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 (November 14, 2012) – December 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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Sedona AZ (November 13, 2012) – When Navajo sculptor Alvin Marshall holds a piece of Utah alabaster in his hands, he isn’t just touching a rock. He’s communing with his ancestors and working to turn the stone into spirit. “My people use stone in traditional ceremonies. Alabaster is closely associated with water and water ceremonies,” says Alvin, who lives near Farmington, N.M. “It’s beautiful, forgiving and it lends itself to me easily. It doesn’t fight or argue. Together, we make a spirit.”

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Verde Valley AZ (November 12, 2012) – The Verde Valley is home to a treasure trove of cultural heritage sites and museums. Many of these have Museum Gift Shops offering gifts for the coming holiday season – gifts that you may not find anywhere else. By shopping at these non-profit organizations you will be providing much needed support by spending some of your shopping dollars with them, and there is no sales tax.

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Jerome AZ (November 12, 2012) – Once again, the Jerome Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Mingus Union High School jazz band, choir and theater group who will perform throughout the afternoon. Santa arrives in town at 3:30, followed by pictures with the jolly old elf in the Old Town Hall. A keepsake photo in souvenir folder will be available for purchase. The town will glow with the light of luminaries as they are lit at 5pm. Stop by The Bartlett Hotel at 5:30 for a reading of The Night Before Christmas. Santa will throw the switch to light up the…

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Sedona AZ (November 11, 2012) – Come experience the magic of the Red Rocks in Sedona, see Sedona’s Wedding Venues and plan your entire wedding all in one day at the fabulous 3rd Annual Sedona Bridal Fair. Sedona is the perfect location for a wedding.  For all styles of weddings — intimate, classic, or sensational — you’ll find all your wedding vendors at the Sedona Bridal Fair. Over 6,000 sq ft of displays, vignettes, and exhibits, along with nearly 40 unique wedding pros for advice and inspiration. Over 22 lush Sedona acres host three separate areas.  Simply the best.

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Sedona AZ (November 11, 2012) – You might wonder what could an artist who went to college in a big city and an artist who grew up on a farm possibly have in common? As members of Fiber Arts Sedona, they would both work in fiber and live in Sedona. And you can see their art works during the FAS Open Studios on Thanksgiving week end in West Sedona. This will be FAS 3rd annual free Open Studio tour.

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Sedona AZ (November 8, 2012) – Join a one-hour community meditation gathering at the Chapel at the Sedona Creative Life Center on Schnebly Hill Road on Sunday, December 23rd at 3:00 pm. Best-selling Hay House author Sarah McLean will guide participants into a silent, heart-opening meditation. She’ll also be available to answer questions about meditation and daily practice, and introduce those new to meditation to the basics of meditation.

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Change will affect viewers in the Verde Valley area Verde Valley AZ (November 8, 2012) – On Thursday, November 15, CBS 5/KPHO-TV will continue the station’s conversion from analog to digital transmission, affecting viewers in Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville and possibly parts of Sedona.  This is part of an on-going mandated program for all TV stations and will result in viewers having access to watch CBS 5 newscasts and all CBS Network sports and entertainment programming in stunning High Definition. 

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Sedona, AZ  (November 8, 2012) It’s been a year to the day now, since the battle of the lights was decided. The referendum election was held on November 8, 2011, and the citizens voted to have the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) retain ownership of that portion of State Route 89 (SR 89a) through Sedona. The hotly contested  stretch was the two and one half miles from the intersection of 179 and 89a to Dry Creek Road. It was a multiyear topic that kept the city divided for six or more years. The matter arose as a result of a…

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Sedona AZ (November 7, 2012) – If you have always wanted to be a Superstar or Rising Star, you have a second chance to audition on November 18th, Sunday, at 6pm, at Studio Live in West Sedona. This is the fourth annual Sedona Superstar/Rising Star vocal competition to raise much needed funds for the Sedona Sunrise Center for Adults, the only day program for seniors and disabled adults in the area. Information is available on the website: www.sedonasunrisecenter.org or by calling 928.284.0493.   

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Deadline is 5 p.m., December 14 Phoenix AZ (November 6, 2012) – Nominations are now open for the 2013 Governor’s Arts Awards, which will be presented in six categories to individuals and businesses who have made substantial and outstanding contributions to arts and culture in Arizona. Winners will be announced at the 32nd annual Governor’s Arts Awards event on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at The Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe. The Governor’s Arts Awards are presented by Arizona Citizens Action for the Arts in partnership with the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Office of the Governor.

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Cottonwood AZ (November 5, 2012) – Valentina’s Salon of Beauty, located at 418 North 15th Street in Cottonwood (near Old Town) will be hosting a grand opening event and Cut-A-Thon benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Saturday, November 10. Valentina’s Salon of Beauty recently moved to a new location, where the Salon features a team of more than twelve (12) beauty professionals ranging from stylists, aestheticians, nail and cosmetic professionals.

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Clarkdale AZ (November 5, 2012) – “MADE IN CLARKDALE 2012” (MIC), now in its 26th year but first year of a new beginning as its own organization and corporation is heading for its ‘not for profit’ status poising MIC for more success in pursuing its mission. Many steps are underway but an important one is now in place, a PayPal Donation Button on its website www.MadeInClarkdale.org for the purpose of making TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS. You can now support the operational expenses of the annual show, educational workshops for school children and future resource opportunities for artists by simply going to…

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Sedona AZ (October 31, 2012) – November in Sedona is filled with live music not to be missed. With shows being held at Studio Live, and the Sedona Performing Arts Alliance; The Sedona Performing Arts Alliance continues to put Northern Arizona on the map as a destination to experience live performances.

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Halloween Safety Tips for the Spooky Season Verde Valley AZ (October 30, 2012) – Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) is offering the public tips for friends and family to stay out of danger this Halloween. “Law enforcement reminds guardians not to be complacent, especially when violent crimes and domestic violence calls for service have increased in certain parts of the state,” says Sgt. Jimmy Chavez, President of the AHPA. It is important to keep Arizona kids and community safe during Halloween. As families and friends get ready for the spooky festivities, the Arizona Highway Patrol Association (AHPA) has a few…

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