Author: Tommy Acosta

Sedona AZ (November 19, 2019) – Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance (NAZCCA) and Yavapai College Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will feature a presentation and discussion on climate solutions by Dr. Sailesh Rao, from Phoenix.Dr. Sailesh Rao will feature a presentation on “How Not to Go Extinct.” This talk examines the top causes of premature extinction on Earth – climate change, biodiversity loss, ecosystems collapse, chemical pollution and more.  Discussion on how a nonviolent Eco-Vegan lifestyle mitigates all of these causes. With strong scientific evidence, it shows why we need to transition to a largely Vegan World to continue fulfilling…

By Ted Grussing… it was a very warm late afternoon in July and this little guy was hunkered down in the grass and shade keeping his tummy cool .. ears back and flattened to avoid detection and minimize exposure to the hot air. The moisture in the grass feels cool and I find it a good place to be when out with One in the summer. Actually an air conditioned house is better, but that is gone for the year and perhaps next summer we will spend the summer someplace else … and next year I may be making the…

Sedona AZ (November 18, 2019) – Musicians Anthony Mazzella, Peter Sterling and Jesse Kalu will be teaming up for a concert of beautiful music inspired by the legend of Kokopelli. The Kokopelli Concert will take place on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Fisher Theatre in West Sedona.The concert will consist of flute, guitar, keyboard and harp — and the music will be extraordinary. The legend of Kokopelli represents different things to different people and is a fun and interesting topic to research. In the context of this concert, Kokopelli represents the musical spirit of the southwest.

Sedona AZ (November 18, 2019) – This November, the Sedona Fire District with support from IAFF Local 3690, and Sedona-Verde Valley Firefighters Charity will be spreading Holiday Cheer to local children of Sedona.  In partnership with Sedona Marine Corps League 1237, Sedona Fire will be collecting Toys for Tots on Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 8:00am- 2:00pm.  Firefighters and staff will be located at Safeway in West Sedona and Clarks Market in the Village of Oak Creek.  Please consider bringing a new and unwrapped toy to donate at these locations.  The Sedona Chapter Toys for Tots will be distributing all…

Clarkdale AZ (November 18, 2019) – Where can someone find a place overflowing with holiday spirit this season? Plan to visit Made In Clarkdale, an artist showcase, between December 5 to 8. Over 50 artists who live and work in Clarkdale, the historic small town located at the gateway to Mingus Mountain, create in seemingly endless media. All forms of painting, photography, master-built ceramics, jewelry, whimsical sculpture, hand carved gourds, elegant dog accessories and more fill the show in the historic Clark Memorial Clubhouse.

By Nancy Lattanzi, Arts and Culture CoordinatorSedona AZ (November 18, 2019) – Sedona, whose landscape is a work of art, has long been a locale that attracts a wide range of artists coming here for pure inspiration. Monumental red rock formations accented with pinon pine bathe in an incredible ever changing light. The scenic vistas, open fields of colorful wildflowers and the flowing waters of Oak Creek all awaken the creative muse. As a natural arts and cultural destination, we are fortunate that our numerous local galleries and shops exhibit a range of art from Native American to modern including:…

Flagstaff AZ (November 15, 2019) – Coconino National Forest firefighters plan to conduct prescribed burns next week in several areas that have been previously postponed due to earlier conditions that would have heavily impacted communities with smoke.These burns are among the prescribed burn projects planned for the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District this fall and are part of a strategy to allow fire treatment across the landscape in order to restore forests to healthier conditions, protect watersheds and improve the safety of the communities around them.

Urge Residents to Get Involved in the Legislative ProcessBy Tommy AcostaSedona AZ (November 15, 2019) – At the end of a November 13 community forum at the Oscher Lifelong Learning Institute in Sedona where Sedona city staff presented an update on the city’s options in dealing with the exponentially growing short-term rental phenomena in Sedona, it was obvious.Barring a comprehensive legislative bill being passed that would give the city some teeth in dealing with the perceived problems associated with short term rentals, there is little that can be done to stem the proliferation.Assistant City Manager Karen Osborn and City Attorney…

Mass Media, Social Media and the Erosion of Democracy is topic at Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (November 15, 2019) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to continue its speaker series, “Conversations”. This series will highlight distinguished professors from Northern Arizona University who are experts in their areas. Using a conversational format, the speakers will address controversial ideas, issues and topics, followed by Q&A. Please join us for an evening of intellectual banter, compelling, and in some cases controversial dialogue. The next event in the monthly “Conversations” series will take place Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the festival’s…

Phoenix AZ (November 15, 2019) – The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds constituents that a new rule prohibiting organized hunting contests for predatory and fur-bearing animals became effective Nov. 3. The rule does not apply to lawful hunting of predatory and fur-bearing animals (which is a valuable wildlife management tool) outside of contests as defined by the rule, nor does it apply to events such as fishing tournaments.

Sedona AZ (November 15, 2019) – The Sedona Police Department has launched a new traffic enforcement effort with support from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.  “The work is already underway, with more to come in the year ahead,” says Chief Charles Husted. “The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has awarded us two grants totaling $29,000. One grant pays for overtime to enforce and participate in Driving Under the Influence details. Other funds will support proactive traffic enforcement, speed trailer displays and the purchase of several LIDAR units.”

By Cheryl L. Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the VillageSedona AZ (November 13, 2019) – Sedona Public Library is proud to announce that Karen Mack, Director of Youth Services, was recently named the recipient of the Arizona Library Association Youth Services Librarian Award for 2019.  This prestigious award recognizes an individual who serves as a model for the important role youth services plays in public libraries. Karen was nominated for the Youth Services Award by her colleagues and library patrons. She was recognized during an awards luncheon at the Arizona Library Association Conference recently held in Tucson.

By Ted Grussing… and roll … at least that is what our Blue Heron seemed to be doing as he stood at the edge of one of the ponds. He really put himself into it and I had a couple of fun minutes shooting his antics … then it was on to visit the other ponds and see what else was going on down there, but this shot was the highlight of the outing.

Film screening, reception and discussion in observance of Transgender Day of RemembranceSedona AZ (November 14, 2019) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Unify Sedona: A Rainbow Alliance and PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley to present the premiere of “Becoming More Visible” on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.This special screening of “Becoming More Visible” is presented in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Please join us for a Q&A discussion followed by a vigil and reception after the viewing of the film at Heartline Café to honor our transgender siblings whose…

Clarkdale AZ (November 14, 2019) – The Clarkdale Historical Society Museum located at 900 First North St., Clarkdale AZ welcome’s Christina Barrueta at Author Journey’s: Meet and Greet an Author on November 23, 12:30-2:00pm. Baruetta, a well respected Food and Beverage Travel Writer, will discuss and sign her book “Arizona Wine: A History of Perseverance and Passion”. Books are available for purchase at the museum or bring your own copy. Prizes and Fun! 928-649-1198.