Editor’s Note — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and www.AmigosNAZ.com wishes to thank District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vazquez and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors for their support of the 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente, held Oct. 21, 22 at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Attending the closing ceremony, above, was Supervisor Jeronimo Vazquez, fifth from the right, and family. Your continued support was very much appreciated.The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente was also supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and APS. Celebraciones presented in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.
Coconino County
District 2 Newsletter
23rd Edition
September – October 2023
In this Edition…
- Message from Jeronimo
- Board Opens Application Portal to Fill District 3 Supervisor Vacancy when Supervisor Matt Ryan Retires
- District 2 Highlights
- Coconino County Services and Programs
- Community Events & Resources
- And more!
Message from Jeronimo
The crisp days and changing leaves remind us of colder weather ahead and the need to weather-proof yards and homes to prepare for the winter. The Board of Supervisors has been hard at work this autumn preparing for the coming year. During our busy time, we learned about the retirement of our amazing colleague and friend, District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan. After 27 years of steadfast service to Coconino County, Supervisor Ryan is retiring on December 31, 2023. He has been an incredible mentor, with a wealth of knowledge, good humor mixed with pragmatism, and a passion for public service. I join all Coconino County leadership, staff, and residents, in saying how sad I am to see Matt go and I wish him joy in his retirement.
The Board invites candidates to apply to fill the one year remaining on Supervisors Ryan’s term. Tio apply, please click on the link in the newsletter article that explains the process. Stay tuned to learn about our farewell celebration for Supervisor Ryan.
Coconino County hosted the County Supervisors Association Policy Summit in Flagstaff on October 11-14 that was the culmination of many months of preparation. More than 200 people participated in the Policy Summit, including Supervisors from all of Arizona’s 15 counties, staff, community partners, and sponsors. We showcased our regional attractions, including a trip to Walnut Canyon, a sustainable building tour in downtown Flagstaff, and performances by Ballet Folklórico de Colores, as well as the Jones Benally Family dancers and Red Heritage dancers. Nearly 60 County Supervisors from across the state reviewed county policies and voted on county resolutions regarding state budget priorities, transportation and broadband resolutions, housing trust fund and emergency rental assistance, and state budget line-item funding for fire management and forest restoration.
We attended Vice President Kamala Harris’ “Fight for our Freedoms” visit to Northern Arizona University. I was encouraged by the number of students who participated and asked questions about critical issues that included voting rights, climate change, and immigration.
Vice Chair Begay and I were active in encouraging youth to register to vote and get involved in local and federal government. We traveled to Summit High School, Ponderosa High School, and Coconino High School in Flagstaff to register students to vote in upcoming elections.
I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, in September with HECHO to advocate for support and funding for land conservation and regional priorities during visits with Senator Kelly, Senator Sinema, Congressman Gosar, and our Federal Departments – Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. I also participated in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) to speak with federal officials about support for our regional needs.
Thank you for taking the time to learn what is going on in District 2. I am here to serve our community, so please don’t hesitate to email me at jvasquez@coconino.az.gov with any questions or concerns. Gracias!
Board Invites Applicants to Fill
District 3 Supervisor Vacancy
when Supervisor Matt Ryan
Retires
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) is now accepting applications to fill the upcoming District 3 vacancy on the Board. The seat will become vacant on Jan. 1, 2024, after the retirement of Supervisor Matt Ryan at the end of this year.
The Board is accepting qualified applicants now through Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at 8 a.m. County staff have designed an online application portal where interested persons may check their qualifications and residency, upload a Letter of Interest and Resume, and upload any endorsements or supplemental information for the Board to review.
After the County Recorder verifies which candidates meet the minimum qualifications, the public will be invited to review and comment via a public comment portal. At their Regular Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. the Board will convene for further discussion regarding the initial candidates, any public comments received, and determine which candidates to select for interviews.
The interviews and selection of the new Supervisor are anticipated to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 29.
“It is important to keep to a schedule and have a candidate chosen early so we can fill the vacancy immediately after Supervisor Ryan leaves,” commented Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “Having been through this process myself, I see this schedule as more than adequate for the applicants, the public, and for my colleagues and I on the Board.”
Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) provide limited qualifications for applicants. In this case, the applicant must reside full-time at a physical address within the current District 3 boundary. Furthermore, the applicant must be registered with the Democratic Political Party, as ARS mandates the position be filled by a member of the same political party as the incumbent. Supervisor Ryan was elected to the position in 2020 as a Democrat.
