The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is providing rebates up to $100 to those who purchase prefabricated chicken coops, composters, or both after March 1 2022. At-home chicken keeping and composting methods work together to provide healthy soils while keeping food waste out of the landfill.
Category: Health
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
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.
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.
AARP Hispanic Connection — Dinero: El Crédito es una muestra de confianza
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.
Coconino County Announces Updated Masking Requirements in County Facilities
On Friday, February 25, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new metrics to guide COVID-19 mitigation practices, including mask requirements.
CCHHS has consistently followed CDC guidance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to follow current recommendations. COVID-19 Community Levels will now be determined based on three pieces of data: new COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and new COVID-19 cases. Categories for COVID-19 Community Levels have changed to three levels: Low (Green), Medium (Yellow), and High (Orange).
Masks no longer required in City of Flagstaff facilities effective March 7
During the March 1 Flagstaff City Council meeting, the Council decided to update mask requirements in City facilities to match updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), effective Monday, March 7. As the CDC currently lists Coconino County’s community level as “medium”, masks will not be required to be worn indoors at City facilities, upon the effective date.
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.
CDC Updates COVID-19 Metrics to Determine Community Risk Levels
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced new metrics to guide COVID-19 mitigation practices.
The new metrics will continue to consider caseloads to determine community risk level and will also incorporate the impacts on the healthcare system as indicators to determine appropriate prevention measures for each county. According to the CDC, counties in Low and Medium can consider going without masks in public indoor settings. In High, the CDC recommends masks in all public indoor settings, including schools.
Community garden plot applications open for the 2022 growing season
Members of the public are invited to submit applications for community garden plots starting on Tuesday, March 1. Garden plots are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis, with priority being given to returning gardeners who submit an application by April 1.
Community garden plots are available for rent at three locations; the Bonito Location at 527 W Elm Avenue, the Izabel Location at 2300 N Izabel Street and the Southside Location at 900 S O’Leary Street.
Volunteers needed for Feb. 28 Point in Time Count (PIT)
Feb. 25 is the deadline for completion of Regional Transportation Plan online survey
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y members to receive discount for Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training on March 1, 2
Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 1 (MST) and 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 (MST).
Members of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will receive 20 percent off both trainings. For members to receive the promo code, contact CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at virginia@coconinokids.org
Discounts are also available for those CCC&Y members who have not taken the required Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 1 online training, that focuses on intergenerational trauma and the impact of Epigenetics, cultural dispossession, segregation & displacement of BIPOC.
CCC student wants to make a difference when people need it the most
Alfredo Villa wanted to be a part of his community and to make a difference in people’s lives.
So, he went to Coconino Community College and took Fire Science courses. He landed a job with the Highlands Fire District as a firefighter. He received his Emergency Medical Technician certificate in 2009.
And now, Villa is in the 2021-22 cohort of Paramedic Studies.
“I think it’s a dynamic profession,” Villa said. “There’s constantly something to learn. There’s a lot of teamwork involved, and every day is a little bit different, and every patient is a little bit different. For the creative types and for people who like helping people, it’s a great place to go to work. You have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s days when they need it the most.”
The NAU Review — What’s killing our aspens, the importance of being kind and our favorite dwarf planet
What happens when an invasive insect starts killing Flagstaff’s fall staple and, more importantly, how can we stop it? These are questions a team of School of Forestry professors and graduate students are asking alongside the U.S. Forest Service as a plague of sap-sucking insects threatens northern Arizona’s aspens.
Services Now Available for Students and Families Impacted by COVID-19
Flagstaff Fire Department hosts training and simulated incident on Feb. 17
The Flagstaff Fire Department invites members of the media to attend a Command and General Staff training on the afternoon of Thursday, February 17. This training will include a simulated incident and will prepare participants to function effectively as members of the Command and General Staff on a Type 2 Incident Management Team.
Page CCC Student to become flight paramedic in future
She is dedicated to schoolwork and family.
