West Valley Journal April 2017

April 2017 | Vol. 3 Iss. 04

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WHY THE WELCOME MAT ISN’T OUT for WVC homeless sites

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com Editor’s note: Press deadline for this story came on March 21. Any announcements or new information that was released after that date, such as a permanent site selection, could not be included in this story.

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Process is too rushed Salt Lake County announced five sites on March 10, eighteen days before it needed to recommend a site to the committee.

In contrast, West Valley City would require at least three to four weeks for any kind of land use decision, said City Manager Wayne Pyle, and that would be for something simple like dividing a halfacre lot to build a new house in the back.

“That’s imposed by the state for heaven’s sake, now the state comes back and takes away our land use authority in this case, and not only does that, but then says this is gonna happen in basically 21 days. I mean it’s actually ridiculous,” said Pyle, who has described the county’s process as “fake” and “unacceptable.”

Councilman Lars Nordfelt said rushing the process is not going to help the problem.

“It really takes time to make this decision right. This is a decision that has generational impact wherever it goes,” he said.

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams told

West Valley and South Salt Lake residents surround Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams at an open house on March 21 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. Many residents said they would consider moving if the resource center is built near them. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

frustrated residents at open houses in March they only had since mid-February to select sites and have had a committee working on solutions for two years now.

The committee has focused on the issue of homelessness and ways to fix and prevent it. City leaders feel the quickened pace of selecting sites is also an issue.

“Clearly we can do better than that as a city and so can they,” Bigelow said of the shortened selection process. “But when you’re in a hurry, you make decisions that are more to get it done than it is to solve the problem.”

Reasoning for the March 30 deadline was the $10 million appropriated by the state legislature for the county to build the center. McAdams told residents he’s just following the deadlines that were set for him.

Senator Daniel Thatcher, whose area incorporates West Valley City, said that money was appropriated for this purpose and will still be there after the deadline.

“If you don’t get [the money] right now, fine,

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it’ll still be there. Instead of rushing the process… press pause and get a little collaboration instead of ramming things onto the west side,” Thatcher said.

Thatcher said he voted for the legislation under assurances from the county mayor’s office that the center wouldn’t be forced upon any city.

McAdams repeatedly told residents during open houses they are listening to their concerns.

However, West Valley resident Shiloah Gilmore said the whole process has been backwards, listening to the public after making the choices.

“I think government wants us to believe in the system and the process (but) the way this has come about, the system has failed,” she said. “Hopefully, it’s a temporary failure meaning that there will be a better solution as we come together.”

The city already carries the burden City leaders said this isn’t a case of “not in my backyard.” They maintain their backyard is already full.

WVC currently has 33,000 affordable housing units. More than any other city bar Salt Lake City.

INSIDE

ive sites were announced as potential locations for a homeless resource center on March 10

by Salt Lake County with a sixth added on March 21. Three of them are in West Valley City and city leaders are not happy.

“We thought we’d be on the list, but three of the five in West Valley? Something was greased,” said Mayor Ron Bigelow.

As part of legislation passed in the session that ended on March 9, the county must make a site recommendation to the state’s Homeless Coordinating Committee by March 30. The legislation, HB 441, also removed city officials from having any formal say on the matter.

The three sites in West Valley are at 1820 W. Printers Row and 2411 and 2249 S. Winston St. The other three are in South Salt Lake, not far removed from West Valley’s borders.

Active in voicing disapproval, city leaders and residents have adamantly opposed any shelter being sited in their city with a list of reasons why.

Along with Salt Lake County Housing Authority and other non-profits, WVC helped build Kelly Benson apartments on 3600 West, which is permanent housing for the chronically homeless.

WVC has 2,200 mobile homes and 10,000 rental units at 80 percent median income.

“It’s unethical to ask our residents to carry even more. We happily carry our burden, but we can’t do it all,” Nordfelt said.

Bigelow said they shouldn’t pick two of the poorer cities in the county, but someplace with a stronger “economic base.” “[Other cities] can afford to hire officers, they can afford to take care of it… I dream about what it would be like to have a tenth of the base that SLC has,” he said.

West Valley resident Chris Walker said if they’re going to make this a county issue, then it should be the whole county and not just one city.

“I’m tired of West Valley City being dumped on because everyone thinks it’s a dumping ground,” Walker said. “I would like to see what Salt Lake

A mom’s journey with her autistic son . .

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COVER STORY

PAGE 2 | APRIL 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Why the welcome mat isn’t out for WVC homeless sites continued from front cover…

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County is going to do to support the city of wherever they put it and see that it’s taken care of financially by the county, not by West Valley City cause we do not have the funds to do that.”

The area where the sites would be located is a place Nordfelt said the city’s worked hard to revitalize over the years.

Model of a homeless resource center isn’t proven Many leaders and residents are worried a new shelter will bring the same drugs and crime going on at The Road Home shelter on Rio Grande Street in Salt Lake City.

The new shelters will be, what are called, homeless resource centers. County leaders have said it will be different with the new design including on-site case managers, community and day-use spaces, food services and security space for a police officer and area to view security camera video.

But city leaders aren’t buying it.

“It’s complete vapor,” Pyle said of the service model. He said these resources being talked about are “great ideas and we’d love to see them implemented” but doesn’t feel they are fully formed with no plans, funds or specifics.

“In our mind what we have is this shelter being moved from downtown to West Valley or wherever with a lot of good intention, but not anything in terms of an actual plan to prove that it’s gonna be any different than where it is right now,” Pyle said.

Pyle said the city’s studied homelessness as an issue in other major cities on the west coast and close by and the first lesson they found was that “none of those cities have found a solution to reducing the homeless population itself.”

The mayor feels it is all talk and no action.

“We’re all reasonable people, and if it’s so great, why can’t you do it at Rio Grande right now?

And prove to us that it works. We’ll line up asking for it, may even bid for it,” Bigelow said.

With two being built in Salt Lake City and every shelter set for around 200 beds, the design is to serve specific populations with a women’s, men’s and gender-segregated shelter. This is meant to make it possible to have smaller capacities at each facility.

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told residents at the open house that the center will be like an “emergency room facility. A resource center in the sense that it teaches you how to leave homelessness.”

Police Chief Lee Russo, whose previous experience includes working in Kentucky where a homeless shelter was placed, said every city says their shelter will be different.

“Why don’t they build the family shelter and the women’s shelter and leave the men in the Road Home,” Russo suggested. “And test the theory before they decide to build a facility in some other jurisdiction and find out whether or not it works.”

Gilmore doesn’t feel it’s a sustainable model.

“Sure it may be different but they have not collaborated with our city government who has been working on this for years and has incorporated solutions within the communities,” she said.

Stretches police and fire department resources As a chief in Kentucky, Russo said it’s the five or six blocks around the shelter where there are issues with loitering, drug paraphernalia, fights, drug abuse.

With it, he said, comes an erosion of the community’s stability adding people want to sell homes, leave quickly and the neighborhood falls into decline.

When they get a call, Russo said they’ll have to send two officers. With eight patrol beats, he said that’s 25 percent of their patrol contingent. It will also include an increase in medical calls meaning the fire department will head up there needing accompaniment from police.

“It’s a real resource sponge,” he said.

It’s resources Fire Chief John Evans said he doesn’t have.

