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.

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By David Stephen  The goals of the United States with respect to artificial intelligence and the goals of OpenAI and Anthropic as businesses of artificial intelligence have now diverged. Sedona, AZ — The U.S. can no longer rely on OpenAI and Anthropic as research labs that would bring the United States to the promise of matchless dominance with artificial general intelligence [AGI]. This means that the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy [OSTP] and the Director, Michael Kratsios should start looking for new ways to coordinate with some of the National Labs under the Department of Energy, and others…

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By Allen Elfman Sedona, AZ — Every January, Las Vegas becomes much more than an entertainment destination. It transforms into the place where tomorrow is introduced to the world. For a few remarkable days, visionaries, entrepreneurs, engineers, inventors, investors, and members of the media gather to share ideas that will shape the way we live, work, and communicate for years to come. I’ve had the privilege of covering CES in the past, and each visit has left me with the same feeling: genuine excitement about what’s possible. Walking the exhibit halls, speaking with innovators, and witnessing breakthrough technologies before they…

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Sedona, AZ — Behind every unforgettable meal is a chef with a story, and we’re proud to introduce the heart and soul behind BV’s Italian Restaurant in Cottonwood and Bella’s Italian Restaurant in Sedona. Executive Chef and Manager David Moraga brings a lifetime of passion, tradition, and experience to every dish that leaves the kitchen. Many of you may already know David as the former owner of the beloved Sutlers Steakhouse, where he built a reputation for exceptional food and genuine hospitality. David’s culinary journey began as a child, learning alongside his parents in their family restaurants. Those early years…

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Mayors & industry leaders ponder the future at Yavapai College economic summit Clarkdale, Arizona — Growth and sustainability. Industry and opportunity. How can Yavapai County reconcile these values and forge them into an economic plan? Civic and industry leaders met with local mayors on Tuesday to table partisan agendas, explore common ground and plan a vibrant future for our community at Session Three of the Yavapai County Economic Prosperity Network Summit, held at Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus. “The work we’re doing together matters.” Dr. Marylou Mercado, Yavapai College’s Vice President of Workforce Development, Health Sciences and Public Services, told the gathering.…

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Sedona, Az — The In the Living Room Music Series continues its summer momentum at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Aug. 10 at 7:00 p.m. This month, series creator and award-winning singer-songwriter Shondra Jepperson is joined by the masterful jazz saxophonist Chris Counelis for an unforgettable evening of musical artistry. The series is fresh, with the audience invited to ask questions during the concert. https://vimeo.com/1210390960?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Known for his deep roots in jazz and big band music, Chris Counelis brings a wealth of experience to the stage. After studying at the Berklee College of Music and honing his craft at…

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Annual community event brings aircraft, classic cars, and family fun to America’s Most Scenic Airport SEDONA, Ariz. (July 29, 2026) — The Sedona Airport has announced the return of its annual community event, Wings & Wheels ‘26. The open house and family fun day will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located atop the scenic Tabletop Mesa at Sedona Airport. The long-standing event features a wide array of attractions for all ages, highlighted by extensive static aircraft displays. Visitors can get an up-close look at a diverse lineup of aviation history, including vintage airplanes, warbirds and cutting-edge,…

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For over 50 years, Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) has worked to protect the scenic beauty and natural environment of Sedona and the Verde Valley. If you are not familiar with the work of our all-volunteer nonprofit, we ask that you take a few minutes and visit: https://www.keepsedonabeautiful.org/what-we-do/ Click on any of the programs or initiatives on this web page, and you’ll learn how we’re Preserving the Wonder™ of our beautiful Red Rock Country.

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Situated in the heart of the Verde Valley wine region, this free event highlights premier independent regional artists and makers. COTTONWOOD, Ariz. (July 28, 2026) – Following a successful spring season, the Arizona Wine Country Artists Village is pleased to announce the return of its premier juried fine art and fine craft fair to the Verde Valley this fall. The outdoor event will take place over the weekend of October 9–11, 2026, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Hosted by the City of Cottonwood at the Old…

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Strategic appointments in Flagstaff and Yavapai County join established Sedona team to unify and elevate regional support for area donors, communities, and nonprofits. SEDONA, AZ — The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) is pleased to announce a strategic leadership expansion across its three Northern Arizona regional offices to significantly scale local philanthropic investments, fortify regional nonprofit networks, and maximize the long-term impact of local donors. ACF’s Northern Arizona operations are uniquely structured through three dedicated regional offices, ensuring deeply specialized local leadership across distinct communities: The Flagstaff Office: Serving the northernmost reaches of the state, including Flagstaff, Williams, Page, Tuba City,…

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Camp Verde, Az –Tucked in the heart of Camp Verde, Ruby Road Vintage is giving Arizona locals, travelers, and day-trippers a fresh reason to slow down, shop local, and enjoy the thrill of finding something nostalgic and unique. Located just off Highway 260, Ruby Road Vintage is an 8,000-square-foot vintage mall that blends the curated feel of a boutique with the variety and discovery of a multi-seller marketplace. Inside, shoppers can explore more than 60 unique sellers offering everything from vintage clothing and home décor to gently used furniture, accessories, gourmet treats, artisan goods, handmade items, and unexpected treasures. What…

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A closer look at what research tells us about handguns in the home.  By Bear Howard and Associates Sedona, AZ — There is a curious contradiction at the heart of American life. More firearms are owned in the United States than in any other nation, and millions of those are handguns purchased for one simple reason: protection. For their owners, a handgun often represents peace of mind. It is a tangible answer to an uncertain world. It sits in a bedside drawer, a closet, a safe, or beneath a car seat as reassurance that, should the unthinkable happen, they will…

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Sedona, Az — I am immensely proud to be a resident of Sedona. What an amazing election race this has been..Together, along with the Residents First Slate, we made this an exceptionally close contest and demonstrated the real power of community involvement. The residents of Sedona are clearly seeing what has been going on behind closed doors and are ready for meaningful change. Moving forward, my hope is to see even higher voter turnout in future elections—let’s ensure our collective voice is never muted due to low participation. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the residents who poured…

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COTTONWOOD, Ariz. — The Cottonwood Community Band is pleased to announce Philip Blackwell as its new conductor. Blackwell, a longtime music educator and Director of Bands and Orchestra at Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley, brings more than two decades of teaching, performance, and ensemble leadership experience to the community ensemble. Since beginning his career in music education in 2004, Blackwell has served as a brass coach, assistant band director, and director of bands, focusing on ensemble excellence, student growth, and meaningful performance experiences. Originally from Monrovia, California, he began performing at an early age and appeared with the…

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Sedona, AZ — The ballots have been counted, the speeches delivered, and campaign signs will soon disappear from our roadsides. But long after the election is over, the decisions made by Sedona voters on July 21 will continue shaping this community for years to come. This was never simply a contest between personalities. It was an election about trust, priorities, and whether City Hall has been listening to its citizens. Mayor-elect Brian Fultz defeated Henry Silbiger by a relatively narrow margin, receiving 1,698 votes (52.25%) to Silbiger’s 1,549 (47.66%). On the City Council, Jean-Christophe Buillet, Tony Hauserman, and incumbent Melissa…

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Special screening kicks off Living with Purpose: Why Are We Here? series  The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the ‘Living with Purpose: Why Are We Here?’ film series at the Mary Fisher Theatre — every Thursday in August. Every human wonders why they are here. There are those who believe we are born with a plan, and that our lives, challenges, and relationships are meant to teach us lessons of compassion, perseverance, and patience. Others believe that life is a random occurrence without meaning. This series explores the meaning of life, and our purpose here on earth.…

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