District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez February — March Newsletter

• Message from Jeronimo
• Preparation, Prevention, and Information: Our Surrounding Environment
• District 2 Highlights
• Special Spotlight: Areina Contreras
• Service Positions & Job Listings
• Services and Programs
• Community Events & Resources
• And more!

Hello Everyone,

I hope you have been enjoying the new year as it begins to settle. I would like to highlight the success that we have had as a county these past two months as we transition from winter to spring. I have had the opportunity to speak with different officials and other representatives across the country. With that being said, I have been able to engage in discussions regarding affordable housing, promotion of diversity, transportation, county affairs, and so much more. I would like to highlight the Coconino County Staff and all the amazing work they have done in this past month. Additionally, we have also had staff members attend conferences and meetings with other officials across the country who are excited about the connections and collaborations we have made.

In relation to our shift in season, I encourage everyone to take precaution and to look out for our neighbors. I also want to highlight once more that the diversity in our county is what makes our county so special. It is important to learn about the various communities that make up Coconino County. February gave us the opportunity to participate in African American Heritage month and March is Women’s History month where we had several events hosted by the County. I encourage you to continue the participation and recognize all the various Heritage Months throughout the year.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about what is going on in District 2. I am here to serve our community, so please don’t hesitate to email me at jvasquez@coconino.az.gov with any questions or concerns.

Significant snowfall this year has caused several roofs to collapse within the Flagstaff area. The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County are encouraging residents to check structures for signs of damage or stress.

These signs can include:

· Sagging ceiling tiles or boards, ceiling boards falling out of the ceiling grid, and/or sagging sprinkler lines and sprinkler heads

· Sprinkler heads deflecting below suspended ceilings

· Popping, cracking, and creaking noises

· Sagging roof members, including metal decking or plywood sheathing

· Bowing truss bottom chords or web members

· Doors and/or windows that can no longer be opened or closed

· Cracked or split wood members

· Cracks in walls or masonry

· Severe roof leaks

· Excessive accumulation of water at nondrainage locations on low slope roofs

County residents who feel they might have structural issues should contact Adam Hicks at Community Development, (928) 679-8862.

Coconino County sent a delegation to Washington D.C. that allowed Supervisor Vasquez, Supervisor Begay as well as the County Flood Control District Management presented the immediate and long-term plans for flood mitigation and forest restoration to multiple representatives from Arizona, which includes Senator Sinema, Congressmen Crane, Gallego, and Stanton. It is important to note that proper federal funding will ensure that these projects start on time for the benefit and safety of our residents.

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez was able to attend the NACo- National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. The conference consisted of county elected and appointed officials from across the country. The conference hosts and brings together counties of all sizes to discuss NACo’s federal policy agenda, share proven practices, and strengthen knowledge networks to help improve the lives of community members within the county. Overall, the conference aims to improve the residents’ lives and the efficiency of county government.

The discussion panels and committees included topics ranging from rural development, addressing health, justice disparities, and so much more.

On February 2nd, the city of Flagstaff hosted a community meeting to talk with residents who have been impacted by the post- wildfire flooding in the museum flood area. During the meeting, City staff discussed long-term mitigations and opened the presentation to questions.

Supervisor Vasquez had the opportunity to participate in community events, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service that took place February 4th. He had the honor of speaking and reflecting on the work of Dr. King while also taking part in the march that took place on campus.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved a proclamation at their March 7 regular session designating March 2023 as Women’s History Month in Coconino County.

Since 1995, U.S. presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month. The celebration originated as “Women’s History Week” from 1982 to 1987. In March 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to include the whole month.

“The theme of this month is celebrating women who tell our stories,” commented Chair of the Board of Supervisors Patrice Horstman. “I remember celebrating the first International Women’s Day in the 1970’s, when people used to have to announce publicly that women’s rights are human rights. It wasn’t that long ago. Rights aren’t given, they’re fought for and we continue the fight to this day.”

Link to Proclamation: https://coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/56702/Womens-History-Month-2023

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the County Manager’s Office were saddened to hear of the passing earlier this month of two Navajo lawmakers who made lasting contributions to the Navajo Nation and Arizona over their long careers in public service.

Former Navajo Nation President Peterson Zah passed away on March 7 at the age of 85. Zah served as Chairman of the Navajo Nation from 1981 to 1987. In 1985 he worked with the Council to create the Navajo Nation Permanent Trust Fund, an investment that continues to provide financial stability and public benefits to the Navajo community today.

