Featured, News

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to present film ‘A Song for Cesar!’ on March 16

FLAGSTAFF — Join Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) for a film screening of A Song for Cesar! The film aims to educate generations old and new about civil rights activist Cesar Chavez’s legacy of impactful, peaceful protest.

The inaugural Cesar Chavez Film Screening will be held on Monday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Coconino Center for the Arts.

A Song for Cesar, a documentary film by Abel Sanchez and Andres Alegria, presents a unique view of the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement. The film tells a previously untold story about the musicians and artists – including Joan Baez, Maya Angelou, and Carlos Santana, among others – who dedicated their time, creativity and even reputations to peacefully advance Cesar Chavez’s movement to gain equality and justice for America’s suffering farmworkers. The documentary also explores other facets of Cesar’s life – from childhood to his final days – revelations that, until now, have not been shared on screen. Run time: 1 hr 25 min.

A Song for Cesar, a documentary film by Abel Sanchez and Andres Alegria, presents a unique view of the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement.

News

Flagstaff Police Dept. issues announcement on public safety and ICE

Editor’s note: The Flagstaff Police Dept. issued a media release on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 following the shooting death of a Minneapolis, Minn. by members of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement agencies.

Also see: Arizona Daily Sun — Flagstaff Police Department sends out community announcement regarding public safety, ICE

By the Flagstaff Police Dept. 

“The mission of the Flagstaff Police Department is to protect and preserve life, property, and public order through elite service. We provide this service with dignity, respect and transparency. We are committed to protecting the rights and safety of everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Flagstaff.

“We recognize that there are heightened concerns regarding the operations of outside federal agencies, including federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We would like to clarify that the Flagstaff Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws. Our role is to enforce state laws and city codes, protect public safety, and respond to civil unrest when necessary. However, while we do not participate in or assist ICE operations, we also cannot interfere with or prevent lawful federal activities.

“Flagstaff police officers will always identify themselves as police officers when acting in an official capacity, and officers performing official duties will not wear full-face coverings, except when needed during inclement weather. Officers will also wear clearly identifiable uniforms or clothing that indicate they are members of the Flagstaff Police Department.

“If a member of the public encounters someone claiming to be a Flagstaff police officer and the individual is wearing a full-face covering, or lacks clear identifying markings, the public has the right to question that individual’s identity. For active situations, please call 911. For incidents reported after the fact, please call the non-emergency line at 928-774-1414.

“While the Flagstaff Police Department does not participate in or assist ICE operations, we may partner with other federal agencies on serious criminal investigations, including drug trafficking, child exploitation, human trafficking, and other violent crimes.

“If anyone has concerns about an interaction with law enforcement, they are encouraged to contact us directly. We remain committed to public safety, transparency, and open communication with our community.”

Event, Featured, News

Variety of groups preparing to celebrate 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — From the official acknowledgment of the key role Hispanic/Latino Americans play in the social/economic vitality of the nation, to the official celebration of the independence movement of a variety of Latin American nations and a remembrance of the important history the the local Hispanic/Latino community, residents of Coconino County are preparing to celebrate a variety of events during Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

The first official act will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 9 when the Coconino County Board of Supervisors issues its official Proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.

The board’s is scheduled to open at 9 a.m. with the proclamation expected to be read by members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) before noon. Click on image above to see latest agenda.

AmigosNAZ will continue to compile a listing of upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month-related events. Send any update to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com

Other upcoming events include:

Click here to see the entire story and updates on upcoming events on www.AmigosNAZ.com

Event, Featured, News

CHAC participates in variety of outreach events the summer of 2025

COCONINO COUNTY — From the annual 4th of July Parade in Flagstaff to the 10th Annual Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” and the Coconino County Fair, members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) have been taking part in a variety of community outreach events this summer.

Here are some photos from those events. Photos by Frank X. Moraga / www.AmigosNAZ.com

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2025 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade

CHAC current and formers members gather to decorate the CHAC entry which included eight banners remember dearly departed local Hispanic veterans.
Dolores Cordova, left, member of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, and Patrical Garcia, 2025 Chair of CHAC, admire the CHAC entry in the 4th of July parade.

“Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival“

CHAC members gather with community outreach members from the Flagstaff Police Dept. for a group photo.
CHAC member Ruth Eaton scores a raffle prize.
CHAC Chair Patricia Garcia chats with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces member Armando Gonzales.
CHAC members Patricia Garcia and Frank Moraga take a spin on the dance floor.

2025 Coconino County Fair

CHAC member Ruth Eaton provides information to the public on CHAC at the Coconino County Fair booth.
Throughout the weekend, representatives from the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), the African Diaspora Advisory Council and the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council staffed the Tri-Diversity Council table at the 2025 Coconino County Fair.
CHAC members Frank Moraga and Ruth Eaton provided a variety of information on the Tri-Diversity Councils during their shift at the Coconino County booth during the 2025 Coconino County Fair.
Featured, News

CHAC presents public meetings first Wednesday of every month*

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) holds public meetings at 5:30 p.m. the first Wednesday* of every month  via Zoom and in-person. Call James Orloski at 928-679-8626 or send an email to jorloski@coconino.az.gov for the next meeting date or more information.

*Meetings are subject to change due to holidays, annual board retreat in January**. Notification of changes will be announced 24 hours before the meeting

Download agendas, minutes HERE

CHAC serves as an official liaison and communications link between the Hispanic community and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, so please bring any concerns you may have about equal education opportunities, fair employment, juvenile justice, political representation and other issues.

CHAC is a supporter of the Ballet Folklórico de Colores — Flagstaff, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the Hispanic Convocation at Northern Arizona University, the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association of Flagstaff and other organizations.

** In lieu of a meeting, CHAC will hold a planning retreat in January

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FLAGSTAFF — El Consejo Asesor Hispano del Condado de Coconino (CHAC) celebra reuniones públicas a las 5:30 pm el primer miércoles de cada mes , tanto en persona y por Zoom. Contacte cmendoza@coconino.az.gov  o llame al 928-679-0886 para la próxima fecha de reuniónor más información.

* * Las reuniones están sujetas a cambios debido a días festivos, retiro anual de la junta en enero **.  Notificación de cambios se darán a conocer 24 hours antes de la reunión. 

CHAC sirve como enlace oficial y nexos de comunicación entre la comunidad hispana y la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Coconino, así que por favor traiga cualquier preocupación que pueda tener acerca de la igualdad de oportunidades de educación, empleo justo, la justicia de menores, la representación política y otros temas.

CHAC es un partidario del Ballet Folklórico de Colores – Flagstaff, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, la Convocación Hispana en la Universidad del Norte de Arizona, la Asociación de Vecinos de Sunnyside de Flagstaff y otras organizaciones.

** En lugar de una reunión, CHAC llevará a cabo un retiro de planificación en enero.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council