Category: News

Prescribed burn planned later this week west of Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers with the Flagstaff Ranger District plan on continuing portions of the Horseshoe Maxwell Springs prescribed burn project located 9.5 miles northwest of Flagstaff, just north of Bellemont.

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

2045 Flagstaff Regional Plan —Spring Survey due April 25

The deadline to take the Spring Survey on the Regional Plan has been extended to Friday, April 25. Your input is needed! Survey results will inform the upcoming Joint Retreat on May 2nd, when City and County elected officials will discuss the plan.
Click here to start the Spring Survey on the Regional Plan

Flagstaff residents brave rain, snow to attend U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego’s Veteran Townhall on April 18

FLAGSTAFF — The chance of heavy rain or snow did not deter local residents of the opportunity to ask questions about the impact of recent federal funding cuts on local veterans during the U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego’s Veteran Townhall held on Friday, April 18 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3 in downtown Flagstaff.

During the event, which drew upwards of 60 people, local veterans were able to ask what steps are being taken to protect local veterans who have lost their federal jobs or are seeing a reduction of veterans services due to federal program funding cuts.

NAU, ASU and UofA students share heartfelt stories, debate current issues at Regents Cup competition in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — In one classroom, an emotional roller coaster with students in the space of 10 minutes baring their souls and sharing the highs and lows of their personal experiences to total strangers.

In another room, students debated on the efficiency of having the U.S. education system controlled by officials in Washington, D.C, versus an educational system guided by state officials who understand the unique cultural, economic, financial and social challenges facing their local students

So went the first two sessions of Regents’ Cup 2025, a competition pitting students from Northern Arizona University, Arizona State and the University of Arizona, held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at NAU.

The Regents’ Cup 2025, presented by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), rotates annually among the three universities, features 48 students who compete to win scholarships ($15,000 first place, $12,000 second place and $5,000 third place).

Capacity crowd turns out for Arizona Attorney General’s Flagstaff Town Hall on April 15

FLAGSTAFF — With issues ranging from federal funding cuts to local health care, highway construction, homeless shelters, food services, wildfire and flooding prevention projects to staffing cuts at local universities and national parks — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said she wanted to hear it all so she can include the feedback of myriad lawsuits being filed by nearly two dozen state attorneys general against the Trump administration.

Coconino County residents provided that information and much more during Mayes’s Flagstaff Town Hall held on April 15, 2025, at the Coconino Center for the Arts. With a capacity-stretching standing-room-only crowd approaching 300, local government officials, former government workers, community service providers and others shared a variety of stories on how the administration financial cuts and funding delays have impacted the region.

The most heart-wrenching stories came from local residents and veterans who are on the verge of or have lost their government jobs and are forced to fend for themselves as they try to pay for housing, food and medical services, with many saying they will be forced to leave Flagstaff and region to find jobs elsewhere.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 14-18, 2025

Grand Canyon National Park Night Sky Programming – 2025 Season Kickoff!

We’re excited to kick off our 2025 night sky programming season at Grand Canyon National Park! Join us for our first stargazing event on Friday, April 18 at 8 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

These programs celebrate the park’s stunning dark skies and offer a chance to learn more about the cosmos through ranger talks, telescope viewing, and celestial storytelling. Events will be held throughout the week—not just on weekends—now through the end of the year. Topics, times, and locations may vary.

To stay up to date on upcoming night sky events, scan the QR-code flyer posted in park buildings or visit our webpage directly:

Cancelled: Earth Day Celebration & Bike Ride on April 19

While we were excited to come together as a community to honor our planet and promote sustainable practices, the decision to cancel was made after careful consideration of current circumstances and with the well-being of everyone involved as our top priority. We recognize the disappointment this may cause and deeply appreciate the community’s ongoing support and enthusiasm for sustainability actions. We encourage everyone to continue honoring Earth Day in their own way — whether through a neighborhood cleanup, planting native species, or reducing personal waste.

