LOVE’s Top Five Stories of 2023

What a year it was
We've scoured our hundred or so postings this year and selected our top five.

1. St. Patrick’s Day Tragedy
There's no doubt that this is the top story of the year. Olivia Villalobos was killed, and her sister was severely injured when struck by a car on St. Patrick's Day at the Naranja Park entrance. They were just trying to get home from the park when they were struck by the car driven by Sabrina Garcia. The case against the driver, Sabrina Garcia, is being prosecuted by the City of Tucson, and we anticipate resolution in 2024. The town had planned to make immediate significant improvements to pedestrian safety in the area, but that has been put on hold because of an $89.6 million lawsuit due to the accident. What happens regarding the settlement of the suit will be a big story in 2024.

2. Residents rail against OVCN proposed sports complex

At the beginning of the year, the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) continued to press for rezoning for a huge sports complex on residential land it had purchased some years ago that is adjacent to the church on Concordia. Residents have fought hard against it. The proposal was heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission in February. It was supposed to be heard by the council after that, but that hearing was postponed. Nothing has happened since then. One might think that the proposal is dormant at this point, but we don't think so. Things like this never go away, so the residents are going to have to continue to be vigilant.

3. Marketplace approved to start with zero town funding

The Town Council "stood tall" when it rejected investing about $10 million in infrastructure to support the recreation area proposed by Town West as part of its planned revitalization of the Oro Valley Marketplace. It will be called the Oro Valley Village Center.  Instead, Town West requested, and the council approved changes to the recreation area so that the revitalization could start. 

4. Record town budget of $148 million

In June, the Town Council passed an historic budget of $148 million, driven up by the imperative to use remaining $25 million from the Naranja Park Bond and the use of $15 million in ARPA funding. Anticipating reduced funds in the future, we foresee subsequent budgets being significantly lower. A major question for 2025 will revolve around how the Town manages its budget amidst the substantial increase in infrastructure costs, coupled with the apparent decline in future construction, thereby restricting potential construction tax revenue.

5. Wilkins era begins

In April, the Town appointed Jeff Wilkins as Town Manager. His hiring was the result of a nationwide search in which the community participated. Wilkins joined the town in July. We don't know Wilkins. From afar, his style strikes us as someone who is focussed on managing the business of Oro Valley as opposed to striving to change our community.

They were many other stories from which to select

• The “Umbrella Lady”, Lydia Reis, was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Ina Road. 
• The Arizona Heroes Memorial in Naranja Park broke ground. 
• The Town of Oro Valley earned the 2023 Water Waster Award. 
• Henry Zipf, great grandson of the Pusch Family and avid LOVE reader died. 
• The town enacted and implemented a short-term rental ordinance. 
• Long-time Parks and Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan resigned in July, just two months after we celebrated her 10th anniversary with the Town. 
• Sinking houses on Moore Loop Road. 
• The town council asked for a report on golf operations. The report will include an independent audit of reported operating and financial results. 
• Staff kicked off a three year process to create the 2026 general plan. They're calling it Oro Valley's Path Forward.

We look for more exciting stuff next year.

In the meantime, it's time to kick back and relax.

We'll see you January 2 to help launch Tim Tarris’ historic flight around the globe.

Enjoy the holidays.

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Town of Oro Valley Faces Three Lawsuits In St. Patrick's Day Tragedy (Part 1)

This is serious business. $89.4 million in damages sought

The Town of Oro Valley has been served with three lawsuits. These relate to the tragic traffic accident that occurred at the intersection of Naranja Park and Naranja Drive on St. Patrick’s Day of this year. It was horrific. 

Olivia Villabos and her sister Avry were struck by a vehicle driven by Sabrina Garcia. The vehicle had exited Naranja Park at about 1pm and was headed eastbound. Olivia and Avry were struck as they walked with their back against traffic trying to get to their street. They were as far over on the road as you could possibly get and well off of the driving area. You can read LOVE’s reports on this.