The fire department had its busiest year ever last year and Evans said they’re on track to be busier this year. He estimated they’d have between 1,000-2,000 more calls a year with the shelter.

“How can you sustain that with the staffing I have?” Evans asked. He said the two stations closest to the sites are already busy.

“Bottom line it’s gonna be packed to resources,” he said. “Something’s going to suffer.

Either the response times are gonna suffer or taxes are going to have to increase to hire firefighters.”

WVC told the county for years it couldn’t house a shelter Though you would never guess considering the previous few weeks, Pyle characterized the city’s prior relationship with the county as “very well” and “very cooperative,” but in this case “we are completely at odds.”

Pyle said they’ve done everything they could to prevent this situation. All throughout the committee’s process during the past couple years, Pyle said they supported the county and “specifically Mayor McAdams” and said they “would participate.”

“All through that I have said, ‘we will not accept a homeless shelter because we see what a disaster it is downtown. We haven’t seen anything that shows us this is gonna operate any better in our city than it is there,’” he said. Pyle added they would work with them under other solutions.

He said the city opposed all six sites and has “no intention of being railroaded.”

“We don’t believe that process, no way is long enough and no way its included us. In fact, they specifically excluded any authority we would have had in the house bill 441. It’s obviously being shoved down our throats,” Pyle said.

That exclusion might be what frustrates city leaders with Pyle only ever being told that different cities would be included on the site selection process. Though all five are within a five-mile radius of each other.

“Did they call us? No. Did they consult the cities? They consulted Salt Lake City, in fact, Salt Lake is specifically excluded from that land use pre-emption,” Pyle said.

Gilmore said though she holds empathy for those who must make this decision, the frustration comes from not consulting her locally elected leaders. “[WVC has] been committed to preventing homelessness and aiding the homeless,” she said.

“The outrage is our city government, who have put their blood, sweat and tears into a greater vision for West Valley City, being undermined.” 

APRIL 2017 | PAGE 3

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LOCAL LIFE

PAGE 4 | APRIL 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Big numbers, bright colors: a mom’s journey with her autistic son

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com Purple turtle.

Those were the first words written by DJ Bradford when he was 2.

Now the 7-year-old boy writes words like quintillion, understands what googolplexian means and names the hue, saturation and luminosity of the color burgundy. He also has autism.

As April commemorates Autism Awareness Month, West Valley resident Sara Bradford, DJ’s mother, reflected on the family’s journey from discovering he had autism at 16-months-old to his ability at 7 to read and understand on a high school level. DJ also has a photographic and auditory memory.

“It’s nothing I’ve ever encountered or dreamed of having,” Sara said of her son’s ability. “It’s just truly amazing, he’s got skills that are incredible.”

His Mind DJ started with writing purple turtle, but his academic abilities have increased since he wrote those two words in chalk in front of their house. And it is all self-taught.

At age 3, he wrote ‘Missoula, Montana’ in cursive and block letters two weeks after his grandmother wore a T-shirt bearing those words.

He’s read his teenage sister’s algebra book. He was seen doing binary code and programming on his tablet.

He can count to five in German, Chinese, French and will say ‘this is my mom’ in Russian. That’s in addition to the words in English, Spanish, Italian and Polish that he can read, understand and say.

One day he asked his mom what color her lipstick was. She replied it was burgundy, he then told her what the hue, saturation and luminosity of burgundy was. He loves colors.

DJ Bradford, 7, sits on the porch in front of his house. DJ has autism and a photographic and auditory memory making his academic level well beyond his years. (Bradford family)

In preschool, he wrote supercalifragilisticexpialidocious for his teachers to see.

The periodic table of elements, he’s memorized it. States, capitals, countries? Not only does he know them all, but he can draw the country’s flag, like the Chinese flag he put on a Christmas tree ornament.

“He’s going to get me my master’s, and I don’t even have my bachelor’s,” Sara joked.

His Diagnosis Though DJ was reading words at six months old, it didn’t make hearing the diagnosis of autism any easier for his parents.

“He was reading everything. We were excited and telling the

pediatrician and he was like ‘well he should be talking, saying words,’” Sara said, adding DJ had no sense of fear or danger.

For Sara, a paralegal and massage therapist, and her husband, Dustin, they had plans of grandeur for their first child together.

“When we found out, obviously it was devastating for both of us…everything was kind of cut. You have to accept your expectations are no longer, and it’s kind of soul crushing,” she said.

Sara was pregnant with their second child when they learned of the diagnosis. “It was really scary, like how did this happen, did I drink too much of something? Or is it just this strange (thing) of you don’t know how it happens,” she said.

They finally reached a place, she said, where they accepted what happened and that they needed to help him.

“Helping find out what happened to him doesn’t help him. It just makes us worry, and it’s like it’s harder to accept him when you’re trying to change him and you’re trying to figure out a way to make him different,” Sara said.

From the diagnosis to now, they face difficulties in behaviors.

Early on he would constantly flap his arms, spin in circles and hum.

“He wouldn’t look at people, he didn’t care about anyone.

Just flapped his arms and spun in circles,” Sara said.

Knowing when to use the bathroom is still problematic so pull-ups are a commonly bought item at the store, a challenging place for DJ. Stores are overwhelming for DJ, who loves to read and wants to read all the labels and prices. Sara said he’ll throw himself on the ground and she will drag him kicking and screaming. conitnued on pnext page…

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M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM She said he struggles when little things go wrong, like if he drops a cup of water then his world revolves around how he “spoiled his water” or if the battery on his tablet dies. He’ll throw the electronic device, scream, bite himself or hit others.

Aggressive behaviors she tries to redirect with a high-five. His inability to respond to instances of misfortune in a manner that is socially acceptable is what stresses out Sara.

“Those things really scare me like what’s going to happen in the future when he’s out there and can’t get his seat belt on correctly and he freaks out and people don’t understand,” she said.

At 3, he still wasn’t speaking. Sara came across a behavioral program that suggested taking dairy and gluten out of DJ’s diet.

Her research said milk contains casein and gluten contains a wheat protein. Both of which may cause swelling in the brain and stomach.

In his first week without dairy, he said 50 words.

“Finally, we were hearing his voice and it was just amazing,” Sara said. He now drinks almond milk and is completely glutenfree.

His School With DJ’s advanced knowledge, school has been tricky. At 2-years-old, the family got him involved with DDI Vantage, an early intervention non-profit that helps create goals and guidelines for children with autism.

From there he moved into the Autism Support Services: Education, Research and Training (ASSERT) program throughout preschool.

But when came the second day of first grade at a new school, things changed.

Placed in a second and third grade class with other children with special needs, he wandered off. He left the lunch room and headed toward a busy road.

“It was pretty scary,” Sara recalled. Though nothing bad happened, DJ’s parents decided to take their son out of school.

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LOCAL LIFE

APRIL 2017 | PAGE 5

That was last fall. DJ is now being homeschooled by his mom every afternoon since October. Though he’s demonstrated a desire to go back to school, Sara said it works for now, until they can accommodate sending him to a school for children with autism.

The home school program they’re following allows DJ to test out of certain units making the process quicker. He finished the first grade in four months and is now in second grade.

“I think at this point if I can do two grades a year, I’ll be able to catch up to where he’s really at,” said Sara, a former preschool teacher. She said she has a great daily curriculum to follow.

