The Lumberjack -- June 30, 2016 by The Lumberjack

Day Trippinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; T H E L U M BE R JACK

JUNE 30 - JULY 27, 2016

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ith every month comes a new issue of The Lumberjack. In these pages, you will find a guide to summer day trips and coverage of local markets and recent festivals. In our news section, you will find information on the recent plague infestation in Flagstaff. We also went to Phoenix and covered the Trump rally, where heightened political tensions required increased security measures. I write this letter with a heavy heart as The Lumberjack staff and I reflect on the deaths at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. We cover the vigil held in Flagstaff for the victims of this tragedy and conversations surrounding gun control. In addition, we cover Pride in the Pines, which was at the same time hopeful and bittersweet. Increased security was also necessary at this event. TAYLOR Today, more than ever, it is important to resist hate in all HAYNES CULTURE EDITOR its forms. Whether at a Trump rally or a Pride event, protecting our freedom of speech and right to assemble is paramount. There is still much work to be done. I would like to conclude with a quote from Lin-Manuel Miranda, a recent Tony Award winner for his musical Hamilton. “Love is love is love is love,” he said, visibly emotional, while accepting his award. “It cannot be killed or swept aside.”

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THE H E A LT H ISSUE

ca mp us p r o tests l ea d to a r r ests PAGE 14

Congratulations graduates! T HE LUMBE R JACK

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From the Editor

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First-generation graduates reflect on their journeys

thosE summer nights PAGE 16

Graduating student athletes starting on page 31

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Thank you for reading.

Digital editions of The Lumberjack at JackCentral.org! Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313

T H E LU MBE R JAC K

Editor-in-Chief Grace Fenlason

lumberjack@nau.edu P.O. Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

VOL 102 ISSUE 31

Managing Editor Scott Buffon Faculty Advisor Jennifer Swanson

Sales Manager Marsha Simon

Editorial Board and Staff Photo Editor Halie Chavez Multimedia Editor Keely Damara

Photographers

Victoria Nabours

Ashley Marie Null News Editor Hannah Cook

Sports & Outdoors Editor Matthew Kiewiet Culture Editor Taylor Haynes

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Features Editor Scott Buffon

Staff Writers Adrian Skabelund Niki DeShazo

On the cover Two Guns, Arizona is an old ghost town along old route 66 about 30 mins away from Flagstaff. The garfitti taged buildings are only half of the awesome adventure of Two Guns. The old half town down buildings have a haunted feeling that adds to the alure of this old west town. (Photo by Ashley Marie Null)

Corrections & Clarifications The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email gracefenlason@nau.edu.

NEWS

Plague-infected fleas pose danger to Flagstaff residents and wildlife

BY SCOTT BUFFON

n the past month, the Coconino County Public Health Services District has identified new cases of fleas infected with a plague in Flagstaff. The Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics at NAU conducted tests on fleas taken from a popular hiking area south of the I-40, east of Harold Ranch Road and south of East Butler Avenue. According to the Health Services District, plague symptoms usually appear in humans within two to six days but is curable if treated early. This is not the first case of plague to be found in Coconino County, and several reported cases have resulted the deaths animals and humans. One notable death happened in 2007 at the Grand Canyon when Eric York, a national park ranger, who interacted with a dead mountain lion. “A few days prior to [York’s] death, he found the mother of one of these litters dead and recovered her body to perform a postmortem examination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed pneumonic plague as the cause of Eric’s death,” said the National Park Service website. “With the detection of the same strain of plague in the remains of the

necropsied mother lion, the CDC concluded that Eric contracted the disease from the animal.” The plague is an extremely contagious disease and can either be septicemic, which spreads through blood; pneumonic, which affects the lungs; or bubonic, which often affects the lymph nodes. “The disease can be transmitted to humans and other animals by the bite of an infected flea or by direct contact with an infected animal,” said Trish Lees, Community Relations Manager with the Coconino County Public Health Services District. The plague manifests itself in humans and animals through symptoms like fever, chills, headache, weakness, muscle pain, and swollen lymph glands in the groin, armpits, or limbs. While protecting against human infection is the top priority, animals are also a concern, according to the CDC. Cats are more likely to be affected by the plague than dogs. While aware of the plague’s existence in Flagstaff, local Mike Heffernan doesn’t beliefs the risks of his dog getting the plague are high enough to warrant any precautions. “This dog is pretty much inside, but we do go on runs out in the woods, and out in the parks,” Heffernan said. “I haven’t heard

of any issues with the prairie dog population over where I live, so it’s not something I’m concerned with. If he showed any signs, any flea issue, I would address it.” Lori Brook, another Flagstaff local, said while she isn’t extremely worried her cat or dog will get the plague, she isn’t overlooking any precautions. Her dog wears a flea collar and she keeps him inside when there is no one there to watch him. Brook also said she sprays her yard with pesticide. “If you’re going to own a pet, it’s the same thing as having a child,” Brook said. “You need to do everything you can, not just to protect your pet, but I wouldn’t want my dog or cat to be a problem to society.” If your pet exhibits plague-like symptoms, the CDC suggests taking them to a veterinarian immediately. However, handling possibly infected animals should be done with care due to how easily the disease infects others. Your risk of plague depends on the type of contact with the infected animal, whether it is casual contact versus inhalation of infectious coughed material. To prevent a severe infection after coming in contact with an infected animal, the CDC suggests closely monitoring any potentially-infected person’s or animal’s health for two weeks — even going so far as to suggest “post-exposure antibiotics” for

severe cases. Coconino County has seen multiple outbreaks of the disease over time. Currently, any area where the infected fleas have been found has been treated for the disease and will be further monitored to determine if more treatment is required.

Signs have been posted warning Flagstaff residents to use extreme caution when hiking in specific ares. To prevent spreading the disease, the CDC said rodent burrows should be avoided and dogs should be kept on a leash. (Photo by Scott Buffon)

Flagstaff City Council debates increase to 2017 property tax rates

BY ADRIAN SKABELUND

n June 21, the Flagstaff City Council held a public hearing during which they discussed, then passed, two votes related to the city’s budget for the 2017 fiscal year. The budget proposals included an increased 9.6 percent over last year’s allocation, which brings in an additional $264,994,158. This measure passed by a vote of five to two, with two members of the council, Coral Evans and Eva Putzova, dissenting. More contentious was a separate, yet related ordinance which would have increased the city’s property taxes by 2 percent. Rick Taylor, the management services director for the City of Flagstaff, said Arizona law allows the city to automatically increase the secondary property tax by 2 percent each year in order to keep up with growth and increased prosperity. Several members of the council said they hope to implement this tax increase for 2017. Over the course of several years the additional dollars will add up quickly, Taylor said. The long-term impact of those

increases could greatly impact Flagstaff’s budget by over $1 million. “Should we have assessed the additional 2 percent levy over the past five years, it would have accumulated about $1.7 million,” Taylor said, adding that the cost to residents would have increased incrementally in that time. “The impact to the $300,000-average property-tax owner, provided their values didn’t change, is about $75 per year.” Not all Flagstaff board members agree with this idea, however. Some believe residents are already devoting too much of their paychecks to the government. “I think the voters of the community and I think the citizens of the community deserve a break,” Overton said. “I mean, every organization in the community - the school district, the county, every health district and every facilities district - is raising [costs by] 2 percent. I think at some point you just have to kind of say, ‘enough is enough.’ [This tax increase] can raise a substantial amount of money each year, but frankly for the last five years, we’ve done okay.”

