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.

Lot’s of people are wondering about the recent dust storms blanketing the area and here is an explanation on the mechanics behind them by a local Sedona.biz reader and contributor. By Mike Schroeder This is a compilation of data. A lot thanks to AI, that several years ago would have taken a week to put together. Dust anyone? Still Here, and this is why. The dust is remaining suspended because the massive initial volume, the microscopic size of the particles, and the local geography prevent it from settling. The historic Category 5 Haboob that swept through Arizona generated an unprecedented…

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SEDONA, Ariz. – The city of Sedona’s Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for participation in this year’s Fall events. Vendors, exhibitors, presenters and sponsors are needed for WagFest (Oct. 3, 2026) and Fest of Fall (Oct. 17, 2026). WagFest features a variety of dog-focused fun and games with prizes, a free raffle, free gifts, special treats, pet portraits, canine-centric vendors and exhibitors, informative presenters, opportunities for education and more. This event is a great opportunity for the dog-focused community to share their talents, services and offerings with those who are the most interested! Fest of Fall is a family-focused, full day of activities, including a Kidz & Heroes Cornhole tournament, all-ages Pickleball tournament, local vendors, kids area with local schools and scheduled entertainment programming and friendly…

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Listen to this essay here: By Bear Howard and Associates, Sedona, Az — One of the great misunderstandings of American life is the belief that everyone sees the same world and merely reaches different conclusions about it. In reality, people often begin with different versions of the world itself. Each person is shaped by family, religion, neighborhood, income, education, occupation, race, geography, opportunity, disappointment, fear, and experience. A child raised in a financially secure household where books, travel, and discussion are ordinary learns a different relationship with the world than a child raised in a household where survival is uncertain,…

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By Amaya Gayle Gregory What’s going to happen is going to happen, including all the actions I am going to take or not take. Perhaps more importantly, what’s happening is what’s happening and there is nothing I can do about what’s here right now. Despite these material realities, or at least my realities, I occasionally find myself a bit jazzed, or a lot, and experience anticipatory dread. I hear it’s going around these days. My anticipatory dread doesn’t change a damn thing. I know that, grok it absolutely, but it still appears. That’s life. Whether it’s mine or the collective’s…

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By Rabbi Alicia Magal Sedona, AZ — The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, located at 100 Meadowlark Drive off Route 179 in Sedona, is a welcoming, egalitarian, inclusive congregation dedicated to building a link from the past to the future by providing religious, educational, social and cultural experiences.  The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services, programs, concerts, and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Office telephone: 928 204-1286. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom. All are invited to Erev Shabbat service on August 7 at 5:30…

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By Keep Sedona Beautiful Sedona, AZ — Ask anyone why they love Sedona and you’ll hear about our clean town, the red rocks, the trails, the dark skies and the quiet. Natural silence is a key part of the Sedona experience. But not long ago, that quiet was under serious strain. For years, residents were subjected to intrusive noise from helicopter tours passing over homes and neighborhoods. The aerial views that make helicopter tours popular came at a cost on the ground: the steady thrum of rotors disrupting daily life, outdoor recreation and the natural soundscape that defines Red Rock…

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By David Stephen  The goals of the United States with respect to artificial intelligence and the goals of OpenAI and Anthropic as businesses of artificial intelligence have now diverged. Sedona, AZ — The U.S. can no longer rely on OpenAI and Anthropic as research labs that would bring the United States to the promise of matchless dominance with artificial general intelligence [AGI]. This means that the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy [OSTP] and the Director, Michael Kratsios should start looking for new ways to coordinate with some of the National Labs under the Department of Energy, and others…

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By Allen Elfman Sedona, AZ — Every January, Las Vegas becomes much more than an entertainment destination. It transforms into the place where tomorrow is introduced to the world. For a few remarkable days, visionaries, entrepreneurs, engineers, inventors, investors, and members of the media gather to share ideas that will shape the way we live, work, and communicate for years to come. I’ve had the privilege of covering CES in the past, and each visit has left me with the same feeling: genuine excitement about what’s possible. Walking the exhibit halls, speaking with innovators, and witnessing breakthrough technologies before they…

