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.

Prescott AZ (November 2, 2020) – MATFORCE, an anti-drug organization that educates and raises awareness about substance abuse issues, announces the appointment of Chief Steve Gesell, Chief of Police for the City of Cottonwood to their Board of Directors.A respected leader and collaborator, Chief Gesell has served the public for over 30 years, the last decade as Chief Executive for two police departments in Arizona and California. With a highly diverse professional background in policing and distinguished career, Chief Gesell was appointed as the Chief of Police for the City of Cottonwood in 2016.

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“Plugins for Image Enhancement” and “The Art of Travel Photography”Sedona AZ (November 2, 2020) – Photographic artist JR Schnelzer will present to the Sedona Camera Club starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 30th.  Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, Schnelzer’s online presentation will be via a Sedona Camera Club webinar.Photographers are seeking new and more artistic ways to represent their photographic endeavors.   During Part 1, “Plugins for Image Enhancement”, Schnelzer will introduce several plugins for use with Photoshop for techniques such as hair enhancement, painted images, and portrait enhancement.

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Camp Verde AZ (November 2, 2020) – The next Music in the Stacks, a free monthly concert series, will take place on Thursday, November 12th at 5:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Terracotta Room. Music in the Stacks is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There are 4-6 different performers during the show, with a rotating variety each month.November’s concert features the following talented local musicians: Christy Fisher, Mike McReynolds, Tony Cook, and Gary Simpkins. These free concerts will continue the second Thursday of every month at the same time and location.

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By Robert Albrecht, Humane Society of SedonaSedona AZ (November 1, 2020) – At the Humane Society of Sedona, the challenges created by a global pandemic has been answered with innovation, creativity, safety, and resilience. Here are some of the protections we have initiated to make certain our returning and new volunteers will feel safe and protected at HSS. We need volunteers at the main shelter location at 2115 Shelby Drive in West Sedona and at both of our Thrift Stores. The shelter has been taking in many animals from local rescues and shelters across the state. Both of our thrift…

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All-star cast of Broadway’s greatest stars featured in film at Mary D. Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (November 1, 2020) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning new documentary “On Broadway” showing Nov. 6-12 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.The shimmering lights of Broadway have long symbolized success in show business. Each year, top tier Broadway shows attract millions of people from all over the world. But the history of Broadway isn’t all glitz and glamour.

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Sedona AZ (November 1, 2020) – Between 8:15 and 9:15 a.m. on Oct. 28, 2020, a sewer spill of approximately 500 to 700 gallons occurred along State Route (SR) 89A near the Arroyo Pinon Drive intersection. The spill was due to tree roots creating a block in the sewer line and is not associated with the SR 179 Sewer Main Replacement Project.Because of the size of the spill, quick response and fact that this spill is miles from Oak Creek, no effluent went into the creek, any tributaries or sensitive areas.

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Sedona AZ (November 1, 2020) – On Nov. 2, 2020, city of Sedona contractor Tiffany Construction Company will begin the Thunder Mountain/Sanborn Roadway and Shared Use Path Improvements Project. This project involves a roadway mill and paving overlay of an approximate one-mile section of Thunder Mountain Road/Sanborn Drive with new curb and gutter to be constructed along the south side of the roadway. Additionally, a “Sedona red” concrete shared use path of varying width (8-to-10-feet) will be constructed along with associated retaining walls and residential driveway reconstruction throughout the south side of the project corridor. The project also includes construction…

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Sedona AZ (November 1, 2020) – 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 9, 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 group consists of carvers ranging from beginners to master carvers. Come by with your own equipment or just come to watch these artisans do relief carving, chip carving, and bark carving. There is no fee…

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Clarkdale AZ (November 1, 2020) – Students of Yavapai College’s Culinary Arts Program—under expert, guided instruction from accomplished chefs—will prepare a classic Thanksgiving dinner for those who place their orders before 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13. “This is a great opportunity for our students to hone their culinary skills while providing a valuable service to residents, especially during such a hectic time of year,” said Chef Robert Barr, Director of the Yavapai College Culinary Arts Program. 

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Sedona AZ (November 1, 2020) – The Sedona Heritage Museum will hold a Rummage & Treasures Sale on Saturday, November 7 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Museum. Proceeds will benefit the Museum’s services and programs. Masks will be required. Shoppers will be asked to physically distance from others and other limits will apply to provide a safe shopping environment. Parking is available.

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Camp Verde AZ (November 1, 2020) – The Yavapai County Sherriff’s Office is asking for your help in finding a felony Criminal Damage Suspect(s).  On October 19, 2020, the victim got a flat tire while driving on Bull Pen Rd. in Camp Verde.  As a result, the victim was forced to leave the vehicle overnight.  Upon returning, the victim found the vehicle had multiple bullet holes in the windshield, driver’s side window and door.  A .22 Caliber shell casing was found next to the driver’s door.  The vehicle sustained over $2,000 in damage. 

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Camp Verde AZ (November 1, 2020) – Join the Verde Library Group online on Saturday, November 7th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm for a Virtual Indie Author Day with presentations from a local author, illustrator, editor and publisher.  The Verde Library Group is a partnership of Verde Valley libraries that includes Sedona Public Library, Cottonwood Public Library and Camp Verde Community Library.

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By John Roberts, Sedona Resident(November 1, 2020)Their endorsement of Joe biden joins a host of others with stature against Trump for excellent reason. But then many of the Trump lemmings do not have the brains to understand the offerings of this organization.

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… trying to beat the deadline for getting into her witching area, One is a flat out run, preparing to leap the Little Colorado Canyon as the witching hour and all the celestial magic begins to enfold the area. Not much time left, but with her renewed powers, strength and size she will easily be able to make it back to Sedona in time.

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By Cheryl L. Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the VillageSedona AZ (October 30, 2020) – Sedona Public Library in the Village, located at 51 Bell Rock Plaza, Suite A, is open and offering most library services; however, the browsing collection is not available at this time. We are encouraging patrons to place holds for pickup at the VOC library. Placing a hold is easy. Here are answers to your frequently asked questions about holds.

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