It is imperative that we have Council members who foster strong relationships with our local businesses in order to maintain our standard of living without reliance on a property tax, which I will never support!”

Tighten spending by prioritizing “Needs” and “Wants”
Murphy advocates for a balanced budget and a focus on prioritizing needs over wants to control spending. “By focusing on a balanced budget and prioritizing ‘needs’ over ‘wants’, we can control our spending,” she explains..

Maintain Oro Valley’s unique character-use land to the highest standards
Murphy stresses the importance of maintaining Oro Valley’s unique character by supporting only the highest standards for the limited remaining undeveloped land. Murphy has also made it clear that she has not accepted any developer or outside money, ensuring her decisions are made in the best interest of the community.

Look for annexations that “pay their own way”
Murphy emphasizes the importance of a rigorous cost-benefit analysis for annexations. “Any annexation must be considered on a rigorous cost-benefit basis. Only then can we make certain that any annexations enhance the quality, character, and financial health of the town.”

Engage the community in the journey
Transparency and collaboration are central to Mary Murphy’s vision for government. She plans to prioritize these values to ensure that residents can directly contact her. “Residents deserve representatives who will be easily approachable and available, and that is exactly what I plan to do,” she asserts. To achieve this, she plans to reintroduce “Council on Your Corner,” with monthly meetings around town, including in Sun City. Her initiative aims to give residents a direct voice in governance.

Conserve drinking water and use it wisely
Water conservation and wise water use are critical issues for Murphy. She advocates for continued education on water conservation and participation in regional recharge projects, as well as emphasizing xeriscape landscaping with native plantings. “Reducing our municipal turf areas, especially those watered with potable water, is key, and I am committed to working closely with my fellow council members to ensure that this happens,” she states.

Limit adding or increasing user fees to “controllable amenities”
While generally opposed to new user taxes, Murphy acknowledges that higher fees for non-residents using controllable amenities, such as the Community Center and The Aquatic Center, could be considered under certain circumstances.

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Bits and Pieces

Hardy Road to close for Carmack Wash improvement project March 27-31 

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (March 22, 2023) – The Town of Oro Valley is announcing road construction on Hardy Road between the Northern Avenue roundabout to Calle Loma Linda from March 27 – 31 to address erosion within the shoulder areas at the low flow water crossing of Carmack Wash. The section of road will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during construction." Hardy Road between the Northern Avenue roundabout to Calle Loma Linda will be closed. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Winfield asks: "Does Sun City really need street lights?"

Town staff is budgeting to replace circuit three street lights in Sun City. Mayor Winfield, however, wonders why the town should continue to provide a street light service to Sun City. It is, after all, the only place in town that has street lights. Winfield asked this question at the CIP study session last week. The answer: Maintaining those lights was part of the agreement when the town annexed Sun City 45+ years ago. Perhaps, though, time to re-examine that.

Asphalt costs skyrocket...increasing road costs... and we will pay more for roads

The cost of asphalt, like the cost of everything else has skyrocketed, according to Oro Valley Director of Public Works, Paul Keesler. More costly asphalt comes at a bad time, as several Oro Valley major roads will need replacing over the next few year.

One of these Rancho Vistoso Blvd.  (Source: Keesler remarks to council at CIP study session of May 15, 2023).

Roads are paid from the Highway Fund. The gas tax which town gets from the State funds that fund.  When the highway fund is short of money, funds are transferred from the Capital Fund. That fund get its money from the General Fund. Thus, we may all be paying for at least some portion of road costs in the future.

Crooks can be very creative

"On Feb. 20, OVPD Detectives arrested a suspect involved in organized retail theft. The case originated from the Oro Valley Neighborhood Walmart in January 2023 when the suspect would scan items, use a credit card that gets declined and then leave with the merchandise. There were 10 cases with five different agencies and about $2,445 in total losses. The suspect is facing charges of organized retail theft/burglary/aggravated shoplifting/ fraud/trafficking in stolen property, and computer tampering."

