“The overall goal I have for celebrating Hispanic, Latina/o/x Heritage Month on campus is for students who identify that way to know they have a community of support here at NAU,” Vidal Mendoza, assistant director of Hispanic, Latina/o/x Initiatives, said. “Cultural representation is something I valued as an NAU student, and I am sure many students today still feel the same.” Image courtesy of the National Archives.
The Coconino County Diversity Team, Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and partners recognize Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of programs designed to educate, share and create awareness.
Please join us, and share with your departments, social media networks, family and friends, as we come together to Engage, Celebrate, Reflect,Embrace, our Cultural Differences while Empowering each other.
The recent ECoNA Advisory Council meeting was proof positive that many of our community’s efforts to make our environment cleaner and safer also serve the needs of our local economy.
The Council heard from representatives of the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Transportation Authority (NAIPTA), which operates the Mountain Line bus system; the regional MetroPlan organization and a professor with the Ecology Restoration Institute (ERI), an independent research branch of Northern Arizona University.
Voters have always been supportive of NAIPTA and its environmental goals. Back in 2008, NAIPTA received voter approval to begin transitioning from diesel to hybrid buses and now the entire fleet of 29 fixed route buses are hybrid. In 2016, voters renewed extending the transit tax that helps support NAIPTA with an impressive 71% voting in favor of the measure.
Through a collaboration between the City of Flagstaff’s Beautification and Public Art Commission and the Sustainability Commission, Mountain Line recently installed artwork reflecting the theme of climate change and hope on five of its buses. The project accomplishes several goals, including spreading hopeful climate change messaging, beautifying the city’s streetscape and providing opportunity for artists in the Flagstaff community.
Designs by Dana Kamberg, Beau Arenas Ortiz, Kayley Quick, Luke Giles, and Nate Nise were selected by community members and the artists will be recognized at the September 21 Flagstaff City Council meeting. Photos of the designs, along with brief biographies of the artists, can be found at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/4673/Climate-Change-and-Hope-Bus-Artwork.
The 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science will explore “Stories in Stone” on September 17-26 in Flagstaff, Arizona. The W.L. Gore & Associates Flagstaff Festival of Science Keynote presentation with Jaime Awe, Ph.D. is FREE and will be held at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium on September 17, 2021. There is limited seating, and advanced reservation is required. Due to social distancing, the auditorium will be at a quarter of the capacity. The Keynote can also be live-streamed from the comfort of your own home!
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Beginning at 6:30 pm, the Festival presents a ballet dance from the NAU Community Music & Dance Academy. The in-person keynote talk as well as the live stream will begin at 7:00 pm.
Coconino County announced this week that updated, digital flood hazard maps for the Coconino County, Yavapai County, and City of Sedona sections of Oak Creek are available for public review and comment.
These maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in Oak Creek and its tributaries are at risk for flooding. This covers the area from Sterling Canyon in Coconino County, through the City of Sedona down to Cornville. Used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements, the new flood maps replace maps that were based on studies more than 30 years old.
In this edition…
Message from Sup. Vasquez
Museum Fire Flood Area Information
Doney Park, Timberline Fernwood Area Plan
Community Events
And more!
… In celebration of Northern Arizona University’s first year of being able to partake in the 2021 National Hispanic Serving Institutes Week, we would like to kick off our 1st annual Librito (Little Book) Drive. Donate a bilingual book (all ages) for the Flagstaff Community…
From August to early winter, male elk are in a period known as the rut. During this time they become territorial and will attack if approached or threatened. Please do not approach elk, stay a safe distance of 100 feet (30m) away, and never water or feed them for any reason.
Today, September 7, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors signed the Coconino County Proclamation designating Sept 15-Oct 15, 2021 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
Beginning Sept. 15, Northern Arizona University is celebrating Hispanic, Latina/o/x Heritage Month with a collection of events hosted by NAU’s Office of Inclusion. Through these events, NAU strives to honor the culture, history and diversity of individuals in the Latina/x/o community.
Hispanic, Latina/x/o Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was later expanded to cover a full month, lasting until Oct. 15, in 1988.
“The most important thing to me about Hispanic, Latina/o/x Heritage Month is recognizing the contributions of my history, culture and achievements that we have brought to this country,” said Vidal Mendoza, assistant director of Hispanic, Latina/o/x Initiatives at NAU. “As a Latina, staying connected with my roots is a huge part of my identity that I own with pride. Unfortunately, identifying as Hispanic or Latina/o/x isn’t necessarily looked upon with a smile or admiration. But even so, I am proud of identifying as a Latina, Mexicana or Chicana. I love my brown skin, rich culture and community. The diversity within our people is so vastly different and beautiful all at once.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off next week
September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, we, and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present. More information can be found here:
Hispanic Heritage Month – NPS Celebrates! (U.S. National Park Service)
An inspiring collection of four new films, including the already iconic Black Ice. 6:30 a.m.
