Category Archives: City

Governor Ducey Signs Legislation To Protect Second Amendment Rights

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PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today signed legislation to protect the Second Amendment rights of Arizonans by safeguarding against frivolous lawsuits that have no connection to unlawful use of firearms. The new state law mirrors federal law that was passed on a bipartisan basis.

“With efforts currently underway in Washington to erode Second Amendment rights, Arizona is taking action to protect those rights,” said Governor Ducey. “In Arizona, we’re safeguarding manufacturers, sellers and trade associations. Bad actors need to be held accountable, and we will work to make sure they are. But we’re not going to allow lawsuit after lawsuit to slowly tear down the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens in our state. Senate Bill 1382 achieves this goal, and I’m grateful to Representative Quang Nguyen and Senator Wendy Rogers for leading on this important legislation.”

Senate Bill 1382 prohibits the state and all entities of the state from suing a member of the firearms industry for lawful design, marketing, distribution, and sale of firearms and ammunition to the public. The legislation also prohibits a civil action from being brought against a manufacturer or seller of a firearm or ammunition or related trade association for damages resulting from the criminal misuse of the firearm or ammunition, with exceptions.

Additionally, it protects manufacturers or sellers of firearms and ammunition from civil action for damages resulting from the criminal misuse of the firearm or ammunition, except in specified circumstances.

“Arizona is—and will remain—a strong 2nd Amendment state,” said Judi White of Tucson, a champion of gun rights who has long been active in the NRA. “We can’t let flippant lawsuits hinder operations of firearm or ammunition manufacturers, sellers and trade associations that are following the law. Senate Bill 1382 makes sure of that. Thank you, Governor Ducey, for signing legislation that protects citizens’ Constitutional rights.”

In 2005, Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) which provides federal protection for law-abiding firearms and ammunition industry members against frivolous lawsuits. PLCAA has been challenged in recent years, including in April 2021 when President Biden stated removing PLCAA as a top priority of his administration. Senate Bill 1382 codifies the federal provisions under state law.

Senator Wendy Rogers introduced SB 1382.

AZGFD urges public to leave baby wildlife alone

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public to leave baby wildlife alone. As temperatures rise and days grow longer, newborns of many wildlife species are beginning to explore the world around them.

AZGFD encourages people to resist the urge to help seemingly abandoned animals, including baby birds and young rabbits, as a parent is likely nearby and will return once humans have left the area.

“Picking up or ‘rescuing’ baby wildlife is often unnecessary and can have negative consequences,” said Stacey Sekscienski, wildlife education program manager. “While the intention is well-meaning, the ‘rescue’ often results in a newborn or juvenile animal being taken from its parents, which are likely just out foraging for food and water.

“This can often leave a parent searching for its young, and wildlife raised by humans is less likely to survive if released back into the wild.”

Once they’ve been removed from the wild, some species of baby animals, such as elk calves or deer fawns, may even have to be euthanized because they cannot be released due to disease concerns. In addition, zoos and other wildlife sanctuaries have limited space to hold them.

Wildlife centers around the state are inundated each year with baby birds, rabbits and other wildlife that were unnecessarily taken from the wild.

The public should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if they encounter an animal that is clearly sick or injured with wounds or broken bones; is unresponsive or lethargic; has been attacked by a cat or dog; or there is strong evidence that the mother is dead.

Young wildlife found in a yard or in the field is rarely abandoned. Typically, once the perceived predator (perhaps a dog, cat or person) leaves the area, one or both parents will return and continue to care for the young.

Baby birds are the most common wildlife species encountered by the public and removed from the wild. Additionally, eggs of ground-nesting birds like quail should be left in place when discovered.

“It’s reassuring to know our Arizona community is passionate about caring for wild animals, but most often, the best thing anyone can do is just to leave baby wildlife alone,” Sekscienski said.

For more information on what to do if abandoned or injured wildlife is encountered, visit: www.azgfd.gov/urbanrehab.