City of Flagstaff seeks community feedback for Milton Underpass Design Elements

“We’re excited to hear from the community,” said Jana Weldon, Beautification, Arts & Sciences program manager. “This is an opportunity to help create something lasting and meaningful in a space many of us pass through every day. Public input is essential to this process.”

Coconino County Public Works Online Surplus Property Auction underway through April 25

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Public Works Fleet Services’ spring online surplus property auction is underway and will run through Friday, April 25, 2025.

The auction is open to the public and features such items as used trucks, heavy equipment, and other surplus County property that has met replacement guidelines.

Photos and information for online auction items are available at coconino county | GovDeals. 

Coconino County Juvenile Court participates in third annual Kinship Fair on April 29

COCONINO COUTY — Coconino County Juvenile Court (CCJC) and Mercy Care’s Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Council, in partnership with two dozen local and state agencies are teaming up on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to bring basic and much-needed resources to families caring for their young relatives at the 3rdAnnual Kinship Fair. The event will be held at Puente de Hozho Elementary School in Flagstaff from 4 – 6:00 p.m. 

The Fair was created in 2023 to assist kinship caregivers who were stepping up to provide a place for a relative’s children to stay while their relatives went through the child welfare process.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition outreach efforts continue with ‘Celebration of Youth’ at Flagstaff Mall, upcoming event in Page

COCONINO COUNTY — With a variety of children and youth entertainers performing on the main stage at Center Court, representatives from various community health and welfare organizations— including CCC&Y — shared information with parents at the annual “Celebration of Youth” event on April 11, 2025 at the Flagstaff Mall.

Presented by the Flagstaff Mall, the event featured a number of information tables for parents staffed by representatives from the Arizona Dept. of Economic Security — Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, CHIEC-ECO.Alitas. Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Elevated Soft Play, Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation, FIT4MOM Flagstaff, the Foster Alliance, Lived Black Experience in Flagstaff, Meteor Crater Education Alliance in Flagstaff, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Rosewood Music in Flagstaff and the United Way of Northern Arizona.

READ MORE

Flagstaff College announces Giant Puppet-making workshop on April 27, 28

Why puppets? Why now?

“Now, more than ever, social movements and protest groups need the emergent qualities of puppetry–qualities understood through both watching and performing–to challenge the status quo and articulate our society’s demands.”
(Bread and Puppet Theater founder, Peter Schumann)

Theatrikos Theatre Co. to present ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ May 8 through June 1

A play within a play, The Play That Goes Wrong follows the Cornley Drama Society’s disastrous production of a 1920s murder mystery, The Murder at Haversham Manor. As the performance unfolds, everything that can go wrong does—doors stick, props fail and lines are forgotten—creating a hilarious comedy of errors that keeps audiences laughing throughout.

The NAU Review — Ditch the car and win!

Green Transportation Week, a new initiative from the Office of Sustainability, invites students, faculty and staff to celebrate Earth Day by leaving the car at home and finding alternative modes of transportation. Participate in events throughout the week of April 21-25 and win bikes, gift cards and a healthier lifestyle!

Fire managers planning prescribed burns across Coconino National Forest next week as a weather window of opportunity opens for safe implementation

FLAGSTAFF  — Up to four prescribed burn projects are planned across Coconino National Forest next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels and reduce the risk of wildfires to many northern Arizona communities (listed below in chronological order).

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

Should wind and weather conditions become unfavorable, ignitions will be halted, and project plans will be postponed, changed or canceled.

For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.

City of Flagstaff — Cedar Avenue Crossing Project to begin on April 21

Lane shifts along Cedar Avenue will be in place during this work to maintain eastbound and westbound traffic along Cedar Avenue. Pedestrian and bicyclist access will be maintained through the area during construction. Motorists are asked to follow the marked signage/detour to get to their destination.

Sedona Arts Center — SIGN UP! Art Classes & Workshops…

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.

For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE

Community recognizes April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month with its Field of Hope Dedication Ceremony

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County and City of Flagstaff officials gathered with volunteers from the Exchanged Club of Flagstaff to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the 116 children who died in 2024 as a result of child abuse at the “Field of Hope Dedication Ceremony” on Friday, April 4, 2025.

