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.

By Ted Grussing… one of the photos we were to bring to a photo group I participate in tonight, was to be an abstract and this is the one I chose … it is a straight photo with no special effects applied to it, just some tonal adjustments and a curve adjustment layer … if you use Photoshop you know what I am talking about and if not, who really cares? For me the abstract photo is capturing patterns as found in nature. This particular shot was of a tree on Gunsight Hills Drive, just a few blocks from our…

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Sedona Film Festival hosts big-screen presentation of art series at Mary D. Fisher theatreSedona AZ (September 11, 2019) – Sedona International Film Festival presents the Great Art on Screen series with “Tintoretto: A Rebel in Venice”. The event will show in Sedona on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 4 and 7 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre.Great Art on Screen is a series of seven documentaries featuring an in-depth look at the most extraordinary and groundbreaking art masters of their time.“Tintoretto: A Rebel in Venice” fully immerses audiences in the life of the last great artist of the Italian…

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Sedona AZ (September 11, 2019) – Do you have an interest in weaving, spinning, basket making, dyeing yarns or knitting? If so, come to Monday at the Museum at the Sedona Heritage Museum on Monday, September 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and join the members of the Verde Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild while they practice their art and share their love of fiber arts. Come to watch or bring your spinning wheel and yarns and join in the fun. They would be happy to answer any questions. There is no charge for this demonstration.

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Sedona AZ (September 11, 2019) – “Liberal or Conservative…Is it Genetic?” is the topic of a special luncheon hosted by the League of Women Voters Greater Verde Valley on Friday, October 11, Noon-2PM, at Poco Diablo Resort, 1752 Hwy 179, Sedona, announced Kathy Kinsella, President. The featured speaker is John Alford, Ph.D., author of the book, “Predisposed: Liberals, Conservatives, and the Biology of Political Differences.” The luncheon cost is $25 and is open to the public.

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By Ted Grussing… not all days are productive and there are days when I just shoot for the sake of shooting something … this hen dove is one such example. She is perched in the peach tree about 50 or 60 feet off the back deck where One and I spend some time each day. Even with the 400mm lens I know that I am not going to be getting any frame filling creature, but it is fun to use the camera and shoot something. I seldom look at any of these shots and more frequently than not I simply…

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Trio of young Italian tenors presents concert from Florence, Italy on screen at Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (September 10, 2019) – The Sedona International Film Festival presents the encore of Il Volo’s “Notte Magica” concert with Plácido Domingo on Sunday, Sept. 15 on screen. There will be one show at 1 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre. After winning over the global public on their tour through Europe, the U.S. and South America, Il Volo marks their return to Italy for a magical night of music, paying tribute to another famous trio, The 3 Tenors.

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Cottonwood AZ (September 10, 2019) – Verde Valley Humane Society is hosting a very special Tail End of Summer Adoption Event this Friday – Sunday, September 13-15. The event features $10 adoption fees on all available pets, including dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, bunny rabbits and guinea pigs.Stop by and enjoy cool refreshments, a bake sale offering treats for people and for pets, and on Saturday and Sunday only gourmet hot dogs by Chef Wayne’s Creations. Bring your pet by during the event and take advantage of $15 microchipping.

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By Ted Grussing… and a new week and fall weather is on the way … YAY! Also in two weeks I leave on the Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota trip and will be bringing a new camera along with me in hopes of obtaining that perfect shot that has so far eluded me. Each time I go out shooting I know that I might get that shot and when I do, there will still be the possibility of getting an even better shot … that drives me to seek the perfection in nature that I know is there … and of…

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Film is the quintessential portal to Ram Dass’ life and teachings; filmmaker to attendSedona AZ (September 9, 2019) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the inspiring and acclaimed documentary “Becoming Nobody” Sept. 13-16 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.Jamie Catto, the director of “Becoming Nobody”, will be in Sedona to host the film and Q&A discussions after both screenings on Monday, Sept. 16.“Becoming Nobody” is the quintessential portal to Ram Dass’ life and teachings. His ability to entertain and his sense of humor are abundantly evident in a conversation that brings…

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Clarkdale AZ (September 9, 2019) – The Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum, in partnership with OLLI Sedona/Verde Valley, invites adult lifelong learners to meet and greet at an Old Fashioned Back to School Social on Friday, September 20, 3:00-5:00pm in the historic Clark Memorial Clubhouse Mens Lounge located at 19 N. Ninth Street in downtown Clarkdale. Mingle in an environment of like adults who love to learn learn, grow and connect with others in an atmosphere of volunteerism and leadership.

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Vortex Crunch – Everything you Love covered in Chocolate!Cottonwood AZ (September 9, 2019) – Join Gayle’s Chocolates as they unveil their new chocolate store with their First Annual Vortex Crunch Event. Be the first to experience and taste the deliciousness on Friday, September 20th from 12 to 3pm. Enjoy a real-life Willy Wonka factory and visit Gayle’s flagship store at 541 N. Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326.Come taste and learn all about Gayle’s chocolate specialties and have a bite of their signature new chocolate creation, the Vortex Crunch. A sweet and salty combination, the Vortex Crunch is loaded with rice…

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Camp Verde AZ (September 9, 2019) – Join Wendy Knight, RN, BSN, Patient Care Representative from Northern AZ Hospice at Camp Verde Community Library at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 12th for an informational class on Advanced Care Planning & Directives.Advanced Care Planning ensures that the healthcare treatments you may receive are consistent with your wishes and preferences, especially in the event you’re unable to make and/or communicate your healthcare choices.

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Sedona AZ (September 9, 2019) – The city of Sedona will host a free community Fix-it Clinic on Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hub, 525-B Posse Ground Rd., in Posse Grounds Park.The Fix-it Clinic helps residents learn basic repair skills, save money, and keep items out of the landfill. Volunteer fixers will be available to help residents fix broken household items for free. Items accepted include toys, electronics, ripped clothing, small appliances, and more. Items brought in for repair must be small enough to carry or wheel indoors.

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Sedona AZ (September 8, 2019) – This week’s lineup at Sound Bites Grill starts with the ever popular Wineaux Wednesday from 5:00pm-7:00pm, where all the Rock Stars come out to enjoy the original music of local favorite Robin Miller.  He sings effortlessly from 6-9p.m.

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Film celebrates iconic voice that made generations of fans fall in love with herSedona AZ (September 6, 2019) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning and acclaimed new music documentary “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” Sept. 13-19 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.A voice that spanned genres and generations, a talent that elevated the art of the song, a heart like a wheel that continues to revolve around family, music, and the art that bring us together. Since bursting onto the music scene in 1967, Linda Ronstadt’s extraordinary…

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