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COMMUNITY
NEWSLETTERIssue: 3rd Quarter 2017
www.ranchovistosohoa.com
ContentsBoard Meeting Dates 2017 / pg. 2
Letter from the President / pg. 3
Board Approved Fine Increases/ pg. 3
News from the Treasurer / pg. 5
Upcoming Events / pg. 12
Architectural and Development Updates / pg. 13
Yard Sale / pg. 20
FeaturesGolder Ranch and Mountain Vista Fire Districts Consolidate / pg. 8
Safety for Trick-Or-Treaters / pg. 9
Parking On Streets / pg. 9
Wildlife Crossings / pg. 11
The Good ZZZ’s Guide for Students / pg. 15
Monthly TO-DO list by AAA / pg. 17
Thoughts on Weed Control / pg. 19
Updated Design Guidelines / pg. 19
Innovation Academy is Now Open! / pg. 19
The Founding of the Town of Oro Valley / pg. 21
When Is a Tree a Nuisance? / pg. 23
Holiday Decorations / pg. 23
Golden Goose Thrift Shop Going Strong in Our Fourteenth Year
$10 Million Raised in Our First 14 Years!
100% of Profits go to Local Charities (Serving Oro Valley, Catalina, southern Pinal County – Community Food Bank, Clothing Bank, Senior Center, Children’s Clothing & Education)
We pick up in Rancho Vistoso every day but Friday and Sunday. Call 825-9101 8:00-3:00 to schedule. A 501(c)3 not-for-profit Donations 100% tax deductible
Come in and say “hello” to a “good buy” Visitwww.goldengooseaz.comforfulldetailsonTheGoldenGooseThriftShop.And“like”usonFaceBookforallthelatestnewsandhappenings.
15970N.OracleRd.Catalina,AZ85739–Phone825-9101
We appreciate all of your donations!
Thank You, Charity
2.
Board Meeting Dates 2017
The meetings are the 4th Thursday of the month, with the exception being in November.
The schedule for 2017 is as follows:
September 28th - October 26th - November – No Meeting
December 7th – 1st Thursday of the Month
All Meetings are held at 5:30 PM at 945 Vistoso Highlands Dr. unless otherwise noted.
BOaRD Of DIRECTORS
Pat Straney | President
Les Henson | Vice President
Dennis Ottley | Treasurer
Sarah Nelson | Secretary
Sheryl Forte | Director
Dick Surowiec | Director
Daniel Seifried | Director
aSSOCIa aRIzONa
6840 N. Oracle Rd. #130, Tucson, AZ 85704
Phone | (520) 742-5674
Dial “9” for after hour emergencies
fax | (520) 742-1523
Lauren Lee | [email protected]
Louisa Sadler | [email protected]
It’s Your Website!
The Community Manager provides weekly information on items that impact your community. Please visit the website and sign up for the weekly email blasts!
www.ranchovistosohoa.com
Welcome New Board Member
Lori Burkhart recently resigned from the board as the commercial representative. The board had two candidates apply for the position and Daniel Seifried was nominated and appointed at the August board meeting for the
remaining term. The term will expire in March 2018. Daniel has over 20 years of first hand business management. Welcome Daniel!
3.
Letter from the President -Pat Straney
As our 3rd quarter newsletter arrives at your home, I am sure that some of you, like me, who are “full timers” in Ran-cho Vistoso are starting to look forward to the end of the 100+ temperatures and the high level of development and construction activity through our community. The good news is that our wonderful Fall season as well as our seasonal residents and winter visitors are approaching fast.
The end of large scale development and construction in our community however, are still a long way off. It seems like as if one project such as the new STEM School on Desert Fairways Drive is completed, another project shows up. It is with that in mind and as our seasonal population increases that I again remind everyone to continue to exercise more responsibility for their own safety and the safety of everyone around them when going about daily activities. Driving, biking, walking or hiking safely will continue to require everyone to deal with different traffic patterns, temporary lane closures, construction traffic etc., over the next six months to a year. Please do your part to make our community safe.
