Justin Pitcher takes the helm at Cottonwood High
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
New principal worked with Canyons School District for nearly 20 years.
There’s a quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that reads, “Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is; treat him as he could be, and he will become what he could be.”
That concept has been a guiding philosophy Justin Pitcher the new principal at Cottonwood High School. As an educator and leader, Pitcher applies that idea to every student who walks through the doors.
“Every individual comes with their own story,” he said. “If we can help tell those stories, and those stories include graduation, then they can be more successful. They can go forward and their future opens up. The resiliency in these students shows up when we show up for these kids.”
Pitcher has worked in education for 23 years, serving in various capacities within the Canyons School District, including assistant principal at Brighton High, principal at East Midvale Elementary and girls track and cross-country coach at Alta High School.
After graduating from Bingham High School in 1994, Pitcher attended Southern Utah University before serving a mission in Lansing, Michigan, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was on his mission where a leader told Pitcher he should become an educator.
“It’s been the best career because these kids are looking for someone to care about them,” he said. “We come to school every day, with a lot of energy, a lot of love and a lot of caring for these kids.”
Pitcher replaces the former CHS principal, Mike Douglas, who took over the role in the 2022-23 school year. With a student body of nearly 1,500 students from 50 countries, in grades nine-12, the job will keep him on his toes as he learns the systems, key players and resources in a new district.
He has three focus areas as he starts the school year: academics, belonging and a culture of caring. Literacy rates at CHS are low. It’s his goal to increase those rates because reading is
the stepping stone to all learning.
“If we can increase our literacy rates, we can also increase our numeracy rates, we can increase our social studies. Literacy is the pathway to success in our country, and many of our students come with limited English. We need to help them.”
Pitcher said providing a high-quality education for each student isn’t the challenge because the educators do that every day, showing up prepared and excited to teach. The challenge is creating the best partnerships to help students.
The Ron McBride Foundation provides $10,000 for the CHS after-school programs, Promise South Salt Lake has initiatives that support the goal of a 100% graduation rate and the PACE program targets first-generation and low-income students, allowing them to earn a Salt Lake Community College scholarship for up to six semesters.
“These are goals that have been at Cottonwood High School for years, but they are the goals that truly will make a difference, that will move the dial,” Pitcher said. “We want every kid to understand that we care about their academic success. We care about you. We want you to belong here, and we want you to have the sense that you’re cared for when you’re here. That’s why we provide so many different resources and services.”
Pitcher and his wife, Ashley, have lived in Eagle Mountain for 20 years. Ashley teaches art at Pony Express Elementary and is currently working on a master’s degree. They have four children.
A big fan of Ernest Hemingway, Pitcher visited the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida, this summer. It was an event that moved him to tears.
“We were on a tour and my eyes are watering, like, I can’t believe I’m in the presence of Ernest Hemingway. It was one of those moments,” he said. “In ‘The Old Man and the Sea,’ I love the story of struggle.
“It’s the story of these kids here at the school, too. They have incredible experiences that they’re dealing with every single day. Some are positive. Some aren’t so positive. But as they deal with them, we get the chance to be able to hear a little bit about their journey.” l
Justin Pitcher is the new principal at Cottonwood High School. He hopes to instill each student with a sense of belonging and community. (Photo courtesy of Pitcher/Luminosity Photography)
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Landscape photographer captures rare moments in nature through the lens of a camera
Holladay Artist of the Month Fred Kraut experimented with various artistic mediums, but it was photography that captured his heart.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
The Holladay Arts Council has selected Fred Kraut as the Artist of the Month for October 2025, honoring his talent and creativity in photography. As the vice chair of the Council, he plays a significant role in promoting arts and culture in the city of Holladay through his expertise and dedication.
It was a high school master art teacher in Greenwich, Connecticut, who played a significant role in changing the trajectory of Kraut’s life. Recognizing Kraut’s potential and passion for art, the teacher recommended him for a year-long art program at the esteemed Silvermine Arts Center, a renowned institution known for its award-winning art school and nationally recognized artist guild. From this experience he decided he wanted to pursue art further.
“I discovered Wichita State University by chance; the educational institution has a phenomenal fine arts department,” Kraut said. “I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, but ironically, I stepped away from the creative process for a considerable time. Instead, I pursued the account management side of the advertising industry.”
Kraut’s advertising career took him to various parts of the U.S. and Europe be-
fore he finally retired and settled in Utah with his family.
“We love living in Holladay. It’s a fascinating little town,” Kraut said. “When I was transferred to Utah, I thought we would stay for only a couple of years, but I ended up retiring here.”
After retiring, Kraut worked in consulting for over a decade where he served as the head of marketing. In 2000, the desire to create resurfaced. He experimented with various artistic mediums, including sculpture and pottery, but it was photography that captured his heart.
To work on photography skills, he enrolled in Santa Fe Workshops, which offers photography instruction led by world-renowned professional photographers.
Kraut continued his study of photography with James Kay, a local master photographer. Through Kay’s travel workshops, Kraut developed his ability to immerse viewers in the landscape and enable them to experience the world—both literally and figuratively—through the lens of a camera.
“Jim organizes small group workshops, and I have attended six of them—
one was held in Canada and another in New Zealand,” Kraut said. “I have learned more about photography from him than anyone else. He is an excellent teacher who has fostered my interest in landscape photography. He taught me the importance of not just capturing an image but also conveying the feeling so when someone views the photo, they can experience it both visually and emotionally. There’s nothing extremely complex about landscape photography. It’s about being at the right place at the right time and capturing a rare moment.”
Kraut has dedicated considerable time to capturing natural images without enhancement using his Nikon D300 camera of the “Mighty 5”: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Zion, all renowned for their striking red-rock formations and diverse landscapes.
“The natural world, to me, is the ultimate form of creativity,” Kraut said. “My ongoing challenge with every capture is to honor that creativity by filling the canvas with light, color, composition, form and shadow-balancing both the factual and abstract.”
Encouraged by a good friend, Wendy Frank, Kraut decided to join the Holladay Arts Council. He said, “I’m fortunate to work with such exceptionally gifted people on the Arts Council. Every member is so dedicated to promoting the arts in Holladay. Serving on the council has probably been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.”
Kraut’s debut photography exhibit will be on display at Holladay City Hall through October. l
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A photograph by Holladay Artist of the Month Fred Kraut. (Photo courtesy Fred Kraut)
Holladay house added to historic list
The home will be updated and become a J. Brooks Jewelers boutique.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@mycityjournals.com
Thehistoric McDonald home on 4659 S. Highland Drive is about to move into the future. Built by David and Arabella McDonald in 1890, the house was listed on the National Historic Register in 1980 but has been empty for several years.
John Branscomb is the home’s new owner and he recently petitioned the Holladay City Council to add the home to the city’s list of historic sites. The council approved the request unanimously.
“We’re excited to take over an old home that’s been empty for five years and is literally falling apart in places and grown over,” Branscomb said. “Since we bought the home, we’ve met the great-grandchildren of the home. They came to us very excited about the fact that the home was going to be restored.”
Branscomb is the owner of J. Brooks Jewelers and plans to turn the home into a jewelry boutique. He intends to maintain the home’s original character while updating the heating and cooling system, incorporating energy-efficiency and making it
ADA compliant.
Already, the dead trees have been removed and the canal has been cleaned out.
Surveyors have been establishing the property lines, and now that he has approval from the planning commission and city council, he can move forward.
“We are in the business of creating custom-made one-of-a-kind pieces and the facility has the room to do those things with a boutique showroom, as well as an upstairs to house our corporate office,” Branscomb said.
“We want to restore the house and [the family is] working on some pictures and drawings for us so we can return the house, as close as possible, back to the original.”
His goal is to restore the beautiful heirloom home to the community and create a classic place to do business. The two-story Victorian house was first constructed by the McDonald’s using hand-made brick and adobe. They were immigrants from Scotland and Northern Ireland who came to the United States in 1869. They lived in the home until their deaths in the 1920s.
“In the end, I think that we’ll be a good fit as we help people build heirlooms, and, in this case, restore an existing heirloom to this family,” Branscomb said. “They’re so very excited for it to be restored to the way it was.”
J. Brooks Jewelers is a family business
that’s been around for 28 years, with store locations in Murray and Lehi. Branscomb’s daughter is a second-generation jeweler and he hopes the McDonald home can serve his business and community for decades to come.
“I know our Historical Commission is
going to be thrilled that somebody’s buying that home and tends to keep it the way it is, renovate it and make it even better,” said Mayor Rob Dahle. “We’re excited that you’re locating another store in the Holladay area. It’s a double win for the city, for sure.” l
Experience
Counts. Leadership You Can Trust
Paul Fotheringham has deep roots in Holladay and a proven track record of leadership. He grew up in the area and has lived in his current Holladay home since 1997. He is a two-term City Councilmember and a retired banking executive who has dedicated his career to financial stewardship and his personal life to public service. Now, he’s ready to step up and serve as your next Mayor with a clear vision, proven experience, and a full-time commitment to Holladay’s future.
• Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle
• Rep. Carol Spackman Moss • Former Rep. Patrice Arent
• Rep. Doug Owens • Rep. GayLynn Bennion • Sen. Kathleen Riebe
Women’s Democratic Club • The Firefighters of IAAF Local 1696 • Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement
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The McDonald home on 4659 S. Highland Drive was purchased by John Branscomb, owner of J. Brooks Jewelers, who petitioned the Holladay City Council to add the house to its list of historic sites. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
New outdoor lighting standards adopted in Holladay
Amended code addresses light trespass and nuisance.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@mycityjournals.com
The Holladay City Council approved a new city code relating to residential outdoor lighting standards. In response to feedback and concern from residents, the mayor, council and city staff amended the code to address lighting trespass and nuisance lighting in new residential construction and major home remodeling projects.
