Arizona Illustrated

Tohono Chul One of the Tucson area's most important natural attractions might have been a mall had it not been for the gift of a local family - it is now known as Tohono Chul, on Tucson's northwest side where more than 30 acres have been preserved. Living with Rattlesnakes A couple of Tucson residents are hoping that more people will learn to appreciate and protect rattlesnakes and other snakes in our region and around the world. Melissa Amarello and Jeff Smith are co-founders of Advocates for Snake Preservation. They are trying to dispel myths about the maligned reptiles and give them a better shot at survival in their interactions / proximity to human beings. However, Amarello and Smith admit it can be a tough sell- rattlesnakes are not seen as beautiful or cuddly as are some species like hummingbirds or panda bears. Muralist on Murals: Alfonso Chavez Muralist and community organizer Alfonso Chavez shares his three favorite murals in Tucson. They come from different eras and have different styles but all tell stories that challenge the dominant cultural narrative. Tiger’s Tap Room Tom “Tiger” Ziegler worked as a bartender at Hotel Congress for over 60 years. In that time, he saw it all including many changes to downtown Tucson.