He spends two hours in the morning every weekday working with Applied Behavior Analysis therapists who work with his behavior, they’re currently developing a program to help with aggressive behavior.

“I just kind of let them do their thing which is hard for a mom but they’re doing great,” Sara said.

His Moments Through the difficult moments over the years, the family— consisting of Sara, Dustin, teenage Sydnie and 5-year-old Anna— has enjoyed flashes of happiness.

Whether it was DJ warmly embracing the return of his older sister—one of the few people Sara can trust him with—using the bathroom properly or him uttering three simple words, I love you.

“We are just so thankful there are those moments…these little tiny things, when they happen, are like the biggest gifts ever. It’s overwhelming, emotional,” Sara said and choked back her tears.

One such instance happened at Christmas, when DJ opened a present, looked up and said ‘thank you.’

“He had never shown us that he was thankful,” Sara said. “We didn’t even know he understood that so it was kind of neat to see like, wow, he’s more normal than not sometimes and I forget that cause he’s so unique. Going to the bathroom and the toilet, who would celebrate that? We do because it never happens.”

Dustin and Sara Bradford take a photo with a laughing DJ. (Bradford family)

His Future Like any parent, Sara worries about what the future holds for DJ. If he can have an independent life and not have to live with a family member to care for him.

She wants him to have friends. Sara said he had a friend in preschool, but he doesn’t have any friends right now, adding that he’s demonstrated no desire to have friends.

He loves his sisters, Sara said, and the family enjoys a good relationship with another family of similarly aged children.

“I want him to be healthy and have what he needs… I want him to make a friend. I would love to see him have a conversation with someone someday,” Sara said of her hopes for her intelligent boy who just five years ago was writing “purple turtle” on a sidewalk.

“I would say we just want him to be happy,” she said. 

EDUCATION

PAGE 6 | APRIL 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Fourth-graders get cookin’ for title of Future Chef

Introducing...

By Aspen Perry | a.perry@mycityjournals.com

Andrew K. Moore, MD Toby Fairbanks makes Ninja Turtle power juice. (Aspen Perry/City Journals).

O

n March 3, 24 fourth-grade students from throughout Granite School District filled the kitchens of the Granite Education Center (GEC) Café to compete for a chance to win the title of Sodexo Future Chef 2017.

Sodexo Future Chefs is a national competition, which initially began with lunch managers and Sodexo chefs competing and then transitioned into kids cooking as a way to encourage healthy habits by incorporating the popular societal response to becoming a chef.

“There was such a movement in society where people wanted to become chefs, and it was a career path choice…seems to bring out a lot of fun for the kids,” said Jeff Gratton, Sodexo executive chef for Granite School District.

Granite District contracts with Sodexo to manage the food program that feeds 66,000 students, according to Rich Prall, director of food services with Granite School District.

For the Future Chef 2017 competition, more than 200 students submitted recipes based on the requirement of making comfort food healthy.

From those 200 recipe submissions, 24 students were chosen to compete and were judged on the following criteria: healthy attribution, kid appeal, ease of preparation, plate presentation, originality, and taste with a winner in each category, in addition to the first-place winner that will go on to compete in the regional championship with the regional winner moving on to the national championship.

In 2016, Elk Run Elementary student, Madysun Christensen was the Sodexo Future Chef national winner with her ‘boil-in-a-bag omelet’ for the healthy breakfast challenge.

When asked what Madysun most enjoyed about being a past winner, she responded, “Meeting all the good people that work here.”

The kitchens at GEC Café were a flurry of activity as each student prepped their meals and guided their sous chefs—cafeteria managers of their school or Granite Technical Institute Culinary students for the competitors whose school cafeteria manager could not compete.

Many future chefs prepared family recipes they had improved upon.

“This is like my great-grandma’s recipe. My

mom made it a lot when I was little,” said Mara Keller from Morningside.

Mara named her dish Grandma Elsie’s stuffed bell peppers, and when asked what Mara enjoyed most about cooking she said, “[I] love doing this myself, and all the good smells.”

Competitors and their sous chefs were required to prepare 50 samples of their dish, as well as a presentation plate for the three judges to critique. Once the judges finished their critiques, families were allowed in for tasting.

For some student chefs, the reaction of tasters was as much fun as cooking their dish, as Connor Campbell of Elk Run Elementary said of his Swiss chicken and rice. “My favorite part was when the judges came around, they were nice and like my food.”

When judging and tasting was complete, competitors and their family filled the announcement room eager to hear the winners be announced.

Toby Fairbanks of Oakwood was given the award of healthy attributes for his Ninja Turtle power juice.

Mara Keller of Morningside was awarded the category of kid appeal for her great-grandma’s stuffed bell peppers.

Kenzie Sheppick of Academy Park earned the award for ease of preparation for her jalapeño nachos.

Janet Crane of Whittier was awarded best plate presentation for her apple pie rolls.

Conner Campbell of Elk Run took the award for originality for his Swiss chicken and rice.

Madelinn Peterson of Oakridge won the award for taste for her ground turkey shepherds pie.

The first-place title went to Rachel Adair of Monroe for her family recipe she named Rachel’s fantastic mole chili, a dish that started as one of her favorite dinners her mother made.

“It is her favorite meal, so she learned how to cook it on her own and took it over,” said Jeannie Adair.

Rachel beamed with pride as she accepted the first-place trophy. She will now cook in the regionals for a chance to enter the national competition. 

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LOCAL LIFE

APRIL 2017 | PAGE 7

The FIRST Tech Challenge: challenge brings the spirt of fun and competition

By Michelle Glover | michelle.g@mycityjournals.com

O

n March 10 and 11, hand-built robots made by 48 high school teams were “steaming mad” when they competed in this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition. The theme is patterned after the “Steampunk Stylings” of authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.

School teams, mostly from Utah but from as far away as California and Alberta, Canada, were at the Maverik Center, 3200 S. Decker Lake Dr., for the annual Utah Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. The event was cosponsored by the University of Utah’s College of Engineering.

The competition had a retro-tech feel in which the students build robots that must lob “fuel cells” (in the form of balls) into a mock steam boiler to build enough fuel to operate a simulated steam-powered airship. Robots also must transport giant gears to the airship to engage the ship’s propellers. Teams score points for each action. Finally, teams then must hoist the robots to their hovering airship to complete the round.

This year’s regional FIRST contest is the culmination of six weeks in which student teams design and order the parts for the robots, then build, program and test the bots.

“Every year this a great opportunity for

The FIRST Robotics Competition was held at the Maverik Center on March 10 and 11. (Michelle Glover/City Journals)

students to learn about science, technology and engineering in an exciting way that also promotes team building” said University of Utah mechanical engineering associate professor Mark Minor.

Minor is also the event’s chair and covolunteer coordinator. He said this year’s event would be especially fun with the Steampunk style where many teams will dress up in period

costumes and give their robots a cool design.

The energy was high at this competition.

Enthusiasm could be seen in the faces of the competitors as well as the volunteers. Chanting, dancing and singing filled the transitions from one team competing to the next.

Some of the awards included the Gracious Professionalism award, the Rookie Inspiration Award, the Industrial Safety Award and the

Innovation in Control Award. The Judges Award was given for a team with a positive outlook while steaming through adversity.

