Celebraciones de la Gente in Flagstaff, Día de los Muertos events in Sedona, Winslow part of growing movement By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Soon the aroma of marigolds and copal incense will waft through the air, beckoning spirits to…
Category: cultura
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…
Mercado de Sueños / Dream Market to be held on Sept. 19 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU will present the Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at 2532 E. Seventh, near the corner of Fourth and 7th streets. Mercado de los…
September cover story / Portada: Hispanic Heritage Month coming fast
Events include salsa festival, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces First Friday Art Walk, and Hispanic independence celebrations in Sedona, Flagstaff By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It’s last-minute planning time for upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events in Northern Arizona. While the month is officially celebrated…
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…
Local / Locales
The Hispanic / Latino population of Northern Arizona University grew by 10 percent during the fall of 2014 compared to a year ago, university officials reported in a media release. According to unofficial enrollment figures released during the last week of…
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…
August cover story / Portada: Another challenging year for education
Officials seek to balance state budget cuts with creative options to improve education to meet state college, career and life-readiness standards By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ On what promised to be another toasty summer day in Flagstaff, children and…
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.…
Bilingual report: Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace to be held on July 18
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU will present 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, July 18. Mercado de los Sueños is a…
Free ‘Concert in the Park’ presented by Hermosa Vida to be held July 9 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Hermosa Vida will sponsor a free outdoor concert from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 at Bushmaster Park, 3150 N. Alta Vista, Flagstaff. The event is part of a series of concerts on…
July cover story / Portada: Education top issue for Hispanics
Higher tuition at NAU, CCC, cuts in programs at community college level pose challenges for first-generation students By Star Hunter / AmigosNAZ Immigration reform may lead in the headlines, but it’s not the top issue for Hispanics. According to Pew Research…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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: 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…
Commentary / Comentario: An opportunity to talk
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ For community policing, it’s a fine balance between gathering information to investigate crimes and maintaining trust with a segment of society that previously viewed law enforcement in other places with suspicion, if not downright…
Travel / Viajes: Deer or Los Matachines Dance at Taos Pueblo Festivities?
By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Speculation abounds among northern New Mexicans this time of year. Will the Deer Dance be performed at Taos Pueblo for the Christmas Day ceremonial dance? Or will it be Los Matachines…
Bilingual report: ‘Health Care Information Night’ to be held Nov. 19 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — A health care information night, with information presented primarily in Spanish, will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Restauración en Cristo Congregation, 624 S. O’Leary St. (en Spring Hill Baptist Church), Flagstaff. Have you had trouble…
Bilingual report: ‘Health Care Information Night’ to be held Nov. 21 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — A bilingual health care information night will be presented from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Killip Elementary School Library, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff. Have you had trouble getting health insurance? How does the…
“2013 Coconino County Community and Family Vitality Survey” now available in Spanish
FLAGSTAFF — The Laboratory for Applied Social Research (LASR) at Northern Arizona University is conducting a survey to better understand the community’s “capacity to live, grow, and develop with a purposeful existence.” It was announced this week that the survey will…
Community enjoys opening night at 10th annual Celebraciones de la Gente
AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Despite of some last-minute excitement regarding an under-renovation courtyard, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona successfully celebrated opening night for museum members of the 10th anniversary of Celebraciones de la Gente on Oct.…
Bilingual commentary: Residents begin first of many battles
By Roxana Cardiel De Niz and Anamaria Velasco Ortiz The community at Arrowhead Village Trailer Park in the center of Flagstaff is on the verge of being destroyed over a student housing development. This project is one that Landmark Properties,…
Commentary / Comentario: Making the case for ethnic studies
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ As he surveyed the room, Sean Arce hit the play button and the video kicked in on the screen. Students, high school students, could be seen on the video rushing to sit and chain…
Travel / Viajes: The charms Rancho de Chimayó
By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Pale pink, lighter than the color of ballet slippers, is not a color that I expect to find in a Mexican restaurant. Yet I am sitting outdoors at a table dressed…
October Cover Story / Portada: A celebration of culture, families
Celebraciones de la Gente returns to Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 26-27 By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ As Armando Gonzalez and Theresa Thomas tell it, about a dozen years ago Flagstaff’s Latino community seemed on the verge of…
