Author: AmigosNAZ.com

AmigosNAZ. Providing information for and about the vibrant Latino community in Northern Arizona — Bringing Cultures together by Sharing Information. Frank X. Moraga, editor / publisher of AmigosNAZ, a division of Shooting Star Communications LLC in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Flagstaff holds Virgin of Guadalupe Celebration

  FLAGSTAFF — The annual Virgin of Guadalupe Celebration was held Dec. 11 and 12 in Flagstaff. The event included a procession from Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church to San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, followed by a mass…

Perspectives: Election 2016

Editor’s note: Every now and again, the fates conspire to create situations that are unexpected, shocking and challenging. The results of the 2016 presidential election are a perfect example. The protests each night in the nation’s cities since election day, never before…

NAU students get hands-on lesson on making tamales

    FLAGSTAFF — It’s not only the aroma of roasting turkey that will soon be in the air. Tamales of all kinds will soon be cooking in large metal pots across Northern Arizona. Hoping to get a head start…

Our Voice: Latino voting 2016 — From facts to action

Editor’s note: Well, that was easy. Opened up my early ballot form, selected my candidates and propositions, sealed it and dropped it off at the local election office. Your turn! By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ One sentence stands out among all the…

NAU students present inaugural Día de los Muertos celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center

  FLAGSTAFF — With dancers from Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, music by Mariachi de NAU and a surprise procession to conclude the evening, student club members from Northern Arizona University celebrated their inaugural Día de los Muertos / Day…

The lighting of the ofrendas greet museum members during 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente reception

  From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — It is always a special feeling when Museum of Northern Arizona members walk in the Jaime Major Golightly Historic Courtyard to view the flickering of hundreds of candles during the opening night reception of Celebraciones de la…

Cultural performances, lectures and activities greet visitors on first day of 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente

  From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Amid unseasonable warm weather, the 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente got to an auspicious start with families lining up to take part in a sugar skull workshop before heading to attend dance and…

Region celebrates second day of 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente

  From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Children, and their parents, began the day decorating sugar skulls with activities progressing to musical and dance performances and educational programs during the second day of the 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente. The sugar…

Northern Arizona community honors memories of families with closing ceremony at 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente

  From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — All good things must come to an end and so it was for the 13th annual Celebraciones de la Gente, presented on Oct. 23, 2016 by the Museum of Northern Arizona and Flagstaff Nuestras…

Participants create sugar skulls ahead of Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead celebrations

  Photos by Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ©2016 Workshop held at basement of Our Lady of Guadalupe FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces presented a sugar skull-making workshop Oct. 7 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center in Flagstaff. Community members…

Deadline nears to get your advertising orders in for the November-December AmigosNAZ print edition

Hello everyone, Time to reserve your advertising space for the November-December AmigosNAZ print edition. We are accepting advertisements for full-page, half-page, quarter-page and business card-size advertisements, all in color, with advertisements appearing in our e-newsletter and daily on our website,…

Flagstaff Communicators to present ‘Your Social U’ on Oct. 13

It’s time to get your business on social media! with the Flagstaff Communicators Boost your business! One lucky participant will be chosen to receive a LIVE profile set-up/review on social media from our team of experts. Flagstaff Communicators luncheon presentation from…

Want a free link to your business’ or organization’s website? Sign up to be a distribution point for AmigosNAZ

The Hispanic Heritage Month special newsprint edition of AmigosNAZ is now available in a growing number of locations throughout Northern Arizona. Want a free link to your business’ or organization’s website? Sign up to be a distribution point for AmigosNAZ…

City of Flagstaff seeking nominations for City Manager’s employee Excellence Awards

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is accepting nominations for the City Manager’s Excellence Awards until Oct. 1, 2016. While every employee strives to provide high-quality customer service, there are some employees who exceed the expectation in service delivery and customer…

Hispanic Heritage Month special newsprint edition of AmigosNAZ now available throughout the region

The Hispanic Heritage Month special newsprint edition of AmigosNAZ is now available in a number of locations throughout Northern Arizona. Please see our list of growing distribution locations below. Also, send an email to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com if you wish to become a distribution…

Flag Tech Talk to present: ‘LinkedIn Tips & Tricks’ on Sept. 21

FLAGSTAFF —  Flag Tech Talk will present a discussion on “LinkedIn Tips & Tricks” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Bookmans, Flagstaff. Presented by Joe Bodin of Reliable Web Designs. Are you taking advantage of the top professional social media network?  LinkedIn has a wealth…

AmigosNAZ to publish Hispanic Heritage Month Special Edition

  FLAGSTAFF — AmigosNAZ is accepting advertising orders and local community news for its Hispanic Heritage Month Special Edition. While many think of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 through Oct. 15) as a time to attend cultural celebrations, it is also…

