8th Edition
Photos of Sup. Vasquez with his son and mother at the County Health and Human Services vaccine clinic at the Flagstaff Mall awaiting a COVID-19 booster shot and child first dose.
In this edition…
- Message from Sup. Vasquez
- Siren Instillation in Museum Flood Area
- Museum Flood Area Crisis Response Funding
- Sheriff’s Office Tour
- Redistricting Update
- Services and Programs
- And more!
Message from Supervisor Vasquez
Sup. Vasquez at the NAU Office of Inclusion talking to…
Hi Everyone,
Happy New Year and best wishes for a great 2022!
Every year I like to create new goals and assess things that no longer serve a purpose in my life. As we enter 2022, I am looking forward to the opportunity to build upon my time as the District 2 Supervisor. I have been able to succeed in this role through building a community. Some of the community I had coming into this role, but I have met so many new faces, learned about issues across District 2 and have gained a deep appreciation for all of my colleagues as we navigate each section of Coconino County.
District 2 has been through a lot in 2021 and I imagine we will have much more to endure. Through the changes one thing has stuck with me throughout the year and it is that you can create the community you want to see. If there are issues you see that need to see addressed, it is my job to hear all, assess priorities and create lasting positive impacts to the District 2 community. I know there will be times when we might not see eye to eye, but I welcome uncomfortable discord and see the value in having open honest conversations. Tension is an opportunity to get back to basics and look at the baseline needs for all, not the individual.
With the rise of the Omicron variant we need to protect ourselves and those around us. Continue to vaccinate, mask up and stay mindful of social distancing. If you would like to receive our notices and newsletters, email District 2 and we will add you to our database. We will not share your information. I hope that you contact me whenever you need. You can reach me at 928 679-7162 or email me at jvasquez@coconino.az.gov or contact Areina Contreras, District 2 Director at acontreras@coconino.az.gov.
Siren Instillation in Museum Flood Area
On January 11, 2022 the Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the purchase of emergency notification sirens for the neighborhoods below the Museum Flood Area. During the 2021 flood season, Sup. Vasquez was approached by multiple residents about the need for installing a siren system and now it is a reality. The instillation of these sirens will help to address anyone in the flood area who does not have a cell phone and be a signal for anyone visiting the area and address concerns of children who play in the area. In addition, this siren system will also connect with the current RAVE texting system that is used by the County Emergency Management Department to warn people of potential flooding. With this exciting news, Coconino County is working diligently to get the siren system fully operational before the upcoming 2022 monsoon season.
Museum Flood Area Crisis Response Funding
During last monsoon season, in partnership with United Way, Housing Solutions and the Arizona Community Fund the Crisis Response Fund was created to help homeowners in the Museum Flood Area. This collection of community donations is for those impacted by the flooding. This application below is to help to rebuild and recover. Currently, only about half of the funds have been given disbursed. We want to make sure that everyone who had damage is able to apply to get a disbursement of funds. As a result, the deadline has been extended to January 31, 2022 by 5 P.M. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and may be awarded funding support immediately. It is a one page application and can be emailed or mailed to Housing Solutions. Even if you do not know exact amounts of damage, putting down estimated costs will be sufficient.
Funding is only available to help households whos primary residences were impacted by interior flooding. Assistance is not available for investment or business properties. To be considered for funding assistance, please complete the application and self- attestation. These will need to be returned to
Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona
2304 N 3rd St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Or emailed to Devonna McLaughlin at devonnam@housingnaz.org
If you have questions, contact Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona at 928-214-7456 or via email at devonnam@housingnaz.org
Sheriff’s Office Tour
Sup. Vasquez had the opportunity to tour the Coconino County Detention Facility. During the tour he was able to learn about the challenges facing the facility such as staff shortages, mitigating areas for quarantine for rotations of inmates and the halt on in jail recidivism programs such as substance abuse classes, religion practices and other programming. The County staff has adapted by creating new ways of cooperation and placement. In addition to detention the sheriff’s office also manages patrol, search and rescue and covers all corners of Coconino County spanning down to forest lakes and up to Page. Thank you to the Sheriff’s Office for all the work that goes into keeping our community safe.
Redistricting Update – Supervisor Districts
In the next step of the redistricting process, Coconino County will be redrawing the County’s Supervisorial Districts. These new boundaries must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This is critical to ensure each Supervisor represents close to the same number of constituents.
Coconino County values feedback from residents as this effects who will represent you on the Board of Supervisors. The guidelines for redistricting include:
• Draw districts of equal population.
• Do not dilute the voting strength of racial and/or language minority groups.
• Preserve communities of interest.
• Districts must be compact and contiguous.
• Maintain traditional geographic and political boundaries.
• Do not create a substantial, long-term negative effect on a specific political party.
• Base the new plan on existing districts, to the extent possible.
• When drawing district boundaries, take into account current incumbents.
Coconino County staff and the Board of Supervisors have been reviewing drafts of the proposed district boundaries. In the coming weeks, these proposed maps will be brought out for public comment during multiple in-person and virtual town halls. For more information on the Supervisorial Redistricting Process, please click here.
COVID-19 Vaccinated v. Unvaccinated
COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are available throughout the community to help protect yourself and those around you. We are fortunate to live in a time where we can get vaccines to people safely and with many options.
- Getting a COVID-19 vaccine gives people a high level of protection against COVID-19 and can provide added protection for people who already had COVID-19.
