Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 16th Edition

• Message from Jeronimo
• Short-Term Flood Mitigation Projects
• District 2 Highlights
• Service Positions Open in District 2
• Services and Programs
• And more!

Photo: Jeronimo Vasquez and father Dr. Miguel Vasquez.

Hello Everyone! Happy November! I wanted to give a special thank you to everyone who came to the community barbeque and all those who supported the event. I am glad we were able to come together and spend time as a community. We have gone through many obstacles this year and it is important to unite and recognize all we have been through. We have been able to overcome and remain resilient. We are a community and together we are stronger. I am here for you all, so please remember to email me with any concerns you may have that we can get working on!

On October 25, the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) Directors approved investing up to $11.5 million in a set of smaller scale flood mitigation projects in the Schultz/ Pipeline Flood area. These projects will restore the capacity of some of the existing flood mitigation measures in the area and reduce flood impacts to the Doney Park area through construction of a series of berms near Landfill Road. The District Directors received an in-depth presentation regarding the District’s short-term on-forest and neighborhood mitigation projects and staff requested a budget adjustment in the amount of $10.5 million to cover the costs. The funding will come through a loan from the County’s General Fund. After the presentation and clarifying questions from Board members, the budget adjustment was approved unanimously by those present.

Construction of these projects will begin immediately, and completion will be largely dictated by the weather. Information regarding the approved short-term flood mitigation projects is available on the County website at bit.ly/ FCDProjectsShortTerm

Get Your SBA Application in ASAP!

The November 18 deadline to participate in the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Program is fast approaching. To date, only 39 applications have been received, 16 of which have been approved with another 13 applications pending. Anyone interested in the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loan program can still apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of- hearing please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

This program offers some great opportunities for flood- impacted property owners. However, time is of the essence, so it is imperative to get your SBA loan application in as soon as possible. To recap: the Schultz/Pipeline Flood Disaster has qualified for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) post- disaster low-interest loan program. This program is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters who suffered losses caused by the severe and repetitive post-wildfire flooding that occurred between July 23 through August 28, 2022.

SBA, not the District, is managing this program. The loan application deadline is November 18, 2022. Once a loan is approved, property owners will have 60 days to decide whether they would like to move forward with it.

The community barbeque was held at Fire Station #32 where we were able to gather as a community, enjoy some food, and participate in the community-led raffle! Thank you to everyone who made this event possible! We appreciate your support and hope to host another community event in the spring.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Coconino County Health and Human Services, community partners, and community members gathered earlier this month to celebrate the new Pathways to Community program with a ribbon cutting and open house. Pathways to Community is a collaborative partnership between the County and several partner agencies to provide re-entry support services for individuals leaving the Coconino County Jail. Individuals being released from custody receive immediate connection to social, behavioral, housing, transportation, and legal services.

This program maximizes the availability of resources for individuals on their release, improving their ability to re-enter our community successfully. For our most vulnerable residents, access to substance abuse treatment and prevention services, mental health services, education, employment support, housing services, transportation, social services, and healthcare are key to reintegrating in community. This alignment of public safety, public health, and social services is an important step in healing our communities from the trauma and ongoing challenges of substance use disorder and is central to providing hope and healing.

Supervisor Vasquez, traveled to Washington D.C. to represent Northern Arizona at the annual HECHO (Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors) conference in late September. He also met with staff from our Congressional representatives and Federal agencies in the ongoing effort to secure much-needed Federal funding for the County’s essential flood mitigation efforts. Before wrapping up his time in Washington D.C., Vice Chair Vasquez met with Charles Small, Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Transportation, to discuss emergency federal funding for Hwy 180 and Hwy 89 flood mitigation.

Photos: Vice Chair Vasquez meets with aides to Rep. Tom O’Halleran (top) and with Charles Small, Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Transportation, to discuss improvements to US Highways 89 and 180 in Coconino County.

In addition, Sup. Vasquez was invited to the HECHO Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC) to meet with the most powerful tables in the United States at a critical time for conservation priorities. On the Grand Canyon Protection Act, Arizona leaders were able to express support for the legislation that would make permanent the mining ban on the 1,006,545 acres of Federal land around the Grand Canyon that were safeguarded against mining in 2012 by the Department of the Interior. This legislation is critical to protecting the Grand Canyon Watershed, upholding our obligation to safeguard areas inhabited by the Havasupai Tribe, and preserving the pristine natural wonder which supports over 12,000 jobs, produces over $1.2 billion annually to local economies, and generates over $160 million in annual state and local tax revenues.

Sup. Vasquez attended the 19th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente. An event to celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American, and LatinX communities in Northern Arizona. Also known as the Day of the Dead, this event is a celebration of life, music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances. Rooted in community, this weekend-long event is presented in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate.

