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Arizona Daily Sun — Gallery: Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel celebrates 100 years
FLAGSTAFF — In a scene that harkened back to a time when the few local Catholic Churches hosted capacity crowds during multiple Sunday services, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel enjoyed a resurgence during a Mass held in honor of its 100th anniversary on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Parishioners and community members could be seen standing on either side of the chapel’s pews, while others crowded in the back of the chapel and even outside structure’s heavy wooden front doors.
It was an appropriate turnout for a place that has so much meaning for the local Hispanic community.
“Since its dedication on December 5, 1926, and the inaugural Mass on December 12, 1926, this sacred site has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Southside neighborhoods/Barrios. …” according to a portion of the official proclamation that was read at the event by members of the of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on May 16.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County celebrated the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition on Tuesday, May 19 at Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park.
“This year’s exhibition features large-scale sculptures by artists Pamela Ambrosio, Anjola Ayodele, Robert L. Barnum, Nathaniel Trygg Patterson, and Joe Ray,” the city reported in a media release. “Artworks reflect diverse cultural representation and explore themes of nature, history, and inclusivity. Together, they infuse the park with an engaging visual experience that highlights storytelling and community, while inviting the public to experience the park in new ways.”

FLAGSTAFF — From a moving standing-room-only service, to a variety of musical performances, food and inspiring stories, the Northern Arizona community came out in full force for the 100th anniversary of celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Flagstaff on Saturday, May 16. The event included:

COCONINO COUNTY — Areas of Coconino County within Coconino National Forest and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest have entered Stage 1 fire restrictions.
With the potential for continued warm, dry and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona, Coconino County will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions. Locations and dates for restrictions are listed below.
County fire restriction stages are:

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,
Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Emergency Management has released the draft 2026 Coconino County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for public review and comment throughout May.
This comprehensive plan identifies natural hazards that pose risks to communities across Coconino County and outlines strategies to reduce long-term vulnerability to those hazards. Developed through a collaborative process, the plan includes participation from Coconino County; the cities of Flagstaff, Page and Williams; the towns of Tusayan and Fredonia; and Northern Arizona University, along with other stakeholders and partner agencies.

North Rim Reopens for 2026 Season
Grand Canyon National Park officially reopened the North Rim for the 2026 season on May 15. The park extends a heartfelt thank you to Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Arizona Trail Association, and Aramark and for their support and partnership in helping ensure reopening remained on schedule for the 2026 season.
Visitors hiking the upper portion of the North Kaibab Trail between Supai Tunnel and the Trailhead are advised to use increased caution while traveling through areas affected by the Dragon Bravo burn scar. Burned landscapes can increase the risk of flash flooding, debris flows, rock falls, erosion and falling trees, particularly during monsoon storms or periods of heavy rain. In cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, the park has expanded flash flood monitoring and emergency preparedness efforts throughout the Bright Angel Creek watershed, including the installation of new stream and precipitation gages and enhanced visitor notification systems. Hikers are encouraged to closely monitor weather conditions and heed all posted warnings.

COCONINO COUNTY — Many Coconino County offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on May 25.
Coconino County’s Administrative Center, County Manager’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Coconino County Superior Court and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) office and clinic will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

COCONINO COUNTY — Results for the May 19, 2026 Special Election indicate that a majority of Flagstaff voters chose “Yes” on Question 492, ratifying the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045. This means that the Plan will be in effect in the City of Flagstaff following the official canvass of the election, which is expected to occur at the June 2 Flagstaff City Council meeting.

I want to share a quick story with you.
Last year, we started the Sedona Entrepreneurial Artist Development Program (SEAD). Since then, a total of 34 artists from Sedona, across the state and beyond have learned the business skills necessary to take their art business to the next level. This incredible program has received acclaim from all who’ve participated and it has made a real difference in these artists lives.
This is what your support does.
As we approach the end of our fiscal year, we’re working to ensure that more stories like this are possible in the months ahead.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — 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.
Each week, the Coalition produces a weekly newsletter where we share partner news and events in our blog section and links to community resource meetings.
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Right now, Arizona lawmakers are making critical decisions about the 2027 State Budget — including the future of funding for the Arizona Commission on the Arts.
Sedona Arts Center is joining Arizona Citizens for the Arts in urging supporters across the state to speak up now in support of continued arts funding.
An investment in arts and culture is an investment in education, community health, tourism, local economies, and quality of life throughout Arizona. Arts organizations, teaching artists, students, and communities across the state benefit from this essential support.
We encourage you to take a moment today to contact your legislators and ask them to support at least $2 million in ongoing funding for the Arizona Commission on the Arts in the 2027 budget.

