With his Steinway concert grand piano being delivered to the open grassland of McMillan Mesa, astronomer and musician David Koerner, Ph.D., will be performing a free open-air concert in celebration of the Flower Moon rising over Buffalo Park, starting at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 22. The event is a collaboration between the Coconino Center for the Arts (CCA) and Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition (FDSC) as part of the 10-day ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience Arizona festival. “The ‘Rising of the Flower … [Read more...] about Celebrating Dark Skies through Outdoor Piano Recital, Downtown Art Walk, Flagstaff Star Party
Local News
Tips for Entrepreneurs from Veteran Homebuilder Jose Berlanga
One of the best ways to reach your goals is to spend time with someone who has achieved the kind of success you haven’t yet dared to dream about. That’s when you know your big idea still has some growing to do. Seasoned home builder Jose Berlanga is an entrepreneur from Mexico City who has made a significant mark in Houston’s real estate industry. Berlanga was born to be an entrepreneur. By the time he was 21, he was already wealthy. He joined me recently on “Zonie Living: Business, Adventure … [Read more...] about Tips for Entrepreneurs from Veteran Homebuilder Jose Berlanga
‘Miles for the Missing’ Virtual Race to Support Investigation Costs for Families
Hundreds of thousands of people go missing every year, often leaving loved ones with unanswered questions and broken hearts. However, the situation is especially dire among Indigenous women because many cases go unreported. The National Institute for Law and Justice (NILJ), a non-profit organization with local ties, wants to help those families by providing funds to investigate the cases. To do so, volunteers are planning a virtual fundraising run/walk/bike race from May 1-31 called “Miles for … [Read more...] about ‘Miles for the Missing’ Virtual Race to Support Investigation Costs for Families
Team Snuffed Wants to Deploy Satellites to Watch the West
It sounds like a science-fiction movie, but a group of Flagstaff neighbors and associates are as serious as a fast-moving wildfire about their plan to put 90 satellites in space to watch the West and detect an ignition larger than a campfire. “We can buy a spacecraft from a commercial vendor and SpaceX does launches all the time,” said David Trilling, a professor and chair of the Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science at NAU. This Flagstaff team, assembled by aerospace engineer Cody … [Read more...] about Team Snuffed Wants to Deploy Satellites to Watch the West
Making Progress in Affordable Housing
Flagstaff’s housing problem is acute, and I know it can sometimes feel like not enough is being done to address it. I wish we had double the resources to tackle this problem, but we’re making progress – due, in large part, to the partnerships the city has with our non-profit housing partners combined with some smart investments of our resources. Yet, there’s still much work to do. First, I’ll speak to the housing programs led by the city’s housing section and some of the work of our non-profit … [Read more...] about Making Progress in Affordable Housing
Horses Teaching Life Skills to Children in Foster Care
With the Mazatzal Mountains serving as a classic Western backdrop for the 10-acre R & R Ranch, owner Samantha Walker, 35, strolls across the corral in well-worn jeans and dusty boots to greet her latest guests – five energetic boys from a Gilbert group home. The horses are the main attraction for this field trip, but human interaction and rules come first. “My students know as soon as they are here, no phones are allowed,” she said. “They have to be in the car. My No. 1 reason for bringing … [Read more...] about Horses Teaching Life Skills to Children in Foster Care
Honoring National Travel and Eco-Tourism Week
The travel industry is a major pillar in Northern Arizona’s economy, and that contribution to the community is celebrated each year in May during National Travel and Tourism Week. Discover Flagstaff is putting its own spin on the May 19-25 celebration by dubbing it National Travel and Eco-Tourism Week, reflecting the important community values we want visitors to be aware of in our city. Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas with a focus on protecting and learning about those … [Read more...] about Honoring National Travel and Eco-Tourism Week
Coconino County: A Defender of the Dark
The word is out that Coconino County has some of the darkest skies and best opportunities in the country to view and explore the wonders of the universe. Knowing this, the county enacted its first dark skies lighting ordinances more than 45 years ago. This action acknowledged the importance of dark skies to generations that have been in the region for a long time – Native cultures, scientists, astronomers, explorers and dreamers. And it demonstrated a commitment to preserving and protecting dark … [Read more...] about Coconino County: A Defender of the Dark
Overland Expo West Coming to Flagstaff
The first in a series of four events celebrating overlanding is scheduled for May 17-19 at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff. Overland Expo West organizers say overlanding is defined as when consumers travel by vehicle, focusing on exploration and adventure, where the journey is at the heart of the experience. Overlanding is not new. Event representatives say what has changed is its accessibility and affordability. “It is attracting a new generation of adventure-seekers to hit the open … [Read more...] about Overland Expo West Coming to Flagstaff
Paul James Babbitt Jr. 1941-2024
Paul James Babbitt, Jr., died at home at 10:08 a.m., April 4, 2024, surrounded by his family and listening to the Tennessee Waltz, following a long battle with cancer. He was 83. His family says, “He left as he lived, gently, gracefully and thoughtfully. Without fuss.” Mr. Babbitt was committed to a life of public service, from serving in the Army to leading Flagstaff and Northern Arizona as Mayor, Councilmember and Coconino County Supervisor. Among his many volunteer roles, he was a … [Read more...] about Paul James Babbitt Jr. 1941-2024