Interested persons may apply online at www.coconino.az.gov/ D3Vacancy
Coconino County Board of Supervisors…
District 2 Highlights
Vice President Harris Visits Flagstaff
When Vice President Kamala Harris came through Flagstaff on a “Fight for our Freedoms” College Tour, Supervisor Vasquez was front and center with Supervisor Judy Begay and Supervisor Patrice Horstman to watch the conversation with students at Northern Arizona University (NAU). The Vice President answered questions from students on topics that included voting rights, immigration issues, reproductive rights, climate change and the war in Israel. She also discussed Administration response to gun violence.
Vice President Harris spoke to approximately 1,300 NAU students, community leaders, and elected officials at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium. Co-founder and president of Voto Latino Foundation María Teresa Kumar and actor Jay Ellis sat on stage with the Vice President and helped moderate the discussion.
“You have a right to live your best life,” Vice President Harris summarized. She called on everyone present to register to vote and to have courage to stand up for their beliefs.
Supervisor Vasquez had the honor of welcoming Vice President Harris to Flagstaff backstage before she spoke.
Vice President Harris speaks to NAU students in Flagstaff
Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, Supervisor…
Coconino County Hosts CSA Policy Summit
Chair Vasquez and Vice Chair Begay…
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors hosted the County Supervisors Association (CSA) 2023 Policy Summit at the High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff, Arizona from October 11 to October 14, 2023. The CSA Policy Summit is an annual event that rotates between the 15 Arizona counties. County Supervisors and professional staff discuss policies and timely issues, while engaging in educational opportunities. The summit also provides an opportunity for County Supervisors to discuss and vote on CSA legislative agenda and advocacy strategies for the next legislative session.
More than 200 people participated in the CSA Summit, including nearly 60 Supervisors and staff from across the state, community partners, and sponsors. While Supervisor Vasquez welcomed Summit participants to Flagstaff with a round of golf at Continental Country Club, fellow Supervisors accompanied participants on a tour of Walnut Canyon, and a sustainable building tour in downtown Flagstaff.
Secretary of State Adrian Fontes spoke at the Summit’s opening dinner at High Country Conference Center. County Supervisors then spent the next two days discussing policies that support safe communities, protect public health, promote economic development, and manage land use for sustainable development. The Supervisors also discussed strategies to promote fiscal management and to develop high-quality county government.
Coconino County held a Summit dinner at the Fort Tuthill Pepsi Amphitheatre. Participants enjoyed the work of local artisans, as well as performers that included Ballet Folklórico de Colores, the Jones Benally Family dancers and Red Heritage dancers. Nearly 90 area businesses donated items to conference participants.
“We were pleased to welcome County Supervisors and staff from across the state and showcase Coconino County,” said Supervisor Vasquez. “This was a huge undertaking by County and CSA staff, and I thank CSA and all of our staff, partners, participants who made this event a great success.”
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes wit…
Supervisor Vasquez…
Supervisor Vasquez welcomes Supervisors a…
Supervisor Vasquez votes at the CSA Policy Summit in Flagstaff
Supervisor Vasquez and Supervisor Fowler than…
Killip Elementary Anti-Bullying
Program Receives County
Support
Families and community members gathered for an Anti-Bullying presentation on October 5 at Killip Elementary School in Flagstaff. that received support from the Board of Supervisors Community Initiatives grant. Calvin Terrell with Social Centric Institute described how to implement violence-prevention tactics in the community. The presentation was part of a two- day program to help Killip students, teachers, families, and the Flagstaff Sunnyside Community to have a positive conversation about school culture and identify how to work together to prevent bullying. Mr. Terrell described opportunities to promote a culture of kindness and respect, first with school assemblies during the day, then with families and community members in the evening, and, finally, during training sessions with teachers and support staff during the last day of the program.
Supervisor Vasquez welcomed families to the event and thanked his colleagues on the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget for helping to sponsor the Anti-Bullying prevention event.
Supervisor Vasquez speaks with Calvin Terrell and Killip sta…
Supervisor Vasquez welcomes Killip families and communit…
Calvin Terrell speaks to Killip families and community…
Killip Principal Joe Gutierrez thanks County Superintendent…
Federal Advocacy Trip to
Support Natural Resources
Supervisor Vasquez joined Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC) members on an advocacy trip to Washington, DC in September to address environmental issues that affect Coconino County and disproportionally impact Latinos. In a coalition of HCLC members from Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, Supervisor Vasquez visited Senators, Congressional Representatives, and federal staff. The busy week included visits to Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Congressman Paul Gosar and meetings with the Council on Environmental Quality, the Department of Interior, and the Bureau of Land Management. The trip ended with participation in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) conference.
