FINCH opens its doors, giving unsheltered families a place to land
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
17,000 children were homeless in Utah from 2022 to 2023.
Michelle Flynn took a moment to soak it all in. As The Road Home CEO, Flynn was on hand for the opening of the Family Interim Non-Congregate Housing program, or FINCH, in South Salt Lake (315 W. 3300 South). The shelter will provide stable, interim housing for up to 85 families.
FINCH offers private, furnished rooms at no cost, in a safe environment, while allocating resources to help families find permanent housing.
“Our team members know better than anyone what it means to tell a family with children that we do not have any room for them,” Flynn said. “This is a momentous day that we are celebrating for our team, for families in need in our community and for our entire community.”
Previously a Motel 6, the renovated FINCH facility includes a dining area with meals, a community room, case management and therapy resources, a laundry facility, secured parking, ADA rooms and even a pet area. Each of the 85 rooms is furnished with beds, a table and chairs, a microwave and a refrigerator. A crib can be requested if needed.
FINCH is the first non-congregate shelter for families in Utah and it already has a waiting list. The Connie Crosby Family Resource Center in Midvale (529 9th Ave.) can house families, but not in private rooms like the new FINCH shelter, and it is filled to capacity, along with other homeless shelters in the state.
Between 2023 and 2024, families with children showed a 39% increase in homelessness, based on a 2024 report by the Utah Office of Homeless Services. Estimates show nearly
“We’re excited for the 85 families that we’ll be helping to get out of their cars and get out of scary, scary situations,” said SSL Mayor Cherie Wood. “We’re a community committed to ensuring that all residents are safe…I strongly believe, and I think many of you agree with me, that no parent should experience the inability to provide shelter for their family.”
Fourth Street Clinic’s mobile bus will offer health care at FINCH and children will attend school as part of the Granite School District. Families can also access Promise SSL, which provides childcare, teen programs, community engagement and career training.
As homelessness continues to grow, it’s getting harder to find cities and communities willing to step up and support shelters in local neighborhoods. The lack of affordable housing, skyrocketing living costs, low-wage jobs, domestic violence, job loss and situational emergencies all contribute to high rates of family homelessness.
“Children, especially, need stability in a less chaotic environment so they can thrive,” Wood said. “This new non-congregate model is exciting. It’s exciting to see what it will do for these families. We, as a community, have built an infrastructure of after-school programs and cradle-to-career work in our community. We feel like we are the right community to help these families navigate a really tough time.”
The Road Home has a long history of serving families in Salt Lake communities, going back to 1988. After it became apparent that mixing families with other unsheltered patrons was causing problems, the Midvale shelter was opened. Now, families can find safe accommodations at FINCH.
Emily Wegner, The Road Home board president, said a two-bedroom apartment in Utah averages nearly $1,400 a month. The state’s minimum wage of $7.25 per hour makes it difficult for many families to afford housing, even if both parents work full-time jobs.
“In spite of these challenging conditions, last year, The Road Home was able to move 178 families out of shelter; that’s 639 individuals into stable housing,” Wegner said. “The goal of The Road Home is to connect families with housing and that means making sure that it’s sustainable when they move out of shelter, making sure that they have the appropriate support necessary to integrate into our communities. I truly believe our communities are richer
for it.”
The ribbon-cutting was attended by dignitaries and donors, including Shelter the Homeless Board President Josh Romney, Utah Office of Homeless Services Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Niederhauser, Larry H. Miller Company Owner Gail Miller, Shelter the Homeless Executive Director Laurie Hopkins and Midvale Mayor Dustin Gettel.
“We’re so grateful, and this is a day to celebrate, but we know we can do better in keeping families in their own homes, and that’s what’s next,” Flynn said. “So this is the start to the next phase of what we’re going to do in our community to help keep families safe in their homes.”
South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood cuts the ribbon to open the FINCH shelter in the renovated Motel 6 at 315 W. 3300 South. The event celebrates the first shelter in Utah designed specifically for families.
Kinder/City Journals)
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Enjoy a Safe, Healthy, Active Summer
By Vincent Giron, DO
With summer here and everyone wanting to spend time outdoors and to be more active, there are four important health and safety tips that I recommend for all age groups and activity levels.
1. Stay hydrated. The No. 1 priority for summer safety is proper hydration before and after activity. Drinking lots of water and reducing the amount of caffeinated drinks is crucial for hydration. Adding electrolytes such as sports drinks is also helpful while avoiding excess sugar. Zero sugar or diet electrolyte sports drinks and hydration packs are an easy way to do this.
2. Use sunscreen. Sunscreen is crucial not only for skin health but can help with hydration as well. Sunburns put you at higher risk for dehydration. Applying sunscreen and reapplying frequently especially while swimming, playing sports, and hiking keeps your skin healthy and protected. Being conscientious about sun exposure helps prevent skin cancer, wrinkles, skin
discolorations and will help to keep your skin looking and feeling young.
3. Wear a helmet. Summer is a great time to go outdoors riding bikes, scooters and other fun activities while getting exercise. But anytime we bike, scoot, skate or participate in any riding activity, it is imperative to wear a helmet. No matter how short your ride is, you need to protect your brain. It only takes one fall or accident to cause permanent brain damage or life-long disability.
4. Stretch. People of all ages and activity levels from youth sports to the weekend warrior need to be stretching before and after activity. In the summer it is easy to skip the warm-up when exercising or playing sports because the warmer temperatures make us feel ready to go; however our muscles are still tight and are just as prone to injury as in the colder months. Taking the time to warm up by gradually stretching our muscles not only helps prevent injury but promotes muscle building and endurance. Stretching is especially im-
portant for elderly individuals. Stretching also helps reduce aches and pains as well as improve mobility and stability, which decrease the risk of falls.
Exercise is important for all ages. Summer is a great time to increase your level of activity. Exercise, especially outdoors, promotes physical as well as mental health and wellbeing. I hope we can all get outside, spend time with family and friends, and most of all, stay safe and healthy!
Dr. Vincent Giron is a CommonSpirit Health family medicine physician specializing in sports medicine. He is accepting new patients. His clinic is located at CommonSpirit Primary Care & Sports Medicine West Valley at 3336 S. 4155 W., Ste. 102 in West Valley. Phone:801-964-3925. He accepts most insurances.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
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Mark
New justice court judge wants to make a difference in his courtroom
Flores, South Salt Lake’s new justice court judge, wants to be known as a fair judge.
By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
South Salt Lake’s new justice court judge Mark Flores’ first priority is ensuring that people in his courtroom are treated fairly.
“My family has always believed that we’re supposed to stick up for other people, look out for other people, speak up when we think there’s an injustice being done or a problem that needs to be fixed,” he said.
As a justice court judge, Flores has a heavy caseload but despite that challenge it is essential to treat everyone who comes before him with respect, he said.
As a judge, “I think the most important thing is to be respectful and thoughtful about the people who come into this court,” he said. “For many of them it will be their one and only time that they come into contact with the criminal justice system. And I think it’s important that they feel respected, that they feel that they were treated fairly, and that there was a just outcome. I think that’s the primary goal.”
“The secondary goal is to recognize the bigger picture, that there needs to be a perception that this is a neutral courtroom, that I don’t have any vested interest in prosecuting the case or defending the case,” he added. “I’m here just to hear the facts as they’re presented to me, and to try and ensure that whatever plea bargain is reached, or whatever sentence is reached, is fair and just within the confines of the law.”
Flores brings significant legal experience to his new role. He has a BA in political science from Utah State University and a doctorate from Howard University’s School of Law. He was in private practice for 23 years during which he served as a public defender in Vernal for seven years. After the traveling became too much, Flores worked briefly in the Salt Lake City prosecutor’s office. He then served as an assistant Salt Lake County district attorney from August 2024 until he was sworn in to his current position in February. While those experiences were valuable, it was his time in Vernal that taught him the most about public service, he said.