Though no one in the town was driving the vehicle that struck Olivia and her half sister, the town is being sued on a different basis. It is being sued on the basis that plaintiffs believe that the town should have known that an accident like this was simply “waiting to happen.“

We based this conclusion on our reading on the filings of the three lawsuits and the documents that were submitted with those filings. Documents filed with the suit claim that prior to the accident town staff was aware of the danger to pedestrians in the area of the Naranja Park entrance. The Town did nothing about this. 

Claim: Town negligent in its duty to provide safe passage for pedestrians as required by Arizona Law.
“Olivia, Avry and Emily, and the two dogs and strollers were traveling eastbound on Naranja Drive. Because there was no other available space for these minors to walk, they were on the only side of the road where they could walk. This design by Oro Valley and its agents/engineers is contrary Arizona law. Arizona law requires that pedestrians walk against traffic. It is not possible in the street design. The Town of Oro Valley did not take the proper steps to comply with its duty to keep its roadways reasonably safe for pedestrians. Had the Town of Oro Valley done so, the tragic event of March 17, 2023 would never have happened”. (Source: Adrian Claim Page 3).

The claim references Arizona statute 28-796: That pedestrians must walk lonely facing traffic if no sidewalks are provided.

Claim: Town ignored complaints of the unsafe condition of the roadway for pedestrians prior to the accident
“The lack of a shoulder was an intentional construction mistake at Musette Drive and West Naranja Drive.” the shoulder on the north side of the road disappears as the right turn lane is adjacent to the guard rail. This design defect does not allow for space for a sidewalk or even a shoulder for pedestrian use. This may seem trivial, but the mistake is fatal, because pedestrians are thereby forced to walk in the direction of traffic on the south side of the road. pedestrians can only walk on the south side of the W. Narada Dr. in this highly traffic area of the town.” (Source: Adrian Claim Page 4)

Claim: Many design defects making this a dangerous pedestrian roadway
The suit points to other defects in the design, such as a lack of crosswalks, and the lack of an ability to take safe passage when you’re walking on the south bottom of the road because of the sharp drop off into a wash. It also knows that now the town seems to recognize these defects by planning the multiuse path along Naranja Drive.

Claim: Town never acted to improve pedestrian safety as Naranja Park grew
The notice of claim recognizes the significant building that has taken place at Naranja Park. ‘However, as Narada Park grew, simple, safety measures were not put in place for Pedestrians. A traffic control crosswalk was not installed at the entry of the park. The town did not even use marked crosswalk at the entrance of this park. Traffic signals, or even yield signs change the behavior of motorists that travel in and out of the park... a crosswalk would have been a cheap fix to alert drivers that pedestrians travel through this area frequently, and that they should be given the right of way.” (Source: Adrian Claim Page 9)
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Follow for more tomorrow when we report of the inherent danger for pedestrians in the area.

The Naranja Drive St. Patrick's Day Tragedy: Here's What Happened

There was nothing the teens could do to avoid the tragedy ... The car was driving in the shoulder lane...headed right at them

There was nothing they could’ve done to avoid the tragedy that was about to befall them. A 3,300 pound car traveling east at 43 mph in the right shoulder of Naranja Drive, clearly over the fog line, struck them on St. Patrick’s Day this year. That's two months go today.

They were walking east, almost at the intersection of Naranja Drive and Pomegranate. The car came up from behind them. Only one of them saw it coming. It happened so fast. One of the victims "...observed a small black car that seem to move over and then came back towards her as it got closer at which time it hit them."

They were no brakes applied.

Police conclude that the driver was distracted by something

...possibly the open “Maps app” on their phone. or perhaps the driver “zoned out” after getting only a few hours of sleep after a night of "drinking."

Regardless, for some reason, the driver, Sabrina Garcia, didn’t see the teens until it was too late. The passenger side of her car was well into the designated pedestrian lane (shoulder). It was only inches from the where the land ends and the dirt begins.

At or just after the moment of impact, based on our reading of the Oro Valley Police Department detail incident report, 13-year old Olivia Villalobos was killed and her sister Avry incurred life threatening injuries.  A dog Olivia was pushing in the carriage was also killed at that moment; and a dog that Avry was walking was hit so hard that it landed in the wash, on the other side of the guard rail, dying from critical injuries. A friend who was walking with them, Emily, was just a few steps away, in the dirt on the south of the curb. She did not get hit.

