Coconino County Parks & Recreation — New Recreation Programs and Trends

We will begin offering Culinary Classes in early January through the month of April. There are currently three classes scheduled and available for registration. Each class will cover a different cooking skill including tortillas and tamales, pastries, and candy making.

In the first class on Saturday, January 8th, 2022, you can learn the basics of making both tortillas and tamales. More specifically, participants will learn a brief history of tortillas and tamales, what tools you need, and how to make them! You will see the process unfold, then make some yourself.

The next class to be held on January 29th, 2022, will focus on making pastries at home! Pastries are defined as a dough created with water, flour, and fats (such as butter). This class will teach you the basics of pastry making and provide you with specific instruction as to how to make a few fan favorites. 

Board of Supervisors Appoints Theresa Hatathlie to Fill Vacant Legislative District 7

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors announced the appointment of Theresa Hatathlie to fill the vacant seat in Legislative District 7 during a Special Session on Thursday, January 6, 2022.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to appoint Ms. Hatathlie.

Ms. Hatathlie is a lifelong resident of Coalmine, Arizona. She currently serves as the Logistics Coordinator for Yee Ha’ólníi Doo Navajo and Hopi Families Covid-19 Relief Fund. Hatathlie was previously employed by the Tuba City Unified School District as Human Resources Director. She has also represented the Western Navajo Agency of the Navajo Nation as a Board of Regent for Diné College.

Jan. 11, 18 and 25 Flagstaff City Council meetings to be held virtually

Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, the Flagstaff City Council has decided that the January 11, 18 and 25 City Council meetings will be held virtually with no in-person attendance at City Hall or Council Chambers. Members of the public can stream these Council meetings at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1461/Streaming-City-Council-Meetings.

Members of the public may also give verbal public comment during the meetings using the link posted on the agenda. Agendas can be viewed at http://cityweb.flagstaffaz.gov/agendaquick/agenda_publish.cfm.

The NAU Review — New year, new telescope, elephant neighbors and mapping redwood genomes

On Christmas Day, astronomers and planetary scientists around the world watched as a telescope 20 years in the making was launched into space. NASA called the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope one of the most exciting developments in astronomy in the 21st century. For the astronomers, planetary scientists and students at NAU, the launch of this massive observatory, and the information it will transmit back to Earth, is an important step in advancing our understanding of the solar system.

Voto Latino Reflects on January 6th Insurrection One Year Later and Urges Senate to Pass Voting Rights Legislation

On the one year commemoration of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Voto Latino President and CEO Maria Teresa Kumar, issued the following statement:

“Today marks one year since insurrectionists stormed the Capitol in an effort to overthrow the results of a verified, fair and free 2020 presidential election, generating unprecedented chaos and resulting in the deaths of five people. They tried to stymie a peaceful transfer of power. The attempted coup at the Capitol was the most anti-democratic visible display in a larger effort to subvert American elections and partisan attempts to stop eligible voters from casting their ballots. 

“The events of January 6th and the profoundly irresponsible actions espoused by twice impeached Donald Trump and his supporters continues to poison faith in American democratic processes and institutions. In the coming days, Congress has an opportunity to safeguard our most precious right to guarantee the thriving American experiment: – equal access to the voting booth for every eligible citizen regardless of color or creed. 

LULAC Warns A Repeat Of The January 6, 2021 Insurrection Is Still Possible

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement on the first anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The protest and violence were carried out in an attempt to stop the ratification of the electoral ballot results from the November 2020 presidential election that defeated Donald Trump. The US Justice Department issued a report six months following the attack and stated that more than 535 people who took part in the insurrection were arrested in all 50 states. Five people died during the incident, a Capitol police officer lost his life the following day of stroke complications from injuries he suffered in the violence, and four other officers on duty during the attack died later from suicide. A full congressional investigation into the insurrection continues.

On Anniversary of U.S. Capitol Attack, Immigrant Rights Groups Urge Congress to Pass Voting Rights Legislation

(Jan. 6, 2022) marks one year since the tragic Jan. 6 attack on the nation’s Capitol and the deadly attempt to overturn the will of the American people.

The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), a multi-ethnic coalition of the nation’s largest state-level immigrant advocacy organizations, which includes Promise Arizona, urges Congress to protect the fundamental right to vote and our multicultural democracy by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. 

“A year ago, anti-democracy rioters tried to undermine the electoral results achieved by a record-level turnout of voters of color and others, including newly naturalized citizens,” said Nicole Melaku, NPNA executive director. “These threats to democracy continue, as states across the nation have passed legislation restricting the fundamental right to vote.”

