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 (September 26, 2015) – “Raven Mad” is selected for the “Seasons and Cycles” art exhibit at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix from October 3. 2015 to January 3, 2016. The public opening reception is on Friday, October 3, 2015 from 5-7:30 pm.A “blind” jury composed of an esteemed panel of artists chose 38 pieces of artwork from 488 qualified submissions. The guest curator of the exhibit is photographer Georgia Michalicek.

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Sedona AZ (September 26, 2015) – Casper’s Story – Intake date of August 2015My name is Casper and I am a 6 year old, neutered male, Tabby cat who needs to lose a few pounds. I don’t like being a few pounds to heavy but living in a small space at the shelter limits my daily exercise regime to light stretching and a very small walk around my cat condo. No wonder I am a “fat cat”. Regardless, my animal care staff and our team of dedicated volunteers say that I am “a wonderful and handsome cat”. I actually believe them…

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Clarkdale AZ (September 26, 2015) – Flying high at The Mescal Canyon Retreat in Clarkdale, the Verde Valley Leadership (VVL) celebrated its 10th anniversary and launched its 10th class with its customary two-day kickoff retreat.VVL Board President Kathy Wombacher says, “We are excited to begin the year-long journey with this new VVL class. Our participants comes from many walks of life, from CEOs to attorneys, individuals aspiring to become leaders or those just starting their leadership careers. We’ve also trained people with their doctoral degrees in the sciences who were given leadership responsibilities without any previous leadership background. All communities…

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Sedona AZ (September 26, 2015) – Rabbi Alicia Magal of the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley and Angela LeFevre of the Sedona City Council will be available for informal questions and concerns at the monthly “Coffee Talk” open gathering at Java Love Café near Harkins Plaza on Rte 89A in West Sedona, from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6. This is the third in a series of 6 meetings scheduled on the first Tuesday of the month to enable people in the community to speak to a rabbi or a council person in an informal setting.…

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By Ted Grussing… today after the good Dr. Bill extracted the rest of the tooth that broke off at the gum line last night, I came home and put together a video for the ISO 100 group that met here tonight. Actually I did it the form of a Power Point presentation with music and used primarily photos from the air along with photos of creatures that I share the sky with and all set to the beautiful “Keep holding on” a composition of and performance by Anthony Mazzella.

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Verde Valley AZ (September 25, 2015) – The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office routinely “employs” inmates housed at the Camp Verde Detention for duties in and outside the Detention Center. Not only do the inmates benefit from positive use of their time, but there is a side benefit of cost savings to county taxpayers. Over the last few months, Camp Verde Detention personnel have continued to seek out and arrange work projects for both men and woman inmates. Following the completion of these tasks, many of the inmates thanked the YCSO security team for the opportunity. Achieving a goal through the process…

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Information and Opinion by Warren Woodward (September 25, 2015) Since no one has filed a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General regarding Bob Burns being a registered lobbyist while at the same time being a commissioner at the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), I did.My “Complaint and Demand Quo Warranto” was sent today to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.

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Sedona AZ (September 25, 2015) – As in many areas of the U. S., the hunger epidemic in Arizona continues to cripple over 2 million working poor residents who live at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  Arizona is ranked number 8 nationally for food insecurity and has the third highest child hunger rate nationwide, surpassed only by New Mexico and Tennessee.  According to Feeding America’s 2012 Map the Meal Gap Study, food insecurity in Arizona affects of 1 out 5 residents, 1 out of 3 children and 1 out of 7 seniors.

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By Cheryl Yeatts, Manager of Sedona Public Library in the VillageSedona AZ (September 25, 2015) – When is the last time you played tourist? You don’t need guests as an excuse to enjoy the wonderful attractions of Northern Arizona. Use resources from Sedona Public Library to plan your next adventures in the high country.

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By Michelle LloydCottonwood AZ (September 24, 2015) – Most of us equate late summer/early fall with vacations, barbecues, and relaxation.  At the Verde Valley Humane Society (VVHS), we look forward to that as well, but also know that this is usually the time of the year when the shelter usually reaches a space issue and is in need of foster homes.Sometimes the greatest gift you can give an animal is time, love and a place to call home.  Foster homes are essential to the VVHS as they give the shelter the ability to open up their kennels and cages for…

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By Ted Grussing… whilst having a quiet dinner of dubious nutritional value and looking out over the deck on a still and quiet golf course my mind wandered … the clouds were grey and stormy looking and beyond those clouds lies the universe, the universe within and eternity … the known and the vast unknown. One of my favorite people in the world is a gentle soul who intertwines theology and cosmology … perhaps there is no difference, only the approach taken and David does that so very well. It has been a long time since we have had a…

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Verde Valley AZ (September 23, 2015) – Verde Valley Fire District’s Captain Dustin Chambliss received a State of Arizona Firefighter of the year award at the AZ state fire school.  This was a result of his heroic act while on duty with Blue Ridge Fire District.For twenty-two years, United Fire have been honored to be an integral part of recognizing Arizona firefighters who exemplify the qualities of commitment, courage, and compassion that represent the extraordinary professional of our fire service community.

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