South Salt Lake | September 2025

Affordable housing project gets the go ahead in South Salt Lake

By Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycityjournals.com

South Salt Lake City leaders have approved a project which will result in 478 affordable apartments for the community.

South Salt Lake’s City Council has approved a development agreement for a new mixed-use, transit-oriented development, the Market Center. The project is a key part of a larger downtown revitalization project in South Salt Lake which included the recent opening of One Burton, a high-end, mixeduse development located at the southwest corner of Burton Avenue and Main Street.

Market Center will include four buildings organized around a north-south plaza, and will be constructed in four phases, the timing of which will depend on the market response. The buildings will be located at 2263 South Main Street, 54 East Central Pointe Place, 2280 South State Street and 53 East Haven Avenue.

The project, which has been under review by city staff for about a year, will include construction of 478 affordable apartments totaling 32,000+ square feet, which will be offered to the public at 60 percent of Area Median Income for 50 years.

The first building will have 255 units with a mix of studio, one bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units. A “co-working space” on the ground floor will include at a minimum a conference room, workstations and booths. Building two, which will be constructed no more than three years later will have 138 units and at least 6,500 square feet of commercial/retail space. Building three

which will be constructed no more than four years after the first building. later will have 85 UNITS with a similar mix. Building four will be a retail/commercial structure which will include parking for the other building.

Development amenities will include 80,581 square feet of open space including a rooftop event space on the first building, which will be made available to the city on a reservation basis for a minimum of four days per month or 48 days per year. There will also be a dog park, playground, and enhanced pedestrian areas, along with 648 square feet of bicycle storage. Market Center will also include 470 structured parking stalls, 200 of which will be open to the public daily. EV chargers and EV charger ready infrastructure will be included.

To facilitate this development, the council approved a change from Downtown District Zoning to Housing and Transit Overlay for the area. Under the overall conditions, the development must provide a minimum of 50 units/acre with an average building height greater than 50 feet, have setbacks as approved by the city and the developer had to enter into a development agreement with the city.

“One of the requirements of the new housing and transit overlay district is that in order for a rezone application to be approved, they do need to go through and have a development agreement completed, Senior Planner Spencer Cawley told the council at their Aug. 14 meeting.

“This will just ensure that the project

as it has been proposed is what we will be seeing, what is developed,” he said.

Councilmembers expressed strong support for the project.

“It’s a big moment for us, just want to stop and recognize this, just to appreciate the significance of the moment,” Councilmember Paul Sanchez said. “I know a lot of work has gone into it. So it’s pretty exciting.”

Councilmember LeAnne Huff echoed Sanchez’ enthusiasm.

“It’s the best project I think I’ve ever voted on,” she said.

SSL Market Center QOZB, LLC is the developer of the 5.52-acre site which is located within the city’s Downtown District, adjacent to Central Pointe Place, the Parley’s Trail, and the S-Line. l

A new development could mean 478 affordable apartments in South Salt Lake. (Courtesy image/South Salt Lake City)

‘Animals are my passions’ Kennel technician loves finding pets their forever homes

Aspiring wildlife biologist Rory Jenkins, tells the story of Elsa, one of their longest shelter residents.

By Sienna Chubak s.chubak@thecityjournals.com

South Salt Lake Animal Services’ Kennel Technician, Rory Jenkins, introduces Elsa, one of the most beloved animals at the shelter. Jenkins said, “We’re all incredibly attached to her, and we want to do everything that we can for her to find a forever, forever home.”

Jenkins, who grew up in West Jordan, Utah, has been working at South Salt Lake Animal Services for two years now. They explained, “Animals are my passions. They’ve always been my favorite thing. My whole life. I’m actually going to school to get a degree in zoology. My end career goal is wildlife biologist. Working here at the animal shelter has been great, especially because I get the best of both the vet world and the shelter world. It’s a great combo.”

This is now the third time that Jenkins has seen Elsa be brought to the shelter. They said, “Unfortunately, the first time was because she was just a little too aggressive, and her owners had fallen on hard times, and so obviously they couldn’t handle keeping her anymore. The second time she came back, it’s because the person we had adopted her out to had passed away.”

At first, Elsa’s third home was a perfect match. Jenkins said that Elsa has really improved since being with her last family. However, another incident happened and a family friend ended up getting bitten.

Jenkins doesn’t want Elsa to get a bad rep, since everyone at the shelter knows how amazing of a dog she is. They explained

that Elsa just needs a special home. Ideally, one with no kids and no other animals.

One of Jenkins’ favorite parts of

working at the shelter is finding their animals a permanent family. “It’s great getting to spend time with them, but the really rewarding part is seeing them go home to a forever home,” they said.

If you’re looking to adopt, Jenkins suggests a few things: doing your research, coming in to meet the animals and microchipping.

Doing your research: “Animals are a lot more work than you’re expecting. I think a lot of people come to the shelter expecting the animals to have some amount of training already, but with as limited staff as we are, we don’t always have time to give them any amount of training. It comes with a lot of responsibility. Even the cats sometimes are a little difficult to work with at first, and I think a lot of times we get people who are a little more unprepared than they realized they were going to be,” Jenkins said. With a small staff of just five employees, planning to do as much training as you can after adoption is the safest route to take.

Meet the animals: South Salt Lake Animal Services posts all of their new animals on their Instagram when they are ready for adoption. It’s a great spot to see who is initially there, but Jenkins still suggests coming in with an open mind. If you don’t follow them on social media, the shelter is still always supportive of anyone walking in without any prior knowledge of who they have.

Microchipping: Jenkins explained that many of the animals they get in the shelter are strays. If you and your family want to make sure that you stay together, Jenkins said microchipping is one of the best ways to do that. You can get it done right at the shelter, or at most any veterinary clinics in town. l

SOUTH SALT

LAKE TEAM

The South Salt Lake Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Salt Lake.

For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

SOUTHJORDAN JOURNAL.COM

PUBLISHER

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Lindsay Andreasen | lindsay.a@thecityjournals.com

Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com

CIRCULATION COORDINATOR Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022

Rack locations are also available on our website.

EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN

Stacey LaMont Ty Gorton

SOUTH SALT LAKE CITY JOURNAL 9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070

PHONE: 801-254-5974

Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media.

Designed, Published, & Distributed by

Domestic Shorthair, Truffle, is one of the animals at South Salt Lake Animal Services. (Sienna Chubak/ City Journals)

The Guy’s Guide to Prostate Health: What You Need to Know

Prostate health may not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s a crucial one for men’s overall well-being. As men navigate their 40s, 50s, and beyond, understanding and prioritizing prostate health becomes increasingly important. This guide covers the essential things every guy needs to know about this small but vital gland’s role in male reproductive health.

As men age, the prostate can undergo changes, leading to various health concerns, including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, and Prostate Cancer.

Recognize the Symptoms – Don’t Ignore the Signs

Being aware of potential symptoms is crucial for early detection and management of prostate issues. Common symptoms to watch out for include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination

• Weak urine stream

• Pain or burning during urination

• Blood in urine or semen

• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

“If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with your doctor. Regular prostate exams are vital, especially as you get older. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting screened for prostate cancer. Screening typically involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-

specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment for prostate cancer,” said Dr. Blake Johnson, a urologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake.

BPH Treatment Options

The goal of BPH treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Treatment strategies vary based on the severity of symptoms.

For mild symptoms, lifestyle adjustments can be effective, including reducing fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, following a healthy diet, and exercising, especially pelvic floor exercise.

Moderate symptoms often require medications that either relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck or shrink the prostate gland.

For more severe or persistent symptoms, minimally invasive procedures offer alternatives to traditional surgery.

• Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE):

This procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the enlarged areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink over time.

• Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift): Small implants are placed in the prostate to lift and hold the enlarged tissue away from the urethra.

• Water-induced thermotherapy: Uses heated water to remove the extra prostate tissue.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the prostate.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, the patient’s age, overall health, and personal preferences.

“For low-risk prostate cancer that is slowgrowing and hasn’t spread, active surveillance may be recommended. This involves regular monitoring with PSA tests, digital rectal exams, imaging (for example MRIs) and possibly biopsies, without immediate treatment,” said Dr. Leland Rogers, radiation oncologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Cancer Center. “If the cancer is more aggressive, we have several treatment options, including surgery, radiation treatment or hormone therapy.”

Surgery – Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissues. This can be done through an abdominal incision or laparoscopically, using smaller incisions and a camera.

Radiation Therapy:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), uses high-energy beams that are targeted at the prostate gland to destroy cancer cells.

