SEDONA, Ariz., Aug. 7, 2026 — After a reconnaissance flight over the Hart Fire 8 miles northwest of Sedona, firefighters have mapped the wildfire as 13 acres and burning atop the rim in a rugged inaccessible steep cliff area. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire through the weekend and conduct additional reconnaissance flights as necessary. Monsoon weather is predicted for the area over the next several days, with chances of moisture increasing as it gets closer to Monday. Due to the location atop steep cliffs, a decision has been made to not conduct water bucket drops on the fire, to…
Author: Tommy Acosta
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Sedona, az. — Sunday, August 9th at 4 pm kicks off a new Candidate Conversations zoom series to meet Democratic candidates running for Statewide and Congressional offices. First up: Nick Mansour, candidate for AZ State Treasurer, and Brian Matlock, candidate for AZ State Mine Inspector They’ll introduce themselves, explain the jobs they’re seeking, and why those jobs matter to all Arizonans. This is the first in a series of talks featuring statewide and Congressional candidates. Upcoming conversations include: August 16 – Jonathan Nez (CD2) and JoAnna Mendoza, (CD1) – each running for a hotly contested seat in the US House…
Sedona, AZ — I want to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to vote in this election. Whether you voted for me or supported another candidate, I appreciate your participation. Local elections matter because the decisions made by your City Council affect our daily lives and the future of our community. https://vimeo.com/1212771443/6f1fd08f84?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci As a member of the Sedona City Council, I will work to make thoughtful decisions that benefit the greatest number of residents. Fiscal responsibility is very important to me, but being fiscally responsible does not mean avoiding necessary investments. It means spending our money carefully and wisely…
By Clifton Holmes II Sedona, AZ — Close your eyes. Imagine the aroma of garlic gently sautéing in olive oil. Fresh herbs perfume the air. A rich tomato sauce simmers patiently, filling the room with the unmistakable fragrance of an Italian kitchen where recipes aren’t rushed—they’re respected. Now open your eyes. You don’t have to book a flight to Rome. Just make a reservation at Bella Vita Ristorante in Sedona or BV’s Italian Kitchen in Cottonwood. Executive Chef David Moraga has brought a fresh passion for authentic Italian cuisine to both restaurants, and every plate reflects his commitment to quality,…
By Clifton Holmes II — Sedona, AZ –There are hamburgers. There are good hamburgers. There are great hamburgers. And then there is the Mushroom Swiss Burger at Judi’s Restaurant & Lounge—a burger so satisfying it deserves its own place on Sedona’s culinary bucket list. I call it “Heaven on a Bun.” One bite and you’ll hear the gastronomical angels sing, and you’ll understand why that description is so fitting. It begins with a thick, juicy Angus beef patty, charbroiled to perfection and crowned with savory sautéed mushrooms and rich, melted Swiss cheese. Every ingredient works in harmony. The mushrooms add…
Festival partners with The Wilde Resort & Spa for “Wilde Wednesdays” outdoor films Sedona, AZ — The Sedona International Film Festival is partnering with The Wilde Resort in West Sedona to present its “Movies on the Move” outdoor film experience — “Wilde Wednesdays” Cinema Under the Stars — every Wednesday in the summer season! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM This is the summer of romantic comedies at The Wilde! Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 19 as we present “500 Days of Summer” in The Grove Fire Pit Garden at The Wilde Resort and Spa. In the 2009 romantic drama/comedy “500 Days of Summer” Tom…
Opening Reception Held During Celebrate Sedona on August 21 [Sedona, Ariz.]—August 3, 2026—Sedona Arts Center (SAC) presents “Beyond the Frame,” a special exhibition celebrating artists who challenge traditional artistic boundaries and explore new possibilities in creative expression. The exhibition opens Friday, August 21, during Celebrate Sedona from 4–6 p.m. and will remain on view through September 27, 2026. The free community celebration will include the opening reception for “Beyond the Frame,” live music, food and beverages, and opportunities to meet exhibiting artists. Celebrate Sedona brings the community together through art, creativity, and connection, and will take place inside Sedona Arts Center’s Art…
