West Valley Journal | June 2025 by The City Journals

‘We’ve got some major decisions to make’ Over one year later, city manager remains excited

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

West Valley’s City Manager Ifo Pili is very excited about the community’s future, and is working on a comprehensive plan for the city’s growth.

It’s been 14 months since Ifo Pili started at his position as city manager for West Valley City. When he first learned of the job while serving as city manager for almost four years in Las Cruces, New Mexico, he said he “saw the potential for economic development and growth in West Valley. It’s such a dynamic city, and it checked all the boxes of a place I could call home.”

He feels that excitement even more now.

“In my first year, I did a lot more listening and observing than talking,” he said. “I’ve learned about the city and where we came from and why we’re here. I’ve been impressed with how well the city has been doing and is doing, along with the progress we’ve made. We’ve been on a very good trajectory and my goal is to be sure that continues as we move forward.”

Pili says he’s been impressed with “the staff we have in place, a very tenured staff that works well with our elected officials. Our mayors over the last decade have been working hard on the projects to improve our downtown and programming with regards to public safety. From an economic development standpoint, I am pleased that we have so many solid businesses and tenants in our industrial park.”

He also knows the challenges that West Valley City faces regarding development, with an increasingly smaller amount of land left for residential. That’s why he and fellow city leaders are about to embark on creating a comprehensive plan to guide the city for the next 20 years.

“Whether we like it or not, we should be going vertical now, and that changes the skyline of the city,” he said. “We’ve got some major decisions to make, and we’re going to be proposing a very comprehensive plan which we’ll update with our new July budget. It’s going to be about a year and half worth of charettes and town hall meetings and steering committees, getting the whole public involved in creating a document that can guide us forward.”

He said an RFP (request for proposal) will be ready to go for the new fiscal year starting in July to find a consulting firm to help WVC through the process of creating the plan.

“There are a lot of ideas from different residents, and

I want to hear those voices,” he said. “As a city manager, I’m not an elected official. I’m not the voice of the people. But I have opinions like any other resident. We want to consolidate thoughts and ideas and find out how best to deal with residential density, building heights, single family homes and multi-family residences. How do we best balance those? Where does it make the most sense to build them?”

West Valley has the Maverik Center and the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater, great entertainment venues, along with Centennial Park and a fitness center. He adds that the city doesn’t have a splash pad which is something he’d like to see.

“The city is 45 years old, and we’re looking ahead towards our celebration when we turn 50,” he said. “We’re

a city of 150,000 and want to continue improving our infrastructure. We have great growth in our industrial park and the city is praised for our proximity to the airport and our freeway access. These are all virtues that West Valley City has to offer new businesses who want to relocate here, along with our workforce.”

Pili said there are 45,000 jobs in the city today, and more continue to be added.

“This is a very exciting time for West Valley City,” he said. “I feel very blessed to be here at this time. I don’t know how many other cities can match up to us, but I’m guessing not too many. People are coming to West Valley City to work, to play, and most of all to live and raise their families. I want in my role to help continue that, to really try to improve and make our city the best it can be.” l

West Valley City Manager Ifo Pili recently completed his first year in the city. (Photo courtesy West Valley City)

Salt Lake County

801-840-4000 Sandy & Salt Lake City

801-799-3000

DATES FOR LEGAL DISCHARGE

: July 2-5 | July 22-25

*If you live in a restricted area, it is illegal to discharge fireworks anytime

TIMES

*On July 4 & July 24 time of discharge is extended to 12:00 midnight

Enjoy a Safe, Healthy, Active Summer

By Vincent Giron, DO

With summer here and everyone wanting to spend time outdoors and to be more active, there are four important health and safety tips that I recommend for all age groups and activity levels.

1. Stay hydrated. The No. 1 priority for summer safety is proper hydration before and after activity. Drinking lots of water and reducing the amount of caffeinated drinks is crucial for hydration. Adding electrolytes such as sports drinks is also helpful while avoiding excess sugar. Zero sugar or diet electrolyte sports drinks and hydration packs are an easy way to do this.

2. Use sunscreen. Sunscreen is crucial not only for skin health but can help with hydration as well. Sunburns put you at higher risk for dehydration. Applying sunscreen and reapplying frequently especially while swimming, playing sports, and hiking keeps your skin healthy and protected. Being conscientious about sun exposure helps prevent skin cancer, wrinkles, skin

discolorations and will help to keep your skin looking and feeling young.

3. Wear a helmet. Summer is a great time to go outdoors riding bikes, scooters and other fun activities while getting exercise. But anytime we bike, scoot, skate or participate in any riding activity, it is imperative to wear a helmet. No matter how short your ride is, you need to protect your brain. It only takes one fall or accident to cause permanent brain damage or life-long disability.

4. Stretch. People of all ages and activity levels from youth sports to the weekend warrior need to be stretching before and after activity. In the summer it is easy to skip the warm-up when exercising or playing sports because the warmer temperatures make us feel ready to go; however our muscles are still tight and are just as prone to injury as in the colder months. Taking the time to warm up by gradually stretching our muscles not only helps prevent injury but promotes muscle building and endurance. Stretching is especially im-

portant for elderly individuals. Stretching also helps reduce aches and pains as well as improve mobility and stability, which decrease the risk of falls.

Exercise is important for all ages. Summer is a great time to increase your level of activity. Exercise, especially outdoors, promotes physical as well as mental health and wellbeing. I hope we can all get outside, spend time with family and friends, and most of all, stay safe and healthy!

Dr. Vincent Giron is a CommonSpirit Health family medicine physician specializing in sports medicine. He is accepting new patients. His clinic is located at CommonSpirit Primary Care & Sports Medicine West Valley at 3336 S. 4155 W., Ste. 102 in West Valley. Phone:801-964-3925. He accepts most insurances.

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

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

minutes count, count on our emergency care. Get to know us before you need us.

When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.

Congratulations to CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – West Valley for receiving the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade-A Accreditation for the second consecutive time. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades are determined based on a rigorous assessment of various safety measures. Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.

711).

Dr. Vincent Giron, DO CommonSpirit Primary Care & Sports Medicine West Valley

Utah First Amphitheater is gearing up for its largest season yet

It could be a record-breaking season at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater, with at least 40 events planned and more to be announced.

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

Thisis the 22nd season for concerts at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater in West Valley City, and organizers are calling it “the biggest year yet.”

With up to 40 events already anticipated (as of mid-April), and more concerts expected to be booked soon, the venue, known for its first 20 years as the USANA Amphitheater, will host perhaps its widest variety of acts ever.

“I said that last year would be a record year, right? It was the biggest year in the history of the amphitheater. And lo and behold, we're going to beat that this year,” said Trent Falcone, marketing director for Live Nation which owns the venue. “It's not official right now, but I mean, we at least will have 40-plus shows, which is about 10 more than we had last year. That’s unheard of.”

