City Weekly October 2, 2025

CITY WEEKLY salt lake FREE

Candidates for Salt Lake City Council weigh in on housing, crime, fighting back against the state and billion-dollar development deals.

BY BENJAMIN WOOD

S AP

BOX

“Sugar High,” Sept. 18

Small Lake City

The proposed Sugar House hotel is a great example of the potential results of an abundance mindset that progressive cities should adopt.

I live in Sugar House and I walk by the extended-stay hotel almost every day. I cringe when I see it and wonder why this great neighborhood does not have a high-class hotel where I could (and would) house my out-of-town family during visits.

All sorts of visitors to SLC will love

making their base of operations Sugar House thanks to this new hotel. Get rid of the zoning bureaucracy and make the hotel a reality as soon as possible.

ADAM MEISTER Salt Lake City

“Sweet and Sour,” Sept. 25 Online

Good article. I’m excited to enjoy the improved Sugar House and 2100 South area. I do wish they had shifted the needle a little more toward people on the street, not cars pretending it’s a highway. But this is nonetheless better than what it used to be.

Shame to hear that the owner of Sugar House Coffee is some kind of anti-housing NIMBY. I also look forward to the S-Line extension in the area.

RYAN BETZ Via Facebook

I didn’t know [2100 South] was under construction—not my favorite part of town.

SHAWN EDWARD Via Facebook

Yeah, let’s make a congested area more congested. Idiot Mendenhall—they created a worse bottleneck.

ULLA LA Via Facebook

Two words: Rocky Anderson! CHUCKSANICH Via Instagram

“Housing Demands,” Sept. 25 Hits & Misses I thought we were against political violence. Or does rounding up the homeless not count?

ADAM HATCH Via Facebook

Utah has always been this way. They don’t give a damn about the homeless.

SHANE WOODBURY Via Facebook

“Doing Dough Right,” Sept. 18 Dine

Mozz has become one of our destination restaurants— it’s our reason to go to Provo. The sourdough crust is like none other. The combination of cheeses and meats is unique. And the prices are incredibly reasonable.

TOM KELLY Via Facebook

Feel lucky to have a Mozz at the Milk Block now!

JUSTIN DAING Via Facebook

Great pizza and nice owners.

ANTHONY DEL VECCHIO Via Facebook

Their butternut squash pizza is my favorite!

JENNIFER GRECO Via Facebook

Care to sound off on a feature in our pages or about a local concern? Write to comments@cityweekly.net or post your thoughts on our social media. We want to hear from you!

THE WATER COOLER

If you could live anywhere in the world regardless of money, where would you go?

Eric Granato

I’d live in Norway or Finland.

Wes Long

As far as living is concerned, I wouldn’t mind being closer to a special someone in Australia. I would have no objection to living anywhere in England, Ireland or Scotland, though.

Scott Renshaw

It’s hard not to contemplate that at this moment in history, but I also don’t want to be disrespectful to all the amazing things that have been possible for me thanks to nearly 30 years in Utah. I might opt for retirement in a place without snow; for now, I’m not looking for greener pastures.

Bryan Bale

If money were no object, I’d probably want to live on the Pacific coast, and I’d also want to go everywhere on vacation—starting with Mediterranean destinations like Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Egypt.

Terri Anderson

If I could live anywhere else, currently, it would be Japan—clean, green, lots of flowers, very foodie!

Chelsea Neider Costa Rica.

OPINION

BY CHRISTOPHER SMART

Boy Meets World

The president of the United States took to the world stage at the U.N. and, according to analyst David Rothkopf, “howled at the moon.” Here’s a sample:

—“Under my leadership, energy costs are down, gasoline prices are down, grocery prices are down, mortgage rates are down and inflation has been defeated.”

—“All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that, on the way up, stopped right in the middle.”

—“I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor (Sadiq Khan), terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s been so changed, so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law.”

—“Those windmills are so pathetic and so bad, so expensive to operate, and they have to be rebuilt all the time ... the most expensive energy ever conceived.”

—“It’s time to end the failed experiment of open borders ... I’m really good at this stuff. Your countries are going to hell.”

—“During the campaign, they had a hat, the best-selling hat, ‘Trump Was Right About Everything.’ And I don’t say that in a braggadocious way, but it’s true. I’ve been right about everything.”

‘Nuf said.

Utah Lawmakers: Drinking is Bad—Money is Good

Well Wilson, here we go again. The rules for adult drinking in Salt Lake City didn’t change—or did they? It’s hard to keep track.

Here’s the buzz: The Salt Lake City Council was considering a ban on drinking in non-residential common areas from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.—that included private parties. Fines could be as high as $1,000. They tabled it after a tsunami of complaints.

That’s the difference between the Council and the Legislature. For the past 50 years, certain Mormon legislators have had to be dragged—one inch at a time—to pass a semblance of sane liquor laws.

Here are some highlights: Salt Lake City’s 2002 Winter Olympics was a milestone; Utah wouldn’t get the Games unless visitors could get a drink. Locals, of course, had already figured it out—keep a pint under the driver’s seat.

In 1969, the Legislature legalized 1.75-oz. mini-bottles, which turned people into alcoholics. But in 1990, the Legislature mandated metering devices on all liquor bottles in bars and restaurants and outlawed mini-bottles. A dark day indeed.

In 2010, lawmakers introduced the “Zion Curtain,” a barrier between the bar and drinkers so children could not see drinks being mixed. Believe it. And then they banned “Happy Hour.”

Mormon lawmakers say they hate liquor, but they just love the money state liquor stores take in—well over onehalf billion dollars each year. Bottoms up!

Comey Indicted and It’s Not Revenge

Former FBI director James Comey was criminally indicted by a grand jury and it had nothing to do with ham sandwiches, although it could have. Yes Wilson, that’s what they say—a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich.

The good news is that the prosecutor is a former beauty queen—a real babe. Lindsey Halligan got a big promotion from White House aide to U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, even though Halligan has no prosecutorial experience.

Erik S. Siebert was canned from the post after he couldn’t find evidence to prosecute the one-time FBI chief, who is at the top of President Donald Trump’s shit list. (Editor’s note: Trump insists he doesn’t have a shit list.) Experience or not, Halligan does have that Stepford Wives babe look that Trump likes.

Comey is charged with one count of making a false statement and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding for his testimony at a 2020 Senate committee. Don’t bother looking for a there, there.

Comey’s daughter, Maurene Comey, was fired from her federal prosecutor post in July. Yes Wilson, it might have something to do with her last name.

Next on the shit list? California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff, who led the prosecution of one of Trump’s impeachments, and New York AG Letitia James, who successfully brought felony charges against Trump.

Remember, it’s not revenge or weaponizing the Department of Justice.

Postscript—That’s going to do it for another weird week here at Smart Bomb, where we keep track of Utah voting districts so you don’t have to.

In 2018, voters approved Prop. 4 to create an independent commission for drawing district maps after decades of gerrymandering by the Republican-controlled state Legislature. But, what do you know? GOP lawmakers didn’t like that idea, so they just kept on gerrymandering to ensure that all four House representatives would always be Republicans.

Citizen groups sued and, years later, the court ordered the Legislature to draw boundaries in keeping with Prop. 4. But guess what, Wilson? Republicans still don’t want to play fair. What a shock!

They have concocted a scheme where, with a little pretzel logic and funny math, voting districts will pretty much guarantee that Democrats can’t win.

And they call it democracy. Watch for the boondoggle during a special legislative session on Oct. 6.

According to the latest Deseret News poll, a majority of Utahns favor Trump and his policies—like cutting health care, scaling back food assistance for the poor, giving the very wealthy huge tax cuts, rolling back pollution regulations, sending the National Guard into cities with Democratic mayors and siccing the Department of Justice on his political enemies.

Meanwhile, the GOP-controlled Congress fiddles while America burns. CW

Private Eye is off this week. Christopher Smart writes the weekly Smart Bomb column, available at cityweelky.net.

City Weekly’s Best Of Utah Top 10!

Ah, the brewpub—that glorious combination of independent brewing with the menu and of a restaurant. Whether you’re looking for something tasty to eat or a drink that few other places can provide, consider the following during your next night out. Our readers certainly attest to their virtues.

HITS & MISSES

BY KATHARINE BIELE

HIT: Adios Mestizo

In Utah, you might expect an ice cream store on every corner. In fact, you’re more likely to run into a coffee shop. That competition is one of the reasons Mestizo Coffeehouse has shut its doors. But it’s not like Starbucks, worried about the bottom line. Mestizo was never really in the business to make money. It was a place of community, inclusion and art. It had consistently showcased art from its original owner, Ruby Chacon, as well as other Latino and emerging artists. Co-owner Dave Galvan welcomed community groups to the west side shop without charge— and sometimes paid out of pocket himself. On the night of Mestizo’s closing, Galvan noted a couple who met there, and said he’s hosted weddings and memorials for customers, too. As Halloween approaches, this will be the first year in many when there will be no Día de los Muertos exhibit. Nonetheless, Mestizo has left its mark on Salt Lake as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and creativity.

MISS: House Poor

If you rent and would like to buy a home, maybe rethink your options. It’s no surprise most renters can’t afford to buy in Utah, according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute. In 2021, the share of renters jumped to 30% of all households. It’s just too expensive. While research points to housing stock—not enough of it—more is not necessarily better. The housing has to be affordable. As renters scan the landscape, they are also thinking about their futures. A national angst about falling birth rates will only get worse. A recent NPR story noted that couples are choosing home ownership over bigger families. “To make the math work on housing and day care and everything else, some Americans are opting to have a smaller family than they had once envisioned.” Others have been moving out of expensive cities. There’s no easy answer, but high prices for dwindling housing stock will not help.