Considered a form of light pollution, light trespass occurs when artificial light from one home spills over into a neighboring residence in a way that is disruptive. Nuisance lighting typically includes issues such as excessive glare, over-illumination, or light disruption that can interfere with sleep, the night sky or wildlife behavior.
While councilmembers understood the need for some lighting regulation, it was not their intent to limit creativity when it comes to residential outdoor lighting.
“We’re just addressing the specific problems, like trespass and where there’s nuisance,” said Councilmember Paul Fo-
theringham. “Otherwise, people can be as creative or have as much bad taste as they want. We’re not going to regulate that, but rather just deal with the problems that involve unfriendliness, or rather, inattention to the concerns of neighbors that changes the character of a street.”
After much deliberation, discussion and a public hearing, the council unanimously adopted the new standards into the city code on Aug. 7, which immediately put the changes into place.
Councilmembers didn’t want to pigeonhole property owners into strict guidelines and they didn’t want homeowners to be required to work with a lighting professional, which can add higher costs to building. At the same time, the council didn’t want to ignore the concerns of the residents.
“This was our compromise to see if we can put something in place that tries to accomplish the goal of what we think our residents want, but not have it be so stringent that it extends and makes the process of building a home more expensive,” said Mayor Rob Dahle. “But it does give our staff the tools to say, ‘Look, you need to make sure you comply here, here and here, out of respect for your neighbors in the community.’ So I think it landed in a
good spot.”
The new code does not apply to indoor lighting; seasonal light displays (as long as it’s not considered a hazard or nuisance); temporary lighting for celebrations, events and festivals; temporary construction lighting; regulated signage; or traffic control warnings, signals and devices.
Some prohibited items include the encroachment of excessive light, laser lighting, searchlights and neon or fluorescent tubes.
“This ordinance consolidates all the existing lighting standards into one new chapter, which is now known as 13.84,” said Holladay Community and Economic Development Director Jon Teerlink. “Because the technology of lighting changes so often, having a strict set of provisions in the code holds property owners’ feet to the fire on specific lighting technology. As that technology changes, those new elements can be brought to the staff as a proposal.” l
Holladay City code was updated to include new requirements on residential construction to limit light trespass and nuisance. (Adobe stock)
Senior show demonstrates the art of aging brilliantly
The exhibit honored the beauty of experience and lifelong expression.
By Peri Kinder
peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Abrokenswing hangs from a tree branch, next to an empty house depicted in colors of brown and gray. The picture is titled “Where Have All the Children Gone?” and was painted in watercolor by Millcreek resident Ralph Morelli to depict the loneliness he felt when he didn’t visit with his children and grandchildren.
Morelli’s painting was one of more than 200 entries in the third annual Senior Art Show, sponsored by Salt Lake County Aging Services. Held at the Salt Lake County Government Center (2001 S. State St.), the display featured art in every medium, created by seniors aged 60 and up from around the county.
“Art allows us to express feelings that we might otherwise not be able to give verbally and that’s why I believe it’s so important,” Morelli said. “My art is called emotionalism, because I’m not going for realism. I can express myself with just a few brush strokes. That’s why I think art is important. It allows us to tap into that inner self.”
The show included displays of pottery, watercolor paintings, sculpture, needlework, quilts, oils and acrylic paintings, photogra-
phy and carvings. Many of the works were done at county senior center locations.
Afton January works with the county’s aging services program. She said the pop-up gallery is a fun way to bring exposure to artwork created by the state’s seniors and give them a chance to show off their talents. Last year’s event had fewer than 90 entries, but the 2025 show had more than double that number.
“It’s frankly a smashing success this year. The skill level is off the charts,” January said. “It’s one of those events that’s been gaining momentum, because it’s a fun opportunity for folks, especially our senior center participants, who represent most of the artists here, to take what they do at those centers and bring it into the community in a way that really feels intergenerational and community spirited. And it’s a fun opportunity for our older adults.”
Millcreek resident Eve Cole entered several artworks at the show, including a drop-pour painted vase and picture, and a framed arrangement of dried flowers. Cole said her sister-in-law got her interested in art during COVID, so they FaceTimed together while creating fun art pieces.
Her painting, “Black Bird in Flight,” was made with a drop-pour background, accented with black and white.
“I showed it to my husband and he said, ‘It’s birds flying.’ I never even would have
thought of that,” Cole said. “It’s just so rewarding. It just makes me happy.”
More than 300 visitors at the art show voted on their top three favorite entries. The Director’s Choice winner was Dewey Hansen (River’s Bend Senior Center) and the top three vote recipients were Deborah Chiquito (Riverton Senior Center), Shu Yamamoto (Taylorsville Senior Center) and Margi G Owens (Kearns Senior Center).
“Our older adults, many of whom are retired, get to showcase their work and feel like they’re a part of something big and public,” January said. “It gives them some recognition.” l
Preparedness conference readies community members for emergencies
The free event provides tools for safety, resources and resilience.
By Peri Kinder
peri.k@thecityjournals.com
No one wants to face an emergency, but being prepared can mean the difference between safety and chaos. At the first Fall Preparedness Conference on Saturday, Oct. 25, Utah residents can learn how to prepare for earthquakes, wildfires, floods, power outages and medical emergencies at the South Salt Lake Community Center (2531 S. 400 East).
The free event is open to all community members, bringing together resources, agencies, experts and demonstrations to help families, groups or individuals build skills, acquire confidence and learn how to prepare for the unexpected. Emergency preparedness experts have stated that a communication plan, basic skills and an adequate supply of food and water can save lives during dangerous situations.
Held in conjunction with SSL, Salt Lake City, Millcreek, Holladay, Murray and Cottonwood Heights, the Fall Preparedness Conference is about building resilience and knowledge.
“We want to make sure people are hearing about this and feel welcome to join us,” said SSL Emergency Management Coordinator Yasmin Abbyad. “If people have
any questions, whether it’s about how they can be better prepared, how they can prepare their homes and what they should do in terms of insurance, we will be able to answer those questions.”
The morning event will feature breakout sessions that include Hands-on Stop the Bleed training; a CERT skills station to practice triage, cribbing, carrying and fire extinguisher use; a moulage demonstration to learn how to apply realistic, mock injuries; and the HAM It Up radio essentials course for understanding ham radio operations.
“We have a lot of people in our community who have gotten a ham radio license, but they don’t necessarily know how to use their radio, or don’t know how to get connected to the community,” Abbyad said. “We have five or six different groups that will be present at the conference, where people can ask questions to experts in the field.”
The afternoon is dedicated to a full disaster simulation where community members can practice skills they learned in the CERT course. People who haven’t earned a CERT certification can shadow the members or watch from the sidelines to learn necessary disaster actions.
For decades, Utah officials have encouraged residents to prepare for disaster. Abbyad mentioned the recent fire in Millcreek, caused by a lawn mower, that left 80 people without a home. She also pointed out the predicted
The Fall Preparedness Conference on Saturday, Oct. 25, will help groups, businesses, families and individuals
earthquake in Utah, which could cause major damage and injuries.
“If the big earthquake hits us, it could take up to four days for outside resources to get to us. Highways might be down, electrical lines and trees are likely going to be in the streets and all of that has to be cleared before they can make their way to hospitals or extremely damaged areas,” Abbyad said.
“We want to make sure people are prepared with water and the ability to survive for four or five days without the amenities we’re used to having.”
Although the event is free, pre-registration is appreciated so organizers have an estimated number of attendees. Visit SSLC.gov or email yabbyad@sslc.gov for registration information. l
The Director’s Choice winner of the Salt Lake County Senior Art Show was Dewey Hansen, a regular attendee at the River’s Bend Senior Center in Salt Lake City. (Photo courtesy of SLCounty)
Eve Cole holds her art show entry, “Black Bird in Flight.” The Millcreek resident started painting during COVID. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
get ready for an emergency. (Adobe stock)
Days for Girls provides the gift of opportunity
Volunteers craft menstrual care kits to help girls stay in school and live with dignity.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
For
more than 500 million women and girls around the world, access to menstrual products is nonexistent. The term “period poverty” describes the struggle faced by people who don’t have adequate menstrual supplies and education.
Days for Girls is a global nonprofit offering dignity and health to women and girls by providing sustainable menstrual kits. Volunteers around the world sew, assemble and distribute the kits, allowing girls to stay in school, attend work and alleviate health concerns that arise when menstrual products are unavailable.
Suzanne Walker runs the Midvale chapter of Days for Girls, along with her friend Jennifer Woods and lots of volunteers. The chapter has created and distributed nearly 2,000 kits to Thailand, Mexico, Vietnam, Fiji, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Peru, Cambodia and Nepal.
“We not only sew components, we are also a source of outreach for our community,” Walker said. “We advocate on behalf of Days for Girls International, teaching about its mission and the reasons why there is a need for such an organization to exist. We also conduct
GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE
Grief is an individual journey with a path as unique as each one of us. To o er support and hope, we provide various Grief Support Services for those who are mourning a recent or past loss.
work events with local churches and business groups, in which they help create the kits that will then be distributed throughout the world.”
