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Rise and shine, Oro Valley!

In today’s planning-your-week edition: Construction enters final stretch, oldest bookstore saved, and archery shoot and BBQ challenge + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Oro Valley protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Construction enters final stretch: Valencia and Sunset extensions in Tucson are on track to finish this summer, with south-side work wrapping late spring, traffic shifts, side-street impacts, and no full closures at major intersections — see timeline and traffic impacts.

Local lit hub taking shape: A new owner saved Tucson’s oldest bookstore, The Book Stop, from a planned December 31 closure, finalizing the sale on Feb. 2. The shop plans to reopen in mid-March — read about the new chapter.

City considers code amendment: Tucson will host public meetings March 4 and March 5 on proposed rules for large-scale data centers, including a virtual midday session and an in-person evening forum — get meeting and timeline details.

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.

Highlights this week:

• Support neighbors at Empty Bowls 2026
• Learn to camp as a family
• Celebrate St. Patrick’s at Desert Leprechaun 5K
• You’re probably overpaying for car insurance

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Crave-worthy wing detour: Charred Pie is known for wood-fired pies, but the Korean gochujang wings, tequila-marinated, saucy, and with the right kick, plus a rotating Wings of the Week, make an ideal midweek treat. Bring a friend and a napkin stash… sauce happens.

Skin care pit stop: Skin Care By Design has spent 20+ years keeping Oro Valley faces fresh with facials, lasers, injectables, and medical-grade skincare that keeps routines simple. Registered nurses and licensed aestheticians create plans that are easy, effective, and glow-inducing, so your skin looks good without the guesswork.

Local fairway reset: El Conquistador Golf & Tennis serves up classic desert golf with sweeping Catalina views, cactus-lined fairways, and sunlit greens. Variety across its courses keeps every round fresh, the kind that rallies your usual foursome and reminds you why staying close to home just hits different.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Our favorite events 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.

🎨 Mosaic Bench Workshop @ Art & Clay Designs by Robin Chlad | Friday (3/6) at 9:00 AM – Give your patio some bragging rights with a two-day mosaic bench workshop, guided by local tile wizard Robin Chlad. Pick from thousands of handmade pieces, or special order the perfect ones, then rope in a friend or family member, trade stories, and grout like grown-ups.

🏹 8th Annual Jose Samaniego Archery Shoot & BBQ Challenge @ Naranja Park | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Archery and barbecue are teaming up at Naranja Park for the 8th annual Jose Samaniego memorial, with 3D targets, live music, free admission, and family-friendly fun. Take the competitive course or keep it casual, then let our first responders bring the heat at the pits.

🎨 Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts @ Oro Valley Marketplace | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve been meaning to keep the dust, the critters, and monsoons at bay, swing by the Spring Festival of the Arts at Oro Valley Marketplace. First Impression Ironworks shows custom iron doors and gates built for Arizona living, full-frame tough, curb appeal, no fuss.

🥣 Empty Bowls @ Tucson Chinese Cultural Center | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to do some good between errands, this is it. Empty Bowls, Interfaith Community Services’ biggest fundraiser, takes over the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, rallying neighbors to help neighbors, without lectures, plenty of heart, and results.

🐶 K9 Cookie Class @ DiBella’s Brunch N’ Booze | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – Take a break from the grind and head to DiBella’s Brunch N’ Booze for a dog-themed cookie decorating class. Everything’s provided, six cookies, four icing colors, ages 12+, zero dishes. Artistic skill optional, enthusiasm required, and yes, potato-shaped pugs count.

🚗 Clapper & Automobiles Show @ Foothills Community Church | Saturday (3/7) at 5:30 PM – Polish those hubcaps and roll over to Foothills Community Church for a no-nonsense car show that actually does some good. Classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, food, raffles, and a 50/50, all fueling the FCC Youth Group’s trips and real-world experiences. Register if you’re feeling fancy.

🎻 Armonia: Classic Concert @ St. Mark’s UMC, Tucson | Sunday (3/8) at 4:00 PM – Only in Tucson do angelic boys’ chorus vocals pair perfectly with bold mariachi swagger, and somehow it works beautifully. Armonía brings the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus together with Mariachi Rayos del Sol for a heartfelt, high-quality mashup of Mexico’s classics, hometown pride, and goosebumps.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 Those Dudes @ Steam Pump Ranch – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Celebrate Oro Valley Concert Series @ Historic Steam Pump Ranch – 6:00 PM
• 3/7 Shine On Floyd @ The Gaslight Music Hall – 2:00 PM
• 3/7 Gary Roberts @ Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa – 7:00 PM
• 3/8 Armonia: Classic Concert @ St. Mark’s UMC, Tucson – 4:00 PM
• 3/8 SOLD OUT–Gaslight Music Hall, Tucson, AZ @ The Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley – 8:00 PM
• 3/13 Final Approach @ Gaslight Music Hall – 8:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 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.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• Treat yourself: Save $ on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Oro Valley report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 90°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 90. South southwest wind 2 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. North wind 2 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 85°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 2 to 12 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 54.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

Striking modern desert home by architect Marc Soloway, to be built by Pryce Homes, a premier luxury builder known for artisan craftsmanship. In Stone Canyon, a guard-gated community with a nationally ranked private golf club, this 4,563 sq ft design has four ensuite bedrooms, dramatic views from every room, and integration with rock outcroppings on a private 1+ acre lot.

Take a peek inside →