Tucson Lifestyle • March 2020 • From the...EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

That’s what horse racing (specifically, thoroughbred racing), has been called.

And it has a well-established history in Pima County at Rillito Park Racetrack, which has been a fixture here since the late 1940s.

But although the sight of equine athleticism stirs the hearts of many, it also raises significant concerns, both among those who support the sport, and those who would like to see it abolished. What becomes of the horses who aren’t fast enough to make money? How are thoroughbreds and quarter horses treated, on and off the track? Are we making injuries inevitable by pushing young horses too hard too soon?

It’s impossible to raise, much less answer, all of the questions that could be asked about horse racing in Tucson, but we think Elena Acoba’s story (on page 60) is a good start for a community dialogue.

Horses are indelibly linked to images of the West, and they show up in many artworks depicting our region of the country. But you’ll see a lot more than just ponies at Southwest Rising, an exhibition of artwork from the Elaine Horwitch Gallery, currently on display at the Tucson Museum of Art. With paintings, sculptures, and photos that effectively celebrate and satirize the West, this is a must-see show. For a preview, turn to page 66.

Our pleasant spring weather usually draws us outdoors to enjoy nature, but those hikes remind us that we need to stay in (or get in) shape! We asked Kimberly Schmitz, who knows a thing or two about fitness, to speak to local experts about workout trends. Read what she discovered about everything from weight lifting to yoga, starting on page 126.

Like many ranch-style houses with ’70s roots, the home of Debbie and Mike McGovern has been updated to bring it into the 21st century. The results are a home that’s very light and airy, painted white, and decorated with a vintage vibe. See the story beginning on page 91.

If actual ranches are more your thing, turn to page 102 for a preview of the local ranches The Historic Preservation Foundation has available to tour on March 21.

The Garden Kitchen is part cooking school, part handson gardening workshop, which opened in 2012 in a former Mexican restaurant in South Tucson. This seed-to-table program — a partnership of The University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension, along with the city of South Tucson and Pima County — has whole health as its primary aim. Turn to page 98 to read all about it, and then flip over to 116 to see a pictorial on a cooking class that they offer. The pastamaking class was a fun culinary experience for everyone, led by Garden Kitchen Program Director Jennifer Parlin.

Nothing says spring like the golden, round faces of sunflowers! Before you pick up a pack of seeds on your next trip to the nursery, check out the wide varieties of these sunny delights on page 108.

Even though winter has given way to spring, once the sun sets a chill can often be felt. It’s a perfect time to enjoy an outdoor fire feature. Get a glimpse of just a few options starting on 104.

There’s still time to take a trip to Tubac to see one of Arizona’s most famous critters being honored in an outdoor sculptural exhibition. See a few of these painted peccaries on page 32.

Closer to home, we visited the showroom of Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oils & Balsamics. Tom and Nancy Alfonso opened their shop in 2011, and they offer food enthusiasts a great collection of unique oil and vinegar flavors. Read our Pros Who Know on page 110.