Category: Government

2021 Grand Canyon Drinking Water Quality Report now available

Grand Canyon National Park is required to annually distribute a consumer confidence report for the park’s drinking water. This year Grand Canyon Water Utilities is distributing this report electronically to reduce paper consumption. The purpose is to allow consumers to make educated decisions regarding any potential health risks pertaining to the quality, treatment, and management of your drinking water supply.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y Participates in 2022 Juneteenth Celebration

A couple of pre-monsoon season downpours didn’t dampen the spirits of participants of the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration held Saturday, June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center.

The event featured musical performances, food, games, arts, crafts and information booths including Building Community, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino Community College, Coconino County including its African Diaspora Advisory Council and Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) diversity councils, Flagstaff Police Dept., Friends of Flagstaff Future, Northland Family Health Center, Northern Arizona University and North Country Healthcare.

Hosted by the Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project, and the Southside Community Association (SCA).

The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the day Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them freedom. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. 

Sponsored by Northern Arizona University, APS, Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Southside Community Association (SCA), African Diaspora Advisory Council, Findlay Toyota, the Arizona Community Foundation, Coconino County and the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.

City of Flagstaff requests arguments for and against proposed election questions

Prior to the Nov. 8, 2022 election, each household with a registered voter will receive an informational pamphlet that includes arguments for and against proposed questions that have a local impact. Any person interested in submitting an argument is required to do so before 5p.m., Arizona time on Aug. 10, 2022.

The questions are as follows:

Grand Canyon implements Tuweep pilot day-use reservation system

Grand Canyon National Park will implement a new pilot advance day-use ticket reservation system for the Tuweep Visitor Use Area, July 21, 2022. Park staff are managing for significant and steadily increasing visitation at Tuweep since 1995, along with limited park staffing in the area, ongoing vehicle safety, and natural and cultural resource concerns.

There will be two types of reservations available. One ticket will be for private vehicles and the other will be for authorized Tuweep tour Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) permit holders. The day-use reservation system will apply to the Tuweep area of Grand Canyon National Park, including all park areas within Toroweap Valley and on the Kanab Plateau. It excludes the North and South rim developed areas and overlooks.

Notice of Flood Control District Public Outreach Meeting on June 23

On Thursday June 23, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., the Coconino County Flood Control District will hold a virtual meeting to present important information to the communities of Timberline, Wupatki Trails, Fernwood, and Doney Park regarding flood threat, risk, and mitigation efforts as a result of the Pipeline, Tunnel, and Schultz Fires.

This outreach meeting will be held via webinar using Zoom video conferencing software, members of the community are encouraged to participate via the following url: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87072153234 or toll-free via telephone: (833) 548 0282, Webinar ID: 870 7215 3234.

Creative Flagstaff — ArtWalk Call for Entries – Deadline Approaching!

Creative Flagstaff invites organizations and artists to submit a proposal for an art/science/culture performance or exhibition for First Friday Artwalk programming in Heritage Square to take place in one of the following months: September, October, or November of 2022. Three proposals will be selected, one each for September, October, November, and and with compensation of $1,500. Don’t wait – the deadline for submissions is June 24, 2022! 

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Stage 3 Fire Restrictions in place

For County park and natural areas, the following restrictions apply: 
• The following County amenities are closed: Trails, Disc Golf Course, Archery Range, and Bike Park.
• No camping is allowed outside of campground area.
• All campfires are prohibited.
• Charcoal/wood or liquid fuels grills are prohibited.
• Liquid fuels and/or liquid petroleum gas fire rings are prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited outdoors.
• No vehicle parking and/or driving on grassy, forested, and unimproved/undeveloped areas.
• Chainsaws and other small, motorized equipment are prohibited by park users.
• Previously scheduled events to be approved by Department at least one week prior to the event.

Reminder: Mayoral Candidate Forum this Wed. 6/22 @ 6:30 pm

Mayoral Candidate Forum:  This Wednesday 6:30-8:00 pm

Join Friends of Flagstaff’s Future as we hear from the three candidates running for Flagstaff mayor (incumbent Paul Deasy, and challengers Becky Daggett and Daniel Williamson). The Forum will be at the Lone Tree Campus of Coconino Community College on June 22.

At 6:30 pm, join us as attendees mix with the candidates and learn more about local nonprofit organizations who will have tables at the venue. The Forum will start at 7:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm.