MISS: Campus Climate

Government downsizing is just what the voters wanted. And now universities are cutting back staff and curriculum—not to mention research. The University of Utah is just one such institution, facing a loss of millions of research dollars at the direction of President Donald Trump. Billions of dollars of federal funding are gone, and international student enrollment has significantly declined. In fact, some 6,000 student visas have been revoked since Trump took office this year. It’s not looking good as diversity initiatives are being pre-emptively trashed and courses are being canceled as scholars leave the country. “Education advocates warn of a looming showdown with faculty who are angry their employers are not taking more of a stand,” the

wrote. But

Plant Medicine

HILDALE—It’s after midnight and a woman with a makeshift brazier has just cleansed us by wafting burning copal smoke in our direction. The candles illuminating the main room flicker as the smoke languidly circulates around us.

Participants sit on the floor on mats—some are retching into plastic buckets after having drunk their first cup of ayahuasca, or “plant medicine” as it’s referred to.

A dark-eyed woman plays the guitar and sings a plaintive song in Spanish. Four women sit behind a low altar festooned with flowers and candles, watching the proceedings. Two smoke from a long dark pipe while one vomits silently into a bucket. On the wall is a large silk screen of a black jaguar with eight eyes staring impassively.

We are in the Rockmoore house in Hildale, or—as it was known when Warren Jeffs ruled the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints—the Red Door house.

On the outside of the building, you can still see the letters UEP, or United Effort Plan, on the side. Jeffs used the UEP to control the property holdings of the FLDS faithful until the UEP was taken over by a Utah court in 2005. Jeffs was later convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a child.

Tonight, the Rockmoore house— formerly a place of repression and control—is the site of a plant medicine healing ceremony conducted by the Hummingbird Church.

“To me it feels like we are bringing healing to a dark space,” said Lynette Panosian, a Hummingbird Church facilitator, about performing ceremonies in one of Jeffs’ former buildings. Part of the payoff for Panosian is the pure joy participants experience on Sunday after they experience relief from their anxieties and have processed the medicine physically and spiritually.

Courtney Close, the outgoing founder of the Hummingbird Church, said ayahuasca helped her overcome a severe postpartum depression. She described the results as “life-changing” for her. Raised as a Catholic, Close, a self-described “seeker,” said she’d not felt God in spiritual practice until she tried mushrooms and then ayahuasca.

Now, she ministers to members of the FLDS community, even though plant medicine is not officially sanctioned by the FLDS hierarchy.

“We explain that this is going to change your life,” Close said. “To me, the ultimate healing is that direct connection with the divine. It’s the best thing I know to make the world a better place.”

Another Hummingbird Church facilitator—who requested anonymity to speak freely—also experienced a transformation as a result of ayahuasca. Raised in Utah as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, he said he struggled with suicidal ideation for 15 years. But after spending one weekend in ceremony with the medicine, it changed his thinking. “Once you are connected, you don’t want to exit anymore,” he said. “You just want to stay.” CW

TRUE TV

American Horror Story, Ranked

The best American Horror Story seasons to watch ’round Halloween.

BY BILL FROST comments@cityweekly.net

Since its debut in 2011, the anthology series American Horror Story has aired 12 seasons of deliciously deranged tales about haunted houses, insane asylums, witch covens, circus freak shows, supernatural pregnancies and even the totally rad ’80s. It’s become a Halloween-season tradition as eagerly anticipated as half-off candy sales on Nov. 1.

Unfortunately, 2025 will be the first year without a new AHS installment since 2020 (you probably remember what was going on then). That means now is the perfect time to revisit the previous seasons of American Horror Story, which I’ve ranked from best to not-so-best just for you (all are available on Hulu and Prime Video).

1. American Horror Story: Murder House (2011): TV hadn’t seen anything like American Horror Story (later subtitled Murder House) when it premiered on FX in October 2011, and it’s still the pinnacle of the series. The story of the Harmon family (Connie Britton, Dylan McDermott and Taissa Farmiga) moving into a Los Angeles mansion with a gruesome past became more mind-wrenchingly mad with each episode, and ran right up to Christmas—no

holiday break. If you watch only one season, make it this one.

2. American Horror Story: Coven (2013): Farmiga returned for the third American Horror Story installment, Coven, as a newly-cognizant teen witch sent off to an all-girls boarding school in New Orleans. There, she meets fellow students (including AHS first-timers Emma Roberts and Gabourey Sidibe) and a dazzling array of mentor witches (Sarah Paulson, Frances Conroy and Jessica Lange). Coven’s locale and almost-entirely-female cast are perfect, as is Lily Rabe as a winkingly intentional dead ringer for Stevie Nicks.

3. American Horror Story: Freak Show (2014): Season 4 went back in time to 1952, focusing on a Florida carnival freak sideshow whose time in the zeitgeist has reached its bitter end. Stars Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, Michael Chiklis and Sarah Paulson lean hard into the weird as a lobster boy, a bearded lady, a strongman barker and conjoined twins, respectively—but the real star here is Twisty the Clown, a terrifying serial killer stalking the carnies. Freak Show is American Horror Story at peak ick factor.

4. American Horror Story: 1984 (2019): After its heavy, Antichrist-driven Apocalypse season, American Horror Story lightened up a little in Season 9 with 1984, an overt tribute to classic 1980s slasher flicks. AHS regulars Roberts and Billie Lourd slide seamlessly into the trope as summer counselors at Camp Redwood, and 1984 features not one but two killers: Richard “The Night Stalker” Ramirez (Zach Villa) and Mr. Jingles (John Carroll Lynch, who also played Twisty). 1984 is as fun and comedic as the series gets.

5. American Horror Story: Hotel (2015): American Horror Story finally delves into vampires in Season 5, simply subtitled

A&E

Hotel. The claustrophobic trappings of the Hotel Cortez and the season’s creepy gothic vibe didn’t win over many TV critics at the time, but who cares what they think? Hotel had its own Hot Topic apparel line! AHS newcomer Lady Gaga chews the scenery as the Cortez’s vampire Countess, while series constant Denis O’Hare strikes a humanizing, sympathetic tone as transgender hotel bartender “Liz Taylor.”

6. American Horror Story: Asylum (2012): The second season of American Horror Story could never live up to the first, but Asylum was a solid effort with splashy cameos from Chloë Sevigny and Zachary Quinto. The story setting is Briarcliff Manor, a Massachusetts mental asylum circa 1964 that’s full of dubiously committed patients. Asylum revisits the demonic possession and serial killer angles from Murder House, but only hints at an extraterrestrial presence. We’re looonnng overdue for a full AHS season about aliens.

7. American Horror Story: Delicate (2023): The most recent American Horror Story season was the first without Ryan Murphy as showrunner, and also the first to be adapted from outside material—Delicate makes a case for shaking things up. Movie star Anna’s (Emma Roberts) desperate, nightmarish journey to become pregnant is lightened by the hilariously tart tongue of her assistant, Siobhan (Kim Kardashian—yes, her). Delicate goes all-in on body horror, and even incorporates Rosemary’s Baby directly.

The rest: American Horror Story: Roanoke (2016), American Horror Story: Cult (2017), American Horror Story: Apocalypse (2018), American Horror Story: Double Feature (2021), American Horror Story: NYC (2022): The lesser seasons of AHS are worth a watch, but you might be better off checking out Hulu’s American Horror Stories, where each episode is a self-contained tale. Sometimes, a small shot of the scaries is all you need. CW

American Horror Story: Murder House

theESSENTIALS ENTERTAINMENT PICKS, OCTOBER 2-9, 2025

Plan-B Theatre Co.: Just Add Water Salt Lake Acting Co.: The Roommate With fall comes the full-fledged kickoff of the performing arts season—and this week, two of Utah’s premier theater companies launch their seasons with tales that take a sharp turn from the expected.

For Plan-B Theatre Company, the question was how to take the tricky topic of the existential threat to the Great Salt Lake and present it in a way that would engage audiences without preaching at them. The answer is Just Add Water, a fanciful narrative by Matthew Ivan Bennett and Elaine Jarvik in which the lake literally comes to life. “The big problem, from the outset, was how to contain and explain the hyperobject of a huge, interconnected imperiled ecosystem,” Bennett wrote on the Plan-B blog. “So it began to gel when we committed to this idea of GSL taking human form and fighting for herself.” Just Add Water runs Oct. 2 – 19 at the Rose Wagner Center Studio Theatre (138 W. 300 South), tickets at saltlakecountyarts.org.

SLAC’s season-opener—Jen Silverman’s The Roommate—at least initially appears to be a quirky variation on The Odd Couple, as recently-divorced empty nester Sharon runs an ad for a roommate to share her Iowa home, and winds up taking in New York City transplant Robyn. What Sharon doesn’t know is that Robyn has dark secrets in her past, with the possibility that The Odd Couple might turn into Breaking Bad. Utah acting veterans Annette Wright (Robyn) and Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin (Sharon) anchor the dark comedy about learning what we want upon reaching “a certain age.” The Roommate runs Oct. 1 – 26 at Salt Lake Acting Company (168 W. 500 North), tickets at saltlakeactingcompany.org. (Scott Renshaw)

Leigh Bardugo & Brandon Sanderson

Utah’s high geekiness factor is well-documented, exemplified by (but certainly not limited to) the recent FanX convention. We love our genre fare, both as consumers and as creators. And this week, you can celebrate being a lover of such fantastical stories while also celebrating one of our own successful local creators in that field.

