Category: Cultural

United Way of Northern Arizona — Getting Your Donations Where They Are Needed Most

At the heart of the United Way of Northern Arizona’s grant process is the Community Investment (CI) Fund, a volunteer-driven process that invests your donations into the proven programs, partnerships and initiatives that are changing lives in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties every day.

There are currently 37 community volunteers participating in one of seven Community Investment Teams spread throughout northern Arizona.

This year, their review process is a little different.

Typically, UWNA disburses one-year grants to our partners, but in 2021, we chose to make two-year commitments to each of the the 42 programs supported through your donations, with an initial grant given last year and a “renewal” grant awarded this year.

That change gave our partners a little more stability and the opportunity to plan out beyond one year.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ‘Is Your Team Speaking the Same Language?’ and more news

Youth recently talked to a CEO of a youth-serving organization who is onboarding several new employees. He was pleased to know that CCC&Y had resources to ensure all staff could be trained in trauma-informed practices. We shared our list of on-demand webinars, and our CEO partner is now ensuring they are incorporated into the onboarding protocol.

With Child Abuse Prevention Month approaching in April, CCC&Y would love to support you to ensure all staff have the tools they need to become trauma-informed. CCC&Y has on-demand webinars on our website www.coconinokids.org. In addition, training topics can be provided to your organization on a day and time that work for the staff. Training is conducted either virtually or in person and is tailored to meet the needs of specific groups within Coconino County.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — A Changing of the Guard

It is the end of one era – and the beginning of a new one.

Chris Bavasi, who was instrumental in the formation of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona and served as the Chairman of its Executive Board since it began in 2010, stepped down from this post earlier this month. He will remain on the board, however, as a lifetime emeritus member.

Joshua Maher, Northern Arizona University’s Associate Vice President for Community Relations, has now stepped into the chairman’s role with Heidi Hansen, the City of Flagstaff’s Economic Vitality Director, serving as vice chair. Joe Barba, Director of Government Relations at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is our Secretary, while Steve Eiss, Vice President, Construction & Real Estate Development for Northern Arizona Healthcare is our Treasurer.

Cline Lecture Series in the Humanities to present 2015 U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera on March 22

Cline Lecture Series in the Humanities will present 2015 U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 22 at the Cline Library Assembly Hall.

“Searching for the Source, Solving the Chaos with a Poem” Free and open to the public. Masks required.

Coconino County Parks and Recreation — Recreation Program Catalog including Summer Camp is online

The Recreation Program catalog provides one easy place to view our upcoming programs such as Culinary Classes, Archery Clinics, Hikes, and the Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp. Program descriptions and clickable links direct to each program’s online registration page. Visit Coconino.az.gov/recprograms to view our digital catalog.

The Friends of Coconino County Parks (FCCP) have teamed up to offer Program Financial Assistance for certain CCPR recreation programs. Funds are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, please contact Adam at asmath@coconino.az.gov.

Commentary — Supporters for a Thriving CCC — Coconino Communty College needs our support! Vote YES on May 17 on Prop. 438

“Supporters for a Thriving CCC” Political Action Committee are a group of volunteers working to support Coconino Community College and its long-term success for our region. Unfortunately, the college is critically underfunded and needs more revenue to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. 

The good news: there is a way to fix it. This May 17th, the college will be asking voters in the county for a sustainable, pragmatic, primary property tax rate reset. We recognize and value your community leadership and ask for your help in this effort both financially and verbally.

Passage of the ballot measure will reset the college’s primary property tax rate to a level that will still be the lowest in the state but will provide the necessary dependable revenues to sustain the college well into the future.

Summer Ramada Reservations Available for County Parks

Coconino County Parks and Recreation is now accepting ramada reservation applications for the 2022 summer season, May 1 through October 31. There are 10 ramadas available for rent at three County parks – Fort Tuthill County Park, Raymond County Park, and Peaks View County Park. 

