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…
Category: Commentary
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…
ECONA: A Labor Force on the Move
A century ago, the economic corridor in Northern Arizona was primarily made up of smaller economies – very separate and very different. Flagstaff was all about forestry; cattle dominated in Williams; and Winslow was created for the railroad (in fact,…
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future update for Oct. 17
In This Issue Support Open Space at Ft. Tuthill this Wednesday, 10/19 Timber Sky Development Approved by Planning & Zoning Commission – Could Mean More Workforce Housing for Flagstaff! Early Ballots Are Here! Check Out Our Local Voter Guide We’re Moving!…
KNAU update for Oct. 14
News: Final Presidential Debate October 19th Earth Notes: Reconciliation Ecology Brain Implant Restores Sense Of Touch To Paralyzed Man Tiny Fitness Trackers Reveal ‘Secret Life’ of Arctic Squirrels Bob Dylan, Titan Of American Music, Wins 2016 Nobel Prize In Literature…
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…
KNAU update for Sept. 30
PLEDGE DRIVE LITE ON NOW! Support the programs you love and Arizona Public Radio by going online to KNAU.org and donating now or by becoming a monthly sustaining member. We are at $116,000 of our $175,000 goal with one week left. Once we hit…
First Things First: Incorporate Art into STEM education at an early age
(CCC&Y Reminder: Flagstaff Festival of Science Begins Sept. 23) By Cynthia Pardo, First Things First Photo courtesy of First Things First Toddlers and preschoolers learn naturally by exploring and experimenting. What appears to adults as play is really forming and…
KNAU update for May 13
Earth Notes: Around Chaco Canyon, a Different Kind of Energy Boom Valley Fever Originated in Arizona Is America Engaged In A ‘Vicious Circle’ Of Jailing The Poor? Care Packages: How The U.S. Won Hearts Through Stomachs After WWII Elon Musk’s…
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future update for April 26
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future update for April 26 Click here to see the latest newsletter. Vote No on Prop 123 New Water Rates Earn Mixed Reviews from Flagstaff Water Group You’re Invited! Annual Meeting & Livable Community Award Ceremony, May 21 Michael Moore’s Where to…
ECONA: Dave Dirksen Takes Reins at FUSD
When it was announced in late February that Flagstaff Unified School District Superintendent Barbara Hickman would be leaving before the end of the school year to accept a post in the Colorado Department of Education, the FUSD governing board quickly…
Guest commentary: Thoughts on Spanish-Language Media
By Elliot Alford / Alford Law PLLC I have seen a few examples of the Spanish-language media reporting things in an inflammatory way. Recently, people asked me about children being deported through raids of schools. It is important to understand that the…
Early literacy starts before babies can talk
By Sam Leyvas / First Things First Every year, throughout March, classrooms across the nation celebrate the birthday of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss by hosting reading events for elementary school children. Did you know that early literacy starts way…
ECONA: Looking for Participants in the Vanpool Revolution
One of the keys to successful economic development in a rural area is having the infrastructure needed to get workers where they need to go. According to the U.S. Census, over 35% of Coconino County residents travel more than 50…
Like all skills, gratitude is best learned young
By Cynthia Pardo • First Things First FLAGSTAFF – As we enter the Thanksgiving season, it is the perfect time to teach young children a very important life lesson: gratitude. Barbara Lewis, author of What Do You Stand For? For Kids, says children as…
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.…
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”…
Guest commentary: More and more grandparents are helping raise the next generation
By First Things First The relationship between a child and a grandparent is a special bond. As the nation celebrated Grandparents’ Day this month, let’s take a look at those grandparents who are not only showering their grandkids with love,…
Guest commentary: First Things First’s Top 10 Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten
Summertime is a great opportunity to help kids prepare for their first day of kindergarten. Today’s schools expect 5-year-olds to arrive with basic academic and social skills so they are prepared on day one to start learning to read, write…
Guest commentary: Powdered alcohol
By Candice Koenker / Coconino County Public Health Services District, Tobacco and Chronic Disease Prevention program manager Palcohol is a powder that creates an alcoholic drink when mixed with water or other liquid. Recently the United States Alcohol and Tobacco…
Guest commentary: Cinco de Mayo — A battle for recognition
Editor’s note: AmigosNAZ welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of AmigosNAZ. By Dr. Lily Rivera / Guest contributor…
Coconino County Public Health Services District expands vital records services to include birth certificates mail application requests
By Jeff Lee / Coconino County Public Health Services District Program Manager II The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) has expanded its Vital Records Services to include mail application requests for birth certificates. Introduced in 2006, the CCPHSD…