Tremendous family suffering

The police report documents the human suffering on the part of the family. It is heartbreaking. This was the worst day of their lives and then some. Imagine, your child goes out for a walk with her friend and sister and her pets and she doesn’t come back. Devastating.

As Olivia‘s mother, Casey Lutz, said in response to a posting we made online:

“Olivia was just a baby girl trying to enjoy a day walking to the park with her sister and her old, VERY old (hence the stroller) dog, and she was killed, and her sister left with such severe injuries she will never be the same again. None of our lives will be the same again. Be safe out there guys.. it's just crazy… I won't be driving down that road again but maybe [safety improvements] will save your children from being killed..it is a park after all …Olivia would want the kids to be safe.”

Not one mother. Not one father. Not one grandparent. Should ever suffer this tragedy.

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Note: Police have filed two charges against Garcia. She is currently set for arraignment on June 7 at 9am in the Oro Valley Magistrate Court. You can listen to court proceeding here. Click on the "live audio courtroom" link.

Note: Per the Police Report: Garcia's version of what happened is that  "..when she turned [from Naranja Park east toward first avenue], she recalls seeing people walking on the shoulder of eastbound Naranja Dr. She advised that she was in her lane about to pass the teenagers when she observed the dog stroller suddenly turn to the left 'like she was going to cross the road'. [The investigation concluded that there was no reason Olivia would have done this as she was going to turn right onto Pomegranate to go home]. [Garcia] said the next thing that she noticed was that there was 'legs in the air'. Sabrina told [the reporting officer] that she then came to a stop and called the police. [The reporting officer] asked her how fast she thinks she was going and she said approximately 20mph. [The reporting officer] asked her if she was distracted while driving and she stated no."

Source: The source of this report is the Oro Valley Police Department "Detail Incident Report". The report is replete with details regarding the scene.  We have chosen not to repeat the ugliness of it all. You are welcome to read the report. Though we caution, you do so at your own risk because it is upsetting. 

Bits and Pieces

Hockey Night: Oro Valley teams up with the Tucson Roadrunners

Oro Valley residents have a special opportunity to celebrate their community while enjoying professional hockey at Oro Valley Community Night with the Tucson Roadrunners on March 16, 2025. The event, held at the Tucson Convention Center, kicks off at 2 p.m. with a St. Patrick’s Day-themed pre-game party, featuring live music and festive activities. The first 1,000 fans through the doors will receive a free St. Patty’s Day Roadrunners T-shirt, and Mayor Joe Winfield will take part in the ceremonial puck drop. Oro Valley businesses and organizations will also be showcased throughout the evening. With discounted ticket prices starting at just $15, this event is a great chance for families, friends, and hockey fans to come together and support their local team. Get your tickets here. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

Take the Trails Connectivity Survey Now

The Town of Oro Valley is seeking community input through the OV Trails Connect survey, giving residents a chance to share their thoughts on the town’s trail and multi-use path network. This is an opportunity to influence future improvements and ensure the trails meet the needs of walkers, runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The survey is open until March 17, 2025. Your feedback will help guide future investments and enhancements—take a few minutes to have your voice heard! Also, the town will host a stakeholder meeting at 5:30 pm at town hall on March 12. It is available to all.

Mark your calender: Vistoso Nature Preserve Update – April 16

The consulting firm Kimley-Horn will return to the Town Council on April 16 to present updated concepts for the pond at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. This is an important update for those following the preserve restoration efforts.

Mark you calender: Celebrate Oro Valley – April 12

The town’s annual celebration will be held at James D. Kriegh Park from 1 to 5 p.m. This event is a key opportunity to bring the community together. Learn more here.