Looking forward, the Finance Committee is beginning to develop the 2018 budget for board review at the October board meeting. The budget is then used to set operational and project priorities for the coming year. Longer term, the Board of Directors is continuing efforts to develop what our community needs and priorities should be when we reach buildout status in the five year and beyond period. As we progress further into long term plan considerations, the board will be seeking input and support from residential and commercial members of RVCA. As always, we encourage you to attend our board meetings to get updated on what is going on in your community and provide input to the process.
Thank you for your continued support and volunteer involvement in making Rancho Vistoso the kind ofCommunity of which we can all be proud.
Pat Straney – PresidentVistoso Community Association
Board approved fine Increases
During the Board of Directors meeting on July 27, 2017 a new resolution was signed. The resolution was approved to increase the fines for overnight parking and trash cans. Overnight parking fines are being increased from $25 fine per vehicle/per occurrence to $50 per vehicle/per occurrence for first occurrence and escalated increases for subsequent violations. Trash can violations are going form $25 per violation to $50 per violation and escalated increases for subsequent violations. The policy became effective September 1, 2017. A copy of the policy is on the website at ranchovistosohoa.com
HOA Documents and Forms/ Policies and Terms/Compliance-Fine Policy.
We have contracted with a new security patrol company for the overnight parking violations. They will be providing us with pictures of the vehicle and the license plate, so we can better inform you of which vehicles are parked in the street.
Owner fees
We also want to remind you that over a year ago, the board approved a $3.00 fee for a second notice of violation. This amount is charged to you, the owner, if you are not bringing your home into compliance. The $3.00 is charged for every notice thereafter.
Below is a list of charges the homeowner can incur for late notices on assessments, collections and legal issues.
• Returned Checks: $35.00• Assessment Reminder $20.00• Demand Letter $30.00• Intent to lien Letter $50.00• File Preparation for Attorney $95.00
Creating Beautiful Smiles.
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W W W. F L Y N N D E N T I S T R Y. N E T
Vistoso Ad_Full-Page 11/16/2010 3:03 PM Page 1
5.
News from the Treasurer
Earlier in the year I wrote an article about the possibility of an increase in our assessments coming in 2018. In the last quarter of 2017, when we put our budget together, we went back and forth on several line items and made the appropriate adjustments in order to come up with our 2017 budget.
As previously stated, we are but a few years away from being built out for our residential members. Over the past 10 years there have been just 2 increases in assessments, one being in 2008 with a $5 per quarter increase, and another $2 per quarter in 2013 bringing the master assessment to $72 per quarter which is a great deal for the money.
One of our challenges in the future is replacement of some of our aging infrastructure, mainly irrigation and adding some drought resistant plants along roadsides.
Just a recap of some the major projects we have accomplished over the past 10 years:
1. Replacement of high pressure sodium fixtures with induction fixtures on our lighting along RV Blvd. This drastically reduced our electrical bills.
2. Re-landscaped all medians on the RV HOA property. Along with upgrades to the irrigation system, a new plant palette was put in place saving water consumption and beautifying our roads.
3. Placement of artificial turf at the Vistoso Highlands Monument after the construction of the controlled intersection by the town. This saves water and lowers maintenance. Note: We will be looking at our signature monuments along the entryway of RV Blvd., in the future for the same reason.
4. Upgraded the roadside irrigation system and plants along Vistoso Highlands Drive. 5. Several erosion projects were completed to mitigate the erosion of our common grounds. Rip-rap placed to
enhance the look and prevent hillsides from sliding down during monsoon season.6. Upgraded the design and review process to expand paint palettes and other architectural items.7. Lennar, Mattamay and Maracay Homes have built out larger residential properties over the past few years.
As each housing group comes on line, our landscape maintenance costs increase.8. Replacement of our park playground equipment must be ADA compliant which can double the cost projected
in our Reserve Study.