“As you look across the field today and remember each of the 116 precious children who died from child abuse or neglect, remember there are many who have survived atrocious treatment from the adults who were responsible for their care,” Exchange Club officials stated in the program. “Let each of these flags also represent the survivors. The Field of Hope is dedicated today to all children, that they will be nurtured to adulthood in love and safety.”

The flags were first planted on the Coconino County courthouse lawn during a snow storm on April 2, and replanted during the dedication ceremony on April 4.

Gov. Hobbs Issues Statement on Legislature’s Refusal to Hear Nomination of Arizona Board of Regents Appointee

Editor’s note: The following statement was released by the Office of the Gov. Katie Hobbs after the Republican-controlled Arizona Senate refused to confirm Board of Regents appointee Elizabeth “Liz” Archuleta, former Coconino County Supervisor and a member of the leadership team of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Joseph Biden.

“It is a shame that the (Arizona) Senate refused to hear the nomination of Liz Archuleta, a fiscally conservative and fair-minded public servant and nonprofit leader, to the Arizona Board of Regents. This decision is a loss for higher education in Arizona and an affront to all Arizonans who care about higher education.

“Since I appointed Liz to the Arizona Board of Regents last year, Liz has brought accountability and transparency to the Board when it needed it most. She has helped guide the Board through several important decisions and critical moments, including enhancing financial oversight and accountability, hiring a new university president, managing the University of Arizona’s fiscal recovery, and addressing issues with FAFSA. …”

HANDS OFF Flagstaff! — Largest protest in city’s history jam downtown Flagstaff City Hall

Story/photos courtesy of www.MosaicNAZ.org

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes Town Hall to be held April 15 in Flagstaff. More protests to come April 19, May 1 at Flagstaff City Hall.

FLAGSTAFF — Protesters (estimated between 2,000 and 2,500) flooded the zone in downtown Flagstaff for the “HANDS OFF! Flagstaff AZ Fights Back!” rally, part of a national day of protest held on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

The Arizona Daily Sun put the estimated crowd at 2,500 people, who surrounding City Hall from the corner of Humphrey Street and Aspen Avenue south to Route 66 and west to Milton Road.

A small overflow crowd could be seen across the street from City Hall, with others protesting from the traffic islands at the Santa Fe Avenue and Milton Road exits.

Carrying a variety of signs reflecting the organizer’s multi-issue event, protesters took aim at everything from Hands Off Medicaid to Medicare, Social Security, Our Jobs, Our Wallets, Our Books, Fair Elections, Personal Data, Public Lands, Veteran Services, Cancer Research, NATO, Consumer Protections, Clean Air, Schools, Libraries, Free Speech, LGBTQ+ Rights, Immigrants, Courts and other issues.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — See You (Virtually) at the Bioscience Roadmap Progress Report

Speakers at the event include Heather Carter, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice CEO and the chair of the Roadmap Steering Committee. She’ll share new data on Arizona’s bioscience and hospital jobs, wages, venture capital, university tech-transfer, and other measurements of how the biosciences impact our economy statewide.
We’ll also learn about the opportunities and challenges surrounding bioscience research, commercialization, and healthcare during these uncertain times from Tomás Diaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Arizona.
And SRI International will provide a sneak peak of the new Bioscience Roadmap set to launch in September.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting set for April 14

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly.  This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County.  The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 7-11, 2025

Bright Angel Trail Reopening and Ongoing Trail Closures

On May 15, 2025, Bright Angel Trail and Bright Angel Campground (excluding large group sites) will reopen to the public following months of closures for Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) project work. This milestone marks a significant step forward in restoring access to one of the park’s most popular corridor routes. However, construction in the inner canyon remains active, and several key trail segments and facilities will stay closed through October 1, with impacts expected throughout the summer.

Arizona Office of Indian Education presents the Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for students and families!

