Category: Family

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Registration now available for 2025 CCC&Y Conference

COCONINO COUNTY —  The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is proud to present our most exciting and groundbreaking event yet — “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change” on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.

We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights. 

In her morning presentation “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” guest speaker Iyo Affo will weave together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to spark transformation within organizations and communities. Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, will draw on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.

“It is such an honor that both of these women are crafting their presentations specific to this moment in time, this audience, and this venue for truly unique and beautiful experiences,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y. “Yes, I am the host, but I am an eager participant- I cannot wait to be a part of this!”

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Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Action Alert: Flagstaff Regional Plan available for review: Public hearings scheduled

The Public Hearing Draft of the Regional Land Use Plan 2045 (Draft Regional Plan) was recently released by the City of Flagstaff online (PDF here; this is a large file and may take some time to download). A take home hard copy of the Draft Regional Plan can be requested by emailing Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Sponsor a Theater Seat Today – Help Us Reach Our Goal!

We’re thrilled to share that we’re so close to reaching our goal to purchase brand-new seats for the Coconino Center for the Arts theater—but we need your help to get us across the finish line!

The current seats have been in use for over 40 years, and it’s time for a much-needed upgrade. With our concert season fast approaching, our goal is to have all seats sponsored by September 27 so the new seating can be installed in November. The photo below shows the modern, more comfortable seats we’ll install with your support.

Grand Canyon South Rim implements water conservation measures

GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a broken section of pipeline north of Phantom Ranch.

Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds. 

Water conservation measures include:

Northern Arizona Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) training series in Flagstaff to be held Aug. 20 through 22

This evidence-based training is designed for providers supporting birthing people and families—especially those serving underserved communities across Arizona.

Scholarships and travel expense reimbursement are available – please don’t let cost be a barrier! Please note: applicants must apply for a scholarship before registering. Can’t make Flagstaff, no problem – there quarterly virtual offerings too!

August at the Museum of Northern Arizona

At the Museum of Northern Arizona, learning is at the heart of everything we do. As a new academic year begins, we’re excited to share opportunities designed to inspire curiosity and deepen connections to the Colorado Plateau.

First, we’re pleased to offer free admission to all Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College students from August 15 through May 15. Simply present a valid student ID to explore exhibitions highlighting the science, art, and cultures of this remarkable region.

For younger learners, our elementary school tours offer hands-on experiences with real artifacts, interactive activities, and guidance from passionate educators and volunteers. Programs align with Arizona state standards, and grant funding is available to help with field trip costs.

To kick off the school year, we invite teachers and administrators to join us for Educators Night Out on August 20—a free evening to explore MNA, connect with peers, and discover how we can support your classroom goals.

For all lifelong learners, step out of the August heat and into the cool, welcoming environment of our exhibit galleries to explore the Museum’s latest offerings. Also, don’t miss a rare chance to go behind the scenes during our Easton Collection Center Open House on August 23.

Wishing you a month of discovery, inspiration, and meaningful learning!

Kaibab NF to enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, reduce North Kaibab closure area

FREDONIA — On Friday, August 8, the Forest Service will reopen a portion of the North Kaibab Ranger District, which has been closed in its entirety due to the White Sage and Dragon Bravo fires. In addition, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will go into effect for the North Kaibab and Tusayan ranger districts.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Education Class Announcement

Theatrikos Education Is Growing – Join Us This Fall
We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new season of youth theatre classes starting this fall! These classes bring an exciting new chapter in Theatrikos’s long-standing commitment to arts education.

Our expanded education program means more classes, more creativity, and more opportunities for young people in Flagstaff to build confidence, express themselves, and discover the joy of live theatre.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 28-August 1, 2025

As we look to the North Rim, we can all see that the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn. It likely will burn for a while longer given the extremely dry conditions and the lack of monsoon rains. Many of us have deep connections to the North Rim and the people and places that make that a special place.