Residents invited to join Climate Advisory Groups to bring community voices into local climate action

The Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites Flagstaff residents to join a Climate Advisory Group to guide the implementation of the City’s Carbon Neutrality Plan and bring community voices into local climate action.

Climate Advisory Groups will bring youth, businesses, and equity leaders together to drive climate solutions. Members of the Climate Advisory Groups will provide advice and recommendations:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 3-7, 2022

Realizing the demand for vaccines is still high in the community, Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team is planning two separate events over two days this week. The County event will have all types of vaccines (first, second, third, and boosters for J&J, Moderna, Pfizer) and will have the pediatric Pfizer doses (first and second) for children ages 5-11-years-old.

Coconino Community College Page Center seeking Strengthening Indigenous Student Success (SISS) Retention Advisor

The Strengthening Indigenous Student Success (SISS) Retention Advisor assists the Program Coordinator in the management of the grant-funded Strengthening Indigenous Student Success project. This position will be located on the Page Center in beautiful Page, AZ.   This position is a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible position. 

Board of Supervisors Announces Special Session for Arizona Legislative District 7 Vacancy

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Session on Thursday, January 6, 2022, beginning at 9:00 a.m., to discuss and take possible action on the Legislative District 7 State Senate vacancy.

Democratic Senator Jamescita Peshlakai resigned from the position on December 22, 2021, to take a position with the U.S. Department of Interior. 

Arizona Legislative District 7 spans across Apache, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Mohave, Navajo, and Pinal counties. Nine tribes comprise the district including Hualapai, Havasupai, Kaibab Paiute, San Juan Southern Paiute, Navajo, Hopi, White Mountain Apache, San Carlos Apache, and a small portion of Zuni Pueblo.

Strengthening Native American student success at CCC

One in five students at Coconino Community College is Native American.

Often, the Native American students who arrive at CCC are the first in their family to pursue a college education and may also come from challenging economic situations. As a result, they may face barriers in obtaining a college degree.

In an effort to increase Native American student course success, completion rates and a sense of belonging in the college community, CCC has received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Called the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) grant, the funds will be distributed over a five-year period.

“CCC values the sacred land on which we live and serve and the indigenous peoples who have inhabited it for centuries,” said CCC Provost Dr. Nate Southerland. “One in five students at CCC is Native American, and we look forward to providing these students with culturally responsive teaching, enhanced support, and interpersonal connections to help them be successful in their studies.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Remembering our progress in 2021 and celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2022

2021 was an exciting growth year for CCC&Y.  We entered the year with a refreshed Mission and Purpose, welcomed a new logo, gained new database software and had our first ever virtual conference. We expanded our work with Building Community and renewed our commitment to building connections and support in the community. Click here to learn more. We provided training, data and voice to community organizations and groups on topics ranging from trauma-informed care to mindfulness.

Our Coconino Prevention Council and Action and Outreach committees were active throughout the year with activities ranging from monthly connection for organizations and prevention services to legislative and policy review.

A very exciting moment in 2021 was when we received the Vitalyst Health Foundation Spark Grant to collect community voice about root causes of Health Concerns in the County. To date we have engaged numerous partners, groups and individuals and have collected information from over 65 individuals through five questions we are asking the community. These have taken place in one-to-one interviews and very small focus groups across the county. This process was designed to be trusting and relationship-based so as to gain accurate and pertinent information about individual experiences.

Winter Pile Burns Begin on South Rim this Week

Beginning Thursday, January 6, National Park Service (NPS) fire managers will begin pile burning along the Hwy. 64 corridor on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Hand piles composed of woody debris will be burned along the Hwy. 64 corridor, north of the South Entrance Station from mile marker 238-240. Fire managers plan to continue igniting piles over the next several months when weather conditions are suitable.

Smoke will be visible within the area and traffic signs will be posted along the roadway advising visitors of the operations. If traveling along Hwy. 64, visitors are asked to be prepared for slower traffic and minor delays within the area of the pile burns.

Here’s what’s new at Sedona Arts Center!

Vision & Sound creates an educational experience and environment that broadens the understanding and appreciation of African American art, music, film, and literary works for multigenerational and multicultural audiences. We strive to build supportive relationships to encourage cultural equity throughout Arizona and beyond – recognizing that professional American artists of African descent are too often overlooked.