At a special joint author event, Utah’s own Brandon Sanderson joins New York Times bestselling fantasy author Leigh Bardugo in conversation about worlds of epic fantasy. Bardugo will be marking the 10th anniversary of Six of Crows, a heist adventure that’s part of the “Grishaverse” that also gave rise to the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the inspiration for the cult-favorite 2021 Netflix series. Sanderson is well-known for his Mistborn series, winning a Hugo Award for his novella The Emperor’s Soul and for completing Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time saga. When these two gifted practitioners of the art of fantasy writing take the stage together, you can bet there will be a lot to learn about their craft and the unique worlds that they create. The event, sponsored by The King’s English Bookshop, takes place on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at Olympus Junior High School (2217 E. Murray-Holladay Road). The ticketed event offers two options: $20 for admission with signed hardcover copy of the new edition of Six of Crows with new cover art and updated maps; $40 for admission with signed copy of both Six of Crows and Bardugo’s Crooked Kingdom. Visit kingsenglish.com for registration via Eventbrite. (SR)

COURTESY

Dear Everything: A Musical Uprising for the Earth

The writer now known as V (formerly Eve Ensler) made a splash nearly 30 years ago with The Vagina Monologues, a theatrical exploration of the female experience of sex, body image and more that has become as celebrated as a piece of activism as it has a creative work. That same spirit drives Dear Everything, the new project written by V in collaboration with a team of talented creators, which explores the subject of the climate crisis in a way that prioritizes local community engagement.

The show itself uses folk- and pop-influenced songs to tell a story about a group of adults in a small town preparing to sacrifice part of their local ecosystem for short-term economic gain, while a group of young people becomes determined to find their power to effect change. As part of each local performance on this tour, local environmental activists are being invited to table for their organizations and contribute to on-site youth art exhibitions. Local youth choirs are also involved in each performance, with Rise Up Children’s Choir and Youth Theatre at the U performing here in Salt Lake City. According to a website statement, “Dear Everything breaks through people’s denial and feelings of powerlessness and engages the millions of new audiences who long to be an active part of change, and who will be energized by seeing themselves and their stories represented.”

Dear Everything plays in Salt Lake City at the Union Event Center (235 N. 500 West) on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 - $75; visit theunioneventcenter.com to purchase tickets, and deareverythingonstage.org for additional production information. (SR)

Back to School

A troubled educator struggles in Steve, plus October special screenings.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

Steve BB1/2

It’s great when an “inspirational teacher” movie strays from formula, but this one dips its toes into so many different things that it becomes hard to figure out what exactly it is. It focuses on 24 hours circa summer 1996 at Stanton Wood, a British reform school where teens get perhaps their final shot at staying out of prison, under the watchful eye of headmaster Steve (Cillian Murphy). And a particularly chaotic day it is, including a news crew filming a segment about the school, and information from the trustees about whether the school will even still be operating in a year’s time. All of this drama has an impact on Steve’s efforts at staying sober, and the script by Max Porter attempts to tie Steve’s difficulty recovering from a traumatic event to the troubles of one particular student, named Shy (Jay Lycurgo). But there’s not nearly enough time in 90 minutes to understand Steve’s demons, or how they connect to his devotion to the Stanton Wood kids, or to how “The System” deals with troubled youth. Meanwhile, director Tim Mielants—who worked with Murphy on the terrific 2024 drama Small Things Like These—goes overboard with the visuals, literally turning things upside down at multiple points. Terrific character beats are sprinkled throughout, including Emily Watson as a school psychologist with the observational skills to understand all is not right with Steve. By the time it ends with an earnest public-service announcement, though, it’s gotten too busy for its themes to

OCTOBER SPECIAL SCREENINGS

SLFS Fall Repertory: In addition to the already-announced “Tower of Terror” screenings—see last month’s City Weekly Special Screenings calendar—the Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinemas (111 E. 300 South) offers some additional spooky treats for your Halloween-month enjoyment. Sunday screenings include a 4K restoration of John Carpenter’s 1980 feature The Fog (Oct. 5); 1994’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s Interview With the Vampire (Oct. 12); the original 1931 Dracula along with 1948’s Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Oct. 19) and Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic Psycho (Oct. 26). slfs.org

Marc Maron: Are We Good?: Comedian Marc Maron developed a loyal fanbase thanks to his acerbic standup sensibility and his groundbreaking WTF podcast—but his life and career have know plenty of ups, downs and complications. This documentary follows Maron as he deals with lifechanging tragedy after the sudden passing

his partner, filmmaker Lynn Shelton, looking at both the history of his life and how he begins to process what his future holds. Special screenings come to local theaters—including the Broadway Centre Cinemas and Cinemark Jordan Landing— Oct. 5 and Oct. 8. arewegoodmaron.com

The Librarians @ Utah Film Center: Director Kim A. Snyder’s 2025 Sundance documentary tracks the wave of efforts in states like Texas and Florida to ban books from libraries—mostly, but not exclusively, public school libraries—with a focus on texts featuring LGBTQ+ or race-specific content, and how those efforts have turned librarians into both public targets and determined warriors. As part of Banned Books Week, the Utah Film Center presents a free screening in its new location’s Black Box Theatre (375 W. 400 North) on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Register at utahfilmcenter.eventive.org

Painless Magic @ Brewvies: Carl Diehl’s kaleidoscopic account of creativity, camaraderie, and curiosity begins with the

life and times of the late, great magician, vaudevillian, & comedy emcee, Werner “Dorny” Dornfield (1892-1982), then splinters prismatically into a mosaic of riddles and revelations about artist-led initiatives elsewhen and elsewhere, to explore where original creative ideas come from, as if by magic. Join the director for a special presentation, including post-screening filmmaker Q&A, at Brewvies (677 S. 200 West) on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., tickets $12. brewvies.com

Back to the Future 40th anniversary: It’s been long enough since the original release of the hit science-fiction comedy Back to the Future that a present-day remake would take its protagonist all the way back to … 1995. Sigh. Anyway, you can get a chance to re-live the adventures of teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) as he tries not to change history after an accidental trip to the past. Enjoy a 40th anniversary re-release in local theaters, opening Oct. 31. fandango.com CW

of

Jay Lycurgo and Cillian Murphy in Steve

CAST YOUR VOTE

Candidates for Salt Lake City Council weigh in on housing, crime, fighting back against the state and billiondollar development deals.

BY BENJAMIN WOOD bwood@cityweekly.net

Before we get to the 2025 candidates for Salt Lake City Council, let’s pour one out for ranked-choice voting.

Since 2021, Salt Lakers have been spared the rancor and taxpayer expense of a municipal primary election, with all candidates instead placed on the November ballot and with voters asked to rank them in order of preference.

This method of candidate selection was new for Utah when lawmakers made it optional in a pilot program, which expires next year. Since then, the GOP supermajority has made clear that they hate RCV with the heat of 1,000 suns.

So, things will almost certainly be back to boring, head-to-head normal by the next election cycle. But at least we’ll still have mail-in balloting … maybe.

Before that future, Salt Lake voters have the contest at present. A total of 12 candidates are registered to compete for one of four City Council seats, in Districts 1, 3, 5 and 7. Three of those districts are competitive, while District 7 incumbent Sarah Young is running unopposed.

City Weekly reached out to each candidate and asked them to describe themselves and their top priority for the city. They were then invited to choose from a list of questions on state overreach, housing affordability, school absenteeism, transit access, the Great Salt Lake, the Main Street fire and the city’s Public Safety Plan. Those questions were sourced from members of the City Weekly newsroom and candidate responses were received by email and edited for length and clarity.

Only one candidate, District 1’s Yussuf Abdi, failed to respond to multiple requests for comment.

Most candidates provided an additional response to what is printed below, which can be found online at cityweekly.net. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

City Council District 1

Name: Victoria Petro (incumbent)

Neighborhood: Rose Park

Favorite Restaurant: Star Of India

Campaign URL: votevictoriapetro.com

I am a mom, nonprofit professional and working class woman who not only understands, but is susceptible to the dangers of a gentrifying city. I work to balance generational growth projects with real, current needs of our residents.

Homelessness needs urgency and strategy—for the safety of the unsheltered and their sheltered neighbors. Divide the crisis into 2 stages: crisis stabilization and rehabilitation. We identify our role—crisis stabilization—and build a coalition with other municipalities for rehabilitation options. We must prioritize humanity and reject any civil rights violations.

Shuttered Main Street storefronts should be persuaded to offer spots for displaced businesses to resume operations. City funds should assist in the build out of any displaced business in a new Main Street location. The historical preservation conversation should be deliberate and not subject to the pressures of reopening.

Name: Stephen Otterstrom

Neighborhood: Fairpark

Favorite Restaurant: Star of India Campaign URL: stephenforslc.com

I am running because we need change. The west side deserves someone who will stand up to billionaires and billion-dollar organizations who demand public funds for private profits. I am not beholden to donors or developers; I am beholden only to the people and interests of our community.

Housing is in crisis. State law prohibits rent controls. The only way to protect renters is allowing them to own where they live. Universal ownership is only possible through alternative housing solutions—cooperatives and land trusts. I will not rest until alternative housing solutions are available to all.

Deed-restricted affordable housing is an insufficient solution. “Affordable” is out of range for many. Cooperative housing stabilizes rent, promotes communities, reduces poverty and leads to ownership. It is a mechanism that allows renters to collectively purchase the building they live in. Learn more about it at StephenForSLC.com/issues

City Council District 3

Name: David Berg

Neighborhood: Avenues

Favorite Restaurant: Blatch’s Backyard BBQ Campaign URL: davidforslc.com

I’m a progressive Democrat, community advocate and health care worker for our unhoused neighbors. I currently serve as the party chair for House District 22 and as an Avenues Community Council board member. I’ll bring my long community experience, dedication for justice and innovative people-powered solutions to help realize a more equitable Salt Lake City.

We must end handouts to billionaires, like the deal increasing taxes and endangering Abravanel Hall and the $0 handover of a historic theater to a Texas corporation that quickly bulldozed it, leaving a vacant hole downtown years later. I’ll enact electoral reform, demanding campaign donation transparency and reducing unfair corporate influence. For true housing affordability, instead of the flawed Area Median Income (AMI) “affordability” measurement, we must use the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which we use to measure Medicaid, free school lunch and similar program eligibility. Using AMI, SLC ridiculously defines $2,726 a month as “affordable,” well above the current SLC market rate of $1,766.