In 1990 Zah was elected the first President of the Navajo Nation, serving until 1995. As an advocate for Indigenous rights and participation in Democracy, he appeared frequently on local radio during election season to educate the people about their voting rights, the candidates and ballot measures, and to encourage voter registration. He was also a tireless advocate for public education funding to help Navajo students achieve advanced degrees, become self-sufficient, and contribute to their communities.

County Officials were also saddened by the passing of former State Senator and Navajo Council Delegate Jack Jackson Sr. on March 5. Jackson’s greatest legacy to the Navajo people is his 1999 bill allotting Transaction Privilege Tax funds to tribal educational institutions. The bill originally provided $17.5 million in funding to Diné College over a 10- year period and has since been renewed twice. Another initiative Jackson spearheaded at Diné College was to include traditional Navajo teachings in the curriculum.

Senator Jackson cared deeply about the people he served and worked hand-in-hand with Coconino County leadership while in the Arizona State Senate and as a Navajo Nation Council Delegate to ensure greater educational opportunities were available for children across the state and within the Navajo Nation.

“I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to their family and to the Navajo people at this difficult time,” added Supervisor for District 5 Lena Fowler. “We had two great leaders who embodied the Navajo essence in everything they did for others. They knew who they were, and preserved the values and traditions of their culture, while continuously working for the advancement of all people. They leave behind an enduring legacy of leadership firmly grounded in their language and culture, which will positively impact the Navajo people and the people of Arizona for generations to come.”

Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for Coconino County, especially District 2. We appreciate and highlight all the effort, energy, and passion you have contributed to our community.

District Director, Areina Contreras, has contributed to the success and management of District 2 through the strategic coordination of scheduling, communications, and overall support for the Board of Supervisors, specifically Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez. Areina is transitioning into a new position for the county where she has and will be working for the Department of Human Resources. We would like to take the time to thank her for her work within the Department of Board of Supervisors and congratulate her in her new position as well as her future endeavors.

Coconino Count has developed the equitable economic recovery dashboard, which was funded through a grant from the National Associations of Counties. This Economic Recovery Dashboard gives communities and leaders in Coconino County the ability to track, record, and visualize the economic conditions of residents across our County.

Link to Website Dashboard: https://www.coconino.az.gov/2237/ Economic-Development

**Each month there will be updated resources**

In December 2022, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved disbursement of approximately $5 million in ARPA funds to 19 qualified community organizations evaluated and chosen from a pool of 30 applicants.

COCONINO COUNTY FUNDING RECIPIENTS

Category: Behavioral Health

• Catholic Charities Funds support Catholic Charities’ homeless services program including for men experiencing homelessness with chronic substance misuse and individuals exiting jail or prison who would otherwise experience homelessness. This population will receive housing and behavioral healthcare and support services for long-term housing stability.
• Community Bridges Funds support Hozho Home, a detoxification and residential treatment program for Coconino County individuals with substance use issues and experiencing housing instability.
• The Guidance Center Funds support Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer certification sessions; rotating community mental health professionals; and a mobile mental health community response.
• Northland Family Help Center Funds provide organizational support and Mindfulness-Based Substance Abuse Treatment (MBSAT) curriculum training for staff working with youth.

Category: Housing

• Town of Fredonia Funds support the town’s sewer line extension construction project.
• Red Feather Development Group Funds support health and safety home repairs and energy efficiency modifications for Hopi and Navajo families residing on their Native homelands within Coconino County.
• Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona Funds support construction and rehabilitation for Jojo’s Place, which has 44 studio apartments, to increase affordable housing supply.

Category: Business Support

• Coconino Community College Small Business Development Center Funds support expansion of Small Business Development Center staff to increase technical assistance, counseling, and business planning.
• Chicanos por la Causa Funds provide targeted outreach for business support to micro-businesses that are less than five years old; have fewer than ten employees; are in majority-minority neighborhoods; and those small businesses from food services, accommodation, retail, and other sectors hardest hit during COVID-19.
• Creative Flagstaff Funds support technical assistance; career and workforce training; and an expanded digital resource lending library for the arts community as well as economic opportunities for entrepreneurial artists through artisan markets, exhibitions, and performances series.

Category: Workforce Development

• Candelen Funds support expanding Elevate PreK by opening new Elevate classrooms.
• Coconino Community College Construction Maintenance Tech Funds support expansion of Construction and Maintenance training program to host five training programs with 15 students each.

