
View this email in your browser LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE ART! The Big Gay Art Show at Sedona Arts Center—and online! Only Until Friday July 25, 2025 The Big Gay Art Show is coming to a close, and this is…

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.”

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.

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Effective immediately, due to high fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions for the South Rim and all other areas of the park.
The restriction encompasses the entire park including all campgrounds, residential areas, backcountry sites and developed recreation sites.
Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:

Highlights
The White Sage Fire is now mapped at 58,559 acres, an increase of 6,637 acres due to improved mapping. The updated acreage accounts for previously undetected burned areas in the northern part of the fire, where light fuels and low heat signatures made early detection difficult. Containment has increased to 9%, with progress made along the south side of the fire, from the west side of Highway 89A to Road 422A. Today, crews will work to extend containment lines east of Highway 89A and along the northern edge of the fire’s western finger near Road 422A.

Latest Update: Firefighters are taking advantage of current favorable weather conditions to establish fireline on the Dragon
Bravo Fire as part of a full suppression strategy. Crews are continuing to protect remaining structures and cultural values located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park while providing for public and firefighter safety. Fire behavior has decreased slightly due to recent weather events but remains dynamic and unpredictable.

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, northbound Beulah Blvd will be closed at Forest Meadows St on Monday, July 21 for pavement patching, this work is in preparation for the full pavement overlay scheduled in August. The closure will be in place for less than 24 hours. Southbound traffic on Beulah Blvd will not be impacted.
Additional work is also scheduled throughout the community under the RRSS program. Temporary lane shifts, lane closures, and/ or shoulder closures should be expected on the following roadways during the indicated timeframes:

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)

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff hereby gives public notice that it is the City’s policy to assure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other related statutes and regulations including Title II of the ADA. The City of Flagstaff operates without regard to race, color, national origin, income status, sex, age, limited English proficiency (LEP), or disability and that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.

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.

Latest Update: Aerial and ground firefighters continue to use a full suppression strategy to protect all remaining values at risk located within Grand Canyon National Park. While the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to grow on the park’s North Rim, it showed significantly decreased movement Tuesday in the Roaring Springs area.

At Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, we believe in helping our community feel vibrant, connected, and fully alive. That’s why we’re sending one final reminder about Fitness Collective’s exclusive offer just for the FSO community—a custom, 3-week Fitness Jumpstart Program for just $99!
One of our FSO board members, Cindy, has personally been training with Fitness Collective for several months. She says:

COCONINO COUTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for two appointments to the Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District governing board that will expire December 31, 2026.
Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district. A first review of applications will commence 30 days following the posting on August 14, 2025. Please turn in your applications by the end of the business day.
Applications can be downloaded at this address: https://coconino.az.gov/2855/Governing-Board

“Technology touches everyone’s lives, shaping how we connect, work, learn, and experience the world every day. One of our key focus areas is digital transformation. Having instant access to information online, rather than driving hours for an in-person meeting, has been widely embraced by the public,” commented Matt Fowler, Coconino County Chief Information Officer. “We have an amazing team and to place in the Top 10, six years in a row, demonstrates the passion and dedication our staff provides our communities.”

Latest Update: Firefighters continue to use an aggressive full suppression strategy on the Dragon Bravo Fire working both daytime and nighttime operational shifts. Existing closures and evacuations remain in place. Firefighters are working to protect remaining structures on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, build and strengthen containment lines and hold the fire to as small a perimeter as possible.

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.

