Bits and Pieces

Help Your Neighbors—Town Seeks Part-Time Shuttle Drivers
The Town of Oro Valley is now hiring part-time drivers for its Sun Shuttle service, offering a flexible, community-focused role that requires no previous experience or commercial license. Drivers provide door-to-door transportation for elderly, disabled, and other residents, helping them stay mobile and independent. Paid training is included, and drivers can work up to three days a week in a low-stress, rewarding environment. If you’re retired, semi-retired, or simply looking to make a difference, visit the Town’s website to apply. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release, June 9, 2025)

Oro Valley’s July 4th Celebration Promises Fun for All Ages
Oro Valley invites residents to its free Independence Day celebration at James D. Kriegh Park (23 W. Calle Concordia) on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 5 to 9:20 p.m. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with food trucks, games, and crafts, followed by live music from the Lucky Devils Band, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Parking is available at the Aquatic Center and Canyon del Oro High School, with ADA parking at the Aquatic Center east lot. The Aquatic Center offers $1 admission for children and $3 for adults from noon to 5 p.m. before closing for the evening’s events. Attendees are reminded to bring water and sunscreen, and to leave pets, tents, and outside alcohol at home. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release , June 4, 2025)

Crime Stays Low, But Summer Safety Reminders from OVPD 
The latest Oro Valley CrimeFighter newsletter shows that serious crime remains rare in town, with no robberies or violent incidents reported in April, but several car break-ins and minor thefts did occur. As summer approaches, the police are reminding everyone to stay vigilant—lock your vehicles, keep valuables out of sight, and watch children closely around water. OVPD also encourages residents to take advantage of free programs like vacation house checks and car seat safety inspections, which can be arranged on the Town website.

Local author Tim Tarris serves up a fun summer romance
Looking for a relaxing summer read? Check out The Lady and the Locket, a delightful love story written by Oro Valley resident and author Tim Tarris. This charming book has everything you need for summer relaxation—romance, excitement, and a clever twist at the end. Tim’s engaging writing style, featuring short chapters filled with lively dialogue, makes it easy and fun to read. Order your copy now on Amazon, settle into your favorite chair, and enjoy!

Stickers and savings: Oro Valley’s summer dining adventure
This summer, the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce invites you to support local eateries with its Locals Eat Local campaign. Running through August, the event challenges residents to visit 20 participating restaurants to collect unique, limited-edition Oro Valley stickers. As an extra incentive, when you spend at least $20 at five different participating locations, you'll qualify for a grand prize from the Chamber. Track your progress using the Explore OV app, and pick up your challenge map at the Chamber office or the Oro Valley Library. Get the details at orovalleychamber.com or by following @OVChamber on Facebook and Instagram (Source: Oro Valley Vista Newsletter, June/July 2025).

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Bits and Pieces

"Battle of the Bands" registration open

Registration is now open for the Oro Valley Battle of the Bands, happening on Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. at Riverfront Park. High school bands interested in competing must submit an original demo or YouTube link to dhiatt@orovalleyaz.gov by April 12. At least 50% of the band members must be in high school to qualify. Selected bands will perform a three-song set in front of a live audience, and winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

(Source: Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Newsletter, 1-24-25)

Oro Valley's "Path Forward" receives awards and moves to next phase 

Oro Valley's community engagement efforts for the OV’s Path Forward 10-year action plan have received two prestigious awards: the Impact Award from the Public Relations Society of America and the Granicus Digital Government Award. These awards recognize the town’s commitment to involving residents in shaping the community’s future. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley author brings adventure to life in "The Lady and the Locket"

Oro Valley resident Tim Tarris debuts his storytelling skills in The Lady and the Locket, a captivating novel that follows USAF pilot Todd Stewart during his exchange tour with the Dutch Air Force. Set against the backdrop of military life and international experiences, the story explores themes of duty, adventure, and personal growth. Tarris, drawing from his own rich experiences and deep understanding of aviation, brings authenticity and depth to his characters. As a local author, Tarris’s work is a testament to the diverse talent within the Oro Valley community. This engaging read, available on Amazon, is perfect for those who enjoy military fiction...with a bit of time travel...with a personal touch.

