By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Social Security provides several benefits, including retirement, disability and survivor benefits, among others. Regarding beneficiaries, some relatives of the eligible person (spouses, former spouses, children and even parents) could also…
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.
Mariachi Mass brings community together at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — With heavenly mariachi music coming from above, more than 150 people took part in a special Mariachi Mass held on Sunday, June 29 at Our Lady of Guadalupe…
Inaugural ‘Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada and Oldies Car Show’ on June 28 draws larger than expected crowds
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Organizers of the inaugural “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada and Oldies Car Show” on June 28 were hoping all their hard advance work would pay off and bring in…
Literacy fair at Killip Elementary School helps youth, parents get right start on education
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Community leaders read to young people, parents and others spoke about the value of education, while youth took part in a variety of activities including exercise programs and…
Mercado de Sueños celebrates its grand opening on June 20. Next event is July 18
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Music, food and plenty of arts and crafts could be found at the inaugural Mercado de Sueños / Dream Marketplace, which celebrated its grand opening on June 20…
Student housing project at Arrowhead Village fails to pass Zoning Commission. Issue heads to City Council on July 1, 2
FLAGSTAFF — A zoning change for a proposed 650-student housing project — known as “The Standard” — at the Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park was unanimously rejected on June 25 by the Flagstaff Zoning and Planning Commission. The recommendation by…
Beloved NAU music alumnus dies tragically
FLAGSTAFF — Germán Andrés Aguilar, an exceptionally talented and much-loved music graduate of Northern Arizona University, collapsed and died on June 7, 2014, while performing in Florence, Italy, with California State University, Long Beach’s Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir under the…
Discussion continues on ‘The Standard’ student housing. Next meeting on June 25
AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Multiple meetings in early June raised as many questions as answers regarding a proposed student housing project on the site of the current Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park in west Flagstaff. Residents of the Plaza Vieja neighborhood…
Bilingual report: Tardeada (June 28), Mariachi Mass (June 29) coming to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center will present the inaugural “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada and Oldies Car Show” from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 28 at Our Lady of Guadalupe…
First Friday Art Walk returns to Our Lady of Guadalupe Cultural Center
AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — From ceramic cups, bowls and crosses, to colorful watercolor works featuring horses, visitors had a chance to experience a variety of art during the second Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk celebration held at Our Lady…
Local author publishes ‘Spiritual Walking Guide: León to Santiago’
FLAGSTAFF — People setting out on The Way of St. James, or El Camino de Santiago in northern Spain made famous by the Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez movie “The Way,” now have a book, which guides them along the pathways…
Bilingual report: Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace to hold grand opening on June 20
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU announce the grand opening of the Mercado de los Sueños/Dream Marketplace with local artists, live music, local vendors and diverse multi-cultural artisans and crafters from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 20 Mercado de los…
Bilingual report: Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss ‘The Standard’ student housing development on June 11
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 to hold a public hearing on a zoning map change for the proposed “The Standard,” a controversial student housing development on the site of…
Bilingual report: No Dream Deferred Action application drive to be held June 14
FLAGSTAFF — The No Dream Deferred Action application drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff, organizers reported in a media release. Required documents include: Birth certificate…
June cover story / Portada: Artistic, cultural events coming to region
First Friday Art Walk, Spanish guitar, flamenco concerts and Tardeada celebrations filling out the calendar schedule By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The threat of frost is rapidly dwindling, the weather is warming up and everyone seems ready to enjoy…
Commentary / Comentario: Thank you, Firefighters!!!
By Frank X. Moraga and Star Hunter / AmigosNAZ The banners near the freeway onramps at Kachina Boulevard seem to say it all. “THANK YOU FIREFIGHTERS! From Coconino County & the Communities of Oak Creek, Kachina Village, Mountainaire, Forest Highlands…
Local / Locales
The City of Flagstaff has entered Stage 2 of Fire Restrictions, officials reported in a media release. As a result: No permits are issued for open burning within the City of Flagstaff; use of charcoal barbecue grills is prohibited throughout…
Health / Salud: Vaccinations: An important way to protect children
Editor’s note: The following commentary is provided by the Coconino County Public Health Services District. By Michelle McKay, RN, BSN / Coconino County Public Health Services District Immunization Program manager Through advances in medicine and vaccinations, potentially deadly illnesses and…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: What is it?