Days for Girls was started in 2008 by Celeste Mergens. She was working at a Kenyan orphanage and found that menstruating girls would sit on pieces of cardboard, often going without food. With cultural taboos around menstruation, some women and girls can’t attend school or work, or even go into a kitchen while on their period.
Mergens created washable, long-lasting pads and underwear, designed to last several years, giving the girls the freedom to leave their rooms, reclaim their dignity and potentially end the cycle of poverty.
“The evolution of this pattern for these kits has changed many times,” Woods said. “They keep making it better and better. They listen to the girls and the moms, and the feedback that people give, and they fix any issues.”
The kits contain two pairs of underwear, two reusable shields, eight absorbent liners, a washcloth and soap for cleaning, and a waterproof bag to hold everything. Colorful fabrics help normalize menstruation and the components dry quickly to allow the women and girls to manage their hygiene. The waterproof bags are also used as a washing device in places where water is scarce.
“Some girls and women walk miles and miles for water,” Woods said. “They have this very small amount of water to use for their
cooking and their cleaning, so these bags become little washing machines.”
Walker said it’s a lot of work to create the kits and they have specific instructions to follow to ensure the pieces work together. But she calls it a “labor of love” for the thousands of women and girls their kits have helped over the years. The group holds service projects several times a year, where volunteers sew kit components.
“Even in the United States, there are women who don’t have access to period prod-
self assessment test.
ucts,” Walker said. “There are hundreds of stories of lives being changed through Days for Girls. I love going into my community and talking about it, because we don’t talk about it. I talk to a lot of young women’s groups and they are super embarrassed, but they have no idea how lucky they are.”
To learn about volunteering or donating to the Days for Girls Midvale chapter, visit the Facebook page @dfgmidvale. For information about the international organization, visit DaysForGirls.org. l
Millions of women and girls have received menstrual kits from Days for Girls. The Midvale chapter has created and distributed thousands of kits to girls all over the world. (Photo courtesy of Suzanne Walker)
COUNCIL MESSAGE
This summer the city council enjoyed a presentation by our parks department about their efforts to help the city of Holladay be better stewards of our city’s natural resources. The thoughtfulness and thoroughness of these efforts, deeply impressed all of us on the council. I am excited to share them with you.
Like you, the city needs to water its lawns in ways that care for and maintain their beauty and value without being wasteful of water or financial resources. Holladay City maintains the grounds for five parks, in addition to city street trees, city park strips and traffic islands. This year our parks management team systematically reevaluated and adjusted the watering systems on all city properties. They focused on four areas of improvement: sprinkler modification, control adjustment, soil conditioning and annual systems inspections.
In addition to standard nozzle repairs with which all homeowners are familiar, park employees swapped out old sprinkler nozzles for high-efficiency models
that maintain green lawns and use less water. They also added weather sensors that stop watering during and after rain and modernized our controllers to give us better data. They take soil moisture readings each week after mowing, allowing for a better understanding of the effectiveness of our watering plan. As part of standard fertilization practices, employees added soil conditioners that optimize the uptake of nutrients and water, regulate pH-value in the soil, and improve root systems, helping plants require less water.
Through these efforts, Holladay City saves 23,000 gallons of water per watering cycle with a total of 2.2 million gallons saved this year alone. Financially, this saved the city $14,000 off its annual water bill. As we take on the responsibility of a new park on the Spring Lane Elementary property, the benefits of these efforts will be magnified.
The parks department also took significant steps to reduce our energy use and emissions. They focused on three specific goals: LED conversion, replacing all two-stroke or gasoline-powered equipment with battery-powered, and charging all battery-powered equipment with solar energy.
In the last year, holiday lights and fluorescent lights were upgraded to LED, saving $2,584.00 each year, with the environmental equivalent of removing two cars from the road. Even more significant is the transition away from gasoline-powered maintenance equipment. Holladay City uses weed-whackers, blowers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, pole saws, and pole trimmers for over 9,000 hours a season. Switching over to battery-powered equipment removes the emissions equivalent to 801 cars running in a single day – and because these batteries are now charged with solar energy, the benefits are magnified. The unique inversion issues we face in the Salt Lake Valley make these efforts especially significant.
As a council we were inspired by the dedication of our Parks Department staff. They are not just engaged in maintenance but ensuring that Holladay continues to be a great place to live far into the future.
—Emily Gray, Council District 5
General Election Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 Join the Holladay Tree Committee
Residents will have the opportunity to vote for Mayor and Council seats in Districts 1 and 3.
Mayor: Daren A. Watts | Paul Fotheringham
District 1: David Sundwall | Grant Bilstad
District 3: Natalie Bradley | Bailee Jones
All eligible, active, registered voters will be mailed a ballot on October 14th and are encouraged to vote and return it promptly. Ballots need to be received by the clerk’s office by 8 pm on Election Day
You can also drop your ballot off in the ballot box located at the northwest corner of City Hall
Please visit ww.slco.org/clerks/elections for more information on early vote centers and election day locations.
Are you passionate about trees, volunteering to educate residents on the tree canopy and the beauty of our community? The Holladay Tree Committee is seeking dedicated volunteers to help guide our urban forestry education efforts as part of our commitment to the National Arbor Day’s Tree City USA program. Duties include:
• Encourage the planting, maintenance and preservation of the City’s tree canopy for the benefit of City residents;
• Encourage and administer programs, as directed by the City Council from time to time, regarding the City’s inventory of trees; and
• Provide recommendations for the planting of different species of trees on City property
What is Tree City USA?
Tree City USA is a nationwide movement that provides the framework for communities to volunteer to educate residents on their public trees. Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, this program recognizes cities that meet core standards of urban forestry sustainability. As a Tree Committee member, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of our city’s green spaces.
Time Commitment:
Members of the Tree Committee serve a three-year term, meet monthly and may participate in occasional community events. Appointed by the City Manager, this volunteer position has an invaluable impact on the Holladay community.
How to Apply:
Interested individuals can apply by contacting Jonathan Teerlink, jteerlink@ holladayut.gov
We’re Going to (Bond) Market
By Lina Costa – Communications & Engagement Manager
The City of Holladay is moving forward with two major projects that will have lasting benefits for our community: a seismic retrofit of City Hall, and the creation of a new park at the former Spring Lane Elementary site. Council, acting as the Local Building Authority, has chosen to pursue a bond on the municipal bond market to responsibly fund these projects.
It is the City Council’s top priority to be good stewards of public funds. Thus, this decision follows a strategic financial analysis to determine the most beneficial funding approach for residents. Knowing that the coming years will necessitate other large projects, such as the reconstruction of a major part of Highland Drive, our City Council has decided to pursue a balanced variety of funding which will include a $10 million bond and potential earmarked federal funding. In addition to the bond proceeds, the City will draw from its fund balance and pursue several grants (along with grants we’ve already received), including a seismic retrofit grant, an energy efficiency grant, rebates from Rocky Mountain Power, and more.
Later this month, members of City administration will travel to San Francisco to present our plan and secure the best possible credit rating. The bond is expected to have a 20 year term, with payoff in 2045, which aligns with the City’s long-term planning and our 30-year lease with Granite School District for the Spring Lane property.
The renovation of City Hall is not just about updating the building, it’s about protecting lives. Our current facility is an Unreinforced Masonry Building (URM), a construction type common across Utah. In “earthquake country,” URMs pose a significant safety risk. The retrofit will strengthen City Hall to withstand seismic events, ensuring that our staff, residents, and visitors have a safe and reliable space to gather and conduct their business, attend events, or visit the Justice Court. The estimated cost of this project is $9.75 million. We encourage all residents to be aware of the risks of URMs in their own homes and to take advantage of resources the City has shared on earthquake safety.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Rob Dahle, Mayor rdahle@holladayut.gov 801-580-3056
Ty Brewer, District 1 tbrewer@holladayut.gov 801-550-8747
Matt Durham, District 2 mdurham@holladayut.gov 801-999-0781
Paul Fotheringham, District 3 pfotheringham@holladayut.gov 801-424-3058
Drew Quinn, District 4 dquinn@holladayut.gov 801-860-6130
Emily Gray, District 5 egray@holladayut.gov 801-755-3477
Gina Chamness, City Manager gchamness@holladayut.gov
PUBLIC MEETINGS:
The second major project is the long-anticipated development of Spring Lane Park. With Granite School District’s lease approval and the demolition of the former school completed, we are ready to transform the site into a public space that will serve the entire community. The estimated cost of this project is around $7 million; while it will be a long-term process, it is one of the most requested amenities from residents.
Together, these projects represent an investment in both the safety and quality of life of our community. By leveraging smart financing and pursuing outside funding, Holladay is preparing for the future while keeping the interests of residents at the forefront.
MHTN Architects concept image for Spring Lane Park development
Celebrate
Holladay’s Best: It’s Almost Time to Vote!
Holladay is home to so many incredible businesses, places and people who make our community one-of-a-kind. Now, it’s time for you to help us recognize Holladay’s best!
We’re excited to launch the Best of Holladay - Community Choice Awards and we need your voice! From your favorite local restaurant to the best hidden gem, we want to know who and what makes Holladay the great place it is.
This is your opportunity to celebrate all the things you love about Holladay and give a little extra recognition to those who make a difference in our community. Your vote helps highlight what makes Holladay so special and brings the community together.
We’ve created several categories to make sure we capture the true diversity of what Holladay has to offer. Here are just a few of the categories you can vote on:
• Best Holladay Hangout – From cozy cafes to standout shops, which business do you think deserves the spotlight?
