The city of Flagstaff has lifted all fire restrictions within city limits effective Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. The restrictions were lifted due to the increased moisture received in the greater Flagstaff area. While restrictions are lifted, residents and visitors are asked to use caution while using ignition sources for barbecue, charcoal, and propane stoves. No open burning is allowed in the city of Flagstaff.
Coconino County has lifted all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forest, as well as other agencies in the area.
I’m excited to join F3, an organization with a long (25 years!) and positive history of advocacy in Flagstaff. I look forward to revitalizing the organization’s tradition of working closely with the city, county and community to guide Flagstaff’s development in a way that maintains the city’s livability and beauty.
While I grew up in the Midwest, Flagstaff was the first place that felt like home. Over my 25 years here, I have explored the mountains, canyons, rivers and mesas that surround our city. I’ve walked and biked miles of the FUTS trails around the city, tended the gardens at Willow Bend and searched for bargains at the ReStore on 4th Street. I’ve walked around the lakes in Country Club, skied at Buffalo Park, and listened to the spring frogs on McMillan Mesa. I’ve monitored my son during the First Friday Artwalk as he busked on San Francisco Street with his violin on those nights that weren’t too cold. Like you, I want to see all parts of our town stabilize from the economic and social effects of this global pandemic so that we can all once again fully participate in our community.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors recently proclaimed November to be Native American Heritage Month.
Coconino County embraces 22 Native American tribes in Arizona, and takes pride in the six tribes calling Coconino County home; whose economic contributions, foods, medicines, remedies, art and literature are vital contributions to American life and endeavors.
We are dedicated to preserving and promoting Native American culture in the community, education and workforce.
Halloween is nearly here! Have fun this holiday, while also being safe. Take a look at recommendations for both Trick or Treaters and Homeowners alike.
More recommendations and tips can be found at https://www.halloween2020.org/
Natural disasters are increasing in both frequency and impact nationwide. To meet this challenge, Coconino County is updating its Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP).
Coconino Community College Nursing student Wes Grove put a bandage on Pauline’s arm after he gave her a flu shot.
“I didn’t feel a thing,” she said in a Brooklyn accent. Although her face was mostly hidden by a mask, her eyes squinted and suggested a smile.
Pauline was one of a line of people waiting in their cars for their annual flu shots available during a number of clinics through the Coconino County Department of Health and Human Services. CCC Nursing students will be helping out every other Saturday.
Vote early in person: Early voting is available up until Friday, October 30 at these locations: Early Voting Sites. Please note that some locations are closed on Fridays.
NOTE: New Voter ID requirements for voting early in person are now in effect. See ID Required to Vote In Person for list of acceptable ID.
How can I return my voted early ballot?
Return your early ballot in any of the following ways:
Mail your ballot no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Drop your ballot off at one of these Ballot Drop Box Locations or Drive-Up/Drop-Off Locations on the Navajo Nation.
Deliver your ballot to any early voting location in the county prior to Election Day, during the hours the site is open.
Deliver your ballot to any polling place or vote center in the county on Election Day between 6 am to 7 pm (local time).
See also Tips on Returning Your Early Ballot…
It’s hard for some Arizonans to imagine. But there are communities all over the state where families can’t get internet, or even reliable phone service. Most of us can’t picture going through life without that, but for many, it’s a daily reality. Driving to the top of a hill to get cell service; hour-long bus rides to get to school; roads that are virtually unpassable in the winter. And for those on tribal communities the challenges might be even more basic – many households lack running water or electricity, or both.
As you cast your ballot this year, keep them in mind. These are some of our most vulnerable populations and they need the support and resources that both government and nonprofit groups provide.
Whatever your concerns are, they can be reflected in your vote. For rural communities in Arizona, there are resources and support, but at times, the resources available aren’t always reflective of the community’s immediate needs. During the pandemic, as teachers often do, many teachers continue to use their personal devices and other self-purchased tools to make it through this year.
Residents may light indoor fires in stoves and fireplaces for heating and warmth
Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance remains in effect due to dry conditions throughout the County. The open fire ban has been in place since earlier this spring due to dry conditions and lack of monsoon rains.
Vote early in person: Early voting is available up until Friday, October 30 at these locations: Early Voting Sites. Please note that some locations are closed on Fridays.
NOTE: New Voter ID requirements for voting early in person are now in effect. See ID Required to Vote In Person for list of acceptable ID.
How can I return my voted early ballot?
