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.

Verde Valley AZ (April 10, 2014) – The Coconino National Forest will begin offering firewood permits for the 2014 firewood season on Friday, April 11th.  The public may begin cutting on Saturday, April 12th after the purchase of a permit.  Firewood season on the Coconino National Forest is open through mid-December. 

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Sedona AZ (April 10, 2014) – When you are an in-demand wildlife sculptor and busy gallery owner like Ken Rowe, it’s not always possible to take a road trip to Montana or Alaska to study your subjects in the field. When Ken needs to stay close to home, he finds inspiration for his next bronze sculpture by visiting wildlife sanctuaries such as Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale.

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Verde Valley AZ (April 10, 2014) – On April 22, 2014 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Sedona Red Rock High School, Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona, AZ 86336, the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization is hosting an Education Forum featuring the latest research on the state of education in Arizona and the Verde Valley and the workforce needs of the Northern Arizona business community.

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Cottonwood AZ (April 10, 2014) – If you are up for a variety of vintage rock, tender instrumentals, a Morricone movie theme, some Dave Brubeck, even a bit of Beethoven — all from three guitars, you won’t want to miss the performance of the California Guitar Trio, Friday April 18th 7:00 PM at the Old Town Center for the Arts in Old Town Cottonwood. 

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By Mr. Smith(April 9, 2014)Let’s face it. Were it not for the rich there would be no civilization.I know it’s a bold statement but bear with me.Were it not for the money, the will, the determination and desire by the rich through history to do so, there would be no recorded art, no concertos, no museums, no cities, no architecture, no invention, cars, trains, ships, medicine or science.

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Intensive DPS patrol effort to curb distracted driving will start on April 10 Phoenix AZ (April 9, 2014) – As the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) continues to pursue the goals set forth in the national campaign to curb distracted driving this month, the agency’s Highway Patrol Division will conduct an intensive statewide patrol effort to target distracted drivers in Arizona from April 10th through April 15th.  The campaign will focus on changing driving behavior through education and enforcement of our existing traffic laws. Many violations that occur such as speeding, unsafe lane use, failure to yield or stop…

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Sedona AZ (April 9, 2014) – Local artist Nancy Ruby’s paintings are now on exhibit in the Sedona City Hall Chambers through June 27, 2014. A native Texan, Nancy completed her education in San Antonio with a BA from Trinity University where she studied art with a concentration in painting.  From there she lived in Houston and worked in the interior design business first as a custom rug designer, then as owner of a decorative painting company.  

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Sedona AZ (April 9, 2014) – On October 25th, 2013, the Red Rock Ranger District was informed by representatives of the canyoneering community of an incident in a remote side canyon to Oak Creek. Investigators determined that a commercial business, Ropes That Rescue, conducted a week-long commercial outdoor training class September 21 – 27, 2013, which caused damage to the area.

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Verde Valley AZ (April 9, 2014) – Captain Troy Hoke of the Cottonwood Fire Department has been named to the MATFORCE Board of Directors.   MATFORCE is led by Co-Chairs Sheila Polk, Yavapai County Attorney, and Doug Bartosh, Cottonwood City Manager.  Bartosh said, “We welcome Captain Hoke to the Board.   His leadership and experience in responding to emergencies that include drug abuse related emergencies is a valuable asset to our goal of working together to reduce substance abuse.”

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Business Networking for Women in Northern Arizona Cottonwood AZ (April 9, 2014) – The local Chapter of Professional Women’s Group has their second quarterly luncheon of 2014 on April 15, 2014.  Luncheon will be at the Cottonwood Recreation Center from 11:30am – 1:30pm and include a speaker presentation, networking opportunities, catered lunch, and raffle/door prizes. This month’s luncheon will be catered by Jerona Java Cafe based out of Cottonwood.  Pre-registration for this event is required and you can sign up at www.pwgaz.org.

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Rimrock AZ (April 8, 2014) – UPDATE – Detectives have released the name of the suspect involved in this incident. He is identified as 30-year-old Jonathan Perez-Vidal from Rimrock. On the afternoon of April 4,2014, detectives arrested Perez-Vidal at his home in Rimrock. The suspect acknowledged his involvement in the fight and admitted becoming upset when he saw the victim talking with his wife. The victim told deputies he does not know the suspect and was unaware of any issues he created while speaking with patrons inside the tavern.  

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Sedona AZ (April 8, 2014) –  The Red Rock Ranger District, Arizona Natural History Association, and Friends of the Forest invite the public to celebrate the arrival of spring wildflowers by attending nature talks and viewing a live wildflower display. Beginning April 4th, the Visitor Center will have live wildflowers on display from the Sedona and Verde Valley area.  The flowers will be on display for approximately two weeks depending on weather conditions. 

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Sedona AZ (April 8, 2014) – If you live in Sedona, you soon will be a part-owner of a beautiful new piece of outdoor sculpture, called “The Open Gate” created by Reagan Word.  Within a year you will be able to view it with pride every time you drive through the roundabout at Schnebly Hill Road in Sedona. 

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