Patrice Horstman — March 2022 District One Newsletter

In This Issue
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Congratulations Board Chair Horstman and Vice Chair Vasquez
Call for Public Input on Redistricting Maps
Grand Canyon National Park Visit
Museum Flood Mitigation Status Update
Coconino Community College Tax Reset
Pending State Short-Term Rental Legislation
Library Seeking Volunteers
March COVID-19 Update
Contact Us

United Way of Northern Arizona — Page Regional Domestic Violence Services Providing ‘Another Way’ for Those Seeking Help

Over the years, Page Regional Domestic Violence Services (PRDVS) has evolved in its approach to breaking the cycle of physical and psychological trauma that often is a daily fact of life for American Indian women. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reports that almost 46% of American Indian women are physically abused by an intimate partner during their lifetime, rates significantly higher than for other ethnic groups.

When it opened in 1997, PRDVS was a five-bed shelter in a single-wide mobile home trailer donated by the City of Page. Now, operating under the name Another Way, it has 32 beds in four double-wide mobile homes that have been converted into duplexes.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Photos from Rim to Rim

This week we are taking a diversion from our regular communications on COVID-19 and park operations to highlight some of the amazing places (and people) here at Grand Canyon through photographs taken by NPS, GCC, and Xanterra staff over the last several months. From the North Rim, to the Colorado River, to the South Rim, take a moment and enjoy these awe-inspiring landscapes.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Registration now open for CCC&Y’s ‘Mindful Positioning’ workshop on April 27

Registration is now open for CCC&Y’s “Mindful Positioning — Seeking Change & Healing” virtual workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27.

International child welfare expert Kevin Campbell will host the event.

Register here.

More than ever- we need to unite with diverse community members in a process designed to gain answers and input. A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.

With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 10th Edition

Springtime is about renewal a time for life to re-emerge and start the cycle of life all over again. It is the calm after the storm, the dawn of light after prolonged darkness. It is a time to fortify ourselves, and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming year. We have lots of work to do moving forward. We must be prepared for the new monsoon season. Make the tough decisions around local county Redistricting. Make the financial decisions for the county budget for FY 2023. There is a midterm election where our citizens have some decisions to make about their elected officials and different bonds to support programs for our county. As the Board of Supervisors, we have the duty to listen to our constituents and lead our county through these trying times. After severing as supervisor for a year, I am honored to now serve the county as Vice Chair. It is my responsibility to provide leadership to our county staff and the citizen of our county. I am committed to growing into my new role and advocating for all Coconino County.

Sedona Arts Center — SAC HOMESHOW: Birdy Style – GALA TICKETS now on sale!

Let’s celebrate together to raise funds and bring arts and education to our community!

Thursday, April 14th, 2022
6pm-8pm
5pm – 6pm VIP Reception & Pre-Sale
Sedona Arts Center Parking Lot & Art Barn

Silent Auction begins Monday, April 4th, 2022
Door Prizes include three $1000 Gift cards (one each) to Rowe Gallery, Goldenstein Gallery, and Exposures International Gallery (you must be present to win)

Tickets are $50 per person or
$75 per person for VIP Reception & Pre-Sale Prior to the Event
Purchase original artwork to benefit SAC
Mingle with friends and meet the artists
Enjoy wine and light hors d’oeuvres
Registration required

2022 STEMmy Nominations Now Being Accepted

STEM City is now accepting nominations for the 2022 STEMmy awards!

This annual award is given to organizations and individuals who are STEM leaders in the greater Flagstaff community. The deadline is April 10, 2022.

Nomination forms for each of the categories are available below:

High School Student Nomination Form

Teacher Nomination Form

Community Member/Business Nomination Form

Winners will be announced during the STEM Celebration Event
at Ft. Tuthill Saturday, April 30th.

Sedona Arts Center — Last Call for Artists

18th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival
October 22 – 29, 2022
LAST CALL
– Application Deadline TOMORROW:
March 15, 2022
About the Festival:

Sedona Arts Center invites you along to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! Sedona is a sublime and stunningly beautiful environment steeped in art history. Sedona Arts Center dates back 64 years to the founding of Sedona’s identity as an ‘art colony.’ Our community’s iconic and wonderfully creative event—Sedona Plein Air Festival—is a week-long celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events from October 22 through 29, 2022!

