By Amaya Gayle Gregory Sedona, AZ — Fearing life, not wanting to feel it twist the body, trying not to experience life’s myriad bouts of suffering as they come – the aching sense of lack, the surety of loss, the dread of betrayal and being deemed unworthy, the roiling belly, your shoulders up around your ears like skin and bone earrings, some easy to see, most below the belt or caged like a zoo animal – ah yes, life as most live it. Every bit of the gut wrench, the ceaseless mental chatter, the carefully planned escape routes that lead…
Author: Tommy Acosta
Read More
By Kathleen King, I’ve lived in Sedona for six years, and one of my favorite things about living here is the conversations. Some of the richest conversations I’ve ever had have happened in the grocery store produce section, sidewalks, or sitting next to someone at the bar at Picazzo’s. That’s Sedona. Complete strangers have a way of becoming old friends before you’ve finished your pizza. People come here looking for all kinds of things. Healing. Meaning. God. Films. And some genuinely hope for an encounter with extraterrestrials. Others come for the red rocks, a beautiful hike, and meals with a…
By Tim Perry We at Small-Town Sedona urge Sedona residents to vote no on Proposition 400, reauthorization of home rule, and yes on Proposition 403, the Cultural Park Preservation Act, at the polls this coming Tuesday. There really is only one issue in this election: The current Sedona city council and city staff think it’s absolutely fine to flush democracy down the toilet and impose their will on us because they, who hail from big cities sharing few of Sedona’s problems, think they know what’s best for us. And they’re absolutely indignant and outraged when we contradict that narrative. When…
The locally loved retreat earns national recognition for its personalized care, Southwest-inspired treatments and tranquil garden sanctuary. Sedona has long been celebrated as a destination for rest, renewal and wellness. Now, one of the community’s most established day spas has earned recognition on the national stage. Sedona’s New Day Spa has been named the No. 9 Best Day Spa in the United States in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The honor places the locally owned Sedona retreat among the country’s leading wellness destinations. USAToday Surrounded by Sedona’s iconic red-rock landscape, Sedona’s New Day Spa offers an intimate…
The loudest voices aren’t the majority—and the healthiest response may be to simply walk away. By Bear Howard and Associates — Sedonoa,AZ –By almost any measure, Nextdoor has failed Sedona. It was created to help neighbors connect, exchange useful information, and strengthen communities. Instead, during this election season, it has become, for many residents, a daily exercise in outrage, grievance, suspicion, and political warfare. In a previous Bear Howard story, this overview was well captured in his Sedona.biz column, which called Nextdoor “Sedona’s Wailing Wall.” It is an apt description. Rather than a town square where ideas are tested and…
Sedona, AZ.– If you want to know who Sedona City Council mayoral Henry Silbiger is, his background, his values, his accomplishments and vision for Sedona, click HERE for YouTube video. To learn additional details about his candidacy, click HERE. To watch more videos on Henry, click HERE.
Two New York songwriters. More than 27 years of music. Legendary rock-and-roll stories. And one intimate night in Sedona. Sedona, AZ — If you’ve ever had a song take you back to a person, a place or a moment you thought you’d forgotten, this is a show you won’t want to miss. On Monday, July 27 at 7 p.m., Green Light Dance Band founders Tommy Acosta and Chicky Brooklyn take the stage at Mary D. Fisher Theatre in West Sedona for a special acoustic performance in Shondra Jepperson’s “In the Living Room” music series. Tickets are available now, and this is your chance to…
Sedona, AZ — On July 12, a candidate forum sponsored by The League of Women Voters for the seven people running for Sedona City offices in the July 21 primary election was held at Sedona Red Rock High School to discuss the issues. This video is from that candidate forum, but only Tony is talking and answering the questions. The election is less than a week away, so you might find this informative and helpful in understanding Tony’s position on a variety of issues and concerns. In the video, Houserman is flanked by candidates Rich Gay (right) and council candidate…
By Mike Schroeder Sedona, AZ — Well, here we go again. It is like the never-ending story. And this once again centers around the holy third rail of Sedona City Government, Home Rule. Because without Home Rule, staff and council would actually have to use their heads to protect assets and help the community, instead of their egos and cover up their incompetence. This so called “state of the art facility”, a building that would do Scottsdale proud, is proposed to be located by the Sewer Plant on 89A. Yes, you heard me right. Normally, maintenance buildings are metal construction,…
SEDONA, Ariz. — July 13, 2026, 7:15 a.m. — State Route 89A has reopened between Sedona and Interstate 17 near Flagstaff after being closed due to the Pocket Fire. The reopening restores the scenic route through Oak Creek Canyon; however, fire suppression activities continue, and motorists should expect increased fire response traffic and the possibility of intermittent road closures. Recreation and Trail Closures Remain in Effect Although SR 89A is now open, access to some recreation sites and trails in Oak Creek Canyon and surrounding areas remains limited due to the Pocket Fire. Visitors should check current Coconino National Forest…
Sedona, AZ — Faster than a speeding punchline! More powerful than an awkward silence! Able to leap tall tales in a single bound! Super Improv! is flying back into Sedona for its 4th spectacular show at the Mary Fisher Theatre on Friday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m., and this time the troupe is suiting up for an unforgettable Super Hero adventure. The Super Improv! Game Show is Baaaccckkk! and it’s bringing even more audience participation, outrageous comedy games, lightning-fast improvisation, and unexpected twists than ever before. Every show is completely made up on the spot, meaning no two performances are…
Sedona, AZ — For years Sedona residents have rightly expressed frustration that the Arizona Legislature has stripped local communities of the power to regulate and limit short term rentals. The result has been a dramatic change in the nature of our town. So it’s surprising to hear that some of the same voices who have been advocating for local control over short term rentals are now willing to abdicate control of the dollars generated by tourism. They’re saying “No” to local control of what amounts to 70% of the City’s spendable money. This is a huge disconnect. If you disagree…
Sedona, AZ — With the threat of the Pocket Fire abating due to the massive numbers of firefighters containing it, residents of Sedona should take time to understand what they can do to make their properties Firewise. Prevention and preparation are key to keeping you and your property safe. Keep Sedona Beautiful offers a comprehensive webpage supplying information on wildland fire prevention and preparation: www.keepsedonabeautiful.org/fire Toward the bottom of the web page is an exhaustive list of resources for you. We encourage you to visit this page and familiarize yourself with these resources.
DEMOCRATS HOST “Statewide Candidates and Congressional Campaign Updates” in PERSON and at HOME Friday, July 17, 9:30 am – 11:00 am Sedona, AZ — The Democrats of the Red Rocks (DORR) host “Statewide Candidates and Congressional Campaign Updates,” with Attorney General Kris Mayes, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, and CD2 Congressional Candidate Jonathan Nez on Friday, July 17, 9:30 to 11:00 am at the Sedona Community Center, 2615 Melody Lane in West Sedona and on zoom. Candidates will discuss their policy agendas and answer questions. Attorney General Kris Mayes is Arizona’s top law enforcement officer. As former Chair of the AZ Corporation…
By Rabbi Alicia Magal The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, located at 100 Meadowlark Drive off Route 179 in Sedona, is a welcoming, egalitarian, inclusive congregation dedicated to building a link from the past to the future by providing religious, educational, social and cultural experiences. The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services, programs, concerts, and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Office telephone: 928 204-1286. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom. All are invited to Erev Shabbat service on Friday, July 17 at 5:30 pm…