South Salt Lake Journal | July 2023

MAKE-A-WISH UTAH AND NATE WADE SUBARU TEAM UP TO MAKE A CHILD’S WISH COME TRUE

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

Make-A-Wish Utah has helped hundreds of children have their wish come true, and for many of those dreams, it could not have been possible without the generosity of Nate Wade Subaru, which donates thousands of dollars to the organization.

One child who benefited is 11-year-old Henry, who suffers from a congenital heart defect and was surprised with news on May 20 at the Nate Wade Subaru dealership in South Salt Lake that he will get to go to Hawaii to visit Pearl Harbor, his long-time wish since he started to dive into the history of World War II.

“The Nate Wade Subaru team planned an incredible event called the proclamation and surprised him with the news that his wish is going to be granted,” said Daniel Dudley, chief development officer of Make-A-Wish Utah. “He’s an avid history buff and Nate Wade Subaru had the only Utah living survivor of Pearl Harbor at the event—his name was Ed Carroll and Ed was able to meet Henry and talk about all sorts of historical context about Pearl Harbor and what happened that day when Pearl Harbor was attacked—it was an incredible and unforgettable event for Henry.”

Ed Carroll is 98 years old and during the morning of the event, Carli Claflin, outreach coordinator of Nate Wade Subaru, had received a call letting her know that Ed Carroll’s daughter had unexpectedly passed away the Sunday before. Carroll’s daughter was also his caretaker.

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Wish kid Henry enjoys the outdoors with a smile. (Photo by Renee Rice)

baseball

Hiking has become one of Henry’s all-time favorite hobbies, even creating a small hiking club with some of his friends and family. (Photo by Renee Rice)

Carr ying a legacy. And a new name.

Holy Cross Hospital

Jordan

Valley

Public art installations along Jordan River reel in the attention of all passersby

Ayounggirl jumps off her bike and trots over to an enormous metal fish. She squeals, “The fish are jumping out of the ground!”

Her dad rolls to a stop next to her, “Do you think there will be a splash?”

The fish are indeed jumping out of the ground at several trailheads along the Jordan River Parkway Trail, making a splash for all who encounter them. The installation of the 11 fish at the Riverview Trailhead at 1835 N. Redwood Road is one part of a public art installation called Jordan River Current, which includes a total of 25 steel-constructed, 8-foottall trout sculptures.

The artsy fish are intended as markers for “wayfinding” for folks paddling the river and are found at four different boat ramps spanning over 7 miles of the Jordan River Trail. “It’s easier to say, ‘if we get separated, pull out at the

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

green fish,’ rather than trying to detail the look of one boat ramp from another,” said Renato Olmedo-Gonzalez, public art program manager at the Salt Lake City Arts Council.

The fish are intended to be a way to encourage recreational water use on the Jordan River. Plus they are engaging and interesting for walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters that use the shared-use path paralleling the meandering, slow-running river.

The Jordan River Trail is a north-south system that connects a total of 45 miles through Salt Lake County. The trail further connects to neighboring counties, allowing for travel to Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake. It is a recreational asset located within 15 minutes of about half of Utah’s population.

Many city and county parks and golf courses are located along the parkway, along with numerous boat access ramps.

Currently, the fish are on display at the following places: Riverview Trailhead (1835 N. Redwood Road) contains 11 sculptures; Gadsby Trailhead (1223 W. North Temple) contains six sculptures; Fisher Mansion (1206 W. 200 South) contains three sculptures; and Glendale Park (1700 South and approximately 1100 West) contains five sculptures.

At this time there are no plans to install the “wayfinding” fish at other boat ramps but, “the hope is that other cities connected by the Jordan River Trail will commission their own public art,” said Olmedo-Gonzalez. “Continuation of the installation would be a great way to visually connect all the ramps along the river.”

Jordan River Current was created by Colette Hosmer, a Santa Fe, New Mexico-based artist who is celebrated for her large-scale outdoor sculptures and environmental installations. According to the Salt Lake City Arts Council, Hosmer is pleased to connect the natural environment of the Jordan River Trail system with all users of the trail.

Jou r nals

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“I have placed a half-dozen, site-specific, large-scale environmental works across the world, created to exist with bodies of water,”

Hosmer said. “And now, Salt Lake has given me the rare opportunity to work with a major tributary—the historic Jordan River.” l

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Two kayakers enjoy the morning. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

A biker ponders the Jordan River while standing next to the green fish wayfinding marker, affectionately named Decrayvion by fourth-grade students at Poplar Grove Elementary. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

The blue fish, affectionately named Bean Cheleen, marks the boat ramp at the yet-to-be-constructed Glendale Park at 1700 S. 1100 West. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Cottonwood FCCLA students seize opportunities during yearlong learning, competitions

At Cottonwood High, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter is a pathway for students to have new opportunities and about 20 members took advantage of that.

Seniors Mariana Labrador and Lora Larson learned about leadership as they became the chapter’s president and vice president, respectively. They joined five other Cottonwood officers as they learned about their responsibilities in office at the fall leadership conference.

“It got them really hyped and excited about the school year,” Cottonwood High adviser Zahaia Cuevas said. “They learned different types of leadership and how to promote and incorporate FCCLA into their meetings.”

Guest speaker gold medal skeleton Olympian Noelle Pikus-Pace taught the Cottonwood student-leaders about perseverance.

“She talked about working hard and doing all you can to persevere, no matter all the obstacles that come your way. They really took that to heart,” she said.

As the officers led the meetings, they also focused on a place which was open and inviting, Cuevas said.

“We wanted it to be a space where they could make new friends and have fun doing an activity. It’s a place to come hang out with people who like similar things,” she said. “We wanted any student to be welcome to come for a fun time during lunch. We wanted to reach students who normally wouldn’t be involved in clubs to come to our club so that they could feel like they were a part of something.”

Most activities related to family and consumer science classes, giving club members the opportunity to expand their knowledge.

“Taking from the preschool class, we made a hand turkey and wrote things that we’re thankful for Thanksgiving; we designed different outfits, learning from the fashion class. We had social gatherings, and usually we do service; we helped with the Halloween trunk or treat,” she said.

By February, the chapter was focused on their competitive season. Five members took advantage of that opportunity and learned along the way.

FCCLA students across the state competed in more than 30 STAR competitive events, or Students Taking Action with Recognition events. The events prepare students for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and career preparation. FCCLA chapters prepare members for careers through its four career pathways: human services, hospitality and tourism, educa-

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

tion and training, and visual arts and design.

In the STAR events, students demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to actively identify an issue concerning families, careers, or communities, research the topic, and develop and implement a project to advocate for positive change.

Sophomore Nina Boskovic competed in the leadership contest which highlighted her leadership roles in different clubs and organizations.

“I also talked about how I’ve learned leadership skills through the book, “Dare to Lead,” and making goals to better my skills,” she said in an Instagram post.

Boskovic earned the bronze recognition at both region and state, and placed third at state.

Larson competed in the event, Focus on Children, using her own Lora’s Drop and Shop summer camp in her presentation. That project “impacted the community by helping children,” Cuevas said. “She basically had a preschool for ages 4 to 10 in her house over the last summer. She planned lessons for them and had activities for them to do every day. It was a great project.”

She earned the gold distinction at region and at state and placed third overall at state.

Labrador and senior Sara Sandusky competed in fashion design where they each had to create a five-piece collection for a target audience and price the items as if they would be available for purchase. They then each sewed one of the outfits and presented it to the judges.