The state of Baja California Sur in Mexico has a territory of almost 74,000 square kilometers, with 2,220 kilometers of beaches divided between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. It enjoys pollutant-free waters which translates into higher quality and better flavor of its fish products. About 3% of the total population of the state is dedicated to fishing, with a fleet of almost 4,000 small boats and approximately 9,700 fishermen using practically the same fishing gear and techniques that were used 70 years ago.
Despite their important contribution to the economy, Mexican artisan fishermen constitute one of the most vulnerable segments of the population. The precariousness of their living conditions is manifested in their huts made of palm, cardboard sheets or planks, and with a dirt floor; and their villages generally lack the most basic public services such as drinking water, electricity, and sewerage. Their work is especially risky due to the conditions in which they do it since they sail in fragile boats with outboard motors and without navigation instruments. In addition, despite the fact that the fishermen’s trade is learned in the water, some of them cannot swim and do not use life-saving equipment.
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) and Grand Canyon National Park are proud to announce the selection of the second Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence, renowned educator, author, and astronomy expert, Dean Regas. He will live and work at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park from November 16 to December 8, 2021.
Regas has been the astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory since 2000 and was co-host of the PBS program “Star Gazers” from 2010 to 2019. He is the author of the books “Facts from Space” and “100 things to See in the Night Sky,” and is a contributing editor to Sky and Telescope Magazine and a contributor to Astronomy Magazine, from which he won the 2008 “Out-of-this-World” Award for astronomy education.
Monsoon season returned with a vengeance this year, pounding the Museum Fire burn scar and resulted in extensive damage to our community. Just look at the headlines from the past few weeks:
Historic Arizona flooding damages homes, leaves trail of debris
Flagstaff school closed due to flash flood damage
Ducey issues 2nd emergency declaration for Coconino County
In addition to the estimated $1 million in public infrastructure damage (not to mention the Killip Elementary School building being shuttered), much of the burden of this season has been shouldered by residential areas. Many homes were hard hit by flood waters – not once but multiple times – and now have extensive interior damage.
Please consider helping these neighbors by donating to the Crisis Response Fund.
The City of Flagstaff’s Neighborhood Sustainability Grant and Water Conservation Research Grant are now open for applications through September 30, 2021.
Neighborhood Sustainability Grants can help launch or continue community sustainability projects related to food, waste, resilience, transportation, building energy, public health, or climate action.
As the climate changes and land, air and water are at risk, Native Americans are threatened in two ways. Many tribal members, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous peoples are seeing their water sources dry up or become toxic and their land become infertile or disappear under rising sea levels, putting these rural communities at greater risk from climate change. But there’s a deeper issue. For these peoples, who consider such resources sacred, their way of life and existence are coming under attack from rising global temperatures.
FLAGSTAFF — From “En Plein Air in Flagstaff’s Open Spaces: Stories in Stone,” at Buffalo Park on Sept. 17, to the return of the “Science in the Park” on Sept. 18 and the “Flagstaff Star Party” at Buffalo Park on Sept. 30, the 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science (Sept. 17-26) provides families with a variety of events to choose from.
Click here to view the entire 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science Passport schedule.
The festival kicks off with the 2021 Keynote presentation — “When Stones Speak: Decoding the Messages Embedded in Ancient Maya Monuments” with Dr. Jaime Awe at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Doors open at 6 p.m.
During the presentation, Dr. Awe will illuminate the Maya culture for audiences at Ardrey Auditorium, Northern Arizona University.
Full program of events to include Science in the Park, presentations, workshops, guided tours all taking place Sept. 17-26. With many programs led by outstanding Flagstaff scientists, Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to learn about other ancient cultures in this year’s archeological-themed festival.
This year’s Coconino County Fair is Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-6
at Fort Tuthill County Park Fairgrounds in Flagstaff, AZ.
Thank you to our sponsors Swire Coca-Cola, Findlay Toyota Flagstaff, Friends of Coconino County Parks, Great Circle Media, and KNAU!
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored the region’s Hispanic roots by celebrating the return of the sixth annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church south of downtown Flagstaff
The free event drew a record crowd, according to event organizers, with the entertainment stage featuring Mariachi Herencia de Cuco Del Cid and Nueva Vibra, both from Tucson, Ballet Folklorico de Colores and Alena Chavez from Flagstaff.
Local. Affordable. Quality Education.
Our marketing and public relations team at Coconino Community College decided on those words to describe the college because they have meaning, and they help paint a picture for every student we serve concerning what they can expect from us.
It’s safe to assume American politics has played a significant role in the COVID-19 pandemic, and different ideas about contagion, health behaviors and the actions of governing bodies impacted the spread of the virus and its subsequent effect on our lives. This, of course, was just a theory—until now.
Lisa Hardy, associate professor in NAU’s Department of Anthropology and director of the Social Science Community Engagement Lab, is the lead author on a study that looked at sociocultural responses to the virus and identified differences and similarities in anxiety, fear, blame and perceptions of the country across political divides.