• Brachytherapy where radioactive seeds are placed directly into the prostate gland to deliver radiation internally.

Hormone Therapy reduces the levels of male hormones like testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.

“Taking proactive steps to understand and care for your prostate health is an investment in your overall well-being,” Dr. Johnson said.

If you have concerns about your prostate health, schedule an appointment with a urologist by visiting www.mountain. commonspirit.org/care-and-health/urology. For all healthcare needs, schedule a consultation with a primary care physician or a specialist at mountain.commonspirit.org.

Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.

At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.

Holy Cross Hospitals have been trusted by Utah families since 1875. Treating your whole family tree.

For 150 years, Holy Cross Hospitals have cared for Utah families in their most tender, powerful, and vulnerable moments. From newborn checkups to post-op recoveries, we’ve seen generations through their highest highs and hardest days.

We’ve done it all with one purpose: to treat people, not just patients. We care for every person with personalized treatment powered by compassion and respect.

Our belief that we all hold the power to heal helps us provide care that spans generations and stands the test of time.

Learn more at mountain.commonspirit.org/holycross150

Water conservation important to majority of South Salt Lake residents

A recent South Salt Lake City survey shows most residents care about water conservation.

By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com

Arecentshort survey of South Salt Lake residents shows that the majority of them are concerned about water conservation.

South Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District all provide culinary water to local residents depending on where they live so the survey focused more on water conservation, Communications Director Joseph Dane told city leaders on July 9.

“When it comes to water conservation and the ordinances that the council may pass, that affects all of our residents, regardless of where they get their water from,” he said.

The four-question survey found a majority of residents “are actively trying to do their part to conserve water in some fashion,” Dane said.

Most of the 192 respondents support an ordinance that the council passed last year which prohibits outdoor watering

during daytime hours. Passing this ordinance ensured South Salt Lake residents could qualify for a Jordan Valley Water Conservation District landscape incentive program.

“This [survey] was an opportunity to remind them that this is in place, and they should not be watering during the day-

time,” Dane said.

One thing the survey found was that South Salt Lake officials need to do more to educate residents about what water rebate programs are available to them, he said.

These include cash incentives for water-smart landscaping, toilet replacement and smart sprinkler controller installation offered through Utah Water Savers. (Details are available at www.utahwatersavers.com).

About a third of respondents were not aware of those programs, he said.

“We really need to do a better job, not just the city but Jordan Valley and I think all cities in the state, of really educating residents around the state about the money provided by the state to help conserve water whether that be through toilet replacement or bigger impact landscape incentives by getting rid of grass,” he said. “It’s actually state money that funnels through to the various water districts. We are a member agency of Jordan Valley. So that’s where we push people to take advantage of Utah Water Savers.”

Most respondents, 74%, said excessive water users should pay more for that water. Fifty-six percent felt that the city should increase water rates a little bit each year to minimize large fee impacts on customers. Those who conserve water and keep their usage down should pay less, 59% said.

The survey also asked participants to provide feedback.

In response to one participant’s suggestion that homes that have high water usage not be considered for the city’s Beautiful Yard award program, Dane responded that last year South Salt Lake changed the program to focus on water efficient landscapes and awarded three homeowners a $500 gift card for their water-wise landscape.

“It was one of our most successful beautiful yard awards,” he said. “We’re doing that again this year. I believe we are the only municipality that’s doing that. It’s a fun alternative and flip on the beautiful yard award which we have been doing for many years.”

South Salt Lake Cit utilizes FlashVote survey software to periodically survey residents on different issues to provide feedback to the city council, Dane said. l

South Salt Lake recognizes homeowners who utilize water conservation in their landscaping in its Beautiful Yard program. (Photo courtesy South Salt Lake City)

‘So lucky to live in this city’ Interfaith Council service project unites community

Interfaith Council filled the shelves of the Granite School District’s Cottonwood High School Pantry with essential school supplies.

By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

In August, eight religious faith organizations came together as part of the Holladay City Interfaith Council to fill the shelves of the Granite School District’s Cottonwood High School Pantry with essential school supplies.

The various faiths’ collaborative effort demonstrated the power of serving the community in meeting the urgent needs of students, nearly half of whom rely on free and reduced lunch programs to support their well-being. Out of a total of 1,500 students at Cottonwood, 46 are facing challenges related to homelessness in their communities.

The Interfaith School Supply Service Project serves as a beacon of hope in a world often weighed down by sadness and concern for the challenges faced by children living in poverty. Robyn Ivins, a volunteer at the Cottonwood High School Teen Center and Pantry, emphasizes that most donations to the pantry come from the local community.

“Cottonwood is so grateful to everyone who keeps us well-stocked,” she said. “Without community support, we couldn’t help our students and their families. We’ve even had students return after graduation to share how important the pantry and teen center was to their academic success.”

The pantry opened in 2017 and is available for anyone on Tuesdays and Fri-

days. It provides needed food, hygiene products, and school supplies for 90 to 120 students per week. According to Ivins, to help provide further needed student resources, Cottonwood High School Teen Center opened in October 2023, providing a quiet place to study, do laundry, shower and have access to the social worker.

Interfaith Council member Kimberly Brubaker helped collect school supplies and helped deliver the supplies. With seven congregations in the Cottonwood Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, each was provided with a project point person. The school supply

list was divided among the congregations to ensure that all school supply items were collected, and Cottonwood High students would be ready to begin classes.

“Learning is a basic need—It’s the pathway to a better future—and school supplies open that door,” Brubaker said. “The generosity of the community in donating needed school supplies was overwhelming! When we arrived at the school, the shelves were bare. With classes just days away, the reality of the need hit me hard. The unity of our different faith communities coming together to gather supplies truly made a difference for students

in need. Seeing the impact of our collective efforts has inspired our Interfaith Council to keep finding new ways to work together for good. It is so meaningful to see the good that can come when we are united in purpose despite our differences.”

The Holladay Interfaith Council’s mission is to promote supportive cooperation, recognition, tolerance, respect and understanding among various faiths. United by a common purpose, the following Council faith communities joined together to ensure that Cottonwood High School students had the necessary supplies to start the school year: The Baha’i community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Congregation Koi Ami, Holladay United Church of Christ, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and the Utah Islamic Center.

“As an Interfaith Council, we love to show up and support the events hosted by each other’s faith communities, especially service projects,” said Interfaith Chair Rachel Matthews. “This year, we wanted to build on that enthusiasm by planning a giving opportunity that wasn’t organized or sponsored by any single church. We are so grateful to Holladay City for spreading the word about this service project and for providing a central location for our generous neighbors to drop off donations.”

According to Mayor Rob Dahle, volunteers loaded three trucks at Holladay City Hall and then delivered and unloaded the items at the school.

“Pantry volunteers were not prepared for the number of items that were delivered,” Dahle said. “The Interfaith School Supply Service Project was a huge success, and so appreciated by the Cottonwood High Community. I’m so lucky to live in this city!” l

Spirit Week ushers in a new group of Cottonwood High Chaparrals

Last year, the drill team finished No. 18 in 4A, just out of contention for a state berth, but were ranked No. 16 at one point.

By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Summer at Cottonwood High always means that it is time for Spirit Week, that wild and always entertaining daily calendar of events that goes on for five days.

The week is the first actual step the girls endure as a team before really getting into training hard for the upcoming season. To prepare them for the days ahead, Minky Cou-

ture gifted the girls matching black and white striped blankets.

“Our girls absolutely loved their surprise! Huge shout out to Minky Couture for the warmest blankets! Our girls love them !!” said Cottonwood Chapparals head coach Jill Garcia.

The Chaparrals actually make the team after head coach Jill Garcia holds tryouts well before any of the other teams at Cottonwood do for the upcoming school year.

How early are we talking?

Their tryouts start in mid-April, when other spring sports teams are still in the middle of their seasons.

It’s a grueling two days that last for four hours apiece, and yet for many of the

girls competing for their places on the team, it is worth it.

To help the girls in their quests to become Chaparrals for the 2025-26 school year, head coach Jill Garcia posted beforehand a flier filled with “tryout tips,” which included tricks you’d learn taking ballet and dance classes, such as keeping your toes pointed on leaps and kicks, using planks to relieve foot and ankle pain while keeping your balance and making facial expressions.

Eight girls were selected for the team a few days after the tryouts concluded, and so they got to take a few weeks of the summer off knowing they made it.