Coconino Community College student Shayla Haskan, who hails from the Navajo Nation, is currently taking classes at the Page campus. After volunteering with EMS services on the Navajo Nation, she decided to get her EMT certificate to help on her Emergency Medical Services career path, with the end goal of becoming a flight paramedic.
Shayla drives a total of two and a half hours to attend class and another two and a half hours home after the course is over. “Driving the ambulance from 12 pm to midnight prepared me for driving late at night,” she said.
Bilingual report — Participants needed for NAU research study on racial effects on cardiovascular health and glucose regulation (diabetes)
The Cardiovascular Regulation Lab at Northern Arizona University is conducting a study through the National Institutes of Health to examine cardiovascular health and glucose regulation (diabetes) and the racial effects on these.
Inclusion criteria:
Hispanic
Generally healthy
Between 18-45 years old
Non-smoking or tobacco using
Not overweight (<30BMI)
Normal to slightly elevated blood pressure
COVID-19 Negative
Participants will be paid $150 for taking part in the study.
United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) The Programs You Support
There is so much your donation supports when you Step Up and donate to United Way of Northern Arizona.
Like QCKids, the program featured in the video above. Families who have children with disabilities often have difficulty finding care that will prepare their children for kindergarten. The problem is compounded for low-income families, many of whom have difficulty finding affordable, quality child care at all.
QCKids provides a program for children from infancy to 6 years with a focus on identifying and addressing cognitive, physical, social, intellectual and emotional disabilities in order to support learning at a young age to help them better prepare for their future.
MetroPlan Survey Reveals Strong Support for Climate Action
A survey of City and County residents revealed strong support for climate action with 94% acknowledging that climate change is happening and 74% agreeing it needs to be addressed. Greater Flagstaff MetroPlan conducted the random sample survey in November 2021 as part of Stride Forward a regional transportation planning effort with an October 2022 completion date. 412 City residents and 262 County residents in areas like Ft. Valley, Doney Park and Kachina Village participated.
Patrice Horstman — Coconino County District 1 Newsletter — February 2022
4 February 2022
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Winter Snow Play
Highway 180 Health and Safety
American Rescue Plan Allocations
COVID-19 Omicron Variant
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing
Museum Flood Area Warning System
Renewable Energy Ordinance Virtual Open House
Upcoming NACo Legislative Conference
Introducing Chris Newell, District Director
Contact Us
Coconino County Parks and Recreation Grants & Operations Update
The Arizona State Parks Board has selected Coconino Parks and Recreation as a recipient of a 2022 American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Grant, in the amount of $923,306 for the Fort Tuthill Improvement Project.
This project will provide greater outdoor recreation opportunities to park visitors by improving two parking lot surfaces at Fort Tuthill County Park, installing a new sewer line from the campground, and improving a walkway to the outdoor amphitheater.
“With Fort Tuthill County Park seeing increased visitor use throughout the year, the park’s infrastructure is being tasked like never before. We are thankful for the Arizona State Parks ARPA Grant award because important infrastructure like parking lots and a campground sewer line connection will allow visitors to benefit from these improvements now and in years to come,” said Cynthia Nemeth, Parks and Recreation Director.
For more information on this, please visit American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Grant.
February Updates from Creative Flagstaff
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.
CCC student aims to keep national parks safe as an EMT
She wants to help people when they need it most.
Coconino Community College student Edmonia Martinez, who works as the down lake supervisor for interpretation at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is currently taking classes at the CCC Page Center to help her achieve her goal of getting her Emergency Medical Technician certification.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Martinez said during her interview at the Page Center. “It’s just good to have those skills in case we run into people that are in trouble.”
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — NAH Expansion: Better Health Services & A Stronger Economy
The ambitious plans of Northern Arizona Healthcare to build a new hospital and a ‘Health and Wellness Village’ on land just north of Fort Tuthill County Park is a bold vision that goes well beyond the traditional healthcare model.