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 — The White Sage Fire has closed portions of 89A in the Vermillion Cliffs area. The portion of the road from Bitter Springs to Cliff Dwellers remains open and the businesses in that corridor are open as well.
Presently, there is a message board on northbound Hwy 89A at milepost 524 that says the road closure is 24 miles ahead. A second message board at Marble Canyon says the closure is 10 miles ahead.
If travelling, please be aware of message boards and recognize that situations can change rapidly.
For road closure updates visit az511.com

TUSAYAN — Tusayan Mayor Clarinda Vail says Tusayan stands ready to assist the North Rim communities as they continue to deal with the devastation of the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The fire has destroyed 50 to 80 structures including the Grand Canyon Lodge.
The fire, which has burned more than 5,700 acres on the North Rim, does not impact the South Rim or its hotels or other services.
“We want our North Rim neighbors to know that we stand ready to help and assist as needed. The devastation is heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to all impacted by the fire and all that love the North Rim. We pray for the safety of the firefighters still battling the flames. Due to some media confusion we want to remind visitors with plans to visit the South Rim they can do so safely and that we welcome those North Rim visitors forced to change their plans to come to the South Rim and Tusayan.”

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.

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.

Latest Update: Fire activity on the Dragon Bravo Fire remains high-to-extreme with heavy fire activity occurring overnight.
More than 70 structures on the North Rim, including the Grand Canyon Lodge, were lost during the weekend’s fire activity.
Crews are working daytime and nighttime operational shifts. More resources are being directed toward the Dragon Bravo Fire,
and heavy aerial resource use will continue as part of an aggressive full suppression strategy. Closures and evacuations remain

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.

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.

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.

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.

GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park has temporarily closed the North Rim until further notice due to the White Sage Fire near Jacob Lake, Ariz. The White Sage Fire is located on BLM lands and is not currently burning within Grand Canyon National Park.
Due to the fire’s progression toward Jacob Lake, which is now under evacuation orders, all visitors on the North Rim are required to evacuate immediately. State Route 89A to Fredonia is closed. State Route 89A east toward Lees Ferry and Page remains open to traffic towards Lees Ferry. North Rim day use is also closed until further notice.

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

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.

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.”

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

COCONINO COUNTY — Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials received confirmatory test results today, July 11, 2025, and have confirmed that a Coconino County resident has died from pneumonic plague, a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium.
The death is not related to a recent report of a prairie dog die-off in the Townsend Winona area, northeast of Flagstaff. This is the first recorded death from Pneumonic plague in Coconino County since 2007 when an individual had an interaction with a dead animal infected with the disease.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman. “We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released.”

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff, their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), have reached substantial completion of the Beulah/University Realignment Project. With this work complete, all roads and the pedestrian underpass will be open and accessible to all users by the end of Tuesday, July 15. Remain alert as crews complete final clean-up operations throughout the coming weeks. Please be patient as you and your fellow motorists get used to the new roadway configuration and follow the marked signage to get to your destination.

Celebrate bold creativity, inclusion, and artistic expression in this vibrant juried exhibition featuring work from LGBTQIA+ artists and allies. Presented in our Special Exhibition Gallery through July 25, the show also lives online, where you can explore and purchase works from anywhere.
Originally conceived by local artists and Sedona Pride supporters in 2012, The Big Gay Art Show has become a cherished tradition—uplifting diverse voices and fostering connection through the power of visual art.

FLAGSTAFF — Mark your calendars! The 76th Annual Coconino County Fair returns to Fort Tuthill County Park over Labor Day Weekend, August 29 – September 1, and early bird tickets are now officially on sale.
Fairgoers can take advantage of discounted admission and carnival wristbands by purchasing online at www.CoconinoCountyFair.com beginning July 1. Whether you’re going for the rides, the food, the music, or the exhibits, buying early is the best way to save!

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are responding to a small wildfire located near A1 Mountain roughly 6 miles west of Flagstaff.
Resources assigned to the Soggy Bottom Fire include six engines, a water tender and two hand crews.
The fire is between 5 and 7 acres with a moderate rate of spread through grass and timber.
It was first reported at about 2:30 p.m. (Wednesday, July 9) and its cause is under investigation.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.
The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.
If your program would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org
READ MORE

Robotic exoskeletons are the future of helping people with certain disabilities perform daily tasks, but they can be prohibitively difficult and expensive to develop. Mechanical engineering associate professor Zach Lerner, whose research has focused on developing this technology, led a team that created OpenExo, an open-source exoskeleton framework, which will open doors for researchers globally to help speed up life-changing robotic discoveries. Want to see the exoskeletons at work? Check out this video from NAU-TV.
Read the story

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) received a report today of a prairie dog die-off in the Townsend Winona area, northeast of Flagstaff.
A sudden die-off of prairie dogs and rodents can be an indicator of plague, an infectious disease that can affect humans and animals. The bacterium that causes plague, Yersinia pestis, is transmitted from the bite of infected fleas or by coming into contact with infected animals. Individuals can also become infected through exposure to sick pets.