Evans disagreed, though. This exact line of thinking, she said, was the problem. Rather than increasing taxes, the city has merely implemented new fees. “We have not increased this levy in the last five years but we have drastically increased service charges in that time,” Evans said. “For example, [take] fees for parks and recreation: we’ve drastically increased those, [along with library fees … and] cemetery fees. Businesses have also been affected, especially for restaurants. We now have a [number of fees] which we didn’t charge before. So we have a whole bunch of new fees instead of taxes.” In a four to three decision, the council voted not to change the secondary property tax levy. Members of the council were split between party lines. Republican mayor Jerry Nabours and members Karla Brewster, Overton and Oravits voted against raising tax rates, while Democratic vice mayor Celia Barotz and council members Evans and Putzova supporting the proposal. Over 50 members of the public attended the meeting.

JUNE 30 - JULY 27, 2016 | T HE LUMBER JACK 3

NEWS

Flagstaff acknowledges Juneteenth celebration as city-wide holiday

Greg McAllister, NAU ethnic studies professor, played at the Murdoch Center’s Juneteenth celebration, June 18. (Photo by Scott Buffon)

BY SCOTT BUFFON

hile people across the U.S. gear up to celebrate Independence Day in July, Flagstaff will now observe a new holiday to celebrate a different type of freedom. This holiday, deemed Juneteenth, commemorates the date when all slaves in the Confederacy were informed of their freedom. Rather than being instantly freed by the 1863 signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, many slaves were not informed of their freedom until two years later in 1865. The Juneteenth celebration took place on June 18 at the Murdoch Center. The celebration featured several vendors, games, food and entertainment to appeal to attendees of all ages — from children and parents to NAU students. Frederick Gooding, NAU ethnic studies professor and Juneteenth organizer, kept all the community in mind when preparing the event. “A lot of people in the community feel that NAU is this castle, like a fortress, with a large moat,” Gooding said. “So I think by NAU students being here, being involved in the community — in this event, that shows that there is a bridge.” The vendors and activities of the celebration were planned specifically to show a combination of artistry, activism and academia. “To reflect the African-American experience we started

[the day] off with African drumming. Then we made our way chronologically through time,” Gooding said. “Then we had a gospel singing performance, because gospel was the voice of the voiceless and the desperate during those dark times.” According to Gooding, the music then carried on into jazz — a mixture of fusion and “black expression.” The celebration later featured hip-hop to bring people to present day and to show the evolution of musical expression. City councilmember Coral Evans helped create the city holiday and she is no stranger to the holiday herself. She has celebrated it with her family and friends in years past. “There’s a lot more to history than what you read in a history book,” said Evans. “While Juneteenth is a holiday that was triggered by the fact that it took two years for the last slave in the United States of America to be told that [they] were free — it truly represents independence. It represents freedom. It’s a celebration.” NAU President Rita Cheng made an appearance at the celebration to speak in front of the crowd. During her speech, Cheng said race relations in the U.S. have a long way to go before everyone is on equal terms. “It’s been over 150 years since the United States has banned slavery and it took a civil war to get that done,” Cheng said. “And since then we’ve passed Supreme Court and state legislation, but we still have a long way to go.”

Community activists call on Arizona government to prevent shootings they believe mass shootings such as Orlando’s stem from two key issues that need to be addressed: easy access to ust one day after a mass shooting in a gay-friendly automatic assault weapons and hatred. nightclub in Orlando, 98 people gathered at the Church “The issue here is not guns. Although I think ARof the Red Rocks in Sedona to stand in solidarity with 15s and the AK-47s and all the assault rifles make it the victims. easier, but the thing we need to change the most is the PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley, part of a national hate,” said Marc Luckey, a Sedona resident. organization that provides a support system for friends and Barbara Litrell, president of the League of Women families of their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender loved Voters of Greater Verde Valley, said the most effective ones. The acronym PFLAG originally stood for “parents, way to enact change is to become actively engaged in families and friends of lesbians and gays,” though the Arizona’s upcoming elections. organization has since expanded to include other non-binary “In this August primary and in the November gender identities. They conduct their meetings on the second election, every single Arizona seat is up for election,” Monday of each month at Sedona’s Church of the Red Rocks. Litrell said. “The entire Arizona senate, the entire This month, their meeting happened to come in the wake of Arizona House of Representatives — that’s 90 positions the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in modern history. — are up for election.” “It’s a support group for the LGBT community and Litrell also encourages Arizona citizens to become their friends and allies,” said JJ O’Brien, president of PFLAG involved in the election process by communicating A candle-light vigil was held at the Curch in the Red Rocks in Sedona to mourn Sedona/ Verde Valley. with the candidates. and to remember the victims of the Orlando shooting on June 12 which This week’s meeting included the presence of an on-duty “I always say I have three options any time I interact targeted a gay nightclub. 49 people were killed and many others were injured. police officer to provide a sense of security to the participating This event was hosted as a collaberation of PFLAG and Northern Arizona Pride with someone: it’s either positive, neutral or negative,” members who felt uneasy and afraid after the Orlando shooting. O’Brien said. “Whenever I interact with someone, [I] Association. (Photo by Ashley Null) “My son is gay,” said Susan Hughes, secretary of PFLAG try to be a positive person. I try to make their day — Sedona/ Verde Valley. “And the day he came out was probably collateral damage,’ and I don’t ever want to have that happen to make them smile, hold the door for them, and hopefully the happiest day for [my husband and I] because he could finally me or to anyone else. It’s just not right.” they’ll pass that on and do the same thing. I’m trying to turn to express who he was... And it was also the worst day of my life... Hughes and many other members expressed disappointment love here.” I’m tired of being afraid that every time I turn on the news or the with the politicians offering only prayers to the victims and their The meeting ended with a prayer and a candlelight vigil for phone rings that it’s going to be somebody saying ‘Your son was families. Instead, many of the evening’s speakers repeatedly said the victims.

