I’ve lived in Tucson for the entirety of my life.
I attended TUSD schools, I went on weekly trips to Skate Country in summer camp, I have memories eating strawberry Eegee’s in a midtown park.
I tried fresh flour tortillas for the first time at La Parrilla Suiza, I remember my first trip to Pop Cycle in middle school with someone who is still my best friend, I fell in love on a first date at Scented Leaf.
Tucson admittedly wasn’t always my favorite place in the world — I blame teen angst for that — but it’s my favorite place now.
It’s been a complete dream to help you discover all the things to love about Tucson, the city I love most. I think I’ll live in Tucson forever — you couldn’t drag me out of here if you tried — but this week is my last at #ThisIsTucson.
My journey in journalism started as a student at the University of Arizona, followed by a stint in the public safety beat and digital production at the Arizona Daily Star beginning in 2018. By 2021, I slipped into a reporter role for the Star’s sister site, #ThisIsTucson. Later that year, I became #ThisIsTucson’s editor. I’ve loved every position in journalism I’ve had, but being #ThisIsTucson’s editor has been my favorite of them all.
When I say working for #ThisIsTucson has been a dream, I mean it. It’s truly been an honor to write about all the things I love about Tucson, sharing them with each and every one of you. I went on family trips to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum as a kid and I ventured up to Mount Lemmon with my mom to experience snow for the first time when I was small — it feels full circle to have now written about those same exact spots as an adult.
Throughout my time at #ThisIsTucson, I’ve had the chance to write about two baby elephants at Reid Park Zoo, rare jellyfish in Sabino Canyon, a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to live in Winterhaven, a Britney Spears-themed plant shop, an immersive speakeasy tiki bar, countless highlights on Tucson’s very talented artists, and guides on everything from sweet treats in Tucson to ways to meet new people to date ideas.
I’ve also had the chance to organize five artisan markets, from larger to mini. Shopping local art markets is my absolute favorite thing to do in Tucson. I love meeting all the creatives behind the monsoon-shaped earrings I love and the ube cookies I could devour in seconds.
I never thought I’d be in a position to organize a market of my own, but doing so was a complete privilege. Watching the community rally for small businesses is something I will never grow tired of.
More than anything, I can’t thank you enough for reading the silly stories I’ve written and attending the events I’ve planned. The community is what makes Tucson so special — the chefs who cook the birria we love, the artists who create murals we’re obsessed with, the volunteers who maintain our treasured hiking trails. These people make Tucson all that it is, and those people deserve the limelight all the time.
My hope is that you’ve learned a little something about Tucson from my work. Maybe you found a new restaurant to frequent or an artist to shop from or a festival to keep you busy over the weekend. Whatever it is, I hope I’ve helped you fall in love with Tucson just a little bit more.
To all the community members I’ve had the chance to meet and write about, thank you for sharing your stories with me, thank you for your vulnerability, thank you for trusting me with your words. My favorite part of journalism has been connecting with community members, listening to you talk so graciously about the things you’re most passionate about.
To mimic what my friend and former colleague Elvia once said: I may have played a little part in your stories, but you all have played a significant role in mine. Thank you.
I’ve worked closely at #ThisIsTucson with some of the most talented people I know —
- Ellice Lueders, who had been at #ThisIsTucson for a single month by the time I became editor and took all the changes like the champion she is. She was so patient with me as I made mistakes and figured things out on my own for the first time. She also knows how to write a damn good story.
- Elvia Verdugo, who was the first person I hired when I had been an editor for only a month at the time, who trusted me even though I was completely clueless and told her, “You’re hired but I don’t know what happens next.” She’s fierce, talented and dedicated to the power of journalism in a way I have never seen before.
- Jamie Donnelly, who had a similar path in journalism as me, starting in public safety and making the switch to features, a beat where she truly thrives. She’s the kindest person you’ll ever meet and so incredibly good at what she does. No one’s stories make me laugh as much as hers do.
- Pascal Albright, who is a complete light to have in any situation. Anyone who meets Pascal instantly knows they are filled with charisma and humor, and they are so fun and absolutely welcoming to be around. They are forever encouraging, with a love for the community that anyone can feel.
Local journalism is vital toward creating more-informed, flourishing communities. While the decision to depart #ThisIsTucson was a difficult one to make, #ThisIsTucson will live on and I’ll forever be a reader and a #ThisIsTucson fan — just from afar this time.
Thank you for being here every step of the way.
Love,
Gloria
