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 Ken RouseSedona AZ (June 3, 2016) – During my childhood and teen years, I watched many western movies. Most often, those movies were based on a Hollywood image of the conflict between the Cowboys and the Indians on the American frontier.  It was a stereotype of Native American tribes / nations that has been taken for granted for many years.  Although I cannot explain why, in most of my childhood dreams about the Wild West, I was almost always an Indian.  It wasn’t until after my 80th birthday, however, that I started learning very much about Native American history…

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Sedona AZ (June 2, 2016) – As recent wildfire activity from the Mormon, Jack and Pivot Rock Fires along the Mogollon Rim produce periods of heavy smoke during the overnight and late morning hours in Sedona and the surrounding communities, residents should look to the following sources of for up to date information: to get information on each fire’s status.www.wildfireaz.com to get current information on fire issues from the Arizona Fire Chief’s Wildland Fire Committee and the responders throughout the state.

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Western Buddhist nun, Lopon Damchoe Wangmo Sedona AZ (June 2, 2016) – As popular Tibetan-style Buddhism grows in the West, so to does the number of female teachers who, like their male counterparts, are traveling the world offering teachings.One such distinguished female teacher is Canadian Buddhist nun, Lopon Damchoe Wangmo, who at the invitation of Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo, spiritual director of Kunzang Palyul Chöling of Sedona, will be giving a series of Dharma teachings in Sedona, Friday June 10, through Sunday, June 12 at the Sedona Community Center. See the schedule below.

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Sedona AZ (June 2, 2016) – Phase One of the Sedona Bike Skills Park within Posse Grounds Park is built, ready for riders, and needs volunteers to be on a group to help maintain the new trails and features. The city of Sedona Parks and Recreation Department seeks local bike enthusiasts to join together in making this park their own by donating their time to help keep the trails in good condition for riders to enjoy.

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June 16 at the Collective SedonaSedona AZ (June 2, 2016) – Join Arts Leadership International (ALI) for an evening of music, performances, food, wine and celebration as they launch their fundraising campaign to launch their 2016 international programs!ALI (pronounced Ally) is new arts education organization that inspires peaceful leadership and personal transformation by making and sharing art in collaboration, story-telling and conversation.

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Sedona AZ (June 2, 2016) – Hillside Sedona’s Movin’ On Gallery celebrates June and the arrival of Summer this year by highlighting recent works of two Sedona artists.  Oil painter Rick Gandolfo will be showing pieces from his recent series on iconic Sedona landmarks, and mixed media artist Jared Bucey will be exhibiting a selection of his abstract paintings and collages.

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By Ted Grussing… for the last number of days we have been waking to smoke filled skies from managed fires on the plateau. The USFS fire crews are very much aware of the flows of smoke from their fires. For simplification purposes the evening air on the plateau cools and is dense air, Phoenix about a hundred miles to the south and a mile lower in elevation has warmer and thus less dense air so you get an evening/morning downhill flow and the smoke goes with it filling the valleys with choking smoke.

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Sedona AZ (June 1, 2016) – Beginning today, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 Cactus Asphalt will begin work to install a new sidewalk and curb on the east side of Jordan Road, north of the Mesquite Avenue intersection and continue north to the northeast corner of the Jordan Road and Schnebly Road intersection. The work is scheduled to be completed by Thursday, June 30, 2016.

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Sedona AZ (June 1, 2016) -On Thursday, June 9th, at 6:30 PM, Inspiration of Sedona will present the free Arizona premiere of Elemental, an award-winning documentary, followed by an open community discussion.Elemental tells the story of three individuals united by their deep connection with nature and driven to confront some of the most pressing ecological challenges of our time.

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Sedona AZ (June 1, 2016) – From July 29-31, 2016, Sedona residents and visitors will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of hummingbirds.  Presented by the International Hummingbird Society and held at the Sedona Performing Arts Center and various spots around Sedona, the Fifth Annual Sedona Hummingbird Festival will fascinate attendees with three enlightening days of presentations by renowned hummingbird experts, self-guided garden tours, exhibits, birding trips, and more.

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Cottonwood AZ (June 1, 2016) – Kumu Hula (master teacher) Kehau Chrisman will be accepting Beginner Hula and Hawaiian language students starting in June. These classes are open to those who want to learn something new, have fun, and exercise, all while becoming become immersed in the culture of Hawaii.

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By Ted GrussingI was going to caption this email “Heads to Tails”, but thought that might be a little corny (when was the last time you heard that phrase?) so just left it with “… tails”. On an outing with One over the weekend, we were both sitting in the shade marveling at the incredible display this crow put on as he ate this lizard. He picked it up on one of the golf course sprinkler heads (good source of water for critters) and repeatedly threw it up in the air and then when for it and each time he…

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Sedona AZ (May 31, 2016) – The Sedona HUB at 525B Posse Grounds Rd is gearing up with a hive of activities this summer. Our eclectic band of teachers, facilitators and artists of all kinds are creating a menu of opportunity for all ages. Go to www.sedonahub.org and sign up for our newsletter to keep up with what is coming – we are adding new classes and events all the time.The Hub does not take registrations but offers a venue for these artists to bring their work to YOU. Check the website and contact the teacher/performer directly with your questions…

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Jerome AZ (May 30, 2016) – On May 27, 2016, at approximately 4:30 PM, YCSO deputies were dispatched to the report of an injury collision in a remote area of Mingus Mountain along Forest Service Road (FSRD) 493. Initial information indicated a male occupant was trapped inside a vehicle, 2007 Toyota ‘FJC’ SUV, located more than 350 feet down a steep embankment off FSRD 493 in thick brush. A Cottonwood P.D. Officer was first to arrive on scene, met the reporting party, and located the vehicle. The Officer was able to relay important information as to the exact whereabouts of the…

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