September 2026 | Vol. 35 Iss. 9
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Inflation strikes again: City votes to increase property taxes By Elisa Eames | elisa@mycityjournals.com
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Faced with collecting more money from residents or risking future budgetary shortfalls, Herriman opts to raise property taxes.
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mmediately following public hearings on Wednesday, Aug. 12, the Herriman City Council approved a June proposal to raise property taxes for the third time since the city’s incorporation in 1999. As in 2023 and 2025, the increase will combat inflation for safety and emergency service expenses and accompanies over a dozen other property tax increases proposed by other Salt Lake County municipalities. “In recent years, the city has generally proposed modest annual increases in property tax revenue… to help keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of police and fire services,” Herriman City Communications Manager Jonathan LaFollette said. Before the vote, the city encouraged residents to provide feedback by submitting
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and why do they need more money? “The HCSEA is a taxing district that was established to collect property taxes to provide law enforcement services to the city—In other words, the HCSEA contracts with the city for funding policing services,” the Safety Enforcement Area’s interim budget states. “Although a legally separate entity, because of its close relationship to the city, the HCSEA is accounted for with the city’s finances.” Herriman residents pay the greatest percentage of their property taxes to Jordan School Dis“These adjustments are not intended to trict. (Image courtesy Herriman City) expand [Safety Enforcement Area] services; they’re meant to help cover the increasing an online form, contacting their council for police services, and one for the Herriman costs of equipment, vehicles and staffing as member directly or making comments at two City Fire Service Area, the taxing entity for prices go up over time,” the city’s website says. public hearings, one for the Herriman City fire and emergency medical services. Continued on page 10 Safety Enforcement Area, the taxing entity What are the HCSEA and the HCFSA,
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Tax troubles coming for IRAs and 401(k)s over $300,000 comparison of how much you’re projected to pay in taxes if you do nothing, versus how much you could save by implementing some simple retirement tax planning strategies. So, you can see the math and understand exactly how much you’re projected to save. While tax experts and other financial advisors charge thousands of dollars for a customized tax analysis like this, B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions offers this service for free, even if you’re not a client yet. This offering could be especially beneficial for families who have saved more than $300,000 up to a few million for retirement. To schedule your free Retirement Tax-Savings Analysis, simply call (801) 405-1311.
If you’ve saved more than $300,000 for retirement you could face significant taxes in retirement unless you take action now, warn Utah financial advisors Ryan Thacker and Tyson Thacker. “IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN $300,000 in a traditional IRA or 401K, you could have a big problem coming in retirement,” warns financial advisor Ryan Thacker. “The problem is taxes – and it’s going to get bigger and bigger unless you take action,” adds Tyson Thacker. Ryan Thacker and Tyson Thacker are the Founders of B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions, a Utah financial advisory firm that’s helped over 55,000 area families plan for a better retirement. For most traditional IRAs and 401Ks, the Thackers explain, it’s important to remember that you haven’t paid taxes on the money in these accounts. That’s by design. One of the biggest benefits of having an IRA or 401K is you don’t pay taxes on your contributions to these accounts – or on their investment growth – until you start withdrawing this money in retirement. “But that’s when this big problem could rear its ugly head,” explains Ryan Thacker. “You’ll likely face surprisingly large tax bills when you begin to with-
“The problem is taxes – and it’s going to get bigger and bigger unless you take action.” — TYSON THACKER, B.O.S.S. RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS
draw this money in retirement.” If you were to add up the total amount of taxes you’ll pay on these accounts in retirement, it’s not uncommon for it to add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. But a skilled tax strategist could help you significantly reduce these taxes in retirement. “Most families want to think of the money in their IRA or 401K as ‘their money,’” says Tyson Thacker. “But withdrawals from your IRA and 401K are all treated like ordinary income. And you have to pay taxes on every dime of that income.” “It becomes even more complex when you include Social Security and other investment income,” adds Ryan Thacker. “Because typically all of this money gets thrown into one big taxable bucket.” The good news is you have more control over how much you pay in taxes when you retire, than any other time in your life. The key is understanding the new strategies available to you – strategies B.O.S.S. often helps their clients implement. The Thackers emphasize that B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions client families
“Tax planning is personalized – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.” — TYSON THACKER, B.O.S.S. RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS
achieve these savings through tax planning, not tax preparation. By the time your CPA is filing your taxes for the April 15th deadline, what’s done is done. You’re just reporting history. However, if you take advantage of some specific tax planning strategies, you could significantly reduce the total amount of taxes you’ll owe in retirement – especially if you take these steps before you retire, or within the first few years of retirement. “The biggest thing,” stresses Ryan Thacker, “is to understand which strategies will work best for your family. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for everyone.” B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions offers a free, customized Retirement Tax-Savings Analysis that shows you a side-by-side
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Tyson Thacker and Ryan Thacker are the CEO and President of B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions. They are published authors of the Amazon best-selling book, “The B.O.S.S. Retirement Blueprint, Your Guide to a Secure and Independent Retirement.” Their award-winning firm has seven offices located throughout the Wasatch Front, and a new office in St. George. This is for illustrative purposes only, results may vary. Advisory services offered through B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm. Insurance products and services offered through B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions. The information contained in this material is given for informational purposes only, and no statement contained herein shall constitute tax, legal or investment advice. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. You should seek advice on legal and tax questions from an independent attorney or tax advisor. SPONSORED CONTENT
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COMMON GROUND
Property Rights Confuse Me
Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together. Where do I stand on property rights? Simple: if I own it, then I should have absolute control over it. And If I bought it and it is next to your property, I should also have some control over yours. For those who have followed Common Ground, I have left no doubt I lean fairly strong to the right end of the political spectrum. So when writing an opinion piece representing that end of the spectrum with the topic of property rights, I was certain what I’d say. Then last night as I prepared to write this I got confused. I stopped and prayed: Dear God, am I becoming a Democrat? A quick trip to my gun safe confirmed that I am good. But I am still conflicted. I know where I stand on my property rights, not sure where I stand on your property rights. Well, let me be clear, unless your property is near mine, I actually just don’t care about yours. To not look evil I will pretend that I care and that you should have the same property rights as me. To unconfuse myself, I broke down property rights into three categories: the ability to own property, the ability to control property, and property taxes. I see each category, but am conflicted where these fall on the typical right-left spectrum. Is everyone a Republican when it comes to property rights? Or maybe
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John J Walker Common Ground
everyone is a Democrat? I don’t know but I can’t imagine a world where we agree on something. I agree with my dear friends from the left (yes I have a couple) that everyone should have the opportunity to buy and own their home. Home ownership is an important part of the American economy and society. I think we can all agree people should be able to own property (our own homes) and enjoy all the benefits from it, and we can all recognize that property rights are protected by the Constitution. So once you own it, what control do you have? Enter Jekyll or Hyde, I am not sure. On one hand, I want full control of my property. On the other hand, I want control of my neighbor’s property. Not full control but enough control to protect my property, property value and property rights. If I want to build a second story to my house and add a man cave garage in the backyard, hand me a hammer and shut your mouth; it’s my property. But if my neighbor wants to build an apartment on his lot, whoa whoa whoa. If my neighbor wants to
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Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
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Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
have 14 people live in his 3-bedroom house and each of them park a car on the front lawn, no way, not in my backyard and not in your front yard. Enter local zoning. WWII veterans should be the most respected people in America. Just behind them should be planning and zoning staff and volunteers. For now, my stance is that I should control my property and I should be able to do whatever I want to do with it. And I should also control your property so that it does not impact me and my property. Until you come up with a better plan, this is my plan. My first consideration concerning property taxes is back to property ownership. I question – do we really own property if we are required to pay forever to retain that ownership? When I go to the grocery store and buy a peach, I don’t have to pay for that peach the rest of my life. But when I buy a home, all of a sudden I have to pay property taxes for the rest of my life. Technically, I “own” my home in Bountiful, but I often say I “lease” it from Davis School District and Davis County. Our governor and state legislators in recent years have stated they want homes more affordable, but they have sat mostly idle while school districts, counties, and special districts have increased property taxes – making homes even more unaffordable.
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Our Republican-led legislature and governor have provided taxpayer money to help subsidize the purchase of homes. I am sure this feels good for them. I guess on some baseline it should feel good; they are helping people live the American dream. But they are taking money from all taxpayers to give to a select few. It is clear to me that we must allow the housing market to operate in a fair and open market. As per taxes – property taxes make sense; there is a need for the government to provide amenities (roads, sidewalks, water, utilities, etc.) to homeowners that are associated with homeownership. These are expenses that I require and the value of my property is dependent on. A home that doesn’t have water or access is ultimately worthless. But remind me why we cover schools with property taxes. Don’t get me wrong, we should fund schools so our children get the best education possible. In Utah, that should come from income tax. Our legislation has lowered income tax every year but they did not change the spending with school districts so where does that “savings” come from? It comes from property taxes – your income tax goes down and your property taxes go up. A game of political whack-a-mole: slash-a-tax.
