
Watercolor: Celebration of Color
Tuesday, July 8 & Wednesday, July 9
1 to 5 p.m.
Learn to experiment with various color choices for landscapes and see demonstrations of color wheel Triad color examples.
Watercolor – Learn more and register!

¡Qué Hermoso! Artwork Available Online!
LAST DAY OF EXHIBITION:
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025
¡Qué Hermoso! features a rich variety of artistic expression by emerging, mid-career and established Arizona artists including Oliverio Balcells, Cristina Cárdenas, Emily Costello, Camila Ibarra, Gretchen Lopez, Amanda Mollindo, Liliana Mora, Cora Quiroz, Joe Ray and Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli. More than 50 artworks will highlight histories, familism, forgotten stories and rich personal and collective experiences.

Gallego Pushes Department of the Interior to Evaluate Threats Posed by Workforce Reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation *** Gallego Supports Legislation to Increase Homeownership for Arizona’s Veterans and Public Servants *** Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Economic Development *** More

Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Demand Answers from DHS and ICE After Arrests at Phoenix Immigration Court *** Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge HHS and DOJ to Streamline Domestic Violence Victim Services Funding *** Kelly, Gallego, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families *** MORE ***

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is at a “very high risk” for wildfire according to researchers at Headwaters Economics.
The risk is higher than 96% of all counties in the country, which is creating a growing issue with securing, retaining and affording insurance within Coconino County and across the western United States. This growing “Wildfire/Insurance Crisis,” is why the Coconino County Flood Control District and County Board of Supervisors are hosting a series of public work sessions to hear from national and state experts about how community preparedness can help address wildfire risk along with insurance premiums and explore what other communities are already doing that is making a difference.
The first session is scheduled for 1:15-2:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at the Coconino County Administrative Building, 219 E. Cherry Avenue in Flagstaff, which can be attended in person or streamed online at youtube.com/coconinocnty. A recording will be posted online at the Coconino County Flood Control District’s website the following week.

Native Artisans Vendor Market Opens on North Rim
This past weekend, Grand Canyon National Park supported the Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Native Artisans Market on the North Rim which included 15 different Indigenous vendors over the course of four days. This was the first time the market was open on the North Rim.

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions 8 a.m., Friday, May 30, to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the potential for catastrophic wildfires during periods of dangerous fire weather conditions.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, wood stoves and smudge pots are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or an official developed recreation site.
Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum, propane or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

FLAGSTAFF — Full-volume testing of the Museum Fire/ Spruce Wash flood area siren alerting system is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m. The testing will confirm the proper functioning of the sirens ahead of monsoon season. Testing may be postponed in the event of rain or smoke in the area.
During the testing, residents in the area will hear an alarm sound, followed by a voice message repeated three times in English, Spanish and Navajo, concluding with a wind down siren sound signifying the end of that message.

Scholarships Available
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE

COCONINO COUNTY — Motorists can now get real-time data about conditions affecting travel on Coconino County roads on AZ511.gov, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Arizona Traveler Information website.
Coconino County can upload real-time data regarding construction work, weather-related closures, special events, and emergency situations to the website using Travel-IQ, which is the Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) that also powers AZ511. The City of Flagstaff also uses Travel-IQ to publish information on AZ511 about city road construction and closures.

FLAGSTAFF — With graduation season coming to an end, and Summer vacation, camps and reading programs beginning, this might be a good time for parents view this free online opportunity to ease some of the stress during this busy time of year.
Motivated by a long wait list for behavioral health services, and aware of challenging adult and child emotions causing behavior difficulties, Bethany Camp put this two part training together for CCC&Y to help meeting a wide-spread community need.
First we learn to understand our emotions and then we can understand and respond to the big emotional responses of children.

If an asteroid starts careening toward Flagstaff tomorrow, could it obliterate the city? That depends on whether it’s made of gravel, metal or something else entirely. With grant funds from NASA, two scientists at NAU—professor David Trilling and Ph.D. student Remington Cantelas—will use cutting-edge telescope technology to find and analyze 1,000 different asteroids that orbit near Earth to better understand what materials these celestial bodies are made of. In addition to helping scientists map out the solar system, their work could also help save Earth from destructive collisions.

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are responding to the Corral Fire, a 20-acre wildfire located roughly 2.5 miles east of Mormon Lake, 24 miles southeast of Flagstaff.
Resources assigned to the fire include one Hotshot crew, four engines and a water tender.
Crews plan to conduct several hours of firing operations today to contain the fire to a small footprint using forest roads as holding features.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff/Coconino County Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition officially opened Monday, May 19 at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park.
The exhibit brings together powerful cultural expressions through large-scale sculptures by artists Olivero Balcells, Isaac Caruso, Joe Ray, Adrian Wall, and Lance Yazzie, city officials said.
Artworks reflect personal and shared histories and add new layers of meaning to a park rich in visual storytelling and community spirit. The exhibition is on view through Mar. 15, 2026, and is presented in partnership with Coconino County.