Name: Chris Wharton (incumbent)

Neighborhood: Marmalade

Favorite Restaurant: Marmalade Brunch House Campaign URL: votechriswharton.com

I’m a sixth-generation Salt Laker who brings experience and leadership to our community. Since 2017, I’ve been listening, solving problems and delivering results for our district. I’m committed to moving District 3 and the city forward, working to protect our neighborhoods, improve affordability and expand sustainable and inclusive policies.

I’ve fought for the largest affordable housing investments in the city’s history, adding thousands of income-restricted units over the years. I will continue to identify diverse housing options, provide resources for our unsheltered residents, expand tenant protections and make it easier for everyday Salt Lakers to own a home.

The city’s priorities should be set by residents. We know how to meet the needs of our neighbors and visitors. I’ve used my skills as an attorney to get us through some tough battles. That experience matters in maintaining control of our streets, police department, public lands and resources.

Councilmember Victoria Petro—D1

Stephen Otterstrom—D1

David Berg—D3

Name: Blake McClary

Neighborhood: Avenues

Favorite Restaurant: Wildwood Campaign URL: blakeforslc.com

I’m Blake McClary—board member of the Greater Avenues Community Council, volunteer for the Avenues Street Fair, assistant coach of an Avenues baseball team and parent at Ensign Elementary. I am deeply connected to the neighborhood and, after 8 years of the status quo, we are ready for a change.

On day one, I will form a commission to engage Intermountain Health on the future of the LDS Hospital site. This 15-acre parcel is strategically important to SLC and the Avenues. The time is now to start engaging with IHC to paint our vision for the future. The Council needs to form a working group with the Salt Lake City School District and meet together every 6 weeks. We closed four elementary schools in the city last year, and nobody at City Hall is taking ownership of this. The Council needs to be held accountable to ensure SLCSD has enough funding to operate.

Name: Jake Seastrand

Neighborhood: Guadalupe

Favorite Restaurant: California Burgers & Deli Campaign URL: jakeseastrand.com

I am committed to tackling the issues that matter most—public safety, affordable housing and supporting our local businesses. My experience in the criminal justice system has shown me the power of compassion, and I will bring that fresh, balanced perspective to City Hall. I will work to streamline city processes and reduce red tape to ensure that we are building a safer and more prosperous community with less waste.

We need to create a single, intuitive online portal—a “digital front door”—to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles for entrepreneurs. My background as a small business owner gives me a unique understanding of how to simplify this process. I will ensure we build a system that ends the guesswork on licensing and permits, allowing our city’s homegrown innovators to launch and scale their businesses faster and with less waste.

I will advocate for policies that streamline ADU permitting and support “missing middle” housing. I will also be a strong voice for an updated Avenues Community Plan that is flexible and responsive to modern housing needs, ensuring that new developments are both affordable and architecturally compatible with our district’s character.

Name: Liddy Huntsman Hernandez

Neighborhood: The Avenues

Favorite Restaurant: Arlo Campaign URL: electliddy.com

I’m an eighth-generation Utahn, a mom and an advocate. I’m running unaffiliated to represent only my District 3 neighbors, not parties or special interests. Salt Lake needs bold leadership to spend wisely, confront homelessness and mental health directly and ensure transparent growth that preserves character, improves affordability and secures our future.

Salt Lake City must audit public spending to direct resources where they matter—mental health, safety and infrastructure. After tax giveaways to developers and looming property tax hikes hurting affordability, tough choices are overdue. As the only unaffiliated candidate, I’ll act independently, ensuring District 3’s needs come before party or special interests.

How can we celebrate a Public Safety Plan without funding to meet real needs? It reads more like a wish list than a plan. That’s why Salt Lake City must conduct an independent audit of spending— to prioritize resources and ensure public safety gets the support it deserves.

Councilmember Chris Wharton—D3

Blake McClary—D3

Jake Seastrand—D3

Liddy Huntsman Hernandez—D3

City Council District 5

Name: Erika Carlsen

Neighborhood: Ballpark

Favorite Restaurant: El Meño’s Campaign URL: ErikaForSLC.com

As a nonprofit leader and facilitator, I’ve spent my career bringing together leaders to create solutions. I co-founded the Ballpark Action Team—organizing neighbors to build collective power and elevate our voices in local decision-making. I’m ready to bring that same spirit of collaborative, community-centered leadership to City Hall.

We need to ensure that community spaces receive real investment and care, funding clean, safe and updated public facilities that can serve all generations, like libraries, playgrounds and community centers. I will listen to the needs of our community and be a tireless advocate for these investments in District 5.

We need more housing for families, seniors and working adults. I’m dedicated to protecting tenants from displacement, preserving affordable housing and building new housing that complements the character of our neighborhoods. I’ll pursue opportunities beyond renting and prioritize homeownership so that Salt Lakers can stay rooted for years to come.

Name: Amy J. Hawkins

Neighborhood: Ballpark

Favorite Restaurant: Rotating food trucks at RoHa and Fisher Campaign URL: amyjhawkins.com

I’m an educator and have chaired the Ballpark Community Council since 2018, leading 70-plus meetings with neighbors, city and state representatives to secure results: $500,000 from the city budget for safer street crossings and sidewalks; $150,000 of state funding for opioid education; and preventing a third homeless shelter in Ballpark.

Our state is shifting to a large campus model for homeless services. Since 2018, I’ve worked with state leaders on both sides of the aisle on homelessness, addiction and safety legislation. Those relationships and that experience will help me advocate effectively throughout the transition for our neighborhoods and most vulnerable residents.

Right now, too many people in Salt Lake City are limited to renting an apartment or buying a single-family home, with not many options in between.

By incentivizing building smaller ownership options like townhomes and condos, we can help residents put down roots, build equity and strengthen our neighborhoods.

Name: Vance Hansen

Neighborhood: No response

Favorite Restaurant: Chuck-A-Rama Campaign URL: NA

Born August 8, 1968, and raised by my grandparents

Lucy Eunice Potter Stewart, better known as “Grandma” by her foster children and students, and Edward Leo Stewart, better known as “Bud”. My main interests and background are in community service, law enforcement, security and education. Honesty, duty, honor and my word are most important to me. What needs to happen is a return to the values of the past. And there is no way to do that on a fast track or without an awful lot of pain, suffering, hard work, sweat and—very tragically and all—to blood being spilled.

City Council District 7

Name: Sarah Young (incumbent)

Neighborhood: Sugar House

Favorite Restaurant: Millie’s Burgers Campaign URL: sarahforslc.com

I’m running to keep Sugar House thriving. As a neighbor, parent and councilmember, I know the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. With a track record of listening, delivering results and fighting for safe, affordable and inclusive communities, I’m ready to keep shaping our city’s future.

Sugar House has endured years of disruptive construction. Our small businesses need breathing room to rebound. I’ll push for smarter project sequencing and stronger mitigation efforts to minimize impacts. My leadership ensures infrastructure moves forward while protecting the vitality of our local economy and the character of our community. I strongly support extending the S-Line Streetcar into Sugar House’s business corridor. This investment will reduce traffic, improve air quality and make transit more convenient. It also strengthens community connections and supports small businesses still rebounding from years of disruption, delivering a sustainable, accessible future for residents and visitors.

Erika Carlsen—D5

Amy J. Hawkins—D5

Vance Hansen—D5 Councilmember Sarah Young—D7

DINE

How to Raise a Foodie

Looking

back on my daughter’s gastronomic milestones.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

The recent arrival of my family’s second daughter has got me feeling all misty-eyed about fatherhood. My older daughter, who is now eight, has been my companion on many City Weekly assignments, and thinking about a world where I get to show one more little human the joys of being a proper locavore has me overflowing with emotions.

I’ve had moderate success with turning my older daughter into a local-food enthusiast, and I have to thank our restaurants for making it possible to make lasting memories while dining out. Here are a few restaurants that captured some of my favorite dining moments with my older daughter thus far.

Mahider Ethiopian Restaurant & Market (1465 State Street, Ste. 7, 801-9751111, mahiderethiopian.com): My wife and daughter came with me when I wrote about Mahider a few years back, and it became one of the most memorable meals that we all shared together—though my daughter wasn’t yet a year old at the time. The fact that Ethiopian cuisine ditches silverware in favor of the spongy sourdough flatbread called injera unexpectedly made it the perfect place to take a kid who had not yet mastered the art

of utensils. As a core tenet of Ethiopian cuisine is “tear and share,” diving into heaping plates of colorful dollops of siga wot (a spicy beef stew) or a split pea puree called ater kik with one another was endlessly entertaining. During a time when I was hellbent on keeping my small child’s face and fingers free of foodstuffs, it was a liberating experience to eat with my hands while she did the same.

Hong Kong Teahouse (565 W. 200 South, 801-531-7010, hongkongteahouse. yolasite.com): When my first daughter was about two years old, I was writing a piece about local Asian restaurants for Devour Magazine, and this downtown dim sum favorite was on my list. We thought the kiddo would enjoy some fluffy steamed bao, and the dim sum service style seemed perfect for the kind of low-key dining experience where you could take a twoyear-old. Our late lunch was packed with succulent shrimp balls, herbaceous lotus leaf sticky rice, and plenty of bao variations. Occasionally, I like to add some fried chicken feet to the party, and I wondered if I could get our little girl to give it a try. She was brave enough to take a nibble and appeared to enjoy the experience. Though I try to use this as an example to get my daughter to try more things outside her comfort zone, she continues to deny that this event took place, despite the overwhelming photographic evidence.

