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.

Cottonwood AZ (November 8, 2018) – Come celebrate a tribute to the Eagles, at the Old Town Center for the Arts, when “South of Winslow”, appears in concert, Saturday, November 17th at 7:00 PM.  Originating in Prescott, Arizona, “South of Winslow” band is a collection of five talented and seasoned musicians that perform Eagles music exclusively. The band formed six years ago when they discovered their mutual love for the Eagles.

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Award-winning documentary returns for Compassion and Choices special eventSedona AZ (November 8, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with the Northern Arizona Chapter of Compassion and Choices to present the encore of the multiple award-winning film “The Suicide Tourist” on Thursday, Nov. 15. There will be one show at 4 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Tickets are only a $5 donation for this special encore event.The film screening will be followed by a discussion and Skype Q&A with the film’s Academy Award-winning director John Zaritsky.

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Sedona AZ (November 8, 2018) – Cindy Rovey will offer a bread-baking workshop at the Sedona Heritage Museum on Monday, November 19th at 11:00 a.m. Participants will learn how to make Whole Wheat bread. Attendance is limited, so call now to reserve your place. Bring an apron, mixing bowl, and large mixing spoon. At the end of the class, each person will take their bread home to bake, so you should plan your schedule accordingly.  The fee is $7 per person. RSVP required.

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Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking (PANT) task force Investigating   Verde Valley AZ (November 8, 2018) – First – what is Fentanyl?… And points to remember (From drugabuse.gov).  Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.Non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is sold in the following forms: as a powder; spiked on blotter paper; mixed with or substituted for heroin; or as tablets that mimic other, less potent opioids.Fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. Its effects include…

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Flagstaff AZ (November 8, 2018) – When a couple of October storms dropped early snow on Arizona’s high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation and its plows were ready because the agency prepares year-round  for winter weather.Now it’s time for you to equip yourself and your vehicle for snow.

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Award-winning documentary returns for Sedona Kindness Day celebration and special eventSedona AZ (November 7, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with SedonaKind to present the encore of the multiple award-winning film “Liyana” on Tuesday, Nov. 13 as part of the Sedona Kindness Day celebration. There will be two shows at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The ticket price is a donation of $5 with proceeds to benefit five local schools to help provide much-needed supplies to help the children in our community succeed.“Liyana” has won numerous top awards at prestigious film festivals…

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AZGFD conservation efforts set records for breeding areas, hatched and fledged youngPhoenix AZ (November 7, 2018) – Arizona’s bald eagle population continues to soar as the number of breeding areas expanded statewide and a record 87 young hatched during the 2018 breeding season, according the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s annual survey.The number of hatchlings rose from the previous high of 82 in 2017, as did the number of young that actually fledged, rising to 70 birds that made the important milestone of their first flight. In Arizona, at least 102 eggs were laid, which topped the 97 laid in…

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Inhale Love – Exhale GratitudeSedona AZ (November 7, 2018) – Thanksgiving is just about the best holiday, isn’t it? No long lines, no presents to buy, no pressure to decorate, just a fabulous meal, friends and families together, and maybe some football. Oh yes, and there’s Gratitude, having the time to reflect on all our blessings, big and small.For the third year, SedonaKind is thrilled to be able to place our Gratitude Trees around the community. We believe the saying, “It’s not happy people who are grateful. It’s grateful people who are happy.” This year, the Gratitude Trees take many…

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Sedona AZ (November 7, 2018) – The Verde Valley is home to a treasure trove of cultural heritage sites and museums.  Many of these have Museum Gift Shops offering gifts for the coming holiday season – gifts that you may not find anywhere else.  By shopping at these non-profit organizations you will be providing much needed support by spending some of your shopping dollars with them.You can find unique gifts for everyone on your list in an un-crowded, un-harried environment, enjoy tax-free purchases, and support area cultural institutions all in one shopping trip!

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By Ted Grussing… there are those who live in houses like me and there are those who make do in the natural surroundings in the neighbor … appropriate that this House Finch is a neighbor that I shot in the Pinion Pine in the backyard. Late afternoon one fine April day and undoubtably I had One out for her afternoon hunt. I saw the local Bobcat yesterday afternoon, but he seems to be steering clear of the area that he and One had their encounter and for sure One is too … probably a healthy decision for both of them,…

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Sedona Film Festival hosts big-screen presentation of art series at Mary D. Fisher theatreSedona AZ (November 6, 2018) – Sedona International Film Festival presents the Exhibition on Screen series with “Degas: Passion for Perfection”. The event will show in Sedona on Monday, Nov. 12 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre.The festival is proud to be the official host of the series, joining hundreds of theatres around the globe for this special exhibition on screen. Cinema guests can now enjoy unprecedented high definition access into the lives of renowned artists, their art and the fabulous…

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Phoenix AZ (November 6, 2018) – Arizona State Parks & Trails is proud to offer FREE entrance to veterans and active duty military to most state parks on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2018 as a thank you for their service to our country.With state parks located throughout Arizona, there are many opportunities to relax and explore the great outdoors. All year long, Arizona State Parks & Trails offers a discount program for veterans and active duty military. You must show your military identification for the free entrance on Sunday, November 11.

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Remaining work in area will be finished after winter hiatus  Flagstaff AZ (November 6, 2018) – With Arizona Department of Transportation projects improving Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 around Flagstaff approaching a winter hiatus, the area now has upgraded bridge decks, two new bridges and 20 total miles of rebuilt roadway. There are also many more miles of fresh pavement, with additional paving to come when warmer temperatures return.

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Clarkdale AZ (November 6, 2018) – The Yavapai College EMS program first-time pass rate for the National Registry EMT Certification Examination rose to 82% over the past nine months, a significant increase from the previous two years. The 82% rate places YC well above the national average of 72% and has the College ranks in the top 10 for Arizona EMS programs that have more than 15 students taking the placement exam.

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