Category: Education

‘American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez’ to be shown through Sept. 10 during Sedona International Film Festival

SEDONA — The Northern Arizona premiere of “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” comes to Sedona for a one-week run (Sept. 3-10), starting with a screening at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 as part of the Sedona International Film Festival.

The opening night screening will be followed by a Q&A with director David Alvarado and producer Everett Katigbak. The Sundance audience favorite tells the story of Luis Valdez, the man who built El Teatro Campesino out of the fields of California and turned the figure of the pachuco and the history of the Zoot Suit Riots into influential American stage art.

Narrated by Edward James Olmos in character as El Pachuco, featuring Dolores Huerta. It began on a flatbed truck at the Delano picket lines, with farmworkers performing their own strike, before it ever reached a stage. A Mexican American story on the big screen, brought to Sedona by the festival that keeps this red rock town in love with film.

CCC Community Education — Sign up for classes starting soon!

Conversational Spanish

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Oct. 6 thru Oct. 29

5 to 7 p.m.

This class emphasizes real-world communication through interactive activities, guided conversations, and culturally relevant topics. Beginner to intermediate levels are welcome!

Spanish – Learn more and register!

Discover Flagstaff — Labor Day Weekend Plans? Check Out These Events!

Get Your Kicks & Fair Fix at the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair! Celebrating 135 years of Coconino County, join us Labor Day Weekend, September 4-7, 2026, at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff.

Enjoy carnival rides, live bands every day, Friday through Monday, livestock shows, fine arts, food, games, and family fun for all ages. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 31 – Sept. 4, 2026

Bright Angel Flash Flood Response and South Rim Water Conservation

Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery efforts following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search, accountability, infrastructure assessment, and recovery work are ongoing under a Type II Incident Management Team.

Flash Flood Response and Search Efforts

At this time, 82 people have been rescued, two people have been recovered deceased, and one person remains missing. Search efforts for the missing hiker continue with park staff and partner agencies.

The flood caused extensive damage to trails, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure in the inner canyon. Early assessments indicate that approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline and five to seven miles of the North Kaibab Trail have been severely damaged. Four bridges in the Box were severely damaged or washed away. Assessments are continuing, and these estimates may change as crews learn more about the extent of the damage.

Coconino Center for the Arts — First Friday is Here! September ArtWalk Highlights

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life. Local galleries stay open late with special artist receptions and entertainment, so check out the gallery map to visit them all!

Join us for First Friday tomorrow, September 4, starting at 5pm! The 2026 ArtWalk season is generously underwritten by Dapper Dre, supporting Car-Free First Fridays with traffic closures on Aspen St. for art and performance activations.

The NAU Review — How NAU and the Navajo Nation are searching for safe water

View this email as a webpage.
The NAU Review. The official news source for Northern Arizona University.
Sept. 3, 2026

We deliver top headlines to the Lumberjack community every Tuesday and Thursday during the academic year. For more, visit in.nau.edu/news.

A Navajo man pumps water from a tank into a barrel. Red rock mesas are in the background.
Identifying safe drinking water on tribal lands

A group of NAU researchers, led by analytical chemist Jani Ingram, sampled water in wells throughout the Navajo Nation to identify which wells contained safe drinking water and which contained dangerous levels of uranium. The work doesn’t just protect Navajo Nation residents’ health; it also provides them with data they can use to advocate for safer community resources.

Flagstaff Festival of Science: So Many Ways to Participate!

Don’t miss Snook’s Science in the Park— one of the Festival’s signature events taking place Saturday, September 26th from 10 AM – 2 PM

Wheeler Park, in downtown Flagstaff!

What can you look forward to?

🤖 Play catch with a robot

🚀 Launch rockets

🌋 Make your own volcano

MORE…

Celebrate MNA’s 98th Birthday this Sunday!

Join us Sunday, September 6, as we celebrate MNA’s 98th birthday with a special presentation by Kristan Hutchison, MNA’s Exhibitions & Publications Manager. Discover the remarkable story behind the museum’s founding, then enjoy cupcakes as we celebrate MNA’s past and look ahead to the museum’s centennial in 2028!

Explore new ceramic techniques at Sedona Arts Center

Learn from talented ceramic artists in a series of hands-on workshops exploring specialized techniques and creative processes. From alternative firing and surface decoration to throwing, form, and functional design, these workshops offer inspiring opportunities to build new skills, experiment with fresh ideas, and connect with fellow makers.