“It’s really an opportunity to understand a commu-
nity so much better, or at least to understand some of the challenges that a community is facing so much better than when you’re in private practice,” he said.
Flores did not expect to serve as a judge; in fact he actively rejected the idea at one point.
“That was never one of my goals, but I did have an opportunity to work in front of several judges that I had a lot of respect for,” he said.
One of those was Judge Clark McClellan of the Eighth District Court in Vernal who urged Flores to consider the idea.
“He kept talking to me about it and talking to me about it, and eventually I started thinking, ‘Well, maybe,
maybe that is another way to accomplish the things that I think are important to accomplish within the criminal justice system,’” Flores said.
Flores understands that those who come before him are often nervous and fearful, but he advises them to ask questions anyway.
“Especially people who are there for the first time, they don’t want to be perceived as a criminal or as a bad person, and I think that creates a lot of anxiety,” he said. “I try to engage with them in a way that is not threatening, in hopes that it brings down some of the anxiety. Ask me questions when I explain your rights to you, and I explain the penalties that you’re facing and you don’t understand them. Ask, ask 100 times I don’t care.”
“The most important thing I think, for a defendant to do, whether they’re asking to set the case over because they want to prove that they didn’t commit the crime, or at least force the city to prove that they did, or they’re entering a plea agreement that day, is to make those decisions with as much of an understanding of the process as they can,” he said.
In addition to his public service, Flores has provided legal representation to several NFL players over the years. He became a registered NFL agent while representing some Utah State University football players after a 2010 legal issue.
“During that time, I got to know a lot of the players, and I’m starting to watch some of them, you know, getting opportunities to play in the NFL, and I just thought, ‘Well, I can represent these guys,’” he said.
Among those he has represented is Washington Commanders’ Marcus Kemp, a Layton native who has also played for the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants.
Flores has put all that on hold while he focuses on his position with South Salt Lake but does not rule out the possibility that he will return to it sometime in the future. In the meantime he plans to do his best as a justice court judge.
“I’m approaching this job with the hope and expectation that that people are going to come here and be treated fairly and respectfully, and I’m going to do my absolute best to be a neutral person in this, and I’m going to respect the rights of the defendant,” he said. l
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South Salt Lake’s new justice court judge, Mark Flores, seen here with the court administrator Lisa Forrester, seeks to serve the public in his new position. (Photo courtesy SSL)
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HawkWatch International hosts special student-led conservation night to benefit birds of prey
HawkWatch international, a leading conservation group that focuses on birds of prey, held a special Earth Day celebration where students were able to demonstrate what they’ve learned. The evening included live raptors, as excited benefactors and community members looked on. The ultimate goal of the evening’s program, Closing the Nature Gap, is to help cultivate excitement in the field of conservation.
By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com
Another Earth Day has come and gone, yet the lessons and knowledge students obtained from HawkWatch International’s Closing the Nature Gap program continues to endure.
Closing the Nature Gap is a program championed by HawkWatch International, designed to put students in the driver’s seat of their own learning process. Essentially, students in the program undergo several weeks of learning, before transitioning into a teaching role for the event.
What exactly is it that these students are learning about? In the case of this specific program, it’s birds of prey, also referred to as raptors. Similar programs have taken place in the past, and many of them have been used as reference points for this newest iteration. However, all of them have been championed by HawkWatch.
While HawkWatch oversees the nuts and bolts of the program, at its core, it truly is a unified effort thanks to institutions like the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) program and mainstay community philanthropists like The George. S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation and the David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation.
These benefactors were also invited to take part in the festivities and see “how this collaboration is creating the next generation of conservation leaders,” said Kirsten Elliott, the development and communications director at HawkWatch International.
Per their mission statement, programs like Closing the Nature Gap are designed to, “[empower] young learners to connect with nature, build confidence, and spark a lifelong passion for conservation.”
For 35 years HawkWatch International has been an important name in the world of conservation. Their focus is raptors, a series of hypercarnivores bird species that actively hunt and feed on other vertebrates like mammals and smaller birds. HawkWatch quickly filled an important space, as prior to their inception, there was little data regarding raptor migration patterns in the Western United States.
Today, HawkWatch continues to not only fill in the blanks when it comes to mapping the data, but they’re also working toward creating the next generation of enthusiasts.
“We started 35 years ago, just as a migration network and we really didn’t do anything else until much later, and now we have an international program, we have multiple science departments, a huge community science program, and so I think it’s that diversity that will allow us to move into the next stages,” explained Nikki Wayment, HawkWatch International’s executive director.
It’s a really neat program where students at the Historic Scott School become the teachers after learning about birds of prey for several weeks.
Kirsten Elliot
Closing the Nature Gap is one of the programs that HawkWatch uses to excite students about conservation efforts and mold a next generation of enthusiasts.
“It’s a really neat program where students at the Historic Scott School become the teachers after learning about birds of prey for several weeks,” Elliott said.
The Historic Scott School has been an integral part of the program, as they hosted the most recent Closing the Nature Gap evening.
Per their website “[The Historic Scott School] is the oldest continuously operating school in the state of Utah, and South Salt Lake is proud to be the steward of this institutional campus through the Historic Scott School Community Center. The campus was the founding site of Granite High School, gradually growing and changing to become home to another Promise South Salt Lake Center and a community center for the arts.”
With help from ZAP funds, in 2009, the school was acquired by the city of South Salt Lake, relinquishing Granite School District’s control.
For a few years now, HawkWatch International has jumpstarted their Closing the Nature Gap program with a series of events. This year, it happened on Earth Day, where students of the program got to demonstrate their knowledge. Live birds of prey were present alongside students, who shared the knowledge they’ve accumulated throughout the duration of the program. The event also served as an opportunity for HawkWatch International to showcase their working relationship with Promise South Salt Lake.
According to their website, “Promise South Salt Lake is a department of the city of South Salt Lake that provides dynamic, highly specialized community and out-ofschool-time programming in 14 programs, at 12 locations throughout our City.” It further explained that “It is our commitment to give all youth and families in our community the opportunity to succeed in life. Our programs are free, open to all, and emphasize equity, diversity and putting children first. Promise SSL serves anyone who lives, learns, works, plays and prays in South Salt Lake.”
One of the focal points of the Earth Day evening was to discuss the Endangered Species Act and why it’s important. “Without the ESA, the peregrine falcon and the bald eagle, the United States’ national bird, may have disappeared from our country,” said HawkWatch presenters.
Students and HawkWatch representatives continued to discuss the ESA, and why it matters so significantly in the context of helping promote conservation. “When a species is listed as endangered, the ESA ensures that the species receives the attention and protection it needs. It triggers legal actions, including preventing the ‘take’ or killing of the species, protecting critical habitat, requiring multiple government agencies to create recovery plans, and providing financial support to other organizations, like HWI, which can provide additional resources to the cause,” said HawkWatch presenters.
Ultimately, the event made clear the importance of legal protections, collaborations, community support and the education of young minds. When it comes to the future, it’s these very students who will carry the baton, and help to ensure that birds of prey are able to thrive in their environment. As HawkWatch explained, “By creating a healthier environment for wildlife, we also create a healthier environment for people.” l
Live birds of prey were featured at HawkWatch International’s Closing the Nature Gap evening. (HawkWatch International)
Muralists transform South Salt Lake with a colorful vision.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
MuralFest has transformed South Salt Lake into Utah’s largest open-air gallery. In May, the city celebrated its eighth festival with 13 new murals added to the Creative Industries Zone, painted by local, national and international artists.
