2020 has been a year of uncertainty. Flagstaff’s creative sector met the challenges of this year and demonstrated incredible resilience while doing so. The 13th Annual Viola Awards, set to take place on Saturday, March 27, 2021, will recognize artists, educators, organizations and leaders who make positive contributions to the arts, sciences, and culture in Flagstaff. Nominations are being accepted until December 31, 2020.
Author: Community Contributor
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Colorado River Days Flagstaff Goes Virtual for 2020
The annual Colorado River Days Flagstaff festival is just around the corner and will take place virtually September 1-14. This year’s theme is Generations: Past, Present & Future. Events include: family activities, film screenings, discussions of the Colorado, Gila, San Juan, and Little Colorado Rivers, an art exhibition, live music, and a variety of presentations from diverse voices. These events weave together the importance of history, the implications of prolonged drought, and the uncertain future of the Colorado River.
Colorado River Days Flagstaff launched in 2012 to celebrate and share knowledge about the river. Flowing through the heart of Grand Canyon, the Colorado River is at the core of Flagstaff’s culture and economy; yet, many residents do not experience it firsthand. In response, Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter spearheaded the effort to create a community river festival. Now in its 9th year, the festival is a collaboration between non-profit organizations, scientific researchers, tribal members, artists, businesses, museums, and parks.
Adding to ‘all hands on deck’ to help local businesses
The experience was really like trying to grab a small sip from a firehose at full blast.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down business across the state, organizations like the Coconino Small Business Development Center at Coconino Community College stepped into breach to lend a needed hand.
“When the COVID-19 disaster started, it was just me and Amanda part time,” said Gina Couillard, Director of the Coconino SBDC, adding that Amanda Hyde moved to a full-time business analyst and operations specialist in short order to assist with the demand from local businesses.
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Bilingual report — Tips for Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
🏠 Quédate dentro
🙅 Cierra las ventanas
🌬 Usa el aire acondicionado, de ser posible
Los niveles de humo pueden cambiar durante el día, permanece en interiores cuando los índices estén más altos.
⚠ ¡Varios condados de Arizona están en alerta por humo!
🏕 Limita actividades al aire libre
🔄 Usa el aire acondicionado, recircula el aire para que no entre aire externo)
🏘 Quédate dentro, cierra puertas y ventanas
📱 Infórmate de las condiciones del aire en www.airnow.gov
⚠ Hasta en las regiones lejos de los incendios puede haber mala calidad del aire.
Algunas personas tienen más riesgo:
• Niños
• Mujeres embarazadas
• Adultos mayores
• Personas con problemas en el corazón y pulmones
¡Manténgase seguro y reduzca la inhalación de humo!
Flagstaff City Council to live-stream work session meeting on Aug. 25
CCC Comet Talks — ‘Worst Case — Wild Survival in Northern Arizona’ to be held Sept. 1
CCC Comet Talks — “Worst Case — Wild Survival in Northern Arizona” to be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.
CCC Comet Talks are FREE, open to the public and online via Zoom.
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend.
“Worst Case: Wilderness Survival in Northern Arizona”
Presented by CCC Part-Time Instructor and Coconino County Search & Rescue Volunteer Shawn Nittmann
Please be sure to register at this link:
https://coconino.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5Qs6Q5VMTIW9km5VZLAQ9Q
2020 Coconino County Fair to be held virtually
The 2020 Coconino County Fair will move forward this year as an online event with virtual 4-H shows, pictures of entry winners, streaming entertainment, and a virtual vendor marketplace. A “community connections” portion encourages community members to share favorite recipes, gardening tips and tricks, flower growing advice, and to vote for people’s choice awards in fine arts for photography and other art mediums. While the annual Coconino County Fair will look different this year, the public is encouraged to participate and make it a community-wide celebration.
ECoNA COVID-19 update — Schools & Child Care
School is back in session in northern Arizona, although it looks unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, with most K-12 school systems opting for virtual classes at least for the first quarter of the school year because of coronavirus.