FIRST tech challenge aims to build on community resources to promote exciting, project-based learning in a team-oriented environment. The widely-accessible robotics program competition is designed to inspire students to explore and pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

With about 10 students and two to three mentors per team, the program tries to ensure that each student can actively participate and benefit from the FIRST experience.

The FIRST Tech Challenge offers the opportunity to be a volunteer for the competition.

This challenge creates powerful relationships between the young people who compete and the volunteers and mentors who participate.

Volunteers can mentor or coach a team, judge events, organize and coordinate teams, as well as recruit new teams. FIRST volunteers include community leaders, employees of corporate sponsors, university students and faculty, parents and teachers, and alumni of past FIRST events.

For more information about the FIRST Challenge, visit www.utfrc.utah.edu/. 

GOVERNMENT

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WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Citizen committee provides accountability to city police

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

Four of the seven board members convene for their monthly PSRB meeting in February. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

U

tah currently has two cities who have a Professional Standards Review Board (PSRB) to provide citizen oversight for its police department. West Valley City is one of them.

Created in the mid-90s, PSRB consists of a group of citizen volunteers (seven when at capacity) who review all use of force occurrences, displays of force, firearm discharges and citizen complaints. The board can then determine whether the action was within policy and, if needed, make disciplinary recommendations to Police Chief Lee Russo.

“The function of the board is so that they (police department) don’t lose sight of the people they are charged with serving and protecting,” said board chairperson Abby Dizon-Maughan. “We are the voice of the people.”

Protecting the community’s interests is their priority, she said, adding that she approaches each case as a citizen of West Valley rather than her occupation as a defense attorney.

“I’m putting myself in a position of what would I do outside of my professional capacity in the situation, given the information.

Would I feel okay about the officers acting in a certain way given the totality of the circumstances?” Dizon-Maughan said.

City Manager Wayne Pyle said it helps the city know the citizens’ perception.

“Just gives us that gut check, if you will, on what our own actions are on this very regular basis,” he said.

Effect on the police department PSRB reviews, on average, around 50-70 cases each month.

They make notes, ask questions, determine whether policy was followed and make disciplinary recommendations if they feel strongly about it.

“It brings transparency, oversight and accountability for the public so there’s a level of confidence that we are not operating in secrecy,” Russo said. “It helps, I think, the public understand how we operate and why we operate the way we do.”

Russo said he reads through every note PSRB makes sending the file onto the commanders involved to make sure it’s addressed.

Having PSRB helps the public understand, he said, how the police department keeps themselves accountable.

“Complaints are not swept under the rug. Everything is addressed and we have a mechanism that assures that when complaints come in they are properly documented, properly responded to and there is an outside body that makes sure there is an accounting for that,” Russo said.

If disciplinary recommendations are made, there exists a matrix which has levels of violations from A to E. A being the most minor (typically remedied with counseling) and E the most severe (possible job termination).

It’s a matrix Russo introduced when he became chief three and a half years ago. He said while it’s always a concern to even have cases like this, it’s also the reason he created this matrix.

“The whole drive behind my matrix (was) so that I could basically announce to the organization (and the board), here’s the change in position on accountability and discipline so we didn’t have to play that gotcha game,” he said.

Though recommendations are made, final discretion is left up to the chief. If Russo ever decides outside of their recommendation, he comes to the board to answer questions and explain his choice. It is a measure of the accountability.

Russo said he will often go above PSRB’s recommendation because he sees it as a more serious issue.

“It’s not that they don’t see it as a serious issue, they haven’t spent a lifetime in law enforcement and they don’t get that organizational impact, that necessary discipline that I have to have,” he said.

Citizens of the board Dizon-Maughan has been on the board for around three years having initially heard about it in a Salt Lake Tribune article when the narcotics unit was disbanded.

While she is a defense attorney, the occupational makeup of the board includes a business owner, hospital workers, a retired police officer from Los Angeles, and a transcriptionist who is married to a former police officer.

“We have a diverse range of experience,” Dizon-Maughan said.

Pyle examines many things when selecting potential board members, but mainly he looks at their availability and if they fit into the overall philosophy of what the board is trying to accomplish. After being interviewed by Pyle, he has the option to recommend members to the board.

Board members serve two-year terms that require approval from the city council. While they are volunteers, he added positions are time intensive.

With newest addition Melissa Lambourne who was approved in February, the board is now serving at full capacity.

Two officers and city attorney Ryan Robinson sit in on meetings as well. One officer is from Internal Affairs while the other represents the Fraternal Order of Police. They give input on what are normal officer policies and procedures in given situations.

PSRB holds monthly public comment meetings before reviewing cases to hear from residents regarding policing issues.

It is rare for citizens to attend those meetings, but Dizon-Maughan believes it’s because residents don’t know the board exists.

“There is an avenue of recourse, just most people in the city don’t know that it’s available,” she said.

She added they want to hear about any problems or grievances people have experienced from their interactions with law enforcement.

“We’re hoping we can get more visibility and let more people know that we’re here to serve their interests and be the voice for them,” Dizon-Maughan said.

While there is cooperation between the police department and PSRB, both Dizon-Maughan and Russo said they try to keep their organizations at arm’s-length from one another. This is an effort to avoid public perception that they’re in collaboration together.

“It gives our board more credibility and it makes the officers out on the street [accountable],” Dizon-Maughan said. 

GOVERNMENT

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

Town hall covers topics including police scholarships, education

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

Utah State Senator Karen Mayne speaks to those in attendance at a town hall meeting discussing the legislative session. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

W

ith the legislative session wrapping up on March 9, Utah State Senator Karen Mayne along with Utah State Representatives Karen Kwan and Elizabeth Weight spent a night on Feb. 23 with citizens answering questions and reporting on bills being worked on.

During this legislative session Mayne said she was working to secure a $200,000 scholarship fund for public safety officers to reimburse them for taking higher education classes in pursuit of associate’s, bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees. She said this will help keep officers here in West Valley.

“My vision is to have them [police officers] cemented in their occupation that they can’t go anywhere else. For that we get a better seasoned professional officer and then they’ll make more money,” Mayne told almost three dozen in attendance.

Mayne, who represents areas in West Valley City, Taylorsville and Kearns, said the Senate shares the wealth so she is able to secure funding every year for needed projects in her areas. One project, which will see sidewalks built near Hillsdale Elementary, is set to be constructed this summer.

Car safety inspections A portion of the night’s discussion centered around three survey questions Mayne asked of her constituents the previous week. One question regarded HB265 which would repeal the requirement for privately owned vehicles to get a safety inspection certificate.

The bill passed 45-29 in the House of Representatives, before heading to the Senate. If passed, car safety inspections would not be required by the state. Utah is one of 16 left in the country to require it.

“This is kind of a national movement for deregulation,” Mayne, who does not support the bill, said. “I want to deregulate things that are not harmful. I think if it’s harmful to anyone, if it does harm, it should be regulated and licensed.”

Kwan said there was lots of research shown on both sides.

She said a woman testified about a failed test due to a crack along the bottom of her windshield and how, as a single mom, it placed stress on her family finances.

The opposition points to cars that people may drive until mufflers or tires fall off thus placing other vehicles on the road in danger.