Coconino County Fair — Enjoy four days of fun this Labor Day weekend. 10 a.m. Also, Flagstaff Art in the Park at Wheeler Park. Featuring excellent art, food, live music, kids activities, and beer garden. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
GCC Celebration of Art Kicks off in September
The 13th annual Celebration of Art kicks off this month at Grand Canyon. Beginning September 11th, artists will be coming to the South Rim to paint outside on location for one week. During this time, the public will be able to view the artists as they paint, capturing the ever-changing light and shadows of the canyon.
This year’s event will be a hybrid of on-site and online programming to welcome a wide variety of art enthusiasts. Here is the current schedule of events.
Now through September 18: Interested people can view the online catalog and preview studio paintings. Studio painting intent-to-purchase request forms are available to submit online, and are linked from each painting in the catalog.
September 3-18: There will be an online silent auction featuring specially selected original pieces from each participating artist.
September 11-17: Artists will be painting “en plein air” (or, outside on location) throughout the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
September 17: A featured artist will paint outside near Verkamp’s Visitor Center from 3 – 6 p.m.
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 6, 2021, in honor of Labor Day.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Labor Day, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be operating under normal schedules. 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.
Flagstaff’s City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed Sept. 6, 2021 in observance of Labor Day. City Hall offices will reopen Sept. 7, 2021.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Labor 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.)
Siler Homes Activity Center / Tynkertopia (3330 E. Elder Dr.)
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment for Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District #6.
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.
Construction work will take place at the downtown location of the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library on Friday, September 3, 2021. The work will include the drilling of borings and will impact some of the walkways and the parking lot around the library.
Safety cones and barriers will be placed around affected areas during the evening of Thursday, September 2 and construction work will begin at approximately 9 a.m. on Friday, September 3. Library services and hours will not be impacted. The work will be completed within the same day, ending on Friday, September 3.
Visit our website to sign up for programs that include: A) advance registrations for webinars and B) ticketed in-person programs that have a maximum number of guests!
By pre-registering for the webinars, you ensure you get a spot and can add the program to your calendar! You can also interact with the presenter and ask questions when you’ve pre-registered.
Several in-person programs have limited capacity and will require advance registration. Check the digital passport for programs that require reservations.
Please Note: The capacity for our keynote event has been reduced to allow for social distancing. Pre-registration is required for this event.
Due to inclement weather, paving operations along Beal Road have been rescheduled for next week.
The Fort Valley Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) pathway and the southbound bike lane along the west side of Fort Valley Road/HWY 180 will be closed between Deanna Way and Forest Avenue from Tuesday, September 7 to Thursday, September 9. Detour signage will be posted to direct the Fort Valley FUTS traffic to the Karen Cooper FUTS.
United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is pleased to announce that Scott Pettitt, president of the Wharton Foundation, has recently joined the UWNA Board of Directors.
Scott has been interested in education since his college days, when he studied environmental education with an emphasis on curriculum design at Prescott College in the mid-1990s.
Around that time, Scott began his long association with the Wharton Foundation, a private group that provides grants to programs focusing on education, specifically those benefitting students with limited access to educational resources.
GSP is pleased to announce her internationally acclaimed artisan calendars for 2022. The theme for this year is the Maya people of the Yucatan Peninsula in honor of the many wonderful human beings I met there, and in honor of this awesome Mexican state who taught me -and continues to teach me- so much! These high-class calendars are ideal for your home and for your office. The images captured by yours truly will immediately transport you to the mystifying land of the ancient Maya, its beautiful people, its culture and realities, and its epic landscapes.
We are very excited to welcome you to another issue of the Consular Newsletter on Economic and Tourism Affairs. We strive with each issue to provide readers with relevant and useful information related to economic and tourism topics for the business and political community on both sides of the Arizona–Mexico border.
In this issue, the #ChooseMexico section offers valuable information about the mining industry in Mexico. In addition, José Antonio Larios Ponce, the Consul of Mexico in Yuma, explains the collaboration between authorities in San Luis, Arizona, and in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, to organize free cross-border vaccination campaigns.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continues our monthly youth arts showcase. Do you know a youth that loves music, art, poetry, or any form of self-expression? On the first Sunday of each month (next of Sept. 5) at 4 pm, youth from across Coconino County are welcomed into a virtual circle to EXPRESS THEMSELVES!
We began this opportunity to ensure youth were given a platform to share their thoughts, feelings, and talents while connecting to others.
As August winds down and we settle into new routines, we’re embracing the cooler mornings and evenings, and celebrating summer’s last long weekend, Labor Day. We hope that you and your family have plans to enjoy some time off, or to spend some time outdoors!
During August, our team took our second summer break to recharge ahead of what we’re expecting to be a busy fall season. We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening in Congress while we continue to advocate for important investments to be part of the final budget reconciliation bill– these are long-term investments that will protect our nation’s public lands and waters for generations to come, create jobs, and advance environmental justice. Learn about the budget reconciliation process in our breakdown blog that will explain them and how you can help make sure your representatives know why this is so important!