Ceramics: Independent Study*
with Ben Roti
July 28-September 1, 2025 – Mondays 3:30-6:30pm
*Designed for experienced ceramicists
This class offers a supportive studio environment for you to explore advanced throwing and hand-building techniques while working on personal projects. (Beginners are welcome in Ben/Lolo/John’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday classes or in the Pottery Wheel for Beginners on Saturdays.)

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County officials are taking swift action following the recent disruption of ground ambulance services in Fredonia and the surrounding communities in the County’s northwest and north-central regions.
The disruption occurred after the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) determined that Kane County, Utah EMS units are not certified or legally authorized to operate within Arizona.

FLAGSTAFF — Road repair and maintenance projects continue around Flagstaff as part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program. Concrete removal work is scheduled to occur during the week of July 7 on Beulah Blvd, Lucky Ln, and the east side of Switzer Canyon Dr. During the week of July 14, pavement patching work is scheduled on William Rd, Switzer Canyon Dr, Kaspar Dr and San Francisco St.
This work will impact select areas of the roadway and will result in temporary lane shifts, lane closures and/ or shoulder closures. The City and its contractor are taking all possible measures to minimize the impact of this work on local residents and businesses.

Events also planned for Fredonia, Page, Tuba City, Tusayan and Williams
COCONINO COUNTY — Thousands of visitors are expected to crowd into downtown Flagstaff to celebrate the 2025 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Friday, July 4, 2024.
Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), see 2024 photos below, are expected to join the Coconino County parade entry as part of the 100-plus float event.

Town of Tusayan Hosts July 4th Events on Friday
Employees, friends, and families are invited to join the Town of Tusayan for an Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4, from 4–10:30 p.m. This free community event, themed “A Community of Unity,” kicks off with a parade at 4 p.m. and highlights Tusayan’s partnerships with Grand Canyon National Park and other local agencies.
Enjoy an evening filled with food, drinks, bike decorating, kids’ games, live music, a cornhole tournament, a Native dance performance, and great auction items. The night will close with a pet-friendly drone light show at dusk.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

FLAGSTAFF — This week, Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton announced to the City Council his intention to retire. To guide the transition, the City has engaged Duffy Group to conduct a nationwide, competitive search with opportunities for community input to help identify a city manager aligned with Flagstaff’s values.
Mr. Clifton joined the City of Flagstaff in August 2019 with more than 20 years of executive municipal experience. From the outset, he adopted a community-centered leadership style that emphasized collaboration across City divisions. Under his leadership, the City made significant strides in key areas including public safety, core services, climate resilience, public infrastructure, and economic vitality.

Latest news updates for June 2025
• Republicans Block Gallego Amendment to Stop Budget Bill from Gutting Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Gallego Statement on War Powers Vote
• Gallego Fights for Tax Equality for Married Couples
• ICYMI: Senators Gallego and Kelly Facilitate the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East
• Gallego Introduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape in Border Agent Hiring Process
• Senators Gallego and Kelly Announce the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East
• Amid Rising Antisemitic Attacks in the U.S., Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Hate and Strengthen Holocaust Education
• What They Are Saying: Congressional Republicans Plan to Make it Harder to Put Food on the Table
• On Dobbs 3rd Anniversary, Gallego Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Reproductive Freedom
• Gallego Backs Bipartisan Bill to Help Homeowners Conserve Water, Save Money
• Gallego, Scott Introduce Checkpoint Act to Strengthen Border Patrol Operations and Combat Fentanyl Trafficking
• Gallego Releases Statement on Bombing of Iranian Nuclear Sites
• MORE…