South Salt Lake Journal | August 2023

UTAH’S FIRST, ONLY BOXING WOMAN REFEREE ‘KNOWS THE ROPES’

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

She’s Utah’s first and only woman boxing referee — and she’s about to step out of the ring.

Becky Suazo jumped into the ring 29 years ago, joining her brother, Pete, to officiate. She has officiated more than 4,000 bouts of amateur boxing ages 8 and older, locally to nationally. She served as a judge and timekeeper for the Olympic trials as well.

Suazo has refereed some of the big names of boxers in the state, watching them grow up in the ring. She also has refereed stars in the boxing world, such as Belinda Montoya, Darlene Chavez, Whitney Gomez and Ernie Flores, and judged two-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion Claressa Shields and world champion Andre Ward.

Her love of boxing began early.

As two of the oldest children in a family of eight kids, her eldest brother — the former state senator — and she would watch boxing bouts locally and on television. Her brother also boxed as did other relatives.

“My dad only lost one bout,” Suazo remembered her father telling her. “He only was in one, too. He was much more into watching boxing than being in the ring.”

While Suazo never took to the ring, she, too, was a fighter — leaving an abusive first husband and fighting to gain custody of her six

children and supporting them — in a time where it was uncommon to speak of domestic abuse.

“My dad and Pete were there to support me when I was ready. I was scared because when I tried leaving before, my ex-husband would find me, drag me back and then he would just beat the hell out of me. It was frightening, but when I did it, I didn’t look back,” she said. “I picked up my life and moved on. It made me a strong woman.”

That included returning to school to get her high school diploma — “when I turned 30, I cried and cried because I hadn’t accomplished anything.” She continued to earn her associate degree in minority human services from Salt Lake Community College and her bachelor’s in sociology with a minor in women’s studies from the University of Utah.

Through every step, her brother was there to support her and her kids.

“He was a father figure to my kids, my nieces and nephews, all the kids. He would take

Continued page 18

As the only female and Latina boxing referee, Becky Suazo, who has served as a role model for others, indicates the winner of the bout. (Photo courtesy of Becky Suazo)

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Rep. Spackman Moss breaks record with 23 years of service as a female legislator

CarolSpackman Moss has made history as Utah’s longest-serving female state legislator. Moss, who has served in the Utah House of Representatives for over 23 years, was first elected in 2000 and has been re-elected every two years since then.

Moss represents District 34, which covers East Murray, Holladay and Millcreek.

“I ran for office because I had a call from my cousin, then a legislator, who said I should run for office because my current representative was not a good advocate for public education,” Moss said. “At that time, I was in my 32nd year of teaching English at Olympus High, and I loved my job. I was, however, getting burned out from grading essays at night, on weekends, and on holidays, and I thought being a legislator might be something I would enjoy if I retired from teaching.

“Note that I started teaching at age 23 but couldn’t afford to retire in my 50s and give up my health insurance. I thought about it for a few days, talked with my family, had a few more legislators call to persuade me to run, and I decided that with all the students I had taught in my neighborhood and community, I had name recognition and thought I would have a pretty good shot at winning.”

In retrospect, Moss might agree that the more things change, the more they stay the same when she characterizes how the legislature has changed since she started.

“The changes I have seen over the years is that the work is more intense, more bills, more meetings, more special sessions. The session is the same 45 days, but the budget has more than doubled to this year’s 29-billion-dollar budget. More bills than ever are written, over a 1,000, this year, but we have the same amount of time to complete the budget. That means more speed, less scrutiny, longer hours, and more competition for funding,” Moss said.

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However, one change this year concerns her more over past years.

“The biggest change, especially noticeable this year, is the partisan divide is much greater. When I first was elected, and for many years, the two parties competed, of course, and had some different political views, but this year, it is much more partisan with bills that come from outside organizations, far-right groups that want to restrict what and how teachers can teach, what books students can read, what parents can do in terms of medications for their children who have gender dysphoria, and what rights women have in regards to their reproductive healthcare to name a few.

“This session also saw bills combined that forced legislators to choose between something they dislike, like school vouchers, coupled with pay raises for teachers, HB 215, which started the session on an adversarial note,” Moss said.

For a Democrat in a super-majority Republican legislature, Moss has passed quite a bit of legislation. However, the one she most fondly remembers is paving the way for using Naloxone.

“It has also been gratifying to meet people who have benefitted from laws I have passed, whose lives were saved by Naloxone, the overdose reversal drug,” Moss said. “That has saved countless lives after I passed bills to allow police to carry it, local health clinics to dispense it, and now it can be purchased without a prescription from a pharmacy, usually covered by insurance.”

Her last few years in the legislature have been challenging, not due to partisan fights but because she lost her beloved husband, Bob.

“Sadly, my life has changed considerably in the past 18 months because of the death of my husband in July 2021,” Moss said. “I am fortunate that all three of my

daughters, their husbands, and my grandchildren now live close by in Holladay, Millcreek and Murray. My daughters attend plays, book clubs, and political functions with me, events that my late husband Bob Moss always attended.”

Does she have any plans on retiring?

“Yes, of course, I plan on retiring. I will announce it when the time is right. Currently, I have another year and a half of my 12th term, and then I will decide. The filing deadline for the 2024 election is next year, the first week in January,” Moss said.

Moving into year 24 of her legislative service, there are things that drive her personally.

“My favorite part of being a legislator has been meeting many people from different backgrounds and professions. I have gained enormous respect for state employees in all the capacities that make our state run effectively, from the folks at the DMV to UDOT, to employees at the state and local health departments, Refugee Services, Consumer Services Division, the State Board of Education, and more.

“I have also met constituents, thousands of them at their doors when I am campaigning, and at town halls, and other events I attend, from parades to arts festivals in the cities I represent,” Moss said. l

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Rep. Carol Spackman Moss speaks at the Utah State Capitol about her Suicide Prevention in Correctional Facilities bill that passed this session. (Photo courtesy of Carol Spackman Moss)

Granite Technical Institute’s student wins national pitch competition; new CEO program ‘lifechanging’

Skyline High student Harleen Saini already knew she wanted a career in business when she applied for the inaugural year of the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, or CEO, program at Granite Technical Institute.

“In a lot of the business classes I’ve taken and the Academy of Finance I’ve been a part of, I learned foundational information; the CEO program really brought that all together,” she said.

It also taught Saini the practical applications to become an entrepreneur, starting with her business pitch.

The Taylorsville senior is the national champion in the pitch contest of the CEO program, which has provided more than 4,700 high school graduates nationwide with opportunities to become entrepreneurs through partnerships with businesses and mentors.

This is GTI’s first year of participating; it is one of 70 programs nationwide.

At 6:30 a.m. shortly before the end of the school year, GTI hosted a CEO pitch watch party, where the 17-member class also had a national third-place finish with Nadia Ferguson, a Skyline High classmate of Saini’s with Nadia’s Necessities’ body-wrap towel, and honorable mention with Austin Beverley, a Cottonwood High senior who pitched BlackTine taxidermy cleaning services.

“It was a video submission from all these students across the nation. There were 398 competitors, including me,” said Saini, who also is a Skyline High service scholar. “I was so surprised because I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was just super thankful to my CEO class, my mentor and my teacher, Ms. (Erin) Paulsen,

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

because they believed in me.”

Before the pitch competition, students watched a video from the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, who created the CEO program, instructing them how to structure their business pitches.

“They reminded us to state the problem, that our solution needed a hook and other tips,” she said. “We were given free rein of how we wanted to present our products what we wanted in the video. It just had to be under 30 seconds in one take and there could be no edits.