Organizers sifted through hundreds of artist applications before selecting this year’s muralists. Peggy Flavin, Michael Murdock, Gomad, Osiris Rain, Angie Jerez, RISK, Wingchow, Fabián Rey, Sandra Fettingis, TOOFLY, Mantra and Connor Weight each added their artistic flair to the city’s landscape.
Texas-based muralist Daas was invited back to this year’s festival after he painted the south side of SSL’s City Hall last year. He was asked to paint the north- and west-facing walls to finish the project at 220 E. Morris Avenue, where City Hall is visible from I-80.
“It feels wonderful to be invited back. It’s a big honor,” Daas said. “It’s a city hall building, so there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that. To be chosen for my style of artwork and to do that on such an important building is pretty awesome…Now
SSL Mural Fest offers a brush with brilliance
it’s this big beacon that shows how much they’re dedicated to the arts in South Salt Lake. There’s a lot of skin in the game when you paint City Hall.”
Osiris Rain and Gomad created complementary panels on the Bowers Residences parking garage (55 W. Utopia Avenue). Rain is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and applied for several years before getting the nod for this year’s event. He trained at the Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, honing his skills under master artists.
He and Gomad have waited several years to collaborate, so when the opportuni-
ty to paint at this year’s Mural Fest came up, they jumped at the chance.
“These are the Bowers Residences, so we played on the bowerbird,” Rain said.
“The male makes this intricate nest…and the idea was to play along with this courtship. Gomad designed the female figure, I designed a male figure and they’re sort of dancing back and forth. We want to keep it loose. Not overly literal. More poetic.”
Mantra is a French street artist, inspired by nature, especially butterflies. His mural on the south side of One Burton Apartments (2400 S. Main Street) depicts a collection
Students create a mural for One Kind Act a Day
Youth mural celebrates South Salt Lake’s City of Kindness status.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
With each brushstroke, young muralists from Woodrow Wilson Elementary in South Salt Lake (2567 S. Main St.) created a powerful message of kindness, connection and community. In partnership with One Kind Act a Day and South Salt Lake, local muralist Connor Weight helped students involved in Promise SSL’s after-school program paint a mural as a reminder to create a more caring world.
Weight worked with students before the event, identifying what they considered to be symbols of kindness. The kids wanted to include smiley faces, hearts, stars, suns, flowers and birds. Weight incorporated their ideas into the mural design, then prepared the mural and let the kids paint those symbols onto the wall. As a finishing touch, each child also added their handprint to the mural.
“I just want them to have fun,” Weight said. “I want them to come and feel like this is a cool experience to have. I’d love for them to pull something away from it and gain some experience and get some art experience.”
The collaboration was part of the buildup to SSL’s Mural Fest, intending to infuse young energy into the event and foster a new generation of artists in the community. The kindness theme was a nod to Mayor Cherie Wood pro-
claiming SSL a “City of Kindness” in March.
Actively working with One Kind Act a Day, city officials hope to promote kindness and inclusion to residents and want the mural to reflect that goal.
“At One Kind Act a Day, we believe there is no better initiative than one that brings together school children, vibrant paint, a professional muralist and the full support of an entire city,” said Curtis Bennett, executive director of One Kind Act a Day.
Students were excited to contribute to one of the city’s murals and many have aspirations about becoming artists themselves. They enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with their friends, learning more about mural painting.
“My mom does art, too,” said 11-year-old Leah. “She does her own type of art, like pictures of a marshmallow head and she paints trees. I like to do art, too. I like to draw people and do sketches.”
The mural is located south of SSL City Hall (220 E. Morris Ave.) on the wall separating the parking lot and Whitlock Park. For more information about the artist, visit ConnorWeight.com.
“South Salt Lake recognizes the importance of investing in its youth, understanding that they will soon become the leaders of tomorrow,” Bennett said. “By helping our children embrace kindness today, we empower them to carry it forward into adulthood. The mural they create will stand as a lasting tribute, a daily reminder of the beautiful example our children set for all to follow.” l
of seven butterflies that can be found in the area.
“I hope it can reflect, not just the diversity of the richness, but this ecosystem you have here, specific to Utah,” he said. “I hope it can speak to people from 7 to 77.”
Lesly Allen has served as the SSL Arts Council Executive Arts Director and is co-founder of SSL’s Mural Fest. While she is no longer in charge of the event, she still helps select and manage the artists. She said the goal of the festival is to create 100 murals in 10 years and organizers are right on target to hit that goal.
The festival is intended to revitalize neighborhoods, encourage creative placemaking, bring pride to the community and enhance public spaces. Event attendees followed the Mural Fest map to find the new paintings and visit with artists. Food trucks, live music and vendor booths were located at West Temple and Bower Street. For more information, visit themuralfest.com.
“It’s been amazing to see how South Salt Lake, the mayor, the city council and the community just really support it,” Allen said. “It’s been fun seeing it grow every year, with the number of artists who want to participate and the businesses that let us paint their walls. They’re so trusting. It’s fun to drive through the city and see all the different murals and the variety of talent and so many different artists from all over the world.” l
Located at Delvies Plastics (2340 S. West Temple), Wingchow’s mural is a cosmic garden of flowers, planets, bright colors and whimsy. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Connor Weight (center) gets paint ready for students to work on the One Kind Act a Day youth mural, located south of SSL City Hall. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Bradshaw trades council seat for bigger office and bigger headaches
Arlyn Bradshaw steps down from county council to join Mayor Jenny Wilson’s administration.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
After14 years of public service, Salt Lake County Councilmember Arlyn Bradshaw has announced his resignation from the council, effective May 14, to assume the role of Associate Deputy Mayor for Finance and Administration under Mayor Jenny Wilson. Bradshaw, who has represented District 1 (West Valley, South Salt Lake, and Salt Lake City) since 2010, will now oversee significant initiatives, including the relocation of the county government center to Midvale, the reconstruction of the Salt Palace Convention Center and the implementation of compensation reforms within the county government.
Reflecting on his tenure, Bradshaw said, “It has been an honor to serve the residents of District 1 for over 14 years on the county council. I take seriously the trust our community placed in me and have worked diligently to be an effective representative.”
Bradshaw made history in 2010 as the first openly gay person elected to the Salt Lake County Council. During his time in office, he championed numerous initiatives,
including the establishment of air quality programs like wood-burning restrictions, transgender rights and financial support for low-income individuals to repair high-polluting vehicles. He also advocated for improved transportation infrastructure, supporting the development of regional trails and urban bike paths.
“I’m proud of the work I have done on behalf of my LGBTQ community, individuals in need of substance use and mental health services, and public health. I worked hard to make Salt Lake County a vibrant place to live and visit,” Bradshaw said.
In addition to his council duties, Bradshaw served on multiple boards, such as the Visit Salt Lake Executive Board, the Utah State Transparency Advisory Board, and the Salt Lake City Airport Advisory Board. He also held the position of board chair for the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake County.
Mayor Jenny Wilson expressed her appreciation for Bradshaw’s continued commitment to public service:
“Arlyn brings deep institutional knowledge, strategic insight, and a longstanding commitment to public service. I’m grateful he’s chosen to continue serving the county in this new role.”
According to a Salt Lake County press release, Bradshaw will be involved with the relocation of its government operations to a
new facility in Midvale by 2026. The county purchased the former Overstock headquarters, known as the “Peace Coliseum,” for $52 million. This 257,777-square-foot building, located at 799 W. Coliseum Way, offers modern amenities and is strategically situated near I-15 and a TRAX station, providing accessibility for residents and employees alike.
The decision to move was influenced by the escalating maintenance costs of the current government center on State Street, which were estimated to exceed $225 million. By consolidating services into a single, centrally located facility, the county aims to improve operational efficiency and public access to services.
