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 Virginia Volkman, Library DirectorSedona AZ (January 15, 2016) – It must be January in Sedona. Just in time to ward off the post-holiday blues and to brighten up some otherwise dreary and wet days, the quilts are up and visitors and residents are flocking in to see them.This year, Sedona Public Library’s Annual Quilt Show features 64 quilts, showcasing the creativity of our local quilters against the architectural beauty of the Library. The show runs through Saturday, February 27.

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By Karen McClellandVice-President, Sedona-Oak Creek School Board(January 14, 2016) The Sedona-Oak Creek School district is facing some very tough choices this year. Over the next 3 year we are facing a budget cut of 1.2 million dollars from our less than 8 million dollar budget. The Board was presented with 5 potential scenarios that may meet this financial goal. You can find the financial details of these options on our website sedona.k12.az.us.It is vital that we hear from the community, parents and staff about the academic, extracurricular and social impacts of these options.

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By Ted GrussingEvery day this little guy (“Says Phoebe” I think} goes for a potluck and whatever is served up he is there for it and it looks like he got a mouthful when he hit the water and water drops coming off him as he rises from the water with a beak full of food … I was delighted to be included in a potluck appetizer get together this evening … a couple of plates of the most wonderful appetizers along with great friends and what could possibly be better than this? Nothing methinks! Always available for wonderful food…

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Family of a disabled child seeks compensatory from school district under IDEASedona AZ (January 14, 2016) – Matthew Oskowis announced that the Due Process Hearings by the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearing (Case # 16C-DP-012-ADE) being held at the Sedona Oak-Creek Unified School District’s (SOCUSD) Administrative Offices at 221 Brewer Road Sedona on Thursday, January 21st and Friday, January 22nd (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is to be “open” to the public.A Due Process Hearing is a court-like review process governed by administrative law available to parents and school districts to resolve special education disputes under federal law. Usually Due Process…

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Camp Verde AZ (January 14, 2016) – Camp Verde’s Farm to mug brewery and restaurant, Verde Brewing Company Burgers and Beer, is pleased to announce the launch of their new expanded menu.Chef John Teah, a culinary innovator who blends home style cooking with fine dining, has added his signature style to his already well known burger menu. Chef John has added new entrees and salads that have gluten free and vegetarian options. All Natural Beef Ribeye Steak, Honey Glazed Pork Chops and Gluten Free Pasta Pomodoro are highlights.

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Sedona AZ (January 14, 2016) – The city of Sedona has been awarded approximately $309,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for a city-wide housing rehabilitation program. The purpose of this grant is to provide funds for low to moderate income homeowners to make needed health and safety repairs to their homes.

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Filmmakers will be here to host Q&A discussion for new E. Stewart Williams filmSedona AZ (January 14, 2016) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the award-winning documentary “The Nature of Modernism: E. Stewart Williams, Architect” showing Saturday, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. The event will feature a special introduction and Q&A with the film’s producers Kirk Brown and Jill Wiltse, co-founders of Design Onscreen and the film’s director Jake Gorst.“The Nature of Modernism” premiered at the renowned Palm Springs International Film Festival. The film has…

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By Tommy AcostaSedona AZ (January 13, 2016) – Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District Governing Board member Zach Richardson was re-elected as school board president at the governing board’s first meeting of 2016 held January 12 at the district office. A standing room only crowd witnessed the vote, three in favor and two against, much to the chagrin of many Richardson critics who last year launched a recall effort against the board member because of an alleged abuse of power during his first presidency and their perception he orchestrated the elimination of former West Sedona School Principal Lisa Hirsch.Despite strong support…

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Cornville AZ (January 13, 2016) – On January 13, 2016 approximately 4:00 am the Verde Valley Fire District (VVFD) responded to a House Fire on the 2600 block of Karlson Dr. in Cornville.  Upon arrival the crews found a small size home with light smoke showing from a corner of the roof.Crews went into an offensive mode and were able to locate the origin of the fire, and made access to the void just above the ceiling and extinguish.  The fire appeared to have started from electrical wiring in the void area.   

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… listening to The Sea, Anita Kerr, Rod McKuen and the San Sebastian Strings … soothing music and words after a terrific but hectic day … it is a pleasant end to the day. The little bird sitting on a limb fits my mood, no dramatic action tonight, just the simple act of being and that is okay.

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Cottonwood AZ (January 13, 2016) – From the far reaches of St. Petersburg, Russia, Moscow Nights comes to Old Town Center for the Arts on Saturday, January 23rd 7:00 PM.  Moscow Nights & the Golden Gates Dancers will perform elaborate lyrical suites and pulsating dances of foot-stomping ferocity, bringing to life a taste of their culture in a whirlwind of colorful costumes and exotic sounds.

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Celebrate the arts in a special free discussion held at the Mary D. Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (January 13, 2016) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to host a free panel discussion entitled “Starting an Arts Non-Profit: Three Who Did It”. The event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.“Arts are in the wind in Sedona, a city that has always been animated by the arts,” says long-time Sedona resident, author and community activist James Bishop, Jr., who will moderate this panel featuring three people with very different stories who were…

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By Nancy Lattanzi, Arts & Culture CoordinatorSedona AZ (January 13, 2016) – There are many great reasons to celebrate the arts in our community and I am happy to report on the scope of creative projects that are underway at the city. We begin the new year displaying the art work through March of three accomplished artists in our City Hall Art Rotation program. To view any of these exhibits, please make an appointment to see works by watercolor artist Mary Dove, landscape artist Ellen Perantoni and fabric artist Margaret Anderson.

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Sedona AZ (January 13, 2016) – February is for lovers, including lovers of fine art. Rowe Fine Art Gallery presents its annual collector appreciation show, Art With Heart, on February 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. Ever since gallery owners Ken and Monica Rowe opened their doors six years ago, they have designated the first Friday in February as the day they show their appreciation to their clients. Anyone who has ever purchased a Ken Rowe sculpture or a piece of art from Rowe Fine Art Gallery is invited to stop by for a special chocolate treat.

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By Ted GrussingI’m starting to pick the phone up and I’m making a few calls to friends whom I have known forever … or nearly so, and enjoying the catch up and conversations a lot. A few I have called are no longer with us and they are missed, but they had a zest for life and will forever be a part of me as they continue their journeys through forever. Today I spent quite a while on the phone with a friend who I first met forty years ago and have not seen for about twenty years … he…

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