Author: AmigosNAZ.com

AmigosNAZ. Providing information for and about the vibrant Latino community in Northern Arizona — Bringing Cultures together by Sharing Information. Frank X. Moraga, editor / publisher of AmigosNAZ, a division of Shooting Star Communications LLC in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The NAU Review — LMB does NYC see the photos!

Lumberjacks bring the Mother Road to Macy’s

NAU’s Lumberjack Marching Band just made history as the first college band from Arizona to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! See photos from the band’s trip to New York City, where they entertained locals in Central Park, braved the rain during a dress rehearsal and repped the Mother Road with a rendition of “Route 66.” Plus, watch a cute video clip of Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett cheering them on from the sidelines.

UPDATED PHOTOS, Links: Protesters pack downtown Flagstaff on Oct. 18 for nationwide ‘No Kings Day of Action’

FLAGSTAFF — With a crowd easily exceeding the 3,000 protesters on the previous No Kings Day protest in June, northern Arizona residents and visitors loudly shared their emotions about the state of the nation’s Democracy during the “No Kings Day of Action” rally on Oct. 18 in front of Flagstaff City Hall.

Organized locally by Indivisible Northern Arizona and supported by a variety of local groups, opponents of the Trump administration crowded the sidewalks from Wheeler Park and Humphreys Street along Route 66 around the curve to Milton Road, filling the grassy area up to the Flagstaff City Hall sign.

City of Flagstaff to begin demolition of former Montalvo Fire Station in preparation for new STEM education community center

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin demolition of the former Montalvo Fire Station Two, located at 2230 E. Spruce Avenue, on Oct. 27, 2025, with work scheduled for completion by Nov. 11, 2025. The demolition, performed by Loven Contracting, Inc., marks the first major step toward construction of the Montalvo Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Community Center.

Culture Connection AZ announces Fall Festivities

View this email in your browser Join us for more Fall Festivities Spanish Conversation Group October 20th at the Historic Ice House You’re invited to Spanish Conversation Group with Culture Connection AZ 📍 Historic Ice House 201 E Birch Ave,…

American Red Cross celebrates launch of its Los Donates (The Donors) campaign with event on Sept. 18 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — While nearly 60 percent of Hispanics have blood type O, the most needed blood type for emergencies and transfusions, less than 1% currently donate in Arizona, according to officials from the American Red Cross. To improve that percentage, and save lives, the organization brought its Los Donates (The Donors) campaign to Northern Arizona.

A ceremony celebrating the event was held on Thursday, Sept. 18 at the International Pavilion at Northern Arizona, featuring a variety of community leaders touting the need to increase blood donations by local Hispanics.

The event was held just outside a room where more than 75 NAU student, faculty and staff had signed up for the campus-wide blood drive. An additional 76 were scheduled to donate blood on Friday.

See upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events here

• NAU Office of Inclusion announces September calendar of events on Sept. 16, 19, 24, 26
• More details to come — NAU Hispanic Heritage Month Football game to feature halftime performance by NAU’s Mariachi Los Madereros on Sept. 26
• NAU Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month Tailgate Party to be held at Walkup Skydome on Oct. 4
• Coconino Community College to present course on ‘Exploring Flagstaff’s Latino Heritage and Community’ with Eva Barraza on Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30

KNAU, other media report individual who grew up in Flagstaff dies in ICE custody. Family seeking funds for funeral expenses

Also see: 

The Latin Times — Mexican Man Reportedly Dies In Arizona Facility, ICE Yet To Disclose Cause Of Death
KNAU — Flagstaff man dies in ICE custody
Tucson Sentinel — Mexican man dies in immigration detention in Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — KNAU is reporting an individual who grew up in Flagstaff  has died in ICE custody and the family has started a Go Fund Me account to raise money for his funeral expenses and repatriation of his body to Mexico.

As stated on the family’s fundraising page, “With heavy hearts, we honor the life of Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas known to family and friends as “Lenchito”, a beloved son, brother, and friend, who passed away far too soon at the age of 32 while in ICE custody in Florence, Arizona.”

KNAU reports that Batrez Vargas, a Mexican nation who has been held at the Central Arizona Correctional Complex in Florence, died on Aug. 31 at the Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa.