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
Discover the Joy of Making
Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation on May 12, 2026 celebrating 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Flagstaff.
“WHEREAS, in May of 1925, the Hispanic families of Flagstaff began raising the first funds for a church of their own, and by September 25, 1925, the work commenced on the foundation—an effort that exhausted the full $500 then available but strengthened the community’s resolve; and …” members of the chapel’s caretakers the Guadalupanas began reading during the opening of the proclamation ceremony.
The county stated in its agenda as the reason for the proclamation:
“Since its dedication on December 5, 1926, and the inaugural Mass on December 12, 1926, this sacred site has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Southside neighborhoods/Barrios. …

Summer Youth Clay Camp for Ages 8-12
with Kim Sammartano
June 1–5, 2026 – 9am-12pm — $200
Let creativity take shape this summer in Youth Summer Clay Camp! Young artists (ages 8–12) will explore handbuilding techniques like pinch pots, coils, and slabs while creating fun, imaginative projects. Campers will also try the pottery wheel and learn about texture, form, and glazing. No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy. Finished pieces will be kiln-fired and ready for pickup after camp.

FLAGSTAFF — Join us in the celebration Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel as we honor one hundred years of faith, devotion, and community. Through scripture, gospel, and uplifting hymns, we celebrate the enduring love for Nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe and the Chapel that has been a safe haven for generations. We remember with gratitude the founding families whose dedication built this Chapel and whose legacy continues to inspire us today. This joyful Mass celebrates a century of shared faith and the blessings that unite our community.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — Hikers, parents and children enjoyed a beautiful spring day to take in some fresh air in celebration of the annual 2026 Walk for Wellness — Physical & Mental Health held on May 9 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff.
The 5th annual event was held in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month nationally and in Coconino County.
Organizers said event was designed to make taking care of your physical and mental health a habit, raise awareness, reduce the stigma of mental health and enjoy a walk with family and friends.
Some of the organizations participating in the event include Anderson General Tire, Arizona Dept. of Economic Security — Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Girl Scouts, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), the Narbha Institute, National Fire Prevention Education Team from the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Arizona Healthcare — Office of Philanthropy, Oxford House, Pioneer Title Agency, Terros Health, Tynkertopia and We Care Northern Arizona.

May is a perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our May classes and workshops — from oil painting and jewelry making to iPhone photography — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.

FLAGSTAFF — With the crowd moving to the music of Ruben Hernandez and folks dining on an assortment of tacos and enchiladas, the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

The Flagstaff Festival of Science calls for presenters to host an event in this year’s Festival!
During “Driven by Curiosity” taking place from September 25 – October 5, 2026, the Festival explores automotive ingenuity, engineering and technology. Your program is welcome to align with the theme, but if not, that is OK too.
What is your area of STEAM expertise? What science topic drives your curiosity? We want to know about it!

Mother’s Day is coming up soon, and it’s a good time to start thinking about ways to celebrate the people who care for us. Give the mom in your life the gift of art.
CCA membership with Arts+ Pass includes free exhibition entry, invitations to exhibition previews, discounted pricing on events, concerts, and workshops, and enrollment in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association, offering free admission and exclusive discounts to over 1,300 museums and institutions across North America. This means that, whether the mom in your life is near or far, this gift offers ongoing access to a variety of artistic experiences all year long!

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Christopher N. David, chief executive officer of Native Americans for Community Action Inc., will be the opening speaker. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
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.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
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This month, we are excited to present a new exhibition, FORM and FACE: Abstract Bodies + Masked Identities, in our Special Exhibit Gallery. Featuring work by Zarco Guerrero, Mike Medow, and Kevin Titzer, this dynamic show runs through May 31. Exploring the intersections of abstraction, the human form, and identity, the exhibition uses sculptural masks, figurative assemblage, and evocative materials to examine how identity is constructed, concealed, and revealed. It’s a truly compelling experience—don’t miss it.

