Know Tucson Podcast Know Tucson

In episode 20 we had the privilege of speaking to my good friend and local historian, Dr. Lydia Otero. In December 2019, they released their new book, "In the Shadows of the Freeway: Growing up Brown & Queer." The book outlines the displacement of families that lived along what is now the I-10 freeway. Otero examines how decisions made by city officials have historically negatively affected the communities they've lived in. They also share stories of resistance from within those communities.

Dr. Otero's personal story of resistance is also about growing up brown & queer in Tucson. This memoir gives a name and face to the lives impacted by the construction of the freeway. You can pick up a copy of this book at the following locations:

• Why I Love Where I Live located at 267 South Avenida del Convento Building 6, Tucson, AZ 85745.
• Petroglyphs at 267 South Avenida del Convento Building 10, Tucson, AZ 85745.
• Antigone Books at 411 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705.

For Episode 19 of Know Tucson, Council Member Lane Santa Cruz and Mayor Regina Romero discuss their experiences as mujeres in politics, becoming empowered and navigating misogyny in their careers.

In Episode 18 of Know Tucson, Pascua Yaqui Council Herminia “Minnie” Frias and Pima County Supervisor Betty Villegas joined us to speak about efforts to restore an early voting site on the Pascua Yaqui nation. We also had three members from the Tucson Native Youth Council––Azul Navarrete-Valera, Esai Flores, and Tossi Masso Molina––on to tell us more about the council and share their experiences as Tucson Native Youth.

For Episode 17 of Know Tucson Council Members Nikki Lee and Lane Santa Cruz discuss their time in office so far as the most junior members of the council, and the ways in which being moms helps them show up in the work.

In Episode 16 of Know Tucson we had a discussion with Raul Ramirez and Josefina Cardenas about the proposed expansion of the Central Business District, the Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET), and recent protests about how these items under consideration by the Mayor and Council contribute to gentrification.

Know Tucson Podcast

In Episode 15 of Know Tucson we had a discussion with Francisca Porchas Coronado. Francisco has worked as an organizer for over 15 years on a variety of issues, including civil rights, climate justice, criminalization, and migration on a local and national level. Francisca founded Healing in Resistance, a wellness project that centers the healing of Latinx/migrant people on the frontlines in the fight for migrant rights. Francisca is also the founder and coordinator of Latinx Therapists Action Network, a network linking Latinx therapists to frontline migrants rights organizations working in Latinx communities and Native mental health services.