For those not familiar with the expansion proposal, which was the subject of two virtual public neighborhood meetings last month, it would begin with the construction of a new hospital to replace the current Flagstaff Medical Center. Subsequent phases on the 180-acre parcel would include almost 200 units of housing, mixed used retail (with an emphasis on health-focused retailers and restaurants), and ultimately a medical research and development zone.
NAH is currently working with the City of Flagstaff to refine the plan in advance of NAH applying for a rezoning of the property.
The NAU Review — Rebuilding after wildfires, predicting infectious diseases, Humans of Flagstaff and Notes from the President
The West sees destructive wildfires every year—yet it hadn’t seen anything like California’s Camp Fire. Three months after the most destructive wildfire in recent history, wildfire sociologist Catrin Edgeley went to the devastated town of Paradise to learn how residents and town leaders were recovering. What she found was that, even with the frequency of fires, many cities and towns found themselves navigating unfamiliar territory as they attempted to rebuild. In her research, Edgeley didn’t just want to know how people and towns recovered; she wanted to know how lessons learned in one disaster could be individualized and applied to other fires—lessons that are increasingly important in Arizona as climate change leads to longer, more severe fire seasons.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2022
We have received several questions on how park managers make decisions and plans associated with the pandemic. We have been sharing information weekly since early in the pandemic and we have also decided to rebroadcast some of these plans on a regular basis to ensure employees and community members stay informed.
Superintendent Ed Keable established an Adaptive Management Park Operations (AMPO) Team in May 2020; this team replaced the Incident Management Team that acting Superintendent Mary Risser established at the beginning of the pandemic. Between them, these two teams have met weekly for the entire pandemic. This team now includes members of multiple divisions across the park to ensure that a wide range of disciplines are included in the discussions.
CCC — The Comet — ‘A quick word from the President’ and more news
Thirty years ago, Coconino Community College was born.
The birth was a two-step process: First, voters had to decide if they wanted to form a community college district; second, they had to decide to fund the district with property taxes.
Both measures passed, and CCC was born to serve the residents of Coconino County.
However, that is not the end of the story – only the beginning. A challenge came about with the formation of the college that has grown as the college has grown over time. The percentage of property taxes to help run the college is, by far, the lowest offered to any community college district in the state of Arizona. Initially, the college was able to overcome that challenge with the assistance of state funding and fees from tuition. In the last 30 years, the state funding has diminished considerably. Members of the governing board and the college communities have met the challenge of that initial underfunding with incredible efforts to do “more with less.”
Before she left office, state Sen. Sylvia Allen, after seeing the amazing stories of success being experienced by CCC students, decided to take forward an amendment to state law in 2018 that would allow community colleges to ask the voters to decide if they would support an increase to their primary property tax rate in order to bring the college somewhat closer to parity with other community colleges in the state. The governing board has decided now is the time to ask (see related story).
In a special election on May 17, voters will consider an increase to their primary property tax rate. If the voters approve, the tax rate will still be below all the other community colleges; however, it will provide an opportunity to meet many of the demands for career and technical programs and short-term training requested by business and industry throughout Coconino County.
Onward! Náás! Adelante!
Colleen Smith, PhD
Phantom Ranch Wastewater Treatment Plant Repairs Begin
Beginning Feb. 8, 2022, the first phase of short-term repairs and upgrades to the Phantom Ranch Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) will begin. Work is anticipated to be completed by December 2022 and includes two phases of hauling equipment via helicopters. The first phase is anticipated to go through March, and the second phase is expected to resume in September.
Inner canyon trail users in the vicinity of Phantom Ranch may experience temporary delays of up to 15 minutes, and noise and dust from equipment and helicopters. The contractor, GSE/Coventina Water, LLC, will have limited use of a heavy-lift helicopter (Chinook) to haul supplies and equipment. Visitors should follow directions from National Park Service (NPS) staff and construction crew workers as needed in the work zones to maintain safety.
