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 (August 29, 2013) – Author, Native American and shaman, Devara ThunderBeat is pleased to announce the release of her new spiritual/metaphysical book, Look Up: My Encounters with ETs & Angels. ThunderBeat will lecture and sign books at the Sedona Public Library on September 19th at 7pm. This amazing true story about Devara’s lifelong journey with ETs and angels may shatter your views of the world as you know it.

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Karen Russell of Recipe 4 Wellness hosts a “Chocolate Tasting” September 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 75 Sedona View Drive. Have a fun night out with your girlfriends for chocolate tasting, wine and chocolate facials. Learn which chocolates are best for your energy and decreasing belly fat. $20 or bring a friend for half price. Contact Karen (928-282-8918 or info@recipe4wellness.com) to reserve your spot today. Limited number of seats available.

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Cornville AZ (August 28, 2013) – Connections Equine Therapy is a non-profit organization located in Cornville, AZ offering Therapeutic Riding and other services designed to improve the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities. 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! We need volunteers for Horse Care. No experience necessary – training provided. Duties include feeding, grooming, and watering horses, pasture and barn clean-up. Minimum age 14 Must be physically fit One A.M shift or one P.M shift per week 8 week commitment…

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Yavapai Food Council campaigns to increase child hunger programs across the Yavapai County where food insecurity numbers are astonishing. Verde Valley AZ (August 28, 2013) – 1 out of 3 Verde Valley children unsure of where their next meal will come from and an average of 61% on free or reduced school meals across the county. Yavapai Food Council and community partners are working together to raise funds, collect backpacks and remind the community to donate healthy kid friendly foods, for the Weekend Backpacks for Hungry Kids delivery to hungry students in our community.

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Sedona AZ (August 28, 2013) – The Sedona Police Department is currently seeking residents for the Citizens Police Academy. The academy is an 8-week course designed to provide the participants with a working knowledge and a better understanding of their police department. The purpose is to educate, inform and enlighten those attending about the department, its operations, and its personnel. The academy is tuition-free and open to all Sedona residents or employees of a Sedona business. It is limited to twelve students and is on a first come, first serve basis. The upcoming academy begins on Wednesday, October 2, and…

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Sedona AZ (August 28, 2013) – On Friday, September 6, Hillside’s Pop Up Sedona Gallery will host a First Friday reception highlighting two local artists, Al Judge and Richard Barnwell. The public is invited to come and meet the artists and discuss their latest works. The reception will include wine and refreshment and will take place September 6 from 5-8 p.m.

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Sedona AZ (August 28, 2013) – The Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) announced that John Conway has joined the organization as the Theatre Operations Manager of their Mary D. Fisher Theatre.  In this new position, Conway will oversee the daily operations of the theatre and will work to expand its programming to seven nights a week. The theatre, located at 2030 W. State Route 89A, Suite A3 in West Sedona, opened its doors in time for the 2012 Film Festival.  It is the year-round home to SIFF, and shows independent films, live simulcasts, and special filmed events, such as the…

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Cottonwood AZ (August 28, 2013) – Mothers of all ages will enjoy learning how to incorporate practical tools of mindfulness, stillness, creativity, and connection in a 6-week workshop titled, “Mindful Mamas: Creating More Connection, Meaning & Balance” beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3. This collaborative class will be facilitated by Megan Aronson at The Shiva Shack. Owners, Arin Thrine and Jeff Masters, recently relocated the popular yoga studio to a new location in Cottonwood, in the Copperwood Square. “We are so excited to offer this workshop in our new facility,” said Jeff and Arin. “As the parents of two young girls, we…

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Flagstaff AZ (August 28, 2013) – Peter Sagal, host of the popular NPR show “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” and the PBS special “Constitution USA,” will speak at Northern Arizona University on Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Ardrey Memorial Auditorium. The talk, “Constitution Day with Peter Sagal” will kick off Constitution Day at NAU on Sept. 17 at Ashurst Hall and will be part of September’s Civic Engagement Month. Peter Sagal is the host of Constitution USA, a production of tpt National Productions and Insignia Films. Over the course of the four-hour series, Sagal hits the road, travelling cross-country on…

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Poetry and painting? Do they go together? Jerome AZ (August 27, 2013) – “They most certainly do,” says Susan Pitcairn, author of the newly-released “Spirit of the Earth,” 185 full color pages of her lifetime-best paintings and poems. Pitcairn will read selections from the book and sign copies at Gallery 527 in Jerome at the popular First Saturday Art Walk, September 7, 5-8 pm., 527 Main Street in Jerome. Her synthesis of the two art forms reveals a deeply spiritual vision of nature where trees speak of the interconnectedness of heaven and earth and mountains teach strength and endurance.

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Sedona AZ (August 27, 2013) – It’s a green light “Go” for Green Light this Labor Day weekend in West Sedona. From 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, August 31 at the Sedona Wine & Beer Co (The Hoppy Grape Lounge), Sedona’s all-original rock & roll band Green Light will perform live in concert in the back-patio of the lounge. Green Light keeps shining away and continues to ever evolve into an act that just keeps getting better and better.

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Michael Turner a Made In Clarkdale Artist at the “Corner Gallery” Clarkdale AZ (August 27, 2013) – Over 100 art enthusiasts enjoyed the Grand Opening of Michael Turner’s Solo Show in Made In Clarkdale’s “Corner Gallery” on August 16th. It was a time to connect with Michael and his support team of loving wife Crystal, his son and his grandchildren who were there to witness the evolutionary success of years of creativity. Most who attended knew of Michael’s work with Mylar, an interesting visual material from his work exhibited in the annual Made In Clarkdale Art Shows each December. But…

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Sedona AZ (August 26, 2013) – The public is invited to an evening reception for fine artist, Sedona resident Pamela Becker at the McLean Meditation Center on Friday, September 6, from 5:00 -8:00 pm. Guests will be treated to refreshments during a showing of the artist’s latest hand-crafted work, which she calls Desert Lotus Altars. The reception coincides with Sedona’s First Friday Gallery Tour.

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Camp Verde AZ (August 25, 2013) – Out of Africa Wildlife Park and Predator Zip Line have pledged to back the new Verde Brewing Company (VBC) Kickstarter campaign, “Harvest Crops, Plant Hops.” Their contribution will support young entrepreneurs of the Verde Valley in their quest to combine freshly farmed goods to the artistry of crafting great brews. The VBC team hopes to produce great tasting beer and add value to the already outstanding agriculture created in this Valley. Since the opening of Out of Africa, the park has been an influential economic force in a growing community. The Park constantly…

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STARBURST is a 4 year old Tabby spayed female who has spent most of her life in the shelter… Sedona AZ (August 23, 2013) – My name is Starburst, and I arrived at the Shelter as a stray back in June of 2010. I really am quite the character. As soon as I’m out of my cottage I go sit by the door waiting for it to open, then I run to one of the cat social rooms where I love to be alone to play with the toys away from all those other silly cats and wait for folks…

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