SEDONA, Ariz. – The city of Sedona Parks and Recreation Department is launching a new lineup of after school recreation programs for the upcoming school year. The programs provide local children in grades K-5 with engaging, instructor-led enrichment opportunities that help kids learn new skills and stay active after the school day ends. The afterschool initiative expands the city’s growing catalog of year-round recreation options for youth and families. The new programs offer affordable, accessible opportunities and introduce families to a variety of educational, creative, and recreational experiences offered through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. The afterschool lineup kicks…
Prescott, Arizona — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Yavapai College invites the community to an engaging Open House on Wed. Aug. 12 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Prescott Valley Center, 3800 N. Glassford Hill Road. This free event is an opportunity for adults aged 50 and better to meet facilitators, discover upcoming classes, and explore all that OLLI has to offer in Prescott Valley. “The programs offered through OLLI at our various Yavapai Colleges and centers is a great way for members of the community to learn from others and to teach others what they know, but…
Lot’s of people are wondering about the recent dust storms blanketing the area and here is an explanation on the mechanics behind them by a local Sedona.biz reader and contributor. By Mike Schroeder This is a compilation of data. A lot thanks to AI, that several years ago would have taken a week to put together. Dust anyone? Still Here, and this is why. The dust is remaining suspended because the massive initial volume, the microscopic size of the particles, and the local geography prevent it from settling. The historic Category 5 Haboob that swept through Arizona generated an unprecedented…
SEDONA, Ariz. – The city of Sedona’s Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for participation in this year’s Fall events. Vendors, exhibitors, presenters and sponsors are needed for WagFest (Oct. 3, 2026) and Fest of Fall (Oct. 17, 2026). WagFest features a variety of dog-focused fun and games with prizes, a free raffle, free gifts, special treats, pet portraits, canine-centric vendors and exhibitors, informative presenters, opportunities for education and more. This event is a great opportunity for the dog-focused community to share their talents, services and offerings with those who are the most interested! Fest of Fall is a family-focused, full day of activities, including a Kidz & Heroes Cornhole tournament, all-ages Pickleball tournament, local vendors, kids area with local schools and scheduled entertainment programming and friendly…
Listen to this essay here: By Bear Howard and Associates, Sedona, Az — One of the great misunderstandings of American life is the belief that everyone sees the same world and merely reaches different conclusions about it. In reality, people often begin with different versions of the world itself. Each person is shaped by family, religion, neighborhood, income, education, occupation, race, geography, opportunity, disappointment, fear, and experience. A child raised in a financially secure household where books, travel, and discussion are ordinary learns a different relationship with the world than a child raised in a household where survival is uncertain,…
By Amaya Gayle Gregory What’s going to happen is going to happen, including all the actions I am going to take or not take. Perhaps more importantly, what’s happening is what’s happening and there is nothing I can do about what’s here right now. Despite these material realities, or at least my realities, I occasionally find myself a bit jazzed, or a lot, and experience anticipatory dread. I hear it’s going around these days. My anticipatory dread doesn’t change a damn thing. I know that, grok it absolutely, but it still appears. That’s life. Whether it’s mine or the collective’s…
By Rabbi Alicia Magal Sedona, AZ — 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 August 7 at 5:30…
By Keep Sedona Beautiful Sedona, AZ — Ask anyone why they love Sedona and you’ll hear about our clean town, the red rocks, the trails, the dark skies and the quiet. Natural silence is a key part of the Sedona experience. But not long ago, that quiet was under serious strain. For years, residents were subjected to intrusive noise from helicopter tours passing over homes and neighborhoods. The aerial views that make helicopter tours popular came at a cost on the ground: the steady thrum of rotors disrupting daily life, outdoor recreation and the natural soundscape that defines Red Rock…