“Land conservation, water issues, and mining issues are critical issues for Coconino County,” said Supervisor Vasquez. “We held productive discussions with federal policy makers who are poised to protect our natural resources and our land.”
Supervisor Vasquez with HECHO Executive…
Supervisor Vasquez and HCLC participants at…
HCLC…
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute conference panel
Supervisor Vasquez and Retired Miners…
Supervisors Participate in
“Hard Hat” Tour of New Lowell
Observatory Discovery Center
In September, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors toured Lowell Observatory’s new Astronomy Discovery Center that is still under construction. With a planned November 2024 opening date, the new Discovery Center spans 40,000 square feet. The expanded Center features a two-story Universe Theater with a 165-degree, curved LED screen; a rooftop dark sky planetarium; and additional youth and family exhibits, including a children’s Curiosity Zone. Additional amenities include a cafe, an expanded gift shop, and increased parking. This premier astronomy learning center will showcase Arizona’s dark skies and expand opportunities for astronomy education for local residents and visitors.
Supervisor Vasquez participated in the “Hard Hat” tour with fellow Supervisors Matt Ryan, Judy Begay, and Patrice Horstman.
“The new Astronomy Discovery Center offers a state-of-the-art facility for Coconino County and City residents, and visitors from across the country,” said Supervisor Vasquez. “This Center is a tremendous addition to our community and to Coconino County.”
Deputy County Manager Andy Bertelsen, Supervisor Matt…
The Board of Supervisors and County staff on the rooftop…
Supervisor Patrice Horstman and Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez on the “Hard…
County Supervisors learn about planned…
Supervisor Vasquez Presents at
Arizona Rural Transportation
Summit
Supervisor Vasquez presented at the 24th Annual Rural Transportation Summit in Yuma on October 18 and 19. Hosted by the Yuma Metropolitan Planning Organization (YMPO) and the Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG), the Summit is a signature event for rural Arizona. The Summit provides an opportunity for elected and appointed local government officials, transportation professionals, legislators, and other partners to identify solutions to improve transportation in rural Arizona.
As the Vice Chair of MetroPlan – the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Greater Flagstaff region – Supervisor Vasquez presented on the Lone Tree Corridor and Overpass project. He described the need to bring state transportation funds to our community to support this project. Members of RTAC’s Executive Board – including Supervisor David (Graham County), Supervisor Vasquez (Coconino), Supervisor Mallory (Yavapai), Supervisor Miller (Pinal), and Supervisor Minor (La Paz), spoke about their region priorities.
Summit participants also learned about legislative activities that may affect transportation budgets. Despite the state of Arizona’s projected budget deficit, Rural Transportation Advisory Council (RTAC) Legislative Liaison Kevin Adam reported that RTAC will request an annual amount from the state that includes $400 million in projects.
U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs Arlando Teller gave the keynote speech on day one. The day two keynote featured a conversation on Border Infrastructure and International Trade. The Arizona Department of Transportation provided a revenue outlook, and the Federal Highway Administration gave updates.
Supervisor Vasquez presented on the Lone Tree Overpass t…
Supervisor Vasquez and the RTAC Executive Board at the…
Board Proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month
At their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 12, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing September 15 through October 15, 2023, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Coconino County.
The proclamation, drafted by County Human Resources staff and members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), reads in part “Hispanics and Latinos are some of the earliest native residents of the southwestern United States and Hispanics in Coconino County were amongst the first pioneers in Flagstaff and Coconino County. Many working in the sawmill and railroad industry as an integral piece of establishing our mountain town of Flagstaff and the continued development of Coconino County.”
“It’s always our great pleasure to help celebrate the great diversity of Coconino County,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “Being Latino, I’m proud to be a part of this tradition and feel it’s very important to take time to learn about the contributions of Latinos and Hispanics in the county throughout our history.”
The full proclamation can be read online here.
