Taylorsville Journal | June 2024

One of the most diverse retail shopping areas in the entire United States has a brand-new-and-improved look, right here in Taylorsville.

It was nearly three years ago when city officials announced, in essence, they had Uncle Sam (federal tax) money burning a hole in their pocket. Some $758,694 in Housing and Urban Development funding had been set

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

What to know about visiting the E.R.

By Dr. Alex Drake

At CommonSpirit Health, our vision is a healthier future for all – inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity. This extends to all the care we provide our patients, whether it be in our doctor’s offices, our clinics, or our hospitals.

We want your visit to our care sites to be as comfortable as possible, and we know that visiting the Emergency Department (ER) is difficult for any patient and their loved ones. I would like to share some information about what to expect in the ER, so that you can be as prepared as possible.

Our emergency caregivers are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to serve our community. We accept all patients – regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. A typical visit to the ER can take two-to-three hours, but please know that in the ER we must evaluate and treat our patients based on severity of their condition. This might mean longer wait times in the lobby or even after being placed in an exam room. However, this also means that if you’re having a life-threatening emergency, you will have the undivided attention of our doctors and nurses.

If you have mild-to-moderate symptoms – such as fever below 103 degrees without a rash, flu-like symptoms without shortness of breath, or sprains and strains – you may wish to consider calling your primary care provider or visiting an urgent care center, as these options may be faster and are often less expensive.

Symptoms or health issues that require immediate medical attention may include the following:

• Chest pain

• Sudden weakness or trouble talking

• Difficulty breathing

• Spinal injuries

• Severe head injury

• Major broken bones

• Major burns

• Sudden change in vision

• Heavy bleeding

• Large open wounds

You should never drive yourself to an ER if you are having severe chest pain, severe bleeding, if you feel like you might faint, or if your vision is impaired. When in doubt, please call 911 — what matters most is that you get to the emergency room quickly and safely. If you arrive by

Care with a mother’s touch.

Birthing Center

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ambulance, you will be triaged and we will determine the level of care required.

All emergency physicians at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are board certified in Emergency Medicine and have trained for many years to help you in your emergency. The doctors also have specially trained midlevel providers who can also help. Your provider may order tests like X-rays, CT Scans, Ultrasounds, bloodwork, urinalysis, an electrocardiogram (EKG), or others, depending on your health problem.

After receiving test results, the doctor will discuss the findings and diagnosis with you. If needed, they will advise admission to the hospital. If your condition does not need admission, they will give you written instructions about treatment to be followed at home. This may include prescriptions, tips for home care, and any referrals needed for following up with either a primary care or specialized doctor.

While we hope for the health and safety of those in our community, know that we are here if you need us. Our excellent doctors and nurses at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are ready to provide high-quality, compassionate, and timely care.

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

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By Dr. Alex Drake Emergency Physician

CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital

Jordan Valley West

diverse shops to succeed,” Taylorsville Economic & Community Development Director Wayne Harper said. “We’ve helped to connect store owners with small business resource centers and Salt Lake Community College to help them develop skills in accounting and payroll. The city wants Carriage Square to succeed because it provides so many employment opportunities. It’s such a unique area, so multicultural, helping African, Vietnamese, Portuguese and people from many other ethnicities to pursue their American Dream.”

The nearly 1.1-million federal dollars were spent completely repaving the large Carriage Square parking lot and also widening and upgrading sidewalks. Construction on the improvements was completed last year; but Carriage Square merchants wanted to wait for more favorable weather for their grand reopening. It was held May 11 – the day before Mother’s Day.

“We had free food, drinks, carnival games and vendor booths at the re-opening celebration,” said Carriage Square Property Owners Association President Dr. Tuyet Nguyen, who MCed the event. “Our association signed a contract with the city, promising each business owner would also (financially) participate in making improvements by updating our storefronts and signage. Now that the parking and sidewalk work is done, we’ll approve color and design schemes and that upgrade work will begin soon.”

Nguyen, 34, is relatively new to Carriage Square and one of its

younger business owners. Her parents were born in Vietnam. She describes them as “some of the boat people who fled the country at the end of Vietnam War.” Born and raised in Utah, Nguyen has owned and operated Tuyet’s Pharmacy in the shopping complex since July 2019.

“I searched all over the Salt Lake Valley for a store location and originally did not want to settle here

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

in Carriage Square because it was so rundown,” she explained. “But I also knew the largest concentration of Vietnamese residents in the valley are in Taylorsville and West Valley City. I wanted to help serve my people. I decided the benefits outweighed the problems.”

Nguyen received all of her education here in the valley: a West High School diploma, a Biology/ Chemistry degree at the University

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of Utah and an MBA and doctorate in Pharmacy from the private Roseman University in South Jordan. She then worked at a couple of different CVS stores before taking the risk of hanging her own shingle five years ago.

“I became active in the (Carriage Square Property Owners) Association the year after I opened and my unofficial title was secretary,” she said. “Last fall, when our previous president stepped down, I was basically wrangled into become president. I like it. We have more than 50 locally-owned, multicultural businesses representing Vietnamese, Chinese, Hispanic, Polynesian, Latin American, African and many more cultures. I enjoy helping them.”

Carriage Square is located in Taylorsville City Councilman Ernest Burgess’s District 1.

“We’re so glad to see this wonderful project completed because it was needed for such a long time,” he said. “This is such an important shopping area, because of all the (store owner) diversity. Nowhere else in our city is like it – and shop-

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ping areas like this are very unusual throughout Salt Lake County.”

All five Taylorsville City Council members attended the Carriage Square grand reopening, along with Mayor Kristie Overson and Harper.

Just across 4100 South from the shopping center, the north side of the street is within West Valley City jurisdiction. Several of that city’s elected officials also attended the ribbon cutting, along with ChamberWest representatives and Utah State Senators from the area, Karen Kwan and the aforementioned Harper.

“Carriage Square is so unique because it relies upon the individual business owners to take care of the area rather than a single owner with business tenants,” Taylorsville District 5 City Councilman Bob Knudsen said. “I am especially grateful to these business owners, because this is their livelihood, their dream. The great partnership between our city economic development group and these owners has led to this complete revitalization of Carriage Square.” l

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TAYLORSVILLE TEAM

Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson and Carriage Square Property Owners Association President Dr. Tuyet Nguyen discuss their successful shopping complex improvement project. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Dozens of elected officials, merchants and loyal shoppers gathered for the Carriage Square shopping center grand reopening. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Thousands of SLCC students leave with diplomas this spring, while their retiring school president departs with decades of memories

Some 3,169 Salt Lake Community College students received their diplomas last month, just one week after the ninth president of the 75-year-old, Taylorsville-based school was unanimously selected by the Utah Board of Higher Education.

Nearly half of this year’s graduates (1,429) were first-generation college students. According to an SLCC news release, they ranged in age from 16 to 67 –with more than 5% of them, 164, military veterans. Most of the grads earned degrees in general studies and general education programs, followed by business, nursing and psychology.

“At its best, college helps us understand ourselves, make sense of the world around us and challenges us to use our knowledge and skills to strengthen our communities,” said outgoing SLCC President Dr. Deneece Huftalin during the May 3 ceremony at West Valley City’s Maverik Center. “That is our goal at SLCC: inclusive and transformative education that strengthens the communities we serve through the success of our students. Looking out at this graduating class, I have never been more certain our future is in good hands.”

Some in the graduation audience may have been wondering what Huftalin’s future holds, after she dedicated some 30 years to the school. She was presiding over her tenth commencement as president.

In announcing her retirement last fall, Huftalin said in a statement, “I am incredibly proud of the journey we’ve undertaken together to strengthen student success, create a more inclusive environment and serve as a model for colleges nationwide in affordability, innovation, equity and commitment to mission.”

Before becoming SLCC’s eighth president in 2014, Huftalin was the school’s director of academic and career advising, dean of students, vice president of student services and interim president. She retires as the longest-serving female president in the Utah System of Higher Education.

Exactly one week before this year’s SLCC graduation ceremony, Dr. Gregory Peterson was named Huftalin’s successor.

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve as Salt Lake Community College’s next president, and I look forward to reinforcing SLCC’s commitment to providing educational pathways…that improve the lives of every member of our community,” Peterson said. “SLCC has an amazing future ahead. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of that journey.”

As a first-generation community college student in his own right, Peterson re-

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Some

ports having a passion and commitment to the community college mission to provide access to and success for all students.

The new president – who officially assumes his duties July 1 – earned a bachelor’s degree (English) at Brigham Young University, a master’s degree (postsecondary, adult and continuing education) at Portland State University and his doctorate (educational administration) from the University of Texas.

In 2018, Peterson was appointed president of Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona. He is recognized as launching the first community college Artificial Intelligence program in the nation and for working closely with industry partners and community leaders to strengthen workforce pipelines for students.

“SLCC's presidential search attracted a robust and multi-faceted pool of applicants that reflected strong alignment with the position profile and the attraction of Salt Lake City, the Utah System of Higher Education and the state of Utah,” said Utah Board of Higher Education Chair Amanda Covington. “As a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in community colleges and higher education, Presi-

a

dent Peterson is poised to lead SLCC into the future. The Board is confident, under his leadership the college and its students will thrive and continue to strengthen our community. We are delighted to welcome him to the Utah System of Higher Education.”

Salt Lake Community College is Utah’s largest two-year college, educating the state’s most diverse student body in

eight fields of study, at eight locations and online. The majority of SLCC graduates transfer to four-year institutions. Thousands more are trained in direct-to-workforce programs. For more than 75 years, SLCC has provided Utahns with education and training in fields that contribute to the state’s economy and quality of life. l

Dr. Gregory Peterson was named SLCC’s ninth president just one week before more than 3,000 students received their diplomas under retiring President Deneece Huftalin. (slcc.edu)

More than 3,000 SLCC students graduated May 3, including 1,429 first-generation college students. (slcc. edu)

3,169 SLCC students graduated May 3, including more than 1,400 first-generation college students. (slcc.edu)

After

decade at the helm of Salt Lake Community College, retiring school President Dr. Deneece Huftalin presided over this year’s graduation ceremony, just one week after her successor, Dr. Gregory Peterson, was named. (slcc.edu)

THS recognized as a School of Excellence for its college application program

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

For the first time, Taylorsville High School has been named a School of Excellence by the ACT’s American College Application Campaign. Not only was THS the lone Utah school awarded this designation, but it was among only 27 high schools recognized nationwide.