Saini was able to share her business, STEM for Seedlings, a kit that combines garden seeds with STEM experiments for children, with the kick line, “Stop worrying about your child’s screen time and watch them get hooked on green time,” in 29 seconds.

“One of the main reasons I’ve wanted to make my product a business is so I can give back to the community that has supported me and donate a bunch of kids in Title I schools. Volunteering has taught me so much and I’ve learned the importance of doing that,” she said.

The submitted videos were reviewed by three business owners from across the country.

“Through my leadership experiences throughout high school and the competitions I’ve done, I learned how to speak publicly so I don’t have that fear anymore,” she said, referring to her positions she has held with DECA and FBLA business chapters at her school.

“From the pitch competition, I received $1,000 for winning that I can put toward my business, which was amazing. All three of us also were given options to take leadership workshops. I’m planning to take mine in August.”

Saini, who plans to continue her business while studying finance at the University of Utah, said that during the CEO program, she and her classmates met weekly with business owners and representatives, toured local companies, and were paired with business leaders as mentors to learn entrepreneurial skills.

“Andrew Thomas, who was my mentor, works as a chief risk officer for Foursight Capital. He was super helpful helping me start my company and gave me a bunch of financial advice on what I should be doing,” she said. “Having all these opportunities by networking with so many business leaders, I was blown away. I gained much more than I was ever expecting.”

By the end of the program, six students had registered their businesses and all students participated in GTI’s first trade show, where they got to showcase their businesses and sell items to the public, said Paulsen, GTI’s CEO program facilitator.

“The students took what they learned from professionals to elevate their business concepts and turn them into realities,” she said. “It was cool to see them navigate the process. At first, many of them were scared and nervous. They’re engaged and got involved in their own learning. Through this, they learned how to fail and how to turn it around and succeed.”

Senior Austin Beverley created his business to fill a need in the industry.

“As time goes by, people’s taxidermy collects dust, oil and even bugs that potentially destroy their mounts, so there’s a need for a professional cleaning service,” he said. “I made a business plan, a marketing plan and figured out what my profit margins would be when I set up the business.”

Already, Beverley has been offered a partnership with an existing company, which he turned down, so he could continue to run his business while attending Utah State University where he will major in outdoor product and design.

“I’d love to expand the service from not just serving Utah, but also southern Idaho and into Wyoming,” he said, adding that he’d like to have a booth at an upcoming hunting expo.

Beverley said he took about one month to prepare his pitch, which included one of his family member’s trophy — a mounted deer — on the wall, for the national competition.

“I included the problem, the solution, and what I had to offer them,” he said about his services that also include bear and cougar rug cleaning. “I was shocked to see all three of us be recognized nationally.”

Beverley applied to be in the program at the urging of a friend.

“Once I got in, I was all in,” he said, adding that he gave up golfing on the school team to devote more time to the program. “I used to

be such an introvert, but through talking to my classmates and needing to talk to my mentor (Downeast CEO Rich Israelsen) and business leaders, I’m anything but that now. My mentor is someone I trust, and he believes in what I’ m doing. Whenever I need assistance, he’s there 24-7 and said he would continue to be so when I’m in college.”

Beverley also credits the support of his classmates in the program and Paulsen, who allowed us “to see what we can do on our own in the real world.”

“The CEO program has made the biggest impact on my life; it has changed my perspective on business as well. I learned every business leader has a story and there is meaning to it. It inspires people like us to start our businesses and excel. This program has been the biggest lifechanging course I’ve ever taken. I’m so engaged in it, and in my business. Before I didn’t have the knowledge, the mindset nor the discipline I do today. I don’t know what I’d be doing if it wasn’t for the CEO program,” he said.

Paulsen, who introduced the program to the school district, also is grateful to the community’s businesses to be part of the partnership between businesses and education.

“It’s been awesome to work together. The business leaders are so willing to support the kids and give them feedback,” she said. “It’s been a benefit to see these kids apply what they learn in the real world. They have enthusiasm for what they’re doing. It’s been lifechanging for them.” l

Granite Technical Institute and Skyline High senior Harleen Saini won the national CEO pitch contest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Granite Technical Institute and Cottonwood High senior Austin Beverley received honorable mention in the national CEO pitch contest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

100 Companies Championing Women recognizes equitable policies and practices

InApril, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity announced it had reached its goal of designating 100 Companies Championing Women, recognizing businesses in Utah with women-specific policies and practices that allow women to advance as leaders in their fields.

“These individuals and businesses represent the very best Utah has to offer,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, in a media release announcing the 100 companies. “They work tirelessly and continually step up to meet new challenges, and the results make our state a thriving place for women to do business.”

Whether it’s providing flexible schedules, part-time benefits, pay equity, leadership programs, child care support or family leave, these companies have forged a new direction in how women are hired, trained and supported in the workplace.

Salsa Queen in West Valley City (2550 Decker Lake Blvd.) was one business selected in the 100 Companies Championing Women. Maharba Zapata, who has legally changed her name to SalsaQueen, was a single mother, a talented chef and the mother of

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

seven children when she decided to turn her hobby into a career.

Her boyfriend, and now husband, Jim Birch, encouraged her to sell her delicious salsa as a way to bring in some extra income. It turned into a career Zapata never expected and her salsa can be found in grocery stores across the country. Now, she’s made it her mission to help women step into their roles as leaders.

“In our company, we want to promote the same way that Jim did for me. He believed in me, he gave me some wings to fly,” Zapata said. “Unfortunately, we don’t all have the same opportunity to have somebody that believes in us and because somebody believed in me, I want to give back to everybody else. They have that power within themselves, they just don’t know.”

Salsa Queen’s female employees are encouraged to take leadership positions, even when it’s uncomfortable. Zapata hopes to change the mindset that women are less important or less valuable than men in the workplace, and she has that discussion with the women themselves.

“I don’t know what it has to do with

being a woman but it’s almost in our genes to be doubtful and self conscious and put ourselves down and think we’re not good enough,” Zapata said. “I didn’t have a career, I didn’t have job experience, I didn’t even finish high school and I was able to become successful. I want to empower a woman to feel that same way and to be able to shine.”

Clearfield City was one of only two municipalities listed in the 100 Companies Championing Women. Along with St. George City, Clearfield was recognized for its flexible leave benefits, family-friendly schedules and women’s pay equality.

More than 170 women are employed at the city with two dozen in supervisory or management positions. Several women in the city have been invited by their supervisors to attend Clearfield’s leadership academy and tuition reimbursement is available to help women cover education costs.

After the city conducted a compensation study to ensure equitable pay based on position, not gender, city leaders implemented policies that were more family-friendly and flexible.

“We wanted to make sure women in the

workplace were taken care of and earning what they should,” said Clearfield Mayor Mark Shepherd. “Our council’s goal is to have a highly trained and motivated workforce, and that means all of them. It means doing what we can do to ensure that happens.”

Other businesses recognized as one of the 100 Companies Championing Women include Instructure (Cottonwood Heights), Booksmarts (Kaysville), CHG Healthcare (Midvale) and AVIVA (Millcreek).

With on-site child care, female representation in leadership positions, flexible schedules and generous family leave, the 100 Companies Championing Women set the stage for growth and equity. For a complete list of businesses, visit inutah.org/100-companies.