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined county representatives at Fiesta de Mayo Celebration at the Flagstaff Mall on May 18.
Presented by the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association , the mall celebration was one of two events held last weekend, which included its “2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party” at its newly-opened Sunnyside Market of Dreams, 2136 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff.

When Viviana Reyes attended UWNA’s Community Impact and Annual Recognition Luncheon a few weeks back, she had no idea she was going to receive an award for her volunteer efforts.
“I saw my name in the program and was completely surprised,” she recalls. “It’s really special to receive an acknowledgement. “For me, volunteering isn’t something formal — it’s just what you do. Growing up in a Latino family, community, and mutual support were at the heart of everything. I didn’t even think of it as ‘volunteering’ – we just showed up for each other.”

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Memorial Day include:
East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)

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Memorial Day 21-gun salute at Pioneer Cemetery
On Monday, May 27, American Legion, John Ivens Post 42, will hold its annual Memorial Day 21-gun salute ceremony at the Pioneer Cemetery, located to the west of the Shrine of the Ages. This special event is open to the public to honor Veterans buried in the cemetery.
The event will begin around 11 a.m. and residents here in the park can expect to hear blank rounds being fired on or around this time.

We are just two weeks away from MNA’s biggest fundraising night of the year – the Party on the Plateau! If you didn’t snag tickets to this sold-out event, no worries – you can still bid in the silent auction, which is open for online bidding. You do not have to be attending the Party on the Plateau to participate!

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.

You may have heard the news about National Endowment for the Arts grants and grant programs being terminated by DOGE recently.
While Sedona Arts Center has not been directly impacted by the current NEA grant terminations, we would be impacted by the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts through our annual grant from the AZ Commission on the Arts. The entire field of arts and culture would be significantly impacted by this loss – be it research to the field, the millions of lives improved through participation in the arts, or the millions of jobs and the economic impact the arts have on America’s bottom line. The NEA’s funding is critical to us, but they provide our field so much more.

COCONINO COUNTY — The frequency and severity of disasters continue to rise across the country. To prepare for, and reduce these risks, Coconino County is updating our Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP).
The purpose of this plan is to evaluate the risk posed to the community by natural and man-made hazards and to identify actions that can reduce or eliminate those risks. This update is a joint project between Coconino County, the cities and towns of Flagstaff, Fredonia, Williams, Tusayan, and Page, as well as Northern Arizona University.

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, lane closures are scheduled on US Highway 89 between N Cummings St and the City limit/ near N Snowflake Dr and E Trails End Dr from Tuesday, May 27 – Friday, May 30. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the work hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The lane closures will allow for concrete work to be completed next to the roadway.

COCONINO COUNTY — Eslir Musta has served Coconino County since 2006 and currently holds dual roles as Election Director and Assistant County Manager, a position he has held since October 2021.
He earned his Master of Public Administration from Northern Arizona University, the same department now launching an Elections Administration Official Certificate in partnership with the Secretary of State’s Office.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Register soon before summer camps fill up! See summer reading programs below!
The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of upcoming summer camps in Coconino County. Contact individual programs for more information on their 2025 summer camps.
(Updated May 20, 2025).
Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.
If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org
(INFORMATION UPDATED May 20, 2025)
READ MORE

Where to turn for help in the wake of a wildfire
With wildfires affecting communities throughout Arizona, residents need clear guidance and actionable steps to recover. NAU experts helped create a guide for individuals and communities navegating the aftermath of these devastating events.
Read the story

The Coconino County Manager’s office was recently made aware of a potential scam targeting County residents and property owners.
Residents reported receiving an email from “Coconino County Planning and Zoning Division” regarding an “outstanding Application Review & Renewal Fee” associated with a Conditional Use Permit application for their property, as well as an attached PDF invoice for payment.

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for an appointment for the Williams 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 June 19, 2025. Please turn in your applications by the end of the business day.

FLAGSTAFF — Curious about electric vehicles? Get ready to plug into the future of driving at the Flagstaff EV Ride & Drive, a free, family-friendly event hosted by DRIVE Electric Arizona in partnership with the City of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NAU Campus Parking Lot P62A.
Attendees will have the chance to get behind the wheel and test drive a wide range of the latest electric vehicles, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Rivian R1T, Lucid Air, BMW i4, Kia EV6, and many more.