The season kicks off on Thursday, May 29, with Hardy’s Jim Bob World Tour. It continues through at least Sept. 27 with Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. The lineup features performers from almost all genres of music-country, rock, hip hop, metal, R&B and everything in between.

Falcone said there are two reasons for the increased number of concerts coming to Utah First Amp.

“Performers love Utah,” he said. “We have one of the best amphitheaters in the country, and Utahns just love concerts. We sell a lot of tickets. And yeah, it's a passionate fan base.”

He said many performers play in small venues, perhaps before 4,000 fans. When they come to Utah First Amp, there can be between

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12,000 to 20,000 in attendance.

“For some of the newer groups going out on tour, we might be the biggest crowd they’ve ever played for,” he said. Utahns are known to be hardy concert goers. They will stay in their seats no matter how hot or cold it might be, and remain even if it’s windy or rainy.

“It's a great, great city for live music. And yeah, you absolutely hear artists talk about, you know, how many times over the years, that we're the biggest show of their career,” he said.

He said touring is cyclical, just a combination of artists wanting to get out on the road.

“I think we're probably seeing a little more traffic because of the Delta Center and their expansion process that they're going through with hockey and the NBA. I think that's probably pushed a few more dates our way. That's complete speculation. I don't know if that's actually the case, but I do know a lot of artists want to go on the road, and they want to be outside.”

The schedule, which is listed below, “is one of the most diverse lineups I can remember in a while,” Falcone said. “It's all over the place. We have a fair amount of country, we have a fair amount of metal. We have some alternative artists and pop artists and classic rock artists, and even hip hop.”

Two performers–Hozier (Aug. 1 and 2) and Chris Stapleton (Aug. 15 and 16)–will have two consecutive nights of concerts, and Falcone said those shows are already nearing sell outs.

“Generally, if we're going to do two nights, we're pretty confident that the artists are going to sell two nights, and most of the time we're correct,” he said. Last summer, Post Malone had two consecutive concerts, and Imagine Dragons actually had three shows.

Complete ticket and show information is available at livenation.com. The amphitheater is located at 5150 So. Westridge Blvd. l

2025 lineup for Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater

May 29: Hardy: Jim Bob World Tour

June 6: Matt Rife: Stay Golden Tour

June 11: Styx and Kevin Cronin+Don

Felder

June 14: Mumford and Sons

June 15: Stick Figure-Island Holiday

Summer Tour

June 20: Pierce the Veil

June 24: Halsey

June 28: Cody Johnson

July 1: Kesha and Scissor Sisters

July 8: Summer of Loud event

July 12: Incubus

July 13: Collective Soul

July 18: Keith Urban

July 19: Volbeat, Halestorm

July 21: Baby Metal

July 22: AJR

July 26: Jason Aldean

July 30: The Lumineers

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July 31: Dierks Bentley

Aug. 1 and 2: Hozier

Aug. 10: Rufus Du Sol

Aug. 14: Cyndi Lauper

Aug. 15-16: Chris Stapleton

Aug. 20: Pantera

Aug. 21: Counting Crows

Aug. 22: Alabama Shakes

Aug. 23: $uicide Boy$

Aug. 26: Goo Goo Dolls

Aug. 27: Toto, Men at Work, Christopher Cross

Aug. 28: Little Big Town

Aug. 29: Big Time Rush

Sept. 5: Billy Idol

Sept. 6: The Offspring

Sept. 20: Thomas Rhett

Sept. 27: Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace

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

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Crowds enjoy concerts each summer at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater in West Valley City, and the new season begins May 29. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Redwood Swap Meet vendors move to a new location

Vendors at the former Redwood Road swap meet in West Valley have relocated to a new site and could be offered a second option.

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

It didn’t take too long for vendors at the former Redwood Swap Meet in West Valley City to find a new host site. In fact, they may have two to choose from going forward.

Since being displaced last December when the site of the Redwood DriveIn was closed and eventually demolished for a housing development, vendors have been looking for a new place to show their wares. Earlier this spring, they began setting up at Suami del 801, a warehouse style facility at 1055 W. Temple in Salt Lake City. Latin music plays in the building and the site hosts up to 300 vendors each Sunday and is working to open on Saturdays as well.

In the meantime, Cristian Carbujal Gutierrez, who has worked with many of the Redwood vendors in the past, wants to create an open-air swap meet in Grantsville. He was among the leaders opposed to West Valley City’s decision to close the

drive-in when new owners purchased the property with plans to build single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums on the land at 3688 S. Redwood Road. The city council approved rezoning for the site last year.

That decision forced the vendors, many who are immigrants from Latin America, to find a new place for their products to be sold. On any given weekend over the past 20-plus years, hundreds of sellers and buyers came to the Redwood Road site for the meet. Carbujal Gutierrez spoke at the council meeting last October when the rezoning was approved, sharing their sentiment that it would mean not just a loss of the swap meet, but possible displacement of many of the vendors who might leave the city due to their loss of jobs and income.

One vendor the West Valley Journal spoke to in September was Juan Bastidas, who has been a vendor at the meet for years. He said it has been important to keep the meet, as it provides extra income to support his family, and he worries about how the closure will affect other families.

“I fear that many vendors will go into bankruptcy,” he said. “They have mortgages, and if they don’t have that extra income, I don’t know what they’ll do. I understand that West Valley is growing and

we need more houses, but we also need more businesses. It might be nice for them to make 300 families happy, but they’re going to cause hundreds more to be out of work and bankrupt. It doesn’t make sense, and it’s not fair.”

The rezone happened, so the dust is settling as vendors decide where the swap

meet ends up next. Gutierrez would like to see the event remain open-air and use the new location as a chance to further educate vendors about managing their businesses, including how to get licenses. He is hopeful a location in Grantsville can be up and running by mid-May (after our publication date). l

Community representatives planning for new hospital coming to West Valley City

Ground-breaking ceremony for the full-service hospital on 22 acres set for this summer.

By Darrell Kirby d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

As University of Utah Health’s planned hospital is getting closer to actual construction, community representatives of West Valley City and adjacent communities are launching efforts to gather more information about the health care and other needs of westside residents.

Members of U West Valley, a partnership of the University of Utah, West Valley and surrounding areas in northwest Salt Lake County, met virtually in late April to lay out plans to better determine and serve the needs in a part of the valley they say has long been underserved, particularly in the area of health care.

Troy D’Ambrosio was recently appointed as chief of staff for University of Utah President Taylor Randall and his vice president of innovation for two years before that. “One of his main goals is for the university to have greater societal impact and this is really the tip of the spear for that initiative,” D’Ambrosio told U West Valley members. “This is very close to his

heart as to what he wants to see happen in this part of the valley,” D’Ambrosio said of his boss.