Seeking Applicants for Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District #6 Governing Board

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for an appointment to the Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District #6 Governing Board.

Applicants must reside in the school district and be registered to vote in Arizona. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona announces training classes on Jan. 4-6, 13-14 and 19

Below is the schedule for all of Goodwill’s classes in January.  As a reminder, Digital Literacy, and now Financial Literacy, can be taken online at your own pace.  For details on signing up, please call 928-556-5096 or come in the Career Center to register.  Select courses and additional career webinars are also offered on My Career Advisor.

I am now taking registration for all classes.  Registration is required beforehand.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides a variety of options to help families, community members during 2022

As 2021 comes to an end, families throughout Coconino County have faced and overcome a variety of challenges during this pandemic age.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth stands ready in 2022 to help connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, monthly virtual youth open mic sessions, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.
in AZ.”

Cancer Support Community AZ, northern Arizona seeking Development and Event Director

Cancer Support Arizona in Flagstaff is seeking to fill a position.

Candidates sought must:

Demonstrated results in designing, launching, expanding, and improving development programs with wide range of support from the community.

Track record of being resourceful to obtain financial and human support.

Able to learn quickly and proficiently to use multiple technology applications to manage projects,

City of Flagstaff to provide public comment opportunities for final 10-year Housing Plan on Jan. 27, Feb. 15, 2022

The City of Flagstaff will provide public comment opportunities for final 10-year Housing Plan on Jan. 27 at the City Housing Commission Meeting and Feb. 15, 2022 at the City Council Meeting.

The Draft 10-Year Housing Plan’s public comment period has officially closed. The community forum garnered 327 responses. Coupling these with the comments received through the presentations and community outreach, there are more than 600 written comments. Housing and Comprehensive Planners are working to review and categorize the comments.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – December 2021

I have spent quite a bit of time and funds wandering to faraway lands. I have admired infinite oceans of impossible blue and have climbed majestic mountains. Up until now, however, I hadn’t contemplated from my bedroom window those tiny dewdrops on the multi-hued green leaves of my mom’s papaya tree.

Slowly the window became my own inner self and I started pondering about the purpose of my life. I found the answer in the twinkle of those dewdrops dancing on the surface of those leaves, also of an impossible green.

Life is jam-packed with enjoyment and magnificence. Muse on the small, often overlooked details: a gentle wind, a summer downpour, a dewdrop on a green leaf in the morning sun… Touch the wind, smell the rain, feel the joy. Live your life with happiness and delight, for you are very fortunate to be who you are.

Peace and love to all this Holiday Season. Namasté

Feb. 3 — NAU History Department presenting virtual program ‘The Sovereign Trickster — Dean and Laughter in the Age of Duterte’

The NAU History Department will present the virtual program “The Sovereign Trickster — Dean and Laughter in the Age of Duterte” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. 

University of Washington Prof. Vicente Rafael will discuss President Duterte of the Philippines within the context of the global rise in nationalist-populism and authoritarianism. 

Feb. 9 — Coconino County to Host Utility Scale Renewable Energy Ordinance Open House

The public is invited to attend a virtual open house on the Utility Scale Renewable Energy Ordinance (REO) Draft on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The draft ordinance will be available for review and comment on the open house site beginning February 9 through February 16, 2022.

Feb. 17 — NAU Latino American Studies presents ‘José Luis Sotero — Painting across the Border’

Latin American studies would like to invite you to an extraordinary event!

On Thursday February 17 at 7 pm, Nogales (Sonora)-based artist José Luis Sotero will present “Painting across the Border.”  Sotero was detained in 2015 when trying to cross the border, spent a year in detention, and was then deported to Mexico. He is a self-taught painter who is using his art to paint the stories of migrants who seek to escape violence and poverty in the hope of a decent life. He would not be permitted to cross the border to join us, but through Zoom José Luis will share his experiences as well as his striking art.

Through March 8 — Registration is now open for Winter Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) Training

Coconino County’s next Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development Zoom-based training will run 6-9pm, Tuesdays for 9-week running through March 8th. If you are eligible, our Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grant opportunity is also available.  This email has information, below and attached, on the benefits of each program and how to sign-up.

To enroll in BBE please reply attaching a completed application and other documentation.

March 9 — NAU Latin American Studies to screen ‘Fandango at the Wall! ‘

On Wednesday March 9 at 4 pm in LA 136 Latin American Studies will screen the film Fandango at the Wall. This beautiful and thought-provoking film features a journey through Mexico to explore a 300 year-old Mexican folk tradition–son jarocho—a binational fandango festival on both sides of the US/Mexico border, the conditions of life in Mexico, and the politics of migration. The ultimate message of the film is the triumph of unity through music over division.