Town of Oro Valley's drinking water waste still concerns residents

Residents have not forgotten. The town’s use of drinking water for irrigating two parks and a golf course continues to raise concerns. In 2024, the town used more than 69 million gallons of potable water for Pusch Ridge Golf Course, Kriegh Park, and Riverfront Park—enough to supply almost 823 homes. Critics argue that the town is prioritizing recreational use for a small group over the essential needs of 48,000 residents. Adding to the frustration, the council has failed to take meaningful action to address the issue. Some residents are calling on the town council to lead efforts in securing grants for reclaimed water infrastructure and collaborating with others to reduce potable water use. (Source: Resident email to LOVE)

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve water feature awaiting council discussion

Another water issue residents have not forgotten is the council’s “final” direction on the revitalization of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Will it have a water feature? What will be the cost? The last update suggested a decision would be made by the end of this month, but it now seems likely to happen in March. One key consideration is the cost of creating the feature, while another is the water usage involved. According to an engineering-experienced resident, a reasonably sized pond would hold approximately 5.7 million gallons of reclaimed water and require the same amount annually to maintain. The initial cost to fill the pond is estimated at just over $20,000, with annual maintenance costs around $28,500. Importantly, only reclaimed water—not drinking water—would be used. (Source: Resident email to LOVE)

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Tarris Begins "Round The World Trip"

Update

Tarris and Bleeker left Sunday from Goodyear Airport, landing in Cancun after a 9 hour non stop trip. They experienced refueling and "paperwork" delays in Cancun on Monday. Early this morning they left for Peru. Click on the panel at right to get the latest on where they are.

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Oro Valley resident Tim Tarris is on his way around the world…
Oro Valley resident, Tim Tarris, is on a trip around the world. But it is no vacation. He is flying in a 1974 Cessna 210L Turbo Centurion. Together with co-pilot Buchanan Bleeker, this single-engine plane will carry them around the world. They have adapted the plane to accommodate fuel tanks, modern radios, and navigation equipment so there are only two seats. As Tim told us, he will be shoulder to shoulder with his co-pilot every flying hour.

...honoring the first “flight around the world” 

Tarris left Sunday from Goodyear Airport on a trip to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1924 first “flight around the globe". Four planes each with a pilot and mechanic flew west to east, starting in California and ending in Seattle; having visited 22 countries and four continents. All were in the northern hemisphere.

The planes were single-engine. The cockpits were open. The crews had lots of downtime and logistical support. Three of the four planes accomplished this feat in 175 days. This was a national effort. It was a race to be first. Others were also trying to be the first.(Watch a video of the 1924 Flight).

Flight Plan

The commemorative Centennial Flight: Seven continents, 34,000 miles in 35 days

The route will take Bleeker and Tarris to 16 countries. They will be flying south to South America and Antartica and then east to take advantage of the prevailing winds (See panel). The route has been planned so they can avoid any of the craziness going on in the world. For example, they will fly no closer than 250 miles south of Gaza.

This is no luxury flight 

They will fly from eight to nine hours a day, from point to point, stopping for rest, food, fuel, and any necessary maintenance. They will sleep in local accommodations close to their plane. Tarris told us that their accommodations '…will be nothing fancy. We're not on a sightseeing tour.' Skyplan Services is handling logistics. Their onboard food? Energy bars. Rest facilities? None!

Track their progress 

The crew plans to provide updates and pictures on their Web and Facebook pages. We will monitor those and update you as we learn more. In the meantime, we have created a panel at right called: “Where's Tim”. Click on it anytime to see their progress.
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About Tim Tarris

Tim Tarris is a 35 year resident Oro Valley. He and his wife Vicki live in the original section of the town. He is a retired Air Force and UPS pilot with over 30,000 hours of flying experience. Commemorating a major event is nothing new to Tarris. In 2019, he was a crew member that flew a WWII paratrooper airplane to Europe to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy.