Porch (11274 S. Kestrel Rise Road, Ste. G, 801-679-1066, porchutah.com): I’ve visited my share of restaurants where I could tell the servers weren’t happy that I’d brought a four-year-old along with me. But I’ve only visited one restaurant where the servers made her feel like a guest of honor, and that restaurant was Porch. We were in the Daybreak area thinking of spots that both

my wife and I liked, but that would also accommodate my daughter’s diet, which at the time consisted solely of macaroni and cheese. I remembered that Porch had a decent rendition of this classic, so that’s where we went. When the server brought out my daughter’s macaroni and cheese, she was so enamored with it that she declared the dish the best mac and cheese she’d ever had. When we mentioned this to the server, they lit up and asked my daughter if she would like to tell the chef directly, and she was overjoyed to do so. It created such a beauti ful moment where my little girl got to see a professional chef in action, and having that chef treat her like a guest and not an incon venience was pure gold.

Woodbine Food Hall woodbineslc.com): Whenever my daugh ter and I end up downtown, she always puts in a request to visit Woodbine Food Hall. She loves Yakuza Ramen because they have a kid’s ramen option that is just tangly noodles and flavorful broth, but it seems like every time we visit, they have something fun going on in the back ground. During one visit, we watched a local band called Capybara Club jam while we slurped on ramen. We made a trip down to catch the Thursday night double-feature, where we both decided that Bambi was kind of a bummer despite its moments of animated charm. Though my daughter will typically stick to her bowl of ramen when we go, Woodbine’s other vendors provide ample opportunity to try something new each time. This has had its hits and misses, of course, but we can both agree that the cookie sundae at Chunky & Co. is usually the right call when it comes to wrapping up a meal. CW

2 Row Brewing

73 West 7200 South, Midvale 2RowBrewing.com

On Tap: “Octoberfest” Lager

Avenues Proper

376 8th Ave, SLC avenuesproper.com

On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale

Bewilder Brewing

445 S. 400 West, SLC BewilderBrewing.com

On Tap: Pink Boots - Pink Pony Pilz

Bohemian Brewery

94 E. Fort Union Blvd, Midvale BohemianBrewery.com

NEW Releases: Kölsch, Dusseldorfer “Alt” Bier

Bonneville Brewery 1641 N. Main, Tooele BonnevilleBrewery.com

On Tap: Peaches and Cream Ale

Chappell Brewing

2285 S Main Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84115 chappell.beer

On Tap: Pie Hole - Strawberry Rhubarb

Corner Brew Pub Sugar House

2110 S. Highland Drive, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/wasatch

On Tap:  Top of Main Coalition Hellfire Chili Pepper Ale

Craft by Proper 1053 E. 2100 So., SLC properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale

Desert Edge Brewery

273 Trolley Square, SLC DesertEdgeBrewery.com

On Tap:  Centennial Steamer, California Common Lager

Epic Brewing Co.

825 S. State, SLC EpicBrewing.com

On Tap: Imperial Pumpkin Porter

Etta Place Cidery

700 W Main St, Torrey www.ettaplacecider.com

On Tap: Imperial Cider, Fig-Tamarind

Session Mead

Fisher Brewing Co.

320 W. 800 South, SLC FisherBeer.com

On Tap: A rotation of up to 17 Fresh Beers!

Grid City Beer Works

333 W. 2100 South, SLC GridCityBeerWorks.com

NEW: Cyotee Elvis Kolsh

Heber Valley Brewing

501 N. Main Street, Heber City, UT hebervalleybrewing.com

On Tap: Dark Helmet-Schwarzbier (Black Lager)

Utah ‘Heavy’s’ ToGo: Beer Thief/Lone Pine/Citrocumulus

Helper Beer

159 N Main Street, Helper, UT  helperbeer.com

Hopkins Brewing Co. 1048 E. 2100 South, SLC HopkinsBrewingCompany.com

On Tap: Hopkins Lager

Kiitos Brewing

608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

On Tap: Pumpkin Spice Latte; Nitro Pumpkin Spice Latte

Level Crossing Brewing Co. 2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Helles Munich Style Lager

Level Crossing Brewing Co., POST 550 South 300 West, Suite 100, SLC LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Look Up! Amber Ale on Nitro

Moab Brewing 686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com

On Tap:  “Big Drop” West Coast Pilsner

Mountain West Cider

425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com

On Tap: Blueberry Pie Hard Cider

Offset Bier Co 1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City offsetbier.com/

On Tap: DOPO IPA

Ogden Beer Company

358 Park Blvd, Ogden OgdenBeerCompany.com

On Tap: 11 rotating taps as well as high point cans and guest beers

Park City Brewing 1764 Uinta Way C1 ParkCityBrewing.com

On Tap: No to Dakota - Hazy IPA 5%

Policy Kings Brewery

79 W. 900 South, Salt Lake City PolicyKingsBrewery.com

On Tap: Kings Proper Kolsch

Prodigy Brewing 25 W Center St. Logan Prodigy-brewing.com

On Tap: 302 Czech Pilsner

Proper Brewing/Proper Burger 857 So. Main & 865 So. Main properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Steamy Wonder Rye Steam Ale

Proper Brewing Moab 1393 US-191, Moab properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Blizzard Wizard Hazy Pale Ale

Red Rock Brewing 254 So. 200 West RedRockBrewing.com

On Tap: Gypsy Scratch

Red Rock Fashion Place 6227 So. State Redrockbrewing.com

On Tap: Grand Bavaria

Red Rock Kimball Junction 1640 Redstone Center Redrockbrewing.com On Tap: Bamberg Rauch Bier

RoHa Brewing Project 30 Kensington Ave, SLC RoHaBrewing.com

On Tap: Game, Blouses Hazy IPA and Oktoberfest FestBier

Roosters Brewing Multiple Locations RoostersBrewingCo.com

On Tap: Cosmic

BEER NERD

The Easy and The Intricate

Two brews that prove both paths can be flavorful.

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

Templin Family - Tomatillo Sour:

This Belgian-style, barrel-aged farmhouse lager is a collaboration between The Templin Family and Peter Bouckaert of Purpose Brewing & Cellars. In August 2023, Bouckaert came to SLC to collaborate with the Templins for yet another “limited-edition” barrel-aged sour. They went really far out this time, with the recipe utilizing bushels of fresh tomatillos; Bouckaert even brought his own inoculated oak cask from Purpose in which to age this special beer.

This new brew pours with a coollooking golden-bronze hue, hinting at the tangy flavors within. The aroma alone is mouthwatering, an invitation to what looks to be a unique tasting experience. It has a distinctly dusty and dry aroma, immediately bringing to mind the wild character of a Belgian Gueuze, yet with an added layer of balsamic richness and that unmistakable, rustic charm of a horse blanket.

The first sip is an explosion of bright, zesty citrus, balanced beautifully with the intriguing tang of unripe tropical fruits. This vibrant fruitiness leads seamlessly into the nuanced presence of oak, which adds a subtle woody depth before a hint of tomatillo twang makes its much-anticipated appearance, adding another unexpected layer of savory intrigue. As this 6.0 percent sour beer warms in the glass, more complexities unfold. A gentle pepperiness emerges, dancing on the back of the throat, courtesy of the Japanese prickly ash. This subtle warmth doesn’t overwhelm, but rather elevates the other flavors, adding a restrained kick that lingers pleasantly.

Verdict: The overall tartness is perfectly matured—not aggressive, but

rather a clean, bright acidity that excites the palate and cleanses it, preparing you for the next delightful sip. This isn’t just a beer; it’s a playful journey for the senses, pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting impression.

RoHa - Game Blouses: “Game Blouses” is a classic sketch from Chappelle’s Show that humorously re-imagines a reallife basketball game between Prince and Charlie Murphy (Eddie Murphy’s brother). It’s quite funny; look it up on YouTube. At first glance, this hazy, 7.0 percent IPA presents itself much like many others on the market today. It possesses that familiar, somewhat ubiquitous appearance of stone fruit nectar, a visual that has become synonymous with the style. However, this is where any superficial comparison to “average” ends. This beer quickly distinguishes itself, proving that sometimes simplicity executed flawlessly is far more impactful than overlycomplex recipes. The aroma immediately pops with a vibrant, generous dose of citrus peel, bright and inviting, setting clear expectations for the palate.

And the palate delivers in spades. Big, bold citrus peel flavors dominate upfront, bursting with a lively zest that is both refreshing and invigorating. Unexpectedly, a delightful note of fresh strawberry emerges, adding a touch of sweetness and depth that complements the citrus beautifully, preventing it from becoming one-dimensional. What makes this beer truly stand out is its great balance. It’s wonderfully simple and incredibly effective, a testament to focused brewing. The hop presence is robust and deliberate, providing an excellent bitterness that is well-integrated and purposeful. Towards the finish, a satisfying resinous smack makes its appearance, adding a classic IPA character that grounds the fruitiness.

Verdict: The choice of hops—Citra and Mosaic—is, as always, an excellent combination, delivering a harmonious blend of juicy aromatics and a clean, resinous bite. This is a well-crafted hazy IPA that doesn’t just look the part, but genuinely delivers on flavor and hop character.

Game Blouses is packaged in 16-ounce cans, available now at RoHa. The Tomatillo Sour comes in a 750-milliliter bottle. These are, of course, limited runs. As always, cheers! CW

MIKE RIEDEL

MIKE RIEDEL

the BACK BURNER

BY ALEX SPRINGER |

Japanese Food Festival 2025

There are few phrases that will get me out of the house as quickly as “Japanese food festival.” Thanks to our friends at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple (211 W. 100 South), downtown SLC will be the scene of this year’s celebration of Japan’s culinary heritage. Admission to the event is free, and everything from gyoza to takoyaki will be available for attendees to purchase. The event will also feature a raffle, an auction and temple tours. While the food will be plentiful, this celebration is a great way to experience all facets of Japanese culture. It’s all happening on Oct. 4 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

13th Annual Dine About Park City

Throughout the month of October, the Park City Area Restaurant Association (PCARA) will be hosting this year’s Dine About Park City. During this event, select Park City restaurants will be offering Dine About specials for lunch and dinner. Lunch specials will include two courses and range from $15 to $25 while dinner specials range from $45 to $60. Participating restaurants include Hearth & Hill, Handle, Flanagan’s On Main, Purple Sage, Shabu and Chimayo. As Park City is home to some of the state’s finest restaurants, the Dine About event is a good opportunity to bone up on the Silver City’s dining options while sticking to a wallet-friendly budget.

