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.

Local News

The second reading of ordinances for the proposed Aspen Heights student housing development in west Flagstaff have been pulled from the Dec. 2 City Council agenda after opponents were able to secure needed signatures from nearby residents to force a…

Health: Food preparation safety key to successful holiday meals

By the Coconino County Public Health Services District As the holidays approach and families across the county make plans for gatherings, the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is stressing the importance of making food safety part of the…

Home / Casa: Attending open houses in Flagstaff

By Egle Rucci / Village Land Shoppe Inc. When you visit open houses in Flagstaff, you get a chance to see a home at your own pace. Viewing a home with your agent is helpful because you can ask questions…

Finance / Finanzas: 7 tips for keeping holiday budgets (and your holiday spirit) intact

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) “No one is so poor that he can’t give a smile, nor so rich that he doesn’t need it.” — Anonymous Holidays are exciting — family visits and special once-a-year meals, celebrating traditions together with…

Food / Cocina: Host a merry, memorable holiday party

Editor’s note: A timely article first published in the December 2013 edition of AmigosNAZ. By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The holidays are the most festive time of the year, and no holiday season is complete without a party or two…

‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ beginning art class to be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on Dec. 5

CLICK HERE TO RSVP, MAKE PAYMENT FOR DEC. 5, 2014 ART CLASS FLAGSTAFF —  The next ‘Paint & Wine in the Pines’ beginning art class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday,…

City of Flagstaff to honor La Plaza Vieja neighborhood for ‘Safe Sidewalks’ program on Nov. 18

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours will present a proclamation of “Recognition for Plaza Vieja Safe Sidewalks” during the next Flagstaff City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. The proclamation and recognition portion of the…

Sunnyside Neighborhood Association to present Dream Marketplace / Mercado de Sueños new member informational meeting on Nov. 21

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff Inc. will hold a Dream Marketplace / Mercado de Sueños new-member meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21 at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 3000 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. Visit…

NAU profile: T. Mark Montoya — Mutual Inspiration

As the first person in his family to go to college, T. Mark Montoya — an Ethnic Studies lecturer at Northern Arizona University as well as an alumnus — knows the challenges of navigating university life, the university reported in…

November cover story: Season of giving begins in Northern Arizona

While donations, volunteers are welcomed during the holidays, officials say need must be met throughout the entire year By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Right after Halloween thoughts start turning toward Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays. You can’t escape it…

Analysis: NAU helps fight student hunger

By Tony Salazar / AmigosNAZ intern Every year in America the price of higher education continues to rise at astronomical rates. This year alone for an incoming freshman at Northern Arizona University one can expect to pay about $25,000 as…

Commentary: La Plaza Vieja begins to define itself

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ When a developer proposed to build a multistory student housing project in the heart of Flagstaff’s La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood, local residents were a bit perturbed. How would the project affect the character of…

Local News

Armondo Escalanti, Alejandro Estrella-Lopez and Priscilla Rivera were among the dozens of graduating seniors who recently received golden honors during a reception where they were recognized for their contributions to Northern Arizona University, the university reported in a media release.…

Snowdrift Art Space in Winslow celebrates Día de los Muertos

From AmigosNAZ staff reports While a strong breeze prevented the traditional procession and burning of the offerings to the dearly departed, it was not enough to dampen the spirits at the Snowdrift Art Space which presented its annual Día de…

Region welcomes 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona

From AmigosNAZ staff reports It was a weekend filled with music, entertainment, and, most importantly, reverence for those who have gone before us as Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona partnered for the 11th annual Celebraciones de…

Cuisine / Cocina: Figuring the turkey-to-person ratio

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Thanksgiving holds different meanings for different people. Some feel it is a day for being generous or giving thanks through unselfish deeds. Others feel it is a time to sit around with family sharing stories…

‘Border Angels, Border Realities and Immigration Today’ presentation to be held Nov. 13 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — Enrique Morones, founder and executive director of Border Angels, will present the discussion “Border Angels, Border Realities, and Immigration Today” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at Northern Arizona University, Liberal Arts, Room 120, Building No. 18.  Morones founded Border…

Día de los Muertos events continue in Winslow through Nov. 2

Other events scheduled from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 WINSLOW — Snowdrift Art Space, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the Winslow Arts Trust and the Winslow Chamber of Commerce will present a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday,…

Día de los Muertos celebration at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village continues in Sedona through Nov. 2

SEDONA — The third annual Marigold Mural Project for Día de los Muertos will be held from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona. The public mural at Calle Independencia allows visitors…

La Plaza Vieja celebrates success, safe sidewalks

Event previews ‘Make a Difference’ Day on Oct. 25 FLAGSTAFF — Neighbors beat back overhanging bushes and trees, weeded, swept and picked up trash throughout La Plaza Vieja on Saturday, Oct. 18, the City of Flagstaff reported in a media release.…

Guest commentary: Full Circle Trade & Thrift is doing wonderful work in our community

By Roxana Cardiel De Niz / NAIC Interim Organizer In October, Full Circle Trade & Thrift’s proceeds will help support Flagstaff’s immigrant families. Northern Arizona Interfaith Council is part of a coalition of nonprofit organizations (Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the Northern Arizona…