“Times are changing where women are becoming more powerful and more independent,” Zapata said. “For me, it’s about giving women a voice to create their own happiness, their own ending story, their own success.”l

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity recognized 100 Utah businesses that provide flexible schedules, pay equity and leadership opportunities to help advance women. A list of the 100 Companies Championing Women can be found at inutah.org/100-companies. (Stock photo)

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SLCC exercise science student Erin Jackson aiming to repeat speedskating gold medal at 2026 Olympics

Erin Jackson is the first Black American woman to win a winter Olympic gold medal in an individual sport. She claimed the 500-meter speed skating gold at Beijing in 2022.

“It was a lot of shock, disbelief,” she remembered one year later. “It was surreal. I felt a lot of pride; I saw my dad’s face, then my coach, my teammates, those who supported me along the way. This was a group win, for sure.”

Jackson hopes to add another medal at the 2026 Olympics in Italy. Recently, she took one month off to recover from surgery.

“I get that itch to get out and do something. I’m being active by going for long walks and spending time on the bike. I’m taking it step by step,” she said. “I always tell people to take that first step right because if you think about your goals as these big long-term things like wanting to go to the Olympics that seems like an insurmountable goal. But when you just take that first step to what you’re trying to accomplish, then the next step comes a little easier. Then the next thing you’re snowballing into your goals.”

Jackson is an exercise science student at Salt Lake Community College.

At 30, she already has graduated with honors from the University of Florida’s materials science and engineering program and earned an associate degree from SLCC in computer science.

“I’m a naturally very lazy person. If I don’t have enough things to fill my day, I’ll just sit down and watch TV. I feel like keeping a few things on my plate helps me with time management,” she said. “My career goal is biomechanics; I want to work with prosthetics. I know a lot of Paralympians and I’m always asking questions, trying to figure out the ins and outs of their prosthetics and devices.”

Jackson, who was named United States Olympic Committee Female Athlete of the Year for Roller Sports in 2012 and 2013, followed a lot of skaters who transition to ice to pursue the Olympics. However, she needed some persuasion.

“I didn’t see that in my future. I always thought I’m happy on my skates, my inlines. I hate being cold. Why would I switch over to the ice? I was focused on getting my degree,” she said, remembering she shifted to ice when she was convinced she “could possibly go to the Olympics.”

With four months of speedskating experience on ice, Jackson qualified for the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang. In 2021, she became the first Black American woman to win the World Cup in the 500 meters. Her Olympic speed skating gold medal is

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

the first since Chris Witty in 1000 meters in 2002 and the first American woman to win the women’s 500 meters since Bonnie Blair in 1994.

The student-athlete was part of a keynote panel for the post-COVID-19 return of SLCC’s exercise science conference, sharing her insights with fitness instructors, personal trainers, students and other exercise enthusiasts.

“I don’t really like to eat my vegetables, but if I do, I just douse them in ranch,” Jackson told them. “Dr. Jen told me it doesn’t hurt to do that, just because you’re dousing them doesn’t negate the fact that you’re still getting your nutrients.”

Her diet and exercise are monitored by the U.S. speedskating team. Two members SLCC Assistant Professor “Dr. Jen” Day, a certified specialist in sports dietetics, and SLCC Associate Professor Carrie Needham, a doctorate who has worked in exercise science for more than 25 years — joined Jackson, describing how they support Olympic excellence.

Day traveled with the speedskating team and watched Jackson win her gold medal.

“It was a really cool moment,” she said. “I was crying and screaming. It felt Erin just brought the whole world together, and everyone celebrated with her. I’m very grateful to be a part of it. It’s probably one of the top 10 experiences of my whole life.”

Day said her role is to pair sports nutrition with the science of exercise physi-

ology and science of nutrition for the 20to 30-member speed skating team, ages 15 to 36, who not only practice on the ice, but often cross train, biking up Big Cottonwood Canyon in the summer.

“It’s a big difference in fueling needs if they’re out on the bike on a hot day in July compared to doing intervals in a cold, dry environment on ice. There’s a lot of education that goes into teaching them depending on their environment, what kind of training they’re doing, what phase of training there and what their nutrition needs are going to be,” she said.

Day provides healthy diet counseling individually as well as team talks.

“I’m teaching these athletes how to eat a baseline healthy diet,” she said, adding that the team also undergoes regular body composition testing, including girth measurements.

Jackson supports a healthy diet and proper training.

“I wasn’t the best athlete before I joined the skating team,” she said. “I relied mostly on talent so when I came out to Salt Lake City, the coach had all these different ideas about training such as warming up and cooling down. I said that I never warmed up and cooled down. My thoughts around exercise and training changed completely. Now, I’m one of those athletes who always asks a lot of questions. I learn why we’re doing certain things. That’s also why I’m pursuing this degree in exercise science; I feel as a top-level athlete,

it’s important to know the science behind what I’m doing every day. I’ve learned fueling can be one thing that people kind of overlook. When it comes to training and being a top-level athlete, people think that you win in the gym, but refueling is one of the most important things. Your muscles are still working and breaking down after training until you refuel them to repair the muscle fibers.”

Day shops and packs food for the athletes and monitors their supplements.

“It is important for them to have access to food that’s going to support their training and I don’t just willy-nilly get everyone on supplements. We supplement based on need,” she said. “I focus on food first. I’d rather them get their vitamin C from a whole orange because it contains carbohydrates, healthy fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants, right? All of these are perfectly packaged in a little health snack. Where if they take a vitamin C supplement, they’re only getting vitamin C. So, I have a food first approach always.”

By monitoring athletes, she has a better understanding of what is needed.

During the Olympic year, Day noticed Jackson was “getting tired all the time. She needed multiple naps a day. We did some blood work, and it wasn’t surprising to see that her iron levels had tanked.”

With a change of diet and supplements, she was able to increase her level and along with it, Jackson had improved energy.

Salt Lake Community College student and 2022 Olympic 500-meter speed skating gold medalist Erin Jackson shared her story with attendees at the school’s annual exercise science program conference. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Salt Lake Community College student Erin Jackson earned her Olympic gold medal following the nutrition and care of the school’s exercise science program. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

“We have comprehensive labs so we can see all angles of what’s going on and we have a doctor that provides guidance for us,” Day said. “We work a lot with the physiology of exercise, so we understand what the body is going through when it’s stressed with exercise.”

Needham said that exercise science can support Olympians as well as any population since the concepts are the same.

“I look at how can we take that research and apply it in a real-world setting,” she said, saying it is the same whether it’s for somebody who has a chronic disease and needs to improve their lifestyle through an exercise program or if it’s “training for athletes so that they can improve their time by 1% to make it onto the podium. The job of the exercise or sports scientist is to answer questions from the coach or from the athlete. We can look at research and find answers. We can do testing and find those answers. But when we can answer the questions for the coach and the athletes, then we are giving them valuable information that they can use in their performance.”

Her programs are individualized, matching the physiological profile to the athlete.

“We have to know what that physiological profile looks like and the type of athlete they are. Do they have more fast twitch muscle fiber or slow twitch muscle

fiber? What are the demands of the sport? Is it more of an aerobic sport and they need to be able to do that for long periods of time? Or is it a more explosive sport and they need to have that quick, powerful movement,” she said, adding they run tests, including oxidavitve systems, lactate threshold and aerobic capacity. “That’s valuable information for coaches, for athletes, for a personal trainer, for an exercise therapist, to know what we’re doing is making a difference in that training.”

Jackson said she gives “a solid effort” when it comes to testing.

“Testing is really important because our sports scientists, they use this data to help me achieve my goals,” she said, adding that she also makes sure she gets plenty of rest, stretches and massages her muscles for the next training session. “I used to sleep five to six hours a night because of being a student and staying up late doing homework. I had to work on getting eight hours of sleep a night.”