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona The United States has two main retirement-related programs, namely Medicare and Social Security. The first provides access to medical care, while the second provides an economic benefit. This article will…
Sunnyside celebrates 19th annual Fiesta de Mayo
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff Inc. celebrated its 19th annual Fiesta de Mayo on May 17 and 18, 2014 in Flagstaff, AZ. The celebration this year was relocated from Ponderosa Park to the in the Greenlaw Village Shopping Center…
Flagstaff celebrates 2014 Armed Forces Day Parade
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff, classic car owners and other supporters of active duty military and veterans joined in supporting Armed Forces Day Parade, held Saturday, May 17, 2014 in downtown Flagstaff, AZ. The theme…
City of Flagstaff announces public review process for ‘The Standard’ student housing development
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff on May 14 announced the public review process for “The Standard,” a controversial student housing development on the site of the current Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park in west Flagstaff. The multi-story, 650-student housing project proposed…
NAU students celebrate with 2014 Hispanic Convocation / Graduación Hispana
Hover over each image to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — Hundreds of students participated in the annual Hispanic Convocation / Graduación Hispana held on May 8, 2014 at Northern Arizona University. The event featured opening remarks by Mistress of Ceremony…
Market on the Move makes successful stop in Flagstaff
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Market on the Move, a farmer’s market-style program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, made a successful return…
Our Lady of Guadalupe Cultural Center celebrates inaugural First Friday Art Walk
Hover over each image above to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF – Visitors had the opportunity to look over paintings and jewelry by local artists and tour the progress of renovation at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church…
Public turns out in mass — in red — for talk on resident displacement ordinance
Hover over each image above to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — In an effort to address future issues like the proposed multi-story student housing development at the current site of the Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park, more than…
‘Market on the Move’ comes to Flagstaff on May 7
FLAGSTAFF — Market on the Move, a farmer’s market-style program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, is coming to Flagstaff from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 at Killip…
Northern Arizona Interfaith Council to meet May 8 at Killip Elementary School
FLAGSTAFF — NAIC will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff. “We will be continuing to meet the second Thursday of the month for our general leaders meetings. Our…
May cover story / Portada: Teens get ready for tough job market
Classes on filling out job applications, interview techniques prepare youth for competitive summer job season By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It looked like a typical classroom with adult speakers talking in front of a group of teens. But…
Commentary / Comentario: A education in redevelopment
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Developers of a proposed student housing project near downtown Flagstaff most likely expected relatively smooth sailing when they first approached city staff with their proposal last summer as they sought to re-zone the seven-acre…
Local / Locales
Market on the Move, a program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, is coming to Flagstaff on Wednesday, May 7 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff. Community…
Health / Salud: The Affordable Care Act: Closed door, opened door
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona After six months of opportunity to obtain health coverage through the new health insurance marketplace created by the Department of Health and Human Services, as part of the Patient Protection…
Bilingual report: First Friday Art Walk comes to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on May 2
FLAGSTAFF — First Friday Art Walk comes to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2 at 224 So. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. Visit the basement to see works by local artists…
Bilingual report: ‘Southside Celebration of History and Culture’ to be held May 2 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — The “Southside Celebration of History and Culture” will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2 at the South Beaver School Gym, 506 So. Beaver St. A collaboration of Northern Arizona University’s College of Social & Behavioral…
NAU concludes final week of Immigration Awareness Month
Hover over each image above to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University concluded “Immigration Awareness Month” with a discussion on national security at the border, a court case against a journalist reporting on refugee migration from Central America and…
NAU presents Week 3 of Immigration Awareness Month
Hover over each image above to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — Week three of ‘Immigration Awareness Month’ began with the student presentation on ‘Experiences at the Border’ on April 14, 2014 at Northern Arizona University. Scheduled speakers included Sara Larsen, Sarah Salmon,…
Resident Displacement Ordinance up for discussion at Flagstaff City Council on April 29
FLAGSTAFF — In an effort to address future potential housing issues like the proposed multi-story student housing development at the current site of the Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park, the Flagstaff City Council is schedule to hold its first public…
Bilingual report: ‘8 Latin American One-Act Plays in Spanish!’ to be performed April 25, 26 at Coconino High School
FLAGSTAFF — ‘8 Latin American One-Act Plays in Spanish!’ will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at Coconino High School, 2801 No. Izabel St., Flagstaff, in the mini Auditorium. The plays are presented by students of…
Arrowhead Village public meetings to be held April 21, 23
FLAGSTAFF — The first in a series of follow-up public meetings for the proposed student housing project at the Arrowhead Village trailer park in Flagstaff will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 21 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 1175 W. Route…
Immigration Awareness Month concludes this week at NAU