BY HANNAH COOK

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Flagstaff mourns Orlando victims and prepares for Pride weekend BY SCOTT BUFFON

n June 23, hundreds of people gathered on the lawn of Flagstaff City Hall to both show support for the victims of the Orlando shooting and to watch the historic raising of the rainbow flag. The shooting, which happened on Latino Night in a gay-friendly nightclub in Orlando, ended with 49 people dead. On the evening of the Flagstaff vigil, 49 people lined up to individually read the names of the shooting victims to the crowd. Flagstaff resident Jessica Westling was among the people chosen to read a name to the crowd. When she was given the name Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, Westling said she researched who the woman was to better understand the gravity of the loss. “I want my baby to grow up in a world where he can love,” Westling said. “[Solivan was] a mom, and she’s got three babies that are without a mom now. And that’s just huge.” While many of the evening’s speakers made reference to the political controversy surrounding mass shootings, they focused primarily on unity. The speakers promoted Flagstaff’s Pride in the Pines event and the recent legalization of gay marriage as examples of why they should stay proud. “We must not lose our humanity, or let darkness harden our hearts. It is in that spirit we honor their memories here tonight by standing together hand-in-hand, out-loud, and unafraid,” said Kathryn Jim, President of the Northern Arizona Pride Association. “We raise this flag in love, in hope, in unity, diversity and in pride,” Jim continued as she set the stage for the flag-raising event which took place later that evening. By allowing the rainbow flag to fly on the city hall’s lawn, Flagstaff has made Arizona history as the first city hall to allow the rainbow flag of the LGBTQ community to fly on their property.

The rainbow flag was raised at the Flagstaff City Hall to celebrate Pride in the Pines in Flagstaff. People gathered to celebrate and stand together as a community. (Photos by Ashley Null)

While the rainbow flag was not allowed to fly on the permanent flagpole as they had originally hoped, many at the event saw the move as a step in the right direction. “We as a board welcome you all to join us in celebrating 20 years of pride, 20 years of unity, and 20 years of ground-breaking progress that we’ve done here in Flagstaff,” Jim said. When the flag was finally raised to Cyndi Lauper’s song “True Colors,” many in the crowd could not hold back tears as they lifted their candles, cheered in unison or embraced each other. “I appreciate the love,” Jim said. “And the tears are not of loss, they’re just a new beginning of what we need to start together.” During the event, people driving by could be heard honking in support of the event. On-duty police officers were also present at the back of the crowd during Flagstaff’s vigil, but did not need to respond to anything at the event. Flagstaff’s vigil is only one of many of the nation’s responses to the shooting in Orlando. Even Senate Democrats conducted a sit-in in their chambers as an attempt to push gun-safety measures after the Orlando shooting and other publicized gun violence.

NEWS

Trump hosts first Arizona rally as presumptive Republican nominee BY HANNAH COOK

n the days preceding Donald Trump’s first Arizona appearance as the presumptive Republican nominee, supporters expressed safety concerns in the wake of increasingly violent protests. In San Jose, protesters hurled eggs and water balloons at Trump supporters, stole and burned supporters’ “Make America Great Again” hats and even physically attacked Trump supporters, knocking at least one man unconscious and leaving at least one other bleeding from the head. More recently, Sacramento erupted in violent protests when six people were stabbed and others were beaten with wooden poles walking out of a conservative rally. Similar riots have occurred across the nation. “One of the most disappointing things leading into this [rally] is we had calls of people that said they were afraid to come here because of the protesters that were throwing eggs. Their eggs were striking people, taking away their first amendment rights… [But] Sheriff Joe [Arpaio] has got this covered!” said Robert Graham, Arizona Republican Party chairman, at the rally. In response to such concerns, more than 200 Arizona State Troopers stood guard, with additional officers from the Phoenix Police Department and members of Trump’s Secret Service team. Before the rally, a group of protesters gathered outside, but remained peaceful. Inside the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, one man was removed by Secret Service for an offensive shirt, which read “Fuck Islam.” The man, who remained unnamed, was given the opportunity to turn his shirt inside out and was offered a free shirt when he refused. He was informed no profanity would be tolerated at the event and was removed from the audience upon refusing the Secret Service’s second offer of a free shirt. Two other audience members were arrested for on-premise alcohol consumption. “We had no major violence, no major arrests, most of the protesters and supporters — even though there were some heated words — were respectful to each others’ rights to voice their opinion,” said Damon Cecil, captain of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. A number of supporters came legally armed. Most were said to be fully compliant with the police department to ensure everyone’s safety. Despite concerns, an estimated 6000 people filed into the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix on June 18 to see Trump speak. Trump, in his opening remarks, said he will fight any legislation infringing upon the Second Amendment’s protection of guns. Instead, he said he will focus his efforts on the growing migration of displaced persons from countries like Syria. After the country’s recent mass shooting in Orlando, Trump reiterated his support for a complete halt of all Muslims entering the United States, blaming radical Islamic terrorism for the attack while others continue to point at guns. “We’re taking in millions of people that we don’t know who the hell they are, they don’t have documentation, they don’t have paperwork — it’s going to be a problem like you’ve never seen before,” Trump said. “Sadly, folks, unless we get really tough and really smart, it’ll happen again and again and again until we really know what the hell we’re doing because we don’t know what we’re doing.” Trump also said he will strengthen the southern border between southwestern states — including Arizona — and Mexico by building

Photo courtesy of Roman Knertser

the wall he proposed one year ago when he announced his candidacy. This, he said, will effectively reduce immigration from Mexico, Central and South America, will reduce the illegal drug flow in the United States and will preserve more jobs for unemployed U.S. citizens. “We’re going to be strong on the border, we have to. And if we’re not strong on the border, we’re going to lose our country. And, by the way, we want people to come into our country, but we want people to come in to our country legally. Legally!” A major concern of both the Republican and Democratic candidates has been the national unemployment rate. Though the national unemployment rate was reported to be 4.7 percent in May by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the calculation method has long been questioned for excluding discouraged workers from the workforce. This means anyone who has given up looking for work and is no longer actively seeking a job is considered a discouraged worker and is not calculated into the unemployment rate. “We have tremendous, massive unemployment in this country. We probably have 20 percent unemployment or more,” Trump said. This 20 percent number is intended to be the combination of the tracked unemployed and the untracked discouraged workers. In May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate was 4.7 percent. When factoring in discouraged workers and workers marginally attached to the labor force (those who are not calculated into the workforce but had looked for work in the past 12 months), the May unemployment rate was 5.7 percent. Only calculating underemployment as a factor of unemployment causes the unemployment rate to jump to 9.7 percent. There are additional discrepancies in the calculation of the unemployment rate beyond discouraged workers, however. College students, for example, are not calculated into the unemployment rate, nor are homemakers. There is no verified evidence of the current unemployment rate approaching 20 percent as Trump said.

