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.

Prescott AZ (December 23, 2012) – Northern Arizona SCORE, a chapter of the nationwide organization that provides education and growth to thousands of small businesses and non-profits, today announced its lineup of business-building workshops and seminars for the first six months of 2013. Events are scheduled for Flagstaff, Prescott and the Verde Valley and will provide education on a wide range of topics from starting and growing a business, marketing, accounting and other related business topics.

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Sedona AZ (December 22, 2012) – Red Rock State Park is the perfect place to experience the red rocks of Sedona, several hiking trails, bird-watching and daily special events that feature the opportunity to learn about local geology, archaeology, botany, history and wildlife. The diverse habitat, abundant with plants and wildlife, creates the perfect environment for the Park’s mission of providing environmental education programs.

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Verde Valley AZ (December 22, 2012) – On December 12, 2012, two Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies and their K9 partners graduated from the Arizona Correctional Officer Training Academy’s (COTA) Basic K9 Service School. Deputy Jarrod Winfrey and his K9 companion Tjando, along with Deputy Eric Lopez and his K9 partner Miley, completed an intensive 9 week course at the Tucson based academy. The training covered all aspects of K9 handling including legal issues, conditioning, search/detection scenarios, narcotics odor detection, handler protection, obedience, and K9 first aid, among many others.

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Sedona AZ (December 22, 2012) – Time to get out your 2013 calendar!  You’ll want to save the dates for these free Sedona community events. March 16, 2013: The 43rd Annual Sedona St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival will be held on Saturday, March 16th along Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona. The festivities are presented by Sedona Main Street Program, NAU Parks and Recreation Management Program and the Sedona Green Team. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. from Jordan Historical Park and proceeds south on Jordan Road to Mesquite Avenue. Parade entrants include dignitaries and civic, social, cultural and religious organizations…

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ADOT enters final stages of building modern interchange at I-17/State Route 69 junction Prescott AZ (December 22, 2012) – Just in time for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the Arizona Department of Transportation has completed the new Cordes Junction ‘flyover’ bridge, which opened to traffic Thursday night. The overpass will lift northbound traffic headed to the Prescott area over Interstate 17 and connect directly to northbound State Route 69. About an hour’s drive north of downtown Phoenix, ADOT is remaking the I-17/SR 69 traffic interchange (milepost 262). When completed, the updated, modern interchange will make it easier for drivers…

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Sedona AZ (December 21, 2012) – On Tuesday, December 18, 2012 the people and animals of Northern Arizona lost a best friend as Birgitte “B” Skielvig passed away in the arms of her beloved husband John Phillips. As Executive Director of the Humane Society of Sedona, B started her career at HSS 23 years ago as a kennel associate. She moved to Sedona from Phoenix in 1989 with hopes of joining HSS as the shelter manager. However, when she arrived, the position had been filled. B’s commitment and desire to be a part of HSS was so strong she decided…

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At The Amitabha Stupa, Sunday, Dec. 30, Noon- 3:00 pm Sedona AZ (December 21, 2012) – Come celebrate the coming New Year with prayerful intentions at Sedona’s Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, on Sunday December 30th from noon to 3:00 pm. The community and visitors are warmly invited to gather at the Amitabha Stupa for this second annual free event. “If you love the Stupa, or have never been there, please come and offer your wishes for peace and unity in the world! Write your hopes and aspirations on handmade prayer flags or offer flowers that will be provided,” said…

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Sedona AZ (December 21, 2012) – The City of Sedona Arts & Culture Commission is seeking one member for the Arts & Culture Commission. The Arts &Culture Commission acts as an advocate and resource for arts and cultural opportunities on behalf of residents, businesses, and visitors of Sedona. They recommend policy to the City Council on arts and cultural issues.

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Sedona AZ (December 20, 2012) – Fitzgerald is a 1 year old Pug mix.  He’s a neutered male, up to date on his shots.  He can be a bit shy at first, but warms up quickly if you give him the time… and it’s worth the time, as he is a very lovable boy.  Visit Fitzgerald at the Humane Society of Sedona.

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Rimrock AZ (December 20, 2012) – On December 19, 2012, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at Rimrock High School, 3705 Beaver Creek Road, Rimrock, regarding a disorderly male refusing to leave. Office staff told deputies that the man, later identified 22-year-old Jeremy Whagado, came into the office requesting to remove 2 students, but could not provide their names or any legal connection to students in the school. Whagado was directed to leave and refused. He demanded that office staff provide him with a list of student’s names to assist with the request. As he became more agitated, he mentioned…

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Sedona AZ (December 20, 2012) – The City of Sedona is working with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in offering an environment-friendly way of recycling your Christmas tree. From Wednesday, December 26th, 2012 through Friday, January 25th, 2013, the City will be accepting Christmas trees for recycling into chips. Trees can be dropped off in the lot at the corner of Saddlerock Circle and State Route 89A. No yard debris please.

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Sedona AZ (December 19, 2012) – On November 13, 2012, the Sedona City Council appointed Louis Harper to fill a vacancy on the Budget Oversight Commission. The seat is for a two-year term, ending October 31, 2014. At the December 11, 2012 Sedona City Council meeting, the City Council re-appointed Ronald Budnick, Larry Pack and Steve Segner to their seats which expired November 1, 2012. Their seats are for a two-year term, ending November 30, 2014.

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With another winter storm approaching northern Arizona, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers to use caution when traveling in the high-country The use of tire chains and 4×4 vehicles is highly recommended Phoenix AZ (December 18, 2012) – Northern Arizona is expected to receive up to eight inches of snow overnight. After last week’s storm, DPS wants to remind drivers to use caution while driving in the snowy conditions. Please limit your travels during this upcoming snowstorm and, if possible, avoid travel all together within the storm areas. During this past weekend’s storm, DPS responded to 178 slide…

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Sedona AZ (December 18, 2012) – The Red Rock Visitor Center announces Arizona Natural History Association’s (ANHA) holiday sale going on now and also new visitor center operating hours from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning January, 2013. If you are looking for some unusual holiday gift ideas, Arizona Natural History Association’s Holiday Sale offers a great variety of local gifts to consider. Gift ideas include: local artist photography, children books and toys, warm southwest hats and scarfs, a variety of local books on plants and animal identification, unique southwest cookbooks and much more. The 20% discount sale on all…

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Sedona AZ (December 18, 2012) – January in Sedona is filled with live performances not to be missed. With shows being held at Studio Live, the Mary D. Fisher Theatre and the Sedona Performing Arts Center; The Sedona Performing Arts Alliance continues to put Northern Arizona on the map as a destination to experience live performances.

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