Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Community gains valuable information during 4th Annual Walk for Wellness

​​​​​​​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.

Hundreds of NAU students celebrate their accomplishments at the 2025 Hispanic/Latine Convocation

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.

Dates announced for additional neighborhoods for pine needle pickup initiative

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

Bilingual report — Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography — Images of the Month – May 2025

In some Andean countries such as Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, as well as in many other cultures in the world, mothers use a cloth or carrying device to carry their children on their backs. In Bolivia, this device is called a manta or aguayo This practice is often seen in indigenous communities and is a cultural tradition that has been passed through generations, as an example of the resourcefulness and tradition of these peoples.

Mothers in the High Andes -and all other underprivileged communities all over the world- face numerous hardships, including limited access to education, discrimination -racism, classism, and anti-indigenous sentiments-, poverty and harsh living conditions, cultural devaluation, and health challenges. These hardships highlight the resilience and strength of mothers, who continue to play a crucial role in preserving their heritage -weaving and textiles, natural medicine, agriculture, language and culture- while ensuring the well-being of their families.

National Park Service — 2025 South Rim Firewise Cleanup Begins!

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2025 Firewise Residential
Cleanup Weekend will occur now through May 25.
Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an
area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will be moving and
hauling debris the week of May 26.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Greater Observatory Mesa Trails Plan at Council This Tuesday

The City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space division is presenting the Greater Observatory Mesa Area Trail Plan to City Council this Tuesday in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation.

According to the Council’s agenda, the meeting will provide the City Council an understanding of the trail plan, and offer the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation by the City via resolution.

Tuesday, May 13 City Council Work Session, starting at 3:00 pm

Join a workshop at Sedona Arts Center today!

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.

Proposed changes to recreation fees on the Coconino National Forest

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forest to help maintain highly-visited sites and standardize the recreation pass program for all forest visitors. 

Most recreation sites on the forest will not require a fee, with more than 67% of sites on the forest remaining free for general public use and enjoyment. The forest will continue to honor the suite of “America the Beautiful” Interagency Passes and Red Rock Passes at all standard amenity fee sites and provide several fee-free days throughout the year. Also, the Sedona Shuttle program, which provides free transportation from two Park and Ride lots to popular recreation fee sites, will continue to operate. 

NAU Review — Special commencement edition — former NAU anthropology professor Miguel Vasquez, former Flagstaff Councilwoman Deborah Harris among 2025 honorary doctorate recipients

Lyndel Manson, a Northern Arizona University alumna and 8-year member of the Arizona Board of Regents; Flagstaff City Councilwoman Deborah Harris, who worked at NAU for several years in various roles; Emmett Burnton, a history teacher at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem and Arizona Teacher of the Year; and activist and former NAU anthropology professor Miguel Vasquez will be recognized with honorary doctorates. Each will provide the keynote address during one of NAU’s four commencement ceremonies.

American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíce celebrate 2025 Cinco de Mayo Dinner/Dance

FLAGSTAFF — With the crowd dancing to the music of DJ Eddie Trillo and folks dining on an assortment of tacos and enchiladas, the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 5, 2025

• Gallego Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fight China’s Fentanyl and Human Trafficking

• Gallego, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Efficiency in Federal Housing Programs

• Gallego, Kelly Introduce Legislation to Ensure Fair Share of Energy Assistance, Lowers Costs in Hot Weather States

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 5-9, 2025

2025 Wildland Fire Season: Be Ready, Stay Informed, and Know Your Evacuation Plan

As we enter wildfire season, the newsletter released this week provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready.

It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.

The full newsletter can be viewed here. If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, please share with family, friends, and coworkers widely.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra — Thank You for Celebrating with Us

As we conclude Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s 75th season, we’re filled with gratitude for the music, the momentum, and most of all, for you.

This spring reminded us how powerful live orchestral music can be. We shared joy with over 1,000 students through our educational Link Up program in March. We welcomed new families and longtime supporters to the cinematic world of Heroes and Villains. And the season came to a stunning conclusion with Verdi’s Requiem, a performance that showcased the extraordinary scale and artistry of this orchestra and our partners.

Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 — Citizen Review Session Video

On Friday, May 2, the Flagstaff City Council, Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the Planning and Zoning Commissions for the City and County met at City Hall to discuss important components of the Regional Plan: the priorities and goals, the Future Growth Illustration, land use categories, trail maps, and sense of place.
Thank you to all who took time out of their day to attend, provide comments, and contribute to this productive session!

United Way of Northern Arizona — Holbrook & Joseph City Get Ready for KinderCamp™

United Way of Northern Arizona’s signature program, KinderCamp™, is turning 20 this year and undergoing one of its biggest expansions yet.

This summer, our free camps are launching in Holbrook and Joseph City, joining existing sites in Flagstaff, Williams, and Pinetop-Lakeside.

Held in June, KinderCamp advances kindergarten readiness by preparing students with limited preschool experience transition successfully into kindergarten.

From the desk of:
Liz Archuleta
President & CEO
This vital foundational experience includes the instruction of early literacy skills such as: letters and sounds, numbers, classroom routines, cafeteria behavior, and how to work with others.

Students are still being accepted for KinderCamp programs. Click on the community below to fill out an interest form for your area:

Flagstaff
Williams
Pinewood-Lakeside
Holbrook
Joseph City

Closures scheduled for portions of Riordan Rd & Riordan Ranch St; Parked vehicles must be moved

FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, May 12, closures will be implemented on portions of Riordan Rd and Riordan Ranch St to facilitate the installation of a new water meter and underground utilities. Vehicles parked along the impacted portion of Riordan Ranch St must be moved or may be towed. Work is anticipated to be complete by the end of August 2025.

Sedona Arts Center — KIDS CAMP! Classes and Workshops for Kids

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.

City of Flagstaff — Milton/University intersection construction to begin; traffic control along Milton Road to be in place

FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to begin reconstructing the intersection of Milton Road and University Drive, as well as reconstructing the portion of Milton Road that was impacted by this project. This work will be done along half of the roadway at a time to maintain traffic along Milton Road.

Grand Canyon National Park — 2025 Wildland Fire Season: Be Ready, Stay Informed, and Know Your Evacuation Plan

As we enter wildfire season, this message provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents and staff to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready. It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.

City of Flagstaff hosting open house for the John Wesley Powell Area Specific Plan

The JWP Specific Plan applies to the areas made accessible by the planned John Wesley Powell Boulevard extension. The open house will feature stations with project team members and topic experts available for discussion. Topics covered by the plan include trails and open space, transportation networks, wildlife corridors, community character and the Rio de Flag. Community members are invited to attend any time between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and provide feedback on any topics of their choice. 

CCC&Y Spotlight — CCC&Y’s free webinars offer parents a way to ease into busy summer

As the Summer rapidly approaches and the traditional school year comes to an end (have you checked out your local Summer Camp options, started planning for at-home activities for your children, started planning for summer travel?), it may be a good time to take a deep breath, take care of yourself and find some ways to ease the stress for your children.

To help, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.

Want to take a moment to take care of yourself? Visit our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar.

​​​​​​​Your child may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar.

City of Flagstaff, Coconino County launch year two of the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition opening May 19

opening of the second edition of the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Monday, May 19 at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff. An opening reception begins at 11 a.m. and includes a welcome by Mayor Becky Daggett and remarks by City and County officials and participating artists. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s exhibition 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 while exploring themes of nature, family, and cultural motifs. Collectively, they add new layers of meaning to a park already rich in visual storytelling and community spirit.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council to hold next hybrid meeting on June 4

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) holds its next public in-person meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 at the Grand Canyon Conference Room, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff.

The public can also click the Zoom link below to Join the Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84746979878

Meeting ID: 847 4697 9878 Phone: + 1 (719) 359-4580

CHAC generally holds its first •Wednesday of every month  via Zoom. Contact Areina Contreras at acontreras@coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-0886 for more information.

¡Qué Hermoso! exhibit continues through May 30 at the Sedona Arts Museum

Featuring artists from across the state, this show explores themes of heritage, family, untold histories, and both personal and collective experiences. ¡Qué Hermoso! also honors the legacy of Gretchen Lopez, showcasing never-before-seen works from her estate. Lopez played a pivotal role in shaping this annual exhibition, and her influence continues to inspire.

¡Qué Hermoso! is made possible by an anonymous donor.

Enroll in Sedona Arts Center’s Art Classes and Workshops

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