Folklorico dance groups from Oaxaca perform locally courtesy of Ballet Folklórico de Colores — Flagstaff, sponsors
FLAGSTAFF — Ballet Folklórico de Colores — Flagstaff presented a free performance by Grupo Folklorico de Oaxaca Asociación Civil, directora Teresa Ochoa, and Compañía de Danza Regional de Puebla, director Jorge Armando Castenada, on Sept. 19, 2013 at Sinagua Middle School Auditorium…
Flagstaff City Council to vote Oct. 1 on resolution supporting comprehensive immigration reform
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council will vote on Tuesday, Oct. 1 on a resolution supporting comprehensive immigration reform. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. Nearly…
Bilingual report: Colombian musical trio Hojarasca to perform on Oct. 1 at NAU’s Native American Cultural Center
FLAGSTAFF — A concert of contemporary Andean music by the Colombian musical trio Hojarasca will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Gathering Room of the Native American Cultural Center (building #14), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. This trio,…
Area residents enjoy the outdoors with return of Camp Moreno
Click on the image to see a slideshow from Camp Moreno at Sunset Crater. Pause on photo to see a caption. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — A brief rain and hail storm hit the O’Leary Group campground at Sunset Crater…
Bilingual report: ‘Deferred Action Application Drive’ to be held Sept. 28
FLAGSTAFF — NO DREAM DEFERRED will present a “Deferred Action Application Drive” on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff. Held in collaboration with Arizona DREAMers in Action. Contact 810-373-2691 if you have questions about…
Our Lady of Guadalupe community family photo scanning day to be held Sept. 29
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, in cooperation with other community groups, will present a “Community Historic Family Photo Scanning Day” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cultural Center — “The Basement,” 224…
Ballet Folklórico de Colores to present folklorico dance groups from Oaxaca on Sept. 19
FLAGSTAFF — Ballet Folklórico de Colores — Flagstaff will present a free* dance performance by Grupo Folklorico de Oaxaca Asociación Civil, directora Teresa Ochoa, and Compañía de Danza Regional de Puebla, director Jorge Armando Castenada, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday,…
Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to hold special meeting on Sept. 18
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will hold a special meeting to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the under renovation Our Lady of Guadalupe Cultural Center — “The Basement,” 224 So.…
Reminder: Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces fundraiser all day at Someburros! on Sept. 16
Have a great meal and support a good cause For every meal purchased through 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, Someburros! will donate 20 percent of the proceeds to the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces Heritage Fund for use in the renovation of…
Al Hurricane entertains the crowd at the 2013 Coconino County Fair
Click on the image to see a slideshow from the performance. Hover over each image to see a description. By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ With half the band stuck in a major traffic jam on Interstate 40 near Holbrook,…
September Cover Story / Portada: Bringing a historic legacy back to life
Renovation begins at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cultural Center — ‘The Basement’ By Star Hunter / AmigosNAZ It started out as a casual comment during a meeting: “The Father wants to see if the group wanted to help renovate the…
Commentary / Comentario: Starting school off right
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It was Aug. 21, nearly one month after the start of school and the annual W.F. Killip Elementary School open house was in full swing in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Flagstaff. It seemed like…
Local / Locales
Following a thorough review and input from community stakeholders, the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) will continue to offer dental clinic services for the public, Coconino County officials reported in a media release. The CCPHSD Dental Clinic offers…
Travel / Viajes: Spain pilgrimage draws seekers
By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Discovery is what I love most about traveling. When I have a tentative agenda, I have time to stumble upon new places. Once on foreign soil, I seek out events or…
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates culture with picnic / dance
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces presented its annual “Hispanic Pioneer Reunion” on Aug. 24, 2013 at Fort Tuthill County Park, following by a dance featuring Tejano Music Award nominees Grupo XS at the American Legion in Flagstaff. Click on the image to see…
Cover Story / Portada: Sunnyside continues to build a strong community
Organizers say much work remains to keep area heading in right direction By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Maybe it’s a case that success breeds complacency — that the hard work has already been done and there is no urgency…
Commentary / Comentario: Youth and our future
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ We must provide all young people with the tools they need to succeed in school along with career opportunities so they can become a key part of the region’s vibrant economy. Part one of…
Cover Story / Portada: Area food providers working to feed region’s need
Feeding the hungry remains a year-round challenge for many groups By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Holiday canned food drives, free turkey dinners and other events during the winter months are how most people see the issue of hunger in America. Make…
Travel / Viajes: ‘Gucci’ camping on the Inca Trail
By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer The remote ruins of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru, can be reached by train. However, the hardy – may I add fool-hardy? – prefer the road less…