“We are very honored,” Danie Natter said, head counselor at THS. “It seems like an incredible honor to be recognized at the national level. It’s nice to be seen for how the program has grown and evolved over the last 10 years. So to be recognized at the national level for the work, not just at Taylorsville High, but for what our state is doing to make this a sustainable and beneficial program for our students, was a big deal, and we’re very excited about it.”

The ACAC is a national effort to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. Natter worked at Kearns High School when the pilot program started in 2014. Over the years she’s seen it evolve to support college-bound seniors but also students pursuing trade careers, certifications or military service.

This is the fifth year ACAC has recognized schools for their commitment to postsecondary success, and a record number of schools were given the School of Excellence award.

“We are incredibly excited to recognize the 2023-24 School of Excellence winners and the communities of educators, volunteers and students who have helped drive this nationwide campaign forward, with the most applications ever submitted as part of the campaign,” ACT CEO Janet Godwin said. “It begins with demystifying the complex process of applying. By meeting students where they are, in school, during

the school day, the winning schools are removing many of the common obstacles students face in applying to college.”

Natter said the process at THS doesn’t start with seniors but with ninth-grade students as they enter high school. Programming is in place to help students find a career path

through one-on-one academic mentoring, apply for federal funding, scout potential schools and submit applications. Students can also take concurrent college courses to graduate with a general studies certificate.

Because the application process can be daunting, ACAC events help students navigate the complexity of secondary education throughout their high school experience. Nationwide, more than 9,000 schools hosted a college application event last year, an increase of nearly 80% over the previous year. More than 467,000 seniors submitted at least one college application during the events, totaling more than 1.3 million applications.

“We have seen firsthand how communities can transform the lives of students and their entire trajectories as they navigate life after high school and into college,” said ACAC Director Lisa King. “I’m so proud for ACAC to recognize more School of Excellence winners this year than ever before. It’s a thrill to celebrate the exceptional work of these educators and communities who are supporting students to take the first steps beyond high school.”

King said School of Excellence awardees demonstrate commitment to student success and serve as models for their state’s college application campaign. For more information, visit equityinlearning.act.org/acac.

“We’re a lot more intentional about how we approach these students,” Natter said. “I would say that’s where we have seen changes with our students, we’re able to help them better identify exactly what it is they want to do.” l

The Taylorsville High counseling staff and college access adviser are joined by representatives from Utah Higher Education and school and district officials to celebrate the THS School of Excellence award. (Photo courtesy THS)

Preston Marshall, a ninth-grade Riverview Junior High student, was named the 202425 Utah PTA Reflections logo competition winner. His entry under the theme “Accepting Imperfection” features a broken glass, fragmented background representing the idea that people can release the idea of perfection.

“Not everything has to be perfect to be great,” Preston said. “You don’t need to be the best at whatever you do. You can just be good. You just need to do the right thing. You don’t need to be perfect.”

The contest was open to students in any PTA school in Utah and organizers received more than three dozen entries. The winning logo will be used for the UTA PTA 2024-25 Reflections program.

“When selecting a logo for our upcoming year, we look for artwork that is engaging, well-executed, colorful and does a good job of portraying the theme in a way that will inspire students to reflect on the theme for that year and create original art sharing their personal interpretations,” said Rebekah Pitts, Utah PTA Reflections specialist. “Preston’s image will be used to create promotional posters and other materials.”

As the winner, Preston received a $50 Amazon gift card and a poster of his artwork. He will attend Murray High School this fall,

resident wins PTA Reflections logo competition

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

studying woodshop, graphic design and advanced math.

“Art is important to bring out our creativity,” he said. “It takes a lot of practice to get where you need to be but it’s important to express yourself.”l

Riverview Junior High student Preston Marshall’s entry in the Utah PTA Reflections logo competition was selected as the winner. (Photo courtesy of the Marshall family)

Preston Marshall’s logo entry in the Utah PTA Reflections logo competition represents the idea of embracing imperfection. (Photo courtesy of the Marshall family)

Used bicycles are assisting young burn victims to attend a special camp, thanks to area police and fire agencies

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Taylorsville City Council members recently voted unanimously to allow their police department to make a sizeable donation, which will help TVPD clear out a lot of room in its evidence storage area. The council gave a thumbs up to allowing about 40 stolen or lost bicycles to be donated to charity.

“A few of these are stolen bikes; but most of them were just found and never reclaimed,” said Taylorsville Police Evidence Manager Paula Lozano. “We had to pull a couple of them from the Jordan River. Whenever we get bikes, our policy is to hold them for 90 days to be reclaimed. After that, I post a notice online for nine more days describing the bike. Then, with city council approval, we can donate them.”

As of press time, the 40 bikes had not yet been wheeled onto a truck; but the transport was imminent. Before this shipment, TVPD had already donated 47 bikes to the cause.

Where are they headed? Not far. The 2and occasionally 3-wheelers are bound for West Valley City Fire Station 74, where they will be greeted by a 19-year veteran WVC Fire Captain, with the most unusual first

name you’ve ever come across.

“My parents did that to me and, yes, I have to spell it for people all the time,” Captain Faye-Dawn Orullian said of her hyphenated moniker. “But that’s OK; I’m used to it now.”

Orullian has also quickly become used to restoring the used bikes – upward of 100

of them per year – because she was not willing to allow a unique charitable program to quietly disappear when one of her colleagues chose to retire.

“Our bike program was started in 2014 by now retired Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Fox,” she explained. “This project has raised more than $35,000 over the past decade.”

Funds raised through bike sales are donated to a special camp for adolescent burn victims operated by the University of Utah Health Burn Center. Orullian is proud to coordinate the program because young burn victims aren’t the only people benefiting.

“It is such a joy to tell parents how much a bike costs and to see the smile on their faces when they realize they can afford it for their child,” Orullian said. “Many people purchasing our repaired bicycles are lower income. We’re pleased to sell them at a very reduced price – and still raise thousands of dollars for the burn camp.”

Nearly all bike sales occur in one 4-day shot – with the next one coming very soon.

“The number one place we sell the bikes is WestFest,” Orullian said.

Akin to our familiar Taylorsville Dayzz, WestFest is a community celebration marking the establishment of West Valley City. It includes a carnival, food vendors, “fun run,” parade and fireworks. This year’s WestFest runs June 13 to 16 (westfest.org).

“We’ll have bicycles for sale at WestFest ranging in cost from $10 to maybe $200,” Orullian said. “I actually have a triathlon bike right now that is worth maybe $6,000. We’ll try to get at least $2,000 for that one. I will likely try to sell it online. That’s probably more money than someone will be carrying around at WestFest.”

At the moment, the only police departments donating bikes to the burn victim charity are those in Taylorsville, Tooele and West Valley City. But Orullian says that’s more than enough – and they don’t need individuals dropping bikes off at their nearest fire station either.

“We receive about 100 bikes per year, which is all we can handle,” Orullian said. “I am a mountain biker and road biker, so I know how to do most basic-to-moderate repairs. Some of my crew helps, but it’s mostly me. So, we are receiving enough bikes.”

Orullian says the costliest part of restoring bikes is replacing the seats after they’ve been destroyed by rain and snow. Her policy is never to put more than $20 into an individual bicycle repair.

“Our department is happy to donate to the West Valley City Fire charity bike program,” TVPD Office Manager Brandy Stephens concluded. “And we’re grateful our city council always votes to support it.”

As a final caveat, Stephens and Lozano also want to remind Taylorsville residents: if your bicycle goes missing, remember to call TVPD to ask about it. The only reason this most recent donation to the burn camp fundraiser was possible is because 40 bike owners never took time to make that call. l

Behind West Valley City Fire Station 74 you’ll find these used bikes – with more to be delivered from the Taylorsville City Police Department. They’re being repaired and sold to raise charitable donations. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

KID art contest winners announced

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

For the second year, Kearns Improvement District held its Water Conservation Art Contest, encouraging local artists to create a project that promotes the importance of water conservation.

Participants could choose any medium for their artwork and KID received nearly 40 entries. The winners were announced in May, with first-place prize money ranging from $100 for elementary, $200 for the junior high winner, and $250 for the top high school and adult entries.

“Part of our continuing conservation effort is working with schools and helping the kids to realize how big an impact they could have on water conservation within their own home,” said KID General Manager Greg Anderson.

First-place winners were Hope Allen (adult), Jocelyn Vazquez (Kearns High School), Brenia Olsen (Eisenhower Junior High School) and Sofia Andino Morales (Thomas W. Bacchus Elementary). Winners are also invited to participate in the KID entry during the Kearns Hometown Days Parade in August.

Additional finalists for the adult category were Yvonne Krause (2nd), Kaylene Fetzer (3rd) and Jewel Busch (4th). Finalists for high school students were Isabella Brown (2nd), David Chacin (3rd) and Erick Moreira (4th). The junior high finalist was Victoria Moore (2nd), and the elementary school finalists were Autumn Smith (2nd), Emma Cadena (3rd) and Emersyn McCann (4th).

Hope Allen’s entry in the KID Water Conservation Art Contest earned her a first-place finish in the adult category. (Photo courtesy KID)

KID General Manager Greg Anderson presents Sofia Andino Morales, from Bacchus Elementary, with her first-place award for her entry in the KID Water Conservation Art Contest. (Photo courtesy KID)

Kearns High student Jocelyn Vazquez won first place in the high school category for the KID art contest with her photograph, “Going for a Swim.” (Photo courtesy KID)

Brenia Olsen, from Kearns Junior High, took first place in her age category for her drawing that promotes water conservation. (Photo courtesy KID)

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The stars are shining brightly in Taylorsville this summer, especially with our Starry Nights @the Plaza events that are lled with fun every Friday night.

Starry Nights is our free summer concert series, now in its third year, and it’s been a resounding success. This year’s season launched this past month with local rock band De Novo taking the stage, and we’ve had something to do each Friday night at Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd., since.

At the plaza, you can enjoy live music, grab a yummy bite at the food trucks and participate in other activities — including six movie nights this year and even a light saber performance and demonstration. It’s happening every Friday night of the week through Sept. 13.

The planning of these events and this series has been intentional, as a way of engaging and building a strong community. The concept was hatched following the opening three years ago of our beautiful Centennial Plaza in front of City Hall. Centennial Plaza was built as a place to relax and have fun — to enjoy some time together or even take some time alone to soak in the open space and art. The plaza was built as a ‘living room’ for the community.

So, we thought what better way to utilize this wonderful space than to plan a series also focused on community-gathering. Now, the Food Truck League food trucks are here every Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. We’ve also added live music featuring a variety of bands and vocal artists from rock to country to jazz, and on other nights, you can enjoy activities such as a movie on the plaza; the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, a farmers’ market run entirely by kids; a Taylorsville Arts Show performance, or the Public Safety Committee’s Night Out Against Crime, and more!