Now for our future projects:
1. Replensih granite along roadsides as required. Some of this is already in progress, but is a multiple year project.2. Upgrade irrigation systems to utilize enhanced technology that, in the long run, reduces costs and saves water.3. Upgrade roadsides along RV Blvd. and Woodburne to our plant palate which enhances the look of our roads
and saves water.4. Add park play equipment to Hohokam Park as set forth in the conditions of the $75k payment negotiated with
Lennar Homes for expanded capacity in the park.5. Over the course of time, all common property walls have to be caulked and painted. That undertaking happens
every year to areas needing this work as set forth in the Reserve Study.6. We continue to struggle with issues with our aging irrigation systems and an occasional problem with our
lighting infrastructure over time.
The CC&R’s allow the HOA to increase assessments up to 20% of current assessment. I don’t think we will come to that level but there will likely be some kind of increase in 2018. We will be in our budget process in 4th quarter of this year for the 2018 budget and we will develop an assessment that will sustain our community for the foreseeable future.
Dennis OttleyTreasurer, Rancho Vistoso HOA
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3885 E Golder Ranch Drive Tucson, Arizona 85739
Golder Ranch Fire District “Serving with Strong Hands and Caring Hearts”
July 17, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ANNE-MARIE BRASWELL, COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER/520-268-2307/ [email protected]
GOLDER RANCH AND MOUNTAIN VISTA FIRE DISTRICTSSUCCESSFULLY CONSOLIDATE AFTER FORMAL BOARD ACTION
Tucson, AZ- The Golder Ranch Fire District (GRFD) has grown by 19 square miles, 2 stations and 60 employees after a unanimous vote to approve a consolidation with the Mountain Vista Fire District (MVFD). This effort began earlier this year when the two fire districts engaged a consulting firm to do a feasibility study of each entity. The two fire districts worked diligently and expeditiously to move this process along, following timelines outlined in statute. This successful consolidation will mean a streamlined approach to fire suppression and emergency medical services in the areas that the consolidated districts serve.
“This consolidation will help us to continue to put our community first by providing exceptional services and efficient response times,” commented Fire Chief Cheryl Horvath.
In accordance with requirements for a fire district consolidation, the Mountain Vista Fire District will cease to exist and will be absorbed into the Golder Ranch Fire District. This will include the firefighters and administrative staff that are employed by MVFD. The two fire districts have been working collaboratively for over a year on shared services in the areas of technological support, fleet services and training. Additionally, the two organizations have been responding to emergency calls together as part of an automatic aid agreement that states that the closest, most appropriate unit responds to the 911 call, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.
“This is a demonstration of how collaborative relationships in public safety can maximize efficiencies. This is an exciting time for both our districts and for the community we serve. I’m so happy to welcome the MVFD personnel into our GRFD family,” commented Fire Chief Randy Karrer.
Golder Ranch fire District Reminds
Trick-Or-Treaters To Be Safe This Halloween
Very soon our ghosts and goblins will be haunting our neighborhoods, asking for sugary treats. As they go from door to door, collecting their delicious loot, Golder Ranch Fire Dis-trict reminds them to put safety first.
Kids of all ages participating in this year’s Halloween Trick-Or-Treating should make sure to keep these safety point-ers in mind before heading out the door.
• Extinguish all candles before leaving your home. • Wear some type of reflective material or clothing with your costume so that you are easily seen by oth-
ers, in particular, drivers. • Carry a flashlight to light the way. • Glow sticks are fun and can also be used to make you more visible. • Use the buddy system while going door to door. • An adult should accompany Trick-Or-Treaters of all ages on their Trick-Or-Treating adventures. • Trick-Or-Treat in well- lit neighborhoods that you are familiar with. • Carry a cell phone if possible.• Candy should be reviewed by an adult at the end of the night to make sure that there is nothing that may
be contaminated, trigger a food allergy, become a choking hazard and otherwise be unsafe to eat.• CALL 911 In Case of An Emergency.
The public should be extra cautious while driving on Halloween and remember that many people will be out on foot. Golder Ranch Fire District wishes everyone a safe Halloween.
Parking On Streets
We reached out to the Golder Ranch Fire District to request their input regarding all the cars being parked on the streets at night and how crowded streets impact first responders.