Another entity helping U West Valley create a vision for additional services and resources on the west side is the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. “We’re planning on doing research into the West Valley region over the next couple of years and publishing some fact sheets that can spread reliable data and research about the West Valley area,” said Heidi Prior, a policy analyst at the institute. Part of that research is to be gathered through a survey that the institute circulated among U West Valley members in May to help narrow the focus of its analysis.

University Health’s proposed full-service hospital on 22 acres at 3750 South and 5600 West is a key part of enabling the University of Utah to deliver on its evolving mission to enhance the quality of life on the valley’s west side. Funding for construction received a kickstart in March when it was announced that The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation was donating $75 million. The current estimate for the full project is at least $855 million, much of which will be covered by the issuance of $800 million in bonds that the Legislature has authorized for the university. It was also announced that a ground-

U West Valley committee members are helping to pave the way for the upcoming construction of the University of Utah Health medical complex by studying the needs of the community. (Courtesy U West Valley)

breaking ceremony for the first phase of the hospital construction will be held during West Valley City’s annual WestFest

celebration in June. Details were pending as of May. Phase one is expected to be completed in 2028. l

The former Redwood Road swap meet might have a new location soon. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

SpringFest shares community services with public

Vendors from both public and private enterprises participated in the annual SpringFest event on May 3 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

West Valley City’s annual SpringFest celebration was well attended on May 3. Thousands came to the Utah Cultural Celebration Center to learn more about city and community services, enjoy some popcorn and free beverages, and be entertained by local musicians.

Among those with booths and demonstrations were the West Valley City Police, Fire and Emergency Management Departments, the Family Fitness Center and the Grants Division. As always, the public safety booths and personnel were heavily visited during the three-hour event.

The fest featured displays from Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, Grow the Flow (for protecting the Great Salt Lake), Health Choice Utah, the My Hometown programs including the Interfaith Council and Youth in Action, Salt Lake County Health Department and WIC, the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, the Granger Hunter Improvement District, PBS Utah, Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, Take Care Utah, Network Autism Program, Comunidad Materna en Utah-Seeds for Motherhood, Children’s Christian School, Club Ability, Donorconnect, Friends for Sight, Harman Senior Center, Salt Lake Community College’s Medical Technologies Division, Sierra Club Utah, ThrivePoint Academy and the Utah Music

Teachers Association.

“I really like seeing so many community groups together in one place, so we can learn about their programs and their services,” said Jacob Dustin, one of the visitors to the event.

Outside, the PLANTERS NUTmobile, making its first appearance ever in Utah, drew lots of interest. Two of the vehicle’s three-person driving crew were there to hand out bags of peanuts and talk about the vehicle, which will travel to 38 states this year. l

WestFest event returns to Centennial Park for food and family fun

WestFest returns to Centennial Park in West Valley City starting with a pickleball tourney on June 11 and continuing through June 15.

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

Theannual WestFest celebration returns to Centennial Park, 5405 W. 3100 South in West Valley City, starting June 12 and running through June 15.

As always, the emphasis will be on food, games, carnival rides and entertainment. Organizers set out to recognize the many different cultures and backgrounds of the city’s residents, with artisans, crafters, food vendors and entertainers coming together to celebrate the West Valley City spirit.

Events actually begin on Wednesday, June 11 with the WestFest pickleball tournament. Women’s advance play starts at 5 p.m. and intermediate at 7:30 p.m. On Thursday, June 12, men’s advance starts at 5 p.m. and intermediate at 7:30 p.m. No games on Friday, June 13, but the mixed advance play will start at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, with intermediate at 10 a.m. Medals will be given for first, second and third places.

On both Thursday and Friday, the festival will run from 5 to 10 p.m., with the carnival midway open from 5 to 11 p.m. In addition to lots of rides, the carnival includes a stage for performers and lots of food vendors. Friday night will also include fireworks at 10 p.m.

Saturday begins with the WestFest fun run at 8 a.m., followed by the annual parade at 10 a.m. The festival and carnival will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. that day, with fireworks again at 10 p.m. The carnival only will continue on Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.

Much more information, including schedules for entertainers, the parade route and other details, are available online at www.westfest.org. l

Many vendor booths offered information on community programs at the SpringFest. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Carnival rides are on tap for the upcoming WestFest. (File photo City Journals)

Bradshaw trades council seat for bigger office and bigger headaches

Arlyn Bradshaw steps down from county council to join Mayor Jenny Wilson’s administration.

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

After 14 years of public service, Salt Lake County Councilmember Arlyn Bradshaw has announced his resignation from the council, effective May 14, to assume the role of Associate Deputy Mayor for Finance and Administration under Mayor Jenny Wilson. Bradshaw, who has represented District 1 (West Valley, South Salt Lake, and Salt Lake City) since 2010, will now oversee significant initiatives, including the relocation of the county government center to Midvale, the reconstruction of the Salt Palace Convention Center and the implementation of compensation reforms within the county government.

Reflecting on his tenure, Bradshaw said, "It has been an honor to serve the residents of District 1 for over 14 years on the county council. I take seriously the trust our community placed in me and have worked diligently to be an effective representative."

Bradshaw made history in 2010 as the first openly gay person elected to the Salt Lake County Council. During his time in office, he championed numerous initiatives, including the establishment of air quality programs like wood-burning restrictions, transgender rights and financial support for low-income individuals to repair high-polluting vehicles. He also advocated for improved transportation infrastructure, supporting the development of regional trails and urban bike paths.

"I'm proud of the work I have done on behalf of my LGBTQ community, individuals in need of substance use and mental health services, and public health. I worked hard to make Salt Lake County a vibrant place to live and visit," Bradshaw said.

In addition to his council duties, Bradshaw served on multiple boards, such as the Visit Salt Lake Executive Board, the Utah State Transparency Advisory Board, and the Salt Lake City Airport Advisory Board. He also held the position of board chair for the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake County.

Mayor Jenny Wilson expressed her appreciation for Bradshaw's continued commitment to public service:

"Arlyn brings deep institutional knowledge, strategic insight, and a longstanding commitment to public service. I'm grateful he's chosen to continue serving the county in this new role."

According to a Salt Lake County press release, Bradshaw will be involved with the relocation of its government op-

erations to a new facility in Midvale by 2026. The county purchased the former Overstock headquarters, known as the "Peace Coliseum," for $52 million. This 257,777-square-foot building, located at 799 W. Coliseum Way, offers modern amenities and is strategically situated near I-15 and a TRAX station, providing accessibility for residents and employees alike.

The decision to move was influenced by the escalating maintenance costs of the current government center on State Street, which were estimated to exceed $225 million. By consolidating services into a single, centrally located facility, the county aims to improve operational efficiency and public access to services.

In his new role, Bradshaw will work closely with Deputy Mayor Darrin Casper on several complex initiatives, including the transition to the county's new government center, the reconstruction of the Salt Palace Convention Center, and the implementation of council-mandated compensation reforms. His leadership will also help shape internal communications, improve facilities and real estate strategies, and strengthen collaboration between Mayor Wilson's office, the county council, and independent elected officials.