• Best “Only in our Town” Spot – Holladay’s unique businesses, parks, trails, and green spaces are some of our best-kept secrets. Which spot is your favorite?
• Best Customer Service – Is there business that is super helpful and has the best staff? Now’s your chance to give them some welldeserved recognition.
• Heart of the Community – Have a business that gives back to the community? Nominate them for their hard work and dedication to the community.
Voting is easy and begins on October 1, 2025. QR codes and links will be on our city’s website. You’ll be able to vote in multiple categories, so don’t hold back – we want to hear about all the great places that make Holladay unique.
Help us spread the word! Share the voting link on your social media, tell your neighbors, and encourage everyone you know to vote. The more voices we have, the more accurate our celebration will be! So, take a moment, think about what makes you proud to live here, and cast your vote for Holladay’s finest! We can’t wait to see who you choose as the Best of Holladay – together, let’s celebrate what makes our town truly special.
Holladay Historical Commission Highlight
The Holladay Historical Commission plays a vital role in connecting us with the past. Through their dedicated service, we come closer to those who came before us and prepare for the future with greater wisdom.
Their annual events include the Speaker Series with its instructive lectures, Preservation Month in May highlighting the historical places that surround us, and the History Fair coming up later this month on the 20th!
Currently, the Commission is made up of Martha Bradley Evans, Kim Duffy, Kathy Lambert, Whitney Law, Lyman Losee, and Rita Wright. We are endlessly grateful for their tireless efforts.
Councilmember Ty Brewer serves dutifully as the City Council liaison, and Megan Attermann (Manager of Arts & Culture) graciously provides direction and support as the City staff liaison. Thank you to these wonderful individuals for their meaningful contributions to Holladay.
Common Code Violation Issues and How You Can Help
By Lina Costa – Communications & Engagement Manager
Tree-lined streets, mountain views, and welcoming neighborhoods are a major part of what makes Holladay so special. A big part of maintaining that charm comes down to how we care for our own properties. While the City’s Code Enforcement Officer, Chad Pedersen, works hard to keep Holladay both beautiful and safe, he has a lot of ground to cover. Many of the same code enforcement issues pop up regularly, so we thought we’d share a few of the most prevalent ones here.
By staying on top of a few common items, residents can make a big difference for the look and feel of our community. This can also free up much of Officer Pedersen’s time to address bigger concerns.
Weeds
The number one code issue in Holladay is weeds. Whether in front yards, park strips, or vacant lots, weeds can spread quickly and are time-consuming to address. Staying ahead of them not only keeps your property looking cared for but also saves the City from having to step in. (Holladay Code 9.60.020)
Street Trees and Bushes
Street trees are part of what makes Holladay beautiful, but they do need upkeep. Property owners are responsible for trimming and maintaining the trees abutting their property as well as keeping bushes from growing into gutters. When gutters are blocked, stormwater can’t flow properly, which creates bigger problems down the road. (Holladay Code 14.44.010)
Clear View on Corner Lots
If you live on a corner, there are special visibility rules to help keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Within 40 feet of the corner, bushes and landscaping should be kept trimmed to no higher than two feet. This ensures that drivers can clearly see oncoming traffic. (Holladay Code 14.12.040)
Fence Permits
Finally, fence projects are another common area where residents sometimes run into trouble. Before installing or replacing a fence, check to make sure you’ve applied for the required permit. Doing so helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures fences meet City standards. (Holladay Code 13.76.710)
By keeping these common items in mind, you can help us keep Holladay clean, safe, and beautiful. Beyond your own property, consider lending a hand to neighbors who might have difficulty tackling these tasks on their own. Many in our community are elderly or face mobility challenges, and a small act of help, such as trimming a tree branch or pulling a few weeds, can make a big difference.
Together, we can take small steps that add up to a healthier, more welcoming city. Thank you for doing your part to keep Holladay a place we’re all proud to call home.
Leaf Bag Pick-up Program
Fall is approaching and leaves will begin changing in no time! But don’t worry about them piling up — your team at Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District is ready to help with the cleanup.
Every autumn, we set up convenient dropoff spots so you can clear your leaves without overloading your curbside waste containers. We make it even easier: Free leaf bags will be available at Holladay City Hall and the
HOWL-O-WEEN Pet Safety Tips
Salt Lake County Animal Services
Halloween is full of fun for humans, but it can be a little too spooky for pets! Keep your furry friends safe this HOWL-O-WEEN with these simple tips:
• Hide the treats: Chocolate and candy (especially with xylitol) are toxic to pets. Keep the candy bowl out of paw’s reach.
• Create a safe space: Trick-or-treaters and costumes can be stressful. Set pets up in a quiet room or crate away from the door.
• Turn down the triggers: Close blinds and disconnect the doorbell if your dog reacts to passersby or constant rings.
• Keep costumes comfy: Test pet costumes ahead of time—make sure they don’t restrict movement, breathing, barking, or meowing.
• Skip the spooky stroll: It’s safest to leave pets at home during trick-or-treating. Take them for a walk earlier in the day.
• Teach kids safety: Remind little ones not to approach unfamiliar dogs, especially when wearing masks or costumes.
Lost pet? Call Dispatch at 801-840-4000.
Need a microchip? Pets in Salt Lake County can receive one for free at our shelter! Email animal@saltlakecounty.gov or visit AdoptUtahPets.org.
Holladay Lions Fitness Center from late September through early October. (Keep an eye on our website or social media for exact dates.)
When your bags are full, please bring them to our leaf-drop sites near the containers at Canyon Rim Park and the Cottonwood Complex (north side only). We’ll have these sites available for leaf drop-off from October 15 through November 30. It is okay to set the bags on the ground at the marked sites.
Time for a Home Safety Check-Up
By Allison Jester, Emergency Mgmt Coord.
As the days grow shorter and we turn the clocks back this October, it’s the perfect reminder to check in on your home’s safety and preparedness. Seasonal changes are a natural cue that can help you remember to conduct a quick refresh of your emergency supplies and plans each year. Here are some simple steps which only take a few minutes but can make a big difference when the unexpected happens - whether that’s a power outage or something larger.
Quick October Safety Checklist:
• Rotate food, water, and medication supplies in your emergency kit
• Replace batteries in flashlights, smoke detectors, and weather radios
• Inspect, service, and replace fire extinguishers
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Update emergency contact lists and important documents
• Check and clean your furnace filters and dryer vents
This is also a great time to talk with your family about where to meet in an emergency, who your out of state emergency contact is, and ensure that everyone knows where supplies are stored. Children may benefit from (and enjoy) going through a mini drill and acting out what they can do to help in emergencies.
A small investment of time now can make a big difference in keeping your family safe and comfortable later! Use this October to reset, refresh, and restock. Your future self will thank you.
2025 GENERAL ELECTION VOTER GUIDE
HOLLADAY VOTING INFORMATION
In Holladay, six candidates are campaigning for a seat on the city council. You’ll learn more about each of them as you continue to flip through this Voter Guide.
• Paul Fotheringham & Daren Watts are running for Mayor.
• Natalie Bradley & Bailee Jones are running for the District 3 council seat.
• David Sundwall & Grant Bilstad are running for the District 1 council seat.
In Holladay, voters are encouraged to attend an upcoming Meet the Candidates event, pay attention to important calendar dates (like mail-in deadlines) and locate the most convenient ballot drop box.
Meet the Candidates event - The City of Holladay’s Meet the Candidates Open House Event will be held on Oct. 6 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Holladay City Hall (4280 S. 2300 East).
Important dates - For voters planning to vote-by-mail, ballots must be received by 8p.m. on election day (postmarks don’t count). In other words -- mail early.
This is a change from previous election cycles when residents were able to postmark their ballots on the day of the general election. Per the recently passed H.B. 300, voters do need to make sure their ballots are physically ‘in-hand’ at the Salt Lake County office on election day.
Drop box - The ballot drop box at Holladay’s City Hall is located outside near the northwest corner of the building (see attached map).
SALT LAKE COUNTY VOTING INFORMATION
Hey Voters! Please review the following voting information directly from Salt Lake County before submitting your ballot.
Nov. 4 is the General Election - Vote Centers and drop boxes will close promptly at 8:00 p.m.
Important Dates
Oct. 10 - Salt Lake County will host Logic & Accuracy Tests where the public is invited to attend live demonstrations of voting equipment.
Oct. 14 - Ballots being to be mailed (21 days before the election as per Utah’s legislation).
Nov. 18 - Board of Canvassers Meeting where each city will certify results after presented to the City Recorders.
Vote Box locations:
Residents can vote by mail or in-person at various drop box locations throughout Salt Lake County:
County - Salt Lake County Government Center (2001 State St.)
Cottonwood Heights - City Hall (2277 Bengal Blvd.)
Draper - City Hall (1020 Pioneer Rd.)
Holladay - City Hall (4280 S. 2300 E.)
Herriman - City Hall (5355 Main St.)
Midvale - City Hall (7505 Holden St.)
Millcreek - Common (1354 E. Chambers Ave.)
Murray - Post Office (5025 State St.)
Sandy - City Hall (1000 Centennial Pkwy.)
Sandy - Senior Center (9310 S 1300 E)
South Jordan - City Hall (1600 W Towne Center Dr.)
South Salt Lake - Granite Library (331 S. 500 E.)
Riverton - City Hall (12830 S Redwood Rd.)
Taylorsville - City Hall (2600 W Taylorsville Blvd.)
Wet Jordan - City Hall (8000 S Redwood Rd.)