City of Flagstaff Truth in Taxation Hearing on June 28 – Notice of Tax Increase

All interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing on the tax increase that is scheduled to be held virtually via the Zoom platform on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 6:00 pm.  People can join the meeting by link or phone listed below. 

Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85261923910 or call Dial 833 548 0282 (Toll Free), Webinar ID: 852 6192 3910.

Coconino County Flood Control District mobilizing flood mitigation effort

As Coconino County residents begin to return to their homes in the aftermath of the Pipeline and Haywire fires, the County’s Flood Control District would like to make the entire community aware of the potential risk of flooding, and the steps the public can take to mitigate their property and be Flood Aware.

Residents may already be familiar with the 3 Step “Ready, Set, Go” wildfire system of preparedness and evacuation. For the risk of flooding, a similar, easy-to-remember system of “Ready, Set, Shelter” is helpful to prepare for and respond to flood events:

City of Flagstaff hosts community volunteer day on June 25 in areas impacted by Museum Fire flooding

The City of Flagstaff is hosting a community volunteer day in areas downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar on Saturday, June 25. Volunteers will be assisting residents who are elderly or have a disability repair their emergency sandbag mitigation.To request volunteer assistance, please call 928-213-2102 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Resources are limited, and crews will address as many properties as time and resources allow.

Volunteers should meet at the Coconino County Health and Human Services building, located at 2625 N. King St. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be no afternoon shift during this event. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, pants, and sun protection, and to bring a refillable water bottle, a face covering for dust, and work gloves if available.

Evacuation Orders Lifted for Crater Estates, Moon Crater, West Alpine Ranchos & Other Areas

he Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the following areas will be downgraded from “GO” to “SET” status.

The areas identified as Crater Estates, Moon Crater, West Alpine Ranchos, the Private Properties along Hwy 89 north from Wupatki Trails to Sacred Mountain Trading Post will be downgraded from “GO” to “SET” status. It is important to note that much of the National Forest Land in that area remains closed due to the Coconino National Forest Emergency Fire Closure Order.

In addition, the following areas will be downgraded from “SET” to “READY” status: East Alpine Ranchos and Hwy 89 north from Sacred Mountain Trading Post/Medicine Valley.

CDC Authorizes COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 6 Months and Older

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in authorization of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for infants and young children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in authorization of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for infants and young children. 

The CDC approved Emergency Use Authorization for the vaccines as follows: 

Coconino County enters into Stage 3 Fire Restrictions

Coconino County entered Stage 3 Fire Restrictions at 3 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2022. The restrictions apply for all of Coconino County.

Fire restrictions are enacted to help protect public health and safety by reducing the number of human-caused wildfires.

This ordinance applies to unincorporated areas, namely that part of Coconino County outside the corporate limits of any municipality, federally owned land, or any federally recognized tribe in accordance with 25 Code of Federal Regulations part 83.

Stage 3 Fire Restrictions prohibit any combustion, open fire, charcoal, propane, and campfires in unincorporated areas and residences in the County.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 13-17, 2022

Grand Canyon Star Party 2022

The 32nd annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 18, 2022, through Saturday, June 25, 2022, on both South and North rims of Grand Canyon National Park. National parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States. This is the first onsite event since 2019.

The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (South Rim), and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix (North Rim), with funding from Grand Canyon Conservancy and in partnership with the International Dark-Sky Association.

Amateur astronomers from across the country will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Numerous telescopes will offer views of planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, as well as double stars, star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies—and the Moon, earlier in the week. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!

For additional information on the Grand Canyon Star Party visit http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm, or contact Rader Lane at 928-638-7641.

Flagstaff hosts community volunteer day on June 18 in areas impacted by Museum Fire flooding

The City of Flagstaff is hosting a community volunteer day in areas downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar on Saturday, June 18. Volunteers will be assisting residents who are elderly or have a disability repair their emergency sandbag mitigation. To request volunteer assistance, please call 928-213-2102 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Resources are limited, and crews will address as many properties as time and resources allow.

Residents in Schultz Creek Watershed and the Rio de Flag floodplain are encouraged to immediately purchase and maintain flood insurance

Preliminary flood hazard modeling of areas impacted by the Pipeline Fire indicates an increased risk of flooding for some neighborhoods within Flagstaff City limits. Specifically, residents whose homes are in the neighborhoods of Creighton Estates, Forest Hills, Cheshire, Coyote Springs, Anasazi Ridge, Coconino Estates, Ridge Crest, North End, Downtown Flagstaff or Southside and whose homes are located within a FEMA Zone A, AE, AH, or shaded X should immediately purchase or maintain flood insurance. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage and coverage must be purchased separately.