We are in a time of transition, with our personal experiences at the North Rim, our professional lives within the Park, and with the daily transitions that are occurring. Transitions can be hard as we leave the known and comfortable and enter uncharted territory. That is how I feel about the North Rim. I’m sure many of you feel that way too. But, transitions allow us to think differently, allow us to be unconstrained in our ideas and possibilities. That is also how I feel, and I hope many of you feel that way too.

Sedona Arts Center to present ‘The Face of Time’ with opening reception on Aug. 1

OPENING RECEPTION THIS FRIDAY
at Celebrate Sedona!
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 4–6pm

In the Special Exhibitions Gallery and Theater Studio
at Sedona Arts Center
15 Art Barn Road, Uptown Sedona

Join us for a vibrant evening of art, music, and community as we kick off our 2025–26 season with Celebrate Sedona and the opening of our newest exhibition, The Face of Time. This juried show features powerful and diverse portraiture from artists across the country—exploring identity, memory, and transformation through the lens of time.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – Aug. 1, 2025

Firefighters are successfully repairing suppression lines. Resources continue to patrol the fire and backhaul equipment. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team of interdisciplinary professionals has begun evaluating fire impacts to determine rehabilitation needs and strategies. The Color Country Type 3 Team is coordinating closely with the North Kaibab Ranger District, BLM Arizona Strip District, and local cooperators to meet the needs of the changing fire conditions.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for Aug. 1, 2025

Highlights: Infrared mapping confirmed updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues pushing north, particularly into the burn scar of the 2006 Warm Fire. Air resources worked to slow fire spread in that area. Night operations focused on holding containment lines near Forest Road 610 and progressing south toward State Route 67.

Firing operations continued to steer the fire away from values at risk in Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest and minimize impacts to infrastructure, including the Kaibab Lodge area. Firefighters got a slight reprieve as cloud coverage helped to moderate fire activity.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for July 2025

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

News updates for July 2025 (This Week)

• Kelly, Klobuchar, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide AI Guidelines for Election Offices

• Kelly, Senate Democrats Call for Large-Scale Expansion of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and Resumption of Diplomatic Efforts to Secure a Ceasefire and End the War

• Kelly, Slotkin, Harder Reintroduce Ban Corporate PACs Act to End Corporate Influence in Politics

• WATCH: In SASC Hearing, Kelly Secures Commitment from Navy Nominee to Address Maritime Workforce and American Shipbuilding Gaps

• After Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, & Ansari Demands, Trump Administration Finally Releases $110 Million in Education Funds It’s Held for Weeks

• Kelly, Gallego Reintroduce Bipartisan Canadian Snowbirds Act to Boost Arizona Economy, Tourism

• Sens. Kelly, Murkowski, Warren and Reps. Ryan, Kiggans Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Healthcare Insurance for Military Families

MORE …

Areas of County within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rescind fire restrictions

COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with Forest Lakes Fire District and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are no longer under fire restrictions.

This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, applies to all private property within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This includes the unincorporated community of Forest Lakes and all private campgrounds and recreation areas.  

Based on significant improvement in forest conditions, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rescinded fire restrictions on Friday, July 25, 2025.  

Art Classes and Workshops starting at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center’s 
Fall Catalog of Workshops & Classes is here!

You can get a sneak preview online right now at SedonaArtsCenter.org, where you’ll find upcoming classes, events, exhibitions, and more. Keep an eye on your mailbox—printed copies are arriving this week!

Click Here to View Online

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins other partners at Flagstaff back to school event. See our listing of upcoming events

COCONINO COUNTY — A warm summer day and a little wind didn’t keep parents and students away from the Coconino County Health and Human Services’ (CCH&HS) Back-to-School Health Fair held on Saturday, July 26 in Flagstaff.

More than 120 backpacks were presented to students who filled up their passports by visiting a variety of booths staffed by Arizona Poison Help, Arizona Trail Gear Girls, Chicano Por La Causa, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Emergency Management, CCH&HS Healthy Families, CCH&HS SafeKids, CCH&HS WIC, Flagstaff. Fire Dept., Denova Collaborative Health, Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library, North County Healthcare and NAU Talent Search — TRIO.

