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 News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “Shakespeare and the Alchemy of Gender” on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23 and 24 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. All tickets for this live production are FREE OF CHARGE, thanks to a generous sponsorship from the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley. Internationally renowned actor and Shakespeare scholar Lisa Wolpe has arguably played more of the Bard’s male roles than any woman in history. From gender explorations to intergenerational trauma to the unforgettable story of her life, Lisa triumphantly illustrates that Shakespeare’s insight into the…

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Yavapai County News – Henry Edward Whitmer of Prescott Valley has been elected by the citizens of Yavapai County to serve as the Judicial Officer in Division 5 of the Yavapai County Superior Court. Judge Whitmer received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy, magna cum laude from Arizona State University Barrett’s Honors College in May 2008. He later attended the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2011. Judge Whitmer has participated in various legal internships and has been practicing law since 2011. He joined the Yavapai County Attorney’s…

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Sedona News – The city and their contractor, Cactus Asphalt, will begin a Pavement Rehabilitation Project for designated streets the week of Nov. 25, 2024 to help extend pavement life and improve road quality for Sedona motorists. The project consists of crack seal operations along various roadways throughout the city, including: The Kachina neighborhood Part of the Shadow Estates Homeowners Association Bennet Way The beginning of Cultural Park Place and Arts Village Drive Parts of the Andante neighborhood above and below Thunder Mountain Road Airport Road Mountain Shadows Drive San Miguel Drive, Siesta Way and Caballo Drive Elysian Drive, Skyline…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) beams with joy as it announces its distinction as one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” for 2024, bestowed by the esteemed Moviemaker Magazine (https://www.moviemaker.com/coolest-film-festivals-2024/). This prestigious honor elevates the Sedona International Film Festival among the globe’s most revered celebrations of cinema, celebrated for crafting an unparalleled experience for filmmakers, industry mavens, and film fans alike. “Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, the festival places filmmakers at the heart of its mission. It nurtures their journey with thoughtful accommodations, delightful meals, and seamless shuttle services. Patrick Schweiss and his devoted…

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Sedona News – One of America’s most celebrated string quartets, The Miró Quartet has performed throughout the world on the most prestigious concert stages. Eminent clarinetist David Shifrin (“luminous”, NY Times) joins in a program of works for clarinet and quartet, including Mozart’s sublime Clarinet Quintet and arrangements of big band swing. “In the Miró’s performance, all of the notes are delivered with remarkable precision and intra-ensemble timing that resemble the workings of a finely calibrated timepiece.” With music ranging from Mozart to Peter Schickele to Goodman (including big band arrangements), this irresistible program will be sure to knock your…

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By Rabbi Alicia Magal The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom. Erev Shabbat services begin at 5:30 pm on Friday, November 22, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal. As Shabbat enters with the lighting of the candles peace and calm descend, a welcome respite from the troubles and concerns of the week. Rabbi Magal offers a reading from this week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1–25:18). In this Torah portion, Sara dies…

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By Charlene Roth Sedona, AZ — Business growth requires more than just ambition; it demands strategic foresight and calculated choices. Whether you’re laying the foundation of a new venture or scaling an established enterprise, the strategies you employ can significantly influence your trajectory. From optimizing your workforce to expanding market reach, each decision plays a pivotal role in shaping your business’s future. Let’s delve into approaches that can transform potential into tangible success. Hiring for Business Expansion As your business grows, bringing on additional staff or contractors can be a game-changer. It’s essential to draft comprehensive contracts for any new…

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Sedona, AZ – District 3 Yavapai County Supervisor candidate Lori Drake extends her thanks for those who  supported and voted for her “I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout my campaign for Yavapai County Supervisor of District 3. This journey has brought me new friendships and introduced me to many incredible citizens across our community. Thank you to everyone who believed in our vision, volunteered, and offered resources to help us along the way. A heartfelt thanks goes out to my family and the many groups and people that rallied around me, as well as to my…

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Sedona News – Just in time for the holidays and as “Wicked” hits theatres nationwide, come explore the myths and misconceptions of the most-watched movie of all times: “The Wizard of Oz”. The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Mysteries of Oz: 85 Questions Answered”, showing Nov. 22-27 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nELhNuiwvkE Hollywood’s crowning achievement is its greatest enigma. Explore the magic, music and myths surrounding the making of “The Wizard of Oz” in celebration of its 85th Anniversary. This fast-paced documentary series takes audiences over the rainbow and down the…

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Verde Valley News – On Saturday, November 23rd the Verde Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild will hold their Annual Fiber Artisans’ Sale from 9 am to 2 pm at the Church of the Red Rocks at 54 Bowstring Drive in Sedona.  Founded in 1973, the Guild’s mission is to encourage interest and education in fiber arts, including loom, basket and tapestry weaving, yarn spinning, knitting, crocheting, dyeing, needle and hand felting, and needle beadwork.  Featured at the upcoming sale will be a variety of contributions, including wearable art, home décor and gifts expertly crafted by the more than 50 current…

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Prescott News – On Friday, Nov. 22, Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walk will welcome art enthusiasts to explore 16 downtown galleries, showcasing local and nationally acclaimed artists. Each month, these galleries extend their hours, offering unique exhibits, artist receptions, and signature events. Prescott, surrounded by cool mountainous forests, has long inspired its resident artists. The Art Walk provides a special opportunity to meet these artists, gain insight into their creative processes, and immerse in the community. Historic buildings serve as a striking backdrop, preserving Prescott’s rich heritage. Since its founding in 2004, the 4th Friday Art Walk has been a…

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By David Stephen Sedona, AZ — How do you make laws for something that does not have experience? This should have been the fundamental question of a government institute dedicated to AI safety, whose efforts should shape the essence of regulation. AI safety is not primarily an engineering problem, but the basic question of how laws steer human society. Laws, norms, culture, and so forth work because there is a foundation on which they can be built, which is human experience, a quality of the human mind. Laws do not exist in a vacuum. Laws are based on the possibility…

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By David Stephen As the world becomes incomprehensible to many, with outcomes in varying directions for several major events, there is only one place to look for key answers, the human mind. How do external events result in effects in the human mind? How do these effects lead to decisions? Why are the actions of some people different from others, in the ways they perceive as strange? Why do some belong to one group in the past and move elsewhere later? What are the common factors of the mind that puts a person in one group at one point? What…

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By Tommy Acosta Editor’s Note: Click HERE to watch Congressional Hearing on UFOs. Sedona, AZ – It looks like we are getting closer to officially recognizing that UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence exist. On November 13, Congress conducted a hearing where various whistleblowers are expected to testify that interstellar beings have indeed been visiting our planet, in spacecrafts far beyond our technological abilities, dating back more than 75 years to the Roswell crash incident. The whistleblowers are expected to reveal that the government is running secret recovery and UFO tracking programs through a classified project known as “Immaculate Constellation.” The upcoming hearing, led…

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… sorry but I missed two send dates in a row, but unforeseen circumstances kept me from send the emails out … seem to have the issues resolved so back to the new normal … whatever that is. The photo above is a new shot of a Wood Duck just leaving the Pond that he has been feeding … there are about ten wood ducks in the ponds and are easy to spot in the rafts on the ponds. Again, sorry for the absence, but I’m here. Keep breathing, smile and be kind … it is contagious. Cheers Ted Come…

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