South Salt Lake City Journal | February 2023

A PROFILE IN UNHOUSED COURAGE

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

He’s polite, articulate and quick with a slew of clean jokes. He has a commercial driver’s license and currently works in security. He’s a “Star Trek” fan, a dad, and a dog and cat owner. His name is Lawrence Horman, and he’s homeless (depending on your perspective).

“I never intended to be a spokesperson or a poster boy for the homeless, but somebody has to speak up and advocate...I’ve been put in a unique position that allows me to do what most homeless can’t do for themselves,” he said.

Horman has been traveling to city council meetings throughout Salt Lake County to give insight into the plight of people in his predicament and to offer ideas for potential solutions. “Things have changed for the homeless, some for the better, some for the worse. I give a perspective of lived experience,” he said.

Horman said people in the homeless community and their advocates prefer the term unhoused, but he’s OK using the term homeless since it’s most familiar.

He was there in 2017 when a public meeting was held about Draper being a potential homeless shelter location. He was driving home from work that evening and heard a radio report that the meeting was happening at Draper Park Middle School. “I found out it was still going on so I went there, and I stood up to speak up for the homeless,” he said.

It was intended to be an open house with then Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, who had been tasked by the legislature with finding a shelter location within a short amount of time, and Draper Mayor Troy Walker. “It

Continued page 7

Advocates for the homeless argue that housing should be a right rather than a privilege. Lawrence Horman has been sharing his lived experience as an unhoused person in hopes of being part of the solution. “Those who are in the situation might have something to contribute to better steer solutions,” he told Draper’s city council. (Courtesy Lawrence Horman)

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Cottonwood girls basketball team uses skill, expertise to outwit opponents

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Whengood teams want to impose their will on opponents they will usually trap them in the forecourt, said Cottonwood Athletic Director Greg Southwick.

But when teams decide they’re going to take that next step to be great, added the Cottonwood AD, that’s when you see them make a quantum leap.

“You’re beginning to see teams fall into our traps,” said Southwick of the Colts who went 6-4 in the preseason but purposely scheduled schools like 5A Timpview and 6A Taylorsville to “see where we stood.”

What Cottonwood (10-4 at press time) found out was that they belonged. That, when the Colts stopped employing things like halfcourt and 3/4 and full-court traps and forcing their will upon teams it was when the game slowed down and they trusted their instincts to let opposing teams fall into their traps.

After the Colts were pasted at Timpview 66-18 but nearly knocked off T-Ville, they reeled off four straight wins to wrap up their preseason.

“I think they’re beginning to realize just how good they are,” Southwick said. “And that goes not only for the players, but also the coaches.”

To coach Tess Soracco’s credit, she has been consistent in not allowing any media to interview her. Maybe that comes from her feistiness—maybe from the work ethic she’s instilled in her players.

There’s a beauty to sticking to your roots, that comes from allowing your players to find themselves by wearing different colors of hair at games yet being an absolute taskmaster and stickler to the basics of basketball.

If junior Alivia Hutton wants to wear blue hair, so be it—but she’s also the team’s unofficial leader and has been since she was an unknown fighting, literally, for more minutes

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early last season by diving for loose balls and taking charges. Now that Hutton’s a junior she’s still the first person you’ll meet at midcourt—just like her fiery head coach.

Oftentimes, you’ll see both of them there at the same time, both in a defensive stance with their palms out—both daring you to fall into their trap.

Hutton had a season-high nine points in Cottonwood’s win over Payson Jan. 12. As the Colts rumble across the court most nights, it’s others who get the credit in the box scores— names like senior Ali Tripp and sophomore Avea Van Der Beek and freshman Carley Ca-

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ton, even. But on this night, it was Hutton’s, and so there was a poetic justice in that.

In Cottonwood’s showdown against bitter crosstown rivals Hillcrest Jan. 10, the Colts won the game by the football score of 46-6. It wasn’t that long ago that Cottonwood was scoring in single digits over the course of an entire game, but times have changed.

Up 21-0 with 3:38 to play in the first half after Soracco called a time out, the PA announcer knew better than to zoom in on the coach or her players, so he fixed that camera just as hard as he could on the scoreboard.

Once play resumed, and the Colts weren’t

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as successful luring more Huskies into their secret lair as they had been over the first 16 minutes, the rivals got three points before halftime and Soracco subbed half of her starting lineup to send a message to them.

Meanwhile, at the free throw line, Cottonwood’s crosstown rivals had their hands placed firmly upon their hips—the universal signal for total exhaustion. They already had committed nine fouls; none of it mattered.

What mattered is that the Colts were 4-0 in Region 7 at press time, and they’re doing most of it by going eight-deep on their rosters on average with players you’ve never heard of. l

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Ali Tripp recently scored her 1,000th point for the Colts. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Cottonwood wins the tip against Hillcrest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Carley Caton puts up the shot for the streaking Colts basketball team. (Julie Slama/City Journals.)

Several years ago, Yoaltici Espericueta had just moved to Utah and her family was facing hard times. Her father was in jail, and her mom always worked to make ends meet. Angry and depressed, the youth searched for a place to fit in when a neighbor suggested she check out the local Boys & Girls Club. Fast forward to today, and now Espericueta is being considered for a national Youth of the Year award.

“Initially, I didn’t want to go, but that changed as I walked into the teen side, which was full of teens all getting along and talking to each other. I felt as if I was back in California surrounded by family reuniting,” Espericueta said.

Now in its 76th year, the Youth of the Year program honors awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. As the Greater Salt Lake Youth of the Year, Espericueta will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the Greater Salt Lake area and receive a $2,000 college scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake.

To be considered for the award, youth must show initiative and leadership. The Hillcrest High School student involves herself in a myriad of different projects.

“I have been involved in mock trials at school, as well as the Earth Club, I have taken part in reproductive rights marches, I have personally reached out to representatives in order to voice my agreeing or disagreeing with laws or actions they have taken. I don’t try to base what I believe on a specific area or time; I like to stay up-todate on the world and what is happening. I really do things because they’re the good I want in the world,” Espericueta said.

Espericueta has been described by her teachers as dedicated—she has ambitions to become a lawyer or politician and is passionate about getting involved in her community. She has been elected twice as president of the Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service. According to the Boys & Girls Club, “She has been an outstanding leader because of her ability to listen to others’ ideas, contemplate them, and make her decisions with kindness.”

“I am involved in our Keystone Club, having taken on the role of president in this. This club is a program focusing on developing leadership and community involvement. I am involved with the community at the Boys & Girls Club. I have made and continue to make friends here, and I like the staff, which are a few reasons to keep coming back. So much as it has become part of my routine,” Espericueta said.

In her speech on the impact of the Boys & Girls Club on her life, Espericueta shared her story. Her father spent time in

Local girl vies for Youth of the Year

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

jail during her childhood, and she felt it set her on a path of anger. She felt isolated and couldn’t find friends who understood her. Finally, her parents confronted her about her anger and behavior; it served as a wake-up call that she needed to find a way to change. When she came to the Boys & Girls Club, she found friends like her. Other Hispanic children, other oldest sisters who felt responsible for their siblings, and other kids who felt like they did not fit in. It allowed her to feel unconditional support. She credits the staff with pushing her to improve academically and personally. Now she is ready to take on college and the battle of making her community a better place for everyone however she can.

This spring, Espericueta will compete against other Utah club winners to vie for the state title. If named the state winner, she will be awarded an additional $2,500 college scholarship and the chance to compete for the regional title. Six youths, including five regional winners and a military youth winner, will advance to the Regional Youth of the Year event to compete for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Pacific Regional Youth of the Year title. Then the Pacific Regional winner will move on to National Youth of the Year, where the winner will receive an additional scholarship of $50,000.

“It is just an honor to be chosen from all the other candidates. It is a big commitment and to be chosen is an amazing opportunity to use my platform to help

other people and share the ideas and the principles I consider to be important,” Espericueta said.

In the meantime, Espericueta hopes to help those starting in the Boys & Girls Clubs to take advantages of all the opportunities that the clubs offer. Furthermore, she seeks to advise the younger members of the clubs.

