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.

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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Sedona AZ (February 19, 2014) – Coconino National Forest is seeking public comments on a project proposal that would stabilize a section of Oak Creek and restore the creek to a more natural configuration. The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino NF proposes to stabilize the bank of Oak Creek immediately adjacent to the Cave Springs Campground road, which includes a bank section that is being undercut and is now susceptible to collapse.

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Verde Valley AZ (February 19, 2014) – MATFORCE received top national honors as ‘Coalition of the Year’ from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA).   MATFORCE received its award before an audience of more than 2,500 substance abuse prevention and treatment specialists from throughout the country in Washington, D.C. on February 6, 2014 at the CADCA 24th annual National Leadership Forum.  MATFORCE was selected for their success in reducing youth prescription drug abuse and underage drinking.

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Camp Verde AZ (February 19, 2014) – Spur Ventures, in partnership with White Hills Winery & Gallery, is pleased to announce a new weekly event, called “Flavors of the Verde Valley” from 11-4pm to take place on Saturdays at White Hills, in downtown Camp Verde at 325 S. Main St. In response to the overall success of this month’s “Flavors of the Verde Valley” festival, the event will host local artisans and vendors creating handmade goods in the Verde Valley, music, wine tasting, live painting demonstrations and more. Artisans and vendors will have local products for sale including soaps made…

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Sedona AZ (February 19, 2014) – Award-winning animal rescue film Lion Ark is one of 145+ independent films selected for the 2014 Sedona International Film Festival. Celebrating more than 19 years of screenings and educational workshops, The Sedona International Film Festival is considered one of the top regional festivals in the nation. Named the “Fest to Impress” by MovieMaker Magazine, the festival has featured a number of Academy Award-nominated films. Past festival guests and honorees include Michael Moore, Jane Seymour, Peter Fonda, Nick Nolte, Ed Asner, and Ted Danson. This year’s nine-day festival will also feature special appearances by country…

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Sedona AZ (February 18, 2014) – Sedona Parks and Recreation announces the spring dog programing which offer a variety of opportunities for dog owners to teach their pets new habits.  Whether it is for a dog that needs an outlet for extra energy or an old dog that needs better manners, these classes have it covered.  Join Instructor Starr Ladehoff, CPDT-KA on this fun journey with your pet. 

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