Feb. 23 — NAU Latin American Studies to present ‘Black Women, Citizenship, and the Making of Modern Cuba’

NAU Latin American Studies will present Takkara Brunson and her  recently-published book “Black Women, Citizenship, and the Making of Modern Cuba” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23 on Zoom.

Brunson traces how women of African descent were essential participants in the political processes that defined Cuba well before the 1959 Revolution.

March 29 — NAU to present Film Series ‘Cesar Chavez’ at Cline Library Assembly Hall

The NAU College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and Letters will present as part of its Film Series “Cesar Chavez” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29 at the Cline Library Assembly Hall.

Join us for an early celebration of Cesar Chavez’s birthday with this free screening. Masks required.

In honor of Cesar Chavez’s birthday (March 31), we present this bio-pic which was named Best Picture by both the American Latino Media Arts and the Imagen Awards. Directed by Diego Luna “Cesar Chavez” chronicles the struggles of the civil rights leader and labor organizer’s inspiring battle to secure a decent wage for farm workers. The Chicago Sun Times called it, “A solid and mostly successful attempt to introduce this important labor leader and civil rights activist to younger audiences, while reminding older folks of the impact Chavez had on this country.”

April 23 — Join us for the 25th Annual Mountain Spelling Bee!

Come celebrate our 25th Annual Spelling Bee and support equal access to literacy for all members of our community! We will have raffles, prizes, auctions, games, and more!

Tickets are $55 and cover admission into the event as well as a three-course dinner. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the event.

To sponsor the event or a team, or to participate in the bee competition, email director@thinkliteracy.org

April 30 — CHAC, Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library present Diversity Book Drive

Let’s add to the diverse voices at the library! the Coconino County Public Library is looking to expand their Spanish Language Collection.

The Diversity Book Drive, in partnership with the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library. will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 30 at the Flagstaff Public Library Downtown, 300 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

April 30 — Thorpe Park Annex community design meeting

The City of Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events Division is partnering with Southwest Decision Resources and Wheat Design Group to collaborate with the Flagstaff community on the future of the 8.5-acre Thorpe Park Annex parcel. On Saturday, April 30, from 12 to 2 p.m., the community is invited to meet with their Flagstaff neighbors and envision the future of the parcel.

From 12 to 12:45 p.m., the community is invited to eat lunch (there will be food trucks on site) and walk around the parcel to learn about initial ideas being generated from the community survey.  Participants will also be invited to think critically about compatibility of current uses and future programming on the site.

May 7 — Flagstaff Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser returns

The Kentucky Derby Fundraiser presented by PNC Bank is back, May 7th at High Country Conference Center.

Enjoy some hors d’oeuvres, a mint julep and much more. There will be live music, a silent auction, live auction and of course watching of the Kentucky Derby. Don’t forget we are giving prizes for Best Dressed and Best Hat!

So grab your hats and get your tickets today! You don’t want to miss the greatest 2 minutes in sports.  www.bgcflag.org

May 20 — Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library hosts Lifelong Learning Celebration and Yearbook Day

The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will be celebrating Flagstaff learners of all ages with its Lifelong Learning Celebration and Yearbook Day on Friday, May 20. This all-day, interactive celebration will take place in the Community Room of the Downtown Library (300 W Aspen Ave) and will feature crafts, activities, and community learning resources.

Yearbook activities

The Library maintains local yearbooks dating back to 1924, including Sinagua High School, now known as Sinagua Middle School. While these yearbooks are usually stored in a locked case, the entire yearbook collection will be available for patron browsing in the Community Room from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patrons of all ages are invited to find themselves, their family members, or well-known Flagstaffians among the old and new pages.

The Library will also be launching a “Library Yearbook” for patrons to fill with remembrances and high school memories spurred by the yearbooks. Patrons are also invited to create one-of-a-kind cards for the graduate in their life with an eclectic selection of card-making materials provided.

In the Library’s Teen Zone from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., 2022 graduates can bring their graduation caps to decorate with provided supplies.

Through May 24 — Registration is now open for Spring Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) Training

Coconino County’s next Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development Zoom-based training will run 6-9pm, Tuesdays for 9-week running March 29th and go through May 24th. If you are eligible, our Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grant opportunity is also available.  This email has information, below and attached, on the benefits of each program and how to sign-up.