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Trump blamed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for high unemployment rates. He said the free-trade agreements in place between the United States, Mexico and Canada are enticing manufacturers to move their factories to Mexico, where labor is cheaper, and simply send their products back to the United States. “We’re losing our jobs, we’re losing our manufacturing all over this country,” he said. Trump promised to undo the damages he sees done by NAFTA by charging a 35 percent tax on all imported goods. This, Trump said, will discourage outsourcing while also providing incentive for companies that have already left the country to come back and begin hiring and producing again. According to Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch, an estimated 845,000 people were certified with the Trade Adjustment Assistance after losing jobs due to increased import efforts from Canada and Mexico. An estimated one million jobs were lost by 2004 because of NAFTA, though the deal had promised an additional 170,000 jobs to be brought to the country. NAFTA is also blamed for lower wages and greater inequality in the U.S. and a variety of other economic problems. In addition to job creation to help lower unemployment, Trump said he will lower taxes for everyone, but especially for middle class taxpayers and for small businesses. The United States pays the most taxes in the world, he said, and much of that comes from businesses. In order to protect families and businesses alike, Trump will lower the tax rate for each bracket. Trump released his tax reform plan in September 2015, though there’s been talk of changes now that he’s the presumptive Republican nominee. According to Trump’s website, any individual making less than $25,000 per year or a married couple earning less than $50,000 will pay no income tax. Beyond that, individuals will pay 10, 20 or 25 percent while businesses and corporations will pay no more than 15 percent of their income in taxes. These tax cuts will be paid for by reducing many loopholes, especially for the “very rich” says his website, as well as by “reducing or eliminating corporate loopholes that cater to special interests” and other initiatives. Analysts of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, an independent tax analysis group, estimates a $9.5 trillion loss in federal revenues within the first 10 years of Trump’s plan. In order to prevent additional national debt, his plan must also include large spending cuts. Trump believes that with a dwindling and ever-discouraged labor force, infrastructure and technology in the U.S. are lagging in comparison to other nations. “Honestly, we’re like a third-world country,” he said. Middle Eastern infrastructure, like airports, roadways, highways and bridges, are all more sophisticated than that of the U.S., Trump said. “So we’re going to change it around, folks,” he continued. “We’re going to make this country so strong and so great again.” He also promised to repeal Common Core, the Affordable Care Act and other unspecified legislation passed by Obama’s administration. As Trump supporters left the arena, more than 20 Arizona State Troopers stood near the exits while additional state troopers and Phoenix police officers surrounded the building from the outside. “We were hoping for the best and expecting the worst,” Cecil said. “We expected worse. This, actually turned out a lot better than expected.” The Phoenix Police Department had employed enough officers to handle large-scale, violent protests.

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CULTUR E

Magic in the mundane: the Big Heap Vintage and Handmade Festival BY TAYLOR HAYNES

agic has different meanings for everyone. For some, this means a refurbished piano from a hundred years ago or a bench made from recycled car parts. For others, it could mean a pristine vintage movie poster. Essentially, there was something for everyone to love. Individuality, humor, design and an affinity for the unique come together at the Big Heap Vintage and Handmade Festival. The event on June 25 and 26 attracted those who love rifling through vintage stores or tucked-away antique shops. Rather than exploring one row after another as you would in a traditional antique store, the festival was arranged as a meandering village of unusual and repurposed goods. Vendors were dispersed equally between outdoors and inside a large hangar. Mid-century furniture, rare movie posters, stacks of records and funky clothing you won’t find in any department store were for sale. While flea markets and antique shops are popular, a vintage show of this size is hard to come by in northern Arizona. Lori Cowherd, the festival’s founder, saw a need for an event showcasing well-made, creative pieces — a celebration of individuality. The event is intended to bring together vendors and shoppers with a good eye for design and appreciate an upcycled, fresh and original aesthetic. According to their website, the event has been described as a “vintage Woodstock.” The atmosphere is relaxed and light-hearted, and while there is no live music, shoppers might be transported to a different time through the vintage goods offered by various vendors. “We started the Big Heap years ago to fill a void,” Cowherd said. “We were looking for a show selling unique, interesting, odd, unusual and fun pieces.” What also sets this festival apart from other vintage shows is each vendor is juried and carefully selected for participation. Those hoping to sell their goods must submit photos of their products and a description. Vendors are judged on uniqueness, humor and quality. Attendees want an experience, not a rummage pile reminiscent of their great aunt’s attic. There was a wide selection of items to sift through. Each vendor arranged their goods to evoke a certain atmosphere and experience for shoppers. Some vendors were whole families, some were couples and some were individual artists or antique collectors. Several food trucks kept attendees shopping and not dropping in the warmth of the cloudless June afternoon. The Froth Coffee and Tap Truck was among the food and beverage vendors. The 1957 Ford Grumman — traditionally used as a delivery van — truly stood out in the crowd with its shiny aluminum exterior and mustard yellow logo.

The truck’s owner, Dean O’Byrne, stood at the helm and pleasantly conversed with shoppers while serving rosemary lemon and raspberry goji rose-flavored kombucha. He wore a white T-shirt displaying the shop’s logo. On the back, it proclaimed “100 percent organic.” The interior of the truck contained a vintage coffee press, a tap for beer and equipment for making kombucha. The truck, salvaged by O’Byrne, is entirely run by generators. “I can’t really serve kombucha if I’m contributing to smog with fossil fuels,” O’Byrne said. He had driven the van up from Phoenix the morning of the Festival, and hopes to relocate to Flagstaff. O’Byrne’s eccentric, refurbished truck — and his cheerful attitude — neatly fit in with the vendors also in attendance. There is something special about the Big Heap. The event attracts people of all ages and backgrounds, searching for something that makes them feel excited, nostalgic or inspired. “[This is not] your run-of-the-mill tent show of cheap garbage,” Cowherd said. “We did it, we created it and our special vendors and followers know it. They see the difference and they feel the enjoyment of the vendors doing this show. They know we aren’t just pushing for a buck — we want magic.” If you couldn’t make the event in Flagstaff, it is also held in Cave Creek November 18 through the 20.

TOP: Dean O’Byrne smiles from his refurbished truck. He sells a variety of drinks, from coffee to kombucha. MIDDLE: A collection of eccentric goods are displayed by a vendor at the Big Heap Festival. BOTTOM: From left to right, Joaquin, Meulen Beek and Lori Cowherd, greet shoppers at the Big Heap Vintage and Handmade Festival. Cowherd helped to establish the festival. (Photos by Joseph Felton)

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The Flagstaff Urban Flea Market showcases local vendors