More back-to-school events are planned for Northern Arizona. Please see our listing below for upcoming events.

(INFORMATION UPDATED July 28, 2025)

Coconino Center for the Arts — Route 66: On The Road Free Youth Workshop – This Saturday!

Join us for a free youth art workshop led by artist and instructor Erika Tsouras: On The Road: Using Perspective to Draw a Realistic Road Scene! In this hands-on session, young artists will learn the basics of one-point perspective to create dynamic and realistic road scenes inspired by Route 66. Erika will guide students step-by-step through drawing techniques that bring depth and dimension to their artwork.

This is a free one-hour workshop and no experience is necessary! All supplies are provided.

Coconino County forms Unidentified Remains Task Force

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has officially established an Unidentified Remains Task Force, a specialized team dedicated to identifying unknown deceased individuals and reconnecting them with their families.

The Task Force includes experts from the Medical Examiner’s Office, Health and Human Services Department, Information Technology Department, Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office who reexamine historical cases involving unidentified remains with modern investigative tools.

“We’re not just solving cold cases — we’re restoring identities, returning dignity to those who have died without a name, and getting answers families have waited years to find,” said Ammon Barker, County Attorney.

Dragon Bravo Fire Daily Update for July 30

Highlights: Tuesday’s infrared mapping provided updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues its northward push amid extreme fire behavior. Operations focused on holding Forest Road 610, improving indirect lines, and firing operations to protect values at risk. Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 is still taking a full suppression approach to the Dragon Bravo, while prioritizing firefighter and public safety.

White Sage Fire Daily Update for July 30, 2025

Highlights

Throughout the fire footprint, crews continue to repair suppression lines using equipment to move soil and woody debris to prevent soil erosion. Firefighters are spreading seed into repair areas to promote regrowth of native plants. Crews are repairing fences along the fire perimeter.

The White Sage Fire is 58,985 acres. The Oak Point Fire, a small 85-acre fire about 8 miles south of the main fire, is 100 percent controlled. Previously, the White Sage Fire acreage had reflected the combined total for both fires. 

Highway 89A and BLM 1065/House Rock Valley Road are open. Light, individual smokes may be visible within the White Sage Fire perimeter from Highway 89A. Occasional smokes can be expected in the weeks to come as fuels continue to smolder. Drivers are advised that firefighters continue to work along roadways. Please drive with care.

The Kaibab National Forests’ North Kaibab Ranger District and Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake remain closed due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. For additional information, check the Arizona Department of Transportation website: www.az511.com

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

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

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 27, 2025

Highlights

Highway 89A has been re-opened to the public. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona Strip District rescinded the fire area closure near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument today due to decreased fire threat and activity related to the White Sage Fire.
The rescission reopens roads that were closed for public and firefighter safety during suppression and repair work along FR 22 and BLM Road 1065 (House Rock Valley). Fire managers are asking for the public’s help to remain aware of fire resources that are continuing suppression and repair efforts along the fire perimeter and roadways. Please travel safely in the vicinity of the fire. Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake remains closed.

Coconino County — Now available: Regional Plan Public Hearing draft

The Public Hearing Draft of the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is now available on the project website: www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045
This draft will be discussed at a series of public hearings with the Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission and the Flagstaff City Council, who will vote on adopting the Regional Plan in October.
Hard copies of the plan are available for review at:
City Hall Community Development Counter
Downtown Library Information Desk
East Flagstaff Library Information Desk
To request a take-home hard copy, please email Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov
More updates on the City hearings, how to comment, and Coconino County’s hearing schedule will be provided via this newsletter in the coming weeks.

Discover Flagstaff — Discover Summer Events with Flagstaff Happenings!

