Some of the people at today's Golden Citizen's luncheon have been in Fairbanks for most of that time, watching the town grow from under 300 people in the 1930's to about 80,000 people today. Along with population growth comes political and economic progress, which result in changes to the makeup of the Golden Heart City. Ruby Riddles, the official hostess of the city of Fairbanks, says such progress is a natural thing. From the time of the city's founding until today, the people we spoke with agree, it's the people who live here that make Fairbanks the Golden Heart City. Fairbanks can be a difficult environment to live in.
Isolation adds to the city's independent spirit, as does the sometimes difficult weather.
This week is a time to reflect on the history of our city, but some see that history being forgotten by the people who live here. Next year the city will celebrate its centennial, flourishing despite earthquakes, floods, and economic recession. Reason enough to join together and dance into the future. Last week jurors listened to the voice of Diana Knight eliciting information from the defendant Todd Porterfield. Now they've met her in person.