A map of Flagstaff neighborhoods is available at https://bit.ly/3xWzDSF. A map of FEMA floodplain designations by address is available at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home.

‘READY, SET, GO’ Status Changes for Elden Lookout Road, Doney Park South, and Alpine Ranchos East

After meeting with the Great Basin Type 1 team managing the Pipeline and Haywire Fires, it has been determined that it is safe to downgrade some areas on evacuation status.

The following changes will be effective immediately:

Areas of Coconino and Kaibab national forests to close this weekend

oconino and Kaibab national forests will temporarily close certain areas to public access beginning Friday and Saturday due to fire danger and for public safety, while all other parts of the national forests outside of the closure areas remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions.

On the Kaibab National Forest, the area of Bill Williams Mountain will be closed beginning Friday, June 17 at 8 a.m. Specifically, public access will be prohibited on all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the closure area, generally located between County Road (CR) 73, Old Route 66 in the City of Williams, Forest Road (FR) 122, FR 108, and I-40. This includes Benham Trail, Bixler Saddle Trail, Bill Williams Mountain Trail, Bill Williams Connector Trail, Buckskinner Trail, City of Williams Link Trail, Devil Dog Loop Trail, and Clover Spring Loop Trail. Forest Road 122 will also be closed. FR 108 will remain drivable; however, motorists cannot park off the road.

City of Flagstaff to enter Stage 3 Fire Restrictions

The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 3 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 17. 

Stage 3 Fire Restrictions include the following new restrictions:

The use of propane and gas BBQs (including those with an on-off switch) is prohibited in City parks, open spaces, and private campgrounds.
The use of propane and gas BBQs (including those with an on-off switch) are allowed at private residences EXCEPT during a Red Flag Warning.
Public access to sections of the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) that provide an entrance into any closed area of the Coconino National Forest is prohibited.
In the event of a complete closure of the Coconino National Forest, public entry/use of Observatory Mesa and Picture Canyon City Open Space lands is prohibited.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Education Forward Arizona — AZ Voters Prioritize Education Over Politics

Education Forward Arizona conducted a poll of Arizona voters to better understand voters’ priorities for education. The survey complements and is intended to go deeper on the findings in the Arizona Voters’ Agenda, in coordination with the Center for the Future of Arizona. The survey was conducted May 10-17, 2022 by HighGround Public Affairs on behalf of Education Forward Arizona, a statewide nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. 

What we found is that Arizonans deeply care most about the issues that will support good teaching and learning, not the political hot button issues that often get the most attention. Voters want to see candidates discussing key education issues, many of which are aligned with meeting the Arizona Education Progress Meter and Achieve60AZ attainment goals.

Here’s what we heard from Arizona voters:

Bilingual report — Coconino County Museum Flood Risk Advisory June 2022

There remains a very strong likelihood of hazardous flash flooding as a result of the Museum Fire. The hydrology consultant for the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) recently conducted a post-fire flood risk analysis that validated the original model used to gauge flood risk in the Museum Flood Area and determined that the area remains at high risk for hazardous flash flooding. It must be noted that floodwaters can create unpredictable changes, which can create new flood paths, which cannot be predicted.

Pipeline Fire at 22,888 acres, 31% containment | Haywire Fire at 5,065 acres, 0% containment

The Type 1 Great Basin Incident Management Team (IMT) 2 has arrived at the Pipeline and Haywire fires, and is shadowing the Type 2 California Interagency IMT 15. The Type 1 team will assume command of the incident 6 a.m. Thursday.

The Pipeline Fire is currently 22,888 acres with 31% containment and the Haywire Fire is estimated at 5,065 acres with no containment.

While critical fire weather continues due to dry conditions and high temperatures, lower wind speeds allowed aerial operations to resume and continue throughout the day.

Museum Fire flood area siren alerting system testing and protocol Siren testing scheduled for Friday, June 17 from noon to 2 p.m.