Return your early ballot in any of the following ways:
Mail your ballot no later than Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Drop your ballot off at one of these Ballot Drop Box Locations or Drive-Up/Drop-Off Locations on the Navajo Nation.
Deliver your ballot to any early voting location in the county prior to Election Day, during the hours the site is open.
Deliver your ballot to any polling place or vote center in the county on Election Day between 6 am to 7 pm (local time).
See also Tips on Returning Your Early Ballot.
Early ballots must be received no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, November 3, 2020.
Where can I go to vote on Election Day?
You may find your polling location online by searching your residence address or by looking up this list of polling places.
Today, Friday, October 23, 5:00 pm, is the deadline for voters to request an early ballot to be mailed to them. The Elections Office has already sent out almost 70,000 ballots to our registered voters. In the first ten days of early voting, over 30,000 voted ballots have been returned. Our voter registration team is very busy verifying signatures and processing the voted early ballots.
If you want to check to see if your voted early ballot has been processed and accepted, go to: https://my.arizona.vote/PortalList.aspx
Please note that it takes the team a few days to process an early ballot after it arrives.
The Coconino County Elections Office is offering drive up/ballot drop off service this coming Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31. The service will be available from 9 am to 1 pm in the parking lot at 110 E Cherry Ave, Flagstaff.
Earlier this month, guests from all over the word attended CCC&Y’s presentation of Kevin Campbell’s “Self-Healing Communities — A Continued Conversation.”
The presentation is now available on CCC&Y’s Prevention webpage at Self-Healing Communities with Kevin Campbell. The free program also includes presentation slides and Self-Healing Communities Data from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
“As a testament to Kevin’s international work we had participants from England, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arkansas, and of course, all over Arizona,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y. “This piece is an argument for moving away from treating individuals, community members and families as the “recipient” of services, from medicalizing unlivable lives, from not acknowledging systems of injustice and a move toward the scientifically-based call to action of participation, truth and community healing.”
Victim Witness Services for Coconino County is doing a Campaign for Healthy Relationships throughout Coconino County. While it is important to recognize that domestic violence is a real problem that people deal with daily, we also want to recognize a way to prevent it is by knowing about and striving for healthy relationships.
They are hosting a video series. You can watch the vide below. This video highlights the Page Office for Victim Witness and invites you to send a letter of gratitude to someone. Please subscribe so you get notified of the new videos. Also, please forward this and share with whoever you know or can. They will continue releasing these videos every Monday and Friday of the month.
They are also doing a Community Word Search in Flagstaff, Williams, Page, and Tuba City! Find at least 2 words posted at local businesses and agencies and then go to our website to enter to win prizes! All the words are related to healthy relationships.
For more information go to our website www.vwscoconino.org/chr
For the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Victim Witness Services for Coconino County is doing a Campaign for Healthy Relationships throughout Coconino County. While it is important to recognize that domestic violence is a real problem that people deal with daily, we also want to recognize a way to prevent it is by knowing about and striving for healthy relationships.
To continue our video series, the next video has been posted https://youtu.be/UP_UuVrMTWw. We will continue releasing these videos every Monday and Friday of the month.
SUSTAINABILITY TOOLS TO LIVE BY: Tips and Tricks during COVID-19. i.e. recycling, gardening, electric vehicles, with Amanda Acheson, Coconino County Sustainability Manager, will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.
District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — Tuba City Birth Certificate Service Reopening Oct. 14
Candidates for elected office through Coconino County and statewide have addressed youth education and child welfare issues with Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s Candidate Questionnaire Webpage.
CCC&Y is once again providing its one-stop webpage featuring information from candidates impacting the county.
The Coalition has created the short, attached questionnaire so that voters in Coconino County may understand how candidates will respond to issues related to children & youth. Voters will have access to the Coalition’s website to compare and contrast candidate responses, see who has responded and note missing candidates.
The Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA) is pleased to announce a new Small Business Grant Relief Program to help small businesses as they continue to face the financial impact related to COVID-19. The first round of this program has contributions totaling $30,000, provided by the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County and Northern Arizona University.
