Coconino County District 2
Newsletter
7th Edition
Photo of Supervisor Vasquez visiting the Killip Elementary staff meeting and presenting the check for technology funding.
In this edition…
- Message from Sup. Vasquez
- Redistricting Update
- USFS and NCRS funding
- Killip Elementary Technology
- Services and Programs
- And more!
Message from Supervisor Vasquez
Hi Everyone,
Wishing everyone a safe holiday season! As we approach the end of the year its a time to reflect on the successes of 2021. District 2 has been very busy this year working on various items outlined below.
- American Rescue Plan Funding Process
- Redistricting Process
- Museum Flood Area Response and Mitigation
- COVID Impacts and programs
- County Budget Process
Most of these projects are still ongoing, but lots of important decisions were made this year. I encourage anyone who is interested in the County decision process to attend our Board of Supervisor meetings. Even if you can’t make it all day or even through the entire meeting all of them are posted to our county YouTube channel at Coconino County – YouTube. Please stay informed and engaged. The county was awarded 27.7 million dollars in ARPA funding. We plan on spending 5 million dollars on external community projects/partnerships to provide funding to community partners after the start of the new year. As we gather and rejoice this holiday, consider getting vaccinated to help decrease the community spread, especially 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. Stay safe, be healthy and happy holidays!
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.
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.
USFS and NRCS Milestones
Last month, the Coconino County Flood Control district was awarded $3.5 million of federal funds for watershed restoration measures on forest service lands located within the Museum Flood Area. This funding will assist Coconino County in conducting watershed restoration to reduce the sediment buildup that contributed to the flooding in the Flagstaff neighborhoods of Paradise, Linda Vista, Grandview, and Sunnyside. In addition, the Natural Resource Conservation Services approved the County’s request for funding under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. This approval will bring an additional $3.5 Million to the County for watershed protection and flood mitigation for private and municipal properties in the Museum Flood Area.
Thank you, to United States Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Krysten Sinema and Congressman O’Halloran for taking the time to tour the Museum Flood Area and to learn about the struggles our community has endured. Your support for this funding is a critical first step to helping our community.
See the video of Sup. Vasquez talking about the support these funds will provide. Hit the play button on the right of this article.
Killip Elementary Technology
This month, Killip Elementary School was awarded $5,000 in funds to support a need for technology. This technology will be used for virtual learning as well as a resource to families that need connectivity. As a former educator, Sup. Vasquez knows how much this funding will positively impact the students and staff.
COVID-19 Information
Holiday traditions are important for families and children. The best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safe is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination, such as young children, by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
· Wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission. Outdoors is safer than indoors. Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
· Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
· If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3n0Mxdd
For information regarding COVID-19 vaccination and testing opportunities, please visit https://bit.ly/3fpNgiE.
CCHHS COVID-19 Vaccination Sites: No appointment needed. Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available.
Wednesdays, December 29 (Closed Fridays, December 24 and December 31 in observance of the Holiday)
Adults 18+: 10 AM – 1 PM Children 5-17 years: 2 PM – 5 PM
Flagstaff Mall, 4650 US Highway 89, Flagstaff (Use the outside doors near the Hobby Lobby)
Please visit facebook.com/CoconinoCountyHHS for the most current information regarding vaccine availability.
Premier Medical Group (PMG) Vaccination Sites:
The following PMG vaccination locations will be closed in observance of the Holidays. Vaccination operations will resume the week of January 3. Visit https://www.coconino.az.gov/2580/ COVID-19-Vaccination-Locations for details.
- Elks Lodge, 2101 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff
- Northern Arizona University Fieldhouse, 1050 S Knoles Dr, Flagstaff
- Mountain View Pediatrics, 77 W Forest Ave, Flagstaff
Upcoming Pop-up Event: Puente de Hozho, 3401 N Fourth St, Flagstaff, January 6 – Pfizer Vaccine Only Pfizer Vaccine Only – Offer by Premier Medical Group (PMG) in collaboration with Flagstaff Unified School District
Students: 1 – 3 PM
Open to the Public: 3 – 5 PM – Serving ages 5 years and older, adult boosters are available. Pfizer booster available for 16 and 17 year old. (Pfizer vaccine only. No appointment needed.)
Additional COVID-19 Vaccination Site Locations: Information regarding COVID-19 vaccination opportunities is available at https://coconino.az.gov/2580/COVID-19-Vaccination-Locations.
Museum Flood Area Information
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 mail 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
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_
Community Events
Culinary Classes – multiple dates
Join us after the new year for one (or all three) cooking classes on Saturday mornings at the Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff, AZ. It will be taught by our incredible culinary instructor, Willa McAuliffe. The classes will explore a variety of foods and flavors leaving you craving more! Register online.
The Flagstaff Family Food Center is in need of volunteers. Consider giving your time as a way to contribute to our community. To sign up or learn about volunteer opportunities go to https://hotfood.volunteerhub.com or contact volunteer@hotfood.org / 928-526-2211 (ext. 3)