If you’ve been a part of the United Way of Northern Arizona community for a while, you are already familiar with what KinderCamp™means for scores of preschoolers.
You’ve heard how this targeted intervention program, provided free to families, helps prepare 4- and 5-year-olds with little to no preschool experience so they are ready for that first day of school.
It’s the difference between a child walking into kindergarten ready to learn – and one who feels overwhelmed.
KinderCamp returns this June in Flagstaff, Williams, Holbrook and Pinetop-Lakeside, but we’re coming up on a critical deadline.

FLAGSTAFF – – The City recognizes that data centers are a topic of significant interest for Flagstaff residents. City staff have been actively evaluating ways to safeguard the community by addressing possible impacts associated with data centers, including water use, energy demand, and other critical resources.
During the May 5 Public Hearing on data centers, staff provided the City Council with an update on a potential zoning code text amendment related to data centers. Given the importance of the issue, staff requested additional time to conduct broader public outreach and allow for more extensive community input. This additional time will also be used to further research available options. Staff will return to both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council at a future date to share community feedback and receive further direction.

Application Deadline: May 8, 2026
(This Friday)
Notification: May 15, 2026
Program Dates: June 1–25, 2026
Sedona Arts Center invites teens and college-age students (ages 15–22) to apply for Gallery 928, a paid summer art apprenticeship that pairs emerging artists with a master artist to design and create a public mural on the Sedona Arts Center campus.
Up to 12 apprentices will be selected for this immersive program. Each participant receives a $500 stipend and three free college credits through Yavapai College, along with hands-on experience in the full public art process — from concept to completion.
Gallery 928 also helps artists build essential professional skills, including teamwork, leadership, presentation, and résumé development, preparing them for future opportunities in the arts.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin a roof replacement project at the historic Milligan House, located at 323 W. Aspen Avenue, starting Monday, May 11. The project is expected to take approximately one week to complete, weather permitting.
The Milligan House, built circa 1904, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Department of Interior. It is architecturally significant as a unique representation of Victorian residential architecture in Flagstaff and carries additional significance for its connection to James C. Milligan, a local brickmaker and building contractor who played a major role in shaping Flagstaff’s historic commercial and residential landscape.

Conscious Writing & Sharing
Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Through writing prompts, the group will reflect, renew, share stories, and enhance their creativity. The class will also focus on building trust and learning how to offer constructive feedback.
Writing – Learn more and register!

City of Flagstaff voters,
There’s a lot of misinformation being spread in our community, on social media and by word of mouth, about ratifying the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045.
F3 would like to directly address this misinformation by providing direct answers to specific misinformation. The questions and answers below are taken directly from the City of Flagstaff’s Regional Plan 2045 website FAQs.
Does the Regional Plan 2045 require that all new homes must be electric?
No, there is no policy that directly states that all new homes should be all electric. There is an action item in Chapter 10 to “Update the City Sustainable Building Resolution and Sustainable Residential Building Incentives to further implement net-zero energy standards.” The incentives could include points or options for all electric homes.

May is a perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our May classes and workshops — from oil painting and jewelry making to iPhone photography — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.

FLAGSTAFF — The American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance, featuring music by Ruben Hernandez, on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.
• Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. — $12
• Dance from 8 to 11 p.m.
• Tickets are $15 per person / $20 per couple.

Water Conservation Remains Critical Following New Pipeline Break
Grand Canyon continues to operate under water conservation measures. A new break in the Transcanyon Waterline was identified the evening of April 29 and as of Thursday afternoon, the break has been located along the North Kaibab Trail north of Phantom Ranch near the 4th footbridge. This latest development is a reminder that the system remains fragile and conditions can change quickly.

Warmer streams may weaken river food webs
Can you tell the difference when a stream gets warmer? The tiny living things that make that ecosystem their home can. In a new study, researchers from Ecoss found that microbes and aquatic insects are processing fallen leaves, twigs and bark more rapidly and releasing more carbon dioxide into the water and air. The findings could have implications for plants and animals in rivers across the western United States.

One of F3’s board members was awarded a Flagstaff Sustainability Office neighborhood grant to remove invasive plants in the section of the Rio de Flag that runs along Thomas Elementary school and reseed with native flowers and grasses.
The second of three plant pull events is happening this Saturday from 9am – noon. Meet at the east entrance to Bushmaster Park.

Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
May is a perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our May classes and workshops — from oil painting and jewelry making to iPhone photography — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2026 Firewise Residential
Cleanup will occur April 18-May 3, 2026.
Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an
area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will begin hauling
debris the week of April 27.

This ballot asks voters in the City of Flagstaff to vote on whether to ratify or not ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045. Return your ballot by 7pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The special election is a vote-by-mail only election. There are no polling places on election day.
Click here for ballot drop-box locations and additional election information.

FLAGSTAFF — Join us at Flagstaff City Hall as part of a nationwide day of action against the Trump administration’s expansion of ICE detention — and its assault on the due process rights of immigrants and all Americans from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at the Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.
Send a message to ICE that they are not welcome in Flagstaff
The Department of Homeland Security is moving to lock thousands of people in massive detention warehouses — cutting them off from their families, their lawyers, and any meaningful chance at due process. We’re taking to the streets because Flagstaff stands for something better: dignity, justice, and the rule of law.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — The Coalition will participate in the 2026 Annual Community STEM Celebration to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds.
THE EVENT, PRESENTED BY Flagstaff STEM City, IS FREE!!!
The Coalition’s display will feature the return of its stomp air rockets, a water bottle rocket display and plenty of informational handouts on the U.S. space program including the recent successful Artemus II journey around the moon.
This year’s STEM Celebration will include the return of the Lunar Legacy Invitational – bringing even more opportunities for hands-on STEM exploration.
The Lunar Legacy Invitational will welcome robotics teams from across the Southwest to celebrate Flagstaff’s rich history in space exploration. Teams will compete in space-themed challenges, earn awards, and explore exciting STEM exhibits—continuing the legacy of innovation in our community.

The Greater Flagstaff Region is hosting a public meeting on April 23 from 5:00-8:00 p, at the Flagstaff Aquaplex for the community to learn about the current process to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
Attendees will be able to visit with staff from local fire departments, talk with subject matter experts, and provide comments to inform the CWPP’s development, as well as learn about wildfire risk reduction recommendations for the forest and for homes.

Our 29th Annual Adult Mountain Spelling Bee Bash was a celebration of literacy and community, and your support helped make this event a huge success! If you joined us, thank you to bringing your energy and making the night so much fun. If you didn’t make it this year, follow this link to watch the video with pictures from the event.We hope to see you there next year!
Beyond this event, your generosity allows us to support adults, families and students throughout the year. The letter below shares one parent’s experience and the powerful difference your support can make in a child’s life.

FLAGSTAFF — What brings you joy? Whether it’s cozying up with a new story, learning a new skill, gathering with community or something else, you can find your joy at the Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library.
National Library Week, April 19–25, 2026, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

FLAGSTAFF — Dora Rodríguez, who nearly perished while fleeing El Salvador and crossing the AZ border in 1980 will give to readings of her memoir, A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain, . Dora’s survival is credited with helping to spark the Sanctuary Movement. She is a committed humanitarian and an incredibly inspiring speaker.
On Thursday April 23 you have two different opportunities to hear Dora read/present:
@ 4 pm in Liberal Arts 120 at NAU
@ 6 pm in the Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N Fort Valley Rd

Continued Water Conservation Remains Critical for South Rim Community
As announced in this morning’s news release, the park will begin gradually easing water conservation measures on the South Rim starting Friday, April 17 at 12 p.m., following progress in repairing the South Rim water pipeline and restoring pumping capacity. While this marks an important step forward, the park continues to operate on a constrained, aging, and vulnerable water system. Additional pipeline breaks remain possible, and water use must remain careful and intentional.

Also see:
• Arizona Daily Sun (subscription) — Gallery: Northern Arizona University students protest outside ICE office in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — More than 100 Northern Arizona University students took part in a march and protest from the campus to the newly-leased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on Plaza Way, just to the east of Home Depot.
The students, some of whom identified themselves as members of the new NAU Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organization, carried a variety of protest signs, shouted slogans and held a rally directly across the street from the new ICE office, who officials said may serve as a center for their Northern Arizona operation.
As the students protested, nearly a dozen police vehicles could be seen scattered on both sides of the street to monitor the situation. Most of the vehicles appeared to be Flagstaff Police Dept. units. More unidentified law enforcement units could also be seen directly behind the building at 1585 S. Plaza Way.