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) including — ‘Gallego calls on USPS leadership to testify before Congress in response to whistleblower mail voting report’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) including ‘ICYMI: Kelly Blasts Trump for Enriching Himself While Americans Can’t Afford Their Lives’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Defends Arizona’s Proof-of-Citizenship Voter Registration Law at U.S. Supreme Court’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Sept. 3 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Guest speakers this month include Austin Laster of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff and Sandra Quintanilla of Coconino County Juvenile Court, who will speak about “Children of Incarcerated Parents Day at the Park,” Flagstaff.

Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

READ MORE

Creative Flagstaff — 19th Annual Viola Awards SAVE THE DATE (April 24, 2027!

Join us for the 19th Annual Viola Awards, taking place at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff on April 24, 2027.

Celebrate the creativity, talent, and contributions that make Flagstaff’s arts and culture community so vibrant. More details coming soon!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Coffee Conversations with the Director on Sept 2

View this email in your browser Join “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Director Join the monthly “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Executive Director thisWednesday, September 2nd from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan WindsCafe (2144 N. 4th St.). It was great to see so…

The NAU Review — Run, freshmen, run! and more news

VIDEO: See the Class of 2030 run!

Between a 100-yard kickoff return TD, the football overcoming a 21-point deficit to win the first game of the season and the Running of the Freshmen at halftime, the Lumberjacks showed up at the Skydome on Saturday. In addition the video of the second-most exciting 100-yard run, see NAU Social’s photos from the game + the epic tailgate party .

Want to catch the next home game? Get your tickets to all NAU Athletics today!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — September Community Events

Community Council Candidate Forums

September 3rd: Historic Preservation Forum with City Council Candidates: 5:30 to 7:00 pm at LCM Canterbury Chapel at 319 S San Francisco St. Includes educational information and Q&A with candidates.

September 10th: Southside Community City Council Forum: 5 to 7 pm at the Murdoch Community Center. More information here.

September 17th: Northern Arizona Interfaith Council Candidate Accountability Session: 6:00-7:45 pm at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. More information here.

*September 28th – Friends of Flagstaff’s Future Forum: 6 pm at Coconino Community College Lonetree Campus. More information here.

Choose your next creative adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Plan your Science Adventure with us!

At long last, the schedule for the Best 10 Days of the Year is here! 

From learning about our elections center to checking out cool cars,

exploring our amazing Earth to marveling at the vastness of outer space,

creating science-inspired art to racing robots—

there’s something for everyone to discover!

Choose Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Choose Your Next Creative Adventure

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Thank you, Dolly

On Tuesday, we experienced a moment of collective heartbreak with the passing of Dolly Parton. 

In addition to losing a talented singer, songwriter, actress, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, we also are in mourning for the woman who seemed to transcend an increasingly divided world. Several years ago, The New York Times famously captured her near universal appeal in a story headlined “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”

United Way of Northern Arizona is proud to be a partner in one of her most impactful philanthropic efforts – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Guest contribution — Overdose prevention starts with awareness, support and access

On Aug. 31, communities around the world recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those lost to overdose and drawing attention to the importance of prevention. This year marks 25 years since the day was first observed in 2001, a reminder of the ongoing work to reduce overdose deaths, break down stigma and connect people with support.

For many people, the impact of substance use goes beyond their health. It also affects those around them, including family, co-workers and their communities. And when we see someone struggling, it is not always easy to know what to say or where to turn.

That is why prevention often starts with something simple: paying attention, talking openly and making sure people know that help is available.

Homolovi State Park in Winslow hosting first Arizona Family Campout Sept. 5-6

ARIZONA — Registration is now open for the inaugural Arizona Family Campout to be on Sept.5-6 at Homolovi State Park, Winslow.

Arizona Family Campout weekends are designed for families with kids that have little or no experience camping. We welcome campers six (6) years of age and older. We will introduce you to fun experiences you can share with your family and inspire you to continue to explore the great outdoors from one of our campgrounds! You will learn how to set up a tent and an introduction to cooking outside, plus you will get to try some fun activities you can do while camping! No pets allowed.

Join us on a family campout to learn the ropes of camping and experience all the fun of being outdoors!

Coconino County Superintendent seeks applicants for school governing board vacancies

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is inviting community members to apply for appointment to local school governing boards. Applications are now being accepted to fill five vacant governing board seats that remain unfilled following the 2026 election cycle. Appointments to these positions will serve terms ending December 31, 2028.