The Museum Fire flood area siren alerting system has been installed in the Grandview Homes and Sunnyside neighborhoods and full-volume testing has been scheduled for Friday, June 17 from 12 – 2 p.m. During the full-volume testing period, residents in the area will hear an alarm sound, followed by a voice message repeated three times in both English and Spanish, concluding with a wind down siren sound signifying the end of that message. This process may repeat several times during the testing period. Testing may be postponed in the event of rain or impacts from nearby wildfires.

It is important to note that the wind down siren sound does not signify the end of the threat of a flood event. To hear the siren sounds that will be used or to read more about the Museum Fire flood area siren alerting system, please visit https://www.museumfloodprojects.com/sirensystem.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Once Again, Our Community Is Burning

For the past 12 years, the names have accumulated like a litany of destruction: Schultz. Slide. Tinder. Museum. Tunnel.

Now, less than two months after the last major wildfire left our mountains glowing red at night and our skies dark with smoke during the day, we have two more names to add to this sad list – Pipeline and Haywire.

The situation northeast of Flagstaff is still very fluid. The latest statistics from InciWeb (the US Forest Service site that tracks wildfires nationwide) indicate that 20,000 acres have burned in the Pipeline Fire with another 4,000 charred by Haywire.

Evacuation statuses have shifted back and forth as officials receive more information, but even those who were allowed to return to their homes Tuesday were warned to be ready to leave again at a moment’s notice. At this point, we know two structures have burned since Sunday.

Pipeline and Haywire Fires Update and Declaration of Emergency

The Pipeline Fire, located 6 miles north of Flagstaff, started Sunday, June 12, and has spread to over 5,000 acres due to extremely high winds.

Additionally, the Haywire Fire, located 8 miles northeast of Flagstaff, ignited in the early hours of Monday, June 13, and is currently at 1,600 acres in size. A U.S. Forest Service Type 2 Incident Management Team is currently on site for each fire. A Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has evacuated many communities in the fire area. Click here for the most current information on evacuation status:

https://coconinocounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=745e7806b 0444387bf32792b9c25e169

Closure of Buffalo Park, some City open spaces and FUTS entrances into the Coconino National Forest Temporary Area Closure due to Pipeline Fire

Buffalo Park and the Schultz Creek Natural Area are closed until further notice due to the Pipeline Fire. The Observatory Mesa Natural Area is also closed until further notice due to being surrounded by the Coconino National Forest Temporary Area Closure.

Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) entrances into the National Forest Temporary Area Closure are also closed. To view a map of the City of Flagstaff closures of FUTS entrances and open spaces, please visit https://flagstaff.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=f478005aa53048438453f3c7dc08155c

Cinder Lake Landfill closed due to Pipeline Fire

Effective immediately, the City of Flagstaff Cinder Lake Landfill is closed due to the Pipeline Fire. The Hazardous Products Center at the landfill is also closed. Please avoid the area.

Refer to Coconino County’s Pipeline Fire website for up-to-date information:https://www.coconino.az.gov/2926/Pipeline-Fire

Arizona Dept. of Housing — Governor signs HB2610 paving way for more affordable housing

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey this week signed HB2610 into law removing the arbitrary cap on the size of affordable housing apartment communities constructed by non-profits wanting to qualify for a property tax exemption. The new law encourages more construction of larger affordable apartment communities across the state that rent solely to income-eligible tenants.

“We are committed to growing our state’s affordable housing inventory and this law helps by eliminating an unnecessary barrier to development,” said Arizona Department of Housing Director Tom Simplot. “By removing this burdensome regulation, non-profits can build larger affordable housing communities and still receive the tax break they need for these projects.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — June 6-10, 2022

Cultural Demonstration Program resumes in-person at Desert View 

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cultural Demonstration Program has resumed in person. The Cultural Demonstration program provides an opportunity for visitors and community members to interact with Tribal artisans from Grand Canyon’s Traditionally Associated Tribes – and for them to share their history and crafts, along with the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating each craft. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy and ArtPlace America.

On Thursday June 9 and Friday, June 10, from 9 AM to 4 PM, Gerald Lomaventema, Hopi silversmith and Jerrel Singer, Diné painter, will be demonstrating their arts at the Desert View Visitor Center shade structure, just north of the main parking lot. For more information on the Cultural Demonstration Program, please visit the park’s website here. 

Below are the two demonstrators’ profiles: 

Gerald Lomaventema is a traditional Hopi silversmith. He is known for one-of-a-kind silver overlay masterpieces, with designs inspired by nature and Hopi culture. 