Education One resident raised a question regarding apprenticeship programs in high schools as a way to deter dropouts and encourage students learning trade skills.

The resident, a contractor, said he thinks schools could be

Utah State Sen. Karen Mayne, Utah State Rep. Karen Kwan and Utah State Rep. Elizabeth Weight listen to one resident as she speaks. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

teaching effective items like building codes. He said trade unions would be happy to teach those types of classes. He added he can’t find quality masons for work even though they make $30 an hour.

“All you’d have to do is allow [students] to opt into apprenticeship programs through the high school and allow that for credit so they can get a diploma out of it,” the contractor said.

He went on to say that he doesn’t know anyone in his profession who cares about SAGE testing done by schools, but contractors care about high school diplomas.

Weight said the needle is moving in that direction. Mayne agreed noting the growth around the valley.

“We are building and we don’t have skilled people that can put a plug in,” Mayne said.

Another resident said he feels for the high schools since they are graded on math and English scores that get put in newspapers.

“They’re double blocking math and English, which gives less time to take these elective courses that might be better for their career down the road, but it’s not better for the school and newspaper,” said the resident.

Gun issues HB198 came up when a resident voiced his concern about the bill that would allow a concealed carry license for individuals 18 and older.

The bill passed in the house 63-12 with Kwan and Weight both voting against. Mayne comes from a hunting family where she has granddaughters who hunt geese and ducks as 12-yearolds. They’re trained, she said, and reiterated her feeling that anything that causes harm should be licensed.

One resident said he’s fine with concealed weapons but is concerned about a cultural return to the Old West days.

Weight said she heard the same thing in the committees she serves in.

“There is a climate of friction and tension and bias and profiling and racism and its raised the level of concern about whose going to be the victim,” Weight said.

Towards the end of the meeting, West Valley City Mayor Ron Bigelow stood up to tell residents he hopes they’re appreciative of the efforts of these elected officials.

“Utah is well represented. If you talk to these officials, you see that they are reasonable, sincere, they come and talk to people.

Most elected officials here fall into that category, Democrat or Republican,” Bigelow said. “They represent the people the best they can and to those who are willing to put themselves out there, thank you.” 

APRIL 2017 | PAGE 9

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WEST VALLEY

EDUCATION

PAGE 10 | APRIL 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Learning life skills with robots: Monroe program qualified for state

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

F

or the first time in the program’s five-year existence, Monroe Elementary School saw their robotics team qualify for the state competition at Weber State University in February.

“It was really cool, I felt like we were idols cause we were the first ones in this school to go to state,” said sixth-grader Evan Potts.

Sixth-grade teacher and robotics coach Melissa Trujillo said students got to see what they’ve been aspiring to all year.

“That was a cool experience to take the kids on the campus plus give them the experience of a higher level of robotics team,” Trujillo said.

From September through January, the 10-member team (with an additional five alternates) prepared for their region competition.

Trujillo said the team is judged on three things: the functioning quality of their robot, core values where the kids display their ability to work together and a five-minute presentation that included a skit written by the students.

“They’ve had to learn to work together, learn to talk to professionals, they’ve had to learn how to present in front of judges. There’s just so many skills that they’ve had to be able to do,” Trujillo said.

Not only did they build the attachments to the robots with LEGOs, but with the Animal Allies theme of the competition the team had to learn about their chosen animal: sea turtles.

“The kids had to know everything about sea turtles, research where they live, how humans are harming them, why they’re important to the ocean,” Trujillo said.

It involved creating a solution to the six-pack soda rings that sea turtles become entangled in. Students developed a solution where a cardboard box with six holders was used—no rings and the box could decompose.

Made up of fifth and sixth graders, the team is part of the after-

who were former Monroe Elementary students. After the USU students had graduated, Trujillo took over for the first time this year that saw 30 kids try out. With the team’s success, the team can expect higher numbers at tryouts next year.

While the idea of building a robot was cool for the students and their coach, they said the benefits will far exceed the trophy they brought back to the school.

“This is something the kids will always remember,” Trujillo said.

Whether it was team work, communication, formal debates or friendship; students learned skills that will be important for the rest of their lives.

“I thought it would be a great part of my life,” said sixth-grader Abdi Mohamed of why he joined the team. “When I grow up, I’ll have more opportunities to get jobs.”

Sixth-grader Caden Trujillo, son to Melissa, said many careers involve the programming skills they learned.

“There’s lots of jobs out there that you need programming with like programming games, programming robots, drones, all that stuff,” Caden said.

Evan said being in the program helped him improve his social skills. As a result, the group is now filled with friendships they possibly might not have had otherwise.

“It combined like a lot of different people,” Caden said. “Because me and Abdi have been best friends since first grade, but other people like Evan and other people in there, we never really talked to each other, but this made us come together and be able to be friends with each other.”

The three plan to continue their robotics education next year when they go to West Lake STEM Junior High School to join their team. “We’re taking them to state,” Abdi said. 

Monroe Elementary robotics team qualified for the state competition at Weber State University. (Melissa Trujillo/Monroe Elementary School)

school program at Monroe, funded by a grant received from the Community Education Partnership.

“That our school’s able to give them these opportunities, I think that’s the neatest thing,” Trujillo said. “Even if these kids don’t go to state, even being able to come together in a program like this is super cool because it’s not offered everywhere.”

She added it gives students a chance to see other career opportunities besides sports.

The program originally began with Utah State graduate students

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APRIL 2017 | PAGE 11

EDUCATION

PAGE 12 | APRIL 2017

“To Strengthen and Promote the Shared Interests of the Business Community”

‘Shrek the Musical Jr.’ comes to Hunter Jr. High with tale of acceptance

Representing Businesses in West Valley City, Taylorsville, Kearns and Millcreek

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

Contact Information: Barbara S. Riddle, CMP

801-977-8755

barbara@chamberwest.org

Vision and Core Principles • Advocacy • Representation • Relationships

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

• Involvement • Value • Exposure

UPCOMING EVENTS PiNG (Professionals Networking Group) meets weekly on Wednesdays April 6 – Legislative Affairs April 13 – Leadership Institute April 13 – Business After Hours April 20 – Board of Directors April 26 – ChamberWest Luncheon Series

To invest in your organization and community, invest in ChamberWest!

ChamberWest Welcomes:

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For more information or to register for an event, call 801-977-8755 or visit www.ChamberWest.com

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ChamberWest Luncheon Series America’s Air Power in the 21st Century TownePlace Suites Marriott West Valley City

Thank You to our Community Investment Members

A

green ogre and his swamp came to Hunter Jr. High.

Hunter Jr. High theatre department played “Shrek the Musical Jr.” in the school’s auditorium at 6:30 p.m. from March 15-17. The musical, based off the 2001 Dreamworks film and 1990 book, was turned into a Broadway play in 2008.

Theatre teacher Amy Hatch said the play is perfect for this age group.

“It’s a really liberating show for them to be goofy and funny and take a risk in a safe place. It’s so important for that age group, I was like ‘let’s do it,’” Hatch said.

She chose the play after dance teacher Emily Jensen, who helped choreograph the show, suggested she do so two years ago.

The musical, about 70 minutes long, had about 40 cast members with Hatch describing her role as more of a facilitator, making adjustments to the students’ direction.

