Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 17th Edition

• Message from Jeronimo
• Short-Term Flood Mitigation Projects
• Snow Preparation
• District 2 Highlights & Special Spotlights
• Year in Review
• Service Positions Open in District 2
• Services and Programs
• And more!

Hello Everyone,

Happy Holiday Season! We have gone through many obstacles this year and it is important to unite and acknowledge what we have been through. As the year comes to an end it’s an opportunity for reflection. We are making strides as a county to prepare for the upcoming year in relation to our priorities, productivity, and overall goals moving forward. I am here for you all, so please remember to email me at jvasquez@coconino.az.gov with any concerns or questions.

Have a fun and safe new year!

On October 25, the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) Directors approved investing up to $11.5 million in a set of smaller scale flood mitigation projects in the Schultz/Pipeline Flood area. These projects will restore the capacity of some of the existing flood mitigation measures in the area and reduce flood impacts to the Doney Park area through construction of a series of berms near Landfill Road. The District Directors received an in-depth presentation regarding the District’s short-term on-forest and neighborhood mitigation projects and staff requested a budget adjustment in the amount of $10.5 million to cover the costs. The funding will come through a loan from the County’s General Fund. After the presentation and clarifying questions from Board members, the budget adjustment was approved unanimously by those present.

Construction of these projects will begin immediately, and completion will be largely dictated by the weather. Information regarding the approved short-term flood mitigation projects is available on the County website at bit.ly/FCDProjectsShortTerm

It is important to remember the winter in Coconino County is dry, which create the opportunity for fires. During these times, we want to focus of prevention rather than reaction

Fire Safety with the Current Weather– Things to keep in mind:

• chimneys
• keeping clean gas and wood stoves
• chicken coops with heating lamps
• electric heaters

Overall, please take into consideration preventative measure. We urge you to stay aware and safe during this winter season!

The partnership between Coconino County and United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) has been long and mutually beneficial. As County employees, you are a big part of that with your donations of time and money to UWNA.

On November 15, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing UWNA as an essential non-profit partner and lending the County’s support during the organization’s annual campaign.

County employees are encouraged to participate in this campaign, which features a friendly challenge between Coconino County Manager Steve Peru and Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton. The organization with the higher percentage of employees donating will win bragging rights, while a representative from the runner-up will be required to perform a slightly embarrassing task in public. Stay tuned.

Thank you, UWNA! In 2022, UWNA organized 17 volunteer crisis- response events with more than 400 volunteers working almost 1,550 hours, including time cleaning up after the Tunnel and Pipeline fires, replenishing sandbags in Flagstaff’s Sunnyside neighborhood, and making a massive effort to help build a million new sandbags for potential flooding in the new burn scar areas in the Schultz-Pipeline, Schultz Creek, and Museum Flood areas.

Sup. Vasquez at the NAU Office of Inclusion talking to students about Public Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

In February, the Board unanimously agreed to elect Supervisor Patrice Horstman, District 1, as Chair of the Board, and Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, District 2, as Vice Chair. Both assumed their new leadership roles during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, February 22.

Congratulations to Amanda Guay, community health director for North Country HealthCare, who was selected as this year’s winner. This award is a testament to the work Amanda has done on behalf of the most vulnerable in northern Arizona. Supervisor Vazquez and Amanda were on the Hermosa Vida project together and worked on the board of directors of North Country HealthCare for nine years. Amanda was part of recruiting Sup. Vasquez to the North Country Board over 10 years ago. Thank for all your hard work.

Sup. Vasquez volunteering at Thomas Elementary with Flagstaff Family Food Center.

Honoring the Legacy of Cesar Chavez with Bill Barquin, Andres Chavez, and Dr. Jose Moreno at the Northern Arizona University Office of Inclusion on March 24th. The National Farm Workers Service Center has become the Cesar Chavez Foundation, which continues to expand on Cesar’s early work and vision to create a movement to improve the quality of life for Latinos and working people. Cesar Chavez’s vision was ambitious, and a half a century later, the lasting and ongoing effects of his work have transcended even his original aim.

Great to see NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera and Louie on NAU Giving Day. As an alumni it is always an honor to show off NAU pride. We are very fortunate to live in a place with such a vibrant university. A lot of the Coconino County staff are lumberjacks too!

Flagstaff Shelter Services opening of the Crown on April 29. Flagstaff Shelter Services mission is to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with crisis stabilization and tools they need to achieve housing stability; regardless of faith, mental health, sobriety, or COVID-19 status. Housing is healthcare. Congratulations Flagstaff Shelter Services for opening up this resource for those in need of housing! The Crown offers expanded emergency shelter and will eventually become affordable, permanent supportive housing for our community. Thank you for working on such an important issue in our community.

For more information contact Flagstaff Shelter Services at 928-225-2533 or visit https://flagshelter.org

Sup. Vasquez at ongoing volunteer events to help support the Tunnel Fire and Museum flood area residents by aiding in clean up and flood mitigation. Thank you to United Way for hosting these events year- round to help our community. In addition, the County’s Public Works department had a safety debriefing at each event. A big thank you to The Office of the Navajo Nation President, Flagstaff Family Food Center, Redcross of Arizona, Twin Arrow Casino and Coconino County partners for a hay and food distribution for those effected by the Pipeline Fire. In difficult times, it is great to see neighbors helping neighbors. Thank you volunteers!

The renaming and dedication of the Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature County Park in honor of a former member of the Board of Supervisors and long-time member of the local community, Elizabeth “Liz” Archuleta. The first Latina to be elected to the Board, Liz served in her position for over 24 years.