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

VIEW ALL EVENTS THIS WEEK

United Way of Northern Arizona Awards Grants & Celebrates 20 Years of KinderCamp™

What a remarkable summer it’s been! Last month brought two exciting milestones for United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) and the communities we serve.

We awarded more than $470,000 in Community Investment funds to 41 programs across northern Arizona, supporting critical services that strengthen our region. We also celebrated the 20th anniversary of KinderCamp™, our signature early childhood program that helps young learners take their first confident steps into kindergarten.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 21-25, 2025

Message from Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, on the Dragon Bravo Fire Response

On Saturday, July 19, we were honored to host Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly, and Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron at Grand Canyon National Park. Their visit underscored the Department of the Interior’s and National Park Service’s strong support for our ongoing response to the Dragon Bravo Fire and their commitment to the future of the North Rim.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 25, 2025

Highlights

Highway 89A has been re-opened to the public. Highway 67 toward the Grand Canyon remains closed.

The White Sage Fire is mapped at 58,980 acres (no change), and is 81 percent contained (6 percent increase from yesterday). The Oak Point Fire to the south is mapped at 85 acres and is 100 percent contained.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 89A from heavier fuels burning in the interior of the fire footprint. In addition, wind across burned areas may create dust and ash clouds, which can look like smoke from a distance.

Across the fire, firefighters are engaged mainly in mop up and suppression repair. Fire managers expect suppression repair on the west side of the fire to be completed within a few days. Crews are completing mop up and repairing fences on the north side of the fire.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 25, 2025

Latest Update: Thursday brought record breaking dry conditions to the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Firefighters held control lines and are preparing for increased activity in the coming days as critically low humidity and gusty winds persist through the week.

Ongoing & Planned Operations: Firefighters continue building fireline on forest roads 610 and 611. Crews have completed work along Forest Road 223 northwest of the fire and are now preparing contingency lines along Forest Road 222. Fire behavior analysts are determining the feasibility of building contingency lines northeast of the Dragon Bravo Fire near Lookout Tower Road. Structure protection groups continue to install and improve defense measures around the Kaibab Lodge and gas station, as well as other critical infrastructure. Aircraft successfully limited spread on the western flank of the fire near the Dragon Creek from moving further northeast. Fire continues to back down into the canyon southeast of the fire.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 24, 2025

Highlights 

The White Sage Fire is mapped at 58,980 acres and is 75 percent contained, an 11 percent increase from yesterday. The Oak Point Fire is mapped at 85 acres and is 100 percent contained. Weather conditions are conducive for active fire behavior. 

On the west side of the fire, crews with heavy equipment are engaged in suppression repair efforts. This entails pulling back berms, placing vegetation on disturbed soil, and spreading approved seed mix to stabilize soil and restore the natural appearance of the area. Today crews will begin repairing livestock fencing damaged during suppression efforts. Fencing is important infrastructure used to manage grazing allotments on public lands. 

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 24, 2025

Latest Update: The Dragon Bravo Fire located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park remains active during a period of critical fire weather. Continued suppression efforts are focused on securing existing containment lines, as well as preparing and scouting other contingency fireline options and protecting values at risk, including the Kaibab Lodge and infrastructure within the park.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s free webinars offer parents a way to cope with busy summer

COCONINO COUNTY — With parents busy with a variety of Summer activities with their children (from at-home Summer education to summer travel), it may be a good time to take a deep breath, take care of yourself and find some ways to ease the stress for your children.

To help, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.

Want to take a moment to take care of yourself? Visit our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar.

Your child may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar.

Our growing library of on-demand webinars are also designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

NEW art classes, workshops at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center’s 
Fall Catalog of Workshops & Classes is here!

You can get a sneak preview online right now at SedonaArtsCenter.org, where you’ll find upcoming classes, events, exhibitions, and more. Keep an eye on your mailbox—printed copies will be arriving in the next week or so!