At the plaza, we can gather, connect and celebrate all things Taylorsville with food, culture and fun. You can nd the full Starry Nights lineup at www.taylorsvilleut.gov, including an interactive schedule with more about the speci c activity or band set for that night — even listen to a sample of their music.

I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to sit back in my camp chair and enjoy that night’s incredible music or entertainment while tasting some delicious local fare in the beautiful setting that is our Centennial Plaza. So, I hope you will join me on Friday nights this summer. I know you won’t be disappointed!

—Mayor Kristie S. Overson

WHAT’S INSIDE – JUNE 2024

Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2

Council Corner, Page 3

Taylorsville Dayzz Schedule, Pages 4 and 5

Heritage Remembrances, Page 7

Environment, Page 8

Taylorsville Dayzz is This Month — June 27, 28 and 29

Taylorsville Dayzz o ers plenty to do for everyone – from carnival rides and food booths to the parade, petting zoo, concerts, car show, 5K and, of course, the best reworks in the state. The city’s preeminent event on June 27, 28 and 29 brings a show-stopping lineup of free entertainment. On Thursday evening at 7 p.m., Fleetwood Visions, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, is on stage, along with the West Valley Symphony and Cannoneers of the Wasatch. At 9:30 p.m., enjoy a Movie in the Park, showing “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”

On Friday, the Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra performs at 6 p.m., followed by headliners playing a "Rock the Ages" concert at 7:30 p.m., and don’t miss the reworks at 10.

Then, on Saturday, evening entertainment starts at 7:30 p.m., with Neil Diamond and Celine Dion tribute artists, the skydivers at 8:30 p.m. and the Fireworks Extravaganza at 10. (See the full schedule of events on Pages 4 and 5 of this section. The festivities all take place at Valley Regional Park, 5100 S. 2700 West.)

Also, be sure to register for the Taylorsville Dayzz 5K. Registration closes on Tuesday, June 25, at 3 p.m. Bib/packet pickup is Thursday, June 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. or Friday, June 28, from noon to 3 p.m. in front of City Hall, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd. Race Day is Saturday, June 29.

Emergency ...................................................................................................911

Police Department ...............................................................

801-840-4000

Utah 211 resource network 211

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988

Poison Control Center

1-800-222-1222

Animal Control Shelter ....................................................... 801-965-5800

Animal Control After House Dispatch ........................... 801-840-4000

Building Inspection

Chamber West (Chamber of Commerce)

Fire Department

801-955-2030

801-977-8755

801-743-7200

Gang Tip Line 385-468-9768

Garbage/Recycle/GreenWaste Pick-up ........................ 385-468-6325

(Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling)

Granite School District

385-646-5000

Health Department 385-468-4100

Highway Conditions (from cell phone)

Park Reservations .................................................................

Public Works (Salt Lake County)

Dominion Energy

Rocky Mountain Power

Salt Lake County Recycling/Land ll

Taylorsville Bennion Improvement District

Taylorsville Food Pantry .....................................................

Taylorsville Senior Center

Taylorsville Code Enforcement

Taylorsville Justice Court

Taylorsville Library ...............................................................

Taylorsville Recreation Center

Swimming Pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center

UDOT Region 2

801-975-4900

Utah Transit Authority (UTA) 801-743-3882

EVENTS

JUNE 2024

Every Friday night through Sept. 13

Starry Nights @the Plaza. The food trucks arrive at 5 p.m. and most music starts at 6:30. See www.taylorsvilleut.gov for the full schedule and details about what’s happening each night.

June 5 & June 19 – 6:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting @ City Hall and online. Watch a livestream of the meeting on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov

June 5, 6 & 7 – 7:30 p.m.

Back to the Bandstand: A Tribute to Dick Clark @ the Centennial Plaza stage. This is the Arts Council's summer youth production. Admission is free.

June 8 – 7:30 p.m.

Taylorsville's Got Talent @ the Centennial Plaza stage, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd. Come see the amazing talent in Taylorsville! Admission is free.

June 11 & June 25 – 6:30 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

June 17 – All day

Juneteenth National Freedom Day (observed). City O ces are closed in recognition of the holiday.

June 27, 28 & 29

Taylorsville Dayzz @ Valley Regional Park. See Pages 4 and 5 of this section for a full schedule of events.

Upcoming: July 8-13 – 7:30 p.m.

Disaster! @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. The Taylorsville’s Arts Council’s summer musical runs six nights! Watch for ticket details.

June 1

Bill Knotts presents Mayberry Memories of Don Knotts

June 5-6

Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy presents Alice in Wonderland

June 7

Life Performing Arts Academy presents Lifehouse Company Showcase 2024

June 7

BellyDancing by Thia presents Arabian Night

June 8

Tutu School presents Bravo Bash: Twirling Under the Sea

June 9

Underground Dance Company presents The Human Experience

June 9

Tiranube Entertainment presents Puras Cosas

Maravillosas con Erika de la Vega

June 14-15

Utah Dance Artists Recital 2024

June 14-23

Cooper Jordan presents SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw

Jun 19

Serena Webb Dance Theater presents Hansel and Gretel

COUNCIL CORNER

By Council Member Bob Knudsen

Summer in Taylorsville

Comes with Plenty of Activity, Events and Projects

Summer fun is here, with lots for us to do. With change coming for Taylorsville, it’s an exciting time for us to look at how we are shaping our city for many years to come!

Some of the projects and activities in our city this summer are described as follows. For one, there continue to be repairs and beauti cation to some of our roads, speci cally Redwood Road. Traversing this stretch of road has been di cult at various times due to the construction barrels. However, knowing that we will have a better area ahead of us, I am more than happy to see these barrels for the time being.

A few weeks ago, we also had a ribbon cutting for the Grand Re-Opening of Carriage Square, the business development at the southwest corner of the intersection of 4100 South and Redwood Road, at the north end of Taylorsville. As Carriage Square aged, it became clear that something needed to be done to help this area, but we knew this would be di cult to coordinate as the area is not set the same way as many business areas are.

Rather than having a development that is owned by one and rented out, Carriage Square has a Business Owners’ Association. Through the great work in a partnership between our City’s Economic Development Department and the Carriage Square Business Owners’ Association, plans were made to give the care and repair that was needed. It has been exciting to see this

project progress, and having some insight into how much work needed to be done to get all parties on board, the completion of this is a wonderful testament to the e orts of Team Taylorsville!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Taylorsville Utah Temple is complete, and it is now operational for many in Taylorsville and the surrounding areas. I had the opportunity to visit the temple during its open house with my family, and I am grateful for the beauty that this brings to our city and the transformation that I see ahead in the area.

On May 10, we opened up our Starry Nights at Centennial Plaza series, happening every Friday night this summer. Each year, since its inception, my children have looked forward to this chance to go to the plaza for free music, movies on select nights and a chance to gather with friends and family. In this age where there are so many options for entertainment through streaming services, there is something special about going out for a live performance. I am working to attend as many of these as possible so that my children know that there is so much more available to them than what is on YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Net ix, etc.

At the end of the month, speci cally from Thursday, June 27, to Saturday, June 29, we will be holding our annual Taylorsville Dayzz celebration, one of the busiest times that we see. It will include all the traditional festivities, such as the Taylorsville Dayzz Parade, concerts, carnival rides, food booths, car show, 5K and, of course, the best reworks in the state. This event would not be

possible without the many hours of volunteer e orts that go into helping with every aspect of the planning and execution. Our Taylorsville Dayzz Citizen Volunteer Committee meets year-round to help plan for what will be done so that we have one of the best celebratory events around.

This is a wonderful time of year, with many exciting opportunities ahead for the gem that we have, our Taylorsville home.

Graduating Students Recognized for Service, Leadership

Nine members of the Taylorsville Youth Council are graduating from Taylorsville High School this year and were due to be formally honored by the City Council and Mayor Kristie Overson at their meeting on June 5.

During their time as Youth Council members, these teens have learned about leadership, as well as local and state government, and have provided countless hours of service to the community. They are:

Ryan Buchanan — One of Ryan’s favorite Youth Council activities was the Wreaths Across America event. He describes it is a great reminder that we have heroes all around us, who allow us to live safe and peaceful lives. Another activity he enjoyed was the Taylorsville Dayzz Parade. “It was tons of fun to see kids’ faces light up and a great time to celebrate this amazing city,” he says. At Taylorsville High, Ryan played on the football team in his junior year. He also had the opportunity to do woodworking, and he made some pretty cool pens and other things. One of Ryan’s favorite hobbies involves anything to do with cars. He counts xing freeze plugs in the back of the block on a 1993 Camaro as one of his greatest accomplishments in this area.

Walker Christopherson — Serving on the Youth Council for three years, Walker has enjoyed participating in leadership positions, the Wreaths Across America day and various service projects. In high school, he achieved a 4.0 GPA and Scholastic Scholar honors. He has been o ered several scholarship opportunities. Walker has been involved in various extracurricular activities including DECA, where he placed second in accounting at state for two years in a row. Additionally, he took rst for three consecutive years at the BYU Marriott Business Language competition in Mandarin Chinese. An Eagle Scout and Black Belt, Walker will be serving a mission in Busan Korea for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, beginning this July.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Bob Knudsen, (District 5), Curt Cochran, Chair (District 2), Anna Barbieri, (District 3), Meredith Harker, Vice Chair (District 4) and Ernest Burgess (District 1)

Tanner "TJ" Clark — TJ is an adventurous, energetic, fun and hardworking person who loves sports, aviation and spending time with his friends and family. He has been on the Taylorsville High tennis team for four years, including two as captain. This has been his rst year on the Taylorsville Youth Council, and he has loved every minute of it. His favorite activity was decorating the Christmas tree in City Hall. In the fall, he plans to attend Utah State University Eastern, where he has been admitted into their xed-wing aviation program. TJ wants to be an airline pilot for Delta Airlines in the future.

Benjamin Eberly — Ben has kept busy throughout high school with many extracurricular activities including National Honors Society, Student Government and Youth Council. He was also part of the Taylorsville Swim Team, where he quali ed for state all four years of high school, won region champion two years in a row and was swim team captain during his junior and senior years. Swimming has always been Ben’s biggest passion starting when he was only 6 years old. Through high school, Ben has taken nine AP classes and maintained a high GPA. He plans to continue his education in the Honors College at the University of Utah, where he will major in pre-med biology, with hopes of becoming a psychiatrist.