Hash Kitchen Turns 10

Local brunch hotspot Hash Kitchen (hashkitchen.com) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with some tasty specials. The #GirlBrunch Special, for example, features a Caesar salad, fries and a dirty martini. Hash Kitchen’s pancakes are also getting a glow-up with new flavors that include Boston cream, strawberry matcha, lemon ricotta and Fruity Pebbles. For those looking for something on the healthier side, Hash Kitchen’s menu will feature a selection of Power Picks like steel-cut oats, a wedge salad that can only be described as “thicc,” and Power Bowls that include grilled chicken, brown rice and veggies. Frequent Hash Kitchen patrons can also take advantage of the HK Pass Loyalty Program that offers brunch-adjacent perks for members.

Quote of the Week: “Breakfast is a meal, but brunch is a culture.” — Matt Basile

Press Play

Fischloops mixes up analog media at Tape Nite.

BY MARK DAGO comments@cityweekly.net

Analog technology holds a fascination for many, as it represents a time when tech was something you controlled, rather than it controlling you. For the Google generation, music is networked into corporate platforms laden with marketing devices that interface with social media. There is no tangible sense of ownership or private experience within that network.

However, a cassette and a tape player are purely yours in your own private sphere. Salt Lake City-based musician Daniel Fischer—aka Fischloops—takes his adventures of musical impressions a step further with Tape Nite at International Artist Lounge (342 S. State, internationalbarslc.com). Marking its one-year anniversary in September 2025, this recurring event celebrates cassettes live and direct in this disc jockey presentation. Fischloops and guests ditch all pretense, tearing into a vault of tapes with precision and veteran expertise. The medium gets deconstructed, remixed and reimagined— never losing the dance floor.

“Tape Nite for me is sloppy DJ-ing with a difficult medium and the beautiful feel that results. If I’m lucky, the visuals from VHS tapes matching up to the music is the icing on the donut.” Fischer said. “A handful of locals have been releasing stuff on tape over the recent years, given that tapes are pretty inexpensive to make. Tapes by Far Out Cassette Club, Fezmaster, Cool Banana, Hel Audio, Salt Vault Records, Fountain AVM & Por Que No? Records as well as various vaporwave, beat tapes and ambient releases in recent years have all seen the light here.”

You can’t help but love the concept. Back in the day, cassettes were a great idea because they allowed proper portability for music for the first time—car stereos, boomboxes and, best of all, the Walkman. The tapes were so versatile they could be utilized for recording vinyl from a friend, a mix tape for a love interest, and a demo when in a garage band, while also being very handy for home computer games.

This showcase is a pretty fresh approach, re-inventing how these machines work—spinning cassettes instead of records. It also showcases how players have the ability to change pitch control, backspin or play backwards. There’s also the possibility to temporarily slow down or speed up the flow—the works. It’s certainly a radical concept for these “selectors”— that is, assuming the equipment doesn’t malfunction. Tape tensioning is a lost art.

“Tape Nite works as long as the players work. Sometimes the sound goes wonky due to imperfections with the tapes themselves, or old electronics misbehaving,” Fischer added. “Technical mastery is pretty tough, although a perfect mix has occurred here and there, but spontaneity and personal touch are the sauce. The personality behind the music is really what’s on display, given peeps are playing their personal collections. We also have a Kaoss pad so that the DJs can add sprinkles to the donuts.”

These DJs don’t just stop at manipulating the sounds that already existed on the tapes—they rework set pieces and try to bring everything via sight and sound, creating ethereal and distinctive soundscapes that serve as a never-ending backdrop for a wide variety of catchy musical arrangements and in-the-moment improvisation. It’s more of an immersive art performance, really. If you don’t have the visual aspect, you may as well just stay at home with the download. These artists make dozens of adjustments to various inputs, all the while paying attention to the selections first. They know that if the tunes

MUSIC

don’t cut it, people won’t stay to listen.

“I don’t want peeps to think too much, but make it easy to really tune in to the aesthetic or just be a nice background for a drink and socialization. Anyone who has tapes and wants to play them is welcome (VHS too),” Fischer said. “My favorite moments are when the music and video come together. There have been countless times when this unintentional art happens, and usually the DJ doesn’t realize it.”

This is an evolved intention. There’s a consistently high standard here of presenting, culling and production. It’s also a tonic that the cut-and-paste work of Tape Nite takes all the juicy bits and leaves the rest.

Fischloops brings a rare blend of authenticity, wit and humility to everything he does. His mind doesn’t follow the usual paths, but moves to its own rhythm and on frequencies that most people don’t know exist—messing with turntables, a Walk-

man is certified fresh. Meanwhile, DJing with VCRs is utterly transformative.

“A new idea we’ll be doing at the oneyear anniversary show is ‘DJing’ the VHS tapes. Two VCRs and a video mixer set up next to the tape decks for maximum visual jelly donut deliciousness,” Fischer said. “Far Out Cassette Club has pushed the variable speed controls on the Library of Congress players to the limits a few times now to grins and applause. Experimental moments are part of the fun, and I hope there are many more to come. I’m planning on tripping out a Lionel Ritchie bootleg at the gig.”

Now heading into its second year, Tape Nite shows no signs of stopping. Shows happen on a monthly basis, and no two shows are ever the same, so you need to experience it yourself. And with a price tag of free? You really can’t go wrong. CW

Cassettes at Far Out Cassette Club

BEST BAR IN UTAH!

GREAT FOOD

MUSIC PICK S

S.G. Goodman @ The State Room 10/3

Few artists get as much press and notoriety as S.G. Goodman has managed to attain in less than 10 years, and with only three albums to her credit, she’s already become something of a singular sensation. Currently on tour in support of her new album, Planting By the Signs, she’s continuing a trajectory that started when she began performing in church and picked up a guitar at the age of 15. She received recognition as the Americana Music Association’s 2023 Emerging Artist of the Year after only two initial LPs—2020’s Old Time Feeling and its successor, 2022’s Teeth Marks . Jim James of My Morning Jacket co-produced her debut, which had the added benefit of Tyler Childers covering one of its songs, “Space and Time,” a track that was also featured in the soundtrack for the 2022 film The Master Gardener. Her momentum was such that she was tapped to play the Newport Folk Festival in July 2021. Yet even in the midst of such success, she chose to deal with relevant issues, as indicated by “If You Were Someone I Loved,” a song from her sophomore album that deals with the opioid crisis. Not surprisingly, Planting By the Signs has received its share of kudos, including from Rolling Stone, NPR Music and Pitchfork , among many others. Indeed, the buzz keeps building. S.G. Goodman with guest John Calvin Abney brings her Planting By the Signs Tour to The State Room on Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are $32 for GA at axs.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

TUESDAYS

MUSIC PICK S

Elephante @ Sky SLC 10/3

Elephante—whose real name is Tim Heng Wu—makes melodic electronic music with vocals that feel dreamlike and wistful in his singles “Troubled,” “Come Back for You” and “Have It All.” Wu’s own journey into music sounds like a dream come true. He was working at a top consulting firm after graduating from Harvard, then transitioned into creating music full-time. His song “Glass Mansion,” which was No. 1 on iTunes’ U.S. Dance chart in 2018, is about the fragility of success. He described the song on Twitter, saying, “no matter how beautiful and strong what we build is, it’s ultimately fragile and one stone could bring it all down.” While that may sound somewhat pessimistic, it’s about accepting that fragility because nothing will ever be perfect. Wu’s newest album Heavy Glow was released in 2021, and is a mix of genres including indietronica, future bass and rock. It’s a direct response to COVID-19 lockdowns, so imagine listening to what quarantine sounds like—starting with the raw tracks like “Break” featuring singer Tiina and “Dopamine,” then honest tracks like “Tired of Being Tired” to then end with the song “Light On” which is emotional, reflective and somewhat hopeful. This show is 21+ and will be extra special because it’s Wu’s 10-year anniversary show. Come listen to Elephante’s music at Sky SLC on Friday, Oct. 3. Doors open at 9:15 p.m. Entry is free before 10:30 and general admission costs $17 at tixr.com. (Arica Roberts)

MUSIC PICK S

Morrissey @ Union Event Center 10/4

Morrissey is an important and deeply creative artist; he’s also a constant source of frustration to his fans. Born Steven Patrick Morrissey, the singer-songwriter came to fame as the front man of The Smiths, heroes of the British alternative rock movement of the 1980s and beyond. While the band released only four full-length original albums during its run, all four made it to the No. 1 or 2 spot on U.K. charts. The band’s commercial success in the U.S. was more measured, but the group has long since taken its place as a major influence in alternative rock. After the Smiths split, Morrissey went on to a solo career centered upon themes common to his music—melancholy, despair, dark humor, isolation and the like. He has been quite prolific, releasing more than a dozen studio albums (with more on the way). All have hit the Top 10 in his native U.K., and nearly every one has charted on the Billboard 200 in the States. Still, Morrissey has earned a notorious reputation for canceling concerts (more than 380 to date), so … stay informed. Morrissey is scheduled to perform at the Union Event Center on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8:20 p.m. Tickets are $73.75 from ticketmaster.com. (Bill Kopp)