Guest commentary: St. Patrick’s Day also a time to remember strong Irish-Mexican connection
Editor’s note: A timely re-posting of a 2013 column by Mona AlvaradoFrazier. Amigos publications wire report. By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor In my family we have a cousin born on St. Patrick’s Day and nieces of Irish and Mexican heritage, one who is…
Efforts to support in-state tuition for DREAMers set for March 10 at Flagstaff City Hall, March 11 at the Arizona Board of Regents meeting in Flagstaff
Community members also urged to sign petition supporting DREAMers AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council has signed a petition asking the Board of Regents to allow DREAMers to pay in-state tuition, the organization reported in a media…
Guest commentary: Discussion to approve sale of South Beaver School to NAU set for March 11
Editor’s note: AmigosNAZ welcomes guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of AmigosNAZ. By Ricardo Guthrie Dear All:…
Commentary: Hispanics more likely to believe humans causing climate change
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It was an interesting bit of political theater presented in Congress last week. Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe wandered onto the Senate floor during a discussion questioning the science behind climate change. “Do you know what this…
Guest commentary: Babies and toddlers need more reading time
A recent national study shows there’s good news and challenges when it comes to families reading daily with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The good news is parents recognize that reading with young children is important in developing language and literacy skills. The challenge…
Commentary: Arizona education legislation — Be heard with technology
(Hover over each photo to see a description) Request to Speak system allows public to comment on, follow bill status from home By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Ah yes, those rascals down in the state legislature in Phoenix have…
Guest commentary: Poor oral health takes a bite out of learning
When we think about getting kids ready for kindergarten, we talk about brain development and early literacy, but did you know that early oral health impacts early learning too? First Things First reminds communities that February is National Children’s Dental…
Commentary: Latino youth doing better in education, but are we?
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The news can be disconcerting for many of us who have been involved in one way or another in encouraging Latinos, and all young people, to succeed in education and life — high dropout rates in…
Health: Protect yourself, others from the flu
By Michelle McKay, RN, BSN / Coconino County Public Health Services District Immunization Program Manager Now that winter break has passed and students and parents are settling back into the normal routine, the Coconino County Public Health Services District is reminding the…
Finance / Finanzas: Medicare in Three Parts — Part A
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Medicare coverage consists of hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B) and prescription drug insurance (Part D). This article will address Part A coverage, including hospital care, skilled nursing facility care,…
Commentary: Educating the community
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ For as long as I can remember, I have always been involved in educational outreach efforts as I progressed through my career in journalism. As a young reporter I took part in panel presentations…
Bilingual commentary: Holiday Blessings Food Drive was a success!!
By Egle Rucci / Village Land Shoppe Inc. Our goal of feeding 10 Flagstaff Families has become a reality thanks to our incredible neighbors and neighborhood businesses! What a wonderful and unexpected treat this has been; to meet so many wonderful people with…
Health: Phone down, buckle up
By Shawn Thomas / Coconino County Public Health Services District Policy Analyst Have you ever run late for work? Perhaps to make up time, you began eating your bagel, applied last minute touches to your hair or makeup, fiddled with your…
Finance / Finanzas: Medicare — Introduction
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona This article offers an introduction to Medicare and is the first in a series of articles on this subject. What is Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for persons who are…
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future reminds community of opportunity for year-end donations
“Today is the last day of 2014 and thanks to the support of our members what a year it has been!,” Friends of Flagstaff’s Future reported in a media release. “We compiled a year-end review for you on our Facebook page. Please…
Guest commentary: Share holiday blessings with a Flagstaff family in need
By Egle Rucci / Village Land Shoppe Inc. My name is Egle Rucci, Realtor ® at Village Land Shoppe Inc, and together with Teresa Bolen at Prime Source Lending, we are pledging to sponsor families in need in our community this year…
Bilingual commentary: Helping young kids beat the holiday blues
December is crowded with activity and excitement, which can all be fun for young children, but may also have some unintended consequences: behavior changes. Toddlers and preschoolers can experience a myriad of emotions, including: anticipation of special activities and events;…
Guest commentary: Babysitter or an educator?
