
In this edition…
Message from Sup. Vasquez
Museum Fire Flood Area Update
COVID Update
Redistricting Public Comments
And more!
Message from Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Museum Flood Response and United Way Volunteers
Mt. Elden Estates Flood Mitigation and Exigency Funding
Downtown Movies on the Square
NACo Annual Conference
Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission
COVID-19 Update
County Building Mask Requirement
Vaccine Incentive Program: Be A Big Shot
COVID Information Line and Testing Site
Museum Flood Information Line and Emergency Notifications
Flood Insurance Information
Contact Us
Based on current data and updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) recommends residents wear masks in indoor public places.
In line with this recommendation, Coconino County will reinstate mask requirements in all county buildings effective Wednesday, August 4, at 8 a.m.
On July 27th, the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance for fully vaccinated people, recommending everyone wear a mask in indoor public settings in geographic areas with substantial and high transmission, regardless of vaccination status. Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks and the county is currently in “high” COVID-19 transmission.
The Aura development and rezoning project was a complicated but important process for F3 to engage with over the past several months. The project is located at 151 W. High Country Trail (just off of Lake Mary Road) and consists of an 11-acre parcel of land that was rezoned from Estate Residential to Medium Density Residential by City Council on July 6, 2021. The Aura development will consist of 160 one- and two-bedroom apartments, 32 of which will be provided as affordable housing to those earning both 80% and 70% Area Median Income (AMI).
Due to the increase in COVID-19 community transmission, mask are now required city facilities. This requirement includes those who are fully vaccinated.
This change is in alignment with recent guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that vaccinated individuals “wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.” The CDC has designated Coconino County as an area with “substantial transmission.“ Learn more at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
This year’s Coconino County Fair is Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-6
at the Fort Tuthill County Park Fairgrounds in Flagstaff, AZ. We return to an in-person Fair this year, complete with live entertainment, community & 4-H exhibits, livestock shows & 4-H auction, fair food, carnival rides, vendors, beer garden, and more!
And speaking of community exhibits, did you learn new skills or pick up new hobbies during COVID? Maybe you joined the sourdough craze or took a deep dive into a new hobby, and whether it was for fun or out of necessity, why not share your creation at the County Fair? Enter your prized possession – in everything from Fine Arts to Open Poultry – through The Fair Book. Some entries deadlines are as soon as Aug. 7.
As recent history has shown us, we often don’t know when a crisis will happen. Although we can anticipate certain emergencies, they usually strike without warning.
What we do know is that because of your support of the United Way of Northern Arizona Crisis Response Fund, UWNA and its community and partner agencies will be ready to assist.
In the past three years, your generosity has helped your neighbors as we faced at least five crises:
The Tinder wildfire
A month-long government shutdown
The Museum fire
The lingering crisis (both health and economic) from the pandemic
The recent flooding in Flagstaff.
Below is a summary of (July 30’s) activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff related to the Museum Flood Area.
Today’s Storm Events: The Museum Fire burn scar did not experience significant rainfall yesterday or today.
Weather Forecast: The National Weather Service Flagstaff is predicting scattered thunderstorms through the weekend. For up-to-date local weather, please visit https://www.weather.gov/fgz/.
Two years ago next month, Greg Clifton became Flagstaff’s City Manager after a search that took almost a year and half.
Greg, who also serves as a member of the ECoNA Executive Board, brought more than three decades of experience from several Colorado cities and towns, including stints as the Town Manager of Telluride and Vail.
World Ranger Day July 31
On July 31, the park will celebrate World Ranger Day. World Ranger Day is commemorated worldwide on July 31st to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. Be on the lookout for NPS-wide messaging on our social media pages.
Be on the lookout for NPS social media posts celebrating World Ranger Day later this week.
Below is a summary of (Wednesday’s July 28) activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff related to the Museum Flood Area.
Today’s Storm Events: The Museum Fire burn scar did not experience significant rainfall yesterday or today.
Weather Forecast: The National Weather Service predicting an uptick in thunderstorm activity Thursday through Friday. Scattered storms are anticipated throughout this weekend. For up-to-date, local weather, visit https://www.weather.gov/fgz/.
