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Rise and shine, Oro Valley! A parking rate hike proposal, a $157M bridge rebuild, Festival of Books’ Science City, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Balancing convenience and maintenance funding: Tucson is proposing higher parking rates and longer meter hours to improve access nights and weekends. Costs could rise a few cents to $20 a month, prompting pushback from businesses — see what’s planned for parking.
Inside the bridge upgrade: Granite Construction’s venture won a $157 million contract in January to replace Tucson’s 22nd Street Bridge with six lanes, funded by City of Tucson, the RTA and a federal grant — see project and funding details.
Proposal to repurpose school campus: ASDB may lease Oro Valley’s Copper Creek Elementary for five years, paying $1.3 million annually under a proposal presented to Amphi leaders after the school was slated for closure — see what’s in the agreement.
Where curiosity meets conversation: The Tucson Festival of Books returns to the University of Arizona in March, with Science City offering hands-on discovery, Sonoran Desert breakthroughs, and book talks for Oro Valley families — get all the event details.
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
Crypto ATM safety tips: Bitcoin Depot has five crypto ATMs in Oro Valley Circle K and Speedway stores, and each displays a scam warning to meet Arizona law. If anyone asks you to pay in Bitcoin, it is likely a scam. About 50 kiosks operate across greater Tucson. See how to stay safe.
Owner shares early buzz: Tuk Tuk Express is now open in Main Gate Square at 994 E. University Blvd., bringing fast Thai favorites from the Tuk Tuk Thai team. Expect a quick-serve setup with 8 to 10 staples and rotating specials, including crispy basil chicken, handy for a campus visit. Read the full story.
Time for a hair reset: Lewis + Ivey is all calm, boutique energy, with a team devoted to thoughtful, tailored hair work… think fresh cuts, dialed-in color, and a dose of self-care. Shake off the winter slump and feel like yourself again, without the fuss.
BBQ and bourbon fix: At Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, slow pit-smoked brisket, ribs, and Southwestern-leaning comfort sides meet a deep bourbon list and plenty of local taps. Most weeks bring live music, turning dinner into a full night out…a relaxed, midweek lift.
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.
🎉 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.
🏓 Rodeo Break Pickleball Camp @ The Picklr Oro Valley (Oro Valley, AZ) | Thursday (2/26) at 9:00 AM – Rodeo Break got you staring at the calendar like it’s bucking season? Drop the kids, ages 5 to 14, at The Picklr in Oro Valley for a beginner friendly pickleball camp, paddles provided. They’ll dink and rally, you’ll reclaim a quiet morning, and everyone wins.
🚽 Urinetown @ Pima Community College – Center for the Arts | Thursday (2/26) at 7:00 PM – Catch Urinetown, the gleefully subversive musical where water is scarce, bathrooms are political, and the jokes land with a splash. You’ll laugh, squirm, and hum all the way home, because nothing says quality time like civic outrage, snappy choreography, and a killer finale.
🎤 Bruce Cockburn @ Rialto Theatre | Thursday (2/26) at 8:00 PM – Bruce Cockburn is taking over the Rialto, and the man still turns a guitar into a campfire. Expect sharp lyrics, gorgeous fingerpicking, and a crowd that listens, not yells, then wander Congress for a nightcap, and call it balance.
🎶 Celestial Harp Sound Bath @ Intuitive Harp Healing | Friday (2/27) at 6:30 PM – Whether your week has been all emails, errands, or existential dread, this harp sound bath is the mellow reboot your nervous system forgot it needed. Think soft vibrations, slow breathing, and a heart-centered hush. No incense cloud, no yoga pretzels, just exhale.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Oro Valley report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 82°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 82. South wind around 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. East northeast wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 84°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.
This house is wild
This guard-gated Stone Canyon escape pairs soaring ceilings and expansive glass walls with Catalina Mountain views. A split layout showcases travertine and wood floors, a wine bar, and a stacked stone fireplace. The chef’s kitchen stars a large island, 48″ gas cooktop, and walk-in pantry. Out back, a pool, spa, and built-in BBQ await, minutes from clubhouse and fitness center.
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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