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Town Manger Report, March 2023, p2)

Pusch Ridge Golf rounds ahead of plan

Pusch Ridge Golf rounds are pacing ahead of last year, according to Tony D'Angelo, President of Pusch Ridge Golf speaking to the Council in the Call To Audience section f last week's Council meeting.

 "We are confident that rounds will exceed the Town budget for total rounds for the season before the end of this month." This, as Tony noted, despite the area's uncharacteristic cold and rainy winter. 

Tony attempted to remind the Council that the town is committed to maintaining the land in a manner commensurate with a resort regardless of whether it is a golf course.. As a result,  the town needs to include some investment in the land even if the Council chooses to close the court in two years. No such costs are included in the Town Managers tentative 2023-2033 Capital Improvement Program.(Source: D'Angelo remarks to Council on May 15, 2023 and email to LOVE).

Tony's group created an advertisement that runs on the Golf Channel.  You can watch it at left.

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Councilmember Steve Solomon is disruptive during the Sun City Town Hall

During the June 30, 2020 Sun City Town Hall with all 5 town council candidates present, in typical Steve Solomon fashion, he was disrespectful to the moderator and the other candidates, disruptive of the process, and refused to follow the rules.

The moderator set the rules at the beginning of the town hall:
“I will ask each candidate a unique question and that candidate will have a minute and a half to answer. After that answer, in alphabetical order by last name, the other candidates will be provided up to 45 seconds for a quick response if they so desire.”

Therefore, whenever Bohen or Garner finished their answer, the order for giving a 45 second response would be: Greene – Rodman – Solomon.

But, as usual, Solomon refused to be respectful and follow the rules. In the attached video (just over one minute in length) you will witness the following:

Solomon interrupts Bohen
Tim Bohen discusses the fact that the people who made the largest donations to incumbents Rodman and Solomon’s 2016 town council campaigns were non-residents. (LOVE previously reported that these non-residents were developers, builders, and real estate PACs).

Solomon immediately interrupts. “There you go talking about 2016. If you want to accuse me of something, I suggest you (inaudible). Are we going to allow people to accuse other candidates…"

Throughout this interruption, the moderator can be heard repeatedly saying, “Mr. Solomon…Mr. Solomon…please.” But Solomon ignores him and continues talking over him. (This is the same behavior that Solomon exhibits during town council meetings.)

Solomon interrupts Garner
The moderator then calls on Bill Garner who says, “It’s pretty rich when he [Solomon] talks about his campaign finances because not one dime came from an Oro Valley resident in 2016…"

Solomon interrupts again. “That’s false, that is a lie, he cannot make a false statement a fact.” Garner attempted to finish his turn speaking but Solomon continued interrupting. “Do you live in Marana or do you live in Oro Valley? How about you address that question because you applied for the council in Marana.”

Garner: “Please cut Mr. Solomon off Mr. Moderator.” (Garner is polite and says “please.” He is asking, not demanding.)

Solomon barks orders to the moderator
Solomon: “No, cut Mr. Garner off if he’s going to lie.” (Solomon is abrupt and demanding. He is ordering, not asking.)

Moderator: “Please follow the outline.”

Solomon: “Well, how about we do this? How about we make a pledge not to make false accusations against the candidates because that’s an outright lie.”

(Now Solomon is telling the moderator how to run the meeting. He’s trying to take over the meeting just like he tries to take over Town Council meetings).

Moderator: “Mr. Solomon, you are free in your closing statement to say whatever you would like.”

Solomon’s Diversion Tactics
Solomon tried to make an issue out of a non-issue (Bill Garner’s place of residence) in order to create a diversion and take the focus off of his special-interest campaign contributors. So to clarify, Bill Garner and his family lived in Oro Valley from 2004-2017, then briefly lived in Marana for a little over a year, returning to Oro Valley in February 2019. So yes, Bill Garner is eligible to hold office in Oro Valley.

In 2018, after the sudden passing of Marana Councilmember Carol McGorray whom Garner had known personally for many years, he applied to fill the vacancy when there was a call for applicants to fill the remainder of her term. Garner never ran for the Marana Town Council and had no plans to do so.

