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 (December 1, 2011) – Take a break from holiday hassles and join three prominent Sedona authors at The Well Red Coyote’s holiday party on Saturday, December 10, from 1 to 4 pm. James Bishop, Jr., Adele Seronde and Sunday Larson will be on hand to discuss their books and maybe help make your gift-giving easier.  There will be food and drinks, too.  No formal program, just a great opportunity to share some holiday cheer. In his latest book, THE PINK NECTAR CAFE, Jim Bishop shows us that facts can be more potent than fiction! For the past 25…

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Ring in the holidays as Sedona screenings mark the film’s Northern Arizona premiere Sedona AZ (December 1, 2011) – Much is known about musical genius Wolfgang Mozart, but little has been told about his older sister ­ and a musical prodigy in her own right ­ Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart. The epic drama “Mozart’s Sister” turns the spotlight to Wolfgang’s talented and gifted sibling. “Mozart’s Sister” premieres in Sedona on Tuesday, Dec. 13 as part of the Sedona International Film Festival’s Tuesday Cinema Series. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins…

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UPDATE (December 1, 2011) –  Crews are en route to the Munds Park project this morning to check conditions on the ground before proceeding with ignitions. Ventilation is good today and most of the smoke is expected to disperse well, however, some smoke will likely follow the terrain toward Oak Creek Canyon. Expect smoke to be noticeable in the Sedona area.   Flagstaff, AZ (November 30, 2011) –  Today’s Pete Project continues to go well as crews wrap-up ignitions. Smoke is dispersing to the north. A light haze has been noticeable on Hwy 89 southbound, driving into the sun. Overnight…

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Flagstaff, AZ (November 29, 2011) –  No prescribed fire activity occurred in the Flagstaff area today; Crews on the Mogollon Rim district conducted more pile burns south of Blue Ridge and Hwy 87. Mogollon Rim District fire managers are planning to continue those efforts tomorrow, Wednesday November 30. In addition, fire managers in Flagstaff are planning to conduct a prescribed burn north of the San Francisco Peaks tomorrow. Pete Project: 300 acres located north of Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks. Crews will be burning along boundaries, reinforcing them in preparation for large prescribed burns in the future. This effort…

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Sedona AZ (November 29, 2011) – The Sedona Heritage Museum is hosting their annual “Christmas in the Park” open house on Saturday, December 10 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The event extends free admission to the museum as a holiday gift to residents and guests. During the day visitors will be treated to hot apple cider, holiday cookies and free entertainment and activities. A fire will burn in the native stone fireplace of the old Jordan house and the museum will be decorated in vintage holiday decor. A tumbleweed ‘snowman’ will greet all visitors.

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Sedona AZ (November 29, 2011) — Master Impressionist Alan Wolton will ring in his 77th birthday with a showcase at Onessimo Fine Art Gallery in Palm Beach Gardens, FL on Friday, December 9 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and on Sunday, December 11 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. The showcase will feature an exclusive collection of Wolton’s favorite paintings including Gondolas Three (60” x 50”), Giverny Roses (48” x 50”) and Lady Lilies (60” X 40”).

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Verde Valley AZ (November 29, 2011) – 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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Sedona AZ (November 29, 2011) – In the midst of the turmoil around the world today – the wars in the Middle East and the global movements for socio-economic justice – we ought to pause for a moment and take a deep breath. We should be grateful that we live in beautiful Sedona and enjoy a peaceful environment in one of the most sacred and natural places in the world. Giving thanks for all these blessings only once a year is not enough. This holiday season may give us the necessary strength to go on with our personal struggles and…

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Sedona: An Idea by Paul Chevalier Sedona, AZ (November 28, 2011) – Our world has always been a place of uncertainty and outside factions affect our lives. In Sedona we are not immune to what happens in places such as Phoenix, Washington D. C., New York City, Greece, Italy or even China. We can’t do anything to fix problems created in such places. We can minimize their impact on Sedona. Today in Sedona our greatest uncertainty is our economy. Tourism, at least for the immediate future, is our key business. Sedona is competing for this business with vacation destinations throughout…

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Flagstaff, AZ (November 28, 2011) – Limited Christmas tree permits, at $15 each, are still available for over-the-counter sales on the Coconino National Forest and can be paid for by cash or personal check. The permits are issued one per household and are first-come, first-served until sold out. Phone orders cannot be accepted. Instructions and a map will be provided with each permit. The deadline for cutting is December 24. Red Rock Ranger District currently has 91 permits for pinyon pine or juniper trees. The cutting area is located near Stoneman Lake off of Interstate 17. Permits can be purchased…

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Flagstaff, AZ (November 28, 2011) –  Pending favorable conditions today, fire managers are planning to conduct prescribed broadcast burn on the Eastside Project, south of the Little America Hotel, and a prescribed pile burn on Mogollon Rim District, south of Blue Ridge and Highway 87. Both burn projects have been approved by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality; crews are evaluating conditions at the burn sites prior to ignition. Eastside Project: 50 acres of broadcast burning south of Flagstaff and the Little America Hotel, off Harold Ranch Road. Smoke will disperse to the south and southeast with today’s winds; residual…

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Cottonwood AZ (November 28, 2011) – On Sunday, December 4th at 3:00 pm Caravan Dreams, a Bellydance Showcase, will be presented at Old Town Center for the Arts.   This theatrical bellydance show is a collaboration among many of the areas professional Middle Eastern dance artists and is produced by Carrie Konyha, with White Lotus Bellydance. “Our mission is to elevate awareness and appreciation of middle-eastern dance in our community and to present student dancers with opportunities to perform in a supportive theater environment,” Carrie Konyha announced. Dancers from Sedona, Clarkdale & Cottonwood will all be proudly representing the middle eastern…

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Cottonwood AZ (November 28, 2011) – If it’s halfway between Thanksgiving and Christmas, right in the middle of the holiday season, then it’s once again time for the annual Holiday Blues Revue, presented by Joe Neri & Blues Dawg.  And, for this 4th Annual ‘Revue’ it will once again be performed at the Old Town Center for the Arts in Cottonwood, on Saturday, December 3 at 7:00 pm. This concert is a must for blues lovers.  The evening will be pure, house – rockin’ blues.  So, put down your holiday shopping pack, give your computer mouse a rest and put…

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Sedona AZ (November 28, 2011) – Sedona’s Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Visit kicks off the holiday season on December 2nd. Entertainment, activities and refreshments will be available free of charge from5:00 to7:00 p.m. atTaosCantinaPlaza onState Route 89A in Uptown. Come join in holiday carols performed by the Canyon Singers, as generously arranged by Sandra Reid. Then Mayor Rob Adams will light the 17’ holiday tree and Santa will arrive on the Sedona’s Historic Fire Engine No. 1, courtesy of Sedona Heritage Museum and a special escort by Sedona Police Department.

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