#1 Benchmarks. One of the big statistical indicators for whether a school district is ready to begin in-person sessions has to do with three benchmarks from the Arizona Department of Health Services. They are:
A decline in coronavirus cases or less than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals for two consecutive weeks;
Two consecutive weeks with “percent positivity” below 7%. (This is exactly what it sounds like; that fewer than 7% of the coronavirus tests come back positive. It’s an indicator of transmission rates or that too few people are being tested.)
Two consecutive weeks with hospital visits for COVID-like illnesses in the region below 10%.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Interview with Iya Affo on ‘Historical Trauma’ during a time of Covid-19, Black Lives Matter
Only by understanding the root causes of historical trauma can we fully begin the healing process during this time of Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter, said Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historic Trauma.
Affo, a culturalist and historic trauma specialist, addressed the impact of historical trauma during her first level of “Historical Trauma Special Certification” training held via Zoom on Aug. 20 and 24.
The training was presented to a total of 110 individuals, many of whom, represented staff, board members and supporters of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth. The attendees represented a variety of child welfare, behavioral health and other community agencies.
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update
Yá’át’ééh!
Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!
Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am pleased to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.
Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — COVID-19 Surge Testing Extended!
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend its COVID-19 Testing Surge.
The testing sites offer self-administered nasal swabs and are operational as follows:
Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ
Now through September 4, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
University Union Fieldhouse at NAU, 1050 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ
Now through August 30, daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m
Motel 6, 831 W. Rt. 66, Williams, AZ (parking lot)
Now through August 24, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
August 25 – September 3, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon – 5 p.m.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Item permit request to conduct acid-fracking operations in the Little Colorado River Basin
The Flagstaff Water Group published an important editorial in Saturday’s AZDaily Sun on a permit request to conduct acid-fracking operations in the Little Colorado River Basin in areas over the Coconino Aquifer, thereby potentially affecting Red Gap Ranch water, a potential future water source for Flagstaff.
Although this is very short notice, the issue is extremely important and we urge you to read the editorial statement (below) and send your comments to greenslade.maribeth@azdeq.gov. NO LATER THAN EARLY A.M. AUGUST 26th.
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — CCHHS Clinic Set to Reopen
Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, will reopen on Monday, August 31. Services will be offered Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Appointments are required and are available by calling 928-679-7222.
Health and wellness services, including wellness exams, sports physicals, STI testing and treatment, pap testing, pregnancy testing, birth control and IUD/Nexplanon insertion and removal, will be available Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 5 pm by appointment only.
Vaccinations required for Arizona school entry and vaccinations recommended for children and adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
COVID-19 Surge Testing Extended in Flagstaff, Williams
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend its COVID-19 Testing Surge. The testing sites offer self-administered nasal swabs and are operational as follows:
• Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ, Now through September 4, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
• University Union Fieldhouse at NAU, 1050 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ, Now through August 30, daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m
• Motel 6, 831 W. Rt. 66, Williams, AZ (parking lot), Now through August 24, daily, noon – 8 p.m. o August 25 – September 3, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon – 5 p.m.
Sedona Arts Center — New online art classes
Burridge’s popular “Loosen Up!” workshop nurtures individual success and personal enrichment with a big emphasis on daily painting projects at your own pace. It is stress-free, but be warned; you could end up with too much enthusiasm for painting. This Burridge flagship workshop offers a variety of painting subjects for everyone. Designed for the professional painter who is stuck in a style as well as for the novice who wants to conquer their fear of painting.
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — 2020 Emergency Preparedness Guide
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
2020 Emergency Preparedness Guide
Virtual Master Gardening Class for Northern Arizona
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Coconino County COVID-19 Testing Surge registration
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Stay Connected with Us!
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y supports FUSD’s back-to-school professional development efforts with webinar on ‘Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences’
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continued its support of Flagstaff Unified School District’s professional development efforts with a virtual presentation earlier this month.
“Through the support of CCC&Y we were able to provide the opportunity for all staff on our professional development day, August 10th to participate in viewing the webinar: “Understanding Adverse Child Experiences,” district officials reported. FUSD reports 1500 professionals were in attendance.