Research, recommendations, and resources included!
The Arizona Department of Education’s Office of Indian Education is thrilled to launch the Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for Students and Families! This invaluable resource has been developed through extensive collaboration with Tribal Leaders, State Leaders, community partners, and Indigenous families. It is a heartfelt effort designed to honor and protect Native American graduates during this significant milestone.

Inside this toolkit, you will find:
Arizona laws and other relevant legal protections
Information about tribal regalia and its significance during graduation
Visual examples of tribal regalia worn by community members across the State
A self-advocacy letter template for students and families
Additional resources from the ACLU, Native American Rights Fund, and more!

Sedona Arts Center — The Ceramics Department at SAC

Ceramics : Advanced
with Ben Roti
April 14-May 19, 2025 – Mondays, 4-7pm

Designed for experienced ceramicists, this class offers a supportive studio environment for you to explore advanced throwing and hand-building techniques while working on personal projects. (Beginners are welcome in Ben/Lolo/John’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday classes or in the Pottery Wheel for Beginners on Saturdays.)

United Way of Northern Arizona — Time Is Almost Up – Don’t Miss Our Annual Celebration!

Join us for an inspiring afternoon at our Community Impact Luncheon & Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 23rd at the High Country Conference Center.

This is your chance to connect with local leaders, celebrate our community’s impact, and look ahead to what we can achieve together.

Registration closes at noon on Monday, April 14. Secure your spot now!

Sedona Arts Center — ‘The Element of Sport’ (through April 27) and other events

As part of the exhibition, a series of public programs are planned for April. The Sedona Film Festival will host two outdoor film screenings in the SAC parking lot: “42,” the inspiring story of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, on April 10, and “McFarland, USA,” the true story of a small-town underdog cross-country team, on April 24. Screenings will take place from 7:30 to 9pm and are $10 per person.

Grand Canyon National Park announces updates to construction closure schedule and planned re-opening updates for 2025

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park will reopen the Bright Angel Trail and Campground for public use beginning May 15, 2025.

Multiple inner canyon areas were closed last fall for Transcanyon Waterline project construction activities. The Phantom Ranch Canteen and Lodge reopened on schedule, April 1.

The River Trail, between River Resthouse and the South Kaibab Trail junction, Silver Bridge and Plateau Point Trail, between the Tonto Trail West junction to Plateau Point, originally scheduled to reopen in May, will remain closed until Oct. 1, 2025. The Bright Angel Campground group sites will remain closed until Oct 1, 2025.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — City of Flagstaff employees gain valuable System Change information to help them become more resilient at work, home

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From dealing with day-to-day tasks and public service requirements, to assessing and meeting community needs such as building permits, parks and recreation programs, library services, to addressing housing, fire and police response, to responding to and working to prevent emergency including wildfires and floods, City of Flagstaff employees often face a wide range of community stressors and traumatic events each day.

Each individual has their own stress and trauma that they may be dealing with on top of the complex work they are tasked with. To support the City of Flagstaff employees, CCC&Y Executive Director  Virginia Watahomigie recently presented “Trauma in the Workplace” as a live workshop.

“The research is clear that what happens to us impacts our behavior and interactions with others. When we are in a trauma-responsive environment we not only understand this, we make simple changes that can improve outcomes and relationships as opposed to creating further stress or trauma,” Watahomigie said. “Organizations and systems who are on the frontlines of our community’s deepest needs are supported when they understand the behaviors they and others are experiencing.”

The NAU Review — A student’s idea is bringing generations together + meet an NAU swimming star from Team USA

NAU students and senior citizens don’t have too many opportunities to interact with each other—but Honors College student Emma Patterson is changing that. Inspired by her relationship with her grandparents, Patterson launched a pen pal program connecting NAU students with residents at The Peaks as part of an independent study course. The writing club not only bridges generational gaps but also encourages students to see beyond seniors’ physical and mental limitations.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) Action Alert — Regional Plan Open Houses Next Week

The 60-day public review of the Draft Regional Plan in late 2024 generated over 2,000 comments and led to substantial revisions to the Plan. The review revealed some important topics and issues that merit additional input from the community to guide the next steps of revising the plan.