“Don’t let fear consume you,” Esperi-

cueta said. “Being so young, people are so insecure, often stopping them from doing new things in life and the club. I have seen many of my peers lower themselves by giving in to what their friends like or want to do, and they don’t reach their potential of who they are and can be.” l

Yoaltici Espericueta. (Photo courtesy Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake)

Yoaltici Espericueta presents a speech on why she should be Youth of the Year. (Photo courtesy Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake)

Yoaltici Espericueta presented with a $2,000 scholarship check for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake. (Photo courtesy Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake)

Local vegan restaurant among top-rated in the country

By Jesse M. Gonzalez | j.gonzalez@mycityjournals.com

ASouthSalt Lake vegan restaurant was voted third best in the nation according to Google data collected by Bonus Insider. Yumz Bakery & Café, 3490 State St., has been open since Oct. 15, 2021, and it continues to thrive, bringing together a top-notch crew of cooks and chefs all under the guidance of Cecilia Armenta, who goes by C.C.—the mastermind behind the business and menu.

Starting a successful vegan restaurant has not been without obstacles. At 21, Armenta underwent a diagnosis of uterine cancer, then three years later she was struck with more bad news. “I had uterine cancer and breast cancer. Then I was 24 when I got hit with the other one and that is when my daughter was born. It’s kind of where I started my journey,” Armenta said.

Battling through two cases of cancer wasn’t easy to overcome, and after an ineffective surplus of treatment plans and strategies, Armenta refused to give up hope, and eventually resorted to diet and nutrition to get her through to better health, discovering the vitality of veganism.

“Food is health,” Armenta said. “We’ve been taught that since we were little—you are what you eat. I can attest to that because when I had my cancer and my other health issues, that’s why I went plant-based, because of what I was going through. If someone like me who was going through cancer can help their treatment and reverse what they were going through and better their health just because they are on a plant-based diet—it’s just a huge testament.”

Starting in her home at the beginning of the pandemic, battling health issues while taking care of her daughter, who has certain food allergies, Armenta began cooking the foods she loved, only healthier and plantbased.

“I realized that I was missing a lot of what I used to eat culturally and here in Salt Lake City there was nothing Latin-based for vegan food,” Armenta said.

“My daughter has autism and a sensory (issue) with food and it was really hard because she was born with a dairy allergy as well, so she was just naturally more on a plant-based diet. It was hard when we all decided to go vegan together like we just couldn’t find anything that met our needs and my daughter’s needs so we just kind of started cooking some things at home for ourselves.”

Yumz is based off of family recipes. “I’ve worked in the food industry for a long time, but I’ve never been to culinary school. I’ve never been to baking school or anything. I’ve always said that I’ve only had the schooling of my mother and my grandmothers. It was all taught to me at home,” she said.

After enjoying the family recipes that she was making, Armenta decided to sell vegan empanadas out of her home through

online posts.

“I wasn’t working—I was recovering from being sick and my mom had to end up quitting her job to help tend to me at home with my illness and to take care of my daughter, so we were kind of in a bad spot with not having funds to pay for bills so I kind of got desperate and decided ‘let’s see if anyone would want to buy our food,’” Armenta said.

Her online food sales became popular. She found herself dashing around town to make sales as her business took off.

“It’s very humbling every day when I get to go inside of Yumz because I never started this to want to open up a business—it was more for survival mode,” Armenta said. “We were doing a cottage business from home and after about eight months of doing it we got enough platform and clientele that we thought maybe we could look into actually having a store.”

Yumz, which stands for Your Ultimate Munchies Zone, was anticipated as being a store where customers could pick up plantbased items without having to go to different stores.

“I thought we were going to just have a smaller bakery and like a little store and then a café with a little bit of food but then the people of Salt Lake City spoke, and they really wanted to have Latin food and then it blew up and so that’s how we have this restaurant,” Armenta said. “It has just been so busy with the food that I just haven’t had time to focus on my original concept of Yumz, but we are really grateful and humble for it.

“When we first started Yumz a lot of our clientele weren’t even vegan—they were just people who had allergies and they really loved the food because we specialize in our mock meats—it looks and tastes like the real thing, and it helps those who are transitioning into that plant-based lifestyle.”

“I’m just here to spread awareness and love. Love can go through food in so many ways. You can go to any country, and anybody can reciprocate food as a one language. So, if we can show our love in our food for people, we can also do it in a healthy way,” Armenta said.

With those Google data ratings, the future looks bright for the small vegan business, and Armenta’s dream of incorporating a store with the café could soon come to fruition. “It’s amazing. I had no idea that we were third best in the country on Google. All I can say is that I am so honored and grateful for all of that,” Armenta said.

Being a top-rated restaurant has given Armenta and her team extra motivation to achieve higher.

Yumz’s head chef, Edgar Ariza, had little experience in vegan dining and is now on a plant-based way of life. “I was not vegan but since I started working here, like I get home and it’s a lot of the same food. So I

say, ‘C.C., you’re the one who made me vegan, and that’s a good thing because it’s also very healthy,’” Ariza said. “C.C. let me learn and showed me the way. When C.C. told me about it, I was really happy to hear that because third place in the whole United States is not easy to do. Hopefully, we can be in first place but being in the third place means a lot, especially for C.C. because she is the one who put in a lot of effort to make this restaurant working, and we do our best to help her. Our customers always have a

compliment, and it’s something that pushes me to keep working harder.”

Armenta credits her success to several factors.

“You really can accomplish anything if you want it, and work hard enough because I wasn’t trying to open up a store and do everything that I have now; I was just trying to survive, but once you have those who really love you and support you and are willing to encourage you to be better and do better then you really can do anything you put your mind and heart to.” l

Cecilia Armenta, in the blue dress, cuts the ribbon to open up her first restaurant while standing next to her mother and two children. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

Chef Edgar Ariza works diligently to create some of the best vegan food around. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/ City Journals)

The crew of Yumz Bakery & Café get ready for a late evening rush. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

turned into a town hall where the mayors were virtually forced onto the stage, visibly uncomfortable, and people lined up to voice their opinions from microphones. Everyone who said anything positive about the resource centers was booed, hissed and sworn at. I was so scared I was shaking. Me and one other person who are homeless got up to advocate for the homeless. When I got up, I said, ‘I am homeless, will you let me speak?’ Then they realized they’d been yelling about people they didn’t even know were in the room. They figured it was all housed people, you could tell by their reaction,” he said.

Since that time, Horman has tried to brainstorm solutions. One of his main points to those who will listen is, “People are people no matter what their living situation. Sometimes homeless people are manipulative, sometimes they aren’t, just like everybody else.” He feels strongly that the rates of drug addiction, mental illness and criminal activity are roughly the same percentage among the housed as the unhoused. “The significant difference between the housed and unhoused in those regards is that the unhoused don’t have walls to hide behind for those activities. The thing that most people don’t get is the people not participating in those activities among the unhoused are unseen because they know how to stay out of view while those who are having a mental health issue and participating in criminal activity like drugs are seen because they have no place to hide.”

He keeps a binder with copies of the letters he sent about five years ago to mayors of each of the cities within Salt Lake County, only two of whom replied in any way. The letters offer the idea that cities could pass ordinances allowing property owners, should they choose, to have someone live on their property in a small camper, RV or commercial trailer in exchange for doing maintenance or security work on the property. “This would be an ordinance that would allow the property owner to have inexpensive security on site, and give local law enforcement someone they could count on to help see possible criminal activity that they wouldn’t be afraid to report to police (because it would be a legal arrangement), and give one more homeless person a place to live and be useful while trying to get on their feet as well.”

Horman runs a Facebook page by the homeless for the homeless which he calls the Deseret Defiant Initiative. “Its purpose is to wake up local cities and make them aware of their part in causing homelessness and to try and get them to actively participate in effectively solving the problem in a positive and more permanent way, and allow those who are homeless to participate in their own transition and recovery from homeless to housed while supporting themselves legally and effectively without any more dependence on government and char-

itable organizations than is necessary.”

Horman himself gets by on social security disability and help from family and his church. He says that you can’t just provide housing for the homeless, but that continuing services such as health care, transportation, help with bill paying, etc. must be part of the equation.

“It won’t matter how many people you put in a house unless you have continuing support. And the best way to get it right isn’t to explain how solving homelessness will benefit the homeless, but how it will benefit the community and those who are already housed,” he said.

Horman suggests a less expensive and more permanent solution would be putting the unhoused into permanent housing (not shelters), even something like an authorized campground. “Some housed people object, but the homeless can and do it. A tent is a house if all you have is the alcove of a building, an alcove is a home if all you have is a tree, a tree is a home if all you have is the sidewalk. All you want is a place to sleep, get cleaned up, eat in peace and be able to come back to after work the next day.” Horman envisions an ordinance that would allow for a public or private program, or a combination thereof. He suggests that the properties could be reviewed and regulated by health inspectors and would stay open or close according to local health ordinances and requirements as happens with restaurants and hotels.