“Sara’s collection was inspired by the universe,” Cuevas said. “Her line was created with galaxies and stars and that look. It was very cool that she incorporat-

ed twinkling lights in the dress that lit up when she would wear it.”

In an Instagram post, Sandusky said that first dress, which is based on a nebula, is part of the life cycle of a star.

She received bronze at region and silver at state.

Labrador’s collection was inspired by Vivienne Westwood, Cuevas said.

“She took that grunge look and modernized it into everyday wear. She made a corset and tailored pants that were very cool,” she said. “The sewing techniques she used were very complicated.”

In an Instagram post, she said that Westwood as well as the end of the Victorian era inspired her fashion line, but she also appreciated the kimchi fried rice workshop: “It was very fun to learn a few kitchen tricks and have a break from the competition stress. I also liked the fashion show because I got to talk to people about their fashion projects.”

She took silver at region and bronze at state.

Junior Annalyse Staker competed in fashion construction with the look, “Pretty in Pink,” inspired by Chanel.

“She made a pretty pink tweed jacket with silk lining and a matching skirt from her own original pattern. Then she made alterations, so it fit perfectly,” Cuevas said. “She did a lot of hard work.”

Staker, who liked seeing other “cool

projects that people created,” received silver medals at both competitions.

They also were part of the state fashion show, where they got to showcase their creations.

Besides students earning awards, Cuevas said they took that opportunity to learn.

“The sewing students learned a lot of new techniques. Nina and Lora were nervous about presenting, but this helped them feel more confident. They’re such hardworking and impressive students with everything they do academically and in different clubs. They expressed to me how grateful they were that they competed and it’s good that they were able to share what they’re doing to help the community and to help the school. They deserve to be recognized for their hard work,” she said.

Cuevas also was honored for her hard work as she was honored as the FCCLA new adviser of the year.

The award honors an adviser who has served for under five years.

“My students nominated me, and it’s been great. I do this for them, so for them to fill out the paperwork and to think I’ve made such a difference is really sweet. I’ve gotten a lot of support from my school and district, so it was exciting for me,” she said. “I’m really motivated for next year.” l

Cottonwood High FCCLA members Annalyse Staker, Nina Boskovic, Lora Larson, Sara Sandusky and Mariana Labrador participated at region and state with the help of Zahaia Cuevas, who is holding the new adviser of the year plaque. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood High FCCLA)

“We wanted any student to be welcome to come for a fun time during lunch. We wanted to reach students who normally wouldn’t be involved in clubs to come to our club so that they could feel like they were a part of something.”

Zahaia Cuevas

Cottonwood baseball lifts the Region 7 trophy, but falls at 5A Super Regional

Marcus Garvey once said, “Take advantage of every opportunity; where there is none, make it for yourself.”

For the Cottonwood High baseball team, that’s what they did in 2023.

With a number of guys headed for college teams at the end of what would be their senior seasons, the Colts set out to accomplish a few goals, according to Cottonwood Athletic Director Greg Southwick.

“We wanted to win region, and we did that,” said Southwick in an interview with City Journals before the state tournament. The Colts wrapped up Region 7 play, their last season in Class 5A, with a 10-2 record and No. 13 seed.

The second goal was to advance further than they had at state, last year. With

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

an opportunity in front of them to host the 5A first round, the Colts stumbled out of the blocks, upending No. 20 Alta but needing three games to do so, 1-6, 13-2 and 6-5.

In the first game, the Colts got back University of Utah-bound Cameron Nielsen who returned from an injury that kept him out for most of the season.

The senior hit a double for Cottonwood, who just couldn’t get their bats going in the first game loss to Alta.

In the second game, however, Nielsen smashed a grand slam home run, and senior Payton Burk and junior Keaton Stinson each added nukes as well to knot the 5A first round series at one game apiece.

Needing just one more win to advance, the Colts had to travel to Alta to get

it—but they got it thanks in large part to a four-run first inning that included a mainstay of all of the past great Cottonwood teams: manufactured run production.

The Colts trotted out a lineup that was similar to the first two games; it’s just that the runs came from other guys, like junior John Pipe, who led the way with three RBI including a two-run double in that big first inning. After that the Colts held on to the lead thanks to good defense and only one error.

The narrow three-game victory put the Colts into a similar situation as Alta in the previous round; Cottonwood would need to win one of the two games at No. 4 ranked Lehi in the 5A Super Regional to force a third game back at home.

Unfortunately for the Colts, their bats fell silent and they were swept out of the tournament, 12-2 and 10-0, May 19.

For Cottonwood, it was still a good year, said Southwick. SLCC-bound senior Avery Doezie hit .477 and led the way for the Colts with eight home runs and 33 RBI.

Senior Jaxon Pfeil, who is also bound for SLCC on a baseball scholarship with Doezie, had 10 doubles for Cottonwood.

The Colts will say goodbye to not only 11 seniors but head coach Chris Shelton, who for 13 years has been with the program.

“He wanted to spend more time with his new wife,” Southwick said. “So we’ll look for a new coach and wish him well.”

Easton Petitta fields a grounder during a region win over HIllcrest. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Senior Cameron Nielson pitches during Cottonwood’s regional victory over Alta. (Travis Barton/City Journals) Jaxon Pfeil, along with Avery Doezie, helped lead the Colts from the plate and mound. (Travis Barton/ City Journals)

The Colts celebrate a three-run homer by Keaton Stinson. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Freemasons donate bikes to South Salt Lake students in honor of literacy

Thechildren all roared and screamed.

Brand-new bikes were displayed at the front of the assembly, ready to be taken by 10 high-achieving students of literate merit. It was the afternoon of May 31, and Lincoln Elementary staff and teachers watched over the excited students in the school gymnasium.

Andre LaFleur and John Liley, two Freemasons of Wasatch Lodge #1 in Salt Lake City, stood by the bikes along with school principal Milton McCollins, checking the air pressure on the tires before beginning to slowly call out the names of 10 top-reading students in timely succession so as to give each student a chance to take in the moment.

“We had some other lodge brothers who were doing the same thing out in St. George,” said LaFleur, a Freemason of seven years and former staff member of Lincoln Elementary. “A few of the members of my lodge connected with them and talked a little bit and thought ‘Hey, you should do this program over in Salt Lake City.’”

The program is called Bikes for Books, which rewards students for their reading efforts. The individual who is running the Wasatch Lodge this year, David Harris, came to LaFleur to ask him if would put together the philanthropic program for Salt Lake City, even asking him of any area schools that would be a good fit. Conveniently, LaFleur was familiar with Lincoln Elementary.

“I ran their after-school program so I knew a lot of the kids here. I knew a lot of their struggles, and I thought that this would be a great program to start with. Eventually it will expand to other schools in the city but here I thought would be a good fit,” said LeFleur, a South Salt Lake local.

“There are six lodges that meet in Salt Lake City—we’re one of the six—the big building on 650 E. South Temple,” Liley said. “We would like to expand [Bikes for Books]

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

to other schools. Funds, of course, we have to raise them as we go. It was about $1,000 that we put together that we collected from the members of the lodge. We used that to buy the bikes for the kids.”

“When I was a kid, my bicycle was really important to me, I figured that a lot of these other kids, they would want a bicycle too,” LaFleur said. “Milton Collins (Lincoln Elementary school principal) was telling me, ‘I only know like four or five kids in our whole school who own a bicycle, so this would be a great incentive for them.’”

Having been left uncertain as to where to get the bikes, much less the parts to build the bikes in time after a miscommunication error with a distributor, LaFleur set out on a long drive to San Pedro, a city near Los Angeles, to pick up the parts to build the bikes himself, along with the help of his Freemason brothers, including Liley.