In April 2025, the Salt Lake County Council unanimously approved the sale of approximately 6.5 acres of the Salt Palace Convention Center's western portion to Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) for $55.4 million. This transaction is a cornerstone in the development of a new "sports, entertainment, culture and convention district" in downtown Salt Lake City, aiming to enhance connectivity between key landmarks such as the Delta Center, Abravanel Hall, Temple Square, and future 2034 Winter Games venues.

The redevelopment plan includes the demolition of the sold section of the convention center, followed by the construction of a new segment featuring a second ballroom. This addition will allow the facility to host multiple major events simultaneously, potentially generating an estimated $105 million in additional annual economic impact, supplementing the $426 million the facility already contributes each year.

Bradshaw's responsibilities will encompass overseeing the phased reconstruction of the Salt Palace, ensuring that the facility remains operational during the renovation process.

Following Bradshaw's resignation, the Salt Lake County Democratic Party will conduct a special election to fill the District 1 seat. The party's central committee members residing in District 1 are expected to vote on a replacement by June 11. l

New Associate Deputy Mayor Arlyn Bradshaw at Petapalooza in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Arlyn Bradshaw)

Hunter Jr. High teacher recognized with Excel Award

Jennifer Johnson named outstanding educator by Granite Education Foundation.

Jennifer Johnson was named an outstanding educator by the Granite Education Foundation this year. Johnson, a special education teacher at Hunter Jr. High, was one of 10 educators in Granite School District recognized and eligible to be named the district’s teacher of the year. That award ultimately went to Kearns Jr. High teacher Rai Pattison. Winners were surprised at their

Cyprus High finishes as state runners-up in unified basketball

Photo by Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

In a state finals against West Jordan High, Cyprus High’s coed unified basketball team came up short in their division in a hard-fought game.

The Pirates had secured the opportunity to play in the March 28 championship at the Delta Center after advancing from their regional tournament.

Unified basketball embraces students with and without intellectual disabilities to play side by side. The program, supported by both Special Olympics Utah and the Utah High School Activities Association, now boasts more than 200 high school coed unified basketball teams across the state. l

‘There is magic in education’

Whittier teacher recognized by Granite Education Foundation with Excel Award.

respective schools by district officials with a $1,500 check and gifts from community sponsors.

Johnson emphasized the importance of relationships with students. “When you see a student as an individual, you get to know their talents, skills and interests. You engage, encourage and empower. A positive relationship means you know not only how to encourage, but also when to push, and when to pull back. In return, when a student knows they can trust you; they are more willing to tackle a difficult task or try again if they’ve fallen short.” l

Shellie Rush, a fifth-grade teacher at Whittier Elementary, was recognized (and surprised) by the Granite Education Foundation this year as an Excel Award winner. The foundation awards outstanding educators in the Granite School District every year celebrating those who go above and beyond in forging a “legacy

of leadership and learning.” Rush spoke of how special not only the job is, but the kids she teaches.

“Never giving up has a direct impact on our students. When they see our efforts, our hard work, determination and resilience, when they see how much we care about their success, they will come to see themselves as we do. They will see themselves as unstoppable. There is magic in education. There is magic in showing up. We are the magicians. So never stop.” l

Photos courtesy Granite School District

Hunter High School teacher receives grant to help spur student science research

The grant money will help purchase PocketLab Voyagers for students to study the environment.

By Darrell Kirby d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

Students attending Trenton Young’s biology and botany classes at Hunter High School in West Valley City can count on doing more than just memorizing and regurgitating long-established facts from textbooks in both of those fields.

They’re going to gain a curiosity that will foster a greater desire to learn the what, why and how of those scientific disciplines.

And for that, a national organization has awarded Young a grant to help him continue to cultivate an environment inside and outside the classroom for greater original research among his students.

The nonprofit Society for Science in Washington, D.C., named Trenton Young one of 24 teachers from 12 states to receive part of $58,000 to “inspire hands-on discovery, changing students’ lives,” according to the organization. Young, who has spent eight years at Hunter, gets $2,000 of that to purchase equipment that will help him take a

STEM-oriented approach to student exploration and experimentation a step further. “The Society for Science (is) specifically trained to push student research,” Young said.

The grant will enable Young to buy two pieces of equipment to aid in the research. One of them is called a PocketLab Voyager. The pocket-size device will allow “students to explore physics, weather, climate studies and engineering topics via sensing capabilities” that measure several environmental factors that can be streamed in real time by way of an app to students’ own devices. In the case of Young’s students, it will in part help them study soil samples to learn more about their composition and impacts on plants.

Young says his approach to student learning through hands-on activities and discovery is part of a trend away from sitting in a classroom and reading, often via textbooks, and reciting the facts and findings of recent and not-so-recent scientists and researchers. “Science education in general has gone that way from when I was in high school,” he said. “I remember it being a lot of memorizing what scientists have already learned.”

Today, students are also “analyzing data, planning an investigation and asking

questions,” Young added.

Young said another grant he received helped start a school garden where he plans to have students grow a few plots of alfalfa, the number one crop grown in Utah, to learn how a particular type of fungus interacts with the roots and affects the plants. The ultimate goal is to find a way of growing alfalfa that uses less water and provides higher yields.

Young hopes to take his students’ research into the community by developing collaborative effort with Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and the relatively new Tracy Aviary Nature Center at Pia Okwai in South Salt Lake to gather and study indigenous microorganisms from the soil to learn more about their impacts on plant and animal life. “If you can get experts in the field mentoring the different students for their different projects, that’s where we’ll find a lot more success,” Young said.

“At a time when AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming industries and STEM skills are in high demand, Trenton is helping students gain the tools to become tomorrow’s scientific leaders,” said Society for Science Communications Director Apana Paul in a press release announcing the grant winners. l

A grant awarded to Hunter High School biology and botany teacher Trent Young will be used to purchase a soil test kit for student research. (Courtesy Trent Young)

Granger High wins unified basketball state title

advancing from their regional tournament.

In the finals, Granger High’s coed unified basketball team outplayed Roy High to become state champions.

The Lancers had secured the opportunity to play in the March 28 championship in their division at the Delta Center after

In a state finals against Cedar (City) High’s Wolves, Hunter High’s coed unified basketball team reached for every loose ball and shot to score at every chance to become victorious in the thrilling overtime win.

The Wolverines had secured the opportunity to play in the March 28 championship in their division at the Delta Center after advancing from their regional tournament.

Photo by Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

5 habits to start in June for a healthier summer

Get your mind and body in summer mode to enjoy the season.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

June is the perfect time to refresh routines and build healthier habits. Prioritizing well-being will lift your energy and allow you to enjoy activities during the summer months. Starting habits now will create an enjoyable summer where you feel vibrant, engaged and ready to get the most out of every sunshine-filled day.

