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 (May 3, 2018) – The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley presents a slide show and talk by award-winning author Marcia Fine, about her latest book of historical fiction, Hidden Ones—A Veil of Memories, on Thursday,  May 17, from 2 – 4 p.m. She shares the amazing story of how families in the American Southwest discovered their Jewish roots after several hundred years. Jews who had outwardly converted to Catholicism continued to practice Jewish rituals and traditions, sometimes not aware of their origins, and often with great danger. The story, about a Sephardic family living in 17th century Mexico, examines the…

Read More

A Benefit For The Sedona International Film Festival, Friday, May 11thSedona AZ (May 2, 2018) – A spectacular night of jazzy reveling and 1920s elegance will indulge Sedona’s desire to experience one of the most enticing eras of the century!A Swingin’ Soiree will kick off at Tlaquepaque on Friday, May 11th at 7:30 p.m.  Attendees are encouraged to wear 1920s attire, black-tie optional dress for the glamorous Gatsby event.  Entry includes live entertainment, dancing, four complimentary cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres throughout the night and a $50 gaming voucher.

Read More

Happy Jack AZ (May 2, 2018) – Forest Service investigators were able to access the point of origin of the Tinder Fire and have found the cause to be an abandoned illegal campfire during Stage I Fire Restrictions.The fire was reported by the Moqui Tower lookout on April 27 at 11:43 a.m. Origin and Cause Investigators determined that the fire originated in the East Clear Creek drainage approximately 1 mile downstream from Forest Road 95.  Forest Road 95 runs north-south and is located approximately 1.5 miles east of C.C. Cragin Reservoir. The fire quickly spread from the bottom of East Clear Creek…

Read More

Sedona AZ (May 2, 2018) – 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 May 21st, 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.

Read More

New York City romantic comedy featured at Mary D. Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (May 1, 2018) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud present a one-night only special premiere of the new romantic comedy “Keep the Change” on Tuesday, May 8 at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presented in partnership with the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley.A New York City romantic comedy, “Keep the Change” is the unlikely love story of two people who meet in a support group. While David (Brandon Polansky), an upper-class charmer, wants nothing to do with this world, Sarah (Samanta Elisofon)…

Read More

Flagstaff AZ (May 1, 2018) – Due to increasing fire danger and for public safety, the entire Coconino and Prescott National Forests, as well as the South Kaibab portion of the Kaibab National Forest, will implement Stage II Fire Restrictions effective this Friday (May 4) at 8 a.m. The North Kaibab portion of the Kaibab National Forest will remain unaffected for now.These new restrictions limit the number of activities that are typically allowed on the forests and will remain in effect until significant moisture arrives.

Read More

Camp Verde AZ (May 1, 2018) – The next Music in the Stacks, a free monthly concert series, will take place on Thursday, May 10th at 5:30 pm in Camp Verde Community Library’s Fireside Room.  Music in the Stacks is a showcase of local and national musicians who entertain regularly in Northern Arizona. There are 5-7 different performers during the show, with a rotating variety each month.

Read More

Sedona AZ (May 1, 2018) – The Sedona Heritage Museum recently held their annual volunteer appreciation party and recognized several volunteers for special service and accomplishments.Ann Pearson, who has been volunteering at the Museum since 2004, received the “President’s Award”. Ann has been a docent all those years, served four terms on the Board and multiple terms as Secretary, been active on the Education Committee and never misses an opportunity to invite new volunteers and new members to join the Museum.

Read More

Prescott AZ (May 1, 2018) – On average the United States of America consumes over 5 billion dollars of illegal drugs. The Unites States contains 4.6% of the world’s population but consumes 80% of all opioid prescription drugs. What can be done on a community level to decrease this demand?

Read More

Clarkdale AZ (May 1, 2018) – Make wonderful sprays, roll-ons, and crafted blends for loving self-care and to give as gifts! Use for beauty; skin, nails and hair care; hormonal needs; and maintaining joy, energy and harmony during busy and stressful moments. Beautiful glass containers and all materials will be available for a modest fee. All of the information, recipes and ideas are on free handouts.

Read More

Sedona AZ (May 1, 2018) – Sedona Public Library presents “People and Plants from the Land of Colorful Corn” on Thursday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. in the Si Birch Community Room at the Library on White Bear Road.Phyllis Hogan will share a slide presentation explaining her perspective of Hopi healing.  Her program will include dried herbs and herbarium specimens of the plants, so participants can experience hands-on learning.

Read More

Sedona AZ (May 1, 2018) – The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley is partnering with McLean Meditation Institute, Spectrum Healthcare and Sedona International City of Peace to launch “Meditation Monday” beginning on May 7 and continuing every Monday until October 29. The community meditation will be from 5:30pm-6:30pm at The Pavilion at Posse Grounds Park and will be led by a member of the partner organizations. The kick-off on May 7 will be led by Sarah McLean of McLean Meditation Institute. The gathering is free; bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the meditation hour.

Read More

By Ted Grussing… I took a few shots of Iris on a walk yesterday and I am pretty happy with them. I used a very minimalist approach to work on them; a little cropping, burning and dodging  and a wee bit of sharpening. One has taken over my lap, so limited text possible.

Read More