Prescribed burn southwest of Lynwood and Cheshire neighborhoods planned for Oct. 23

FLAGSTAFF — A prescribed burn will be conducted by the Flagstaff Fire Department southwest of the Lynwood and Cheshire neighborhoods on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The burn will target approximately 36 acres within the Jesse Gregg RX Units. Resources on scene will include the City of Flagstaff Wildland Fire Management Module and representatives from the NAU School of Forestry.

Prescribed burns planned on Coconino National Forest this week

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to conduct two prescribed burn projects this week, beginning tomorrow.

For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects Inciweb page, which is updated any time new information is available.

Coconino County approves proclamation ‘Celebrating and Honoring the Life of Dr. Miguel Vasquez’

Celebration of Life for Professor Emeritus Miguel Vasquez to be held on Nov. 3 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors officially approved a proclamation on Oct. 15, 2024 “Celebrating and Honoring the Life of Dr. Miguel Vasquez,” who passed away on Sunday, Oct. 6.

“WHEREAS, Coconino County and the communities within lost a cultural leader, mentor, and teacher on October 6, 2024 with the passing of Dr. Miguel Vasquez …” according to the opening of the proclamation read by the brother of Miguel Vasquez, David Vasquez.

Community concludes 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month with variety of events

From a print making demonstration by Southern California artists visiting Flagstaff, to an Ofrenda 101 cultural education session for county employees and an information display at a local library, the community found a number of ways to celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month in Coconino County.

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The HeArt Box gallery in downtown Flagstaff presented “Sendero Gráfico: Southwest Route” with Los Angeles artists Daniel González and Pável Acevedo on Oct. 15.

The artists displayed and sold a variety of their print work during the event, many which touched on Day of the Dead and the Mexican graphic art tradition. They also demonstrated their ink screen making talents, with patrons purchasing an array of clothing featuring their artwork.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Register NOW! for CCC&Y’s System Change Symposium, a virtual community experience on Oct. 22 or 23

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — With less than a week to go, the time to register is NOW! for the Coconino Coalition of Children & Youth’s “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation. Participants can choose Oct. 22 or Oct. 23 to attend the Virtual Community Experience.

The event will provide details on What is System Change? Why Do We Need It? How Do We Make It Happen?

It will also provide information on How do we come together for true change? How do we address root cause issues and create positive outcomes, health and thriving for all?

The System Change Symposium includes such presenters as:

• Kevin Campbell, an American Child Protection, Health Care Innovator and co-founder of Pale Blue with Elizabeth Wendel, MSW, LSW, will help viewers understand the human toll and outcomes of current systems and give us practical ideas for making change now.

• David Martinez III of Vitalist Health Foundation, who will talk about “What is Systems Change and Why They Fund It”

• Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historical Trauma, who will provide examples of policy, systems and inequity

• Andrea Meronuck of Northland Family Health Center and Pearl Santillan of First Things First, who will provide information on mindfulness, self compassion and/or mental health models

• Dr. Sandra Solano, founder of Integro, who will talk about HeartMath, trauma and use for systems change work

• and a message from Flagstaff Mayor, Becky Daggett

READ MORE​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 14-18, 2024

Grand Canyon Hosts Successful Indigenous People’s Day Events
On Indigenous People’s Day hundreds of people watched dance performances at two locations. On the canyon rim, in front of Hopi house Crown Dancers from the White Mountain Apache, danced as the clouds cast mood lighting on them. Participants watched as the boys performed dances intended for blessing and healing. Their crowns represented four mountains that are sacred to the Apache and each dancer called “angelic beings”, spirits who lived on the mountains, to come into the crowd.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — View Art in Person this Sunday! F3’s Native American Art Auction

This Sunday Oct. 20th is your chance to view the auction items for sale in F3’s Native American Art Auction. Many beautiful Native American rugs, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and paintings have been donated to F3 by Martha Blue and Oliver (Ollie) W. Johnson. This is an important fundraiser for F3.

All the art items can be viewed in person from 2:00-5:00 pm at Restoration Bodyworks, 222 E. Birch Ave, Suite 2, Flagstaff.

Sedona Arts Center — Don’t miss these Sedona Plein Air Festival Events!