BY NIKI DESHAZO

n array of handmade, organic and local products awaited eager citizens at the first Flagstaff Urban Flea Market: ice cream, henna tattoos, crepes, wigs, lemonade, art, clothes, furniture, plants, wine tasting, repair services, skin care products, crafts, jewelry, records and much more. The event was held in front of Flagstaff City Hall, and will be held there the second Saturday of every month through October. The Flagstaff Urban Market was started by Art and Heather Babbot. The Babbotts have also run the Flagstaff Farmer’s Market for the last sixteen seasons. Andres Adauto, who helped with advertising, setting up and running the event, explained there was a list of vendors who were interested in the Farmer’s Market, but a new opportunity was needed in order to create the space to accommodate them. “They wanted a new monthly market to showcase artisans as well as funky peddlers and independent crafts folk,” Adauto said. “This market will be a great outlet for local and smaller vendors to showcase their goods and interact with community members faceto-face, rather than selling online or passively displaying their goods at a shop or gallery they don’t own.” The ability for independent artisans and vendors to display their goods is important, as it may be hard for individuals to make substantial profits in a competitive market. “This market really gives independent artisans and vendors a venue with low overhead to reach a large number of people and keep about 90 percent of the profits they make from their day sales,” Adauto said. “That’s important ‘cause many of these folks wouldn’t necessarily fit in galleries or consignment shops with their goods. And if they were to sell through one of those options they certainly wouldn’t be keeping 90 percent — more like 45-60 percent, depending on the situation.” Flagstaff is often viewed as a community that values and supports small businesses; this attitude is reflected in the Flagstaff Urban Flea Market. “I think there is always a balance between ‘big businesses’ providing many things for people, and small businesses creating the identity of a town,” Adauto said. “Hopefully we make small businesses and local vendors so accessible and engaged with the community that people will go with the local option before

opting for products from a bigger chain store.” According to Mary Smeal, a Flagstaff citizen and part owner of the business Simply Simple, the Flagstaff Urban Flea Market is vital to the Flagstaff community. She feels Flagstaff could do more to support small businesses. “Too much competition chokes them out and they can’t support themselves,” said Smeal. Smeal commented that businesses should be local so that the money stays in Flagstaff. In her opinion, supporting local business enriches Flagstaff ’s economy. Smeal stated that even though bringing in big businesses can sometimes offer more employment, it doesn’t always have a totally positive impact. “Who cares about putting more people to work if they only make $8 an hour and [the profits] don’t stay in Flagstaff?” said Smeal. “We are little Flagstaff — why do we need a Home Depot, rather than supporting the locally owned Home Co.?” The Flagstaff Urban Flea Market provides an opportunity for small businesses and private artisans to show their work and make a living. “Anyone who has any idea to make something and sell it should have a way to do it,” Smeal said. Smeal also brought up green economics. Everything at the Flagstaff Urban Flea Market is organic, recycled and homemade. Green economics focuses on sustainable development in communities, with minimal harm to the surrounding environment. This economic and political concept is supported by the United Nations Environmental Programme for long-term development around the world. The Flagstaff Urban Flea Market supports green economics: the community, local artisans and the environment benefit. Melanie DeBo, an artist and steward of the Overlook Gardens in Golden Valley, Ariz., also attended the market. DeBo stated there were people who came all the way from Kingman in order to participate in the event, because the event made it affordable for nonprofits and individuals who wanted to show their work. “A lot of these big fancy craft wears are $500, which is not reasonable,” DeBo said. People of all ages are welcome at the Flagstaff Urban Flea Market. With the wide variety of vendors, entertainment and food, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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TOP: Cupcakes of various flavors are for sale at the Flagstaff Urban Market. The market runs through October. MIDDLE: Cars surround the popular Flagstaff Urban Market. The event provides local artisans and vendors a way to connect with the community. BOTTOM: One of the products offered at the market is organic coffee. (Photos by Ashley Null)

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A Sunday well spent at Flagstaff’s community market BY ADRIAN SKABELUND

orking to support local agriculture and building community, the Sunday community market has grown to be an integral part of summers in Flagstaff. Every year, starting in mid-May and usually running through October, the parking lot that serves Flagstaff City Hall is used for something far more exciting than just storing vehicles: it becomes the home of Flagstaff’s weekend farmers’ market. Starting at 8 a.m. and running until noon, the market is a place to buy fresh local produce, specialty foods, bread, crafts or simply meet up with friends. Tents and vendors line the sides of the pavement and people from all walks of life treat themselves to baked sweets or simply stock up on meats, fruits and vegetables. It’s hot and bustling, imbued with the smells of coffee and roasting green chilis. Under one tent, a family sells kabobs while a few stalls down, another enjoys homemade tamales with fresh pico de gallo. The Sunday farmers’ market has become an integral part of summer in Flagstaff, but Art Babbott, one of its founders, described how it was not always so. “I grew up in Vermont, which has a very strong agricultural tradition and Flagstaff also has really strong agricultural traditions both from indigenous folks and early Anglo folks,” Babbott said. “It was just something I saw as lacking, and it’s a really wonderfully unique environment. We were just super fortunate to have started it when we [did], which was 16 years ago.” For Babbott, the farmers’ market is also more than simply a taste of home — it is a way to encourage and support small, local food production. “As a society, our agricultural system has become more industrialized and corporate, and many people have lost the connection with those who work so incredibly hard to put food on our table,” Babbott said. “If you talk to young kids in school and say, ‘where does food come from?’ often the answer they give is grocery stores when, in fact, food comes from farmers and producers who cultivate, nurture, produce and harvest the food we eat.” Shanti Rade, who founded Whipstone Farm in Paulden with her husband, also remembers the beginning of the Sunday market all those years ago. Rade is one of the well-established vendors at the market. “We have been here from the first year, in 2000,” Rade said. “[The market] was probably a fifth of the size it is now, but we were also a lot smaller too.” Whipstone, she said, has grown alongside the market. “[The farm] started out with about two to three acres of vegetables. Now we have around 15 acres for vegetables and flowers, so our whole planting area has quadrupled in size,” Rade said. She described how before joining the market, her husband would sell their vegetables house to house. “It was this revelation that you could go to one spot

and all the people would come to you,” Rade said. “Then, when you ran out of something, another farmer may have still had it so customers were more satisfied because they had more choices. So yes, we’re competitors, but collectively we’re also supporting each other.” Today, Rade’s farm not only supports her family and their employees’ families, but they have also been able to expand substantially through selling the majority of their produce in the Flagstaff and Prescott Farmers’ Markets and to Flagstaff’s Community Supported Agriculture storefront. This is something Babbott is happy to hear, as he has worked hard to make sure that selling at the market is as profitable as possible for the vendors who participate each week. “The growers keep 90 percent of the proceeds that they sell and only 10 percent goes to the market for running it, our time, insurance, all that stuff,” Babbott said. “And that return rate is far better than what they’re going to get going through a traditional wholesale-type operation.” This focus on collective profitability for the vendors has encouraged new entrepreneurs to take risks and expand the market by offering far more than just fresh produce. One such individual is Hayley Gibbons, a classically trained chef and former cooking expert for Fox 10, who sells gourmet bottled cooking sauces. “I’ve been selling at different markets for about a year but my goal is — by the end of the summer — to be in grocery stores,” Gibbons said. “It took about a year for me to find the ingredients I could get in bulk and to be able to source those regularly.” Gibbons is a farmers’ market veteran in comparison to Steven Kirsch who, at the time of this interview, has only participated twice. Kirsch, along with his girlfriend and roommate, have begun selling doughnuts at the market. He explained that he is new to Flagstaff. He recently moved from Portland, where doughnuts are an increasingly popular dessert choice. “It just seemed like this was a perfect opportunity to have some fun and make something that was actually needed in the community,” Kirsch said. “It’s really fun to interact with people and sell the doughnuts. But creating the doughnuts takes a little longer than I ever imagined.” When it comes down to it, Kirsch says, this is the real opportunity the market provides — the opportunity to go out, support local foods, build community and have fun. In the beginning, Babbott’s goal was simply to support small, independently owned and operated farms and agricultural enterprises in northern Arizona. Though that intent remains at the heart of the market, it has grown to be far more than fresh produce alone.