She said the finale that includes the famous song, “I’m a Believer,” was choreographed by the students. She also allowed for students to create their own character tics like the Wicked Witch having a New Jersey accent.

“I’m not a person that likes to take over cause I want them to show their personalities, there’s a lot of quirkiness in it and I love it,” Hatch said.

Hana McKinnon, who plays Donkey, said she wanted the character’s good vibes to emanate off the stage.

“I’m here to make people laugh, make people happy and the show more enjoyable and that’s what I’m trying to do onstage,” Hana, an eighth-grader, said.

For Adelaide Muir, who plays Fiona, she inhabited her character by studying what Fiona is feeling in her situation.

“She’s been trapped in a tower for 23 years and she just needs a little comfort and love.

That’s really special to me,” said Adelaide, an eighth-grader who has performed at Hale Center Theatre.

The musical had multiple songs, something eighth-grader Hyrum Despain wasn’t fully prepared for when given the lead role of Shrek. “(I did) a lot of singing practice, I wasn’t the best singer at first so I had to practice a lot,” he said.

Hyrum, who wore a fat suit to play the ogre, may have been the perfect person for the role of Shrek. Originally, he said he was uncomfortable holding Fiona’s hand and didn’t get along with everyone in the cast. Now his favorite part is having fun with everyone.

“It kinda tells everyone in the audience to

Adelaide Muir and Hyrum Despain play Fiona and Shrek in “Shrek the Musical Jr.” at Hunter Jr. High. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

accept everyone even though you might be a little different to try and get to know them and see their soft side,” Hyrum said.

Hatch said kids in junior high just want to be accepted and the show has characters with whom her students could identify.

“We talked a lot about how would you feel if you were rejected and told to move out of your home because you don’t look this way or you don’t act a certain way and they said ‘not good.’ What do you think they want more than anything? ‘Acceptance,’” Hatch recalled of the conversations.

It is a message the kids could understand.

Adelaide said she has people in her family with autism and could relate to the show’s message of acceptance.

“It’s a really good family show, it’s something we need to embrace right now is acceptance and love,” Hatch said.

Hana agreed, adding she liked that it doesn’t matter what background you come from because “we’re all kind of in it together.

No matter who you are or how much money you have or what family you come from.”

Just like the film, the show had many comedic moments from a farting duel between the main characters to the short-statured villain Lord Farquad.

Though Hatch has many favorite moments, she is excited for people to see the tap number that Jensen helped prepare.

“It’s something they wouldn’t expect for junior high. The tap number is going to be the greatest, and the finale is pretty darn cute,” she said. 

SPORTS

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

APRIL 2017 | PAGE 13

Screaming Eagles hire thousands of offensive coaches

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

A

s the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles opened their indoor football league season fans like Walter Tincher from West Valley City called the offensive plays and experienced the excitement of the team’s late game heroics.

“I thought it was a lot of fun. It is a step up from fantasy football. I think my choice of play was picked about 65 percent of the time,” Tincher said. “Before fantasy football I would root for a specific team. Then fantasy football came I started to root for my players, I had a buy in. They were my team. Now I have a direct say into the result of the game.”

The downloaded app allows the fans to pick from four available plays. Much like the video game Madden NFL 17, fans can see the play design and decide which play would work the best.

“It goes by majority vote. Sometimes I think the fans need to think about the choice a little more. We tried a two-point conversion almost every time and unlike the game engine in Madden it is a lot more difficult to score on real-life players,” Tincher said.

The Screaming Eagles lost their opening game 78-47 to the Nebraska Danger.

The Eagles first touchdown was a Verlon Reed pass to Derwyn Lauderdale for five

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The Screaming Eagles picked up their first win in overtime over the Colorado Crush 42-41.

yards. Fans around the arena erupted and stormed the field. Referees contemplated penalties yet decided to let the play continue.

Fans had experienced their first success in play calling.

“I was impressed with the defense and the

receivers. I was not that impressed with the QB (Reed). I really think he had some jitters.

I guess I am just a couch coach, generally fans opinions do not matter much,” Tincher said.

In the case of this team they do matter.

In week two the Screaming Eagles traveled

to Colorado to face the Crush. The Crush led 34-28 with 52 seconds remaining in the regulation. Reed led a five-play 25-yard drive to tie up the game at 34 with seven seconds remaining. The Eagles missed the extra point that would have won the game in regulation.

Eagles scored a touchdown and the fans voted to try a two-point conversion for the win. Eagles receiver Juan Dotson managed to get open in the back of the end zone where Reed connected with him to secure the victory.

“I think it would be fun to bench a player.

I would like to see us get a kicker. Right now, we have a receiver (Cy Strahm) that kicks. It kept my interest even when the game got out of hand. I still felt like I had a responsibility,” Tincher said. “There is even a real or perceived frustration sometimes when the play you choose is not called.”

Reed is averaging 196.5 yards per game passing and has thrown for 11 touchdowns. He also leads the team in rushing with 117 yards.

The Screaming Eagles will host the Crush March 31 and the Arizona Rattlers April 14 at Maverik Center in West Valley City.

Tickets can be purchased online, use the code “cityjournals” to receive special pricing. 

PAGE 14 | APRIL 2017

SPORTS

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Junior high wrestlers take to the mat

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

West Lake Junior High wrestler Bethany Gardner struggled in her first match of the school district tournament. She finished third in the 190 lb. weight class. (Greg James/City Journals)

H

unter High School rolled out the wrestling mats to host the Granite School District seventh- and eighth- grade junior high wrestling championships. Westlake Junior High’s Bethany Gardner took her place on the sidelines and readied herself for her match.

“I have been wrestling since fourth grade.

Now I am in seventh and I am still wrestling,” Gardner said as she waited for her turn on the mat. “I am more of a tomboy than a girly girl. I like to work out and play sports like soccer and softball. I like wrestling and I am pretty sure I can beat them.”

Gardner faced Taylor Pixton from Matheson Junior High in the first round, an escape put her in good position but a quick reversal and takedown by Pixton led to a nearfall and an 11-2 victory.

“The boys do not treat me any different. It is all about being tough,” Gardner said.

Gardner won in the next round because of an injury and finished third in the 190 lb. weight class.

Granite School District separated schools without ninth graders for its interscholastic sports programs last year. This change has led to a decrease in the number of athletes in wrestling meets.

At the tournament, 81 wrestlers competed for seven teams in 16 weight classes.

“When the freshmen were pulled out, the district started having two championships in all junior high sports. Honestly, it is not too much different (number of participants) if you add both tournaments together. The lower and higher weights always had lower numbers.

This is the nice thing about the junior high

Hunter Junior High seventh grader Toby Chapman and Kennedy’s Terrance Giles wrestled in the Granite School District 7-8 tournament, Giles won the match 8-2. (Greg James/City Journals)

programs is that it gets kids interested in the sport. There are camps and clubs for all ages,” Hunter wrestling head coach Terry Allen said.

In February, the Granite School District changed the rules to allow girls to wrestle in the same division as the boys.

“It was perfect timing for these kids, and I see several girls out competing. We have a couple of girls that are interested,” Allen said.

Matheson Junior High won the overall team championship, scoring 242 points.

Kennedy Junior High was second with 180, followed by Bonneville (126), Westlake (109), Hunter Junior High (55), Jefferson Junior High (36) and Kearns (35).