Oro Valley in March: Community events bringing people together 

Oro Valley is offering a variety of engaging activities this month, bringing the community together through outdoor recreation and entertainment. The Oro Valley Hiking Series began on March 1 with a guided trek through Dead Horse Canyon, gives outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the unique landscape. Families can attend the Second Saturday event on March 8 at Steam Pump Ranch, which includes historical tours, live music, and a farmers’ market. Later in the month, on March 15, the Movie at the Ranch event will screen "Inside Out 2" under the stars, offering a fun-filled evening. Families can also participate in the overnight Camping at the Ranch event on March 29-30, complete with s’mores and a pancake breakfast. These events reflect Oro Valley’s commitment to fostering community engagement and encouraging outdoor activities. See this link for information on these an and other events.

Public art tours: Extended by popular demand

Oro Valley’s pilot program for public art tours, originally planned to run from February through mid-April, has been extended until July 2, 2025, due to overwhelming interest. These guided tours provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to explore the town’s vibrant public art scene, showcasing sculptures, murals, and installations that reflect the community’s creativity. Registration is available online, and those interested are encouraged to check back frequently, as spots may open due to cancellations. This extension highlights the growing appreciation for public art in Oro Valley and the town’s commitment to making cultural experiences accessible to all. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

Wildfire safety: Oro Valley and Golder Ranch Fire partner to educate residents

With wildfire risks growing in the western U.S., the Town of Oro Valley and the Golder Ranch Fire District are taking proactive steps to educate residents on fire prevention and emergency preparedness. On March 14, 2025, they will co-host a Wildfire Safety Community Q&A at the Oro Valley Town Hall Council Chambers from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring insights from fire officials on home protection strategies and the latest wildfire risk assessments. Attendees will learn about the Ready, Set, Go! evacuation system and other critical safety measures. The event will also be streamed on Zoom for those unable to attend in person, with a recording available later on social media. This collaboration highlights the town’s commitment to equipping residents with the knowledge needed to safeguard their homes and community from wildfire threats. Join the Zoom Livestream here. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

A step forward: Improved accessibility at the Community Center

Oro Valley has taken a significant step in enhancing accessibility with the completion of the Community and Recreation Center’s new entryway and elevator. The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated a project that now allows residents and visitors of all abilities to enjoy easier access to key amenities, including the Overlook Restaurant, Golf Pro Shop, and community rooms. The improvements include a lowered entryway, a new elevator, and 10 additional accessible parking spaces, all aimed at making the facility more inclusive. Overcoming the challenges of renovating a 40-year-old building, town officials emphasized that this project is about more than just construction—it’s about ensuring that public spaces are welcoming for everyone. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

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Here’s What Happened While We Were Away

The ATM Explosion

In July, someone used explosives to blow the side off an ATM at Wells Fargo (Tangerine and First Avenue). No money was taken. The matter is still under investigation.

Bookstore Cafe opens.. fifteen businesses under construction

Also in July, Stacks, an independent book store and full-service coffee bar, opened in the Oro Valley Marketplace. Read more about Stacks here. They are planning a ribbon cutting this fall.  At the moment, there are fifteen other businesses “ under construction” according to the town’s August “Commercial Project Status Report.”. No commercial occupancy permits were issued in July. There were fourteen single family residence permits issues. 

Diaz-Trahan leaves 

Kristy Diaz-Trahan, the Director of Parks and Recreation in Oro Valley, resigned her position in July. Diaz-Trahan had reached a significant milestone of 10 years with the town in May and was responsible for overseeing considerable improvements to the town's Parks and Recreation facilities. We extend our best wishes to Diaz-Trahan and express appreciation for her efforts in expanding the town's system. In the interim, Matthew Jankowski has assumed the role of Director.

Town plans pedestrian safety improvements at Naranja Park entrance… final design and funding approval pending

In July, Paul Keesler, the Town’s Engineer, presented recommendations of the town's safety committee to the Council for enhancing pedestrian safety on Naranja Drive at the entrance to the park. The proposed improvements encompass the installation of rapid rectangular flashing beacons, mumble strips designed to alert drivers to the fog lane, vertical flexible devices that sit on the fog line, and a high-visibility crosswalk. The diagram on the right provides a preliminary visual representation of this plan. Keesler is in the process of finalizing the design and intends to present the completed plans to the Council soon for budgetary approval.