First responders need to get to the emergency safely and quickly and anything that may prevent them from getting to that emergency incident safely and quickly is a hazard.
In a residential setting, Golder Ranch Fire will do everything within their power to get to the emergency and render aid. It is in the best interest of the residents to provide easy access to their homes and neighborhoods. This may mean different things for different areas depending on how the area is constructed. For some areas this may mean trimming back brush and landscaping so that your house address is clear to see, it may mean parking your cars in the driveway instead of the street so that first responders can have easy access from the street to park their emer-gency vehicles and gain access to the home. Remember, if you need help in an emergency, response time can be slow and not work in your favor.
The CC&R’s, section 5.3.2, unequivocally disallows street parking in all situations. Vehicles are only allowed to park in garages, residential driveways or other designated parking areas.
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expertsOro ValleyThe Mitchell Team your
www.TheMitchellTeamTucson.com
Mara Mitchell(520) [email protected]
Brian Mitchell(520) [email protected]
1206 W. Tortolita Mountain CircleOffered at $3,300,000
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Sold at $643,000 - Represented Seller and Buyer13811 N. Javelina Springs
Offered at $552,000
New Listing
755 W. Vistoso Highlands Dr. 220Offered at $219,000
Vistoso Golf Casitas
13853 N. Steprock Canyon PlaceOffered at $705,000
New Listing
More to Enjoy with Wildlife Crossings Working in full Swingby Jessica Moreno, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
The last time I took a stroll down Big Wash, which runs along the west side of Oracle Road, the air pressed against my skin and smelled like bursage and creosote. Gambel’s quail scurried away with their bustling chip-chip-chip alarm call. Dry for most of the year in that characteristic way our desert washes are, Big Wash has served as a connection for animals moving back and forth between the Cañada del Oro Wash and open space north of Rancho Vistoso. It has always been an important wildlife movement area, a key feature in a linkage connecting the Tortolita and Catalina mountains, and now, with two new wildlife crossings in place and wildlife monitoring efforts in full swing, we are learning more every day about the habits and movements of animals that often remain just out of sight.
Most of our local wildlife prefer to travel at night, or in the crepuscular light of dawn and dusk. But that is not to say that we don’t have our daylight encounters – deer with fawns in tow, cottontail rabbits on the green, bobcats asleep on the back porch. Musky-scented javelina, which can become dangerous when fed or cornered, wallow in the shade of paloverdes and dutifully spread the seeds of cacti and desert plants where they go. Even their young resemble small striped squash. Here in the desert we live at nature’s edge and peer into a world that entertains us as well as nurtures us. The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection has been monitoring animals in this corridor for the past five years using wildlife cameras, giving us an even longer peek and important new data. To date, we have photographed 49 different species, from coyotes to coati, and cataloged over 24,000 animal photos.
While we monitor animals moving in the larger corridor, the wildlife bridge and underpass are under closer surveillance to track every animal that passes through. The instant response and growing number of animals using the crossings has surpassed biologist’s best hopes, with over 1700 animal crossings to date – and over 1700 potential wildlife-vehicle accidents averted. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) also outfitted 20 desert tortoises with tracking devices and has collected over 4,000 GPS points on their individual movements. None of these tortoises have crossed the highway yet. One trailblazing tortoise (without a tracker) interrupted construction workers to use the new underpass before it was completed.
AZGFD also just completed their August roadkill survey, and those results will be posted on our website soon. In their first roadkill survey completed in May, they found 529 mortalities and 9 live animals in the right-of-way of Oracle Road, including coyotes, Gila monster, barn owl, and kit fox. Most of the mortalities were found where fencing is still incomplete, south of the underpass. Wildlife-funnel fencing is a vital component of this project to direct animals to the crossings and to effectively reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. We continue to work closely with the RTA and with homeowners to fill the gaps.
It is heartwarming to know this effort and investment will allow our children and grandchildren to experience and enjoy the desert – dry washes, invigorating creosote air, javelina and all – just as we do today.