In his new role, Bradshaw will work closely with Deputy Mayor Darrin Casper on several complex initiatives, including the transition to the county’s new government center, the reconstruction of the Salt Palace Convention Center, and the implementation of council-mandated compensation reforms. His leadership will also help shape internal communications, improve facilities and real estate strategies, and strengthen collaboration between Mayor Wilson’s office, the county council, and independent elected officials.
In April 2025, the Salt Lake County Council unanimously approved the sale
of approximately 6.5 acres of the Salt Palace Convention Center’s western portion to Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) for $55.4 million. This transaction is a cornerstone in the development of a new “sports, entertainment, culture and convention district” in downtown Salt Lake City, aiming to enhance connectivity between key landmarks such as the Delta Center, Abravanel Hall, Temple Square, and future 2034 Winter Games venues.
The redevelopment plan includes the demolition of the sold section of the convention center, followed by the construction of a new segment featuring a second ballroom. This addition will allow the facility to host multiple major events simultaneously, potentially generating an estimated $105 million in additional annual economic impact, supplementing the $426 million the facility already contributes each year.
Bradshaw’s responsibilities will encompass overseeing the phased reconstruction of the Salt Palace, ensuring that the facility remains operational during the renovation process.
Following Bradshaw’s resignation, the Salt Lake County Democratic Party will conduct a special election to fill the District 1 seat. The party’s central committee members residing in District 1 are expected to vote on a replacement by June 11. l
from Depression, Anxiety, or OCD?
South Salt Lake fares well in resident survey; some concerns identified
vey include family support services, public safety, neighborhood infrastructure, which the community defined as taking care of the city’s neighborhoods, and water infrastructure.
By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
SouthSalt Lake City residents are most concerned about the high cost of housing, according to a recent survey conducted by the city in March. Y2 Analytics conducted the survey; five years ago they also surveyed residents.
Residents are less likely today than they were five years ago to say that the city provides a range of housing options that makes it possible for various resident groups to stay in the city, Kyrene Gibb a consultant from Y2 Analytics told the city council April 23.
“I don’t think is a surprise to anyone here,” Gibb said. “The share of residents who believe that they will be able to afford to stay in their current residence for the next year has decreased by 20 percentage points compared to the year 2020. So residents are really feeling the increase in cost of living and some housing insecurity concerns. We also have fewer than half of residents now saying that the city has a range of housing options that provide for seniors, working families and young people to stay in the city.”
Other priorities highlighted in the sur-
Programs such as those provided by Promise South Salt Lake are popular among residents. Promise South Salt Lake is a network of 14 programs at 12 locations throughout the city that offer services for youth, families and the community at no cost. They include youth programs based in local schools and community centers offering such resources as homework help or tutoring and enrichment activities.
“Once we look at that share of residents who are aware of those programs in particular we see a lot of positive attitudes about the value they bring to the community,” Gibb said.
Residents are particularly supportive of the youth program; 87% of them consider it extremely or very important. Food security programs such as the community resource pantry are seen as extremely or very important by about 82% of residents. About half of residents say that the city has the recreation opportunities and amenities they’re looking for. Twenty-nine percent of residents say that family support services are a very important priority to their household.
Most residents feel safe in South Salt Lake. City parks and neighborhood streets are largely perceived as safe by more than three out of four residents. About three out of four
residents also say that they feel safe driving on major thoroughfares through the city. More than 90% say that they feel safe walking in their neighborhoods during the day or visiting public buildings, Gibb said. “When we look at the areas where there is some cause for concern or where residents are a little bit more hesitant it really just comes down to walking in the city at night.”
About 74% of residents say that they feel their neighborhood has access to usable transit. Residents generally believe that they have a good amount of access to parks and recreation in their neighborhoods and that their neighborhoods are connected to the rest of the city.
“That is a really positive perception to see that two-thirds of residents feel that their neighborhood is connected,” Gibb said.
About 78% of respondents say that the services they receive for the taxes and fees that they pay to the city are average or better. Residents are slightly less likely than they were five years ago to say that the city has a good mix of the businesses and services they need.
Overall, about 75% of residents thought SSL was “headed in the right direction,” Gibb said.
More broadly, about 55% of residents say that they are optimistic about their overall well-being, Also among those surveyed “average quality of life rating is about a 69 on a 0 to 100 scale,” Gibb said. Overall economic
well-being was identified as extremely or very important by about 71% of residents.
“We have a large share of respondents who feel optimistic about their personal well-being and optimistic about the well-being of the community as a whole,” Gibb said.
Invitations to participate in the online survey which was done from Feb. 27 to March 19 were randomly sent by postcard or text message. It was conducted in both English and Spanish. Of the 425 surveys received responses were roughly split evenly between men and women. Just over 40% of survey respondents were homeowners; 59% rent their home. l
Priorities highlighted in the survey include family support services, public safety, neighborhood infrastructure, which the community defined as taking care of the city’s neighborhoods, and water infrastructure. (City Journals)
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
South Salt Lake’s Granite Park Junior High (3031 S. 200 East) was recognized as an AVID National Demonstration School, a prestigious designation awarded to only about 200 schools nationwide, including two schools in Utah.
Advancement Via Individual Determination is a college and career readiness program designed to help students gain critical thinking and academic skills that will prepare them for rigorous coursework and professional careers. This honor recognizes Granite Park’s commitment to success through its schoolwide implementation of AVID strategies.
JuleeAnn Rivera, Granite School District college and career readiness outreach specialist, said the school has been an AVID demonstration school for several years and the recognition was for the work done to renew the distinction.
In the program, teachers break down barriers and advocate for students who might struggle with higher education. By creating a college-going culture, the school’s administrators and staff insist on academic rigor and provide students with opportunities and knowledge.
“An AVID demonstration school means that they’ve hit all of the tenets as AVID schoolwide,” Rivera said. “Other schools that are considering having AVID in their school
can come and visit here. They can hop into classrooms and see what a high-functioning AVID school looks like.”
Granite Park incorporates AVID procedures schoolwide and offers an elective AVID class that teaches academic focus, note-taking and collaboration. To close opportunity gaps for traditionally underrepresented students, critical thinking, writing, inquiry, organization and reading skills are emphasized for all students.
Students at Granite Park benefit from this real-world preparation, empowering them to set and achieve ambitious academic and personal goals.
“It gives students the skill set and tools they need, not just to be college-ready, but to be academically successful,” Rivera said. “They’re better prepared to communicate, they have more confidence and they know what their opportunities are. You see that student agency sparked in them, and once you have that, I think that’s the foundation for success.”
AVID National Demonstration Schools are required to be revalidated every few years to ensure the school is implementing the program with quality and dedication. AVID teachers are expected to create student-centered classrooms to facilitate learning and growth. Expectations are high but Granite Park Principal Chris Griffiths said his faculty has stepped up to create a supportive learning environment.
“What the AVID program does is it gives opportunities to our kids,” Griffiths said. “We have worked hard to be able to maintain this status because it’s an honor and it’s something we’re all dedicated to.”
More than 750 sixth- through eighth-grade students are enrolled at Granite Park, representing dozens of countries and speaking nearly 40 languages. Currently,
eight junior highs and seven high schools in GSD use the AVID program.
The national demonstration status makes Granite Park a model site, where educators can observe and learn how to implement AVID strategies. For more information, visit AVID.org.
“We’re celebrating that Granite Park is an AVID National Demonstration School. There are only two in Utah. We were the original and we just renewed,” Rivera said. “The biggest highlight is that opportunity knowledge, taking time to make sure students understand what their opportunities are, what they look like, researching what works best for them.” l
AVID, Granite School District and Granite Park Junior High officials celebrate the school’s revalidation as an AVID National Demonstration School. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
ON THE MOVE
Cherie Wood, Mayor
801-464-6757
mayor@sslc.gov
In order to keep our community members informed of everything happening in our city, we’re enhancing our monthly e-newsletters: the City Scoop, Mayor on the Move, Art Strokes, and Rec Updates. Visit sslc.gov or scan the QR code to subscribe!