Jerrel Singer, a Diné Painter, originally from Tuba City, is an abstract landscape artist. His work captures the light, colors and shadows of the Diné Nation and the Desert Southwest. 

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in place

Coconino County is in Stage 2 fire restrictions. For parks and natural areas managed by Coconino County, the following restrictions apply:
• No camping allowed outside of campground area.
• All campfires are prohibited.
• No charcoal/wood grills and liquid fuels and/or liquid petroleum gas fire rings.
• Smoking prohibited outdoors.
• No vehicle parking and/or driving on grassy, forested, and unimproved/undeveloped areas.
• Chainsaws and other small, motorized equipment are prohibited by park users.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Celebrate Juneteenth on June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center

Also see Juneteenth Concert on June 19 at Fort Tuthill

FLAGSTAFF — Come celebrate Juneteenth with music performances, food, games and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, 203 E. Brannen Ave., Flagstaff.

Hosted by the Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project, and the Southside Community Association (SCA).

The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the day Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them freedom. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. 

Opportunity for community input on Thorpe Park Annex draft designs – Saturday June 11

The City of Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Division, Southwest Decision Resources, and Wheat Design Group invite the Flagstaff community to review and comment on three (3) draft design concepts for the future of the Thorpe Park Annex Parcel.  These three draft designs were developed based on key stakeholder interviews, robust online community survey results, and an on-site initial design session April 30th. 

Cultural Demonstrator Series resumes in-person at Desert View

Starting June 2, 2022, the Cultural Demonstrator Series returned to Desert View within Grand Canyon National Park. After an absence of more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series returns in-person every Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The series will run for 14 weeks from June 2 through September 2, 2022.

The Cultural Demonstrator Series provides park visitors and residents the opportunity to interact with members of Grand Canyon National Park’s Traditionally Associated Tribes and for the artisans to share their history and crafts. Weavers, carvers, potters, painters, sculptors, jewelers are just some of the disciplines presented by cultural demonstrators. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy.

Coconino Chronicle (June 3, 2022)

Welcome to the Coconino Chronicle, keeping you informed on the latest news from Coconino County. Published monthly, typically on the first Friday, the Chronicle makes sure you are in-the-know about recent happenings, upcoming events and services available to you as a resident of the County.

Questions? Comments? Please email us at chronicle@coconino.az.gov.

Arizona sets record for affordable housing tax credit award dollars

The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) this week announced it has awarded $30.1 million in federal 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to 16 affordable housing projects, including 7 in rural communities. The all-time record amount comes after a reengineered process of awarding tax credits and implementation of the new State Tax Credit program.

“This new process reduced the burdensome regulatory framework for allocating these highly-coveted tax credits and has led to increased developer interest in building affordable housing in Arizona,” said ADOH Director Tom Simplot. “The State Tax Credit program is fulfilling its goal to stimulate the construction of new affordable housing in our state.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 30-June 4, 2022

Cultural Demonstration Program resume in-person at Desert View

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cultural Demonstration Program resumes in person beginning this week! The Cultural Demonstration program provides an opportunity for visitors and community members to interact with Tribal artisans from Grand Canyon’s Traditionally Associated Tribes – and for them to share their history and crafts, along with the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating each craft. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy and ArtPlace America.

This week, on Thursday and Friday, June 2 & 3, we welcome Zuni fetish carver, Jimmy Yawakia and Zuni inlay jeweler, Duran Gasper. They will be located at the Desert View Welcome Center under the large shade structure at the north end of the main parking lot from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. In addition, park rangers are staffing an information desk at the same location, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on the Cultural Demonstration Program, please visit the park’s website here.

The NAU Review — Celebrating Pride Month, studying blood sugar and new conservation scholars

What does Pride Month really mean?

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ didn’t always mean rainbows and parades. Prior to the 1969 Stonewall Riots, where this community took a stand and fought back against prolonged harassment and oppressive laws, there wasn’t much celebrating at all. Even now, despite June being declared Pride Month, people in this community suffer—2021 was the worst year on record for transgender deaths. So, Assistant Director for LGBTQIA+ Student Services M. Lee Griffin poses the question: How can we make pride a reality for the LGBTQIA+ community? Read more in this Views from NAU.

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 12th Edition

Sup. Vasquez volunteering at the Tunnel Fire recovery events hosted by United Way of Northern Arizona. Thank you to all that have spent time and energy to give back to the community during this difficult time.

