Message from Prescott IndivisibleÂ
    We continue to take donations to provide meals for the residents of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ) shelter. To date, PI has collected over $4,000 for the effort. To provide food from El Gato Azul for 35-40 costs $120. Donations to Prescott Indivisible helps fund this critical need. Checks made out to Prescott Indivisible, can be mailed to our Treasurer, Jane Doyle, 1295 Pinecone Terrace, Prescott 86303.  Or donate directly on the Prescott Indivisible website via PayPay or ActBlue.  When you donate through ActBlue, please drop IndivisibleAZ4@gmail.com a note, letting us know what the donation is for (CCJ Meals). We are working on correcting the form, so no email is needed. If you donate through PayPal, please click on the optional note (it has a little pencil before it) to indicate the purpose of your donation.
   Any donations made though ActBlue through May 31 go to a 100% match from National Indivisible up to $500.Â
    You can also choose from these other programs for your donation – if you are donating through ActBlue, drop IndivisibleAZ4@gmail.com a note, letting us know what the donation is for, or PayPal, make a note on the form.
   The Voter Values Project (VVP) Postage – Prescott Indivisible has been working on this project for months and we are ready to start sending postcards to left-leaning independents, reminding them to register for the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL). They will also be directed to a website where they can weigh in on what issues effect them. The initial mailing of 1,000 will go out this month. If you wish to defray the cost of this project, donate to VVP – Postage.
    Voter Values Project (VVP) Masks – Two of the VVP Volunteer Coordinators are selling masks to defray the costs of the project. You can donate $10 per mask on the website.  The mask will be delivered to you.
    DACA – Our Immigration Team has lead the effort in providing DACA (usually students) with a stipend to pay for their renewal fees and additional costs. They have donated 25 stipends and have two others underway. Please help fund this team’s efforts. It costs $495 every two years for the renewal alone.
   General contribution – As with any organization it takes a village to keep us going. When we can meet, we pay a fee to GPUUC. They are so generous in hosting our general meetings and committee and team meetings. Other expenses include the website design, hosting and development costs (usually donated); fees for various programs such as Zoom, JotForm and MailChimp, printed materials. The cost for printed materials in the run up to the election, will no doubt be substantial.Â
Update on Prescott Indivisible’s Assistance to the Navajo and Apache Nations and the Hopi of Lower Moencopi – To date PI has coordinated with other community organizations, such as DWPA and concerned individuals, to work with a community organizer for the White Mountain Indivisibles and Navajo County Dems and Kenosis (see below), providing faceshields, masks and PPE’s and other supplies. We have made two trips over to Pinetop/Lakeview, and a Hopi representative picked up their materials. Approximately 360 masks, 60 face shields and numerous sheets and pillowcases (to make PPEs) have been delivered to the Nations. Yesterday’s delivery was made by Val and Larry Meads – Val made the 45 faceshields and brought six new flat sheets and 50 t-shirts along with 100 masks made by Jan Suderman for both both adults and children. Thanks to Emmanuel Lutheran in Prescott Valley who will be contributing masks for the next delivery. The call for assistance continues – masks, especially, are needed. Please contact Maria Lynam at maria488@icloud.com:
- if you sew and have masks to donate or
- if you sew and need fabric or other materials or
- If you have fabric or elastic to donate.
- The Navajo Nation has surpassed New York for having the highest infection rate in the United States. So far, 142 of its residents have died. There are around 3,400 cases on the Navajo Nation, ranking the tribal lands at the top for the most cases per capita nationwide.
- If you want to donate money to the Official Navajo Nation COVID-19 Relief Fund go here.
Special Town Hall Meeting this evening at 6pm (Thurs. May 20)Â – From Crisis to Recovery, Leaving No One Behind
A message from Rev. Patty Willis, GPUUC: A couple of weeks ago, in a Zoom gathering of Spanish-speaking faith leaders and organizers of Arizona, we heard directly about the suffering of our neighbors around the state who have not had access to government relief funds during the COVID-19 crisis.  This gathering gave birth to this non-partisan town hall meeting that will lay out the big picture of Arizona’s response and tell the stories of those who have been left out.  This assembly will also be a call to action for local communities to build coalitions that will help us create something new together.  The aid of 1.8 billion dollars that was promised to rural counties is still out of reach even though counties and small cities continue to spend.  When they are available, the way we direct these funds could make great positive change. Click here to register.Â
State of our State and Our Communities during the Pandemic
Be advised that Arizona has chosen the White House reopening criteria and has not added other measurements. The state is not relying on any Arizona-specific criteria in its reopening decisions.
