FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour and $15.90 per hour for tipped workers beginning on January 1, 2024.
Per the provisions of the Minimum Wage Act – as passed as a citizen’s initiative in 2016 – the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff shall increase proportional to the increase of the consumer price index as of August of the immediately preceding year over the level as of August of the previous year and shall be rounded to the nearest $0.05.
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community. We also have a variety of online workshops as well.
Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.
FLAGSTAFF — Interested in a part-time schedule and the exciting opportunity to take part in winter snow operations? Join our Public Works team as a temporary Snow Operations – Equipment Operator today!
To apply, visit http://www.governmentjobs.com/…/snow-operations-temp…
A recent survey of students from Holbrook and Joseph City High Schools illustrates some of the mental health concerns of teens in Navajo County.
According to the survey, which was administered by two students at the high schools, a majority of the teens interviewed indicated they frequently feel anxious and under pressure in school and work.
About half felt they had someone to talk to about their concerns. Most relied on music, exercise, sleeping, or time alone as ways of coping with the stress they feel.
We’re very pleased with the outcome of the vote on Proposition 480 where 73% of voters chose to overturn the NAH request to rezone 98 acres near Ft. Tuthill for a new hospital. F3, in coalition with others, helped make this happen. We gathered signatures to ensure the referendum was placed on the ballot, we worked to educate the community about the choices posed and the consequences of the vote. Flagstaff spoke loud and clear and in a non-partisan manner against a new hospital and wellness village on the edge of town.
With the rejection of 480, Flagstaff is now provided with a great opportunity! We can now start a true community discussion about the healthcare needs in Northern Arizona. Here’s what F3 believes must happen now:
FLAGSTAFF — More than 100 luminarias surrounded Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel as traditional music could be heard coming from inside during the annual Celebration Our Lady of Guadalupe held Dec. 12, 2023 in Flagstaff.
Participants to the Celebration met the previous evening at the chapel to take part in a procession to San Francisco de Asis Church on Route 66. After a scheduled brief stop at the Flagstaff Fire Dept.Station 2 for coffee and other drinks and sweets, participants walked up to the church watch a dance by Las Matachines de San Francisco de Asis, the Rosary (led by teens), a play and consecration to Mary.
At the celebration on Dec. 12 at the chapel, participants were greeted by the glow luminaries surrounding the chapel. placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
The celebration included a Rosary, lead by Las Guadalupanas, followed by the presentation of Las Mañanitas, the Mass in English, with coffee, Mexican chocolate and pan dulce served in the church’s basement.
FLAGSTAFF — Despite of chilly evening that started in the low ’30s, throngs of families lined the streets of downtown Flagstaff to watch the annual Flagstaff Holiday Parade of Lights held on Dec. 9, 2023.
Presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and the Vora Financial Group, the parade featured more than 60 entries, including Coconino County and members from the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), the County’s Diversity Council and other supporters.
Banners displayed on the decorated vehicles included those from CHAC, the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council and the African Diaspora Advisory Council.
FLAGSTAFF — CJ Crowley stands in the CCC Commons posing for his picture – his demeanor is calm, cool and collected. Crowley, a 29-year-old native of Loma Linda, California, is known on CCC’s campus as a man of many lived experiences. In his words, “Everyone has a story maybe mine will resonate with readers. I hope it does. I want others to know that you don’t have to let past mistakes define you.”
Crowley’s journey began with a childhood marked by constant change, as his father, a minister in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, led the family on a journey to various places. Eventually, CJ found himself in Arkansas, where he attended a Christian boarding school. It was there that he was invited to join the gymnastics team.
“I was a ground tumbler, and my favorite move was the full layout,” Crowley recalls, reflecting on his early days in gymnastics. He excelled in the sport, staying active and even playing basketball while gaining skills in gymnastics. His talents on the mat did not go unnoticed, and he was offered a gymnastics scholarship at Southwestern University in Texas. Crowley earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, but he soon realized that the traditional 9-to-5 employment in his chosen career field was not fulfilling.
With a family background steeped in military service, including his father’s service during the Cold War and his brother’s tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was only natural that the military presented itself as a potential path.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is asking community members to take its Community Rail Safety Survey to provide input on rail safety. Questions include preferred solutions to reduce risk at roadway rail crossings as well as preferred educational and enforcement solutions to improve safety. To take the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/COFDMWeb.