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More info: KGUN9 Report

Bits and Pieces

Zinkin steps back

Former council member and community activist Mike Zinkin has decided to step back from Oro Valley politics. He will not be running for council in August.  "Since 2005, I've been actively involved in Oro Valley affairs, and now it's time for me to step back and allow new voices to emerge as vigilant observers."  Mike does plan to continue his focus on the massive waste of water that Town uses to irrigate two parks and a golf course. "I will continue to critique the excessive misuse of Oro Valley's drinkable water. This waste is avoidable."  (Source: Email to LOVE)

No end in sight for Town's waste of drinking water

At the moment, it seems that the town council is not focused on this drinking water waste. They're not going to consider extending the reclaimed water system to these southern areas of the town.  We think they're waiting to see what the State is going to do regarding purification of this water and its reintroduction in the drinking water system. In the meantime, over the years (and there will be many of them), the town is going to continue to waste many millions of gallons of drinking water. "With the end of 2023, it's clear that throughout the year, the Town squandered 74,275,000 gallons of our drinking water on their properties. To put this in perspective, this amount could have supplied over 10,600 homes, considering the average household's monthly usage of 7,000 gallons. For comparison, the Canada Hills Community Association comprises about 3,100 homes." (Source: Zinkin Email to LOVE)

Tarris' "Centennial" Trip begins Sunday

Oro Valley resident Tim Tarris and Buchanan Bleeker are on their way around the world in a single engine plane, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first flight around the world. Love will follow the 32 plus day event. Read more about Tim's exciting adventure Tuesday.

Firefighters endorse Murphy for Council

The North Tucson Firefigthers union has endorsed Mary Murphy for town council. They note in their January 20 letter: "You have proven to put public safety at the top of your priority list, and we thank you. Your advocacy for and the understanding of public safety issues is commendable. We believe your experience and authentic desire to better your community makes you a strong candidate for this position. Additionally, your commitment to making sure our town is safe has been unwavering. We look forward to working with you in the needs of the community." (Source: January 20 letter to Mary Murphy)

50th Anniversary Celebration in progress

"The Town of Oro Valley proudly announces its upcoming 50th Anniversary on April 15, 2024. The Town invites residents to join in a year-long celebration filled with exciting events and collaborations with local businesses as we reflect on half a century of history, growth and community.  From community events to historical and arts exhibits, a diverse range of activities has been planned, including a 50th Anniversary Parade on April 6 and a special community celebration on April 13."  Learn more here. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

OVCN Revising Project...But Battle With Community Will Continue

Church to move facilities 150 feet from three opposing resident lot lines

The Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) is revising their rezoning proposal for their sports complex project. This will cause the project to be heard once again by the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission. 

Change would result in requiring one less council vote for approval

We do not know the details of the revision, but we do know that it includes moving the western edge of the rezone area 150 feet to the east, away from neighbor lot lines. If this is the case, then the requirement for Town Council approval would be a 4-vote majority rather than a 5-vote supermajority. The timetable of the approval process for this project is unclear.  Regardless, the community, especially those who are most closely affected by the facility if approved, are united against it. 

Community is resolute in opposition

Regardless, the community, especially those who are most closely affected by the facility if approved, are united against it. Today, we present two "Guest Views:" One is from Tim Tarris, head of the Concordia/Buena-Vista Group. The other is from Don Cox, former Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commissioner. Both Tim and Don oppose the project at that location because the sports facilities do not fit within that community. Both would like to see a compromise in which OVCN builds the facilities elsewhere. Simply redrawing the rezone request the facilities 150 feet to the east is not that compromise.

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Guest View: Tim Tarris

The simple redrawing of the rezone area, if that is what they plan to offer, is not a solution. It has the effect of negating four of the neighbors that signed the formal protest filed over a year ago. Fourteen of the adjoining neighbors (100%) signed that formal protest which requires the “super majority” of the Town Council to approve. (See Arizona Revised Statute 9-462.04H and Oro Valley Town Code ZC 23.3L.)

