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Hey Oro Valley, hope your week’s off to a good start! A new 18-mile trail, University of Arizona online programs top 5%, Pets of Pima Parade registration, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Safer ride on the horizon: Pinal County is exploring an 18-mile path in Saddlebrooke that could connect to Pima County’s Chuck Huckelberry Loop, improving access. Residents voiced support and property concerns as planning begins — see what’s planned here.
Accolades highlight academic excellence: University of Arizona online programs ranked in the top 5 percent nationwide, their sixth straight top 15 finish, while Eller’s MBA placed No. 6 overall and No. 1 in Arizona — see the rankings and criteria.
Advancing safe, affordable banking: Tucson Federal Credit Union became Arizona’s first and only credit union with Bank On certification. MyMoney Checking is available, with the First Step 500 Loan Program coming later this year — get details on new offerings.
Spotlight on standout campuses: Nine Tucson Unified schools were honored with national magnet awards, with three named Top Magnet Schools of Excellence, spotlighting innovation and student achievement just south of Oro Valley — see which schools were honored.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
A colorful community celebration: Registration is open for the 2026 Pets of Pima Parade, happening Sunday, March 8. Expect companion animals from around the world with more than 1,000 dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles, plus bands, floats, entertainers, and costumed characters. A festive outing for Oro Valley families. Learn how you can participate.
An elegant new hideaway: Los Milics Vineyards opened its first permanent tasting room on January 26 at 98 E. Congress St. in downtown Tucson. Expect estate-grown Sonoita wines in a minimalist European-style space, plus craft cocktails, local beer, nonalcoholic options, and seasonal veggie-forward bites. An easy night out from Oro Valley. Get all the details.
Sweet Tucson fix: Whether you crave prickly-pear caramels, glossy bonbons, or single-origin bars for secret desk snacking, Monsoon Chocolate spins Sonoran flavors into snackable art. Bright cactus, caramel, and cacao meet in tidy bites that surprise without fuss… a little desert sun for your stash.
Upgrade your nest locally: If your living room needs a lift, Begin Again offers quality consigned furnishings, thoughtfully chosen to feel unique without the sticker shock. The right piece often quiets the room and stands out in the best way, refreshing your space with character.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🎉 28th Annual Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance Celebration @ Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro | Tuesday (2/24) at 3:30 PM – Whether you’ve logged decades on trails or just learned to spell saguaro, come toast the 28th annual salute to Southern Arizona’s attractions and our Travel + Leisure crown as the nation’s top winter nature getaway. Expect locals, desert charm, and bragging rights you earn.
🎙 Sentimental Journey @ The Gaslight Music Hall | Wednesday (2/25) at 6:00 PM – Hop on the Chattanooga Choo Choo as The Manhattan Dolls glide through swing and swoon of the 30s and 40s. Expect velvet ballads, toe-tappers, and a USO salute to troops. Grandparents would approve, knees will too, and it is Kelly Doll’s first live band show.
🤠 Scott Moreau @ Voyager RV Resort | Wednesday (2/25) at 7:00 PM – Think you know your Glen Campbell deep cuts? Veteran stage pro Scott Moreau channels Glen and his musical circle with real chops, rich storytelling, and zero karaoke cringe. Trade yardwork for Wichita Lineman vibes, a singalong or two, and that easy-breezy, old-school glow.
This weekend
🎨 Oro Valley Fine Art & Wine Festival @ Oro Valley Aquatic Center | Saturday (2/28) at 2:00 AM – Oro Valley’s Fine Art & Wine Festival lets you sip, stroll, and pretend you understand tannins while supporting talented local artists. Expect Catalina views, clinking glasses, and conversations that don’t involve yard work. Bring a friend, a wallet, and your best hmm face.
🎺 Just For Kids with the Brass Quintet @ Tucson Symphony Center | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Give the tablets a timeout and let TSO’s brass quintet turn your kids into curious listeners. This interactive, storytelling-filled Just for Kids show is built for toddlers through grade schoolers, and surprisingly fun for the adults, grandparents, and designated snack carriers.
✂ Card Maker Crafternoon @ The Hoppy Vine | Sunday (3/1) at 1:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for a Crafternoon at Hoppy Vine, where you’ll assemble 12 all-season cards with a tidy kit, clear instructions, and a tape runner you get to keep. Sip beer, wine, or NA options while you craft, chat, and feel competent. $45, extra kits $24.
🎼 Menagerie @ St. Mark’s United Methodist Church | Sunday (3/1) at 3:00 PM – Settle in as Desert Voices and the Symphonic Choir celebrate our furred, finned, and feathered neighbors with animal anthems. Pima Animal Care Center will be onsite after for adoptions, so you could leave with a full heart, a catchy chorus, and a new co-pilot.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Oro Valley report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 83°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 83. West southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. North northeast wind 2 to 7 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 85°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 2 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
This house is wild
On a private 1.29-acre Oro Valley lot with unobstructed Catalina Mountain views and no HOA, this custom Southwestern retreat offers a 4,261-square-foot 3-bed, 4-bath main house plus a 780-square-foot casita. The chef’s kitchen showcases Thermador and Dacor appliances, a 48-inch cooktop, dual dishwashers, and a wet bar. Four fireplaces, two laundry rooms, resort-style pool and spa, and a three-car garage.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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