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.

Cottonwood AZ (June 3, 2014) – Just before 11PM on May 28, 2014, deputies were dispatched to an assault in the 4500 block of E Silver Leaf Trail, Cottonwood. Deputies found a 21-year-old male victim with a serious head injury covered in blood. EMS personnel treated the victim as he explained that 48-year-old Randy Stewart assaulted him with a “machete” after the victim declined to purchase a vehicle from Stewart. Stewart struck the victim on the back of his head with additional blows to an arm and hand. The victim ran and barricaded himself in another room of the suspect’s…

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Sedona AZ (June 2, 2014) – After three months of construction and a valiant fundraising effort from members of the Sedona community, the brand new Splash Park opens for children to enjoy at Sunset Park on Thursday, June 5, 2014. This 1,900 square foot splash park is appropriately located next to the existing playgrounds at the park and features eight ground sprays and five above grade spray features.  All spray features are on a timer, that when activated, will turn on the water using three different spray sequences.  This will use the water most efficiently and keep the children guessing…

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Sedona AZ (June 2, 2014) – With the haunting Slide Rock Fire under control Bluegrass legends and visionaries are on tap for the June 3-8 Sedona Bluegrass Festival comes with weeklong activities culminating in weekend performances by Bluegrass legends Peter Rowan, Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, Darol Anger & The Furies along with cello-sensation and visionary Ben Sollee and two of Arizona’s most popular acoustic bands: the Phoenix-based Pick and Holler and the Tucson-based Sonoran Dogs. The Festival is a part of the inaugural Sedona Art Week is presented by the Sedona Cultural Collaborative.

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Sedona AZ (June 2, 2014) – Sedona PhotoFest begins at 9am, Thurs, June 5, opening with “The Beauty and Magic of Sedona”, an inspiring slideshow accompanied by live music. This special presentation will weave the work of award-winning photographer Larry Lindahl with the soul-enriching live music of guitarist Ron Ayers.

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Sedona AZ (June 2, 2014) – The Slide fire has impacted everyone in our community. The daily doses of smoke are a constant reminder of the battle that is going on in the Canyon. Many in the community are searching for ways to honor and support the ongoing work of both the firefighters, and those who work every day to prepare and protect us from the impact of these disasters. The Rotary Clubs of Sedona are leading an effort to raise funds to be used for fire prevention activities and education and for recovery efforts in the Canyon. The local…

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By Ron Vernesoni, Environmental Engineer(June 2, 2014) To: Nicole Branton, District Ranger and Bryan Martyn, Arizona State Parks Director  I intend no disrespect to the employees of the United States Forest Service (USFS) by writing this opinion.  I highly commend the agency’s Slide wildfire response.  It is miraculous that much of Oak Creek Canyon was saved.  My goal is to make the agency a) more effective in preventing devastating wildfires in the future, and b) more transparent and accountable to the public for their actions and, more specifically, for their inactions.

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Arizona Gubernatorial Candidate Frank Riggs and Corporation Commission Lucy Mason on June 5th Sedona AZ (June 2, 2014) – On Thursday, June 5, Concerned Citizens for America welcomes former California Congressman Frank Riggs, candidate for Arizona Governor and Lucy Mason, candidate for Arizona Corporation Commission for a “meet and greet” for all interested voters. The free event will take place at the Canyon Trails Cowboy Church, 3132 White Bear Road, Sedona, 86336, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

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Sedona AZ (June 1, 2014) – Award-winning, world-renowned impersonator and tribute artist Sandy Anderson brings her acclaimed “Dolly Parton Tribute Show” to Sedona when she performs live, onstage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. There will be four performances June 12-15, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. The show pays tribute to the one of the world’s most beloved Country Music and pop sensations. It is the perfect way to spend Father’s Day Weekend … and bring Dad, too!

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Prescott AZ (May 30, 2014) – Yesterday, both the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the Prescott Police Department were contacted by fraud victims regarding a phone scam in which suspects impersonate Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies. In the YCSO incident, the victim received a phone call from someone identifying themselves as “Sgt. Michael Barnsworth” with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. The “Sgt.” announced that 2 misdemeanor warrants had been issued for her arrest because she failed to appear on a jury summons. The “Sgt.” indicated a follow-up call would provide further instructions.

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Sedona AZ (May 30, 2014) – Kovu says, “I am a very silly and playful boy who LOVES tennis balls and would fetch for hours! I would be well suited to the single life, as I don’t always prefer the company of dogs or cats – though in a patient and understanding home with enough space, we could be one big happy family. I just love people and can’t wait to meet you!”Kovu is a two year old neutered male Staffordshire Bull Terrier who has been at the shelter for over a year and a half – time for Kovu…

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Verde Valley AZ (May 30, 2014) – On May 25, 2014, around 12 noon, YCSO dispatchers were notified that 2 teens, ages 13 and 15, were canoeing along the Verde River and missed their predestinated pull off point at Beasley Flats Recreation area. After the rescue, deputies learned the pair had continued down the river another mile and when they realized they had gone too far, the canoe was beached. The teens then began hiking away from the river in hopes of finding their family. Instead of backtracking upstream, the pair mistakenly went cross country and followed a dry wash…

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Sedona AZ (May 30, 2014) – As fire danger increases, the Sedona fire district in conjunction with other local, state and federal agencies, had increases fire restrictions as of today, Friday, May 30, 2014 at 8:00am.  All open burn permits have been canceled. These restrictions include all open burning.  Fireworks, other pyrotechnic displays and the use of model rockets are expressly prohibited.  Other types of outdoor fires banned include those that produce open flames such as tiki lamps.

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Highway to remain closed for several weeks along switchbacks; I-17 is the route between Sedona and Flagstaff Sedona AZ (May 30, 2014) – As the battle against the Slide Fire in Oak Creek Canyon winds down, the ongoing highway-improvement project along the “switchbacks” section of State Route 89A will resume this weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

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