First place individual winners included; Karter Sandquist (Hunter Jr.), Anthony Chacon (Westlake), Dallin Marionos (Bonneville), Camdon Ketchum (Mattheson), Xavier Burtlet (Kennedy), Maea Gile (Kennedy), Taygen Esplin (Kennedy), Luke Rucket (Mattheson), Jh’dhan Lester (Mattheson), Dakota Garreaud (Mattheson), Zarrin Workman (Kennedy), Brena Lli (Kennedy) and Kennedy Tabile (Westlake).

Longtime Kennedy head coach Mark Mcomber is retiring following this season. He runs an intramural program before the regular season to help prepare his athletes.

“We have some kids that wrestle club and some that are brand new. When they get to the competition it is brand new to these kids. Next year we hope to change to a more dual meets.

I have seen some of these kids really improve.

Having girls involved is helping. If they show up and want to wrestle we will train with them just the same,” Mcomber said. 

SPORTS

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

APRIL 2017 | PAGE 15

College, here we come: recruits sign letters of intent

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

Your Career Begins

with Us!

Member Care Representative Lorenzo Fauatea, Logan Lutui, Tevita Tauvoa and Tielu Tiatia signed their letters of intent to play college football.

(Kolbie James/Hunter yearbook)

W

est Valley students were not left out on national signing day Feb. 1. Several Granger, Hunter and Cyprus football players inked their names on their letters of intent.

“They have put in the time and effort and are now being rewarded for their accomplishments,” Hunter head football coach Scott Henderson told a gathering of parents and students in the Hunter library on signing day.

Lorenzo Fauatea chose the Brigham Young University hat from the table in front of him as he picked up the pen to sign his letter.

The hat choice has become an integral part of most signing day ceremonies.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive lineman was rated the fifth top prospect in Utah

by Scout.com. He had narrowed his choices to Utah, BYU and at one point had committed to Oregon State.

Hunter also produced three other signees, all lineman.

Defensive end Logan Lutui signed to join Weber State. The senior was named honorable mention all-state and received an academic all-region award. He plans on majoring in business.

Tevita Tauvoa signed a letter of intent to Snow College. The 6-foot-1, 255-pound lineman joins the Badgers this fall, a year after they finished 6-4.

The Wolverines depleted their line with its last signee. Tielu Tiatia decided to sign with Southern Utah University. At 6 foot, 230 pounds he is the smallest of the Wolverines to depart.

“It is important for these kids to obtain a high GPA (grade point average). I hope you all understand for now on you will represent Hunter High,” Henderson explained to his departing players.

A 2014 Granger graduate, Khyiris Tonga made waves, he decommitted from the University of Utah and signed to attend BYU. The versatile offense and defensive lineman is expected to compete right away for the Cougars.

He recently returned from an LDS mission in Kansas and changed his allegiance. He also played some tight end for the Lancers.

Granger defensive back Sommy Achebo signed for Southern Utah University. He was labeled an under the radar safety by Scout. com.

“I hope you (Achebo) realize that you at that school affects these kids (pointing at other players) here at Granger. We want other kids to get where you are,” Lancer head coach Mike Morgan told the Lancer signee.

Cyprus was not to be left out of the signing day parties. The Pirates had two players sign with prominent junior colleges.

TJ Palu signed with Snow College. He is a 6-foot-2, 258-pound defensive tackle. He led the Pirates in tackles for loss last season.

The Pirates leading tackler Omar Campos signed to attend Riverside City Community College. He is a high speed middle linebacker.

He has maintained a 3.9 cumulative grade point average. His 4.78 second 40-yard dash time and 28-inch vertical jump rate high on huddle.com among other linebackers.

“I talk to a lot of college coaches that tell me if you are a player they will find you. Too many kids think that if you want a scholarship you have to go to a certain school. It is true family when you play with the kids you have grown up with,” Henderson said.

Signing day has become an event that West Valley schools are not going to be left out of. 

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PAGE 16 | APRIL 2017 Salt Lake County Council

MESSAGE

R

esidents in Salt Lake County enjoy a great quality of life, in part thanks to the outdoor recreation opportunities available through open space. I am a strong proponent of the benefits of recreation and open space to individuals, families, and the community as a whole.

I represent the county on the Jordan River Commission, and served as chair last year. I’ve been privileged to work with the people on the commission to preserve and enhance the open space around the river. Seeing this flourish as a resource for families, bikers, and all other outdoor enthusiasts has been a rewarding part of my public service. These amenities encourage physical, mental, and emotional health and well being for all.

I am passionate about preserving open space within Salt Lake County whenever a prudent opportunity arises. I am also passionate about ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and appropriately in Salt Lake County.

Recently, proposal came before the Salta Lake County Council County Council asking us to spend $3 million

MESSAGE

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

County Council votes against buying land in Wasatch County Aimee Winder Newton, County Council District 3

to help purchase a parcel of land known as Bonanza Flats, in the Wasatch Mountains west of Guardsman Pass. This land is mostly in Wasatch County.

This proposal was denied as I voted no, along with four of my colleagues. We support expending taxpayer dollars within Salt Lake County. Many people contacted us saying they would rather see their Salt Lake County tax dollars spent within their own county to preserve open space.

We have parks that are unfinished. We have opportunities to expand open space around the Jordan River. We have high-growth areas in the valley that are being developed and need open space preserved. We also have our own Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains that some have asked us to preserve.

It is tough to make decisions about all of these needs within a tight budget. Three million dollars may not sound like a lot, but it is one percent of the County general fund. To make decisions regarding large dollar amounts after

the budget has already been approved means we can’t weigh this request against other priorities such as criminal justice reform, mental health services, and other needs.

Bonanza Flats is a beautiful area, and worth preserving. That’s why I made a personal

contribution through Utah Open Lands, and encourage anyone else who would like to see that land preserved do the same. But I do not believe it would be an appropriate use of Salt Lake County tax dollars given the cost, timing, and location outside of Salt Lake County. 

Aimee Winder Newton, County Council District 3

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APRIL 2017 | PAGE 17

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

SPOTLIGHT

Medallus Medical

Business Spotlights are a service offered to our advertisers to help them inform our readers about their businesses. For information on scheduling a Spotlight, please call us at 801-254-5974 or email us at ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com

In a world of rising healthcare costs, many people delay or avoid seeing a doctor.

What people like this need is another health care option, one that won’t drain their bank accounts if they come down with a sinus infection or break their arm. That option exists. It’s called Medallus Medical.

Formerly known as After Hours Medical, Medallus Medical is a network of nine urgent and primary care facilities that facilitate an innovative membership program as well as accept most major health insurance options.

The membership program works like this: members pay a monthly fee for themselves and their family and then pay a $10 office visit fee for all-inclusive, in-office services with some procedures offered at discounted rates. Members are able to receive quick access to doctors when ill or injured and avoid costly emergency room visits.

Medallus is a walk-in facility, open late seven days a week every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Medallus also offers 24/7 telephone and telemedicine services.

“The bottom line is that Medallus is the absolute cheapest way to keep my employees happy and healthy,” FastKart owner Joe Miller said. “It is the best benefit I can provide them for the money. Period.”