The hour-long webinar helps participants learn how the effects of childhood trauma play out both personally for individuals, along with having tremendous costs for society.
Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
Museum of Northern Arizona — Get in on the action, and the auction
Many of you have been in touch with me to say how much you enjoy the information you get in these newsletters. Thanks for those messages – the staff and I always appreciate hearing from you. We are all now focused on our fundraising Gala To Go on August 29th. We’ve had to completely reimagine this event and it’s shaping up to be an amazing experience. Going online means all aspects of MNA will be represented in the program, showcasing the wonderful range of art, science, and culture of our region. Ticket holders will be able to enjoy this program online from anywhere and will also be able to bid on an array of fun experiences and fine art, including a Gunnar Widforss watercolor, a print by Gustave Baumann, and an intricate rug by Jackson Dean. In addition to a great showcase, this is an important fundraiser for MNA. I encourage you to support MNA by purchasing a ticket to the Gala To Go, and inviting family and friends to join you from wherever they are. We’ve all missed so much this year.
You don’t want to miss this!
Enroll Today — World Regional Geography (GEO 133) General Education Course at Coconino Community College
Regional Geography (GEO 133) general education course at Coconino Community College.
Have you ever wanted to understand…
what exists on the other side of the world?
what things are there to see and places to visit?
what people live there?
If so, then you may be interested in World Regional Geography (GEO 133) at CCC.
Sedona Arts Center — Visit Our Online Gallery Today!
The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
The online gallery represents a full spectrum of the diversity of artists represented by the arts center. Visit us today!
The Gallery is currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona.
Coconino Community College — CCC focuses on safety this fall with remote learning
The Fall semester is a week away.
How is it that time seems to move so very quickly and yet so very slowly during a pandemic? I think it is because we so very much miss seeing our students and our communities up close and in person. And yet, Coconino Community College is moving right along.
This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we at CCC have chosen Remote Delivery methods for our courses in the interest of the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the community. Our motto for this time is “Be Stellar, Be Safe.” Going to remote delivery was a difficult decision because all of us, especially our faculty, want to have that personal contact with our students, and some of our students would absolutely prefer to learn that way.
District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update — Vote and Be Counted! Facebook Live Event on Aug. 26
Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!
Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am please to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.
City seeks input for Climate Action and Adaptation Plan revision
The Flagstaff City Council declared a Climate Emergency on June 23, 2020. The declaration commits Flagstaff to update its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030. To respond to this emergency, the city will revise the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to reflect the new goal of carbon neutrality, while supporting a collaborative climate action mobilization that requires full community participation.
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Click Here to Fill Out the 2020 Census Online
Currently only 42.1% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census. This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more!
The Census also determines how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives.
Celebraciones de la Gente postponed until 2021
The 17th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona has been postponed until 2021. Originally scheduled for Oct. 24-25, 2020, the Day of the Dead festival was rescheduled for the health and safety of all of our artists, visitors and staff.
Rooted in community, this weekend-long event has been presented at the museum in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. It features fine art and unique crafts, music and dancing, colorful and elaborate ofrendas (altars), insightful heritage programs and Day of the Dead inspired crafts for the kids.
Members of Nuestras Raices and the Museum of Northern Arizona are currently working on virtual Celebraciones de la Gente programming for this year. Details to come shortly.
CCC offers new HVACR program this fall
Heating. Ventilation. Air Conditioning. Refrigeration. Oh, my!
Coconino Community College will now be offering a certification in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) this fall thanks to a generous grant from the Del E. Webb Foundation. The program includes training in Plumbing, Blueprint Reading and Estimating, Basic Electrical Theory, House Wiring, Building Methods. International Residence Code and HVACR.
Coconino County Takes Action to Protect San Francisco Peaks
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution Tuesday endorsing a twenty-year extension of a federal Public Land Order withdrawing the San Francisco Peaks from sale, settlement and mineral extraction. The Board’s resolution supports the Coconino National Forest’s application to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the extension of the withdrawal.