Flash Floods and Lightning Awareness
As we continue to navigate monsoon season, we would like to take a moment to discuss the dangers of flash floods and lightning within the Grand Canyon. Flash floods are distinguished from regular floods by having a timescale of fewer than six hours between rainfall and the onset of flooding.
Celebrate Sedona was specifically designed for the Arts Center be more connected locally. We are so excited about bringing more people to our campus – those who would not typically attend one or our events, classes or programs. We want to introduce what we do to our entire community in a casual, engaging way that is all about fun. So local musicians, food, wine and beer, artist demos, and more, will be available. Some of our events will be themed to whatever is going on in the community, our programming, or tied to an upcoming holiday. This event is free and open to everyone – so please come take a look. We would love to have you!
The Literacy center is officially reopening for in-person classes, drop-ins, and one-on-one tutoring on August 10th!!!! We are so excited to get to meet face-to-face once again. We will be offering several sections of ESL classes, conversation classes, and one pronunciation class at our site. In addition, we will continue our Zoom classes for those of us who are not yet comfortable in an in-person setting. Please check our online schedule at thinkliteracy.org for specific class dates and times beginning August 1st. Please feel free to drop in any time August 10th, 11th, or 12th to say hi! We will have refreshments available to celebrate our reopening.
It’s a perfect partnership.
Coconino Community College needs to offer real-world experience to the students in the Construction Technology Management program. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona needs workers to help build affordable homes for Flagstaff.
In late May, leaders for the two organizations got together and made the arrangement formal. CCC CTM students will help HFH build the first of, with hope, many “starter homes” for the Flagstaff community beginning this fall.
“We want to encourage workforce development and retention to keep that talent in the community,” said Eric Wolverton, executive director of HFH. “Starter homes are an asset that keep giving. They will be a community asset serving multiple families.”
The following email was sent to Museum Flood Area residents (the evening of July 18):
Below is a summary of today’s activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff related to the Museum Flood Area.
– Storm Activity: The National Weather Service is forecasting increased thunderstorm activity through Thursday with particularly increased chance of significant rainfall between Tuesday and Thursday this week. Although major thunderstorms were expected today, the thunderstorm cells missed the burn scar.
– Sandbags: Residents are reminded NOT to remove sandbags from existing flood mitigation efforts. Removing sandbags from barriers and the other mitigation measures places your home and others at greater risk for flooding.
Math and statistics are Dorel Meier’s game. She finds it a worthy challenge to take students on a journey to understand how much of what they do in the world revolves around math and that it can be fun.
So, it’s no wonder that Meier was chosen as the Part-Time Faculty of the Year for the 2021-22 school year at Coconino Community College. She was nominated by students and by fellow faculty at the college.
“This award truly means the world to me,” Meier said. “I am so proud of the work I have done with CCC students and this award validates that I am making a difference in their lives.”
The following email was sent to Museum Flood Area residents (the evening of July 15:)
Below is a summary of today’s activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff related to the Museum Flood Area and the nearby neighborhoods susceptible to monsoonal flooding:
– States of Emergency: Today Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy and Coconino County Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt Ryan declared States of Emergency on behalf of the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County due to the impacts of monsoonal flooding to the Museum Flood Area and other parts of Flagstaff, which started July 13, 2021. Declaring a State of Emergency allows the City and County to expend emergency funds from all available sources and request assistance from the State of Arizona.
Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy and Coconino County Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt Ryan have declared States of Emergency on behalf of the city of Flagstaff and Coconino County due to the impacts of monsoonal flooding to the Museum Flood Area and other parts of Flagstaff, which started July 13, 2021. Declaring a State of Emergency allows the city and county to expend emergency funds from all available sources and request assistance from the State of Arizona.
Coconino County will lift all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, as well as other agencies in the area.
The lifting of the fire restrictions is effective July 16, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. This action to lift fire restrictions ends the County’s campfire ban and Stage 2 fire restrictions enacted earlier this summer.
he Consular Newsletter on Economic and Tourist Affairs is already an informative reference for
thousands of players in the Mexico–Arizona relationship. It has happened in part because
the newsletter offers pertinent information month after month in its three sections —#ChooseMexico, #ArizonaThrives and #DiscoverMexico. It also has become a must- read because of the support and interest
of high-profile leaders on both sides of the border who are committed to collaborate to
make our region thrive. They have found in this newsletter an excellent platform to discuss relevant
issues that affect our binational relationship.
