Greetings from the Board – January 2025
Greetings from the Board
On behalf of your Board of Directors and the VCA Staff I wish you a very happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous new year. I also want to extend our heartfelt condolences to all those impacted by the unprecedented fires in the greater Los Angeles area. The stories of the loss of lives, homes, businesses, automobiles, and personal property are truly tragic. The efforts of emergency responders and individual citizens has been heroic.
These fires have reinforced the responsibilities of the VCA Board to prioritize the safety of our members and values of our properties and community in our decision making. Such a decision the VCA faces in the next couple of months relates to the enforcement of parking on the public streets in Rancho Vistoso.
A recent change to Arizona statue ARS 33-1818 will remove the ability of the Vistoso Community Association (VCA) to continue to enforce parking restrictions on public roadways within the boundaries of the Association per the VCA Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). However, since these CC&Rs were recorded prior to January 1, 2015 the law allows the VCA to continue to enforce restrictions on public roadways by a vote of the entire membership. Your Board of Directors has authorized a membership vote to be taken prior to the Annual Membership Meeting scheduled for March 27, 2025.
I have written about this before in previous VCA Newsletters and now it is time for action. The Board is concerned that if the Association loses the right to enforce parking on our roadways, safety and property values may be negatively affected. Specifically:
- Large commercial or personal vehicles such as trucks, trailers, motor homes or campers parked in the roadway may obscure the view of children crossing the street or residents backing out of their driveways. This would increase the likelihood of accidents in our community.
- Narrow streets could impede access for emergency vehicles slowing their response times
- Vehicles parked in these road ways may reduce traffic flow from two lanes to effectively one.
- Potentially increases the likelihood of vandalism or theft.
- Trash collection will be impeded if the trucks cannot get close enough to empty the trash cans.
- A street with parked commercial vehicles, motor homes, RVs, unused or abandoned automobiles is less aesthetically pleasing to current and potential residents negatively impacting property values.
- Parked vehicles leaking of toxic automotive fluids on the street that could be detrimental to road surfaces requiring extensive maintenance and repair.
You will soon be seeing signs posted along public roadways in Rancho Vistoso informing you of the impending vote to determine if the VCA can continue to enforce parking on public roadways. Members will also be getting a letter explaining in more detail the impact of ARS 33-1818 on our community. All members will receive a ballot for them to vote on whether to retain the VCA’s right to enforce parking on public roads. The vote results will be announced at the March 27, 2025 at the Annual Membership Meeting of the VCA.
Matt Wood
Did You Know – January 2025
Interesting facts about Arizona:
Oro Valley recently ranked the #1 retirement town in America
Nestled at the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, Oro Valley has been ranked as the top retirement destination in the United States , according to a report by GoBankingRates. The town’s safety, stunning views and active lifestyle make it a haven for retirees seeking peace and prosperity.
The ranking also highlights its higher-than-average income for retirees: $52,098 compared to the national average of $27,617. Click HERE to read more from this KGUN 9 News Story.
The highest point in the state is Humphrey’s Peak
Arizona is far from being a flat state. It has thousands of mountains and hills, and most of the state is above sea level. However, even considering all that, you might be surprised to learn that its highest point is 12,633 feet. Humphrey’s Peak is the 12th highest state point in the country. The hike to the top is 5 miles long and considered very challenging.
Phoenix is the hottest US city
In a country as large as the United States, climates can vary widely. The hottest parts of the country can also be vastly different. The temperature in Phoenix, Arizona, is typically over 100 degrees during the summer months.
Phoenix has experienced a 31-day heat streak where temperatures exceeded 110 degrees. Events like these contribute to Phoenix being the hottest city in the USA.
Mules deliver mail in a part of Arizona
When the postal service said snow, rain, and heat wouldn’t be able to keep their workers from carrying mail, they meant it. That determination also covers difficult terrain.
The Havasupai is a Native American tribe who call the bottom of the Grand Canyon home. Unfortunately, reaching them by car is impossible. In order to deliver their mail, the USPS employs the use of special mail-delivery mules.
Critter of the Month for January 2025
Meet Miss Pinky!
A senior little lady who was found in a Phoenix parking lot on a 115-degree day during the summer of 2023.