October 9, 2020 Coconino County Government ELIZABETH C. ARCHULETA Supervisor, District 2 Special Edition Supervisor Liz Archuleta; (928) 679-7152; larchuleta@coconino.az.gov Theresa M. Munoz, Executive Assistant; (928) 679-7162; tmunoz@coconino.az.gov In This Newsletter: Quote of the Day Doney Park Timberline Fernwood Community Survey…
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, learn how University Admissions has expanded and grown recruitment resources for students with Spanish-speaking families by offering bilingual events, fliers and other recruitment materials. SEE MORE NAU NEWS HERE
The Jay Lively Activity Center, which is the City’s ice rink, will begin a tiered reopening on Oct. 12 at 12 p.m. The center will only open to the following groups: Flagstaff Avalanche High School Hockey, Flagstaff Figure Skating Club, Flagstaff Youth Hockey Association, and Just for Fun Hockey Club, based on rental agreements and ice time reservations. During the first tier of reopening, the ice arena will not be open to the general public.
You still have time.
The Census deadline was EXTENDED.
Census Bureau Statement on Oct. 1 Court Ruling for extended deadline.
Respond today at 2020census.gov
or call 844-330-2020
Deadline to complete your 2020 Census is October 31, 2020.
Questionnaire webpage provides voters opportunity for one-stop information. Deadline for candidates to submit written answers extended to Oct. 9
Candidates for elected office through Coconino County and statewide are addressing youth education and child welfare issues with Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s Candidate Questionnaire Webpage.
CCC&Y is once again providing its one-stop webpage featuring information from candidates impacting the county.
The Coalition sincerely appreciates candidates’ willingness to run for public office. Please know that the Coalition has gratitude for your public service and the sacrifices this requires.
The Coalition has created the short, attached questionnaire so that voters in Coconino County may understand how candidates will respond to issues related to children & youth. Voters will have access to the Coalition’s website to compare and contrast candidate responses.
Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance remains in effect due to dry conditions throughout the County. The open fire ban has been in place since earlier this spring due to dry conditions and lack of monsoon rains.
The County does wish to clarify that the ordinance and the fire ban do not apply to open fire maintained indoors in a fireplace for providing warmth. As temperatures drop overnight, the open fire ban does not apply to keeping residences warm and safe through controlled open fires in fireplaces or wood stoves.
Persons needing utility assistance for electric, gas, wood, water and propane (100 gallons or more) are asked to call Coconino County Health and Human Services, Community Services at 928-679-7453. Income eligibility requirements apply. Rental assistance is also available. Visit https://coconino.az.gov/149/Social-Services for more information.
Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance remains in effect due to dry conditions throughout the County. The open fire ban has been in place since earlier this spring due to dry conditions and lack of monsoon rains.
Greetings Constituents,
I am writing to you today to spread the word about the need for volunteers to support the American Red Cross response to disasters like Hurricanes Laura and Sally and the wildfires that are raging out west. As you are aware 2020 has presented us with a series of unprecedented disasters with the added challenge of operating during a global pandemic. The Red Cross is up for the challenge to respond to disasters both here in Arizona and across the country, but we need the help of our community to bolster our available workforce.
We have a critical need for volunteers who are licensed healthcare professionals as well as people to help with sheltering. We are operating a little differently this year to provide the safest environment possible for our workforce and the clients we serve, but our mission to provide shelter to people displaced by disasters remains the same.
The Flagstaff City Council declared a Climate Emergency on June 23, 2020. The declaration commits Flagstaff to update its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2030 while supporting a collaborative climate action mobilization effort that will require full community participation.
The Census Bureau has received a slight extension for the 2020 Census and will complete their counting efforts on October 5.
Coconino County urges all residents to complete the Census which can be done in less than 10 minutes. The Census can be completed in a variety of ways, including online at https://my2020census.gov/ or by calling 1-844-330-2020.
The current self-response rate in Coconino County is 45.6% as of today, while the rest of Arizona is at 63.2%.
There are just seven days remaining to complete the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau will complete their counting efforts on September 30.
Coconino County urges all residents to complete the Census which can be done in less than 10 minutes. The Census can be completed in a variety of ways, including online at https://my2020census.gov/ or by calling 1-844-330-2020. The current self-response rate in Coconino County is 45.2% as of today, while the rest of Arizona is at 63.2%.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), in collaboration with Canyonlands Healthcare, will provide COVID-19 testing and flu vaccinations in Page, AZ on Tuesday, September 29 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The testing site will be located in the parking lot at 620 N. Navajo Drive, Page.
Currently only 45.1% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census. This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more!