“I contacted a manufacturer in Los Angeles and bought the bikes unassembled, and a few of my lodge brothers got together and we assembled them. It was like a three-day trip. Next year we are hoping to get things settled a little bit more,” LaFleur said.

“I think to deliver them, it was going to take too long, so he [LaFleur] took it upon himself and hopped in his van and he took his dad with him and they drove all that way out to Los Angeles, and they got them and brought them back and they weren’t assembled so the guys put them together on Sunday, and as you know, I just put the air in the tires,” Liley said jokingly.

“Our lodge covered this first set of bicycles. We only covered two grades because we didn’t have enough money to cover all the rest of the grades, so next we are going to be looking for sponsors, local businesses and the like who would like to contribute. We’ll gather money and we’ll help expand the effort for this

school here and as we continue to find other sponsors we’ll be able to expand it to other schools,” LaFleur said.

The Bikes for Books program had turned out to be a benefitting success for Lincoln Elementary, with the Freemasons of Utah hoping to expand to other schools and to other similar programs where kids are in need.

“This is an organization that does a lot of good,” LaFleur said. “The three main tenants of Freemasonry are: the brotherhood of man, relief and truth. And that is what we seek to express and encourage. We gather men from all classes, all backgrounds, and encourage community involvement and community improvement.”

“It has a lot of historical tie-ins to the founders of the country, and I personally like to read and Freemasons have always come up

in books, and I did a little bit of exploring and I found out that one of my friends was actually a Mason. So I asked to join the lodge 25 years ago,” said Liley, who is originally from the East Coast though has lived in Utah for the last 30 years.

“You’ll hear a lot of people say that we are a secret society,” Liley said. “But we’re really not a secret society. We’re a private society because a lot of people when they see a closed door they want to know what’s on the other side, well, it’s just a bunch of guys putting money together and buying bikes for kids.”

“A lot of people, again, will think that we are a religion but we are not a religion—we’re actually a group of men who hold a belief in a supreme being from all walks of life, so you can be a sect of any religion that you are, as long as you have a belief in a supreme being. We are a charity in so much that we do events like this. You’ll hear that we are a volunteer organization—we’re a volunteer organization to the fact that we voluntarily bind ourselves together to make ourselves and the community around us a better place,” Liley said.

LaFleur and Liley began to wrap up, making sure that the bikes were all constructed accordingly and in fine fettle, they gave each other smiles of relief and completion. The children now began to dance to upbeat songs in the gymnasium, and the 10 students who were honored with their bicycles looked at their new prizes in marvel.

“Read. Read as much as you can. Read everything you can. Read and think deeply about the things that you do read. The way to succeed in life, not just financially but just generally, is to be literate and to be strongly literate,” LaFleur told the students.

“I just hope to have a great summer,” Liley said. “The thing is, is that all of those bikes look the same. I hope they know which one to take home.” l

Both staff and students gather for the Bikes for Books assembly at Lincoln Elementary School. Principal Milton McCollins (white shirt) is pleased to announce the winners of the program. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/ City Journals)

Freemason brothers (left to right) John Liley, Andre LaFleur, Michael Clark and Hugo Rodier. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

John Liley and Andre LaFleur make sure that the bikes are in tip-top shape before awarding it to any students. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

Not wanting to disappoint Henry, Carroll managed to make the trip from Kanosh to tell his story to the awestruck boy.

The Nate Wade Subaru dealership, decorated in a Hawaiian theme, presented Henry and his family with a check to cover the expenses of the trip.

No one had a more profound joy seeing Henry’s smile upon hearing the news than his mother, Renee Rice. “That was amazing,” said Rice. “Henry thought that that was the coolest thing! He is still talking about it.”

Eleven years ago, and much to Renee Rice’s dismay, Henry was diagnosed with a double inlet left ventricle the day after he was born, leaving the family in pursuit of a solution.

The day that Henry’s parents got to bring him home he seemed to have been struggling to breathe so they took him to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). “His twin sister was fine and so she was just with me. Then the next day our pediatrician thought he just had a heart murmur so they ordered an echocardiogram to see what it was—and quickly discovered that there was definitely some major issues going on and so he was taken to Primary Children’s where they had a team of specialists look at him and then diagnose

what was actually going on with the structure of his heart,” said Rice, who has a degree in health administrative services and health promotions.

Due to Henry’s heart condition, he hasn’t been able to practice sports as much as he would have liked though doctors recently recommended that he do some mild aerobic exercise. “He’s just become very interested and active when it comes to hiking,” Rice said. “We go on a hike at least once a week. He chooses the hike, we go, he loves it. He’s created this whole little club with cousins and friends that we now hike once a week.” He also helps his mom with yard work every morning.

Make-A-Wish Foundation has been around since 1980, raising awareness and funds to children in critical condition to realize their dreams. “All the children are referred either by their legal guardian or someone from their medical team, and so the medical team approves of their wish and confirms that they have a qualifying illness,” said Dudley, who has been with Make-A-Wish Utah since 2012. “Nate Wade Subaru supports Make-A-Wish Utah annually and hosts one of these events each year. We thought that Henry was the perfect recipient to receive his proclamation from Nate Wade Subaru.”

Nate Wade Subaru and Make-A-Wish have been working together since 2016.

Daniel Dudley

A major component is the participation in the Subaru of America, Inc.’s Share the Love event which has been the catalyst in the team’s effort to raise the funds needed to actualize the wishes of hopeful children.

“Subaru’s Share the Love campaign is incredible. They’ve given millions of dollars to charity because of it,” Claflin

said. “At Nate Wade Subaru, we are able to have two hometown charities that customers can select for their donation to go to. This year we were incredibly happy to present Make-A-Wish Utah with a check for $33,658 from the Share the Love event.”

“We have 250 children in Utah who are waiting for a wish right now,” Dudley said. “Nate Wade Subaru is going to continue supporting Make-A-Wish Utah to raise funds for wishes and we are continuing to build partnerships with other companies and businesses and people in Utah so we can say yes to every one of those wishes.”

Henry, who will be starting sixth grade this fall, will travel with his family to Hawaii this summer to see USS Utah in Pearl Harbor and to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center.

“My hope is that he [Henry] continues to grow healthy and strong and that he can live a long life,” his mom said. “He’s just been amazing—he is the best thing that ever happened to our family—it’s crazy to be grateful for a heart condition, but I feel like he has made us all better people in our family. He is just a blessing to us.” l

“Nate Wade Subaru is going to continue supporting Make-AWish Utah to raise funds for wishes and we are continuing to build partnerships with other companies and businesses and people in Utah so we can say yes to every one of [each child’s] wishes.”

Cottonwood girls soccer rehires two brothers who brought the boys some success

After having gone through two head coaches and a 2-29 win-loss record over the past two years, something needed to be done to help the girls soccer program, said Cottonwood High Athletic Director Greg Southwick.

So he and his staff drew up the same game plan that worked for the boys soccer program and rehired the brother tandem of Bryce and Brylee Harvest to bring the girls along.

“They’ve kind of turned the boys soccer program around,” said Southwick of his decision to appoint the Harvest brothers. “And we’re hoping they’ll be able to do the same for the girls.”

In this particular case, however, the roles will reverse and Bryce will be the head coach for the girls varsity—while his brother Brylee will serve as the team’s assistant and JV head coach.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and the support from the community and our school for having the trust and faith in me (and my brother who's the boys coach) to run this program,” said Bryce Harvest. “We're looking forward to applying constant change to this program for the better.”

