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.

Clarkdale AZ (January 28, 2014) – Local business owners and everyone interested in learning about Local First Arizona and Town of Clarkdale economic development initiatives are invited to the Local First Arizona Mixer on Friday, January 31st 2014 from 5-7pm. The event will be hosted by the Town of Clarkdale and held in the Clark Memorial Clubhouse Men’s Lounge at 19 N. Ninth Street. The mixer is an opportunity to mingle, network, sample local wine and food, take a tour of the historic Clubhouse and learn more about Local First Arizona and business promotion opportunities in Clarkdale.  

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Sedona AZ (January 28, 2014) – At the rehearsal for their “Personal Peace” 15-minute segment of the February 7 Sedona World Peace Dance and Concert, performer and choreographer Jamie Marie Spears and her dancers were spiraling, twirling and dancing suspended from the ceiling by silks and ribbons all somewhat reminiscent of a Cirque du Soleil performance. Their aerial segment in World Peace Dance expresses a personal awakening, a shedding of old mindsets, and a connection to a higher self signified by the ascending onto the golden silk spirals suspended from the ceiling at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. She and…

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Sedona AZ (January 26, 2014) – Coleman M. Greenberg of Sedona passed away on January 17, 2014 in Houston, Texas. He was 75 years old. He was surrounded by Pinky Greenberg of Sedona, and his sons, Martin  and Richard Greenberg of Mahopac, NY. Cole was born on February 23, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska to the late Samuel M. Greenberg and Mildred Lipsey Greenberg. At Cole’s request, his body was donated to science. Many people found Cole provocative. One can see why by noting his email signature line: “Always Question Authority!” He was deeply passionate about the individuals and causes he…

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Sedona AZ (January 25, 2014) – In Arizona where every drop of water is precious water is allocated in several ways, depending on use, timing and location. It is not uniform and sometimes seems unfair. It is the law of the wild west when it comes to water. There are some challenges built into the law, and finding solution will be difficult. In the meantime every day we consume more than we replenish, making the clock even more important in the race for water sustainability in the arid west.

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Sedona AZ (January 25, 2014) – The second Sedona Poetry Slam of 2014 kicks off at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, 2030 W. State Route 89A, Suite A-3. All poets are welcome to compete for the $75 grand prize and $25 second-place prize. The prize is funded in part by a donation from Verde Valley poetry supporter Jeanne Freeland. The slam is the second the 2014 season, which will culminate in selection of Sedona’s third National Poetry Slam Team, the foursome and alternate who will represent the city at the National Poetry Slam…

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Fun, Games, Food and Activities in a Warm, Safe Environment for Kids Age 6 -12! Sedona AZ (January 24, 2014) – Sedona community’s kids, aged six-to-twelve, are invited to attend Sedona YMCA’s Parents’ Night Out on Friday, January 31st from 6 – 8 p.m. The theme for this event will be Talent Show and Dance and will include a hot meal, ice cream, fun, games, and activities in a warm and safe environment.

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Sedona AZ (January 24, 2014) – Dobes is a 5 year old Rottie / Shepherd mix neutered male. Dobes is a bit of a shy boy, but warms up quickly. And handsome, too – don’t ya think? He needs someone who has time to get to know him and once you do, you’ll simply fall in love! Dobes would prefer a mature home with adults only please. Visit and adopt Dobes as well as many other beautiful cats and dogs at the Humane Society of Sedona shelter Sunday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. or call 928-282-4679.

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Jerome AZ (January 24, 2014) – Gallery 527 in Jerome hosts another great Art Walk party on February 1 and features new work by Sallie Cross who has recently joined the group. Expressive watercolors and a few mixed media pieces are filled with vibrant color and charm. Jeweler Marian Ward has created her yearly Valentine’s Day piece. Puffy bronze hearts link together to make a unique homage to love. Marian’s huge variety of stunning bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces will provide a multitude of gift ideas. Well-known Verde Valley Ramona Stites has also recently joined the gallery with her contemporary landscape and abstract…

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Sedona AZ (January 24, 2014) – Local author Genii Townsend will offer a playshop on granting your own wishes from 6:30 to 8:30 pm Friday, January 31 at the Center for Positive Living in the Village of Oak Creek. Voluntary donation suggested. Genii will introduce fun exercises from her book, Discover the Secrets of Granting Your Own Wishes from A Real Genii!  Included are 4 questions to ask yourself when granting your own wishes: (1) What do you truly want or wish for? (2) Why do you want that? (3) How will your life change when you have it? and…

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Sedona AZ (January 23, 2014) – Building on the tremendous success of their inaugural festival last year, organizers of the highly anticipated Sedona Yoga Festival are gearing up for another truly transformative event early next month. Thursday–Sunday, February 6–10, yogis and other conscious community members will flock to the quiet boulevards and soaring red rock canyons of Sedona for three days of yoga, music and energy work in the undisputed spiritual center of the American West.

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Prescott AZ (January 23, 2014) – On January 17, 2014, Captain Brian Hunt, who oversees the Support Services Division at YCSO, was notified that the Sheriff’s Office had successfully completed criteria for the Missing Kids Readiness Project (MKRT) through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Kimberly Glotzbach, Training Coordinator at NCMEC based in Alexandria, Virginia, wrote the following: “Congratulations to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office – Communications Section. You have proven your commitment to protecting children by successfully completing all of the NCMEC Missing Kids Readiness Project Criteria (formerly known as the 911 Partner Program).

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Camp Verde AZ (January 22, 2013) – Spur Ventures, a new venture capital firm based in Camp Verde, is helping accelerate entrepreneurs in the Verde Valley. Located in the Boler’s building at 325 S. Main St, Spur Ventures will provide financial and skill training to entrepreneurs looking to grow their ideas and already existing businesses. They are focused on businesses that build off of our strengths in our community such as Agriculture, Ecosystem, and Cultural Entrepreneurs. Spur Ventures will provide business development, capital formation, network building, and marketing assistance to interested entrepreneurs. Spur Ventures will aid entrepreneurs in how to…

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Solo exhibit by Stephanie Peters, Jan 24th – March 8th Camp Verde AZ (January 22, 2014) – White Hills Gallery is pleased to announce a solo exhibit called “Earth’s Flow,” by emerging mixed media artist Stephanie Peters. The exhibit will be on display from Friday January 24th through Saturday March 8th, with an opening reception on Friday January 24th from 5-7pm. Stephanie Peters is originally from the Washington D.C. Area, and graduated from the University of Arizona in 2009 in Fine Art. She has previously exhibited in Tucson, Phoenix, New York and the Washington D.C. Area. In addition to being a…

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Sedona AZ (January 21, 2014) – Make a mask of your face that represents your vision of peace! February 3rd, 9AM- 12PM at Yavapai College’s, Sedona Center for Arts and Technology, mask maker and expressive performance artist, Pash Galbavy invites participants to a make a peace mask as part of UN declared, International Interfaith Harmony Week. A demonstration of Galbavy’s fast and easy mask making technique can be seen on the Videos page of www.unmaskit.com.  The history of masks dates back millennium. Traditionally they are thought to embody the spirit of the characters they represent. In this workshop, participants will make a mask of their own…

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Sedona AZ (January 20, 2014) – On Monday, January 27th, 2014 Toastmasters of Sedona will be hosting a presentation of the new City plan, recently adopted by the City Council, by employees of the City Manager’s office and volunteers from Imagine Sedona. Following the presentation there will be a brief question and answer period so please come and bring all your questions. The plan will be voted on this coming March.

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