The following school districts have one vacant seat available:

Grand Canyon Unified School District #4
Chevelon Butte School District #5
Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District #6
Tuba City Unified School District #15
NATIVE (Tuba City)

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Plan your Science Adventure with us!

The Wait is Over!

At long last,

the schedule for

the Best 10 Days of the Year is here! 

From learning about our elections center to checking out cool cars,

exploring our amazing Earth to marveling at the vastness of outer space,

creating science-inspired art to racing robots—

there’s something for everyone to discover!

Start planning your very own science adventure by

exploring the schedule for the

2026 Flagstaff Festival of Science 

or downloading our app.

Sedona Arts Center — Celebrating our volunteers & an extraordinary year at Sedona Arts Center

September is almost upon us—can you believe it? This summer has flown by. While our Gallery Shop has been unusually slow this summer due to the impact of the Pocket Fire, the rest of Sedona Arts Center has been anything but quiet!

Have You Seen Beyond the Frame?

Unregulated food vendors can pose health threat

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health is reminding community members that eating at an unlicensed food vendor location can pose a high risk of serious foodborne illness. Consuming food from an unlicensed food vendor…

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Building careers at home, building ties abroad

I was honored to be part of a panel discussion at the recent League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference, which focused on whether Arizona’s workforce development pipeline was robust enough to support the phenomenal growth the state has experienced.

Representing a rural region, my perspective was slightly different.

Northern Arizona already produces a tremendous amount of highly educated talent; nearly 56% of Flagstaff residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The challenge is keeping that talent here.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Fall events for families right around the corner. See remaining back-to-school events here

COCONINO COUNTY — Back-to-School events in Coconino County — including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals — will soon conclude, but local organizations are already planning for a variety of youth events this upcoming Fall.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.

The NAU Review — Welcome back, Jacks!

Campus came alive with excitement, nerves and new beginnings last week as students moved into their residence halls, said goodbye to their loved ones and made new friends. See photos from move-in, the Welcome Week Festival, the Part-Time Job Fair and of course, NAU’s iconic Letters.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 17-21, 2026

Grand Canyon Music Festival 43rd Season Starts this Weekend

The Grand Canyon Music Festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.

All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday, August 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $20. 

Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Call for Donations: Bedtime Stories needs your help!

he Flagstaff Festival of Science is raising funds for our Bedtime Stories project, now entering its fourth year! This special program brings science, storytelling, and local voices together to create meaningful learning experiences for young children and their families.

Each year, we work with local and regional authors to film them reading their science-themed children’s books. These read-alouds are then made freely available on YouTube, giving families an opportunity to tune in for a science-filled bedtime story from the comfort of home.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect community with help through variety of resource guides

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families to food and shelter resources, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and links to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s own recently updated Summer/Fall 2026 Page/Fredonia and Tuba City/Navajo Nation resource guides.

Do you have a new or updated resource guide you would like to add to our posting?

Do you have updated information for our Page and Tuba City/Navajo Nation Resource Guides?

Please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

READ MORE

The NAU Review — One student’s journey from NAU to HBO

Grace Johnson hoped to get a job in the skilled trades after NAU. The recent construction management grad had no idea she’d also get on TV. We asked Johnson a few quick Qs about her recent appearance on the HBO Max docuseries “Building Back America’s Trades.”

Sedona Arts Center — Shape, Throw & Create: New ceramics workshops & classes

Workshops & Classes
The Ceramics Department
at Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re discovering clay for the first time or returning to the wheel, Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics program offers a welcoming place to learn, create, and grow. Explore handbuilding, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing with guidance from Studio Manager Ben Roti, instructors Lolo Howe and John Post, and visiting guest artists. Join us and discover where clay can take you.

City of Flagstaff opens applications for sustainability grants

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission announce the opening of applications for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants Program. The annual funding opportunity, will accept applications from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, 2026. The competitive grant program provides funding up to $7,500 for sustainability projects that strengthen community partnerships and environmental stewardship within Flagstaff city limits. Eligible applicants include community groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with projects that address key sustainability priorities. Priority focus areas include energy, community health and climate resilience, food, transportation, and waste reduction.

Sedona Arts Center — You’re Invited: Beyond the Frame Opens Friday, Aug. 21

Celebrate Sedona!
Friday, August 21, 2026
4 – 6 pm
at Sedona Arts Center in Uptown Sedona
Join us for the opening reception of

Beyond the Frame
August 21 — September 27, 2026

Step beyond the expected with Beyond the Frame, a special exhibition featuring 40 artists who challenge traditional artistic boundaries through innovative techniques, unconventional materials, and fresh creative perspectives. Discover thought-provoking work that celebrates experimentation and the evolving possibilities of contemporary art.