When starting new habits, start small, stay consistent and be patient. Create a supportive environment and notice the wins. Even accomplishing one goal is a reason to celebrate.

Prioritize hydration. As boring as it might sound, staying hydrated offers myriad benefits. Water increases brain function, assists digestion, alleviates headaches, regulates body temperature and enhances physical performance. Average guidelines show drinking 8-10 cups of water each day is optimal for body and brain function.

To build this habit, purchase a reusable water bottle and set a reminder to drink throughout the day. For added flavor, infuse water with lemon, berries or cucumber. Get a metabolism boost by drinking a cup of water first thing in the morning.

Create a morning movement routine. When you start your day with exercise, the benefits last all day. Morning movement has been shown to raise energy, boost your mood, increase productivity, reduce the risk of disease

and manage weight.

It doesn’t have to be a big time commitment. A 10-minute walk through a local park, a 15-minute online yoga session or five minutes of dancing can set you up for success throughout the day. If you take the practice outside, you get a bonus of sunlight exposure to raise vitamin D levels.

Incorporate fresh foods. Eating fresh produce has to be a conscious choice. Luckily, farmers markets are open again, so finding local food is much easier. Fresh foods are packed with nutrients, lower the risk of chronic disease and taste better than processed foods.

Visit Utahfarmersmarketnetwork.org to find a farmers market near you, then stock up on seasonal fruits and vegetables. Experiment with easy recipes like smoothies, salads and grilled veggies. Work your way up to having half of each meal dedicated to fresh produce.

Create recovery time. As summer activities fill our calendars, we often overschedule our time and end up fatigued. Quality rest is essential to overall well-being, aiding in physical recovery and increased mental health.

Schedule a couple of hours each week where you can do something you love. Maybe it’s hiking, reading, napping or gardening, make sure it’s something enjoyable and not a chore. If you have kiddos, maybe swap a couple of hours of child sitting with a neighbor or family member so you can enjoy a breather without distractions.

Put down the screens. We give our teens grief for scrolling on their phones, but we’re often doing the same thing. Studies show that limiting screen time reduces stress, enhances creativity and enhances focus. We all

want to record the fun summer events, like celebrations and vacations, but looking at the world through a phone screen creates a barrier to real life.

Start small. Make a no-phone rule during meals or family activities (you can take ONE photo if you must), practice having real conversations with people around you, use app blockers, timers and trackers. Summer goes too fast to spend it staring at a phone.

BONUS TIP: Play outside! Warm days call for drinks by the swimming pool, a sunset bike ride, a breakfast picnic, outdoor readathons, pickleball games, paddleboarding, dancing on the patio, fishing in a river and discovering new hiking trails. Slather on the sunscreen and get outside. l

Utah’s mountains have hundreds of hiking trails. How many can you explore this summer? (Canva stock)

Biking team spearheads new mountain bike paradise at Lodestone Park

Thanks to the efforts of West Granite Mountain Biking team, training to ride the back country trails can now be done close to home at Lodestone Park.

By Greg James g.james@mycityjournals.com

With 6 miles of mountain bike trails, Lodestone Regional Park has become a sought after location for local mountain bikers and school teams to train, practice and just have fun.

“These new trails at the park represent our commitment to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for Salt Lake County residents,” Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said. “This skills course will provide riders of all abilities a place to improve their techniques while enjoying our beautiful natural landscape.”

The idea began in May 2021 when the West Granite Mountain Biking Team approached the county with their idea. The county soon approved the initiative and the team went to work. They shoveled and cleared nearly 2 miles of trails to the west of Lodestone Park’s tennis courts.

The team adopted the area as its training grounds and vowed to maintain the area.

“The team learned how to maintain trails so they can be more respectful to our environment,” West Granite head coach Rochelle Bartschi said at the time.

The newly minted trails included switchbacks and good up and downhill areas to help them train to be better riders. In 2024, Trails Utah began the improvement of the existing trails and added approximately 4 miles with funding from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.

The trails and planning committee of the division is committed to ensuring Utah remains a leader in outdoor recreation.

Financial donations and many volunteer hours helped the project.

“We are grateful for our partners,” Trails Utah Director Sarah Bennett said. “They transformed this vision into reality. Trails truly are about knitting people to the landscapes we call home. We are honored to have been part of this project.”

In 2020, the West Granite Mountain Biking team had 17 registered riders. It includes students that attend Kearns, Cyprus, Hunter and Granger high schools and their 10 feeder junior high schools. It is 100% inclusive and season practice starts in June.

“This team has set itself apart from others,” Bartschi said at the beginning of this project. “These trails will make a difference in this community.”

The trails have always been open to the community and its riders. Many other mountain bike teams regularly use the area to help them learn and train.

In 2017, the Utah Mountain Biking

League began with about 320 student-athletes. In 2024, it boasted over 7,600 participants. It is the largest biking league in the country and now operates among six regions across the state. l

Lodestone Park now has 6 miles of trails designed for mountain bike enthusiasts and for training. (Greg James/City Journals)

By Greg James g.james@mycityjournals.com

Apetitionis circulating in the community in an attempt to raise the pay of soccer officials and improve sportsmanship, which has become an important topic amongst association officials.

“This is more than just a way to ask for a pay raise,” one of the petition organizers Joel Rincon said. “We are asking the UYSA to recognize the invaluable contribution of referees to the game. We play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the league. It is a call for respect and acknowledgement. We implore the UYSA to raise the wage of referees.”

The Utah Youth Soccer Association is taking the initiative seriously.

“We are discussing the petition with the group of referees who created it,” UYSA Chief Executive Officer Bryan Attridge said. “We have an official meeting scheduled with our state referee committee. We know being a referee is hard, but we were just notified of this petition.”

A close offsides non-call in a youth

game was further evidence something needs to be done. The coach stood on the sideline wildly waving his arms and berating the referee. Finally the referee yielded a red card to the coach, grabbed the ball and stood at midfield waiting for the coach to leave the field. The game was eventually forfeited.

“Sportsmanship is becoming a huge problem,” Rincon said in the petition.

The petition includes several comments from past officials and parents. “My son almost quit. We make stressful decisions, Utah is one of the lowest paying states, plz [sic] change for the better,” and “This is a great first job for some teens, but

is it worth it,” are among some.

Over 650 people have signed the online petition on change.org. The petition states that referees feel “berated, slighted and improperly enumerated.”

More than two years ago the UYSA adopted a zero tolerance policy toward referee abuse. Any team that has a fan, player or coach that abuses a referee can receive a strict no spectator ruling. The team will not be allowed to have anyone on their sidelines for the entire season.

In March, USA Soccer adopted a similar referee abuse prevention policy, violations could include lifetime bans.

“Soccer is a beautiful game that brings out a passion in its players, coaches and fans. When passion crosses the line it harms the games integrity and the safety of those who work in it. Referees are essential to our game,” USA soccer released in its abuse prevention packet (policy 53-91).

