Coconino Community College — The Comet

A quick word from the President

Shouts and whoops of happiness. Songs and singalongs. Bright red, white and blue colors and smiling children. Waving flags and heartfelt laughter.

What a difference a year makes. Last year, all of us here at Coconino Community College decided to host a virtual Shoebox Parade to reach out to the communities we serve during the COVID-19 pandemic to alleviate some of our common isolation. This year, we got the opportunity to engage once again with our communities face to face during the Fourth of July parades in Flagstaff, Page and Williams. I could not help but grin from ear to ear seeing so many people filled with joy and celebration.

City of Flagstaff begins 60-day review process for a carbon neutrality amendment to the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030

On July 13, 2021, the City of Flagstaff will begin a 60-day public review process for a major amendment to the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030. The proposed amendment will update the  

update the Plan’s climate action goals and policies to align with the recently-adopted Flagstaff Carbon Neutrality Plan. The proposed amendment is within the Climate Change and Adaptation section of the Environmental Planning & Conservation Chapter, located on pages IV-11 and IV-12. The public review period begins on July 13, 2021, and ends on September 13, 2021. 

CHAC members, supporters take part in 2021 Flagstaff Independence Day Parade

Members and supporters of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) took part in the Great Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 3, 2021 in downtown Flagstaff.

Joining members were Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez; former District 2 Supervisor Elizabeth “Liz” Archuleta, who is director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs; and Marco Lopez, former Nogales mayor, who is a candidate for Arizona governor.

United Way of Northern Arizona — KinderCamp™ Events Celebrate Special Summer

The classes were a little smaller, the program was a little shorter, and smoke from wildfires sometimes made getting outside for recess difficult. Despite those challenges, the return of KinderCamp™ last month was a great success.

More than 130 students from Flagstaff, Williams and Pinetop-Lakeside took part in this year’s collaborative project, which prepares pre-school age children academically, socially and emotionally for kindergarten.

“It was great,” said Sara Owen, the coordinator for the project. “The families were excited to be back in person, the kids were happy to be in school, and the teachers were appreciative for a chance to help them grow.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — July 5-July 9, 2021

Social Gathering Reminders

During the summer, it is common to see social gatherings happening in the park.

Here are a few reminders if you are considering attending a gathering:  
If you are unvaccinated, remember that you must wear a face covering when indoors and maintain physical distance from others. You should use extra caution in all situations if you are not vaccinated. Follow CDC guidance and DOI policy to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.  
Even if you are vaccinated, it may be a good idea to have a mask handy in case you need it. Vaccinated people are welcome to wear masks any time they feel it may be helpful.  

The recent surge in the more transmissible Delta variant in surrounding states and in Arizona has made these prevention strategies all the more important.  

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — County Parks re-opens amenities

As of 6:00 a.m. July 6, Coconino County has moved back to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in coordination with the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.

In line with the movement to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, Coconino County Parks and Recreation has reopened trails including Soldiers, Bridge, Two-Spot, Gold Digger, and Pumphouse Nature trails, and allowed access to the Highlands Trail, Flagstaff Loop Trail, and Harrenburg Wash.

Additionally, Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course, Fort Tuthill Bike Park, the stables at Fort Tuthill, the Archery Range at Fort Tuthill, and ramadas are now open.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Registration continues for CCC&Y’s 2021 Annual Conference from Aug. 18 through Sept. 8 and more news

“Finding My Strength; Hope in Connection,” is the theme of the 2021 Annual Conference from Aug. 18 through Sept. 8 presented by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.

Deanna Singh, author, TEDx talk Speaker, Justice and Equality Advocate, will launch the conference with her presentation “Hustle with Purpose” from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 MST/AZ.

Sandra Solano, MD, MS, a Public Health Professional and HeartMath Master Trainer, will lead the day two session with her presentation “From a Smart Brain to a Wise Heart — A Scientist’s Journey” from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25.

Other presentations include:

Coconino County Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — District 2 Newsletter

We have been pretty busy this month! I am enjoying meeting more people and connecting with the District 2 community. It has been a month full of board meetings, events and lots of learning. I have walked along the Museum Fire drainages and am happy to report that a lot of work has gone into improving the drainage. Thank you to United Way, the County and the City for the efforts to get the drainages clear and ready for monsoon season. In addition, we had about 80 volunteers between two weekends come out to support the neighborhood volunteer day. Seeing everyone come together to help one another is a rare sighting, but I know District 2 is full of generous, loving people that want to see their community thrive. As the weather warms up I am looking forward to seeing family, spending time with my kids and working on items for the fall. I hope that you reach out to my office whenever you need. You can reach District 2 at 928-679-7162 or email me at jvasquez@coconino.az.gov or contact my District Director, Areina Contreras at acontreras@coconino.az.gov.