Horman has strong feelings against “sweeps” such as what has been done by law enforcement in Salt Lake City. “It’s money wasted,” he said. “The homeless simply find another camp, another space, until they’re swept again. It’s better that they don’t have to move their tent every couple days or every couple weeks. By not giving people a safe, stable place to be, by ‘sweeping’ them, you’re criminalizing homelessness.” He explained that by having a legal arrangement, such as an authorized campground, people in the homeless community would be inclined to work with law enforcement rather than being afraid to call them for fear of losing where they’re living.

He expressed frustration with programs designed to help the homeless, saying that often you “graduate” from one but you don’t quite qualify for another, resulting in huge gaps in the bureaucracy of those programs. “The official programs create as many barriers as they resolve,” he said. Horman said he’s gotten the most help from his family and his church.

What scares him most? “There’s no way anyone who’s homeless doesn’t sometimes find themselves terrified. There’s always a fear, a chance that someone in government or a private property owner will decide they’re done letting you be where you are and you lose what you’ve got.”

He recognizes that he’s luckier than most in that he has shelter in a commer-

cial trailer he owns that is parked on private property with permission from the landowner. But he doesn’t have electricity or running water. “By comparison to most people who are on the street homeless, I live in a palace,” he said.

Horman said it’s challenging to hold a job while homeless. “Some unhoused keep up appearances…go to a job and talk with coworkers, but they have to be careful… the moment you bring it up…you can’t talk about it (homelessness) like it’s an everyday thing,” he said.

What are his hopes for the future? That his adult daughter would have permanent housing which she doesn’t at the present. And that the trailer he occupies could be converted to be “more like an RV style in a more permanent fashion.”

Who inspires him in his advocacy for the homeless? First, former Salt Lake County Mayor McAdams. “Without being asked or forced into it, or for the sake of getting glory, he went incognito on the street for three days, spent a couple nights in a shelter and a night or two on the street to see what it would be like to be homeless. He learned why people are living on the street rather than being in the shelters because they don’t feel safe in the shelters. We need to do better.” Second, a California man named Mark Horvath who is on YouTube and Facebook and runs a website called Invisible People. “He was working in the media when he got addicted to drugs. He lost everything. He pulled himself out of it, not without help, and then he used his media skills to help other people. He interviews people who are homeless. He puts a real human face on it.”

Horman summed it up in this way: “There’s one race, the human race, and

Though he has worked as a truck driver and currently has a job in security, Lawrence Horman found himself unhoused several years ago. He explained that unless a person is on the street right away, they often don’t realize they’re homeless until their temporary living situations fall through. “It very rarely hits you right away,” he said. (Courtesy Lawrence Horman)

we all deserve dignity and respect…we all have a right to reasonable housing, and necessities like shelter, clothing, food, personal hygiene and the chance to work and provide for ourselves which you don’t get if you’re being rousted every night from place to place. There has to be a human face to the problem before it’s resolved.” l

In 2014, Russell was living in a shelter and going to interview for a fast food job. (File photo Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

Hundreds of MLB retirees bereft of pension and health benefits

Salt Lake City’s George Theodore, a retired Major League Baseball star, is one of over 500 players who are without an MLB pension. Theodore, whose nickname was “The Stork,” was drafted into MLB after playing for the University of Utah. He played in 105 games for the New York Mets between 1973 and 1974, coming up to the plate 195 times, even playing in the 1973 World Series.

The MLB pension plan and health care program was only given to players who accumulated four years of credit before the year 1980. Instead, they were given life annuities on a much smaller pay scale that could not be passed down to their families or loved ones.

Theodore has kept in contact with some of his friends from the MLB, specifically players Doug Howard and Bruce Christensen. “I had two years, Doug had two years, I’m not sure what Bruce had, but we were left out,” Theodore said. “We thought ‘Well, I guess that’s just the way it is and what can we do?’”

All seemed lost in regard to the unfairness of the pension plan, until a journalist named Doug Gladstone came into the picture.

“Ten or 15 years passed,” Theodore said. “And Doug Gladstone was interviewing Jimmy Qualls, who was famous for getting a hit with two outs in the sixth inning against Tom Seaver to break up his perfect game. And as

By Jesse M. Gonzalez | j.gonzalez@mycityjournals.com

Doug talked to him, he said, ‘Well, at least you’re getting a pension now’ and Jimmy said, ‘Oh, no, I only had two years so I didn’t qualify.’”

Gladstone worked as an actuary at the time, therefore he knew much about labor laws and relations. “That started him (Gladstone) on a crusade,” Theodore said. “A crusade where he thought that we were being treated unfairly and that baseball should do something about it.”

Gladstone ended up writing the book “A Bitter Cup of Coffee,” which details the long and complicated history revolving around the pension and health care plans that the Major League Baseball players who played between 1947 and 1979 were without.

“When you don’t get don’t full exposure and playing time, you just got into the major leagues for just a little bit, that was called ‘You had a cup of coffee,’” Theodore explained. “We were guys who were just there long enough to have a cup of coffee.”

Within his first year with the New York Mets, Theodore got into a nasty collision with fellow player Don Hahn during a game with the Atlanta Braves, which dislocated his hip and had him in the hospital for a month. “That injury really cut my career. I was really never the same player,” he said.

Theodore, as well as many other players, only gets a net payment of approximately $4,000. According to the annuity, for every 43 games played before 1980, a player is eligible to receive $718.75 with a maximum of $11,500. Currently, a vested retiree is able to receive a payment as high as $245,000. Theodore never made more than $16,100 in his whole MLB career.

“I don’t want to be rich,” Theodore said. “But I would like a little more.”

For current players of the MLB, the players’ union has made certain that the minimum salary lies at $700,000. Also, current players qualify for health insurance only after one game, and are eligible for a pension after 43 games.

In 2011, after pressure and coverage from Gladstone, the MLB rewarded its retired players with an annuity. “The annuity is something you don’t pass on. We all appreciated that but not according to Doug, who said, ‘You guys deserve a lot more than that!’” Theodore said. “Because of that he kept up the crusade and kept on contacting people and has stories in different papers throughout the country. We’re all indebted to Doug Gladstone.”

Gladstone and Theodore as well as the other retired players have even tried to reach out to Major League Baseball Players Association executives, but, according to them, have not received a response.

Theodore has some hope for a fair change, at least an increase in the annuity. “I think they could easily do that. As far as them bringing us an actual pension, I’m not very hopeful.”

Theodore has a wife, a son, as well as an 18-month-old granddaughter who may never receive any pension or health benefits from the MLB. “We can’t do that to our wives,” he said.

“It’s worth a lot of security for many families.”

Theodore still follow the Mets. “The Mets have been very good to me,” he said.

“They’ve invited me to several reunions. I have nothing but good feelings for the team and the whole experience. I got to play with Willie Mays. It was an honor.”

Christensen, another player and Utah resident and Theodore’s friend, is also without an MLB pension. Christensen played for the California Angels in 1971.

“It’s too bad,” Christensen said. “I know there’s a lot of players out there; it really hurt them financially, and with their health that would be saved if they were guaranteed to be on the program. The MLB doesn’t want to go over these things. Why can’t we sit down and talk about it and get qualified for it?”

For the many players who were without a pension, without necessary health coverage for them and their families, some had struggled drastically later in their lives. “What I look at is those individuals who are no longer with us, that they (the MLB) would go back and do something for their wives. A lot of them might still be alive today if they had the resources that the MLB players have today,” Christensen said.

Theodore spent 38 years teaching at Lincoln Elementary School and then worked as a school counselor. In 2016, he was named Educator of the Year by the South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Now, both Christensen and Theodore are managing their days in South Salt Lake and Salt Lake City, helping out and coaching kids’ baseball when they can. l

Two retired baseball players are concerned about what they perceive to be a lack lack of a pension plan or health benefits in Major League Baseball. (Photo courtesy Unsplash)

Comfort Cases nonprofit teams up with Fresh Wolf company to aid SSL foster care service

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

In partnership with the Draper-based company, Fresh Wolf, the nonprofit organization Comfort Cases reached a new milestone as volunteers packed the 200,000th Comfort Case backpack at an event in Draper last month. Comfort Cases are backpacks filled with new items such as pajamas, socks, toiletries and stuffed animals for children and youth in foster care. The backpacks assembled in Draper were given to Brighter Futures Inc. foster care service in South Salt Lake.

Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer was in foster care as a young teen and struggled with feelings of being unwanted. Transitioning between foster homes, he was a given a trash bag to carry his belongings. “I remember carrying a trash bag and feeling worthless, like nobody cared for me,” Scheer explained on the nonprofit’s web page.

Years later, following a stint in the U.S. Navy and a successful business career, Scheer married and became a foster parent himself. He was crestfallen to see the children walk in carrying their belongings in trash bags and was inspired to address the problem. Scheer and his husband, Reece, founded Comfort Cases in 2013 with the initial goal of replacing trash bags with backpacks in the D.C. foster care system.

Today, Comfort Cases are given out in every state as well as Puerto Rico. The nonprofit, which is 96% run by volunteers, recently expanded their services to the United Kingdom. The backpacks are distributed to foster care agencies and also police and fire departments for children who may be displaced from their homes. “We want every child in the community to understand that we love them,” Scheer said. He travels the country sharing his story and advocating for youth in foster care.

In Draper, Corner Canyon High School student Jack Barlow and his family have also been working to help local youth in foster care. In 2019, Barlow and his younger brother Henry started their own luxury grooming products company, Fresh Wolf, with the help of their parents John and Lisa Barlow. For every unit sold, Fresh Wolf donates a two-in-one body wash and shampoo to a child in foster care. The cause is close to the family’s heart as John was in foster care briefly as an infant.

Scheer, who is based in Maryland, heard about how Fresh Wolf was donating their products and reached out immediately. “It was a light bulb moment,” he said.

“I thought, ‘We have to do something together.’” He contacted Lisa who appears on the Bravo network’s “The Real House-

wives of Salt Lake City.” She was enthusiastic about the idea. The Barlow family had been supporting the charity personally even before the connection with Fresh Wolf was established.

“I had the pleasure of doing a Zoom call and podcast with Rob,” Jack Barlow explained. “He’s just a really great guy.” The topic of the podcast, “Fostering Change,” was the importance of partnerships and corporate involvement.

Volunteers gathered in a gym at Treehouse Athletic Club in Draper on Jan. 7 to pack 300 Comfort Cases destined for Brighter Futures Inc. With a bit of ceremony to mark the auspicious event, Scheer and the Barlows packed the 200,000th backpack together.

Among the volunteers were some of Jack’s friends from Corner Canyon High School. Seniors Max Summerhays and Joey Ballard were happy to be there. “We’re here to support,” Summerhays said. “It’s a good opportunity.”

Jack recognizes the fact that boys in foster care are sometimes overlooked and don’t have many things to call their own. Giving back makes him feel good. “It feels great,” he said. “I’ve been able to meet some of the kids we’ve brought Fresh Wolf to. It’s been awesome.”

The Barlows and Scheer are keenly aware that much more needs to be done on a societal level to help youth in foster care. Children in foster care are more likely to suffer from PTSD. Only 54% graduate from high school and many will experience homelessness and unemployment as adults.

“What do we do with kids who age out of the system?” Lisa asked rhetorically. She was referring to the 23,000 young people nationwide who are left without permanent connections to a stable family when they turn 18 and no longer receive state assistance for food and shelter.

Scheer spoke of the importance of preparing youth for aging out and has suggested a potential solution in which states require foster families to put a percentage of the stipend they receive in a savings account for the child. “We can’t wait until a kid turns 17,” he said.

In the meantime, Comfort Cases and Fresh Wolf will continue to do their part to bring a little comfort to vulnerable children and youth in foster care. To learn more and make a donation to the cause, visit comfortcases.org. l

From left to right, Jessica Naccarato from Brighter Futures, Inc. and Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer were photographed with Lisa, Jack, Henry and John Barlow at a Draper event in which volunteers packed Comfort Cases for local youth in foster care. (Photo courtesy of Comfort Cases)

Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer hugged Lisa Barlow of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” at a Draper event in which volunteers packed Comfort Cases for local youth in foster care. (Photo courtesy of Comfort Cases)

Draper’s Barlow family, Henry, Lisa, Jack and John, posed for a photograph with the Comfort Cases they helped to pack for local youth in foster care. (Photo courtesy of Comfort Cases)

What’s your legacy?

Serving Local Families Since 1885

COMPASSIONATE FUNERAL PLANNERS

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Senior Kirath Makhar’s sizzle as a ball facilitator has put the sauce back in Cottonwood boys hoops

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

For Cottonwood head coach Marc Miller, having his boys basketball team stay in the moment is vital in order to compete for a 5A title in March.

“We are excited about what we have accomplished to this point in the season, but are focused on one game at a time and want to be playing our best team basketball come state tournament time,” Miller said.

To that end, the school’s athletic director added that the 14-1 Cottonwood Colts boys basketball team has taken all of the suggestions that the coaching staff gave in the offseason, to heart.

“The players did a lot of the things the coaches asked them to do, and I think that’s translating into wins,” said Cottonwood Athletic Director Greg Southwick.

No one has wrapped their head around these tasks more, perhaps, and certainly no pun intended than senior Kirath Makhar who at a solid 6-feet-2-inches tall and in his traditional patka looks more like a middle linebacker on a football team than a point guard at first glance.

When other teams have been double-and-triple teaming junior Chris Cox, it has been the senior Makhar who has had to carry some of that scoring weight, added the Cottonwood AD.

“It’s become more of a necessity to get the ball into (Makhar’s) hands as the season’s gone on,” Southwick said. “And when it has gone into his hands, it more often than not is leading to good things happening.”

Makhar has been averaging 10.6 points per game for a Cottonwood team that galloped through its preseason like a thoroughbred at the races, and were stallions by the time Region 7 play tipped off in January.

At crosstown rivals Hillcrest Jan. 11, Makhar had a video game stat line of 31-14-

and-7, and you can guess which number was which. Teams are finding out that if you leave the senior alone in the paint he can also hit the backboard and grab rebounds (5.8 per game)— per those 14 in a 72-49 blowout over Hillcrest.

At Payson on Jan. 13, it was the same story: the opponent keyed on Cox, and so that left Makhar open—he had 18-5-and-8.

Earlier in the season at 6A Riverton (at the four-day Riverton Holiday Classic) the opponents also triple-teamed Cox; that left Makhar open and he got 15-6-and-3 (and made three 3s) in a win, on Dec. 29.

But that’s what makes Makhar so dangerous; he is just as liable to go get you buckets or rebounds if you let him.

It’s the last part of his game, however, that is perhaps most jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring.

Because with all of that physicality that Makhar comes at you with as he rolls into the lane, it’s his sauce that comes with his sizzle that makes crowds ooh and ahh. He’s had it since he was playing for the Matheson Jr. High (Magna) Tigers and it’s followed him all the way to The Wood.

Makhar is becoming a household name around the city thanks to his no-look passes that leave fans slack-jawed, grabbing the shirts of their nearest bystander with that signature did-you-just-see-that?

Makhar is not only scoring and rebounding the basketball for the Colts, he’s dishing out assists to the tune of 8.8 per game. That puts the senior No. 1 in assists per game in Class 5A, said Southwick who ranks the Cottonwood senior up there with the state’s best point guards.

“He runs the show out there,” said the Cottonwood AD. “And he’s a big part of what they’re trying to do.” l

6-foot-2 senior Kirath Makhar is facilitating for the Cottonwood Colts/Salt Lake Rebels Nike. (City Journals)

Cottonwood football goes back to its roots for new coach Donovan Malmrose

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

After receiving word Casey Miller was stepping down as head football coach and that Cottonwood High would be moving in all sports to 4A at the start of the fall 2023 school year, athletic director Greg Southwick said he had to do something drastic.

“We had to pull from the school’s deep football tradition,” said the Cottonwood AD to City Journals. “And get back to our roots.”

But first, said Southwick, he assembled all of the Colts football players who played every down and snap this season for a meeting to ask their opinions.

Unanimously, said Southwick, the answer was Donovan Malmrose—a Colts assistant under Miller but perhaps most important, a school alum who played wide receiver for the Colts through 2007.

“If we’re gonna get back to what Cottonwood football used to be, and rescue it from life support, then we as an administration felt he was our man,” Southwick said.

It’s a tall task, added Southwick, but felt that if anyone can add the numbers that this Cottonwood football program so desperately needs it would be Malmrose.

“Let’s get to work! As a Cottonwood graduate of 2007, being part of a Cwood Football program of excellence that taught us young men life lessons, I’m bringing Cottonwood Football tradition back! Recreate that home, family and experience our coaches gave us,” said Malmrose, who

would like to “finish what ’04 (Cottonwood) team started.”

