This interactive book allows you to read and listen (using the QR codes) to seven influential interviews from the first year of the popular radio show and podcast.
Life Along the Streetcar tells the stories of how Tucson came to be, how Tucson is, and what Tucson may become. The show is a community conversation and not an academic exercise. We allow people to tell their story, recognizing the inherent bias of their perspective. Our end result is not a thesis or historical document, rather an oral account of those who have, and are, living the history.
In my opinion, again, we are making better decisions and have a better understanding about how the two elements—progress and preservation—are interdependent. In the sixties, it appears we were trying to break free of the Tucson history in favor of a modern vision for the city. The current development seems to recognize the importance of our history on the longevity of our future success. The present is simply the intersection of our history and future. One could argue the success of the future is unequivocally based on the acceptance of our past.
What follows are a few feature stories from the early years which present my perspective of Tucson. The past, the present, and the future. They embrace the struggles, disagreeableness, and beauty which makes Tucson so special.