Her background is unknown. What we do know is when she was found she was underfed, her hair was severely matted, and she had poor dental hygiene. She was scared, but friendly and trusting. After a bath and a haircut, she was taken to the vet where almost all her front teeth had to be removed. After a month of recovery, she was ready for her furr-ever home.
When she was adopted, she had recurrent UTI’s. After a few more trips to the vet, it was discovered that she had severe crystals in her bladder. With antibiotics and prescription dog food, Miss Pinky was on the mend.
A year and a half later, Miss Pinky is a healthy and happy 11-year-old diva. Some of her favorite things are walks to the park or the nature preserve, meeting new people, seeing her dog buddies, car rides, eating and sleeping.
Who knew the perfect dog would be a senior rescue!
A Friendly Reminder Regarding Wildlife
We live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert and share our neighborhoods with the wildlife that has been here long before our homes. Coyotes, bobcats, javelinas, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and birds of prey can pose a danger to humans and their pets. We must be aware of our surroundings and avoid confronting these animals. Maintain your distance and do not behave in a threatening manner. If you encounter a rattlesnake, please call 911 immediately to have it removed. Also, do not feed or supply water to wild animals since they may become more brazen.
Congratulations to our November and December e-statement $100 winners!
Congratulations to Herbert Phillips for being the e-statement $100 winner for November!
Congratulations to Dr. Clare Johnson for being the e-statement $100 winner for December!
Sign up for e-statements
If you are tired of waiting for your quarterly statement by snail mail, and want to avoid late fees and penalties, it is time to sign up for e-statements. For more information, please go to the association’s website at www.ranchovistosohoa.com
For further assistance please contact the VCA office at [email protected] or 520-354-2729.
Click on the link below to register. You will need your account number to complete the process.
OV Path Forward: Residential Working Groups
The path to Oro Valley’s future starts here!
Are you interested in helping with OV’s future? Consider joining a residential working group
You shared your priorities and expectations for OV’s future, now its time to transform them into an action plan. Join an OV’s Path Forward Resident Working Group to help craft actions that lead to real results in the community. All residents are welcome! Resident Working Groups will kick-off on January 28 and meet twice a month throughout May. Don’t wait!
All residents are invited to join a resident working group to continue building the plan that produces real results in your community. Learn more and sign up on OVPathForward.
Oro Valley Launches a new app for residents and visitors
Plan the perfect day and make the most of your time in Oro Valley!
The Town of Oro Valley is thrilled to announce the launch of Explore OV, a web-based app designed to make exploring Oro Valley simpler and more enjoyable than ever. The app empowers users to effortlessly discover, map out, and customize their Oro Valley experience.
This Explore OV launch is part of the Town’s tourism strategy to promote local venues, attractions, parks, outdoor recreation, and businesses. In February 2024, the Arizona Office of Tourism designated Oro Valley as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) known as Explore Oro Valley. The Explore OV app is among our first DMO initiatives, making it easier to discover what makes Oro Valley a memorable destination.
Savor Culinary Festival – Jan 25
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025
SOUTHERN AZ’S LARGEST LOCAL CULINARY FESTIVAL | LIVE MUSIC | LIBATIONS
SAVOR, one of the region’s most revered culinary arts celebrations, is back this winter, offering a feast for the senses at the beautiful Tucson Botanical Gardens. This event is a collaboration between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, Local First Arizona, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens, designed to highlight Tucson’s prestigious culinary scene and its deep connection to heritage foods. As a designated UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson’s food culture is rooted in centuries-old traditions, and SAVOR is the perfect opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of flavors and ingredients that make this region unique.
The festival will feature over 60 of Southern Arizona’s finest chefs, wineries, breweries, and local food purveyors, each offering exceptional tastings that showcase the diversity and creativity of the Southwest. Attendees will have the chance to indulge in a wide array of heritage foods, from native ingredients like tepary beans and mesquite flour to innovative dishes that celebrate Tucson’s culinary evolution. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant floral blooms of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, SAVOR is more than just a foodie festival; it’s a celebration of the region’s cultural and culinary heritage, inviting the community to come together and appreciate the flavors that define Tucson as a City of Gastronomy.
For more information click HERE.
