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.

CH’ÍHOOTSOOÍ, DINÉTAH, (Window Rock, Navajo Nations) (April 17, 2021) – The Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund is helping to decrease the further spread of COVID-19 by implementing a Clean Hands Project to distribute hand washing stations to families on the Navajo and Hopi Nations that don’t have access to indoor plumbing or running water. “In the Navajo Nation, 30 percent of homes lack indoor plumbing. Factors such as these contribute to disproportionate numbers of confirmed cases and deaths related to COVID-19 being reported among tribal communities in Arizona.” said Relief Fund Interim Executive Director Ethel Branch. “Although the Center…

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Camp Verde AZ (April 17, 2021) – Join Haven Health in Camp Verde Community Library’s Terracotta Room at 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 22nd as they navigate the topic of Long Term Care.For most people, when they think of Long Term Care, they think of a nursing home. While that is a part of it, there is so much more, including paid in-home caregivers, coverage for needed medical supplies, and the support of case managers.

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Cottonwood AZ (April 17, 2021) – Now in its 17th year, Kumu Hula (master teacher) Kehau Chrisman announces Beginner Hula classes.  Here is your opportunity to try something new, exercise and have fun, all while becoming immersed in the culture of Hawaii.In 2003, Chrisman moved to Arizona from Hawaii. She has accumulated over 37 years immersed in hula, of which 17 were spent training in Hawaii to reach the highest rank of Hula Master (similar to a PhD in Hula) by following rigorous hula protocols taught by well-known and respected masters in Hawaii’s hula legacy.  

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By Terry HansenHales Corners, WI(April 17, 2021)President Joe Biden’s proposal to upgrade our nation’s infrastructure, the American Jobs Plan, has a strong climate focus.  It aims to make our infrastructure more resilient to climate impacts, and it includes initiatives to reduce emissions in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change.The President’s plan would provide not only funding for roads and bridges, but also for sustainable housing and buildings, electric vehicles, and research and development for clean energy technology.

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The League of Women Voters of Northern Arizona Presents “Fair Maps for Fair Elections:  Redistricting in Arizona”Sedona AZ (April 17, 2021) – Arizona is one of only seven states that have created an Independent Redistricting Commission charged with redrawing its congressional and legislative districts using data from the most recent census.   On Monday, May 10, 2021, the League of Women Voters of Northern Arizona Voters Education Program and OLLI at Yavapai College–Sedona/Verde Valley will present a program explaining the redistricting process, which occurs in 2021, and how to participate in it.  It will be held from 1:00 p.m. until…

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Powerful and thought-provoking drama comes to Mary D. Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (April 16, 2021) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the acclaimed drama “Moffie” showing April 23-29 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.Oliver Hermanus explores the toxic masculinity of Apartheid-era South Africa and the twin forces of racism and homophobia that fed it in “Moffie” – a powerful drama about a young gay military conscript trying to remain invisible.

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By John Halikowski, DirectorArizona Department of Transportation Phoenix AZ (April 16, 2021) – Arizona is one of the most beautiful states in the nation. We can stand awestruck at the majesty of the Grand Canyon at sunrise and by dinnertime be in Tucson admiring the Catalina Mountains. But whether your time on the road is spent looking for great scenery or it’s simply to get from Point A to Point B, there is one thing that will mar the experience for everyone: litter. Litter, unfortunately, is everywhere.

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With humor, pathos, and passion, we see her journey from impoverished child in Czarist Russia to becoming Israel’s 4th Prime MinisterSedona AZ (April 16, 2021) – Emerson Theater Collaborative and Sedona Arts Academy presents GOLDA’S BALCONY Written by William Gibson. Directed and performed by Sandra Laub. Sandra Laub, an award-winning actress and veteran teacher, has been performing William Gibson’s Tony Award-winning one-woman play, Golda’s Balcony, in a variety of settings—theaters, classrooms, social halls, sanctuaries—to critical acclaim and heartfelt audience response since 2013.Golda’s Balcony is a 90-minute tour-de force. With humor, pathos, and passion, we see her journey from impoverished child in…

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Sedona AZ (April 16, 2021) – A day of golf with friends at the Sedona Golf Resort followed by a lavish banquet…what could be better? This new benefit event raises money for scholarships at the local preschool, the Sedona Village Learning Center. Two businesses, Rotten Johnny’s and Geter Plumbing have organized a fun-filled Shotgun Golf Benefit beginning at 8am on Saturday, June 13, 2021. The daylong event includes games, a silent auction, a raffle and giveaway prizes, followed by a culinary banquet with wine and other beverages.

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Sedona AZ (April 16, 2021) – The city of Sedona welcomes Joanne Keene as the new deputy city manager after a national search for the best, most qualified candidate.Keene has had an impressive career over more than two decades working in leadership roles for many northern Arizona organizations, including most recently as the deputy county manager for Coconino County and prior to that, as the executive vice president and chief of staff at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and government relations director for Coconino County. Her strengths include managing high priority initiatives, budget planning, team collaboration, department oversight and community relations.

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Drama set in Greece explores a weekend fling at Mary D. Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (April 15, 2021) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the new award-winning drama “Monday” showing April 23-29 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.A spark on a Friday can lead to a sizzling weekend fling, but what happens when you get to the inevitable Monday?Mickey (Sebastian Stan) and Chloe (Denise Gough), two Americans in their mid-thirties living in Athens, meet in the heat of summer one whirlwind weekend. The chemistry between them is undeniable.

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Schedule appointments, complete services at AZMVDNow.govPhoenix AZ (April 15, 2021) – The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division continues to adapt to changing customer service demands. MVD recently expanded contact center help, added temporary help to assist in the demand for appointments and has steadily increased the number of online self-serve options, including driver license renewals, available to customers at AZMVDNow.gov.Expanding call center help to the Yuma prison will provide some relief to the high volume of calls MVD receives.

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