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities
Space needs you! The next time you and your date head out to stargaze, volunteer to scan the sky for asteroids. NAU doctoral student Colin Chandler just launched a major project to recruit thousands of volunteers in the search for active asteroids—rare objects that have asteroid-like orbits but look more like comets. Chandler hopes to quadruple the number of known active asteroids and, in the process, answer key questions about where water on Earth came from and where it might exist on other planets, both within and outside our solar system. Ready to join the search? Visit the Active Asteroids project site to get started.
It’s officially time for one of Flagstaff’s favorite events; the Flagstaff Oktoberfest!
After having to cancel in 2020, The Flagstaff Oktoberfest, will celebrate 12 years on Saturday October 2nd in Wheeler Park, in Downtown Flagstaff.
But the fun doesn’t end with music, food and drinks. As always, we will have all our favorite contests during this event, such as the Hops on Birch Men’s and Women’s Beer Stein Holding Contest, The Frozen T-Shirt Contest, The Vienna Beef Weiner Man Race and Satchmo’s BBQ Brat Eating Contest!
Cupcakes. Ice cream. Laughter and shared memories of service to students.
On Aug. 24, 26 and 27, friends, staff, faculty and students celebrated Coconino Community College’s 30th anniversary with parties across the county. Each birthday bash – at CCC’s two locations in Flagstaff and at the location in Page – featured comments from CCC staff, supporters and community leaders.
“This is so we can celebrate all things CCC and the community that supports us so much,” said CCC President Colleen A. Smith.
The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) and the City of Flagstaff hosted a one-and-a-half-day Engineering Summit in the continued effort to identify long-term flood mitigation for the Museum Flood Area.
Representatives participated from the US Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Flagstaff Unified School District, Arizona Department of Water Resources, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Arizona Geological Survey, Arizona Department of Transportation, and ten civil engineers from six private engineering consulting firms, as well as staff from both the County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff.
Nicholas Villas-Fletcher sat in the office filling out the paperwork to graduate from Northern Arizona University.
He will be the first generation in his family to complete a college degree, and the journey was made possible with the help of TRIO Student Support Services at Coconino Community College.
“I desperately needed help,” Villas-Fletcher said. “They made a difference. TRIO is a vital service for students who don’t have support like others.”
Visit the March On for Voting Rights Flagstaff page on Facebook.
Hundreds of thousands to rally across the country to protest a wave of voter suppression laws sweeping the nation. The events also kick off a national online drive to register 2 million voters.
Arizona civil rights leader Pastor Warren Stewart, Sr., who helped create a MLK Holiday in Arizona, slated to appear at Saturday event
Newly appointed AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler to deliver keynote. Shuler made history last week becoming the first female president of one of the nation’s most powerful labor unions.
The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) pathway and the southbound bike lane along the west side of Fort Valley Road/Hwy 180 will be closed between Deanna Way and Forest Avenue from Wednesday, September 1 to Friday, September 3. This closure will be in place from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Detour signage will be posted to direct Fort Valley Road/Hwy 180 FUTS traffic to the Rio de Flag FUTS Trail.
This closure is required as construction crews will be paving Beal Road and the west edge of the Beal/Fort Valley Road intersection as part of the Coconino Estates Improvements Phase I Project.
Alexis “Lexi” Jishie sits behind the partition at her desk. She’s masked for safety, but she’s ready to be helpful for students.
Jishie is a Student Ambassador for Coconino Community College, and it is her job to help students navigate through the college experience.
“What I enjoy most about it is how involved I can be with students and Student Life activities,” Jishie said. “I like working with the other Student Ambassadors and getting out of my comfort zone and advocating for and helping students.”
Park staff have been busy with Search and Rescues (SARs) recently. Unfortunately, many of these events have been recoveries for apparent suicides. Times continue to be full of turmoil and stress—please, take a moment to check in with loved ones and with yourself. Working in remote areas away from close family and friends can add additional challenges during an already stressful time.
We would like to thank all of the search and rescue personnel and additional searchers from many other work groups who helped with two major SARs in Surprise Valley and Hermit Trail. Luckily, in both instances, all visitors were transported safely to the South Rim. Additional thanks go to Arizona Department of Public Safety for their support during multiple SARs over the last few weeks.
Coconino County and the Workforce Development Board are leading the way in helping dislocated workers and students explore new careers through virtual reality.
Using a workforce development platform called Transfr VR, the program allows job seekers to experience working in a warehouse, a manufacturing plant, an auto repair shop and even the hospitality industry.
These short simulations are hands-on, allowing people to “work” in the space using motion controllers similar to ones available in V/R gaming devices. Therefore, in the automotive simulation, you don’t just observe what it’s like to change the oil in a car, you actually are doing that job in the virtual space.
