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.

By Amaya Gayle Gregory Language — words and phrases — we are such a clever species. With the addition of ‘ness’ (something within us knew we had to invent that one) we turn adjectives into nouns, or we try to. We take attributes, qualities, seeming conditions, and flip them on their backs to rub their tummies as something definable, something factual, real. ‘Ness’ is well-worn in the spiritual world, so much so, it closely resembles a worn-out sock. Slap ness on the back end of anything that isn’t knowable … which is everything … and there you have it, voila,…

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By Carson Ralston, Town of Camp Verde Community Library Verde Valley News – Join us for a class covering essential car care. From filters and fluids to tires and batteries, you’ll gain the knowledge to keep your car running smoothly!  This 5-week class starts @ 5:00 pm on Wednesday, November 13th.  Continues every week at the same day and time through Wednesday, December 11. * Save Money: Learn to handle basic maintenance yourself, avoiding costly mechanic fees. * Prevent Breakdowns: Spot potential issues early and prevent unexpected roadside trouble. * Extend Car’s Life: Proper care keeps your vehicle running smoothly…

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Sedona News – Sedona Great Decisions Group will present the topic Global Trade and Green Energy on November 18 from 10:00 AM to noon at the Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road.  Our presentations cover US foreign policy and related domestic issues of concern to Americans, allies, detractors and friends.  This program is open to the public and admission is free. Member Linda Scott will outline the mounting challenges facing climate scientists as a result of rapid warming of the Earth’s atmosphere.  The long term severity of climate change and the resulting urgency of switching from fossil fuels to…

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Verde Valley News – Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition swings into the holidays with the fundraising event of the year — the Black and White Gala a la 60s. The fundraiser will be held Friday, Nov. 22, 5 to 9 p.m. at Enchantment Resort & Spa. The public is invited to enjoy a wine and appetizer reception, dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions featuring vacation packages, private dinner parties, dining gift certificates, local golf and jeep excursions, artwork, jewelry, and gift baskets. Fans of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” iconic pearls and James Bond martinis will enjoy a black and white theme…

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Verde Valley News – Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce its upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Comedy Night on Friday, November 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Jerome Elks Club in Clarkdale. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a night dedicated to honoring the hard work and dedication of Habitat volunteers, filled with food, fun, and laughter. The evening will feature a special performance by “Bubbles Moscawitz” during a dinner catered by Vinnie’s, serving up delicious ziti and pizza. As part of the event, Verde Valley Habitat will recognize volunteers who have contributed significant hours to…

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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 15, 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, Vayera (Genesis 18:1 – 22:24), with the tale of Abraham…

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By Tommy Acosta Sedona, AZ–The will of the people prevailed. Nearly twice as many citizens voted against the Sedona City Council’s plan to create a safe parking environment at the Sedona Cultural Park for the working Sedona homeless living in their cars, with the final vote count at 2,490 to 1,377. Regardless of one’s stance on the referendum—whether one supported a perceived safe area for Sedona’s unhoused workers or favored using the site to establish a new cultural center—the vote demonstrated that American democracy is alive and well in Sedona. Some might point out that only 3,867 out of 9,000…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present Compton and Bennett’s “One Stooge Shy” on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. From Compton and Bennett, the same wackos who brought us “Assisted Living: The Musical” and its sister show “THE HOME…for the holidays”, comes an all-new comedy romp. “One Stooge Shy” is a neo-vaudevillian, non-political satire in song and sketch. The show is written and performed by national touring artists Betsy Bennett and Rick Compton. They’ve played to sold-out houses ad earned standing ovations in hundreds of venues from…

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Sedona News – The Sedona Sister Cities Association is excited to unveil the Arizona Ambassador Bear, a unique symbol of friendship and connection between cities across the globe. Recently, eight members of the Sedona Sister Cities Association visited Jasło, Poland, exploring the potential for a new Sister City partnership. In preparation for this visit, Edyta Wieczorek, Chair of the Jasło Sister Cities Team, paved the way by coordinating meetings with Jasło’s Mayor Adam Kostrzab, the local Cultural Center, museums, and the Days of Wine Festival. To foster goodwill and introduce Jasło officials to the charm of Arizona—and Sedona in particular—Edyta…

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Verde Valley News – On Saturday, November 30, the Verde Valley GameCon returns! Join us for our fifth annual event from 9am-3pm. GameCon will transform the Camp Verde Community Library into a free, family-friendly convention hall hosting games of all sorts. An all-ages event presented by Camp Verde Community Library, GameCon aims to have something for everyone. Want to try a new board game like Catan, Dominion, or Betrayal at House on the Hill, or take on your friends in Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros.? How about building and painting a miniature model and stepping into a wargame like Warhammer 40,000 or Age of Sigmar?…

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Sedona News – In collaboration with 14 local, regional and state environmental organizations, the city of Sedona invites the community to volunteer at the Oak Creek Collaborative Cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Slide Rock State Park, located at 6871 State Route (SR) 89A. Volunteers are to meet at Slide Rock State Park for a safety talk, to pick up gear and to break into small groups. Each group will be assigned a section of the canyon between Uptown and Pumphouse Wash (over 13 miles), and will begin removing litter from roadside parking…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Unify Sedona and PFLAG special event in observation of Transgender Day of Remembrance on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Transgender Day of Remembrance is an opportunity for our community to come together and remember those who have lost their lives to violence and injustice because of their gender identity or gender expression. Violence against transgender people is still increasing. Join us to learn and create a more inclusive world for all. Invocation will be offered by Rev. Dr. Elizabeth LeMaster.…

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Verde Valley News – Northern Arizona Restorative Justice (NARJ)  will be hosting a Free Weekend Training in Restorative Practices on Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17, in Cottonwood. This training is made possible through funding from the Arizona Community Foundation. Over the two-day training, NARJ will cover facilitator training, implementation in the classroom and criminal justice, the roots of restorative justice, and provide an opportunity to participate in restorative justice programs.  Lunch will be provided for participants on both days. Restorative Practices are grounded in Restorative Justice theory, rooted in aboriginal and indigenous cultures. Restorative Justice is a way…

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Sedona News – “Monday at the Museum” is a demonstration conducted every Monday. Please call for a current schedule. The Museum is always looking for participants who are willing to share their knowledge and skills. November 18, Verde Valley Wood Carvers If you have a piece of wood and a wood carving knife, come to Monday at the Museum at Sedona Heritage Museum on Monday, November 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and join the Verde Valley Woodcarvers. Hundreds of people have tried their hand at carving with this group since its founding in 1997 by Norm Knight. The…

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Sedona News – Emerson Theater Collaborative (ETC) is proud to present another unforgettable live theater production for the holiday season. Join them as they bring the holidays alive with David Sedaris’ Holidays on Ice’s hilarious stories Nov 29th, – Dec 1 at Verde Valley School’s Brady Hall. A collection of irreverent and darkly comedic vignettes that offer a different perspective on the holiday season, this production is made possible with the permission of David Sedaris. Holidays On Ice is directed by Camilla Ross an award-winning, producer, director, actor, and the Executive Director of Emerson Theater Collaborative and the Arts Academy…

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