Monday - Friday • 8 am to 5 pm 801-483-6000
East Morris Ave SSL, UT 84115 City Offices & Community Centers will be
Summers in South Salt Lake are for Getting Out and Celebrating Community
Summer in South Salt Lake is my favorite time of year. It’s a time of community connection, outdoor adventure, and opportunities to create new memories. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, our city provides a host of activities for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Imagine a summer filled with laughter, new friendships, and cherished memories right in your neighborhood. This season is a time to really get to know and enjoy our City, and here are a few ways you can:
1. Attend the 4th of July Parade. Great neighborhoods begin with strong community bonds. Getting up early to greet your neighbors along the parade route on July 4th or at the Fitts Park Celebration is a hometown tradition that truly allows us to celebrate. Slather on the sunscreen, bring the kids and your pup, and get ready for lots of candy. I hope to see you there.
2. Meet with me for Mondays with the Mayor. I am pleased to invite you to meet with me for a fun and casual event, called “Monday with the Mayor”. These evenings provide
opportunities to discover new areas and gain insights about our city. Our inaugural meeting is set for July 14 starting at 6 p.m. at Fitts Park, where we will continue our tradition of an ice cream social, now in its third year. Drop by, converse with me and the City team, and get to know some of your neighbors.
3. Take Advantage of SSL Parks and Community Centers. While at Fitts Park, I love to see groups reserve a pavilion for a special occasion, or watch as friends walk along the Mill Creek. Our pickleball courts at Central and Bickley Park await your game, while our other community centers and playgrounds provide fun places for families and their kids to swing, climb and slide. Additionally, our dog parks, like Lions Park on Robert Ave and the SSL City Hall dog park, are perfect for letting your furry friends socialize and stretch their legs.
This summer, I hope you’ll connect with the natural beauty and community spirit of South Salt Lake. Our city is fully dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents, and we hope you know that you are an integral part of this journey. Our community is enriched by the diversity and involvement of every resident, and we invite everyone to participate in making this summer unforgettable.
Mayor Cherie Wood
Mural Fest Gives South Salt Lake City Hall a Makeover
In the weeks leading up to Mural Fest, 13 world-class artists descended on South Salt Lake to leave their marks as part of this internationally-renowned public art celebration. The resulting works premiered at Mural Fest on May 10, and while each one is unique and exciting in its own right, there’s one that we here at South Salt Lake City Hall are particularly excited about. If you haven’t been by City Hall lately, you’re in for a surprise: a 10,000 square foot mural wrapping around three sides of the building. This is the work of DAAS–an Austin-based muralist known for his large scale works found around the world. If you weren’t able to make it out to the event, we have good news: the new 2025 murals aren’t going anywhere. Visit themuralfest.com to find an interactive map of all South Salt Lake murals and create your own self-guided mural tour.
The City of South Salt will hold the Municipal Election on November 4, 2025. The City Council opted to continue Ranked Choice Voting for this election. Elected positions that will be voted on during this election include Mayor, City Council District 2, District 3, and At-Large. A special election will also be held for a 2-year term in the other City Council At-Large seat left vacant in December 2024. Interested candidates must fi le their Declaration of Candidacy between August 12 and August 19, 2025. For more information about running for office in South Salt Lake, please visit the Elections page at sslc.gov.
South Salt Lake Public Works Campus
The City of South Salt Lake is set to break ground on a new Public Works Campus on June 26. After years of planning, this facility will improve the efficiency and capacity of the Public Works Department, as well as other departments who depend on a reliable fleet and strong city infrastructure.
The project is made possible by a $45 million bond against future sales tax, meaning that this crucial improvement can be made without raising taxes on residents or businesses.
The ground breaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 26, at 10 AM. Join us beneath the historic South Salt Lake Water Tower (2500 S West Temple) to hear remarks from Mayor Wood, followed by the ground breaking ceremony and refreshments.
Rusty Birds Joins Square Kitchen Eatery
It’s been a year since Square Kitchen Eatery opened its doors in South Salt Lake, and we continue to be impressed and satiated with the mouth watering culinary flavors they produce. Last month they introduced a new food option to the mix. Rusty Birds is serving up fresh and healthy chicken, salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Rusty Birds joins the coop with the other delicious food fare from Hispaniola Bistro, Comfort Bowl, and Argentina’s Best Empanadas. Visit Square Kitchen Eatery at 2435 S State St for a treat-yo-mouth day. Follow them on Instagram @squarekitcheneatery.
This spring, South Salt Lake partnered with Y2 Analytics to complete a comprehensive and statistically valid survey of South Salt Lake residents on a range of topics, including public safety, satisfaction with city services, and FY 25-26 budget priorities. The information that was gathered is an invaluable tool that will guide decision making in the years to come. Some of the key findings from this survey can be found below. For those who are interested in learning how this feedback will be used to improve our city, please subscribe to our monthly “City Scoop” E-Newsletters, where we will be detailing the plans to incorporate this feedback into our planning process.
Beautiful Yard Award Celebrates Vibrant, Waterwise Landscapes in South Salt Lake
South Salt Lake recognizes city residents who go to great lengths to cultivate beautiful, water efficient yards. Winners of the beautiful yard award will receive an honorary yard sign, a $300 gift card to Millcreek Gardens, and bragging rights that last all year long. Nominations now open to recognize a friend, neighbor, or even yourself! Submit a nomination by visiting sslc.gov.
Tree of the Year Award Winner
Each Spring, South Salt Lake hosts a Tree of the Year competition where community members can nominate their favorite tree in the city. This year’s winner is a Pix Zee Peach Tree, self-nominated by Lindsay. The tree was a gift from her grandfather and has flourished in their front yard. Planted as a mere stick in the ground seven years ago, she’s watched it grow alongside her children, providing beautiful flowers every spring and delicious fruit every summer. Congratulations Lindsay, and thank you to all who submitted nominations! Learn more about our city’s Urban Forestry at sslc. gov under Neighborhoods.
South Salt Lake Senior Center EVENTS FOR JUNE 2025
Live Entertainment
Old Time Fiddlers | Wed, 6/11 at 10:30 am
Hula Dancing | Wed, 6/25 at 10:30 am
Health & Wellness
Vital Aging | Wed, 6/18 at 10:30 am Line Dance | Fridays at 10:30 am
Living Well with Diabetes | 6/12 - 7/17 from 12:30-3 pm
Mind Over Matter | a 3-part class starting July 30
Workshops & Events
Craft with Vickie | Thur, 6/12 at 10:30 am Picnic in the Park | Wed, 6/11 from 9 am-12:30 pm @ Fitts
Sport Camps Basketball Camp July 14-17 Grades 2-7
$10 - Closes July 7
Camp August 4-7 Grades 2-4
$10 - Closes July 25
Community Happenings
4th of July Freedom Fest
Parade Registration Open Now
Visit sslc.gov or scan the QR to register
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
SOUTH SALT LAKE JUSTICE COURT
Community Legal Education
June 3, 17, 24 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Free classes on legal terms and procedure. For anyone navigating the legal system, or interested in learning more.
Community Resource Fair
Tuesday, June 24 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Connect with community resources. For those navigating the legal system, or working through housing, mental health, or substance misuse challenges, and their loved ones.
All events at the Granite Library!
3331 S 500 E, South Salt Lake, UT 84106
For more information, please contact Evangelina Marquez (801) 483-6083
Public Safety
Is Your Pet Prepared for an Emergency?
