West Valley Journal | September 2026 by The City Journals

September 2026 | Vol. 12 Iss. 9

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Yearlong campaign aims to unify West Valley City residents By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com Community events help to strengthen pride in city and offer ways to meet neighbors.

T-shirts were made to help spread the word about the WVC is Me initiative to foster civic pride in West Valley City. (Courtesy West Valley City)

est Valley City officials over the years have touted what they say is the unity and diversity of and pride in the city. Now, there is an initiative to help tie those qualities together in a more public way. WVC is Me is an initiative that started earlier this year as a way to tell the story of what West Valley City is to its people and what its people are to West Valley City. The best description of WVC is Me is found in the following excerpt taken from its Facebook page: “WVC is Me is a citywide declaration that West Valley City is defined not by assumptions or old narratives, but by the people who live, work and serve here. Our city is built from powerful stories and cultures that come together to form one shared identity. This initiative exists to strengthen pride in our city, celebrate our diversity while also unifying our people in purpose, and inspire ownership in the future we are building together. West Valley City is not just a location—it is its people.” Harold Moleni said WVC is Me started with

an idea from the city manager’s office, where he is the community and government relations administrator, and from the city’s communications staff. “We just wanted a way for residents to feel a little bit more united and celebrate what makes West Valley City special,” he said. Moleni said the question was asked “What is West Valley City?” The answer: “It is the people that make us who we are, the people that make us special,” he said. That message has been spread through community events and even T-shirts. “We want people to love West Valley City, be proud of our city, because it is an amazing city,” Moleni added. The first event was a scavenger hunt. That was followed by a community night at the Family Fitness Center at Centennial Park. A graffiti wall was placed at City Park where local artists painted murals and residents contributed their artwork. Several hundred people attended each event. A few more activities are planned between now and the end of the year. “Every single event that we have, we have more and more people that are kind of catching on to this vision,” Moleni said. “It’s such a positive movement in our city.” West Valley City is one of three most

diverse cities in Utah along with Salt Lake City and Ogden. Its population of just under 140,000 shows whites and Hispanics making up the majority of its residents with the share of each group in the low 40% range. Native American/ other, Asian, multiracial, and Black comprise most of the rest of the population, according to figures largely drawn from the 2020 Census. Moleni said the aim of WVC is Me is to get people active in the community, including those who don’t know how to get involved or feel disconnected. “It’s an easy way to meet the community and celebrate,” he said. Events through the remainder of the year include a haunted house and trunk-or-treat for the Halloween season, a turkey bingo night for older adults in November, and a Christmas festival in December. Details for each are still being worked out. “We think they’re going to be just amazing for the community,” Moleni said. WVC is Me is mainly a 2026-focused effort. What comes next year to help bring people together and build community pride has yet to be determined. “Whether that’s WVC is Me or another initiative or campaign, we’re just looking at making things better year-by-year,” Moleni said. l Buy a MEXICAN COKE and get a six-dollar

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Prostate/ Breast Cancer

Fall Into Action: Tackle Cancer Screenings This Season

FALL IS MORE THAN football and pump-

kin spice – it’s time for men and women to prioritize their health. As September spotlights Prostate Cancer Awareness and October approaches with Breast Cancer Awareness, our local medical experts are issuing a direct call to our community. This is your cue: men, actively engage with your prostate health; women, prioritize your breast health. Early detection is the most powerful tool you have to protect your life and your loved ones. The statistics are sobering. For men, prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer, and tragically, it stands as the second leading cause of cancer death, surpassed only by lung cancer. Similarly, for women, breast cancer is a significant threat, also ranking as the second leading cause of cancer death, second only to lung cancer. These aren’t just abstract figures; they represent real individuals whose lives can be profoundly impacted by timely action. “Too often, men delay necessary screenings,” explains Dr. Pursifull, a urologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Mountain Point in Lehi. “But waiting for symptoms to appear

