Officials seek to balance state budget cuts with creative options to improve education to meet state college, career and life-readiness standards By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ On what promised to be another toasty summer day in Flagstaff, children and…
Category: Local
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…
Mercado de Sueños celebrates July 18 gathering in Flagstaff. Next event is Aug. 15
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — More booths, more art, more music and food could be found at the second Mercado de Sueños / Dream Marketplace held July 18 near the corner of 7th and…
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…
Free ‘Concert in the Park’ presented by Hermosa Vida to be held July 9 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Hermosa Vida will sponsor a free outdoor concert from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 at Bushmaster Park, 3150 N. Alta Vista, Flagstaff. The event is part of a series of concerts on…
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…
Mariachi Mass brings community together at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — With heavenly mariachi music coming from above, more than 150 people took part in a special Mariachi Mass held on Sunday, June 29 at Our Lady of Guadalupe…
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…
Mercado de Sueños celebrates its grand opening on June 20. Next event is July 18
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — Music, food and plenty of arts and crafts could be found at the inaugural Mercado de Sueños / Dream Marketplace, which celebrated its grand opening on June 20…
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…
First Friday Art Walk returns to Our Lady of Guadalupe Cultural Center
AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — From ceramic cups, bowls and crosses, to colorful watercolor works featuring horses, visitors had a chance to experience a variety of art during the second Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk celebration held at Our Lady…
Local author publishes ‘Spiritual Walking Guide: León to Santiago’
FLAGSTAFF — People setting out on The Way of St. James, or El Camino de Santiago in northern Spain made famous by the Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez movie “The Way,” now have a book, which guides them along the pathways…
Bilingual report: Mercado de los Sueños / Dream Marketplace to hold grand opening on June 20
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and NAU announce the grand opening of 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, June 20 Mercado de los…
Bilingual report: Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss ‘The Standard’ student housing development on June 11
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 to hold a public hearing on a zoning map change for the proposed “The Standard,” a controversial student housing development on the site of…
Bilingual report: No Dream Deferred Action application drive to be held June 14
FLAGSTAFF — The No Dream Deferred Action application drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff, organizers reported in a media release. Required documents include: Birth certificate…
June cover story / Portada: Artistic, cultural events coming to region
First Friday Art Walk, Spanish guitar, flamenco concerts and Tardeada celebrations filling out the calendar schedule By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The threat of frost is rapidly dwindling, the weather is warming up and everyone seems ready to enjoy…
Commentary / Comentario: Thank you, Firefighters!!!
By Frank X. Moraga and Star Hunter / AmigosNAZ The banners near the freeway onramps at Kachina Boulevard seem to say it all. “THANK YOU FIREFIGHTERS! From Coconino County & the Communities of Oak Creek, Kachina Village, Mountainaire, Forest Highlands…
Local / Locales
The City of Flagstaff has entered Stage 2 of Fire Restrictions, officials reported in a media release. As a result: No permits are issued for open burning within the City of Flagstaff; use of charcoal barbecue grills is prohibited throughout…
Sunnyside celebrates 19th annual Fiesta de Mayo
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff Inc. celebrated its 19th annual Fiesta de Mayo on May 17 and 18, 2014 in Flagstaff, AZ. The celebration this year was relocated from Ponderosa Park to the in the Greenlaw Village Shopping Center…
Flagstaff celebrates 2014 Armed Forces Day Parade
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff, classic car owners and other supporters of active duty military and veterans joined in supporting Armed Forces Day Parade, held Saturday, May 17, 2014 in downtown Flagstaff, AZ. The theme…
NAU students celebrate with 2014 Hispanic Convocation / Graduación Hispana
Hover over each image to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — Hundreds of students participated in the annual Hispanic Convocation / Graduación Hispana held on May 8, 2014 at Northern Arizona University. The event featured opening remarks by Mistress of Ceremony…
Market on the Move makes successful stop in Flagstaff
Hover over each image to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — Market on the Move, a farmer’s market-style program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, made a successful return…
Our Lady of Guadalupe Cultural Center celebrates inaugural First Friday Art Walk
Hover over each image above to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF – Visitors had the opportunity to look over paintings and jewelry by local artists and tour the progress of renovation at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church…
Public turns out in mass — in red — for talk on resident displacement ordinance
Hover over each image above to see a description. AmigosNAZ staff report FLAGSTAFF — In an effort to address future issues like the proposed multi-story student housing development at the current site of the Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park, more than…
‘Market on the Move’ comes to Flagstaff on May 7
FLAGSTAFF — Market on the Move, a farmer’s market-style program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, is coming to Flagstaff from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 at Killip…
Northern Arizona Interfaith Council to meet May 8 at Killip Elementary School
FLAGSTAFF — NAIC will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff. “We will be continuing to meet the second Thursday of the month for our general leaders meetings. Our…
May cover story / Portada: Teens get ready for tough job market
Classes on filling out job applications, interview techniques prepare youth for competitive summer job season By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ It looked like a typical classroom with adult speakers talking in front of a group of teens. But…
Commentary / Comentario: A education in redevelopment
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Developers of a proposed student housing project near downtown Flagstaff most likely expected relatively smooth sailing when they first approached city staff with their proposal last summer as they sought to re-zone the seven-acre…
Local / Locales
Market on the Move, a program where community members can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $15 donation, is coming to Flagstaff on Wednesday, May 7 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff. Community…