Through May 31 — Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is all around us, but, what exactly is mental health? Mental health is a person’s general sense of emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being. Everyone has mental health every day, but it’s often ignored unless something is going seriously wrong. The best way to prevent that is to pay attention to your mental health even when you are feeling okay or even good.

Notice how your mental health is always changing. Yesterday might have been a better day than today, and that’s okay. Part of being human is moving with your emotions, and knowing when something isn’t going exactly how you want it to, check in with yourself, and reach out to your friends and family for help when you need to take some time for your mental health or don’t know what to do.

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, please join us for upcoming events!

June — Coconino County Diversity Team to present ‘Pride Month’ event

The Coconino County Diversity Team will present Pride Month presentations through May 31.

Happy Pride Month! Coconino County is committed to inclusion and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community and we celebrate the contributions and impact made to our community every day.

Stay tune for the latest upcoming events.

June 10 through 11 — Award Winning New Orleans Musician, Anders Osborne, Headliner for Arizona’s Largest Blues Festival

Arizona’s largest blues festival, Flagstaff Blues and Brews, announces their impressive lineup for the June 2022 event.  The festival starts Friday afternoon, June 10th and runs through Saturday night, June 11th.  Named as one of the top 10 most beautiful blues festivals, the Flagstaff Blues & Brews festival has helped launch the careers of many blues artists, including; Karen Lovely, MonkeyJunk, Harlis Sweetwater and Jeremy Bar-Illan.

June 18 — Celebrate Juneteenth at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, June 19 at Fort Tuthill

Also see Juneteenth Concert on June 19 at Fort Tuthill

Come celebrate Juneteenth with music performances, food, games and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, 203 E. Brannen Ave., Flagstaff.

Hosted by the Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project, and the Southside Community Association (SCA).

The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the day Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them freedom. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. 

June 21 — Join The Literacy Center for a fundraiser at Drinking Horn Meadery

Join us in supporting literacy at the Drinking Horn Meadery on June 21st @ 6 PM! This fundraiser will involve a fun individual spelling bee competition, a raffle, and mead of course! 

Come spell (or watch), drink mead, buy some raffle tickets, and participate in fundraising for the Literacy Center! Proceeds from the raffle and a portion of mead sales will be donated to the Literacy Center.

The winner of this competition will get a sponsored seat on the Drinking Horn Spelling Bee team at the Literacy Center’s 26th Annual Adult Mountain Spelling Bee in April 2023!

There is no cost to participate in this fun spelling bee kickoff event. Just show up at the Meadery June 21st! Must be 21 to attend. 

July 9 — City hosts community volunteer day in areas impacted by Museum Fire flooding

The City of Flagstaff is hosting a community volunteer day in areas downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar on Saturday, July 9. Volunteers will be assisting residents who are elderly or have a disability repair their emergency sandbag mitigation. Please note that this will be the last volunteer day in the Museum Fire flood area as we enter the monsoon season.

July 16 — Do you have a household item in need of repair? Don’t trash it, fix it for free at the Fix-it Clinic!

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is hosting a Fix-it Clinic on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center, located at 245 N. Thorpe Rd.  

Volunteers will be fixing small household appliances, clothing, electronics, jewelry, bicycles and more. Appointments for fixes will be given priority, but walk-ins are welcome. Make an appointment online at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAFAA28A7FBC43-fixit 

Aug. 4 — Pipeline West Community Meeting

This community meeting is specifically targeted towards residents who live on the west side of Flagstaff, including the neighborhoods of Cheshire, Valley Crest, Coyote Springs, Ridge Crest, Coconino Estates, and Rock Ridge Estates. This meeting will not provide information on flooding impacts in Doney Park, Timberline, or other areas east of Flagstaff. 

Aug. 5-7 — Heritage Days returns to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Heritage Days will return to the North Rim within Grand Canyon National Park. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Heritage Days will be held from August 5 through August 7, 2022. Each day, Heritage Days programs will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in various locations throughout the North Rim developed area.

Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip and the Grand Canyon area. This year’s Heritage Days will provide an especially important opportunity to expose visitors to different perspectives of the Grand Canyon.

Aug. 22 — Free Webinar — Understanding Risk and Flood Insurance

Representatives from Coconino County and FEMA will conduct a free webinar to inform our community about the new flood risk to our neighborhoods and important information about flood insurance.

