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.

Information and Perspective by Warren Woodward(December 20, 2015)One year ago this month I made a Public Records Request of the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Upon reading the documents and emails I received from the ACC, it was clear that the ACC had redacted things that should not have been redacted, and that also the ACC had not given me all the documents and emails they should have. Particularly egregious was the ACC’s invention of a new reason for redaction called “state of mind.”I gave the ACC another chance to do my Request over and get it right. They didn’t get…

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By Ted Grussing… and a bunch of professional photographers shared some of our best tonight and consumed far too many yummy Christmas cookies, brownies, red velvet cakes and more. The combination of beautiful images, food and great company was just flat out awesome. I took this shot of a Hollyhock that was in front of Chic Salon back in the spring of 2009 … It was raining and Corky was getting her hair done … I don’t see many Hollyhocks other places so likely it will be back there sometime to shoot more and it’ll be fun to say hi…

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Sedona AZ (December 18, 2015) – The Sedona Fire District (SFD) is honored to have received one of the last remaining artifacts from the World Trade Center. The 5½-foot, 3,000-pound piece of steel is believed to be from the 20th floor of one of the Twin Towers. Our plan is to build a permanent memorial in honor of the 2,996 lives that were lost. Included in this number are 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers. SFD Fire Chief Kris Kazian states “The SFD 911 Memorial Committee has been hard at work to make sure we properly present this piece of…

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Sedona AZ (December 18, 2015) – Higgins StoryIntake date of December 2015My name is Higgins and this is how I arrived in Sedona, AZ. I came into the shelter as a transfer from the White Mountains of Arizona. Thank goodness for transfers . . . as much as the White Mountain region was very nice . . . this Sedona place is gorgeous. I got a few glimpses as I was traveling here and all I can say is “Wow”!I am just 1 year old and am told quite often how handsome I am. I am a neutered male, of the…

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By Pat Jansen, President of the Board of TrusteesSedona AZ (December 18, 2015) – Greetings and happy holidays to all from the staff and Board of Trustees of the Sedona Public Library!This is such a wonderful time of the year! Beautiful lights, the smell of fresh-baked goods, inspiring religious services, and well wishes from our family and friends surround us.  In keeping with this season of giving, I have chosen to focus this article on the many ways you can support your library, not just at year-end but also throughout the year.

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By Ted Grussing… about a tenth of a second on his way into flight this Canvas Back drake has his wings submerged and stroking down and back with enormous force and the displaced water from his feet and wings is beginning an enormous splash back, out and up as his body is accelerated forward and up and out of the water. And with the same enthusiasm I’m listening to Train performing “This’ll Be My Year” … love Amazon Prime and all the albums you can add to your library at no charge beyond the annual fee of about $100.00 plus…

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By Eric Shrode, Sedona Resident(December 17, 2015) Ron Eland’s story of November 25th in the Red Rock News, Council says ‘no’ to Chocola Tree advised of the action taken by the City to enforce the correction of outstanding building code violations and for continuing to operate the Garden Sanctuary after receiving their ‘Notice of violation’.The City is also trying to enforce the several Notices of Violation served on Son Silver West Gallery, Inc. located at 1476 SR 179.  However, Son Silver West had failed to correct all the outstanding issues going back as far as 1989.  Though they too have been…

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Sedona AZ (December 17, 2015) – Sedona photographer Jim Peterson has been honored as the winner of a prestigious international image competition, it was announced recently.Peterson’s infrared image “Half Moon over The Cockscomb, Arizona” was awarded the First Place-Outstanding Achievement title in the Nature category of the Tenth Annual Black and White Spider Awards.  The award was presented at a live online gala attended by over 10,000 photography fans from around the globe.

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Sedona AZ (December 17, 2015) – The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest will waive fees associated with many recreation sites and amenities on Dec. 26.”The day after Christmas is one of the most popular days for people to visit the Red Rock Ranger District, including many who are traveling for the holidays and visiting their national forest for the first time,” said Nicole Branton, Red Rock district ranger. “We want to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy their public lands with family and friends this holiday season.”

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Sedona AZ (December 17, 2015) – Scott Diversified Construction, in conjunction with the Arizona Water Company, will begin work in the area of Upper Red Rock Loop Road and State Route 89A on Monday, Dec. 21 with construction to continue through Friday, Jan. 8.This work will include construction of new water line crossings through Upper Red Rock Loop Road for ongoing construction at the Marriott Hotel.

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An exciting opportunity to help others and hang out with horses!Cornville AZ (December 17, 2015) – Connections Equine Therapy is a non-profit organization located in Cornville, AZ offering Therapeutic Riding and other services designed to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities.   This is your opportunity to get involved with a great group of people, get to know some wonderful horses and help a worth-while cause!We need volunteers for Horse Care and to assist clients in our Therapeutic Riding Program.

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By Ted Grussing… when I read the missive I sent out last night and looked at the photo I realized I missed a great opportunity to have some fun; losing my document in the save to a cloud drive and then the photo of beautiful clouds could have had me searching for the file in the photo … oh well.

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All-star cast, including Emily Watson Rupert Everett featured in crowd-pleasing new filmSedona AZ (December 16, 2015) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the crowd-pleasing comedy “A Royal Night Out” — starring Emily Watson and Rupert Everett — showing Dec. 26-30 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.May 8th, 1945 – V.E. Day… a nation celebrates the victorious end to a long and costly war. Cloistered away in Buckingham Palace two princesses peer out longingly at the adoring crowd who ready themselves for the biggest party London has ever seen. Princess Elizabeth and…

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Cornville AZ (December 16, 2015) – On December 15, 2015, 32-year-old Dustin Lee Butler was arrested for being a Prohibited possessor of Firearms, Burglary, Theft, Criminal damage, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, possession of a Narcotic Drug, and Trafficking in Stolen Property. He remains in-custody on a $15,000 bond.

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Cottonwood AZ (December 16, 2015) – On December 10, 2015, at about 9:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office was called to help find a 19-year-old Manuel Ortega after he got lost in the dark somewhere between the communities of Cottonwood and Sedona. Ortega was scheduled to get picked up at his home, located on Bill Gray Road inside the Coconino National Forest, by a family member to go to work. When the family member called to say they were running late, Ortega stated he would start walking toward Hwy 89A and wait for the ride.

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