United Way of Northern Arizona — COVID-19 Fund Providing Some Frozen Help
Shortly after it became clear this spring that coronavirus was going to change life as we know it, the United Way of Northern Arizona created the COVID-19 Fund to help nonprofits as they addressed the pandemic.
Thanks to your generosity, UWNA has distributed more than $379,866 to local groups addressing the economic fallout from COVID-19. Typically these grants are for large, round numbers that help these groups as they deal with increased demand for basic needs.
But today we wanted to talk about a smaller, and very specific, grant that is changing lives in the Grand Canyon area: a check for $4,717.29 to the Grand Canyon Food Pantry.
Bilingual report — COVID-19 Testing scheduled in Tusayan (Aug. 18) and Fredonia (Aug. 20)
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is offering free COVID-19 diagnostic testing in Fredonia and Tusayan, AZ.
CCHHS, in collaboration with the Tusayan Fire Department, will offer COVID-19 Testing in Tusayan, AZ on Tuesday, August 18 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The testing site will be located at the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater, 450 Hwy 64, Tusayan, AZ.
The Fredonia testing site, located at 100 E. Woodhill Drive (formerly Joy Joyce Road), Fredonia, AZ, will be open on Thursday, August 20 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y Invitation to the Community
CCC&Y Vision — “We envision a holistic community where all children of Coconino County are increasingly free from trauma experience and all have equitable opportunities that build resiliency.”
“Trauma, equitable and resiliency, those are words that excite me and I hope you will learn more about the Coalition, learn a little bit more about those words mean and what your role can be to support that countywide,” said Rene RedDay in the opening of a Vlog released this week by the organization.
Coconino County Reinstates Fire Restrictions
Coconino County will reinstate Stage One fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests and other agencies in the area. Fire restrictions are effective Friday, August 14 at 8:00 AM.
The reinstatement comes after an extended period without significant rainfall and in consultation with Federal, State, Tribal, and local Fire District officials, as well as the National Weather Service (NWS).
City of Flagstaff will enter Stage One fire restrictions
The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage One fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on August 14, 2020 in an effort to reduce the potential for unintentional human-caused wildfires within the city limits and to lower the impacts of emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions.
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Everyone Counts!
It’s already August (!!) which means that we are getting closer to the due date for the 2020 Census. The due date for the 2020 Census has now been changed to September 30, 2020. This means that if you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, now is the time to do so!
Currently only 41.9% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census.This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more!
District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update
Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!
Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am please to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners resources. We are in this together.
National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation August 1 – 31
Flagstaff’s Mayor Coral Evans is joining mayors across the country in challenging their residents to conserve water, energy and other natural resources on behalf of their city through a series of informative, easy-to-use pledges online by taking part in the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Residents are encouraged to pledge online at mywaterpledge.com.
UPDATED! NEW Online Art Classes through Sedona Arts Center
Sedona Arts Center’s Online Classes and Workshops are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but are unable to travel. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our classes are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Visit us online to learn more about all of our online classes!
Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
CCC’s TRIO program receives $1.3 million grant
The Coconino Community College TRIO Student Support Services program received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The grant, which will be distributed over a five-year period, is the third such grant CCC has received since 2010.
“This is a big deal because our priority is first-generation students, students with disabilities and low-income students,” said Jessica Laessig, TRIO project coordinator at CCC. “This grant is important to be able to help these students who need it the most on our campus.”
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — How high should we go?
How high should we go? That’s the question raised by The Hub and other new and proposed 60-plus foot buildings. For over a year, the City Development Department has been working to develop a new zone—Neighborhood Community Commercial (NCC)—that would reduce height limits on new construction from 60 feet to 45 feet in areas north and west of Downtown, Southside, and Sunnyside.
This is an important and complex issue, involving the effort to balance neighborhood integrity, city character, and high density. Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is following the discussion closely and will make recommendations.