Supervisor Vasquez Presents
on Mayan Calendar for
Hispanic Heritage Month
Participants on Coconino County’s Hispanic Heritage Month Lunch and Learn presentation on October 4 gained insight into the Mayan calendar and culture from Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez. Drawing on his knowledge in anthropology and his family experience with the Mayan culture, Supervisor Vasquez provided a history of the Mayan calendar to the nearly 60 online participants. His presentation was titled, “Reciprocity, Sacred Geography and Maya Calendrics: The Development of Maya Astronomy.”
“Meso-American people organize their worldview in what is known as a quatrefoil orientation. Some of you here locally may know this as the four directions. Everything in the Mayan universe was organized around the number four in terms of four directions,” explained Supervisor Vasquez.
“Reciprocity is central to Maya culture. The culture of reciprocity is based on principles of familial and communal relations centered on the communal good,” said Supervisor Vasquez. “As a Supervisor, I try to include that in all my decisions and thought processes.”
“We should celebrate all our differences and our diversity. We should celebrate all of our traditions,” concluded Supervisor Vasquez. “I encourage everyone to learn about your culture and share with others.”
Contact the Coconino County District 2 office at (928) 679-7162 or email jdufresne@coconino.az.gov for a copy of the presentation.
Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez’ presentation on the Mayan…
Supervisor Vasquez explains the predictive astronomy aspe…
Board of Supervisors Sponsors
Nuestras Raices at
Celebraciones de la Gente
The Board of Supervisors sponsored Nuestras Raices for the 20th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona on October 21 and October 22. Hosting an ofrenda (altar) of family ancestors in the Museum Courtyard and leading workshops throughout the weekend of colorful sugar skulls, Nuestras Raices honored the past and celebrated the present.
Celebraciones de la Gente or Celebration of the People centers around Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead – a religious and cultural holiday that has been celebrated for thousands of years. Families honor the lives of their ancestors with food, drink, parties, and activities enjoyed by their family members in life.
The Museum of Northern Arizona 20th Annu…
Nuestras Raices…
Nuestras Raices Sugar Skull workshop at th…
Board Supports 3rd Indigenous
Community Culture Fair
District 1 and District 2 of the Board of Supervisors helped sponsor the 3rd Annual Indigenous Community Culture Fair on October 21 in Flagstaff. Presented by Culture Connection AZ and the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council of Coconino Count, the Fair included entertainment by Indigenous performers, workshops on Indigenous issues, and hallways of artisans. Presenters included Derik Yellowhair, Hopi Economic Development, LivA’ndrea Knoki, and an interactive beading workshop with Luciano Buck.
“We are pleased to support this annual fair that celebrates the art of culture of Indigenous people,” said Supervisor Vasquez.
Fairgoers listen to a performance at the 3rd Annual Indigenous Community…
Culture Connection AZ Executive Directo…
Coconino County Hard at Work
on Flood Mitigation
Coconino County Flood District projects
The Coconino County Flood Control District has been working hard on flood mitigation efforts. The following highlights work in District 2.
Copeland Flood Corridor
- The Natural Resources Conservation Service provided cultural and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearances for the Copeland Flood Corridor.
- Beginning the last week of October, Tierra Right of Way Services will begin meeting with property owners in the Copeland Flood Corridor to secure drainage easements for the neighborhood flood mitigation. Engineering plans are now at 60%.
- Upper Copeland Fan is about 80% complete: Grading is complete. Crews are working on lower rock sills.
Upper Campbell Fan
- Tiffany Construction crews have completed all grading for the 8-acre alluvial fan restoration.
- Rock crews will soon begin work on the Upper Campbell Fan.
- Project is estimated to be 30% complete.
Peaceful Way Flood Corridor
- The Natural Resources Conservation Service provided cultural and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearances for the Copeland Flood Corridor.
- Engineering is at 50% completion.
Brandis Way Flood Corridor
- Tiffany construction is conducting a minor adjustment to the flood control channel north of Brandis Way.
- The need for this adjustment was identified during the final inspection of the project.
Government Tank Flood Corridor
- Tiffany Construction expects to begin grading on the 40-acre alluvial fan restoration in the Upper Government Tank watershed by the beginning of November.
- Tiffany Construction will be meeting with Gas and Water service providers to discuss the presence of utility lines in the alluvial fan restoration area.
- The Forest Service is conducting the final review of cultural resources in the project area.
Park Way Sediment Basins
- Phase 2 includes two sediment basins upstream of the recently completed Park Way Sediment Basin in Phase 1.
- The project supports the County Flood Control District/City of Flagstaff flood mitigation in the Spruce Wash (Museum Fire) Flood corridor.