Click Here

White Sage Fire Daily Update for July 22, 2025

Highlights 
Firefighters have been making progress around all edges of the fire. The fire has now been mapped to include the slight increase in acreage attributed to the interior pockets of unburned vegetation that are now burned. Water tenders have been working diligently to shuttle water to the incident from sources such as Big Springs and the Colorado River, helping to fill portable drafting tanks for engines and supporting firefighting efforts in areas without nearby water access. 

Dragon Bravo Fire — Firefighters continue to make progress on containment lines ahead of drying weather as containment reaches 18% Morning Update for July 22, 2025

Latest Update: Containment increased to 18% on the Dragon Bravo Fire along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Cloud coverage and humidity aided firefighters yesterday as they continued to strengthen containment lines and protect values at risk, ahead of transition to drier, hotter conditions expected later this week.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 21, 2025

Highlights
Containment increased 2 percent from yesterday and the fire is mapped at 58,842 acres. Crews completed line construction around the successful burnout operation and followed up with mop-up work, increasing containment along the southern perimeter north of the Highway 89A area.

To ensure thorough coverage, firefighters are patrolling in a gridding pattern, using a method called cold trailing to detect any latent heat near containment lines. This technique involves carefully feeling the ground with the back of their hand to detect lingering heat, ensuring nothing is left that could reignite. Heavy equipment and firefighters are also engaged in suppression repair, restoring soil stability and vegetative cover.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 7/21/2025

View this email in your browser July 21st, 2025 Last Week of Summer Reading Challenge 2025! Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2330 (Downtown…

Arizona Office of Indian Education Biweekly Communication

OIE 2025 Annual Summit registration now open!

September 2-4, 2025

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix, AZ

“Strong Roots, Soaring Futures.”

Session tracks include:

Teaching and Learning
Policy and Data
Culture and Wellness
Youth Advocacy and Engagement

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona communities make housing gains

When ECoNA released its 5-year Strategic Plan in 2023, it confirmed something many of us already knew: northern Arizona is facing a critical shortage of workforce housing.

During the decade leading up to the plan, the average price of a single family home in our region soared – by as much as 294%, depending on the community. This surge has priced many out of home ownership and pushed rental prices higher, straining families and employers alike.

Flagstaff locals and visitors had a chance to get themselves into ‘Good Trouble’ as part of nationwide day of action on July 17

From presenters urging everyone to work together during this uncertain political time, to lessons on how to focus on your protest message, be it in interviews with media or even your own protest sign, more than 140 people crowded together at Flagstaff’s Federated Church for a “Teach In” on Thursday, July 17 as part of the “Good Trouble Lives On” National Day of Action.

The day, which honors the passing five years ago of Congressman John Lewis, featured protests and other forms of action in more than 1,600 locations nationwide. The local program was organized by the Coconino Democrats, Indivisible Northern Arizona and Lived Black Experience.

In Flagstaff, the event featured opening remarks by via Zoom by Dr. Justin R. Mallett, vice president of Inclusive Excellence at Northern Arizona University.

“We have to start sharing our stories and sharing the work we are doing collectively,” he said. “..We have to let people know that these events are for everybody…They are there for all of us.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 14-18, 2025

Message from Superintendent Keable on Dragon Bravo Fire

The recent Dragon Bravo Fire has profoundly impacted our Grand Canyon community, particularly for our colleagues on the North Rim who have bravely faced this devastating event. Many have experienced traumatic conditions, with some losing their homes and cherished belongings. The challenges have not been limited to our North Rim team; South Rim employees and the Grand Canyon community in and out of the park have felt the weight of this fire, as many have deep personal connections to the North Rim.

The destruction wrought by the fire is hard to fathom, and we acknowledge the emotional toll it has taken on all of us. In response to this crisis, we are adjusting our park management structure to better serve the needs of our affected employees, and the complex demands of the Grand Canyon. I continue to focus my efforts as the Agency Administrator of the Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT), comprised of skilled professionals who are dedicated to addressing the ongoing fire.

To further stabilize our response, we have assembled a regional Incident Management Team that is focusing on vital areas such as coordinating mental and physical health resources and planning for the ongoing needs of those affected.