Sedona Arts Center — In-Person Classes at Sedona Arts Center
Ceramics For All Levels
with Dennis Ott
Beginning August 24, 2020
The Sedona Arts Center’s ceramic department operates free from the constraints of grades and benefits from the talents of its ceramic faculty and assistants as well as nationally recognized guest instructors. This combination allows our department to offer flexible and diverse programming in both traditional and contemporary techniques.
Coconino County COVID-19 Testing Surge announced
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41.8% for the 2020 Census
If you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, please do so!
In times of crises, communities need funding, data and representation in order to support their people, and respond to the challenges. Coconino County needs your support to make sure we able to tackle the challenges we face today, and for the next ten years.
By filling out the 2020 Census, you’re helping to make sure that our community continues to receive federal funding for Medicare and Medicaid and support for the health centers we rely on to serve our people. Billions of dollars in federal aid come into our state each year for these programs, and completing your Census ensures that we continue to receive our share.
It also ensures that you are represented in government at the local, state and federal levels, and that the data collected helps your elected representatives to make informed decisions.
Make sure your voice is heard and your community is supported for the next decade. Respond today at www.2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.
I count. You count. Together we can make a difference for Coconino County.
Certified Nursing Assistant program returns to CCC in Page
The patient beds are made. Medical supplies are at the ready. The mannequins are prepped for receiving care, and the instructor is ready to teach.
Now, what’s left is the students.
After a seven-year hiatus, the Certified Nursing Assistant program is returning to Coconino Community College in Page.
“This program is important for CCC to support the Page community,” said Kay Leum, executive director of Extended Learning at CCC. “The opportunity to go through the course here in Page, whether students want to go straight into the workforce in the area or to continue studies for a nursing degree, offers so many benefits.”
LULAC Says Shortening Census Period Hurts Latinos
Sindy Benavides, National Chief Executive Officer of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement about the Administration’s decision to end the self-reporting window and door knocking operations one-month earlier for the 2020 Census.
“It is simply inconceivable that we can achieve a full and accurate count by these actions at the time we need it most during a pandemic that is disproportionately impacting Latinos. This is yet another tactic from the Trump Administration to make our community invisible with an incomplete enumeration, which impacts critical funding, representation, and redistricting. Instead of ramping up its work, the Census Bureau cites the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for deciding to cut short the two most critical aspects of the census. First, there is the self-reporting phase and that is followed by community outreach to contact individuals and families who for one reason or another have not done so.
Coconino County Parks & Recreation — County Fair update, AZT Babbitt Ranch trail segment dedication, and more
On Saturday, August 1, the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) held a dedication for the Babbitt Ranch Segment, Passage 35. The small, private event was not open to the public due to COVID-19. Coconino County Board of Supervisor Art Babbott (District 1) and Coconino County Parks and Recreation staff attended the event.
Statement from U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham — Delivering a Complete and Accurate 2020 Census Count
The U.S. Census Bureau continues to evaluate its operational plans to collect and process 2020 Census data. We are announcing updates to our plan that will include enumerator awards and the hiring of more employees to accelerate the completion of data collection and apportionment counts by our statutory deadline of December 31, 2020, as required by law and directed by the Secretary of Commerce. The Census Bureau’s new plan reflects our continued commitment to conduct a complete count, provide accurate apportionment data, and protect the health and safety of the public and our workforce.
CCC double-times English for veterans
Veterans who have served their country return to civilian life and often want to begin a college career.
They’ve lived a little life after high school. They have common experiences from being in the military. And they, typically, have very specific goals when it comes to what they want from their education.
To that end, faculty at Coconino Community College, with input from colleagues at Northern Arizona University, created an English composition course at CCC this fall that will allow veterans, in class among other veterans, to complete the requirements of the year-long course in a single semester.
Award-winning CCC alum encourages educational path
Barely getting by at a dead-end job, April Sandoval left an abusive husband and decided to try her hand at college.
Sitting in the parking lot of Coconino Community College in 2002, she forced herself to go inside and attend her first class. She thrived and quickly received her associate degree. She then went on to get two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree.
