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.

At the Library: Through mid-April: AARP Foundation’s free tax help on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. By Elizabeth Cate, Collection Development Librarian Sedona AZ (March 28, 2014) – If you enjoy mystery novels but find their sometimes graphic nature to be off-putting, then a “cozy mystery” may be in order. Cozy mysteries, according to NoveList, an online resource for reading recommendations, “are the ‘gentle reads’ of the mystery genre, containing very little explicit sex or violence.” This mystery subgenre was “originally British, with a village setting, and featuring unlikely detectives, and are now set just about anywhere…

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Sedona AZ (March 27, 2014) – Application forms for City of Sedona grants in the areas of community building, arts & culture, and economic stimulation funding categories are now available. Based on last year’s funding level, it is estimated that $150,000 will be available for the upcoming fiscal year. Applications are due on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 4 p.m. with awards made in July by the City Council.

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Sedona AZ (March 27, 2014) – Award-winning, world-renowned comedians and impersonators Tom Stevens and Tony Lewis bring their acclaimed “Martin and Lewis Tribute Show” to Sedona when they perform live, onstage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.  There will be four performances April 3-6, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. The show pays tribute to the world’s most beloved musical/comedy duo of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were the hottest act in America during the early 50’s. Dean Martin was the straight man and Jerry Lewis added the comedy. “The Martin and Lewis Tribute”…

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“Sentimental Journey,” the famous Boeing B-17G “Flying Fortress” to visit Sedona on Monday, March 31,  2014 Sedona AZ (March 27, 2014) – The movie “Memphis Belle” made the World War II story of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress come alive and very real for those who watched the award winning film. The nationwide tour of Memphis Belle, its mass of metal, engineering genius, along with the mental fortitude of its tens of thousands of pilots and crew members made the B-17 an icon that symbolized the courage of America during these dark times 75 years ago.

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Are You Preparing for This Year’s Wildfire Season? Sedona AZ (March 25, 2014) – The wildfire season is almost here. Are you preparing for this year’s wildfire fire season? Protecting your home from a wildfire starts with you. March 30 through April 5, 2014 is Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week. As conditions continue to dry, temperatures start to rise and the number of windy days starts to increase across our area, the potential threat of wildfire increases. “Sedona Fire District Firefighter’s are preparing for this year’s wildfire season by completing their physical agility training and testing, inspecting specialized equipment and attending…

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Sedona AZ (March 27, 2014) – The Sedona Heritage Museum is hosting the next in its Living History speaker series on Wednesday April 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Museum. “An Artist’s View of the Hubbell Trading Post” will feature artist Margo Mitchell. Remaining nearly unchanged for more than 130 years, the Hubbell is the oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Nation. With images and stories, Ms. Mitchell will share her delightful stay at the Hubbell Trading Post, a National Historic Site, while she served as “Artist in Residence”.

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Sedona AZ (March 26, 2014) – The Sedona Heritage Museum presents Michael Peach in a performance of his new original show “Deceptions, Lies & Alibis” on Saturday, April 5 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.

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Cornville AZ (March 26, 2014) – Connections Equine Therapy located in Cornville, AZ is looking for volunteers to work with our clients and horses.   We offer Therapeutic Riding and other services designed to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals facing a wide range of challenges.   This is your opportunity to get involved with a great group of people, get to know some wonderful horses and help a worth-while cause!

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Camp Verde AZ (March 26, 2014) – Local artist Keith Schall is known for his large cutting edge abstract paintings that intentionally break the boundaries of a traditional rectangle or square. His work is spontaneous yet analytically laid out.  On Saturday April 5th, Schall will lead a one day workshop on his approach and abstract techniques at White Hills Gallery, in downtown Camp Verde, from 1-4pm.

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Sedona AZ (March 26, 2014) – Hopi Sustainable Ways of Life & Head Start Edible Landscaping Project program will be held at the Sedona Library on April 6, 1:30 pm.  Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture Director Lilian HIll will talk about strengthening food security, traditions, and cultural values that support sustainable ways of life, in order to pass that knowledge on to future generations in this visual presentation.  Lilian is a Certified Permaculture Designer and Natural Builder living in Kykotsmovi, Hopi, with her family in their hand built passive solar home.   She fulfills family/clan responsibilities, works with her community, consults and is raising gardens and…

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Encore of Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical on big screen at Mary D. Fisher Theatre Sedona AZ (March 26, 2014) – Broadway returns to Sedona on Tuesday, April 1 when the Sedona International Film Festival celebrates the 2-year anniversary of its Mary D. Fisher Theatre by hosting the big screen encore of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical revival “Company”. The production features the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and an all-star cast. There will be two shows at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. All tickets are only $2 each in honor of this special 2-year anniversary celebration.  “We are honored to bring…

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Sedona AZ (March 26, 2014) – Preserving the wonder of life here in the Greater Sedona Area starts with people, volunteerism and supporting those who serve and those who need our help, including our animal friends.  Soldier’s Best Friend is an Arizona based non-profit organization dedicated to providing veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with a trained Service or Therapeutic Companion Dog; many of these dogs are rescued from local shelters.

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Sedona AZ (March 26, 2014) – The Smithsonian Magazine has just named Sedona, Arizona as one of the most remarkable towns in America on its “20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2014” list. Here is what the Smithsonian Magazine has to say about the splendor of Sedona: “Approaching Sedona, you will feel your jaw drop as pinnacles, hoodoos and buttes rise—crimson, carmine, burnt sienna, depending on the slant off the sun. The effect makes you want to paint a Sistine Chapel even if you can’t draw a straight line.”

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Sedona AZ (March 26, 2014) – The spiritual journey can be a roller coaster ride. So why not laugh at the ups and downs along the way? Join Zenprov Comedy “Spiritual Enlaughenment” for a light-hearted, good-humored trip through the Old Testament to the New Age to the Great Beyond and all points in-between. This one-night only performance happens Saturday, March 29 at 7 pm at the Sedona Creative Life Center. Tickets are only $10 per-sale, or $15 at the door. 

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Sedona AZ (March 25, 2014) – To protect your home from potential wildfires as well as make spring yard cleanup easier, the Sedona Fire District (SFD) is issuing no-cost residential burn permits for burning. Permits are required for any open burning in the Fire District, and are currently available at no charge at the SFD’s business office at 2860 Southwest Drive in West Sedona between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The SFD business office is closed on Fridays. The final date for burning with a permit is Saturday, June 7, 2014.  With the potential for…

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