ADOT MVD offers tips for identifying scam texts, shady websites

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PHOENIX – Robocalls. Scammy text messages. Shady websites.

When it comes to doing business with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, ignore all unsolicited communications and avoid online search engines. Instead, go straight to the source at AZMVDNow.gov or ServiceArizona.com. These are legitimate MVD websites and the only ones customers should conduct personal MVD business on.

Over the past several months, customers have made ADOT aware of text messages they’ve received that claim the customer owes the “DMV” money or some other nonsense. Spoiler alert: These customers don’t owe what the text claims and these texts are a scam.

Pro tip: Any text, email or phone call that uses “DMV” instead of “MVD” is a clear give-away that a scam is afoot.

When it comes to searching for information about renewing vehicle registration, getting an Arizona driver license, taking the instruction permit test or dozens of other MVD services, always go to ADOT’s official websites: azdot.gov, AZMVDNow.gov or ServiceArizona.com. Don’t let a search engine steer you to a different site.

While many of those “DMV” websites are legal, they don’t have the customer’s best interest in mind because they charge for information that is freely available at azdot.gov, like the Arizona Driver License Manual and practice tests.

Remember, the only ADOT websites customers should conduct personal MVD business on are AZMVDNow.gov or ServiceArizona.com.

Coconino County Education Service Agency Creating a Culture of Educator Appreciation

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FLAGSTAFF — In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget asks us all to take some time to thank the exemplary educators of Coconino County who have made a difference in the lives of our children.

“This is the value of the teacher, who looks at a face and says there is something behind that and I want to reach that person, I want to influence that person, I want to encourage that person, I want to enrich, I want to call out that person who is behind that face, behind that color, behind that language, behind that tradition, behind that culture. I believe you can do it. I know what was done for me.”

—Maya Angelou

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget asks us all to take some time to thank the exemplary educators of Coconino County who have made a difference in the lives of our children. Think of an educator you know who connects with students, helps them experience and understand the world around them, introduces them to subjects in new ways, and inspires them to take agency over their future. We ask you to take the time to thank these exemplary educators for their work and service to our County’s schools and children.

During Teacher Appreciation Week the Coconino County Education Service Agency would like to congratulate and announce the 2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees.

2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year Nominees:

Alexander Casady, Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy
Gretchen Goodley, Sinagua Middle School
Laura Locke, Coconino High School-CAVIAT
Trina Siegfried, Williams Elementary/Middle School
Rosalina Aliboga, Page Middle School
Paul Barton, Sinagua Middle School
Antonia Rucker, Knoles Elementary School
Amy Zwisler-Smith, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School (Elementary)
Jessica Donnelly, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School (Elementary)
Joshua Brink, Desert View Intermediate School
Tim Begley, Killip Elementary School
Mark Lancaster, Northland Preparatory Academy
Francy Solarte, Coconino High School
Susan Burdick, Thomas Elementary School
Craig Howdeshell, Coconino High School
Donald Morris, Coconino High School
Steve Schober, Williams High School

2021 Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees:

Addison Yacko, Sinagua Middle School
Jessica Spink, Sinagua Middle School
Larissa Maye Stack, Mount Elden Middle School
Camryn Donovan, Puente de Hózhó Elementary School
Alianah Mijares, Marshall Elementary School
Yomira Valenzuela, Knoles Elementary School
Angeline Danca (2 noms), Killip Elementary School

Flagstaff & Williams Justice Court Pilots New Online System

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FLAGSTAFF/WILLIAMS — Among the many consequences of COVID-19 are its effects on the criminal justice system, including the safety of participants who appear in court.

Flagstaff and Williams Justice Courts are piloting a procedure that allows criminal defendants the opportunity and choice to appear by remote online methods while still being aware of all their legal rights and protections along the way.

