Comet Talk – Finding Santiago: Indians, Immigrants, and the Meaning of Birthright Citizenship
Monday, Jan. 26 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Free
Hear the story of the origins and development of the legal doctrine known as birthright citizenship from the perspective of three unique individuals.
Santiago – Learn more and register!
Workplace fundraising is truly the beating heart of our Annual Campaigns, and they simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of Workplace Campaign Coordinators.
These champions inspire their colleagues, organize creative events, and help share the message of what it means to Live United.
From the government and education sector to businesses of all sizes, their leadership ensures that our community continues to come together to support youth opportunity, healthy communities, and meeting the basic needs of our neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program has announced the completion of two public art projects at Cleo Murdoch Park and the Murdoch Community Center.
“Rustle,” an 8-foot-high weathering steel artwork located at Cleo Murdoch Park, adjacent to the Murdoch Community Center, was designed by artist Beth Nybeck. The sculpture incorporates words and phrases contributed by the community into its leaf-like form. Symbolizing both nature and the interconnected stories that define the neighborhood, the artwork celebrates the Southside, its history, and its people.
For the past four years, the city of Flagstaff has been leading transformative work in an attempt to address two City Council-declared emergencies: the critical need for approximately 8,000 more housing units by 2031, while also striving to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of this decade.
Much of the work to address these issues is coming out of the city’s Planning and Development Services Division, led by Director Michelle McNulty in partnership with the Housing and Sustainability Divisions.
Good news—Phantom Ranch (reopened Dec. 11)! Crews repaired the damaged section of the Transcanyon Waterline and began pumping water again on December 8. South Rim water tanks are slowly refilling, and if that progress continues, we expect to reopen South Rim lodges in the near future.
All existing water and fire restrictions remain in effect. This includes:
• No overnight lodging inside the park
• Dry camping only (no spigot access at Mather Campground)
• No outdoor wood or charcoal fires
• Continued conservation measures for residents and employees
Give the Gift of CCA This Holiday Season
This year, share the joy of creativity, connection, and community. Whether you’re celebrating a loved one or treating yourself, gifts from Coconino Center for the Arts last far beyond the season. Because the gift of celebrating the arts gives all year long.
F3 believes that there are too many concerns and questions at this time for the City Council, in good faith, to approve an amended contract with Flock. There is ample evidence around the country of misuse of the data and extremely lax security measures to protect people’s privacy. We will be urging the City Council, as we did prior to the Flock discussion in October, to stand against this type of surveillance, cancel the contract with Flock and remove all cameras leased by the city. Please read our summary of the issue below and consider writing or speaking to the council in opposition.
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect with deep gratitude on the extraordinary community that keeps Theatrikos Theatre Company thriving. This year, your support fueled bold productions, empowered local artists, and ignited creativity in students across Flagstaff. Your generosity has been the heartbeat of our success, fueling our passion and determination. As we prepare for another incredible year, we invite you to join us in shaping a vibrant future for our community.
COCONINO COUNTY — In 2025, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, a local non-profit in service for more than 50 years, was able to be a founding supporter to the Voices Unheard movement because of the support we receive. (Please see elev8voices.info for details.)
We were able to respond when approached by the community for urgent needs when many others were not able. As a membership organization, our members are the first line of support that we receive, and it is crucial for this vital work that we do.
If you were able to attend Voices Unheard, you know how powerful, emotional, healing, educational and impactful that it was- how important it was to honor our community and their stories. And our members really helped us to be a part of this important work.
If you are interested in supporting our work to ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families- Your membership is more than a dollar amount- it lends your name to a mission and a movement.
More than 2,600 students graduate in two ceremonies at the Skydome on Friday. Read on for everything you need to know, including parking and traffic patterns and how to get up-to-the-minute updates.
We’re excited to bring you the latest highlights, updates, and opportunities from across our vibrant STEM community. Each month, you’ll receive a newsletter that celebrates local innovation, showcases upcoming events, and connects Flagstaff to the broader national STEM landscape.
From hands-on activities and inspiring student projects to professional development and community partnerships, our goal is to keep you informed and engaged in the many ways STEM continues to shape our schools, city, and future.
Thank you for being part of our mission to make Flagstaff a hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Together, we’re building curiosity, creativity, and opportunity for learners of all ages.
Two unforgettable creative journeys
— Ireland and Maine await.
There’s something transformative about leaving home and creating art in a place that speaks to you. Our Field Expeditions are built around that experience — pairing extraordinary instructors with landscapes that shape the work itself.
Each journey is fully curated, intentionally timed, and deeply immersive. With expert instruction, supportive staff, and local partners who know their region intimately, these trips aren’t tours — they’re creative retreats rooted in place, meaning, and discovery.
Many of you have already given to MNA’s year-end matching campaign – thank you! Your support is critical to sustaining MNA’s mission, and for that we are very grateful.
If you haven’t yet made a year-end gift to MNA, there’s never been a better time. Your donation before December 31 will be doubled through a matching fund created by a group of generous anonymous donors.
A gift to MNA is an investment in learning and discovery. Your generosity supports our many programs and exhibitions for visitors of all ages, connecting them to the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau region.
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
FLAGSTAFF — Luminarias will once again light way for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Flagstaff.
The Celebration begins on Thursday, Dec. 11 when participants meet at 5 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 224 S Kendrick St., Flagstaff. A bus will also pick up participants at San Francisco de Asis Church to take them to the chapel.