Grand Canyon National Park Announces 2023 Noncommercial River Trip Lottery Period
Grand Canyon National Park, located in northern Arizona, encompasses 277 miles (446 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. One of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
HECHO January Newsletter — Featured Guest Blog with Coconino County Supervisor for District 2 Jeronimo Vasquez — Building the Community We’d Like to See in Coconino County
In December, Coconino County Supervisor for District 2, Jeronimo Vasquez, shared his story with us about how connections to the outdoors can empower our communities and instill a legacy of stewardship. He writes: “The time I spent outdoors left a profound impact on me, instilling a legacy of stewardship that I hope to pass on to my children, and to my community.”
To read this blog post, click here.
Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: Cascadas y Conchas
LO Portland hiked the Tamanawas Falls on January 2, 2022 to ring in the new year. While hiking the falls, located within Mount Hood National Forest, the group stopped and snapped this picture.
LO Leader Kassy Delgado reflected on the hike afterwards “Enjoying conchas, tamales, and dulces while admiring a wintery waterfall, what a wonderful way of welcoming 2022!”
Conchas y Cascadas for the new year? Que maravillosa!
AARP Hispanic Connection — First update of the year
I trust you and yours are doing well! …as well as can be, given the circumstances.
This is our first update of the year. We, as I’m sure many of you, are working on our plans to deliver services and products that benefit our communities, in my particular case, Hispanic/Latinos.
In 2022 we will continue with our radio/FB live shows on Salud, Dinero y Amistad, a show where we address Social Security, Medicare, healthcare in general, finances, fraud and scams, retirement preparation and other current issues. We have done 4 shows so far (all with Finances as the underlying concept); as you know, the videos can be accessed on our FB page at www.facebook.com/aarparizonahispanicconnection.
New changes coming Jan. 28 to the Flagstaff Mall COVID-19 vaccination site
New changes are coming Jan. 28 to the Flagstaff Mall COVID-19 vaccination site.
Adults 18+ and Children 5-17: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. -5 p.m.
Please note a change in ages beginning on Friday’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Flagstaff Mall. Both adults and children may be vaccinated beginning at 11 am. If you have a vaccine card please bring it with you.
No appointment is needed. A guardian must accompany a child receiving the vaccine. Masks are required at the vaccine site. Pfizer Booster doses are available for all eligible individuals 12 years and older. Moderna and J&J Booster doses are available for 18+.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 24-28, 2022 — ‘Safer Federal Workforce Update’ and more news
We’ve gotten new guidance this week from the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce pertaining to vaccinations for federal employees. This information is the result of legal challenges related to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
The new guidance instructs us to take no action to enforce or implement the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. All the other guidance on protocols related to masking, distancing, travel, testing, and quarantine—remains in effect.
Did you ever wonder who makes up the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce? This group is led by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Task Force members include: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Protective Service (FPS), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the United States Secret Service (USSS). For more information, visit: https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/.
Flagstaff City Council meetings to continue to be held virtually
During the Jan 25 Flagstaff City Council meeting, the Council decided that council meetings will remain fully virtual for the time being due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases in the community. The City Council will continue to reevaluate the format of council meetings during regularly scheduled COVID-19 updates at future council meetings.
Members of the public can stream Council meetings at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1461/Streaming-City-Council-Meetings.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 17-21, 2022
NPS Mask Policy reminders
The current National Park Service mask policy, which follows the CDC recommendation is that everyone wear a mask that is over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status in the following settings:
In all NPS buildings and in congregate office settings; the only exception is when you are alone in a private, walled and closed door space;
Crowded outdoor spaces identified in the Grand Canyon Superintendent’s Compendium (pages 5-6), and
In all forms of enclosed public transportation, which includes Grand Canyon shuttle buses, and all government vehicles and aircraft.