“It’s great because a lot of times, people don’t know what they want to do professionally unless they already know someone in that industry,” said Ali Applin, Virtual Reality Program Manager for the County. “A lot of today’s youth are visual or experiential learners, and this is perfect for them because they can picture what a job actually entails.”
As NASA prepares to send astronauts, including the first woman, to the moon, understanding the lunar environment has never been more important. A study led by doctoral candidate Christian J. Tai Udovicic, in collaboration with associate professor Christopher Edwards, offers insights into the moon’s surface, and how the sun affects the evolution of the lunar surface. The scientists discovered that solar radiation could be an important source of lunar iron nanoparticles; that means these particles, which can be detected in small amounts from a great distance, can be a great indicator of change on the moon.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & and Youth extends its congratulations 2020/2021 Caring for Children Awardees. They include Kailey Jensen of AZ127, Marcus Clanton of Victim Witness Services, Mark Cox of the Boys & Girls Club, Kelly Elliot of Big Brothers Big Sisters Flagstaff and Sharon Sifling of Coconino County.
Sedona Arts Center is seeking artists for the Souls of Forgotten Objects exhibit to take place December 3 -23, 2021 in the Special Exhibits Gallery of the Arts Center.
Last night, staff members from the Coconino County Flood Control District and the City of Flagstaff presented to the Board of Supervisors and the City Council in a joint work session on the Museum Flood Area.
The meeting provided an historic look at the mitigation efforts taken during and immediately after the Museum Fire, as well as additional mitigation measures since that time. The City and County Flood Control District deployed sandbags and barriers to the neighborhood, and warned of the high-risk for flooding. J.E. Fuller Hydrology, the leading experts in post-wildfire hydrology, were immediately engaged to conduct a flood hazard analysis. The analysis results were used by the Flood Control District to develop and implement the flood mitigation plan. The analysis showed severe flooding would impact 400 homes and 35 businesses.
This is a golden time in Flagstaff, with fields of sunflowers blooming and everything lush from the monsoon. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of extended drought, life-giving rains can come to see us through.
As a nonprofit museum, we face a drought in our finances as well. Though we’ve reopened to six days a week, visitor numbers are not rebounding to anywhere near pre-pandemic numbers. Admissions revenue cannot come near to making up for what Covid has cost us. We had planned to hold our annual fundraising Gala dinner this weekend, but Covid has again made it unwise to ask people to gather together for a meal.
Drawing on our experience of navigating unexpected challenges this past year, we have shifted gears and brought the fundraising auction online. With more than 100 items in a range of prices, from vintage baskets to paintings by Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, Merrill Mahaffey, Michelle Condrat, and more. Go to event.gives/MNA to browse the auction and encourage your family and friends to do the same. I am grateful to our gala sponsors and auction donors for their generous support.
If we don’t see you Saturday at the Member Appreciation Day, we do hope to see you here soon.
Thank you for your support of MNA.
After a summer filled with research, designing and creating, the NAU Communications team is excited to unveil The NAU Review. This refreshed newsletter will continue to feature the research, programs and departments of the university while highlighting the voices of NAU through a fun, easily digestible tone and engaging multimedia, including more videos and photos. Expect The NAU Review in your inbox on Tuesday and Thursday.
On Aug. 26, 1991, Coconino Community College opened its doors on Fourth Street in Flagstaff to serve students in Coconino County by offering local, affordable, quality education.
This year, events are planned across the county to celebrate CCC putting students first for the last 30 years.
Where and when?
To kick off a year of fun and celebration, CCC will be having birthday parties at all three locations in the county:
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities
Flagstaff resident Lisa Black is a single mother of two children, ages 17 and 11. On the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, she needed a job – a good job.
“I want to do something I love,” she said, “And driving’s something I love.”
So, when she heard about a new program training people to get a commercial driver’s licenses, she was interested. Four weeks later, she’s passed all her tests, and she’s putting in applications to be a commercial truck driver. Prospects are better than good.
Northern Arizona University and the city of Flagstaff are teaming up for the 4th Annual Community Welcome walk. On Wednesday, August 25, between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a team of elected officials, city and NAU staff, police officers and students are visiting homes throughout La Plaza Vieja and Southside neighborhoods. Teams will be providing information and resources to help foster a culture of community and neighborhood engagement.
Be a part of something special! The Coconino County Fair is hiring for this year’s Fair. Coconino County Parks & Recreation typically hires over 50 part-time, temporary employees every year to help produce the Coconino County Fair, the largest event in Northern Arizona with over 40,000 people attending the event over Labor Day weekend.
The 72nd annual Coconino County Fair is back this Labor Day weekend, September 3 – 6 at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff!
We return to an in-person Fair this year, complete with live entertainment, community & 4-H exhibits, livestock shows & 4-H auction, fair food, carnival rides, vendors, beer garden, and more!
There will be a partial closure of Butler Avenue between Cambridge Lane and River Run Road. This closure will limit Butler Avenue to one eastbound and one westbound lane for approximately eight weeks beginning August 26, 2021.