In this edition…

Message from Jeronimo
Tunnel Fire
Event Highlights
Service Positions Open in District 2
Services and Programs
And more!

Coconino County enacts Stage Two Fire Restrictions

In coordination with our partners at the State and Federal partners, Coconino County will elevate to Stage 2 restrictions on Thursday, May 26th at 8:00AM. For more information about the most current restrictions please visit the following link.

Have questions about the “dos and don’ts” during fire restrictions? Like…does the County’s Wildfire Defense Ordnance apply to private property? (Sneak peek-YES! It applies to all property in unincorporated areas, not including federal, state, or tribal lands.)Learn more at https://www.coconino.az.gov/Docum…/ View/51210/FAQs-2022-04

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 23-27, 2022

Northern Arizona transitions to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, May 26

Due to increased fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 26. Under Stage 2 restrictions, building or maintaining an outdoor fire of any kind is prohibited as well as smoking.

Additionally, operating or using any internal combustion engine such as chainsaws, wood splitters, weed eaters, generators, welders, or any other devices that can cause a fire are prohibited. This prohibition does not include street legal vehicles. Exception for locals and contractors: Permits for work with these devices can be granted through the GRCA hot work permit process managed by GRCA Structure Fire. For more information and to submit a hot work permit, either see this attached flyer or fill out this online form.

More information on fire restrictions and fire danger ratings, please visit the park’s fire information page here.

The NAU Review — One of the greatest in NAU history

NAU’s track & field teams swept the Big Sky Conference Outdoor Championship for the second consecutive season, claiming their all-time 24th men’s title and 13th women’s title. The Lumberjacks have now swept the Big Sky cross country, indoor and outdoor team team championship titles in the same calendar year for the third time in program history. Coach Mike Smith called the weekend one that he will not forget.

City of Flagstaff announces Memorial Day closures

Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed May 30, 2022, in honor of Memorial Day. City Hall offices will reopen May 31 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Memorial Day include: 

Grand Canyon Implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions May 26

U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service Grand Canyon National Park P.O Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Contact: Office of Communications 928-638-7779 www.nps.gov/grca For high resolution photos visit Grand Canyon’s Flickr Site. Grand Canyon News Release For Immediate Release May 25,…

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coconino County Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has joined other organizations in Arizona in recognizing the month of May as National Mental Health Month, which raises awareness of the impacts of trauma on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families and communities.

Most recently, the Coalition took part in the Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Northern Arizona Community Resource Fair on May 21 in the parking lot area of the Flagstaff City Hall.

A dozen information booths provided families with resources on youth mental heath issues.

The event was presented by Family Involvement Center, Health CHOICE Integrated Care, Arizona Complete Health and CARE1st.

Other participants included Child & Family Support Services, the Cancer Support Community — Arizona, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, Mercy Care, Coconino County Health & Human Services’ Tobbaco and Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Building Communities, Four Directions, Raising Special Kids and Native American Disability Law Center.

***

The Coalition also took part in the Walk For Mental Health Celebration held on May 14 at Buffalo Park, Flagstaff. The event was sponsored by Stronger As One, Flagstaff Youth Riders (FLYRS), Coconino County Health & Human Services, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) and the AZ Health Zone.

Participants received free t-shirts or backpacks, with families enjoying the walk around Buffalo Park which included music provided by local artists.

City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 fire restrictions on May 26

The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 fire restrictions on Thursday, May 26.

The City of Flagstaff is currently in Stage 1.

The City of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state, and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions.

Congestion tips for visiting Grand Canyon National Park this Memorial Day weekend

Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park this Memorial Day weekend should expect long lines and full parking lots. Traffic regularly backs up at all entrance stations, with the longest wait times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots, especially near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, will reach capacity by 12 p.m. and shuttle bus lines will be long.

Visitors should follow these tips in preparing to visit the South Rim:

Grand Canyon National Park and Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps receive National Park Foundation grant for Native Conservation Corps

The National Park Foundation (NPF) recently announced its fiscal year 2022 investment in service corps programs across the country, including support for a Native Conservation Corps. This program provides opportunities to Indigenous youth for career shadowing in natural resource stewardship and protection, along with recreational experiences at multiple National Park Service (NPS) units including El Malpais National Monument, El Morro National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Grand Canyon National Park.