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September 2026 | Page 5
Making wishes come true: Credit union returns with special Make-A-Wish event The grand opening ceremony for Chartway’s new Herriman branch focused on community, service and making wishes come true. By Elisa Eames elisa@mycityjournals.com
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hartway Credit Union marked a joyful return to Herriman with the grand opening of its newest branch on July 21 near Herriman’s Winco. The credit union, which voluntarily closed a Herriman branch in 2020 after determining there were too few local members, was thrilled with the opportunity to return. “Herriman is a thriving and rapidly growing community, and Chartway is proud to meet our members where they are,” Chartway President and CEO Brian Schools said. “This new branch reflects our commitment to investing in our communities while making it easier for members to access the personalized guidance, financial solutions and local support they need to thrive.” Though effectively functioning like banks, credit unions are not-for-profit institutions that focus on serving member-owners rather than outside stockholders. They generally offer lower fees and better interest rates and can often accommodate customers that banks can’t. “Credit unions are all about their members/customers, and anyone can join,” Senior Vice-President of Utah Nick Whiting said. “We’re all about community. We love what we do.” Launched in 1959, Chartway has made Forbes Magazine’s list of Best In-State Credit Unions for the last five years. It has over a quarter of a million members in Utah, Texas and Virginia. During July’s celebration, local vendors Slackwater Pizza, Island Drips and Twisted Sugar provided refreshments. The ceremony also welcomed Chartway bigwigs and local officials, including Latino 106.3 FM, the Asian Real Estate Association of America’s Salt Lake City Chapter, South Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jay Francis and Herriman Mayor Lorin Palmer. Schools, Palmer, Francis, Whiting and others offered brief remarks at a podium set up under a lobby balloon display. “I knew Chartway would be an amazing addition to our community. We are thrilled to welcome them back,” Palmer said. “There’s something meaningful about them choosing to come back. We appreciate their investment in [us] and in the Latino community.” “This is a homecoming for us,” Whiting said. Chartway personnel expressed eagerness
Page 6 | September 2026
to assist local businesses with checking, cash management, merchant and lending services. “A credit union is more than a place to cash checks. You know the person behind the counter, and they know about your life. You celebrate together,” Francis said. “A strong financial institution helps people grow. Thank you for choosing Herriman and being a partner with us in serving a remarkable community.” One of Chartway’s distinguishing features is its goal to improve communities, not just meet their financial needs. The credit union will introduce literacy and English-as-a-second-language workshops in partnership with Salt Lake Community College’s Herriman branch. “That’s one of the reasons why we selected this location,” Whiting said. “We want to meet and serve all communities, and this community was underserved.” The credit union’s charitable arm, Chartway Promise Foundation, contributes grants to over 30 charitable partners in and outside of the state and has worked with Make-A-Wish Utah to benefit critically ill minors for 15 years. “... Chartway Promise Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3, has granted $17 million to provide medically fragile children and their families memorable experiences that bring joy, hope and smiles,” a Chartway press release noted. As part of the ceremony, NewGround, the Herriman branch’s designer and builder, presented a check for $5,000 to the Foundation. Earlier this year, the Foundation granted its 500th wish in connection with Make-A-Wish Utah. Without a doubt, a Wish Proclamation Ceremony, where Make-A-Wish Utah and the Foundation granted a local teen’s wish, was the most impactful event of the afternoon. “Our Promise Foundation is a huge part of how we are able to fulfill community [service],” Chartway Promise Foundation President Rebecca Riordan said. “This year and last, [the Foundation has] given over $1 million to nonprofit partners. As the president, sometimes it’s hard because it’s real families and real kids.” “The support from Chartway has been incredible…,” Make-A-Wish Utah Chief Development Officer Summer Ehrmann said. Seventeen-year-old Damien Benash of Sandy was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a severe neuromuscular disorder that progressively weakens his muscles; for the past five years, Damien has needed a wheelchair. Deeply interested in World War II, his wish is to visit the massive interactive Dragonman’s Military Museum in Colorado Springs, where he’ll receive a personal tour with all the bells and whistles.
“I knew it was gonna happen, but I didn’t know it was gonna be this big!” Damien said. “I’ve been interested in history my whole life, especially military history, because of my grandpa’s military service. I can’t wait to see and learn about the museum’s exhibits up close. [The museum] got [its vehicles] from the U.S. military, and they all work!” The popular teen has partnered with Compassion Mobility and served as the grand marshal for Sandy’s 2025 Fourth of July parade. “I can pretty much do anything I put my mind to,” he said. “I have a great family and support.” Last year, Damien received the Sandy Mayor’s Trailblazer Award for his work helping other disabled children understand that people aren’t defined by their disabilities. “[I wanted to show them] that this is what you can do. There are things that can help you,” he said. A student at Alta High School and an avid reader, Damien will graduate in the spring alongside his many friends. “I just wanted to thank [Chartway and Make-AWish] for making my wish come true and helping so many families,” he said. “I’m just grateful for all these great people.” l
After the ceremony, Make-A-Wish Utah recipient Damien Benash greets community members outside the new Herriman Chartway Credit Union. (Elisa Eames/City Journals)
Accompanied by Chartway Senior Vice-President of Utah Nick Whiting (left), a representative from builder and designer NewGround presents $5,000 to the Chartway Promise Foundation. (Photo courtesy Chartway Credit Union)
Herriman City Journal
Dreamscapes’ Izzy Beauchesne shows an exhibit of Dreamscapes made of miniatures. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
American Academy of Innovation’s middle school art students create planets for Dreamscapes. (Camille Grimshaw/AAI)
Students help create out-of-this world installation at Dreamscapes
Inspired by Utah’s imaginative art attraction, middle school students created recycled planets as one of the many rooms to explore at Dreamscapes, an immersive art experience. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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merican Academy of Innovation’s middle school art students recently left their mark on one of Utah’s most imaginative attractions, creating an immersive art installation now on display at Dreamscapes. The student-made planets hang throughout Dreamscapes’ mirrored space room, where endless reflections make the colorful solar system appear to stretch into infinity. The installation joins more than 20 interactive rooms filled with a disco floor, mannequins, huge plastic flowers, hidden poems, vintage toys and hands-on art built almost entirely from recycled materials. The collaboration began when AAI art teacher Camille Grimshaw talked with Utah Arts Alliance representatives and learned about the opportunity. Dreamscapes, a nonprofit immersive art experience operated by Utah Arts Alliance, first opened as a temporary pop-up in 2018 before community support transformed the
HerrimanJ ournal.com
exhibit into a permanent attraction. Now located at The Gateway, visitors are encouraged to touch, explore and interact with the exhibits that include tunnels, a maze of decorated doors, a dragon-guarded ball pit, a whimsical miniature library, a relaxing family room filled with vintage games and an underwater world created from discarded toys and recycled materials. “Our goal is to make art accessible, internal, sustainable and to give artists and our community opportunities to create art,” said Dreamscapes’ Izzy Beauchesne. “With that goal, Dreamscapes was created with more than 150 local artists, volunteers and community members using about 90 to 95% recycled and sustainable material.” Throughout the exhibit, everyday objects become works of art. Plastic Easter eggs form a giant honeycomb, a canoe becomes a shark while discarded books, couches, film negatives and toys have found new life in immersive displays. For the AAI project, South Jordan students created colorful planets using recycled materials while adding their own personal creativity. “They got really creative, and they got really excited,” Grimshaw said. Students transformed ordinary materials into imaginative creations. One used cotton swabs as propulsion systems for a
spaceship while another incorporated small glass gems into the planet’s surface. Before beginning the project, Grimshaw brought her students to experience Dreamscapes firsthand. “They were just in awe,” she said. “When they thought of an art museum, they think of looking at a picture, but when you’re sitting there and realize they’re on the back of this furry dragon and they can jump into a ball pit, it’s art they can be a part of.” Beauchesne said inspiring young artists reflects Dreamscapes’ larger mission. “My goal with our volunteer program was to get the youth involved so they can be excited about art,” Beauchesne said. She regularly works with artists of all ages, from young children displaying their first artwork to community college students helping build the installations. Beauchesne’s own journey began as a 14-year-old volunteer. She was the youngest artist to create a featured room at Dreamscapes and now serves as volunteer coordinator while attending Salt Lake Community College with hopes to enter the field of art therapy. Grimshaw believes the experience broadened her students’ understanding of art. “They all know what immersive art is,” she said. “They know art can be fun
and there’s more to be seeing art than just going to an art museum.” Grimshaw’s commitment to arts education recently earned statewide recognition. She was honored as the Brigham Young University’s David O. McKay School of Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year during the 54th Annual Utah All-State High School Art Show at the Springville Museum of Art. The South Jordan resident is the only educator to receive the award this year. For Beauchesne, the collaboration with AAI is the purpose behind Dreamscapes. “We want to give everyone an opportunity to experience it,” she said. “Everything is very local and we celebrate that.” Dreamscapes, located at 16 N. Rio Grande St. at the north end of The Gateway, is an immersive art experience, allowing patrons of all ages to walk through 20 different scenes. It attracts families, prom dates, adult nights out and those who want to explore and have fun with art. The accessible museum is open from noon to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets, which are available online with the last time slot 75 minutes before close, cost $18.61 for ages 13-64, with discounts offered to children, students, seniors, military and educators at $13.43. For more information: utaharts.org/en/dreamscapes. l
September 2026 | Page 7
Utah boxer Maximiliano Ruiz brings home silver in 2026 Golden Gloves
After a six-year hiatus, local boxer Maximiliano Ruiz takes silver in Golden Gloves National Tournament. By Kristina Walker k.walker@mycityjournals.com
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aximiliano Ruiz, 24, took silver in the 143-pound weight class at the Golden Gloves Tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma this May. His exhilarating journey to nationals came just months after returning home from the Marine Corps. “I joined the Marine Corps after boxing for a bit,” said Ruiz. “When I left the Marine Corps and didn’t know what to do, I came back to boxing and then just, you know, stayed committed. My first fight in six years was for state. Then I kept on going from there.” Even with his successful trajectory, Ruiz’s boxing career didn’t start that long ago. He first found interest in the sport in high school after a close friend of his persuaded him to try it after getting beat up. “He told me, ‘Hey, stay out of trouble and just start coming to the boxing gym.’ He’s one of my friends that changed my life for the better,” Ruiz said. “I’m so glad
that I had that situation.” Ruiz started training hard and consistently, showing up to the boxing facility every day. However, in 2020, during the pandemic, he decided he needed a change. “It was a point right during COVID. I was in just a steep position in my life, you know, not having a clear head, and so I’m like, you know what, I’m gonna join the Corps,” said Ruiz. “So I did that, and that really gave me a lot of discipline, like even more than boxing could give me. It just gave me a clear path and a clear mindset.” Ruiz says that the discipline he learned in the Corps will stay with him for life. The time he spent serving was especially beneficial as he came back to boxing. “I came back, just to remind people that I was, like I still do this, you know. I think a lot of people forgot about who I was … with the sport within the state of Utah,” Ruiz said. “Most of the guys I knew at the national tournaments I’ve been to before all went pro, and you know everybody has their own different paths that they got to go on” Being in the Golden Gloves tournament was more than just being there for himself. A big part of the drive to perform was how it would impact his home state of Utah.
