Welcome to Tucson

Hello! I'm Johanna Willett, a reporter for #ThisIsTucson, and I'll be your guide for the next seven emails while I help you become more connected to Tucson and the Sonoran Desert.

This course will help you find a deeper connection with this place or forge one if you are just moving to the area. The series of emails will walk you through:

• The Tucson area's quirky weather

• Our delicious and ancient food scene

• Jobs, our economy and local government

• The Sonoran Desert's outdoors and recreation

• The diverse art community, murals and festivals

• How to choose a neighborhood and a school

I moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. And to be honest, I was not impressed. Despite college outings to Winterhaven, Bookmans and Seven Falls, I didn't begin to understand the prickly charm of Tucson until I began writing about this city for my journalism classes. And then, slowly, I began to see. I saw the beauty of the desert and the generosity of the people. I saw the diversity of Tucson's history and the complexity of its cuisines. And I began to see why people love this place. I hope that as you discover more about Tucson and hold space for the good and the bad, you'll learn to love it, too. 

This Is Tucson’s mission is to create a more engaged, more informed community. Our small local newsroom of five women covers things to do, food and restaurants and culture and community.

Thanks again for signing up! You can expect your emails at 6 a.m. every other day. Look for your first email — about the Tucson area's quirky weather — tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Johanna

Here are all the ways you can connect with us while you wait for your next email...

📸 Follow us on Instagram. We post lots about Tucson life and food here.

👍 Like us on Facebook. See our daily stories in your feed.

📱 Download the #ThisIsTucson app for iOS and Android. Get a notification on your phone every time we publish a new local story.

📩 Sign up for our other #ThisIsTucson newsletters. Whether it’s finding things to do, or figuring out where to eat in town, our Weekend Planner and Eat + Drink newsletter will make sure you’re never bored.

🛒 Check out our online shop. We've got cute cactus t-shirts, face masks and stickers.