West Jordan - Ron Wood Park (6000 W New Bingham Hwy.)
West Valley - City Hall (3600 S Constitution Blvd.)
Register to Vote:
Voter Registration website
Residents can register to vote online up to 11 calendar days before the election (before 5pm). Registration must be submitted and received before Tuesday, Oct. 28 to receive a ballot in the mail. A valid form of ID, accurate address information, and date of birth is required to register. Residents can register either: online by visiting the State of Utah’s website (see adjacent QR code); through mail by filling out the Formulario de Inscripcion por Correspondencia Para Votantes (Voter Mail-In Registration Form) found on the County’s website; or in-person at the 2001 S. State St. office. Same-Day registration options will also be available at vote centers. Learn more about voting information through Salt Lake County’s website at: saltlakecounty.gov/clerk/elections. Or by directly emailing: vote@saltlakecounty.gov.
Sourced directly from our readers
Many residents reported concern for government oversight and transparency. What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met?
PAUL S FOTHERINGHAM
FotheringhamForMayor.com
Holladay is adamant about adhering to Open Meetings laws which require no group discussions (of 4 or more councilmembers) of city business outside of an agenda-ed and recorded public meeting. All of our public meetings are agenda-ed and recorded and accessible via the city website. Information packets, assembled by staff to inform the council of issues to be decided, are also published in advance. Since Holladay municipal government is non-partisan, there are no closed door partisan caucus meetings where votes are whipped and counted without public discourse. Government bodies should also not be able to “police themselves.” The principal of checks and balances should be applied to all government bodies in order to support the values of accountability and transparency.
QUESTIONS DAREN WATTS
DocWattsForMayor.com
I think it is wonderful that residents have reported concerns for government oversight and transparency. After all, we are public officials elected by the citizens to work on their behalf in this great city. All city council and work meetings are available to be viewed in person or by video. My goal is to create a transparent, inclusive and common-sense building and planning process, ensuring every resident has a meaningful voice in decisions that shape their property and our city. I support open communication with all city officials to help hold them accountable for these transparency standards. This is our moment to rekindle the spirit of local control, to invest in our future, and to truly work together to be heard.
How do you feel about the current developments going in around Holladay? (How feasible are the plans regarding the Holladay District? Why is the Holladay Hills being allowed to develop modern looking giants?)
Thinking about fiscal responsibility, what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?
“Growth” can be a scary word to an old and beloved community like Holladay. I prefer “renewal.” Without renewal, the alternative is stagnation and decay. The Holladay Village is a great example of quality renewal. But with any change, trade-off’s need to be balanced. Vibrancy needs to be balanced with potential traffic and parking congestion. Our Holladay Village is the envy of our neighboring municipalities and their residents…
What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?
In Holladay, our budget reflects the balance of our values within an environment of shifting costs of providing services. Over the last five to eight years, we have seen significant inflation specifically in public safety costs. Our priorities for providing public safety relative to public works haven’t changed, but as cost structures change, budgets need to be flexible to meet those changes. Though public safety and public works are our primary responsibilities, we also have opportunities to enhance the lives of our residents by providing quality public parks and community events that give residents a sense of place and belonging. Holladay is able to add these community assets and enhancements without shortchanging public safety and public works while remaining a low property tax municipality.
Public safety is the domain of local government and local policing. I’m not in favor of unnecessarily ceding local authority to federal authority or to state authority. Also, ICE has become a dangerously partisan policing agency. As a non-partisan government entity, I believe Holladay should strive to keep all elements of law enforcement non-partisan. I don’t believe that ICE currently meets that standard.
I would like to build a Holladay for all generations, where every voice is heard. Housing affordability is a top concern across Utah. Here in Holladay, we’ve seen the challenges of balancing growth with our community’s character. Projects like the Cottonwood Mall redevelopment showed us what happens when planning prioritizes high-density housing, leaving residents feeling unheard…. I would hope we can focus on a common-sense building and planning process that will continue to involve the voices of our community.
As it relates to the fiscal responsibility of the tax dollars associated with the city of Holladay, I have sat down with the city treasurer and reviewed every line item in the budget. I believe we have been fiscally responsible, placing a minimal burden on our city through two bonds: one for a fire station and another for stormwater repair. One third of our budget goes towards the police, which directly aligns with our goal to ensure the safety of our citizens. But that expense has significantly increased over the past several years. I aim to reduce the tax burden on our citizens by exploring the feasibility of establishing our own Holladay police force. This is about gaining greater local control, ensuring our public safety services are directly aligned with our communities’ needs, and providing more effective stewardship of our hard-earned tax dollars.
Immigration is a federal responsibility, and federal laws including those enforced by ICE, must be respected and upheld by all levels of government. Local jurisdictions should not unilaterally decide which federal laws they will or will not enforce. Local law enforcement agencies are seen as having a duty to cooperate with federal partners like ICE especially when it comes to individuals who have committed crimes or are subject to federal immigration detainers…The argument is made that full cooperation makes communities safer for all residents, including legal immigrants, by ensuring that dangerous individuals are apprehended and processed. Consistent with my desires for fiscal responsibility, I feel that non-cooperation can lead to inefficiencies or increased costs for federal agencies, who then have to expend more resources to locate and apprehend individuals that local authorities could have easily transferred.
HOLLADAY DISTRICT 3
QUESTIONS
Sourced directly from our readers
Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?
Thinking about fiscal responsibility—what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?
What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met?
What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?
How do you feel about the current developments going in around Holladay?
NATALIE BRADLEY
BradleyForHolladay.com
Yes, I believe that in Holladay, our current property tax revenue is being used effectively. A significant portion of these funds supports essential services, particularly our police and fire departments, which are critical to maintaining safety in our community. Property tax revenue also helps fund other vital public services that enhance our residents’ quality of life….
…If elected, I will ensure that every dollar spent by the city continues to serve the best interests of our residents and contributes to a strong, sustainable future for Holladay.
Holladay’s budget should reflect the values of our community: safety, quality public amenities, responsible growth, and longterm sustainability. Our residents care deeply about maintaining a safe environment, investing in parks and public spaces, maintaining strong infrastructure and ensuring that new development aligns with the character and charm of Holladay…I will work to ensure that every budget decision reflects these shared priorities and supports the long-term well-being of our entire community.
I believe transparency is the foundation of good governance and I am fully committed to ensuring that Holladay residents are informed and engaged in the decisions that shape our community... This includes making sure residents know where to find important information and how they can engage with our city’s adopted master plan…
..I also believe in maintaining clear and responsive channels for residents to voice concerns and ask questions, whether by email, text, phone, or in person. If elected, I will work to ensure transparency is not just a stated value, but a lived practice backed by real systems that build trust and hold city officials accountable.
Our focus as a city should be on supporting our residents and ensuring that everyone who calls Holladay home feels safe, respected, and welcomed. Local law enforcement and city services should be centered on building trust within the community.
Holladay is a place people are proud to call home, and it’s easy to see why. We have excellent schools, vibrant neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, and a strong sense of community. As our city continues to grow, we must guide that growth with intention and integrity.
I believe in responsible, sustainable development that protects what makes Holladay special. That means careful planning to prevent overdevelopment, preserving our green spaces—like the new Spring Lane Park—and investing in infrastructure that serves both current residents and future generations.
As new developments take shape, I will work to ensure they reflect the character of the neighborhoods they join, contributing to—not compromising—the fabric of our community. Growth is inevitable, but with the right approach, it can enhance the Holladay we all love.
Allocating public funds is one of the most serious actions a public official can take, therefore, I believe there’s always room to improve how tax revenue is prioritized. While some funds are well spent, we need more accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars directly support essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. Local government needs to react to changing community needs, and that requires staying close to the voters to ensure our community stays headed in the right direction.
A responsible budget should balance efficiency with community needs. My focus is balancing essential services with long-term planning, while keeping government spending transparent and sustainable.
I support clear reporting, accessible public records, and community forums that allow residents to see how decisions are made. Accountability should be built into every process. I also think that city council members need to stay focused on the constituencies they represent. This is local government and local issues should stay the priority.
I believe local government should focus on community safety and public trust. Federal immigration issues should remain under federal jurisdiction.
Development is important but it must reflect our community’s character and values. I support growth that balances economic opportunity with preserving Holladay’s unique charm. Our planning priorities must also adapt to the changing needs of residents in a way that allows the community to grow or contract as demographics shift. For example, when schools close, children are often required to travel further in the mornings and afternoons. We need to ensure our infrastructure supports these changes safely—through bike lanes, smarter city planning, and community-oriented development that keeps residents connected and supported.
QUESTIONS
Sourced directly from our readers
Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?
HOLLADAY DISTRICT 1
Property taxes are divided among several entities, and Holladay City itself receives only a small portion. I believe the city has generally been a responsible steward of its share, using those funds to maintain essential services, public safety, and infrastructure in ways that directly benefit residents.
The largest portion of property tax revenue goes to the school district. Many residents have expressed concern about paying more each year while seeing fewer direct benefits, particularly with nearby school closures. I share those concerns, especially about the gap between rising revenues and declining enrollment, alongside growing administrative costs. Every education dollar should be dedicated to preparing our children for success.
City Journals Editor Note - As of our press date, Grant Bilstad had not responded to our staff’s inquiries. The following information can be found on his website:
“My name is Grant Bilstad, and I’m running to represent District 1 on the Holladay City Council. I’m a neighbor who cares deeply about our community and is committed to making Holladay an even better place for all of us.