In this Sixth Edition, we are very pleased to have the special collaboration of Alfonso Durazo, the governor-elect of the neighboring state of Sonora. The well-being of both the Arizona and Sonora‘s economy and tourism cannot be conceived without each other. In this sense, Gov.-elect Durazo has chosen our newsletter to confirm, through his informative article, that his government considers the relationship with Arizona essential.
On the Arizona side, we have articles from Juan Ciscomani, senior advisor
to the governor of Arizona for regional and international affairs, and Danny Seiden, the new president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They both emphasize the importance of the state of Sonora and all
of Mexico to the state of Arizona. In this section, we also learn more about Xico, the arts and culture institution founded in Phoenix in 1975, from its Executive Director Donna Valdéz; the heartwarming work of Marlene Carrasco; and the Valle de Guadalupe and Cetto Winery from Laura L. Medina Montiel.
Enjoy!
If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform your supervisor and our NPS Public Health Consultant. This is to ensure proper public health protocols are followed and that any exposure is minimized.
Ronan King, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service
Mobile: (202) 891-8599
Email: ronan_king@nps.gov
For all email correspondence, please also cc: Chris Glime, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service
Mobile: (202) 641-3518
Email: christen_glime@nps.gov
It’s not an exaggeration to say that over the past 18 months, the Navajo Nation was one of the areas hardest hit by the pandemic. As of this week, the tribe reported a total of more than 31,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with 1,362 deaths attributed to the virus, according to the Navajo Department of Health.
Over the past year, however, the vast tribal area that includes land in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, has gone from having one of the highest per capita infection rates to one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. Navajo President Jonathan Nez recently said that more than 70 percent of those eligible for the vaccine have received it.
That change prompted Navajo leaders to allow a limited reopening of the Navajo Nation to tourists this month. Navajo Nation roads are now available to visitors and tribal parks are opened at 50 percent capacity. On Monday, Twin Arrows Casino Resort also reopened, which is a huge boon to our regional economy.
Due to monsoonal activity and heavy rainfall, Grand Canyon National Park will rescind Stage 2 fire restrictions as of 6 a.m. Friday, July 16.
Grand Canyon National Park will remain in stage 1 fire restrictions which requires that a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.
Visitors should continue to be fire aware and use extra care when visiting their public lands.
The city of Flagstaff will lift all fire restrictions within city limits at 6 a.m. on July 16, 2021. The city of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions.
Additionally, the city’s fire danger has lowered from Very High to High. Though fire danger has been reduced, residents are encouraged to consider Firewise practices around homes and offices. Visit www.firewise.org for recommendations to reduce risk of wildfire damaging your home and property. Constituents can call (928) 213-2500 for a free Firewise assessment of their property.
Our Tuba City office is open but operating remotely, with limited in-person services. When possible, please conduct business by phone or email.
Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday | 10 am to 4 pm
Closed Fridays
If you need assistance, please call: 928-283-4518 or email Miranda at mmorales@coconino.az.gov
Beginning July 17, 2021, visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park should be prepared for changes in shuttle bus operations. The following changes will be in place from July 17 through November 30, 2021 unless otherwise noted.
To protect public health, all buses and shuttle operations are still modified to meet COVID-19 guidelines. Modified buses currently carry a smaller number of passengers per trip with additional safety measures in place, including:
The Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff are preparing for possible flash flooding this week in the Museum Flood Area.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting a moderate threat of flooding over the next several days from monsoon storms, including scattered thunderstorms and rain showers in Flagstaff with the greatest threat on Tuesday. These storms may impact the Museum burn scar and cause flooding to downstream neighborhoods.
Social Gathering Reminders
During the summer, it is common to see social gatherings happening in the park.
Here are a few reminders if you are considering attending a gathering:
If you are unvaccinated, remember that you must wear a face covering when indoors and maintain physical distance from others. You should use extra caution in all situations if you are not vaccinated. Follow CDC guidance and DOI policy to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Even if you are vaccinated, it may be a good idea to have a mask handy in case you need it. Vaccinated people are welcome to wear masks any time they feel it may be helpful.
The recent surge in the more transmissible Delta variant in surrounding states and in Arizona has made these prevention strategies all the more important.