As Jackson looks ahead to her skating career and the possibility of the Olympics returning to Utah, she’s pumped.

“I’m currently 30 years old and I want to skate forever, but that’s not feasible. I would love to have the Salt Lake Olympics in 2030 and be able to compete on home ice,” she said. “If it’s 2034, I’ll likely be on the sidelines, but I’ll be supporting Salt Lake’s Olympics 100%.” l

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Do You Have a Chronic Wound?

If you have a wound that has been open for more than 4 weeks, then something in your body is not allowing that wound to heal properly. Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that fail to proceed through the normal phases of wound healing in an orderly and timely manner. Often, chronic wounds stall in the inflammatory phase of healing.

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Debridement (removal of dead tissue) is the most common treatment for stubborn wounds, and involves the removal of unhealthy tissue within a chronic wound to promote the growth of healthy tissue, reduce complications of infection, and speed up the healing process.

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• Antibiotics

• Skin substitute grafts

• Laser Treatments

• X-rays to assess for bone infection

• Scans to ensure proper blood flow is getting to the wound to promote healing

Visit Innovation Medical Group today to get a wound care specialist to help guide your care plan and to get your life back without a chronic wound present. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 801-758-2091. We are located at 4624 Holladay Blvd on the second floor in Suite 201 right above Olympus Family Medicine. We accept all major insurances and look forward to being able to enhance your quality of life.

www.sslc.gov

Cherie Wood, Mayor 801-464-6757 mayor@sslc.gov

South Salt Lake City Council Members

LeAnne Huff, District 1 801-440-8510 lhuff@sslc.gov

Corey Thomas, District 2 801-755-8015 cthomas@sslc.gov

Sharla Bynum, District 3 801-803-4127 sbynum@sslc.gov

Portia Mila, District 4 801-792-0912 pmila@sslc.gov

L. Shane Siwik, District 5 801-548-7953 ssiwik@sslc.gov

Natalie Pinkney, At-Large 385-775-4980 npinkney@sslc.gov

Clarissa Williams, At-Large 505-879-2457 cwilliams@sslc.gov

City Offices

8 am to 5 pm 801-483-6000 220 East Morris Ave SSL, UT 84115

Animal Service 801-483-6024

Building Permits 801-483-6005

Business Licensing 801-483-6063

Code Enforcement 801-464-6757

Fire Administration 801-483-6043

Justice Court 801-483-6072

Police Admin 801-412-3606

Promise 801-483-6057

Public Works 801-483-6045

Recreation 801-412-3217

Utility Billing 801-483-6074

Emergencies 911

Police/Fire Dispatch 801-840-4000

CITY NEWSLETTER

Back to School: From ‘Cradle to Career’ & Beyond

Mayor Cherie Wood

When I mention Back to School, I mean education no matter your age. The focus generally goes towards our kids as they head back to class. The start of a new school year is also inspiring, as students (and parents) anticipate that with their learning, new relationships and interactions with their peers, instructors, and coaches will enrich their lives.

Our Promise SSL program was created 11 years ago – committed to giving all our youth and families the opportunity to succeed. And while yes, our youth are a big focus, our hope for supporting our residents doesn’t and should not stop there. As one of the most socially and economically diverse cities in the SL Valley, early on as Mayor, I realized that as a city, we could play an essential role in helping all who live here create a better life through learning opportunities.

From Cradle to Diploma

The first of the three promises in our Promise SSL Program is specific to our youth. It states, “Every child has the opportunity to attend and graduate from college.” That’s a lofty goal, but we are making strides. This program is led by a team who use a strong framework of results-based strategies to help our youth navigate obstacles that can occur and impact their ability to succeed. This year we’ve been working closely with the Granite School District and United Way of Salt Lake to strengthen our programming, the target is to bring our HS graduation rate up to 100%.

Diploma to Career: Assisting Young Adults

Our young adults are another critically important group in our community, and we hope to help assist them in transitioning

WIth our schools and key partnerships, Promise SSL now assists over 2,000 youth and adults at 14 centers around our community. On page 5 we’ll share more about the many o erings available for our residents.

from High School/GED to higher learning opportunities and a meaningful career. We recognize that what comes after high school is not a one size fits all approach. Our young adults can access several great resources through the Promise Best Buy Teen Tech Center and The Community Opportunity Center (The Co-Op). Following The Co-Op theme: Connect, Work, Learn, and Grow, young adults can benefit from educational workshops, have access to job and career fairs, register for free digital or financial literacy coaching sessions, and have a free, quiet space to study.

Life-Long Learning: New Skills for Adults, Seniors

Providing ways to gain new skills and learn in South Salt Lake doesn’t exclude our adults and seniors. At the South Salt Lake Community Center, The Co-Op was created to foster adult learning. It’s the place to come together to work and access free tools and resources to connect, learn, and grow. Please stop by and take a tour, as you can learn and ask questions about how to become a member, enroll for an art class, or receive coaching sessions. With access to free wifi, The Co-Op is also a wonderful place to work and network with others.

Life-long learning can lead to many positive outcomes, as it may add or sharpen a skill to your professional resume, or it could become a passion project or a fun way to explore new things. I hope you’ll enjoy the learning journey and find a place for yourself in one or several of our many educational offerings in South Salt Lake.

LEARN MORE: Promise SSL (Youth Afterschool/Best Buy Teen Tech): sslc.gov

The Co-Op, 2530 S 500 East: sslcoop.org

SL County Senior Services: August Event Calendar, page 6 Free English Life Skills Classes at The Co-Op: T/Th 6 to 8 pm

The Co-Op was created to foster adult learning. It’s the place to come together to work and access free tools and resources to connect, learn, and grow.

Public Meetings

For more info: www.sslc.gov

City Council

Wed, Aug 9, 7 p.m.

Wed, Aug 23, 7 p.m.

Planning Commission

Thu, Aug 3, 7 p.m.

Thu, Aug 17, 7 p.m.

Civilian Review Board

Mon, Aug 7, 6:30 p.m.

2023 SSL Municipal Election Notice

The City Council has elected to use the Ranked Choice Voting method without a Primary Election. The candidate filing period is Tuesday, August 8, 2023, through Tuesday, August 15, 2023, excluding weekends, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The candidate filing deadline is Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. The City of South Salt Lake will hold a Municipal General Election on November 21, 2023.

Water Conservation: All Hands on Deck

Utah’s remarkably wet winter helped refill state reservoirs but did little to replenish groundwater sources or ease our ongoing drought conditions. South Salt Lake’s drinking water comes from groundwater and the city closely tracks water quantity and quality to ensure clean, safe drinking water flows to citizens. As part of this process, the city is conducting a comprehensive rate study to ensure fair and sustainable rates for essential services that impact our community.

Your input and participation are vital to helping shape the rates and ensure they align with the needs and priorities of our residents and businesses. Public engagement and outreach opportunities will be hosted in the coming months to engage residents. All information on the rate study and public participation events will be posted on SSLC.gov under Public Works > Water, as well as the 2022 Drinking Water Quality Report for public view.

City News

Keep SSL Safe & Beautiful: Follow the CODE

All South Salt Lake residents should follow city code and maintain their property for the overall health, safety and welfare of the citizens. These ordinances help preserve residential and commercial areas against hazardous and deteriorating conditions and deter crime throughout the city. SSL has three Code Enforcement Officers for our city population of over 25,000 people, so your help in identifying neighbors out of compliance is greatly appreciated. If you have any concerns or need to file an ordinance complaint, please call the Department of Neighborhoods at 801-464-6757 and speak with one of our Code Enforcement Officers. All Municipal Codes can be found on our website at SSLC.gov.