significantly reduces treatment options. Regular PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams are straightforward procedures that detect cancer early. Talk to your primary care physician about your risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are of African American descent. CommonSpirit hospitals offer comprehensive prostate cancer screenings and advanced treatment options.” For women, prioritizing breast health is equally critical. “Early detection is truly a game-changer when it comes to breast cancer,” states Dr. Raylene Natwick, a breast surgeon practicing at a Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley. “When breast cancer is identified early, the chances of successful treatment and a full recovery are remarkably higher. This is precisely why regular mammograms are so vital. They can detect subtle changes years before they would ever be palpable.” Dr. Natwick advises women to discuss screening guidelines starting around age 40, or earlier if risk factors warrant it. Monthly self-examinations and annual clinical breast exams are also crucial. “CommonSpirit hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art mam-

mography technology and a dedicated team ready to support women.” “As primary care providers, we are frequently the entry portal to the health care system.” said Dr. Grant Hawkins, an internal medicine physician with CommonSpirit in West Jordan. We encourage our patients to have their yearly wellness checkups. At that time we have the opportunity to review medical issues, make medication adjustments, discuss new concerns and arrange for screening tests that are so important in preventing serious problems in the future.” This Fall, make the decision to prioritize your health. Both prostate and breast cancer often have excellent prognoses when caught early. CommonSpirit hospitals are committed to providing accessible screenings, expert diagnostics, and leading-edge treatments. Schedule your screenings and engage in crucial conversations with your doctor. Your life, your future, and your well-being depend on it. For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org SPONSORED CONTENT

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West Valley City Journal

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LOVE YOUR WATERSHED Litter, chemicals, and organic material like leaves and pet waste, on our streets, sidewalks, and parking areas, wash into storm drains and then into lakes, streams, and the Jordan River each time it rains and snows, polluting these waterways. Organize a group clean up of the litter and leaves around the streets and storm drains in your neighborhood for the 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance. Each month, make a habit to clean up the gutter and storm drains in front of your own home or business.

L o veYo u r Wa t e r s h e d . o r g September 2026 | Page 3

COMMON GROUND

Property Rights Confuse Me

Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together. Where do I stand on property rights? Simple: if I own it, then I should have absolute control over it. And If I bought it and it is next to your property, I should also have some control over yours. For those who have followed Common Ground, I have left no doubt I lean fairly strong to the right end of the political spectrum. So when writing an opinion piece representing that end of the spectrum with the topic of property rights, I was certain what I’d say. Then last night as I prepared to write this I got confused. I stopped and prayed: Dear God, am I becoming a Democrat? A quick trip to my gun safe confirmed that I am good. But I am still conflicted. I know where I stand on my property rights, not sure where I stand on your property rights. Well, let me be clear, unless your property is near mine, I actually just don’t care about yours. To not look evil I will pretend that I care and that you should have the same property rights as me. To unconfuse myself, I broke down property rights into three categories: the ability to own property, the ability to control property, and property taxes. I see each category, but am conflicted where these fall on the typical right-left spectrum. Is everyone a Republican when it comes to property rights? Or maybe

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John J Walker Common Ground

everyone is a Democrat? I don’t know but I can’t imagine a world where we agree on something. I agree with my dear friends from the left (yes I have a couple) that everyone should have the opportunity to buy and own their home. Home ownership is an important part of the American economy and society. I think we can all agree people should be able to own property (our own homes) and enjoy all the benefits from it, and we can all recognize that property rights are protected by the Constitution. So once you own it, what control do you have? Enter Jekyll or Hyde, I am not sure. On one hand, I want full control of my property. On the other hand, I want control of my neighbor’s property. Not full control but enough control to protect my property, property value and property rights. If I want to build a second story to my house and add a man cave garage in the backyard, hand me a hammer and shut your mouth; it’s my property. But if my neighbor wants to build an apartment on his lot, whoa whoa whoa. If my neighbor wants to