Category: Support for Vulnerable Populations

• Flagstaff Family Food Center Funds support emergency food boxes, mobile food distribution, youth programs, homebound food boxes, and weekly food boxes on the Navajo Nation.
• Chicanos por la Causa Funds support expansion of parenting education workshops to families with children aged up to 18 and expanding the scope from Flagstaff. The target population are families experiencing domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect.
• DNA People’s Legal Services Funds assist low-income, vulnerable residents with legal services, with emphasis on housing protection services such as eviction, landlord-tenant mediation, safety and habitability, and deposits.
• Moenkopi Senior Center Funds assist with restarting programs and meals as well as facility repairs.
• Arizona Helping Hands Funds bring the Basic Needs program to Coconino County. The Basic Needs program provides beds, clothes, shoes, hygiene kits, and more to children within the foster and kindship care system.
• Cancer Support Community of Northern Arizona Funds support administering financial support to low-income residents impacted by cancer and the hiring of a Cancer Resource Navigator.
• Flagstaff Shelter Services Funds provide operational funding and a minivan to transport shelter guests.

MetroPlan is producing a regional traffic safety plan and wants your help getting it right.

Staying safe, being safe, feeling safe is so important to our well-being.

Safety has many aspects: road design, enforcement, and user behavior.

We need to address all of them and this plan will help us do that.

This plan is also a requirement for us to apply for some new federal money!

So, take the survey…

https://www.opentownhall.com/12614

And stay informed on the Safety Plan at…

www.metroplanflg.org/safety.

If you are experiencing a crisis or difficulties, we may be able to help you with necessities like transportation and communication. In order to qualify you must:

– Be a Coconino County resident,

– Meet our income criteria, and

– Have a need for these services (including for employment, education, medical, criminal justice, etc.)

For more information:

Flagstaff-region | Call 928-679-7258 | Walk-in hours: Tues/Thurs, 9-10:30AM

Page-region | Call 928-679-7296 | Walk-in hours: Mon/Tues/Fri, 8AM-12PM

CCHHS Update:

Every day, Arizona youth are buying counterfeit pills laced with Fentanyl through social media and they’re overdosing at an alarming rate. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Here’s what you can do to stop it:

1. Talk with your child about NEVER taking a pill that’s not prescribed to them.

2. Monitor your child’s texts and social media.

3. Get the FACTS on Fentanyl at TalkNowAz.com

4. Get free Narcan (naloxone)—a medication that reverses opioid overdoses—and learn how to use it from Coconino County Health & Human Services.

Call (928) 679-7279 or visit https://bit.ly/3muyxXT for more information.

Free Narcan

Naloxone, or Narcan, is a life-saving medication, that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Having Narcan and knowing how to use it can save a life. Who should have Narcan? Anyone in Coconino County can obtain Narcan free of charge.

In Coconino contact (928) 679-7264 or email to receive a free naloxone kit and training about opioid overdose response.

Healthy Families is a voluntary, free support program serving families in their quest to be the best parents they can be. The program offers child development information, group activities, community resources, and ongoing supportive visits for up to five years in your home. The Healthy Families Arizona program will help you:- Be prepared for your baby’s birth- Be a successful parent- Communicate with and understand your baby- Help your child learn about the world through play. If you would like more information regarding eligibility and participation, please contact us at (928) 679-7216.

Practice household safety by talking to your kids about medicine safety.

Put medicines out of reach after every use. Never refer to medicine as “candy.”

Call Poison Control if your child ingests something dangerous at (800) 222-1222.

Your local coffee shop appreciates your business. Don’t miss out on the things you love.

Keep up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations/boosters, and seasonal flu vaccination. Respiratory illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and flu numbers rise in the winter season. There isn’t a vaccine for RSV but you can get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 to prevent serious illness.

To make an appointment for a flu or COVID-19 vaccination/booster at the CCHHS Clinic at 2625 N King St, Flagstaff, call (928) 679-7222. Vaccinations are also available at many pharmacies. https:// bit.ly/36hOFUS. Flu information is available at https://bit.ly/3HgAnH3.

The Aunt Flow Program is now available at the CCHHS Page office. CCHHS supports menstrual equity and is proud to now provide free, organic menstrual products (tampons and pads) in CCHHS facilities. Through the Aunt Flow program, the County has installed menstrual product dispensers in CCHHS restroom facilities located in Flagstaff and Page, AZ.