- Getting vaccinated can also protect people around you, particularly people an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
- Even when people fully vaccinated people develop symptoms of COVID-19, they tend to be less severe than in people who are unvaccinated.
- High vaccination rates in a population reduces the spread of the virus and helps prevent new variants from emerging.
- If unvaccinated, you have a higher risk of hospitalization and symptoms.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Recent CDC decisions may bring some confusion around vaccination ages or when to receive a boosters. Coconino County Health and Human Services are here for you. Please see our video for a simple description of the new recommendations. For more information on vaccines visit https://bit.ly/3o30jMI to find a vaccination clinic please visit https://bit.ly/36hOFUS.
COVID-19 Testing: Information regarding COVID-19 testing opportunities is available at https://www.coconino.az.gov/2338/ Testing-Information.
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests: Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Click here: Order Free At-Home Tests
CCHHS COVID-19 Vaccination Sites: No appointment needed. Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and boosters are available.
Wednesday and Friday – January 19 and January 21, 2022 at Flagstaff Mall, 4650 US Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ (Use the outside doors near the Hobby Lobby)
Adults 18+: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Children 5-17 years: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pfizer booster doses for ages 12 and older will be available at the Flagstaff Mall location. Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Please visit facebook.com/CoconinoCountyHHS for the most current information regarding vaccine availability.
COVID-19 Partner Vaccination Events – Premier Medical Group (PMG)
Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and
Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at
Cromer Elementary, 7150 Silver Saddle Rd, Flagstaff, AZ
Adults, and Children 5-17 years
Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson vaccines and boosters. Walk-in. No appointments, first-come, first-serve.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, January 21 – 23, 2022, from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Northern Arizona University Fieldhouse, 1050 S Knoles Dr, Flagstaff, AZ
Adults, and Children 5-17 years. Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson vaccines and boosters. Please make an appointment at: https://podvaccine.azdhs.gov
Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and Thursday, February 3, 2022, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Adult and Children vaccines- Adult boosters, Pfizer Boosters 12+, immunocompromised 5+
Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson vaccines and boosters. Walk-in. No appointments, first-come, first-serve
Thursday, February 3, 2022, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Summit High School, 4000 N Cummings St, Flagstaff, AZ
Adult and Children vaccines-Adult boosters, Pfizer Boosters 12+, immunocompromised 5+
Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson vaccines and boosters. Walk-in. No appointments, first-come, first-serve
Additional COVID-19 Vaccination Site Locations: Information regarding COVID-19 vaccination opportunities is available at https:// coconino.az.gov/2580/COVID-19-Vaccination-Locations.
Appointment of LD 7 Senator Hatathlie
The vacant seat in Legislative District 7 has been filled by Theresa Hatathlie, appointed by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. Ms. Hatathlie is Diné, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, who brings an Indigenous perspective to the legislature. As a Lifelong Coalmine, Arizona resident, Theresa Hatathlie serves as a Logistics Coordinator for Yee Ha’ólníi Doo Navajo and Hopi Families Covid-19 Relief Fund as well as vice president of the Diné College Board of Regents.
Senator Hatathlie was sworn into the Senate on Monday, January 10th by the Arizona Supreme Court with a collection of spiritually important items, including an eagle feather, a small arrowhead, corn pollen, a Navajo rug and a weaving tool. The Senator plans to focus on environmental preservation, safe drinking water, roads and transportation, public education, access to higher education and broadband internet access. Senator Hatathlie will serve the remainder of the 2020-2022 term then plans to run for a full term in the new District 6 which includes the Navajo Nation and other tribal communities in northern and eastern Arizona, along with most of Coconino County and parts of Flagstaff and the White Mountains. Congratulations in your new role!
Services and Programs
Local services list: This is a list of local organizations with details about their offerings for assistance. Please look over for yourself or to refer to people you may know that need help. https:// www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35228/COVID-19- Social-Safety-Net-Services-Coalition-Resource-Guide-V9_
Use a sleep sack if you are worried about keeping baby warm at night. You can also take a lightweight blanket and tuck the sides into the mattress. Do you need a safe sleep space for your baby? Check to see if you qualify for a free Pack ‘n Play by calling us at (928) 679-7275.
Community Events
2022 is the year of mutual aid and supporting our community. District 2 has a variety of location and opportunities to donate.
Catholic Charities serves veterans and their families, sex-trafficked survivors, victims of domestic abuse, refugees and those experiencing homelessness. Serving Mohave, Coconino, Navajo, and Apache Counties.
2101 N. 4th Street, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004 or call: 928-774-9125
- household items
- furniture
- bedding
- pots/pans
- Volunteer opportunities
High Country Humane transforms lives by providing exceptional animal care and adoption services, supporting and strengthening the bond between pets and people, and advocating for the well- being of all animals. High Country Humane’ s Pet Food Bank provides free pet food to dogs and cats in low-income families in Coconino County. Food is distributed at the High-Country Humane Shelter on the 4th Saturday of each month from 1.00 to 3.00 p.m.
11665 N US Highway 89, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004 or call 928-526-0742
Donations can be dropped off the front desk any day of the week from 11AM until 5PM or can be sent directly through the High Country Humane Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/ wishlist/ls/7X231UVESJUR…
- unopened, dry or wet dog and cat food
- non clumping cat litter
- pet toys
- blankets
- Volunteer opportunities