To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its sixth annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.
The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. See image below for the full schedule.
What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is the premier sponsor.
Established August 26, 1991, Coconino Community College opened its doors on Fourth Street in Flagstaff to serve students in Coconino County by offering local, affordable and quality education.
This year, Coconino Community College is celebrating 30-yeas of putting students first.
To kick-off an annual celebration of fun across Coconino County, everyone is invited to attend one or more of the 30-Year Anniversary Birthday Bashes happening at all three CCC locations.
We are looking for individuals to serve at the Flagstaff Family Food Center! We have two available positions, both are full-time (1700 hours) positions serving through August 31, 2022. AmeriCorps members receive a modest living-stipend, professional development and training opportunities, and are eligible for up to $6345 in education assistance through the Segal Education Award. Additionally, members serving in full-time capacity are eligible for healthcare and childcare benefits.
On Monday, August 16, NPS Acting Director, Shawn Benge, issued an update for masking requirements for shared indoor and designated outdoor spaces. Outdoor mask zones have been identified for all people regardless of vaccination status (see NPS Memo here). These are the same zones that previously required mask-wearing for unvaccinated people due to the crowded nature of the area and the inability to effectively socially distance.
Sedona Arts Center is planning for the future and we’d love your feedback! Our short questionnaire will only be available until August 25, 2021, so please complete our survey today!
The Sedona Arts Center invites input from residents and visitors alike. Your insights, critiques, hopes, and priorities help inform our community’s long-term planning.
Effective August 19, 2021, the National Park Service (NPS) is recommending consumers disinfect drinking water at the following locations: Manzanita Rest Area, Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, and the Bright Angel Campground.
Drinking water at these areas should be treated or boiled. These processes should be applied to water for any consumptive use including: drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, and washing dishes.
Grand Canyon National Park Deputy Superintendent Louis Rowe has announced the selection of Angela Boyers as Chief Ranger for the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection.
As Chief Ranger of Grand Canyon National Park, Boyers will manage a complex program that includes law enforcement, emergency services, wildland and structural fire, aviation, fee collection, backcountry operations, and a regional dispatch center.
Below is a summary of today’s activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff related to the Museum Flood Area.
Facebook Live Event Tonight at 6 p.m.: There is a Facebook Live Event scheduled for 6:00 PM today that will be hosted by Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy on the County’s Facebook page by both County and City members. We hope that you can attend this important virtual meeting.
Weather Forecast: The National Weather Service (NWS) is anticipating another high threat day today. An intense storm moving east from Sedona through such communities as Munds Park, Mormon Lake and the Lake Mary Road area produced heavy localized rain. Please stay vigilant as another round of flooding can occur at any time today. The NWS is an anticipating that a drying period will begin after today that will allow for a break from monsoon activities through Sunday. For up-to-date, local weather, visit https://www.weather.gov/fgz/ .
Deanna Singh, author, TEDx talk Speaker, Justice and Equality Advocate, will launch CCC&Y’s 2021 Annual Conference with her presentation “Hustle with Purpose” from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 MST/AZ.
The virtual conference, “Finding My Strength; Hope in Connection,” will be presented each Wednesday through Sept. 8.
During Singh’s presentation, you will be guided through how to use your talents, skills and resource to create a greater impact in your work and life. This session will help you deconstruct your real and perceived challenges. It will also give you the opportunity to reflect on your personal leadership skills while guiding you through the techniques you need to thrive. There is a particular emphasis placed on the core leadership competencies of purpose, initiative, curiosity, resilience and courage.
Immediately following Singh’s presentation, Bethany Camp, LCSW will present the program “Recognizing and Addressing Shame” from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that certain immunocompromised individuals who have already received an initial two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) receive an additional dose.
Emerging evidence shows some people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised experienced a reduced immune response to the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. The administration of an additional mRNA COVID-19 VACCINE aims to prevent serious and possibly life-threatening COVID-19 within this population.
The city of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office launched a pilot program on July 24 that seeks to advance the city’s Rethink Waste Plan and Carbon Neutrality goals through a free compost drop-off service. Through June of 2022, community members have the opportunity to drop off food scraps and other acceptable materials at two participating booth locations on a weekly basis:
The Market of Dreams (2532 E 7th Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004) accepts materials from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays
Flagstaff Community Market (211 W Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001) accepts materials from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Sundays
At approximately 12:15 p.m. (Aug. 17), rain began to fall over the Museum Fire Burn Scar. By the time the large storm system moved out of the area, the entire burn area was saturated, resulting in the largest rainfall event to date.
The gauges located throughout the burn scar recorded hourly rainfall as follows: 3.07 inches in south gauge, 2.4 inches in western gauge, 1.5 inches in the eastern gauge, .75 inches at northern gauge. In addition, the rainfall was intense with over 1.14 inches recorded in at the south and west gauges in 15 minutes and 1.06 inches recorded at the east gauge. Not only was significant rainfall experienced on the burn scar itself, but also in the Sunnyside neighborhood. In an hour, 1.22 inches fell at Linda Vista and 1.5 inches was recorded downstream in neighborhoods. The rainfall recorded at the south gauge equates to a 200- to 500-year rainfall event.