The Census also determines how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives. It’s important to remember the following when filling out the 2020 Census:
Count everyone who is living in your house on or after 04/01/20 on your census form
The census DOES NOT ask about citizenship
All information collected is required BY LAW to be kept confidential
Make sure to include children and babies when filling out your census
EVERYONE COUNTS!
You count. Your families count. Your neighbors count.
With less than a half-month to go, Coconino County still lags behind its U.S. Census 2010 self-response rate.
Okay procrastinators, time to get going!!!
The time is now to fill out U.S. Census forms by Sept. 30, 2020 and also do everything possible to make sure your VOTE COUNTS in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election
As of Sept. 17, 2020, Coconino County reported a total self-response rate of 44.9 percent, down from from 51.0 percent from a year ago. The news is event worse for the Navajo Nation, which has reported 19.9 percent self-response rate as of Sept. 17, 2020, down from 29.4 percent in 2010.
Saliva-based COVID-19 testing will be available at Fort Tuthill beginning on September 8th. A few items to note for those seeking testing:
📍Children under 5 years old cannot receive saliva tests.
📍Nasopharyngeal testing will continue to be available for individuals under the required age and those who prefer the swab test.
📍Those seeking COVID-19 saliva testing are asked to abstain from food or drink for 30 minutes prior to the test.
There is a need for volunteers to support the American Red Cross response to disasters like Hurricanes Laura and Sally and the wildfires that are raging out west. As you are aware 2020 has presented us with a series of unprecedented disasters with the added challenge of operating during a global pandemic. The Red Cross is up for the challenge to respond to disasters both here in Arizona and across the country, but we need the help of our community to bolster our available workforce.
Coconino County Community Development was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $920,000 from the Office of Economic Adjustment through the Department of Defense. This grant will allow for the implementation of key strategies to protect the missions of military installations at Camp Navajo and the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (NOFS), and will promote awareness of its activities in the community. These strategies were identified as priorities from a Joint Land Use Study that was concluded approximately one year ago.
Coconino County Community Development was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $920,000 from the Office of Economic Adjustment through the Department of Defense. This grant will allow for the implementation of key strategies to protect the missions of military installations at Camp Navajo and the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (NOFS), and will promote awareness of its activities in the community. These strategies were identified as priorities from a Joint Land Use Study that was concluded approximately one year ago.
They are often the first ones on the scene when a person is sick or injured and needs help. They should have compassion, solve problems on the fly, and be able to work under pressure.
Being an Emergency Medical Technician is a rewarding career, and Coconino Community College is offering a course to help Page area residents become certified EMTs.
The city of Flagstaff entered Phase 3 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan. The move to Phase 3 was predicated on the number of new cases, hospitalizations and COVID related deaths continuing on a downward trajectory for four or more weeks, the demonstrated ability to follow CDC guidelines, ability to care for the seriously ill and providing testing, monitoring and contact tracing. Under Phase 3, the city will begin a limited reopening of city facilities and amenities. Face coverings are required in city facilities.
Are you or someone you know interested in working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?
If so, please attend a FREE Zoom Information Session to learn about the Medical Training Program at Coconino Community College in Page.
Seasonal influenza vaccine is being offered at the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff.
Seasonal influenza vaccine is being offered at the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff. Drive-up and Walk-up Flu Vaccination Clinics will be held every Friday beginning September 11 and every other Saturday beginning September 12 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Masks or face coverings are required.
The premise of self-healing communities is individuals within communities hold the wisdom to transform our most pressing community challenges. When the community at large asks their neighbors and community what would be most supportive, listens to their perspectives, and supports a collective response, we begin the process of healing.
Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) is leading an effort to facilitate a self-healing county! With such a vast county, where do we start? First, acknowledge YOU are a leader!
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Month. Coconino County pledges to continue supporting suicide prevention efforts across the County, in partnership with @StrongerAsOneNAZ and our other community partners.
For free services, text the 24/7 Crisis Line at 741-741, call the Northern Arizona Crisis Line at 1-877-756-4090, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Never has a September been more important to American democracy than this year with the deadline approaching (Sept. 30) to fill out U.S. Census forms and to do everything possible to make sure your VOTE COUNTS in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election
During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Coconino County offices closed in honor of Labor Day
Saliva-based COVID-19 Testing Available
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
UPDATED COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Stay Connected with Us!
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in honor of Labor Day.
COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill and the COVID-19 Information Line will also be closed. The County’s COVID-19 response efforts will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Coconino County Health and Humans Services recommends taking extra precautions when participating in Labor Day activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 safety recommendations include:
Avoid close contact with others, avoid large groups.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
Wash hands frequently.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Practice physical distancing while at social events.