Bryce has coached at Utah club La-

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Roca for several years following his graduation from Cottonwood in 2019, and like his brother, brings both playing and coaching experience to the Colts girls, who enter the 2023-24 school year as a new member of Class 4A in a brand new region.

“I think it's going to be a difficult switch for the girls in terms of the program being a little bit more professional but from what we've seen so far, the girls are responding to the message we're sending,” said Bryce. “I think this team is going to be very competitive in this upcoming season as we fight in 4A.”

Before league play gets underway though, the Colts will play several preseason matches to tune up for what should be a competitive region.

That Region 10, or league, will include the likes of Stansbury and Tooele, Jordan and Park City, and rivals Murray and Hillcrest who the Colts will play home and away this fall.

To date, Southwick has had to make some crucial decisions. As a head coach for both the boys and girls golf teams at Cottonwood, the AD has now hired a football coach, two volleyball coaches, the boys and girls basketball coaches and two softball coaches. l

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Brylee Harvest, seen here coaching the boys team, will assist his brother Bryce in coaching the girls team. (City Journals)

Comcast provides services for those who serve

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Deneiva Knight was 18 years old and only three days out of high school when she reported for basic training with the U.S. Army. Having enlisted during her junior year, she described herself as “fresh-faced and scrawny” with no concept of the struggles and difficulties she would face through the experience.

As her eight weeks of training commenced, she found herself without support of family and friends, learning to trust her body, mind and spirit. She created a lifelong credo that has carried her throughout her life.

“Whatever you do, do it with heart,” Knight said. “During trying times, I dig in and rely on my heart working alongside my blood, sweat and tears to reach any finish line.”

Knight served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1996-2001. Now the external affairs director for the Comcast Mountain West Region, doing work in media relations, government affairs and community impact, Knight is proud to work for a company that supports the military.

Comcast’s dedication to the military community started with its founder, Ralph Roberts, who served a four-year tour-of-duty with the U.S. Navy. Now, the global telecommunications company creates a supportive workplace environment for military employees and offers experiences and discounts for its military customers.

In a new partnership with the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center, Comcast will support several initiatives at the center, including the Startup Training Resources Inspiring Veteran Entrepreneurship program, a free entrepreneurship training program run through Syracuse University in Buffalo, New York.

Rick Brown, Utah VBRC program director, said the partnership with Comcast will bring attention to the STRIVE program and hopefully increase the number of veteran entrepreneurs who participate.

“It benefits us to get the word out to the veterans that their service pays for our services and that we're here to work with them to help start and build their businesses.”

Comcast will also provide essential technology to support hybrid classrooms from St. George to Logan. Working with the Utah VBRC, Comcast will create innovation hubs in central locations so veterans can meet together and learn about building a business. The partnership will also include the creation of a women-only veterans entrepreneurship STRIVE course.

“That's where Comcast’s support is going to come in,” said Becky Guertler, Utah VBRC program manager. “As support for our programs increases, we can reach more veterans and empower them to build lasting economic futures. With Comcast’s support, the Utah VBRC is better positioned to better serve our veterans

and the minority groups within our veteran community.”

Shawn Kessler is the Comcast Mountain West Region’s technical operations director. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp and was hired by Comcast a few years later. During an 18-month-long deployment, Comcast covered the difference between Kessler’s military and Comcast pay, to ease financial stress.

Kessler said he wouldn’t trade his time in the military for anything outside of his family but wouldn’t want to go through boot camp again.

“The military gave me a sense of belonging and proved to myself that I could take on difficult things,” Kessler said. “Comcast’s support of the military is what made Comcast a career for me. While I was deployed, I made less on active duty than I did as a technician, and for over a year, Comcast paid me the difference. I never imagined that a company would do that.”

Since 2015, Comcast has hired more than 19,400 veterans, National Guard and reserve service members, and military spouses. It has donated more than $197 million to military community organizations and, in 2022, “Military Times” recognized Comcast NBCUniversal as the nation’s No. 1 telecommunications company for veterans.

This year, VETS Indexes recognized Comcast Cable as a 5-Star Employer in the 2023 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award is a testament to the company’s strong commitment to hiring, retaining, developing and supporting U.S. military veterans and their families. For more information about how Comcast supports veterans, visit corporate.comcast.com/impact/military.

“I am proud to work for Comcast,” Knight said, “a company that not only honors its veterans and military-serving employees but creates opportunities to support us at every angle through its benefits structure, career pathways and community impact initiatives.” l

Do You Have a Chronic Wound?

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

How do you heal a wound that will not heal?

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

Your care team may also suggest the following treatments:

• Antibiotics

• Skin substitute grafts

• Laser Treatments

• X-rays to assess for bone infection

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

Visit

guide your care plan and to get your life back

care

a chronic wound present. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 801-758-2091. We are located at 4624 Holladay Blvd on the second floor in Suite 201 right above Olympus Family Medicine. We accept all major insurances and look forward to being able to enhance your quality of life.

Since 2015, Comcast has hired more than 19,400 veterans, including Deneiva Knight (left), external affairs director for the Comcast Mountain West Region, and Shawn Kessler, Comcast Mountain West Region’s technical operations director. (Photo courtesy of Comcast)

www.sslc.gov

July

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 801-464-6757

Fire Administration 801-483-6043

Justice Court 801-483-6072

Police Admin 801-412-3606

Promise 801-483-6057

Public Works 801-483-6045

Recreation 801-412-3217

Utility Billing 801-483-6074

Emergencies 911

Police/Fire Dispatch 801-840-4000

CITY NEWSLETTER

Changing the Way We Water: It Pays to Save

We’re making changes too

Mayor Cherie Wood

The topic of water and its diminishing supply is nothing new to Utahns. While this past winter’s aboveaverage snowfall helped to remedy our immediate water issues, we still have a long way to go. Over a decade of severe drought has caused our Great Salt Lake, reservoirs, waterways, and groundwater levels to dip at an alarming rate. The lack of water poses a threat: to our ability to sustain life, to our wildlife and migratory bird populations, our trees and vegetation, and even to the air we breathe.

South Salt Lake and many other municipalities are joining together and rethinking how we can continue to meet the needs of a growing population. We can’t simply conserve according to the fluctuations of the weather and expect real change. To do so, collectively, we need to be more consistent and deliberate in our conservation efforts.

Grass Doesn’t Belong Everywhere

With new water conservation state funding, our city is taking the actions necessary for our residents to be eligible for financial assistance and rebate offerings. These include swaps for smart irrigation timers, fixture rebates for effi cient toilets, and waterefficient landscaping projects.

Starting in late summer, South Salt Lake property owners will be eligible to apply for incentives for removing turf and then adding in water-wise plants, trees, and shrubs. For those applying, a quick word of caution. Participation in any of the Utah Water Savers rebates requires preauthorization. To qualify for these water-saving incentives, read the application carefully, apply, receive authorization, then act.

As a city, we can always do better in our ability to conserve water. In the works is an SSL conservation rate study, which will help us better understand where our water supply is being used. The purpose of the study is to ensure our long-term water supply and to become sustainable as a community, which may mean potentially increasing rates for our highest utilizers. How does a rate study affect water conservation exactly? It makes sense to charge more for water to those businesses who overconsume in South Salt Lake. Because our primary water source is from groundwater, it’s critically important to evaluate our city’s usage and know our limits, and to do so without penalizing the average to low-use residents like you.