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have 14 people live in his 3-bedroom house and each of them park a car on the front lawn, no way, not in my backyard and not in your front yard. Enter local zoning. WWII veterans should be the most respected people in America. Just behind them should be planning and zoning staff and volunteers. For now, my stance is that I should control my property and I should be able to do whatever I want to do with it. And I should also control your property so that it does not impact me and my property. Until you come up with a better plan, this is my plan. My first consideration concerning property taxes is back to property ownership. I question – do we really own property if we are required to pay forever to retain that ownership? When I go to the grocery store and buy a peach, I don’t have to pay for that peach the rest of my life. But when I buy a home, all of a sudden I have to pay property taxes for the rest of my life. Technically, I “own” my home in Bountiful, but I often say I “lease” it from Davis School District and Davis County. Our governor and state legislators in recent years have stated they want homes more affordable, but they have sat mostly idle while school districts, counties, and special districts have increased property taxes – making homes even more unaffordable.

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Our Republican-led legislature and governor have provided taxpayer money to help subsidize the purchase of homes. I am sure this feels good for them. I guess on some baseline it should feel good; they are helping people live the American dream. But they are taking money from all taxpayers to give to a select few. It is clear to me that we must allow the housing market to operate in a fair and open market. As per taxes – property taxes make sense; there is a need for the government to provide amenities (roads, sidewalks, water, utilities, etc.) to homeowners that are associated with homeownership. These are expenses that I require and the value of my property is dependent on. A home that doesn’t have water or access is ultimately worthless. But remind me why we cover schools with property taxes. Don’t get me wrong, we should fund schools so our children get the best education possible. In Utah, that should come from income tax. Our legislation has lowered income tax every year but they did not change the spending with school districts so where does that “savings” come from? It comes from property taxes – your income tax goes down and your property taxes go up. A game of political whack-a-mole: slash-a-tax.

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From the podium to the classroom: Utah 2034 launches Olympic education committee A new committee has been established in connection with the upcoming Utah 2034 Olympic Witner Games and seeks to incorporate tenants of Olympic values and philosophies into Utah classrooms. By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com

wo years have passed since Utah was officially selected to host the 2034 Olympic Winter Games, and preparations are already kicking into high gear. The 2034 Games will mark Utah’s second time hosting the international event, more than three decades after Salt Lake City welcomed the world for the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Preparations for the Olympics are notoriously extensive, often beginning years before the Games occur. This time around, the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games committee has launched a unique program designed to foster Olympic values in Utah classrooms. First announced in August 2026, the inaugural Utah 2034 Education Committee, according to their official website, “will provide strategic guidance, foster partnerships, and develop statewide initiatives that connect students and educators to the opportunities created along the road to 2034. Its mission includes the launch of a statewide classroom education program.” Given that the board’s existence was just recently publicly announced, relatively little is known about how these concepts will be practically implemented into Utah’s schools. However, from what we do know, it appears that the board intends to improve education throughout the state by introducing the excitement and values that inform the spirit and ethos of the Olympic Games into the classroom. One particular issue that the Utah 2034 Education Committee intends to help tackle is the state of literacy in Utah. Earlier this year, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, within the David Eccles School of Business, released a report that revealed nearly half of Utah’s K-3 students are not meeting applicable grade-level reading benchmarks. Data from the study indicated that roughly half of Utah’s early elementary school students struggle with reading proficiency, with first grade frequently revealing the lowest achievement benchmarks across the board. According to the National Education Association, childhood literacy issues can result in potentially profound and lasting consequences. Third grade, in particular, is often treated as a pivotal turning point for young students as they transition from learning how to read into learning how to develop and exercise critical reading comprehension skills. Children who fail to read sufficiently