Skip the celebratory events, if sick over the holiday
When we started the COVID-19 Fund back in March, our goal was to quickly turn your donations into support for local organizations meeting the basic needs of our residents during this unprecedented time. Our expertise means we can cut down on the ‘red tape’ and rapidly get money to agencies that are highly skilled at meeting this moment.
Your generosity has allowed us to distribute almost $400,000 to local nonprofits including food banks, child care providers and homeless shelters. Often, your gifts have helped communities and populations that are overlooked or underserved.
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in honor of Labor Day.
COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill and the COVID-19 Information Line will also be closed. The County’s COVID-19 response efforts will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Labor Day, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be operating under normal schedules. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For nonemergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.
PAGE — Tashina Williams, director of student support services for the Page Unified School District, has been named CCC&Y’s Community Ambassador for Page.
The new position will strategically extend CCC&Y’s capacity and reach into communities in Coconino County.
“I have been with the school district for three and a half years,” Williams said. “Before that I was a dedicated case manager with Encompass Health Services for about nine years. I ran the matrix, intensive out-patient treatment program for adolescents. I also worked with high need children ages 5-18 on their treatment plan.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is pleased to partner with Arizona State University, Arizona Department of Health Services and Northern Arizona University (NAU) to offer free saliva-based diagnostic COVID-19 testing. Testing will be available beginning Wednesday, September 2 at the NAU Fieldhouse and beginning September 8 at Fort Tuthill County Park.
The city of Flagstaff Water Services Division is assembling a volunteer committee on reclaimed water. Only one-third of all reclaimed water generated each year is committed for our current customers. The Water Services Division is faced with about seven options for the remaining, uncommitted supply; input from the community is needed to narrow the options down to three.
The annual Colorado River Days Flagstaff festival is just around the corner and will take place virtually September 1-14. This year’s theme is Generations: Past, Present & Future. Events include: family activities, film screenings, discussions of the Colorado, Gila, San Juan, and Little Colorado Rivers, an art exhibition, live music, and a variety of presentations from diverse voices. These events weave together the importance of history, the implications of prolonged drought, and the uncertain future of the Colorado River.
Colorado River Days Flagstaff launched in 2012 to celebrate and share knowledge about the river. Flowing through the heart of Grand Canyon, the Colorado River is at the core of Flagstaff’s culture and economy; yet, many residents do not experience it firsthand. In response, Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter spearheaded the effort to create a community river festival. Now in its 9th year, the festival is a collaboration between non-profit organizations, scientific researchers, tribal members, artists, businesses, museums, and parks.
The experience was really like trying to grab a small sip from a firehose at full blast.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down business across the state, organizations like the Coconino Small Business Development Center at Coconino Community College stepped into breach to lend a needed hand.
“When the COVID-19 disaster started, it was just me and Amanda part time,” said Gina Couillard, Director of the Coconino SBDC, adding that Amanda Hyde moved to a full-time business analyst and operations specialist in short order to assist with the demand from local businesses.
🏠 Quédate dentro
🙅 Cierra las ventanas
🌬 Usa el aire acondicionado, de ser posible
Los niveles de humo pueden cambiar durante el día, permanece en interiores cuando los índices estén más altos.
⚠ ¡Varios condados de Arizona están en alerta por humo!
🏕 Limita actividades al aire libre
🔄 Usa el aire acondicionado, recircula el aire para que no entre aire externo)
🏘 Quédate dentro, cierra puertas y ventanas
📱 Infórmate de las condiciones del aire en www.airnow.gov
⚠ Hasta en las regiones lejos de los incendios puede haber mala calidad del aire.
Algunas personas tienen más riesgo:
• Niños
• Mujeres embarazadas
• Adultos mayores
• Personas con problemas en el corazón y pulmones
¡Manténgase seguro y reduzca la inhalación de humo!
Only by understanding the root causes of historical trauma can we fully begin the healing process during this time of Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter, said Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historic Trauma.
Affo, a culturalist and historic trauma specialist, addressed the impact of historical trauma during her first level of “Historical Trauma Special Certification” training held via Zoom on Aug. 20 and 24.
The training was presented to a total of 110 individuals, many of whom, represented staff, board members and supporters of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth. The attendees represented a variety of child welfare, behavioral health and other community agencies.