A tour of the Kith and Kin Project in Flagstaff By Cynthia Pardo / First Things First “Hay muchas cosas que devemos a aprender, como, escuchar a nuestros hijos, involucrarlos en todo para que aprendan a desenvolverse major,” said Ms.…
Commentary: Turning a dream into reality
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Wanted: Individuals wanting to turn their hobbies or dream into a thriving business. Requirements: Willing to take part in weekly small-business training sessions and willing to give time and effort to help other would-be…
Health: Food preparation safety key to successful holiday meals
By the Coconino County Public Health Services District As the holidays approach and families across the county make plans for gatherings, the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is stressing the importance of making food safety part of the…
Guest commentary: Like all skills, gratitude is best learned young
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is the perfect time to teach young children a very important life lesson: gratitude. Barbara Lewis, author of What Do You Stand For? For Kids, teaches us children as young as 2 are aware that other…
City of Flagstaff provides tips on flying from Flagstaff’s Airport during the holidays
FLAGSTAFF — The holidays often mean travel and air travel could mean longer lines, and crowds. The staff at Flagstaff’s Airport would like to make your travel plans as easy as possible with a few helpful tips, the City of Flagstaff…
Analysis: NAU helps fight student hunger
By Tony Salazar / AmigosNAZ intern Every year in America the price of higher education continues to rise at astronomical rates. This year alone for an incoming freshman at Northern Arizona University one can expect to pay about $25,000 as…
Commentary: La Plaza Vieja begins to define itself
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ When a developer proposed to build a multistory student housing project in the heart of Flagstaff’s La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood, local residents were a bit perturbed. How would the project affect the character of…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Beneficiaries (breadwinner and dependents)
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona In this article I will present a review of Social Security beneficiaries (the breadwinner and dependents) — who is eligible for what benefit, at what age, and the benefit amount.…
Commentary: Yes, our national nightmare is almost over. Voting Day is here
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The 2014 election season is rapidly coming to a close. Soon the repetitive television attack advertisements will cease and the growing forest of campaign signs on street corners will disappear — at least until…
Commentary: Join Unafraid Educators during National Educators Coming Out Day on Nov. 12
Hello, My name is Laura Longoria I am a student wanting to go to back to school, I am undocumented and unafraid. I want to thank all of you for all your support. With your support it gives me power…
Guest commentary: At Halloween, protect kids’ teeth. Prevent school absences
Did you know that tooth decay is among the most common health issues affecting young children, and that dental disease is one of the leading causes of school absence? The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates that almost half of…
Guest commentary: Full Circle Trade & Thrift is doing wonderful work in our community
By Roxana Cardiel De Niz / NAIC Interim Organizer In October, Full Circle Trade & Thrift’s proceeds will help support Flagstaff’s immigrant families. Northern Arizona Interfaith Council is part of a coalition of nonprofit organizations (Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the Northern Arizona…
Guest commentary: Tips for taking the fear out of Halloween for young kids
Halloween can be a fun time of year, but for infants, toddlers and preschoolers – who often can’t distinguish between fantasy and reality – scary experiences can ruin the holiday and create long-term fears. Below are tips for minimizing anxiety…
Commentary / Comentario: Full Circle to aid Dreamers
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Since its founding in 2013, Full Circle Trade and Thrift has awarded more than $150,000 to help creative, collaborative and results-oriented nonprofits in Flagstaff. Located at the corner of South Beaver Street and Phoenix…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security — Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Another important benefit offered by Social Security is Supplemental Security Income, commonly known as “SSI”. SSI, though administered by the Social Security Administration, is not funded by Social Security taxes…
Commentary / Comentario: The season of nutritional health
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ While this is the season for cultural events, it is also the time to start thinking about proper nutrition as students return to school and we prepare for the dreaded sweet and fat-laden holiday season. The…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Survivors benefits
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona Many people might not know that Social Security offers Survivors Benefits. These benefits, which function as a kind of life insurance, can provide family income after the breadwinner dies as…
Commentary / Comentario: Poore Clinic opens in Sunnyside
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Even with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, obtaining quality health care continues to be a challenge for many people. Whether it’s transportation issues due to a shortage of accessible neighborhood clinics, problems…
Finances / Finanzas: Social Security: Retirement benefits – Part 2
By David Parra / Associate state director — AARP Arizona In this article I will continue our conversation regarding retirement benefits, describing retiring at full retirement age and delaying retirement to a later age. We have stated that full retirement age ranges…
Guest commentary: Summer ideal time to prepare for Kindergarten success
By First Things First / Guest contributor While most students think of summer as a break from learning, for young kids entering kindergarten, summer is the ideal time to instill the skills that will make the transition to school smoother.…
Commentary / Comentario: Bringing excellence to education
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The ideas were almost bouncing off the walls, courtesy of giant Post-it notes and magic markers. • Convincing parents of the value of education from the minute their children make their first appearance in…