WVCJournal .com

The inaugural meeting of the committee was held in July at Park City’s Olympic Park. (Utah2034org)

by the third grade often have lower levels of achievement, are more likely to drop out of school, and are more likely to find themselves engaging with the criminal justice system. “A key vision point for Utah 2034 is to elevate communities,” said Utah 2034 President and Executive Chair Fraser Bullock. “Our Utah 2034 Education Committee brings together a diverse group of leaders who can guide us in impacting youth through classroom programs across the entire state, serving as a model for others to showcase the power of education and sport.” The committee is comprised of 16 individuals and will be chaired by Amy Garff. The committee has also partnered with the Robert H. and Katherine B. Garff foundation, a privately-owned, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on education, philanthropy, voluntarism, grantmaking and human services. The organization already has ties to the sporting world, as it previously made a $17.5-million donation toward the expansion and renovation of the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium in 2021. Amy Garff’s father-in-law, Bob Garff, also played a key role in the 2002 Winter Games and was among the Utahns selected to carry the Olympic torch ahead of the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy, earlier this year. The Education Committee will also collaborate with the Ken Garff for Good Foundation, another 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves every school district in the state of Utah. For years, the foundation has worked alongside schools to help improve education outcomes through four distinct programs:

Road to Success, Keys to Success, Ken Garff Esports and Women Who Succeed. Per the foundation’s website, “The mission of Ken Garff for Good is to provide a pathway to college or careers. We do this through literacy, technology and mentoring programs, and exposure to scholarships, internships and careers.” Other noteworthy names on the Utah 2034 Education Committee include Syd Dickson, who will serve as vice-chair, and Olympic champion Nathan Chen. Dickson is well known on the Utah education circuit as he previously served as Utah’s state superintendent of public instruction. As for Chen, the Utah native is highly regarded as one of the greatest singles skaters in the history of the sport. Chen has received numerous prestigious titles throughout his career, including an individual Olympic gold medal (2022),

Olympic team gold and bronze medals (2022 and 2018) and three world championships in 2018, 2019 and 2021. “The Garff family has long been a believer in the power of education. Amy’s leadership of the Education Committee is a good example of how Podium34 can translate philanthropic participation into tangible statewide impact,” said Utah 2034 CEO Brad Wilson, who sits on the committee. “In our inaugural meeting, it was remarkable to see the interchange between educators from across the state and how everyone was joined in a common mission.” The committee’s inaugural meeting fittingly took place at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City on July 29, 2026. During that meeting, committee members were introduced to the board’s overall vision and its strategic priorities for education initiatives. The meeting also cultivated in various collaborative discussions amongst Olympians, Paralympians and school district superintendents. According to their website, the board’s primary objective is to “identify opportunities to integrate Olympic and Paralympic values into education and establish measurable goals for long-term impact.” Wilson outlined his wishes for the committee, hoping that it will remain “evergreen” and on-going, should the state ever find itself hosting the Olympics again following 2034. Wilson also expressed a desire to see the program eventually expand nationwide. Presently, he conveyed confidence in the new program and its ability to produce tangible results for students. He also noted that the committee plans to closely monitor data to help ensure progress is occurring, especially as it pertains to tackling student attendance. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a community around the world that has had the opportunity that we have, to use the Olympic values, to use the power of sport, this far in advance, to have such a long runway to make a difference in the lives of our kids,” Wilson stated. l

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September 2026 | Page 5

Writing workshop finds a home at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center

The annual event offers discounts for West Valley residents. By Mattie Noall m.noall@mycityjournals.com