ASU has a new updated website that includes Critical Covid-19 Trends–it is definitely worth a look (and that look is scary). The graph showing New Cases vs. Total Cases shows a moving 7-day average of new cases compared to total cases. It displays the rate at which new cases are appearing. When the graph moves downward, there is a reduction in new cases. When the graph moves horizontally, new cases appear daily at a consistent rate. When the graph moves up and to the right, then the number of new cases per day is accelerating (that is, they are growing day-over-day). Go to the graph, click on Yavapai and the line of our cases is highlighted – you can hover over the date and no. of cases to view the increases/decreases. The next chart down, New Cases vs. Total Cases, also shows an accelerating line upwards for AZ.
Except for a few exceptions (like bars that don’t serve food), AZ is “open” for business. The stay-at-home expired last Friday. (New stats: The ‘green-light’ seems to be a bit overconfident. On on May 6, 9,707 cases; on May 13 12,197 cases, today there are 14,899. An increase of 2,702 cases in two weeks does not mean a flattening curve! Also, up 331 cases since yesterday and 747 total deaths, up 43 since yesterday.Â
The AZ testing blitz is over. Check the Yavapai Co. Community Health Service website for an updated listing of testing sites and more data on the no. of cases in the various areas across the county. As of Wed. May 20, the cases in Yavapai Co. increased to 272; six deaths* (note the new designation for Mingus Mtn. Academy)
As of Wed. May 13, the cases in Yavapai Co. increased to 230; four deaths
As of Wed. May 6, the cases in Yavapai Co increased to 153; two deaths
- STAY HOME! Do not tempt fate. Do you want to put yourself and your family at risk? REPEAT: WARNING – The Covid-19 cases have increased in both Yavapai Co. and across AZ this past week (see above).
- Wear Your Mask: Don’t have a false sense of security. Masks offer limited protection, and work better when combined with hand washing and social distancing.Wash and dry your cloth mask after heavy use or weekly and keep it in a clean, dry place. Don’t touch the front of the mask when you take it off; Use the ties or loops to put your mask on and pull it off; Always wash your hands before and after wearing a mask;
- Wash Your Hands.
- Don’t Touch Your Face.
- Disinfect items frequently.
There are new polls to bolster the #TooSoonArizona initiative – OH Predictive’s poll(Sentinel, Tucson, May 18) indicated that More than half (52%) of likely Arizona voters, when asked about the stay-at-home order, say they are more worried about easing restrictions too soon which would potentially increase infections and cause more lives to be lost. On the other hand, only about one in three (32%) of respondents said they were more concerned about taking too long to lift the restrictions which may lead to an even bigger economic downturn than has already taken place.
Opinions on the matter differed depending on where in Arizona they live. Voters in populous Maricopa and Pima Counties were much more concerned about opening too soon, whereas voters who lived in the rest of the state were evenly split between being worried about relaxing restrictions too soon and worried about taking too long.
Masks & Community Service
Wearing a Mask is not always looked upon by others as benefiting society as a whole. Last week it was noted that compassion and consideration should be paramount.
Barbara Jacobsen, one of our favorite community organizers and activist, came up with the idea of wearing a button to remind others why we wear masks. She approached a former public health nurse and another community activist to contribute to the cost, rustled up a designer and had them printed. Here is her message:
“Hear ye hear ye, buttons are available to give to loved ones, store and service employees, anyone you see wearing a mask and wanting to put on a button to gently remind others! Barbara’s Buttons are for health and food distribution. Any donations will be welcome and given toward these efforts. Pick up a bag of 7 (or more or less ) at the GAZEBO on the Square, Tuesdays or Thursdays, 10 to about 10:20 AM. For our health! Pass this on! PS. Please do not approach any unmasked persons with your ideas. But thanking those wearing masks and even offering them a button can be gently done— or just wear yours!! Thank you!”
This morning (May 20) she will be joined by Maria Lynam at 10am, who has candidate petitions for Hilary Cannizaro for the Prescott Unified School District Board. Maria will place a clipboard at a social distance and sanitized pens – or bring your own. The only qualification to sign is that you must be over 18 and live in the PUSD.
The Daily Courier printed a Letter the Editor on May 19 from Roger Swenson, who wrote:
“It has been with some interest that I have followed the protests regarding our loss of liberty and freedoms due to the lockdowns in various states across the nation. At first I didn’t understand the protesters’ concerns but recently I have come to agree with them! Although I realize this may put others at risk, in celebration of my freedom I have decided to occasionally ignore stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits whenever the mood strikes me”.