The City of Flagstaff and BNSF are partnering to develop a Community Rail Safety Plan in conjunction with design and construction of several large civil works projects along the Flagstaff rail corridor (comprising the Lone Tree Overpass and Downtown Mile projects). This plan will help address areas of risk and identify mitigations to improve safety throughout Flagstaff.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s Elections Department would like to announce that the Green Party of Coconino County has qualified as a new party for County races in the 2024 Primary and General Elections.
On November 17, 2023 the Green Pary of Coconino County filed a purported 258 petition sheets with 1,993 signatures. Upon receipt and after processing, the Coconino County Elections Department (Elections) counted 1,997 signatures submitted and rejected 42 petition signatures pursuant to A.R.S. § 16-803(B).
Portions of the North Kaibab trail, between Manzanita and Supai Tunnel, will be closed beginning at sunrise on Monday, December 18 and ending at sunset on Sunday, December 24. Closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. to allow for contractors to install seismic survey nodes in Roaring Springs Canyon.
Work crews will be installing survey nodes in highly technical terrain above the trail, which may result in inadvertent and unpredictable rock fall onto the North Kaibab Trail. These survey nodes are small, wireless sensors that will be able to detect and record seismic activity in the area.
For the latest trail updates, please visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.
GRAND CANYON — Grand Canyon National Park congratulates U.S. Park Ranger Elizabeth “Betsy” Aurnou as the 2023 winner of the National Park Service (NPS) Wright Brothers National Aviation Safety Award.
Aurnou was nominated by her team for her diligence and leadership in removing hazardous and historic telephone lines from the main flight corridor in the park. Since 2020, she has worked collaboratively with many divisions to facilitate the removal of sections of telephone line from challenging and technical terrain within the inner canyon. During the 2023 season, Aurnou helped facilitate the removal of hundreds of yards of telephone lines after learning of the dangers of the existing lines to pilots and aircrews.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wishes you a Happy and Joyful holiday season.
Change is coming in 2024 for our popular News website and our weekly e-newsletter.
Our News website is currently under construction and will merge with our main website next year.
As part of that transition, our regular weekly e-newsletter will also take a break during the next few weeks as we look to give it a fresh look in the coming year.
And we want your help!
Please CLICK HERE to submit your suggestions to help us better design a weekly e-newsletter that better meets your needs in 2024.
Thank you to everyone who has already provided some great suggestions for our newsletter so far. Very much appreciated.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Sedona Arts Center Artists of all levels, working in all mediums are invited to enter into our Annual Juried Exhibition & Sale. The exhibition will run from March 6-31, 2024
Monetary awards will be given for First Place/Best of Show Award ($500), Second ($250) and Third ($150) place.
Honorable mention awards will be awarded at the discretion of the jurors and no monetary amount attached.
People’s Choice Award is announced at the end of the show. No monetary attached.
DEADLINE for submission: January 20, 2024
How to Apply:
43rd JURIED ART EXHIBITION – Apply Online at Cafe – Click Here.
Observing the Winter Night Sky
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 23, 30, and Feb. 6
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Locate and identify the sparkling gems of the winter night sky & learn how different telescopes work and how to use them.
Winter Sky – Learn more and register!
The number of unhoused individuals in Arizona jumped almost 25 percent between 2020 and 2022 as safe, affordable housing disappeared throughout the state. This is a thorny, multifaceted issue, and one that health sciences researcher Sara Shuman is tackling as part of a federal effort to better understand and address homelessness throughout the nation. With a focus on health equity, Shuman and her team will document the needs and experiences of people living in encampments and evaluate the strategies used to manage homeless encampments in Yuma, Pima and Maricopa counties.
FLAGSTAFF — The traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration will be held Dec. 11, 12, 2023 in Flagstaff.
Participants will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at San Francisco de Asis Church, 1600 E. Rt. 66 (Rt. 66 & Ponderosa Parkway), to ride a busy to the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the procession. Participants can also meet at the chapel at 224 S Kendrick St., Flagstaff.
The procession will begin from the chapel to San Francisco de Asis Church at 5:30 p.m.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), the County’s Diversity Council and other supporters will participated in the annual Flagstaff Holiday Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 in downtown Flagstaff.
Presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and the Vora Financial Group, the parade features more than 60 entries.
Please join the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, Vora Financial, and the Flagstaff Community in celebrating the holidays by participating in the Annual Holiday Parade of Lights!, the chamber reported. With parade floats lighting up Historic Downtown Flagstaff, you won’t want to miss out on the fun and festivities that have become a holiday tradition in Flagstaff.
Please attend and, if you choose, make a public comment in support of keeping the Carbon Neutrality Plan in its current form.
Many thanks to the citizens who attended and spoke at the Nov. 28th Council meeting! Chambers were packed with Carbon Neutrality Plan supporters and the many speakers were passionate about not modifying the Plan.
Flagstaff citizens need to demonstrate our support again this Tuesday.
In order to step up for our youth, we need to make improving access to childcare a top priority.
According to a report released just this week, the lack of adequate childcare in Arizona is costing the state $4.7 billion in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue each year.
The analysis, conducted by ReadyNation with major funding by the Helios Education Foundation, shows that not having accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare is adversely impacting parents, businesses, and taxpayers.
FLAGSTAFF — At their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) concluded the District 3 vacancy process by unanimously naming their top candidate to serve the remainder of retiring Supervisor Matt Ryan’s term.
After brief comments regarding the candidates, interviews, and selection process, the Board named Adam Hess of Bellemont to represent District 3.
“We feel Mr. Hess is the best candidate to hit the ground running in this very short appointment,” commented Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “His leadership experience from his military service and his desire to return to where he grew up and serve his community will enable him to represent District 3 immediately upon official appointment.”
Artist in Residence ‘Pop Up’ Event, Saturday, December 9
On Saturday, December 9, from 2-4 p.m. a pop-up exhibition will feature the work of GCC Artist in Residence, Annie McCone-Lopez and Grand Canyon Summer School children. The event will be held at the Park Headquarters building with an artist talk at 2:30 p.m.
Annie McCone-Lopez will be exhibiting an eight-foot hand painted Mayan codex that represents her take on the water crisis in the Southwest. During her time in residence over the summer at Grand Canyon, McCone-Lopez also worked with Grand Canyon Summer School to create codices based on the same theme. The student codices will be displayed alongside Annie’s.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here.
As 2023 draws to a close, we hope you will
make a donation in support of the work we
have done this year and will continue in 2024.
F3’s Community Impact!
*F3 brought citizens’ questions & concerns about the
hospital move to the City beginning in February. F3
joined the no campaign & is a big reason why Prop 480
was voted down by 72% of the voters!
*F3’s 2023 Voter Guide to the City’s Propositions
played a significant role in educating residents of the
meaning & impact of the 19 Charter amendments.
Theatrikos’ basic membership is $50. You can donate more or less or anything that is right for you. Thank you!
Researchers from the Ecological Restoration Institute and School of Forestry are part of a national effort to create consistent and accurate models to predict different aspects of forest health. The National Scale Volume Biomass models are an innovation in forest biometrics introduces advanced models for accurately predicting the size and carbon-storing capacity of American forests, playing a key role in combating climate change and guiding sustainable forest management efforts.
Winter Recreation Updates and Safety
Much of Coconino County is a winter wonderland! Parks and natural areas offer great winter recreation opportunities. Strap on your boots, snow shoes, or cross-country skis, and enjoy the trails. Make snow forts and snow people. Have a (safe) snowball fight. Enjoy the beauty of nature in the snow, whether birdwatching or walking in the trees.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would love to wish you a happy and joyful holiday season.
During the next few weeks our regular weekly e-newsletter will be taking a break as we look to give it a fresh look in the coming year.
And we want your help!
Please CLICK HERE to submit your suggestions to help us better design a weekly e-newsletter that better meets your needs in 2024.
Read More
Capturing language, one conversation at a time
Between school papers, social media, texts, news reports, speeches, blogs and podcasts, Americans record billions of words in a year. But billions more are lost—the language we use in conversation among friends and family, to the grocery clerk or Uber driver and our walking partners. Researchers in the Applied Linguistics program are leading the creation of the largest-ever corpus of American English conversation, which could change what we understand about this most basic register of language.