Housing Solutions’ Rental Attainability Report Shows Cost of Flagstaff Rental Housing Increasing and Prohibitive for Moderate-Income Households

Housing costs in Flagstaff continue to increase, making housing affordability a greater challenge for households in our community. According to Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona’s annual Rental Attainability Report, the average cost of a 2-bedroom apartment in our community is now $1,758/mo. In order to afford the average 2-bedroom apartment without paying more than 30% of gross income on housing, a household must earn approximately $5,837 a month or $70,040 annually. That is a 13.7% increase from the average cost of a 2-bedroom apartment when HSNA did its survey in 2020-2021. 

For low-income households, the challenge of affordable housing is more severe. A full-time, minimum-wage earner, making $15.50/hr. would need to work more than two full-time jobs (86.9 hours per week), to afford a two-bedroom apartment at the average rental rate. 

March Updates from Creative Flagstaff

General Operating Support Grants
Creative Flagstaff’s flagship grant program is now open for applications. This grant program supports nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups who have missions dedicated to producing, presenting, teaching, or serving the arts, cultural equity, preservation, or awareness, and/or presenting science programming to the public. Last year, $305,000 was awarded to 31 Flagstaff nonprofits.

Applications are due Wednesday, April 6, 2022.

Funding for nonprofit organizations is available through the Art & Science Fund at Creative Flagstaff. The Art & Science Fund is made possible with funding from the City of Flagstaff BBB Revenues

Supporters for a Thriving CCC — Coconino Communty College needs our support!

Coconino Community College (CCC) improves the lives of our residents through workforce development and higher education, and the community wants the college to continue preparing our residents for the jobs of today and tomorrow. But if we don’t fix a dire funding situation before it’s too late, CCC won’t be able to provide the programs vital to the success of our region.

The NAU Review — An award-winning educator, practicing self-care and studying abroad as an Indigenous student

Presidential pedagogy

Education is a second career for three-time Lumberjack Robyn Yewell. But it didn’t stop her from jumping in when she made the move to teaching elementary school science. After a decade of teaching in Tucson schools, two master’s degrees from NAU (and working on a third!), in February she was announced as a winner of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, K-6, for 2020. She is one of only two

United Way of Northern Arizona — W.L. Gore’s Commitment to UWNA

Janet Leung, who retired from W.L. Gore & Associates in 2013, said one of the defining characteristics of her former workplace is its strong spirit of community.

“Everyone has a sense of ownership, of looking out for each other and the company as well,” she said recently.

That attitude extends to its commitment to the community. W.L. Gore not only encourages its employees to support local nonprofits, it matches their donations dollar-for-dollar, even after its associates have retired from the company.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 7-11, 2022

March is Women’s History Month 

March is Women’s History Month and a time for us to honor and celebrate the many women who have helped to shape our nation and the National Park Service. The national theme for Women’s History Month in 2022 explores the role of women of all cultures in providing both healing and hope throughout history. 

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we would like to highlight the great feat of accomplishing goals and dreams, specifically one woman’s journey of doing it by herself. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — How can you help families and children locally?

As CCC&Y celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we are committed to:

Our Mission: Igniting collective action to cultivate, honor & empower resilient, thriving communities.  
Our 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.  
To help us continue and expand our mission in 2022, please consider supporting the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth through your individual, family, student or group membership

By becoming a member of CCC&Y your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more. 

Creative Flagstaff — Dom Flemons THIS SATURDAY at CCA

Enjoy an evening with Dom Flemmons this Saturday, March 12. GRAMMY Award Winner, Two-Time EMMY Nominee, 2020 U.S. Artists Fellow Dom Flemons is originally from Phoenix, Arizona and currently lives in the Chicago area with his family. He has branded the moniker The American Songster® since his repertoire of music covers over 100 years of early American popular music. Flemons is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, actor, slam poet, music scholar, historian, and record collector. He is considered an expert player on the banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones. Flemons was selected for the prestigious 2020 United States Artists Fellowship Award for the Traditional Arts category which was generously supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

The NAU Review — International Women’s Day, how community health workers improve their communities, mental health support and helicopters

NAU’s Department of Women’s and Gender Studies has crowd-sourced a list of outstanding historical and contemporary figures who advocated for women’s rights and human rights across all conceivable fields of intellectual, political, medical and artistic endeavors from different geographical locations. From artists to authors to protestors, these women are recognized for their contribution to human history.

