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 10, 2014) – At the February 7 Sedona Tea Party meeting, a near capacity audience of more than 90 Verde Valley voters watched a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la4TowfiVAg) of the December 18, 2013 debate in Show Low, Arizona, between Republican primary candidates Adam Kwasman, Andy Tobin, and Gary Kiehne, each vying to represent the people of Arizona’s First Congressional District in the August primary. After watching the debate and following audience discussion, Dan McIlroy, Sedona City Councilman, asked for a straw poll to be taken of those in attendance, which included Kiehne.

Read More

Sedona AZ (February 9, 2014) – The Sedona International Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary beginning February 22, 2014. This year also celebrates the inauguration of state of the art video streaming of the festival. It has been said that the community of Sedona runs on volunteers and so the festival also runs on volunteers.  The festival is administered by a team of skilled and talented staff and runs with the support of volunteers who work year round on festival events.

Read More

Cottonwood AZ (February 9, 2014) – Kumu Hula (Hula Master) Kehau Chrisman from Hawai`i is now accepting new students into the Men’s Hula Class. If you think Men’s Hula is just wiggling around in a grass skirt, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Some Hawaiian scholars believe that in the early days hula was only danced by men. Many believe that the hula steps of today come from early Hawaiian martial arts.

Read More

By Ted Grussing A beautiful Robin nearly submerged in water droplets flying everywhere as he takes a morning bath in a cattle pond between SR 179 and Cornville Road off Beaverhead Flat Road. What a great way to get a day off to a good start and this Robin is no exception. I spent a very interesting morning with Eric at a cattle pond last week and it was fascinating to watch the different species as they came in and got their morning drink and a few like this Robin got into some major cleanup efforts with water flying everywhere. Civilized? Do…

Read More

Cottonwood AZ (February 8, 2014) – Contra Dance returns Saturday, Feb. 15th, to the Cottonwood Civic Center, 805 N. Main St. in Old Town. Get ready to lift your feet as Just Desserts fills the hall with driving rhythms and beautiful harmonies; our caller will be Steve Elliot. Contra dance is easy to learn. Bring a smile & wear comfortable clothes. Come alone or bring a friend. The lesson is at 6:30 PM and the regular dance starts at 7:00. Price is $9 per dancer, $7 for students, and $6 for age 16 & under; if possible, bring a snack…

Read More

Sedona AZ (February 8, 2014) – On February 11th and 12th well-known Sedona photographer Susie Reed will be helping people sharpen their picture taking skills in a 2-day “Photo Shoot Fundamentals” workshop. Participants will learn technical and creative aspects of what goes into a good photo shoot. Susie will explain what to bring, which are the most important camera settings to know and when to use them. She’ll help people determine if they should shoot camera raw, jpg pictures or both and talk about the correct types and sizes of photos to take for print and the Internet.

Read More

Showcasing Two Stirring Sedona Premieres THE ROCKET and BREATH OF THE GODS  “Amidst the explosion of self-transformation technologies, ILLUMINATE aptly introduces the moving image as a compelling tool for empowered living.”— Martha Beck, Life Coach, O, The Oprah Magazine Sedona AZ (February 7, 2014) – Humanity craves inspiring stories that push us along on our journey toward happiness, freedom, abundance and peace.   Sedona’s new ILLUMINATE Film Festival aims to inspire by showcasing cinematic gems which empower those who see them to live kinder, wiser, more enlightened lives. In advance of its inaugural May festival, and in partnership with the 2014 Sedona Yoga…

Read More

Sedona AZ (February 7, 2014) – During February, Pop Up Sedona Gallery will feature two artists who work with the same medium but in contrasting styles. Oil painters Rick Gandolfo and Wayne Knowles will featured throughout February, and both will be present at the venue’s First Friday reception (February 7, 5-8 PM) to exhibit their work and chat with visitors and fans. The public is cordially invited to attend and get to know these two masters.

Read More

Tea class/party is sure to get people out of tea jail and into brewing the perfect cup Sedona AZ (January 7, 2014) – Community members have an opportunity to learn about the health benefits of the 6 types of unadulterated tea that are rising in popularity over the last 10 years. The Center for Positive Living in VOC is the location for a ceremony style TEA party/class on Saturday, February 15th that is sure to be as much fun as it is fascinating. This class features 2 premium varieties of rare organic tea and gives participants the chance to drink some…

Read More

Sedona AZ (February 7, 2014) – This Valentines Day, Friday February 14, for the 2nd year an extraordinary event One Billion Rising takes place across the globe as an action to stop violence and against woman and girls.  Last year people from all background and all walks of life from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, to members of the European Parliament, actresses Anne Hathaway, Rosario Dawson, Robert Redford and kindergartners from the Philippines.   The City of Sedona Officially declared February 14 One Billion Rising Day.

Read More

Camp Verde AZ (February 7, 2014) – Spur Ventures announces a new event called “Flavors of the Verde Valley,”  to take place on Saturday February 15th and Sunday February 16th from 11-6pm at the old Boler’s building, located at 325 S. Main St., in downtown Camp Verde. Flavors of the Verde Valley will showcase the unique flavors created here in the Verde Valley, including baked breads, goat milk products, local art, music and more, all in one place. Spur Ventures, in cooperation with The Horn Restaurant, White Hills Winery & Gallery, Verde Brewing Company, Caprine Creamery and Chef Wayne’s Creations,…

Read More

Sedona AZ (February 7, 2014) – The Sedona Arts Center has recently joined the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM), one of the largest reciprocal membership programs in the world. A NARM membership offers member benefits at over 650 arts and cultural organizations across North America. Sedona Arts Center members who currently subscribe at levels above $100 will automatically receive new cards with NARM stickers, while others are encouraged to consider joining or upgrading their membership to access these new benefits. Be aware that you must present your stickered SAC membership card at all participating institutions in order to receive…

Read More

Date: Thursday, February 20, 2014 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Location: 75 Sedona View Drive, Sedona AZ 86336 Cost: $20 per person, bring a friend for half off Sedona AZ (February 7, 2014) – Come join us for a fun, informative and tasty night of great recipes and delicious chocolate delights! Sample easy to make chocolate treats to satisfy your sweet tooth without increasing blood sugar. Chocolate can be part of a healthy diet without feeling guilty about eating it. Space is limited, pre-pay to hold your spot. Sign up by Tuesday, February 18. Contact Karen to register at 928-282-8918.

Read More

Eight city council members from Casa Grande, Maricopa, Eloy and Florence support congresswoman Flagstaff AZ (February 7, 2014) – The endorsements for the Kirkpatrick for Arizona campaign continued to pour in today as eight prominent elected officials throughout Pinal County rallied behind the congresswoman’s reelection effort.

Read More

By Ted Grussing … ‘twas a fun flight down to Wickenburg this morning and multiple snow showers in the Bradshaw Mountains added to the beauty of the journey. The Lambada was left in a large hangar awaiting its turn and tomorrow the sanding begins. Eric picked me up and we drove up into the foothills of the Bradshaw’s as I wanted to show him the desert strip we affectionately dubbed Turf North. It was a forest service dirt strip about five miles north of Lake Pleasant that we used as a backup when we were flying our sailplanes (no engine)…

Read More