The town has completed a paved pathway on the north side of the road. This pathway ensures that individuals can now access the park safely without having to walk within the lane designated for vehicle exits.

Sabrina Garcia case moves slowly

Very little progress occurred in the misdemeanor hearing of Sabrina Garcia. Garcia was the driver of the vehicle that the tragic St. Patrick’s Day death of Olivia Villalobos and injury to her sister Avry.  The court held a pre trial conference in July. The next court date is a trial management conference on October 3 at 4pm. It is this tragic accident that, after our urging, spurred the town to take action to Improve pedestrian safety in the area.

Vandals wreck pagoda at Steam Pump Ranch

In large July, a vehicle drove recklessly around Steam Pump Ranch, damaging a pagoda. The police have yet to apprehend the culprit.

Town issues easy to read budget

“The Town of Oro Valley’s Know Your Town’s Budget [for fiscal 2024] document is now available online for residents to read or download.” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley implemented a storm cleanup plan

This summer in Oro Valley, the monsoon season was almost nonexistent. There were sporadic instances of light rain, with just one significant storm on August 16 that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and many fallen trees. Thankfully, Oro Valley didn’t lose power like the 56,000 people in Tucson who endured up to 3 days without electricity during temperatures over 100 degrees. In response, the town announced a storm clean up plan: “Immediately after the storms, the Public Works crews worked in the evenings to clear debris and fallen trees from the roads, guaranteeing a safe commute for drivers.” As of now, the town should have completed its cleanup efforts. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley Village Center Economic Development Agreement is still a mystery

At July Town Council Meeting, the Council met in Executive Session to discuss an “Economic Development Agreement” with Town West, the owners of the Oro Marketplace. The “agreement” is a request by Town West for town funding of their planned recreation area. The recreation area is part of their vision for what will be the Oro Valley Village Center. We’ve heard that the cost to the town would be more than $10million.

Some Thoughts Until September

Here’s what to look for this summer
Every other year LOVE takes a summer break. It happens when there is no town election. Fortunately, this year, there is none….though we do expect a “doozy” next year as there will be three council seats up for election.

While we are away, however, we continue to follow Oro Valley happenings.We will do that again this year. We will report events to you when we return in September. We do have a list of  things to keep an eye on while we’re away. 

Here are some of the things we expect to be reporting about in September

Making the Naranja Park entrance pedestrian safe now

This is our number 1 priority. The current pedestrian situation is completely unacceptable. The town has said that they are planning to do some things. We figure that they should have done a lot by September 12, our return date.

Any decision the council made regarding plans for the Vistoso TrailsNature Preserve

The town has completed a Master Plan study on to build the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. At one point, the study’s findings became so challenging that the lead outside consultant on the project quit. To many residents in the area, the final plan, which will be reviewed with council, is too elaborate and far more invasive to life for those who live around the golf course.

Jeff Wilkins

Jeff Wilkins will have completed his first quarter as Oro Valley Town Manager. We wil (try to) interview Wilkins to report his first impressions of our town.

Outrageous Giveaway 2

The Council may consider yet another investment in the Oro Valley Marketplace (aka Oro Valley Village Center). This one for about $12 million. They are under no obligation to do so; but town staff has been in negotiations with the developer and center owner Town West for 18 months to do just that. It will be very interesting to see how Council handles this.
 

The “Big Sports Complex” Affair

Then, of course, there is the matter of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) wanting to obliterate the lifestyle of those who live in the “Original Oro Valley.” The project is a major sports complex at their Concordia/Buena Vista location. It requires council approval of zoning changes to make this a reality. We don’t know when the next hearing is on this; but it is a huge problem for those who need to protect the lovely lifestyle that area affords.

The Oro Valley Housing Survey

Town staff has completed a survey of town housing needs. Many believe that the survey questions biased responses to favor more apartments…more congestion in Oro Valley… a more “balanced”community.  Regardless, the allure of federal funds that will become available to the town as it grows to subsidize low income housing will become very alluring. You ought to be concerned if you want Oro Valley to remain a single family residential community. As one resident wrote: “Federal funds may dictate “Section 8” to achieve the - financially attainable housing - which is not a fit for this community.” Beware: That from which you wanted to escape by moving to Oro Valley may follow you here.