All-Arizona Team scholarship recipient to focus on public mental health

He was tired of chasing after a big paycheck and wanted to do something more for his community.

That’s why Coconino Community College student Frank Stucjus decided to return to school a bit later in life.

“I really like the idea of helping people get the tools to solve their problems,” Stucjus said, adding that he’s had a tumultuous life and would like to help navigate through the tough spots in their own lives as a counselor or a teacher. “I wanted to do something that gives back to the people around me.”

Creative Flagstaff — Announcing the 14th Annual Viola Awards Finalists!

Creative Flagstaff is thrilled to share the 14th Annual Viola Awards finalists. Winners will be announced at the Viola Awards on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff. Tickets for the event will go on sale soon. Read more about each of this year’s finalists on our website. 

Updated — Prescribed fire planned along Colorado River near Lees Ferry may begin March 8

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers—working with resources from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the National Park Service Utah Parks Group anticipate initiating prescribed fire treatments as early as Tuesday downriver from Lees Ferry, Az. within Grand Canyon National Park. 

On Tuesday, March 8, ignitions may occur on the Paria Beach Riparian Restoration project. The project is not expected to last for more than one day and targets 5 acres of riparian vegetation and tamarisk along the banks of the Colorado River, approximately 1.25 miles downriver from the Lees Ferry boat ramp. 

NAU Latin American Studies to screen ‘Fandango at the Wall!’ on March 9

On Wednesday March 9 at 4 pm in LA 136 Latin American Studies will screen the film Fandango at the Wall. This beautiful and thought-provoking film features a journey through Mexico to explore a 300 year-old Mexican folk tradition–son jarocho—a binational fandango festival on both sides of the US/Mexico border, the conditions of life in Mexico, and the politics of migration. The ultimate message of the film is the triumph of unity through music over division.

You can see a trailer for the film at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skMcKWbF3Jg

All-Arizona Team scholarship recipient builds future

What started out as a desire to build a home she could call her own has turned into a career path.

Now that Coconino Community College student Andrea Clayton has received the All-Arizona Academic Scholarship, she will continue her journey toward a bachelor’s degree in Construction Technology Management and, maybe, owning her own business.

“There’s a certain satisfaction in building with my own hands,” Clayton said, adding that she hopes to gain some experience managing projects for a local contractor before trying to strike out owning her own business.

United Way of Northern Arizona — More Than Just School Readiness

When Elevate PreK launched its year-round early childhood education program at Kinsey Elementary School last August, expectations were high. 

The three-year pilot program was designed not only to fill the gaps in accessing high-quality preschool education in Flagstaff for lower- and middle-income families; it was a chance to showcase best practices and spur more professional development for all early childhood learning professionals.

In just a few months, however, the program has also become a force for good in the lives of the families of the 18 children who attend Elevate PreK.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 28-March 4, 2022

Outdoor mask zones now lifted throughout the park; masks still required in government buildings and transportation

More updates will be provided soon following DOI and NPS all employee emails this afternoon (Thursday, March 3)

This week, Superintendent Keable has made the decision to remove the outdoor mask zones in the park. This week, the outdoor sandwich board signs have been removed from Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza to Mather Point and Hopi Point. The remaining signs in historic district, Desert View Watchtower area, all shuttle bus stops, and entrance stations will be pulled beginning today, March 3. We will be modifying the Superintendent’s Compendium in the coming days to reflect these changes.

School Superintendent to Interview Candidates for School Governing Board and Seeks Input — Maine Consolidated School District #10

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget has announced the scheduling of interviews for two Governing School Board Member open seats at Maine Consolidated School District #10.

An advisory committee will be assembled consisting of a district resident, district teacher, chapter official, and two current board members to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointments.

Sedona Arts Center — 41st Annual Juried Members Show Winners Announced!

Sedona Arts Center’s 41st Annual Juried Members’ Show, our community’s largest and longest-running group exhibition of visual art is now showing through March 31 in our Special Exhibitions Gallery in Uptown Sedona. And it’s free to the public!

Visitors will find everything from painting and watercolor to metal, wood, jewelry, and fiber art. A focus is also placed on drawing, mixed-media, photography and digital art. The Members’ Show is steeped in tradition and remains open to all current Arts Center members, whether seasoned professionals or new and emerging artists.

