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.

Sedona AZ (February 21, 2014) – Mary Heyborne will read her poetry at the University Women of Sedona meeting at 10 a.m., Monday, March 3, at The Church of the Red Rocks. Heyborne’s poems have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and anthologies, and her three full-length books of poetry – Who’ll Pick the Morning Rose, Ephemerons, and Words and Other Lovers – are enjoyed by readers internationally. About her poetry, Jim Natal, noted poet and author of Memory and Rain, says “Mary Heyborne’s passion for poetry infuses every line . . . . . Whether she’s musing on the Romantic…

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Taught by a professional grant writing expert with over 21 years of successful grant writing, grant research & grant administration expertise, this fun, hands-on grant writing course will walk you through all stages of grant project development. Cottonwood AZ (February 21, 2014) – Mountain View Preparatory School and Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District, Number 6 are co-sponsoring a two-day “Finding & Funding Grants” workshop in the new modular building on the Mountain View Preparatory School campus at 2939 Del Rio Drive in Cottonwood, Arizona on Monday and Tuesday, March 17 and 18, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. …

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Verde Valley AZ (February 21, 2014) – In September 2013 The Arizona Humanities Council sponsored a statewide conversation on Mental Health issues. Thirty five interested people from Sedona and surrounding communities gathered at Yavapai College Sedona to participate in the live streamed broadcast and local conversation. At the end of the evening, several residents and health professionals decided to come together as a steering committee to further discuss needs, resources and possible actions to address mental health issues in our local communities.

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Cottonwood AZ (February 21, 2014) – Want to become a “RedHead”? Come hear Red Molly at Old Town Center for the Arts on Thursday, March 6th at 7:30 pm and you can join thousands of festival goers who’ve become huge fans of this elite female musical group from New York City, often referred to as “RedHeads.” Since 2004, Americana trio Red Molly has been bringing audiences to their feet with gorgeous three-part harmonies, crisp musicianship, and their warm, engaging stage presence. The band consists of Laurie MacAllister (bass, banjo), Abbie Gardner (dobro, banjo) and Molly Venter (guitar). This past year,…

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Sedona AZ (February 21, 2014) – Sedona’s 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival will start at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 15th. The Parade Title Sponsor is Aspey, Watkins & Diesel, PLLC, the Festival Title Sponsor is Red Rock Western Jeep Tours & A Day in the West, and our Over the Rainbow Sponsors are Sedona Fudge Company and Sedona Pines Resort.  This free community event is made possible by these and additional business sponsors, plus media and other donors, and support from the City of Sedona along with a multitude of wonderful volunteers.

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Jerome AZ (February 21, 2014) – Gallery 527 in Jerome presents ‘From Heart to Hand – Ramona Stites Returns’, opening on March 1st during First Saturday Art Walk. Ramona has a loyal fan base in the Verde Valley and her collectors have commented on how excited they are to once again see the bright and vibrant landscape paintings with her signature sumptuous curves and colors. Gallery 527 is home to some of Northern Arizona’s finest artists and promises a delightful evening for great art and conversation on March 1st from 5 to 8pm. Ramona speaks eloquently about her paintings. In…

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By Ted Grussing … these Northern Shoveler’s were busy getting an early dinner whilst I watched on down at the ponds. Although dabblers that feed on plant food they also have a highly specialized bill that allows them to skim the waters’ surface and their specialized wide flat bill has lamellae that act like sieves skimming crustaceans and plankton from the waters surface. It was late when I got down there to shoot and since all the creatures were busy preparing for the night I did my best to leave them alone and undisturbed. Then a stop at NY Deli…

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Sedona AZ (February 21, 2014) – In October of 2013, the City of Sedona initiated a notice of competitive design solicitation for an outdoor performance venue for the Barbara Antonsen Memorial Park site in the Posse Grounds Park.   Three design proposals have been selected and will be on display at the Sedona Public Library and in the Community and Economic Development Department at Sedona City Hall through Thursday, March 20.  Public input on the proposals is encouraged during the presentation and during the 30-day public review period.  You may also review and provide input on the three proposals by…

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An exciting opportunity to help others and hang out with horses! Cornville AZ (February 20, 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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Jerome AZ (February 20, 2014) – The Jerome Art Walk keeps its momentum going on March 1st, approaching the spring season with more artistic energy and wonderful talent than ever before. Every first Saturday, the creative community of Jerome is pleased to host an evening of art, music and entertainment with open studios and galleries displaying local, regional and national artistic treasures. New members have joined the group and are planning special events throughout the town on March 1st from 5:00 to 8:00PM. A free shuttle runs during the event. Restaurants will offer delightful meals and charming lodging choices abound…

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By Ted Grussing … temporarily at least. I shot the two hairy woodpeckers on a walk a couple of mornings ago; they should be very pleased with themselves that their wings are attached and the do not have to suffer the indignity of being dismantled for maintenance and sanded down for repainting. I took the shot of the Lambada in a very dismantled state and still in the midst of sanding gel coat off. Worked out some great trim designs and in about three weeks it will resume the ready to fly state of the woodpeckers and in my once…

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Cornville AZ (February 20, 2014) – Cornville Community Association (CCA) invites Cornville businesses to participate in the 5th Annual Merchant Showcase. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Oak Creek School, Cornville. Let neighbors know about your business – “word of mouth” is the best advertising you can’t buy!

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Sedona AZ (February 20, 2014) – As an appropriate heart pounding kick-off to the 2014 schedule, the 20th Anniversary Sedona International Film Festival will present a special screening of the amazing Formula 1 documentary “1” on their opening day, Saturday, Feb. 22, 1PM, at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. Set in the golden era of Grand Prix racing, “1” tells the story of a generation of charismatic drivers who raced on the edge, risking their lives at every race during Formula 1’s deadliest period. These are the men (Lauda, Hunt, Andretti, Stewart, et. al.) who stood up and changed the…

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Verde Valley AZ (February 19, 2014) – John Rasmussen, Yavapai County Water Advisory Committee Coordinator, will introduce the basic components and findings of the Central Yavapai Highlands Water Resources Management Study (CYHWRMS), a regional effort under the auspices of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), when he speaks to the Citizens Water Advocacy Group on Saturday, Mar. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 882 Sunset in Prescott (two blocks behind True Value).

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Sedona AZ (February 19, 2014) – The City of Sedona is accepting nominations for the Sixth Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards, which each year honor individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the success of the arts in the City of Sedona.  Nominations must be received or postmarked by Friday, February 28, 2014.

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