Let’s Work Together
Join me in making Holladay the same, only better. Our best days are always ahead—let’s build them together.
Thinking about fiscal responsibility—what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?
How do you feel about the current developments going in around Holladay?
Why is the Holladay Hills being allowed to develop these modern looking giants (when the original plans were to make them classy and more traditional like what’s being developed in downtown Holladay)?
Many residents reported concern for government oversight and transparency. What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met?
A responsible city budget should reflect the core values of safety, strong infrastructure, efficient government, and a community that people are proud to call home. For me, fiscal responsibility means using every dollar wisely and making sure residents see a clear return on their investment.
My first priority is maintaining a safe community. Public safety must always be fully funded. Next is protecting and improving our public assets and infrastructure, since roads, parks, and utilities are long-term investments that serve everyone.
Development should strengthen Holladay’s character, not erase it. I support balanced growth, but too many current projects rely on dense, generic urban-style designs that don’t reflect the timeless, traditional character of our neighborhoods.
Residents expected timeless, traditional architecture, not oversized modern blocks. Going forward, I will push for higher design standards, so future projects reflect Holladay’s appeal.
My Vision
I believe in building on what already works in Holladay. Together, we can strengthen our neighborhood, support local businesses, and ensure smart growth that preserves our city’s character. I’m dedicated and accountable leadership that you can trust.
Why Me?
I’m not a politician—I’m a community member who listens and acts. When I’m not working for you, I’m out skiing, mountain biking, or playing pickleball with friends.”
Holladay residents deserve to know how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are spent. I support clear reporting requirements for city finances and contracts, regular public updates on major projects, and easy online access to council records and meeting materials.
When transparency standards aren’t met, there must be a system of accountability. Elected officials should set the example by being accessible, responsive, and open with residents.
As a City Council member, I will work to ensure Holladay’s government continues to operate in the open, answer to its residents, and keep the public’s trust through consistent transparency and accountability.
Superintendent Hart’s first test: Navigating uncertainty in week one
State’s top educator remains agile during shifts in education reform.
By Julie Slama J.Slama@mycityjournals.com
Weekone didn’t go as expected.
Utah’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction Molly Hart faced an unexpected challenge when President Donald Trump’s administration froze education funds that were set to be dispersed.
“It was surprising he froze funds that had already been approved through Congress,” she said. “I was anticipating changes, but I was anticipating them moving forward. So, when those changes happened a week into my tenure, it threw a wrench in the kickoff.”
Hart, who previously served as executive director of Summit Academy Schools for two and one-half years, hadn’t planned to follow in the footsteps of former superintendent Sydnee Dickson, who served for nine years. At Summit and as vice chair of the Utah State Board of Education, she felt she had found her place—working directly with students and leading through change.
“When opportunity comes, you got to answer the door,” said the veteran educator from Sandy. “I didn’t ever really see myself leaving a school setting where there were kids and I could be involved in an actual school day. I thought I hit the sweet spot, but opportunity knocks and to make a difference at this level, and to make things happen, how do you turn that down? It’s an exciting opportunity.”
It’s now been two months since Hart, a former teacher who served as principal at Mt. Jordan and Albion middle schools, was sworn in as state superintendent. She and Dickson collaborated to ensure a smooth transition in June into the K–12 summer break.
“I stay moving from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. I haven’t even unpacked all my boxes. It’s back to school for USBE, just as it’s back to school for schools,” Hart said.
City Journals posed questions to Hart about key initiatives and pressing issues in education.
What was it like when the government froze funds?
The president was clear about his priorities all the way along. We did eventually get those funds, so districts are able to pay their summer programs’ and afterschool programs’ people.
A central tenet of Trump’s plan is to eliminate the federal department of education. Is it going to impact some of the programs, such as Title I schools and others?
There are three big federal education programs: the free and reduced lunch program, the Title I program and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or special education.
USDA already co-manages the lunch program along with department of education. The plan for the others, at one point, was to move them to other agencies, and the funding was to continue in some form. But other Title programs, like Title II (supporting effective instruction), Title III (language instruction for English learners and immigrant students) were the ones that were frozen. We’re now looking at the budget process moving forward for when we get federal funds. There are a lot of different timelines that intersect, and the U.S. Senate pushed back against some of the president’s proposals, so it’s just an evolving story with a shifting landscape. We have to stay agile, consider the information we have at any given time and be ready to improvise.
If the federal department of education fades away, is Utah OK to run our education system?
Many people don’t think it will completely fade away. The department of education may still exist, but it could be much smaller in size and scope. It would take congressional action for the department to “disappear.” Saying that, it was nowhere on my bingo card that funds would be frozen. And, there was nowhere on my bingo card that those funds would be unfrozen. What’s extraordinary about these times is the different paths and the uncertainty of the next action. The best thing I can do is help others prepare for contingencies. Utah is well positioned to manage and keep consistent educational opportunities for kids. The problem is always where the money comes from, when the money comes, and how the money comes, so whether it comes from the state or from local, or from federal, and how it comes, what kinds of strings are attached, what kinds of choices we get to make, and how it’s administered. It’s a new game — and all those spaces are changing at the same time. At the end of the day, our teachers and principals are going to open schools this fall, and they are going to give students the best education out there.
Share your top priorities.
It’s important to me that we get the various constituents together. There’s been a fracturing of communication in education, and we’ve become very polarized needlessly. As state superintendent, I can bring disparate groups of people together and create synergy. It’s important the USBE is responsive, efficient and meeting the needs of the various stakeholders and also, communicating accurate data and information to the legislature, to the field and throughout the agency. It’s important we find ways to increase student achievement and knowledge and students come away knowing how to solve problems and knowing how to meet the needs of communities in the future. That is our goal and it’s important to me that stakeholders come together and keep that in our sights. We’re an agency of the government. We serve the people. We are servant leaders. We need to do that efficiently and without wasting resources, and we need to do it transparently.
Utah has 70,000 students. Many teachers and principals are concerned about low attendance. How can USBE help?
Attendance is one of those things that can’t be solved with any one single approach. We’ve got to engage families and parents and understand why students aren’t coming to school and figure out where that disconnect is, and work on the experiences in school so that it’s a place students understand the need and what they get out of being there. It’s got to come from not just the education community, but communities at large and at the individual level. It is individual students and their parents making a choice each day whether or not they’re going to attend. We’ve got a toolbox to support districts as they identify barriers and work to remove them. As a former principal, I do know there’s a lot a school can do, but I also understand the limitations of what a school can do and where a district or a state agency or the legislature or a community agency can have considerable impact on student rights and attendance rates. One thing we can do is look at schools at higher attendance rates and figure out what’s different between those and schools where attendance is an issue. There’s just a lot packed into attendance. It’s not simply missing a resource like a textbook. We need to look at everything. Does it have to do with transportation? Does it have to do with illness? Does it have to do with online learning? Is it a family priority or is there a barrier? Could it also be a data issue? There are a lot of questions to be answered.
Seen here as principal of Albion Middle in 2023, Molly Hart plans to make it a point to listen to families, teachers and others as state superintendent of instruction. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
What are some challenges facing our students in schools?
The changing workforce and what the workforce is going to need and what students are going to need to be prepared for the workforce is a challenge. Education spends a lot of time working with workforce, higher ed and workforce services industry partners to understand their needs, what they’d like to see our graduates be equipped with. A couple years ago, students were studying computer programming or data science and there were 1 million jobs. Well, here comes AI, and maybe some of those pieces can be outsourced, and the data scientist needs to have a whole different set of skills. That rate of change is accelerating, so it’s always a moving target. There’s a lot of movement of students geographically and making sure students information get from point A to point B safely, so there’s continuity in services and students can pick up where they leave off, pick up in one place where they leave off in another. That’s a challenge as well.
You have said as an educator, you love hearing from parents, getting feedback and having those conversations. How are you going to do it now?
I’m working on creating listening groups and listening tours. As the school year gets started, I’ll be traveling around, coordinating and attending focus group meetings, along with state board members and legislators and community partners and districts, intentionally hearing those (parents’) voices and asking those questions. My plan is to ask the local legislators, the local board members and the state board member to be part of it and make sure as many people want to attend, can attend. There would be two meetings in the same community — one to listen to parents and hearing what they have to say, and then a second, listening to teachers and educators to get feedback there. (Once set, the schedule will be posted on the USBE website and communicated through local districts and through school community councils.)
Utah spends less than $10,000 per student (ranked last in the country). Is more needed? If so, how are you going to get more
and what is it needed for?
That is a huge question. We have to live within our means and if that’s what we get, then that’s what we get. We can’t spend more. Of course, we could use more, but it’s government money, which means it came from the people, so every time we ask for more, we’re asking people for it from their wallet. What’s most important is that we’re using the money we do have in the best way possible. I can ask, ‘What are we getting for the money that we do spend? Are there things we’re spending more on, that maybe were needs of the past, but are not current needs?’ We need to make sure money is going to the right places. We want to use the money we do have in the best way possible for the best outcome to set up our students for success, whatever success looks like for them and their families.
Utah students are pushing graduation rates close to 90%; how does that compare to national standards?
It’s amazing. When I go to national activities or conferences or gatherings, Utah has the envy of a lot of states. At a national conference, one of our staff members shared our teacher retention rate (91% average retained in a single year) and people in the room gasped. We are doing really great things in Utah and I’m proud of the work we do in our communities and at our state level, but you just don’t settle. You just don’t. We’re going to keep on doing great things for our kids and as new situations and new realities emerge in our communities and in our workforce, then we adjust our practices accordingly. We keep looking forward for those opportunities and those teachable moments.
