By Bear Howard Bear Howard Chronicles Sedona, AZ — Imagine Sedona, a picturesque town where the streets are clean, the police are funded, and the parks are pristine—all thanks to the millions of dollars poured in by tourists. These visitors are the city’s lifeblood, contributing 70–80% of its revenue, keeping the lights on and the wheels turning. Yet, somehow, a vocal subset of locals has convinced themselves that Sedona’s prosperity is an affront to their way of life. Cue the complaints: “The city spends too much on tourists!” “The council caters to visitors, not residents!” It’s the anthem of those…
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By Tommy Acosta Sedona, AZ — America must prepare for a national gnashing of teeth as our government shifts into full-blown, pedal-to-the-metal mode, evicting and deporting undocumented migrants back to the countries they came from. It won’t matter if someone is a criminal illegal immigrant or a hard-working person supporting and raising a family. The law is the law, according to Border Czar Tom Homan, and under this hardline approach, everyone without documentation will be sent packing, regardless of circumstance. Not even Dreamers—those brought here as children through no fault of their own—or those born here under the current interpretation…
By Amaya Gayle Gregory Is it a jazz sort of day or rhythm and blues? Country done-me-wrong or classical notes strung together with marvelous awe? There’s a song for it all, if not already composed, composing itself in this moment, in sync with my breath. I could call an event traumatic, or I could hear the music of the dance, the dance that spun me out that door and into a new dance with a tune of its own. What we call trauma is a direction change, life putting a fork in our road and insisting that we take the…
Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to join theaters around the country for a nationwide theatrical event: “The Nutcracker” from The Royal Ballet showing Dec. 22 and 23 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Be enchanted by The Royal Ballet in this sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy (Anna Rose O’Sullivan)…
… we did Lake Pleasant yesterday morning and it was so beautiful and wonderful to be back out on the lake after a three month hiatus from exploring my favorite lake. This time the water level is down to 2022 levels … Peregrine Island was devoid of Peregrine Falcons, but it did harbor a small group of Seagulls and is now about eighteen inches above the water line. This time we used the electric motor (moves emissions back to the generating plant) and only hunted Castle Hot Springs Bay. The water was absolutely flat and was like being on a…
Sedona News – Mary D. Fisher Theatre hosts a 2nd Annual one-hour Christmas Benefit Concert on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:00 p.m. This year, around twenty singers are lending their vocal expertise to sing songs of praise and Christmas classics. Proceeds will benefit a local family of three to help pay medical bills. The program consists of song selections from Verde Valley Voices Choir, worship favorites, an original song by Greg Benedetto and charming instrumentals from the Sedona Community Handbells. “Jesus is the reason for the season, and I’m honored to be a vessel for entertaining fellowship amidst resounding joy…
Sedona News – Named one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World by MovieMaker Magazine, the Sedona International Film Festival is gearing up for its most exciting season yet! Mark your calendars for February 22 – March 2, 2025, as Sedona becomes the epicenter of cinematic excellence, showcasing the very best in independent film from across the globe. With over 150 films spanning nine unforgettable days, cinephiles can indulge in a rich array of features, shorts, documentaries, animations, foreign films, and student projects. Recognized as one of the nation’s premier film festivals, this 31st-anniversary celebration promises to honor filmmakers whose passion and artistry bring meaningful, timely, and…
Yavapai County News – The Yavapai County Reach Out Program is making a difference in the lives of individuals at high risk for substance use disorders (SUD), mental health concerns (MH), and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). By connecting individuals to essential services after they leave the Yavapai County Detention Center, the program is helping reduce the chances of re-offending and providing support for those in need. Between March 2022 and February 2024, the Reach Out Program worked with 13,071 individuals who interacted with Reach Out Release Coordinators at the Yavapai County Detention Centers. The program focuses on connecting people to…
By David Stephen If any AI company is exposed enough to be included in a report for safety assessment of their AI model, that company’s model is an aspect safe. This does not mean that the report’s index is inaccurate, but risks for AI exceed some of those benchmarks. Simply, there have been too many misuses of AI that did not originate directly from those models or that cannot be traced back to them, or there are several other non-central models that can do some of the same harm for which AI-central models are risky, making the focus on those…
By Rabbi Alicia Magal The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services, programs, and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom. Erev Shabbat services begin at 5:30 pm on Friday, December 20, 2024, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal. As Shabbat enters with the lighting of the candles peace and calm descend, a welcome respite from the troubles and concerns of the week. Rabbi Magal offers a reading from this week’s Torah portion, Vayheshev (Genesis 37:1 – 40:23) continuing the story…
Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “A Bocelli Family Christmas”, showing Dec. 21 and 22 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M37zCdkUxI “A Bocelli Family Christmas” captures the wonder and music of the Christmas season, transporting viewers into an Italian winter wonderland. Featuring a mix of classic carols and original songs from the family’s multi-generational holiday album, this special program will give audiences a fanciful glimpse of Christmas with the Bocellis. Featuring Andrea Bocelli, along with Veronica, Matteo, Amos, and Virginia, it’s a magical Christmas special for the whole family! “A Bocelli Family Christmas”…
Arizona News – Both the Coconino National Forest and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are beginning a project aimed at restoring forest lands in the Pumphouse Wash area near Flagstaff’s Kachina Village community this week. Crews are preparing for timber sales on a 2,500-acre parcel of land located near Kachina Village and Forest Highlands as part of the Pumphouse Community Protection Project. Timber crews have started delineating project boundaries and designating trees to be removed as part of the thinning project. By cutting and removing trees from overgrown, community-adjacent areas, forest managers can reduce overcrowding and restore local…
Prescott News – On Friday, January 24, Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walk will welcome art enthusiasts to explore 16 downtown galleries showcasing local and nationally acclaimed artists. These galleries extend their hours each month and offer unique exhibits, artist receptions, and signature events. Prescott, surrounded by cool mountainous forests, has long inspired its resident artists. The Art Walk provides a unique opportunity to meet these artists, gain insight into their creative processes, and immerse in the community. Historic buildings serve as a striking backdrop, preserving Prescott’s rich heritage. Since its founding in 2004, the 4th Friday Art Walk has been…
Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Sedona encore of “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.”, showing Dec. 20-26 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre — back by popular demand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZM90izJ8sI When a pacifist is called to a political act that could change the course of history, how will a man of honor respond? This is the true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a man who preached love while plotting the assassination of an evil tyrant. With world-shattering stakes, “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.” begs the question, how far will you go to stand up for what’s right? As…
By Tommy Acosta Sedona, AZ –Uh-oh, what the heck is going on? Have they decided to show themselves at last with their drone invasion of greater New Jersey? The authorities are tearing their hair out. They can’t figure out what’s happening. They can’t read the electronic signatures of the drones. When they “put an eye on them”—whatever that means (though I suspect it means locking their sights on them)—they go dark. Hmmm. What’s that supposed to mean? The Pentagon, FBI, CIA, and Homeland Security say they have no clue. But I think they’re lying to us. They know damn well…