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… this is about the time the flight attendants come on the PA system and welcome you to Phoenix, San Francisco, or in this case it is welcome to the old fishing hole in Page Springs. It is the fishing hole for these guys and several other species … humans not permitted to do so. After landing he started looking for those inflight snacks that we no longer get when we fly … stale Ritz crackers that were not edible on my flight back … he will be feasting on trout in a few minutes.

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Sedona AZ (October 4, 2018) – Take a musical journey through time when Blues Hall of Fame inductee Leon J brings “The Americana Crossroads Music Showcase” to Sedona. There will be one show on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. on the Goldenstein Stage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival.This historic American music tribute features incredible renditions of original and interpretive music from all genres: Americana, roots, Delta, Country, Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

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Sedona AZ (October 4, 2018) – The Sedona Heritage Museum will feature a chair caning demonstration on October 15, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Dale Compton will demonstrate the steps for hand caning a traditional chair seat, a hobby that requires time and patience, but very few tools. Dale has been hand caning chairs as a hobby for eighteen years and has caned nearly 50 chairs. He obtains the chairs from flea markets, garage sales and friends, often as derelicts in poor condition. He then repairs, rebuilds and refinishes the chairs prior to caning so that the final product is both…

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Kids practice 21st Century skills in critical thinking and problem-solving that assist them in STEM subjects in schoolCamp Verde AZ (October 4, 2018) – Camp Verde Community Library is beginning weekly Code Club starting in mid-October. In this informal educational setting, kids will learn computer programming skills through a series of tutorials and projects. They will work toward building websites, video games, phone apps, animations and more, all while learning how to become better problem solvers and critical thinkers.

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Cottonwood AZ (October 4, 2018) – MATFORCE is sponsoring a “Lunch ‘n Learn” entitled “Gambling Disorder: The Other Substance Use Disorder”. The Lunch ‘n Learn will discuss the changes made to gambling disorder and the move from the DSM-IV, as a compulsive disorder, to the DSM-5 as a substance use disorder. Learn how the various screening tools are used to help screen for gambling disorder. Hear about the vulnerable populations that are identified that have a higher rate of developing a problem gambling disorder.

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Sedona AZ (October 4, 2018) – Come enjoy fall in Sedona at the annual Pumpkin Splash on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Sedona Community Pool will be home to 300 pumpkins ready for the picking, right out of the water. There will be swimming, organized games on deck with prizes, pumpkin decorating, bobbing for apples, a giant sling shot challenge, treats for sale, goody bags, and at the end, a pumpkin for everyone to take home. Enjoy Trunk-Or-Treat by SummitLIFE featuring decorated car trunks outside the gates of the pool where kids can safely trick or treat between…

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Cottonwood AZ (October 4, 2018) – On Monday October 1, 2018 about 1:30 PM,  Verde Valley Fire Units were dispatched to the area of FS Road 147 (Big Notti Beach Rd) for a Motor Home on fire. On arrival units found a motor home parked in the desert area with an active fire and smoke on the interior of the unit. The occupant was outside and was not injured.

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Sedona AZ (October 4, 2018) – Experience the figure in movement and stillness, and draw if you dare during the Sedona Arts Festival Draw-a-Thon, October 13, 10am-1pm, at Sedona Red Rock High School! Artists and attendees of the Sedona Arts Festival are invited to a unique opportunity to experience drawing the semi-clothed figure at a “Draw-a-thon,” where performer/models will dance into poses.

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By Ted Grussing… I took this shot of a young doe on the way back to the cabin after an afternoon in search of color … she and her “mom” were feeding on the grasses at the side of the road and I shot them from inside the car so as not to spook them. The 500mm lens really brought them in. Also got more wild turkeys which I understand are numerous up there now. They actually look pretty spooky and it should make a good Halloween image … kind ghoulish.

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Donald Sutherland, Judy Greer and Luke Wilson star in film at Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (October 3, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the acclaimed new film “Measure of a Man” Oct. 12-18 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.“Measure of a Man” features an all-star, award-winning ensemble cast including Blake Cooper, Donald Sutherland, Judy Greer and Luke Wilson.Sometimes we have to fall down to grow up.

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Cornville AZ (October 3, 2018) – Just before 9:30 AM on October 2, 2018, deputies were dispatched to a collision on Cornville Road near mile marker 3 in an area known as the ‘switchbacks.’ The driver of a 1993 Cadillac sedan passed in a no passing zone driving west, going uphill in the switchbacks, and crossing the centerline of the roadway. A semi-tractor rig heading east could not avoid the oncoming vehicle and a head on collision occurred.

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Sedona AZ (October 3, 2018) – Henry Twombly, a Sedona resident since 2008, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2018.  Henry was a frequent and valued contributor to Sedona.biz’ Letters to The Editor section, noted for his clear and concise opinions.  Rest in peace, Henry, you will be missed. 

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Cottonwood AZ (October 3, 2018) – Verde Valley Fire Units were dispatched to the intersection of State Hwy 260 & Godard Rd. on Sunday evening September 30 about 5:30 for a two vehicle rollover accident. On arrival units found two vehicles involved with one vehicle off the roadway and appeared to have roll a number of times.

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Cottonwood AZ (October 3, 2018) – On October 1, 2018 at about 4:00PM, Verde Valley Fire District and Cottonwood Fire were dispatched to the intersection of State Hwy 260 & Western Dr. for a single vehicle rollover accident. On arrival, units found a single pickup on its side on the shoulder of the road. The occupants of the vehicle were not injured. The occupant was turning onto Hwy 260 from Western Dr. and lost control. Units assisted with traffic control.

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