Known as Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), the Flagstaff and William Justice Courts are pilot courts for the new state-designed system. ODR allows defendants cited for criminal traffic or other misdemeanors to receive a full advisory of their legal rights when charged with a misdemeanor offense, including the right to be presumed innocent, the right to an attorney, the right to a fair and impartial trial, have a “not guilty” plea entered and begin the process of pretrial discovery and discussion with the prosecutors, all on a remote basis.

With ODR’s emphasis on full disclosure as to what a criminal misdemeanor entails, defendants have the ability to opt into this alternate procedure and resolve the case more efficiently and promptly. To learn more about ODR or to search for a case and register, visit courtinnovations.com/AZ301.

Coconino County Adult Probation Offices Moved to 420 N San Francisco Street Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Adult Probation office moved from 222 E Birch Avenue Flagstaff, AZ to their new address at 420 N San Francisco Street Flagstaff, AZ.

“Adult Probation is happy to do our part in the County’s Space Reimagined Initiative which looks for solutions and cost savings as it relates to office space and remote work. By moving into a smaller office footprint, the Adult Probation Department is committed to reducing the financial burden of the criminal justice system on taxpayers. The last year provided us an opportunity to learn how to combine virtual and in-person work, thus reducing our need for physical space in an office setting.

It feels great to have a new home where we can efficiently serve the community,” commented Chief Probation Officer Sarah Douthit.

The move took place on Thursday, April 15 and Adult Probation reopened for business at their new location on Monday, April 19. The hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit coconino.az.gov/112/Adult-Probation

Governor Ducey Signs Historic Water Protection Legislation

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PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today signed legislation to ensure clean water in nearly 800 Arizona streams, lakes and rivers that are critical for drinking, fishing and recreation.

“Living in the desert, the value of water is something we in Arizona know well, and we have taken great steps to protect it, including the Groundwater Management Act and the Drought Contingency Plan,” said Governor Ducey. “But just having water is not enough. We need to ensure our water supplies are clean and safe. That’s why I signed into law another landmark Arizona water protection bill — the Surface Water Protection Program providing protections for nearly 800 Arizona streams, lakes, and rivers.”

House Bill (HB) 2691 implements the Arizona Surface Water Protection Program by creating a list of rivers, streams, and lakes used for drinking, recreation and fishing that are protected from harmful discharge of any pollutant. Specifically, the legislation:

  • Preserves important water quality safeguards and provides clarity and consistency to the regulated community;
  • Promotes transparency by providing a defined list of protected Arizona waters that will be protected through a permitting program, as well as Geographic Information System map functionality, on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) website; and
  • Provides an opportunity to develop meaningful and impactful best management practices that will protect these important waterways.

“This legislation protects and regulates discharges into Arizona surface waters that are used for drinking water sources, fishing, swimming and other recreational activities,” said Representative Gail Griffin, who sponsored the legislation, of Legislative District 14. “We don’t need to rely on the federal government to tell us how to regulate our waters. We have taken this important responsibility that requires best management practices to ensure that discharges do not cause violations in water quality standards.”

“With this legislation Arizona will protect its most important waters that are not currently regulated by the federal government in a streamlined and locally responsive way,” said ADEQ Director Misael Cabrera.

Governor Ducey applauded the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s 2020 decision to improve the federal Clean Water Act and committed that Arizona welcomes the need to protect state surface waters. Unlike previous federal efforts to regulate every dry ditch in the desert, Arizona focused on protecting actual waters with tools specific to Arizona.

As Governor Ducey wrote on Inauguration Day, Washington, D.C. should take note of what is happening in the states across the country. When it comes to protecting water, Arizona is leading by example.

HB 2691 is the first Arizona-specific water quality protection bill enacted since the Aquifer Protection Permit program in 1991, and together, these two programs will serve to protect the quality of both Arizona’s surface and groundwater resources.