What qualifies as a mask according to the NPS and CDC are masks that have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, completely cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps, and have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. For the latest information on types of masks and respirators, please visit the CDC’s website here.
District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — District 2 Newsletter 7th Edition — Happy New Year and best wishes for a great 2022!
CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission
Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.
If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.
As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.
CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Happening at Your Library 1/18/22
CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission
Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.
If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.
As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.
CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:
Delay – 2022 Annual Point in Time Count
Due to the current surge in COVID-19, the annual Point in Time (PIT) Count has been moved to Feb 23-25 throughout the City of Flagstaff from its original date of Jan 25. This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and is conducted across the country.
Trained city of Flagstaff and Coconino County employees, social service agencies and volunteers will join mobile outreach teams that will locate individuals, families and youth experiencing homelessness as well as staff booths to conduct surveys at libraries and various locations.
The success of this count is dependent on community volunteers. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eH9qA295buyFeQZ3gDF0Xk3kWP8SrFU_mnUUOqW6mE0/edit?usp=sharing
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — January 10-14, 2022
On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, South Rim fire managers were successful in treating 10 acres of woody debris piles near the South Entrance station. This pile burning will continue over the next several months, as conditions allow, and will take place between the South Entrance Station and Desert View Drive Junction (mile markers 238-240).
Prescribed fire plays a vital role in decreasing wildfire risks to life, resources and property by reducing available hazardous fuels. Fire staff carefully plan prescribed fires, initiating them only under environmental conditions that are favorable to assuring firefighter and visitor safety and to achieving desired objectives.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y members to receive discount for Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training on March 1, 2
Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 2 online training will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 1 (MST) and 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 (MST).
Members of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will receive 20 percent off both trainings. For members to receive the promo code, contact CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at virginia@coconinokids.org
The sessions are presented by Iya Affo, a Culturalist and Historical Trauma Specialist.
Discounts are also available for those CCC&Y members who have not taken Historical Trauma Specialist Certification LEVEL 1, that focuses on intergenerational trauma and the impact of Epigenetics, cultural dispossession, segregation & displacement of BIPOC.
Site specific adjustments and mask recommendations at City facilities in response to COVID-19 surge
During the January 11 Council meeting, the City Council approved the City of Flagstaff’s Re-entry Team recommendation to remain in Phase 3 of the City’s Re-entry Plan, with site-specific adjustments made to the Aquaplex pool, City libraries and the Jay Lively Activity Center/ Ice Arena. The Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center will be closed temporarily. All other City operations remain unchanged.
Site-specific immediate adjustments include:
CCHHS Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Variants Result in Increased Community Transmission
Coconino County is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.
If attending an indoor, in-person gathering, masks should be worn.
As COVID-19 transmission increases, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) advises evaluating the need for large gatherings and postponing in-person meetings/gatherings/events, when possible, until community transmission declines.
CCHHS recommends the following precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk, keep children in school, and our economy open:
The NAU Review — New year, new telescope, elephant neighbors and mapping redwood genomes
On Christmas Day, astronomers and planetary scientists around the world watched as a telescope 20 years in the making was launched into space. NASA called the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope one of the most exciting developments in astronomy in the 21st century. For the astronomers, planetary scientists and students at NAU, the launch of this massive observatory, and the information it will transmit back to Earth, is an important step in advancing our understanding of the solar system.
Voto Latino Reflects on January 6th Insurrection One Year Later and Urges Senate to Pass Voting Rights Legislation
On the one year commemoration of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Voto Latino President and CEO Maria Teresa Kumar, issued the following statement:
“Today marks one year since insurrectionists stormed the Capitol in an effort to overthrow the results of a verified, fair and free 2020 presidential election, generating unprecedented chaos and resulting in the deaths of five people. They tried to stymie a peaceful transfer of power. The attempted coup at the Capitol was the most anti-democratic visible display in a larger effort to subvert American elections and partisan attempts to stop eligible voters from casting their ballots.