As we navigate this difficult time, we are bolstered by the strength, resilience, and dedication that defines the GRCA community. Together, we will overcome these challenges.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Back-to-School events already in the planning stage. See our listing here

COCONINO COUNTY — Yes, we know. Summer has just begun and at the Coalition we are still updating our parent-friendly Summer Camps, Summer Food and Summer Reading listings.

However, some eager folks out there are already getting ready for Back-to-School events and so have decided to get a head start and start listing and promoting upcoming activities.

Please check with individual programs to confirm times, dates, other information.

If your program would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

(INFORMATION UPDATED July 14, 2025)

Kaibab National Forest — White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 16, 2025

The White Sage Fire reached 4% containment as of yesterday. On the fire’s west side, crews constructed dozer line near the community of White Sage, along the northern edge of the fire’s heel. Today, firefighters will continue mop-up operations, extinguishing any remaining burning or smoldering material, felling hazardous snags, and trenching logs to prevent rolling and potential reignition.

Fire activity increased yesterday on the north side of the fire near Winter Road. Multiple aircraft conducted retardant drops to help slow the fire’s spread. Water tenders are shuttling water to fill portable tanks, each holding up to 2,000 gallons, for helicopters engaged in aerial suppression.

Kaibab National Forest — White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 15, 2025

Over the past few days, the White Sage Fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior, with fire runs reaching 5–7 miles per day. However, yesterday’s fire growth was significantly less, with an increase of approximately 2,636 acres, thanks to the hard work of firefighters and more favorable conditions. The fire perimeter is approximately 158 miles around. Yesterday, the fire continued to spread actively, particularly through areas impacted by the 2020 Mangum Fire, where invasive cheatgrass is fueling rapid movement. The west side of the fire is holding well near White Sage and is now transitioning into suppression repair work to mitigate impacts from firefighting efforts.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, School of Rock and The Nerd Auditions!

Experience the theatrical event of the summer as Theatrikos brings the celebrated musical phenomenon, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, to the stage! From July 17 through August 10, witness this timeless tale from the legendary duo Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

Registration has opened for 2nd annual Northern Arizona Anti-Hunger Summit to be held on Sept. 4.

This summit is a collaborative platform to:

· Share innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity

· Learn from local leaders, policy experts, and those with lived experience

· Strengthen partnerships across Northern Arizona’s food systems

· Mobilize for sustainable solutions to end hunger in our communities

Whether you’re engaged in direct service, advocacy, education, or policy, your voice is essential. Together, we can shape a more equitable and food-secure future for all.

Coconino County extends support to Grand Canyon National Park

COCONINO COUNTY — Grand Canyon National Park is a natural wonder of the world, geological storyteller, sacred cultural site and economic driver for Coconino County communities.

The loss of infrastructure at the North Rim from the Dragon Bravo Fire, including the lodge and visitors center, has a profound impact on residents and visitors alike and breaks our communities’ hearts. 

In addition to the Dragon Bravo Fire, the White Sage Fire burning near Jacobs Lake has also led to evacuations and impacts on local communities who rely on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have assisted with emergency efforts including road closures, evacuations and operations. The fires grew exponentially due to high winds and dry conditions on the ground. 

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 14, 2025

Highlights

Yesterday, numerous aerial firefighting resources, including Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) and Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), dropped 179,597 gallons of retardant along the southern and northern perimeter. These efforts provided critical support to firefighters on the ground, by slowing fire spread. On the west side of the fire, near the point of origin, the line is holding well, and crews are actively mopping up and securing the perimeter. Multiple hand crews on the southern flank worked late into the night to continue building and reinforcing containment line.