For more information:Photos, videos, and facts about the Oracle Road wildlife crossings and ongoing wildlife monitoring results can be found at www.sonoranwildlifecorridors.org. The Coalition will provide brief regular updates for the Rancho Vistoso HOA Board Meeting, on the 4th Thursday of the month. You can also contact us with questions at [email protected]. Share your own wildlife sightings at http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/csdp-safe-passages, and explore what others have seen! 11.
Upcoming Events
Dispose a Med
On Saturday, September 23rd, you can dispose of your medication at Target, located at 10555 N. Oracle Rd., between 9 am to noon. Bring your unused and expired prescriptions. Also, over-the-counter medicines, veterinarian medicines and vitamins will be accepted. Pills must be in their original containers. DO NOT bring household or hazardous waste.
Monster Mash - Steam Pump Ranch
Saturday, October 14th from 4 pm – 9 pm. 10901 N. Oracle Rd.
Halloween themed event;
• Booths to decorate pumpkins
• Halloween crafts
• Spooky maze
• Scavenger hunt
• Spook alley for tweens, teens and adults
• Fun run one mile race for children
• Food Trucks and more!
EL Tour de Tucson
The bicycle race will be held November 18th and sponsored by Casino Del Sol Resort.
The 106-mile start line (and finish line for all events) is located at Armory Park across the street from Children’s Museum Tucson on South 6th Avenue at 13th Street. Crossing the finish line ushers the riders into the next event, El Tour Downtown Fiesta! First order of business for cyclists: collect a special finisher’s medallion based on their finish time. Next, celebrate with family and friends at the Fiesta complete with non-stop music, food vendors, El Tour Perimeter store merchandise, kids activities, the Grand Cycling Awards Ceremony, and more!
Contact (520)-743-2033 or [email protected]
Catalina State Park – Proposed Sunday Hikes
The park offers various degrees of hiking on Sundays. You must register by 4 pm the day prior to the hike. Register at this link: [email protected] Park is located at 11570 N. Oracle Rd.
12.
Moore Traffic Light Update
The new traffic light being installed at Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and Moore Road should be completed by the end of September.
Maracay - Centerpointe
Sales and interest in the community continues to be very strong. Since opening in January 2016, Maracay has sold over 230 homes! They have closed over 160 of their 343 homes so the community has definitely “Come to life”!
Maracay opened up a new phase in the Desert Crest series which is their most affordable offering in the community. It has become more and more popular and is their best selling product over the last several months.
Many customers are opting for the “Move-In Ready Designer Homes” to skip the entire construction process and Maracay actually has 15 completed homes currently available for purchase that people are able to tour. Often times people think new construction and don’t realize completed homes are an option as well.
Hohokam Park Improvements
Sometime ago the Association asked for input as to what improvements needed to be made at Hohokam Park. Lennar (Eagle Summit) provided $75,000 to the Association to make these improvements. Working with residents’ suggestions and the vendor we are ready to move forward and start the improvements. First on the list, everyone wanted swings at the park. We will be removing the volleyball court and adding several swings, toddler swings, a tire swing and an ADA swing. A new area will be added which will have a net climber and several other new items. We will be adding some benches and a small workout area. The work was approved by the board at the August meeting. The work should be completed no later than the middle of November.
13.
The Good zzz’s Guide for Students
With the new school year now in full swing, the lazy, relaxed days of summer have been replaced with hectic school mornings, homework and after school activities. Most likely, your kids stayed up late and slept in during the summer break, so getting them back to a healthy sleep routine may be a challenge.
“Lack of sleep is not just an issue of motivating cranky children in the mornings,” said Dr. Carl Roberts, pediatrician. “Studies have shown that lack of quality sleep increases the likelihood of anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, and even physical pain.”
Kids need more sleep than you may think to function adequately during the day. If uncertain how much sleep your child needs to be at his/her best, consider the following guidelines:
ages 5-8: 10-11 hours per night ages 9-12: 9.5-10 hours per night ages 13-18: 8.5-9.5 hours per night
Knowing how much sleep your child needs is the first step in establishing an appropriate bedtime. You may find you need to tweak a little earlier or later, until you’re confident that your child wakes fairly easily in the morning, and appears alert and refreshed.