Join us at Sedona Arts Center on Wednesday, December 6, from 4-6 pm for Celebrate Sedona and the opening of our annual exhibition—The Big Gay Art Show! The event is free and will be held in the Theatre Studio and Special Exhibitions Gallery at the Art Barn with free parking in our lower lot.
In addition to the exhibition, attendees will enjoy an evening of festive music by DJ Shondra, food and drinks, door prizes, and a Holiday Market with one-of-a-kind items by CJ Henderson, Denize Katzen, Susan Moody, Victoria Norton, Jillian Sander, Sedona Incense Company and Iris Yang, and entertaining bits and curiosities by Arizona’s Hip Historian Marshall Shore.
Discover the captivating intersection of science and storytelling in the heart of Flagstaff, Arizona as local writer and educator, Nicole Walker, unravels the hidden secrets of the coastal redwoods. In a recent blog post, Nicole tells us about the intriguing exploration of resilience, shedding light on the ability of redwoods to utilize decades-old carbon for rejuvenation after wildfires, a topic inspired by her personal experiences with the annual fire concerns in Northern Arizona.
Visit our website to read the full article!
There are two ways to participate in the Flagstaff Regional Plan Scenario Choosing. Almost 200 people have participated so far and we are waiting to hear from you and people you know who make Flagstaff an amazing place.
Important: Please Attend Regional Plan 2045 Scenario Choosing Workshop Open House this Saturday, Dec. 2, 9:00-11:00 am at Flagstaff High School Commons
Stroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 6:30 p.m.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is ready for the first snowstorm of the 2023-2024 winter season, which is forecast to hit Northern Arizona late Wednesday and continue into Saturday.
Public Works crews are geared up to keep County roads open and passable during the storm and the Facilities Management Department is preparing County buildings for cold and icy conditions.
The National Weather Service in Bellemont has issued a Winter Weather Advisory beginning Thursday at 5 p.m. through 5 a.m. Saturday. According to the advisory, total snow accumulations between 2 and 8 inches are expected, with snow falling as low as 5000’ and hazardous impacts occurring above 7000’.
North Rim transitions to winter operations; Hwy. 67 closed at Jacob Lake
Beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, November 30, the North Rim was closed to all vehicle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open on May 15th, 2024 (subject to change).
As in years past, the North Rim campground will be available for winter camping and is accessible via hiking inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing 45 miles from Jacob Lake. To camp at the North Rim during the winter months, visitors need a backcountry permit, which can be obtained in advance through the South Rim Backcountry Information Center.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) met in special session (Nov. 29) to continue the process of filling the upcoming vacancy in District 3.
During the public meeting the Board conducted thorough interviews with the five remaining candidates who have applied to fill the vacancy through 2024. Two candidates who did qualify to fill the vacancy removed themselves from consideration prior to today’s session.
Several experts from NAU contributed to the Fifth National Climate Assessment, a report that synthesizes the research and expert opinions of hundreds of scientists from throughout the country. The report breaks down the research by region and topic and addresses land and resource managers, policymakers and the general public, with the goal of educating Americans about how they are experiencing the effects of climate change and the steps we must take to mitigate effects in the future. “It is imperative that our society and our various communities continue to learn and discuss the impacts of climate change on our regional and national communities,” said ITEP director Nikki Cooley, who co-authored a chapter on human health. “The report brings together a large group of people who work every day in their fields that are affected by increasingly disastrous events such fire, flooding, drought and more.”
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) met on November 21, 2023, to review and approve the canvass of the 2023 Consolidated Election in Coconino County.
This year, Coconino County Elections and the County Recorder’s Office administered a ballot-by-mail election for seven jurisdictions in the County.
In preparation for Board approval, Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen, Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget, and Elections Director Eslir Musta presented comprehensive information about this year’s elections operations, voter registration statistics, voter turnout and statistics, ballot drop-off box usage, and signature verification standards.
FLAGSTAFF — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposes to provide federal financial assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to the City of Flagstaff (sub-applicant), located in Coconino County, Arizona, to upgrade an existing concrete box culvert (proposed action). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), and FEMA’s implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides interested parties with a notice of its final decision and an explanation of the alternatives that were considered.
We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
CCC&Y is building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities.
Through leadership, education and advocacy. By becoming a member you add your name to an expansive list of individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.
