In October 2014, the Flagstaff City Council adopted updated sign standards that made it easier for local businesses to use temporary signs to promote special sales or seasonal events. After a long process with lots of public input, city staff and the Council thought we were done and had found the right balance between promoting local businesses and preserving Flagstaff’s unique local character. But that was not to be because the U.S. Supreme Court, in a landmark decision rendered in June … [Read more...] about Changing the Sign Code Again
Columnists
Lawmakers Considering County Budgets
The 2016 legislative session at the Arizona State Legislature is underway, and the state budget and legislative proposals affecting Coconino County residents are being debated by lawmakers. We are hopeful that the session will lead to good solutions for counties. While there were many successes during last year’s session, counties across the state were required to help balance the state budget by financially subsidizing state government more than in any previous year. This budget cycle, … [Read more...] about Lawmakers Considering County Budgets
Why Market Timing Does Not Work
Few words characterize today’s financial markets like uncertainty. When overseas economic issues can rob investors of months of gains and speeches by Federal Reserve officials cause markets to flip-flop unpredictably, investors are left wondering what they should do. In an attempt to make major market movements work for their portfolios rather than against, some investors attempt to time the market. Market timing is the strategy of trying to predict future market movements to time … [Read more...] about Why Market Timing Does Not Work
Spoil the One You Love This Valentine’s Day
Love is in the air. While Valentine’s Day can be seen as cliché – with teddy bears, chocolates and roses galore – it’s always nice to stand out and give that special someone a first. Don’t stick to the usual dinner routine at a local restaurant, get creative this year and make Valentine’s Day unforgettable with some of these great date ideas. Reenact Your First Date Take a stroll down memory lane and reenact your first date. If the date was at a restaurant, make reservations at the same … [Read more...] about Spoil the One You Love This Valentine’s Day
Understanding Benefits of the Lyric Hearing Aid
The Lyric is a hearing aid that is housed inside the ear canal for extended periods of time. No need to change a battery or put the hearing aid in a recharging device at night. All you need to do is go to your audiologist and ask to try a pair of them! Discreet Amplification The most amazing consequence of wearing the Lyric is that you are a “normal” person. You do not have to be careful with your hearing aids around the house so the dog or cat does not eat them when you take … [Read more...] about Understanding Benefits of the Lyric Hearing Aid
‘I Quit Because My Scissors Are Broken’
Over the last few months, I have received wonderful comments and feedback on my columns that have dealt with taking care of employees and doing things like writing notes, holding one-on-ones, and doing a better job of communicating. That being said, I still haven’t convinced everyone yet. In the last 30 days, I actually had a CEO say to me, “I’m worried to have one-on-ones with my employees because I am afraid of what I might hear.” That isn’t a good approach. Let me tell you about an … [Read more...] about ‘I Quit Because My Scissors Are Broken’
Property Zoning Makes a Difference
All major development projects are not alike. Some projects come before City Council and have a lot of public input, for and against. We have hours-long Council meetings about traffic and the neighborhood impact, design, lighting, etc. But other significant developments do not come before Council at all. The difference is the zoning of the property in question. If the property is zoned to allow the proposed use, then the Council has no authority to deny the use as long as the zoning … [Read more...] about Property Zoning Makes a Difference
Smoking and Your Oral Health
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products is harmful to your mouth, including your teeth and gums, and can be deadly. Each year, about 443,000 people die prematurely due to smoking or exposure to second hand smoke, and 8.6 million people live with a serious illness caused by smoking. How Does Smoking Impact My Mouth and Oral Health? Smoking can impact your overall oral health in a number of ways, … [Read more...] about Smoking and Your Oral Health
Exchange Pub Transforming Into Internet Café with Starbucks Beverages
Keeping with tradition while accommodating today’s lifestyles, the Weatherford Hotel’s Exchange Pub is becoming a contemporary, yet cozy, coffee house that proudly serves Starbucks daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Post-holiday shoppers can soak in the charm and comfort of the historic Weatherford Hotel, combined with the quality and satisfaction of Starbucks coffee and delicious pastries as they enjoy the downtown experience. The Exchange Pub inside the hotel will take on a new look, which will … [Read more...] about Exchange Pub Transforming Into Internet Café with Starbucks Beverages
Landlords Need to Know Their Tenants
I remember the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, as if it were yesterday. I believe that to be true for most of us. Things changed in our country after 9/11, from security checks at airports to the questions banks asked of us when we opened new accounts, to the information required to apply for a loan. The residential leasing world also came under question as some of the known terrorists were tenants, renting in our state. The purpose of this article is not to engage in political debate about the … [Read more...] about Landlords Need to Know Their Tenants