TOP: Bouquets of flowers are sold alongside produce at the Flagstaff Community Market June 12, 2016. MIDDLE: Noguez Farms of Camp Verde sells fresh produce at the Flagstaff Community Market June 12, 2016. Some of the produce available for purchase included radishes, kale and leeks. BOTTOM: Victor Chandler peruses produce at the Noguez Farms vendor at the Flagstaff Community Market June 12, 2016. (Photos by Halie Chavez)

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Catching a case of the blues BY SCOTT BUFFON

reen grass, blue skies and a clear view of the Peaks set the scene for Flagstaff ’s fourth annual Brews and Blues Festival. Beer shot from kegs all day as a multitude of blues-based acts graced the stage. The beer station offered close to 15 beers, ranging from name-brand drafts to local and out-of-state craft beers. With seven bands on the lineup, many people found themselves drinking and dancing under the warm sun, or sitting in lawn chairs with umbrellas around the stage from the early afternoon to well after 9 p.m. Brandon Miller, guitarist for the Danielle Nicole Band, thought making the trip to play for the Flagstaff audience was well worth it. “It’s been a long day, but whenever you come to a festival like this — with the people — it drives you. You just want

to keep playing and playing,” said Miller. “It’s funny that the blues does not get much recognition on the national or public scale, but it is alive and well everywhere you go.” The band’s vocalist, Danielle Nicole, told a story while on-stage about almost missing their flight from Kansas City, Mo. to Flagstaff. Many in the crowd voiced their appreciation for the band’s commitment and one person even yelled out, “Welcome to Flagstaff!” The festival had seven bands scheduled in their lineup for the day. The musicians were from a wide variety of places including: Flagstaff locals Arizona Hired Guns, hailing from Portland, Oreg. Karen Lovely and MonkeyJunk, a band with native romping grounds hundreds of miles north in Canada. On and off the stage, everyone felt the fun energy and many people were driven to buy merchandise at the House of Blues tent. Jim Crawford, president of the Phoenix Blues

LEFT: Danielle Nicole sings and plays the bass in the Danielle Nicole Band at the 4th annual Blues and Brews Festival, June 18. TOP RIGHT: The Sugaray Helford Band closed out the festival, finishing after 9 p.m. Many people enjoyed the festival’s combination of music and beer throughout the day. BOTTOM RIGHT: The beer was flowing all day as people repeatedly came back for their favorite brews. Many kegs ran dry even before sunset. (Photos by Scott Buffon)

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Society, was working the House of Blues tent and said their stock was being sold “hand over fist.” “Karen Lovely sold all but one or two of her [CDs], Danielle Nicole has sold a bunch of hers,” said Crawford. “Everybody has been real, real pleased with the sales today. People have just been forking it out.” Near the end of the festival, a representative went on stage and announced their plan for another festival next year. Due to their success, in 2017 the festival will be extended to a two-day beer and blues event. A lot can happen in a year, so it will be up to the hardworking organizers at the Blues and Brews Festival to come through on that promise. Judging from this year’s turnout, if the festival does not return next June, music lovers around Arizona will be longing for the blues.

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ABOVE: A woman plays guitar at the Flagstaff Folk Festival. The event celebrated everything folk related. (Photos by Ashley Null)

Plucking among the pines: the Flagstaff Folk Festival BY ADRIAN SKABELUND

uitar strumming, boot clicking and belly laughing were present in Flagstaff as the Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music and the Pioneer Museum hosted the 15th annual Folk Festival. For 15 years, the Coconino Center for the Arts and the Pioneer Museum have been home to the annual Flagstaff Folk Festival organized by the Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music. The two-day long festival, which took place June 18-19, is a celebration of folk music, which participants experience through concerts, workshops and impromptu jam sessions. The event attracts people from at least as far away as Colorado, many of whom attend every year. Michael Falk, Darcy Falk and Bill Vernieu, part of a band known as Faint Praise, performed at the festival on Sunday. After their session finished, they sat in the back of a white Toyota truck under the shade of a few tall ponderosa pines — Michael plucking a mandolin and Varnieu strumming a guitar. “I just sing,” Darcy said. Occasionally, the trio’s conversation was interrupted as they break into song. Michael, chair of the Department of Math and Statistics at NAU, sat back and adjusted his glasses. “We used to perform every year but we haven’t performed in, I think, three or four years. This year we made a comeback,” Michael said, adding that they usually attend the festival even if they don’t perform. “We met and just kind of started playing at festivals like this a long time ago.” According to Michael, the way the band formed is not uncommon for folk groups. “You see these people over here playing,” Michael said,

gesturing to no one group in particular. “Half of them have never met before. Some of them are here every year and there are some who are old friends of mine.” By Sunday afternoon, the air was filled with the sound of simple jam sessions, most of the concerts having already ended. For Michael and his fellow bandmates, these jam sessions are what folk music is all about. According to him, you don’t need to know the person next to you and, often, you don’t even need to know the song to participate. “There’s a common knowledge base of songs and tunes and you kind of just know what the edict is and how to play this kind of music together,” Michael said. “You get used to the music. There is a kind of idiom to it so you generally know where it’s going to go. Even if you have never heard the song before you can pretty much know what’s going to happen next which makes it really [accessible] and fun.” Vernieu agreed with Michael’s view, adding that part of what can make folk music fun is how different songs can be based on what instruments are available at the time. “Generally, you have a banjo,” Vernieu said. “Though we don’t have a banjo here right now, I have one in the car. Also, a fiddle if you’re lucky, and sometimes people play special instruments like a dobro, which is a type of guitar.” From there, jam sessions generally form organically: a group of musicians coming together and enjoying the creative process. “There is also a different repertoire of songs that you play at jam sessions than what you play as a band,” Vernieu said. “As a band, you can get your range good and change things all around but you’ve got to go to the lowest common denominator in a jam

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session, so you don’t want the song to be too fast or too fancy or have too many chords.” Vernieu paused, and then the trio broke into song. “There’s a little mountain church in my thoughts of yesterday,” they sang. “Where friends and family gathered for the Lord / There an old fashioned preacher taught the straight and narrow way / For what few coins the congregation could afford.” Ken Rolston, another festival attendee, walked over to join in. As the song ended, he lamented the lack of new generations participating in the tradition of folk music. “I just had a great time playing with some kids, you know, like college-aged. That’s something we don’t have at these things and we would really like that,” Rolston said. “It would be great if kids would come out and play. In other portions of the country they do. It’s big in other parts of the country.” Rolston wasn’t the only one who wished that there were more youth attending. Anne Wittke, who helped to organize the event, shared his sentiment. “This is put on by the Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music,” Wittke said, adding that anyone can become a member of the organization. “I would encourage students to join. We have a campout once a year, and [membership] gets you some discounts for [other events].” For more folk vibes, contact Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music or visit the Flagstaff Folk Project, a monthly celebration of folk music every third Friday of the month at the Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

