Having lived in Tucson for four years...I can attest to the fact that there are a number of certified "nuts" in the city and the story doesn't surprise me. From the environmental nuts to the Vietnam war Vets...there seems to be a magnet to draw these guys to the city and they seem to all fit in...and carry on their agenda.
Phoenix got the Insane Asylum years ago and Tucson got the University. Its a draw!