For Southwick, he said he couldn’t be more pleased about the hiring of Malmrose, who also teaches high school Spanish. The former Cottonwood coach Miller (now at Cyprus as the school’s defensive coordinator) also said nice things about the new coach.

“He is going to try to build on what we did....I just couldn't keep fighting a fight I thought was unwinnable,” said Miller, who thinks Malmrose will do a good job. “He is bringing in a lot of faces (back) from when they won games in the Scott Cate era. They need to find a way to get more kids....”

Miller added that he was made aware that only 25 players remain on board from the Cottonwood team he coached, this past fall. Southwick also acknowledged that, but said that he, along with Malmrose and his staff—which is still being formulated at this time—do have a plan. It starts with a community meeting on Jan. 19, at Cottonwood High (after press deadline).

“For starters, the kids really like him so we’re hopeful that Donovan can get out into the middle schools and charters in the area and get them excited about playing and attending school here,” Southwick said.

“But what we really need is him to convince those kids who attend school here into playing here—instead of at Skyline and Olympus and at other schools.” l

Donovan Malmrose leans forward on the right as one of the basketball assistant coaches. Malmrose now takes control of the football program. (City Journals)

Cottonwood boys basketball gallop right along as one of state’s top teams

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

According to Cottonwood head coach

Marc Miller, the magic formula that this Cottonwood Colts boys basketball squad has been using is one that is tried and true.

“The fact that they like playing together and have put the team first, is the reason for our success,” Miller said.

The Colts are currently ranked No. 3 in the latest UHSAA (Utah High School Activities Association) RPI, added the Cottonwood head coach.

If you’re wondering where this Colts team might stand in Region 7, Cottonwood Athletic Director Greg Southwick thinks it belongs among the elite as well.

“There hasn’t been a more dominant team in our region that I’ve seen,” said the Cottonwood AD to City Journals—and he’s been part of some big-time basketball programs before.

This Colts squad has averaged 73 points per game through 15 games, but have allowed just 55 per contest. Only perennial power Olympus (1,088) has scored more points in Class 5A than Cottonwood—13 more.

Yes, Cottonwood (14-1 at press time) has scored a whopping 1,075 points and have only lost once, way back in November against Herriman.

Since then, the Colts haven’t just defeated most of their opponents—they’ve trampled

them.

It’s got a premier D-1 level star in 6-foot-7 junior Chris Cox who despite the constant double-and-triple teams that a player of his caliber will attract from the opposition, is still averaging 22 points per game.

But what really makes Cottonwood so dangerous according to Southwick is not just that there’s Cox to contend with; it’s the quartet of seniors the Colts can turn to when Cox is bottled up.

It’s got a facilitator who can not only get his own shot when Cox can’t get as many good looks at the basket in senior Kirath Makhar— he is Class 5A’s premier passer of the rock (check out the profile on the senior on page 10) and is averaging 11-5-and-9 (points, rebounds and assists).

There’s senior Jackson Price who as the Colts’ No. 2 scoring option at 13 points per game wears the No. 1 jersey—maybe to throw off the scent a bit. (Cox wears the No. 2 jersey.) When Payson did all that it could in a critical Region 7 showdown Jan. 13 Price stepped up and got his, netting 17 points and hauling down six rebounds.

(The Colts still won, 70-61. It was the closest that any region opponent has come to defeating Cottonwood thus far.)

Senior Max Russo has been one of Utah’s

top sharpshooters from behind the arc. In a 25-point win at home against Stansbury, he knocked down a whopping eight 3s en route to a 26-point night. The senior has made five three-point shots in five of his last 15 games.

Senior big man Aiden Oliphant stands at 6-foot-6, but it’s his rebounding that has helped the Colts gallop to a 4-0 start in Region 7 play.

“I have found that our success has come because our players have bought into winning

and enjoy playing with each other,” Miller said.

According to Southwick, the Colts can go about 8-to-10 players deep. Like everyone else around the program, he’s excited about what’s to come for what is arguably the greatest Cottonwood boys basketball team, ever—though he did offer one caveat: “I have a good feeling it’s only the beginning, but we’ll need to find more options (for scoring) soon.” l

Jackson Price brings the down court for the thriving Colts basketball team. (City Journals)

www.sslc.gov

February 2023

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 801-464-6712

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

Gaining Ground for SSL — 2023 Utah State Legislative Review

Mayor Cherie Wood

You might think your mayor and council just work on local issues but wait, there’s more! Many of our issues are statewide, many city ordinances are set by state law, and many budget items include state funding. So we care a lot about what our Governor and Legislature are up to. The 2023 Utah Legislative session runs from January 17— March 3, however, the process of lawmaking starts long before the ‘1st Tuesday after the 3rd Monday in January’.

How does South Salt Lake influence lawmaking?

As the Mayor, our influence starts early too. We give our support toward specific bills and amendments by working together with our local representatives and by attending legislative meetings. I participate in the Council of Mayors, Utah League of Cities and Towns, and other groups who are looking out for the best interests of cities and specific issues we face. We also meet with legislators to help them understand the unique issues that we as a city face so they can better represent our best interests.

A leading issue statewide is the growing number of homeless and unsheltered individuals, seniors, and families without any options for affordable and stable housing. However, in our state, only Midvale, South Salt Lake, St. George, Ogden, Millcreek, and Salt Lake City are providing shelter facilities and other resources for these men, women, and children. Representing only 15 percent of Utah’s population, these six cities have been shouldering a much heavier burden, and that needs to change.

As all of Utah should be deeply committed to being part of the solution, South Salt Lake and the other five municipalities have formed the Compassionate Cities Coalition and will be petitioning our case for much-needed support during the 2023 legislative session. Our objective is to report the additional costs associated with our shelters and seek with lawmakers a better, more equitable way to share this responsibility. We are proud to be contributing to the solution and reflect the compassion our residents feel toward those in the unfortunate situation of homelessness. I thank you for your support and welcome all who want to join in this effort.

Who Represents You?

In the past year, our district boundaries have shifted, to reflect the population changes that were found during the 2020 Census. With the 2021 election, we welcomed two new faces as well. Who represents South Salt Lake? Meet the three members each representing a portion of South Salt Lake in the Utah Legislature. Find out a little more about them, and I encourage you to connect and share with them what matters to you most. Their committee assignments are also important connections to results on the issues you care about.

Nate Blouin

State Senator District 13 nblouin@le.utah.gov

• Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee

• Senate Business and Labor Appropriations Subcommittee

• Senate Business and Labor Committee

• Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee

Introduction and Priorities

I moved to Utah in 2009 and have grown to love many things about the state after initially coming for the incredible access to mountains and public lands. I attended SLCC and the University of Utah before receiving a master’s degree out of state. In my professional life, I promote large-scale renewable energy, and while I’m not serving constituents or working, I enjoy backcountry skiing, running, and cycling.

My priorities for my first session in the legislature are first and foremost building strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to support the legislation I will be seeking to pass. This year, I am working on legislation related to climate and environmental issues, voting rights, affordable housing, and healthcare costs.

What do you love most about South Salt Lake?

I’ve enjoyed getting to know South Salt Lake over the past few months and had fun attending Mural Fest this past year and the opening of the new Granite Library. I love the access to the S Line and Jordan River Parkway, and I’m also a fan of the breweries and other establishments thriving on West Temple!

All City Offices and Community Centers will be closed:

Mon, Feb 20 in observance of Presidents’ Day

Public Meetings

For more info: www.sslc.gov

City Council

Wed, Feb 8, 7 p.m.

Wed, Feb 22, 7 p.m.

Planning Commission

Thu, Feb 2, 7 p.m.

Wed, Feb 16, 7 p.m.

Civilian Review Board

Mon, Feb 6, 6:30 p.m.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE CONTINUED

Sahara Hayes

House Representative District 32 shayes@le.utah.gov

• House Government Operations Committee

• House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee

Introduction and Priorities

I am a lifelong Utahn who has lived in this district for the majority of my life. My background is in nonprofit organizations and local government, and I am excited to bring the empathy and responsiveness that I’ve learned there to this arena. When I’m not campaigning I love hiking, reading, and exploring the area with my partner and pups.

I spent the summer and fall talking with residents, and I am excited to take their priorities to Capitol Hill. One of the most pressing concerns is tackling the imminent threat to the Great Salt Lake, and I am invested in supporting public education and educators. Since this is my first year representing this area, one of my biggest goals is to continue to get to know residents and their values so I can advocate for them as actively as possible.