When creating emergency preparedness plans, it is essential to account for the needs of all members of your family, including the four-legged ones. To ensure that your pet will be safe in an emergency, follow the steps below:
• Include in your disaster supplies at least four days of pet food and water, medicine, a leash, toys, kennel, waste disposal tools, as well as copies of up to date medical information (vaccines, microchips, etc.).
• Take pictures of yourself with your pet that show key markings for identification in case you become separated.
• Pre-identify evacuation locations that accept pets.
Pets can be an invaluable source of emotional support. Ensuring that they are safe in an emergency situation will be helpful for you and them.
Get Involved
South Salt Lake Public Safety Meetings
Civilian Review Board
Monday, June 2 at 6:30 pm
Monday, July 7 at 6:30 pm
Visit sslc.gov to learn more about the Civilian Review Board, or apply to be a member.
Neighborhood Watch
Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 pm
Neighborhood Watch meets virtually on the first Thursday of every month. Visit sslc.gov for the zoom link or more information. Please call 801-412-3600 with questions.
Community Connect
Wednesday, June 18 at 9:00 am
Join us at Delice Bakery to have a treat and connect with members of the SSLPD and South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Project Safeguard
Message from SSLPD Chief Danielle Croyle
As Chief of Police, I’m excited to share a valuable initiative designed to help us better serve and protect our South Salt Lake residents with special needs, such as autism, dementia, and other cognitive disabilities.
Project Safeguard is a collaborative multi-agency roster that allows law enforcement personnel throughout the entire Salt Lake Valley access to important information about individuals with special needs during emergency responses. By voluntarily enrolling a loved one in Project Safeguard, families can help first responders understand key needs, communication preferences, sensitivities, calming techniques, and other important information before a crisis occurs.
We understand that individuals with autism may experience heightened anxiety or struggle to communicate clearly in unfamiliar or high-stress situations. Project Safeguard helps to bridge this gap by providing our officers with extra information so they can approach the situation with understanding, respect, and the appropriate response.
Project Safeguard also helps individuals with dementia or other cognitive abilities that impact memory. Registrants can provide information about wandering locations, hiding spots, and past wandering events to help our officers locate high-risk individuals when they are reported missing.
Participation is simple, free, and confidential. Registrants submit an electronic questionnaire form found on the SSLPD webpage. The data from the form is then inputted into South Salt Lake’s record management system, which an officer can access when identifying an individual. This vital information will help officers better serve our community.
To register with Project Safeguard, please visit https://sslc.gov/495/Project-Safeguard.
Keep Your Neighborhood Clean, Report Code Violations
The City of South Salt Lake employs a team of four code enforcement officers tasked with promoting and protecting the overall health, safety, and welfare of our residents and businesses. They accomplish this by enforcing city codes, which aim to preserve residential and commercial areas against hazardous and deteriorating conditions and deter crime.
Common violations of city code include outdoor storage, accumulation of waste/litter, junk vehicles, overgrown weeds, improper parking, and daytime watering.
Due to the size of our city, our Code Enforcement Officers rely on community members to report violations or concerns in their neighborhoods. To report code violations, or learn more about what constitutes a violation, please visit the Code Enforcement page at sslc.gov or call the SSL Neighborhoods Connect Line at 801-464-6757,
South Salt Lake Cares Coalition
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.
At the inaugural South Salt Lake Cares Coalition luncheon, community leaders came together with a shared mission: to focus energy and resources towards “The Road to 100%”--a community initiative to reach 100% high school graduation rates, and to ensure that 100% of basic needs are met in our community.
The work of the SSL Cares Coalition is divided into nine community councils, all centered around a different pillar of healthy communities. These include health, safety, housing, and education, among others. For more information about this initiative and to learn how to get involved, please contact cfrost@sslc.gov.
Utah Afterschool Network Recognizes Promise SSL Staff
We are proud to announce that two of our Promise SSL team members were recognized by the Utah Afterschool Network for outstanding work in the afterschool field. Congratulations to Ana Garcia, Family Engagement Champion of the Year, and Alyson Kyle, Afterschool Site Coordinator of the Year!
Best Buy Teen Tech Center Fashion Week
The Promise SSL Fashion Week was a success! This five day event at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center brings together fashion industry professionals, local thrift stores, and local teens eager to learn about clothing design, styling, and makeup. The week culminates with a community fashion show where the teens have an opportunity to showcase their own designs, highlighting their personal styles, and the expertise that they’ve picked up over the week. Thank you to all who participated in and supported this year’s event!
Community Heroes: High school choir director left lasting impression on thousands of students
Kerry Moore cared about his students beyond the classroom.
By Becky Ginos b.ginos@mycityjournals.com
Mostkids don’t remember their high school teachers let alone keep in touch for years after graduation but it’s different with Kerry Moore’s students. The Bountiful man was the choral music director and German teacher at Cyprus High School for 35 years and left such a lasting impact that former students still called him “friend.” Moore passed away April 16 after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
“He was an amazing teacher and so much more,” said Brent Graham, who graduated in 1998. “He was the person I needed at the time. He was the closest thing to a father.”
Graham grew up without a father and his mother passed away after he graduated. “It left a big hole,” he said. “I was a scared little 19 year old. They (Moore and his wife Stacey) basically took me in. They’d invite me to Sunday dinner and Christmas. Otherwise I would have been alone.”
He loved teaching, said Graham. “It wasn’t a job, it was like a calling. He made you want to be a better person. His joy was infectious.”
“He was that guy,” said Blake Halladay who graduated in 1997. “You knew he cared beyond class. Many times I’d talk to him after school for hours. If kids had personal problems at home he’d step in to help. He was there for that.”
Kerry and Stacey were a power couple, Halladay said. “They could have done so much but they chose to teach high
school. That says volumes about their character.”
Once kids graduated it didn’t end, he said. “My wife and I would go places with them. There are three men who changed the trajectory of my life. My father, my father-in-law and Kerry.”
Halladay spent time with Moore a few days before his passing. “I told him ‘I’m a better man because of you.’ He said, ‘Me too.’ That really hit me to think he feels blessed by me.”
“The most interesting thing about him was the passion and love he’d put into every project,” said Liz Oates who graduated in 1997. “You never felt like an afterthought. He wanted us to succeed. He would push us but we always felt that love.”
Oates said Moore was close friends with her father. “He and my dad were such good comrades. My dad wrote some music and when he died unexpectedly from a heart attack Kerry played dad’s album at his funeral. It was so touching. He was busy in his life but it was so special that he took the time to do that.”
Her senior year, Oates said one of her classmates was homeless for a time and living in her car. “He would check in on her and another classmate who had a horrible thing happen to her. He sat down and consoled her. That’s why so many people remember him. If you were down and out he’d be a friend to help people to recover.”
“Kerry was so patient and loving,” said Jeremy Felt who graduated in 2019. “He helped us find success. He would check our grades and see what he could do to help.”
In addition to choir, Moore was involved with the school musicals, Felt said. “I did a lot of musicals with Kerry and his wife who did the choreography. When I was the lead in ‘Pirates of Penzance’ he told me to envision the music. He said music is the universal language to connect with people. He said the words
might fade but they would always remember that song—music is so impactful.”
Felt said he also took music theory from Moore. “I still have my binder that he created. I create music for fun now in remembrance of Mr. Moore. I’m involved with community choirs and theater because of Mr. Moore.”
He was like Mr. Rogers, said Felt. “I’m so grateful that I got to be a part of his life. He touched the lives of others. He’s going to be missed.” l
Kerry Moore (left) with former student Brent Graham. The pair continued to be close friends for years after Graham’s graduation. (Photo courtesy of Brent Graham)
Cottonwood athletic director Greg Southwick heads into retirement having had a big hand in saving the program
Southwick hired two basketball coaches that won region titles and more, and helped retool flagging football, soccer, softball and tennis programs.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Afternearly a decade at Cottonwood High School, Greg Southwick decided to hang his cleats up.
