Category: Local

Analysis: NAU helps fight student hunger

By Tony Salazar / AmigosNAZ intern Every year in America the price of higher education continues to rise at astronomical rates. This year alone for an incoming freshman at Northern Arizona University one can expect to pay about $25,000 as…

Commentary: La Plaza Vieja begins to define itself

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ When a developer proposed to build a multistory student housing project in the heart of Flagstaff’s La Plaza Vieja Neighborhood, local residents were a bit perturbed. How would the project affect the character of…

Local News

Armondo Escalanti, Alejandro Estrella-Lopez and Priscilla Rivera were among the dozens of graduating seniors who recently received golden honors during a reception where they were recognized for their contributions to Northern Arizona University, the university reported in a media release.…

Snowdrift Art Space in Winslow celebrates Día de los Muertos

From AmigosNAZ staff reports While a strong breeze prevented the traditional procession and burning of the offerings to the dearly departed, it was not enough to dampen the spirits at the Snowdrift Art Space which presented its annual Día de…

Region welcomes 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona

From AmigosNAZ staff reports It was a weekend filled with music, entertainment, and, most importantly, reverence for those who have gone before us as Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona partnered for the 11th annual Celebraciones de…

‘Border Angels, Border Realities and Immigration Today’ presentation to be held Nov. 13 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — Enrique Morones, founder and executive director of Border Angels, will present the discussion “Border Angels, Border Realities, and Immigration Today” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at Northern Arizona University, Liberal Arts, Room 120, Building No. 18.  Morones founded Border…

Día de los Muertos events continue in Winslow through Nov. 2

Other events scheduled from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 WINSLOW — Snowdrift Art Space, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the Winslow Arts Trust and the Winslow Chamber of Commerce will present a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday,…

Día de los Muertos celebration at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village continues in Sedona through Nov. 2

SEDONA — The third annual Marigold Mural Project for Día de los Muertos will be held from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona. The public mural at Calle Independencia allows visitors…

La Plaza Vieja celebrates success, safe sidewalks

Event previews ‘Make a Difference’ Day on Oct. 25 FLAGSTAFF — Neighbors beat back overhanging bushes and trees, weeded, swept and picked up trash throughout La Plaza Vieja on Saturday, Oct. 18, the City of Flagstaff reported in a media release.…

Guest commentary: Full Circle Trade & Thrift is doing wonderful work in our community

By Roxana Cardiel De Niz / NAIC Interim Organizer In October, Full Circle Trade & Thrift’s proceeds will help support Flagstaff’s immigrant families. Northern Arizona Interfaith Council is part of a coalition of nonprofit organizations (Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the Northern Arizona…

City of Flagstaff to hold Telephone Town Hall on road repair, safety at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 27

FLAGSTAFF — On Monday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. nearly 10,000 registered Flagstaff voters will receive a call inviting them to participate in a live telephone town hall meeting with Flagstaff City Manager Kevin Burke and NAIPTA General Manager Jeff Meilbeck,…

11th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct 25-26. Members reception to be held Oct. 24

Museum member’s reception on Oct. 24 FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona will present the 11th annual Celebracíones de la Gente on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 and 26 at the museum. Scheduled entertainment includes Mariachi Sol…

Tickets available for annual Celebraciones de la Gente raffle

Tickets ($10 each) are now available for the annual Celebraciones de la Gente raffle presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. The raffle will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 during the 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente / Día de los Muertos…

NAU Latin American Studies to present No More Deaths — No Más Muertes training on Oct. 26

FLAGSTAFF —  NAU Latin American Studies will present “No More Deaths — No Más Muertes” training from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at Liberal Arts 120. This educational workshop will include an overview of border history and the…

Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission to meet Oct. 22 to discuss zoning code change regarding relocation of residents of properties facing redevelopment

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’ Zoning and Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 to review and discuss sample language for a zoning code that would affect the relocation of residents of properties facing redevelopment, Friends…

Center for Indigenous Culture to present ‘Ani Cordero’s Latin American Songs of Love and Protest’ on Oct. 17

FLAGSTAFF — The Center for Indigenous Culture will present Ani Cordero in concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at CIMC, 213 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff. Cordero’s Latin American Songs of Love and Protest brings together an extraordinary group of musicians…

‘Border Songs: An Evening of Music and Spoken Word’ on Oct. 11 to benefit No More Deaths / No Más Muertes

FLAGSTAFF — “Border Songs: An Evening of Music and Spoken Word,” an event to raise awareness and benefit No More Deaths / No Más Muertes, will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Northern Arizona University Campus…

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future to hold 10th annual Gala on Oct. 11

FLAGSTAFF — Friends of Flagstaff’s Future will hold 10th annual Gala on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Coconino Center for the Arts. “Join us for a great evening to celebrate and support ongoing active engagement in Flagstaff! delicious food sponsored by…

Commentary / Comentario: Full Circle to aid Dreamers

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Since its founding in 2013, Full Circle Trade and Thrift has awarded more than $150,000 to help creative, collaborative and results-oriented nonprofits in Flagstaff. Located at the corner of South Beaver Street and Phoenix…

Local / Locales

The Flagstaff City Council Candidate Forum will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at Little America, 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff. This is an opportunity to hear from the mayoral candidates and the city council candidates as to…

City of Flagstaff to host open houses through 29 on Prop. 406

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an open house to provide information about Proposition 406, a proposed sales tax increase to address city road repairs and street safety, on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E.  6th Ave., Flagstaff. Residents…

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to present an ‘Art Class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center’ on Oct. 3

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present an “Art Class @ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center” from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. Artist Vangie Rodriguez will lead you in painting sugar…