Supervisor Vasquez signing a thank you to Pam Foti.

The community barbeque was held at Fire Station #32 where we were able to gather as a community, enjoy some food, and participate in the community-led raffle. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible! We appreciate your support and hope to host another community event in the spring. Shoutout to community member, Daniela, who led the community raffle!

Supervisor Vasquez, traveled to Washington D.C. to represent Northern Arizona at the annual HECHO (Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors) conference in late September. He also met with staff from our Congressional representatives and Federal agencies in the ongoing effort to secure much-needed Federal funding for the County’s essential flood mitigation efforts. Before wrapping up his time in Washington D.C., Vice Chair Vasquez met with Charles Small, Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Transportation, to discuss emergency federal funding for Hwy 180 and Hwy 89 flood mitigation.

Sup. Vasquez attended the 19th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente. An event to celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American, and LatinX communities in Northern Arizona. Also known as the Day of the Dead, this event is a celebration of life, music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances. Rooted in community, this weekend-long event is presented in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate.

Sup. Vasquez was invited to the HECHO Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC) to meet with the most powerful tables in the United States at a critical time for conservation priorities. On the Grand Canyon Protection Act, Arizona leaders were able to express support for the legislation that would make permanent the mining ban on the 1,006,545 acres of Federal land around the Grand Canyon that were safeguarded against mining in 2012 by the Department of the Interior.

Getting a seasonal vaccine is especially important for young children and those with weakened immune system because they are at increased risk of getting severe illness from flu. Children six months and older should get the flu vaccine. Infants younger than six months are at higher risk of the flu illness but are still too young to be vaccinated. People who care for infants should be vaccinated instead. Flu shots are available at most pharmacies and healthcare provider offices. Coconino County Health and Human Services, Health and Wellness Clinic also offers flu vaccinations. Most insurance is accepted, and no one will be turned away for their inability to pay. To make an appointment, call 928-679-7222. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3LcdAwq

Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time if you are eligible, and the timing coincides. Even though both vaccines can be given at the same visit, people should follow the recommended schedule for either vaccine. If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October. For more information please visit: https://bit.ly/36hOFUS

To find other locations to receive a vaccine or to get more information, please visit coconino.az.gov/covid19. To find the latest information on COVID-19 vaccinations for infants and young children from the CDC, please click here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/ planning/children.html#covid19-vax-recommendations.

Do you dream of starting or expanding your own business? Coconino County Health and Human Services’ Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs is a 9-week business plan development training. The next online course will be held Tuesdays from January 10 – March 7 from 6 – 9 p.m. Learn more about BBE here and see how they can help you make that dream a reality. https://bit.ly/3zZxYvs

If you are experiencing a crisis or difficulties, we may be able to help you with necessities like transportation and communication. In order to qualify you must:

– Be a Coconino County resident,

– Meet our income criteria, and

– Have a need for these services (including for employment, education, medical, criminal justice, etc.)

For more information: Flagstaff-region | Call 928-679-7258 | Walk-in hours: Tues/Thurs, 9-10:30AM

Page-region | Call 928-679-7296 | Walk-in hours: Mon/Tues/Fri, 8AM-12PM

Free Narcan

Naloxone, or Narcan, is a life-saving medication, that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. Having Narcan and knowing how to use it can save a life. Who should have Narcan? Anyone in Coconino County can obtain Narcan free of charge.

In Coconino contact (928) 679-7264 or email to receive a free naloxone kit and training about opioid overdose response.

Healthy Families is a voluntary, free support program serving families in their quest to be the best parents they can be. The program offers child development information, group activities, community resources, and ongoing supportive visits for up to five years in your home. The Healthy Families Arizona program will help you:- Be prepared for your baby’s birth- Be a successful parent- Communicate with and understand your baby- Help your child learn about the world through play. If you would like more information regarding eligibility and participation, please contact us at (928) 679-7216.

Local services list: This is a list of local organizations with details about their offerings for assistance. Please look over for yourself or to refer to people you may know that need help. https:// www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35228/COVID-19- Social-Safety-Net-Services-Coalition-Resource-Guide-V9_

Gift of Reading Set Up

When: Dec. 16th, 5:30-7:30 pm

While you all filled the Gift of Reading event very quickly, we’re still looking for help to set up the event! Volunteers will decorate for the winter holidays, prep books, sort gifts, and do other activities to make this event special for all the families in attendance.

Email me or click here to join us!

Produce Box Packing: Help Needed & Program Update

Produce box packing is one of the programs we are most proud of. Because of it, we are able to hand out nutritious produce to families five days a week.

This program would be nothing without volunteers, and right now, it needs your help! We have a high need for regular produce volunteers – particularly on Monday and Tuesday. Please email me to get more information or sign up here to try it out.

In response to changing demand, produce box packing is also seeing some changes. Starting this week, produce will be under a new schedule:

Mon-Tue: 8:45am-11am & 10:45am-1pm

Wed-Fri: 8:45 am-12 pm

Kinsey Elementary Needs Regular Volunteers!

Unlike other neighborhood distributions, Kinsey Elementary doesn’t have a regular, tight-knit volunteer group yet. We need 3-4 regular more volunteers for this site, so if you’re looking for a fun outside event, sign up here!

Reminder: Clothing Requirements for Events!

Each location has certain requirements for what volunteers can and cannot wear due to the safety hazards those events present. As a reminder, here are the requirements for each location:

• Warehouse & Off-Site Distributions: Volunteers must wear closed- toe shoes & weather-appropriate clothing.
• Kitchen Events: Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes. Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back.

Volunteers who do not meet the dress code requirements will be asked to leave.

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