While ICE officials said his cause of death is under investigation, the family alleges he died after not receiving adequate medical care while in detention,” KNAU reported.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for Aug. 6, 2025

Community meeting for the Dragon Bravo Fire to be held in Page tonight Daily Update for August 6, 2025 Fire Information Phone: 928-268-5610 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Media Phone: 928-465-7561 Acres: 130,520 Location: Grand Canyon North Rim Personnel: 1,343…

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 7/28/2025

View this email in your browser July 28th, 2025 Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2330 (Downtown Library) or 928-213-2348 (East Flagstaff Library). Three…

Variety of 4th of July events to be held in Flagstaff, Fredonia, Tuba City, Tusayan and Williams

Events also planned for Fredonia, Page, Tuba City, Tusayan and Williams

COCONINO COUNTY — Thousands of visitors are expected to crowd into downtown Flagstaff to celebrate the 2025 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Friday, July 4, 2024.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), see 2024 photos below, are expected to join the Coconino County parade entry as part of the 100-plus float event.

Creative Flagstaff announces 2025 ARTx artists & projects

FLAGSTAFF — Creative Flagstaff is excited to announce the selected artists and projects for ARTx 2025, a seasonal series of creative activations designed to connect art with the community in dynamic and engaging ways. NEW IN 2025: This year, ARTx…

Mexican Consulate to present its ‘Consulado Móvil en Flagstaff’ on March 29 at CCC / El Consulado General de México en Phoenix presenta ‘Consulado Móvil en Flagstaff’ el 29 de marzo, Coconino Community College

El Consulado General de México en Phoenix presenta “Consulado Móvil en Flagstaff,” Sábado, 29 de marzo, 8am – 12pm, Coconino Community College, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff.

Con una variedad de mesas de información local.

Trámites: 

Pasaporte electrónico
Matríconsular
Credencial ed elector
Actas de nacimiento
Haz tu Cita

1-424-309-0009

MLK Day Breakfast and Celebration to be held Jan. 20 at Northern Arizona University

FLAGSTAFF — The annual MLK Day Breakfast and Program will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 at NAU DuBois Center, 1050 S. Knoles Drive. Proudly presented by the NAU Office of IMQ and the Black Student Union.

This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP HERE.

Join the Office of Inclusion (IMQ) along with the Black Student Union (BSU), The Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access, the Center for Service and Volunteerism at NAU, The Southside Community Association, and the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience for an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month on Monday, January 20, 2025.

This year’s theme, “MLK’s Vision: Building Bridges and Celebrating Community Connections,” honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by emphasizing the importance of unity, collaboration, and inclusivity in fostering stronger communities.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 01/06/25

View this email in your browser January 6th, 2025 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Weekly Happenings Sept. 1 through 6

View this email in your browser September 1st – 6th, 2025 Special Events Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2330 (Downtown Library) or 928-213-2348…

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra — Resounding Triumph: Rachmaninoff & Brahms on Oct. 24

Resounding Triumph: Rachmaninoff & Brahms Friday, October 24, 2025 | 7:30 PM Dear Frank, You are cordially invited to celebrate with us at Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s next concert, Resounding Triumph: Rachmaninoff and Brahms, on Friday, October 24 at 7:30 PM in…

CCA & SOSTA partner exhibition ‘One Blood at the Precipice’ opens with reception on Nov. 14. Other upcoming exhibits

BECOME A MEMBER Exhibitions Concerts & Events Workshops One Blood at the Precipice Reception CCA & SOSTA present Frederica Hall: One Blood at the Precipice Reception Date/Time: Friday, November 14, 4-6pm; artist performance at 4:45pm Location: Sosta Restaurant, 413 N.…

Grand Canyon National Park Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Fee Increase for Non-Commercial River Trips

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed fee increase for non-commercial river trips. The proposed change would begin March 1, 2025.

The existing $25 lottery application cost fee would remain the same and the flat rate per-person cost would increase from $90 to $310 for Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek and $0 to $55 for Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry.

Interested parties can submit feedback online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_River_Trip_Cost_Increase through January 30, 2025. Written comments may also be sent to the following address by January 30, 2025:

Grand Canyon National Park Receives NHTSA Grant Funding from Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

Park Rangers receive new equipment for Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety, Speed enforcement, and DUI enforcement.    GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) has been awarded National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants through the Arizona Governor’s Office…

Supervisor Patrice Horstman — District 1 September / October 2024!