Ellie Gomez — Ellie served as a class o cer, participated in service projects with various clubs and led her school's spirit rallies as leader of the Students of Sparta. She has received numerous awards for art and poetry, and participated in basketball, track and varsity soccer. She maintained a 4.0 GPA and enrolled in AP and Current Enrollment classes. She is president of the Youth Advisory Council at Primary Children's Hospital, where she leads several service projects. Additionally, she served as an ambassador with Salt Lake City Youth Government. She will be traveling internationally this summer and plans to study abroad in Costa Rica this fall. Her long-term goal is to study business and construction management at Utah State.

Mason Harker — Mason was on the high school basketball team during his freshman year, and during his sophomore year, he started a pickleball club and was the acting president. For his junior year, he made the varsity cheerleading team and also joined Concert and Madrigals choirs, which took rst in California tour competitions. He is an accomplished pianist. His most recent adventure has been on the Taylorsville tennis team. Mason has achieved a 3.97 GPA and a 32 on the ACT. This enabled him to receive full-ride scholarship from Utah Valley University. Mason is also preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hamilton, New Zealand, leaving Aug. 30.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 TVPD news will return in July. Look for details about TVPD’s participation in the national Police Unity Tour, as well as Employees of the Month for June and July.

Ryan Haroldsen — Ryan enjoyed the Wreaths Across America activity most during his time on the Taylorsville Youth Council. As a great-grandson of a veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge alongside Gen. Patton, Ryan was extremely proud to participate in a service speci cally geared to veterans. In high school, he took many AP classes and Concurrent Enrollment classes while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. He has studied Spanish as a dual-immersion student since rst grade. As a Student Government senator, he helped plan his school’s 2023 prom. Ryan earned a Diploma of Merit, with areas of distinction in social studies and world languages. He has been accepted at American University in Washington, D.C.

Mackenzie Hathaway — Mackenzie nished her nal credits at Taylorsville High online. She is concurrently attending Cameo College of Essential Beauty during the day to earn her master’s esthetician license and will graduate with that in early July. She has served on the Taylorsville Youth Council for three years, including the last two as public information o cer. As a senior this year, she was a Youth Ambassador. Mackenzie had the opportunity to serve on the Utah Association of Youth Councils youth board, where she assisted in the planning and execution of the USU leadership conference for the last two years. She is also grateful her younger brother, Hudson, will follow in her footsteps and join the Youth Council, as well.

Reagan Vanderlinden — During high school, Reagan served as a cross country and track captain, DECA president, Future Business Leaders of America vice president of fundraising, National Honor Society o cer, Granite Technical Institute ambassador and Taylorsville City Youth Council member. She is graduating as valedictorian of her class with a 4.0 GPA and 72 college credits. She will be receiving a Diploma of Merit, with several areas of distinction. Reagan received Academic All-State recognition for cross country and lettered in both track and cross country every year she competed. She will be attending the University of Utah in the Honors College and Business Scholars program, with aim of becoming a corporate attorney.

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

Taylorsville Couple’s Path Crossed at Birth

This month’s article highlights the Shirley and Donna Wood family.

Donna was born Oct. 5, 1921, at her family’s home at 7414 S. 2700 West in West Jordan. As she describes, “My mother was attended by a lady named Marion Rich, who left my mother to go help Cora Wood who had just given birth to her third son. This baby was Shirley Rich Wood. Yes, the same wonderful person I married 21 years later!

“Well, time passed, and I grew taller and at last was able to start rst grade at Plymouth School,” Donna writes in her family’s history. “I enjoyed school very much and always got good grades. When I got to junior high school, I had fun. We attended West Jordan Jr. High through the 10th grade. My favorite class was speech. Lucille Tuttle was the teacher.”

Following their formative years, the couple married. “Shirley was drafted to serve our country,” Donna further writes, “so I moved back home with my good parents and continued to work. … By August 1945, the war in the Paci c was over. The atom bomb had brought that to a terrible destructive end. My husband got home on Feb. 22, 1946. I was happy, overjoyed and so grateful that at last my dear husband was home and we could continue our lives together with no more separation.

“Now we had to nd a place to live. We found a little two-room house in West Jordan on 2200 West, just north of the Bingham Highway. We rented it for $10 a month. Shirley found work at Symms Wholesale Grocer, then he found a job with Walker Bank and Trust. He was not happy with this job and in six weeks he applied to the Utah Idaho Sugar Co. o ce in West Jordan, and eventually worked his way to controller in the general o ce in Salt Lake City.

“When our four children were small, our vacations were camping trips to the national parks. … Shirley was a good breakfast-cooker and made bacon, eggs and hotcakes. In 1959, we saved for and planned a trip to Disneyland!

“Shirley and I have been blessed to be able to visit Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and the Caribbean islands. After spending almost 50 years together working as a team, it is hard to continue on alone. I have been greatly blessed through my life with health and strength, the best husband in the world, a wonderful loving family and my dear husband, who planned ahead and provided well for my needs.

You can learn more about the Wood family and the histories of many other Taylorsville residents at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!

Don’t Miss These Library Events

The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of June. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:

SUMMER READING — June 1-July 31. Adventure begins at the library. Embark on an epic quest and unlock the thrill of adventure as you read, create, learn, play and connect your way to prizes and discounted activities all summer long!

Pick up a Summer Reading tracker at the Info Desk or sign up online at thecountylibrary. org/summer.

TAYLORSVILLE PARKS ADVENTURE — June 1-July 31. Pick up the Parks Adventure paper at the Taylorsville Library and visit six local parks to enter a prize drawing.

23RD ARMY BAND OUTDOOR CONCERT — Monday, June 10, 7 p.m. Enjoy a musical celebration with the 23rd Army Band's ‘Duck and Cover’ and ‘Amnesty Box’ bands. These skilled musicians shine with a repertoire of patriotic music, show tunes and other popular songs.

VIRTUAL LECTURE | Frederick Douglas and the Anti-Slavery Constitution — Tuesday, June 18, 7 p.m. Register at thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries. Explore history, law and the pursuit of justice with Professor Bradley Rebeiro’s lecture on Frederick Douglass’ remarkable journey from rm critic to fervent defender of the Constitution.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE — Monday, June 17, all day. Happy Juneteenth.

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER

4743 S. Plymouth View Drive

June Activities

Living Well w/Chronic Pain: At this six-week workshop on ways to manage pain, learn appropriate exercises to improve strength, appropriate use of medications and communicating with loved ones. Class starts Wednesday, June 12, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in classroom B. Registration is required. Please call the front desk for more information. Snow cones: Beat the summer heat with some delicious snow cones on Friday, June 21, at 12:30 p.m.

Community Crisis Intervention Prevention: Hunstman Mental Health Institute representatives will be on hand on Monday, June 24, to go over available mental health resources. Class starts at 10 a.m. in classroom B.

Drums Alive: Get a workout as you move to the rhythm of the drums! Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the aerobics room.

Visit the center’s website slco.org/taylorsville-senior-center for other activities and lunch menu information. The Taylorsville Senior Center is located at 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive and can be contacted by phone at 1-385-468-3370.

ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY

JUNE UPDATES

Jr. Vigil Named National Driver of the Year

Jr. Vigil rst joined the Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District team in August 2011, and since that time, he has earned 16 awards for his outstanding efforts. He always goes above and beyond, providing excellent customer service and community education while on his route.

In recognition this year, he was awarded the 2024 National Waste & Recycling Association Driver of the Year. He has also won safety hero awards for the high level of safe operations of the equipment he is assigned.

The recent national recognition honors drivers who operate their trucks in a safe and responsible manner, have outstanding performance records and whose contributions have enhanced the overall safety and image of the solid waste industry.

At the May Board of Trustees meeting, he received recognition from the WFWRD board, including Chair Anna Barbieri, also a Taylorsville City Council Member.

The district sponsored Vigil, a guest and his manager, Sione Tuione, to attend the WasteExpo NWRA Awards Breakfast, which was held in Las Vegas last month.

Vigil was one of four winners that the National Waste & Recycling Association invited to sit for panel interviews and take questions from the audience. Corporate executives from Peterbilt Motor Co. also honored him at the conference and expressed their appreciation for his years of safe driving.

Welcome James Kelsey, Sustainability Coordinator

The district bid farewell to dedicated Sustainability Coordinator, McKenna Tupa'i, extending its heartfelt gratitude for her contributions and commitment. And with her departure, WFWRD welcomed James Kelsey as its new Sustainability Coordinator. Kelsey brings nine years of valuable experience and dedication to his role at Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a commitment to understanding the organization and the district, having served in various positions while enriching his academic credentials.

With a keen focus on sustainability, Kelsey looks forward to spearheading innovative programs aimed at promoting environmental stewardship within the communities the district serves. He is passionate about community engagement and collaborating with residents to ensure the delivery of world-class service and to pave the way for a more sustainable future in our curbside collections.

International Plastic Bag Free Day

On July 3, Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District will join other organizations around the world in support of International Plastic Bag Free Day. There are a lot of good ways to celebrate, and the easiest requires a simple resolution from each individual. Even if just for one day, choose paper over plastic; or even better, take your own bags to the retailers to pick up your goods. Some stores even o er discounts or other perks for the customers who bring their own.

TBID Addresses Consumer Confidence and Drought Response

The purpose of Taylorsville Bennion Improvement District’s Consumer Con dence Report is to provide customers with information on the quality of drinking water.

In addition to water quality, the report also gives information on conservation resources, potential contamination sources and where your water comes from. TBID distributes culinary water that meets all federal and state quality requirements. The report can be found on the district’s website: tbid.org/ccr.html or you may contact 801-968-908, and a copy will be mailed to your home.

Regarding drought response levels: The snow and precipitation received over the winter has helped the water supply situation in the state. TBID is pleased to report that because of this improvement, its board was able to set the Drought Response Level at 0, which means we have normal water supply. Customers are still encouraged to conserve water and safeguard this valuable natural resource. Please consider following the State Watering Guide, found online at conservewater.utah.gov/weekly-lawn-watering-guide/ to know how often to water your lawn.

If you have any questions, please contact Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District by calling 801-968-9081 or visiting www.tbid.org. Follow TBID on Facebook and Twitter.

Yard & home section

A publication covering local yard and home stories and events in the Salt Lake Valley City Journals presents:

Real estate commission settlement to have minimal impact in Utah

By Jolene Croasmun

Spring is a busy time for buying and selling homes in Utah and sales were up by 9% in April and with the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit settlement, Utah realtors do not expect to see many changes in the way homes are bought and sold.

In March, a $418-million settlement was reached with the National Association of Realtors. The deal came after a jury ruled against the NAR in a class-action antitrust lawsuit. The suit was filed alleging that the association had colluded with some large real estate brokerages to keep real estate commissions inflated, benefiting real estate agents and costing sellers more in the commissions they pay to those agents.