It’s no surprise that the effects of poor sleep are very similar for children and adults. Perhaps your own sleep patterns have shifted over the summer, and it’s time for the whole family to undergo a sleep tune up. The following recommendations are widely agreed upon by physicians and sleep experts, and can be used to get the whole family ready for the faster pace of the school year:
1. Start the transition ASAP. About 2-3 weeks before the start of the school year, start the routine of getting everyone to bed earlier. Start by moving bed times and wake times back about 15 minutes from the regular summer schedule, and gradually keep moving back every few days until you hit the appropriate school night bedtime. This will reduce the shock of the new, earlier wake up times during the first couple of weeks of school.
2. Consistency is key. It’s important to stay consistent with your bedtime schedule once you’ve made the transition, meaning weekends too. Allowing kids to stay up late on the weekends can damage the routine you’re trying to establish.
3. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine. A relaxing bath or walk after dinner, a book with a parent for younger kids, or silent reading time for older kids, are all good ways to wind down to sleep. The body becomes accustomed to these routines, and will eventually find an easy rhythm as the sun starts setting earlier and earlier.
4. Turn off electronics. All electronics – including TVs, computers and mobile devices – should be shut down at least one hour before target bedtimes. Not only is digital content mentally stimulating, but the artificial light emitting from them tricks the brain into thinking it should be awake.
5. Create an ideal sleep environment. We should associate our beds only with sleep – not reading, checking email or watching TV. Make sure the sleep space is quiet, dimly lit or dark, and cool (between 68 and 72 degrees). White noise from a fan or sound machine is very helpful for some who struggle to fall asleep quickly. Parents should be mindful that some kids struggle with sensory issues, so ensure comfortable and familiar sheets, pillowcases and blankets are available.
6. Healthy food and exercise. Kids should get plenty of physical exercise during the day, up to an hour or so before dinnertime. Avoid feeding children fatty or processed foods, and keep sugar and caffeine intake to a minimum. Poor nutrition is the most likely cause of sleep disturbances, for both children and adults.
Remember the impact of a positive role model. Parents who eat well, prioritize physical activity, and invest in their own proper care and rest, raise healthy children who prioritize these things as well. And if someone in your family is struggling with sleep problems, don’t assume it’s insignificant. There are many sleep disorders that can affect both adults and children, and that are easily treatable with the partnership of a qualified physician.
About Oro Valley Pediatrics
Oro Valley Pediatric pediatricians are dedicated to providing quality medical care to your children in a family-friendly environment with a focus on wellness and education. We work as a team to treat infants, children, adolescents and special needs patients in a caring setting that is comfortable for both the parents and the children we treat. We share our collective experience and knowledge to provide your child up-to-date diagnoses and treatment. We’re not just about vaccines and growth charts; we are concerned with the entire spectrum of your child’s develop-ment—physical, mental, social and emotional. To learn more, visit OroValleyPeds.com 15.
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We Beautify the World
OCTOBER
Monthly TO-DO list by aaa
Trees and Shrubs
• With exception of palms, October is the best month for planting trees and shrubs.• Dig a hole three times the size of the root ball. Plant the tree or shrub so the top of the root ball is
slightly higher than ground level. Run the hose in the hole as you back fill to settle the native soil and drive out air pockets.
• Water newly planted trees twice a week for two weeks then once a week after that.• Cut back watering of all trees and shrubs by about one-third as weather cools, but continue to water deep.
Don’t over water or fungus will grow. For example, if you’re watering your citrus tree every week, stretch this out to every two weeks.
• Prune dead branches out of trees and shrubs.• Trim unwanted sprouts from the interior of your citrus trees. This makes it easier to harvest fruit.
Vegetables
• Plant your winter vegetables in October, both leafy kinds and root producers. Plant so that the seedlings will be about 1-1 ½ inches from one another.