An action of this type is an attempt to “bend the rules” in the church’s favor. In all reality, nothing in a new submission of this nature has changed. All of the reasons (traffic, noise, lighting, etc.), that have caused the strong opposition by the neighbors, remain. It is effectively a “line in the sand” as the western section is a parking lot and will remain so. It is an intentional effort to dismiss and invalidate the wishes of the neighbors.

Many people have noticed the Concordia/Buena Vista Group (C/BV) informational (pink) signs. Sadly, some people have gone on private property and “free speech” zones (where signs are allowed) and vandalized or removed these signs. Additionally, one neighbor (displaying a sign) was verbally accosted in front of his own home by a passing motorist while tending to his sign. All of these events resulted in police reports being filed.

The C/BV group position has always remained the same. We support sports, youth and religion, but this sports complex would be devastating to this historic Oro Valley neighborhood. We actively hope that OVCN would find a much more appropriate location. The church, the neighbors and the community of Oro Valley will benefit from that solution.

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Guest View: Don Cox

First, I want everybody to understand that when I voice an opinion on this or any other matter, it is only my opinion. I am not speaking on behalf of any other party!! 

I believe OVCN requested the postponement to regroup after the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial the application. What’s puzzling to me, as a former member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, is why there was a second vote on other matters included in the application. It seems those subsequent issues became moot once the recommendation to deny was made. I believe the P&Z [ Planning and Zoning Commission] erred in this regard.

I have been told by reliable sources that OVCN has an alternate plan. I have also suggested that since there are more multi-purpose fields coming on line in the relatively near future, OVCN and the Town may be able to work out some deal with the Town of Oro Valley that is compatible to all parties (Town/Neighbors/OVCN). If not then I see this issue heading to litigation. That’s not beneficial to any party. The Town needs to get more involved. Once again their secrecy isn’t doing them and favors.

OVCN bought the property in question. That property comes with established zoning rights. The neighborhood is only asking that those zoning rights be complied with….nothing more or less. In this instance I support the neighbors completely. That’s what’s best, in my opinion, for the Town.

(Don's view first appeared in Nextdoor.com. We are reprinting it with his permission)  
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Guest View-Tim Tarris: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

“Guess Who’s coming to dinner?”

Upward Sports is an international multi-million-dollar operation to blend sports with religion and partners with churches such as OVCN (Oro Valley Church of the Nazarine) to do so. They are a 501(c)3 nonprofit that hugely benefits financially from their programs. The question is why are they here?

The legal team for OVCN mentions Upward Sports in their latest submission to the town. It is unlikely that OVCN could finance a project of this magnitude without Upward Sports.

Several years of tax returns of Upward Sports are available online [See 2019 tax return in panel below] or I can provide them on request. Those returns paint a picture of their business model. The churches are used as a conduit for the plan and in a tax timely fashion properties are sold. Their main facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina is now for sale (all or individual pieces) to any comers. This is the same sports complex they presented as being needed to continue their mission. If it is closing, what happened to the youth and ministry?

The church deliberately delayed town meetings and Town Council consideration until after the recent election in hopes of a church member candidates being elected and thus providing a favorable Council for their initiative. This did not happen.

Anyone interested or affected should take a hard look at Upward Sports. Many people are making a great deal of money from this real estate venture in disguise. The effort by OVCN to minister to youth through sports is overshadowed by their association with Upward Sports and what they bring to the community.

It's the elephant in the room….

As Ronald Reagan used to say “Trust but verify”. 

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Tim Tarris is a long time Oro Valley resident and member of the Concordia/Buena Vista Group. They are the neighbors who reside in the area of town where the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarine (OVCN) wants to build a sports facility. That location is the intersection of Concordia and Buena Vista.  All neighbors oppose the rezoning required to make this happen. Tarris delivered his remarks to the Oro Valley Town Council last Wednesday. Read more about this situation.