According to Utah State Soccer Referee Program, the current pay scale for the UYSA was adopted in 2022 and ranges between $30 to $65 per game. The USSRP serves soccer associations by increasing the number and quality of officials and achieving excellence among those officials through education and administration.

“It is time for us to stand up for change,” Rincon said. l

Chasing kids around the pitch is more difficult than it seems, but making perfect calls has become nearly impossible. Soccer referees ask youth associations to consider pay increases and sportsmanship improvements. (Greg James/City Journals)

Granite Credit Union Celebrates Grand Opening at Rancho Plaza

ranite Credit Union marked the grand opening of its Rancho Plaza branch in West Valley City on April 30 with a festive community celebration. Coinciding with Día del Niño, the event featured food, games, giveaways, and entertainment from Kearns High School’s Latinos in Action. Attendees enjoyed a live radio broadcast, carnival-style fun, and chances to win prizes like Real Salt Lake tickets and Rancho Market gift cards.

“It’s an honor to serve such a diverse and welcoming community,” said Branch Manager Kim Reyes. The event celebrated Granite’s 90th anniversary and ongoing commitment to the West Valley community.

To learn more, please visit www.granite.org

The 22nd annual SLC Tattoo Expo showcases tattooing histories from around the world

What event draws hundreds of international artists to Utah every year?

By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Did you know that international artists from all over the world travel to Salt Lake City for an annual collaborative event? That’s right—our local art scene and community is so well-known it draws artists in from places like Korea, the Netherlands (and of course other U.S. states).

The event that international and national artists look forward to each year is none other than the SLC Tattoo Expo. As this was the 22nd year for the SLC Tattoo Expo, tenured tattoo artists and collectors were able to collaborate with apprentices and tattoo enthusiasts.

“We are coming from the Netherlands and it’s totally worth it!” said Dickie De Wit (Gold). “Here it’s one big family. The SLC Expo provides a wide range of tattooers and styles.”

Tony Carey from Prescott, Arizona also mentioned the family reunion feel. “We are all bonded by our love for the medium of tattoo and our quest for adventure.”

In addition, the SLC Tattoo Expo provides opportunities to learn more about tattooing histories and cultures. Ancient technologies, techniques, and styles of tattooing are featured for beginning artists and attendees to appreciate and honor.

“It takes a respect for those that pushed boundaries before us and a compulsion to innovate to really craft an individual style,” Carey said.

“Knowing history is paramount,” said Tatsutoshi, the first of the Ikebukuro Horitoshi family.

“Tattoos have always existed since the dawn of man as a way to empower people, both as individuals and as communities, and the SLC Expo allows us as cultural practitioners to share that with the people of the area,” Tatsutoshi said.

Tatsutoshi is the disciple of Ikebukuro Horitoshi, the only titled traditional Japanese tebori practitioner from Japan in all Hawaii. This more traditional and cultural form of tattooing focuses on the “why.”

“At the core of any tattooing is empowerment—to allow the receiver to choose into empowering themselves in any way they choose to,” Tatsutoshi said. “My clients allow me the honor of guiding them through their journeys of transformation, of physical self and inner self.”

Carey has been studying tattoo history

for over 25 years and has been primarily focusing on traditional Japanese-inspired work so he appreciated the opportunity to learn from Tatsutoshi. Carey feels modern tattoos have a shared responsibility to honor the craft by sharing the stories and knowledge they’ve been granted with.

“Our craft has been passed on from master to apprentice for generations with each new generation given an opportunity to innovate and push boundaries with the foundation and groundwork laid by those that preceded,” he said.

“I’m fascinated by how traditional tattooists are blending classic styles with modern techniques—it's like a fresh take on the classics,” said Lisa Del Toro of Henderson, Nevada.

JoJo Ackerman from Los Angeles spoke of the technical craft and training required for tattooing. “Seeing a technically well done tattoo is something in high contrast to a poorly applied tattoo, regardless of artistic ability,” Ackerman said.

Many artists attending the SLC Tattoo Expo spoke of a significant moment in tattooing history in the late 1980s/early 1990s when modern aseptic practices began to be standardized.

“Over the years, the main changes I've noticed have been improvements in health and safety measures for both tattooers and

“There’s legendary artists that attend each year and being able to work in the same area as them and see their work first hand is always inspiring,” said Jessi Reyes of Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of Jessi Reyes)

clients,” Del Toro said.

“Disposable set ups, autoclave sterilization, and single-use needles made tattooing safe and accessible to the masses,” Carey said.

“The conveniency and consistency of premade needles is a luxury only those who had to solder their own needles will understand,” said Ike Greca of Seattle.

He noted how ink quality started to improve around the same time and continues to do so. Tattoos no long age as badly as those previously done with older ink.

“The explosion of cartridge needle systems, wireless battery powered power supplies, and rotary machines has made tattooing more defined,” said Jessi Reyes of Las Vegas.

Around the same time, tattoo television shows began to be produced and aired, significantly impacting the tattooing industry.

“The explosion of popularity of tattooing and wanting to become a tattooer happened after the tattoo TV shows started airing every week,” said Nick Colella from Chicago. “Pre-tattoo shows tattooing had more of a mystique about it.”

The 22nd SLC Tattoo Expo was held March 6-8 at the Salt Palace.

This article is part of the City Journals series covering the 2025 SLC Tattoo Expo. Stay tuned for more insights and stories from tattooers next month.

To view our previous story, visit the City Journals website and search for “SLC thriving tattoo culture draws award-winning tattoo artists into town for a collaborative weekend.” l

The road to victory: Cyprus seeded fifth in state tournament

Cyprus finished the regular season 19-6 and were seeded fifth in the state baseball playoffs.

By Greg James g.james@mycityjournals.com

Cyprus baseball closed out their season winning six of their last seven games and clinched a fifth seed in the state tournament.

“We have had a great season,” Pirates head coach Alessander Aldana said.

The Pirates finished second in the UHSAA Region 4, two games behind West Jordan, the region champion. Its 19 wins this year fall just one short of the 20 wins they secured last year.

Senior Cody Densley led the team with 31 hits and a .437 batting average. His leadership was evident as the season wound down. In the final regular season game he pitched 6 ⅓ innings, allowing

only one earned run off six hits. In six consecutive appearances he has not allowed more than two walks.

Densely is one of four seniors who have accepted offers to continue their baseball careers after high school. Densely along with Easton Anderson and Easton Seeley have signed to play at Yakima Community College in Washington and Nick Griffel will attend Thomas College in Maine.

“These players have been important to this program,” Aldana said.

Anderson had two home runs and 24 stolen bases, Seeley posted a 6-2 record and a 2.56 ERA, and Griffel was second on the team with 23 RBI.