Bilingual report: First Friday Art Walk comes to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center on May 2
FLAGSTAFF — First Friday Art Walk comes to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2 at 224 So. Kendrick St., Flagstaff. Visit the basement to see works by local artists…
Bilingual report: ‘Southside Celebration of History and Culture’ to be held May 2 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — The “Southside Celebration of History and Culture” will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2 at the South Beaver School Gym, 506 So. Beaver St. A collaboration of Northern Arizona University’s College of Social & Behavioral…
NAU concludes final week of Immigration Awareness Month
Hover over each image above to see a description. FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University concluded “Immigration Awareness Month” with a discussion on national security at the border, a court case against a journalist reporting on refugee migration from Central America and…
Resident Displacement Ordinance up for discussion at Flagstaff City Council on April 29
FLAGSTAFF — In an effort to address future potential housing issues like the proposed multi-story student housing development at the current site of the Arrowhead Village Mobile Home Park, the Flagstaff City Council is schedule to hold its first public…
Arrowhead Village public meetings to be held April 21, 23
FLAGSTAFF — The first in a series of follow-up public meetings for the proposed student housing project at the Arrowhead Village trailer park in Flagstaff will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 21 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 1175 W. Route…
Immigration Awareness Month concludes this week at NAU
FLAGSTAFF – Week four of Immigration Awareness Month at Northern Arizona University will open with a discussion by Linda Green, director for Latin American Studies at the University of Arizona, on “Liberalism, National Security and Migration: Notes from the Border-lands of the…
Tickets now on sale for 7th annual ‘Dancing Across Borders’ fundraiser on April 26
FLAGSTAFF — Advance purchase tickets ($15) for the 7th annual “Dancing Across Borders” fundraiser are now available at www.latindancecollective.com Tickets are $20 at the door. The event benefits No More Deaths / No Más Muertes, which provides families and individuals crossing the perilous…
Northern Arizona Institutions for Community Leadership to hold leaders meeting on April 10 at Killip Elementary School
FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Institutions for Community Leadership will hold a leaders meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E 6th Ave., Flagstaff. “We’ll be talking education, police, housing, and more, so please…
April cover story / Portada: Immigration awareness events return to NAU
Activities expand to entire month of April at the university By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ During an interview last year, Robert Neustadt said it would be up to the students to decide if they want to carry on “Immigration…
Commentary: ‘National Day of Action’ on April 5 — Calling for an end to deportations
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ Saturday, April 5 could go down as one of the low-lights for the Obama Administration regarding its handling of immigration. On that day, the administration is expected to deport its 2 millionth person, according…
Local / Locales
A group of Northern Arizona University researchers focused on sustainable practices, geography and earth sciences found something unexpected during their work in Central America: the effects of drug trafficking are leaving deep scars on a sensitive landscape. They call the…
Local / Locales
The City of Flagstaff reports that the Army Corps of Engineers has allocated $1.6 million for the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project. “We have worked tirelessly to secure funding for the Rio de Flag flood control project. Part of…
Coconino Community College to celebrate National TRiO Day on Feb. 22
U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick to speak on CCC’s Lone Tree campus FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College is celebrating National TRiO Day on Saturday, Feb. 22 with keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, the college reported in a media release. National…
SB1070 policy meeting to be held Feb. 6 at Killip Elementary
FLAGSTAFF — A community meeting to discuss a change in the Flagstaff Police Department’s policy on SB1070 will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 at W.F. Killip Elementary School in the Sunnyside Neighborhood of Flagstaff. The meeting will include…
Commentary / Comentario: An opportunity to talk
By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ For community policing, it’s a fine balance between gathering information to investigate crimes and maintaining trust with a segment of society that previously viewed law enforcement in other places with suspicion, if not downright…
Local / Locales
The City of Flagstaff has released results of its “2013 Citizen Survey,” which addressed issues from quality of life and community, shopping and transportation, to city government satisfaction of services, city officials reported in a media release. Quality of City…
Residents urged to attend Jan. 21 Flagstaff City Council meeting on proposed resident dislocation ordinance
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 to discuss adding to a future city council agenda a proposed Resident Dislocation Ordinance, the Northern Arizona Interfaith Council reported in a media release. The proposed…
NAIC to present ‘Celebration of Community’ fundraiser on Jan. 26
FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council will present its “Celebration of Community” fundraiser from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Orpheum Theater, 15 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. The event is designed to bring the community together…
NAIC, NAICL to meet Jan. 8 in Sedona
SEDONA — Open board meetings for Northern Arizona Interfaith Council and Northern Arizona Institutions for Community Leadership will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive, Sedona. “We…
January cover story / Portada: Politics, culture dominate 2013 regional scene
Hispanic community plays key role in celebrations, immigration reform effort By Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ The procession began with the lighting of more than 150 luminarias around Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel near downtown Flagstaff and ended with a…
Local / Locales
Coconino County Community Services will present its “Basic Business Empowerment” class from Jan. 11 through March 11 at the Coconino County Health and Community Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. The classes will provide information on creating a business feasibility…
Sedona City Council approves comprehensive immigration reform support measure
SEDONA — The Sedona City Council voted on Dec. 10 to approve a resolution in support of comprehensive immigration reform, following the lead of the Flagstaff City Council, which approved a nearly identical resolution on Oct. 1, the Northern Arizona Interfaith…