They reconvened on June 13 for a high-fitness class. l

Dennis Bayes, Holladay United Church of Christ, Mike Smith, Salt Lake Communication Council, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Michael Goleniewski, St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Mayor Rob Dahle, Ruth Smith, Salt Lake Communication Council, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Photo contributed)

Cottonwood football gallops into a new region with a senior-led team and a no-nonsense attitude

August saw the Colts take on North Sanpete, Bear River and Hillcrest.

By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Yeartwo of any program is going to be better than the first.

Players are typically more in tune with the coaches and vice versa. The fans and alums have a better idea of what and what not to expect. As a whole, the uniforms fit better, the cheerleaders are better looking, the food at the training tables tastes more delicious and even the water has more of a fruity taste.

You know, everything just seems to click better—even when some of the roster bolts for supposed greener pastures.

That’s their loss; this coaching staff is hellbent on getting their Colts back to the mountaintop, no matter how long or painful that journey may be.

A total of 33 players by position currently dot Cottonwood’s 2025-26 varsity football roster, in addition to about 20 unassigned players. About one-third of those are seniors, showing the rest examples of

perseverance and togetherness that can be carried forward.

It seems like every high school team is undergoing some sort of roster turnover lately, particularly at Cottonwood where transfers have affected both the girls soccer and football teams in a big way.

In the meantime, the Colts will play with the guys they have, along with a group of freshmen that were champions of their eighth grade Cottonwood Little League team.

Gage Cooper is one freshman who may get the chance to not only play in but start a game at quarterback. That hasn’t happened for the Colts since Casey Miller was first in charge of the squad here, and he trotted out Brock Simpson.

Cooper himself comes from some haughty football stock; he has had several members of his family play at Division I colleges and the pros. The freshman is currently the only QB listed on Cottonwood’s roster.

At running back, junior Kevin Perez returns, as do two sophomores in Jaxton Danner and Jaxon McNaughtan. In addition, two freshmen in 5-foot-9, 180-pound PJ Alusa and Memphys Cruz could see

themselves getting varsity minutes for the Colts.

Wide receiver may be the deepest position at Cottonwood this season. Senior Ethan Yazzie will wear the No. 1 jersey for Cottonwood, and the 5-foot-11, 165-pounder had a few appearances on kick return on last year’s team. Other seniors include DJ Ma’ae, Cesar Cardenas, Alexander Gonzalez, Canyon Winter, Osman Wakil and Makai Anderson. At tight end, senior Jonah Craft returns and gets his opportunity to start while two sophomores will move up on the depth chart.

On the offensive line, senior Juan

Martinez is back for his last go-round at Cottonwood, along with fellow seniors Thomas Jackson and Brandon DeLeon.

And yet the biggest news of all is that Christian Gonzalez is back for his last year at the school to bolster this veteran O-line. Gonzalez suffered a stroke during the spring at his own birthday party, resulting in a hospital stay lasting longer than a week.

That news alone about Gonzalez should galvanize a Cottonwood squad that went 0-10 last year, one that is just champing at the bit to get going this season, according to one player.

At least 30 kids are listed as platooning for the Colts, meaning that you may see some play on offense and on defense, and that’s not including the 20 or so unassigned kids that either enrolled late and/or have joined the team from middle schools.

By the time you’ve read this article, Cottonwood will have played in two games: home against North Sanpete, and at Bear River.

Finally, the month of August concludes with a short bus ride to Hillcrest where the Colts will take on the Huskies for their annual rivalry game. l

Cottonwood football started its season in August. (File photo City Journals)

Community comes out for ‘Badges & Brats!’ with SSLPD

The first ever “SSLPD’s Badges & Brats!” event on Aug. 7 was a success, city leaders say.

By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com

The South Salt Lake Police Department

held its first ever “Badges & Brats!” community event at its headquarters at 2835 S. Main St on Aug. 7. The well-attended event was a success, Police Chief Danielle Croyle said.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase all the great work that our officers do but also makes it more personable where we can interact with the community and get to know them and they get to know us,” she said.

In the department’s training room, community members could find out about the department’s various divisions including the civilian review board, school resource unit, SWAT team, public order unit, K-9, bike patrol and motors.

“We just have so many great officers here along with our support staff,” Croyle said. “We wanted to show the community what we could do for them and how we can engage them.”

Along with getting to know department members and the services they provide, local residents were also able to have their faces painted and pick up some SSLPD swag.

Outside, members of the Honorary Colonels barbecued bratwurst and hot dogs for hungry attendees, who could also pick up chips, drinks, cookies and cupcakes provided by the department. There were also corn hole games.

This event was much more successful than previous similar events which have been held at Community Park, Community Outreach Coordinator Shuan Ward said. The event was South Salt Lake’s effort to provide an experience for residents similar to the national Night Out Against Crime, he said.

For Levi Greenwood who recently moved back to the area, “Badges & Brats!” was a chance for him and his 12-year-old daughter Elizabeth to participate with the community, he said.

“I wanted to get out and do some community events and figured this would be a great place to stop by,” he said. “I love it; you can never beat free food. Everybody’s smiling and it seems great.”

Elizabeth hoped to be able to meet some of the police dogs that evening.

Martha Trujillo brought her four children, ages 6 to 18 to “Badges & Brats!”

“We thought it was a great opportunity for us to come and support our local community and police officers,” she said.

Events like “Badges & Brats!” help build a rapport with the community, said Melody Campos whose husband Conrad is a member of the department’s civilian review board.

“Where we know them and they know us, the better we can work together,” she said.

Mayor Cherie Wood appreciated the turnout.

“We love inviting our residents into our spaces, she said. “This is not always open to the public, all parts of it. We just think it’s important for everybody to see the different specialties we have in our police department and all of the organizations that support the department.” l

Local kids got to pick up some swag from the SSLPD’s community resource unit at the event. (Linda Petersen/City Journals)

For 10-year-old Inoke Finau, golfing is all in the family

A cousin of PGA Tour pro Tony Finau is making his own noise as the only member of his family at the junior world tournament in California.

By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

All in the Family

The stories of PGA Tour golf pro Tony Finau and his brothers working for hours on their games are now a part of Utah folklore. As kids, they hit golf balls into a net their father installed in their Rose Park basement.

If 10-year-old Inoke Finau keeps working hard, he might someday follow in his cousins’ footsteps according to his father, Bo. Inoke was at the IMG Academy Jr. World golf tournament in San Diego in July.

“We’re representing the Finau’s there,” Bo Finau told the City Journals. “He’s really excited to have that honor.”

The 10-year-old finished 30th out of hundreds in his age group category of 9-and-10year-olds at Torrey Pines Golf Club in La Jolla, a San Diego suburb.

Because Inoke (pronounced EE-NOKAY) didn’t have a sponsor, a family friend

at Golf The Round in South Salt Lake held a fundraiser there in June to help Inoke raise funds for his trip to California.

“He’s got where he was for the most part on his own initiative from what his dad has told me, not necessarily just because of his last name,” said one of the instructors at Golf The Round. “I’ve met him, super nice and humble kid.”

Inoke’s all-around game has been earning the 10-year-old accolades and invitations to other tournaments, too.

According to his father Bo, Inoke was asked to play in the Callaway Jr. World in Palm Desert in mid-July after his 30th place finish at the prestigious Jr. World at Torrey Pines.

Since Inoke and his brother accompanied Tony’s younger brother almost three years ago to a tournament at Forest Dale Golf Course, the 10-year-old has been surprising people with his play.

A tricky nine-hole right off the I-80 freeway formerly known as the Salt Lake Country Club, it probably doesn’t hurt that William Allen, Inoke’s great-grandfather on his mother Emma’s side, was once the President of the country club in the 1910s.

“A lot of athletes … PGA … the NBA with Jabari Parker … his mom is a Finau … and more than a dozen NFL players,” said Bo with a laugh. “Genetics. We’re Polynesians,

what more can I say?”

Not Satisfied

When the kids wanted to get serious about golf in Fall 2022, Bo Finau (pronounced FEENOW) and his wife Emma took them into Goodwill and bought a few hand-me-down clubs. For golf balls, Bo said he and the kids and other friends snagged ones that people hit into the brush at courses in addition to a few that were purchased at thrift stores.

“That winter came and he got started,” said Bo, a two-sport college athlete who played basketball at San Jose State and football at Utah. “Went by Tony’s dad’s house in Lehi and worked on chipping, the most difficult thing to master according to him, in his basement.”

According to Bo, Inoke and his brother also worked on the fundamentals of golf, how to grip a club, his mindset—just the simplest guidelines to train for, for muscle memory— every Friday and Saturday in Tony’s dad’s basement for four to six hours.

In addition to that, Inoke would train in his own basement at the family home in Syracuse, hitting golf balls into a net that Bo installed.