• Plant from seeds: beets, bok choy, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collard greens, endive, kale, lettuce, leeks, mustard, onions, parsnips, peas, radishes, rutabagas, spinach and turnips.
flowers
• This is the season for planting flowers and local nurseries will have plenty.• Dianthus, Geraniums and Petunias bloom continuously.• Lobelia (bright blue) and Alyssum borders are popular. They come in white, lavender, pink or Easter
bonnet, which is a white-lavender mix.• Resume full fertilizing of established roses as weather cools.• Keep spent roses trimmed.
If you want to plant bulbs, plant them the first of November. Freesias and Paper White Narcissus will come up year after year without much maintenance as will Anomoe, Crocus, Gladiolus, Iris or Ranunculus. Hyacinths and Tulips need to be put into a paper sack and chilled in your refrigerator for 4-6 weeks or they probably won’t bloom. For a nicer look plant bulbs in groups or clusters instead of rows.
17.
Thoughts on Weed Control
Much of this information comes from a recent talk on weed control given by Dr. Bill McCloskey of the University of Arizona, School of Plant Sciences. He and his students have done research on control of weeds, including buffelgrass and fountaingrass.
On any given patch of ground, 90% of the weeds that sprout are from seeds of weeds that were already there. Therefore, removing weeds before they go to seed will drastically decrease the number of weeds that show up in the future. All herbicides (weed killers) are much more effective at killing weeds before they flower and go to seed.
Because of the way organic herbicides work, they are most effective on weeds that are 1 inch tall or less. The effectiveness of any herbicide can be increased by adding a surfactant (a “spreader-sticker”) that helps reduce run-off. Herbicides work best when you get good coverage over all the plant. When spraying, a large piece of cardboard comes in handy to shield any nearby plants that you want to avoid spraying.
The general rule of thumb for weed control: Remove weeds before they flower and go to seed. The smaller they are, the easier they are to hand pull, hoe, or kill with herbicide.
Updated Design Guidelines
The Architectural Review Committee has been very busy reviewing the current Design Guidelines and making some changes. At the August board meeting the board approved a new updated version of the Design Guidelines. These Guidelines will go into effect October 1, 2017.
One of the items the members asked the committee to review was the backyard decorative string lighting. The committee has determined it will continue to prohibit string lighting and lighting above the wall, per the CC&R’s and Design Guidelines. If you currently have string lighting, please remove prior to October 1, 2017, as this will become a violation. The new version of the Design Guidelines will be posted to the website by October 1, 2017.
Innovation academy is Now Open!
Amphitheater Public Schools’ new elementary school, Innovation Academy, officially opened its doors as it welcomed hundreds of students on the first day of school on August 10.
Although the sciences will be incorporated into all aspects of learning, students will also receive a comprehensive, well-rounded elementary education with instruction in reading, writing, social studies, art, music, and physical education.
Innovation Academy parent, Vince Pike, said his family chose the school because of the hands-on, minds-on approach. “My son is real active with building things and having that hands-on, experiential learning will go a long way to help him be successful,” said Pike. “We made the switch to a public school because it’s important for us to be a part of the community and support public education.”
The District also welcomed more than 200 community members, neighbors, current and potential parents and students to the school for a Community Open House on August 19. Visitors toured the facility and visited stations throughout the school illustrating the instructional program and resources available to students. A number of teachers took time from their weekend to explain various aspects of the school and the curriculum focus.
For more information about Innovation Academy or to learn how to enroll your child, visit: www.amphi.com/InnovationAcademy
a hands-on, minds-on approach keeps kids engaged and allows them to see where their learning fits the world. There is no longer the question, “Why do I need to know this?”
– Michael McConnell Principal, Innovation Academy
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American, Foreign, New or Classic
Free shuttle in our service area
16255 N. Oracle RoadTucson (Catalina), AZ 85739
Call for an appointment!
818-3200
“Quality Service is our Business”
Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-5:30pmFree shuttle in our service area
The founding of the Town of Oro Valley
Oro Valley, incorporated in 1974, owes its beginning to individuals, namely Jim Kriegh (deceased), who fought long and hard for its inception. In 1968,Tucson’s mayor, ‘Gentleman’ Jim Corbett’s feelings, adamant that areas around Tucson would be part of the City of Tucson, were reflected in his statement, “…kicking, stamping and screaming if necessary,” set the tone.