Join City staff at one of the two Open Houses next week to learn about the public’s comments and discuss how the Plan has been revised. The community also can provide feedback via the public survey (see below), and learn about the next steps for adoption of the Regional Plan. The Open Houses will take place at the following dates and locations:

Tuesday, April 15: 5:30-7:30 pm at the Flagstaff Aquaplex, 1702 N. Fourth St.

Thursday, April 17: 5:30-7:30 pm at the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, 301 S. Paseo Del Flag 

Flagstaff Regional Plan – Survey and Events

Click here to start the Spring Survey on the Regional Plan
Weigh in on revised plan content and key topics, including the plan’s priorities, neighborhood density, commercial development, gentrification, and creating a sense of place.

Exchange Club of Flagstaff recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month with its Field of Hope ceremony on April 4

FLAGSTAFF — As part of an annual tradition, volunteers with the Exchanged Club of Flagstaff placed dozens of white flags in the Coconino County Courthouse lawn during its “Field of Hope” event recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“The Field is a memorial to the 116 children that died in the past year in Arizona from abuse or neglect,” the club reported on its Facebook page. “Even in the snow & cold, we were there along with some wonderful helpers. Thank you Sierra for joining us with your children. You all were a big help.”

The club will hold a dedication ceremony at 5:15p.m. Friday, April 4.

“Please join us prior to enjoying Art Walk Friday,” the club reported. “Please stop by and remember these innocent lives lost.”

Coconino County Board of Supervisors recognize April as ‘Sexual Assault Awareness Month’

COCONINO COUNTY — At this week’s regular meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Coconino County.

The proclamation reads, in part: “Sexual Assault Awareness Month,’ which officially began being observed nationally 24 years ago, is intended to raise public awareness to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and has public health implications for every community;”

Hundreds of local residents expected to take part in national ‘HANDS OFF! Flagstaff AZ Fights Back!’ protest at Flagstaff City Hall on April 5

FLAGSTAFF — Hundreds of Flagstaff residents are expected to pack the lawn and street in front of the Flagstaff City Hall at noon Saturday, April 5 as part of a national HANDS OFF! Flagstaff AZ Fights Back! protest.

Other HANDS OFF! events are planned for that same day in Sedona, Prescott, Payson, Show Low, Kingman and elsewhere in Arizona and nationwide.

A growing number of protests to Trump administration policies have taken place at Flagstaff City Hall including a protest against Rep. Eli Crane, R-Arizona on March 24; a Presidents’ Day protest on Feb. 24; an an immigrants rights protest on Feb. 7. Crowds have ranged from a 200 to 500.

Indivisible Northern Arizona touts the event as HANDS OFF! — Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Our Jobs, Our Wallets, Our Books, Fair Elections, Personal Data, Public Lands, Veteran Services, Cancer Research, NATO, Consumer Protections, Clean Air, Schools, Libraries, Free Speech, LGBTQ+ Rights, Immigrants, Courts, More

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 31-April 4, 2025

Northern Arizona Weather Outlook: Navigating Drought, Fire Season, and the Anticipated Monsoon

Northern Arizona, including Grand Canyon, faces ongoing weather-related challenges. While March brought some relief, an exceptionally dry winter has left much of the region grappling with severe to extreme drought conditions. Flagstaff’s snowfall, at just 46.8 inches, represents only 56% of the average through March, and overall precipitation wince October 1, 2024, has remained below 50% of normal across the region.

Looking ahead, the forecast indicates a high likelihood of drier and warmer-than-normal conditions throughout Arizona during the fire season from April to June. This combination elevates the risk of wildfires. However, there is an anticipation that a warmer and drier spring could lead to an earlier or more intense monsoon season from July to September, with projections favoring above-normal precipitation alongside warmer-than-average temperatures.