What do you love most about South Salt Lake?

Welcome New SSL Neighborhoods Secretary

There’s a lot, so I’m going to narrow it down to a top three! I adore the Mural Fest - it was one of my first introductions to South Salt Lake, and I love the way it makes art public a part of daily life and provides such a distinct look and feel for the city. I was thrilled when the new library opened, and all of the offerings that it has. I’m a huge bookworm, and having a library right down the street is a dream come true. Finally, I am in awe of the Promise South Salt Lake program, and all that it has accomplished.

LED Lights Coming to South Salt Lake

Joel Briscoe House Rep District

jbriscoe@le.utah.gov

24

• House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee

• House Revenue and Taxation Committee

• Public Education Appropriations Committee

• (Creates the budget for Public Education)

Introduction and Priorities

I am a retired high school teacher and taught US History and US Government and Citizenship at Bountiful High School. I served on the Salt Lake City School Board from 1998-2002. I helped found the Legislative BiPartisan Clean Air Caucus, and am currently a co-chair of the Clean Air Caucus. I like both dogs and cats.

This year I am running legislation to help preserve the Great Salt Lake. I am sponsoring legislation to create the Utah Clean Energy Fund, to help homeowners and small businesses access funds for solar and other clean energy efficiencies. I also think that Utahns over 21 should be able to order beer from grocery stores online and have it delivered to their homes.

What do you love most about South Salt Lake?

I have enjoyed walking sections of the Jordan River Parkway with my wife. I also enjoy the Chinatown Supermarket.

Street lighting is a vital piece of our infrastructure, and in January, all existing HPS lights were replaced with energy-efficient LED ones. Not only do LED lights save energy and money, but LEDs have also been designed to focus the light precisely where it is needed: on the streets and sidewalks. Reducing “light pollution” and emitting clearer, white light, the new LED lights will provide better visibility and safety for those navigating around South Salt Lake. To report a street light outage or maintenance issue, connect with Rocky Mountain Power at www.rockymountainpower.net. To request more street lights in your area, contact your City Council representative or SSL Neighborhood Connect at 801-464-6757, or connect@sslc.gov.

Please join us in welcoming Letisia Lautaimi to our South Salt Lake community. Letisia is the new Neighborhoods Secretary at City Hall. Before this position, she earned her Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and has worked for several years in business and health administration. Originally from New Zealand and part of the Pacific Islander community, she says, “Much of what inspires me is being a mirror for women such as myself, in a diverse community with a desire to improve themselves.”

South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary

Full agendas, minutes, handouts, and video recorded meetings available at: www.sslc.gov/160/City-Council

1/11/23 Discussion of ACE Disposal Contract Information on the City’s current contract with ACE Disposal, which is up for renewal at the end of this year, and City’s Solid Waste Fund discussion.

1/11/23 Election of Council Chair & Vice Chair The City Council voted for Chair & Vice Chair for the 2023 year.

RDA MEETING

Moved to a future meeting TBD. Further discussion needed

Council elected Sharla Bynum to Council Chair and Corey Thomas to Vice Chair for 2023. No further action needed

1/11/23 Election of RDA Chair & Vice Chair The RDA voted for Chair & Vice Chair for the 2023 year. RDA Directors elected Portia Mila to Chair and LeAnne Huff to Vice Chair for 2023. No further action needed

REGULAR MEETING

1/11/23 Appointment by the Mayor Presented to the Council for advice and consent: Suzanne Slifka as an Alternate for the Planning Commission. Approved. No further action needed

Public Safety

SSLPD 2022 Rock Star

K9 Unit Officer Rene Diaz (& PSD Rocco)

SSL Fire Department 2022 Rock Star Firefighter Engineer & Fire Investigator Kody Thompson

Community Meetings

Join us for a community conversation.

Coffee with a Cop

Feb 1, 9-10 a.m.

In-Person

Délice Bakery & Café 2747 S State Street

Officer Diaz was selected as a K9 handler in July 2021 and has been instrumental in revitalizing the K9 Unit. Prior to becoming a K9 handler, he volunteered to help previous handlers because he wanted to learn everything he could. Officer Diaz entered the K9 unit with limited experience and a police service dog without training. Not only did he have to become certified as a patrol dog/detector dog handler, but he had to train PSD Rocco to the standards required by Utah POST.

Officer Diaz seeks every opportunity to train and deploy PSD Rocco. His goal is for the SSL Police Department K9 Unit to be known as the best street dogs in the State.

He is well on his way to reaching his goal. In addition to department in-service training, Officer Diaz has logged 415 hours of K9 training, much of this on his own time. Additionally, he devotes time to public education with K9 demonstrations and monthly drug sniffs at the Pamela Atkinson Resource Center.

Officer Diaz and PSD Rocco have gotten over $41,000 in illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and $700 cash in drug money off the streets. Additionally, Officer Diaz and PSD Rocco have assisted in apprehending 33 individuals involved in violent felonies. All while responding to calls for service and being one of the most proactive officers assigned to the Patrol Division.

Officer Diaz takes great pride in and care of PSD Rocco. PSD Rocco has become a member of the Diaz family and couldn’t be in better hands. Officer Diaz, your dedication to the success of our K9 Unit and the public’s safety make you a Rock Star!

Message from SSLPD Chief Jack Carruth

Fires come in all different sizes and forms. They involve numerous materials and typically involve complex scenes. Did we mention we dump massive amounts of water on structures and scenes – adding an additional complication? Any time property is destroyed or damaged by fire, it is the job of the fire investigator to determine the circumstances of each scene. Imagine the varied conditions that can exist in identifying, inspecting, evaluating, and analyzing the remnants of a fire. A Fire investigator’s skills and knowledge require profound training and practice.

Meet Kody Thompson – who has 13 years with SSL Fire and has taken it upon himself to work with and train our new fire investigators in this extremely critical role. Without a mentor to rely on, new investigators can become severely overwhelmed. Kody makes himself available and reliably follows through to help his trainees. Knowing the value and assistance technology has on the scenes, Kody recently became FAA UAV drone pilot certified. Drones are a powerful tool in investigating a fire scene and identifying burn patterns that would otherwise be difficult to spot.

We are grateful for all Kody does to competently and expertly represent South Salt Lake in fire investigations. Please join me in thanking Kody for all his hard work and for being this year’s Fire Department Rock Star!

Message from SSLFD Chief Terry Addison

Pamela Atkinson Resource Center Community Meetings

Held every third Wednesday from 4 to 5 pm, this virtual meeting allows members of our community to learn and discuss issues surrounding the Pamela Atkinson Resource Center located in South Salt Lake. Its purpose is to empower the public, by gaining a better understanding of the role of our local law enforcement, encouraging feedback, and to present new initiatives as they roll forward.

Business Watch

Businesses are encouraged to participate.

Feb 2, 5 p.m.

IndieGo Coffee – 3310 S 500 East

Neighborhood Watch

Residents are encouraged to participate.

Feb 2, 7 p.m.

Find the virtual meeting link at www.sslc.gov

Pamela Atkinson

Resource Center Community Meeting

Feb 15, 4-5 p.m.

Learn more and provide input about the guests at the Pamela Atkinson Resource Center.

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.

SSL Community Centers

The Historic Scott School Community Center

3280 S 540 East — connect@sslc.gov

Built-in 1890, the Historic Scott School has been a community hub for over 130 years, providing a space for education, art, and service. While necessary updates and construction to these buildings are ongoing, we’d like to introduce you to a new nonprofit organization now operating inside the cottage, Mosaic Inter-Faith Ministries Serving a broad range of individuals, from refugees to seniors and those experiencing financial hardship, find out a little more about Mosaic. A lot is going on that could benefit you or someone you know.

“Begin where you are and build from there,” is the advice received early on in her career from Mosaic Inter-Faith Ministries Member, Dr. Leslie Whited, while participating in a seminary training program in Mexico. This statement was made after encouraging her to make strong connections multiculturally, as it would expand and enrich her work as a pastor and guide her path going forward. Dr. Whited encourages others to do the same.

As a nonprofit, Mosaic Inter-Faith consists of several offerings, including in-home senior care, basics to employment, refugee and immigrant integration, ESL, art, and enrichment programs. Being very volunteer-driven, during the pandemic Mosaic along with Utah Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (UVOAD) served the community by distributing over a million and a half pounds of food, and other forms of aid including health and hygiene kits.