Not to be deterred by this, or by the State of Arizona, people began to organize. An attorney, Mr. Ellsworth Triplett, represented the citizens and helped to overcome the numerous obstacles. Those complicated problems included a ruling from the state legislature stating that such incorporation must have 500 inhabitants who all had to exhibit common goals and objectives. In addition, it had to be farther than six miles from another incorporated city. If not six miles distant, then permission would be given [in this case] to Tucson to annex. Larger cities and towns lobbied for this ruling because they did not want ‘bedroom communities’ as competition.
The people of the northwest area were joined by the Catalina Foothills area; however Catalina Foothills area did not qualify.
Mr. Triplett advised that the Oro Valley Country Club Estates could be counted, and they wanted to be incorporated. The Oro Valley Homeowner’s Association President. Jim Kriegh, along with these entities, and citizens from several areas, joined together. Their tireless work through the years culminated in the filing of a petition to the Pima County Board of Supervisors for incorporation, which the board rejected. The Arizona Supreme Court then heard the case. Incorporation was finally approved after a 4 year court battle, for 2.5 square mile Town of Oro Valley.
This document is based on “The Making of a Town” by Marjorie K. Kriegh, Oro Valley Historical Society website. 21.
Golden Touch
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When Is a Tree a Nuisance?
Trees whose branches or roots encroach over or on the land of another may constitute a nuisance. The owner of the land encroached upon may abate the nuisance by cutting off the overhanging branches or destroying the encroaching roots. However, there is a duty to act reasonably, and there is no absolute right to sever tree roots from a neighbor’s or common area tree. In abating the nuisance, the injured landowner may not cut the tree down or cut its branches or roots beyond the extent to which they encroach upon his/her land. In other words, don’t cut branches or roots on another’s property or you could be liable for damages.
If you are going to abate an encroaching tree or roots, exercise caution. Remember to consider the following:
• Consult with an arborist or similar expert about the tree’s condition, and have the expert provide written requests for help or abatement that explain the need for abatement (e.g., branches plug up my roof drains or your roots are breaking up my brick patio) to the encroaching neighbor.
• Photograph or videotape the encroachment both before and after you take action.• Measure the area before and after to document the situation.
Remember that even though you may prune or cut a tree in good faith, your action can cause damage for which you could be liable. For example, cutting the tree at the top, usually for an increased view, more light or greater exposure, can structurally harm a tree. Cutting or pruning lower branches and leaving only the growth at the top (known as liontailing) or cutting or pruning inner branches to create growth on the outer tips can also increase the risk of a structurally unsound tree that could topple in wind or rain.
Also be careful when cutting roots. While it may solve your problem, cutting the roots can also weaken a tree and cause it to fall. While you have solved one problem, you have created another. The tree owner may pursue you for the damage he has incurred.
Voting is a privilege and a responsibility. The Oro Valley special election this November is very important. at issue is a $17 million bond, affecting your property taxes for 20 years.
Be informed. Read the pros & cons. and then VOTE!
Holiday Decorations
Beginning now through January, we will start to see different types of holiday decorations for the upcoming holidays. Per the Vistoso Community Design Guidelines, holiday decorations may not be displayed any earlier then 20 days prior to the holiday and must be removed no later than 20 days after the observed holiday the decorations represent.
Air conditioning repairs can be expensive. They’re also very common on systems that aren’t maintained properly. Would you rather pay for a nice vacation, or a new compressor?
Before you turn on your system this year, have it checked out by one of our certified technicians. It’s the best way to prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of your equipment Air conditioning repairs can be expensive. They’re also very common on systems that aren’t maintained properly. Would you rather pay for a nice vacation, or a new compressor? Air conditioning repairs can be expensive. They’re also very common on systems that aren’t maintained properly. Would you rather pay for a nice vacation, or a new compressor
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