“Tony, sponsored by PING, was floored by the clubs and balls Inoke was using to win these tournaments.”

Growth Spurt

As Inoke’s game was growing, so was he.

“In three years, he’s gone from 4-feet-4 to 5-foot-3,” said his dad.

Today, the 10-year-old who is learning to speak Chinese, play piano and is more than willing to help around the family home has also been bumped up to the red tee at 18-hole courses, according to his dad, and has been playing 18 since 2024.

“You know, he’s going through some of those growing pains like most kids that have a growth spurt,” said Bo. “But, he is beginning to grow into his body.”

Inoke, who also enjoys gardening in his spare time, can now hit a golf ball anywhere from 250 to 285 yards—unheard of for most kids his age.

“They’re even moving him behind the white tee,” added Bo.

At his first 18-hole tournament in Bloomington, a St. George suburb, Inoke shot a 76, three strokes behind his teenaged cousin Kingston.

“Inoke shot his best round ever at River Oaks in Sandy at age 9 in 2024,” said Bo. “A 63. In a span of one month, he went from an 84 at one course to that 63.”

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Take a free HIPAA compliant PHQ9 self assessment test.

FDA-cleared for depression in adolescents 15 and older!

TMS is like physical therapy for the brain. It uses magnetic pulses, similar in strength to MRI, to reignite dormant connections in the brain and give you control of your depression. With NeuroStar, you can live on your terms

As the spring of 2023 neared, Inoke’s mom wanted to gauge where her kids were as golfers, and so she entered the two into a local circuit tournament that spring. Lo and behold, Inoke shot a 44 on a par-36 nine-hole course, rather remarkable given that it was his first tournament after having received instruction from Tony’s dad in Lehi all winter.

“It was right around bogey golf, or just under,” said Bo.

Inoke finished third or fourth according to Bo—and yet even at age 8 Inoke told his parents he wasn’t satisfied. After consulting with Tony’s dad, a plan was made to help Bo’s son.

“The continual practice of chipping was needed,” said Bo. “He (Inoke) would go before school to a five-hole par-3 course called Snyder’s Bluff and play 15 to 20 holes through the end of spring and into the summer.”

That summer, Inoke won his first tournament—at Forest Dale, back where it all began with his family a year earlier.

That kickstarted a streak of victories for Inoke, in which he won every tournament he played, 6 tournaments in all.

The highlights came at three courses, according to Bo. “His high was a 39 at Thanksgiving Point,” said Bo. “Then he shot a 36 at Bonneville, and a 33 at Round Valley in Morgan.”

When Tony was caddying for his 8-yearold son Trace at a tournament Inoke was playing that fall of 2023, the PGA Tour pro noticed something.

“He said Inoke was ‘scoring good with used golf balls,’ and offered to have me stop by his house in Eagle Mountain to get better ones,” said Bo.

In Bloomington this past May, Inoke returned to the same course where he first played an 18-hole tourney—and shot a 72.

Inoke’s goal, according to his father, is to shoot for scratch by the end of this year.

It’s a long way from Georgia, where a 7-year-old Inoke and his family once lived. Tony was competing at a tournament in the FedEx Cup, the first time Inoke saw his cousin play.

After one round Tony was playing at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Inoke noted to his dad that it might be fun to try golf sometime after seeing something his cousin had.

“It would be nice to have something like that,” he told his dad.

In the meantime, Bo said as a family that they’re very grateful and would appreciate some help, but don’t want to assume anything from anyone and so Inoke will keep working hard on his game.

“We’re taking things one swing at a time,” said Inoke’s dad.

“Golf is very expensive, even at this level,” he added. “Having a sponsor would take a lot of the pressure off.”the front line is and will be a work in progress for the rest of August.

As for September? Who knows. One thing Coach Harvest does know, however, is that his defense is deep, and his goalkeeper is making the adjustments that are necessary to keep the Colts in games early on. l

ON THE MOVE

SSL ‘ON THE MOVE’

New Traffic Calming Program P.2

Celebrate South Salt Lake P.3

National Preparedness Month... P.4

Cherie Wood, Mayor

801-464-6757

mayor@sslc.gov

City Offices

Monday - Friday • 8 am to 5 pm

801-483-6000

220 E Morris Ave, SSL, UT 84115

City Offices and Community Centers will be closed Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day.

Public Meetings

For more info: www.sslc.gov

PLANNING COMMISSION

Thursdays, Sept 4 & 18, 7 pm

CITY COUNCIL

Wednesdays, Sept 10 & 24, 7 pm

CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARD

Monday, Sept 1, 6:30 pm

COMMUNITY CONNECT

Wednesday, Sept 17, 9 am

Feeling left out? Sign up for our monthly emails to get the latest City news delivered to your inbox. You decide what news you want: SSL Scoop city updates, Recreation, Arts Council, Mayor, Promise. Visit sslc.gov, or scan the QR code.

South Salt Lake: 87 Years of Community & Connection Message from Mayor Cherie Wood

South Salt Lake is celebrating another milestone this year: its 87th anniversary! Our rich history is documented in various books, newspapers, and old photographs. A few of our legacy residents still recall the early days when SSL was home to Granite High and was known as the “City of Industry.” Each decade has brought new challenges and transformations, and having lived here my entire life as a third-generation resident, I have witnessed many of them.

Our “City on the Move,” prioritizes cultivating strong neighborhoods. While the community’s needs are ever evolving, the need for connection remains.

To build stronger neighborhoods, we offer incentives to homeowners like Home and Yard Awards and Neighborhood Block Party Grants. Our youth & adult sports programs and events are some of the best in the state, providing high-quality and affordable fun. Hosting volunteer events, such as planting trees at Fitts Park and removing puncturevine along the Jordan River Parkway, are ongoing efforts to improve our green spaces and trails. Residents can also enjoy new and resurfaced pickleball courts, two dog parks, and playgrounds designed for all ages and abilities.

To foster a stronger community, we’ve introduced several annual city events. Celebrating public art, the Mural Fest is going on its 9th year, and the upcoming Craftoberfest (Sat, Oct 4) is another fun way to celebrate the fall months in our Water Tower neighborhood. On Friday, Sep 19, Celebrate SSL is a family-friendly event at Central Park that combines all the things we cherish about our community. Please join us in connecting with city staff and neighbors, enjoying entertainment, music, and food from various cultures. And, don’t forget to spread out a blanket on the lawn for a spectacular drone show that will light up the night sky.

From a population of 1,599 in 1938 to 26,777 today, South Salt Lake may be a small city, but I sincerely believe it offers big opportunities. Stronger neighborhoods and communities exist primarily as a result of the participation of wonderful people like you. We as a city are committed to prioritizing your needs, and your continued support and involvement in these opportunities make it exciting and rewarding to witness our progress. Thank you for being a part of our community and helping to make South Salt Lake a great place to call home. I hope you’ll join us in celebrating!

New Traffic Calming Program

In response to resident concerns and feedback about speeding problems in our neighborhoods, and requests to implement traffic calming devices or other speed reduction programs, the South Salt Lake Traffic Safety Committee has implemented a new Traffic Calming Program. The approach is an equitable process to review and prioritize our neighborhood streets most in need of traffic calming devices, including a combination of physical measures on roads to reduce car speeds. Public safety is our top priority, and ongoing community input is essential to ensuring this program creates safer and more enjoyable neighborhoods for all residents. To learn more about the program and filing a concern, visit sslc.gov.

Track Your Water Usage with EyeOnWater

South Salt Lake Water customers now have access to EyeOnWater, an online app that lets you track your water usage and enable leak detection notifications. Underground irrigation leaks can go unnoticed and be costly. EyeOnWater can help notify you of potential leaks before you get an expensive bill in the mail. Sign up today and start tracking your water usage. Scan the QR code or visit sslc.gov to set up your account today.

The Forgotten River

“Where is this?”

My neighbor looked at the photo on my phone. It showed a blue, curving river with green ribbons of trees on both sides and a snow covered mountain in the background. A pedestrian path meandered along the river with some ducks crossing it on the way to their homes. Or whatever ducks call their residence.

“It’s the Jordan river,” I said. “I thought that was an industrial wasteland!” she replied. Soon they got on their bikes, traveled to Utah Lake on the Frontrunner and pedaled back home along the river.

Access to green spaces is part of the quality of life. This luxury is barely available in many big cities. We, however, have one right in our backyard going through the entire agglomeration from Utah Lake to Downtown Salt Lake City to Layton and beyond. Many new residential buildings in South Salt Lake have direct access to the river. It is like leaving the city and entering a wildlife corridor with beaver, deer, wild turkey and duck.

