On Wednesday, Feb. 22, 1984, the first edition of the Tucson Weekly hit the streets—and here we are, in a blink of an eye, 35 years later. We've been witness to plenty since that fateful day, but this hardly seems the time or place to start looking back.
I'm immensely grateful to have been here for much of the ride. I've been blessed with the opportunity to tell a lot of stories alongside some of the best in the biz—and these days, it's an honor and delight to be working alongside both old pros and young punks who regularly inspire me with their dedication, drive and creativity.
This week, we're proud to bring you a story from a longtime friend of the Weekly. Author and ethnobotanist Gary Paul Nabhan looks at how Tucson's local food movement has fueled the region's economic recovery, from the barrios to those swanky downtown joints.
Elsewhere in the book: staff reporter Kathleen B. Kunz watches Randi Dorman launch her mayoral campaign; Tucson Salvage columnist Brian Smith sings the praises of Circle K; staff reporter Christopher Boan takes us out to the ballgame for the opening homestand of the kickass UA softball team at the newly renovated Hillenbrand Stadium; arts writer Margaret Regan reviews the work of young Sonoran artists now on display at Bernal Gallery; Cannabis 520 columnist Nick Meyers briefs you on the absurd argument that prosecutors are trying to sell the Arizona Supreme Court in order to ban marijuana concentrates and extracts; music contributor Brett Callwood gets a measure of the Wood Brothers ahead of their upcoming show at downtown's Rialto Theatre; movie critic Bob Grimm finds no joy with Alita: Battle Angel; and there's plenty more in the usual columns about music, food, film, comedy and all the fun to be had in the week ahead. TW founder Doug Biggers promised in that first issue way back in 1984 to be "an indispensable source on the best and most creative happenings in the city." A lot has changed in the last 35 years, but we hold true to that mission.
Many happy returns, everyone!
— Jim Nintzel Executive Editor
Hear Nintz talk about what's happening in Tucson's entertainment scene Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. during The Frank Show on KLPX, 96.1 FM.