Many females face what is known as “period poverty.” This means they cannot afford to buy period products or do not have access to them. By providing free and equitable access to menstrual products, unnecessary barriers such as period poverty are removed. In addition, organic tampons and pads are free from potentially harmful chemicals that can lead to skin irritation and illness and are environmentally friendly.

The new CCHHS Aunt Flow program aims to destigmatize menstruation. CCHHS believes that menstrual hygiene products are necessities and should be equitably available. Legislation changes in many U.S. states are improving access to period products making the world better for people with periods. More information is available at https:// goauntflow.com/legislation-updates/

Local services list: This is a list of local organizations with details about their offerings for assistance. Please look over for yourself or to refer to people you may know that need help. https:// www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35228/COVID-19- Social-Safety-Net-Services-Coalition-Resource-Guide-V9_

FLAGSTAFF YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION CHALLENGES

Educators and students are invited to participate in the Flagstaff Youth Climate Challenges!

Three unique challenges are open to teams of 4th – 12th graders: Climate Action Challenge, KidWind Challenge, or Solar Structure Challenge. Teams will present at the Youth Climate Summit on April 4th, 2023, 9 am – 2 pm, at Fort Tuthill.

Please fill out this short interest form to learn more!

“We are looking for opportunities to speak with classes, and to provide support with project ideas and project mentors to learn more! We’d love to learn about existing projects that are going on at your school that could be recognized, as well as help get new projects started.”

Participation is FREE, and your students can win fun prizes too! Climate Action Challenge projects may be eligible for mini-grant funding of up to $1000 to support the continuation of the project.

If you have any questions, please email Gracie Rechkemmer at Gracie.Rechkemmer@flagstaffaz.gov or call (928) 213-2145.

For more information, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/youth.

Sustainability is going ALL OUT for Earth Day this year and YOU are invited! See below for the volunteer and donation opportunities available.

Registration

Does your organization promote sustainability and equity? Want to support your community by providing educational activities and information about healthy living and sustainable communities?

REGISTER NOW

Service Activities – Community Clean-up and Drop-off

Community Clean Up

Celebrate this beautiful place by giving back! This community litter clean-up will focus on the neighborhoods surrounding Bushmaster Park, to show our gratitude for our community members. Arrive by 8:45 am to sign in, enjoy a free light breakfast, and have an opportunity to be entered into a prize drawing!

Drop Off Day

Help community members put their waste in the right place! The next Drop-off Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 22nd, 2023, from 9 am- Noon with prescription drop-off extended until 2 pm. Learn more here.

Please register at the following link as soon as possible!

Community Service Sign-Up Link

This Earth Day, Move Another Way

We encourage everyone attending this event to leave personal vehicles at home and “Move Another Way”. By walking, riding a bike, or taking public transportation you help reduce the impacts on the world around you. Stop by the Sustainability booth at the event and share your experience using one of these methods to be entered into a special prize drawing! Not sure which bus line to take? Follow this link to find out more about the new Mountain Line App! Mountain Line is offering FREE bus transportation services on April 23, 2022, in celebration of Earth Day! Share on your social media platform of choice and tag with #FLGMAW22!

Join Free Workshops!

Throughout the day community organizations and groups will be hosting FREE and interactive workshops.

11:00 am–Electrification + Efficiency

What are the benefits of residential electrification? Join this demonstration to discover exciting technologies, shocking impacts on energy and usage costs, and discuss first-hand experiences with cold weather heat pumps.

1:00 pm–Flagstaff Composting 101

The who, what, where, and why of composting in your community! Join a local expert to discover the do’, the don’ts, and resources for your home composting needs. Walk away with a better understanding of composting in Flagstaff and a countertop compost bin!

Exhibits, Performances, and More!

The annual Earth Day Celebration typically hosts more than 50 local exhibitors, multiple live musical performances, and food trucks!

Climate Action Scavenger Hunt

Kids at the event can participate in a Climate Action scavenger hunt. Pick up a scavenger hunt card from the Youth Climate Advisory table, find the tables listed on the card, fill in the information required, and return it to where you picked it up. You are now entered into an hourly prize drawing!

E-Bike Demonstration

Discover the electrifying world of E-Bikes at this demonstration hosted by Absolute Bikes! Curious about how E-Bikes work? Want to give one a test run? This is a great opportunity to explore your options.