City Response

September is the Get to the River Festival, a full month of events and programs by various municipalities, nonprofits, and other stakeholders. See what’s happening near you and get to the Jordan River this month to celebrate. Visit www. jordanrivercommission.gov/get-to-the-river-festival for details.

TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center provides free tech access, training, and mentorship. Jump into the recording studio Bring designs to life using 3D printers

Experiment with the Glowforge laser cutter Learn the latest computer design software Explore college and career pathways

Free and open to teens 13 to 19 years old. Mon - Fri: 3:00 - 6:30 pm | Sat: 12:00 - 4:00 pm

to learn

Resident and City dialogue. Story from Attila Papp, admin of Stand up for South Salt Lake Facebook group (see the original version there). Response by City staff.

Public Safety

September is National Preparedness Month. We know that emergency preparedness can feel like an impossible task, so here in South Salt Lake we’re breaking it into three steps you can take to help you and your family be better prepared for an emergency:

• #1. Make a Plan: A good emergency plan outlines all of the considerations you and your family will take in order to stay safe during an emergency. This includes meeting locations, communication plans, and important medical information. A template to get started can be found on the Be Ready SSL page at sslc.gov.

• #2. Build a kit: A disaster kit should include everything that you and your family need to stay alive and well for at least 96 hours. This includes shelf-stable food and water, first aid supplies, and medications. More information can be found at sslc.gov

• #3. Sign up for Smart 911. This free service by Salt Lake Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC) allows users to receive immediate alerts and updates about emergencies in their area, and to provide personal information that will allow first responders to better serve them in an emergency, including access & functional need information, and household makeup.

If you would like to go one step further, you can join the upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training this October, or attend our Fall Preparedness Fair on Saturday, October 25. This fair will bring together preparedness organizations from across the valley for workshops, resource tables, and an in-person emergency simulation. Learn more at sslc.gov.

Pets

What’s your pet thinking? This animal psychic knows

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is happy, your lizard is upset or your bird is mad at you, Jennafer Martin could help you find the answer. Martin is a pet psychic with years of experience communicating with animals, getting to the root of what’s bothering your furry, feathery or scaly pet.

By tapping into an animal’s emotions, Martin offers insight into their behaviors, fears and level of contentment. She first realized she could communicate with pets when she received a Teddy Bear Hamster for her 14th birthday.

“For three days, she was happy, playful and delightful, but on the fourth day, I felt she was sad,” Martin said. “She wasn’t sighing heavily, or anything like that, I just felt like she wasn’t happy…Two days later, she had 13 babies. I would think if you’re gestating 13 of anything, you wouldn’t be very happy.”

It was the first time she realized she could pick up on things other people couldn’t. It was easy for her to read the emotions of the animals and share that insight as a way to create better understanding between humans and pets.

Martin had been a tarot reader and energy worker for several years before she decided to become a professional pet psychic in 2013.

“Even if I’m reading for animals, I’m still reading for people, so they understand how interesting their animals are,” she said. “I’ve read for reptiles, rodents, fish and large animals like ostriches and horses.”

Whether it’s decoding a bird’s persistent squawking or helping a rescue dog settle into a new home, Martin said her work bridges the gap between human and animal hearts.

Most animals have the mental capacity of a 2- to 5-year-old and she doesn’t receive fully-formed guidance from the

pets. Instead, she feels their emotions, sees images or has an intuitive sense about what’s going on in the pet’s mind.

While reading for a French Bulldog, Martin said the dog kept sending her an image of something orange and puffy, and the dog didn’t like it. The owners couldn’t think of any blanket or clothing item that would cause her such annoyance until they remembered a Halloween costume from the previous year. They’d dressed her as Nemo, from “Finding Nemo,” made with orange, puffy fabric. Martin had picked up on the dog’s irritation with the costume, which the owners promised never to use again.

Holly Esch regularly reaches out to Martin for help with her six lizards and she believes it’s kept them healthy and happy. After her lizard’s partner died, Esch asked Martin how her lizard was coping with the loss and if he was open to meeting another lizard. When Esch was trying to hatch lizard eggs, she asked Martin to do Reiki energy work to keep them from dying off.

“I ask relationship questions about them because they’re kind of like humans,” Esch said. “They bicker, they fall in love, they have their own little dramas and they have their own little different personalities. [Martin] just knows a lot of things and offers another perspective.”

When a family’s rescue tortoise kept trying to escape, Martin let them know he was looking for a mate. She discovered why an anxious cat had stopped using its litter box and why a puppy wouldn’t use the bathroom outside if he was alone. When Martin’s sister had a cat dying from cancer, Martin let her know when it was time to relieve its suffering.

Martin is often met with skepticism and is sometimes “tested” by pet owners when she’s asked to work with an animal, but she’s fine with that. She said it’s not her job to convince anyone that what

she’s doing is real.

“It’s fine to come with a sense of curiosity or a sense of skepticism,” she said. “At the end of the day, hopefully you know a little bit more about why your pet thinks or feels or behaves the way they do. You don’t have to buy in on what I do, as long as you resonate with the message that I give.”

Animals don’t always see the world the way humans do. Martin hopes her ability to communicate with pets helps owners become more patient and un-

derstanding with “naughty” behavior, especially when the animal is trying to be heard.

“I’d say 90% of the time, they’re not trying to be difficult. They’re just trying to get their needs met,” Martin said. “Sometimes, they’re just a little misguided or misunderstood…If you understand your animal better, then you feel like you can take care of them better, and then everybody’s happy.”

To schedule an appointment with Martin, visit readingsmorebyjennafer.com.

Jennafer Martin is a pet psychic in Salt Lake County who works with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish and reptiles. She’s shown here with Rosey. (Photo courtesy of Martin)

A Paw-sitive Legacy: Humane Society of Utah Marks 65th Anniversary

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Sixty-five years after opening its first shelter in a modest West Valley City facility, the Humane Society of Utah marked its journey from humble beginnings to becoming the state’s largest open-admission animal resource center. The nonprofit celebrated its anniversary with a free community birthday party at its Murray location on Saturday, July 12.

“We are throwing a fun-filled all ages welcome birthday party!” the organization stated in a press release prior to the event. “Enjoy activities such as a bounce house, carnival games, face painting, balloon art, and more.”

Founded in 1960, HSU has operated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely through donations, without government or state support. Its mission has remained consistent for more than six decades: to protect and improve the lives of animals across Utah.

“This summer, the Humane Society of Utah is thrilled to celebrate 65 years of saving pets and supporting families in Utah,” the release stated. “As we celebrate this special birthday, we reflect on how far we have come, and the generous community support that made this milestone possible.”

HSU opened its first facility in West

Valley City before relocating in 1992 to its current Murray site, the Janice R. Johnson Center for Animals, funded by a request from Utah schoolteacher Janice Johnson. The larger building allowed the organization to expand its services and later add specialized adoption areas, including Kitty City, Bunny Bungalows, Dawgville, Tiny Town, and Critter Country.

“In 1972, HSU opened the first low-cost spay/neuter clinic in the Intermountain West,” the release noted. “This essential milestone helped to prevent overpopulation in the area, and gave countless pets the chance for a healthier, happier life.”

The Murray facility also continued to offer a range of services through its integrated clinic, including low-cost spay/ neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, wellness exams, and heartworm testing. Specialized programs such as CATNIP, a community cat spay/neuter and trap initiative, and SNIP, a spay/ neuter incentive program for pet owners experiencing financial hardship, were developed to address specific needs.

In 2020, HSU opened a second clinic in St. George to expand access to affordable veterinary care in southern Utah. In 2024, wellness exams were added to its

Murray clinic offerings. “These preventative care services are vital to protecting pet health and wellness,” HSU stated. “They allow pets and families to enjoy longer, healthier years together.”

In 2023 alone, HSU reported placing 5,529 homeless animals into new homes and assisting approximately 1,189 community-owned pets through its retention and diversion programs. The organization emphasized an education-focused adoption process and a policy of no time limits for healthy or treatable pets awaiting adoption.

Staffing included 53 full-time employees and numerous volunteers. Community engagement extended through adoption events, humane education, foster programs, rescue and transfer initiatives, and legislative advocacy efforts aimed at preventing animal cruelty and addressing the root causes of pet homelessness.

“Donations from our caring community have been the backbone of every expansion, every new program, and every life-saving effort over the years,” the release stated. “It is inspiring to see how our community has stepped up to the plate, generously giving love and hope to local pets in their time of need.”