Tardeada’s Mariachi Mass returns to Flagstaff

  FLAGSTAFF — The spirits soared in keeping with the inspiring voices and music when Mariachi Sol Azteca from Tucson performed a Mariachi Mass on Sunday, June 26 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church in Flagstaff. Presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the group…

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates ‘2016 Summertime Tardeada’

FLAGSTAFF — Even a little rain could not deter the celebrants and entertainers at the third annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” held Saturday, June 25 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the event…

FUSD Superintendent Hickman taking position in Colorado

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Unified School District Superintendent Barbara Hickman has accepted a position as associate commissioner for quality instruction at the Colorado Department of Education, the department reported in a media release this week. Hickman has been recognized nationally for building career…

Winslow community comes out to support Día de los Muertos

WINSLOW — Día de los Muertos returned to Winslow with a display of altars / ofrendas, sugar skull and paper flower-making workshops and performances by Winslow Ballet Folklorico on Nov. 1, 2015 at the Snowdrift Art Space. The third annual celebration…

MEChA de NAU to celebrate Día de Los Muertos on Nov. 7

FLAGSTAFF — MEChA de NAU will present its annual Día de Los Muertos procession and celebration starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the NAU Union Amphitheatre. The procession will then proceed to the Murdock Center, 205 E. Brannen Ave.,…

Snowdrift Art Space to present 2015 Día de los Muertos Celebration in Winslow on Nov. 1

WINSLOW — The Snowdrift Art Space, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Winslow Arts Trust will present the annual Día de los Muertos Celebration from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 at 120 W. Second Street on Historic Route 66/Second Street in the heart…

Celebraciones de la Gente 2015 comes to a festive conclusion

FLAGSTAFF — The 12th annual Celebraciones de la Gente came to a festive and fitting conclusion on Sunday Oct. 25 with the traditional blessing of the ofrendas / altars by In Tlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers, music by Mariachi Mexico Antiguo and the…

12th annual Celebraciones de la Gente opens to the public on Oct. 24 for two-day celebration of Día de los Muertos

FLAGSTAFF — Final preparations were completed by Friday afternoon with the hanging of strings of papel picado and the adornment of nearly two dozen altars at the Museum of Northern Arizona as Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces prepared for the 12th annual Celebraciones de…

Sunset Magazine lists Celebraciones as one its its ‘“The West’s best Day of the Dead celebrations’

Sunset Magazine included Celebraciones de la Gente in Flagstaff as one of its “The West’s best Day of the Dead celebrations.” “The festival features the usual handicrafts, altars, and music, but with a hint of the Old West, thanks to the…

Guest commentary: Thoughts on the U-Visa

By Elliot Alford / Alford Law PLLC Firstly, let me share this link which provides almost all of the practical information one would need to decide if they had a U-Visa-eligible situation and how to apply: Click here for Nonimmigrant Eligibility information.…

Flu Season has arrived in Coconino County

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) officials have announced that several cases of influenza have recently been confirmed in the county. All are recovering. This marks the beginning of the 2015-16 flu season in Coconino County. Coconino County Public Health…

Plaza Vieja residents urged to attend Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Specific Plan public hearing on Oct. 20 at the Flagstaff City Council

FLAGSTAFF — Plaza Vieja residents are urged to attend the Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Specific Plan public hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 20 at the Flagstaff city council. Click here for the Oct. 20 Flagstaff City Council draft agenda. Several city commissions have…

Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Specific Plan public hearing set for Oct. 13, 20

FLAGSTAFF — The Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Specific Plan is up for review by various City Commissions and Advisory Committees and public hearings with the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council this Fall. Several City Commissions have offered feedback on the La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Plan, which…

NAU issues statement on Oct. 9 shooting on Flagstaff campus. Click here for other media coverage

FLAGSTAFF — Four people were shot at the Northern Arizona University campus in Flagstaff, early Friday, university officials reported in a media release. According to the Northern Arizona University Police Department, the four victims included one dead, and three wounded. The…

Guest commentary: An Attempt to Dispel Myths About Immigration Law

By Elliot Alford / Alford Law PLLC There are many commonly-held misconceptions concerning the US immigration world. Below I will list some of these and attempt to explain-away their influence. It is possible for a lawyer or document-preparer to have a “connection”…

Tickets available for annual Celebraciones de la Gente raffle

  Tickets ($10 each) are now available for the annual Celebraciones de la Gente raffle presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. The raffle will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25 during the 12th annual Celebraciones de la Gente / Día de los…

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces prepares for Sugar Skull workshops

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces has begun preparations for its annual Sugar Skull workshops on Oct. 24-25 at the Museum of Northern Arizona and Nov. 1 at the Snowdrift Art Space in Winslow. The group has already created an estimated 100…

12th annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be held Oct. 24-25 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF —The In Tlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers and Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff will return to Northern Ariziona when the community celebrates the 12th annual Celebraciones de la Gente, a lively Day of the Dead festival Oct. 24 and 25,…