‘Baila Conmigo – Dance with Me’ to be held Sept. 27 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — As part of its 2014 Latin@ Heritage Month celebration, Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will present “Baila Conmigo – Dance with Me” from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Ashurst Hall, Bldg. 11, NAU. “Come…

First Friday Art Walk returns to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center

Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk returned to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on Sept. 5, 2014. The event, presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, featured the…

Dancers celebrate opening of the Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014

Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — From a picnic and dancing at the Grand Canyon to dance workshops and performances in Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014 provided a wide variety of opportunities for…

11th annual Fiesta de Independencia to be held Sept. 21 in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will present its 11th annual Fiesta de Independencia from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace, 2532 E. Seventh, near the corner of Fourth and Seventh…

Screening of ‘Fruitvale Station’ to be held Sept. 23 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — As part of its 2014 Latin@ Heritage Month celebration, Inclusion and Multicultural Services at Northern Arizona University will present the screening of “Fruitvale Station” from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Franke College of Business, Gardner Auditorium. “Fruitvale…

‘Which Way Home’ screening on NAU campus on Sept. 10

FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University’s Latin American Studies will present a free screening of Which Way Home at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the Liberal Arts building, room 120. The 2009 film, directed by Rebecca Cammisa, follows several unaccompanied child migrants as…

September cover story / Portada: Hispanic Heritage Month coming fast

Events include salsa festival, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces First Friday Art Walk, and Hispanic independence celebrations in Sedona, Flagstaff By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It’s last-minute planning time for upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events in Northern Arizona. While the month is officially celebrated…

Commentary / Comentario: The season of nutritional health

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ While this is the season for cultural events, it is also the time to start thinking about proper nutrition as students return to school and we prepare for the dreaded sweet and fat-laden holiday season. The…

Local / Locales

The Hispanic / Latino population of Northern Arizona University grew by 10 percent during the fall of 2014 compared to a year ago, university officials reported in a media release. According to unofficial enrollment figures released during the last week of…

Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014 to be held through Sept. 7

FLAGSTAFF — The Grand Canyon Salsa Festival 2014, featuring workshops and dance competitions, will be held Sept. 4-7 in Flagstaff. The event seeks to facilitate education, awareness, and mutual sharing and bring together dance talents from the local, national and…

Commentary / Comentario: Poore Clinic opens in Sunnyside

By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Even with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, obtaining quality health care continues to be a challenge for many people. Whether it’s transportation issues due to a shortage of accessible neighborhood clinics, problems…

Local / Locales

Northern Arizona University has been awarded a three-year research grant to promote academic success among young Spanish-speaking English learners, university officials reported in a media release. The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Educational Sciences, will…

‘Meet the Flagstaff City Council Candidates Forum’ draws upwards of 150 on July 24

Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Someone said it was like speed-dating for candidates, with potential office holders rushing from one circle of chairs to another to spend about 10 minutes and meet with…

Participants brave long lines to gather school supplies, information at ‘Back to School Fair’ on July 19

Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Long lines didn’t deter children and their parents who were already lined up for nearly a block in the alley between Second and Third streets as they awaited the…

Voter registration deadline is July 28 for primary election

Citizens older than 18 are encouraged to register to vote COCONINO COUNTY — The deadline for Coconino County residents to register to vote in the Aug. 26 Primary Election is Monday, July 28. To register, an individual must be a U.S.…

Bilingual report: Friends of Flagstaff’s Future to present 2014 City Council Campaign Forum on July 24

FLAGSTAFF — Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) will present a forum for City Council and Mayoral Candidates at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at Flagstaff High School, 400 W. Elm Ave., Flagstaff. The forum will give voters an opportunity to get to know…

Bilingual report: Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace to be held on July 18

FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU will present the Mercado de los Sueños/Dream Marketplace with local artists, live music, local vendors and diverse multi-cultural artisans and crafters from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 18.   Mercado de los Sueños is a…

Bilingual report: Flagstaff Back to School Fair to be held July 19 at Flagstaff Family Food Center

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Back to School Health and Safety Fair will be FROM 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at the Flagstaff Family Food Center, 1903 N. Second St., Flagstaff. Organizers report the event features: No cost backpacks, school…

July cover story / Portada: Education top issue for Hispanics

Higher tuition at NAU, CCC, cuts in programs at community college level pose challenges for first-generation students By Star Hunter / AmigosNAZ Immigration reform may lead in the headlines, but it’s not the top issue for Hispanics. According to Pew Research…

Student housing project at Arrowhead Village put on hold, for now

Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — It was standing-room-only when the Flagstaff City Council held two days of public comment on the proposed student housing project on the current site of the Arrowhead Village Mobile…

Literacy fair at Killip Elementary School helps youth, parents get right start on education

Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Community leaders read to young people, parents and others spoke about the value of education, while youth took part in a variety of activities including exercise programs and…

Student housing project at Arrowhead Village fails to pass Zoning Commission. Issue heads to City Council on July 1, 2

FLAGSTAFF — A zoning change for a proposed 650-student housing project — known as “The Standard” — at the Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park was unanimously rejected on June 25 by the Flagstaff Zoning and Planning Commission. The recommendation by…

Beloved NAU music alumnus dies tragically

FLAGSTAFF — Germán Andrés Aguilar, an exceptionally talented and much-loved music graduate of Northern Arizona University, collapsed and died on June 7, 2014, while performing in Florence, Italy, with California State University, Long Beach’s Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir under the…

Discussion continues on ‘The Standard’ student housing. Next meeting on June 25

AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Multiple meetings in early June raised as many questions as answers regarding a proposed student housing project on the site of the current Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park in west Flagstaff. Residents of the Plaza Vieja neighborhood…