As part of its anniversary message, HSU highlighted plans to modernize its facilities and expand collaboration with other organizations. “Caring for pets does not exist in a vacuum. Protecting vulnerable pets begins with supporting our human neighbors,” the release said.

While reflecting on its past, HSU also

pointed to the future. “We have accomplished so much together in 65 years,” the organization stated. “We cannot wait to see what the next 65 years will bring for pets and families in Utah.”

For more information on the Humane Society of Utah’s programs, adoption services, or volunteer opportunities, visit utahhumane.org.

A dog comes in for a veterinary check-up at the Humane Society of Utah in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)

The Humane Society of Utah celebrated 65 years of caring for animals. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)

Animal advocate opens Nonprofit spay/neuter clinic

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

Temma Martin’s personalized license plate reads “PETLADY.” As it should. For nearly 30 years, she has been the voice for pet protection in Utah, both before and after they’re born. Her latest efforts are part of the new nonprofit she has founded and created, “Operation Pawpulation” in Millcreek.

The clinic focuses on spay/neuter services, coming at a time when the numbers of dogs and cats in animal shelters have been increasing. She has championed adoption for decades, but has turned her efforts into prevention of unplanned litters for dogs and cats. Martin first became involved in this world while she was in college, concerned about animal welfare but not really thinking it would become her career.

“I didn’t start in any other area or direction,” she said. “When I was finishing my senior year of high school in Colorado, I got a little bit involved with animal rights stuff, like protesting research labs and more like actual animal rights than animal welfare. So I was sort of interested then, but when I moved back here, I worked at several businesses. When I worked at Golden Swirl’s corporate office, I saw an ad in the paper for a job posted at the Humane Society of Utah in 1993 for an education director.”

She worked for them for four years but felt she wanted to do more public relations, so after a short stint with the American Heart Association, she became media specialist for Salt Lake County Animal Services.

In that role, Martin appeared on every local TV morning program — news or lifestyle shows — bringing dogs or cats on air who were waiting for adoption from the shelter. She brought on an estimated 5,000 animals over her career, and her name and face became synonymous with pet adoption in the Salt Lake market. It often meant going to the shelter in very early morning hours, waking up a pet to take them to a station, and all four local TV stations had segments with her regularly.

A countywide reduction of force led

to her leaving the post in 2008. She was quickly approached by the Utah Animal Adoption Center, where she worked for one year, then joined Best Friends Animal Society.

Her messages about pet adoption helped. When the No More Homeless Pets coalition started in 1999, Utah shelters were alarmingly still killing almost 40,000 pets a year. But by 2020, with more and more no-kill shelters coming online, that number had fallen to 829.

Good news, with numbers headed in the right direction toward making Utah a no-kill state. Then COVID arrived, and things changed. Today, an average of 2,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in Utah.

“The numbers of animals killed has steadily increased, not just in Utah, but across the country,” she said. “People are watching what feels like a pretty major backsliding of progress, and some of the reasons for that are there’s a shortage of veterinarians. A lot of veterinary clinics are being bought out by corporations and private equity firms, and prices of all veterinary care have risen at a rate much higher than the rate of inflation.”

Two years ago, she left Best Friends to start her own nonprofit using her own money. She bought a storefront in Millcreek that was once a boat repair shop to create a clinic offering spay/neuter services to pet owners at very reduced costs, a service that she says has “gotten outrageously expensive in a lot of places.” She said the universe had something else in mind for her.

“I made some phone calls to clinics in Salt Lake County, and some of them are places I either am or have been a client,” Martin said. “A cat neuter is the lowest. They’re the least expensive and quickest surgery. And so on the low end, I believe it was just less than $300 for a cat, but on the high end, for a large dog spay, one clinic said that it could be more than $2,000. Most people can’t afford that — it’s a mortgage payment, a rent payment. So for a lot of people it’s out of reach. And for some reason, even nationally, a lot of

animal welfare organizations have shifted their focus away from spay/neuter, which is largely why I felt like I needed to go off on my own.”

Shelter Animals Count, a trusted source for animal sheltering data, has reported that 28% of the 2.9 million dogs entering shelters in the U.S. were puppies under 5 months old. That was an increase of more than 31,000 from the year before. More than half of the felines entering shelters were under five months old as well — 1.7 million. Those are signs of unwanted or unplanned litters of young animals given up to shelters.

“We can’t solve this problem after all the pets are born,” she said. “There will always be people who choose to buy pets, but there are so many pets in need outside of shelters. The only way we can get back on track is getting pets spayed or neutered and prevent the downstream that creates animals in need.”

Martin is proud of the 5,000-plus animals she took on TV for adoption, but “we can help a much larger number of animals by preventing them from being born. Coupled with the shortage of veterinarians, we need to refocus on spay/neuter as a normal part of pet ownership.”

(Photo

Operation Pawpulation is open on Thursdays. Call 801-509-8334 to set up an appointment or get more information.

Dr. Emily Kirkpatrick offers her veterinary services to Operation Pawpulation on Thursdays each week.

courtesy of Operation Pawpulation)

Operation Pawpulation offers low cost spay/neuter services to pet owners. (Photo courtesy of Operation Pawpulation)

Your fall guide to dog-friendly activities

By Sienna Chubak | s.chubak@thecityjournals.com

With summer coming to a close, many people are trying to find all the possible ways that they can spend their final warm nights before winter hits its full peak. If you have a dog, or a few of them, you also might be wondering how you can utilize the next couple of months to include your pets in your plans.

That’s why we’ve created a list of some local spots that you can bring your dogs to. Whether you’re looking for your dog to join you on a solo outing, you’re hoping to bring them along with you and some of your friends, or if you’re looking to have them third-wheel one of your dates, here are some great restaurants, parks, and even some bookstores that you’re welcome to bring your best pals to.

Stopping for coffee first? Bjorns Brew is a well-known pet-loving business that has a small front patio for you and your pup to enjoy the morning. While you sip your coffee, the Bjorn’s barista crew has got your dog covered with a small treat or pup cup to enjoy right along with you. So not only can they enjoy your morning coffee with you, but they will also get plenty of smiles and waves from every dog-lover in town. They even have a Pet of the Week highlight, so your pet can get some Insta-

gram likes from their page and a special gift from them.

If you want to head a little bit up the street, you can then stop by Corner Brew Pub, which is equipped with a dog-friendly patio. Whether you’re looking for a short stop to enjoy a beer or for a nice, relaxing lunch, feel free to bring along your pups.

On your way back to South Salt Lake, take a stop at Fairmont Dog Park. They have a large open space for your dogs to run off-leash. Afterwards, you can lead them around the pond, play some pickleball, or join in at the skate park (although I wouldn’t let your dogs run in there).

For an afternoon drink or late-night dinner spot, Level Crossing Brewing has a large patio that welcomes dogs. Although you can’t take your dog into the bar, the patio doors are often open so you can hear the live music on Sunday nights or open mic night on Wednesdays. They also have board game night on Tuesday, so feel free to bring your crew (with your dogs!) and choose from their board games, and let your pets join in on the fun.

If you’re ready for another early morning stroll, the Jordan River Trail offers tons

for you and your doggo to look at. While they have to be leashed most of the time, if you walk, bike, or run up to Jordan Park, they’ve got another large off-leash area for your dog to get some free run time, while you can cool down from yours. Finally, if you’re looking for something more relaxed to do and are ready

to take your dog on a short drive (or long walk), head over to Lovebound Library or King’s English Bookshop, both bookstores let you and your dog browse the books. That way, you can both get out of the house, and then you can both cozy up later that night while you read your best book find.

King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City. (Sienna Chubak/City Journals)

Corner Brew Pub’s dog-friendly patio in Sugar House. (Sienna Chubak/City Journals)

Bjorn’s dog-friendly patio in South Salt Lake. (Sienna Chubak/City Journals)

Thinking about getting a pet? Here’s what you should know first

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

Bringing a pet into your life is more than just welcoming a furry companion—it’s a commitment that can enrich your home and heart in ways you may not expect. Whether you’re considering a playful pup, a curious cat, or even a serene fish, pet ownership is a journey of responsibility, patience and deep connection.

Before you adopt or purchase a pet, it’s important to think beyond the cuddles and cute photos. Pets rely on us for their care, safety and happiness—and that takes preparation.

Deanne Shepherd, former director of Marketing and Communications at the Humane Society of Utah, outlines three essential things to consider before bringing a new animal into your home:

1. Do Your Homework

Choosing the right pet starts with understanding your lifestyle. Ask yourself:

• What type of animal fits your living space and daily routine?

