Author: Tommy Acosta

Tommy Acosta is the publisher, editor, and lead opinion writer of Sedona.biz, the hyperlocal cyber magazine known as "The Voice of Sedona and the Verde Valley." He writes on local issues, politics, national affairs, culture, and personal reflection, often with a provocative or satirical tone.In addition to his work as a writer, Acosta is a working musician and reflexologist. He has written extensively about the challenges Sedona's musicians face, noting their low pay despite the town's vibrant music scene.Acosta describes himself as a "political actualist," rejecting strict party affiliations and instead focusing on how people are manipulated by political processes. His coverage spans local Sedona issues, tourism, short-term rentals, cultural events, community building, as well as national commentary and critiques of political figures, sometimes through imaginative pieces like "What Would Tommy Do?"Acosta is deeply engaged in Sedona's cultural and spiritual community, advocating for local musicians, artisans, and businesses, and writing about Sedona's unique identity as a spiritual and artistic hub.

By Paul Schwartz, Member of the Library Board of Trustees Sedona AZ (May 29, 2015) – Memorial Day, which today is merely a day off that marks the beginning of summer, was originally a solemn holiday intended to honor those who died in the military service of our country. This year, 2015, marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, so it is especially appropriate that we remember those who served and died in that conflict.

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Sedona AZ (May 29, 2015) – The Sedona Heritage Museum presents Michael Peach in a performance of his original show “MORE Deceptions, Lies & Alibis” on Saturday, June 6 at 1:30 p.m. Peach’s show features his unique blend of original cowboy poetry with a tongue-in-cheek look at Arizona and local history, also incorporating jokes, stories, and first person narrative.

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By Dr. Marta AdelsmanLife Coach in Communication and Consciousnesswww.DrMartaCoach.com(May 29, 2015) Imagine picking up a dirty, rusty piece of metal and watching as it turns to gold in your hand.  That image is an allegorical representation for something that happened to me last week.  My husband, Steve, and I had triggered each other into an argument.  With significant others, certain subjects seem to ignite our emotions and we dig in our heels, raise our voices, or shut down.  In this dialogue with Steve, our different ways of approaching the topic collided, and sparks flew.

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By Ted Grussing … a super fun day beginning with Alice and I getting the VIP tour of the GIA gem grading laboratory and research labs this morning  and then some meetings followed by lunch, visit to the NAMM museum in Carlsbad, back to the GIA for a lecture on Columbian Emeralds and then dinner at the Twenty 20 Restaurant in the Carlsbad Sheraton, sunset at Moonlight State Beach … at dinner my friend Terri put her request in for a duck photo and so this pair of Ringnecks is for you Terri … Alice transformed GIA’s publication Gems and…

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Cottonwood AZ (May 28, 2015) – Early  morning on the 28th, 0230 hours VVFD responded to a residential fire on the 3400 block of Colorado Drive in Cottonwood.  Upon arrival the first engine company reported smoke showing and upgraded to a working fire.  All occupants were awakened by the smoke detectors and all evacuated safely, however two were transported for smoke inhalation as they attempted to extinguish the fire themselves. 

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New award-winning films make Sedona premiere at Mary D. Fisher Theatre Sedona AZ (May 28, 2015) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premieres of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed films “Little Boy” and “Slow West” showing June 5-9 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. LITTLE BOY “Little Boy” features an all-star cast with two Oscar-nominated actors, Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson, Ben Chaplin, Michael Rapaport, Cary Tagawa, Ted Levine, David Henrie, Eduardo Verastegui and the 7-year old newcomer Jakob Salvati.

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Sedona AZ (May 28, 2015) – Environmentalist, author and long-time Sedona resident Dan Dagget has observed many changes since arriving here in 1980.  Previewing his upcoming talk, Dagget says, “I continue to be concerned about the mountains, canyons, rivers and wide open spaces around Sedona … so I have continued to keep track of [certain] areas …  As a result, I have something to report that may surprise you.  It certainly surprised me.”

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By Councilor Scott Jablow Sedona AZ (May 28, 2015) – Many, many years ago, I took an oath to protect and serve my community.  Fast forward thirty years, I am now retired from a very successful and rewarding law enforcement career, and like many of you, I moved to one of the most beautiful places on earth – Sedona.   However, although retired from law enforcement, my passion to protect and serve continues. 

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By Ted Grussing Usually when I am traveling I’ll do a few photos in advance, but this time not … doing color corrections or just In general seeing what an image is like whilst working on an older laptop screen is a bit of a guestimate … anyhoo here is a photo of the Hoo Doo section of the upper east portion of Sycamore Canyon. The monuments appear to be of an ancient civilization frozen in time.

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Verde Valley AZ (May 27, 2015) – Interested in Fundraising and Nonprofit Work? Don’t miss the 2015 Arizona State Conference this July in Prescott, Ariz. The Association for Fundraising Professionals – Northern Arizona Chapter is hosting the 2015 Arizona Statewide Conference on Fundraising July 23-24 at the Prescott Resort. The conference is intended for professionals in the nonprofit industry, but anyone can attend with interest in the nonprofit sector. Board members, community volunteers and philanthropist will gain additional skills to work effectively in the nonprofit industry with confidence. The conference allows for full conference registration, or one-day attendance.  Topics include: “Truth, Transparency, and Overhead,” “The Seven…

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Jerome AZ (May 27, 2015) – Warm, easy nights of June in Jerome will set the perfect mood to welcome art lovers as they stroll the lovely galleries and studios that circle the town from the Flux Gallery at The Old Jerome High School to Made in Jerome Pottery, The Lincoln Gallery in The New State Motor Company and The Adorn Collection in the UVX Building. This first Saturday Art Walk on June 6th will continue to delight the growing group of regulars as well as lucky newcomers to this wonderful evening. The festivities start at 5:00PM throughout the town…

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Cottonwood AZ (May 27, 2015) – Meet Jack – he is a medium sized sweet boy. He likes to play and loves to receive affection. You’ll find Jack at the Verde Valley Humane Society, open from Monday-Saturday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and located at 1520 W. Mingus Ave., Cottonwood, AZ 86326 (approx. 1 mile past the Cottonwood Muncipal Airport).

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Sedona AZ (May 27, 2015) – The City of Sedona Parks and Recreation Department has a variety of random recreation related items to be auctioned online at Public Surplus.  You may find something unique to add to your collection of recreation goods. The auction begins on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 and ends on Tuesday, June 2.  

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There will be three days of thought provoking presentations and discussions by world recognized hummingbird and conservation experts on a variety of topics: how to attract them, how to garden for them, and efforts to protect endangered hummingbirds. Sedona AZ (May 26. 2015) – The 4th Annual Sedona Hummingbird Festival invites residents and visitors alike to the Sedona Performing Arts Center and the greater Sedona area on July 31st and August 1-2 for three enchanting days of hummingbird presentations, banding demonstrations, sunrise breakfasts with the hummingbirds, shopping at the Hummingbird Marketplace, a hummingbird art exhibit, as well as hummingbird garden tours, birding trips,…

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