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.

… I got home from the presentation I did at the Sedona Gem & Mineral Club tonight and started going through my old folders with soaring and related shots … before I realized it, it was 1:45A and a little late to choose some other shots, so here goes. The photo above is of AZ2 ridge soaring in the east California Sierra in the Bristlecone Pines Park… it is piloted by my friend Paul R who bought AZ2 from me. The Bristlecone Pines are among the oldest living species on earth …. some of them are over 4,800 years old and still…

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Sedona News – Celebrate the career and music of Linda Ronstadt when Mindy Ronstadt and The Tributaries come to Sedona with the “Linda Ronstadt Tribute: Just One Look” live concert. There will be two performances on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4 & 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival. With 11 Grammy Awards, Linda Ronstadt is one of the biggest stars in American pop music! The Tributaries are proud to present Linda’s greatest hits in a two-hour show that’s unlike any other.  The band features rock classics from “When Will I Be…

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Sedona News – “Monday at the Museum” is a workshop/ demonstration held every Monday; please call for a current schedule. The Museum is always looking for participants who are willing to share their knowledge of “old time” crafts and skills. December 4:  Red Rock Quilters Love quilting? Got questions? Members of the Red Rock Quilters will be the featured guests for Monday at the Museum on Monday, December 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Perhaps bring a small project to work on and enjoy the fellowship of quilting by getting your questions answered or just talking about the joy of…

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… I headed down to Phoenix with a friend today and since he was driving, I had the luxury of taking in all the scenery, all of which I have spent many hours flying over. Took in the Bradshaw’s and Towers Mountain which we frequently soared over on our way north … the rowdy thermal that frequently sits NNE of it and which has been known to flip you inverted as you circled in it … the beauty of the Prescott Valley and the Black Mountain Range that separates the Prescott Valley from the Verde Valley and then the Verde…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Nazi Hunters” showing Dec. 1-7 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres. Shortly after the end of the Second World War — In 1945 and 1946 — the men of the British “War Crimes Investigation Unit” drove through northern Germany on the hunt for Nazi criminals. One of them is Captain Anton Walter Freud, the grandson of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Anton Walter Freud fled to London with his family from the Nazis in 1938. Now an intelligence officer,…

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Arizona News – Coconino National Forest is seeking public input and comments on proposed trail enhancements at specific locations within the Red Rock Ranger District that would add approximately 39 miles of non-motorized trails and re-route and naturalize other trails. The proposed locations fall within and near the communities of Sedona, Village of Oak Creek and Cornville and would include 24.42 miles of non-motorized trails, adopting 14.8 miles of user-created routes, and naturalizing 10.14 miles of user-created trails. The specific locations include the Turkey Creek System, Bell Rock Area Bypasses, Cornville School Trail, Doe Mesa Loop, Hardline Trail, and Scheurman Trail Connector.…

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Verde Valley News – Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity is deeply saddened by the passing of former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter, who was a champion and strong voice for affordable, decent housing for all. For more than three decades, she and President Jimmy Carter donated their time and leadership to Habitat each year to build and improve homes around the world. “We grieve the loss of Mrs. Carter and our prayers are with President Carter and their family. Mrs. Carter has helped change the lives of thousands of homeowners, empowered countless women and inspired millions of people. Over the years,…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “The Shift” showing Dec. 1-7 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon and Mary D. Fisher Theatres. In “The Shift” — a dystopian drama and sci-fi thriller — one man is faced with infinite worlds and impossible choices. When Kevin Garner meets a nefarious adversary known as The Benefactor and refuses his offer of wealth and power, he must escape an alternate totalitarian reality. With survival on the line, Kevin fights to make it back to the world he knows and the woman he loves. “The…

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… and the morning is starting with a discussion about cooperation … the great blue heron is telling the juvenile turkey vulture that he will provide him notification about the location of the kill so that the vulture can go in and do his waste management task and pick up a meal to boot. Things work that way in nature without having to make deals we all have our roles, but it seems that many today have no idea where they fit in … perhaps more than in the past, but the thought has been around for a long time.…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Northland Cares to present two films in honor and observance of World AIDS Day. “Philadelphia” and “Rent” will make encore returns to the Mary D. Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 30 and Friday, Dec. 1, respectively. All tickets for these special encores will be $10, with the proceeds benefiting Northland Cares. “Philadephia” Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7:00 p.m. “Philadelphia” — starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington — was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning in two categories: Best Actor for Tom Hanks and Best Original Song for Bruce…

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Arizona News – The Coconino National Forest will host a Women in Wildland Fire boot camp in April of 2024 for individuals interested in exploring a career in wildfire and is currently accepting applications. Boot camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting through sessions conducted both in the classroom and in the field. Class work will consist of online training modules, where participants will learn about wildland firefighting strategy and safety. During field training, participants will follow guidelines set by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group to explore firefighting as a career in a…

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Sedona News – The Sedona Heritage Museum hosts Merry Music at the Museum on Saturday, December 9, from 11 am to 3 pm.  The event is free for all to attend. Festivities include crafts for children, snacks provided by the Sedona Community Center, and musical performances. The highlight of the musical performances will be two acts starting at 1 pm.  At that time, popular local duo Tom & Shondra will take the stage to perform holiday favorites and lead the audience in a sing-along.  At 2 pm Harmony on the Rocks will take the stage with their unique take on…

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Verde Valley News – Computer/Technology Classes return to Camp Verde Community Library, this time focusing on Google Tools.  Classes take place on two Saturdays, December 2nd & 9th in 4 separate sessions, starting at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. with each class focusing on 2 Google products. Classes will be taught using the Digital Learn platform. You may use one of our laptops or Chromebooks or bring your own device. Registration for classes is encouraged, You will need to register for each class you wish to attend. Registration is limited to 15 people. The classes are as follows: December 2-…

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Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “The King of Laughter” showing Nov. 25-30 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Naples, 1904: Italian theatre is thriving, and comic actor, Eduardo Scarpetta (Toni Servillo) is the box office king. Known in the Neapolitan theater for his cheeky alter egos, Scarpetta’s larger-than-life stage productions were matched only by his eccentric personal life. Composed of wives, partners, lovers, legitimate and illegitimate children (including a young Eduardo De Filippo, famed Neapolitan playwright), Scarpetta’s home situation resembled one of his comedies more than a traditional family.…

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‘Tis the season for love and laughter, seeing old friends and making new ones, and picking out meaningful gifts for loved ones. You can do all three on Friday, December 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rowe Fine Art Gallery during its annual holiday show, Let it Shine, which lasts the entire month of December. “Everything shines bright and beautiful during this time of year,” says gallery co-owner Monica Rowe. “It’s one of our favorite months here in the gallery because we have so much fun helping our clients choose the perfect presents for their favorite people. Spirits are high, and…

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