• What’s the animal’s lifespan, and are you ready for that long-term commitment?

• Can you afford the time and money required for food, veterinary care, and other needs?

• Are there pet restrictions where you live?

Don’t choose a pet based on appearance or breed trends. Instead, research the animal’s temperament, care requirements, and compatibility with your lifestyle. The more you know, the more likely you’ll find a pet who thrives in your care—and vice versa.

2. Explore Your Adoption and Purchase Options

If you’re buying from a breeder, make sure they’re reputable:

• Visit their facility.

• Meet the animal’s parents.

• Confirm that veterinary care is part of the breeder’s practices. However, adoption is another meaningful route. Shelters are full of animals looking for a second chance. Many are already vaccinated, spayed/ neutered and microchipped – making the transition easier for you and safer for them. Avoid buying pets from parking lots or unverified online sources, as these often come with health or behavioral risks due to poor breeding practices. Pet scams are common, so always verify the legitimacy of the seller or organization.

3. Be Ready for the Commitment

Routine is vital for pets. From feeding schedules to exercise and bathroom

breaks, animals feel safest and behave best when they know what to expect.

Think through:

• Who will be the main caretaker?

• How will children participate in pet care?

• How will your current pets adjust to a new addition?

Initial and ongoing costs include:

• Essentials: food, toys, collar, crate, litter box, grooming supplies.

• Medical: vaccinations, annual checkups, spay/neuter procedures.

• Extras: pet insurance, boarding, training, or emergency care.

A pet is a long-term investment—both financially and emotionally—but one that often pays off in joy and love. It’s not just about responsibilities—pets give back in powerful ways. According to Forbes, pet ownership can:

• Increase physical activity and outdoor time.

• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

• Help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.

The companionship pets offer is often irreplaceable, especially during life’s more challenging moments. Sometimes, despite best efforts, a pet may not be the right fit. If challenges arise that you can’t manage, it’s okay to reach out to a shelter or rescue group for help rehoming the animal. It’s far more compassionate than letting the situation worsen—for either of you.

Looking for more tips? Check out Season 2, Episode 10 of Holly’s Highlights podcast for expert advice on pet

nutrition, toxic human foods, lifespan expectations, the truth about pet insurance, training techniques, managing pet allergies and more.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Google Podcasts, or at www.

hollycurby.com. Bringing a pet home is a beautiful decision—but only when done thoughtfully. With the right preparation, you and your new friend can enjoy a rewarding bond that lasts a lifetime.

Once considered farm animals, pigs are now finding homes as household pets. (Holly Curby)

Adopted dog finds comfort in forever home. (Holly Curby)

No more bribing: Mobile Veterinary Options brings the vet to the pet

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Do you know where the closest veterinarian is to you right now? Or how you’d get your pet there? Sometimes, getting our non-human family members in to see the doctor can seem like a daunting task. That’s where Dr. Kate Swain has Salt Lake County residents covered. Swain is the owner and operator of Mobile Veterinary Options: a mobile veterinary service. Yes, you read that right – a vet van.

After working in two clinics for over 12 years, Dr. Swain noticed how the animals that had bad experiences in the vet’s office wouldn’t come back. When dogs and cats would get panicked on the way into the vet’s office, they’d react based on their fear instincts.

“It’s also a lot of stress on the owners,” said Swain. “It’s stressful when you know taking your pet in isn’t going to go smoothly. It makes people just stop taking their pets in.”

“I would say we get a wide range of calls regardings pets who get stressed going to the vet, elderly clients who can’t drive, and behavior cases,” said Veterinary Technician Stacie Moseley. “Mobile clinics are designed to help with these things. It’s an incredible feeing when we get to help a normally stressed out pet during an exam.”

Dr. Swain wanted to provide better options for pet-owners as, just like with us humans, yearly exams are important for “We are trying to get ahead of diseases,” Swain said. “If animals can get in once per year, same as with people and our yearly exams, we can catch things early with bloodwork.”

Mobile Veterinary Options travels throughout Salt Lake County to visit dogs, cats and horses outside of an office environment. During an appointment, Dr. Swain can either come into the animal’s environment or walk the animal out to the van.

“Some dogs are protective of their own space; some do better when we come to them. It’s really variable,” she said.

Swain shared how visiting the animal’s environment can help to provide some insight into what problems may exist. For example, one of the top three issues she visits clients for is allergies. Peaking into the

animal’s environment who is experiencing allergy symptoms can help her deduce if they’re suffering from food or environmental allergies.

“After being in the field for 20 years, it is still about providing the best care tailored to the human animal bond. That means sitting with clients as they make hard decisions,” Moseley said. “It means listening to clients explain every detail of what is happening to see the full picture. It’s helping those who would sell their life to help their best friend. This job is about the animals, but it’s also about their humans.”

Together with Veterinary Technician Stacie Moseley, Dr. Swain offers a variety of services for dogs, cats and horses throughout the valley. They can conduct wellness, emergency, and quality of life exams as well as mobile surgeries including dental surgeries, general surgeries and spay and neuter. They’re also equipped and prepared for home hospice and end-of-life care services including qualify of life examples, pain management and euthanasia.

“It’s just the two of us and we love it,” Swain said. “We get to go on beautiful drives. It’s, overall, so much better for my personal wellbeing to be out.”

Moseley grew up in upstate New York

and has been in the veterinary field for over 18 years. Her areas of interest include animal behavior and training, feline diseases, surgery and pain management. She is a certified dog trainer, pet sitter and gardener.

“Stacie is one of the best techs I’ve ever worked with,” Swain said. “I don’t know what I’d do if she quit. She’s irreplaceable.”

Dr. Swain studied veterinary medicine at Glasgow University for five years before returning to Utah to continue her education and career and be close to her family. Her areas of interest include surgery, dentistry, acupuncture and rescue medicine.

“When you find a special veterinarian like (Swain), it’s hard to imagine not working with her,” said Moseley.

Mobile Veterinary Options also offers their four-legged clients options for acupuncture and laser therapy services. Acupuncture benefits include relaxation, endorphin release and response from tight muscles (especially in the backs of horses).

“Laser therapy is an option for animals who can’t have more pain medication,” Swain said. “It’s really easy to do without touching them.”

Mobile Veterinary Options has a class 4 laser that can penetrate to the bone—which can help with things like bone fractures, ear infections, and bladder stones.

Swain mentioned that chronic pain in animals is more common than many pet-owners realize. Chronic arthritis in older animals, as well as soft injury tissue in horses, is a common occurrence in their day-to-day.

“When they see their dog or cat everyday, they just don’t see that their animal is in pain,” said Swain. “A lot of animals are living with chronic pain.”

Dr. Swain highly recommends for all residents with pets to invest in pet insurance.

“It’s super helpful for people to have pet insurance because we can do more for the animals,” she said.

In addition, Swain thinks we’re still catching up on spay and neutering, even in 2025. She would like to see more education throughout the County on spay and neuter.

Mobile Veterinary Options celebrated their two-year anniversary on Aug. 14. Dr. Swain’s and Moseley’s next big step in their business is to acquire a full body x-ray machine—which costs roughly $80,000.

Besides equipment, Dr. Swain has noticed a huge need for large animal vets in the area. About once per week, she gets a call about a goat, pig or cow and has to decline. She’s also noticing an increasing call volume for chickens.

Mobile Veterinary Options is currently traveling to take appointments throughout Salt Lake County: between West Valley and the Pointe of the Mountain. Routine checkups and exams can be booked out for about two weeks as Swain and Mosesly plan to leave room in their daily schedules for emergency calls.

“With the first two years up and running, we have seen so many. I have patients that I miss who have crossed the rainbow bridge. I remember them all and their stories… Being mobile really makes you feel like a part or extension of their families,” Moseley said.

Dr. Swain would like to give a shout-out to Teddy Miller, a chihuahua mix, who joined the many precious others in the doggy after-life on Aug. 16. “He was the most ridiculously lovely dog.”

Find information and news about petcare through their socials on Facebook and Instagram at @mobileveterinaryoptions.

To request an appointment through Mobile Veterinary Options call: 801-200-3607.

Or visit their website at: www.mobileveterinaryoptions.com.

Cheeto, the chihuahua, gives Dr. Swain and Mobile Veterinary Options two paws up. (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)

No more having to wait in a lobby of nervous animals, Mobile Veterinary Options comes to you! (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)

This gentle giant (155 lbs.), Tootsie Bear, did amazing for his exam with Dr. Swain! Any guesses on his weight? (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)

Pet Photo Contest!