In addition, as we’re expanding and renovating city properties, we’re making water-wise changes at our offices, parks, and community centers. This spring, turfgrass was swapped out with xeriscaping and drip line at our Animal Services building. From their inception, xeriscaping with waterwise plants and drip line have been added to Bickley Park and its playground, our Monarch Butterfly Waystation, and the new community garden at Fitts Park.

Public Meetings

For more info: www.sslc.gov

City Council

Wed, July 12, 7 p.m.

Wed, July 26, 7 p.m.

Planning Commission

Thu, July 13, 7 p.m.

Thu, July 20, 7 p.m.

Civilian Review Board

Mon, June 3, 6:30 p.m.

2023 SSL Municipal Election Notice

The City of South Salt Lake will hold a Municipal General Election on November 7, 2023.

The City Council has elected to use the Ranked Choice Voting method without a Primary Election. The candidate filing period is Tuesday, August 8, 2023, through Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The candidate filing deadline is: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

CITY COUNCIL CORNER

Ranked Choice Voting Continues

in South Salt Lake

Portia Mila, District 4

For the upcoming 2023 election year, our city council has once again approved an alternative method of voting for municipal elections. If you participated in the election process two years back, you’re somewhat familiar with the process but let’s refresh your memory. What is Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) exactly? RCV is what it sounds like, instead of choosing one candidate, you rank candidates according to your preferences (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). If a candidate receives a majority of the first-choice votes, that candidate is elected. If no candidate receives a majority of the first choice votes the candidate with the lowest number of votes is eliminated and transferred to the voter’s second-ranked choice of the remaining candidates. This process continues until a candidate wins with an absolute majority (50%+) of the votes. Another advantage of RCV is that the primary election, usually held in August is eliminated, which saves the city (and ultimately the taxpayers) money.

As we get closer to election time, remember that you do not have to rank candidates. You still have the option to vote for one candidate for each position if you desire. This year’s municipal election will be Tuesday, November 21, 2023, and we encourage all residents to learn more about Ranked Choice Voting and what to expect on the ballot at rankthevoteutah. org. To be eligible to vote in the upcoming Municipal General Election, you must be either registered online 11 days prior or register at an early voting location or a polling station on Election Day. Register online or learn more at: vote.utah.gov.

Note: Opinions expressed here may not be representative of all Members of the City Council.

South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary

Public Safety

Meet the New PARC Director, Robin Cheesebourough

This month brings a new Director, Robin Cheesebourough, to the Pamela Atkinson Resource Center (PARC) which provides temporary shelter for 300 men and is managed by The Road Home. Robin’s career backstory and education are data, economics, and econometrics driven, as her interests have been fueled by her passion for social justice issues such as equality and reducing poverty.

With previous work experience at both Volunteers of America and the Geraldine E. King Shelter in SLC, before her job at the PARC, Robin worked primarily on the back end or administrative side. But at some point, in self-reflection, she asked herself, what does Utah need me to do? At the resource center and as an admin, she missed the faceto-face interactions with the staff and clients, as she finds the human side of her work even more fulfilling and something she does well. While the Director role is new to her, Robin is excited to lead the PARC team and direct the programs operating here in South Salt Lake.

From her initial assessment as the PARC

Director, Robin pointed out some of the unique challenges and needs at the shelter that she recognizes. She says, “We have more needs than the beds are currently available. One of the hardest things to do is tell someone coming up to the door that they cannot stay there tonight. Our clients also need more specialized care professionals, and it’s hard to come up with the funds to pay their salaries.”

What can residents do who wish to help? Robin points out two things people can act on to support the work at the PARC. One is to acknowledge a lack of compassion toward the men at the shelter. “Men experiencing homelessness experience the least amount of compassion and are openly struggling. People don’t show compassion or remember that those who are coming to the shelter are struggling and have had hard lives,” she says. Her second recommendation is to connect with The Road Home and volunteer with the PARC kitchen staff. Doing so will allow others to get to know the residents individually and enjoy spending time with them.

SLC Fireworks Restriction Areas

2023 Fireworks Sales and Discharge Dates

South Salt Lake Community Center

2530 S 500 East

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

Central Park Community Center

2797 S 200 East

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

SSL Community Centers

Free English Life Skills Classes

Do you know the role free English classes can play in a community? They are important as they promote integration, economic empowerment, education access, social inclusion, empathy, and personal development. They create a more inclusive and supportive environment for non-native English speakers, fostering a stronger and more vibrant community.

The Life Skills Program offered through our partnership with the English Skills Learning Center focuses on everyday, routine English. Learners in these classes develop the communication skills necessary to function and thrive in their day-to-day lives. Topics include shopping at the store, visiting the doctor, renting an apartment, and more!

Help us spread the word to those who this might benefit. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 - 8 pm at the Promise South Salt Lake Co-Op, 2530 S 500 East.

Clases de Inglés Gratuitas

¿Conoce el papel que pueden desempeñar las clases de inglés gratuitas en una comunidad? Son importantes porque promueven la integración, el empoderamiento económico, el acceso a la educación, la inclusión social, la empatía y el desarrollo personal. Crean un entorno más inclusivo y de

Juneteenth: A Wave of Freedom

apoyo para los hablantes no nativos de inglés, fomentando una comunidad más fuerte y vibrante.

El Programa de Habilidades para la Vida que se ofrece a través de nuestra asociación con el Centro de Aprendizaje de Habilidades en Inglés se enfoca en el inglés cotidiano y rutinario. Los alumnos de estas clases desarrollan las habilidades de comunicación necesarias para funcionar y prosperar en su vida cotidiana. ¡Los temas incluyen compras en la tienda, visitas al médico, alquiler de un apartamento y más!

Las clases son los martes y jueves de 6 a 8 p. m. en el Promise South Salt Lake Co-Op, 2530 S 500 East.

Calling out Promise SSL speci cally, Betty Sawyer, Director of Project Success Coalition says, “You know you all are the model for what needs to be happening in every community throughout the state of Utah, right?”

Historic Scott

School Community Center

3280 S 540 East

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

In partnership with Project Success, Promise SSL and the Recreation Department hosted a Juneteenth event at Central Park Community Center on June 9th. The day began with the raising of the Juneteenth flag at South Salt Lake City Hall and remarks from Betty Sawyer, Executive Director of Project Success. “You know you all (SSL) are the model for what needs to be happening in every community throughout the state of Utah, right?” Sawyer said.

During the Children’s Juneteenth Event over 150 youth in Promise summer programs and 75 community members listened to educational presentations and engaged in activities such as button-making, creating a paper bag neighborhood and creating “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” displays. They also enjoyed delicious Swahili cuisine and a scavenger hunt with prizes at the end. Thank you to all of the staff who helped make this event a success and to all of the community members who came to celebrate Juneteenth!

During the Children’s Juneteenth Event youth in Promise summer programs and community members engaged in activities such as button-making, creating a paper bag neighborhood, and creating “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” displays.

The Wellness Bus: Free Health Screenings, Coaching & Education

The Wellness Bus is a mobile prevention program whose goal is to reduce chronic disease and improve the health of our communities. We do this by offering FREE services and screenings to all. No insurance or ID required. Everyone is welcome.

Visit the Wellness Bus in South Salt Lake every week on Thursdays at Central Park Community Center (2797 S 200 E) from 9 am - 1 pm.

SERVICES OFFERED:

• Screenings for:

- Blood (sugar) glucose

- Blood pressure

- Cholesterol

- Body mass index (BMI)

• Nutrition counseling and education

• Lifestyle coaching and education

• Referrals to health and social service providers and programs

COST OF SERVICES

All services on the wellness bus are free and confidential.