“My wife cut her finger and we went to Medallus and paid $10 to get the stitches,” Miller said. “My daughter broke her finger and we went to a hospital and that visit cost us about $1,100.”

The membership program is not restricted to the well insured. Services are open to all, including the uninsured and those with high deductibles. People who are uninsured can get the basic access they need to a physician and the insured can save out-of-pocket costs and reduce premiums. But, it should be noted, the Medallus Medical membership does not satisfy the insurance requirements for the Affordable Healthcare Act. Troy Mason, owner of TechnaGlass, also provides an employee program through Medallus Medical. TechnaGlass has been a member of Medallus Medical for about four years.

Mason said that it has allowed his employees to have higher deductible plans and still get access to non-catastrophic medical services.

As the father of five daughters, Mason says it’s not uncommon for one child to pass an illness on to another, thus making office visits a regular thing.

One of Mason’s daughters cut her finger on broken glass while at the University of Utah. For $10, she was treated at the Medallus location near downtown Salt Lake City and, 10 days later, was able to get the stitches removed at the location closer

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to Mason’s home, he said.

“From a father’s perspective it has been fantastic and from an employer’s perspective it allows us to get our employees more affordable access to health care,” Mason said.

Medallus facilities are equipped for basic primary care such as physicals as well as long-term care for patients with diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc. Medallus treats urgent needs, acute illnesses such as respiratory illnesses, infections, broken bones, lacerations and any other non-life threatening issues. All locations are equipped with a laboratory and digital X-ray systems.

Medallus Medical facilities are not equipped to handle chronic pain management, long-term treatment with controlled medications such as Oxycontin, Methadone and Adderall, substance addiction and withdrawal or advanced psychiatric problems.

“There is no reason to not go to a doctor now,” Miller said.

“I think that anyone who doesn’t use Medallus is a fool. You can quote me on that.”

Contact Medallus Medical at 1-877-633-9110 or visit www. medallus.com to find a location near you.

For information about membership for yourself/family or business, please contact Arliss at 801-810-7058 or email at Arlissf@medallus.com. 

PAGE 18 | APRIL 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL NEWS FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

INDUSTRY

Larkin Mortuary

The last thing on your bucket list.

Swimming with sharks. Lunching beneath the Eifel Tower.

Seeing the Cubs win the World Series. Planning your own funeral. Hopefully you watched every at-bat with Bill Murray and can check the cubs off your bucket list. As for sharks and Paris, Bring your lunch to the square not to the shark cage and you’ll be fine. As for funeral planning, here’s a few suggestions.

First, make it yours. That’s right, don’t die and let aunt Helen sing “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” accompanied by one of her friends on the new age harp. The only way to prevent that is to pre-plan. “We’ve had some people come in with some pretty crazy ideas,” says Spencer Larkin of Larkin Mortuary. “We’re fine if they want their casket painted fire engine red like their first car, or they want the whole congregation to sing the words to an Elton John song. What’s important for those left behind is the opportunity to celebrate all the characteristics of a friend or family member who made them laugh, love and cry. All those emotions are essential to preserving memories and celebrating life.” The only way to do that is to plan the service yourself.

Think of it as the last thing on your bucket list.

Second, plan it with your spouse only. You two started together, write the ending together without the distraction of keeping everybody in the family happy. Don’t feel guilty about not including them. They get to do their own someday.

Third, Plan with somebody you can trust and let all the kids and friends know where the plans are. Larkin does a great job at this, no matter where you want to be buried or cremated or cryogenically frozen. They sit one-on-one with you and go over

every detail. The plan is digitally stored, backed-up and updated regularly so there is no chance of one data bit being lost. They offer different financial plans so your kids don’t get stuck with the bill…unless that is part of your plan.

“Most people don’t know all the details that go into a service until someone close to them passes,” Spencer says. “And over and over we hear them say: ‘I wish I could’ve enjoyed the days before the funeral but I was too caught up in planning and

worrying about offending someone in the family and how I was going to pay for things.’ When parents have a plan in place it’s the best parting gift they can give their children.”

So take out your bucket list. Go straight to the bottom and add Pre Plan my funeral. When you check that one off you’ll feel a whole lot better knowing Helen will be singing at your brotherin-law’s funeral, not yours. 

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APRIL 2017 | PAGE 19

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

Life

Laughter AND

by

PERI KINDER

WEST VALLEY

Far From the Madding Crowd

I

’ve never been socially dynamic, flitting from person to person at parties like a butterfly with a Mountain Dew addiction. In most social occasions, I’m standing under the exit sign, trying to catch my husband’s eye and pointing to my watch.

My hubbie is a card-carrying extrovert who loves the thrill of the crowd. He talks to strangers, tells jokes in public and uses phrases like, “I’m just thinking out loud.” I’ve never used that sentence in my entire life.

A recent personality assessment said my potential careers should include hermit, monk and/ or crazy cat lady, which isn’t a surprise. When I watched The Martian, I wondered why (besides the lack of oxygen, books and food) Matt Damon would ever want to return to Earth.

I’m not anti-people, but as a loud-and-proud introvert, our overly stimulated society can, at times, be exhausting.

Introverts get a bad rap. We’re considered bashful and insecure when actually we’re superobservant, intelligent and creative individuals.

But still. Extroverts “help” me adjust to society by saying things like, “To feel confident, stand like Wonder Woman for two minutes every day.”

I already feel confident. I would no sooner stand with my hands on my hips than I would stand with a pencil stuck up my nose.

They suggest that introverts be team leaders to “boost self-esteem” without realizing that group

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My husband has learned that if I don’t have some alone time to recharge, I get . . . irritable.

(He uses a different word, but I can’t put it in this column.)

If I have two hours of uninterrupted alone time, it’s better than Christmas morning. I’ll plan which books to read. I stock up on really good chocolate.

I’ll make sure my super-soft socks are clean. But if plans change and I lose that time? God help the world. Wrath is an understatement.

I’m not saying introverts are right and extroverts are wrong, or vice versa. I’m saying the world needs both social butterflies and quietly introspective people who bring a sense of calm to an overworked culture. All I’m asking for is sincere connection and a spouse who is willing to leave the party early. 

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assignments can push an introvert so far into a closet, they’ll wind up in Narnia. But give me a task and send me to my room, and I can accomplish pretty much anything.

Here’s how to make small talk with an introvert: don’t. Hell is an endless social mixer where I have to make small talk for eternity. But if you want to have a genuine conversation that doesn’t revolve around sports or weather, I’m all yours.

Extroverts often mistake an introvert’s silence for shyness when we’re actually, what’s the word?

Listening. In fact, we’re such good listeners, we often hear what’s NOT being said. Most introverts can read the emotional situation in the room, especially if there’s lots of standing with hands on hips.

Things an introvert hates: surprise parties.

Things an introvert never says: “I’ll be working the crowd,” “Everyone gather around,” “I can’t wait for the company party.”

If I was forced to post a profile on a dating site (which I’m not, dear), it would say, “Don’t bother contacting me. I’m not home. Well, I’m home, but I’m never going to talk to you.”

I dream of living in a library with a fully-stocked gourmet kitchen, warm blankets and a trapdoor that opens under the welcome mat when someone rings the doorbell. My personal space is a 20-foot circumference from the end of my outstretched arms. If an introvert hugs you, they really like you.

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