COCONINO COUNTY — Jay Smith, Coconino County’s Forest Restoration Director, has been selected to participate in the 17th cohort of the Flinn-Brown Fellowship, a flagship program of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation.
In his role with Coconino County’s Flood Control District, Jay Smith utilizes 28 years of forest management experience to develop and implement the County’s Forest Restoration Initiative. His experience managing logging operations and sawmills gives him a unique view of issues that slow the forest restoration process and innovative ways to tackle barriers.

An Exhibition at Sedona Arts Center
Exhibit Dates: August 1 – September 12, 2025
Opening Reception: August 1, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Deadline to Apply: July 1, 2025
Since 2022, Sedona Arts Center has embraced a unifying annual theme to inspire our exhibitions and programs. For the 2025–2026 season, our guiding theme is FACE—a word rich with meaning as both noun and verb. From the human visage to the surface of mountains, from emotional expressions to bold acts of confrontation, FACE invites endless interpretations.

Bugs Rock! Ages 6-12
with Jillian Sander
May 27, 2025 – Tuesday, 9am-12pm
In this half-day camp class, kids will learn all about local bug species and paint rocks to look like their favorites! Arizona is home to so many incredible creatures; from dragonflies and butterflies to beetles and ants and many more, we’ll get into what makes these insects so cool and so important to our ecosystem. Campers will use acrylic paint to transform rocks into bugs. Weather-proof and perfect for the garden, kids can take home their new bug friends and create a lasting memory. This is the perfect activity for little artists AND little scientists!
Rocks and painting supplies provided.

Editor’s note — Information courtesy of the Northern Arizona University story — “NAU to recognize four Arizona leaders with honorary doctorate degrees during commencement ceremonies.”
FLAGSTAFF — Miguel Vasquez, a former Northern Arizona University professor of anthropology, was recognized with honorary doctorates during a commencement ceremony held on May 9, 2025.
Vasquez, who died last year after a long career of advocacy and education in Coconino County, was represented on stage by his son, NAU alumnus and Coconino County Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez.
“NAU’s honorary doctorate recipients are all Arizonans whose careers are exemplary and who have demonstrated a tireless commitment to the public good, especially in advancing educational access, excellence, and attainment for the people of our state,” NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera stated in the story. “They truly reflect NAU’s values, and I look forward to honoring their achievements and celebrating the accomplishments of the more than 5,700 graduates who will be awarded degrees at our commencement ceremonies.”

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will hold two events this weekend beginning with the “2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party” from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 16 at its newly-opened Sunnyside Market of Dreams, 2136 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. After extensive renovations, the market has reopened at the site of the old Redwood Bar & Grill
The organization will then hold its traditional Fiesta de Mayo Celebration inside at the Flagstaff Mall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at 4650 N US HWY 89 Flagstaff.

The Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition officially opens next week and brings together powerful cultural expressions through large-scale sculptures by artists Olivero Balcells, Isaac Caruso, Joe Ray, Adrian Wall, and Lance Yazzie. Artworks reflect personal and shared histories and add new layers of meaning to a park rich in visual storytelling and community spirit. The exhibition is on view through Mar. 15, 2026, and is presented in partnership with Coconino County.

Special Exhibition: May 2–30, 2025
¡Qué Hermoso! features a rich variety of artistic expression by emerging, mid-career and established Arizona artists including Oliverio Balcells, Cristina Cárdenas, Emily Costello, Camila Ibarra, Gretchen Lopez, Amanda Mollindo, Liliana Mora, Cora Quiroz, Joe Ray and Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli. More than 50 artworks will highlight histories, familism, forgotten stories and rich personal and collective experiences.

What Arizonans are Saying, Watching, and Reading About Senator Gallego’s Border Security and Immigration Reform Plan … Senator Gallego, Whip Clark, and Congressional Dads Caucus Chair Rep. Gomez Hold Press Conference on Trump’s Baby Tax … Gallego, Whitehouse, Warren, Booker, DeLauro, Colleagues Demand Action to Prevent Corporations from Using Trump’s Reckless Tariffs as an Excuse to Price Gouge Hardworking Americans … MORE

North Rim and Bright Angel Trail Reopen Today; Key Closures Continue
As of today, Thursday, May 15, we’re officially kicking off the summer season with the North Rim and Bright Angel Trail open to the public once again. This marks a big step forward following months of heavy construction, planning, and collaboration—thank you to everyone who played a role in getting us here.
At the North Rim, visitor services are now fully operational. The campground, Grand Canyon Lodge, Backcountry Information Center, and the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore are open, and Rangers will be staffing the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 15. Commercial services will run through mid-October, and the North Rim will remain open for day use until November 30 (or until snowfall closes the roads). The Bright Angel Point Trail will be closed for the season for safety improvements and trail repairs.