WINNER

Pet Name: Sam

Description: Sam’s the kind of cute that makes your heart melt—fluffy, soft, and effortlessly photogenic, with a blissful little smile that says he knows exactly how adorable he is. His luxurious coat and regal posture make him the definition of majestic charm.

Human: Submitted by Dani Williams

Pet Name: Nikki

Description: Nikki is a spunky lady. Always following around wherever we go, yowling for attention.

Human: Kelly Dam | Graphic Designer

2ND PLACE

Pet Name: Finn

Description: Finn loves all things snuggles and is as sassy as can be!

Human: Submitted by Mindy Martin Tamburrion

3RD PLACE

Pet Name: Dax a Doo

Description: Dax is our baby boy. We call him our BGB. Big Giant Boy. He’s a snuggle boy and best little brother to Xico.

Human: Submitted by Kristi Dancer

STAFF PET PHOTOS

Pet Name: Zoya

Description: Too smart for her own good, Zoya knows a handful of tricks. Her favorites are fetch and dance – and her least favorite is stay. If she could do anything for a day, it would be chasing squirrels and birds with no idea what she would do if she caught either. Zoya is a 7 year old Weimaraner who loves cuddles and barking at anything.

Human: Cassie Goff | Editorial Staff

Pet Name: Bentley

Description: Now pushing 15 years young, “Crazy Boy” has long been the affectionate nickname for this four-legged whirlwind, rescued from the humane society. Named after Snowflake Bentley, the famous snowflake photographer, he clearly took his name to heart by becoming a full-time snow sprinter and part-time icicle connoisseur. He is a devout enthusiast of both the trail and the beach, never tiring of either. His superpower includes turning complete strangers into lifelong friends in less than 10 seconds. Basically, if joy had a fur coat and four paws, it’s Bentley.

Human: Julie Slama | Writer

Pet Name: Binx Katherine Wallet Crayon People Sink Andreasen

Description: Meet Binx, our very first kitty and the queen of our hearts! With her fluffy coat, tufted ears, and Maine Coon charm, she’s a mix of elegance and playfulness. She’s endlessly curious—especially about water—and never turns down a good cuddle.

Humans: Lindsay | Advertising Specialist and Emmie & Gracie

Pet Name: Luna

Description: Luna is a princess and always sits upright and proper. She loves to talk and is very loud! She is shy with strangers but cuddly with those she knows. She has opinions and will let you know!

Human: Stacey LaMont | Graphic Designer

Pet Name: Cash

Description: Cash is so loving and has a playful nature, often acting as my best friend and companion. Cash thrives on interaction with me but also loves my kids and their families. Human: Yvette Newton | Marketing Strategist

For Cottonwood girls soccer, losing players is already leading to progress on the field, per its head coach

According to head coach Bryce Harvest, the Colts lost eight starters before the new school year, and yet the ones that stayed are improving.

By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

For Cottonwood girls soccer, it’s a team that is young—by choice.

“As a coaching staff, we’ve stopped focusing on trying to keep players here who weren’t happy and this year focused on the girls who want to be here,” said Cottonwood head coach Bryce Harvest.

Out of the Colts’ projected starting 11, six girls quit the team and two others transferred, leaving the cupboard rather bare for the coming season.

And yet the Colts staff focused on the players they had, which according to Coach Harvest has made all the difference.

“The team is very young, but in a lot of ways I feel we’re stronger than past years,” said Cottonwood’s coach who is in his third season at the school.

What makes the Colts stronger in the coach’s view?

“I think the girls are a bit more coachable and willing to learn,” said Coach Harvest, who guided Cottonwood to a state playoff berth in his first year at his alma mater.

The Colts suffered a 4-0 defeat at Bear River on Tuesday September 12 and yet the young squad only allowed one goal in the second half—showing that promise that Coach Harvest had alluded to in his exclusive interview with City Journals.

Cottonwood may be sitting at 0-2, but the Colts gave Hunter all it could handle on the road Wednesday August 13, before succumbing in a 1-0 loss.

What is the engine moving this team forward in the coach’s view?

His goalkeeper, Ella Galkin. The junior has been solid thus far, particularly in the second halves of Cottonwood’s first two games.

“She has shown tremendous leadership in the past week with our team,” said Coach Harvest. “She definitely puts the team on her back during games and practices.”

Galkin’s brother played at Cottonwood, too—and so the coach knows the family well. He admires both the brother and sister for the leadership they have provided and continue to provide.

It’s a team that has just two returning seniors in Itzia Lopez and Ella Liljenquist.

As luck would have it, both Lopez and Liljenquist play in the Cottonwood defense. Rounding out the back line is junior Piper Wilking—a standout at softball

also—and sophomores Hazel and Annobel Flaim, Kayla Larsen, Cindy Mendez and Yori Pettus.

The defense seems to be on par at the moment—a 4-0 loss 2 hours away from home is admirable, as is a narrow loss the day after that.

In the midfield, the team is still pretty young—something that Coach Harvest admits. In the middle of the park, he’s got juniors Ava Halvorsen and Jocelyn Meneses who got some varsity moments last year. Along with freshmen Isobel Pilomaya and Gretchen Stiltz, as well as over a dozen late adds that either made the team at the first tryouts or the walk-in tryouts that the Colts had to hold after those eight starters left the team, the front line is and will be a work in progress for the rest of August.

As for September? Who knows. One thing Coach Harvest does know, however, is that his defense is deep, and his goalkeeper is making the adjustments that are necessary to keep the Colts in games early on. l

Cottonwood keeper Elli Galkin in action defending a corner. (Photo contributed)

It’sbarely September and social media pages are already flooded with autumn recipes, pumpkin hacks and tips on how to dress for sweater weather. For Utah, sweater weather in September is just dumb because it’s still 90 degrees in the shade. Wear a cute, fall pullover at your own risk.

Instagram influencers suffer from September insanity, bizarrely excited to roam through corn mazes (nature’s escape room), decorate porches with scratchy hay bales and crooked scarecrows, and stage family photo shoots at apple orchards with everyone grumpily dressed in red and black flannel.

In September, you’re legally required to wear a wool scarf when ordering at Starbucks, where each drink has a dash of cinnamon. Pumpkin spice is everywhere, from pancakes to deodorant, popping up out of nowhere like political yard signs and herpes.

These aren’t necessarily bad things. I love me a plaid shirt and fresh-baked apple crisp, but until Monday, Sept. 22, at 12:19 p.m. (MDT), it’s still summer and I will behave accordingly.

Here’s what shouldn’t happen before Sept 22: high school sports, pumpkin patches, hay rides, the NFL. None of those are summer activities. Nada.

Even if the temperature drops to 45 degrees by mid-September (which it won’t), I’ll still wear flip-flops and gym shorts as

Stop Pretending it’s Autumn

my casual work outfit. Well, flip-flops only if I’m going somewhere fancy, like Dollar Tree. I might as well not own shoes during the summer.

After going barefoot since April, my feet have reached the hardened leather stage where I could safely walk across a lava flow. My granddaughter recently poked my heel and asked, “What happened to you?” I tried to explain the development of callouses due to traversing 110-degree asphalt with no shoes, but she’d already turned her attention back to Roblox.

Even Mother Nature betrays me as the Wasatch Mountains start to turn a brilliant red, orange and gold. Sunset gets earlier each night, disappearing a little bit at a time, like when I’m trying to sneak out of a networking event. The air takes on a distinctly “autumn” glow, but that might be arsenic floating over from the Great Salt Lake. Living in Utah is exciting.

Farmers’ markets are still open, but

the options quickly turn from juicy, sweet peaches to…umm…squash? Who eats squash? Raccoons? Hardened criminals? I use pumpkin for cookies, bread and carving, but no one actually EATS pumpkin. That’s like saying someone actually eats rhubarb. I don’t have time for your nonsense.

One good thing about September is that Michaels no longer sells Halloween items (which they started promoting in May) but is now decked out for Christmas.

Believe it or not, I love fall, but only when seasonally appropriate. Summer flies by, so I must savor every sunny moment before Salt Lake sinks into six months of cold,

gray darkness, like Persephone descending to the Underworld.

On the first day of autumn (Sept. 22, not Sept. 1), I’ll drape fall garlands around the kitchen, light apple-scented candles, put on cozy socks (an easy transition from being barefoot) and make a big pot of stew that no one will eat because it has onions.

Within a few weeks, my social media pages will display photos of squirrels gathering nuts, my grandkids bickering at a harvest festival, Tom refusing to eat apple cider donuts and my fire-orange pedicure hidden inside a cute pair of fall boots. But only in appropriate autumnal timing.