While they don’t proselytize, Mosaic is open to all who are needing service, being very multicultural and multilingual, sta members carry a rich base of experiences or are refugees themselves. Dr. Whited says, “Everyone will be able to nd someone to relate to and help guide them.”

Mosaic Inter-Faith Ministries is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dr. Whited extends the invitation to the public to stop by the cottage (the free-standing building on the southeast corner of the Historic Scott School) to receive a tour, see what they are like, and get a feel for their programming. Once there, you can fill out a volunteer application as they have many ways you can participate or contribute. You can also connect via the Mosaic Inter-Faith Ministries site at www.Issu.org.

WANT TO DONATE?

Here’s what Mosaic needs:

• Art Supplies, in particular, beads and beading tools for their art classes.

• Whiteboard markers (because you can never have enough of those!) for their ESL classes.

Central Park Community Center

2797 S 200 East

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

Police Partnerships Offer Promising Possibilities

Serving K-12 grade youth, at Central Park Community Center we believe that youth thrive when given opportunities to step outside their comfort zones and a safe place to land when they occasionally fall. Whether we’re doing art, STEM, recreation, or working on academic skills, youth in our programs are met with encouragement from caring staff and volunteers. We’re also home to the Pete Suazo PAL Boxing Gym, where students ages 8-18 can participate in boxing coaching and exercises.

The boxing program not only promotes physical fitness, but also instills confidence, motivation, and self-discipline. It creates a safe environment for our youth to meet and interact with officers who in turn work alongside our staff to keep the youth engaged by incentivizing academic performance with the chance to participate in boxing tournaments locally and nationally.

These intentional activities are designed in collaboration with SSL Police and the SSL Police Athletics and Activities League to build relationships, make referrals, and decrease the risk for youth and families in our community. The partnerships strengthen prevention efforts which in turn decreases intervention and punitive measures that can be costly for individuals and the community. Since engaging youth in Promise programs, juvenile arrests have decreased by 71% between 3:00-6:00 pm. (source: SSLPD)

Community Opportunity Center: The Co-Op Become a Member Today!

You’re missing out if you haven’t heard of the newest city facility inside the former Columbus Center Library. The Community Opportunity Center (The Co-Op) opened late in 2022 and serves a myriad of purposes to benefit the lives of those in South Salt Lake and our surrounding communities. A nifty way to receive information and updates about what’s happening at The Co-Op is to register for a free membership!

Memberships are free and allows you to discover what services and functions at The Co-Op are going on and what you may be interested in. Need wi-fi access? Need to reserve a private room for a study group? Would like to take an art class? Visit sslcoop. org to get on your way and learn all that there is to offer here.

To learn more or find out how you can volunteer, connect with The Co-Op supervisor, Abram Sherrod, at asherrod@sslc.gov.

www.sslcoop.org

2530 S 500 East Mon-Thur, 9 am to 8 pm Fri 9 am - 6 pm

Established in 1890, the Historic Scott School has been a community hub for over 130 years, providing a space for education, art, and service.

Mosaic Inter-Faith Ministries consists of several o erings, including in-home senior care, basics to employment, refugee and immigrant integration, ESL, art, and enrichment programs.

Another fun happening at The Co-Op involves providing space for instruction, such as a group ukulele lesson going on here.

For those who need a study space or access to wi- , Tech Connect at The Co-Op is available and free to the public. While visiting, you can bring your mug and make a cup of co ee using their Keurig machine.

Welcome Our Knowledgeable & WISE Liaison Team

South Salt Lake has a commitment to foster a community that continually invests in itself. To achieve that, Promise SSL recently hired three liaisons as part of a new program with funding support from Salt Lake County called the Workforce Inclusion & Successful Employment Program (WISE). The Co-Op is all about new opportunities, which is why we’re so excited to be a WISE partner. The WISE program will support low-income communities to launch higher-paying, better-quality careers by increasing access to workforce development programs, improving completion rates of these programs, and improving placement in better jobs. Our WISE Liaisons are here to help you.

Co-Op WISE Resource Liaison

Vayana Inxaysy, vinxaysy@sslc.gov

Vayana is here to support community members to thrive by facilitating access to what they may need. When people have their basic needs met, they are able to go out of survival mode and start seeing a future full of opportunities for themselves. In her free time, Vayana enjoys attending public events such as concerts, fairs, farmers’ markets, festivals, parades, performances, and art exhibitions.

Promise Best Buy Teen Tech Center Gives Teens a Competitive Edge

The Promise South Salt Lake Teen Tech Center provides free tech access, training, and mentorship to young people in our community. This one-of-a-kind program, which is the only one in our state, is not just limited to SSL residents but welcomes all teens in the surrounding areas who are interested in exploring and developing a wide variety of skill sets. Here, every young person can achieve their potential and pursue their dreams by jumping in the recording and editing studio, bringing designs to life using the 3-D printer or Glowforge laser cutter, learning the latest computer design software, and much more. We’re committed to improving tech equity and offering a place for teens to gain a competitive edge as they venture out into the workforce by giving them unparalleled access to:

• Cutting-edge technology, resources and training to make, create, and innovate

• Mentors and peers who inspire new passions and possibilities

• College and workforce guidance support that opens doors

Join us now for a hands-on experience. There is no cost to participate and all supplies and equipment are free to use!

Best Buy Teen Tech Center — 2531 S 500 East

Contact Deborah Peel, dpeel@sslc.gov | Open Mon - Fri from 3 pm - 6:30 pm

Co-Op WISE Childcare Liaison

Kylie McMorris, kmcmorris@sslc.gov

Kylie’s role is to make quality, affordable childcare accessible since it can be a barrier for those looking to further their careers. She is also here to help people navigate the process of setting up their own at-home childcare and connect them to the necessary resources needed. In her spare time, Kylie runs a nonprofit in Kenya that provides childcare for young, single mothers and enjoys traveling, skiing, reading, and hanging out with her dog.

Co-Op WISE Outreach Liaison

Gage Sepulveda, gsepulveda@sslc.gov

Gage’s role is to effectively inform our community of the opportunities provided at the Co-Op. By listening to the community he works with partners and stakeholders to implement and advocate for programming that meets their needs. Born and raised in Vernal, Gage developed a love for the outdoors where he keeps an eye out for aliens. When he’s not outdoors, he can be found making music with friends.

Art Classes for March

Community Happenings

Collage & Life Mandala

Instructor: Kandace Steadman

$20 SSL Residents. $60 Non-residents

Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00 PM

ART55+ Creative Arts for Seniors

Every Wednesday, 10:00-11:30 AM

Instructor Laura Sharp Wilson Free! No registration required.

Bad Dog Arts:

Women’s History Month

Instructor: Maddie Christensen

$20 SSL Residents. $60 Non-residents

Weds 6:30-8:30 PM

SL County Senior Center — EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2023

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT 10:30 AM

Wednesday, Feb 1

Friday, Feb 10

Friday, Feb 17

Friday, Feb 24

HOLIDAY MEALS

Birthday Special – Tuesday, February 7 (every first Tuesday of the month)

Valentine’s Day Special – Tuesday, Feb 14

Presidents’ Day Special – Friday, Feb 17

Mardi Gras Special – Friday, Feb 24

Utah Film Center: Screenwriting

Thursday, March 16, 6:30-7:30 PM Free - Location TBA

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT

Wednesday, Feb 8 at 9:15 am

PRESENTATIONS

Reice Stein

Friday, Feb 3 at 10:30 am

Vital Aging Wellness Discussions with a licensed therapist

Wednesday, Feb 15 at 10:30 am

Granite Library Guest

Wednesday, Feb 22 at 10:30 am

Art Classes with Laura Sharp Wilson in the Co-Op

Every Wednesday 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Columbus Center — 2531 S 400 East

Business and Development

Welcoming New Director of Community and Economic Development

This year South Salt Lake introduced a new Community and Economic Development Director, Jonathan Weidenhamer. Jonathan comes to us from Park City Municipal Corp with over 23 years of extensive experience in planning, community and economic development. He went from ski bum/ bar owner to a municipal planning intern and worked his way up to Senior Planner. He then managed Special Projects and rounded out his time in Park City as the Economic Development Director. Jonathan emphasized that he wishes to prioritize service to residents and businesses in his work. He looks forward to landing amenities that best serve the community and to shaping the future of the City with developers and staff. He sees SSL as a hidden gem between the highways and mountains – people pass by or through the City and don’t even see it. Jonathan views South Salt Lake as having a strong foundation with ample opportunities for existing and future SSL residents.

