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 (May 12, 2013) – With the advent of warmer weather, Red Rock State Park, located at 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop Road, prepares for lots of visitors who are ready to take advantage of the five miles of hiking trails. In addition to the opportunity for self-guided hiking, there are also daily activities available. Warmer weather also means that the Wednesday and Saturday Bird Walks begin at 7:00 AM to take advantage of the early mornings and cooler temperatures.

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Sedona AZ (May 12, 2013) – Arizona author and broadcaster, Sandy Moss, author of THE TERRIBLE LOYALTY, and her husband Mike, will present a true story of adventure on the high seas on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 pm, at The Well Red Coyote bookstore in West Sedona.

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Cottonwood AZ (May 12, 2013) – Join Cottonwood Contra Dance for their last contra dance of the season, Saturday, May 18th, at the Cottonwood Civic Center, 801 N. Main St. in Old Town. The band this month is Scrub Oak with calling by Deb Comly. Come alone or bring friends; no partner or experience is necessary and all dances are taught and called. The lesson is at 6:30 with the regular dance from 7-10 PM. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring a snack to share if possible. The cost is $7 per dancer, $5 for students, and $4 for…

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Theatrical event features collection Edouard Manet from the Royal Academy of Art Sedona AZ (May 10, 2013) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with the Sedona Arts Center to present EXHIBITION: Art on Screen on Sunday, May 19 when it hosts the big screen premiere of the work of renowned artist Edouard Manet. There will be one show at 2:00 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. From the people who brought live Metropolitan Opera performances to a movie theater near you comes the next big-screen cultural attraction: museum art exhibits from around the world.…

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The US Forest Service, National Park Service, Coconino County, and City of Flagstaff Announce the availability of the Draft Walnut Canyon Special Study and Public Open House Flagstaff AZ (May 10, 2013) -The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), National Park Service (NPS), Coconino County, and City of Flagstaff are pleased to announce the availability of the Draft Walnut Canyon Special Study. The document is available on the project website (http://www.walnutcanyonstudy.org). The website also allows for public comments to be entered. Comments will be accepted through July 10, 2013.

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Cornville AZ (May 9, 2013) – This is an update from yesterday’s head on collision on Cornville Road (see preliminary information below). The driver of the gold sedan has been identified as Hakim Amin, 72 years of age, from Cottonwood. Amin had been airlifted to Flagstaff Medical Center following the crash. He was later transported to the Barrow Institute in Phoenix and passed away around 7:15 PM last night. Exact cause of death is under investigation by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner. His twin children, a 9 year old boy and girl, both survived. The 9 year old boy suffered a…

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Flagstaff AZ (May 9, 2013) – Many developed campgrounds that have been closed for the winter across Coconino National Forest have reopened and listed below by district: Red Rock Ranger District Along the Highway 89A corridor of Oak Creek Canyon: Cave Springs Manzanita Pine Flat East (partially open during dry season) and West campgrounds

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Sedona AZ (May 8, 2013) – Over 200 students from Big Park School participated in a Bike Rodeo presented by the Sedona Fire District on Friday, May 3, 2013, from 8:00 am to noon. The Rodeo is a bicycle-riding course designed with general hazards faced by most bicycle riders. It stresses safety and is designed to teach students what to look for when riding their bicycles.

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Cottonwood AZ (May 8, 2013) – Two of Arizona’s finest musicians take the stage at Old Town Center for the Arts, on Friday, May 17th at 7:30 pm. Arizona Blues Hall of Famers Hans Olson and Stefan George will showcase a unique combination of old blues, classic country, radical folk music and original songs in this one night only event.

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One-hour closures expected on I-17 in both directions between midnight and 3 a.m. Verde Valley AZ (May 8, 2013) – Motorists traveling on Interstate 17 south of Camp Verde late Thursday night into early Friday morning, May 9-10, need to plan ahead and allow extra travel time due to overnight construction on a climbing lane project, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Overnight work will require two, one-hour closures in both directions of I-17 as crews prepare for blasting rock cuts along the highway.

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Cyclist With Most Miles Gets Winery Tour, Lunch; City Managers, Mayors Will Prepare Meals Together at Food Banks In Cottonwood, Sedona Verde Valley AZ (May 8, 2013) – Cottonwood City Manager Doug Bartosh and Sedona City Manager Tim Ernster have thrown down the gauntlet….kinda. Well…it wasn’t actually a gauntlet (whatever that is). And, no one really threw anything…up or down. The truth is, these two guys really like each other, so let’s call it what it is: a friendly challenge to see who can ride the most miles in the upcoming Bike MS: Ride the Vortex – Sedona Verde Valley,…

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Cornville AZ (May 8, 2013) – On May, 1, 2013, 66-year-old John Cousin, a person subject to sex offender registration, violated his registration requirement and was arrested in the 1100 block of S. Page Springs Road, Cornville. In 1981, Cousin was convicted of Child Molestation in Yavapai County Superior Court. During a recent investigation by the YCSO Sex Offender detective, she noted that Cousin had failed to properly complete the sex offender registration form acknowledging his legal requirements.

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Sedona AZ (May 8, 2013) – Shortly after 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013, Sedona Fire District (SFD) crews responded to a reported injured hiker on the Wilson Mountain Trail. SFD emergency crews responded from SFD fire station #5 in Oak Creek Canyon and SFD fire station #4 in Uptown Sedona to the Wilson Mountain Trailhead at Midgley Bridge.

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(May 7, 2013)  The reason it is taking the Jodi Arias jury so long to come to a verdict is there is so much conviction on the part of the juror’s themselves on what they believe happened the day Travis got killed. They are not willing to bend their principles. There is a faction that wants her dead and a faction that has reasonable doubt that are willing to stand by what they believe is right, no matter the pressure. Those seeking the death penalty will settle for nothing less than Murder 1. The “beyond–reasonable-doubters “will not agree to anything…

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Jerome AZ (May 7, 2013) – Jerome hosts the 48th Annual Historic Home and Building Tour on May 18th and 19th in the mile high town. This year, visitors will be invited into two iconic homes that most visitors have longed to see. Stunning views and impeccable renovations are the hallmarks of The Honeymoon Cottage, out by The Jerome State Park and The Powder Box Church, nestled into tall Italian cypress trees. Interesting history will be revealed about these charming homes. Hidden on East Avenue and Holley Street are two surprises, one an authentic 1921 cottage, lovingly renovated by a…

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