“For me, it’s just like trying to put Utah on the map as much as we can. We have had some great boxers come out of Utah, but now just pulling off the heavier weight classes.” One of Ruiz’s early matches when he was 17 brought him to Oxnard, California. There, he boxed in the last chance qualifiers for the 2020 Olympics. “It was just a really good tournament for me, being around the beach and being in that city.” Ruiz hopes to perform in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California, bringing him back to the state he boxed in 8 years prior. For the next Golden Gloves, however, Ruiz is planning on fighting for No. 1 instead of 2. “I’ll come back again for next year and then to the Olympics in ‘28. And then after that, go pro,” said Ruiz. Milo Gutierrez, an old friend of Ruiz’s and owner of Deorum Athletics in Bluffdale where he trains, has been with Ruiz since he was just beginning to box. And he is going to continue supporting Ruiz as he progresses his career. “I’m just very grateful for Max. He reminds me a lot of myself. He just works really hard, and he doesn’t make excuses,” Gutierrez said. “The effort that he’s been putting in, I
mean it really shows. He’s an inspiration to a lot of others, and I just hope he continues inspiring and he keeps going.” For Ruiz, what’s hard about boxing and what’s easy about it is all the same. It’s all equal intensity, and he loves every part of it. “Every day. I love being up in this, you know. I love this sport more than anything.” l
Maximiliano Ruiz stands with his silver medal alongside his team at the 2026 Golden Gloves National Tournament. (Photo courtesy Maximiliano Ruiz)
Team Utah brings home more than medals
Special Olympians return from USA Games with accomplishments, friendships and memories extending beyond the competition. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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ordan Barlow touched the wall and immediately turned to congratulate the swimmer beside him. Afterward, he glanced at the scoreboard. “It was fun,” his mother, Mandy Barlow, said. “He didn’t realize he won, and was congratulating the kid next to him, before he looked up to see he got first place.” That moment captured Team Utah’s experience at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis this past June. While medals mattered, families say the week was defined by sportsmanship, friendships and the joy of competing. For Barlow and fellow Team Utah athlete Elizabeth Jensen, the Games were the culmination of months of training and the opportunity to represent Utah on the national stage. “It was an experience of a lifetime,” Jensen’s mother, Norma, said. “I never, ever imagined what it was going to be like. It was the Olympics and they really emphasized all the athletes’ abilities.”
Page 8 | September 2026
Barlow, a recent Corner Canyon High graduate and Life Skills Academy student, earned gold in the 25-meter backstroke with a personal-best time, and silver in the 50-meter freestyle. Jensen helped Team Utah’s four-member bowling team earn silver, while finishing seventh in women’s singles and doubles. She bowled her career best, a 120-point game. For both Draper families, the medals are only part of the story. Barlow was nervous before the backstroke race because competitors started in the water rather from the blocks, which he had trained. But, he kept his concentration. “I wanted to beat my record,” he said — and did. His mother said the victory was rewarding because of the work her son put in over the past years, but she also was touched by what others noticed outside the pool. “The one thing multiple people from other states came and said was how great his sportsmanship was,” Mandy Barlow said. “Even on the podium, or after a race, he would hug and congratulate everybody. I was so proud of him because that’s something he’s worked on.” Barlow celebrated his and his teammates’ accomplishments by playing basketball, made TikTok dance videos and visited the Mall of America and zoo. He also cheered on Team Utah’s flag football team.
“I love my team,” Barlow said. Jensen liked parading with other athletes into the University of Minnesota’s football stadium for opening ceremonies, which concluded with music. “We danced; it was fun,” she said. The ceremony was livestreamed, allowing family members to watch. Jensen’s family in Utah and in Mexico watched. “They were like, ‘Wow, we have an Olympian in our family.’ We’re all so proud of her,” her mother said. Jensen traded collectible pins with athletes from across the United States; Colorado, Nebraska and Ohio were amongst her favorites and hopes to stay in touch with those athletes. On the lanes, Jensen bowled 12 games over four days, more than she’s used to. While she was tired, she wasn’t sore. “I was having too much fun; I wanted to win,” Jensen said. What stood out was the joy of competing, her father, Blayne, said. “Even though they’re there to compete, they don’t compete like people without special needs compete,” he said. “If she didn’t bowl her best game, and someone asks her how she did, and she’ll say, ‘Great.’ She’s proud of what effort she gave and how she did. That’s what matters.” Her mother said she’s made the most of the opportunity she’s been given.
“The doctors told us she wasn’t going to live one day, she wasn’t going to eat, she wasn’t going to crawl, and she wasn’t going to walk, she wouldn’t be able to do sports and compete like her brothers,” she said. “Seeing her there — it was…wow.” Barlow was celebrated with a welcome-home surprise in his neighborhood. “He kind of felt like a hero coming home,” Mandy said. He agreed: “It felt good.” l
Swimmer Jordan Barlow gets a word with his coach at the USA games this summer where he won gold and silver medals. (Photo courtesy Mandy Barlow)
Herriman City Journal
Prostate/ Breast Cancer
Fall Into Action: Tackle Cancer Screenings This Season
FALL IS MORE THAN football and pump-
kin spice – it’s time for men and women to prioritize their health. As September spotlights Prostate Cancer Awareness and October approaches with Breast Cancer Awareness, our local medical experts are issuing a direct call to our community. This is your cue: men, actively engage with your prostate health; women, prioritize your breast health. Early detection is the most powerful tool you have to protect your life and your loved ones. The statistics are sobering. For men, prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer, and tragically, it stands as the second leading cause of cancer death, surpassed only by lung cancer. Similarly, for women, breast cancer is a significant threat, also ranking as the second leading cause of cancer death, second only to lung cancer. These aren’t just abstract figures; they represent real individuals whose lives can be profoundly impacted by timely action. “Too often, men delay necessary screenings,” explains Dr. Pursifull, a urologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Mountain Point in Lehi. “But waiting for symptoms to appear
significantly reduces treatment options. Regular PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams are straightforward procedures that detect cancer early. Talk to your primary care physician about your risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are of African American descent. CommonSpirit hospitals offer comprehensive prostate cancer screenings and advanced treatment options.” For women, prioritizing breast health is equally critical. “Early detection is truly a game-changer when it comes to breast cancer,” states Dr. Raylene Natwick, a breast surgeon practicing at a Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley. “When breast cancer is identified early, the chances of successful treatment and a full recovery are remarkably higher. This is precisely why regular mammograms are so vital. They can detect subtle changes years before they would ever be palpable.” Dr. Natwick advises women to discuss screening guidelines starting around age 40, or earlier if risk factors warrant it. Monthly self-examinations and annual clinical breast exams are also crucial. “CommonSpirit hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art mam-
mography technology and a dedicated team ready to support women.” “As primary care providers, we are frequently the entry portal to the health care system.” said Dr. Grant Hawkins, an internal medicine physician with CommonSpirit in West Jordan. We encourage our patients to have their yearly wellness checkups. At that time we have the opportunity to review medical issues, make medication adjustments, discuss new concerns and arrange for screening tests that are so important in preventing serious problems in the future.” This Fall, make the decision to prioritize your health. Both prostate and breast cancer often have excellent prognoses when caught early. CommonSpirit hospitals are committed to providing accessible screenings, expert diagnostics, and leading-edge treatments. Schedule your screenings and engage in crucial conversations with your doctor. Your life, your future, and your well-being depend on it. For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org SPONSORED CONTENT
Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www. holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
When minutes count, count on our emergency care. Get to know us before you need us. When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site. Congratulations to CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley for receiving the Leapfrog Top Hospital Award for 2025. Leapfrog Top Hospital Awards are determined based on a rigorous assessment of various quality and safety measures. Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org. CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-643-1000 (TTY: 711). Copyright © CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region, 2026. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-303-643-1000 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-303-643-1000 (TTY: 711).