Pitching was a strength for the Pirates this season. Junior Alex Larsen and senior DJ Oveson helped strengthen a strong mound presence. Oveson had 35 strikeouts in 31 innings. Larsen only walked eight batters in 37 innings. l

Cyprus won 19 games this season and placed second in Region 4. (Photo courtesy of Brooke Densley)

Community Heroes: High school choir director left lasting impression on thousands of students

Kerry Moore cared about his students beyond the classroom.

By Becky Ginos b.ginos@mycityjournals.com

Mostkids don’t remember their high school teachers let alone keep in touch for years after graduation but it’s different with Kerry Moore’s students. The Bountiful man was the choral music director and German teacher at Cyprus High School for 35 years and left such a lasting impact that former students still called him “friend.” Moore passed away April 16 after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

“He was an amazing teacher and so much more,” said Brent Graham, who graduated in 1998. “He was the person I needed at the time. He was the closest thing to a father.”

Graham grew up without a father and his mother passed away after he graduated. “It left a big hole,” he said. “I was a scared little 19 year old. They (Moore and his wife Stacey) basically took me in. They’d invite me to Sunday dinner and Christmas. Otherwise I would have been alone.”

He loved teaching, said Graham. “It wasn’t a job, it was like a calling. He made you want to be a better person. His joy was infectious.”

“He was that guy,” said Blake Halladay who graduated in 1997. “You knew he cared beyond class. Many times I’d talk to him after school for hours. If kids had personal problems at home he’d step in to help. He was there for that.”

Kerry and Stacey were a power couple, Halladay said. “They could have done so much but they chose to teach high

school. That says volumes about their character.”

Once kids graduated it didn’t end, he said. “My wife and I would go places with them. There are three men who changed the trajectory of my life. My father, my father-in-law and Kerry.”

Halladay spent time with Moore a few days before his passing. “I told him ‘I’m a better man because of you.’ He said, ‘Me too.’ That really hit me to think he feels blessed by me.”

“The most interesting thing about him was the passion and love he’d put into every project,” said Liz Oates who graduated in 1997. “You never felt like an afterthought. He wanted us to succeed. He would push us but we always felt that love.”

Oates said Moore was close friends with her father. “He and my dad were such good comrades. My dad wrote some music and when he died unexpectedly from a heart attack Kerry played dad’s album at his funeral. It was so touching. He was busy in his life but it was so special that he took the time to do that.”

Her senior year, Oates said one of her classmates was homeless for a time and living in her car. “He would check in on her and another classmate who had a horrible thing happen to her. He sat down and consoled her. That’s why so many people remember him. If you were down and out he’d be a friend to help people to recover.”

“Kerry was so patient and loving,” said Jeremy Felt who graduated in 2019. “He helped us find success. He would check our grades and see what he could do to help.”

In addition to choir, Moore was involved with the school musicals, Felt said. “I did a lot of musicals with Kerry and his wife who did the choreography. When I was the lead in ‘Pirates of Penzance’ he told me to envision the music. He said music is the universal language to connect with people. He said the words

might fade but they would always remember that song—music is so impactful.”

Felt said he also took music theory from Moore. “I still have my binder that he created. I create music for fun now in remembrance of Mr. Moore. I’m involved with community choirs and theater because of Mr. Moore.”

He was like Mr. Rogers, said Felt. “I’m so grateful that I got to be a part of his life. He touched the lives of others. He’s going to be missed.” To submit your Community Hero, email hero@ thecityjournals.com. l

Kerry Moore (left) with former student Brent Graham. The pair continued to be close friends for years after Graham’s graduation. (Photo courtesy of Brent Graham)

Blueprints for the unthinkable: Inside Salt Lake County’s disaster doctrine

Salt Lake County ramps up emergency preparedness with community-driven planning.

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Salt Lake County is reinforcing its emergency preparedness strategy with a comprehensive, coordinated, and community-centered approach to disaster readiness. Tina Brown of the Salt Lake County Emergency Management team provided an in-depth overview of the county’s current efforts, upcoming goals, and lessons learned from past disasters.

At the heart of the county’s preparedness efforts is the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), which serves as the foundational document for all emergency response operations. “The CEMP is the base plan; the annexes cover specific types of disasters,” Brown explained. Complementing the CEMP are specialized plans, such as the Emergency Response Plan focused on hazardous materials and the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), which is currently under revision. “The MJHMP is updated every five years to reconsider whether the hazards are still appropriate, identify complete mitigation projects, and define new ones,” Brown said.

The updated MJHMP, once reviewed by the State Division of Emergency Management and FEMA, will help secure federal mitigation funding. “Some of our key takeaways from this update are the importance of ongoing coordination on mitigation activities,” Brown emphasized. “The value of continually engaging the community in understanding our hazards cannot be understated.”

One of the most pressing threats facing the county is the potential for a major earthquake along the Wasatch Fault. Brown noted, “According to the Utah and U.S. Geological Surveys, there’s a 57% chance of a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake along the Wasatch Front in the next 50 years.”

To prepare, the county is prioritizing planning, exercises like The Great Utah ShakeOut, and infrastructure retrofits. Residents are urged to build emergency kits, secure heavy furniture, and consider earthquake insurance. “The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens,” Brown stressed.

Communication and public engagement play a critical role in readiness. “We engage the community through multiple channels,” Brown said.

These include social media and the county website, where residents can access resources on emergency kits, communication plans, and hazard information. Brown added, “We encourage residents to get involved with their local emergency man-

agement office by attending preparedness events, trainings and community outreach activities.”

Salt Lake County also places a strong emphasis on interagency collaboration. “We activate the Emergency Coordination Center to unify efforts across jurisdictions and disciplines,” said Brown.

This central hub manages mutual aid and ensures that local needs are communicated to state and federal agencies. Partnerships extend to the Salt Lake County Healthcare Coalition, local city councils, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee, which meets regularly to align plans and conduct training.

Technology underpins much of the emergency management system. “We operate within a statewide interoperable radio network that allows emergency responders to coordinate across city and county lines,” Brown explained. Backup communication channels include amateur radio groups, and public alerts are delivered via Wireless Emergency Alerts, the Emergency Alert System, and social media.

Training is another key pillar. “We offer FEMA Incident Command System courses and run disaster exercises that test our plans in realistic, low-risk environments,” Brown said. These exercises are tailored to help participants—from local officials to volunteers—understand roles, improve response times, and identify areas for improvement.

Brown pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for some of the department’s most significant recent changes. “One of the most important lessons was the importance of strong interagency coordination and communication,” she said. “The pandemic showed us that preparedness is not just about checklists—it’s about partnerships, relationships, adaptability and mutual trust.”

Looking ahead, Salt Lake County Emergency Management has set priorities focused on training, outreach and funding. “Our greatest strength and capability is our people,” Brown said. “An informed community is a prepared community.”

The department also continues to pursue federal grant funding for vital resources, such as damage assessment tools and emergency shelter supplies.