Live Music!

Three wonderful local musical groups will be bringing their talent to help us celebrate in style throughout the event!

11:00 am—Jeremiah and the Redeyes fuses country, rock, blues, and folk styles. These “Delta Blues and Twangy Grooves” are sure to kick off this celebration with some fantastic tunes!

12:00 pm—RuFF StuFF began making music in Flagstaff in 2019, their sound contains southwest surf rock elements and smooth bluesy undertones. This will be their first time playing at the Earth Day Celebration and we are excited to see them on our stage!

1:00 pm—Foxy Koshka is the joyful union of Vincent Z, known for his unique percussive Spanish guitar style, and Annette Morrison laying down the groove on acoustic bass. With mesmerizing vocal harmonies and a warm acoustic sound, they will take you on a journey around the globe with Latin grooves, toe-tappin’ Swing, soulful Blues, and bilingual ballads.

Tunnel Fire Support – Accepting Donations on Earth Day

Let’s support our neighbors affected by the Tunnel Fire on Earth Day! On Saturday, the Sustainability Office will have an info booth where you can donate in three different ways:

1. Item Donation

We will be collecting items for the Salvation Army.

· Various size clothes (men, women, and children sizes)

· Personal care/hygiene items

· Blankets and bedding

· Animal needs: Cat litter, paper towels, blankets, dish soap, flat sheets

2. Time Donation

We will be signing community members up to volunteer with United Way of Northern Arizona‘s volunteer hub to help those affected by the fire.

3. Money Donation

We will have a donation table at the info booth for the United Way of Northern Arizona.

Learn more here.

For More Information

Email Steven Thompson

Volunteer Through a Board Position!

Link to Volunteer Site: https://flagshelter.org/volunteer/

Flagstaff Shelter Services wants to bring on creative and motivated young professionals in the Flagstaff area to serve on the junior board.

A junior board is a way for young professionals to gain experience for their future careers within a nonprofit organization.

Members of the Flagstaff Shelter Services junior board will donate their time to help plan, fundraise, and engage the Flagstaff community while learning from other professionals. Members of the junior board will be given an opportunity to take part in a variety of positions that will utilize their skills and aid future endeavors. The members will assist in social media, PR, design, writing, and project management.

Are you, or do you know, a young professional with:

· Communication and creative skills

· Ethical responsibility and emphatic ability

· Basic computer skills

Tour the Easton Collection Center

April 14, 3-4 pm

$10 MNA members/$15 non-members

Join MNA docents for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum of Northern Arizona’s collections inside the Platinum LEED certified, architectural masterpiece Easton Collection Center. Home to more than 800,000 objects, the ECC tour will enhance visitors’ understanding of the Native cultures of the Colorado Plateau and MNA’s role in research and conservation. Click to buy tickets.

Watercolor classes

March 24-May 20

Choose from Fridays or Saturdays, 9 am – noon or 1-4 pm

Painter Lisa Lee Pearce teaches fundamental skills and techniques for painting with watercolor. These eight week sessions accommodate beginners and more advanced students, and are offered at four times. For details or to register, email Lleearrist@gmail.com

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training teaches volunteers about disaster preparedness for hazards that may occur where they live. CERT training will be held in Flagstaff in a three-day course from Friday, March 31 through Sunday, April 2.

The training is being sponsored by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Emergency Management.

Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The sessions include disaster preparedness, search and rescue operations, disaster fire suppression and disaster medical operations. A disaster simulation will be part of the training.

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical support may not be able to meet the demand for those services. Factors such as the number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages may prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment’s notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs. Participating in this training will provide the knowledge and skills needed for people to help one another during an emergency.

For more information about this training, or to register, call (928) 821-1022 or email Jon Paxton at jpaxton@coconino.az.gov.

The festival will be at Fort Tuthill County Park, September 15-17, at the Pepsi Amphitheater. It will be three days packed with music, camping, jamming, kid’s activities, community dance, workshops and more!

This year’s lineup includes: Sam Bush, Railroad Earth, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Ronnie Bowman Band, Sister Sadie, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, California Bluegrass Reunion, Sam Grisman Project, Jacob Jolliff Band, Full Cord, East Nash Grass, Damn Tall Buildings, Blue Canyon Boys, Tray Wellington Band, Lonesome Ace Stringband, The Cross-Eyed Possum, and Mark Miracle & Friends.