IN THIS ISSUE

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Community Meetings on Post Wildfire Flood Risks and Upper Rio Forest Restoration
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Homer Wilkes Returns to Discuss Forest Restoration and Celebrate RFOR’s Sawmill
Governor and Attorney General Join the County in Calling For Review of EIS For Pinyon Plain Mine
Capitol Hill Hears From Coconino County
NRCS Chief and Senior Advisor Tom O’Halleran Tour Flood Mitigation Projects Funded by NRCS
Happy First Anniversary to Baaj Nwaavjo I’Tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of The Grand Canyon National Monument
Honoring Former Supervisor Ryan with Matt Ryan County Natural Area
Wildland Fire Leadership Council Meet in Flagstaff
Babbitt Ranch Energy Center Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Mike Scott Retires and Flagstaff Family Food Center Acquires Grand Canyon Food Pantry
Supervisor Horstman Sworn In at the Governor’s Office for the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Board
Regent Liz Archuleta Honored
Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition Star Party Delivers!
Camp Colton Breaks Ground on New Lodge
In Remembrance of Dr. Miguel Vasquez
Fall Events
Community Resources

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 10/28/24

View this email in your browser October 28th, 2024 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 10/7/24

View this email in your browser October 7th, 2024 Connect with your community Upcoming Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability,…

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 9/02/24

View this email in your browser September 2nd, 2024 Connect with your community Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please…

Flagstaff’s Ballet Folklorico de Colores, The Outlaw Mariachi, Emotion Tropical and La Brazza Norteña to perform during the 75th annual Coconino County Fair

Also stop by the Coconino County booth near the fair’s north entrance to learn more about the county’s Diversity Councils (African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council).

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff’s Ballet Folklorico de Colores, The Outlaw Mariachi, Emotion Tropical and La Brazza Norteña will perform during the the 75th annual Coconino County Fair at Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff.

The Coconino County Fair will be held Labor Day weekend starting 10 a.m. Friday Aug. 30 through 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2024.

Entertainment on the Main Stage on Friday, Aug. 30 includes:

8:00 PM – The Outlaw Mariachi (Website | Facebook | Instagram)

Performances on the Main Stage on Sunday, Sept. 1 include:

10:45 AM – Flagstaff’s Ballet Folklorico de Colores (Website | Facebook)

6:00 PM – Emocion Tropical (Facebook)

8:00 PM – La Brazza Norteña (Instagram | Facebook)

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates 9th annual Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 10 and Mariachi Mass on Aug. 11

FLAGSTAFF — Threatening skies didn’t keep the crowd away when Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated its 9th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” on Aug. 10 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Nearly 400 visitors had the opportunity to enjoy the celebration with performances by the all-female Mariachi Rubor Femenil from Phoenix, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff, with dance music by Soul Persuasion from Phoenix.

Mariachi Rubor Femenil will be performing again in Flagstaff during the upcoming Celebraciones de la Gente Oct. 26, 27 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The Tardeada concluded promptly at 7 p.m. with a nearby lighting strike at the end of the Soul Persuasion performance. The Tardeada also included the annual Veterans recognition, games for adults and children, food and the return a classic car show.

This year’s Premier Sponsors were the Cococnino County Board of Supervisors,  the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC). and San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, with the support of a number of community groups.

In Remembrance of Memorial Day

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Memorial Day honors U.S. military service members who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

In honor of this federal holiday, our office will be closed on Monday, March 27, 2024.

City of Flagstaff seeking Beautification in Action grant applications by March 15

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is seeking Beautification in Action grant applications for streetscape art and beautification projects that provide a lasting benefit! Grants of up to $4,500 are available. Made by the community for the community, projects can take…

Celebrate your business during Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2024) is here and this is the perfect time to celebrate your business.

You can reach a Northern Arizona audience that is approaching 639,000 hits, nearly 80,000 visits and almost 25,000 unique visitors on our website as of Aug. 15, 2024.

Contact Frank at fmoraga@amigosnaz.com

City of Flagstaff awarded $9.6M grant for Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff has been awarded $9.6M from the United States Department of Transportation to implement the Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion. The City will convert 0.9 miles of arterial road in the urban center of Flagstaff to a Complete Street. The project includes installing bike lanes that are grade-separated from motor vehicle traffic; three protected intersections; a new pedestrian crossing; upgrades to an existing pedestrian crossing; and pedestrian comfort features, such as landscape buffers, that also result in reducing speeds through the historic Southside Neighborhood in the core of Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said “Safe streets for all is our goal and this grant will put our pedestrian and bike designs for Butler Avenue into action. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Flagstaff has received $58M to date and residents and visitors alike will get to enjoy transportation and infrastructure projects designed to make moving around town on foot, bike, bus, and car easier and more convenient. Thanks to Arizona’s Senators Kelly and Sinema for their part in making this happen.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y

We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.