TO LEARN MORE: wellnessbus.org or 801-587-5257

Sharing Our Promises

Recently we have had the opportunity to highlight our work to others by offering tours of our work. It has been exciting to see who is interested in learning more about what we do here in South Salt Lake so they can support in their own capacity or take it back to their own communities and see how they might be able to start building something based on the best practices they are seeing in ours. While tours are something we offer to the community regularly, it has been exciting for us to see them gaining more traction and attracting more community members and leaders across a variety of sectors. During our tours, you can learn and see the following:

• The history of Promise SSL and how and why this work started

• The importance of partnerships to support our work

• How our Councils and Committees support building physical and social infrastructure for a thriving community

• The Collective Impact model and our organizational chart shows how partners can come together to work towards a shared goal

• Data and outcomes

• Programs in action!

In a Promise SSL Tour, our Director Kelli Meranda explains our organizational chart, and how partners come together to work towards a common goal.

PROMISE Tours are typically held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, except August. Contact us at promise@ sslc.gov or 801-483-6057 to reserve your spot.

To learn more and register for Community Art Classes visit SSLArts.org

ART55+ Creative Arts for Seniors

Instructor Laura Sharp Wilson

Every Wednesday 10:00-11:30 AM

SSL Community Center

2531 S 400 East

FREE!

Finger Painting

July Events — South Salt Lake Community Senior Center

Aging Mastery Program

Thursdays 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

July 27 – September 28

385-468-3341 (register by July 13)

“Building your own personal playbook for aging well. This fun, innovative program empowers you to take key steps to improve your well-being, add stability to your life, and strengthen ties to your community. Meet new friends and provide encouragement to one another as you take the Aging Mastery journey together!”

Live Entertainment

Wednesday, July 5 at 10:30 am

Friday, July 14, 21, 28 at 10:30 am

Holiday Meal:

Birthday Special – Tuesday, July 11

Pioneer Day Special – Friday, July 21

Monthly Blood Pressure Checks

Wednesday, July 12 at 9:15 am

Vital Aging

Monthly group Wellness Discussions with a licensed therapist

Wednesday, July 19 at 10:30 am

Art Class with Laura Wilson in the Co-Op

Every Wednesday 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Wednesday, August 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023 • 6:30-8:30 pm

Location: Fitts Park Lion’s Pavilion

Instructor: Maddie Christensen/Bad

Dog Arts

Back by popular demand! Join us to finger-paint in the park this month! Yes! Finger painting is not just for little kids. We will be inspired by the artist Iris Scott to learn techniques to paint directly with your fingers. This tactile approach is very relaxing and meditative. It is also a great way to develop your intuitive sense of color. Maddie will take you through the process step-by-step to create beautiful scenes from nature. No experience necessary.

Lunch on the Move District Thai

Wed, July 19 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SSL City Hall

220 East Morris Ave, Northside

Discover a new food truck each month!

Community Development

All About the SSL Business Licensing Division

The Business License Division guides customers through starting or expanding a business in the City while building ongoing relationships to support businesses in our Community. The division also assists the public by ensuring businesses operating within South Salt Lake City are properly licensed and are compliant with all applicable codes, regulations and health, safety and zoning requirements.

Who needs a Business License?

All Commercial businesses in South Salt Lake City are required to have a valid business license issued by South Salt Lake City. The license must be obtained prior to conducting business. Licenses are non-transferable between owners or locations. Licenses must be renewed on a yearly basis. To obtain a business license or to see FAQ’s please go to sslc.gov, business licensing or contact kslick@sslc.gov.

All businesses that are conducted from a location in South Salt Lake City are generally licensable, However, certain business professions are specifically exempt from license fees by the State of Utah. Even though these professions are exempt from license fees, they typically are not exempt from the rest of the licensing process including filing a valid license application and completing necessary safety inspections or zoning requirements. If your business will be located in a commercial zone, it is advisable that you contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 801-4836063 for specific zoning requirements and restrictions prior to signing a lease or filing a license application.

Why is a Business License required?

South Salt Lake City’s Ordinance 5.10.020 states that it is unlawful for any person to engage in business within the City limits without first having obtained a business license. A separate license shall be required for each type of business and for each place of business.

A business license is required to help:

1. Confirm businesses are operating within applicable laws and ordinances

2. Maintain a safe environment for the general public

3. Make sure that zoning and building codes are in compliance

4. Maintain a list of currently licensed businesses for public access

5. Ensure that sales tax is remitted correctly

Business Licensing Update:

The Business License Department has had an update in our fee schedule, please contact the business license department for any questions you have. Our fee schedule was adopted into the Municipal Code and can be found at sslc. gov under the Municipal Code amended ordinance.

We will use the new fee schedule to process the next renewal cycle, for all licensing expiring July 31, 2023. You can pay online at sslc.gov under “pay online” to pay your renewal. You can also come into our office and pay in person. There is still the option of mailing the payment to our office for processing. The renewal notices will be mailed out the first week of July.

Yet another reason you’re lucky to live in South Salt Lake! There is always a line at Fresh Donuts & Deli, especially on National Donut Day. Get there early and be sure to support our local businesses.

Receiving a “Best of South Salt Lake” award in 2016, Fresh Donuts & Deli, on the corner of 2700 S and State Street was listed according to YELP as a top #26 in the U.S.!

To obtain a business license or to see FAQ’s please go to sslc.gov, business licensing or contact kslick@sslc.gov.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake offer a haven for youth

Mental health-related emergency room visits increased by 31% for teens during the pandemic, according to the CDC. Reasons for the uptick may include the pressures of social media, pandemic related isolation, financial insecurity and family worries.

But the one thing that helps, regardless of the stressor, is having a place to belong, someplace safe where young people can connect in-person with friends and their community, all while having fun and working to become their best selves.

There are seven Boys & Girls Clubs in Utah providing this safe haven, serving kids in the diverse and growing communities of Glendale, Murray, Midvale, Price, Rose Park, Sugar House and Tooele.

Anyone up to age 18 can participate at the Clubs, but the focus is on serving low to moderate income families, and according to Anne Marie Bitter, director of advancement at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake, “Eighty-two percent of the youth come from this population, and roughly half of the participants are Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.”

Summer learning is key

Kids need a safe place to hang out… when school is out. Clubs are open in the afternoons during the school year, but the doors swing wide all day long during the summer, providing parents peace of mind while they go to work.

Amidst summer fun, which includes hiking, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing and visits to museums, the Clubs provide academic support via tutoring, goal-setting and money management, with an umbrella goal of addressing summer learning loss. They also provide food security by serving nutritious meals during the summer.

Funding and volunteers come from the community

Funding for the Boys & Girls Clubs is comprised of a mix of public and private sources, the majority coming from individual donors, local community groups and corporations.

This past May, the annual fundraising gala was held at the downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel. Over 400 people attended, including 70 youth from all seven locations. The event raised over $387,000, which will provide academic support, meal programs, leadership lessons and more throughout the year.

The local clubs employee over 100 staff, including teachers licensed in the state of Utah and on-site licensed therapists. Additionally, over 500 local volunteers aid in the effort, and there are many opportunities to get involved.

Reaching the youth

The impact of the services provided

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

to local kids is hard to deny. In 2022, the Utah Boys & Girls locations served nearly 5,600 at-risk youth through a variety of healthy lifestyle programs including academics, nutrition, physical fitness and drug prevention. They also served nearly 250,000 meals, nutritious snacks and take-home food bags.