Felicia French, the Democratic candidate for LD6 AZ Senate continues to live in an unconditioned travel trailer in Tuba City where she is volunteering as a nurse. The Navajo Nation will be in 57-hour lockdown this coming weekend. John Lutes’ message to her speaks to her character and resolve: I am in awe of Felicia’s commitment to human dignity for all people and her fight to save lives of our native brothers and sisters. This is the work of a true public servant. Think about making a donation to Felicia’s campaign.
Library News – for some of us the “staff of life is bread”, for others it is the availability of reading and listening material. The following libraries will be opened this coming week, if they are not already open. They all have restrictions on the number of people allowed in the library at one time and patrons are asked to limit their time to 60 minutes and practice social distancing and use a facemask.
 The Chino Valley Public Library and their used book store is now open from 9a-6p M-F. Â
   Prescott Library will open May 26, Hours are Tues.- Sat., 10a-6p. In addition to the above restrictions, all patrons must enter from the Marina St. side of the library. They are not taking any book/magazine, etc. donations.
   Prescott Valley Library is open Tues.- Sat., 9a-5p. Their guidelines are here.
ORGANIZATIONS THAT NEED or OFFER HELP!Â
 Complete Listing –Community Organization Needs – 052020
 The Community Organization Needs has been reorganized in alpha order and is included as an attachment. The listing includes  Arizona Undocumented Workers Fund,Coalition for Compassion and Justice, Equine Emergency Evacuation, Gato Community Gives,Keep Prescott Together, Kenosis, Kino Border Initiative, Launch Pad Teen Center, Manzanita Outreach, Navajo & Hopi Families Covid-19 Relief Fund, Pet Headquarters, Prescott Area Shelter Services, Prescott Community Cupboard, Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity, Prescott Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Stepping Stones, White Mountains Indivisible, Yavapai Family Advocacy Center, Yavapai Co. Food Bank, Yavapai Humane Society, Yavapai Humane Trappers.
CCJ (Coalition for Compassion and Justice) – In addition to donations to continue to feed those that shelter with them, they need coffee, creamer and sugar.  Their facebook page gives a good idea of what they are all about! Hope & compassion!
Gato Community Gives – Barry Barbe and his staff at El Gato Azul have donated more than 4,000 meals to individuals, families and nonprofits. They have worked with various agencies and local businesses to provide quality meals and weekend food boxes, with the majority of deliveries being made by Allan’s Flowers of Prescott. They are moving their operations to their catering kitchen on 6th street and have established a “Collaborative Community Fund” with the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County. More information about donating to this fund will be available at the restaurant and in next week’s edition of Community Resources.
The El Gato Azul patio is open for dining and meals are still available through curbside pickup. Check their facebook page.
A Message from Kenosis founder and President, Carla Woody:Â
Dear Friends,
We have all been touched by the pandemic in one way or another. The Indigenous peoples we work with are also undergoing a state of emergency. In some ways, they are even more at risk due to their isolated locations with little access to food or protective equipment, and little to no medical care should they need it.
We are opening an emergency relief fundraising campaign now extended through May 31 to do everything we can to help support them in this difficult time that is very real globally. We are specifically focusing on the Hopi and Q’ero people we work with due to our direct relationship. Hence, we have the most control over the needed funds and supplies reaching them. To donate by PayPal or credit card, please go here. To donate by check or money order: Please make the check or money order out to Kenosis Spirit Keepers. Mail to Kenosis Spirit Keepers, PO Box 10441, Prescott, AZ 86304. In making your donation, indicate Hopi and/or Q’ero. If both are indicated, we will split equally unless you designate otherwise. The full amount of your donation we receive goes directly to those in need.
Read the updated report with the numbers of Hopi who are infected and the tribute page. The fundraiser will continue until May 31.
PCA Serves continues to make a difference in the community. The Prescott Center for the Arts volunteers at the food bank continue to fill bags and distribute food. We are excited that the community will have new food bank volunteers for the future as a result of this effort. The volunteers have been grateful for the opportunity to help during this time as it has given them a sense of contributing to the situation in a positive way. Volunteers have also made 40 masks this week. If you need one, call 928-445-3286. They still are looking for volunteers and if you are in need, they can assist.
Prescott Meals on Wheels has posted a job opportunity for Office Coordinator.
State/City/Town/County
Complete Listing – State/City/Town/County Resources – 052020
includes updated store hours
All the city/town resources and updates for their facilities can be found on their websites and facebook pages.
