I lived in Phoenix, AZ for 6 horrible years of flats (1981 - 1987). Thorns and road debris everywhere.
My solution? I took up running. Until my knees, my lower back started giving me problems. Fortunately, my wife finished her degree at ASU around the same time, and we moved back to Wisconsin. I have been biking ever since. Running was nice, but it takes a toll on your body.
No road flats in 6500 miles for 2006. Two stem flats though, but not while riding. Switched to Michelin inner tubes and we'll see how that goes.