Saturday, October 19, 10am – Noon
Main Street Paint Out
Stroll up and down Uptown Sedona on 89A, from Sedona Arts enter to the Pink Jeep Café, and watch artists paint their surroundings in real time. This event will be
judged by artist Bruce Aiken, an acclaimed Grand Canyon and American Southwest painter. Awards and artworks sale begin at 12:30 p.m. at Sedona Arts Center.

City of Flagstaff — 60-Day Public Review – Regional Plan 2045

The 60-Day Public Review for the DRAFT Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan is here, and we need your help! Your feedback on the proposed content is crucial to bringing our community’s vision to life. Your comments will directly shape the final plan and what appears on next year’s ballot. All comments from the public review period are due on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 5 pm. 

Sedona Arts Center — The BIG School Email!

Into the Night: A Nocturne Plein Air Workshop
with Krystal W. Brown
October 28–30: Monday – Wednesday

Painting nocturnes is one of Krystal’s favorite things to paint and so is giving you the tools and techniques to create successfully…no matter the time of day. You will learn from Krystal how to choose the best sight, set up, and process to paint nocturnes from life which will help you carry the last rays of the day into the night in your work. You will effectively learn how to remove the “Fear Factor” from any nighttime scene in a way that fits in with your unique creativity and skill set.

Coconino National Forest accepting applicants for Women in Wildland Fire program

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is now accepting applicants for next April’s Women in Wildland Fire training camp.

Women in Wildland Fire camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting in a supportive and educational environment.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the beginning qualifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supporting role.

City of Flagstaff — Full closure of portion of Zuni Drive scheduled for reconstruction project

FLAGSTAFF — A full closure of Zuni Drive between Leupp Drive and Lone Tree Road will begin on Wednesday, Oct 23 for two to three weeks as part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program. While it was previously communicated that this project would reduce Zuni Drive to a single lane with flagging operations, it has since been updated to a full closure. During this time, motorists will need to detour around the area utilizing Lone Tree Road, JW Powell Boulevard and Lake Mary Road. Pedestrians and cyclists will need to detour through the work zone utilizing a portion of the Bow and Arrow Trail.

Coconino National Forest seeking additional public input for Red Rock Trails Access Plan Phase II

SEDONA — After input from the public, community leaders, and user groups, the Red Rock Ranger District is releasing the Red Rock Trails Access Plan Phase II for additional public comments, from Oct. 16 to Nov. 14.

The plan proposes trail enhancements, including adding approximately 31 miles of new non-motorized trails and re-routing and naturalizing other trails, within the Turkey Creek area of the Coconino National Forest. This area is located in the Village of Oak Creek in Yavapai County.

Members of the public can view the recent Scoping Letter and associated maps on the project webpage at https://tinyurl.com/RedRockAccessPhaseII.

Sedona Arts Center — THIS FRIDAY! 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival

Sedona Arts Center presents the 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival Nation’s top plein air painters featured in week-long event starting October 18, 2024.
 
More than 20 renowned plein air artists from across the country will capture Sedona’s extraordinary landscapes during Sedona Arts Center’s 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival October 18-26, 2024. The week-long event features artist demonstrations, paint outs, juried art competitions and more.

St. Mary’s Food Bank — Help Us Make a Difference This Holiday Season – Volunteer Opportunities Available!

As the holiday season approaches, St. Mary’s Food Bank is preparing for our annual **Holiday Food Distributions** across several locations, and we need your help to make these events a success! Your support will ensure that families in our community receive the nourishment they need during this special time of year.

Reminder — Coconino County Board of Supervisors to read proclamation at 6 p.m. Oct. 15 honoring life of CHAC founding member Miguel Vasquez

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will read a proclamation at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 honoring life of Miguel Vasquez, who passed away on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Vasquez Ph.D, Professor of Anthropology (Emeritus) Northern Arizona, was a founding member of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).

A native of San Francisco, he recently retired as an applied anthropologist who worked with Latino, Mayan, Native American, African American, and disabled adult communities for almost 50 years. He was recognized as an NAU President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow. In his 32 years at NAU, he taught nearly 12,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, according to his biography on the county’s CHAC website.

Sedona Arts Center announces passing of Dennis Ott

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dennis Ott. Dennis passed away peacefully at home on Saturday evening. To say that he will be missed is an understatement.