Ordinance Reminders:

• Yards: Grass and weeds shall be maintained at the height of six (6) inches or less at all times.

• Noxious Weeds: Property owners and businesses are required to keep noxious weeds, such as puncturevine (goathead), under control to prevent their spread/damage.

• Solid Waste: It is a public nuisance and a violation for any owner or occupant to allow the accumulation, abandonment or storage of trash, junk and debris on private or public property.

Congratulations, Darlene!

Her gorgeous xeriscape yard was selected as our Beautiful Yard award for July. Darlene received this recognition 6 years ago when she re-landscaped her entire front and back yard. Several years later, everything has matured with perfection, providing much shade and happiness to neighbors as they walk by. Beautiful yards can not only save water and feed wildlife, but they also beautify our community and lift our spirits.

Look around your neighborhood and nominate a Beautiful Yard. To do so, contact SSL Neighborhoods at 801464-6757, or connect@sslc.gov.

Did you know that approximately half of Utah’s municipal water is used for landscapes? That’s a lot of water! Visit UtahWaterSavers.com and SlowTheFlow.org for water conservation tips and rebates to help pay for water-wise landscape updates and replacing old fixtures such as toilets and sprinkler control systems. SSL residents please note, if you apply for landscape incentives through Utah Water Savers, you must first file an application through Jordan Valley Water and wait for approval before ripping out any turf. You will not be eligible for rebates if you remove your grass before approval.

South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary

Public Safety

Expanding Resources for Our Community Human Services Community Liaison

As a support agency, we are advocates for the well-being and empowerment of all individuals in our community. We also have recognized the critical need for a more comprehensive support system to address the challenges faced by those experiencing a mental health crisis. The Human Services Community Liaison is a new position and will also be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, UT). The purpose of this Liaison is to connect those in need with valuable resources, wrap-around services managed way to prioritize and achieve common goals and provide effective case management to support individuals in their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency. While employed by the City of South Salt Lake, the Human Services Community Liaison will also work closely with the SSL Police Department, and other key partners, such as Pamela Atkinson Resource Center, The Road Home, and Promise SSL.

“Issues such as homelessness are multifaceted and complex, there is an immediate need to find comprehensive wrap-around services for those in crisis. By hiring a Human Services Community Liaison, we can approach homelessness by bridging the gaps, fostering collaboration, and advocating for systemic changes to better support homeless individuals.”

How to Prevent Wildfires

Wildfires continue to threaten people and property across Utah. Effects from long-term drought and high levels of hazardous fuel accumulation from the wet winter we have had across the state present major concerns for our communities. While out enjoying the summer, take action towards implementing wildfire mitigation strategies to protect your home, property, and our great backyard wilderness. You are not powerless in your defense against wildfires. Taking a proactive approach to wildfire mitigation can significantly increase your safety and your home’s likelihood of survival during a catastrophic wildfire event. Your actions to reduce the risk on your property before a fire occurs can make all the difference.

The State of Utah Wildland Fire Operations Center is coming to South Salt Lake, at 3534 South and 700 West. It will replace the old Lone Peak Conservation Center (LPCC) at the former state prison property in Draper

Volunteer at the Pamela Atkinson Resource Center

Want to get involved, donate, or find out more? Let’s point you toward TheRoadHome.org to volunteer!

Taking our dogs outside to play is part of the joy of having them (and it’s good for you too)! In South Salt Lake, Fitts Park remains onleash only, and our Central Park sports field is reserved for humans. Let’s be thoughtful, and follow the leash laws, so everyone can enjoy our public parks and spaces this season.

SSL Off-Leash Dog Parks

• City Hall Dog Park, 130 East Oakland Avenue

• Lions Dog Park, 361 Robert Ave (improvements coming soon!)

Our youth are heading back to school soon, so please remember, please drive cautiously and be mindful of student crosswalks around South Salt Lake. Locate all the current crosswalk locations at sslc.gov.

The trick to good fire sense is common sense. You already know heat or sparks with dry grass could equal a whole lot of trouble. Wildfires can be prevented. Let us look at the following reminders.

Fire can spread faster than you think. Check your local conditions, including red flag warnings, and if they are not right, save it for another time. Have a plan if your fire gets out of control; your fire must be cold before leaving the scene, which means ensuring your campfire is completely out.

Vehicles are a major contributor to wildfires each year. Secure trailer chains to make sure they don’t drag and spark a fire. Do not park a hot car or recreational vehicle in dry grass and make sure that the recreational vehicle has the required spark arrestor installed.

Most importantly, CALL 911 if there is an emergency. The faster we are notified of an emergency, the faster we can respond and mitigate the problem. By making that call, you can help lead the emergency response by getting trained responders and their equipment to a scene without placing yourself in danger.

Stay safe and enjoy this wonderful weather and our great community.

Message from SSLFD Chief Terry Addison

Text a Tip to SSLPD

You can now send anonymous text and web tips to the SSLPD.

To send an anonymous text tip:

1. Text your tip to 274-637 (CRIMES).

2. Start your text message with the keyword: SSLPD

3. Within a minute, you will receive a text message with your alias. This confirms that your text message was received. The alias identifier is used by the officer to communicate with you, through text, regarding the tip you submitted.

4. Remember, the officer does not know your identity or location.

Message from SSLPD Chief Jack Carruth

SSL Community Centers

Opportunity Awaits at The Co-Op

Inside the South Salt Lake Community Center, the Promise SSL Co-Op offers co-working space that is the perfect place to connect, work, learn, and grow. We provide resources for digital inclusion, financial empowerment, career & business advancement, and community resource and referral services. It is free and open to all Salt Lake County residents.

With reservable rooms, meeting spaces, and a wide range of equipment available for borrowing, we provide everything you need to succeed. Plus, take advantage of our community classes designed to broaden your knowledge and skills. Drop in to take a tour, meet our staff, create a free membership, and see what opportunities await!

South Salt Lake Community Center

2530 S 500 East

Contact Brooke Field: bfield@sslc.gov or 801-412-3217

Central Park Community Center

2797 S 200 East

Promise Contact, Patrick Holman-Hart: pholman@sslc.gov or 801-386-4949

Historic Makeover: Renovations Underway at Historic Scott School

We’re sure you’ve noticed all the dust picking up in and around Historic Scott School Community Center. Renovations are underway to help breathe new life to our beloved community center. Careful planning and consideration has been taken to keep the elements that make the space unique and give it its historic charm.

A few key improvements include a door to the parking lot, updated office space with a big window framed into the classroom for Promise SSL programming, as well as an updated kitchen and bathrooms. There’s still work to be done for Promise SSL programming, but we are excited about what’s coming.. In addition to the inside renovations, the outside will be getting a facelift in the future as well.

Historic Scott School Community Center

3280 S 540 East

Promise Contact, Maisy Hayes: mhayes@sslc.gov or 801-803-3632

All abilities custom design was added which includes ADA ramps to deal with di erent oor levels from one building to another. An additional west side entrance was added which leads to the parking lot.

A large new window from the sta o ce into a youth program space.

The addition of a new interior wall to create a serving kitchen.

Originally built as a schoolhouse, new construction has also revealed ‘old’ gra ti artistry on interior walls.

No

Graduation Rate Enhance Your Google Workspace Skills with Edstruct’s Online Learning Library!