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Pride in the face of tragedy BY ALANNA SECREST

uring a stormy and sunny afternoon on June 25, hundreds of people gathered at Thorpe Park to celebrate Flagstaff’s 20th Annual Pride in the Pines. Rainbow flags waving high, Flagstaff’s LGBT community and allies enjoyed the day’s festivities. The event kicked off at noon, with local vendors lining the sides of the event and live music radiating out from center-stage. Upon entrance, festival goers were greeted with tight security and underwent a double bag search. This security measure is due to the recent tragedy in Orlando, Fla. This reflects many other pride events’ increased security across the country. New York Pride increased police presence by 25 percent. Security personnel lined the event in a way that was both comforting and bittersweet — a reminder that this protection may, in fact, be necessary. Flagstaff Pride featured several booths dedicated to raising funds in support for Pulse, the nightclub that was attacked only weeks beforehand. A candlelight vigil was held on June 24 in honor of the 49 victims who lost their lives. With the tragedy fresh in the minds of many, the festival went on the following day in the spirit of respecting those lost and continuing on in defiance. Faces in the crowd spanned multiple generations. Older attendees have watched festivals such as Pride in the Pines grow in quantity as well as scope. Rumors circulated that the first same-sex married couple in Arizona were in attendance. Younger community members also celebrated, from the expected college-age folk to children twirling from their parents’ arms, some witnessing their first Pride event and moment in LGBT history. Performers often began with a tribute to the victims of the Pulse shooting. The lively and upbeat music, which is so indicative of Pride, urged the crowd to continue existing proudly despite the very real fears many LGBT members are currently grappling with. Performers Crystal Waters and Belinda both engaged their audience in a way that emanated encouragement, strength and empowerment. As the day wore on and attendees entered and exited Thorpe Park, the spirit of the crowd and event never wavered. Acceptance, love and equality were not just words in that venue, but tangible feelings felt by all attendees. Through sunshine and mild downpours, the crowd continued to encourage and support one another. As the sun set and folks made their way back home, or to the after-party at Collin’s Pub, the crowd felt a sense of community and indeed, pride, as members of Flagstaff’s TOP and BOTTOM: Flagstaff community members celebrate love and acceptance at Pride, despite the recent tragedy in Orlando, Fla. The celebration was held at Thorpe Park on June 25. (Photos by Ashley Null) LGBT community.

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Out and about in the summer are held. Their Keeper Chat program allows people to see and learn about animals like ferrets, opossums and other reptiles. There are also otters, a birds of prey show, a nocturnal animal house and a petting area. Admission for adults is $20 per person. Tickets for children 4 to 12 years old cost $10.

BY SCOTT BUFFON

sk around: Summer in Flagstaff is one of the best places to be in Arizona. It’s known by many for its forest-covered landscapes and mountain air. For low-landers, the cooler temperatures are a haven from the harsh heat of Phoenix or Tucson. But if you’re in Flagstaff for the summer, where can you go for the day? Luckily, Flagstaff’s position in the southwest gives people the opportunity to visit some really unique places, rich with history. To help you take advantage of this opportunity, we scoured the area looking for short day trips to help brighten up your days. We steered away from common tourist destinations like Zion National Park, The Grand Canyon, Mount Humphries or Mount Elden to feature attractions that are off the beaten path. Without further adieu, here are four great day-trips around Flagstaff:

The End of the World

The lava tubes, located about 35 minutes outside of Flagstaff, are known to be at least 10-20 degrees colder than the outside temperature, making it a great place to escape the summer heat. (photos by Ashley Marie Null)

visited and called this place home.

Lava Tubes

photo by Ellie Carty

Two Guns Decrepit houses, graffiti, zoos in ruin and haunted caves are some of the immediate lures of Two Guns, Arizona. The many inhabitants over the years have ranged from Navajo and Apache Native Americans, storeowners and caretakers — now only ghosts remain. The town is only 35 minutes away from Flagstaff, and is also an exit away from Meteor Crater going east on I-40. In the 19th century, the area was the site of a violent Apache and Navajo confrontation, leading the Apaches to take refuge in a cave behind Two Guns. The details on the Apache deaths vary, but white settlers reported hearing and seeing ghosts in the town of Two Guns, long after the death cave received its name. White settlers made their home here as it offered an easy place to cross the Diablo Canyon by wagon. Eventually, this led a store being built on the property to serve the people who were traveling through, and even a zoo — these ruins still stand today. If you take the time to explore the area of Two Guns, you can see the wall-art and remnants of the many people who have

The Lava Tubes are a unique feature of the southwest — one of the few features where a flashlight is required. “This mile-long lava tube cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie,” according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s website. “The top, sides and bottom of the flow cooled and solidified first, after which the insides of the lava river continued to flow emptying out the present cave.” Once inside the caves, the climate changes drastically. Even in the summer, the inside can be as low as 40 degrees. The caves aren’t the easiest to traverse. Although dogs and children may jump over some of the earlier boulders with ease, those who aren’t comfortable with rickety rocks should consider bringing good footwear and walking sticks. A headlamp is also important. To get there, take 180 north out of town past Snow Bowl, for 20 minutes, then take a left onto Fire Rd 245 and follow that for 12 minutes. For the technologically inclined, search for the lava tubes on the USDA’s website to find a Google Maps pin to the cave.

In a list of day-trips, this entry is a bit of an outlier because it is a campsite. However, the drive, views and trails around The End of the World are worth the 45-minute drive, even if you don’t spend the night. The campsite is perched on the edge of the Colorado Plateau. The view from the plateau allows visitors to see the city of Sedona in the distance, as well as the forest speckled with the Sedona red rocks. For those wishing to camp, the sites are first-come, first-serve and are limited to 14 days. Fire pits use fallen trees for seating, but it’s up to you to bring your personal amenities. Green meadows, feeding cows, small ponds and rocky cliff sides line the 20-mile drive on South Woody Mountain Road. A car that is low to the ground can make the drive, but a taller vehicle would be better since the road is scattered with rocks and dirt.

