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 Ted Grussing … a good word for the beginning of a river … for an informant of information in crimes … one who provides guidance and life; but tonight it is the river, specifically the Verde River. Generally speaking Sullivan Lake which is an intermittent lake near Paulden is credited with being the source of the Verde River. On Monday when Roger and I flew in search of the source we did not let ourselves be bothered by convention and the lake being dry we followed the wash up into the Bradshaw’s where I previously heard the source actually…

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Sedona AZ (November 20, 2014) – Save the date! The Loving Bowls community fundraiser takes place Saturday, December 13, 2014 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Special Exhibitions Gallery and Theatre Classroom at Sedona Arts Center in Uptown Sedona! This fantastic event offers a beautiful selection of Loving Bowls for your purchasing pleasure, plus food and loads of fun! Over 1,000 bowls have been made by local volunteer potters—including 160 special bowls for your pets—then lovingly glazed in a variety of beautiful finishes. Bowls are $10 each and come with chili, bread and dessert.  

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By Ted Grussing … the beauty which can be found anywhere you are … look up … look around … leave those  “dumb phones” alone and enjoy the true wonders that surround you.  On a walk through the neighborhood a few days ago I looked up and the sun was illuminating a branch on a Mimosa tree by the street; other trees provided a background of greens with room for a little blue sky to show through. The blooms on the branch ranged from the young and the new to those at the end of their life cycle, each providing…

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Sedona AZ (November 19, 2014) – The Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition invites everyone to join them at the 14th SVAC Annual Fall Art Exhibition Opening Reception on Friday, November 21, from 5 pm – 8 pm. The themed exhibition of artwork that includes all media types has changed locations this year and will be held in the Special Exhibition Gallery at the Sedona Arts Center, located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona.

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By Ted Grussing Late in the afternoon, long after the sun has left the ponds in deep shadow,  the golden hills and blue of the sky reflect in the water and create a work of art that needs only a winged artist to put the finishing touches to the watery canvas … and so it was that a Widgeon landed and created the proper splash to capture the blue of the sky in the wild water flying outward from the rude intrusion on the surface painted by the hills. It’s that time of year again and if you want to…

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Clarkdale AZ (November 18, 2014) – The 28th Annual Made In Clarkdale Art Show opens Friday December 5th, 2014 from 6 pm – 9 pm with its FREE Gala Event at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse.   It continues daily from 9 am – 9 pm through December 14th. The show proudly presents the original artwork of 60+ Clarkdale artists. The Gala Opening Event is a time to dress up for a party, meet neighbors for pre-holiday cheer and enjoy Clarkdale art and music.

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By Ted Grussing I got this shot of a drake and hen Widgeon down at the ponds this afternoon; they’re still pretty skittish, but coming in to land relatively close … shooting with the a 400mm on the 7D which has a C sensor which gives you a 1.6 crop factor and it gives me the equivalent of a 640mm lens. Much I like about the new 7D MKII, but a few issues that need addressing. Not sure if it is the camera or me, but we’ll see. The sensor is much better than the 7D and it looks like…

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Cottonwood AZ (November 17, 2014) – North Bend Studio Art Gallery, 1124 N. Main Street, Old Town Cottonwood is hosting a one-man show of Roland March’s paintings and sculptures through the month of December.  The exhibit, curated by Kelsey Uptain and Chanelle Courtney, will have the opening reception for the artist on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 5 p.m. til 10 p.m. This reception is open to the public and refreshments will be provided.

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Sedona AZ (November 17, 20814) – UPDATE – This morning a crew in YCSO’s Rescue 1 Helicopter located the body of David Polcyn in a narrow canyon area. At this time it appears he suffered injuries from a fall, but the exact cause of death will be determined at a later time. Crews are in the process of coordinating removal of the body. Mr. Polcyn’s wife and family have been notified. We at Sedona.biz along with the Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our condolences to the Polcyn family on this tragic loss.  ### Sedona AZ (November 16, 2014) -…

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Cottonwood AZ (November 15, 2014) – This past Wednesday, YCSO dispatchers received a welfare check request involving an elderly man in Cottonwood. The caller, who identified himself as “Daniel Welch,” initially told the dispatcher he wanted the Sheriff’s Office to deliver a message to the Cottonwood man about an upcoming family reunion. The request was declined as an inappropriate use of law enforcement resources. Welch then indicated he wanted deputies to check on the man due to health concerns. Although the caller seemed suspicious, these types of requests are taken seriously by law enforcement. Welch provided his contact information which…

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Sedona AZ (November 14, 2014) – November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month so take a look at Lucy who is wanting a new home. Lucy is a 9 year old spayed female Labrador Retriever. She is sweet, loyal and full of love.   Many pets are brought to shelters as they get older. Please remember all animals, regardless of age, deserve a loving home. Stop by the shelter seven days a week from 10 to 4 pm and at PetSmart daily to adopt a senior cat or dog today.   www.HumaneSocietyofSedona.org 928-282-4679    

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By Ted Grussing … I got this Greenhead a few days ago and it doesn’t look like he remembered to lower his landing gear (webbed feet to ski on and decelerate before going down into the water. Love those sheets of water coming up though and the rooster tail coming up behind him. Seems to have a look of self-satisfaction too … wouldn’t it be cool to come in like that? I think most of us have done a pool emptying entry at one time or another … but this is elegant.

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By Ted Grussing … few things are as fun as flying … except perhaps flying above the clouds while retaining good views of a beautiful landscape … so that was the primary delight of the morning. This evening a delightful dinner with friends at the Hilton whilst listening to the extraordinarily talented Anthony Mazzella. What fun!

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Sedona AZ (November 12, 2014) – Sedona United Methodist Church will present their annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 15th from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00p.m. and Sunday, November 16th from 10:35a.m. until 1:00p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall.  It is the perfect place to find handcrafted gift items for all your family and friends. This sale will feature crafters, artists and bakers from the congregation as well as members of the community.  Items will include jewelry, bracelets, art work, pottery, hand sewn items, baked goods, Christmas decorations and much more. 

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By Ted Grussing After an appointment in Cottonwood this morning I stopped by Bubbling Ponds on the way home hoping to see new residents there and found a lot of new arrivals; Widgeons, Ring Necks, some new Mallards (they jump, full time residents continue to bask in the sun as you walk by). The new arrivals are still used to being shot at by anyone who happens along so they are getting up sometimes before you even get to the pond they are feeding and relaxing on … soon enough they will learn that cameras do not put out #4…

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