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.

Sedona AZ (February 6, 2019) – Just before Thanksgiving, Sedona.Biz and SedonaKind brought you a story about the 16 beautiful Kindness Benches that were donated and placed all around Sedona. The benches were created by local artists extraordinaire Lucy Paradise and Lenore Hemingway, and members of SedonaKind. The benches have now found their permanent homes, and are already being treasured by local residents and visitors alike as places to rest, relax, and contemplate ways to be kind. Treasure… treasure hunt… Aha!

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By Ted Grussing… one of my favorite ducks is the diminutive Hooded Merganser, a very small creature, but what they lack in size is more than made up for by their extraordinary beauty! I took this shot down at the ponds a couple of weeks ago with the Nikon D850 and Nikkor 200/500 mm lens. The watery background is as shot and shows you how even tiny ripples can give you beautiful backgrounds as they catch sunlight … or the lack of it.

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Sedona AZ (February 6, 2019) – Shortly before 1 a.m. on the morning of February 5, Sedona firefighters responded to 30 Beaver Street in the Village of Oak Creek for a reported structure fire. When crews arrived, fire was venting out of the roof of the structure and both residents had exited the building. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, but damage to the structure was extensive.“The residents of the home had awoken to fire in the walls and ceiling of the structure before the smoke alarms had started to sound,” said Fire Investigator Rick Evans, “This gave them…

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Sedona AZ (February 6, 2019) – “Monday at the Museum” will feature Psanky (Decorated Ukrainian) Eggs on Monday February 18th.  at 10:00 a.m. Learn the basics of decorating eggs in the Ukrainian tradition by layering beeswax and dyes to create intricate designs. Although traditionally done at Easter time, they are great for a special occasion or other holidays. This workshop is open to adults and children over the age of 10; Fee $7, RSVP required.

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Prescott AZ (February 6, 2019) – January 30, 2019, Sheriff Scott Mascher and his command staff honored volunteers throughout the agency during a special ceremony at the beautiful Elks Theatre in Prescott. The event, organized by Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Services Coordinator Dennyse Loll, included special recognitions and dinner following the program. Volunteer groups within the Sheriff’s Office include the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Force, Volunteer’s in Protection (VIP), the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team (YCSRT) containing several specialized units, Jeep Posse, the Verde Valley Search and Rescue Team, and the Sheriff’s Air Group.

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By Dr. Marta Adelsman Life Coach in Communication and Consciousness www.DrMartaCoach.com(February 6, 2019)I sat in front of my magnifying mirror, staring at the tangle of turquoise beads knotted just below my throat.  I often wear two long necklaces together, each looped twice around my neck. As I attempted to remove them, I noticed they had become hopelessly tangled.I couldn’t take them off over my head; they would break.  I couldn’t pull them apart; they only became more tightly knotted. My only solution laid in closely studying each knot so I could, one at a time, untangle the jumble of strands.

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By Ted Grussing… espresso and loads of caffeine can be delivered to the system … do not know how many bunnies I have shot over the years, but this is the first one I have shot that looks like how I sometimes feel in the morning before the first shots of espresso are draining down my throat and starting to do their work. I shot this delightful little creature down at the Gilbert Water Park Riparian Preserve this morning and although I got a lot of good shots of birds and waterfowl, I just kept coming back to this one…

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Prepare for the unexpected; consider delaying travelFlagstaff AZ (February 5, 2019) – With snow and rain storms forecast across the state late tonight, it’s important to delay travel if possible, or prepare to spend extra time on the road.Arizona Department of Transportation crews are ready to plow the roads and help keep them clear, but it can still be hazardous to drive in a storm where visibility and road surface conditions can change quickly.

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By Terry Hansen, Hales Corners WI(February 5, 2019)Letter-writer John Roberts dismisses the threat of human-caused climate change.  It’s important to note that his position stands in stark contrast to that of the U.S. Department of Defense.A recent Pentagon report warns that sea level rise and wildfires threaten U.S. military bases.  Moreover, in its 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review, the DOD warns: “As greenhouse gas emissions increase, sea levels are rising, average global temperatures are increasing, and severe weather patterns are accelerating.  These changes, coupled with other global dynamics,…will devastate homes, land and infrastructure.”

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Camp Verde AZ (February 5, 2019) – Northern Arizona Hospice has requests from Camp Verde and surrounding areas that they seek to fill.  They are always looking for amazing volunteers to assist them.  If you or someone you know loves giving back to your community, please give them a call.  Free volunteer training is available.  Classes are starting February 11th from 9:00 am -12:00 pm at Camp Verde Community Library.  Call Northern Arizona Hospice at 928-639-6676 for more information. Camp Verde Community Library is located at 130 Black Bridge Rd., Camp Verde, AZ 86322.

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Prescott AZ (February 5, 2019) – Yavapai Silent Witness Director Chris Wilson is announcing the 2019 Catch 22 campaign which began February 1, 2019. Every day through February 22, 2019, the Sheriff’s Office will share information about a wanted fugitive from the program. A direct tip to Silent Witness resulting in the arrest of the fugitive within 90 days of the announcement will result in $500 cash reward.Day 5 –NAME: Angelina Lynn Heydorn , 24Charges:  Aggravated Robbery, Assault, and Theft.

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Sedona AZ (February 5, 2019) – Prescott Az band leader Drew Hall has been working hard to create this all-star band of musicians called Summa Totiusj! What does the name mean? The sum of all parts.This band features high energy Latin / Flamenco inspired music with an all-star cast of Arizona based musicians. You will enjoy Summa Totius at Sound Bites Grill in Sedona on Saturday February 9th at 7p.m.

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By Ted Grussing… have lost your mind, or perhaps found it …This is one of those giant projects I did a number of years ago and I put a couple more hours into it tonight. My friend, John Soderberg, is one of the finest sculptors I have ever known, he has been at it all of his life, his daughters have been at it since their childhood and their work is found in major public and private collections worldwide. John did the sculpture that resides within the circle at Whole Foods in West Sedona and it is a magnificent larger…

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Sedona AZ (February 4, 2019) – Professional photographer Larry Lindahl will present at the meeting of the Sedona Camera Club starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 25th, at the Christ Lutheran Church, 25 Chapel Rd, Sedona.  Doors open at 5:30.Join Larry as he takes you into the heart of the American Southwest through his travel and landscape photography.  Follow his journey in capturing the stunning images published in his new book “Four Corners USA.” Released in 2018, the book showcases scenic locations tucked within Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, along with portraits of the native peoples and their…

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Cottonwood AZ (February 4, 2019) – Yavapai Silent Witness Director Chris Wilson has announced the 2019 Catch 22 campaign which began February 1, 2019. Every day through February 22, 2019, the Sheriff’s Office will share information about a wanted fugitive from the program. A direct tip to Silent Witness resulting in the arrest of the fugitive within 90 days of the announcement will result in $500 cash reward.DAY 4NAME: Jackie Joseph Duval, 33CHARGES: Child Abuse, Robbery, Disorderly Conduct, Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest and Criminal Damage. Some charges related to domestic violence.

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