The show will be open 10AM – 5PM Monday through Saturday, and noon – 5PM on Sunday in our newly renovated Special Exhibit Gallery and Theater.

The NAU Review — In congressional testimony, President Cruz Rivera shares critical need for increased access to students from historically underserved communities 

In congressional testimony, President Cruz Rivera shares critical need for increased access to students from historically underserved communities 

In addition to laying out the attainment gaps throughout the U.S.—only 40 out of every 100 white kindergartners are expected to get a bachelor’s degree and that number drops by half for Black children and one-third for Latino and Native American children—Cruz Rivera, himself a product of Hispanic Serving Institutions, offered policy recommendations to increase economic mobility and equitable postsecondary educational value. These include doubling the maximum amount of Pell grants; investing equitably by increasing per-student investments among all Minority Serving Institutions; improving data transparency and investing in P-12 education.

CCC students awarded All-Arizona Academic Scholarship

Two Coconino Community College students have been recognized for the esteemed 2022 All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship.

The scholarship provides free tuition for 60 credit hours at the recipient’s choice of one of the three state universities – Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.

This year, Frank Stucjus and Andrea Clayton received the news from CCC that they were selected for the All-Arizona Academic Team. 

“It means I don’t have to worry about the tuition coming out of the money we use to pay bills,” Stucjus said.  “There is no question now that I’m going to stick it out to the end.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Supporting peace, thriving resilient communities

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

“We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community,” — Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth 

As recent world events show, those words ring true now more than ever, not only in Coconino County but around the globe.

​​​​​​​How can you help globally? 

Here is a list by a former high-ranking State Department employee who lives in Kyiv of how you can directly support humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Voices of Children addresses the psychological effect of armed conflict on children. Founded in 2015 in response to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Voices of Children provides art therapy, mobile psychologists, and individualized support to traumatized children. Individuals can donate through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or Apple Pay or via voices.org.ua/en/donat.
The International Rescue Committee has a long history of providing resources to refugees fleeing countries facing humanitarian crisis. Its leaders have responded to the situation in Ukraine by meeting with organizations in Poland and Ukraine to provide whatever assistance is needed. You can make a donation via its website. While the organization will accept donations of any size, it states on the site that a monthly donation of $108 will provide eight families with temporary shelter.
CARE is an international humanitarian organization that has set up an emergency Ukrainian Crisis Fund with the goal of providing immediate support for 4 million people.
Read More

Sedona Arts Center March Update

Our first Vision & Sound: An African American Experience, is in the books, as they say, and was a success! During our closing event last Friday night I was asked about the “power” of this year’s partnership and collaboration – with the artists as well as with the other partners. There were so many memorable moments that it was difficult to be concise but I summed up this year’s program this way: never before has there been an all-African American event at Sedona Arts Center – Vision & Sound 2022 was an historic event for us. Also, to the best of anyone’s knowledge, we have never collaborated with other cities before – so partnering with the City of Goodyear and the City of Glendale was new for us. In addition, working with the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy was groundbreaking and unlike anything we’ve done in our history.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Legendary Egyptologist Will Bring ‘Pyramids to The Peaks’ at 2022 Festival of Science

The 2022 Flagstaff Festival of Science will reveal “Pyramids to The Peaks” on September 23- October 2, 2022 in Flagstaff, Arizona. World-renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, Ph.D., will begin the free, 10-day adventure with a compelling presentation sharing his passion for archeological discovery in the fascinating world of pharaohs and Egyptian gods.

Incredible discoveries by Dr. Hawass include the Tombs of the Pyramid Builders at Giza and the Valley of the Golden Mummies at Bahariya Oasis. One of his most significant research efforts was the Egyptian Mummy Project, which used modern forensic techniques such as CT and DNA analysis to answer questions about royal mummies, including King Tutankhamun’s family, and solves the murder mystery of Ramesses III. 

The NAU Review — Celebrating Women’s History Month, what is happening in Ukraine, why you should travel solo and Lumberjack Champs (x2!)

Examining the past and changing the future: Celebrating Women’s History Month

Our community is celebrating the vital role of women in American history and present for Women’s History Month in March. In addition to the Martha Portree CSW Scholarship, NAU is hosting events throughout March to celebrate Women’s History Month with the whole community.