Utah is ahead of the national average on test scores. Can Utah students do better?
I’m very proud of the work our families and students do. Of course, we can do better, and, of course, I want them to do better and I’m going to push them to do better. There’s always room to grow. I like to be a little relentless with pushing everyone to be better; we don’t ever quit on kids. We keep moving forward and putting one foot in front of the other. I’m never going to say, ‘We’ve arrived’ and ‘It’s good enough.’ l
With a history of involving all stakeholders, Molly Hart shares final plans for the new Mt. Jordan Middle School in 2013. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
From costumes to candy: the safety checklist every family needs
Halloween Safety 101: The Essential Guide for Parents and Homeowners.
By Holly Curby hello@hollycurby.com
With Halloween right around the corner, families are busy planning costumes, buying candy and decorating their homes. But amidst the excitement, safety should be a top priority. This festive night—meant for costumes and candy—can quickly take a dangerous turn if precautions aren’t taken. According to safety experts Judy Chavez from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Amy Bryant, Crime Prevention Specialist with Sandy City Police, Halloween is one of the riskiest nights of the year for children and families.
Here’s how you can enjoy the frightful fun without real scares.
Costume Safety: Keep it Fun and Flame-Free
“Costumes should fit properly—not too long, loose or baggy,” Chavez said. “Long, flowing fabric can lead to trips and falls or even become a fire hazard if it brushes up against open flames like in Jack-o’-lanterns.”
When choosing costumes:
• Opt for flame-resistant materials like polyester or nylon.
• Avoid sheer cotton or rayon, which are more flammable.
• Add reflective tape or glow sticks to ensure visibility at night.
• Use hypoallergenic makeup and remem-
ber to remove it before bedtime—especially for kids with sensitive skin.
Chavez added, “Costume safety isn’t just about fire. It’s about preventing falls, rashes and other injuries we see every Halloween.”
Home Security: Don’t Let the Wrong Goblin In
Bryant reminds homeowners that Halloween isn’t just busy for trick-or-treaters— criminals may be lurking, too. “Keep all doors and windows locked, whether you’re home or not,” Bryant said. “Don’t assume because it’s a family night that everyone has good intentions.”
Other tips:
• Don’t open the door to strangers if you’re not expecting them.
• Teach kids not to answer the door without an adult’s permission.
• Install deadbolt locks with a 1.5-inch throw for added security.
• Use long screws in strike plates for stronger resistance to forced entry.
And don’t forget the garage. “Garage doors left open are an open invitation,” Bryant said. “Close and lock them—and if you’re going out of town, unplug the garage opener entirely.”
Porch Pirates Beware: Protect Your Packages
Halloween kicks off the holiday season, which often includes more online shopping and deliveries. “Track your packages and get them off the porch as soon as they arrive,” Bryant said. “Porch pirates are waiting for a
Part 1: Stress-Free Halloween
chance to snatch them.”
Consider having packages delivered:
• To your workplace
• To a trusted neighbor
• To a secure community locker
Also, let trusted neighbors know if you’ll be out of town. “They can keep an eye on things, collect packages, and even roll out your trash bins to make it look like you’re home,” she added.
Trick-or-Treating: Safety on the Streets Trick-or-treating is a highlight of Halloween—but it also poses risks, especially after dark.
Bryant emphasized: “An adult should always accompany children. Even if they think they’re old enough, parents need to be nearby.” According to Chavez, the CPSC estimates 3,600 Halloween-related injuries occurred in recent years, many due to falls, allergic reactions and decoration-related accidents.
To stay safe:
• Use sidewalks and crosswalks—never jaywalk.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Equip costumes with flashlights, glow sticks or reflective gear.
• Choose well-lit neighborhoods and avoid poorly lit areas.
“Motorists, too, need to do their part,” Bryant said. “Drive slowly, keep headlights on, and be extra cautious in residential areas.”
Don’t Let Decorations Become a Disaster
That adorable Jack-o’-lantern on your
The holiday season brings excitement, gatherings, and changes to our routines, and while we’re decking the halls, it’s important to consider how all the hustle and bustle impacts our dogs, too. That’s why we’re launching a special three-part series to help Pet Parents prepare their pups for the upcoming holidays, starting with Halloween!
• Costumes & Comfort: Make sure your dog enjoys the costume as much as you: check for signs of stress, keep it breathable, and avoid anything covering the face or paws.
• Doorbell Drama: Frequent knocking and doorbells can spike anxiety. Offer a calm retreat zone, like a crate, with a chew toy and white noise.
• Trick-or-Treating: Not all dogs are up for the hustle and bustle. For social pups, reflective gear and leash training are a must. Don’t forget, these weird “human traditions” may not make sense to your pup, so anxiety may be extra high.
• Candy Caution: Keep chocolate and xylitol (in sugar-free gum/candy) far out of reach — and inform guests, especially kids, not to feed human treats to your dog, even when they’re being extra cute.
porch? It might be a fire risk.
“If you use candles, never leave them unattended,” Chavez said. “Better yet, opt for battery-operated LED candles.”
Also:
• Bring in pumpkins and outdoor décor at the end of the night.
• Avoid leaving anything out that can be vandalized or used dangerously.
• Monitor any electrical decorations for exposed wires or overloading outlets.
Have Fun, Stay Safe
Halloween is meant to be fun—not hazardous. With the right precautions, families can enjoy the thrills of the season without becoming part of the injury statistics. As Chavez puts it, “It’s about making smart choices. We want Halloween to be memorable for the right reasons.” l
Pirate costumes prepped for a safe night of trickor-treating (photo credits: Jim Harding)
Spooky geology: A look at the mysterious ideas about stone and the paranormal
The Rio Grande Depot has been the subject of numerous haunting stories, most famously the legend of the “Purple Lady.” The Stone Tape theory attempts to explain why some locations seem to be more haunted than others.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Whatif a building could remember every moment, every story and every experience that’s happened within its walls?
The Denver and Rio Grande Western Depot, constructed in 1910 in Salt Lake City, is known as one of the most beautiful and haunted buildings in Utah. Its exterior features a 5-foothigh base made of rare Colorado Yule marble complemented by brick and terra cotta above the marble base as well as a red tile roof. The interior of the depot is adorned with elegant marble finishes sourced from Kansas City. The combination of brick and stone construction provides the perfect medium for residual hauntings, which are often explained by the Stone Tape Theory. This theory suggests certain materials can “record” events that occur around them, serving as a common explanation for ghost sightings and apparitions.
The pseudoscientific Stone Tape Theory suggests that traumatic events can leave an imprint in stone, rock and brick. These materials
are believed to be particularly effective at recording past events, which then can be “played back” like a recording. Limestone is considered the most effective of these materials. Marble, being a metamorphic rock derived from limestone, shares similar chemical properties, making it also highly effective in capturing past events. Sensitive individuals may be more attuned to the energy emanating from the stone in buildings, which could explain why only some people have experienced paranormal activity in the Rio Grande Depot.
The Stone Tape theory attempts to explain why certain locations seem to be more haunted than others, as well as why similar events tend to repeat in specific hauntings. It also provides insight into a common type of paranormal experience. Witnesses at the depot have reported seeing figures engaged in their daily activities, hearing disembodied sounds such as footsteps running down the hall, doors slamming, an emergency telephone ringing at 3 a.m., and lights turning on and off. Additionally, there have been sightings of a distressed woman dressed in purple in the second-floor ladies’ restroom, who has also been seen frequently near the café.
“While working in the Rio Grande offices, I never personally experienced anything out of the ordinary,” Deputy Director of the Utah Historical Society Kevin Fayles said in a recent conversation. “However, others have reported hearing the sound of running footsteps in the basement hallway. Also, I have an image
of purple mist on the mirror in the ladies’ restroom, taken by a former employee. Another photo I have is looking down a hallway, where you see three faint figures. The building’s age could contribute to the feeling that it is haunted. I definitely wouldn’t want to be alone in the building at night.”
The Stone Tape Theory is compelling, but is backed by little scientific evidence. However, it does offer some explanation as to why individuals who have worked at the Rio Grande Depot have experienced similar events in the exact same locations.
An employee told Fayles that the Purple
Lady was the creation of a former historical society colleague who had worked there long before Fayles took a position with the society. Apparently, the woman who invented the story believed that every train station should have a legendary ghost story. So, she fabricated a tale about a raven-haired beauty dressed in a purple pillbox hat, dress and matching heels. The story goes that the woman died under a train while trying to retrieve her engagement ring, that had been thrown on the tracks by her angry lover. As reported in local media, the building has been the subject of numerous investigations including ghost hunters, psychic mediums and
BUILDING HOLLADAY’S FUTURE WITH VISION AND LEADERSHIP
Looking down a basement hallway, where three faint figures are visible. (Photo courtesy Kevin Fayles)
by a Wiccan. The investigative findings fell a bit
of explaining the
occurrences experienced by several employees at the Rio Grande Café.
Cafe staff have reported unusual incidents, such as hearing a woman singing in the bathroom when the building was closed, experiencing flickering and turning off of lights, and receiving a 3 a.m. call from an emergency phone located in an empty elevator.
Also, Utah Department of Heritage & Arts Communication Director of Communications Josh Loftin noted that people have reported hearing footsteps on the upstairs balcony, sounds of talking or music playing, ghostly sightings upstairs and even alarms going off unexpectedly.