HerrimanJ ournal.com
September 2026 | Page 9
to use funds designated for new growth expenses to fund day-to-day police activities. As a result, there would be a nonexistent or inadequate budget for hiring new officers to match new growth. “If the proposed tax increase [had] not [been] approved, the Herriman City Fire Service Area [would have needed] to bond for future fire stations, which [would] require larger tax increases in the future,” the Fire Service Area’s proposed tax impact schedule says. “In addition, future tax increases [would] be needed for staff and operating expenditures for the future stations.” Both adjustments take effect immediately, and residents will see the new rates on tax bills due Nov. 30. “However, many homeowners may not notice a change until 2027,” LaFollette said. “That’s because many mortgage lenders pay property taxes from an escrow account when they’re due, then adjust homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments afterward based on their annual escrow analysis.” “It would be easy to say that the increase is only a few dollars a month, but we know household costs are high and every dollar counts,” Herriman Mayor Lorin Palmer said. “At the same time, the city has a responsibility up to there when to make sure trained personnel ave are someone calls 9-1-1. This increase helps cover the rising cost of providing those emergency services.” l
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Lake County, the Jordan Basin Improvement District and the Jordan Valley and Central Utah Water Conservancy Districts, Herriman residents pay property taxes to 16 separate taxing entities. The city council manages three of these: Herriman City, which funds city services and accounts for roughly 1.7% of property tax bills; the Safety Enforcement Area, which accounts for roughly 13.3%; and the Fire Service Area, which takes about 12.5%. Can’t the city just cut costs instead of raising taxes? “City leaders regularly review programs, staffing and other expenses to identify responsible ways to reduce costs while maintaining the level of service residents expect,” LaFollette said. “The budget process involves full analysis to ensure that any proposed tax or fee increase is necessary, appropriately sized and tied to a clear service need.” “The City of Herriman… has a philosophy of segregating property tax revenue generated from new growth to be used solely for the effects of new growth (such as the need to hire new officers),” the Safety Enforcement Area’s proposed tax impact schedule says. “Therefore, normal inflationary pressures the Police Department faces, or new initiatives, must be funded with property tax increases. The… increase is to cover normal inflationary pressures faced by the Department.” Had the Safety Enforcement Area tax increase failed, the city would have needed
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“The HCFSA is another taxing district with the same relationship to the city as the HCSEA,” LaFollette said. “A portion of property taxes goes to the HCFSA, which transfers the funds to the city, which then pays for a contract with the Unified Fire Authority for emergency fire services.” Next year, the UFA will raise its contract fee, and the supplementary Fire Service Area property tax revenue will pay for this hike, while the difference between the fee increase and additional taxes collected will be saved for future fire stations. How much extra will I have to pay? “The HCSEA [will receive] an increase of about 4.76% compared to last year—an additional $24.38 per year for a $652,000 home,” Herriman’s website states. The Safety Enforcement Area’s prior rate was 0.001423 per $1,000 of property value and generated $10,731,595 annually. The new rate is 0.001491, resulting in a revenue increase of $512,970 and a total budget of $11,244,565. Annually, businesses valued at $640,000 will pay an extra $43.52 to the Safety Enforcement Area. “The HCFSA [will gain] a revenue increase of about 2.23%—an additional $10.76 per year for a $652,000 home,” the city’s website says. The Fire Service Area’s prior rate was
0.001334 per $1,000 of property value and generated $9,001,186 annually. The new rate is 0.001364, resulting in a revenue increase of $205,560 for a total budget of $9,206,746. Herriman businesses valued at $640,000 will pay an extra $19.20 to the Fire Safety Area each year. With all the growth, why doesn’t the city already have more money? Regardless of property values, Utah state law dictates that revenue collected by cities, school districts, counties and other entities does not change from year to year; residents pay roughly the same amount in property taxes annually unless an entity goes through a Truth-in-Taxation process to raise its revenue. The state and counties determine yearly tax rates using revenue goals and property information. With higher property values, tax rates fall, and when home values decrease, property tax rates rise, so the total revenue collected by the city remains largely unchanged unless the entity proposes an increase. “Unlike sales tax and some other revenue sources, property tax revenue does not automatically increase with inflation,” LaFollette said. “Because Herriman’s police and fire services are funded exclusively through property taxes, the city considers adjustments each year to cover changes in those service costs.” Where do my property taxes go? Including Jordan School District, Salt
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Jordan School District new hires share common pathways into the education field.
Top 10 reasons they became a teacher
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
J
ordan School District welcomed about 200 new teachers this school year, but had to turn down hundreds more. There were at least 120 applicants for each elementary school teaching position and about 25 per secondary opening. Why have so many people decided to become teachers? JSD’s new hires shared the top reasons for their decision.
They were inspired by their teachers.
Veteran teacher Andrea Parker, who is new to Jordan School District and Golden Fields Elementary School this year, said her career choice was inspired by the teachers she had. “I get all teary when I even talk about it because I had awesome teachers and I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. New West Jordan Middle School teacher Oakley Kopp said he became a teacher “because of the teachers that inspired me to live the dream--impacting individuals at whatever rate we can.”
Elk Meadows Elementary School teacher Rachel Sorensen has taught at the elementary school and college level. “I believe all students are capable of learning, and so I love to teach and make a difference and help each kid reach their full potential,” the second grade teacher said.
They have a knack for teaching.
Dakota Clark, new science teacher at South Hills Middle School, tried a few other careers before ending up in the education field. “People just told me that I had a knack for teaching, so I ended up going to secondary education and just immediately fell in love with it, and I have never looked back since,” he said.
It’s in their blood.
Zachary May, new teacher at Copper Mountain Middle School, always knew he’d follow his mom, aunt and uncle into the teaching profession because he enjoyed tutoring his friends in high school. He even thinks like a teacher. “I just have a brain that just loves to break down things into smaller things, and that’s a very good explanatory skill,” he said.
They love kids.
“I’m a special ed teacher, so the kids are what it is for me,” Kassidy Sullivan, Daybreak Elementary Special Ed teacher, said. They are passionate about education. “They’re welcoming and they have a big “I liked school, so I wanted to go back heart and they just love everybody.” and help other kids like school,” new Herriman It’s their dream job. High School teacher Teean Drolinger said. “I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I
Samuel Wiscomb is happy to be a science teacher at Oquirrh Hills Middle School. “My wife works in schools, and so it’s nice for me to have time to spend with my family over the summers,” he said. Teaching woodshop and engineering classes at Oquirrh Hills Middle School fits Andrew Egbert’s personality. “I love the variety it gives me in my day-to-day,” he said. “Every day is something new and different.”
They have experience to share.