City of Flagstaff to hold Telephone Town Hall on road repair, safety at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 27

FLAGSTAFF — On Monday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. nearly 10,000 registered Flagstaff voters will receive a call inviting them to participate in a live telephone town hall meeting with Flagstaff City Manager Kevin Burke and NAIPTA General Manager Jeff Meilbeck,…

11th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct 25-26. Members reception to be held Oct. 24

Museum member’s reception on Oct. 24 FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona will present the 11th annual Celebracíones de la Gente on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26 at the museum. Scheduled entertainment includes Mariachi Sol…

Tickets available for annual Celebraciones de la Gente raffle

Tickets ($10 each) are now available for the annual Celebraciones de la Gente raffle presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. The raffle will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 during the 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente / Día de los Muertos…

NAU Latin American Studies to present No More Deaths — No Más Muertes training on Oct. 26

FLAGSTAFF —  NAU Latin American Studies will present “No More Deaths — No Más Muertes” training from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at Liberal Arts 120. This educational workshop will include an overview of border history and the…

NAU Latin American Studies will present three short documentaries about immigration on Oct. 23

FLAGSTAFF — NAU Latin American Studies and NAU No More Deaths will present three short documentaries about immigration directed by Roy Germano for Vice News at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at Liberal Arts 120. “The documentaries are ‘Murder and Migration in…

Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission to meet Oct. 22 to discuss zoning code change regarding relocation of residents of properties facing redevelopment

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’ Zoning and Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 to review and discuss sample language for a zoning code that would affect the relocation of residents of properties facing redevelopment, Friends…

Sunnyside Neighborhood Association to present Mundo Bonito Tardeada on Oct. 19

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will present Mundo Bonito Tardeada from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Greenlaw Village Shopping Center on 4th Street in celebration of friends, family, neighborhoods and communities, the association reported in a media…

Center for Indigenous Culture to present ‘Ani Cordero’s Latin American Songs of Love and Protest’ on Oct. 17

FLAGSTAFF — The Center for Indigenous Culture will present Ani Cordero in concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at CIMC, 213 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff. Cordero’s Latin American Songs of Love and Protest brings together an extraordinary group of musicians…

‘Border Songs: An Evening of Music and Spoken Word’ on Oct. 11 to benefit No More Deaths / No Más Muertes

FLAGSTAFF — “Border Songs: An Evening of Music and Spoken Word,” an event to raise awareness and benefit No More Deaths / No Más Muertes, will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Northern Arizona University Campus…

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future to hold 10th annual Gala on Oct. 11

FLAGSTAFF — Friends of Flagstaff’s Future will hold 10th annual Gala on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Coconino Center for the Arts. “Join us for a great evening to celebrate and support ongoing active engagement in Flagstaff! delicious food sponsored by…

Commentary / Comentario: Full Circle to aid Dreamers

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Since its founding in 2013, Full Circle Trade and Thrift has awarded more than $150,000 to help creative, collaborative and results-oriented nonprofits in Flagstaff. Located at the corner of South Beaver Street and Phoenix…

Local / Locales

The Flagstaff City Council Candidate Forum will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at Little America, 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff. This is an opportunity to hear from the mayoral candidates and the city council candidates as to…

Finances / Finanzas: Social Security — Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Another important benefit offered by Social Security is Supplemental Security Income, commonly known as “SSI”. SSI, though administered by the Social Security Administration, is not funded by Social Security taxes…

City of Flagstaff to host open houses through 29 on Prop. 406

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an open house to provide information about Proposition 406, a proposed sales tax increase to address city road repairs and street safety, on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E.  6th Ave., Flagstaff. Residents…

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to present an ‘Art Class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center’ on Oct. 3

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present an “Art Class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center” from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. Artist Vangie Rodriguez will lead you in painting sugar…

‘Baila Conmigo – Dance with Me’ to be held Sept. 27 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — As part of its 2014 Latin@ Heritage Month celebration, Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will present “Baila Conmigo – Dance with Me” from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Ashurst Hall, Bldg. 11, NAU. “Come…

First Friday Art Walk returns to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center

Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk returned to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on Sept. 5, 2014. The event, presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, featured the…

Dancers celebrate opening of the Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014

Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — From a picnic and dancing at the Grand Canyon to dance workshops and performances in Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014 provided a wide variety of opportunities for…

11th annual Fiesta de Independencia to be held Sept. 21 in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will present its 11th annual Fiesta de Independencia from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace, 2532 E. Seventh, near the corner of Fourth and Seventh…

Screening of ‘Fruitvale Station’ to be held Sept. 23 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — As part of its 2014 Latin@ Heritage Month celebration, Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will present the screening of “Fruitvale Station” from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Franke College of Business, Gardner Auditorium. “Fruitvale…

‘Which Way Home’ screening on NAU campus on Sept. 10

FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University’s Latin American Studies will present a free screening of Which Way Home at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the Liberal Arts building, room 120. The 2009 film, directed by Rebecca Cammisa, follows several unaccompanied child migrants as…

September cover story / Portada: Hispanic Heritage Month coming fast

Events include salsa festival, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces First Friday Art Walk, and Hispanic independence celebrations in Sedona, Flagstaff By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It’s last-minute planning time for upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events in Northern Arizona. While the month is officially celebrated…