Coconino County — Switch Together solar co-op deadline is Sept. 18

COCONINO COUNTY — As part of our sustainability initiative, Coconino County is a partner in Switch Together, a group buying program for solar installations. Switch Together uses a group buying model to help residents save money on home solar installations.

The most recent auction secured a discount of 17 percent, which translates to an average discount of $5,200. The program is supported in partnership with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. Switch Together makes rooftop solar installations more affordable, while also offering solar education through online resources and in-person events.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors approves more than $2.5 million for local schools

“Education funding in Arizona is at a crisis point,” Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Coconino County has made strategic decisions over the last two years to leverage additional federal resources for education while continuing to advocate at both the state and federal levels for the funding our schools need. Increasing funding to schools and establishing the Special Needs Allocation Program will help protect educational opportunities for our children and communities.”

CCC Community Education — Now open for registration: Professional Development Series, Foraging, Stained Glass, Comet Talk

Elevate: Leadership, Teams, and Professional Growth

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 30, Oct. 14, 28

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Develop skills and gain knowledge to support your organizations, advance in your career, and make connections. Sign up for all four, or choose individual sessions.

Elevate – Learn more and register!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 10-14, 2026

The Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail has been fully repaired. Water utility crews successfully began pumping water to the South Rim late August 11, and South Rim tanks are now slowly filling.

Discover Parks and Recreation Summer Adventures with Our August 2026 Newsletter

The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair is Coming September 4-7!
Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend! A clear bag policy is new this year, and volunteer sign-ups are open now.

New clear bag policy in effect for 2026; see details below
Get your tickets online at coconinocountyfair.com and skip the line on fair day!
Early bird carnival wristbands are still available. Get yours today!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Downtown Keynote Recordings & JW Powell Blvd Public Meeting

I’m pleased to let you know that video recordings of the three keynote presentations from the July “Downtown Matters” Conference are now available on YouTube.

Many thanks to Hunter Hebert and the Downtown Business Alliance for making these available to the Flagstaff community!

Neither bright sunshine nor pouring rain deterred community from celebrating 11th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 1. See new photos from Arizona Daily Sun

FLAGSTAFF — Typical Flagstaff Summer weather — bright and hot sunshine mixed with sudden downpours of Monsoon rains — failed to deter a large crowd of local residents and visitors from attending the 11th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” presented on Aug. 1 by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

The annual event, designed to celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, drew over 400 people to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The event kicked off with the music of Ruben Hernandez, followed by a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the return of the all-female Mariachi Rubor. The ever-popular New Destiny closed out the event with a spirited performance that had the crowd dancing until dusk.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition provides listing of 2026 Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Are you a member of a nonprofit or governmental agency seeking to share information with other service providers to help improve the lives and well-being of children and youth in Northern Arizona?

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains a listing of health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona, including the upcoming Tuba City Community Resource Zoom meeting on Aug. 12 and the Page Community Resource Meeting on Aug. 13.

These meetings offer monthly in-person and virtual community resource opportunities to share information between a variety of nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve children and families throughout Northern Arizona.

READ MORE

Coconino County Attorney’s Office and Navajo Nation launch historic Peacemaking Diversion Program

The Peacemaking Diversion Program offers eligible individuals an opportunity to resolve criminal cases through a restorative process that brings together participants, victims, family members and community members to repair harm, promote accountability and strengthen relationships. Successful completion of the program may result in eligible charges being dismissed while providing victims with a meaningful voice in the justice process.

Action Alert: Provide Input on Parks Master Plan

F3 encourages you to provide specific FEEDBACK and input on your PRIORITIES for Parks and Open Space, add to an interactive MAP, and complete the SURVEY as the City of Flagstaff starts the process of completing the PROSE Master Plan (Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events).

The PROSE Master Plan is a long-range plan (10+ years) that will provide a roadmap and guide the City’s project priorities and funding. This Plan will create a vision for the future and will include both short-term and long-term goals for achievement.

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 3-7, 2026

Transcanyon Waterline Repair Continues; Water Restrictions Remain in Effect

Water utility crews continue making progress on repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. As of today, crews are back on site fitting replacement pipe as work advances toward restoring water service.