Those rates nationally are about 6%. Approval of the settlement by a federal court would do away with set rates and let buyers and sellers negotiate those commissions with real estate brokers and agents.

The Utah Association of Realtors say the ruling won’t have much impact on buyers and sellers in Utah due to decades of proactive, consumer-friendly efforts by Utah realtors.

“We don’t feel that the lawsuit is going to have a big impact here in Utah,” said Adam Kirkham, president of the Utah Association of Realtors (UAR). “Anyone that sold a home could expect to receive a postcard about the class action suit. The lawsuit did not originate here because in Utah we have been using buyer-agent agreements for 20 years. Consumers in Utah have been more informed about what the commissions were.”

The lawsuit’s resulting rules aren’t expected to impact the inventory of available homes or values, which are based more on the supply and demand in the market, according to Kirkham.

“Millcreek has an affordability issue and between 2012-22 the average homes listed were 500 and post COVID the inventory

dropped and we have been hovering around 160 to 177 available homes for the last two years. Prices went up and the median price of a home in Millcreek is around $688,000 and in Salt Lake City the median price is $535,000,” Kirkham said.

Utah realtors have been using written, transparent agency forms with their buyer clients for decades and providing seller disclosures. This will be new for the rest of the country due to the settlement but was already being covered in Utah.

One of the new rules that came out of the lawsuit is that the buyer’s agent commission can no longer be listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) and this will create a lack of knowledge of what will be paid to the buyer’s realtor.

“Buyers will have to determine for each house what the sellers offering for the buyer’s agent’s commission,” Kirkham said. “This is a conversation you want to have before looking at the house and before you make an offer. The seller’s agent can still advertise the commission on social media or

on the realtor’s website but not on the MLS.”

“Commissions can fluctuate due to inventory and competitiveness of the market,” he continued. “It is worth it for the seller to offer a buyer’s agent commission due to it will bring a better educated consumer who still wants to hire a realtor.”

There will be additional training for realtors who are now required to enter into an agreement with a homebuyer before they look at homes. “So that they can agree upon a commission rate which has always been negotiable,” Kirkham said.

He warned buyers who forego representation to save the commission might regret it.

“Not having an agent can come back to hurt you in negotiation or hiring the wrong inspectors plus you want to be informed of the other offers or you could lose the bid,” Kirkham said. “Agents want to bring value to the process of buying and selling a home.”

Jason Eldredge, local realtor of The Eldredge Group with Equity Real EstateSolid said they always had a buyer-broker

agreement and have their customers sign one.

“The commissions have always been negotiable, and the standard was 6% but now we are seeing commission compression that is nationwide. With all of the iBuyers coming in, it compressed commissions and the new standard is about 5%, but it has always been negotiable,” Eldredge said.

“We meet with our clients and find out what is their situation, why you are selling. A good agent will have some flexibility,” Eldredge said.

The national settlement requires listing agents to disclose to sellers any portion of their compensation that will be shared with a cooperating broker. Sellers must also approve in writing the sharing of the listing agent's compensation. Which Eldredge said is the “bummer” part of the lawsuit.

“You cannot post the commission on the MLS anymore,” he said. “It is an additional negotiating step and could make it really tough for a new buyer. The buyer might have to come up with the commission.”

Deanna Devey, director of operations and communications at UAR, said the changes will be more procedural in Utah.

“The buyer has three options to pay the agent,” Devey explained. “The listing agent will offer to share compensation with the buyer’s agent or the buyer might negotiate directly with the seller to have the seller pay the compensation. The third option is the buyer might pay their agent outright.”

Eldredge added, “I think for the next few years sadly we might have more lawsuits due to buyers not having representation when purchasing a home.”

The new rules go into effect after Aug. 17. More information about the NAR lawsuit can be found at realestatecommissionlitigation.com and Utah FAQs can be found on the website Utahrealtors.com.

Additional reporting by Darrell Kirby.

Home for sale in West Valley City. (File photo Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

Salt Lake County breaks ground on ‘Flip the Strip’ project

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

In a significant move toward sustainability, Salt Lake County celebrated the groundbreaking of the "Flip the Strip" project, May 16, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. The event, marked by the presence of Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and other local officials, signaled the commencement of a $2.1-million initiative aimed at retrofitting park strips with waterwise landscapes across the county.

“Salt Lake County is committed to water conservation and smart water management. As such, landscape standards for waterwise park strips at county facilities have been identified,” the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office said in a “Flip the Strip” guidebook.

“Water conservation is a critical issue to the well-being of our community as we grow and adapt to the changes our landscape faces,” Wilson said. “‘Flip the Strip’ aims to reduce water use and promote drought-tolerant landscapes.”

According to the guidebook, the project is a testament to the county's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of water conservation amid frequent droughts and changing environmental conditions.

The "Flip the Strip" project targets the

often-overlooked park strips—those narrow stretches of land between sidewalks and roads. These areas will be transformed into drought-tolerant landscapes, a move expected to save the county approximately 4 million gallons of water annually. The pilot program will be implemented at five key locations: the Mountain America Expo Center, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office in South Salt Lake, Meadow Brook Golf Course in Taylorsville, Central City Recreation Center in Salt Lake City and Animal Services in Millcreek.

At the event, Wilson emphasized the critical importance of this initiative. “Salt Lake County is committed to long-term water conservation and smart management strategies in response to frequent emergency droughts and changing environmental landscapes. ‘Flip the Strip’ is just one way we are achieving this,” she stated.

The program, which allocates $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, is set to convert four acres (177,860 square feet) of county-owned landscapes. This transformation not only aims to conserve water but also to enhance the aesthetic, environmental and economic value of these areas.

Involved in these efforts, the Salt Lake

RGS Exteriors & Construction doesn’t skimp on quality

Since its original inception more than 70 years ago, RGS Exteriors & Construction has evolved from being a weatherstripping and caulking service to becoming a toptier installer of quality siding, rain gutters, windows and more.

As a fth-generation business, what sets RGS apart from its competitors is its dedication to quality products, its guaranteed installation and its high-quality workmanship. RGS COO Kurt Fisher said the company has intentionally become experts in the industry by methodically incorporating new products and services.

“Our general philosophy has been to nd the best version of a product or the best material and then gure out how to install it in the most superior way,” he said. “If we’re going to do quality work, we want it to last a long time. So we have a 10-year warranty on anything that we do.”

The products used by RGS must live up to that warranty so they partner with superior suppliers to o er true value for money. Because RGS doesn’t cut corners with inexpensive materials, homeowners can be assured the investment they make in their home will be backed up with exemplary workmanship.

As the state’s premium rain gutter installation company for more than 60 years, RGS has spent decades re ning its products and services to protect homes from roof rot, damaged siding or leaky foundations.

Fisher said they are uncompromising when it comes to quality and their clients are willing to pay the extra expense for materials that are long-lasting, durable and installed correctly.

“We’re asking customers to pay more money to do this job the right way and that’s the only way anybody can justify paying more money for anything. There has to be tangible value,” Fisher said. “Our ideal clients are people who are really invested in their home, people who care about quality and have a high sense of value in their home.”

For siding projects, RGS uses James Hardie ber cement siding for its durability, style and low-maintenance lifespan. As the only Elite Preferred installer for James Hardie in Utah, RGS trains its installation crews to be incredibly knowledgeable about the product before they ever get to work on a home.

RGS also features triple-pane windows, expertly installed for the price of a double-pane window. With the extreme

temperatures in Utah, high-quality windows o er less temperature bleed-through, better sound dampening and added security.

With a variety of window options, homeowners can choose a style that re ects their home’s personality. Whether it’s a bay window, a picture window or a garden window, RGS backs its window installation with a lifetime warranty.

Other services o ered by RGS include remodeled entryways, custom metalwork, stucco, doors and chimney covers. Stop by the RGS location at 4235 Farm Road in West Jordan to talk with an expert, or for more information, visit rgsexteriorsutah.com or call 801-997-6616.

“Our whole executive team and our management team have the same paradigm; we would rather do it right,” Fisher said. “It’s so much easier to work with people when you know you’re providing a great product. We also give the reassurance that if we do something wrong, we absolutely, unequivocally will take care of it. That’s just our guarantee.”

Mayors from Salt Lake County, Taylorsville City and Sandy City broke ground on the start of a “Flip the Strip” program to make county-owned landscapes more sustainable for the future. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation)

County Office of Regional Development, released on their website that waterwise landscaping offers numerous advantages, including functional and attractive designs that are easy to maintain. These landscapes are not only visually appealing but also significantly reduce water waste, a crucial benefit in a region often plagued by drought.

Additionally, improved environmental health and economic savings are notable benefits. Less water usage translates to lower bills and simpler irrigation systems, which in turn reduce maintenance costs and enhance curb appeal, making neighborhoods and public spaces more attractive.

Salt Lake County is not stopping at retrofitting public spaces. The county challenges its 1.16 million residents to join the water conservation effort by reducing their own water use by 5%. If 25% of residents take up this challenge, the county could save approximately 2 million gallons of water daily. To help residents achieve this goal, the county offers practical tips. Reducing sprinkler use by 10% can make a significant difference. Watering during the cooler nighttime hours reduces evaporation and conserves water. Using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks saves water and time. Adjusting sprinklers to ensure they water only plants and grass, not sidewalks or driveways, can help conserve water. Opting for drought-resistant plants, such as those native to Utah, can keep gardens beautiful

while conserving water.

The "Flip the Strip" project is just the beginning of a broader effort to promote sustainable landscaping and water conservation in Salt Lake County. By leading through example, the county aims to inspire its residents and neighboring regions to adopt similar practices.

Mayor Wilson said, “We anticipate that Salt Lake County will save around 4 million gallons of water with the conclusion of the five pilot locations. This initiative not only addresses immediate water conservation needs but also sets a precedent for future sustainability efforts.”

The project’s success will serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. Salt Lake County departments have planned to audit outdoor water systems to develop specialized water plans for current and future use. The county parks are relying on current technology to determine minimum watering schedules while continuing to maintain high-quality outdoor facilities.

For information on “Flip the Strip,” including details on rebates and resources from local government agencies, residents can visit the county's website at slcoh20. org.

Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson broke ground on Salt Lake County’s “Flip the Strip” program. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office)

Conservation fair highlights waterwise improvements

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Tip 1: Planning and Design. Using the appropriate plants for sun, shade and wind can help sustain a beautiful garden. Visit Localscapes.com to find free, professional designs to make a Utah-friendly landscape. (City Journals)

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Tip 2: Practical Turf Areas. Getting away from the idea of “big lawns,” JVWCD suggests spicing up your outdoor space with waterwise plants and trees, and a reasonable amount of turf or ground cover. (City Journals)

Tip 3: Waterwise Plants. Drought-tolerant plants can add color, height and interest to your garden, without using a wasteful amount of water. Iris, daisies, catmint, ice plants and decorative grass are all examples of waterwise choices. (City Journals)

Small changes make a big difference. Last year the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District sent more than 1.6 billion gallons of water to the Great Salt Lake as a result of residents implementing waterwise conservation.

JVWCD held a water conservation fair at its Conservation Garden Park (8275 S.1300 West) in West Jordan in May, educating gardeners on how to create the healthiest environment for lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs in the Salt Lake Valley.

Here are seven suggested principles to create waterwise landscapes:

Tip 4: Efficient Irrigation. Learning where and how to plant trees is part of efficient irrigation that allows the trees to take root and bring long-lasting beauty to a landscape. Installing drip systems, maintaining irrigation and fixing leaks keep everything flowing. (City Journals)

Tip 5: Soil Improvements. Overused soil often needs more nutrients to maintain healthy plants. Keep soil healthy by using organic materials and protect topsoil with moisture-retaining mulch. Avoid putting chemicals in the soil, if possible. (City Journals)

Tip 6: Surface Mulches. Mulching with bark, wood chips and other plant materials protects against erosion and retains water. Mulch can also help control weeds and add color to the garden. (City Journals)

Tip 7: Appropriate Maintenance. Even waterwise landscaping needs to be maintained. Weed control, fertilization, healthy pruning and non-chemical integrated pest management will keep the landscape looking good for years. (City Journals)

The Conservation Garden Park is free and open to the public on Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit conservationgardenpark.org.

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‘Hometown talent’ among this year’s crop of Starry Nights @ the Plaza performers

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Whatbegan as a somewhat modest experiment outside city hall two years ago, has grown into something many Taylorsville residents look forward to now with great anticipation each May through September. Starry Nights @ the Plaza started on Saturday nights in 2022, with virtually no budget – and with many of us still a bit leery about crowd mingling (THANKS COVID!).

Last year, with a little more money to spend and a little less pandemic paranoia, the weekly outdoor event shifted to Friday nights. And, unlike year one, the array of performers actually received a little pay in 2023. A few new elements were added last year; some other things weeded out.

Now, in its third year, Starry Nights @ the Plaza is back on Friday nights – and already off to a roaring start after debuting May 10 with a musical performance from Taylorsville City Attorney Tracy Cowdell as lead vocalist for the rock ensemble DeNovo.

One constant through its first three years: Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson’s Executive Assistant Jen Andrus is the summer series coordinator.

“Starry Nights is growing more popular each year; it’s fun to put together,” Andrus said. “I think many people who attend are anxious to come back – and spread the word to their friends. It’s just about the right size now. We aren’t overcrowded, parking isn’t a problem and the food truck lines aren’t too long.”

The Food Truck League in Utah has been arranging its mobile restauranteurs to feed the Starry Nights crowd since year one. Andrus isn’t privy to how much money the truck operators are earning on any given night. She just knows they’ve always wanted to return – so they must be doing well.

“The Food Truck League provided 67 trucks throughout our run last year – about six to eight trucks each week,” Andrus said.

“Favorite foods include Maine lobster, sandwiches and barbeque. After shifting to Friday nights last year, we also saw several people who work at city hall buying food for their families before heading home. We get a great variety of food; and people are never sure what the selection will be when they arrive on any given Friday night.”

Starry Nights @ the Plaza also features several open-air, lounge-on-the-grass movies. The first of those, “Top Gun: Maverick,” was shown May 31. Next up is the original 2001 animated film “Shrek,” June 14. After that, four additional family-friendly movies will be featured every other week in July and August.

The Taylorsville Arts Council is also coordinating the primary entertainment on a couple of nights. They will present “Back to the Bandstand” June 7 and “Movie Musical Revue” Sept. 13.

Other activities that have proven popular in previous years will include Night Out Against Crime on Aug. 2 and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, Sept. 6.

The full schedule of Starry Nights @ the Plaza and performance dates and times are available on the Taylorsville City website.

Some of this year’s featured Centennial Plaza performers are particularly excited to participate because Taylorsville is their hometown.

“I live just a block-and-a-half from city hall – and our bass player is also a Taylorsville resident,” said Tamra Burton, founder of the rock classics cover band Blasted Past, scheduled to play July 26. “I grew up in California – but have lived in Taylorsville 21 years. I formed the band 18 years ago. Our current members have been together about four years.”

That bass player Taylorsville resident in Blasted Past is Cliff Simpson.

“I grew up in Bountiful and still work (as a mental health therapist) in Davis County,” he said. “But we’ve lived in Taylorsville since 2012. Despite my commute, we just keep deciding to stay here. My younger two children graduated from Taylorsville High.”

Burton also saw her two kids graduate from THS – and her granddaughter will be a senior at the school this fall.

The five Blasted Past band members range in age from 57 to 65. They cover a wide variety of mostly 1980s music, from groups like: Blondie, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Jefferson Airplane and Journey.

“Playing is our passion… music is in our soul… it’s what makes us feel alive,” Burton added. “We’ve also played Taylorsville Dayzz many times – although, this year, we have a conflict and can’t do it.”

As for Centennial Plaza – the Blasted Past founder loves it.

“I really appreciate that stage,” she concluded. “It’s one of our favorites because it’s nice and big. And the open grassy area is great. We love it when people interact with us – when they stand up and dance. There’s plenty of room for that. We’ve played Starry Nights every year and are thrilled to be returning.”

You can learn more about Blasted Past and the music they’ll perform July 26 at facebook.com/BlastedPast1.

Meantime, two weeks after the Blasted Past performance, another local resident will bring something completely new to the Starry Nights entertainment lineup.

Taylorsville High School 2009 graduate Zack Coleman is the director of Saber Light, which is described on its facebook page (facebook.com/ruusantemple) as a “not-forprofit, LucasFilm-recognized, Disney-pre-

ferred Star Wars costuming group that specializes in choreographed lightsaber shows.” The local group is also part of a worldwide organization, Saber Guild.

“We will have four to six of our performers on stage to perform our lightsaber show – and then we’ll train kids from the audience how to do some of our moves,” Coleman said. “We can work with as many as 50 kids at a time. They will each receive an inflated, 2-foot saber to train with – and then take home with them.”

Coleman has been a member of the Utah Saber Guild group since it formed a decade ago, and its director for two years. He also coaxed his father – David Coleman, another Taylorsville resident – into doing it with him.

“We have about 20 members all together,” Zack Coleman said. “We love to perform in family-friendly settings like this one. In addition to teaching kids lightsaber moves, we also talk with them about peace. We try to share some moralistic messages.”

Saber Guild is the appropriate lead-in to the Aug. 9 featured movie: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”

“Starry Nights @ the Plaza is just a nice, lowkey community event,” Andrus concluded. “Over the first two years, our busiest nights had maybe 500 visitors. Some people bring lawn chairs – others throw a blanket on the grass. I think it’s growing into a fun Taylorsville tradition for many families.”

Starry Nights @ the Plaza will not be held on the Friday night of Taylorsville Dayzz (June 28). Other than that week, it runs every Friday through Sept. 13. l

Young entrepreneurs will be back selling their handmade wares in Centennial Plaza, Sept. 6. (Taylorsville City)

The annual Night Out Against Crime will be the focus of Starry Nights on Aug. 2. (Taylorsville City)

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

TheTaylorsville softball program has long had success on the field, so it should be no surprise that the Warriors again claimed a region title this season.

But for the team, it was nice to get back to its championship-winning ways.

The Warriors went a perfect 10-0 in Region 3, claiming their first league crown since sharing one in 2015. Taylorsville was back to Class 5A this season and went through Region 3 unscathed. The Warriors outscored region foes by an average score of 11-3 along the way, rarely having much trouble with the opposition in league play.

Unfortunately for Taylorsville, it was a region opponent that ended its season.

The Warriors, the fifth seed in the 5A state tournament, lost in the consolation round to eighth-seeded West Jordan on May 21 by the score of 10-3. Taylorsville had defeated the Jaguars 8-7 and 6-2 in region action earlier in the year.

But the Jaguars had other plans this time around.

RBI. Megan Sterzer recorded two doubles and three RBI, while Hannah Brockman had a double and brought in two runs.

Game two saw the Warriors once again blank West, this time 11-0. Wegner was brilliant, throwing a no-hitter and striking out nine West batters. Tianna Hansen hit a home run and brought in a run, while Brockman hit a triple and had an RBI. Demi Miller had a double in the win.

Despite losing a pair of games in bracket play and ending the season in rough fashion, the Warriors had some big accomplishments this season. It was the first time since 2011 the Warriors went undefeated in region play. The team also produced some stellar individual play. Brockman led the way with five home runs and four triples. Megan Sterzer was the leader in doubles with eight. She, along with Dani Kraja, paced Taylorsville with 21 RBI. Wegner was 11-6 on the mound and had 150 strikeouts.

Taylorsville’s season came to a close with a 16-7 record in the seven-run loss to the upstart Jaguars. Taylorsville didn’t score after the third inning and was held to five hits on the day. Megan Sterzer had a double and an RBI, while Jenna Sterzer drove in two runs. Aleva Wegner had eight strikeouts in a losing cause.

The Warriors had lost earlier in the day to Box Elder in bracket play by the score of 4-3 despite a big day from Wegner. The sophomore hit a double from the plate and struck out eight batters. Megan Sterzer had

three RBI.

In the super regionals, Taylorsville took care of West, winning the best-of-three series May 16 and 17 two games to none. The Warriors prevailed 15-0 in game one, outhitting West 14-1. Wegner had six strikeouts and got the victory. She also had a double and an

There is reason for optimism for 2025 too.

Though the Warriors say goodbye to some quality players, other key team members will be back to bolster the program in 2025. Wegner will be a junior next season, while Megan Sterzer and Hansen will return as seniors. l

Jenna Sterzer, a senior, contributed to the Warriors undefeated region season. (File photo City Journals)

Taylorsville girls golf was in good hands with Nielsen leading the way

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

At some schools it’s not unusual to find inexperienced players on certain teams. That can certainly be the case with girls golf.

Taylorsville had a mix of newer players with those who have a few years under their belts. One of the most skilled, reliable golfers on the Warriors’ team was Cailin Nielsen. One of two seniors on the team, Nielsen was a steady performer for Taylorsville this season and throughout her career.

“I am grateful for her leadership and work ethic,” head coach Eric Timpson said.