The clubs are located in corridors of accessibility, meaning where the services are necessary and the location is easy to reach. Additionally, many clubs provide transportation from school. “We try to give any kid who needs it a chance to succeed and a sense of belonging,” Bitter said. “Plus we are so excited for our newest building.”

The Club in Tooele has long been located in a shared space, but recently an old fitness facility has been purchased for sole use by the Boys & Girls Club. “This is a fantastic building for a club, as it has lots of open space plus many individual classrooms.” The location is being remodeled and should be ready just after Labor Day 2023.

They’ve been helping for a long time

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake has been helping Utah youth since 1967, and is affiliated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The national Boys & Girls organization was founded in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut by four women who believed that the local boys roaming the streets unsupervised should have a positive alternative, somewhere structured enough to encourage them to become productive citizens, but enjoyable enough they’d want to participate.

In 1956, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America received a Congressional Charter, and not long after that, the Clubs of

Greater Salt Lake opened their doors, aiming to be the “village” for Utah youth, providing life-changing experiences and opportunities for those who need it most.

This long history of service allows the Clubs to utilize time-proven, evidence-based accredited curriculum, which

has proved successful in reaching youth over many decades. And they do this all while providing a haven where kids love to go.

To find a club or get involved link to: www.gslclubs.org. l

Playing soccer with friends makes for healthy bodies and lots of fun for participants at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake. (Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls)

Let’s get cooking at the Boys & Girls Clubs. Cooking classes contribute to healthy bodies and healthy habits. (Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls)

Summer snacking at the Boys & Girls Clubs. (Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls)

City’s $106-million budget focuses on long-range planning, public safety

By Zak Sonntag | z.sonntag@mycityjournals.com

The South Salt Lake City Council in June passed its fiscal year 2024 budget, which includes funding to expand the Promise program, increase affordable housing, invest in public safety along with a series of infrastructure related capital improvements.

The budget comes in at $106 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1, a significant increase from previous years that chips away at the fund balance. Despite the imposing price tag, the mayor’s office says frugality and smart money management in previous years affords the city leeway to make investments in the future.

“The biggest lift you’ll see in this year’s budget is in capital improvements. So many of our facilities need attention. So many of our [police and public service] vehicles need attention and require too much to be maintained,” said Mayor Cherie Wood, whose office oversees the budget process, during a budget hearing in spring.

This budget “is about long-range planning and an eye on our city’s future,” she said.

Some of the budget’s more costly initiatives include a $3.4-million reconstruction of 500 West, along with a $2-million State Street Streetscape project that aims to beautify and increase the walkability of the central thoroughfare.

Additionally, the budget includes spending on water projects, most expensively the construction of a new $10-million water well, which city leaders say is critical to the longterm health and safety of South Salt Lake.

The plan also includes $400,000 for biking infrastructure.

Despite big price tags, many of the capital improvements are underwritten by outside grant funding. For instance, 85% of the cost of the new water well will be covered by “loan-proceeds” awarded to the city.

“Even though the number looks big and scary, it's funded a lot through sources that are not dollars out of our residents’ pockets,” said Crystal Makin, the city’s director of finance.

The budget reflects public interest in improved public safety. New money is allocated for the creation of a new full-time parking enforcement officer, an emergency management officer, records technician and code enforcement supervisor.

Spending includes $1.4 million is allocated for police and fire vehicle replacement.

“This is the No. 1 priority that our council and residents identify time and time again,” Makin said. “This is the first phase of getting us caught up to make sure our police are as safe as the people they are seeking to protect.”

The budget aims to mitigate the effects of homelessness with $240,000 allocated to the city’s Homelessness Strategies Department, which will administer over $3 million in additional state and federal funds awarded to the city to help address short- and long-term needs related to unsheltered populations and impacted neighborhoods.

The FY24 budget creates a new Housing Coordinator position, while setting aside money to draft a citywide affordable housing plan.

The legislation also includes money to expand the dog park at Lions Park, 311 E. Robert Ave., as well as half a million dollars for the design and construction of a new skatepark on Main Street.

Speaking on the point of grant money, Wood tipped her cap to city employees and department heads who aggressively pursue outside money.

“We’ve had people who’ve worked here long enough to know the funding sources that are out there, and we’ve developed relationships,” Wood said. “People like what we’re doing here.” l

Larkin Mortuary is one of the most respected funeral homes in the Salt Lake Valley. Its pioneer founder, George William Larkin, arrived in Utah in 1863, having emigrated from Cambridge, England. He started the Larkin tradition of arranging funerals in 1885. Today, with six generations of history serving Utah families, four mortuaries, cremation facilities and two cemeteries, Larkin Mortuary remains locally owned and family managed.

Larkin’s vertically integrated services also provide a premier floral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, and beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. Multilingual staff honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures.

The South Salt Lake City Council passed its budget in June. (City Journals)

Utah Supreme Court project will give people access to free legal advice on housing issues

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Asevictions and landlord-tenant disputes increase, the Utah Supreme Court is stepping in with what it hopes will be a solution.

The Court’s Office of Legal Services Innovation, in partnership with Innovation 4 Justice, announced a groundbreaking project. The Housing Stability Legal Advocate Pilot Program will train and certify nonlawyers working within community-based organizations to help bridge the gap in access to justice for vulnerable populations.

“We have so many unrepresented tenants in our court system right now,” said Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen. “When an eviction case is filed, generally the landlord is almost always represented and the tenant is almost always not represented. We have a lot of lawyers offering pro bono services for those tenants. The number of tenants in the system is staggering.”

Social workers trained as HSLAs will be able to provide legal advice to tenants who are facing eviction or other housing instability issues. The program is designed for early intervention to keep tenants out of the court system. Housing advocates will also help people who have been evicted to find housing assistance, get the eviction off their credit report after seven years and explain the financial ramifications of eviction.

Many attorneys provide free legal advice and services for those struggling with housing instability and legal aid clinics are available for those who qualify, but the need still outweighs the availability of these services.

The HSLA Pilot Program will focus on four key areas: detect housing instability issues as people receive services at community-based organizations, provide legal advice before housing issues move into the court system, offer legal assistance for post-judgment procedures and give legal advice related to other state and federal assistance programs.

“The idea was to test different ways to deliver legal services to people who currently aren’t being served with a lawyer. We know

about 86% of families experience at least one legal issue a year and most of those never get any legal advice,” Hagen said. “This is difficult for clients who really need some type of help and really can’t afford to hire a lawyer to get the assistance they need.”

Several years ago, the Court authorized a Paralegal Practitioner License where paralegals could offer limited legal services involving debt, family and housing issues. The HSLA is another attempt to reach people who need legal assistance who might not have the financial means to hire an attorney.

Under the Utah constitution, the Court has exclusive authority to regulate the practice of law. Its responsibility is to decide who’s admitted to the practice of law, who can become lawyers, and to regulate those people to make sure they’re maintaining high ethical standards.

In 2020, the Court established a regulatory sandbox for nontraditional legal services providers. The sandbox allows individuals and entities to devise innovative practices that relax the rules around who can practice law, without creating undo harm.

“The sandbox is an experiment to see if perhaps our own rules are contributing to the access to justice gap in Utah. To see if the reason people are having a difficult time getting legal resources is because our rules are too restrictive,” Hagen said. “In the sandbox we are gathering a lot of data and we’re using that to determine what works and what doesn’t so we can make better policy decisions in the future.”