A beloved, award-winning instructor and head of our Ceramics Department for 30+ years, Dennis served on the board and was Chair two separate times. He felt so strongly about the future direction of the Arts Center that he recently rejoined the board to help as much as he could.

Dennis has been a leading and valuable contributor to the greater Sedona community, taking on Loving Bowls which provided funds to several organizations for 15 years. Dennis has touched countless lives over the years, including all of ours. Dennis has been Sedona Arts Center’s biggest cheerleader and most committed advocate. He was always there to provide a hug or words of encouragement when times were overwhelming or tough. He had a way of always making everything better.

2024 Flagstaff Festival of Science presents The Festival Fête — Ticket sale closes Oct. 21

Ticket sales will close for The Festival Fête on October 21. Please reserve your tickets today to be a part of this dynamic celebration that includes a costume party, science experience stations, auction, raffle, DJ, guest speaker, catered dinner, Photo Booth and more!

The Festival Fête takes place on the evening of Saturday, October 26th at the Coconino Center for the Arts. This benefit celebration honors 35 years of the Flagstaff Festival of Science!

This is your LAST CHANCE to purchase tickets! Don’t delay!

Coconino National Forest accepting applicants for Women in Wildland Fire program

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is now accepting applicants for next April’s Women in Wildland Fire training camp.

Women in Wildland Fire camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting in a supportive and educational environment.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the beginning qualifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supporting role.

The program consists of a combination of online and field training. During online training modules, participants will learn about topics such as wildland fire behavior, firefighting strategy and safety, and the wildland fire job application process.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Bidding Begins Today for F3’s Native American Art Auction

F3’s Native American Art Auction begins online today! This is an important fundraiser for F3. Now is the time to bid on the many beautiful Native American rugs, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and paintings donated to F3 by Martha Blue and Oliver (Ollie) W. Johnson. Access the auction here: https://onlinefundraiser.events/F3NativeAmericanArtAuction.

F3 would appreciate if you would forward this email to your friends and neighbors. Thank you!

Discover Flagstaff — Sendero Gráfico: Southwest Route with Daniel González and Pável Acevedo, The HeArt Box on Oct. 15

Tuesday, October 15
Sendero Gráfico: Southwest Route with Daniel González and Pável Acevedo, The HeArt Box.

Sendero Gráfico is a one day only event with Southern California printmakers, Daniel González and Pável Acevedo. Come shop artwork from 4-7pm, followed by a special presentation on Day of the Dead and the Mexican graphic art tradition.

Voting Early? Be Sure to Understand Prop. 482

COCONINO COUNTY — Early voting in Coconino County began Oct. 9 and early ballots have been mailed.

Since there are many elected offices and propositions to vote on this year, remember to vote on both sides of the ballot, and find your local propositions toward the bottom of the ballot. Local ballot initiatives have the most direct impact on communities because counties, cities, and towns provide essential services like law enforcement, road maintenance, healthcare, and disaster response to residents. 

Coconino County — Early Voting Has Started for Nov. 5 General Election

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Recorder’s office has mailed over 64,800 early ballots to registered voters for the upcoming November 5 General Election.  Early voters that are on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) and have not received their ballots by Wednesday, October 16 should call the Recorder’s Office at 928-679-7860 or 800-793-6181 to make sure there is not a problem with their voter registration status or mailing address.

Registered voters that are not on the AEVL may request an early ballot be mailed to them by calling the Recorder’s Office, sending a written request to Coconino County Recorder’s Office, 110 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, or submitting an on-line request.  The deadline to request an early ballot to be mailed to a voter is October 25. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 7-11, 2024

Fire managers from the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, who are part of the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, have delayed the previously planned prescribed burns on the North Kaibab Ranger District and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The timing of these operations will now depend on favorable weather conditions, resource availability, and the status of the National Preparedness Level, which is currently at Level 5.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Power of Workforce Visualization

How can a community better plan for its workforce needs?

Given the increasing complexity of our economy and the difficulty of obtaining reliable data, it can be challenging for policymakers, businesses, and educators to plan for future growth.

That challenge is being addressed by the Arizona Education and Workforce Visualization Project, part of the Arizona State University / Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence.

The director of the Decision Center, Dr. Joe O’Reilly, will be presenting on the tools from the visualization project at an upcoming meeting of ECoNA’s Advisory Council.