The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.

When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.

CCC&Y is building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities.

Through leadership, education and advocacy. By becoming a member you add your name to an expansive list of individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.

Please visit Membership Options

Make an Online Donation 

Remember, CCC&Y is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status-so your contributions are tax deductible eligible. Please consult your tax professional. 

Sedona Arts Center announces UPCOMING School Offerings

UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community. We also have a variety of online workshops as well.

Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website. 
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces says ‘Thank You’ to everyone who supported and attended the 20th Annual Anniversary of Celebraciones de la Gente on Oct. 21-22, 2023 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces this week offered a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported and attended the 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22.

This year’s event featured the return of the ever-popular InTlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff performing on both days of the festival in the Branigar/Chase Discovery Center, along with daily performances in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard by El Charro Bohemia.

The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente was supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Premier Sponsors include Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and APS. Celebraciones presented in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The event celebrated the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.

City of Flagstaff announces Call-to-Artists for Temporary 3D Artwork(s)

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) sculptures for a temporary outdoor exhibition May-October 2024.

The exhibition will feature five artworks, existing or newly created, that reflect and make visible aspects of Indigenous and other diverse cultural representation, including Black and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives through a myriad of ways and will prompt appreciation, conversation, and interaction.

City of Flagstaff announces Beautification in Action grant opportunity for projects that enhance, revitalize public spaces

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts and Sciences program invites artists, community members, community groups, schools and local businesses to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. Up to $4,500 is available per project.

Projects that enliven and revitalize the urban environment can take the form of community gardens, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures, murals and more. Priority will be given to community-initiated projects that provide a lasting impact—fostering cultural connections, strengthening neighborhood awareness and identity, and deepening how residents and visitors interact with the built environment. All projects must be publicly and visually accessible.

Flagstaff High School celebrates 2023 Hispanic Convocation

Flagstaff High School celebrated its 2023 Hispanic Convocation with the largest group of students in recent memory on Wednesday, May 10. Nearly 90 students took the stage to receive their colorful sarape sashes from new United Way of Northern Arizona President and CEO Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuleta, FHS Principal Libby Miller; Assistant Principal Trish Eberlein, Assistant Principal Matthew Barquin and Athletic Director Jeannine Brandel.

Archuleta, who provided the keynote address, urged the students to consider themselves as leaders, envision their successful futures and remember they belong in the room and the conversation as they move ahead in their careers.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library week of 02/06/23

View this email in your browser February 6th, 2023 Connect with your community Announcement Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Book Clubs Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown Library) or…

Flagstaff community holds 2022 Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration

The Flagstaff community enjoyed the return of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel with the procession from the chapel to St. Francis de Asia Catholic Church on Dec. 11. Once arriving at the church, worshippers attended a Rosary and a play on the origins of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The next day, nearly 200 luminarias lighted the way for worshipers who came to the chapel for the 6 a.m. Rosary, followed by the performance of Mañanitas and a Mass.

Following the mass, worshipers were invited downstairs to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Cultural Center (The Basement) for coffee, hot chocolate and Mexican sweet bread, presented by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

Preparations at the chapel began earlier in the week when members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces gathered in the basement for the creation of the nearly 200 bags of sand and the placement of the candles.

Celebrate Sedona Kicks off the Big Gay Art Show at Sedona Arts Center!

December 7 Celebrate Sedona Kicks off the
Big Gay Art Show!
A Special Exhibition at Sedona Arts Center

Celebrate Sedona returns on December 7 at Sedona Arts Center with a family-friendly, fun, holiday-themed drag performance by Angel Phoenix, Carnie Asada, and Vypra G Saxton to kick off the Big Gay Art Show! Join us for a singing, dancing, and a fun celebration in the Theatre Studio at Sedona Arts Center in Uptown Sedona from 4 to 6pm. Attendance is FREE. Food is FREE. And drinks will be available for purchase!

City of Flagstaff Snow Play Information

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites you to stay and play responsibility this winter. Please view our winter recreation map here or below for more information.  