Yavapai County will open administration buildings on June 1 in Prescott and Cottonwood. They are following CDC guidelines. The Board of Supervisors Meetings are open to the staff only until further notice. Anyone wishing to comment on an agenda item can email: clerkofboard.web@Yavapai.US
Update on AZ State News
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program was launched by the AZ Dept. of Economic Security. More than $350 million in initial payments were sent to 165,000 people for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for individuals who were previously ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits. They received an initial payment for the minimum benefit of $117 weekly per week plus $600 in weekly benefits from the CARES Act. The first payments included three weeks worth of benefits. Information about the program and reapplying can be foundhere.
On Wed. May 20, the AZ Department of Economic Security (DES) announced $519 million in state unemployment insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) was issued to claimants last week. An additional $95.5 million was issued to state UI claimants today. Yesterday, PUA applicants filed weekly certifications that will result in payments of $95 million throughout the course of this week. This number is expected to grow as additional claimants file their certifications.
Payments follow the launch of the PUA program, with 77,063 claims filed last week. The ability to file weekly PUA certifications was successfully implemented in the PUA portal yesterday.
Click here for Updated School Breakfast and Lunch ProgramsÂ
Additional Resources for Parents:
Prescott Library’s summer reading programs continue. Through July 25, the library will conduct the program that allows readers of all ages to sign up, track their reading activity, and earn prices. More information is available by calling the library’s Youth services at 928-777-1537 or emailing youth.services@prescott-az.gov.
Special Offer – Charles Matheus (speaker, podcaster and community advocate) and two other experienced mentors are offering FREE 30 minute video calls for any parent who wants to get some nonjudgmental, quality listening, and support. Check out the credentials of the mentors on their website. Anyone can schedule a confidential appointment at www.rocketfeather.com/schedule. Totally confidential, participants will not be added to a mailing list.
The Launch Pad Incites teen confidence and empowerment through innovative community education and engagement. They are an all-inclusive, youth driven and focused space, providing programming that is culturally relevant to teens in Yavapai County. Their summer camp programs are on their website – click here.
IDEAS FOR CREATIVITY
Some Good News – John Krasinski is on YouTube. This week (No. 8) is a celebration of community – We Are The Good News!
If you love this show, pick up some SGN Merch – 100% of your purchase goes to a charity of your choice – the first $1 million will be matched by Starbucks!
Shelley Haiken, Cottonwood Indivisible, sang this song at a recent fundraiser for Felicia French and Coral Evans (LD6 Candidates for Senate and House). It could become your anthem!
5enses – Robert Zinni’s interview with Hypnotherapist Harry Kroner is very interesting. The importance of mental health, the impacts of physical distancing, and strategies of how to cope with the new normal are discussed. For more information, go to the website https://harrykroner.com/ His book, “Freedom From Anxiety: A Deeper Approach to Healing” is discussed.Â
AZResist is an independent calendar covering civil rights and progressive politics across Arizona.
Contact Information for your elected representatives:
KYRSTEN SINEMA, 825 B&C Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-4521Â Â contact@sinema.senate.gov
MARTHA MCSALLY, B40D Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510
202-224-2235Â Â Â contact@mcsally.senate.gov
PAUL GOSAR, 2057 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515    202-225-2315  http://paulgosar.house.gov/contact/Â
6499 S. Kings Ranch Rd. #4, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118Â 480-882-2697
122 N. Cortez St., Suite 104, Prescott, AZ 86301 Â Â Â 928-445-1683
Governor, Doug Ducey, State Capitol, 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007    602.542.4331
http://azgovernor.gov/governor/form/contact-governor-ducey
Legislature     http://www.azleg.gov/
Senator Karen Fann      kfann@azleg.gov         602-926-5874 Â
Rep. Noel Campbell     ncampbell@azleg.gov     602-926-3124
Rep. Steve Pierce       spierce@azleg.gov        602-926-5584
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors
Rowle Simmons – Dist. 1 Supervisor web.bos.district1@yavapai.us
Thomas Thurman – Dist. 2 Supervisor web.bos.district2@yavapai.us
Randy Garrison – Dist. 3 Supervisor web.bos.district3@yavapai.us
Craig Brown – Dist. 4 Supervisor web.bos.district4@yavapai.us
Mary Mallory – Dist. 5 Supervisor web.bos.district5@yavapai.us
Yavapai Co. Community Health Services – Leslie Horton, Director (928) 771-3122 (no email given)
Prescott
Mayor Greg Mengarelli   (no email given)
201 S. Cortez St. Prescott 928.777.1248