Deorro @ Days of ’47 Arena 10/5

After just headlining at Das Energi in August, Deorro is back in Salt Lake City. It’s safe to say that the Los Angeles-born-and-raised DJ and producer Deorro (Erick Orrosquieta) is very popular here. Orrosquieta’s gift for music is that he’s able to transcend international borders and break cultural barriers. Born to Mexican parents, Orrosquieta is proud of his heritage—and now, as a globally-certified, chart-topping, platinum-selling artist, he shares it with the rest of the world. For example, his Latin/EDM hybrid single “Bailar” is now an eight-times Platinum-certified hit that also won Latin Billboard’s Tropical Song of The Year, and was afterwards rerecorded with the legendary singer Pitbull. Orrosquieta’s latest album Orro is written entirely in Spanish, and bridges the gap between mainstream electronic music and Latin dance music. The album features the songs “Yo Las Pongo”— featuring the Mexican norteño band Los Tucanes de Tijuana and Dominican producer

Maffio—as well as “Se Vuelve Loca” featuring Cuban reggaeton duo Gente de Zona. These various Latin artists coming together and branching into electronic music has expanded EDM into new territories and into the mainstream limelight with performances at major EDM festivals like Tomorrowland and EDM Mexico. Deorro plays the Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark on Sunday, Oct. 5. Other performers include Laberinto, Banda Corona del Rey and Los Parras. Doors open at 1 p.m. and general admission costs $135 at stubhub.com. (Arica Roberts)

Circle Jerks @ The Depot 10/8

The frontman of Circle Jerks for 40 plus years, Keith Morris, is the epitome of the punk ideal. Outrage radiates from him whether he’s singing or in a mid-set political tirade—lots of anger, lots of energy, lots of opposition to conformity. Formed in 1979, Circle Jerks have been one of the prominent voices of musical rebellion. Their debut LP, Group Sex, makes a powerful impact through its briefness—14 tracks packed into just under 16 minutes. It’s a quintessential slice of early American hardcore punk: fast, raw and unapologetic. Even decades on, their music still resonates with new generations of listeners, especially those who question norms and defy convention.

“‘Never ever thought like, ‘Oh, yeah, I see myself 45 years from now doing this.’ Never, never ever thought like that,” Morris told RVA Mag. “Every day was just: go for it. You know, have a party. We weren’t thinking about what we were going to be doing in the future. We were just living day to day.”

Circle Jerks haven’t released a studio album since 1995’s Oddities, Abnormalities and Curiosities, marking a lengthy gap in new material. Hopefully that will change very soon, as the band has begun working on tunes with Rancid’s Tim Armstrong overseeing the sessions. Fingers crossed that whatever is next will be rawer, noisier and grittier than ever before. Modifiers, Negative Approach and The Adolescents open. Catch these acts at The Depot on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $44.50, and

ter.com. (Mark Dago)

JIM DYSON

Morrissey

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

In Zen Buddhism, satoris are sudden flashes of illumination that are fun and clarifying. I’m happy to tell you that you’re in a phase when these sweet breakthroughs are extra likely to visit you. They may barge in while you’re washing dishes, in the grocery store check-out line, or during your fantasies before sleep. Be on high alert for intimations from the Great Mystery. PS: Some satoris could be gems you already half-knew.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

You are eligible to be named “The Most Brilliant and Effective Complainer” for October. If you want to secure this prestigious award, spend time organizing plans for changing what’s amiss or awry. Decide which irritating, off-kilter situations are most worthy of your thoughtful attention. Figure out how to express your critiques in ways that will engage the constructive help of others. And then implement a detailed strategy to compassionately achieve the intriguing transformations.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

On certain medieval maps, an island paradise known as Hy-Brasil had a fuzzy presence west of Ireland. Did it truly exist? If so, it was said to be a blessed land that could restore lost youth and offer extravagant happiness. The place was thought to be rarely visible, and only under certain magical or auspicious conditions. I suspect you Geminis are within range of an experience like this. It won’t appear in a specific location but as a state of mind that settles over you. Don’t chase it. Allow it to find you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

A stalactite is a stony formation that hangs like an icicle from the ceiling of a cave. It forms over long periods as mineral-rich water drips down and incrementally deposits hard calcium carbonate through precipitation. This marvel is an example of earth’s creativity at its most leisurely. A four-inch-long stalactite might take a thousand years to make. With that as your seed thought, Cancerian, I invite you to attune yourself to the slowest, deepest, most ancient parts of your soul. Important developments are unfolding there. A wound that’s ripening into wisdom? A mysterious yearning that’s finally speaking in your native tongue? Be patient and vigilant with it. Don’t demand clarity all at once. Your transformation is tectonic, not flashy. Your assignment is to listen and be receptive.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

When bilingual speakers engage in the behavior known as “code-switching,” they may begin a sentence in one language and finish it in another. Or they may move back and forth between two different languages as they deliver a discourse. Why do they do it? To enrich their meaning, to dazzle their audience, to play and experiment. In a larger sense, we could say that code-switching happens anytime we swivel between different styles of presenting ourselves: from formal to casual, serious to humorous, cheerful to skeptical. I bring this up, Leo, because you are in the heart of the code-switching season. Have fun!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

In the Arctic, polar bears move through the world not by sight alone, but through scent trails that stretch miles across the ice. Their sense of direction is olfactory, intuitive and primal. If I’m reading the omens correctly, Virgo, your navigation system will also be more animal than logical in the coming weeks. I advise you to trust subtle cues—like goosebumps, a sweet or sour taste in your mouth or an uncanny pull toward or away from things. Your rational mind might not be fully helpful, but your body will know the way. Sniff the trail. Access your instincts.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

In ancient Egyptian myth, the goddess Maat ruled truth, divine law, harmony and moral order. After death, each person’s heart was weighed against Maat’s feather of truth on a scale in the Hall of Judgment. If the heart, which

embodied the essence of a person’s actions in life, was equal in weight to the feather, the deceased was assessed as virtuous and cleared to continue to the glorious afterlife. If it was heavier … well, I’ll spare you the details. Maat’s scales were not symbols of punishment, but of fairness and justice. That’s also your special power right now, Libra. You have subtle insight into every choice. You understand that your wisdom is best used to bless, not censure. My hope is that you will foster gentle clarity and offer forgiveness to all, including yourself. Lay down the old guilt! Let grace be the law!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The I Ching is an ancient divinatory book compiled in China over 2,500 years ago. Amazingly, it’s still quite useful. In accordance with astrological omens, I call your attention to one of its oracles: “Work on What Has Been Spoiled.” It tenderly counsels us to be brave as we repair what’s broken. But it’s crucial that we make the correction with patient grace, not blame and anger. The good news, Scorpio, is that you now have an uncanny ability to discern what’s out of tune, what’s crooked, what has been wrongfully abandoned. I hope you will offer your genius for re-weaving. A frayed friendship? A neglected dream? A forgotten promise? You can play the role of restorer: not to make things as they were, but to render them better than they’ve ever been.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

In ancient Egypt, the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet wielded both intense heat and nourishing warmth. She had the power to destroy and heal. When outbreaks of chaos threatened, she incinerated them. Once order and balance returned, she served as a physician. I dare you to summon your inner Sekhmet, Sagittarius. Give your bold attention to an obstacle that needs to be crushed or an injustice that needs to be erased. If necessary, invoke sacred rage on behalf of sacred order. But remember that the goal is not merely combustion. It’s transmutation. Once the fire has cleared the way, unleash your gorgeous cure.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

In Nepal, there’s a tradition among Sherpa mountaineers. Before ascending Mt. Everest, they perform a ceremony led by a Buddhist monk or Lama. It’s a way to honor the sacredness of the mountain, ask for grace during their climb and return from the journey in good health. As you eye the peak ahead of you, Capricorn, consider making similar preparation. Ritualize your intention. Direct it with clarity and care. Bless your journey before you surge forward.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

When people call something “glamorous,” they usually mean it has an elegant, captivating style. Its beauty is sophisticated and luxurious. But the original meaning of “glamour” was different. It referred to a deceptive magical enchantment designed to disguise the truth, whipped up by a conjurer or supernatural being. That’s the sense I want to invoke now, Aquarius. You have been seeing through the glamour lately—of the media, of consensus reality, of false stories. Now it’s time to go even further: to actively tear down illusions and dismantle pretense, preferably with tact. When you see through the spell, don’t just call it out—transmute it into clarity.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Pisces-born Nina Simone (1933–2003) started playing piano when she was 3 years old. At age 12, her debut concert was a classical recital. She developed a yearning to become the first Black female classical concert pianist. But her dream collapsed when the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music refused to let her study there. Then came the plot twist. She redirected her disappointment ingeniously, launching a brilliant career as a singer, composer and pianist that won her global fame. The rebuff from the Curtis Institute was ultimately a stroke of good luck! It became a catalyst for her greatness. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to designate a frustration that you will use to fuel future success.

Pamper Yourself

urban LIVING

Big Merger News

Big news—Compass Real Estate has agreed to buy Anywhere Real Estate for $1.6 billion. This is the clearest sign yet that lackluster home sales are sparking industry consolidation.

The all-stock transaction would create a new industry giant, valued around $10 billion (including debt), and would be one of the largest deals in residential brokerage history. Anywhere owns Century 21, Coldwell Banker, The Corcoran Group and Sotheby’s International. I haven’t heard if these firms are consolidating under one company name, but I doubt it. However, if Compass goes through with the purchase, all the firms could eventually be named “Compass.”

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Can’t refuse

6. Small change?

11. Ride from the airport

14. Colorado skiing town

15. “It was ___ and stormy night”

16. Swatch selection

17. They encapsulate the story

20. Duke U.’s conference

21. Hit song of 1979

22. Perspire

23. Classic Jaguar model

25. Finds loathsome

27. Salt-N-Pepa, originally

28. Potato, on Indian menus

29. Kitchen utensils often linked in a group of 4-6

36. 800, in Roman numerals

37. Bony beginning

38. Obey Bob Barker, in a way

39. L.A. art gallery home to van Gogh’s “Hospital at Saint-RÈmy”

42. Oboist’s need

Compass runs a private program for pre-market listings, the Compass Concierge service, offering fronted costs for home improvements, and the Compass One platform for enhanced transparency and communication. The company also emphasizes a premium brand identity and has developed AIpowered assistants to provide realtime support and automation to agents.

