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 (November 17, 2018) – Musicians Anthony Mazzella, Peter Sterling and Jesse Kalu will be teaming up for a concert of beautiful music inspired by the legend of Kokopelli. The Kokopelli Concert will take place on Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Fisher Theatre in West Sedona.The concert will consist of flute, guitar, piano and harp — and the music will be sublime. The legend of Kokopelli represents different things to different people and is a fun and interesting topic to research. In the context of this concert, Kokopelli represents the musical spirit of…

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Verde Valley AZ (November 17, 2018) – The Yavapai County Overdose Fatality Review Board has released a new community report. The Overdose Fatality Review Board (OFRB) was formed in August 2016 to address the Opioid Epidemic.The community report outlines findings based on the review of 12 of the 41 total accidental/undetermined drug overdose deaths that occurred in Yavapai County in 2017. The twelve deaths that were reviewed included four females and eight males between the ages of 22 and 61.

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Celebration of CommunityClarkdale AZ (November 17, 2018) – In celebration of creativity and community Made in Clarkdale will host it”s 32nd Artist Showcase December 6th through the 9th. Festivities will be held at the historic Clark Memorial Clubhouse at 9th and Main in Clarkdale.Always a wonderful representation of the community’s wealth of talent, Made in Clarkdale encompasses all art media and styles. Award winning fine art, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, weaving, jewelry, furniture, handmade instruments, gourds and more. Patrons can expect to view outstanding work. Meet and purchase from the artists! There will be classes for school children, artist demonstrations, music, and a…

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Sedona AZ (November 17, 2018) – If you or someone you know experiences anxiety, depression, PTSD or other emotional issues, the holiday season can exacerbate these conditions according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. To assist at this time of year, The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley is partnering with local practitioners to offer a free Healing Services Day on Saturday, December 1, from 10AM-3PM at Christ Lutheran Church Social Hall, 25 Chapel Road, off Hwy 179 in Sedona. The services are free and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

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By James Bishop, Jr.(November 16, 2018)“… The daily existence of every bird is a remote and bewitching mystery.”— Thomas Wentworth Higginson-The Life of Birds 1868“Let nature be your teacher”— William Wordsworth Never heard of the Sedona Wetlands Preserve? Ever pass by a cluster of cottonwoods and cattails just past milepost 365 on your way to Cottonwood only to see a packed parking lot on a Sunday morning?  Well, then one day stop in and experience one of the more inspiring recent tourist attractions in the Verde Valley—and in Arizona.But wait! No, there will be no hopped-up ATV’s, fancy Jeep Tours, a…

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Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal star in critically-acclaimed film at Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (November 16, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the critically-acclaimed new film “Wildlife” Nov. 23-27 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.“Wildlife” — starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal — has been a hit with critics and audiences in prestigious film festivals around the world, including Sundance, Cannes, Toronto and New York.Fourteen-year-old Joe is the only child of Jeanette and Jerry — a housewife and a golf pro — in a small town in 1960s Montana. Nearby, an…

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Sedona AZ (November 16, 2018) – Sedona is a small town but Sound Bites Grill in uptown Sedona offers a big city feeling. You will want to get a head start on your weekend plans on Thursday Nov 15th at 5:30 p.m. with Chill on the Hill from Brazil.On the third Thursday of every month the venue hosts a Brazilian themed evening with live music, traditional Brazilian cuisine (served buffet style) and of course the national spirt of Brazil… a Caipirinha menu.

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CUL Holiday Craft Fair, Bake Sale and Book Swap with Live MusicCottonwood AZ (November 16, 2018) – The Center of Universal Light is holding their annual Holiday Craft Show on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at The Old Town Center for the Arts, located at 633 N. 5th Street, Cottonwood, AZ 86326. The show is from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

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By Carson Ralston Library Specialist-Adult ProgramsCamp Verde AZ (November 16, 2018) – Join us at 5:30 pm on Thursday, December 6th for a free hands-on Make and Take class! Create refreshing, uplifting, soothing, or calming misting sprays or roll-on’s using essential oils and innovative recipes. YOU get to choose the fragrances!

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Sedona AZ (November 16, 2018) – Kick off the holiday season with the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department. Join friends and family from 8-10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, for the 10th annual Breakfast with Santa at the Sedona Hub, 525-B Posse Ground Rd. in Posse Grounds Park. This festive event  is sure to beat the ‘bah humbug’ out of any Scrooge.

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By John Tamiazzo, PhD (November 16, 2018)It is a common occurrence for people to use expressions such as: “if only I had more friends; if only I were more successful; if only I had a college degree; if only I could meet the right person; if only I could get a good job; if only I could get a better job;    if only I could make a name for myself; if only I had more money….The assumption in each case is that if this one condition was met or wish granted, then life would be much better.

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By Virginia Volkman, Library DirectorSedona AZ (November 16, 2018) – As Thanksgiving approaches, we have much be thankful for at Sedona Public Library. As a mission-driven, nonprofit organization, we enhance the lives of our residents and visitors by serving as a community and information center.We have something for everyone, with access to over 1 million items through the Yavapai County Library Network, and our collection of over 80,000 books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers. Many resources are offered in both Spanish and English. We have Wi-Fi access, computers, meeting spaces, and year-round programs for all ages.

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By Ted Grussingand fall reflections equal  a lot of beauty. I took this shot the other day at the Bubbling Ponds and set the lens at 360mm to get the very small area of the reflections that I wanted to capture … a little tinkering in Photoshop and here is the result; a rather nice abstract piece of art … at least I like it.

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International, National and Regional Stars Highlight OTCA’s 11th Holiday Season in Old Town CottonwoodCottonwood AZ (November 15, 2018) – The Old Town Center for the Arts is pleased to announce a preview of upcoming performances for the 2018 Holiday season. International, regional and local talent bring fun, entertainment and celebration to OTCA’s December events.  OTCA has the distinction of completing ten previous seasons, presenting over 520 concert and cultural events, drawing performing artists from every continent except Antarctica. In addition to making a contribution to the cultural and entertainment scene in Verde Valley, OTCA has also produced and hosted many…

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Sedona AZ (November 15, 2018) – Compassion & Choices commended the Sedona City Council for its unanimous vote last night in favor of a bipartisan resolution in support of medical aid-in-dying legislation in Arizona (7-0), including Mayor Sandy Moriarty as a voting member. This makes Sedona the 4th municipality in Arizona to pass a local resolution, joining Tucson, Oro Valley and Bisbee.

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