Through what Brown calls a “whole community” approach—engaging non-profits, businesses and local groups—Salt Lake County is working to ensure its residents are ready for the unexpected. As Brown put it, “Effective mitigation strategies involve the whole community… We work together to become better prepared to respond and recover effectively.”

For more information on how to get involved or prepare for emergencies, residents can visit the Salt Lake County Emergency Management website at slcoem.org. l

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake is forecasted to hit the Wasatch Front in the next 50 years. (Photo courtesy of SLCEM)

Winter weather provides multiple risks that Salt Lake County residents should prepare for. (Photo courtesy of SLCEM)

Wildfires not only are prone to Salt Lake County foothill areas but also freeway corridors and trailways. (Photo courtesy of SLCEM)

Working together to plan for the future

Utah’s Wasatch Front is growing faster than almost any other region in the nation, and nowhere is that more evident than here in Salt Lake County. Today, more than 2.8 million Utahns—over 80% of our state’s population—live along the Wasatch Front and Back. By 2050, we’re on track to nearly double that number, reaching around 5 million Utahns. Protecting the quality of life that drew families, businesses and adventurers to our valleys and mountains in the first place means making smart, coordinated choices right now.

Utah was recently recognized as the best state in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year. While we have so many great things going for us—a strong economy, volunteerism, social capital and incredible people—one of the things that helps with our success is our willingness to work together.

When it comes to planning for the future, it’s vital that we collaborate at each level of government. I’m proud to be a board member for a planning body that does just this. Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) brings together elected leaders and staff from the state, counties and cities across our region. WFRC ensures that transportation investments, land-use decisions and economic development strategies all align with a shared vision—what we call the Wasatch Choice Vision.

The Wasatch Choice Vision is organized around four key strategies:

1. Real Transportation Choices - Expand travel options beyond the single-occupancy vehicle. By investing in transit, bike networks, sidewalks and more efficient roadways, we help everyone—from commuters to families running errands—get where they need to go safely and affordably.

Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3

2. Housing Options for All - Encourage development patterns and zoning that support a wide range of housing types—single-family neighborhoods, starter homes, workforce apartments and townhomes—so that people at every stage of life can find a place to call home that’s close enough to jobs, schools and services.

3. Plentiful Parks and Open Spaces - Preserve and enhance parks, trails and open land for recreation, environmental protection and community gathering. These green assets keep our air and water clean, support mental and physical health, and maintain the outdoor lifestyle Utahns cherish.

4. Vibrant City and Town Centers - Strengthen walkable downtowns and neighborhood hubs where people can live, work, shop and play. By focusing growth in these centers, we relieve pressure on suburban and rural areas, reduce drive times and foster stronger social connections.

No two communities are identical. What succeeds in Sandy or South Jordan might look different than what works in Murray or West Valley City. That’s why WFRC’s member jurisdictions—from the state Department of Transportation to Salt Lake County and its constituent cities—work side by side to adapt the Wasatch Choice Vision’s strategies to local circumstances, ensuring each community charts its own course while staying connected to its neighbors.

Putting the Wasatch Choice Vision into action will have concrete impacts right away—and pay dividends for decades: more jobs, conserved open space, less water used, billions saved in infrastructure costs, and reduced household budgets through more housing and transportation options. This translates to stronger communities, healthier families and a sustainable economy that can thrive even as we welcome more neighbors—along with our children and grandchildren—to our mountain valleys.

None of this would be possible without the active partnership of the state, county planning commissions, city councils, transit agencies, business associations and civic groups. Through WFRC, these diverse interests come together at the same table—an inclusive forum where big-picture goals align with local aspirations.

I’d encourage you to learn more about the Wasatch Choice Vision. Our region’s future quality of life depends on informed, engaged residents—and on leaders who listen, collaborate and act. Visit wfrc.org to see the Vision and learn more about how to stay informed. l

A Puppet Regime

It took decades, but Ronald Grump finally found a way to evict the residents of 123 Sesame Street. Grump (played by Joe Pesci) visited the TV show in 1994 with plans to demolish the beloved neighborhood to build Grump Tower.

Sesame Street doubled-down in 2005 when a selfish, orange-haired muppet, Donald Grump, tried to hire an apprentice to help with his trash empire. In the episode, Oscar the Grouch sings about Grump, “Whose name equals trash, to you and to me?”

Maybe he holds a grudge, but a U.S. president with a similar name signed an executive order to cut funding for PBS, a nonprofit provider of educational shows like Arthur, Elmo’s World and Sesame Street.

The move could throw the Muppets into the gutter. Bert will have to sell his paper clip collection, Elmo will be forced to pawn his tricycle and Count von Count will have to join an accounting firm.

From the beginning, Sesame Street championed diversity, equality and inclusion: three things the current administration is gleefully destroying. Humans on the show included Gordon and Susan (a Black couple), Maria from Puerto Rico, Luis from Mexico and the elderly Mr. Hooper, who was Jewish and ran the corner store.

The multicultural cast attracted big guest stars. Carol Burnett, Stephen Curry,

West Valley

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Robert De Niro, Billie Eilish and James Earl

Jones are just a few celebrities who visited Sesame Street, proving you’re never too famous to be silly.

Not only does the show teach children basic reading and math, it also teaches cooperation, respect and kindness. It’s tackled divorce, same-sex marriage, racial literacy, anger, sadness and even has a Muppet whose parent is incarcerated. The show never talks down to children.

When Will Lee died, his Mr. Hooper character died with him, leaving Big Bird distraught as his friends tried to explain the concept of death. That episode won an Emmy, one of more than 120 Sesame Street has collected.

Sesame Street has its furry finger on the pulse of American culture. The show is as much for parents as for kids. My favorite characters are the loveable Grover and Guy Smiley, the enthusiastic gameshow host.

I can still sing the show’s theme song,

along with “Rubber Duckie,” “I Love Trash,” “Doin’ the Piegeon” and hundreds of tunes from the show. I couldn’t begin to choose a favorite skit but I always loved the baker falling down the stairs. That remains my level of humor maturity.

The show is iconic. Big Bird is an international star. He visited Michelle Obama at the White House, made the cover of Time magazine, has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and his picture on a postage stamp. I spent several months cross-stitching Big Bird’s face on a Christmas advent calendar our family still uses nearly 40 years later.

Maybe it’s because Muppets don’t vote. Maybe it’s because Oscar started teaching kids about recycling. Maybe it’s the Sesame Workshop’s mission statement, “Helping

children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.” Maybe the president just doesn’t like watching people have fun. My husband and I paid thousands of dollars in federal taxes this year, but if funding is cut for things I value, like PBS, science, national parks, higher education, Head Start programs and world health initiatives, maybe I don’t have to pay taxes anymore. I mean, seeing all these tax-free billionaires… tax evasion isn’t a crime anymore, right?

Sesame Street promotes kindness and community, while the president seems to only find value in wealth and power. As he said in 2011, “Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich.” For anyone who’s ever loved Sesame Street, beauty has a much deeper meaning.