Now, Sandoval, Assistant to the President and the District Governing Board at CCC, can add another feather in her cap on her road to success. She was chosen this week to receive the Pacific Region Professional Board Staff Member Award for 2020 from the Association of Community College Trustees.
Local First ARIZONA — Independents Week 2020 Sept. 1-30, 2020
A little later in the year than usual, Indie Week XXL will bring you a whole month to attract new customers through an extra-long special edition of Independents Week! Stay tuned for details on a new #IndieWeekAZ consumer action card (bingo style), Shop Arizona marketplace, and as always, a rallying call for support of independent Arizona businesses.
Upcoming overnight closures on Interstate 40 at Winona bridge east of Flagstaff Aug. 11-12
The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan for overnight closures on Interstate 40 – about 16 miles east of Flagstaff – as work continues on the Winona bridge rehabilitation project.
ADOT reminds drivers to slow down and observe posted speed limits and other construction signs while the following restrictions are in place:
ECoNA Flagstaff Welcomes New Retail & Service Businesses
Even before the coronavirus, brick-and-mortar retailers and service providers faced challenges. E-commerce has put pressure on the sector for years. The pandemic, along with its related economic fallout, just accelerated the issue for many traditional stores. The result is that many have gone into Chapter 11 and may not be coming back.
Which is why it’s been rewarding to see a series of new businesses opening their doors this summer in Flagstaff. Their arrival here is the result of concerted recruitment efforts, sometimes over a period of several years, by the City of Flagstaff’s Economic Vitality team and the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona.
Bilingual report — Downtown Flagstaff conducting Vision & Action Plan Survey
This survey is part of the Downtown Vision planning process being led by the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA), in partnership with the City, County, and Mountain Line. The Vision & Action Plan will identify priorities and initiatives to guide improvements in Downtown over the next three to ten years.
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Residents Count: Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41.6% for the 2020 Census.
If you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, please do so!
In times of crises, communities need funding, data and representation in order to support their people, and respond to the challenges. Coconino County needs your support to make sure we able to tackle the challenges we face today, and for the next ten years.
By filling out the 2020 Census, you’re helping to make sure that our community continues to receive federal funding for Medicare and Medicaid and support for the health centers we rely on to serve our people. Billions of dollars in federal aid come into our state each year for these programs, and completing your Census ensures that we continue to receive our share.
It also ensures that you are represented in government at the local, state and federal levels, and that the data collected helps your elected representatives to make informed decisions.
Make sure your voice is heard and your community is supported for the next decade. Respond today at www.2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.
I count. You count. Together we can make a difference for Coconino County.
Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences provides a pilot project to beautify traffic signal cabinets
Artists, graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers are wanted to create designs for traffic signal cabinets in two locations:
The northeast corner of North San Francisco Street and East Butler Avenue
The northwest corner of East Cedar Avenue and North Gemini Avenue
The idea to beautify the city’s traffic signal cabinets was brought to the city of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program by community member Gaylene Soper, who supported the initiative with funding for a demonstration project.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Does the support stop when difficult conversations arise?
Community healing is not something someone (the savior) does to another (the needy). Community healing is what happens when we internalize that we are all one, that the choices of the past mingle with the experiences of the present and none of us are free from the consequences of our actions -both individual and collective.
Sadly, some non-profits are reporting lost donors because they decided to address social justice and equity issues (or in some cases just comment) due to the current events transpiring in our nation. Quite frankly, this has angered me and further exemplifies how ingrained inequity is in each facet of our society. More than equity- it shows how voice, control and power work throughout systems and perpetuate problems year after year. I am pleased to report that the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) has not experienced this situation. Through all of this, our membership has steadily increased.
Aug. 9 is the deadline to to enter the #MaskResponsibly Art Contest!
The Please Stay, Play Distance & Mask Responsibly Art Contest is hosted by the Flagstaff Arts Council in collaboration with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. This contest promotes creativity while social distancing, reflection on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and drives awareness of important public health guidelines.
Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.