Want more information on weather and fire projections for 2025? The National Weather Service-Flagstaff Office recently compiled this outlook in the attached powerpoint here.

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences announces news, opportunities

The City of Flagstaff and Arizona Public Service (APS) have partnered on a pilot program to transform 10 utility cabinets into stunning works of art. Building on the City’s highly successful traffic signal cabinet program, this initiative continues to turn utilitarian cabinets into colorful, community-centered art. Now in its fifth year, the program has introduced a variety of designs to Flagstaff’s streetscapes, from imaginative scenes of northern Arizona’s flora and fauna to playful abstract compositions.

City of Flagstaff announces selected Accessory Dwelling Unit designs for Model Plans Library; Public invited to vote in Community Choice Awards

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is pleased to announce the winners and runners-up of the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Model Plans Request for Informal Proposals (RFIP). ADUs can help advance the City’s adopted climate action and housing goals as ADUs are smaller housing units that have the potential to offer lower rent and monthly utility costs, provide additional income opportunities, and increase the available housing stock.

Art classes and workshops at the Sedona Arts Center

Do You Know About Our Scholarships Program?

Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.

For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE

More than 300 people take part in Mexican Consulate’s ‘Consulado Móvil en Flagstaff’ on March 29 at CCC

Story/photos courtesy of www.MosaicNAZ.org

FLAGSTAFF — With 200 people pre-registered, and at least another 100 dropping in seeking immigration services, the Mexican Consulate’s “Consulado Móvil en Flagstaff” proved to be an overwhelming success at Coconino Community College on March 29. Those attending the event were able to sign up to receive information on Mexican Electronic Passports (Pasaporte electrónico), Consular Registration (Matríconsular), Voter Credentials (Credencial ed elector) and Birth Certificates (Actas de nacimiento). The event was organized locally by Alejandra Vasquez, the City of Flagstaff and the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association. Officials from Mexico addressing the audience included representations from the Consulado General de México en Phoenix (Deputy Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix, Armando Manuel Esparza Miranda) and representatives from the Mexican state of Sonora (Gerardo Valenzuela Buelna).

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on April 3 to share your story

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 3. Our meetings provide our Coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

Scheduled guest presentations include the United Way of Northern Arizona on FUSD’s KinderCamp and Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona’s “My Career Advisor” program.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Coffee Conversations with F3’s Executive Director on April 2

Come and engage directly with F3’s Executive Director at F3’s monthly Coffee Conversations. Share your concerns, questions, and ideas about Flagstaff issues while meeting others who want to get involved with issues in Flagstaff.

The April Coffee Conversation will take place on Wednesday April 2nd at Campus Coffee Bean from 9:00-10:00 am.

The May Coffee Conversation will take place on the first Thursday of the month, May 8th. This will allow those who have not been able to attend the Wednesday meetings to join these conversations. More details on the location will be forthcoming.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting to be held April 3

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly.  This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County.  The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

City of Flagstaff to celebrate Water Awareness Month in April

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will celebrate Water Awareness Month in April with events hosted at various locations around town. Events will be focused on helping residents and community members conserve water.

The Flagstaff Water Conservation team will provide free water efficiency consultations and supplies at events throughout the month. They will also host a raffle for a free high efficiency toilet. The full schedule of events and tabling is below:

Grand Canyon National Park to Implement New Campground Fees

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Grand Canyon National Park will implement a fee increase for frontcountry standard campsites at Desert View, North Rim, and Mather Campgrounds starting May 1, 2025. Rates for standard campsites will increase to $30 per night. Group sites will remain $55 per night.

The NAU Review — April checklist: Eat a burrito, celebrate API Month + read up on your local book fest

Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander culture

Azah Quach, manager of Louie’s Cupboard within the Lumberjack CARE Center, remembers feeling “huge culture shock” when she moved from Hawaii to the mainland. “I was suddenly in a space where I rarely saw anyone who looked like me, and I felt out of place in ways I hadn’t before,” Quach said. “That experience highlighted just how important it is to celebrate students from a wide variety of Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds.”