Please visit Membership Options
Make an Online Donation
Remember, CCC&Y is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status-so your contributions are tax deductible eligible. Please consult your tax professional.
Measuring biodiversity across the U.S.—with space lasers
Diverse ecosystems support the web of life and in the process, provide food, water, medicine and materials for humanity. But the butterfly effect tells us all things are connected. So, when biodiversity loss threatens the foundation upon which we live, what does that mean for the future of Earth and humanity? NAU research professor Chris Hakkenberg is taking a necessary step to finding a solution to biodiversity loss: mapping and measuring biodiversity across the U.S. using NASA’s space-borne lidar.
Flagstaff College, Terra BIRDS, & Flagstaff Foodlink invite you to a special zoom presentation!
John Ikerd, Ph.D.
“Food as a Public Utility”
November 28th (Tuesday)
6 p.m. (AZ Time)
Join the Giving Tuesday global movement and support your local nonprofits!
Your end-of-year donation will go directly toward supporting F3’s on-going work as we continue to be fully integrated into the decision-making processes of our community, educating and advocating for a livable, sustainable, affordable, and climate resilient Flagstaff.
F3 attends all City Council meetings and we speak directly to Council about important policy and on-the-ground decisions that relate to our Focus Areas.* We seek accountability and transparency from our local local leaders through meeting with city staff and individual council members and we participate in local and regional planning efforts including the development of the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045, which will be a major focus of our work in 2024.
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Ranger District plans to conduct large pile burns tomorrow through Friday in two different areas about two miles north of Munds Park or 13 miles south of Flagstaff.
The Horse Park pile burn is comprised of approximately 1,200 acres of slash piles just north of Munds Park, near Forest Road 700.
The Willard Spring pile burn consists of four acres worth of forest debris and grass within Willard Spring pit just west of Interstate 17 near the Willard Springs exit.
Smoke may impact areas such as Mountainaire, Kachina Village and I-17 around the pile burns but is forecast to move toward the north/northeast through the day.
STEM is more important to our community – and our world – than ever before. Hardly a day goes by when STEM is not in the headlines: artificial intelligence, climate change, space exploration, breakthroughs in medicine, and much more.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are nearly 10 million workers in STEM occupations and this total is projected to grow by almost 11% by 2031, more than two times faster than the total for all other occupations.
(Nov. 28) is #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. You don’t have to wait until tomorrow! Make a donation today to support Sedona Arts Center…
Your support is critical to growing and sustaining MNA’s work. In 2023, we:
Opened three new exhibitions;
Welcomed nearly 2,000 students on school visits;
Shared the MNA collections with hundreds of members of the public;
Provided over 200 researchers with in-depth access to collections;
Hosted numerous educational events that connect visitors with the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau through authentic experiences;
And so much more!
On Giving Tuesday, we come together to support the causes that matter most to us.
This year, I’m asking you to join us and create more opportunities for our communities in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache County to step up for our youth by supporting not only our children, but those who take care of them as well.
An underlying aspect of many of the programs we manage or fund is about being a partner to the parents and guardians who are raising the next generation.
This year marks our 35th anniversary, and we’re gearing up for an even better Science in the Park. With Giving Tuesday right around the corner, will you make a contribution towards Science in the Park?
Families get to experience 50 unique science demonstrations—physics, chemistry, and more! What’s more, youth-focused vendors participate at no cost, so every child can join in.
Imagine the impact: your support nurturing a future scientist or STEM professional. Your donation creates ripples of inspiration that last a lifetime.
Ready to be part of something amazing? With your help, we’ll reach our $5,500 goal. The Festival Board has generously offered a one-to-one match up to $1,000! Make your gift online by December 2 and it will be doubled! Or, send us a check to: 2700 S. Woodlands Village Blvd. Set 300 – 284, Flagstaff Arizona 86001!
Holiday Sale in our Gallery!
10% OFF Any Purchase in our Gallery* November 24 Through December 31, 2023 *Get 10% off any purchase of $100 or more in our Uptown Art Gallery through December 31, 2023! Current SAC Members receive an additional 5% off.
*Excluding Bronze Sculptures and Special Exhibitions. Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax (an almost a 10% savings!)
Use coupon code HOLIDAY10 at checkout when shopping online.
(discount not available for workshops, classes or special exhibitions
