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.

65 percent of licenses now issued meet federal ID regulationsPhoenix AZ (November 7, 2019) – More Arizonans are getting the AZ Travel ID than ever before.Data released by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division show that the number of the federally-compliant AZ Travel IDs issued at MVD and Authorized Third Party offices has jumped considerably, from less than 20 percent in January to 65 percent now.“An increase of 45 percent in less than a year is a testament to customer service professionals doing an excellent job,” said MVD Director Eric Jorgensen. “But our message is still, ‘Will your license fly?’”

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Camp Verde AZ (November 7, 2019) – The next Music in the Stacks, a free monthly concert series, will take place on Thursday, November 14th 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.

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Sedona AZ (November 7, 2019) – On Saturday, November 16, 2019, beginning at 10:00AM, the Oak Creek Apples Macintosh Users Group will offer a general question-and-answer session on Apple computers, iPads, and iPhones in the Si Birch Room at the Sedona Public Library. Alan Gore will facilitate the meeting. Admission is free. Pre-registration is desirable but not required. Register by emailing to oakcreekapples@gmail.com.

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By Ted Grussing… are teeming with new arrivals as the fall migration is well underway. One pond had over 200 widgeons on it as well as mallards and ring necks. After being shot at all the way down here from the north, those that get here are pretty jumpy for a while before they settle into a routine knowing they are safe here. This is the period of time when I can get good in flight shots, as they tend to jump when you walk by them … it won’t be long before they just kinda swim away and toss…

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Sedona Film Festival hosts big-screen presentation of art series at Mary D. Fisher theatreSedona AZ (November 6, 2019) – Sedona International Film Festival presents the Exhibition on Screen series with “Leonardo: The Works”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre.Exhibition on Screen offers an unprecedented look at arguably the world’s most celebrated artist: Leonardo da Vinci. Premiering in cinemas for a strictly limited run, “Leonardo: The Works” is part of the global celebration marking the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death.

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Prescott AZ (November 6, 2019) – During a staff meeting today, Sheriff Mascher announced his plans to retire following the completion of his current term which ends in December of 2020. The Sheriff also sent an email to employees regarding his decision. The Sheriff has been with YCSO for more than 35 years starting as a volunteer reserve deputy in 1983, becoming a full time deputy in 1986, and working every rank over that time. The Sheriff is currently in his 2nd full term and remains honored by the continued community support all these years. The Sheriff’s Office has seen a…

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Sedona Community Forum will host Karen Osburn, Sedona’s Assistant City Manager, and Robert Pickels, Sedona City Attorney, November 13Sedona AZ (November 6, 2019) – Perhaps the most influential recent change in Sedona’s community life is the rapid increase in short-term vacation rentals.   When and why did this movement take off?  What are its pros and cons?  What can the city do to minimize problems?  How about Sedona’s concerned citizens?

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Sedona AZ (November 6, 2019) – 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 18th, 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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By Dr. Marta Adelsman Life Coach in Communication and Consciousness(November 6, 2019)Self-judgment is a trap, and we all fall into it — some of us pretty frequently!When I judge myself, it’s like stabbing myself with a knife.  I can feel the pain of it in my solar plexus, and it’s nothing short of violent.  I used to do it all the time, and I’ve learned to curb it because it hurts!So can you, with practice.

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Walt Richardson headlines Woodstock – Summer of Love Concert at OTCACottonwood AZ (November 5, 2019) – Come celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, the Summer of Love and the music and Cultural Revolution that changed the world, in a special concert at Old Town Center for the Arts on Saturday, November 16th at 7:00 PM.Enjoy and relive the music of the late 60’s an exceptional era.  You’ll hear songs by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Richie Havens, Cat Stevens, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and others. The concert will feature Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall…

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By Ted Grussing… after a day of carving wax it was fun to get out with One for her evening outing … a brief hunt, a brief visit from the neighborhood crows and a spectacular dive off of a high branch of the pine tree on the back of the tee box as this guy departed the area.  I think we could safely call this a down hill and possibly down wind takeoff … a much better choice than uphill down wind takeoff. Airspeed quickly gained he leveled off after about a ten foot drop and cruised out to the NE.

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The unforgettable journey of six Americans who lost fathers in the Vietnam WarSedona AZ (November 5, 2019) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “The 2 Sides Project” on Monday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veteran’s Day. There will be two shows at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.There will be a panel discussion and community conversation featuring special guests from the film following both screenings of “The 2 Sides Project”.From the shadow of war comes a ray of hope.

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Sedona AZ (November 5, 2019) – Northern AZ Climate Change Alliance (NAZCCA) and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will feature a presentation and discussion by Tyler Linner on Praxis Waste Solutions: A Systems Approach for Waste Diversion on Tuesday, November 19th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Yavapai College, Sedona Center, Room #34, 4215 Arts Village Drive in Sedona. The discussion will include opportunity for Q & A. This event is free and open to the public.

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Sedona AZ (November 5, 2019) – Emerson Theater Collaborative, in cooperation with the City of Sedona, Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, Accord Hospice and Sedona United Methodist Church presents playwright Greg Oliver Bodine’s Christmas Thieves: A Small Town Radio Play at Sedona United Methodist Church, December 5-7 and 13-15, 2019.

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Sedona AZ (November 5, 2019) – Sedona’s entertainment scene comes alive at Sound Bites Grill with music offered six nights a week. The venue tagged as a modern day supper club features local musicians and national performers. There is never a dull moment when the lights and sound turn on in the event showroom where you will enjoy the musical artists..  Music is back every Sunday for the holiday season.

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