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Promise South Salt Lake, Promise Partnership Utah, Granite School District, and others have come together to set an ambitious goal of a 100% high school graduation rate for South Salt Lake youth. This goal ensures that every student in the community has an equal opportunity to succeed academically. It emphasizes the importance of providing quality education to all students, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or any other factors that may hinder their educational progress.

Amy Ahrens-Terpstra with Promise Partnership Utah said. “Promise South Salt Lake, Promise Partnership Utah, and Granite School District have spent 10+ years building a solid foundation for this ambitious goal, and that work has realized significant improvements in outcomes for youth and families in South Salt Lake. Now, we’re taking it to the next level by making good on our shared promise to kids that they will have every opportunity possible in this community to make a great future.”

This goal is about much more than just a graduation rate, it is about supporting youth in their educational journey from cradle to career to ensure they can explore, dream, and take steps to realize their potential. Promise Partners help create space for youth to have a say in their future. We know that graduation rates are linked to economic benefits, social mobility, reduced crime, and social issues, enhanced civic engagement, and overall community well-being.

While a 100% high school graduation rate may be an ambitious goal, striving towards it sends a powerful message about the community’s commitment to education and the well-being of its residents. Even if achieving a perfect graduation rate may be challenging, the efforts put into reaching the goal can still result in significant improvements in educational outcomes and community prosperity.

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3. Expand Your Digital Skills: Develop a strong foundation in cloudbased productivity tools and enhance your technological prowess, boosting your employability in today’s digital era.

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Become a Google Workspace Expert!

With flexible learning options and engaging content, you can progress at your own pace and access the material whenever it’s convenient for you. Enroll Today: www.edstruct.com/bundles/promise-ssl

Instructor Laura Sharp Wilson

August Events: South Salt Lake Community SENIOR CENTER

2531 South 400 East

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

All Shows: 10:30 am

Bill Stidd, Friday, August 4

BD Howes, Friday, August 11

Larry Turner, Friday, August 18

Time Steppers - Wednesday, August 30

SPECIAL MEAL

Birthday Special – Tuesday, August 1

MONTHLY BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS with Fire Department

Weds, August 9, 9:15 am

VITAL AGING:

Monthly group Wellness Discussions with a licensed therapist

Weds, August 16, 10:30 am

One-on-one sessions are available by appointment only. Call 801-539-7069 to make an appointment.

U OF U EXERCISE CLASS (Strength Training)

Tues and Thurs, 10:30 am, starting August 29

Community Development

July 4th Celebration HIGHLIGHTS

Our 2023 4th of July SoSaLa Celebration was one for the history books!

In our 85th year, so many beautiful faces from our community came to join in for this year’s Fun Run, Flag Ceremony, Parade, and Fitts Park festivities. A huge shout out to our South Salt Lake recreation staff, our public safety team, and our long-standing event organizer, who is retiring this year, Leslie Jones.

‘Burgers on Wheels’ Finds a New Home in SSL

After working for a pawn shop for 17 years, owner of ‘Burgers on Wheels’ Alex Salinas, and his family decided it was time for a change. Doing the needed research, gathering funds, and getting permits in place, they opened a food truck business three years ago. According to Alex driving past this small assembly of businesses on the corner of 2700 South and 500 East led to expanding their business by opening up a restaurant in South Salt Lake. Working as a team with his wife, Alex still goes out daily to manage the food truck and catering business, while Maria leads the restaurant at this new location.

Alex says, “The most popular burgers are the jalapeño burger, western bacon, and portabella mushroom burger.” In addition, they offer vegetarian burgers and chicken options, and lettuce wraps can be swapped out for buns on request.

Burgers on Wheels

495 East 2700 South, South Salt Lake IG or FB @burgersonwheelsslc

385-355-9965

Find their full menu: burgersonwheels.com

Our new Public Works Hydro-X truck was given the name “HYDRA” in a contest by resident youth, Finley.

Ahoy there, SSL! District 4 City Council member Portia Mila sits atop the bow of this pirate ship oat during the parade.

them trick-or-treating, camping, be at their games,” she said. “He helped me find jobs and cheered me on in school.”

As a working professional, she started a preventative intervention for Hispanic youth and their families, advocated for mental health with minorities, coordinated volunteers at a family support center, and has managed a multicultural center.

She also has volunteered for the Utah AIDS Foundation, Planned Parenthood, Centro de la Familia, a peer court adviser, and has been a speaker for a rape crisis center and against domestic abuse.

“I’ve tried to be involved in the community as much as I can,” said the recipient of the 2009 Midvale Exchange Club’s Appreciation Award of Service to the Community. “Everything I did was for a reason, but I never knew why. I used to go into the welfare office when my kids were little to see what resources there were. Then, when I worked in the field, I could tell the parents to utilize the resources that I knew about firsthand.”

When her kids got older, she added boxing official to her volunteer list. Volunteering was a lesson she shared with her kids.

“I had them volunteer. I wanted them to give back, to be involved in the community,” she said. “I also passed along something my parents taught me — voting. I told them, ‘You don’t vote, you don’t have a say.’ I didn’t tell them how to vote, just to take the opportunity

to vote.”

In fact, the first thing she did when she returned to the community after leaving her husband was to go to an event for Democratic leader Scott Matheson with her brother.

“Pete got me back involved,” she said, adding that when they were growing up, her parents had pictures of the Kennedys hung in their home. “I loved going to the election party headquarters and being there after the election, waiting for results.”

The two both registered voters and attended events; she has twice attended the National Democratic Convention. He entered the state legislature; she became a poll worker.

Pete Suazo served in that position, and as state chief of officials in boxing, until he died about 20 years ago when his ATV flipped.

“He was my mentor my whole life. I always looked up to him. He went to state wrestling (for West High School), and he was a jockey, racing horses. But our family always would go to boxing matches at the coliseum at the fairgrounds, so he got into it. (Longtime boxing trainer and coach) Tony Montoya got him into officiating in 1989,” she said. “When Pete died, he had just become an international official representing the United States.”

After his death, his sister, who had been officiating for about a decade, took over as chief of officials for the next six months.

“Pete got me into officiating, and I did it because it was fun, but I didn’t like being the chief,” she said. “I officiated the pros for about a year; It was a different atmosphere, and I didn’t feel the connection with the boxers like I did with the kids growing up.”

Suazo started as an official for two years before she entered the ring. She would check the boxers’ gloves, be a timekeeper or a judge, or she would score the bout — at first, scoring was done on her fingers, then with a clicker before it became computerized.

“I had to learn it all when I started. Before that, I could pick the winner, just from watching it all the years with my family and listening to it on the radio with my dad and grandfather, but I didn’t know all the rules. It was just a sport I loved,” she said.

In the gyms, she would watch referees in the rings and learn from them.

“I wanted to start referring, but I was nervous. When Ray Silva, who then was the chief of officials for the country, came to do a clinic, Pete introduced me to him and told me, ‘This is your time,’” she said.

She got into the ring and the approval from Silva.

“He taught me to stand on my toes so it’s easier and faster to turn,” she said.

Her brother’s friends — Silva with USA Boxing and the National Olympic Committee, Angel Villarreal with USA Boxing, and professional referees Russell Mora and Mike Rosario — became her friends too.

“We’re a boxing family and it truly is a family. The women I’ve met in boxing are amazing; we’re so close,” she said, adding that many of them not only supported her

through the funeral of her brother and her daughter — even though she wasn’t a fan of the sport. “We officiate for the kids. You see them win and you see him lose and you see that they don’t give up. When they win, they have that glow. I want to see that excitement. When they’re older, many of them stay in the sport to coach or officiate.”