On Aug. 26, 1991, Coconino Community College opened its doors on Fourth Street in Flagstaff to serve students in Coconino County by offering local, affordable, quality education.
This year, events are planned across the county to celebrate CCC putting students first for the last 30 years.
Where and when?
To kick off a year of fun and celebration, CCC will be having birthday parties at all three locations in the county:
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lone Tree Campus, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road.
Thursday, Aug. 26, 4 to 7 p.m., at the Fourth Street Campus, 3000 N. Fourth St.
Friday, Aug. 27, 4-7 p.m. at the Page Center, 475 S. Lake Powell Blvd., in Page.
Greetings everyone and Ya’at’eeh to all:
August 14th is an official state holiday in recognition of the Navajo Code Talkers. Please join in to celebrate and learn more about our national treasure. They provided through their lives and language a highly revered contribution to our country. Following is a news bite from 12News, Phoenix AZ and information from Arizona Central.
As the Delta variant causes a surge in new infections and hospitalizations, the public and private sectors are scrambling to keep up with rapidly shifting recommendations on how to deal with the highly transmissible fourth wave of Covid-19.
Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff both reinstated requirements for masks while in City or County buildings, regardless of vaccination status. Yesterday, Northern Arizona University announced that masks will be required in classrooms and labs. Meanwhile, the Flagstaff Unified School District is requiring masks until at least September 29, in spite of current state law forbidding mask mandates in K-12 schools. (Requirements are evolving all the time; check an institution’s website for the latest information on their mask protocols.)
Leading the way in the response to the Delta variant, however, has been the business community. Large companies like Ford Motors, Walmart, United Airlines, and Target have recently enacted mask and/or vaccine requirements for workers. Some are also trying to coax vaccine hesitant workers to get their shots with cash bonuses.
The number of cases nationally and locally continues to increase.
The rolling 7-day average for Arizona increased to 2,408 new cases per day this week, which is a substantial increase over last week’s average number of cases of 1,825. Arizona has now had seven consecutive days cases with over 2,000 new COVID cases per day.
According to the CDC, Coconino County remains in high community transmission status (while the county is in substantial or high transmission, all individuals, whether vaccinated or not, must wear masks while indoors in all government buildings unless you are in a private office space).
Hullabaloo is a community festival featuring giant puppets, a bike parade, costume contests, 2 performance stages, a huge kids area, local vendors, craft brews, cocktails, delicious food, lots of vendors and so much more! Sat. 10 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.
Only one week left before the start of the 2021 CCC&Y Conference on Wednesday mornings from Aug. 18 through Sept. 8.
Tickets are on sale now!! We are so excited to FINALLY host this highly anticipated and exciting event!! Please see our full program and event details. We our proud to host amazing speakers and content. For example, get to know our opening Keynote speaker by viewing Deanna Singh’s Tedx Talk, We All Have the Power to Build Bridges.
Get your tickets today!! This event supports professional and personal development. We are calling those who are seeking to excel professionally, those who wish to bring healing to themselves and their community, individuals who are engaged and craving change, and to those dedicating their lives and careers to supporting others.
The city of Flagstaff recently heard from residents of Flagstaff Village Apartments that because the apartment complex was being redeveloped, all month-to-month tenants needed to vacate their units by Sept. 30, 2021 and no other leases would be extended.
The city of Flagstaff reached out to Park 7 Group, the new property owner regarding this change. The property owner listened to the concerns and indicated a desire to be a community partner and provide flexibility where possible.
Flagstaff resident Judith Crum knows first-hand how a college education can open doors.
“Education is important, and to many, it’s not affordable without help,” Crum said.
So, she put her money where her mouth is. Not only is she a board member of the Coconino Community College Foundation, she recently established the Crum Family Scholarship at CCC to help CCC students afford an education.
“I felt very strongly about helping out the community college and the students who go there,” Crum said. “I was raised to believe education was important. It was important in my life.”
In this edition…
Message from Sup. Vasquez
Museum Fire Flood Area Update
COVID Update
Redistricting Public Comments
And more!
Message from Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Museum Flood Response and United Way Volunteers
Mt. Elden Estates Flood Mitigation and Exigency Funding
Downtown Movies on the Square
NACo Annual Conference
Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission
COVID-19 Update
County Building Mask Requirement
Vaccine Incentive Program: Be A Big Shot
COVID Information Line and Testing Site
Museum Flood Information Line and Emergency Notifications
Flood Insurance Information
Contact Us
Below is a summary of today’s activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff related to the Museum Flood Area.