Over the past few years, the frequency of wildfires has increased in Coconino County and with that increase comes an increase in the risk of post-wildfire flooding. To help inform property owners about this increased risk and actions they can take to reduce that risk, the Coconino County Flood Control District has provided post-wildfire flood risk and mitigation information.

Sept. 2-5 — Coconino County announces Hispanic, country, other performances for Coconino County Fair

Coconino County has announced a number of Hispanic, country, other performances for Coconino County Fair Sept. 2 through Sept. 5 including Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Adolfo Urias and Tropical Del Bravo.

Click here for the entire 2022 Schedule of Events

Buy tickets here

Sept. 7 — Community Welcome event connects NAU student residents with their Flagstaff neighbors

Northern Arizona University and the City of Flagstaff are teaming up for the 5th Annual Community Welcome walk. On Wednesday, September 7, between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a small team of volunteers will be visiting homes in neighborhoods near the NAU campus. During the door-to-door “knock and talks” volunteers meet with local and student residents, share tips for safe and respectful living, and encourage neighbors to get to know one another. Community Welcome aims to improve relations between local and student residents renting rooms and homes in the historic La Plaza Vieja and Southside Neighborhoods.

Sept. 9 — City hosts meet and greet event for City Engineer candidates

The City of Flagstaff invites members of the public to attend a meet and greet event on Friday, Sept. 9 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall for final candidates for the position of City Engineer. The City conducted eight preliminary interviews for the position and has invited three candidates to Flagstaff to participate in the meet and greet event.

The candidate names and brief biographies are included below:

Sept. 21 — NAU Latin American Studies presenting ‘The Politics of Extraction: Territorial Rights, Participatory Institutions, and Conflict in Latin America’

Dr. Maiah Jaskoski, Professor of Political Science at NAU, will present her new book, The Politics of Extraction: Territorial Rights, Participatory Institutions, and Conflict in Latin America” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Northern Arizona University, Room LA-120.

Presented by NAU Latin American Studies.

Oct. 1 — Coconino County to Hold 18th Annual Sustainable Building Tour

Buildings are pieces of history, and each has a story to tell. That is the theme for this year’s Coconino County Sustainable Building Tour: The Stories Buildings Tell. The public is invited to join this year’s 18th annual Sustainable Building Tour, to be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science, this year’s tour will be held completely in person, the first time in three years, and showcases ten properties throughout the community. The property owners and homeowners who have been certified through the county’s Sustainable Building Program will share their stories; stories about the landscape, anecdotes on the process of building their home, and tales of living in and maintaining their unique properties. 

Oct. 1 — Friends of Flagstaff’s Future to present City Council Candidates Forum

Join Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) as community members ask questions and hear answers from the seven candidates running for City Council: incumbent Austin Aslan, and Lori Matthews (both listed on the ballot), and the five official write in candidates: Kevin Dobbe, Sean Golliher, Deborah Harris, incumbent Khara House, and incumbent Regina Salas.

Oct. 3 — City of Flagstaff hosts meet and greet event for Water Services Director candidates

The City of Flagstaff invites members of the public to attend a meet and greet event on Monday, Oct. 3 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall for final candidates for the position of Water Services Director. The City received 25 applications, conducted 11 screening interviews, and invited four candidates to participate in the meet and greet following preliminary interviews.

Oct. 6 — City of Flagstaff announces town hall for Noise Study Results

The City of Flagstaff will be holding a town hall on October 6, 2022 at 5:00p.m. in the City HallChambers to provide the community an opportunity to hear the results and ask questions of the noise study thatwas requested by the city council. Attendees can join in person in the Council Chambers or virtually via theMicrosoft Teams link below.

Oct. 6 — Community Invited to a Celebration of the Pathways to Community Program

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) invite the community to celebrate the opening of the Pathways to Community Program at an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, October 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. at 951 E Sawmill Road, Flagstaff, AZ.

The Pathways to Community Program is a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and CCHHS, in collaboration with many community partners. This new program brings community and legal resources together in one physical space to support those being released from incarceration as they return to the community. 

Oct. 6 — Public forums for CCC presidential finalists

The Coconino Community College District Governing Board is pleased to announce that they have selected three finalists for the presidency of the College. Public forums with each of the finalists are scheduled for the week of Oct., 3, 2022.

“We would like to thank all of the communities served by the College for your continued interest and support in the process to identify our next President,” said Dr. Nathaniel White, Board Chair. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Board Presidential Search Committee for their exceptional work and effort.”