“My son was always in SpEd, and so I just wanted to be able to help kids that need a little extra help,” Fort Herriman Middle School Special Ed teacher Kesley Barton said. Art teacher Phil Jackson took a few years School mascots, bands, cheerleaders and off after more than a decade of teaching to administrators enthusiastically welcome “pursue his art” and learn tattoo art. Now he’s new hires to Jordan School District. (Kraig back, with renewed enthusiasm for teaching Williams/JSD) art classes at Kings Peak High School. “I’m can remember--that was my elementary going to be a much better teacher coming school dream,” Copper Hills High School back after having pursued some entrepreteacher Mikell Campbell said. “I just love the neurial stuff for a couple years,” he said. idea of just increasing students’ learning.” They just stumbled into it. Westvale Elementary sixth grade teacher They want to help shape the future. “We get to teach the next generation,” Alisha Kocs never wanted to be a teacher. “I Kim Nahinu, first grade teacher at Westland sort of happened upon it and just fell in love Elementary School, said. “This is going to with it,” she said. While working in a behavbe the most powerful generation that comes ior health unit, she was asked to cover some classes. “I loved it,” she said. “I was like, if I forward.” love it, and these kids are some of the hardest They like the job perks. After 10 years in the healthcare industry, kids, I’m sure that I’ll love it anywhere.” l
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Herriman City Journal
City Journals presents:
A publication covering local pets, their
humans and their care around the Salt Lake Valley
Give an old dog a new beginning By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com Puppies are cute but senior dogs have wisdom, manners and lots of love to share. While an older dog might not have the energy of a puppy or long years of fun and adventure left in them, for people willing to look past the slower walks and gray hairs, a senior dog can offer a life-changing experience at both ends of the leash. Guinnevere Shuster works as the Humane Society of Utah’s communication director. She said there are several misconceptions about adopting an older dog that can hold people back from a loving relationship, including the idea that the dog will pass away too soon. “When people are worried about that, I often bring up the fact that the time that you do have is really special, and you’re really making a difference for this animal,” she said. “You’re getting them out of the animal shelter into a home where they’re loved. Getting them out of the shelter and into a home is really rewarding.” Dogs are considered senior when
they turn 7 and cats when they turn 10 or 11. Although aging differs between the size and breed of the animals, many pets live several more years. Shuster said one cat was 12 when she was adopted, but lived another five years. She said most senior pets offer calm companionship and are deeply grateful for another chance to live with a loving family. While some of the animals had an established bond with their previous families, others might have led a rough life, but they usually have an easy time adjusting to a new home. “They’re really resilient, and they’re also very social creatures. So they are looking to make that connection with people,” Shuster said. “They want to be around you. They want to have their person. It might take them a little time to learn the ropes and get adjusted to everyone, but dogs and cats typically bond pretty quickly to who’s caring for them, especially to who’s feeding them.” Adopting a senior dog from the Humane Society comes with several benefits. All adoption fees are waived and they
are spayed or neutered and microchipped. They receive all necessary vaccinations and are given medical and dental exams, including blood work and X-rays, if needed. If the animal has medical issues, or needs teeth pulled, those problems are taken care of before they are put up for adoption. Potential adopters receive full transparency when it comes to the animal’s physical condition. “When adopting an older dog, they know what they’re getting,” Shuster said. “They don’t have to worry about potty training or loose-leash walking or the dog chewing up any shoes. You know what
you’re getting with a senior animal and that brings a great peace of mind and a lot less stress.” For those interested in adopting a senior dog or cat, the Humane Society of Utah has information about all its animals, including photos, at utahhumane.org. “One of the benefits is that when you get them home, you get that reward of giving an animal a home, an animal that’s often overlooked in the shelter environment and maybe not favored by most people,” Shuster said. “It’s really rewarding to know that you’re giving this animal a place to rest for their golden years.”
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BlackJack is a 10-year-old Norwegian elkhound/husky mix. He’s one of the senior dogs available for adoption at the Humane Society of Utah. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)
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Local animal rescue organizations find forever homes for hundreds of pets By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com Dog and cat adoptions going strong at the Best Friends Super Adoption event. On a warm first day of August many lucky dogs and cats found homes. Some call it Dogust 1st which is the unofficial birthday of every rescue dog. Animal shelters often use this day to host adoption events. Best Friends Super Adoption took place at the Mountain America Expo Center. They opened with people lined up at the door coming from all over Utah and as far away as Wyoming to meet new furry friends. “We had 148 adoptions, 64 dogs and 84 cats so far,” Holly Sizemore stated halfway through the first day. Sizemore is the Chief Mission Officer of Best Friends Animal Society. More than 3,000 people came out to the two-day super adoption and close to 450 animals found new homes. “As we adopt them out, we bring more in. Best Friends Animal Society along with over 18 other organizations are participating this weekend,” Sizemore said. “Best Friends
believes in networking and supporting each other and educating people about the plight of homeless pets. We show them how wonderful they are and give them an opportunity to adopt at a very low cost.” PrettyLitter sponsored all cat adoptions during the event. “They are vaccinated, spayed and neutered plus microchipped at no charge. Our motto at Best Friends is to create a day of no more homeless pets and to achieve that goal by helping to stop the killing in every shelter across the county,” Sizemore said. “In Utah, all but two shelters are no kill.” Johanna and Sigrid of West Valley brought their dog, Mr. Wolfie to the event to find a compatible friend. They decided on Ms. Lucy. “She will be a sister to Mr. Wolfie. She is 6 years old and a shepherd mix and they got along great during the meet and greet,” Sigrid said. “We saw a lot of dogs but liked Ms. Lucy’s calm disposition. She is going to be spoiled.” The love and joy at the Expo center was palpable. With every new adoption a
Puppies available at Second Chance playing in a play yard ready to be adopted. (John Strater Brown/Millcreek)
Hard to believe but so many perfect matches for families happened the first weekend of August at the Best Friends Super Adoption. (Best Friends)
Page 14 | September 2026
bell was rung which generated smiles and sweet emotions on the new owner’s and volunteers’ faces.
Second Chance for Homeless Pets
A pet adoption agency in Millcreek is Second Chance for Homeless Pets. “I am the founder, I started it 26 years ago, I was 19,” Rhonda Greenhalgh said. “All of our animals are transferred into us from other shelters to prevent overcrowding,” Greenhalgh said. “We get a lot from the Navajo reservation area, rural areas and the Four Corners. We try to take those animals and find them homes.” Second Chance will accept animals from all shelters. “It could be from the shelter down the street or a rural area. We get 15 to 20 pets every time,” Greenhalgh said. “Second Chance really began when I was 7. I was not allowed to have pets and my mom would take me to the animal shelters to see the dogs. I asked her what happens when they don’t find homes. She told me and explained what euthanasia was and my response was ‘I’ll take them and I’ll find them a home!’ When I graduated from high school, I decided I wanted to take all
Folks from all over attended the Super Adoption event and had the opportunity to play with their new furry friend before taking them home. (Best Friends)
of the animals.” “We post on social media and we just do adoptions for cats and dogs,” Greenhalgh said. Once the animals get adopted, they will have another transport of animals from a shelter to find homes for. “Every day we have people come in to adopt,” Greenhalgh said. The cost to adopt pets from Second Chance can vary. “Adoption fees range depending on age and how much medical we had to put into them. Puppies and kittens are more because we do entire series of shots. It includes spay/neuter, deworm, flea and tick, vaccinations, registration, microchip, and any medical care,” Greenhalgh said. To help this nonprofit with costs they have fundraisers, a gala at Millcreek Common and they sell pet supplies in their front office. “I don’t take my work home with me. I have just one dog and one cat,” Greenhalgh said with a chuckle. “We are at about 8,500 adoptions so far, and I am going to retire when I get to 10,000!”
A happy dog gives a wet kiss to show appreciation for his new family. (Best Friends)
Cats and kittens were available at the Super Adoption and some furry babies just couldn’t keep from being irresistible. (Best Friends)
Herriman City Journal
Meet the winners of our cutest pet social media contest First place is a three-way tie!
First place. “Peaches smashed between our mastiff/ pitbull mix and the couch.” (Photo submitted by Kelsee Tia Kinder)
First place. “Rosie is a 9-week-old shih tzu who alternates between nibbling at your toes and taking naps under the couch. Her emotional support human’s name is Liz.” (Photo submitted by Liz Ang)
First place. “Charlie puppy is a 4-year-old yorkipoo who does not like going to Lowe’s but when he does, he planks on a bucket of drywall mud to strengthen his front paws. His motto is ‘why only lift a leg when you can lift your entire body?’ His support humans are Liz and Stephane.” (Photo submitted by Liz Ang)
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September 2026 | Page 15
5 unique animal rescue organizations By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com It’s not just cats and dogs that need rescue and love. When you think of animal rescues, you probably picture shelters filled with cute kittens or adorable dogs. But animal rescue is much more than that. Several organizations in Utah are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating everything from ducks to turtles and finding homes for these unique pets. Here are a few of these groups that help nearly every type of creature.
Wasatch Exotics Rescue
Founded by Angela Pollack, Marybeth Spencer and Mitchell Christiansen, Wasatch Exotics Rescue provides a foster-based model in which every rescue is placed in an approved foster home. The fosters set up a proper habitat for the animals and give the rescues love and attention until they find their forever home. The group accepts pets such as ball pythons, iguanas, geckos, bearded dragons, turtles and more. To adopt an exotic pet, surrender an animal, become a foster or volunteer, visit wasatchexoticsrescue.org for more information.
Clementine Ranch
Although they are not currently accepting new animals, Clementine Ranch is a sanctuary for livestock. Started by Lindsey Armstrong and Rob Fenn, the ranch is intended to be a place of compassion, embracing a vegan lifestyle. The couple took over an existing animal sanctuary in Herriman that needed a lot of renovation to make it safe for humans and animals. The rescued or retired livestock include cows, sheep, goats, horses, emus and chickens who can live out their lives in peace and comfort. At clementineranch.org, information is available on how to support the organization to keep the animals fed and housed. Follow their adventures on social media @ theclementineranch.
Wasatch Wanderers Animal Rescue
This animal rescue is focused on the care of abandoned, neglected or unwanted animals. Since it was founded in 2021, the organization has rescued 1,400 animals in need. Wasatch Wanderers is dedicated to educating owners about the care of domestic fowl, which are often dumped in rivers, lakes
and streams once they outgrow their “cute” chick stage. Rescuers hope that by teaching people that domesticated ducks, geese and chickens cannot survive in the wild, it will stop the illegal dumping of these animals. Learn more about the organization, or donate to the cause at wasatchwanderers.org.
Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS)
CAWS is Utah’s oldest animal rescue group, providing foster care, adoption and education to save cats and dogs that are often overlooked or under-appreciated. This includes sick, elderly, injured or special needs animals looking for the perfect family. Most animals at CAWS are rescued from shelters across Utah and other states. Families looking to adopt are carefully screened to ensure they get the best pet for their home. For information about adoption, fostering, volunteering or donating, visit caws.org.
Canines With a Cause
This organization offers a double bonus: it pairs rescued shelter dogs with military veterans struggling with PTSD. Animals are evaluated at shelters to find potential candidates to become psychiatric service dogs, then partnered with a vet. The duo trains together, allowing the vets
When ducks are illegally dumped in ponds and streams, Wasatch Wanderers rescue and rehome them. It’s just one of the many organizations that help animals find loving homes. (Canva stock) to work with the dog to develop therapy skills and tasks. These can include interrupting distress, waking a vet up during nightmares, retrieving items and grounding. CWAC helps the pair develop a strong bond that supports both partners. Classes are offered to veterans at no cost. To learn more, visit canineswithacause.org.
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Page 16 | September 2026
Herriman City Journal
Cremation Services AT LARKIN MORTUARY, we understand how challenging planning end-of-life services can be. For over 140 years, our caring team has been dedicated to serving families and helping them create a meaningful and personalized experience.
A common misconception is that choosing cremation limits your options for a service. In reality, it opens the door to immense flexibility. We specialize in cremation services and can help you design a ceremony that perfectly reflects your loved one’s unique life and story. Adobe Stock
Does your doggo love a Pup Cup? Of course they do. By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
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n our ongoing efforts to celebrate Salt Lake communities, we here at the City Journals would like to present you with some local (free or low-cost) alternatives for spoiling your furry family members. Athena VII offers free pup cups. Coffee house and bistro, their themed specialty drink menu includes Hades (dark mocha, ice cream, and whipped cream), Medusa (matcha latte with pistachio), and Cerberus (black tea, lemonade and peach), among others. Athena VII is located in Sandy at 111 W. 9000 South. www.athenavii.com Crown Burgers gives bacon to dogs riding through their drive-thru. Locally owned, Crown Burgers famous signature burger is their namesake. Their other menu options include salads, fish, chicken, gyros, lemon rice, and homemade onion rings. Crown Burgers is located in South Salt Lake at 3270 S. State St. www.crown-burgers.com Bjorn’s Brew welcomes dogs with real dog bones. The dog-friendly family-owned coffee shop features drinks like the Sinner’s
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Latte (caramel, hazelnut, vanilla, and an extra shot of espresso) and the Buzzin’ Bean (cold brew with cold foam). Bjorn’s Brew is located in South Salt Lake at 2165 S. State Street and Holladay at 4679 Highland Dr. www.bjornsbrew.com Tres Gatos Coffee provides free pup cups. Coffee shop featuring Best Non-Dairy Latte 2024, Tres Gatos’s signature menu items include the Nutcase Latte (nutty latte with nutty cold foam) and Dark Side of the Moon (dark mocha, pistachio, and coconut). Tres Gatos Coffee is located in Midvale at 7567 S. Main St. Swig has free pup cups that often include a Milk-Bone. The dirty soda chain’s menu includes mixes of classic soda with flavored syrups. They now have energy drinks, refreshers, pretzel bites, cookies, and hot chocolate as well. Swig’s locations are scatted throughout South Jordan, Sandy, Taylorsville, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, West Jordan, and South Jordan. www.swig.com How about one more? Pro-tip from Salt Lake Metropolitan Magazine’s Executive Editor - visit Arctic Circle and order their kid cone as an alternative to a pup cup’s whipped cream. Most locations will offer kid cones for free but may ask for a $1 donation. l
Whether you prefer the structure of a traditional funeral before the cremation or a contemporary life celebration afterward, we are here to make it happen.
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September 2026 | Page 17
Béisbol en Salt Lake returning to Bees ballpark in September The tradition continues with two professional baseball teams from Mexico squaring off for a two-game series at the Bees ballpark.
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iller Sports & Entertainment will celebrate the return of Béisbol en Salt Lake, a two-day celebration of baseball and Hispanic culture featuring professional teams from La Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico. The third annual event will take place Sept. 26-27 at The Ballpark at America First Square in Downtown Daybreak. This year’s exhibition series will feature the historic Águilas de Mexicali and the league’s newest franchise, the Jaguares de Nayarit, for two games while celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through baseball, music, dance and food. “Béisbol en Salt Lake has become a meaningful way for us to celebrate the game while honoring Hispanic culture and traditions that bring so much vibrancy to our community,” said Michelle Smith, president of Miller Sports & Entertainment, in a release. “We’re proud to welcome Águilas de Mexicali and Jaguares de Nayarit to Utah for a weekend that will create connection, showcase outstanding baseball, and deliver a memorable experience for fans and families.”
The weekend begins Sept. 26 with a free youth baseball clinic from 10 a.m. to noon, where children can learn from players and coaches from both clubs. The day’s festivities continue when gates open at 4:30 p.m., featuring two hours of live traditional Hispanic dance performances and music before the first pitch between the Águilas de Mexicali and Jaguares de Nayarit at 6:35 p.m. The evening concludes with a postgame drone show honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. On Sept. 27, gates open at 11 a.m., with another two hours of live entertainment leading up to the 1:05 p.m. first pitch. Following the exhibition, fans can enjoy a live mariachi concert before being invited onto the field to walk the bases. Tickets for Béisbol en Salt Lake are now on sale. Single-game tickets are available for $15 and $20, while luxury suites can be reserved for $1,200 per game, including a $200 food credit. Tickets can be purchased at beisbolensaltlake.com. “Béisbol en Salt Lake has become something I look forward to every year,” said Utah state Sen. Luz Escamilla. “It brings world-class professional teams from La Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico to Utah while promoting unity and family entertainment right here in our backyard. It is more than a game; it’s a fiesta! A celebration for
everyone filled with music, great food, culture and America’s pastime.” Since its debut, Béisbol en Salt Lake has become one of Utah’s premier celebrations of Hispanic culture, combining professional baseball with authentic cultural experiences, including live music, traditional dance performances and regional cuisine. La Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico is one of the world’s premier professional winter baseball leagues, featuring 10 clubs competing in a 68-game season from October through December. The league regularly showcases former Major League Baseball players, top minor league prospects and international stars, with its champion earning the opportunity to represent Mexico in the annual Caribbean Series. Founded in 1976, the Águilas de Mexicali are one of LaMP’s most accomplished franchises, winning four league championships while building one of Mexico’s most passionate fan bases at their home ballpark, “El Nido,” in Mexicali, Baja California. The Jaguares de Nayarit joined LaMP as an expansion franchise in 2025 and immediately made an impact, reaching the postseason during their inaugural campaign. Based in Tepic, Nayarit, the club plays at Estadio Coloso del Pacífico and represents one of the league’s newest and fastest-growing organizations. l
BÉISBOL EN SALT LAKE SCHEDULE Saturday, Sept. 26 • 10 a.m. to noon – Free Kids Baseball Clinic • 4:30 p.m. – Gates Open • 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Traditional Hispanic dance performances & live music • 6:35 p.m. – Águilas de Mexicali vs. Jaguares de Nayarit • Postgame – Drone Show celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Sunday, Sept. 27 • 11 a.m. – Gates Open • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Traditional Hispanic dance performances & live music • 1:05 p.m. – Águilas de Mexicali vs. Jaguares de Nayarit • Postgame – Mariachi concert and fans invited to walk the bases For tickets and additional event information, visit https://beisbolensaltlake.com/.
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Herriman City Journal
Stonebridge opens new chapter for women living with severe mental illness New Salt Lake home aims to break the cycle of mental illness and homelessness. By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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former youth hostel near downtown Salt Lake City has been transformed into Stonebridge, a 29-bed residential home intended to help women with severe and persistent mental illness avoid repeated cycles of homelessness, hospitalization and incarceration. Odyssey House of Utah operates the home at 143 W. 800 South. Salt Lake County, the state of Utah and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation funded the acquisition and renovation of the building. The partners formally opened Stonebridge during a July 23 ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by government, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders. According to Salt Lake County’s announcement, Stonebridge is “a new home for women recovering from severe mental illness.” The county identified supportive housing as an essential part of its Behavioral Health and Justice Action Plan, a package of 25 recommendations intended to improve the way local systems respond to people experiencing behavioral health crises. Stonebridge is designed to provide more than a bed. Residents have access to food, security and around-the-clock assistance with medical care, mental health treatment and case management. Services include medication support, clinical therapy and assistance from peers with personal experience in recovery. Women do not arrive directly from the street. Each resident is referred by an Assertive Community Treatment team and must be stabilized on medication before entering. Once admitted, residents receive 24-hour supervision and wraparound services. “This kind of sustained support helps people stay stable and out of the cycle of crisis,” the county’s press release stated. The project moved unusually quickly. Odyssey House President and CEO Adam Cohen said county behavioral health officials informed the organization earlier this year that government funding was available if it could identify a suitable property. A real estate search led Odyssey House to the former hostel, located near the 900 South TRAX station, a bus route and the 9-Line Trail. Its location gives residents access to transportation, employment and community services. “We are thrilled to see the opening of one of three group homes for severely mentally ill adults to reside and receive wraparound services,” Salt Lake County Councilmember Amy Winder Newton said.