Weather Forecast: The National Weather Service predicts increasing storm chances throughout the week. For up to date, local weather,
On August 5, 2021, the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2021 – 128 ordering the administrative control and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Page Justice Court to be assumed by the Honorable Dan Slayton, Presiding Judge of the Arizona Superior Court in Coconino County. Judge Slayton is responsible for assigning judicial officers and administrative resources as needed to conduct court business without interruption.
The Administrative Office of the Courts was made aware of several allegations of irregularities in the Judicial operations of the Page Justice Court prompting this action.
Art galleries and businesses open their doors with special art exhibitions and more. 6-9 p.m.; free.
The Coconino Coalition would like to announce our gratitude to the Vitalyst Health Foundation for CCC&Y’s selection as a Spark Grant Awardee.
We thank the expert partners on this project, who are helping to guide the process: Kevin Campbell, international child welfare and self healing communities expert, Iya Affo, owner of Heal Historical Trauma, Building Community, local community voice organization and Javelina, messaging and communication organization.
We are extremely proud to announce that Northland Family Help Center, Coconino County, Native Americans for Community Action and First Things First all gave their early commitment to help plan, share their expertise, and give their time to help gain community voice.
We invite other organizations to reach out if you would like to participate.
We further extend our gratitude towards, Elevated Advocacy, who will lend their expertise as we explore avenues for policy or system change after community voice has been collected.
Excerpt from the Daily Sun…
Earlier this month, Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) received a grant to research the causes of negative health outcomes in the county. The project will explore the Self-Healing Communities Model, with a focus on adverse childhood experiences in Coconino County.
Based on current data and updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) recommends residents wear masks in indoor public places.
In line with this recommendation, Coconino County will reinstate mask requirements in all county buildings effective Wednesday, August 4, at 8 a.m.
On July 27th, the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance for fully vaccinated people, recommending everyone wear a mask in indoor public settings in geographic areas with substantial and high transmission, regardless of vaccination status. Coconino County COVID-19 case numbers have followed an upward trajectory over the past several weeks and the county is currently in “high” COVID-19 transmission.
The Aura development and rezoning project was a complicated but important process for F3 to engage with over the past several months. The project is located at 151 W. High Country Trail (just off of Lake Mary Road) and consists of an 11-acre parcel of land that was rezoned from Estate Residential to Medium Density Residential by City Council on July 6, 2021. The Aura development will consist of 160 one- and two-bedroom apartments, 32 of which will be provided as affordable housing to those earning both 80% and 70% Area Median Income (AMI).
Due to the increase in COVID-19 community transmission, mask are now required city facilities. This requirement includes those who are fully vaccinated.
This change is in alignment with recent guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that vaccinated individuals “wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.” The CDC has designated Coconino County as an area with “substantial transmission.“ Learn more at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
This year’s Coconino County Fair is Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-6
at the Fort Tuthill County Park Fairgrounds in Flagstaff, AZ. We return to an in-person Fair this year, complete with live entertainment, community & 4-H exhibits, livestock shows & 4-H auction, fair food, carnival rides, vendors, beer garden, and more!
And speaking of community exhibits, did you learn new skills or pick up new hobbies during COVID? Maybe you joined the sourdough craze or took a deep dive into a new hobby, and whether it was for fun or out of necessity, why not share your creation at the County Fair? Enter your prized possession – in everything from Fine Arts to Open Poultry – through The Fair Book. Some entries deadlines are as soon as Aug. 7.
As recent history has shown us, we often don’t know when a crisis will happen. Although we can anticipate certain emergencies, they usually strike without warning.
What we do know is that because of your support of the United Way of Northern Arizona Crisis Response Fund, UWNA and its community and partner agencies will be ready to assist.
In the past three years, your generosity has helped your neighbors as we faced at least five crises:
The Tinder wildfire
A month-long government shutdown
The Museum fire
The lingering crisis (both health and economic) from the pandemic
The recent flooding in Flagstaff.
During a special session of the Coconino County Flood Control District, the Board authorized the acceptance of financial assistance in the amount of $606,328 from the Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The grant will be funded by NRCS at 75% and by the Flood Control District at 25%. The funds will be expended on an emergency watershed protection project for implementation of emergency measures.
With the right helping a hand, a person who always dreamed of college and the possibility of a better life can work to realize that dream.
An Arizona-based Real Estate company wants to offer that helping hand to students at Coconino Community College.
The nonprofit arm of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, the Russ Lyon Foundation, established the Lyon’s Pride Scholarship through the CCC Foundation.
Below is a summary of (July 30’s) activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff related to the Museum Flood Area.
Today’s Storm Events: The Museum Fire burn scar did not experience significant rainfall yesterday or today.
Weather Forecast: The National Weather Service Flagstaff is predicting scattered thunderstorms through the weekend. For up-to-date local weather, please visit https://www.weather.gov/fgz/.
The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) pathway and the southbound bike lane along the west side of Fort Valley Road/HWY 180 will close between Deanna Way and Forest Avenue Aug. 2- 6, 24 hours a day.