The HSLA program is about six months out, but then community-based organizations can begin the certification process to get authorized. Organizations that can certify include homeless and domestic violence shelters, faithbased programs or most programs that serve low-income individuals.

For more information, visit innovation4justice.org.

“We’re really hoping this can help people before they face a legal issue in court,” Hagen said. “The degree in which people are affected by housing problems can’t be overstated.” l

The Utah Supreme Court will roll out the Housing Stability Legal Advocate Pilot Program to help tenants access free legal advice for housing instability issues like foreclosure and eviction. (Stock photo)

Cottonwood football moves into a new region and Class 4A with a new head coach

Witha new head coach who is no stranger to Cottonwood High School, the Colts got ready for the season by doing everything they could get their hands on.

“The team is doing good,” said Donovan Malmrose, who ushers Cottonwood back into Class 4A and a new region with a 0-0 record as a head coach. “We’re on the grind.”

Included with the usual summer training and one-week summer camp are three seven-on-seven tournaments at the University of Utah, Viewmont and Timpanogos for the smaller guys at the skill positions.

Also at these tournaments were several events that the whole team liked, said Cottonwood’s new head coach.

“The strongman are the competitions they do for the big men,” explained Malmrose, who takes over for Casey Miller. “The events can be anything like five-man sled push (how many yards in 15 seconds), relay obstacle course, tire flip, etc. It’s fun and the kids love it.”

Miller stepped down at Cottonwood to accept a coordinator position at a school closer to his home, but he personally recommended Malmrose for Cottonwood’s head coaching position due to the relationships that Malmrose has already developed with many of Cottonwood’s students and faculty.

Malmrose has deep ties to the school. He’s not only coached and taught Spanish at

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Cottonwood but he attended and played football there, too.

It’s that familiarity with Cottonwood that Athletic Director Greg Southwick said should provide an extra spark when the Colts kick off the 2023 season Aug. 11 at Ogden.

“We’re gonna be able to compete with a lot of teams,” said Southwick, who added that there are a number of key players returning that are in skill positions. “We had 80 boys come out for spring football and our numbers were probably as high as they’ve been in the last four years.”

Cottonwood will have its home opener Aug. 18 against Salem Hills.

The Colts will wrap up their preseason slate on Aug. 25 at Mountain View, marking the first time in several years that the Colts will be staying on the Wasatch Front for their first three games.

The reason for such enthusiasm on the part of the new head coach and AD, however, is that Cottonwood will now not only join a new Region 7—it moves to Class 4A in all sports.

This includes football, where the previously independent Colts will clash with Stansbury to open region play at Cottonwood on Sept. 1.

The rest of the Region 7 foes will follow, one after the other: at Tooele Sept. 8; at Jordan

Sept. 15 and home to Park City on Sept. 22.

Fall break will give Cottonwood a oneweek breather before plays kick off again on a special night, and at a crosstown rival: Hillcrest, on Oct. 5.

The Colts will line up against rival Mur-

ray at home to close out the regular season on Oct. 11.

“We think this team will be competitive even though we lost a lot of seniors to graduation,” said the Cottonwood athletic director. l

Granite School Board approves $4-an-hour increase for Educational Support Professionals

Anunprecedented settlement agreement between the Granite Education Association and the Granite Education Support Professional Association will increase compensation for contract and hourly Educational Support Professionals in the district.

Bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, nutrition services workers, and more will receive a $4-an-hour wage increase for the upcoming school year.

“We fully recognize that this employee group is critical in our ability to provide quality educational services for students and providing support to our licensed and administrative colleagues,” said Granite School District Chief of Staff Benjamin Horsley, in a media release.

With the onset of the pandemic, many ESP and hourly positions have been difficult to fill given competing compensations from the private sector and labor shortages in the local economy. District officials hope the increase will help retain and attract quality employees to Granite schools. Food services staffing had dozens of openings throughout the year and more than 30 custodial and

maintenance positions, and more than 50 aide positions, remain unfilled.

The settlement also includes no increases in health plan premium costs for benefited employees, to help keep more money in employees’ pockets.

The budget for the upcoming school year was adopted at this meeting and includes a proposal for a small tax increase to help pay for these increases. This will require the board to go through the process of truth in taxation with an additional public hearing in August. The proposed increase is anticipated to be $73 a year on an average home within the district.

“The board and administration take their fiscal responsibility very seriously with the full understanding of the potential impact on our taxpayers,” Horsley said.

“The district is committed to providing the highest quality of educational opportunities and with over 90% of our operations budget going toward personnel, providing competitive compensation in these hard to fill positions will help us achieve better quality educational outcomes for our students and families.” l

Cottonwood football returns this fall in a new region. (File photo City Journals)

Bus drivers will among those receiving a $4-an-hour wage increase along with custodians, paraprofessionals, nutrition services workers and more. (File photo courtesy Granite School District)

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AlthoughI don’t like crowds, parades or people, in general, when my husband suggested we attend the Pride Parade last month in Salt Lake, I painted a rainbow on my face, donned my “More Love” shirt and jumped in the car.

After a year of devastating anti-gay and anti-trans legislation across the country, we wanted to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community, even if that meant standing in a crowd of more than 50,000 parade attendees singing at the top of their lungs.

Because how do you fight hate? With a celebration of love.

The theme was “Queer Pride is Unapologetic” and that message rang throughout the parade. When the crowd saw the first rainbow banners a block away, it burst into applause and continued cheering for two hours. I sang out loud to every Lizzo anthem. I chanted until I lost my voice. I clapped until my shoulders hurt. I danced in ways that completely embarrassed my husband. I smiled until my face was sore.

Love was palpable. It brought me to tears more than once as I watched the support, kindness and joy being showered on this parade by thousands of people, of all ages, faiths, races and gender identities.

It was an event of unrestrained joy with enough sequins, bright colors, sky-high wigs, hella high heels and drag queens to

Take pride in love

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

bring a smile to RuPaul’s face. Couples were holding hands, hugging, kissing, smiling, dancing and lifting a big middle finger to oppression and hate.

It was great to see nearly 200 businesses and organizations put on their rainbow best to spread the love. Entries included Delta Airlines, Westminster University, Intermountain Health, the Cougar Pride Center and ABC4 Utah.

The Salt Lake City Public Library had a large group of participants, because librarians are on the front lines, defending free speech every day and fighting book bans with humor and flair.

I’ve never been to a better parade. I’ve never celebrated a better message. With suicide rates rising for LGBTQ+ youth, hate is not acceptable. Intolerance is not acceptable. The only thing that’s acceptable is inclusion, joy, kindness, grace and love.

After the parade, we walked through

the festival, talking with vendors, enjoying live music and eating tasty foods. We learned about drag queen bingo at a local church, chatted with a BYU student who wrote a book about coming out as gay and took pictures for lots of happy couples.

We watched people get tattoos, we bought new T-shirts, we smiled at strangers, we stood in line for lukewarm BBQ. We visited with friends. We saw bravery. We saw community. We saw free mom hugs. We saw compassion. We saw gay Darth Vader. We saw celebration. We saw dogs in tutus. We saw love.

Threats against the LGBTQ+ communi-

ty have quadrupled over the last few years, and organizers spent extra money for heightened security at the parade and festival. State leaders, churches, communities and individuals should be careful about comments, rules and legislation that contribute to these dangers. Be careful who you exclude, it could be someone you love.

For the LGBTQ+ community, continue living unapologetic. The world needs more dancing, more sequins, more hella high heels, more bright colors, more sky-high wigs, more connection, more dogs in tutus, more rainbow T-shirts and more love.