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The public tours the new Stonebridge House mental health facility on July 23. (Photo courtesy of Odyssey House)
The partners spent approximately $2.8 million purchasing the property and another $500,000 renovating it, according to Cohen. Annual operating costs are expected to reach about $1.5 million. Stonebridge resembles a college residence hall, with a mixture of single and shared bedrooms. However, its clinical staffing and continuous supervision distinguish it from a conventional shelter or affordable apartment complex. Odyssey House already operates two group homes in Salt Lake County, but Cohen said the existing programs address only a portion of the demand. Stonebridge is one of three new homes expected to open during 2026. Together, the three facilities are projected to house 90 people. The additional beds are intended to help people remain in the community rather than returning to emergency rooms, psychiatric hospitals or jails. “A high number of severely mentally ill are booked into the county jail each year, yet Medicaid does not cover their medication and health care — property taxpayers do,” Winder Newton said. “This group home program allows us to use state matching dollars and draw down additional federal Medicaid dollars to provide care for residents. Not only does it actually work to keep people off the streets and out of jail, but it’s a less expensive way to do so.” Stonebridge also contributes to Salt Lake County’s five-year goal of creating at least 1,000 deeply affordable housing units. County officials have said housing for people requiring intensive behavioral health support is among the most difficult and resource-intensive housing to provide. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson emphasized that the project’s significance
Officials cut the ribbon on Stonebridge, a home for women recovering from severe mental illness. (Photo courtesy of Amy Winder Newton)
extends beyond statistics or government plans. “These are 29 lives that are going to be enhanced,” Wilson said. “I think women who come here … are going to have a second chance at life.” The opening comes as Utah continues
to confront shortages of behavioral health treatment and supportive housing. Although Stonebridge will not eliminate the need, officials view it as an important step toward replacing repeated crisis intervention with stable housing and continuing care. l
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September 2026 | Page 19
New UHSAA executive director returns to statewide leadership
The former educator and coach says academics, relationships and opportunities will guide his leadership. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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yan Bishop celebrated a state championship as a football coach, presented a championship trophy as a principal and has built relationships with students and educators across the state. Now, he brings those experiences to his new role as the Utah High School Activities Association’s executive director. The former Wasatch High principal stepped into his role in July, succeeding longtime director Rob Cuff. The position combines his experiences as a teacher, coach, administrator and former UHSAA assistant director. “I call myself an educator,” Bishop said. “I’ve been an educator my entire career and this is my 29th year in education.” Education is in his blood. Both of Bishop’s parents worked in the field and coached, which shaped his passion for school activities. Early in his career, Bishop spent 14 years teaching and coaching in Davis School District, leading Davis High to the 2004 state football championship. “We, as coaches, still get together with the young men on that team; it’s something that lives on forever,” he said. After Davis High, Bishop joined the
UHSAA staff, overseeing several sports and state championships. After three years, he missed working in schools. “I missed the buzz of the school and the relationships you build with faculty, coaches, students and student-athletes,” he said. He took the assistant principal position, then became principal at Wasatch High, where he has guided the Bees the past decade. “Our communities rally and support their local high schools, which is unique to the state of Utah; it’s really second to none across the nation,” he said. “I see it all the time. This past year, I went to the unified basketball state championships and Wasatch was fortunate enough to win our division. It was more than just high school kids cheering; there were people there from the community supporting them, watching the high school kids compete. High school activities, especially unified sports, is a positive thing for so many people.” When Cuff announced his retirement, Bishop saw an opportunity to support schools at a statewide level. “My biggest driver of this is the relationships I built throughout Utah,” he said. “I love working with educators and those coaching activities and athletics because they have a real passion and it’s meaningful work.” During his first month, Bishop has met with the UHSAA Board of Trustees, executive committee and staff while preparing the
Wasatch High student-athlete Bode Bishop and coach Kam Day receive the state wrestling championship trophy from Ryan Bishop, who now is the new Utah High School Activities Association executive director. (Photo courtesy Ryan Bishop)
162-member schools for the upcoming academic year. Looking ahead, he said a priority is helping Utahns understand the value of high school activities. “That’s the vision as we get started under my tenure,” he said. “We have to tell that story and we have to do a good job as the governing organization within the state for high school activities to be able to tell that story.” He said participation in athletics and activities improves academics, strengthens
school connections and builds lasting relationships. “High schools tie academics and athletics together,” he said. “When kids are involved in athletics and activities, they’re more likely to stay on top of their academics and vice versa. Both help students become successful.” Bishop plans to continue expanding opportunities for students through programs such as Unified Sports while working with schools to address eligibility, participation and emerging sports. He acknowledged balancing new opportunities with logistical demands placed on school administrators and athletic directors remains an ongoing challenge, but strides in participation and equality have been worthwhile. “Looking at numbers from the emerging sports committee and seeing the impact of Title IX, our participation in girls’ sports are balanced; it’s been rewarding during my 29-year career to see how it has grown and evolved,” he said. As a former championship coach and principal, Bishop said the greatest reward comes from watching students compete and communities rally around their schools. “I love being at the games and I have as much interest in the first round as I do with the championship game,” he said. “I love being with our schools in those competitive environments and seeing the community support our students.” l
Art at The Park helps Utah artists flourish Interact with local artists on Sept. 18-19.
Bryce Samuleson is a landscape artist whose work was displayed at a previous Art at The Park Show. (Photo courtesy of Rob Chipman)
Page 20 | September 2026
UTAH ARTISTS RETURN to The Garden Place at This Is The Place Heritage Park (2601 Sunnyside Ave.) as part of the fifth annual Art at The Park event. The community is invited to attend the free art show Sept. 18-19, where they can meet the artists behind the works, watch live art demonstrations and explore a diverse selection of original pieces priced from $100 to $10,000. “We are so excited to be back for our fifth year at beautiful This Is The Place Heritage Park, where art lovers can see the amazing work of over 75 of Utah’s top fine artists,” said Rob Chipman, founder of Art at The Park and ArtThrive. “It is so satisfying to have enabled our artists to have sold well over $1 million worth of art since our founding. Now, as part of a new nonprofit organization, all of the net proceeds of the event will go towards helping local artists to flourish to an even greater degree.” The show is presented as part of ArtThrive, a new nonprofit organization that assists Utah artists and promotes art appreciation in the
state. More than 75 local artists will showcase their work at Art at The Park on Friday, Sept. 18, from noon to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11:00 am until 7 p.m. Artists are expected from Cottonwood Heights, Bountiful, Kaysville, Draper, Holladay, Midvale, Millcreek, Murray, Riverton, Sandy, South Salt Lake, South Jordan, Taylorsville and West Jordan. In addition to artwork, attendees can experience a variety of food trucks and the beautiful setting of The Garden Place, making Art at The Park a unique destination for collectors, families and anyone looking to discover local talent. Whether purchasing a first piece of original art or expanding an established collection, visitors can enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where collecting art is made accessible and easy. “We are thrilled to host an event that highlights such exceptional local talent,” said Missy Larsen, CEO of This Is The Place Heritage Park. “For us, ‘Awaken the Pioneer Within’ isn’t just a theme, it’s a call to celebrate creativity, resilience and community connection.” Art at The Park reflects ArtThrive’s mission to create meaningful opportunities for Utah artists to flourish while fostering a vibrant and engaged
arts community throughout the state. Members of the public are encouraged to attend this free event, discover remarkable original artwork, and support Utah’s thriving creative community. Artists at the event include Esther Candari, a multidisciplinary artist who studies the connections between ecology and culture; Robert Fuerer, an artist known for his plein air landscapes and award-winning button mosaics; and Melissa Tshikamba, whose primary mediums are 22-karat gold and oils. Art at The Park is also committed to paving the way for emerging artists with its Student Art Showcase during the event. “Over the past five years, Art at The Park has set a standard of excellence that we are proud to foster,” Larsen said. “We invite everyone to join us, enjoy free entry to the grounds, and experience the work of some of Utah’s finest artists.” For more information and a complete list of participating artists, visit artattheparkutah.com.