Sedona Arts Center — Art Classes and Workshops at SAC

Hands-On Hand Building
with Ben Roti
July 28-September 1, 2025 – Mondays 12-3pm

In this fun and creative class, suitable for both beginners and experienced ceramicists, you’ll learn a variety of hand-building techniques and explore your personal artistic vision in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

What You’ll Experience:

Foundational Techniques: Learn essential hand-building methods such as slab construction, coil building, and pinch pots, to create functional and decorative pieces.
Creative Projects: Each class includes demonstrations and hands-on practice in crafting items like bowls, mugs, vases, platters, and lidded boxes, plus optional advanced projects for experienced students.
Surface Design and Glazing: Explore texturing, stamping, slip decoration, and glazing techniques to finish your creations.

Thousands of visitors filled the streets of downtown Flagstaff for 2025 Fourth of July Parade

COCONINO COUNTY — Despite scattered rains the night before, thousands of visitors crowded into downtown Flagstaff on a beautiful morning to celebrate the 2025 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Friday, July 4, 2024.

The events began with a Guardian Air Transport helicopter flying overhead leading a parade featuring more than 100 entries. The Arizona Daily Sun reported between 15,000 to 20,000 people attended the annual event.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined the Coconino County parade entry which featured public safety vehicles, the Majestics Car Club of Flagstaff, marching bands and other entries.

Northern Arizona groups planning to join ‘Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action on July 17

By Indivisible 

In one week, on July 17, people all across the country will gather together in honor of the late Rep. John Lewis to participate in the Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action.

With MAGA Republicans continuing their ghoulish campaigns to terrorize communities, crush dissent, and tear families apart, it’s more important than ever that we stand up, speak out, and make some good trouble. 

What’s good trouble?

Coined by civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, “good trouble” means coming together to take non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. That could look like a candlelight vigil, a community event, a rally, or any other creative way you can think of to stand up and remind the world that we will continue to fight back against this authoritarian regime.

State awards City of Flagstaff $4M for regional wildland fire training facility

FLAGSTAFF — The state of Arizona has allocated $4M to the City of Flagstaff in its FY2026 budget for the construction of a regional wildland fire training facility. Local fire departments across northern Arizona are the front line of defense against wildfire and the construction of this facility will increase firefighter safety and improve wildfire response.

The construction of a permanent wildland fire training facility in Flagstaff will serve as the operational base for the Flagstaff Fire Department’s Wildfire Management Division, providing year-round high-quality and scenario-based training opportunities for local and regional fire personnel. The facility will also enhance coordination among municipal, state, and federal firefighting agencies. The City of Flagstaff has dedicated $650K for the design of the facility and the $4M provided by the state will be used for construction.

2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review and highlights the ongoing efforts of the CHIP Action Teams focused on Transportation, Housing, Behavioral Health, and Food and Nutritional Security.

The updated plan is attached and available online at https://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/68572

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 7-11, 2025

Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim

The Dragon Bravo Fire, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, continues to show moderate fire activity as it burns in a remote area south of the Basin near the W1 Road. Sparked by lightning on July 4, the fire has grown steadily over the past few days and is currently estimated at approximately 120 acres.

LULAC hails Federal Court Victory preserving Birthright Citizenship in the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) (July 10) celebrates a landmark decision by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante of New Hampshire, who issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s executive order seeking to strip automatic birthright citizenship from children born in the United States to undocumented parents. This decision marks a crucial victory for members of LULAC, the first organization to file a lawsuit challenging the administration’s attempt to undermine one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

“This ruling is a powerful affirmation that the rights granted under the 14th Amendment are not up for debate or political manipulation,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “From the very beginning, LULAC has been the voice standing between injustice and the rights of those born on American soil. We will never allow the constitutional promise of citizenship to be erased or rewritten.”

Pew Research Center — Race & Ethnicity — Birthright citizenship, deportation worries and Trump’s 2024 voter coalition

Half of U.S. adults say people born in the United States to parents who immigrated illegally should have U.S. citizenship, while 49% say they should not. By contrast, nearly all say people born in the country to U.S.-born parents (95%) or to parents who immigrated legally (94%) should be citizens.

Related: Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship draws more disapproval than approval