Nielsen picked up the game when she was young and credits her father for getting her started. However, she’s still fairly new to the sport competitively, having mostly golfed primarily for fun and recreation before her junior season.

“I have been playing golf since I could hold a golf club,” she said. “I believe I got my first clubs when I was around 5 or 6, so I went and hit balls with my dad and played a little bit. I got started because of my dad; he was the one to start me on the journey. He got me my first set of clubs and all the sets after that. I have always golfed with my dad, but I haven’t really started to compete competitively until last season because I danced on the side.”

She is always trying to hone her game.

Taylorsville’s Cailin Nielsen has been a leader and top performer on the girls golf team. The senior has also danced and plans to open a restaurant in the future. (Photo courtesy Cailin Nielsen)

“I hope to improve on short game and my driver,” she said. “I have had a rough season with my driver, and I have been able to hit it one tournament, and then I can’t the next time. So, I want to work on consistency when it comes to the driver and also my short game as well. I want to always work on chipping but also work

on putting because my putting is always where I need to improve on. So, I will always make sure that work on short game, and I always practice with all my other clubs.”

Nielsen loves the chance to compete alongside her Taylorsville teammates.

As she reflects on the best parts of playing golf and being on the Taylorsville squad, it isn’t wins, nor is it even big shots she thinks about. Nielsen loves the closeness she felt with her teammates.

“I have grown to love the sport this year,” she said. “Last year, I danced and golfed at the same time, which was hard, but I loved to do it. I have improved a lot this year, but I love the fact that I walk the courses and play with others; they are all so supportive, and so are the parents that come and spectate. I do like when I am able to hit the ball, but I more or less like the feeling when I complete the hole because I know that I was able to finish it. I really don’t mind the score, but I love the feeling when I finish the hole because if it’s a hard hole, I feel even more accomplished to finish it.”

She said all of the Taylorsville players cheer for one another and are always in one another’s corners, no matter how they are hitting or playing on a given day.

“The best thing about being able to play on the team is the people that I play with,” Niel-

sen said. “I love to see everyone work on their swings and also their short game, which always gets better. They are all so supportive, and I love to support them when they accomplish something, even if it is one good swing out of a rough day. I love to support my team when it comes to golf because it is a hard sport to play, and when you hit a good golf shot, it is fun to have someone to cheer you on.”

It’s no secret that golf can be a difficult sport to play. Even the best players can have off days and struggle with consistency. This can cause frustration. But Nielsen said one of her strengths is her attitude and outlook when she’s on the course. She said she’s also pleased with how well she has chipped this season.

“I think my strengths are the way that I hit the ball to get it there, and my chipping,” she said. “I do have my off days and I have messed chipping up, but I think that my hitting and my chipping is what I am strong at. I also bring a lot of positivity when it comes to shots that people miss or that I miss; I will always look for the positive when it comes to that.”

After graduation, Nielsen plans on studying culinary arts in college. She wants to continue golfing by playing for the Utah Valley University team.

You might even be able to eat at her restaurant in the future.

“I want to open up my own restaurant so I can give back to the community,” she said. “I wanted to open my own restaurant because my dad can help me manage it, and also he has always wanted a restaurant to make food in. I also have always wanted a restaurant since I was a kid. As a kid, I wanted to be a baker and to have my own sweets shop, but I have now learned that I can cook, and I want to have a small sweets and restaurant business. Even if it isn’t big, I just want to have the place my kids can run when they are ready.”

Nielsen and her father have a close bond.

As her Taylorsville career comes to an end, Nielsen is grateful for the support her father has given her. Through all the ups and downs of her golfing, her father has been her No. 1 fan and mentor.

“I owe it all to my dad,” Nielsen said “My dad has been the person who has pushed and supported me through all of golf. He was the first one to put a golf club in my hand, and he’s been there for pretty much everything. He always tries to be there with my tournaments, and when he is he is always there to cheer me on when I’ve done good on a hole or if I have struggled on a hole. He has always been there for me. He has been my mentor since day one with my golfing, and he has done that since. I also owe it to the professionals; they were the people my dad looked up to. I’ve taken lessons from the pros at The Ridge Golf Course, and they helped me get my swing down. But I owe it all to my dad and the people that have supported me.” l

Taylorsville track and field: Salami places third at state in shot put; Gledhill paces boys team

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

The Taylorsville track and field team didn’t have the depth and numbers at the state meet to climb high in the final standings. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t some outstanding individual performances.

The girls placed 15th out of 24 teams at state. Senior Aisha Salami was outstanding, placing third overall in the shot put. She had a top throw of 36 feet 2.25 inches, just 4.75 inches out of second place. She placed second in the preliminary round.

Going into state, Salami had lofty expectations, which she worked hard to achieve.

“My goal this season is to place at state and break the Taylorsville High record for shotput,” she said. “This is my third year throwing shotput, and I can definitely say that it's been an experience. I want to make a mark in school history for a sport that I thoroughly enjoy. A goal for the team would be to win at least one meet overall, I'm not sure if we have done so yet. We have come close but fell a little short by coming in second. I think it would just satisfy our efforts to perform the best we can.”

Salami started on the track and field team as a freshman and was a four-year contributor for the Warriors. Initially, getting into the sport wasn’t on her radar, but plans changed when she wanted to fill her schedule with something new and different.

“I started doing track my freshman year after finishing my first year of high school basketball,” she said. “I became accustomed to my after-school schedule, so a few of my friends and I decided to give track a try.”

Taylorsville track and field coach Chad Farnes and the rest of the Warriors on the team are glad she joined.

Salami has enjoyed the feeling of working hard to achieve goals and see results. She has improved every year, and that has been a gratifying experience.

“What I enjoy most about the track is how it's centered around improvement,” she said. “Although it's more of an individual sport, the team really supports and pushes each other to do their best. It's satisfying to see your hard work pay off when you [beat your personal record] by throwing farther or running faster.”

In track and field, like other sports, being fast or strong and having the necessary physical skills and attributes is essential. However, there is a mental aspect of the sport, too. Salami said she was good about having a positive attitude and mindset throughout her career. She did her best to not let setbacks bother her but would instead get back to work and try to overcome any challenges.

“One of my strengths as a track athlete is not getting in my head when I'm not performing up to my standards,” she said. “This is something I stand on as an athlete in general. Rather than sitting down and sulking, I move on and think about what I can do to throw farther or run faster. I would say that I bring laughter to the team. I like to socialize, and that's a factor that makes me look forward to practice. I can't speak for everyone else, but if you have a good relationship with your team, you're more likely to show up and do your part.”

When it comes to be a member of the Taylorsville track and field team, Salami said she has enjoyed the camaraderie and cohesion. It hasn’t been about wins and losses or about times and records. Salami said making new friends and developing relationships will stick with her for years to come.

One of my strengths as a track athlete is not getting in my head when I’m not performing up to my standards, This is something I stand on as an athlete in general.

Aisha Salami

“The best thing about being a part of the Taylorsville team is all the new friendships I've formed over the years,” she said. “It's cool to see familiar faces, but meeting new people on the time is more interesting. Also, the coaches are so helpful at helping us better our performance.”

With her high school career now over, Salami has big plans off the track. She intends to attend college, either at Howard, Temple or the University of Utah. Her plan is to study abroad and to major in information systems.

Salami also wants to see the world and learn about different people and places.

“Traveling is a passion of mine, so being able to study and uncover different cultures would be a valuable experience for me,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at Taylorsville as a student and an athlete, Salami is grateful for the mentors and examples she had. She credits her teammates, coaches and family for her achievements and success.

“They have made the track a more enjoyable experience and have aided me in becoming a stronger athlete,” Salami said. “I credit my coaches, my team and my family for my success. They have supported me and helped shape me into the person and athlete that I am today.”

On the boys side, the Warriors weren’t able to compete as well at state but did have some strong team leaders all year. Farnes highlighted Preston Gledhill, a distance runner and team capatain who has been running rack since seventh grade. Gledhill led a contingent of hard-working runners this season and is grateful for his experiences at Taylorsville.

“I really enjoy the team aspect and just being with people I like and the friends you make,” Gledhill said. “The best part of Taylorsville track is the amount of work our coaches put in for us. I feel like we have some of the most hard-working coaches in the state and that the work ethic translates to all the athletes.”

Gledhill, also a departing senior, wants to study IT in college. He appreciates his parents and coaches for helping him enjoy his time as a Warrior.

“I credit a lot of my success to my parents, mainly my dad,” he said. “He has pushed me more than anyone to just get better. I also credit my coaches. They have always helped all long the way. Also, I credit the friends I’ve made along the way, because running is way more fun when you have the opportunity to run with someone.”

Aisha Salami placed third at the Class 5A state meet in the shot put. She was one of Taylorsville’s top track and field performers this season. (Photo courtesy of Chad Farnes.)

Taylorsville distance runner Preston Gledhill, a senior, was a captain and leader for the Warriors all season. (Photo courtesy of Chad Farnes.)

11 local farmers markets to visit this summer

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

Summer and fall bring the season of the farmers markets where vendors sell fresh produce, homemade products and more.

Several farmers markets in Utah, including those hosted by the Utah Farm Bureau on this list, are strict about each product being made or grown by local farmers to support farmers in the state— which ensures quality, fresh produce and goods for shoppers at the markets.

This list is in no way comprehensive or in any particular order, but are just some ideas on where to find some local farmers markets.

1. Sandy City farmers market

Starting June 15, Sandy City partnered with Empowered Community Markets will host a weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sandy Amphitheater, 1245 E. 9400 South. With fresh food, shopping, live music, and a splash pad, Sandy’s farmers market will be on the fun to do list all summer long. The farmers market will go on until fall with the last day of the season on Oct. 19.

2. Draper City farmers market

Sunset Farmers Markets, which specializes in evening and weekday markets, runs the show for Draper City’s farmers market. This market is at Smithfields Park every Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. from July to September, and then 5 to 8 p.m. in October. More than 80 small local businesses will attend each week, featuring fresh flowers, produce, eggs, honey, milk, meat, baked goods, and art. Food trucks will also be there to offer even more choices for dinner and treats.

3. Suncrest farmers market in Draper

The neighborhood Suncrest Hills, located at 2016 East Village Green Circle in Draper hosts a farmers market on the second Wednesday of the summer months starting in June and ending in October from 5 to 9 p.m. In 2023, they had activities like petting zoos, live music and a s'mores station. Goodies such as fresh bread, homegrown vegetables and salsa, jewelry, soap and much more were also sold.

4. “9th West Farmers Market” in Salt Lake City

This is a market that’s been around since 2005 when The People’s Market was first started by Kyle LaMalfa. It’s hosted near the International Peace Gardens at 542 N. 900 West in Salt Lake City. From mid-June to mid-October, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday.