Creative Flagstaff — This Thursday: Clarinetist David Rothenberg with Violinist Iva Bittová at CCA

Join us at CCA for this show!
The Interference Series presents David Rothenberg (clarinet/woodwinds) and Iva Bittová (violin/voice). Philosopher and improvisor Rothenberg returns to Flagstaff with the phenomenal and multi-faceted Czech singer/instrumentalist Bittová for an evening of music past, present, and future. This concert is supported in part by the Richard Wood Professorship in Teaching of Philosophy.

Grand Canyon National Park announces backcountry camping fee increase

Effective July 1, 2022, Grand Canyon National Park will increase the cost of overnight backcountry permits. Grand Canyon began charging for overnight backcountry permits in 1997 and last modified backcountry fees in 2015.

The cost recovery charge for overnight backcountry permits will increase for all permits that begin on or after July 1, 2022. The charge of $10 per backcountry permit remains the same; the nightly per person fee will be increased from $8 per person to $12 per person or stock animal camping below the rim in designated backcountry camping areas. This increase does not affect camping fees at Mather, Desert View, or the North Rim campgrounds.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – February 2022

Antonio García was quietly fishing in Tijuana, Mexico, near the part of the wall in the United States-Mexico border that extends into the Pacific Ocean. He was deported to Mexico years ago after having lived in the United States for decades without permission, leaving behind children, spouse, siblings, and grandchildren. Today he made his way to the fence to see his wife and two children who are meeting him on the San Diego side of the rust-colored steel boundary marker.

Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: Zapatos para la nieve

“Coming here to the nature helps me, it gives me energy. When I’m coming here and I see my family coming here, they come back a little bit happier and I think that’s part of the healing process for us. When we are in the cities, we are always doing activities, running, school, work. Here is a time to relax, it’s a time for us to be able to appreciate what we have around us. It’s a time to spend time with ourselves and lately we don’t have a lot of that time. So make the time, go outdoors.” – Ángeles Arroyo, LO outing participant.

This past month, Latino Outdoors Los Angeles and Los Padres ForestWatch teamed up to take Latinx families on a snowshoe hike to Mt. Pinos in the Angeles National Forest.

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Hosting Governing Board Informational Sessions March 8-15

The public is invited to attend local School District Governing Board informational sessions.

The informational sessions, hosted by Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget, will allow time for interested candidates to ask questions and complete required documents. Sessions are free and no appointment is required. 

Consulado de México en Phoenix — 10th edition of the Consular Newsletter on Economic and Tourism Affairs

We enter 2022 with much hope for the future–and a refreshed look for this newsletter. Do you like it?

Since the Government of Mexico has dedicated this year to Ricardo Flores Magón, a trained journalist who is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the Mexican Revolution, we have included his image on our nameplate for this year. The main sections will remain the same and will continue to bring you relevant information in three sections:

#Choose Mexico,

#Arizona Thrives and

#Discover Mexico.

The NAU Review — What is happening to Earth’s forests?, Straw wars and Notes from the President

The boreal forest is a belt of cold-tolerant conifer trees that stretches nearly 9,000 miles across northern North America and Eurasia; it makes up almost a quarter of the Earth’s forest area. It’s also the coldest—and most rapidly warming—forest biome on the planet, and its shifting characteristics amid climate change are raising concerns about increased fire activity, decreased biodiversity and other long-term adverse effects for human and natural ecosystems.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Feb. 21-25, 2022

This week, the AMPO team discussed the process the park will follow to reopen NPS buildings that are currently closed, or partially closed, due to the pandemic and the status of the park outdoor mask zone areas.

The team talked about the lifting of mask mandates at several bordering states including California, New Mexico, and Nevada. With those restrictions being lifted, park managers are considering how to make mask restriction changes in the outdoor areas of the park that are currently identified as mask zones. These masking requirements were put in place through the Superintendent’s Compendium. Most of you have seen the sandwich board signs along the rim trail near the El Tovar, at Desert View and Mather Point alerting visitors to the requirement to wear a mask in these areas.

When changes are made, we will let staff know through our weekly calls and this newsletter, Changes will officially be implemented through the Superintendent’s Compendium. These steps will also include updated information for our visitors.