Coconino County Moves Back to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

As of 6:00 a.m. today, July 6, Coconino County has moved back to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in coordination with the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.

This decision was made due to the cooler temperatures and recent rainfall which has reduced the risk of wildfire.

Even with the rain and lower temperatures, Coconino County remains in a drought and therefore fire danger remains. The following restrictions apply on County public lands, as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County:

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – July 2021

As I drive through the open expansions and vast wilderness of quiet and bare Arizona State Route 92 between Bisbee and Sierra Vista, Jack Kerouac’s On the Road comes to mind. Published for the first time in 1957, On the Road is the classic novel about the Beat Generation of the 1950’s that hands over an extended peek into the lives of a group of cheerful misfits and their ill-fated encounters with women, liquor, drugs, destitution, and music as they hitchhike and weave their way in and out of Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and many other major cities through the heart of the United States and Mexico.

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman Newsletter for July 2021

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Happy Independence Day
County Adopts FY22 Budget
Downtown Community Market
United Way Volunteer Day: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Museum Flood Information Line and Emergency Notifications
Stage 3 Fire Restrictions
CCC Commercial Driver’s License Ribbon Cutting
Pastries with Patrice
Congratulations
Vaccine Incentive Program: Be A Big Shot
COVID Information Line and Testing
Contact Us

Coconino County to Allow the Use Liquid Propane/Gas Grills on Private Property in Stage Three Fire

Coconino County is currently in Stage Three Fire Restrictions due to extreme fire danger and stress on firefighting resources.

Stage Three Fire Restrictions previously included the prohibition of outdoor liquid fuel grills on private property. Coconino County will now allow the use of ALL LIQUID FUEL OUTDOOR GRILLS WITH AN ON/OFF SWITCH at private residences. 

Bilingual report — The 2021 Museum Flood Preparedness & Mitigation Guide is now Available in Spanish!

The 2021 Museum Flood Preparedness & Mitigation Guide is now available in Spanish on the Museum Flood area web page at www.coconino.az.gov/MuseumFire/FloodArea web page or directly via www.coconino.az.gov/GuiaDeInundaciones2021.  

The Guide offers flood preparation guidelines and resources to help keep you and your family aware, informed, and safe during monsoon season. In addition, the Guide has information regarding emergency notification, sandbag maintenance preparation, what to do after a flood and flood preparation activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff.

County Parks amenities closed in fire restrictions

Coconino County is in Stage Three fire restrictions in the unincorporated areas of the county, including on private lands, in coordination with similar actions by the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests and other agencies in the area. Fire restrictions are effective June 23, 2021 at 8 a.m.

Please be careful with fire and follow current fire restrictions. Read more.
PC: “Indiana Dunes Campsite at Night” by Rob Saker is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

Coconino County Offices Closed for Independence Day

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will remain open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2021. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Bilingual report — Health Choice Arizona, BlueCross BlueShield Arizona — We want to keep your children healthy!

By Health Choice Arizona, BlueCross BlueShield Arizona 

Taking your child to their provider for a well-child visit is the best way to keep your children healthy and prevent sickness. Well-child visits also give parents and guardians a chance to ask questions or talk with their provider about any concerns they may have about their child’s growth, learning, or health.

A well-child visit is the same as an Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) visit.

Please call your provider’s office to schedule an appointment for a well-child visit. Be sure to take your child’s shot record with you. If you are a member of Health Choice Arizona, and having a problem making an appointment or need a ride, please call us at 1-800-322-8670, otherwise contact your AHCCCS health plan.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Celebrating summer with festivals, dancing, and rain

Summer arrived in a cloud of smoke last Monday, though luckily for us at the museum, we are far from the path of the Rafael Fire and the shifting wind clears the air around us. We are grateful that these increasingly frequent summer fires are not endangering the museum and that we can continue to welcome visitors Tuesday through Sundays with a safe and inspiring indoor visit. I know many of you are eager to get out and about after staying at home for so long and we are pleased to welcome you to MNA.