April at the Museum of Northern Arizona

With the arrival of spring, the Museum of Northern Arizona is filled with beauty and activity from our gardens to our galleries.

The MNA gardens are waking from their winter slumber, and we’re excited to see our native plants flourishing once again. At Colton Garden, we’re kicking off the growing season with a free Garden Starts Workshop this Saturday, April 5th.

As we embrace the season of renewal, we invite you to mark Slow Art Day with us. The April 5th global event encourages us to slow down, look deeply, and genuinely appreciate the beauty and complexity of art. In a world that often moves too fast, Slow Art Day reminds us to pause, reflect, and connect with creativity more meaningfully. We hope you’ll join us in taking a closer look at some of the remarkable works in our galleries.

At the end of April, we are thrilled to welcome six talented emerging artists to MNA for the Namingha Institute, an annual two-week residency program led by master artists Dan and Arlo Namingha.

We look forward to sharing this beautiful time of year with you. Thank you for being part of our MNA community.

Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

Sedona Arts Center — Join us for an Opening Reception Friday, April 4 from 4 to 6pm!

Art and sport meet at the “The Element of Sport” special exhibition from April 4 through 27, 2025. The exhibition kicks off with an opening reception Friday, April 4 from 4-6 pm, in conjunction with “Celebrate Sedona.” Visitors will enjoy an afternoon of artist demonstrations, food, wine, beer and music by DJ Shondra. Both events are free and open to the public, with complimentary parking located behind Sedona Arts Center’s Art Barn.

2025 Flagstaff Community STEM Celebration to include Lunar Legacy Invitational robotics teams competition on April 26

The Lunar Legacy Invitational will welcome robotics teams from across the Southwest to celebrate Flagstaff’s rich history in space exploration. Teams will compete in space-themed challenges, earn awards, and explore exciting STEM exhibits—continuing the legacy of innovation in our community.

The STEM Celebration is a unique opportunity for Flagstaff residents to dive into the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Communications Issue #38: Update on Mill Town Student-focused Housing Development

We want to provide you with an update on the proposed Mill Town student-focused housing development that was discussed by City Council on February 4 and March 4. The development will be located across the street from Target on Milton Ave. and will be composed of a commercial development located in front of student-oriented housing. The original plan for Mill Town was approved by Council in 2018 and allowed for over 1000 beds as well as the commercial development. 

City of Flagstaff Hosts Earth Day Celebration at Bushmaster Park on April 19

Attendees are encouraged to “move another way” to the event. Walking, riding a bike, or taking public transportation helps reduce the impacts on our world. To help us celebrate, Mountain Line is providing free service on all routes all day on April 19, and there will be a free bike valet at the event. For more information about bus routes, download the Mountain Line app. Attendees can also join the community bike ride, leaving from the Flagstaff Visitor Center at 10 a.m. To register please visit the Earth Day Celebration webpage

Live musical performances include Cameron Jameson, bands Side Project and Deviled Eggs, and flutist Aaron White. 

Students share their culture, talents during opening of NAU Ethnic Studies Program’s ‘Wings of Change: Our Narratives Reclaimed’ art exhibit

FLAGSTAFF — From an enchanting scene featuring a colorful butterfly, nopales, roses and seeds soaring to the heavens, to an image stating “Education is NOT a Crime — Making Our Ancestors Proud,” students from throughout the region displayed their heartfelt images in an exhibit of more than 30 murals and mix-media projects during the annual “Wings of Change: Our Narratives Reclaimed” exhibit presented by the NAU Ethnic Studies Program.

The exhibit, which opened March 26, will be on display through April 28 at NAU’s School of Behavioral Science West Building, Suite 100 (Building 70) in the south campus.

Pine needle pickup kicking off March 31 in University Heights, additional neighborhoods to follow

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Fire Department and the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Division are facilitating the placement of rollout dumpsters in neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. The Flagstaff Fire Department recommends that residents remove excess pine needles from their yards and areas near their homes to lower the risk of wildfire danger.