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to present sugar skull-making workshop on Oct. 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Cultural Center

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present a sugar skull-making workshop as part of its monthly First Friday art event at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Cultural Center, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. Participants will learn…

Flagstaff Planning and Zoning to take up La Plaza Vieja and a major plan amendment on Sept. 23

FLAGSTAFF — The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on the La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood Specific Plan and on a major plan amendment to the Road Network Illustration in the Flagstaff Regional Plan, the City of Flagstaff reported this…

Hispanic Heritage Month in Northern Arizona gets off to a musical start

From Folklorico dances to lectures and comedy performances, region gearing up for festive month By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Hispanic Heritage Month is here, with festivities beginning with a folklorico dance performance and continuing through October with lectures, a comedy performance…

12th annual Fiesta de Independencia to be held Sept. 20 at Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños

FLAGSTAFF — The 12th annual Fiesta de Independencia will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 at the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños, 2532 E. 7th Ave., Flagstaff. The Mexican Consulate of Phoenix will perform…

Fiestas Patrias celebration to be held Sept. 16 at Sinagua Middle School

FLAGSTAFF — Ballet Folklorico de Colores of Flagstaff and Compañia de Danza Reginal de Puebla will present a Fiestas Patrias celebration from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday,  Sept. 16 at Sinagua Middle School. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Ballet Folklorico de…

Basic Business Empowerment entrepreneurship course continues through Nov. 24

FLAGSTAFF — The next Basic Business Empowerment (BBE) program, a classroom-based business development course, will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 24, at the Coconino County Health and Community Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff (1 block East…

Local artist Gerardo Alvarado Vidal to be featured at monthly ‘3rd Fridays at Sunnyside Market of Dreams’ on Aug. 21

FLAGSTAFF — Local artist Gerardo Alvarado Vidal will be featured at the 3rd Friday at the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños marketplace from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 at at 2532 E. 7th Ave., at the Southwest corner of…

Sunnyside Vision Coalition Meeting to be held on Aug. 27

FLAGSTAFF — Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona has plans to work with Sunnyside residents for years to come. “Our aim is to support residents toward goals for their families and community,” the organization reported in a media release. “We invite…

Education training for Spanish-speaking parents to be held Aug. 19-21 in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Chicanos Por La Causa Inc., in partnership with Abriendo Puertas / Opening Doors and the Helios Foundation, will present A Training of Trainers! program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 through 21 at the Flagstaff Family Resource Center, 4000 N. Cummings…

Read On Flagstaff seeking families in Sunnyside neighborhood

FLAGSTAFF — “Read On Flagstaff,” a literacy project within the larger Read On Arizona network of organizations and agencies, is seeking families in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Flagstaff to participate in the program. A Collaborative Literacy Project facilitated by the United Way…

Radio Sunnyside in need of PSA reading volunteers, now streaming online

FLAGSTAFF — Community Radio station KSZN-Flagstaff 101.5 FM, Radio Sunnyside is in need of volunteers to record Public Service Announcements, underwriting, legal I.Ds and promotional spots. Radio Sunnyside, which went on the air, May 30, is Flagstaff’s first listener-sponsored Community Radio station to acquire…

Planning begins for Childhood Education Conference in Holbrook on Oct. 24

HOLBROOK — Community organizations are invited to participate as a exhibitor or vendor at the Childhood Education Conference on Saturday, Oct. 24 in Holbrook, conference committee organizers reported recently in a media release. “Our conference has grown in size and…

Volunteers needed for Suddenlink’s / Chamber’s ‘Flagstaff Teachers Supply Drive’ Aug. 5 through 8

By AmigosNAZ staff reports Final preparations are being made but volunteers are urgently needed for the upcoming Flagstaff Teachers Supply Drive. “All systems are go for the fourth annual Suddenlink / Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Teachers Supply Drive on August 5-8,…

Flagstaff Police Department, FUSD announce arrest made regarding series of threatening telephone calls last spring

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The Flagstaff Police Department and the Flagstaff Unified School District announced late Tuesday that an arrest has been made regarding a series of threatening telephone calls last spring to a number of schools within the…

CCC Governing Board launches presidential search

Move follows the selection of Veronica Hipolito as the CCC Interim President FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Community College District Governing Board Chair Patricia Garcia on July 8 announced that the search for CCC’s next president has begun. The CCC District Governing…

Flagstaff Back to School Fair to be held at Flagstaff Family Food Center on July 11

The Flagstaff Back to School Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 11 at the Flagstaff Family Food Center — Food Bank and Kitchen, 1903 N. Second St., Flagstaff. Sponsored by the Flagstaff Family Food Center, the second annual event will feature more…

Flagstaff honors Independence Day with annual parade

AmigosNAZ staff reports Local residents and visitors from around the state arrived early in Flagstaff to get a good vantage point for the annual 4th of July Parade held in downtown. A crowd estimated at 15,000 by some accounts lined…