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 14-18, 2022

ark visitors and residents are invited to attend a special celebration in honor of Native American Heritage Month. The event takes place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium, beginning at 6:30 pm, and promises to be an evening filled with cultural dancing and perspectives.

Four dance groups will perform:

The Dineh’ Tah Navajo Dance Troupe,
The Hopi Sinom Traditional Singers & Corn Dancers,
The Guardians of Grand Canyon – Havasupai Ram Dancers,
and the Dishchii’bikoh – Apache Crown Dancers.
Grand Canyon’s Indigenous employees and community members have presented this annual event for more than 20 years. It is free, open to the public, and is sponsored by Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Conservancy, as well as local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Community celebrates 19th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Mariachi performers strolling in the courtyard, stopping off to pay their respects to families attending the lighted ofrendas / altars, folkloric dancers with faces adorned with Día de los Muertos-styled make-up, traditional food and cultural lectures — all combined to 19th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente / Día de los Muertos at the Museum of Northern Arizon.

Presented by the museum and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the event drew hundreds of visitors on a cool but welcoming weekend in Flagstaff.

The museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard was transformed into a candle-lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and ofrendas (altars) to welcome past loved ones to the party.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — UArizona to provide tuition-free education for Native American undergraduates in Arizona and more news

FLAGSTAFF — Undergraduate students from the state’s 22 federally recognized Native American tribes will no longer have to  pay tuition and mandatory fees at the University of Arizona main campus in Tucson.

Beginning in the fall, new and continuing full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates will be eligible for the Arizona Native Scholars Grant, the first program of its kind in Arizona. The program, funded through a reallocation of financial aid dollars, will be administered by UArizona Enrollment Management.

“Serving Arizona’s Native American tribes and tribal students is a crucial part of the University of Arizona’s land-grant mission, and the Arizona Native Scholars Grant program is another important step among many to do that,” said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. “I am so proud that that this university has found a way to help hundreds of students more easily access and complete a college education, and I look forward to finding ways to take these efforts even further.”

Community celebrates in-person return of Celebraciones de la Gente

Celebraciones de la Gente, the annual Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead celebration, returned to the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 23-24 with an appreciative crowd who strolled around the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard to view family ofrendas / altars, view workshops on creating ofrendas, a presentation honoring the more than 400 people who died due to COVID-19 in Coconino County, dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff and music by Mariachi Tradición de México from Tucson and Los Alambrados Flagstaff.

The 18th annual event, which was hosted by the Museum of Northern Arizona, in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, was presented virtually in 2020 due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Finalist for 17th president of NAU touts supporting student success, listening to all stakeholders

While Northern Arizona University is on the verge of achieving a student population that would allow it to be considered an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), José Luis Cruz believes emphasis should go to one particular area.

“What we need to focus on is the serving part, not just providing access, (to give them the help they need) to graduate on time,” Cruz, a finalist for the 17th president of NAU, said during a virtual media conference held on Feb. 19.

The media conference followed a virtual and limited-audience community meeting held during his visit to the university. Cruz is awaiting approval of contract terms during the next Arizona Board of Regents meeting where he will be officially appointed as the new NAU president.

Through Aug. 10 — Next. Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development 9-week training

Call now for information and/or to enroll for our Spring 2021 BBE, Zoom-based training, 6-9 pm, Tuesdays, June 15th through August 10th. The class fee is only $125 and includes LivePlan writing template portal access.

Commentary — Thanks to all who have voted and are waiting for democracy to do its work

Thank you all very much for participating in our democracy by casting your ballot during the Nov. 3, 2020, general election.

No matter who you have voted for, you have set national records in participation this year — all during a time of one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history.

Now, the hard part begins. Patience.

As we write this, various news agencies are reporting that former Vice President Joe Biden has won Pennsylvania to put him over the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th U.S. President.

Those news services include:

Associated Press — Biden wins White House, vowing new direction for divided US
CNBC — Election 2020 live results: Biden projected to defeat Trump, claims national mandate
CNN — Election results live: Joe Biden wins presidency
Fox News — Fox News projects Biden to defeat Trump, become 46th president after winning Nevada, Pennsylvania
NBC News — Biden defeats Trump to win White House, NBC News projects
New York Times — Joe Biden Wins 2020 President Election
NPR — Biden Wins Presidency, According To AP, Edging Trump In Turbulent Race
Washington Post — Biden Defeats Trump

However, thousands of ballots remain to be counted in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. We owe it to election workers to complete their jobs and count every single ballot.