Bearizona For those that prefer to enjoy wilderness at a distance, or from the safety of your car, Bearizona is the perfect solution. The facility is over 30 minutes west of Flagstaff on the I-40 freeway. Once inside, you may drive at your own pace to see bears, wolves, goats and other animals from northern Arizona in their three-mile park. After the drive-thru portion of the park, you can explore the walking section where the baby bears and other smaller animals

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Despite the name, Bearizona is also home to other animals, such as wolves and deer. (photos by Ashley Marie Null)

A little further but

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Where to cast: a guide to trout fishing around Flag’ BY MATTHEW KIEWIET

espite the drastic changes in weather patterns in northern Arizona — which can lead to unfavorable water conditions that can affect the behavior of game fish — the greater Flagstaff area sees consistent fishing for most of the summer months. With heat waves and monsoons as prevalent as they are during the summer, location and timing are key to planning a getaway. To give you an idea, I visited Dogtown Lake in Williams, June 28. I had by far the best day of fishing I have had this summer, catching four rainbow trout that were each roughly 1014 inches in length. It was about 80 degrees and I even caught a bit of a sunburn. Meanwhile just 30 miles up the road in Flagstaff, it was raining cats and dogs. “The fishing has been outstanding for at least two years,” said Scott Rodgers of the Arizona Fish and Game Department. “It’s a beautiful place to camp, and there’s no reason to think that it won’t continue to fish well.” Trout is mostly what anglers will catch in Dogtown as well as other lakes around Flagstaff, and they have very specific feeding patterns. “The time of day can be important,” Rodgers said. “If you’re fishing from shore, [it is best] right around dawn and sometimes at dusk. They don’t keep bankers’ hours.” Being able to get a baited hook in the water while the fish are actually feeding is crucial, which makes lake-adjacent camping very convenient. Rather than getting up for a drive at five in the morning, you can just unzip your tent and walk down to the shore. Dogtown has a nice campground that is a short walk to the lake. Lake Ashurst — one of the few places where camping is permitted next to the water — is also a productive fishery this summer, until recently. Around 18,000 trout have been stocked in Ashurst this year, according to Rodgers. However, according to the Arizona Fish and Game Department’s 2016 stock schedule, none have been stocked since late May. “When you have low water and warm water temperatures, things start growing and water quality starts becoming an issue,” Rodgers added. “To the best of my knowledge that has not happened yet.” “It reached a point where we couldn’t stock, but the fish that are already in there are fine,” added Chuck Benedict of the Arizona Fish and Game Department. Once the weather cools off, expect Ashurst to be stocked again. The lake and campground sees upward of 100 anglers and campers on busier weekends, according to Rodgers. During my recent visit to Ashurst on June 26, the lake appeared lifeless. The only life near the shore were weeds, which can have negative implications. “As the water heats up you get more — what people call weeds — rooted aquatic macrophytes,” Rodgers said. “What can happen is as the cloudy season and monsoon season comes in, it’s like throwing a blanket over your garden. You got a whole lot of

weeds, and as soon as you shut off the light, many of these die.” When these weeds die, they do not simply disappear. Bacteria and other types of organics begin eating away at the dead macrophytes and that is when the real problems begin, specifically low-dissolved oxygen. “And so this time of year if we’re going to have water quality problems, it can frequently happen right after the sunny period,” Rodgers added. Another danger of an increase in vegetation in the water is an imbalance in the pH level. “We’re basically working with distilled water,” Benedict said. “We don’t have any dissolved salts in it because of volcanic soils. And if you’ve got a lot of plants growing, there will be a lot of photosynthesis, and your pH can go through the roof.” Water quality not only affects the behavior of fish but it dictates whether fish can be stocked in a given lake in the first place. This has impacted Lake Mary recently. “Historically, when lower Lake Mary has water, that’s sort of the Flagstaff fishing franchise, because early in the year we can stock a lot of fish that are fairly vulnerable to anglers and they grow quite rapidly,” said Rodgers. “But that lake has to fill and have adequate water quality. We did not have that this year.” The campgrounds for Lake Mary are open, and the lake remains a popular spot for other boating activities. It is also the easiest place to access out of the lakes named in this article. Ashurst will require a drive down a fairly rough stretch of dirt road about five miles long. Dogtown is located at the end of a nearly four mile segment of dirt road. This is much less harsh that the road leading to Ashurst. For the type of people that are looking to “rough it,” Kinnikinnick Lake would be a good stop in the late summer or early fall. The Arizona Fish and Game Department will stock and advertise Kinnikinnick around that time. Kinnikinnick is located at the end of a 10-mile dirt road that can get extremely rough in parts. It probably is not a great idea to take a vehicle without four-wheel drive. There is no camping permitted within one mile of the lake, so you will need to find a place to turn off the road and make camp. The fishing is not always steady at Kinnikinnick, but the fish are generally bigger. “They can’t grow to be very big if they’re stupid fish,” Benedict laughed. Once you’ve chosen your ideal destination and made the proper preparations, getting the fish to bite is a far cry from a sure thing. My advice — as someone who is just learning the subtleties of trout fishing — if there is someone next to you catching fish and you are not, ask them what they’re doing differently. During my trip to Dogtown I spent my first three hours fishing without a single bite. Finally, a father and son named Wally and Mark from Prescott, Ariz. strolled over next to me and started catching one fish after another. I asked Wally, who is 84 years old, what I was doing wrong. “I’ve been doing this since I was six years old,” Wally said as he handed me a different hook and sinker combination than I was using. “You just need to be patient.”

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TOP: The sun peaks between the clouds just after dawn at Dogtown Lake in Williams, Ariz. Trout are notorious for biting just after sunrise. BOTTOM: One of several rainbow trout landed by anglers on the shore of Dogtown Lake on the morning of June 28. (Photos by Matthew Kiewiet)

Four Free Ways to Celebrate The Fourth in Flag Looking for something fun to do this Fourth of July Weekend without breaking the bank? Look no further, these events will make your independence weekend a blast! With American classics ranging from movies to cars to the all-important firework show, we’ve collected the four essential Fourth of July Weekend events for you to plan your holiday around, all without leaving Flagstaff!

Movies on the Square: The Sandlot Saturday, July 2nd. 5pm-9pm Downtown, Heritage Square Join in after the sun sets to watch this classic American coming-of-age story, set in a simpler time where all that mattered was baseball and the neighborhood monster-dog. Sure to delight everyone in your group, from children to grandma and grandpa. Enjoy free admission and food, courtesy of The Downtown Business Alliance.

Third Annual Babbit Ford Classic Car Show Sunday, July 3rd. 10am-2pm 11 N. Verde Street Nothing is quite as American as a good old fashioned Ford, and this event has plenty of them! Feauting classic American cars from as early as 1912, come bring the whole family to see these beautiful machines. Live music, food, and drinks are all available to the general public along with free admission!

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Greater Flagstaff Chamber Fourth of July Parade Monday, July 4th. 9am-12pm Downtown Flagstaff Flagstaff’s premiere Fourth of July event! Watch over 100 floats from local businesses and organizations parade through downtown Flagstaff. Enjoy morning footraces, hot dog eating contests, and much much more under the beautiul Flagstaff sunshine. Enjoy free admission, and discounts from local businesses if you need a break from the festivities!

Lights on The Lawn 2830 N. Oakmont Dr. Monday, July 4th. 3pm-11pm. The all-important Fourth of July firework show! Enjoy Live Music, a kid’s zone, and wonderful local cuisine before the fireworks show kicks off in the late evening. Gauranteed to be a blast on its own, there is also the option of upgrading to a catered “VIP” experience for those who want a more elaborate experience.

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