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Herriman City Journal
Everyday Utahns step up to help save the Great Salt Lake A retired teacher uses photography to inspire conservation while a recent Corner Canyon graduate proposes a way residents can save water, showing protecting the Great Salt Lake starts with everyday actions. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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he Great Salt Lake’s shrinking shoreline has become one of Utah’s most pressing environmental concerns, but for some residents, waiting for someone else to solve the problem isn’t an option. Retired Canyons School District teacher Linda Dalton Walker grew up swimming in the lake and has spent years documenting it through photography and painting. What began as a landscape painting trip in the 1980s became a lifelong mission after an encounter with a bird. “A great blue heron took off in front of me, and I was just enamored,” she said. “That was the beginning of my journey with Great Salt Lake.” Since retiring 11 years ago, Dalton Walker spends several days each week exploring and photographing the lake’s birdlife and changing shoreline. Her work has appeared in exhibitions highlighting the lake, including an upcoming solo photography exhibit, “Great Salt Lake: America’s Inland Sea and Her Birds,” opening Sept. 4 at Red Butte Garden. Dalton Walker said many Utahns know the lake is shrinking, but they have never experienced it firsthand. “So many people don’t go out to Great Salt Lake; they just see what’s on the news,” she said. “If they go, they’d know the water used to come up to the causeway and now, it’s all dirt.” Dalton Walker’s photographs focus on migratory birds that depend on the lake, including snowy plovers, eared grebes and phalaropes. With the declining water levels, she has watched habitat and feeding areas disappear. “One time in 2019, I spent all day long photographing this one area. There were American white pelicans, great blue herons, bald eagles, kestrels, some dabbling ducks, all of them in one area. I have never experienced that since,” she said. “The birds don’t have a voice. People need to understand how many animals need the Great Salt Lake to survive.” Dalton Walker encourages residents to conserve water and support conservation efforts protecting the lake. Corner Canyon High School 2026 graduate Eric Larson advocates for changes with residential yards. He suggests replacing traditional Kentucky bluegrass with buffalo grass, a drought-tolerant alternative that requires less irrigation and maintenance. Larson said outdoor watering is a major use of municipal water, making residential landscapes important to water conservation.
HerrimanJ ournal.com
“The biggest thing is most people don’t know that they can help with the Great Salt Lake; they think there’s nothing the individual person can do,” he said. Larson estimates widespread adoption of water-efficient turf could save hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water annually while lowering maintenance costs for homeowners over time. He added businesses, schools, churches and government buildings also could replace their Kentucky bluegrass with buffalo grass or xeriscaping. “This won’t be a full solution, but it gets us very close and it will help us stall for more time,” he said. Larson believes education is one of the most important tools for protecting the Great Salt Lake. “I think studying the Great Salt Lake belongs in schools,” he said. “People would be a lot more interested to learn about something they can not only affect, but also, effects them.” Larson, an avid snowboarder who was concerned about the lake’s decline and its effects on Utah’s winters, first researched the impact as a concurrent environmental science project. Now he plans to share his findings with legislators. Both Dalton Walker and Larson share the same message: individual actions matter. Dalton Walker plans to return to the lake nearly every week, camera in hand. “I can’t sit back and watch this happen without informing people,” Dalton Walker said. Larson adds: “People can be a lot more
Linda Dalton Walker, who regularly photographs the birds of the Great Salt Lake, has noticed the declining level of the lake. (Photo courtesy Linda Dalton Walker)
involved, especially when they learn if they change what’s going on with their own home, it will impact the Great Salt Lake. That’s powerful.” l Linda Dalton Walker’s 40-photograph
exhibit, “Great Salt Lake: America’s Inland Sea and Her Birds,” will run Sept. 4-29 at Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City. She will give a free presentation at 1 p.m., Sept. 12, with a reception following.
September 2026 | Page 21
Why government needs leaders who will work together I‘ve written before in this column about compromise and why I think it’s one of the most undervalued qualities we can ask of Salt Lake County elected leaders. It doesn’t win applause at a Councilmember council meeting, and it rarely makes for a District 3 good campaign sign. But when it works, it produces better government than either side would have landed on alone. The Salt Lake County Council’s decision last fall on county-run child care is a great example of this, and I want to walk through why. For years, Salt Lake County Parks and the Millcreek and Northwest Activity CenRecreation operated childcare centers out of ters, even though childcare has never been recreation facilities in Kearns, Magna, and a statutory responsibility of county government. An independent analysis last year found the county was spending roughly $2 million a year in General Fund dollars to subsidize care for about 270 children, somewhere between $6,000 and $10,000 per child annually. A whistleblower audit also turned up fraud at one of the centers. Most troubling to me, the study found the county never verified household income at enrollment. Only 3285 W. 12600 S. 17% of the children enrolled were receiving state childcare assistance through the DepartRiverton, UT 84065 ment of Workforce Services, meaning we had no real assurance that publicly subsidized spaces were going to the families who Guaranteed Auto Body needed them most. Repairs For ANY Everyone on the council agreed affordable childcare matters. The real argument was Insurance Company whether the county should keep operating
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childcare centers directly, at that level of subsidy, when so many working families in the county couldn’t access those services at all. That disagreement showed up in an initial vote that split the council down party lines, and it came with real anxiety for the families already enrolled. What happened next is the part I think is worth sharing. Rather than treating that first vote as the final word, Republican and Democratic council members continued listening to families, reviewing options and looking for common ground. We asked a better question than fund-it-or-cut-it: could we still make these spaces available for child care without the county trying to run the program itself and county property taxpayers subsidizing it? That work led to a unanimous vote to partner with nonprofit organizations whose core mission is serving low-income families, leasing them our existing childcare spaces at reduced rates in exchange for those organizations prioritizing income-qualified families. We paired it with expanded, affordable summer programming at recreation centers countywide. This past month, we got confirmation that it’s working as intended. Salt Lake Community Action Program will run an Early Head Start program at the Magna Recreation Center. YouthCity now leases space at the Northwest Recreation Center. Centro de la Familia de Utah will provide childcare at
the Millcreek Activity Center. All three organizations already administer income-based programs and are equipped to verify eligibility and prioritize the families with the greatest need, something county government was never set up to do well. Along the way, we extended the closure timeline, connected parents with state resources, and transferred the county’s surplus childcare equipment to our new nonprofit partners so they could get up and running faster. In today’s political climate, compromise is too often mistaken for weakness, or dismissed as splitting the difference until nobody’s happy. This decision argues the opposite. The council didn’t simply eliminate a program. We built a better one, one that reaches low-income families more reliably, makes more responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and puts childcare in the hands of organizations whose entire mission is childcare. That’s what I mean when I say government needs leaders willing to compromise. Not leaders who abandon their principles, but leaders who stay at the table with people they disagree with long enough to find something better than either side started with. Compromise didn’t weaken this outcome. It strengthened it. This wasn’t government doing less. It was government doing better, and I’d like to see us keep doing it that way.
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’ve always wanted a beautiful front porch where I could drink tea, read a book and listen to the neighbor’s fight. A porch was one of the first social media platforms. It just took a while to get the gossip; you had to sit patiently and wait for it to walk by. Now, our inability to be still keeps us from the simple joy of lounging on the porch to watch the flowers bloom, see the boy down the street learn to ride a bike, notice where the stray cat hides so you can leave it a treat, or watch your neighbor back into a light pole. At my childhood home, we didn’t have a fancy porch with swings and flowers; we had a concrete slab in front of our door, with two cement steps leading to the walkway. That was our porch and we sat on it all the time. If we were seated on the stoop, our friends knew we could play. There was no texting to see if we were home. There were no parents on a group chat arranging a play date. Kids just rode by on their bikes and invited us to go to the park. We’d gather friends along the way who were sitting on various porch steps until we had an entire gang. When I had a stomachache, Mom gave me a can of Coca-Cola. Apparently the medical treatment for an upset stomach in those days was carbonated, caffeinated sugar. Because drinking Coke in Utah at the time was borderline scandalous, I took my demon
HerrimanJ ournal.com
Leave the porch light on Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
beverage to the porch and sipped it while my friends watched, concerned about the state of my soul. Porches were the center of neighborhood communication. We’d leave treats on people’s welcome mats and Valentine’s cards on doorsteps. It’s where the paperboy threw the newspaper every morning and where the neighbor stood to accuse us of doorbell ditching, which also happened on a porch. How many first kisses happen on the front porch? People came to our porch every day. When the doorbell rang, we’d run to the front door, racing to open it first. We didn’t have Ring cameras. We had curiosity. It might be the Fuller Brush Man, a neighbor returning a casserole dish or Mom’s friend stopping by to gossip. The porch was where you sat in the rain, enjoyed the sunset, ate homemade cookies and watched a moth throw itself against the porch light. It was the place where nothing
happened, but also everything happened. A porch held no expectations but promoted childhood observations like: Is that mysterious car a kidnapper and does he have candy? Maybe we got rid of our front-porch communities because a porch required us to do something we’re increasingly uncomfortable with: nothing. We humble-brag about our busy schedules, eliminate downtime and use our phones to entertain us during the three minutes it takes to microwave a frozen dinner. Ironically, there’s an app called Front Porch Forum that’s supposed to connect people to their neighbors and communities. But you don’t have to download an app to build
connection. In fact, I challenge you to disengage from tech and go outside. If you have a porch or a stoop, sit down. Wait for the world to come to you. Talk to the woman walking her dog. Visit with the teenager slouching past your house. Watch the neighbor washing his car or the kid selling lemonade. If you’re lucky, listen to the neighbor’s fight. It’s really the perfect location. Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She also hosts the Life & Laughter podcast. Peri can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com.
September 2026 | Page 23
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