For questions about Coconino County’s Flood mitigation work, please contact the Flood Control District Office at (928) 679-8316 or visit the website at https:// www.coconino.az.gov/1450/Flood-Control-District
Copeland Flood Corridor work
Brandis Way crews in flood control channel
Winter Parking Ordinance Went
into Effect on Wednesday,
November 1
The County’s annual Winter Parking Ordinance began Wednesday, November 1 and remains in effect through Monday, April 1, 2024.
Between Nov. 1 – April 1 of each year, vehicles, trailers, and storage containers must be kept clear of County-maintained rights-of-way both to facilitate safer snow removal operations and to help mitigate dangerous “snow play”-related traffic congestion and parking issues along County rights-of-way. Any vehicle, trailer, or storage container parked in prohibited areas is subject to ticketing and may be removed at the owner’s expense due to the possibility of threatening the health or welfare of County residents.
For more information about the County parking ordinance, please visit: www.coconino.az.gov/ WinterParkingOrdinance2022-06.
The City of Flagstaff also has a winter parking ordinance from November 1 to April 1 for those residents that live within the City of Flagstaff boundaries. There is no parking on city streets or alleyways from midnight to 7:00 am during the same dates as the County – November 1 to April 1. The parking restriction is enforced whether it is snowing or not. This allows crews to plow streets and also allows street sweepers to remove cinders after a snowstorm.
For more information about the City parking ordinance, please visit: https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/4881/Winter-Parking- Ordinance
Bill Williams Senior Kitchen Remodel
Coconino County Supervisors and staff traveled to Williams on September 6 to celebrate the grand opening of the remodeled Bill Williams Senior Center kitchen. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved County ARPA funds to help fund the kitchen remodel.
The remodeled kitchen has stainless-steel shelving in place of wood cabinets, a walk-through refrigerator and freezer, ice machine, air conditioning, dishwasher and ventilation hood, and a freshly painted dining room. This project improves service to seniors in Williams and the surrounding area.
As Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Chair Vasquez extends his thanks to the Coconino County Senior Services staff, Loven Contracting, County Manager Steve Peru, Coconino County Health and Human Services staff, City of Williams leaders and staff, and fellow Supervisors Matt Ryan and Patrice Horstman who attended the celebration luncheon.
Chair Vasquez, Supervisor Horstman, and…
Guests, community partners, and leaders and staff from the City of Williams…
Chair Vasquez Meets with
County Elected Officials
Chair Vasquez has been meeting with Coconino County elected officials to identify opportunities for the Board of Supervisors to work collaboratively with the County elected officials. The Coconino County elected officials include:
- Assessor Armando Ruiz
- Clerk of the Superior Court Valerie Wyant
- Constable Danny Thomas
- County Attorney William P. Ring
- Justices of the Peace in Flagstaff, Fredonia, Page, and Williams
- Recorder Patty Hansen
- Sheriff Jim Driscoll
- Superior Court Judges (Seven judges in seven divisions)
- Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget
- Treasurer Sarah Benatar
For information about the elected officials and each of these County offices, please visit: https://www.coconino.az.gov/815/ Elected-Offices
Supervisor Vasquez Recognizes
County Employees Years of
Service
Supervisor Vasquez participated in the Coconino County Employee Recognition ceremony on September 14 at the Coconino Center for the Arts. Coconino County recognizes years of service by County employees each quarter. This provides an opportunity for leadership to honor County employees who have invested five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service with Coconino County. Twenty one employees were celebrated, with managers sharing highlights of employee service and the unique ways each employee has contributed to the County. Mario Gomez-Alo with the Sheriff’s Office was recognized for 25 years of service. Supervisor Vasquez congratulated and thanked every employee for their years of commitment to Coconino County.
Supervisor Vasquez congratulates…
Coconino County employees and…
Supervisor Matt Ryan congratulates…
Coconino County Celebrates
New Coconino Community
College President
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and County staff joined community residents and partners to celebrate the investiture of the new Coconino Community College (CCC) President Eric Heiser on October 28 at the CCC Commons. Supervisor Vasquez met with Dr. Heiser, the 6th president of Coconino Community College. Dr. Heiser has worked in higher education for nearly two decades, beginning as a full-time faculty member and progressing to senior leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Colorado State University. Dr. Heiser serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Competency-Based Education Network, an international network of institutions and organizations dedicated to improving graduation rates and eliminating equity gaps through quality CBE programs.