Paranormal historian Troy Taylor, author of more than 150 books on history, hauntings, true crime and host of the popular podcast “American Hauntings,” suggests that the vast majority of the paranormal cases he has been involved in have perfectly natural explanations. He says, “It is easy to feed off one another’s fears and literally ‘invent’ a haunted house.” Although he admits, “I have been involved in some cases that did puzzle me and left me feeling that the location really was haunted.” He says to keep in mind, “When investigating a paranormal event, activity rarely occurs during an investigation.”
Residual hauntings can attempt to explain most of the haunting activities that have been reported at the depot. Digging a little deeper, though, what about the water taps that turn on and refuse to turn off, reported by an employee or the Rio Grande Depot Café employee who
said she was repeatedly locked out of the building late at night with no explanation, or cold spots in the building with no apparent cause for the low temperature? And the most pressing question: Will the new renovation of the depot stir up even more haunting activity?
Jeff Hymas, Utah Department of Government Operations executive communications director said, “For more than five years, extensive efforts have been undertaken at the Rio Grande Depot to assess the damage caused by a March 2020 earthquake, and to make the necessary repairs. As part of this process, the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management is working to ensure the restoration of the building’s structural integrity and to protect against future seismic activity. The building remains closed to the public while construction activities continue.”
According to paranormal belief, renovations in a haunted building can sometimes disturb spirits and lead to a significant increase in paranormal activity. While there is no scientific evidence to support this idea, many homeowners have shared ghost stories that describe this phenomenon. One common theory is that renovations can unsettle spirits that are attached to the building. The changes may feel like an invasion to an entity that considers the building its home, leading to the spirit becoming restless or agitated.
On January 7, 2021, Adrienne White, owner of House Genealogy, began renovating her newly purchased historic home in Sugar House. While working in the basement, White and her sister encountered an inexplicable, almost paranormal, occurrence: an unidentifiable
noise resonated through the house. Quickly returning upstairs, they found nothing out of place nor evidence of an intruder. The experience prompted her sister to search for information about White’s home, which led to the discovery of an obituary for a woman who had passed in the house on January 7, 1976—exactly 45 years from the day the renovation had begun.
“I’m not a nonbeliever in paranormal activity, but I don’t believe 100% either. However, my sister sending me the obituary changed my life,” White said. “It sparked my curiosity about the people and events that came before us, prompting me to explore the history of my home and other homes throughout the city. Amazed and fulfilled by what I uncovered about my home, I launched House Genealogy
in February 2022.”
According to Jerod Johnson, a principal for the structural engineering firm Reavley Engineers, the Rio Grande Depot suffered severe damage from the 5.7 magnitude earthquake in 2020. Those involved in the renovation project have stated it could require “several years” to complete.
It may be quite some time before it is known whether the Rio Grande Depot experiences a significant increase in paranormal activity as a result of the current renovation. When the doors reopen to the Rio Grande Depot, the suspense surrounding this possibility will welcome both the curious and the brave to explore its intriguing hauntings further. l
An image of purple mist on the mirror in the ladies’ restroom, taken by a former Utah Historical Society employee. (Photo courtesy Kevin Fayles)
The Power of Human Connection in Salt Lake County
Utah
is in a paradox. We are known as one of the most social states in the nation, yet our residents also report some of the highest feelings of loneliness. State health surveys show that nearly one in four Utah teens in 2023 and about 6% of adults in 2021 said they often or always felt, “People are around me but not with me.” That’s a sobering reminder that being surrounded by people is not the same as feeling connected to them.
The U.S. Surgeon General defines loneliness as the distress of not having adequate meaningful connections, while social isolation is the objective lack of social roles, relationships or interaction. Both are harmful. Loneliness raises the risk of premature death by 26%, and social isolation by 29%. Utah data show youth are particularly vulnerable, with loneliness peaking around 10th grade. At the other end of life, older adults may report less loneliness, but many live alone or are less socially active, leaving them isolated—and at increased health risk— even if they say they feel fine.
It’s not all bad news. Among adults, reported loneliness has risen from 5% in
2019 to 16% in 2024. While that increase seems alarming, some experts believe it reflects growing awareness. More people are recognizing that connection matters, which may encourage them to seek help or create new relationships. Meanwhile, Utah’s highest years for suicides (2017) and overdose deaths (2022) are behind us, with rates trending slightly down. We should not ignore loneliness, but perhaps our awareness is a hopeful step toward stronger, healthier communities.
Addressing loneliness requires all of us. Parents can set the stage at home by turning off screens, setting aside phones, listening closely, and modeling the conversations they hope their children will have with others. Simple family meals
and one-on-one time give youth safe spaces to share what they’re really experiencing.
Schools and businesses also play a role. Policies that encourage real connection—team projects, buddy systems, carpools, phone-free zones or mentoring programs—help students and employees build relationships that strengthen both well-being and performance. Identifying at-risk youth early and linking them with mentors can make a world of difference.
Local governments can create environments where connection naturally happens. Parks, libraries, recreation centers and public transportation all serve as “third spaces” where neighbors can meet. Programs like Salt Lake County’s Free Youth Rec Passes, summer events, farmers markets and free-fare zones lower barriers and invite people to gather. These aren’t just amenities; they are investments in the health and strength of our community.
Faith groups, sports teams and even traditions around food and gathering offer additional pathways. Whether it’s cheering together in the stands, sharing
a meal or volunteering at church, these experiences weave the fabric of community life. With creativity, we can support system-level changes that expand these opportunities in healthy ways.
In the end, the responsibility rests with each of us. Teens can choose to include someone sitting alone. Adults can prioritize friendships, check in on a neighbor or carve out time for family. Older adults can accept invitations or invite others into their routines. Each of these choices is small, but collectively they build the kind of community Salt Lake County is known for—caring, connected and resilient.
So I encourage you to pause and ask yourself: Am I truly connecting or just surrounded? Whether you are a student, a parent, a business leader or a retiree, you have the power to strengthen the web of relationships that hold us all together. In Salt Lake County, our greatest strength doesn’t come from policies or programs alone—it comes from people. When we choose connection, we choose health, hope and a brighter future for our community.
2025 City Journals
BLOCK PARTY!
Aimee
Life and Laughter - Magic is a Superpower
Back in the day, it didn’t take much to be labeled a witch. Did you own a cat? Witch. Did you have a birthmark? Witch. Did you use herbs, wear a cape, know how to read or lure children into your gingerbread-flavored home so you could eat them for dinner? Witch.
I’m just saying, the bar was low. Starting in the 1450s, witch hysteria swept across Europe, lasting for centuries. Intense warfare, hardship, famine and disease meant only one thing: it was time to burn the witches, because obviously.
Nearly 60,000 people were tried and killed as witches. More than 80% were women and 60% were over the age of 40. It was a gendercide that wiped out generations of women. Many were healers, midwives, widows and property owners.
They’d reached a time in their lives where they were fine being alone, with maybe a cat or two. They just wanted a nice broom, a boiling cauldron of soup and a Pinterest board of “Witchy Reads.”
Many women step into their power once they hit 40, but give women power and there’s going to be trouble. Killing the older generations meant wisdom was lost forever, which is probably why we have mini golf sets for the toilet.
Like Labubu and Meta (and just as
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
diabolical), witch trials were big business. Women were arrested, property was seized and people flocked to churches because no one wants to accidentally sell their soul to Beelzebub.
The witch trials also created a disconnection between women; a fear of gathering, the angst of being seen as a “coven” when all you wanted to do was watch the “Real Housewives of Salem.” Women stopped socializing because having a friend for tea could end in a hanging. (And you thought your book club was stressful.)
I’m a lover of all things witchy, a devotee of strong women using their magic for good. A witch is a woman who speaks truth to power, without shame. Imagine a combination of Dolly Parton, Oprah Winfrey and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman so powerful even the Puritans would have been like, “Nope, not today.”
You see, a witch hunt creates a cul-
ture that undervalues women. When you describe women as shrill, chatty, feisty, mousey, sassy, emotional, slutty, hysterical, irrational or hormonal, those words strip away power.
How many of these words are used to describe men? Almost zero. At the worst, men get labeled as “grumpy,” and somehow that becomes “distinguished.”
There’s still a witch hunt going on today. Saying “women’s rights” to certain groups triggers frothing at the mouth and a call for the ducking stool.
Women want to be believed, heard and have the ability to live without violence or discrimination. We want affordable physical and mental health care, an equal wage and respect. Is that insane, deranged, unhinged or any other word used to lock women up in asylums, as recently as 1967?
A witch stands on her own. She embraces her age, her knowledge and her intuition, without fear. It’s not surprising that interest in witchy practices is rising. You can learn spells on TikTok, craft a voodoo doll on YouTube and banish your ex to the depths of Detroit using a candle, cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Science, obviously.
For women who have felt disenfranchised in their communities, religions and
workplaces, witchy practices are a way to find their power. It isn’t an excuse to turn women into barbecue.
I associate magic with creation, and women are the ultimate creators. Women are magic, able to run empires, sing lullabies and look fabulous in a cape. Do you need someone to change the world for the better? Find a witch.
MEET DR. HARARAH, M.D.
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A firm believer in the biopsychosocial approach, Dr. Hararah views patients as complex individuals whose lives and experiences shape their healthcare. Known for his compassionate care and dedication, he listens intently, prioritizes your well-being, and works to find the best diagnosis and treatment plan.
As the owner of Blackstone Medical, Dr. Hararah is committed to helping you achieve your best health.
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