Getting a seasonal vaccine is especially important for young children and those with weakened immune system because they are at increased risk of getting severe illness from flu. Children six months and older should get the flu vaccine. Infants younger than six months are at higher risk of the flu illness but are still too young to be vaccinated. People who care for infants should be vaccinated instead. Flu shots are available at most pharmacies and healthcare provider offices. Coconino County Health and Human Services, Health and Wellness Clinic also offers flu vaccinations. Most insurance is accepted, and no one will be turned away for their inability to pay. To make an appointment, call 928-679-7222. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3LcdAwq

Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time if you are eligible, and the timing coincides. Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine. If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October. For more information please visit: https://bit.ly/36hOFUS

To find other locations to receive a vaccine or to get more information, please visit coconino.az.gov/covid19. To find the latest information on COVID-19 vaccinations for infants and young children from the CDC, please click here: https:// www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/planning/ children.html#covid19-vax-recommendations.

Coconino NF accepting applicants for 2023 Women in Wildfire Bootcamp

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Oct. 13, 2022 — The Coconino National Forest will host a Women in Wildland Fire boot camp in April 2023 for individuals interested in exploring a career in wildfire. Boot camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting through sessions conducted both in the classroom and in the field.

Class work will consist of online training modules, where participants will learn about wildland firefighting strategy and safety. During field training, participants will follow guidelines set by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group to explore firefighting as a career in a hands-on way. Participants will receive the beginning certifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supportive role.

Applications will be accepted until the cohort is full, and selection for the program will begin on Nov. 28, 2022. Interested parties are encouraged to submit applications up until either April, or the class is full. Online work will need to be completed by April 4, 2023, and two consecutive in-person field days will take place on the Coconino NF during April. Applicants must be between 18 and 37 years of age, though exceptions will be considered. Applicants must also be in good mental and physical condition. The intent of the boot camp is to provide participants with a supportive, educational environment while providing support through mentorship. For more information about Women in Wildfire programs in the southwest, you can visit the Forest Service Region 3 webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r3/fire-aviation/? cid=STELPRD3830542.

Those interested in applying can do so via the Wildland Learning Portal at https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/ view.php?id=1703. Applicants will need to create a Wildland Learning Portal account prior to applying. For additional questions, please contact Bill Kuche, Forest Fire Training Center Manager, at william.kuche@usda.gov, or 928-606-2438.

Do you dream of starting or expanding your own business? Coconino County Health and Human Services’ Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs is a 9-week business plan development training. The next online course will be held Tuesdays from January 10 – March 7 from 6 – 9 p.m. Learn more about BBE here and see how they can help you make that dream a reality. https://bit.ly/3zZxYvs

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

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.

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_

The Biden-Harris Administration’s student debt relief portal has officially launched!

President Biden announced this afternoon that millions of working- and middle-class borrowers can apply for student debt relief right NOW at studentaid.gov/debtrelief/apply.

The application takes less than 5 minutes. It’s available in English and Spanish on desktop and mobile devices. And you don’t need to log in with an FSA ID or to upload any documents to apply. The Administration’s plan will provide up to $10,000 in relief to borrowers with federal student loans and up to $20,000 in relief to borrowers who were Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers who earned less than $125,000 as an individual or $250,000 as a household in 2020 or 2021 are eligible for relief.

The Administration’s plan will help borrowers who need relief the most as they recover from the pandemic and prepare to resume loan payments this January. Already, more than 8 million people have applied for relief – that’s 8 million people on their way to getting a little more breathing room. Learn more and apply now at studentaid.gov/debtrelief/apply.

Click here to access the Application in English

Click here to access the Application in Spanish

Key Facts:

• Student Debt Relief will have a big impact on middle class people. 40 million people are eligible. 20 million people could have their federal student debt wiped out completely.
• Nearly 90% of relief dollars will go to borrowers earning less than $75,000 per year. And no one making over $125,000 per year is eligible.
• A post-high school education should be a ticket to the middle-class. But the cost of college has skyrocketed. Giving debt relief to borrowers as they start to repay their loans will give people the breathing room they need to be able to invest in buying homes and starting businesses. Go to studentaid.gov and apply today.
• The debt relief application will be available to all borrowers through Dec. 31, 2023.
• For those who can’t apply online, a paper version of the form will be made available soon. You’ll have until the end of 2023 to apply.

What Am I Eligible For?

• Up to $20,000 in debt relief if you received a Federal Pell Grant in college and meet the income requirements

• Up to $10,000 in debt relief if you didn’t receive a Federal Pell Grant in college and meet the income requirements
• The debt relief applies only to loan balances you had before June 30, 2022. Any new loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022, aren’t eligible for debt relief.

Frequently Asked Questions in English

Frequently Asked Questions in Spanish

Santa’s Workshop is back and you and your family can start visiting on November 12, when the North Pole Experience starts its 14th season. The adventure starts at Flagstaff’s Little America Hotel, where attendees ride Santa’s Magical Trolley to the North Pole. In November, daytime hours are 7:50 am – 3:40 pm, while nighttime hours are 3:50 – 9 pm. November daytime prices are $48/adults and $42/children, with nighttime prices at $55/adults and $48/children.

Purchase tickets at here.

Stuff the Bus Holiday Food Drive

Our annual Stuff the Bus food drive is coming up quick!

On Nov. 12th & 13, FFFC will be hosting food drives at all Flagstaff Safeway locations. Help us collect food, share our mission with the community, & have fun!

Click here to help!

Holiday Food Distributions

From 11/16 to 11/23, FFFC will be handing out Holiday food boxes.

Our distributions are significantly higher during this time, so we need your help!

Sign up here to help!