The thing that’s rocking the real estate world is that Compass has pushed for pre-market listings. These allow sellers to test prices and marketing within the Compass network before it goes public, providing discretion and avoiding potential negative effects of being listed on the open market.

My opinion about pre-market listings is that a seller will get the most money for a property when the most eyes are on it and just opening the listing up to a few is a bad idea. A listing, once entered into the MLS, will immediately go to 500 MLS systems in the U.S., more than 30 in Canada and several others in U.S. territories and other parts of the world. I’ve heard estimates of it being seen in 20+ million websites.

If I were to list a home, it would appear on all those companies’ websites, because they draw from our MLS. “House porn addicts” will see it no matter what real estate website they are using. Don’t worry, house porn just means you spend your free time looking at homes on the web, laughing or drooling, depending on the photos.

In other news, our neighbors in the Denver metro area swung sharply toward a buyer’s market this summer and will likely become more entrenched in that direction as activity slows in the months ahead, according to two leading real estate firms.

“Denver went from one of the hottest markets to one of the more challenged markets. Over the summer, sellers weren’t getting the traction they were hoping for,” said Jeannie Tobin, director of market analytics at Homes.com.

Because of the increase in supply this spring and summer, Homes.com declared Denver a “buyer’s market.”

Denver’s housing market remains the eighth most expensive in the U.S. and the most expensive of any major metro area not near a coast, according to Homes.com. And trust me, Utah—especially the Wasatch Front—has also seen more of a buyers’ market, with more inventory this summer/fall. n

43. Julep flavoring

44. Burrowing rodent

47. Dustup

49. Chop into little bits

50. Apple variety

51. Wedding music providers, sometimes

54. Baked breakfast item with a pair of main ingredients

58. Snacked on

59. About to blow

60. Stash of treasure

61. Alto instrument

62. Yawning chasm

63. Colts’ fathers

DOWN

1. Nelson Muntz catchphrase

2. “Hey, wait ___!”

3. Old U.S.-Soviet scientific rivalry

4. “Chopped” host Allen

5. Person who “can make the darkness bright,” in a Platters hit

6. The Robot, e.g.

7. It’s the thought that counts

8. Yawning chasm

9. Mess up

10. Place to purchase boots and bindings

11. Stadium sound

12. Atmospheres

13. Of the highest quality

18. Mischievous sort

19. Tango number

24. NYU’s ___ School of the Arts

25. “Ragged Dick” author Horatio

26. “___ Buddies” (Tom Hanks sitcom)

27. Silicon Valley industry, briefly

28. Added to the pot

29. Santa Fe summer hrs.

30. Mercutio’s friend

31. “In Britain, any degree of success ___ with envy and resentment”: Christopher Lee

32. “Grumpy Old Men” actor Davis

33. Performed before

34. Astro ender

35. Prefix with metric or phonic

40. Azerbaijan neighbor

41. Bits of metal?

44. Mazda model introduced in 1989

45. Add, as territory

46. Big initials in early TV

47. Pairs up

48. Shade-providing tree

Last week’s answers

Complete the grid so that each row, column, diagonal and 3x3 square contain all of the numbers 1 to 9. No math is involved. The grid has numbers, but nothing has to add up to anything else. Solve the puzzle with

49. Business degrees 50. Bravado 52. Hipster’s jargon, once 53. “Donkey Kong Country” console 55. Certain trader, casually 56. No vote 57. Part of WTF?

NEWS of the WEIRD

BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL

Creme de la Weird

Rose Mnisi, 39, appeared in court on Sept. 18, where she faced charges of illegal possession of human tissues, the BBC reported. Mnisi is a cleaner at a hospital maternity ward in eastern Mpumalanga, South Africa. Security officers were tipped off that she was seeking buyers for human body tissues; they arrested her with a plastic bag of human placentas. Police said Mnisi might face further charges. She is due back in court in October.

It’s Good To Have a Hobby

In Conway, South Carolina, TikTok users and others are following the escapades of the “CCU Pisser,” a person who relieves himself at different points around the Coastal Carolina University campus. The Sun News reported that the videos started appearing on Sept. 1, and each one features a different iconic target: a CCU logo embedded in a sidewalk, for example, and the school’s football field. CCU wouldn’t comment on the shenanigans, but a “Detective” apparently unaffiliated with the school is also a hit on TikTok, warning the Pisser that “I know your name. I know where you will be next.” We’d love to hear both posters’ GPAs.

Fun Suckers

If you’re planning to do a little carousing this homecoming season in Jesup, Iowa, think again: The Jesup Police Department has issued a warning that TP-ing is banned, and anyone doing it will face legal charges. KCRG-TV reported on Sept. 17 that police have labeled the prank harassment and have identified multiple people whom they are investigating for trespassing, criminal mischief, illegal dumping and disorderly conduct.

News You Can Use

The robots are coming ... to Major League Baseball. On Sept. 23, the MLB approved the use of an automated ball/strike system for challenges during the 2026 season, ESPN reported. The ABS system will be similar to the line-calling system used in tennis, and each MLB team will get two challenges per game, which can be signaled by a hitter, pitcher or catcher tapping his head. Human big-league umpires reportedly call about 94% of pitches correctly.

Animal Antics

Joan Heblack of San Rafael, California, was enjoying a walk in her neighborhood when a squirrel “came out of nowhere” to claw and bite her, KGO-TV reported on Sept. 22. Her injuries sent her to the emergency room. Heblack isn’t the only victim of an attack squirrel in the area; about five people have been attacked, and fliers have been posted on utility poles, warning residents of the “very mean squirrel.” Lisa Bloch of Marin Humane said such attacks are “likely the result of someone feeding it. When wildlife is fed by humans, they can lose their natural fear and act more emboldened.” The LA County Department of Public Health assures locals that squirrels do not spread rabies.

But Why?

■ Teaching assistant Alexander Lewis, 32, was charged with interfering with schools and malicious injury to property in Florence, South Carolina, WKRC-TV reported on Sept. 23. Between Aug. 25 and Sept. 19, Lewis allegedly used a spray that mimics the smell of poop inside the school. The spray caused students and staff health issues, nausea and dizziness, and the district spent almost $55,000 trying to solve the issue through air conditioning inspection and repair costs. Lewis’ bond was set at $9,000.

■ A 57-year-old man in Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan was re-arrested on Sept. 18 after investigators discovered that he had allegedly stolen 50 fire hose nozzles, Japan Today reported. It wasn’t clear why he was stealing them, as he kept them in his possession rather than selling them. Officials say the nozzles aren’t worth much as scrap metal, but the absence of them presents a serious risk to the public.

New World Order

The three members of the Kingdom of Kubala, an “African tribe,” were ordered to vacate from private land in Scotland on Sept. 22, Sky News reported—but instead, they just relocated to the other side of a fence, on council-owned land. The members say that they are reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago, but the Scottish Borders Council has made repeated efforts to remove them. King Atehene— aka Kofi Offeh, 36—indicated that he would not be willing to speak to media outlets unless they brought him gifts; the group posted on Facebook, “The Kingdom of Kubala can never be destroyed.” A spokesperson for the Borders Council said legal processes are continuing and “officers will proceed through the next steps as quickly as possible.”

The Tech Revolution

Lisa Catalano, 41, of San Mateo, California, is ready to settle down, KRON-TV reported. So, Catalano has set her sights high. The woman is using digital billboards along Highway 101 to seek out potential mates, directing suitors to her website to get more information and apply. “I just want to meet somebody,” she said, “and I was just not having any luck any other way.” Catalano was previously engaged, but her fiance passed away in 2023 from illness. As she looks for the ideal applicant, she says, “I hope that this is a great story that we can tell our future children.”

Least Competent Criminal

The BP convenience store in Macon, Missouri, has slot machines, KTVO-TV reported, which made it really handy for Amber Dawn Butler, 34, to satisfy her gambling addiction while she was at work. One little hiccup in her on-the-job wagering was that she was allegedly taking money from the store’s cash register and safe to feed into the machines. Butler also confessed to scratching lottery tickets she hadn’t bought and stealing cigarettes and bottled water from the store. Confusingly, she pleaded not guilty and is being held in the Macon County jail.

Bright Idea

Craigslea Community Kindergarten and Preschool in Brisbane, Australia, had to close recently after its funding was halted, the BBC reported. Following upheaval among the school’s staff and volunteer committee, parents received an email on Sept. 21 explaining that the school can not pay its debts. Hours later, a second email asked parents to pay $1,400 to receive a portfolio of their children’s art. Administrators said that the money would go toward paying down the school’s unpaid bills, including teachers’ wages. Brooke, a parent of a Craigslea student, called the scheme “absolutely ridiculous.” She decided to collect the artwork without paying, which led the center to report her to police. The Creche and Kindergarten Association and the Department of Education then got involved, and now, “These important records are now available for families to collect,” C&K said. Another parent, David Crisafulli, remarked, “Let’s give the kids their finger painting and let’s get on with life.” Hear, hear.

Stuff That Only Happens to Other People

Just months after a woman from New York dug up a 2.3-carat diamond at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park, a family from Oklahoma have unearthed an even bigger rock: a 2.79-carat brown diamond. United Press International reported that on Sept. 13, Raynae Madison and her family went to the park to celebrate her nephew’s birthday, bringing beach-digging and sandsifting tools they purchased at a dollar store. “I honestly thought it was too big to be a diamond,” Madison said. The park said it is the third-largest diamond found at the park this year.