New CCC President Dr. Eric Heiser
Supervisor Vasquez at the CCC Presidential Investiture Gala
County Leadership Joins United
Way at the 2023 Campaign
Kickoff
United Way of Northern Arizona launched their 2023 “United with Purpose” campaign on September 27 with a community luncheon at Little America that Supervisor Vasquez attended. UWNA’s volunteer Community Investment teams and Board of Directors ensure that donated dollars and other sources of funding are bundled together to significantly fund proven programs and services. UWNA also marshals volunteers and financial support in times of crisis, such as wildfires, floods, and other emergencies. Campaign Co-chairs Dan and Kim Musselman spoke about the need to Step up for Youth in Northern Arizona. Dan is the Flagstaff Chief of Police and Kim is the head of Coconino County Health and Human Services.
Supervisor Vasquez joined fellow Supervisors, Coconino County leadership and staff, and partners from across northern Arizona to help United Way kick off their annual campaign. The Board of Supervisors issued a Proclamation in October supporting the 2023 United Way campaign and urging all staff and the public to support United Way. To learn more about United Way and the 2023 campaign visit https://nazunitedway.org
United Way President and CEO Liz Archuleta speaks with Supervisor…
Community members gather at the United…
Supervisors Register Student Voters
Supervisor Vasquez traveled around Flagstaff in September helping to register eligible high school students to vote. He visited Coconino High School, Ponderosa High School, and Summit High School and encouraged students to register. Supervisor Judy Begay joined him at Ponderosa High School. Together, the Supervisors spoke to high school students about the importance of becoming involved in selecting government leaders.
:”Our youth are the future,” said Supervisor Vasquez.
Supervisor Vasquez speaks to Coconino…
Students register to vote at Coconino High School
Remember to Register your
Short-Term Rental by December
6
All short-term rentals located in unincorporated areas of Coconino County must be registered with the County by December 6, 2023.
Owners of short-term rentals located in unincorporated areas of Coconino County need to obtain a permit through the County. To apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit, please follow short term rental instructions at https://coconino.az.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/60171/CD-STR-Visual-Steps-for- Submitting-a-Short-Term-Rental-Registration
Permits require:
- Payment of a $250 fee
- Proof of Transaction Privilege Tax documents
- Proof of liability insurance (no less than $500,000)
- List of addresses of adjacent properties notified
- Photo of short-term rental
More information on the permit requirements may be found at: https://coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/60168/CD- STR-FAQ-Sheet-2023
Neighbors are encouraged to contact the short-term rental owner regarding any concerns. Neighbors also can contact the County’s code enforcement officer at 928-679-8856 or by email to mstento@coconino.az.gov
The County’s Community Development staff will investigate complaints within 72 hours. For violations not resolved within 30 days, Community Development may issue a violation and impose fines. Three or more violations may result in a suspension of the STR permit for up to a year.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the new Short Term Rental ordinance, please contact Community Development at 928–679–8850.
For more Information:
Colorado Plateau Water
Advisory Council Water Access
Trip
The Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council (CPWAC) and Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership (CPWP), that were formed to facilitate and implement sound water resource management and conservation strategies on the Coconino Plateau, hosted an annual field trip on October 28 to explore water projects on the Navajo Nation and in Page. Supervisor Vasquez sits on the CPWAP Board. He sent his Deputy Director Jennifer Dufresne to participate with Board members, community partners, and Northern Arizona University students in Professor Abe Springer’s Applied Geology class.
Four vans headed north from Flagstaff with stops at the Western Navajo Pipeline Well and Tank in Bodaway Gap, Ken’s Tours in Lower Antelope Canyon, and the Glen Canyon Dam. Participants learned about the plans to bring running water to communities on the Navajo Nation. the need for running water at the Antelope Canyon tour companies just outside of Page, Arizona, and an overview of the Glen Canyon Dam by City of Page Mayor Bill Diak.
Western Navajo Pipeline Well and Tank in Bodaway Gap
CPWAC members, partners, and NAU students listen to a…
Glen Canyon Dam in Page
Page Mayor Bill Diak speaks to CPWAC trip participants…
Board of Supervisors
Proclamations: Suicide
Prevention Month and
Domestic Violence Awareness
Month
The Board of Supervisors brought attention to two very significant issues in September and October. The Board proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month and October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Board members encouraged residents to support local organizations that help prevent suicide and end domestic violence.