Cottonwood’s longtime athletic director gave this writer a hard time at first, claiming his name was spelled with two G’s (Gregg) nearly 10 years ago.
He later admitted after a bit of email back and forth that it was spelled with only one G. Southwick kept yours truly going for a few weeks, though.
The amazing part, though, is that he kept Cottonwood’s athletics program going.
Sometimes singlehandedly, and often with a little help from some such biology teacher-turned-football coach Casey Miller, Southwick installed teachers as coaches—a move fewer athletic departments are doing these days.
It drew criticism from some, and admiration from others that could not fathom how a history teacher named Teresa Soracco became one of Utah high school girls’ basketball’s most formidable coaches, having arrived here from northern California not long before she accepted the job, and accepted all the after-hours work that came with it.
Southwick, himself a longtime coach of several sports including golf and basketball, offered to help and together they installed a full-court zone trap by the end of the first season, reeling off three consecutive Region 10 titles by the conclusion of this school year. At the end of this third season, Cottonwood’s women sent two of its top players to Butte College in California and one to Eastern Wyoming College. The year before that, two more were off to college programs—including all-time leading scorer Ali Tripp, who played at Eastern Wyoming as well, graduated this May and is now moving on to the University of Missouri at St. Louis.
On the boys’ side of the basketball court, Southwick brought in Marc Miller, another veteran coach, to try and flip that program. Over several years’ time Miller did just that, again with the assistance of Southwick, guiding the Colts on a magical run in 2023-24 that only ended after a controversial victory by Layton Christian. It elicited a UHSAA investigation into international student-athlete eligibility following the Colts’ loss in the 4A championship game. [Layton Christian is now independent.] Despite that loss, the Colts went undefeated in region play from 2022 to 2024, winning 24 straight games. The top player from that team moved on to college—4A All-First Team selection Chris Cox, who was on a UC San Diego team that played in the NCAA Tournament. Two years earlier, Kirath Makhar went viral for his ballhandling wizardry; he’s just finished up two years at Treasure Valley in Oregon where he was named
All-Region in 2025.
As Cottonwood’s AD, Southwick enlisted the help of teachers such as Casey Miller, who guided Cottonwood into its only years as a football independent when the program was nearly extinct. Down to about 30 players on his varsity roster, Miller’s idea of a fair-catch-freekick went viral after he won at Jordan with it in the final minute. [Miller also sent two kids to college programs despite the program’s size including one to Boise State, and had more than a dozen players named to All-Academic All-Region teams.] Miller’s assistant and alum Donovan Malmrose was then hired as Colts head coach after Miller stepped down.
Soon after that, Malmrose was talking to several CHS alums and old teammates who played in college and the NFL about how to resurrect this program. Together, with assistance from alum and business magnate AJ Jones, a staff of 20 men guided the 85-player Colts to within one game of a state tournament berth in 2024. Malmrose sent two players to college programs during his year in charge [he stepped down due to the birth of a child] and Tai Satuala, who took over the Colts’ head football coaching gig months before Southwick was to begin his final year as Cottonwood’s AD, is bound to increase that total, long after Southwick is gone.
And yet Southwick wasn’t done enacting change. He brought in trainers, a kicking coach, set up camps in several sports, and hired two brothers who played soccer here recently as coaches that have had success in some of the toughest places in Utah to win a game.
Cottonwood baseball loses in 4A first round tournament series to finish season at 15-10
Under new head coach Travis Steed, the Colts showed improvement, finished with best record since they were 19-9 in 2021-22
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
On the strength of a three-run third inning, Cottonwood took a 4-0 lead that it would not relinquish through four, rolling to an 8-4 victory against Payson in Game 1 of the 4A state tournament first round May 2.
Senior Ladanian Gutierrez blasted a triple into the outfield and hammered three RBIs, and senior Isaiah Cosby belted a double and drove in three more runners as the Colts manufactured scoring plays when it counted. On the pitcher’s mound, junior Milo Crayk mowed down seven batters and held the Lions – who used to be in Cottonwood’s region – to six hits in Game 1.
Would the Colts have that same magic in Game 2 and eliminate Payson?
Game 2 was not as kind to a Colts squad
that had trouble scoring off the bat, falling behind 2-0 after three innings. Cottonwood finally got a run in the bottom of the fourth, but Payson responded with five runs in the top of the fifth.
Cottonwood battled back with four runs to climb to within one run at 6-5 in the bottom of the fifth, but it was as close as the Colts got as they fell by the score of 10-5 May 3, snapping a four-game home win streak. Senior Brighton Young struck out seven, but gave up 12 hits in the loss. Young also went 2-for-4 at the plate, but none of the other Colts had more than one hit. Senior Angel Mavarez hit a triple and had three RBIs.
That evened up the best-of-3 series at one game apiece.
Would the Colts get a better performance in Game 3 from this senior-laden team?
Cottonwood [15-10] seemed to have all the benefits. The Colts were playing at home, and yet they were playing a 7-win Payson team that just got its eighth victory an hour earlier.
The Lions scored in the top of the first in-
Southwick also took a longtime assistant coach in several sports and repositioned her as head coach for the Cottonwood softball team, resulting in the Colts’ most wins this season since 2021. He did the same with a mom to several Cottonwood girls’ tennis players and she led a resurgence in that sport.
This unfailing commitment to success was no more illustrated than when he, in his final season in charge, nabbed a guy that for years had been begged by former Cottonwood baseball coaches to join their staffs: Travis Steed. Another longtime teacher at CHS, Steed accepted the Cottonwood head coaching position last summer after Gavin Duckworth stepped down.
Duckworth had some success at CHS, but Steed, as Southwick predicted weeks after the hiring, would transform the program in time. Steed certainly did this spring, guiding the Colts to a 15-10 record in his first year, their best mark since alum Chris Shelton left the program to focus on family matters.
Southwick himself led the Colts to a region title in golf as its head coach, as a matter of fact. He coached both the boys and girls teams through the 2023-24 school year.
In sum, it was a pleasure for this writer to get to know Southwick, who always made sure he was available for interviews—even the tough ones. Those small-town values exemplified who he has always been at his core: a dedicated teacher who cared more about having his coaches educate Cottonwood’s kids through sports’ life lessons, having some success along the way l
ning for the first time in the series, and would double that in the top of the second to dig the Colts a 3-0 hole. The home team could only muster one run, and so a Payson squad feeling confident increased that lead to 5-1 after four and a half innings.
Cottonwood got going in the bottom of the fourth, scoring twice to narrow the deficit to 5-3. Payson immediately answered with three more runs, making it 8-3. The Colts would score once in the bottom of the fifth inning but Payson scored six in the final two innings to take a commanding 13-4 lead.
Would Cottonwood’s boys get the message that their season was about to end?
Whatever was said in the middle of the seventh inning, it resonated with Cottonwood’s seniors that stepped out to the plate and delivered. Perhaps it was knowing that this was it; that years of hard work would be poured down the drain along with any of the leftover Gatorade in the coolers.
This was already the best season the Colts have had since alum and former Major Leaguer Chris Shelton led them to a 19-9
record before he stepped down due to family reasons. For whatever reason, the two-year stint of Gavin Duckworth didn’t pan out, but this Cottonwood team defeated some teams they weren’t favored to beat in 2025 under new head coach Travis Steed. The Colts improved by three full games from last year, and by one win in region play.
Nine runs, however, was too big a hole to climb out of. The Colts scored five in the bottom of the seventh in Game 3, but this season would end in the first round of the 4A state tournament as they fell 14-9 and were eliminated.