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Sedona, AZ — Behind every unforgettable meal is a chef with a story, and we’re proud to introduce the heart and soul behind BV’s Italian Restaurant in Cottonwood and Bella’s Italian Restaurant in Sedona. Executive Chef and Manager David Moraga brings a lifetime of passion, tradition, and experience to every dish that leaves the kitchen. Many of you may already know David as the former owner of the beloved Sutlers Steakhouse, where he built a reputation for exceptional food and genuine hospitality. David’s culinary journey began as a child, learning alongside his parents in their family restaurants. Those early years…

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Mayors & industry leaders ponder the future at Yavapai College economic summit Clarkdale, Arizona — Growth and sustainability. Industry and opportunity. How can Yavapai County reconcile these values and forge them into an economic plan? Civic and industry leaders met with local mayors on Tuesday to table partisan agendas, explore common ground and plan a vibrant future for our community at Session Three of the Yavapai County Economic Prosperity Network Summit, held at Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus. “The work we’re doing together matters.” Dr. Marylou Mercado, Yavapai College’s Vice President of Workforce Development, Health Sciences and Public Services, told the gathering.…

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Sedona, Az — The In the Living Room Music Series continues its summer momentum at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Aug. 10 at 7:00 p.m. This month, series creator and award-winning singer-songwriter Shondra Jepperson is joined by the masterful jazz saxophonist Chris Counelis for an unforgettable evening of musical artistry. The series is fresh, with the audience invited to ask questions during the concert. https://vimeo.com/1210390960?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Known for his deep roots in jazz and big band music, Chris Counelis brings a wealth of experience to the stage. After studying at the Berklee College of Music and honing his craft at…

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Annual community event brings aircraft, classic cars, and family fun to America’s Most Scenic Airport SEDONA, Ariz. (July 29, 2026) — The Sedona Airport has announced the return of its annual community event, Wings & Wheels ‘26. The open house and family fun day will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located atop the scenic Tabletop Mesa at Sedona Airport. The long-standing event features a wide array of attractions for all ages, highlighted by extensive static aircraft displays. Visitors can get an up-close look at a diverse lineup of aviation history, including vintage airplanes, warbirds and cutting-edge,…

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For over 50 years, Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) has worked to protect the scenic beauty and natural environment of Sedona and the Verde Valley. If you are not familiar with the work of our all-volunteer nonprofit, we ask that you take a few minutes and visit: https://www.keepsedonabeautiful.org/what-we-do/ Click on any of the programs or initiatives on this web page, and you’ll learn how we’re Preserving the Wonder™ of our beautiful Red Rock Country.

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Situated in the heart of the Verde Valley wine region, this free event highlights premier independent regional artists and makers. COTTONWOOD, Ariz. (July 28, 2026) – Following a successful spring season, the Arizona Wine Country Artists Village is pleased to announce the return of its premier juried fine art and fine craft fair to the Verde Valley this fall. The outdoor event will take place over the weekend of October 9–11, 2026, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Hosted by the City of Cottonwood at the Old…

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Strategic appointments in Flagstaff and Yavapai County join established Sedona team to unify and elevate regional support for area donors, communities, and nonprofits. SEDONA, AZ — The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) is pleased to announce a strategic leadership expansion across its three Northern Arizona regional offices to significantly scale local philanthropic investments, fortify regional nonprofit networks, and maximize the long-term impact of local donors. ACF’s Northern Arizona operations are uniquely structured through three dedicated regional offices, ensuring deeply specialized local leadership across distinct communities: The Flagstaff Office: Serving the northernmost reaches of the state, including Flagstaff, Williams, Page, Tuba City,…

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