“The events of January 6th and the profoundly irresponsible actions espoused by twice impeached Donald Trump and his supporters continues to poison faith in American democratic processes and institutions. In the coming days, Congress has an opportunity to safeguard our most precious right to guarantee the thriving American experiment: – equal access to the voting booth for every eligible citizen regardless of color or creed.
Residents invited to join Climate Advisory Groups to bring community voices into local climate action
The Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites Flagstaff residents to join a Climate Advisory Group to guide the implementation of the City’s Carbon Neutrality Plan and bring community voices into local climate action.
Climate Advisory Groups will bring youth, businesses, and equity leaders together to drive climate solutions. Members of the Climate Advisory Groups will provide advice and recommendations:
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 3-7, 2022
Realizing the demand for vaccines is still high in the community, Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team is planning two separate events over two days this week. The County event will have all types of vaccines (first, second, third, and boosters for J&J, Moderna, Pfizer) and will have the pediatric Pfizer doses (first and second) for children ages 5-11-years-old.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Remembering our progress in 2021 and celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2022
2021 was an exciting growth year for CCC&Y. We entered the year with a refreshed Mission and Purpose, welcomed a new logo, gained new database software and had our first ever virtual conference. We expanded our work with Building Community and renewed our commitment to building connections and support in the community. Click here to learn more. We provided training, data and voice to community organizations and groups on topics ranging from trauma-informed care to mindfulness.
Our Coconino Prevention Council and Action and Outreach committees were active throughout the year with activities ranging from monthly connection for organizations and prevention services to legislative and policy review.
A very exciting moment in 2021 was when we received the Vitalyst Health Foundation Spark Grant to collect community voice about root causes of Health Concerns in the County. To date we have engaged numerous partners, groups and individuals and have collected information from over 65 individuals through five questions we are asking the community. These have taken place in one-to-one interviews and very small focus groups across the county. This process was designed to be trusting and relationship-based so as to gain accurate and pertinent information about individual experiences.
Winter Pile Burns Begin on South Rim this Week
Beginning Thursday, January 6, National Park Service (NPS) fire managers will begin pile burning along the Hwy. 64 corridor on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Hand piles composed of woody debris will be burned along the Hwy. 64 corridor, north of the South Entrance Station from mile marker 238-240. Fire managers plan to continue igniting piles over the next several months when weather conditions are suitable.
Smoke will be visible within the area and traffic signs will be posted along the roadway advising visitors of the operations. If traveling along Hwy. 64, visitors are asked to be prepared for slower traffic and minor delays within the area of the pile burns.
Join Supervisor Vasquez and Get Your COVID-19 Booster
Flagstaff Sustainability Office launching Climate Advisory Groups
Cancer Support Community AZ, northern Arizona seeking Development and Event Director
Cancer Support Arizona in Flagstaff is seeking to fill a position.
Candidates sought must:
Demonstrated results in designing, launching, expanding, and improving development programs with wide range of support from the community.
Track record of being resourceful to obtain financial and human support.
Able to learn quickly and proficiently to use multiple technology applications to manage projects,
City of Flagstaff to provide public comment opportunities for final 10-year Housing Plan on Jan. 27, Feb. 15, 2022
The City of Flagstaff will provide public comment opportunities for final 10-year Housing Plan on Jan. 27 at the City Housing Commission Meeting and Feb. 15, 2022 at the City Council Meeting.
The Draft 10-Year Housing Plan’s public comment period has officially closed. The community forum garnered 327 responses. Coupling these with the comments received through the presentations and community outreach, there are more than 600 written comments. Housing and Comprehensive Planners are working to review and categorize the comments.
Feb. 9 — Coconino County to Host Utility Scale Renewable Energy Ordinance Open House
The public is invited to attend a virtual open house on the Utility Scale Renewable Energy Ordinance (REO) Draft on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The draft ordinance will be available for review and comment on the open house site beginning February 9 through February 16, 2022.