Daxton Sorensen went 4-for-5 at the plate, and Dominick Fuchuck and Brighton Young would go 2-for-4. Young slapped two RBI, and Sorensen and Fuchuck drove in one run each. Isaiah Cosby belted a triple and scored twice for Cottonwood.
The Colts will be losing nine seniors to graduation. They are Rayner Falcon, Caleb Loveless, Chase Little, Brighton Young, Angel Mavarez, Isaiah Cosby, Dominick Fuchuck, Daxton Sorensen and Ladanian Gutierrez. l
In the eyes of Colts head soccer coach BryLee Harvest, seniors Jonah Benns and Rogelio Hernandez led the team in different ways and will be remembered for it.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
ForCottonwood seniors Jonah Benns and Rogelio Hernandez, their paths to new heights as players were somewhat different but equally memorable, according to Colts head soccer coach BryLee Harvest.
Their high school careers ended May 9 at Provo in the first round of the 4A state playoffs in a 3-0 loss.
“We continued to battle in the second half and gave up the third goal very late in the game gambling numbers up the field to try save our season,” Harvest said.
That setback, however, was just a small part of who they were and how they came to be.
Benns, who transferred to Cottonwood after three seasons at another high school, first met Harvest at a club tryout three years ago. Both were new to LaRoca, and yet according to the Cottonwood head coach, Benns stood out because of the character he was showing on the field.
“I’ve never seen a player that was more willing to help his team and go beyond himself to make sure his teammates were OK and included in activities,” Harvest recalled.
Another moment Harvest said he will never forget came during a higher-level club tournament when the goalkeeper received a red card—which meant he was out for the next game.
“Jonah didn’t hesitate to put the gloves on and kept a clean sheet win (which included a penalty kick save),” said Harvest of Benns, who usually played as a defender.
By the time Benns made the decision to transfer high schools after his junior year, he didn’t necessarily want to play high school soccer anymore.
“At his other school, Jonah was going
a year away from his club soccer team and focus more on other things in his life.
“… He comes from a great family,” said Harvest. “…and didn’t spend too much time on the ball outside of the offseason trainings we offered this year.”
Hernandez was one of the most technically gifted players Harvest said he’s ever coached, and yet there was one problem during the young man’s junior year at Cottonwood.
“He struggled to adjust to the physicality of the high school game coming from club last season and we all knew there was so much more he could offer from his junior season,” Harvest said.
In his junior year, Hernandez scored one goal—in one varsity game.
With a year to mentally revitalize himself tucked neatly into his soccer socks, the midfielder in the No. 10 jersey wasted no time after having a tough season opener against Highland, showing what he could do at home against Tooele, March 10.
“His record run started with a hat-trick against Tooele, including one of the best free kicks I’ve ever seen at Cottonwood,” Harvest said.
The Colts pulled out a dramatic 5-4 victory in two overtimes thanks in large part to the offensive prowess of Hernandez, who dealt with opponents tugging at his jersey and worse all season long.
through a lot and lost the passion for the game,” Harvest said.
Almost immediately at Cottonwood though, Benns stood out for his leadership ability and his coachability. It was enough to have Harvest name him a team captain.
“There was no hesitation to make him a captain after arriving at Cottonwood and only being there a short time,” Harvest said. “The kids looked up to him for his genuineness and inclusivity.”
That was never more apparent than when Benns was waiting on the UHSAA to clear him, and the senior captained both the JV and the varsity squads. When most guys
would have steered clear of the team until they were declared eligible, that was not how Benns operated.
“He spent half of the season playing JV as we were awaiting his varsity transfer restriction to conclude, he was a captain that led all players,” Harvest said. “He was never ‘too cool’ to hang out with anyone from the team, I’m so proud of him for getting the long overdue opportunity he never got at his other school. He regained that playing here and was a really good story in a not so good season.”
For Hernandez, an extremely humble kid according to Harvest, he decided to take
“He had teams doubling and triple teaming him and he still found ways to score,” marveled Harvest.
By the time the season was over, a long one in which the Colts finished with a 3-15 record and yet got the very last No. 24 spot in the state tournament, Hernandez would etch his name in the school’s record books.
“[Rogelio] entered the top five goal scorers list in a single season at Cottonwood, tying Nelson Krogue’s eight goals in 2008,” Harvest said. “It’s not often you get to experience greatness, let alone a record season in a player. Rogelio is one of the most technically gifted and fun to watch players I’ve ever coached.” l
Cottonwood senior defender Jonah Benns. (Photo courtesy BryLee Harvest)
Cottonwood senior midfielder Rogelio Hernandez. (Photo courtesy BryLee Harvest)
A Puppet Regime
It took decades, but Ronald Grump finally found a way to evict the residents of 123 Sesame Street. Grump (played by Joe Pesci) visited the TV show in 1994 with plans to demolish the beloved neighborhood to build Grump Tower.
Sesame Street doubled-down in 2005 when a selfish, orange-haired muppet, Donald Grump, tried to hire an apprentice to help with his trash empire. In the episode, Oscar the Grouch sings about Grump, “Whose name equals trash, to you and to me?”
Maybe he holds a grudge, but a U.S. president with a similar name signed an executive order to cut funding for PBS, a nonprofit provider of educational shows like Arthur, Elmo’s World and Sesame Street.
The move could throw the Muppets into the gutter. Bert will have to sell his paper clip collection, Elmo will be forced to pawn his tricycle and Count von Count will have to join an accounting firm.
From the beginning, Sesame Street championed diversity, equality and inclusion: three things the current administration is gleefully destroying. Humans on the show included Gordon and Susan (a Black couple), Maria from Puerto Rico, Luis from Mexico and the elderly Mr. Hooper, who was Jewish and ran the corner store.
The multicultural cast attracted big guest stars. Carol Burnett, Stephen Curry,
Robert De Niro, Billie Eilish and James Earl
Jones are just a few celebrities who visited Sesame Street, proving you’re never too famous to be silly.
Not only does the show teach children basic reading and math, it also teaches cooperation, respect and kindness. It’s tackled divorce, same-sex marriage, racial literacy, anger, sadness and even has a Muppet whose parent is incarcerated. The show never talks down to children.
When Will Lee died, his Mr. Hooper character died with him, leaving Big Bird distraught as his friends tried to explain the concept of death. That episode won an Emmy, one of more than 120 Sesame Street has collected.
Sesame Street has its furry finger on the pulse of American culture. The show is as much for parents as for kids. My favorite characters are the loveable Grover and Guy Smiley, the enthusiastic gameshow host.
I can still sing the show’s theme song,
along with “Rubber Duckie,” “I Love Trash,” “Doin’ the Piegeon” and hundreds of tunes from the show. I couldn’t begin to choose a favorite skit but I always loved the baker falling down the stairs. That remains my level of humor maturity.
The show is iconic. Big Bird is an international star. He visited Michelle Obama at the White House, made the cover of Time magazine, has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and his picture on a postage stamp. I spent several months cross-stitching Big Bird’s face on a Christmas advent calendar our family still uses nearly 40 years later.
Maybe it’s because Muppets don’t vote. Maybe it’s because Oscar started teaching kids about recycling. Maybe it’s the Sesame Workshop’s mission statement, “Helping
children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.” Maybe the president just doesn’t like watching people have fun. My husband and I paid thousands of dollars in federal taxes this year, but if funding is cut for things I value, like PBS, science, national parks, higher education, Head Start programs and world health initiatives, maybe I don’t have to pay taxes anymore. I mean, seeing all these tax-free billionaires… tax evasion isn’t a crime anymore, right?
Sesame Street promotes kindness and community, while the president seems to only find value in wealth and power. As he said in 2011, “Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich.” For anyone who’s ever loved Sesame Street, beauty has a much deeper meaning.