Annexation and Oro Valley

Annexation key to Oro Valley's history
The Town of Oro Valley incorporated in 1974. It was 2.4 square miles, centered around the Kreigh Park area. That's the "original" Oro Valley.

Obviously, Oro Valley is much bigger today. It is 36 square miles. That is the result of 20 annexations:

• 12 annexations were less than 1 sq mi
•   5 annexations were between 1 and 3 sq mi
•   3 annexations were greater than 3 sq mi

Click to enlarge

Rancho Vistoso was the "big annexation"
The town annexed Rancho Vistoso in 1987. When annexed, Sun City was pretty much Rancho Vistoso.

"Sun City was still a relatively small retirement neighborhood miles to the north of Tucson when Oro Valley annexed it in 1987, and the development transitioned from Pima County to the young town.... more than half of Rancho Vistoso was set aside for open space or recreation, including parks, golf course."(source)

Plans for more annexation on the horizon
The town has created a draft annexation plan. That plan is in the process of town council review. The draft plan includes annexation of the following in the future

• Next three years: 800 acres of state lands
• Four to six years: The east side of Oracle Road, north of Ina. That annexation would include Westward Look Resort
• Seven to ten years: Almost 6,000 acres from Ina Road, past La Cholla, north to Overton. That area includes the Foothills Mall.
• Ten years plus: 11,600 acre annexation of the land that is known as "Great Wash". This land is north of Rancho Vistoso.

Landowner approval required

Regardless of what Oro Valley plans, the owners of the properties being sought for annexation must approve the annexation. That approval requires 51% of the total land value saying "yes." Not everyone says "yes."  The last time the town tried to convince the Foothills Mall area to join the town they got a resounding "no."

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Mark Your Calendar: Sun City Candidate Forum

Candidate Forum

Oro Valley Mayor and Town Council Candidates

Sun City Auditorium
1565 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

Saturday, August 4th

2:00 to 4:00 PM

Open to the Public ~ Doors open at 1:30 PM

Residents Fight RV's, Dirt Bikes, Hunting In Their Backyard

The Town Of Oro Valley and residents of the Honeybee Ridge HOA successfully worked together in January to get permission from the federal government to install two gates on what is known as the WAPA (Western Area Power Administration) #180 trail. The trial runs from Rancho Vistoso Blvd to the state lands along the WAPA right of way (easement). The trail is used to maintain the power lines that run to Casa Grande.

The trail closely parallels a barb-wired fence along the back yards of resident of Alamo Canyon Drive (map on right).  It is designated by the Town Of Oro Valley as a walking trail. However, the town has no authority to insure that the trail is used in this manner because it is not the town's property.

According to Alamo Canyon Drive resident Sally Schunerman and others: "Honey Bee Development owns the land, and they and Lewis Management are responsible for maintaining the barricade and keeping trespassers out. They have completely failed to do so." (Source: Appearance Before PREC in January.)

Residents estimate that there are 500 users of the trail each week. It has been used than far more than a walking trail during the past year. That is because it us a "back door" to state lands, the boundary of which is less than a mile from their homes. There is a "legal" route to the state lands on Oracle north of Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

On this trail, at any time, one can find cars, recreational vehicles, hunters, guns, bow hunters, and, a few walkers. All, just a few feet from Honeybee Ridge homes.

The way this trail is being used has been of great concern to residents. Dust is constantly being kicked up creating health challenges. Open firearms are being brandished on the trail.

One resident, at a recent Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Board meeting, describe a situation in which a hunter stopped their RV on trail behind their property to hunt down a bobcat. The hunter simply left the RV running and went after the bobcat. The vehicle was parked just a few feet from the back of the property.

The installation of the gates is not quite a done deal but the help of the town should get this done. According to Misti Nowak, Oro Valley Town Communications Director: "Our Constituent Services Coordinator (Jessica) is now working on this project with the Honey Bee Ridge Estates HOA. The HOA is working on negotiations for a contractor to install the gate."

Once installed, the gates should deter the continuing hassle and dangers that rampant, illegal use of this trail has caused.
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