“With our suicide rate higher than the national average, our County government must play a role in providing and promoting these counseling services to our community members who need them,” said Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez. “This is about community and organizations working together to make sure no one feels forgotten or left behind.”
The full Suicide Prevention month proclamation can be read online here.
The Board, the County Manager’s Office, and County Health and Human Services would also like to make everyone aware of the National Suicide prevention hotline, or “988.” Anyone can dial “988” or visit www.988lifeline.org 24 hours a day to be immediately connected with a dedicated crisis counselor.
The Domestic Violence Prevention month proclamation was a collaboration between Coconino County and local organizations including Victim Witness Services for Northern Arizona, Northland Family Help Center, and Sharon Manor. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare workers, law enforcement professionals, educators and school staff, and policy makers.
“The people who presented this proclamation represent some very important organizations and programs who support the most vulnerable in our County,” said Supervisor Vasquez. “To break the cycle of domestic violence and abuse we must demonstrate the behaviors we want for our children.”
Flood Information, Consider Insurance
Coconino County is Hiring!
For job listings within Coconino County, please check out:
Services and Programs
If you are experiencing a crisis or difficulties, we may be able to help you with necessities like transportation and communication. In order to qualify you must:
– Be a Coconino County resident,
– Meet our income criteria, and
– Have a need for these services (including for employment, education, medical, criminal justice, etc.)
For more information:
Flagstaff-region | Call 928-679-7258 | Walk-in hours: Tues/ Thurs, 9-10:30AM
Page-region | Call 928-679-7296 | Walk-in hours: Mon/Tues/ Fri, 8AM-12PM
CCHHS Update:
Every day, Arizona youth are buying counterfeit pills laced with Fentanyl through social media and they’re overdosing at an alarming rate. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Here’s what you can do to stop it:
1. Talk with your child about NEVER taking a pill that’s not prescribed to them.
2. Monitor your child’s texts and social media.
3. Get the FACTS on Fentanyl at TalkNowAz.com
4. Get free Narcan (naloxone)—a medication that reverses opioid overdoses—and learn how to use it from Coconino County Health & Human Services.
Call (928) 679-7279 or visit https://bit.ly/3muyxXT for more information.
Healthy Families is a voluntary, free support program serving families in their quest to be the best parents they can be. The program offers child development information, group activities, community resources, and ongoing supportive visits for up to five years in your home. The Healthy Families Arizona program will help you:- Be prepared for your baby’s birth- Be a successful parent- Communicate with and understand your baby- Help your child learn about the world through play. If you would like more information regarding eligibility and participation, please contact us at (928) 679-7216.
Your local coffee shop appreciates your business. Don’t miss out on the things you love.
Keep up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations/boosters, and seasonal flu vaccination. Respiratory illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and flu numbers rise in the winter season. There isn’t a vaccine for RSV but you can get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 to prevent serious illness.
To make an appointment for a flu or COVID-19 vaccination/ booster at the CCHHS Clinic at 2625 N King St, Flagstaff, call (928) 679-7222. Vaccinations are also available at many pharmacies. https://bit.ly/36hOFUS. Flu information is available at https://bit.ly/3HgAnH3.
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_
Volunteer Opportunities
Flagstaff Shelter Services
Volunteer Through a Board Position!
Link to Volunteer Site: https://flagshelter.org/volunteer/
Flagstaff Shelter Services wants to bring on creative and motivated young professionals in the Flagstaff area to serve on the junior board.
A junior board is a way for young professionals to gain experience for their future careers within a nonprofit organization.
Members of the Flagstaff Shelter Services junior board will donate their time to help plan, fundraise, and engage the Flagstaff community while learning from other professionals. Members of the junior board will be given an opportunity to take part in a variety of positions that will utilize their skills and aid future endeavors. The members will assist in social media, PR, design, writing, and project management.
Are you, or do you know, a young professional with:
· Communication and creative skills
· Ethical responsibility and emphatic ability
· Basic computer skills
Flagstaff Family Food Center
Flagstaff Family Food Center is a great way to get involved as a volunteer or to be provided with food resources that include food box distributions, hot meals, home deliveries, and more!
Upcoming Community Events
Check Out Upcoming Events on Calendars!
Coconino County Calendar: https://www.coconino.az.gov/ calendar.aspx
Flagstaff Community Calendar: https:// www.flagstaffarizona.org/events/