Oct. 8 — Virtual meetings will Address Flagstaff’s Transportation Future

Flagstaff is ready to find solutions to our biggest problems. That’s why MetroPlan is bringing Greater Flagstaff communities together to build our region’s transportation plan, Stride Forward. Stride Forward will guide transportation investments for the next 20 years, and we are building it with your help.
Join us for our next Virtual Public Meeting:

Saturday, October 8 at 9 a.m.

Oct. 16 — You’re Invited to F3’s Annual Meeting

Join Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) at our Annual Meeting and Potluck.

Sunday, October 16th, 3:00-5:00 pm
Outside at Riordan Mansion’s Veranda
409 W Riordan Rd.

Parking is available at Riordan State Park. Backup parking is available in the adjacent NAU parking garage for a fee.

Come learn about F3’s work this year and important issues on which we’ll be focusing in 2023. Meet F3’s Executive Director, F3 Board members, and many community members.

Oct. 21, 24 — City of Flagstaff hosts Proposition 441 and 442 open house events in October

The City of Flagstaff is hosting open house events in October to provide educational information to members of the public on Propositions 441 and 442. Informational materials on the propositions will be available at the events and City staff will be in attendance to answer questions. Details on each event are listed below.

Oct. 28 — Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of Northern Arizona/Flagstaff Nuestras Raíses present ‘Celebraciones’ concert

The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to highlight the culture of the traditional Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos with our concert, “Celebraciones!” in collaboration with the Museum of Northern Arizona/Flagstaff Nuestras Raíses’ “Celebraciones de la Gente” from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.

Joining us for this spectacular celebration of Mexican music and composers will be Flagstaff’s own Ballet Folklorico de Colores, presenting a traditional Mexican folk dance to José Moncayo’s classic Huapango.

Oct. 28-29 — Sedona Arts Center — Don’t miss these Sedona Plein Air Festival Final events!

Friday, October 28, 2022
Awards Night Celebration –- SAC Special Exhibition Gallery & Theatre – 5:00-7:00pm
Held at Sedona Arts Center’s Special Exhibition Gallery and Theatre Studio in the Art Barn. Fine wine, fine hors d’oeuvres and beautiful art. This is the big event. Artist’s awards are presented throughout the evening recognizing the best work created during the week including Best of Show and merit awards by Festival Judges Susan Lynn and John Caggiano, Artist’s Choice Award, Collectors Choice by ballot and Sedona Arts Center Awards.

Oct. 29 — Properly dispose of batteries, lightbulbs, medications and more at Drop-off Day

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and the Flagstaff Police Department invite you to attend a free community Drop-off Day. Join City staff on Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Flagstaff Police Department, 911 E. Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

The Sustainability Office is excited to partner with the City of Flagstaff Hazardous Products Center, Coconino County, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Ponderosa Medical Waste Services, Elevated Shredding, and Westech Recyclers to put your waste in the right place.

Nov. 2 — Coconino County to Host Virtual Town Hall to Explain Proposition 445 – the Jail District Sales Tax

Coconino County voters have a critical decision to make on their ballot on Election Day, November 8. Proposition 445 asks voters whether to extend the existing half-cent Jail District Sales Tax (JDST) for an additional 25 years. There will be a series of live-streamed virtual town hall meetings in the coming weeks in an effort to inform the public about the importance of the JDST to the operations of County Detention Facilities and the many in-custody and reentry programs the County provides. 

Nov. 3 — Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Virtual Q&A Flagstaff’s “Stride Forward” 2045 Transportation Plan

How will Flagstaff address our transportation challenges in the next 20-25 years as we implement the Climate Neutrality Plan and predicted population growth?

Join the F3 Board as they discuss Flagstaff’s Stride Upward Plan and strategy with MetroPlan’s Planning Manager on Thursday Nov. 3 @ 6:00 pm via  Zoom.

Nov. 10 — Coconino County Facilities Management Department to Host Open House Ahead of EPA Grant Application

The Coconino County Facilities Management Department will host an open house both in-person and virtually on Thursday, November 10 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The topic will be the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean-up grant application for the abatement of hazardous materials from the old county jail. If awarded, the grant would provide clean-up funds to remove and remediate hazardous materials at the facility. Cleaning hazardous materials such as lead-based paint and asbestos is the vital first step to reuse the building and the site.

Through Nov. 15 — Enroll now for Fall Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) Training

Since 2007, over 600 local residents have enrolled in Coconino County’s Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development training. Now we’ve added BBE Support Services Group (BBESSG) presentations, plus new cash assistance and referral incentives each worth up to $500. It’s been said 70% of the U.S. population has dreamed of starting a business but only 10% do, mostly for lack of know-how and capital. BBE training is for those starting and/or expanding a home-based or other micro-business (five or less employees).