FLAGSTAFF – Week four of Immigration Awareness Month at Northern Arizona University will open with a discussion by Linda Green, director for Latin American Studies at the University of Arizona, on “Liberalism, National Security and Migration: Notes from the Border-lands of the…
Week three of Immigration Awareness Month continues at NAU
FLAGSTAFF – Week three of Immigration Awareness Month at Northern Arizona University will open with “Environmental Consequences of Border Security,” will be presented by Latin American Studies and No More Deaths — NAU at noon Monday, April 14 at HLC 2403. The…
Tickets now on sale for 7th annual ‘Dancing Across Borders’ fundraiser on April 26
FLAGSTAFF — Advance purchase tickets ($15) for the 7th annual “Dancing Across Borders” fundraiser are now available at www.latindancecollective.com Tickets are $20 at the door. The event benefits No More Deaths / No Más Muertes, which provides families and individuals crossing the perilous…
Week 2 of Immigration Awareness Month presented at NAU
Hover over each image above to see a description. FLAGSTAFF – Week two of “Immigration Awareness Month” opened on April 8 with the presentation “Humanitarian Activism on the Border,” featuring a discussion by John Fife on “Getting in the Way:…
NAU launches Week 1 of Immigration Awareness Month
Hover over each image above to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — Immigration Awareness Month began on Tuesday, April 1 with the return of West Cosgrove of the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, AZ as he discussed the causes of the…
NAU, students and community celebrate César Chávez Day of Service
Hover over each image above to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — A record of more than 100 people took part in the annual César Chávez March and Day of Service held on March 29, 2014 in Flagstaff, AZ. Activities began on…
Northern Arizona Institutions for Community Leadership to hold leaders meeting on April 10 at Killip Elementary School
FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Institutions for Community Leadership will hold a leaders meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E 6th Ave., Flagstaff. “We’ll be talking education, police, housing, and more, so please…
Week two of Immigration Awareness Month opens on April 8 at NAU
FLAGSTAFF – Week two of Immigration Awareness Month at Northern Arizona University will open with “Humanitarian Activism on the Border,” featuring a discussion by John Fife on “Getting in the Way: Resistance Movements to Death on the Border,” presented by Latin…
April cover story / Portada: Immigration awareness events return to NAU
Activities expand to entire month of April at the university By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ During an interview last year, Robert Neustadt said it would be up to the students to decide if they want to carry on “Immigration…
Commentary: ‘National Day of Action’ on April 5 — Calling for an end to deportations
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Saturday, April 5 could go down as one of the low-lights for the Obama Administration regarding its handling of immigration. On that day, the administration is expected to deport its 2 millionth person, according…
Local / Locales
A group of Northern Arizona University researchers focused on sustainable practices, geography and earth sciences found something unexpected during their work in Central America: the effects of drug trafficking are leaving deep scars on a sensitive landscape. They call the…
Health / Salud: Considering a tattoo – do your homework
Editor’s note: The following commentary is provided by the Coconino County Public Health Services District. By Marlene Gaither / Coconino County Public Health Services District Environmental Health Program program manager The practice of tattooing dates back thousands of years. Today, 21…
Bilingual report: NAU to present César Chávez Celebration March 28 through 31
FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona University College of Social & Behavioral Sciences’ Civic Service Institute presents a César Chávez Celebration starting with a “César Chávez Blood Drive” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 28 at the Du Bois —…
Bilingual report: NAU’s Theatre Department to present Federico Garcia Lorca’s ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ in Winslow from March 28 through April 6
WINSLOW — Northern Arizona University’s Theatre Department will perform Federico Garcia Lorca’s “The House of Bernarda Alba” from March 28 through April 6 in a rare, site-specific performance on the grounds of the historic La Posada Hotel and Gardens, 303…
March cover story / Portada: Health-care enrollment deadline nears
March 31 is the deadline for signing up under the Affordable Care Act By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The days are counting down until the end of the open enrollment period on March 31 for the Health Insurance Marketplace…
Commentary / Comentario: Si se (something)!
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The first time I saw him was during a march for farmworkers rights in the early 1980s. I was a novice community college photojournalism student and we had decided to cover his protest march…
Local / Locales
The City of Flagstaff reports that the Army Corps of Engineers has allocated $1.6 million for the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project. “We have worked tirelessly to secure funding for the Rio de Flag flood control project. Part of…
Health / Salud: The origins of public health
Editor’s note: The following commentary is provided by the Coconino County Public Health Services District. By Angela Horvath / Coconino County Public Health Services District Policy Analyst In the mid-1800s, a deadly epidemic of cholera broke out in cities worldwide. The…
Health / Salud: Imagining a better health-care system
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Life is most enjoyable when you are healthy. A simple headache alters your mood, and a more serious illness can make life miserable for us and our families. Our health…
Vacations / Vacaciones: How to have a safe spring break experience
By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Each spring millions of students from high school and college embark on a pilgrimage to a vacation locale of their choice and proceed to kick up their heels and relax. For some students, the vacation…
Coconino Community College to celebrate National TRiO Day on Feb. 22
U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick to speak on CCC’s Lone Tree campus FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College is celebrating National TRiO Day on Saturday, Feb. 22 with keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, the college reported in a media release. National…