Thank you, Laura Vernon

Sometimes we don’t see the value of something until it’s gone, or nearly gone. Facing severe drought for over a decade, the dramatic drop in water levels of the Great Salt Lake and its negative impact on the environment greatly exceeds those of a dried-up lake bed. While the NY Times and other news sources have increased our awareness, the many issues surrounding the disappearance of the Great Salt Lake are not new to Laura Vernon. The Great Salt Lake is in peril, and our air, wildlife, and millions of migratory birds are too. And, as the Great Salt Lake Coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, Laura Vernon knows that now is the time to take action.

As a resident of South Salt Lake for over 12 years, Laura has witnessed many changes and growth opportunities and wanted to get involved with our city in a meaningful way. Since 2016, Laura has been part of the South Salt Lake Planning Commission and stepped up as its Chair in 2018. In 2020, Laura contributed her ideas to the city’s future vision statement as a member of the General Plan 2040 Steering Committee. As her job with the DNR has intensified, Laura recently gave the City notice that she will no longer be able to serve on the Planning Commission. We wish to thank Laura, for her years of dedicated service and for finding solutions for our community.

As part of an ‘Artists for Great Salt Lake’ campaign, 2020 Mural Fest artist Isaac Hastings created this poster to raise awareness and money for the cause. To learn more, follow these organizations on Facebook or Instagram at @HEALUtah @SaveOurGreatSaltLake

Get to Know SSL’s Planning Commission

Who’s to ensure that new development is done responsibly?

The South Salt Lake Planning Commission is a local government committee that takes an advisory role and makes recommendations to the City Council regarding any changes regarding the General Plan, small area plans, and zoning ordinances. As “local experts”, Planning Commission members review proposed developments, as well as land uses, offering advice that can then impact the city’s short and long-term physical development as well as its social and economic quality of life. Being a committee comprised of residents is key, as they may take into consideration things, that outsiders or developers may not.

West-side advocate Sen. Karen Mayne resigns her senate seat

Whenpeople describe Utah State Sen. Karen Mayne, they always use one word: champion. Since assuming office on Jan. 2, 2008, Mayne has been a formidable advocate for residents on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley.

In early January, Mayne submitted her letter of resignation to the Utah Senate, citing health concerns. Although she just won reelection in November, the democrat and minority whip doesn’t want her illness to affect the representation of her constituents.

“After much prayer, personal consideration, and deliberation with my family,” Mayne wrote, “I have made the difficult decision to resign my position as senator for Utah Senate District 12. Since the election in November of 2022, my health has taken an unexpected turn, and the constituents of District 12 deserve full-time representation at the beginning of the legislative session.”

A lifelong resident of West Valley City, Mayne started her political career after her husband’s death in 2007. Starting in 1994, Sen. Ed Mayne was elected to the state senate four times and served as president of the Utah AFL-CIO. Mayne was appointed to her husband’s senate seat in January 2008 and won her re-election bid later that same year.

In a news release, Senate President J. Stuart Adams said Mayne has been a champion for her district and a force for bipartisan camaraderie.

“Throughout her 15 years in the legislature, she has passionately advocated for impactful change, including workforce safety, economic opportunity and family support,” Adams said. “Sen. Mayne’s list of accomplishments on behalf of her constituents and state is long and revered. She is one of the most effective legislators and consistently passes the most bills during sessions. This is a testament to her tenacity, hard work and resilience. Utah has been blessed because of her service.”

Mayne served on the Senate Transportation Committee, supporting legislation to improve traffic on the west side. She fought against a toll on Mountain View Corridor and worked to improve intersections on Bangerter Highway.

Before serving as senator, Mayne was a paraeducator in the Granite School District. Her vision to provide additional funding and manageable class sizes was a priority during her time in the legislature.

As a proponent for health care and worker safety, Mayne led the effort to require drug and alcohol testing for state construction contracts. She served on numerous committees, task forces and commissions in her efforts to help residents in her area and across the state.

“Sen. Mayne is the epitome of what true public service and representation is

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

all about,” said Senate Minority Leader Sen. Luz Escamilla. “Her dedication to her district and to the people of Utah has been thoughtful, genuine, and kind-hearted every step of the way. She has consistently championed legislation to support the health, well-being, and security of working families throughout the state of Utah. Her extensive legacy is a guiding light for public policy to embrace more compassion, more care, and more attention to the people of Utah.”

Aimee Winder Newton serves on the Salt Lake County Council, representing Taylorsville, Murray, West Jordan and West Valley City. She said Mayne has been a pillar in the community and her resignation will be a huge loss for the west side.

“She truly was a champion for people who needed a champion and maybe didn’t have a loud voice,” Newton said. “She was a champion for west-side residents overall and for her district. It’s so sad to me to see her suffering and her health declining but we are so grateful for all the years of service both she and Ed have given to the residents of Salt Lake County.”

In her resignation letter, Mayne thanked her constituents and colleagues for their support and expressed gratitude for the opportunities she’s had to collaborate with those in public service.

“I am proud and privileged to have been able to create meaningful change in many areas of public policy including worker safety, family support, Utah Women In Trades, and economic opportunity for all people,” she said. “It has truly been an honor to serve.”

Mayne’s resignation went into effect on Jan. 16. A replacement will be appointed by democratic delegates to fill Mayne’s remaining term. Senate democrats will select a new minority whip.

“While we are heartbroken about her resignation, we are rallying behind Sen. Mayne,” Escamilla said. “We look forward to her community-minded efforts continuing to have an impact throughout the state.” l

State Sen. Karen Mayne served 15 years in the senate as a champion for the west side. Due to health concerns, she submitted her resignation which went into effect Jan. 16. (Photo courtesy Utah Senate)

Karen Mayne was named to the ChamberWest Hall of Fame in 2016. (File photo City Journals)

If you’d told me 20 years ago that I’d be a yoga instructor, I’d have laughed hard enough to tear a hamstring because I was very inflexible.

I took my first yoga class as a dare. My tennis instructor laughed at how tight I was and challenged me to try yoga. I hated every minute of that stupid class. I hated the words and I hated the poses and I hated the teacher and I loathed downward facing dog with a fiery passion.

But I realized my tennis instructor was right. My muscles were as tight as two-byfours, but less bendy. So I kept going back to yoga. Hated it every single time.

After about two months of practicing yoga, I noticed, little by little, my flexibility was improving. I could almost touch my toes without the usual amount of grunting and tears. My hips didn’t scream out loud while doing pigeon pose. My shoulders dropped away from my ears, where I’d held them at strict attention for decades. Even my back stopped hurting each time I rolled out of bed.

I grudgingly had to admit yoga wasn’t the hippy-dippy dumpster fire I thought it was. But learning the poses was just the beginning. As I explored yoga’s history, philosophy and favorite recipes, I came to realize yoga was a lifestyle that encouraged, nay demanded, self-love and com-

passion.

Yikes. As a lifelong subscriber to self-loathing, I wasn’t sure how to handle that type of ideology. Just like when I started the physical practice, I took lots of tiny, baby steps toward accepting myself as a worthy human.

Fast forward 20 years and not only do I teach yoga but I LOVE yoga with a fiery passion. Yoga has changed me in so many ways. I used to be sarcastic, cynical and snarky but after studying yoga for so many years, I’m a sarcastic, cynical and snarky yoga instructor.

See. People change.

I’m also much less judgmental. I’m not so hard on myself and I give most people the benefit of the doubt. Most people. Maybe someone can propose a bill that would require our legislators to take a yoga class each morning before discussing the divisive and harmful bills proposed

this year. OK, when it comes to our lawmakers, I’m still pretty judgmental.

Being a yoga instructor is super silly. As an instructor, I get to say things in class that don’t make a whole lot of sense, and my students listen to me!

I’ll say, “Breathe in through your collarbones, breathe out through your kneecaps. Inhale to fill up your armpits, exhale to release tension in the ear lobes.”

Or I’ll instruct students to “Melt into the mat, send energy out of your fingertips, ground through your sitz bones, wring out your body and lengthen the crown of your head.” And I’m totally serious. (Laugh emoji)

My yoga practice has evolved from trying to do the most difficult poses and making my students sweat and swear, to focusing on deep stretches and stress-reducing breathing exercises.

It isn’t about who can be the bendy-est or the one who can hold crow pose for five minutes. It’s about appreciating what my body can do today. Not what I think it should do or what I want it to do tomorrow, but what it can accomplish right now.

I appreciate all the yoga teachers who took this rigid block of a body and mind and transformed it into a pliable, warm and accepting human being. My hamstrings thank you. l