Those enrolled for our next BBE training also can participate in noon-hour, Wednesday, June BBESSG presentation via Zoom:

Dec. 3 — City of Flagstaff Winter Wonderland and Holiday Tree Lighting Event

The City of Flagstaff’s Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Division and the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance are hosting the annual Winter Wonderland and Holiday Tree Lighting event on Dec. 3, 2022 in Heritage Square and on Aspen Ave.

Crafts, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, smores and live music will be available from 3 – 6 p.m.  At 6 p.m., Santa Claus will travel on fire truck to Heritage Square to light the holiday tree. All activities are free of charge and the event concludes at 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — City hosts meet and greet event for Public Works Director position

The City of Flagstaff invites members of the public to attend a meet and greet event on Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. at Public Works Core Services building (3200 W Rte 66) to meet the final candidate for the position of Public Works Director. The City received 10 applications and invited three candidates to interview for the position. The City invited one candidate to participate in the meet and greet event.

Participants may attend in-person or virtually by using this link (Click here to join the meeting). Feedback will be collected athttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SN6DGG9.

Coconino County provides latest road conditions

All Coconino County maintained roads are open and passable, although roads remain icy and slick. Coconino County has 15 graders, 12 snowplow trucks, and one loader working to keep the roads clear.

Thank you to Coconino County Public Works, Flagstaff City Government, and Arizona Department of Transportation for working through the night to ensure safe travels this morning. Please check https://www.az511.com/ for the latest road conditions.

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — District 2 Newsletter 7th Edition — Wishing everyone a safe holiday season!

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

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Alert: Lone Tree Overpass Design Flawed

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is concerned that the proposed design for Lone Tree Overpass, currently under consideration by Council, is overbuilt, provides inadequate protection for pedestrians and bicyclists, encourages an increase in automobile traffic, negatively impacts the Southside neighborhood, and is in conflict with the city’s Carbon Neutrality Plan.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie honored with the Marcia Stanton Award by the Arizona ACEs Consortium

Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, was presented with the Marcia Stanton Award on Dec. 16 by the Arizona ACEs Consortium at the 8th annual statewide ACEs summit.

The Arizona ACEs Consortium is a collaboration of more than one hundred individuals, state, county, private organizations and professionals from all walks of life, united by a desire to help Arizona’s children. It promotes a greater understanding of the impacts of toxic stress and trauma, and supports efforts to address and prevent them.

“The Marcia Stanton Award was established in 2018 and pays homage to the original leader of the ACEs movement, Marcia Stanton. It is awarded to an individual who displays a commitment, perseverance and dedication to spread the awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences and someone that leads action in their community to decrease the prevalence and effect of ACEs on both children and adults,” said Angie Burleson, executive director of the consortium. “This Award honors excellence in leadership, collaboration and the advancement of the PACEs movement in AZ.”

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — 2021 Economic Highlights

Despite lingering concerns due to multiple variants of the coronavirus, supply chain issues, and fears that inflation might dampen the recovery, our region had a fair bit of good economic news this past year.

Consider the fact that in 2021, the number of leads that we fielded for businesses interested in locating in northern Arizona increased by 15% over the last calendar year. At the same time, ECoNA’s Business Retention team reports that few businesses closed in the past 12 months and many are looking to expand.

That’s the macro view on our local economy. Zoom in a bit, however, and you’ll see a lot of exciting developments that made 2021 an excellent year for northern Arizona and indicate that 2022 might be even better.

Coconino County Offices Closed for Winter Holidays

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed on Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, dispatch, patrol and detention will be open. Please dial 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency dispatch or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

Sedona Arts Center — Happy Holidays From our Family to Yours

Here at Sedona Arts Center we just wanted to say thank you for your commitment to our local nonprofit and all that we do. As we move into a new year, we wish you moments of peace amid the difficulties, connections with family and friends even if they can’t be in person, the warmth of memories from holidays past, and hope for a better future.

December Updates from Creative Flagstaff — Announcing $55,000 in awards to 13 local organizations

Creative Flagstaff is excited to announce that $55,000 in grants have been awarded 13 local organizations through the Innovation & Capacity Project Grant program for fiscal year 2022.  These awards are made possible through Creative Flagstaff’s partnership with the City of Flagstaff and BBB Revenues.