Author: Tommy

Sedona AZ (June 3, 2020) – Clean up and reduce your wildfire risk by disposing of yard waste at the annual Debris Collection Event from 8 a.m. to 3 pm. on June 16, 2020 and June 18, 2020 at the city’s Maintenance Yard at 2070 Contractors Rd. Creating a defensible space within 30 feet of your home can greatly reduce the risk of a wildfire. Tall, dry grasses provide a path for fire; by removing dry grasses, leaves, excess vegetation and pine needles from your roof and gutters, you reduce fire risk. Prune tree limbs so the lowest limb is between…

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By Tommy AcostaHere’s an angle on the rampant demonstrations and riots burning across the nation few are considering.Yes, they are angry, very angry and rightfully so. But not just because of the killing but also because since the inception of the coronavirus quarantine orders, the loss of income, the loss of schools, the loss of human contact, the loss of hope and the pent up anger simmering primed the population for the spectacle we are now witnessing.It was a powder keg ready to detonate and the killing of George Floyd was the fuse that lit it.

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By Ted Grussing… at the end of the day, One and I spent some time out on the deck which was in shade and a light breeze to keep the perception of heat down. I would like to think that she was gazing at some prey and contemplating her attack and subsequent dining pleasure, but alas, I think that like me, the heat had gotten to her and like me she was just staring out into space and waiting for me to suggest that we head back into the house … which we did shortly after I took this picture…

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Cottonwood AZ (June 2, 2020) – On May 30, 2020, around 10:30 AM., deputies were dispatched to the 3900 block of E Meadow Lane in Cottonwood regarding a threat involving 54-year-old James Kineman claiming he was going to shoot people including himself. The threat was made during a phone call to a crisis center. A quick response team consisting of YCSO SWAT members was activated and deployed around the home. James’ roommate eventually came out of the house and indicated there were firearms in the home along with the possibility a female roommate was still inside. 

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By Marty Landa, Sedona Resident(June 2, 2020)Dear editor,May 31 marks the 32nd annual World No Tobacco Day, a global public health campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to expose the deadly tactics of the tobacco industry, the impacts of the tobacco epidemic it drives, and offer solutions for people to claim their right to healthy lungs and lives.As the world’s eyes are on the COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t lose sight of another deadly global epidemic: Each year, tobacco kills eight million people globally. Almost a half-million of those deaths are in the U.S.

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Sedona AZ (June 2, 2020) – To ensure the safety of all patrons and slowly ease back in to a new normal, the Sedona Community Pool will reopen on Monday, June 8, 2020 for lap swim and aqua fitness classes and Monday, June 15, 2020 for rec swim. There will be added precautions such as regular scheduled sanitation times, limited amenities, reduced hours, health screenings at the gate prior to entering the facility, a separate entry and exit, physical distancing and an online check-in process to keep the community and staff safe. “We will facilitate physical distancing and strict hygiene practices…

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Sedona AZ (June 2, 2020) – On May 31, 2020, around 12:45 PM, deputies were called to the Enchantment Resort in Sedona regarding failure to pay investigation in which nearly $700 dollars was owed for a room stay. The incident involved 45-year-old Stacy Accomazzo and 38-year-old Matthew Ellison. Both are from Litchfield Park, Arizona. Security officials told deputies the pair tried to extend their stay but already owed $675 for food and alcohol. Stacy and Matthew got in their car and left, flipping off cameras on the way out. An attempt to locate bulletin was issued to area law enforcement…

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Cottonwood AZ (June 2, 2020) – Verde Drive-In, a new premiere drive-in movie theater, celebrates its’ first month of operation. The Verde Drive-In shows single-feature movies Friday and Saturday nights at its location in Camp Verde. Get your tickets online today!June’s movies include: Mama, Mia Pitch Perfect 3, Madagascar, Jaws, Little Rascals, Field of Dreams, Flintstones, and Jurassic Park.

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By Ted Grussing… thankfully we have cameras and not shotguns when we head down to the ponds to shoot ducks … might get a little dicey in situations like this when the ducks fly behind my friend who was also shooting them. Cameras are nice … everyone gets to go home on a digital storage device and carry that device as opposed to a box.

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By Dr. Linda Roemer, PH.DBoard Certified Adult/Geriatric and Psychiatric Mental Health NP(June 1, 2020)At 98 years old, she has no idea if she will live out her last days in what she describes as prison.  It seems surreal.   After all, she is in excellent health, has a positive attitude and a love for her family.  There is no end in sight for this mandatory confinement.  It could be her death.  The hour glass has little sand left.  She really misses those short trips for ice cream or a dinner out.  Most of all she misses being hugged.  During this…

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Sedona AZ (June 1, 2020) – The city of Sedona encourages residents to be aware of Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s Declaration of Emergency that enacts an 8 p.m. curfew beginning May 31, 2020 until June 8, 2020, and provides cities with the ability to protect against potential unrest and ensure that any protests are peaceful. Although Sedona has not seen the type of looting and destruction of property that other cities have, the declaration gives law enforcement an additional tool in the event it’s needed. However, there are exemptions to the curfew that include:

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Phoenix AZ (May 31, 2020) – “The statewide curfew announced today by Governor Ducey is an extraordinary and sweeping measure that raises serious constitutional concerns. Such actions restrict the rights of protesters and will undoubtedly lead to selective enforcement in Black and Brown communities. We urge the Governor and other elected officials across the state to seek a less restrictive approach and to meaningfully engage community leaders to address longstanding concerns with racist policing practices.” – Victoria Lopez, Advocacy and Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of ArizonaThe ACLU of Arizona also made the following statement regarding the ongoing protests…

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Declaration Also Authorizes An Expanded National Guard MobilizationPhoenix AZ (May 31, 2020) – Governor Doug Ducey today issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency, including putting in place a curfew starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight. The curfew is in effect from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and shall expire on Monday, June 8, at 5:00 a.m. unless further extended.“At the request of local leaders and in coordination with state and local law enforcement, I’m issuing a statewide Declaration of Emergency and curfew starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight and effective for one week,” said Governor Ducey. “This gives law enforcement an additional…

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By Tommy AcostaLike Bruce Lee said in his movie Enter The Dragon, when you deliver a punch, deliver it with “emotional content” for there lies the adrenaline that turns men into supermen.Emotional content is the backbone of everything good or bad that has happened on this planet. Because of fear, anger, love or hate nations have been destroyed. Empires were built. Empires have fallen.The degree of emotional content, the strength, the will, the passion, the desire and willingness to kill or die for your commitment, makes the difference between victory and defeat.It is the passion to fight, the passion to defend and…

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Chocolita is now a Certified Sustainable Business at the Innovator/Silver level from the Sustainability Alliance.Sedona AZ (May 30, 2020) – Dark chocolate has a long reputation as a healthy food, and Chocolita, LLC takes it a step further by adding medicinal herbs. Sarah Ann Lesslie discovered the potential of chocolate during her move to Sedona. After working with ChocolaTree (another certified business) to learn the craft of chocolate making, she incorporated Chocolita in 2010 and now operates out of Synergy Lounge & Kitchen, also a certified business. All the chocolate sold at Synergy is from Chocolita, plus she sells online…

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