La Encantada Fine Art Festival – Jan 18-19
January 18 & 19, 2025 and March 29 & 30, 2025
Experience the La Encantada Fine Art Festival, one of the region’s most prestigious juried art events, where creativity and craftsmanship converge in a vibrant celebration of the arts. Set against the lush, ever-blooming garden walkways of the La Encantada Shopping Center, this open-air festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover and support local artisans and fine art crafters. From intricate metalwork to unique, locally-designed fashion, each piece on display reflects the dedication and skill of its creator, making this festival a true showcase of artistic talent.
We invite the community to immerse themselves in the beauty and inspiration that permeates every corner of the La Encantada Fine Art Festival. As you stroll through the festival, take time to witness live art demonstrations presented by the Southern Arizona Artists Guild (SAAG) Gallery, where you can see creativity come to life before your eyes. Join us for a weekend of artistic discovery and be a part of what has become one of the most respected art festivals in the state, celebrating the diverse and dynamic work of our local art community.
EVENT TIMES Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 11am-4pm | EVENT LOCATION La Encantada Shopping Center 2905 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718 | ADMISSION Free Admission |
Click HERE for more information.
OV January Economic Reports
Interested in what the Town of Oro Valley is doing?
The Economic Development Department distributes two reports each month.
OV Police CrimeFighter Newsletter
The Oro Valley Police Department publishes a monthly newsletter.
Topics in the January Newsletter include:
- The #1 Safest Retirement Community in the U.S.
- “Sextortion” Scam Alert
- Blood Donor Month
- Question & Answer
Click HERE to view and subscribe to the newsletters.
Tucson Gem Show – Feb 1 – 16
Winter Showcase Returns February 1 – 16, 2025
Every year the world-renowned Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is like a time portal, a trip around the world, and a treasure hunt all rolled into one. Every winter, more than 65,000 guests from around the globe descend upon Tucson, AZ, to buy, sell, trade, and bear witness to rare and enchanting gems, minerals, and fossils at more than 40 gem show locations across the city. If you’re planning a winter visit to Tucson, you won’t want to miss this three-week-long event filled with shows, related events, a free day at the gem & mineral museum, and much, much more!
Whether you’re looking for a $5 shimmering crystal necklace or a show-stopping $200,000 crystallized rock from an exotic location, the Tucson Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Shows have something for everyone.
For more information click HERE.
Tucson Folk Festival – Feb 16
The Tucson Folk Festival Presents Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble at El Casino Ballroom
Celebrate Mardi Gras with an evening of Zydeco and Funk to support the 40th Tucson Folk Festival!
Sunday, February 16, 2025 | Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble with Connie Brannock
Venue: El Casino Ballroom 437 E 26th St, Tucson, AZ 85713
Doors: 5 PM // Show: 6 – 9 PM
Tickets: $25 (TKMA Member), $30 (General Admission), or $40 (Reserved Table Seating)
Curley Taylor’s bluesy, soulful vocals and the band’s hard-driving Zydeco beat blend to create high-energy dance music for all audiences. Curley’s music is true to its roots in Zydeco and Blues, but contemporary enough to appeal to a broad range of music lovers. Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble tour extensively throughout the US, playing festivals and clubs from New York to San Diego and from Florida to Seattle. Often playing to audiences who have never heard Zydeco music before, they make fans wherever they go. Tucson Folk Festival will recognize Curley as one of the festival’s 2022 most beloved headliners.
Opening the show is local favorite, Connie Brannock and Little House of Funk. Connie Brannock is a Tucson-based R&B singer, songwriter, percussionist, and poet. She is known for her exhilarating live shows and ability to engage crowds. Her music is inspired by the songs she heard growing up, including Aretha Franklin, Donavon, Henri Mancini Orchestra, and Chet Atkins. Connie took the Tucson music scene by storm after she retired from the Army National Guard as Command Sergeant Major, and in 2009 she re-upped as a natural bandleader and patented R&B artist with enticing authenticity.
Oro Valley Parks and Rec – January
Click HERE to view the OV Parks and Rec Weekly News.
AAA Landscape – Tips and Tricks for January 2025
Click Here to Download the AAA Flyer
01-88670-AAA-Flyer-Jan