Portions of Verde River to close starting May 10 for feral cattle removal

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FLAGSTAFF — Starting May 10 and lasting through May 24, public access to portions of the Verde River will be closed to allow for feral cattle removal.
River access from Beasley Flat to the confluence with Fossil Creek will be closed and the public will not be able to launch, take out, float through or camp along this section of the river. Child Recreation Site and Verde Hot Springs will also be closed to the public.
Contractors will be capturing and removing unauthorized and/or feral cattle from the Wild and Scenic portion of the Verde River on the Coconino, Tonto and Prescott national forests. This portion of the Verde River is managed to preserve its Wild and Scenic qualities and livestock are not authorized within this corridor.
The following portion of the Verde River will be closed to the public to protect public health and safety during contracted operations to round-up and remove feral cattle.
  • As depicted on the map in Exhibit A, the Restricted Area consists of all National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads and trails within a quarter-mile of the center of the Verde River corridor, commencing north of Beasley Flat at 34° 28’ 43.68” N/111° 48’ 1.5” W, following down river and terminating at the confluence with Fossil Creek (approximately 13.5 miles) at 34° 18’ 20.534” N/111° 40’ 30.752” W. The Restricted Area includes Verde Hot Springs (34° 21’ 50.478” N/111° 42’ 55.607” W) and the Childs Developed Recreation site, including the associated boat launch/ take-out and dispersed camping area. The Restricted Area also includes the historic hydroelectric facilities and corrals.
The work includes the gathering, care, handling/loading and transportation of the cattle. The contractor will address any sick or injured animals if treatment is necessary; transport livestock from temporary holding facility at capture site to final destination within 24 hours of capture; Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) Officers will inspect the captured cattle for brands and if brands are found then the AZDA will contact the owners. The capturing of livestock will be accomplished by helicopter, roping, leading or tie down when necessary. The work will be accomplished in a safe and humane manner and be in accordance with appropriate Arizona state laws and requirements.
For more information regarding this order please contact the following:
  • Red Rock Ranger District: 928-203-2900
  • Cave Creek Ranger District: 480-595-3300
  • Verde Ranger District: 928-777-2200

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Areas of Coconino County and Flagstaff

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OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for parts of Coconino County and Flagstaff. The maps identify the revised flood hazards in Kachina Village and the Pumphouse Wash and Schoolhouse Wash drainage areas. These new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Apr. 30 to July 28. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion, and community development. Officials from FEMA, Coconino County and the city of Flagstaff worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

New Lightning Caused Wildfire on Williams Ranger District Allowed to Burn in Natural Setting

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WILLIAMS – A new lightning caused wildfire discovered earlier this week on the southeast end of the Williams Ranger District will be allowed to burn naturally within a pre-determined management area to reduce fuel loads and promote healthier landscapes.

Due to the remote location and low to moderate fire behavior observed, the Thumb Flat fire is being allowed to move naturally for the benefits of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations, increasing protection of local private inholdings, and restoring forest health. The overall strategy will be to contain the fire within a road system and various control features surrounding an area of about 475 acres.

The Thumb Flat fire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of the City of Williams near Colcord Canyon. It is currently 160 acres and is burning in a mixed fuel type that include ponderosa pine, pinon juniper, oak, and grasses. The goal is to allow the fire to burn as it would naturally as long as it can be safely managed while meeting objectives. Growth is expected to increase over the next two days with the fire spread reaching its full potential within the management area by Saturday. Forest road 12 will be burned out in order to confine the fire on the western edge.

Smoke may be visible from Williams, Prescott, and from areas around Flagstaff, but will be short in duration. No smoke impacts are anticipated to developed areas in the surrounding communities.

The Kaibab National Forest is a fire adapted ecosystem. It is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining vibrant forest health. Lack of fire in the forest has caused an abundance of fuels to build up, which can make the forest vulnerable and susceptible to more dangerous uncontrollable fire incidents. Reintroducing fire back into the ecosystem is a very effective tool to reduce fuel loads and restore the landscape back to a healthier state that is more aligned with historical conditions.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public. Motorists and visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through the fire vicinity.