Use of potable water on town owned parks and the Pusch Ridge Golf Course

The town continues to use potable water for irrigation at Riverfront and Kreigh Parks, at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course, and in serving CDO high school. Reclaimed water would be a better solution. We think, but we don’t know, that the cost of bringing reclaimed water to these facilities is prohibitive. The town has discussed further treating the reclaimed water, purifying it, and inserting it into the potable water supply. It’s all talk at this point but something does need to be done.

We will also keep an eye on other things like

…the July court appearance of Sabrina Garcia, the person who was driving the car that killed a teenager and her half sister on St. Patrick’s Day. It happened near the entrance to Naranja Park…thus, our obsession with getting the town to do something to improve pedestrian safety now.

Meanwhile, enjoy your summer.

We certainly do plan to do so

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Town of Oro Valley Faces Three Lawsuits In St. Patrick's Day Tragedy (Part 2)

An independent engineer's report sees inherent danger to pedestrians and bicyclists in the vicinity of the W Naranja Drive park entrance

There is a report* that was filed with the lawsuits, authored by an independent professional engineer. The report asserts that roadway design of W Naranja Drive is inherently dangerous for pedestrians.  The engineer concluded that, "The road design ignored the needs of pedestrians at the intersection with the park entrance," especially those of children.  The report makes three main assertions

Assertion 1: Pedestrians must wait too long to cross the road safely
“During the noon hour of pedestrian would have to wait slightly longer than two minutes for an 18 second gap in traffic across Naranja Drive, " according to the report.  The report suggests that this timing gap is needed for pedestrians to safely cross a road in which cars are traveling at least 45mph. This waiting time is quite lengthy, especially considering that people, and especially children, are generally not patient enough to wait for two minutes to cross any road."

Assertion 2: The shared turn bicycle lane does not permit safe pedestrian travel

The road design is such that there is a shared turn-bicycle lane on the north side of the street. It is unsafe for pedestrians to use it, even though that would have been the only way to face oncoming traffic, as required by law.

Assertion 3: The Bicycle lane in which girls walked is too narrow to meet County standard

"The bicycle lane [in which the girls were forced to navigate] is only 5 feet wide. The Pima County Roadway Design Manual specifies a bicycle lane width of 6 feet." According to the report, those using this lane face "...a serious risk."

Report conclusion: Pedestrians obeyed the law, but the road design did not meet standards

“In my opinion, the three pedestrians were complying with Arizona law and acting prudently when hit by the vehicle. To walk facing traffic they would have had to cross Naranja Dr at Guava Dr. and walk eastbound in the westbound shared right turn lane and bike lane. This would be feasible in a bike lane but not a shared right turn lane bike lane. The intersection of Guava Dr and Naranja Dr is uncontrolled for Naranja Drive traffic and the vehicles travel at a high speed. It would have been difficult to cross the uncontrolled high speed intersection. They would have to wait more than two minutes for an 18 second gap in traffic. A recent study indicated pedestrians at uncontrolled intersections under estimate the speed of approaching traffic 70% of the time. It was not practicable for the three young women to walk facing traffic.

The road design ignored the needs of pedestrians at the intersection with the park entrance. Children walking to and from the park should be considered in the intersection design. There was no safe way to exit Guava Dr and walk eastbound on Naranja Drive. Additionally, several references indicate it is dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel in an unbuffered or unseparated bicycle lane on a high speed road."

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The Council met in Executive Session to discuss the lawsuits on October 4.  Executive Sessions are not open to the public. We suspect it will take some time for these suits to be resolved. We will inform you as we learn more. 

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*The information for this article comes from a preliminary report of Louis Rubenstein PE, F.ITE dated September 8, 2023. The plaintiffs in this case submitted this report in support of their assertions of liability. LOVE has not confirmed nor do we intend to confirm any of the representations made in this report.