Thanks to community partners’ support, in June, Goodwill provided over 800 services, helped 19 people in the Flagstaff area find jobs, and certified 3 people in NorthStar Computer Basics!
Below is an update on the July workshops at Goodwill. Please share the attached flyers!
Thank you for your support!
We have been pretty busy this month! I am enjoying meeting more people and connecting with the District 2 community. It has been a month full of board meetings, events and lots of learning. I have walked along the Museum Fire drainages and am happy to report that a lot of work has gone into improving the drainage. Thank you to United Way, the County and the City for the efforts to get the drainages clear and ready for monsoon season. In addition, we had about 80 volunteers between two weekends come out to support the neighborhood volunteer day. Seeing everyone come together to help one another is a rare sighting, but I know District 2 is full of generous, loving people that want to see their community thrive. As the weather warms up I am looking forward to seeing family, spending time with my kids and working on items for the fall. I hope that you reach out to my office whenever you need. You can reach District 2 at 928-679-7162 or email me at jvasquez@coconino.az.gov or contact my District Director, Areina Contreras at acontreras@coconino.az.gov.
As of 6:00 a.m. today, July 6, Coconino County has moved back to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in coordination with the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.
This decision was made due to the cooler temperatures and recent rainfall which has reduced the risk of wildfire.
Even with the rain and lower temperatures, Coconino County remains in a drought and therefore fire danger remains. The following restrictions apply on County public lands, as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County:
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Happy Independence Day
County Adopts FY22 Budget
Downtown Community Market
United Way Volunteer Day: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Museum Flood Information Line and Emergency Notifications
Stage 3 Fire Restrictions
CCC Commercial Driver’s License Ribbon Cutting
Pastries with Patrice
Congratulations
Vaccine Incentive Program: Be A Big Shot
COVID Information Line and Testing
Contact Us
The 2021 Museum Flood Preparedness & Mitigation Guide is now available in Spanish on the Museum Flood area web page at www.coconino.az.gov/MuseumFire/FloodArea web page or directly via www.coconino.az.gov/GuiaDeInundaciones2021.
The Guide offers flood preparation guidelines and resources to help keep you and your family aware, informed, and safe during monsoon season. In addition, the Guide has information regarding emergency notification, sandbag maintenance preparation, what to do after a flood and flood preparation activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff.
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will remain open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2021. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.
This is the final Coconino County Rafael Fire update.
The Coconino County Rafael Fire Call Center was deactivated yesterday. For specific fire related questions and updates, call the Rafael Fire Public Fire Information Line at 928.421.4579.
For Rafael Fire information please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7567.
Summer arrived in a cloud of smoke last Monday, though luckily for us at the museum, we are far from the path of the Rafael Fire and the shifting wind clears the air around us. We are grateful that these increasingly frequent summer fires are not endangering the museum and that we can continue to welcome visitors Tuesday through Sundays with a safe and inspiring indoor visit. I know many of you are eager to get out and about after staying at home for so long and we are pleased to welcome you to MNA.
Our Tuba City office is open but operating remotely, with limited in-person services. When possible, please conduct business by phone or email.
Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday | 10 am to 4 pm
Closed Fridays
If you need assistance, please call: 928-283-4518 or email Miranda at mmorales@coconino.az.gov
Flagstaff City Hall at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed July 5, 2021 in honor of Independence Day. City Hall offices will reopen July 6, 2021 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. In-person hours are limited due to COVID-19 and services are available virtually from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed July 5 in observance Independence Day include:
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities
Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) activated an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to the fires impacting Coconino County. Below is a summation of activities:
The County EOC will remain activated likely through Friday July 2, 2021.
County Call Center hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. until further notice.
For specific fire related questions and updates, call the Rafael Fire Public Fire Information Line at 928.421.4579
Due to extreme fire danger, the city-sponsored fireworks display scheduled for Sunday, July 4 at the Oakmont restaurant is been cancelled.
The city is currently under Stage 4 Fire Restrictions, which prohibits the sale or use of fireworks within the city. For more information on all fire restriction stages visit the city website at http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted the County’s $276 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget during its public meeting on June 24.
The FY 22 budget includes approximately $28 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) specifically for Coconino County, and accounts for potential additional funding through the American Jobs Plan Act.