The procession will begin from the chapel to San Francisco de Asis Church at 5:30 p.m. Danza San Francisco de Asis will perform at 6:15 p.m. at the Fire Station and again at 7 p.m. at San Francisco de Asis Church. A Reenactment of the Apparition and Consecration to the Virgin Mary will be held at 7:15 p.m. (There will be not Mass on the 11th).
2024 Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration.
On Friday, Dec. 12, a Mass will be held at 5:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, where participants will be greeted by the glow of more than 100 luminaries surrounding the chapel placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces,
Making medicine better for all
As an undergraduate at NAU, Ashley Martinez took a chance and reached out to a faculty member who looked like her. A few years later, she’s thriving as a graduate researcher whose work could contribute to more effective and sustainable drugs, better vaccines and more. Martinez’s work continues thanks to the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program, one of the most prestigious awards in the nation.
South Rim Water Update – December 2, 2025
Grand Canyon National Park continues to address the significant breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL). As announced, additional water restrictions and a temporary suspension of overnight guest lodging on the South Rim will begin Saturday, December 6.
This short-term measure will help conserve limited water supplies while repairs continue. The park remains open for day use, and overnight lodging in Tusayan and other gateway communities is unaffected.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program in Arizona has achieved a funding milestone, marking a major step forward in closing the digital divide and expanding high-speed internet access for residents, businesses and community agencies.
Thank you for your support on Giving Tuesday!
If you missed us on Tuesday, you can still support our work through the end of the year by becoming a member/renewing your membership, purchasing gifting memberships for friends and family, or giving an end-of-year donation.
We are actively growing our membership with a goal of 500 members. Our collective voices carry more weight with decision-makers, leading to greater influence as we advocate for a livable Flagstaff.
Welcome to the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Newsletter!
This newsletter keeps residents, stakeholders, and community partners informed about policy updates and long-range planning efforts across the County. This includes updates to the Zoning Ordinance, Area Plans, the Comprehensive Plan and its amendments, public engagement opportunities, and other important Planning and Zoning initiatives.
Our annual Holiday Gallery Sale is here! Enjoy 10% OFF any purchase in our Fine Art Gallery now through December 25, 2025.
Get an additional 10% off purchases of $100 or more in our Uptown Gallery Shop through December 25 — and current SAC Donors receive an extra 5% off their purchase.
Excludes bronze sculptures and special exhibitions. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SAC offers all gallery purchases without sales tax, an additional savings of nearly 10%.
Find meaningful, handcrafted gifts while supporting local artists and Sedona Arts Center’s creative mission.
COCONINO COUNTY — Small businesses, community stakeholders and residents impacted by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires are invited to help shape recovery priorities through a series of nine community recovery listening sessions during the week of Dec. 8.
Coconino County contracted AC Disaster Consulting to develop a Long-Term Recovery Plan to address the impacts of the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires. This plan will include economic/tourism, health/social and natural/cultural resource recovery initiatives for the county, local jurisdictions, Tribal Nations and Grand Canyon communities.
COCONINO COUNTY — The 2026 Point-in-Time Count is almost upon us, and my amazing team of fellow organizers and community partners wanted to pass along a little bit of information regarding what we know so far and what to expect going forward!
If you are unfamiliar with the Point-in-Time Count, it is a survey conducted across the nation that aims to survey people experiencing homelessness and ask them where they were staying on one particular night during the week of the survey (whether that be a shelter, Safe Haven, in a place not meant for habitation, etc.).
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement additional water restrictions on the South Rim starting Saturday, December 6, due to a series of significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. Since mid-November, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim.
While the park remains open to visitors, the following measures will be enacted for the foreseeable future:
Join Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and NAU’s Community Dance Academy this weekend, December 5 and 6, for The Nutcracker Ballet—a beloved holiday tradition filled with color, wonder, and joy.
With three performances to choose from, there’s a perfect time for every family and every holiday schedule. Let Tchaikovsky’s shimmering score and Clara’s enchanted journey bring delight your weekend.
We’d love to celebrate the season with you. Reserve your seats today.
Yes, I’ll be there!
Lumberjacks bring the Mother Road to Macy’s
NAU’s Lumberjack Marching Band just made history as the first college band from Arizona to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! See photos from the band’s trip to New York City, where they entertained locals in Central Park, braved the rain during a dress rehearsal and repped the Mother Road with a rendition of “Route 66.” Plus, watch a cute video clip of Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett cheering them on from the sidelines.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
Each week, the Coalition produces a weekly newsletter where we share partner news and events in our blog section and links to community resource meetings.
For families in Northern Arizona, we share information on variety of family-friendly events throughout the county, recent and upcoming information through our stories and photographs to food security, education, health and other programs. We also share links to a variety of resource guides in Northern Arizona.
During this season of togetherness and reflection, we are grateful for you—our friends, members, donors, and visitors who make the Museum of Northern Arizona such a special place. This year brought inspiring moments—from unveiling Collecting in a Changing World and exploring the stories behind Wagon Road to Mother Road, to welcoming curious hands at our Touch Tables and gathering for Twilight Thursdays and our Heritage programs. Your support helps us celebrate the stories, art, and cultures of the Colorado Plateau every day.
We’re excited to launch The Connected Communities Monthly Challenge! This special campaign invites our supporters to build $400 per month in steady, sustaining gifts. And here’s the exciting part: when we reach this goal, an anonymous donor will contribute an additional $5,000 to amplify your impact.