5. Downtown Salt Lake City farmers market

The farmers market in Salt Lake City runs nearly year round. The Saturday summer market runs in the summer and fall from June 1 until Oct. 21 at Pioneer Park (350 W. 300 South) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

An art and craft market is also held during the same time, in the same place by Urban Food Connections of Utah.

6. Daybreak Farmers Market

Rain or shine, the Daybreak Farmers Market offers 60 booth spaces every week and is run by Empowered Community Markets. In the heart of the Daybreak neighborhood, the market offers local musical talent, locally-grown produce, homemade jewelry and artisanal crafts, and artwork. The market runs every Saturday

and starts on June 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and runs until Oct. 12, when hours change from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Four times during the summer youth entrepreneurs are invited to open their own store front and sell goods at the farmers market, on June 22, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 28.

7. South Jordan City farmers market

Every Saturday from Aug. 3 to Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., South Jordan will host a farmers market at 1600 W. Towne Center Drive. Each week is focused around a different community activity, including a variety of crafts, a balloon animal artist and more.

8. Utah Farm Bureau’s South Jordan farmers market

This market is also owned and operated by the Utah Farm Bureau and features Utah farmers selling anything from produce, to salsa, fresh bread, jams and tamales. Unlike the Murray Park market, select Utah artisans who use “Utah-grown and raised agricultural products” will be permitted to sell items other than food.

The market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning Aug. 3 and running until Oct. 12.

9. West Jordan food trucks, community market and “First Fridays”

Starting in May, food trucks come to usher in the warmer weather in West Jordan. On every second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ron Wood Park (5900 New Bingham Hwy.) near the splash pad, a variety of food trucks come to the west side of the city.

In June through September, a commu-

nity market with vendors will accompany the city’s food truck event.

West Jordan “First Fridays” at the Viridian Events Center, 8030 S. 1825 West, are sponsored by Salt Lake County and West Jordan City, each first Friday of the month until the end of summer and will feature live, local music. Food trucks and a free craft also add to the fun. As the weather gets warmer, summer yard games will also be available to use on the lawn.

10. Utah Farm Bureau’s Murray Park farmers market

The Utah Farm Bureau owns and manages the farmers market every year at Murray Park, located at 296 E. Murray Park Way.

“This makes for a unique shopping experience focused entirely on Utah farmers and the great fresh produce that is available during our growing season,” stated the organization on the event page.

This is a food-only market that begins on July 26. The market will be open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., with the last day on Oct. 28. Food vendor applications are due April 30. 11. Bountiful farmers market

Starting on June 20 and ending on Oct. 17, the Bountiful farmers market will be at the Bountiful Town Square (75 E. 200 South) every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., excluding July 4. No animals or skateboards are allowed in the square. See which vendors and local musicians will be there on Bountiful City’s website, www. bountifulutah.gov. l

Fresh produce at Daybreak Farmers Market in years past. (Courtesy of Empowered Community Markets)

The Daybreak Farmers Market in years past has been a popular market with a variety of local produce and lots of visitors. (Courtesy of Empowered Community Markets)

Utah named 2024 best state in America, per new report

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

Fromthe numerous mountain ranges to The Mighty 5 national parks to other sites such as The Great Salt Lake, Utah is known for its stunning scenery.

For the second straight year, Utah has been named the best state in America by U.S. News & World Report.

USNWR ranked all 50 states in the union on a range of categories, including healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, crime and corrections and natural environment, among others. Utah topped the rankings in 2023, overtaking Washington State, and has held on for the second year.

Utah consistently ranked among the top in the nation in USNWR’s rankings, earning top 20 results in seven of the eight categories and top 15 in six categories.

On USNWR’s website, Ben Blau, head of the department of Economics and Finance at Utah State University’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, said it’s not just the diverse outdoor offerings that make the Beehive State a great place to live. It’s people who also make Utah special.

Many Utahns have opportunities to thrive in different aspects of life due to the state’s varied strengths. It’s that consistency and well-rounded nature that allowed Utah to take hold of that No. 1 spot for the second consecutive year.

But USNWR said “best” doesn’t necessarily mean “perfect.” While Utah ranked No. 1 overall across the union, it underperformed in the natural environment category—a low No. 46. USNWR also said many of the top-ranking states are also not very

racially diverse and had several disparities including by gender, race and disability.

“We have been doing reports for 14 years now,” said Susan Madsen, a professor at Utah State University and founding director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project. “And we do rank as the worst state for

women's equality, and I have done so now for nine years on the WalletHub ranking.”

Some in the state are trying to change things for the better. The Utah Women and Leadership project effort “A Bolder Way Forward” aims to “help more Utah women and girls thrive” by focusing on 18 areas where “change needs to occur,” ranging from entrepreneurship and the gender pay gap to domestic violence and sexual harassment. Teams and leaders focused on such areas have set data-centered goals targeting improvement by 2026 and 2030.

“We've been slowly working on these topics for years and we need to kick it into gear because it comes at the rate we're going, it's going to take three to four decades to make notable progress,” Madsen said.

Madsen said the “A Bolder Way Forward” project is a unique model to pull together all of the organizations and individuals and nonprofits and universities to work together and more of a systems thinking model to shift things together instead of just everybody doing their part or piece.

“Let's make Utah a safer place for women in a place where more girls and women can thrive and that that actually means that more families thrive,” Madsen said. l

‘Startup capital of the world’ initiative launched to help support small businesses

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

Utah is home to 324,821 small businesses that collectively employ around 625,571 people.

That means about 45.5% of Utah employees are employed by a small business.

And in a bid to provide further support to startups and small businesses, Gov. Spencer Cox and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity have launched the Startup State Initiative. The initiative includes an all-in-one website to help guide startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs through every step of the business journey.

“Utah has created the perfect ecosystem for startups to thrive,” said Cox in a statement. “The Startup State Initiative highlights what already exists in Utah and elevates it to new heights. It isn’t just about Utah, it’s about setting a new global standard for innovation and entrepreneurship.”

The website holds resources like stepby-step business journey guides, a resource fitter and a business plan generator to connect entrepreneurs with the information necessary to start their business.

Brad Bonham, Utah’s first entrepreneur-in-residence, announced the launch of the website at the One Utah Summit in April.

“Startup.utah.gov and the Startup State Initiative celebrate, inspire and empower

Utah entrepreneurs and those who support them,” said Bonham in a statement. “We want to continue encouraging innovators to start their businesses in Utah and let them know that this resource can assist them while navigating entrepreneurial challenges.”

During Cox’s speech at the One Utah Summit, he declared Utah as the “startup capital of the world,” and his latest move seems to be pushing to solidify that title.

Utah’s low corporate tax rate and high government support for small businesses make Utah a prime startup environment. These have led to Utah being recognized as the No. 1 best state to start a business, the nation's best economy, and the No. 1 best economic outlook for the 17th consecutive year.

In a statement, Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity said: “We are proud to support Gov. Cox in this initiative and are excited to continue championing Utah’s small business community. An entrepreneur’s journey can often be daunting. Whether someone is at the early stages of an idea, needs help creating a business plan, or is considering how to grow or sell a business, startup.utah. gov is a one-stop-shop that truly highlights Utah as the Startup Capital of the World.” l In January, Wallethub

Ensign Peak overlooking the Salt Lake Valley. (Bailey Chism/City Journals)

named Utah as the best state to start a business and a U.S. News & World Report crowned Utah as home to the nation’s best economy. (Photo from Startup State Initiative)

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for men beating each other with sticks but the ice-palooza circus we’ve experienced as the National Hockey League moved a team to Utah has been a bit much.

My sports-crazed husband is in hockey high-heaven, and he’s not alone. The former Arizona Coyotes (but currently unnamed Utah team) was welcomed by a multitude of rabid hockey fans as the team arrived in Salt Lake. The Utah Snow Angels (?) will now undergo a terrifying assimilation into the state’s culture.

Ryan Smith, new owner of the Utah Iceholes (?), spent $1.2 billion to bring the NHL team here and he has Big Plans! Plans that include restructuring a mall to create a hockey training center, reconfiguring the Delta Center so fans can see all the bloody hockey fights and gaining extreme control over three city blocks in downtown Salt Lake, although he promised not to blast the beloved Abravanel Hall to rubble. Yet.

In the ultimate power play, Smith asked lawmakers to contribute another $1 billion to the project, which includes a sales tax increase, so everyone can help finance the Utah Snowplows’ (?) salvation of the state’s pro sports scene.

(Sidenote: Sales tax? Really? Have our lawmakers seen the lines outside of

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Utah’s Miracle on Ice

food banks? People can’t afford Cheerios, let alone tickets to a hockey game.)

But it’s not just hockey. Government and business groups are willing to toss billions (BILLIONS) of dollars around to fund baseball stadiums in Daybreak and, potentially, Salt Lake’s west side.

This is a slap-shot to the face for women’s sports in Utah. If we’re going to invest billions, can legislators squeak the wallet open a bit more to give a portion to female teams? A survey showed overwhelming support for a redesign of the current Salt Lake Bees stadium to become a female-focused sports center. Where are the billions of dollars for that project?

Did you know our state has a championship female/non-binary Pro Ultimate Frisbee team, the Utah Wild? We also host the Utah Falconz, part of the Women’s National Football Conference. Where do they

play? On high school football fields. The only reason the Utah Royal’s soccer team has a beautiful venue is because it was built for Real, a men’s team.

Don’t whine and say, “But nobody cares about women’s sports.” For its opening game this year, the Royals set a record for the highest-attended women’s sporting event in Utah history.

Millions of fans watched the women’s college final as Caitlin Clark played her last game before being drafted into the WNBA with a four-year, $338,000 contract. I’m sure she was offered the same amount as her male counterpart, the first overall draft pick in last year’s NBA.

Record scratch! Hold up! Last year, top draft pick Victor Wembanyama signed a four-year contract with the Spurs worth $55.2 million. Sigh.

Acquiring the Utah Frostbite (?) was a great accomplishment, but the state has a chance to pull off a phenomenal hat trick: develop a hockey fan base, build a baseball utopia and create a haven for women’s sports.

How cool would it be, for a state that ranks last in women’s pay equality, to invest in women’s athletics? What message would that send to our daughters and granddaughters?

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I don’t know much about hockey but its success shouldn’t come with a sales tax increase, carte blanche control over a key center of downtown or at the expense of women’s sports.

With its shiny new logo and sparkly Zambonis, the Utah Windchill (?) could have a great first season as fans get behind them. But don’t be fooled. Hockey isn’t the only game in town.