Her first bout she refereed was a local “smoker” in 1993.

“When I first started — for years and years and years — they always gave me the little kids, because ‘this is a man’s sport.’ I was OK with it because I loved the kids. I loved doing refereeing from the first time I ever stepped in the ring,” she said.

She also learned a lesson from her brother that first bout.

“I had their hands ready to announce the winner when I looked over at the other one who got hurt pretty bad and I said, ‘Are you OK, mi hijo (my son)?’ When I got out of the ring, Pete said ‘Don’t you ever call him that. He’s not your son. He’s a boxer,’” she said.

Suazo has seen officiating as well as the sport itself grow. Currently in the state, there are about 733 boxers and 26 officials in USA Boxing.

“When I started nationally, there were three other women referring. Now, there are hundreds nationwide,” she said.

Women’s boxing also began to grow while she’s been officiating. Her first national tournament refereeing was the first women’s tournament in Atlanta in 1997.

“Two women from Utah became champions there,” she said. “I like refereeing women. They’re more disciplined, easier to read. You don’t have to stop them to pull them apart. They’re good boxers.”

Through the years of being in the ring — and only being grazed once by a fist — there has only been one call that had seemed controversial.

“I had a boxer who was a Florida state champion and he kept picking up the boxer and wrestling with him,” she said. “I kept giving him caution after caution. I told him, ‘You’re holding him; that’s why you’re getting the call.’ He didn’t stop. I gave him warning after warning and you can only give three warnings for disqualification. I disqualified him; he didn’t give me a choice. The coach jumped upon the ring and called me all kinds of names. I received an escort out of the ring and venue. When I checked out of my hotel and the person behind the desk said, ‘Oh, you’re the one who disqualified the boxer.’ There was even a news article about it because it was a qualifier and since he was disqualified, he couldn’t go to the Olympic trials. My supervisor said that I did the right call and that I had a ringside seat, the best seat in the house to see those boxers. I learned you just have to use your best judgment.”

Officiating didn’t come with compensation.

“I spent thousands. We pay our own way to officiate or judge. If you are amongst the best and were asked to officiate, you’d get

some compensation — either travel or room and board. People give up their vacation to do this. That’s how committed people are to the sport,” she said. “My dad loved to travel with me. The last time he went to the U.S. championships with me, we gave an award in Pete’s name. I’ve done it every year since he died,” she said, adding that now there is a boxing gym, the state boxing commission, a business center, a U of U social work scholarship and street (a section of Redwood Road from North Temple to 2400 South) named after her brother.

Suazo, who is a master national official and once designed the USA boxing patch worn on the officials’ white uniform, now teaches state clinics on how to officiate. She referees about five tournaments per year. After that, she will continue to officiate.

“I love timekeeping. I get to see the whole bout instead of just seeing the punches as a referee. Refereeing is my favorite job, but that’s just seeing not watching,” she said.

Before she steps out of the ring, she plans to work the National Junior & Youth Golden Gloves in August in Florida and the USA Boxing National Championships in December in Louisana.

“I’m the only woman referee in Utah, period. I’m the first. I’m the first Latina. When I leave there, we don’t have a woman who will step in and that’s the saddest part. There’s no one to pass the baton to, but I don’t want somebody just say what the hell is that old lady doing in there? I don’t want to be the one to get knocked down and have somebody give me an eight count,” she said. “When I think about it, I’ve held on to this longer than I have any other job and never got paid a dime. There’s something to be said about that. You do this because you love it.”

Becky Suazo has been an official in more than 4,000 bouts from local “smokers” to national championships and Olympic trials. (Photo courtesy of Becky Suazo)

What’s your legacy?

Serving Local Families Since 1885

COMPASSIONATE

During one of life’s most difficult moments, you deserve the utmost respect, kindness, care, and guidance. Six generations of Larkins have been devoted to serving Utah families in their time of need, and that unique experience enables us to guide you in preparing services for your loved one with consideration and respect.

Dr. Angela Dunn still serves the public, just not so publically

Her job is still to protect the public, but her role these days is a little more Clark Kent than Superman, and that’s just how she likes it.

She’s Dr. Angela Dunn, former Utah State Epidemiologist, and the face many still associate with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Even now when I meet new people they’ll say something like, ‘I feel like I should get your autograph,’ and that’s always a little unsettling to me,” Dunn says, indicating that public servants don’t serve for celebrity status, either positive or negative. “Heck, I dyed my hair blonde so I wouldn’t be as recognizable, but the hair thing is too much work, so I’m going back to brunette.”

Still, she feels a little bad about being associated with a public health crisis, with the years that were quite possibly some of the hardest ever encountered by our country, our state and the community-at-large.

The role of State Epidemiologist is, by nature, an outwardly focused one. Dunn’s duty was to share directly with the public emerging and science-based suggestions for containing any public health crisis. She just happened to get a global pandemic. She, and other health officials countrywide, worked against a political movement that belittled scientific expertise. This drew controversy from local detractors who circulated her address on social media and gathered in front of her home to protest.

“It was scary and wrong that someone would feel comfortable sharing my personal information,” Dunn told the Salt Lake Tribune in late 2020. “That people would think it is OK to harass civil servants.”

About that time she realized the controversy had diminished her ability to be perceived as a neutral figure, so in 2021 when the county’s executive health director, Gary Edwards, announced his retirement, and Dunn had the opportunity to move into a less visible role, she took off the cape, so to speak. Still a superhero

She’s now two years into her position as the Executive and Medical Director of the Salt Lake County Health Department, one of the largest local health departments in the nation, serving nearly 1.3 million residents. This new role is significantly different in that she is more behind- the-scenes, ensuring that the “best 500 public health practitioners,” those involved on the frontlines, have the resources to protect and improve the well-being of all county residents. She problem-solves in a team environment, doing big picture planning for the future of public health.

Services provided under the umbrella of the County Health Department are vast and seemingly jack-of-all-trades, ranging from expected things like screenings and immunizations, to more obscure services like: noise pollution, noxious weed control, tobacco prevention, bee inspection and water quality.

By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

Or according to the department website, “Every day we immunize children, inspect restaurants, keep tobacco out of the hands of minors, encourage physical activity, teach proper nutrition, protect our water and air, and provide culturally appropriate services to a multitude of disparate populations.”

Dunn believes that, “these different divisions fit well together because, when combined, they touch the health, lives and livelihoods of every single person.”

Casting a community-focused web

Dunn’s first year in her new role was focused on adjusting to the aftermath of the pandemic, on helping staff to process the complex emotions after the adrenaline rush and heartbreak.

She now hopes to apply the lessons learned from those tumultuous years. She is working toward a change in perspective. Rather than applying top-down health objectives to all communities, health workers are now being strategically placed to reflect the unique communities they serve. They will be in a position to communicate with local trusted leaders, with the intent of proceeding from people toward policy (rather than the other way around). The goal is to ask about specific community-focused priorities and needs, then address those needs, then focus on health literacy so the information and services provided will be easily understood and used.

The hope is to build back trust lost during the pandemic, to be engaged with communities over the long term, to be in a positon to let people know why and how recommendations come about and may change, and to innovate and move faster when confronted with another health crisis.

Hero’s journey

Dunn was born in Texas. Her father was in the oil business and his job moved the family from state to state, so by the time she was 7, Dunn had lived in nine different houses. She learned to adapt to change, a trait she still uses in her profession.

Dunn received her medical degree from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, and completed her residency training in general preventive medicine and public health at the University of California San Diego. She also holds a Master of Public Health from San Diego State University and a B.A. in international relations from Brown University.