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, lane closures are scheduled on US Highway 89 between N Cummings St and the City limit/ near N Snowflake Dr and E Trails End Dr on May 19 and May 20. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the work hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The lane closures will allow for crack sealing work to be performed on the roadway.

Ceramics: Independent Study
with Ben Roti
June 9-July 14, 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.)
What You’ll Experience:

FLAGSTAFF — As part of important active forest management, fire managers are planning a number of prescribed burn projects next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels in strategic areas of the national forest to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires to many northern Arizona communities.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. The burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
Should wind and weather conditions become unfavorable, ignitions will be halted, and project plans will be postponed, changed or canceled. If that occurs, the updates will be posted on our Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available. The following projects are listed in chronological order.

This week we celebrate Economic Development Week, created by the International Economic Development Council in 2016. This year’s theme, “The Power of Partnerships,” emphasizes the collaborative spirit that fuels innovation, community well-being, and economic transformation across the country – and especially here in Northern Arizona.
At the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and education partners to address the region’s most pressing challenges – from workforce development to housing to business attraction and retention.

Get ready for an exciting adventure with TheatriKids! We’re thrilled to present our upcoming production of Shrek The Musical!
Step into a vibrant world where ogres are the heroes, donkeys have the gift of gab, and fairytales get a delightful twist. Join the grumpy but lovable Shrek and his endlessly entertaining sidekick Donkey on their quest to rescue the spirited Princess Fiona.

What is the County’s Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is the County’s long-range policy document. It provides a twenty-year vision and guide for future physical, economic, and social development for the entire county, and contains maps, goals, policies, and implementation actions that guide decisions about the County’s future, in particular with regard to land use decisions.

Pine & Peaks Post | Our Brand-New Newsletter!
Welcome to your go-to source for everything Coconino County Parks & Recreation!
From exciting events to seasonal programs, we’ll keep you in the loop.
We want to hear from you! Take our quick satisfaction survey to let us know what you’d like to see more of!
2025 Coconino County Fair Entries Are Open! Think you’ve got a winner? Enter your exhibit by clicking here!

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host a community meeting on Thursday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. to gather input and feedback from the public on the future Montalvo Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Community Center. The meeting will be held at the Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth St).

“Coconino County implements fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. CCEM continues to work closely with our fire mitigation partners at the federal, state, and local levels to determine if fire restrictions are needed, and if so, to what extent,” said Tim Carter, acting Emergency Management Director. “In coordination with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ decision to enter Stage 2 restrictions, Coconino County will also enact Stage 2 restrictions for all private lands within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in southeastern Coconino County.”

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — From hikers to bikers to strollers, a variety of individuals and families enjoyed a beautiful spring day in Flagstaff, and gained some valuable information on physical and mental health, at the 4th annual Walk for Wellness event held on Saturday, May 10 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff. The event is a celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month nationally and in Coconino County.
Flagstaff City Councilmember Khara House read a proclamation during the event recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Flagstaff.
A total of 140 people signed up for the walk, beating last year’s total, said Theresa Kulpinski of Coconino County Health and Human Services AZ Health Zone/First Things First Quality First, who organized the event with Kathy Farretta of First Things First.
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.
Those participating in the event as sponsors and supporting organizations included Anderson General Tire, Arizona State Parks & Trails, Coconino Anti-Tobacco Students (CATS), Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Health and Human Services AZ Health Zone, Girl Scouts, The Guidance Center, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), Pioneer Title Agency, Terros Health, Tynkertopia and We Care Northern Arizona.

FLAGSTAFF — Proudly wearing their colorful sarape-style sashes/stoles, hundreds of Northern Arizona students walked off the stage to their cheers of their families, friends and fellow students at the 2025 NAU Hispanic/Latine Convocation held on May 8, 2025 at NAU Ardrey Auditorium.
The event included a video congratulations by NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera and on stage presentations by NAU Professor and author Monica Brown and United Way of Northern Arizona President and CEO Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuelta.
Following presentations of the Sylvia Mendez Award for Academic Excellence; Sonia Sotomayor Award for Cultural Impact; and Cesar Chavez Award for Graduate Student Excellence, students then proceeded onstage to receive their colorful sarape sashes/stoles.
The students will next take part in formal graduation ceremonies this weekend when more than 5,700 students graduate in four ceremonies at the Skydome.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has announced dates during which roll-off dumpsters will be placed in additional neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. The schedule is listed below.
• Rock Ridge Estates, Ridge Crest, and Anasazi Ridge – Friday, May 16 – Friday, May 23
• Lynwood and Cheshire – Monday, June 2 – Monday, June 9
• Country Club Estates – Friday, June 16 – Friday, June 23
• Boulder Point – Monday, June 30 – Monday, July 7