After her education she served as an epidemic intelligence service officer for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she responded to the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. In 2014, she accepted an epidemiologist assignment with the Utah Department of Health and she became the state epidemiologist just four years later.

Along with her executive director position at the county, she’s currently the presi-

dent of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, or CSTE, which held their annual conference in SLC in June.

Unmasking the superhero Dunn’s perfect day would start with an unhurried, unstructured morning of breakfast, reading and cuddling with her sons, ages 11 and 6. She loves trail running, so she might get a little exercise someplace like City Creek, on a trial with a bit of elevation and a perfect combination of shade, sun and views. She loves that she can access mountain trails from her back door, something she realizes is not found in many cities.

If she had a bit of extra free time during the day, she might listen to an audio book to allow for multitasking. Her favorites are not medical thrillers (because she sometimes feels like she’s lived it) but spy or crime novels. Or she wouldn’t mind watching a show. Dunn’s Covid-19 binge series was “Home-

land,” which she enjoyed because the main character’s job woes felt even more daunting than her own.

For dinner she’d go to HSL, where she loves the food and the décor. She’d choose one of the groovy high-backed booths for an easy, private conversation with friends and/ or family.

These days Dunn no longer wears a mask at the farmer’s market, on a plane, or while attending the theater. She’s a hugger and is happy to get back to that norm. What she loves is that at this stage we have a better understanding of Covid-19 and tools to fight it. Individuals, knowing their prior conditions, risk factors and vaccination status, can take the proper precautions. We can mask or unmask, and she says, “Isn’t it refreshing that masks can now occupy a more politically neutral space?” l

Dr. Angela Dunn and her son represent the Salt Lake County Health Department at Pride. (Photo Angela Dunn)

Mind the Gap Festival celebrates women’s voices

What better way to celebrate the power of women’s voices than a music festival featuring female musicians? Salt Lake’s inaugural Mind the Gap Fest will be held at The Gateway (18 Rio Grande St.) on Saturday, Aug. 26, with gates open at 11 a.m.

Presented by Salt Lake Community College, Women’s Leadership Institute, Utah Women & Leadership Project, Girls on the Run and more, the festival celebrates women who are pursuing careers in music and entertainment.

The festival features headliners like Beach Bunny, Yaeji, Sales, Orion Sun, Destroy Boys and Jadu Heart in a celebration of Women’s Equality Day. Mind the Gap will help attendees understand gender gaps in equality including income, executive positions, education and political representation.

“We have a really educated workforce of women [in Utah] but they choose to stay home. They get their degree and then don’t do anything with it,” said WLI Director of Communication and Community Patti Cook. “They don't have the opportunity to have remote work. In Utah, 95%

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

held in Utah, it’s a national franchise that’s been proven successful for many years. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit a scholarship fund for individuals interested in pursuing a degree in an entertainment related industry.

Tickets can be purchased at MindTheGapFest.com. Use the code WOMENLEAD20 for 20% off.

In conjunction with Mind the Gap Fest, WLI will host an event Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 4-6 p.m. at Kiln (26 S. Rio Grande St. #2072). The event will be an open discussion, moderated by WLI CEO Pat Jones, to identify cultural norms and how they impact women in Utah.

“When we talk to women, they think that they’re the only one having this problem and we want them to know that they’re seen and heard,” Cook said. “It’s not them who needs to be fixed. They’re in spaces that could be more friendly.”

Cook said enhancing women’s voices and giving them a place at the table lifts all aspects of society. Having a diverse selection of voices on boards, commissions, corporate and political leadership and education leads to more inclusive social and economic outcomes.

BE A

GILEAD

Treatment for COVID-19 for non-hospitalized people who have tested positive for and have symptoms of COVID. This is a 90-day study for ages 18-65. There are 10 visits total, 7 in person and 3 over the phone. You must also be willing to fill out a questionnaire from day 1 to day 29, and then for day 60 and 90.

CODAGENIX - CHILD RSV STUDY

This is a live vaccine for children ages 2-5 years old. This study is 8 months long, and there are 15 visits total. 10 of these are in-person visits and 5 are over the phone. 2 doses of nose drops are to be administered on day 1 and day 29. Only one child per household can participate, they must not be around children less than 6 months old, pregnant women or be in daycare. Must have been a fullterm birth of 36-42 weeks.

KAN-101-02 - CELIAC DISEASE

This study is for adults 18 - 70 years old who have a Celiac Disease diagnosis either by a positive Celiac serology or biopsy, and you must follow a gluten-free diet for 12 months. There are two parts to this study: Part A and Part B. What part you are assigned to will determine how long the study will be. Part A is 8 weeks with 4 weeks of screening, 7 days for treatment, 3 weeks of follow-up, and 3 IV doses. Part B is 58 weeks, 6 weeks of screening, 7 days for treatment, and 51 weeks of follow-up, also done in 3 IV doses.

Women who work outside the home are supernatural shapeshifters. One minute they’re closing the deal on a $5-million property and the next minute they’re on the phone with their 5-year-old daughter who’s upset because the parakeet won’t talk to her.

I think we can agree women are in the workplace. I think we can agree most households need two incomes to afford the basics like food, shelter and Netflix. I think we can also agree that mothers take on the biggest load when it comes to child care. Well, our country’s child care system is failing women in a spectacular SpaceX explosion kind of way.

This disparity was highlighted during COVID, an infuriating pandemic where millions of women lost their jobs. As child care centers closed, women were usually the ones to step away from their careers to become full-time school teachers, nurses, referees, short-order cooks, video game experts and day drinkers.

Single mothers always draw the short straw when it comes to child care choices. If you’ve never been a single mom who has to decide between using a vacation day or leaving her sick 11 year old at home alone, consider yourself lucky.

Care.com reported on child care costs in the U.S., showing the average family

It Takes a Village

Peri Kinder

Life and Laughter

spends 27% of their income on child care with the majority spending around $18,000 each year. Utah’s costs are a bit lower than the national average but we make up for that by having one bajillion children.

There are always people who say, “Women should be home raising their children. Problem solved.” Guess what? Problem not solved because most families need two incomes to get by, even adding in the cost of child care. When women choose to stay home, it takes a big bite out of the household income.

To combat this, parents work multiple jobs, alternate work schedules with a spouse or partner, rely on family members to babysit and hope their toddler becomes a child star to cover living expenses.

Employers, do you know how often moms worry about asking for time off to take kids to dentist appointments, doctor visits, parent-teacher conferences, lobot-

omies, etc.? It’s constant. There’ve been times when I was shamed by my boss because I needed to deal with a situation at home. That should never happen.

Women and families need child care support and it’s about damn time to get

creative.

Let’s start with free (or low-cost) onsite child care. Let’s throw in flexible and remote schedules that allow parents to be home after school. Let’s address the stupid 40-hour work week that’s not only a waste of time, but a drain on families.

Kim Kardashian pays each of her nannies (she has at least four on call 24/7) nearly $100,000 per year. She got it right. That’s what women should be paid for watching children because it’s mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting. But the average family can’t afford ONE nanny for even half that price.

And, yes, sometimes it’s the father who stays home with the kids (and they struggle, too) but the majority of child care responsibility is placed on mothers.

Mothers are expected to work competently at a full-time job and turn into Mary Poppins/Mrs. Doubtfire/Amelia Bedelia the minute they get home. We’re tired of shapeshifting. It’s making us cranky.

If employers want to hire shapeshifters, they’d better be prepared to offer flexibility, creativity and full value for that skill or we’ll take our talents and go home. And then nobody wins.