efore the COVID-19 pandemic, Nathan Shumate attended FyreCon, a writer’s workshop. The pandemic drove the workshop online, and afterward, the organizers decided to remain online. Shumate was looking for something similar to that type of workshop that brought writers together and allowed them to learn and talk to each other. Shumate had also attended and presented at LTUE conference (Life, the Universe, and Everything) and liked the atmosphere of the presenters talking to one another in the green room. He wished that everyone could have an one-on-one experience like that. Shumate started bouncing ideas off of a couple of friends, Jana Brown and Scott Taylor, and the Writer’s Cantina was the result. This year was their fourth year. The idea is there are classes that people can attend throughout the day. There is also one large room with tables and snacks where everyone can sit and chat. “You could have a group of people talking where one is Indie published, one is unpublished, and one is a New York Times best-selling author,” Shumate said. “We wanted to keep it small enough that one guy could run it. LTUE is a lot bigger, bigger than is comfortable. They have lots of people and few guests and a lot more areas of interest.” The Cantina wanted to have classes specifically on sci-fi and fantasy writing; business and craft. The numbers have remained small with only 142 attendees this year.

Many tables are spread over the Cantina space where all types of writers can talk, eat and network with one another. (Photo courtesy Kris Clark)

Now that Shumate and his friends had a solid idea, they needed to find a place to hold it. They didn’t want to go to Utah Valley because there are already several writing conferences there, LTUE being one of them. So they looked for a more central location. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center was perfect. The hardest part about the location is that there is nowhere to eat within walking distance. In the Cantina, there are all kinds of snacks including bagels, and they also invite a food truck to come. One of the hardships of starting something like this is, some people don’t like the politics. “We want to honor all different viewpoints. You can like banana-flavored twinkies, I don’t care,” Shumate said. They want to create a friendly environment where everyone feels welcome and accepted.

There are all types of writing classes offered including arms and armor of the Colonial American Frontier, creating characters, book marketing strategies, and lousy book cover taught by Shumate, just to name a few. They also offer a book swap on both days. The books that are left go to a Little Free Library in Sunset, Utah, that the Cantina sponsors and some are kept for the next year’s Cantina. This year, some of the books were donated to Deseret Industries and to the Little Free Library at the UCCC. This year’s conference was July 17-18. The cost is $20/ day but there is a special deal for those that go to school or live in West Valley City for only $5/day. There are also hotel deals for those coming from out of town. For more information, visit writerscantina.org. l

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West Valley City Journal

Families, neighbors pedal their way to destinations around the city.

West Valley City’s own biker club

By Darrell Kirby d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

Some of the riders in West Valley City’s bike club. Adults, teens and children take weekly summer bicycle rides to explore the city, stay active and forge new and stronger friendships. (Photo courtesy Pamela Porter)

parks. It was so much fun that we did it again the next summer and added more friends,” Johnson said. Sam Johnson, who is now a student at BYU, has gained some local fame lately on traditional and social media by running what amounts to three marathons around buildings on the university campus. Porter said the club serves multiple purposes. Most riders already know one another from their neighborhoods, churches or schools, but it’s a chance to meet new people who want to join the ride. Another purpose is the exercise of getting on the bike and propelling

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themselves to new destinations. “And the kids need an opportunity to step out a little bit,” said Porter, who has three boys ages 4 to 9. “They start to recognize their town. At their young age, not a lot of kids know where they live.” Porter explained the trips can also get some teens away from their electronic devices and instead socializing face-to-face with their peers. “We have quite a conglomerate of middle-school girls right now,” she said. “Their socialization was kind of weird at first, but they’ve now become a little bit more cohesive.”

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here’s a biker gang riding the streets of West Valley City. Not the motorcycle types clad in leather, but rather families, friends and neighbors, including kids, that traverse the city on their bicycles on a near weekly basis during the summer. The West Valley Bike Club, as it’s informally called, is a group of adults, teens and children as young as 4 or 5 that jumps on their bikes each Thursday and rides around the city. “Every time we meet, we head directly to a park,” said Pamela Porter, who, along with several other parents, coordinates the weekly excursions to different parts of the city. The parks serve as gathering spots where riders meet up to pedal to other places around West Valley City. The club got its start in 2012 when Scerinda Johnson’s then 7-year-old son, Sam, wanted to be president of a club. She encouraged him to decide what kind of club and then write a campaign speech. Hence, the bike club was born. “We met weekly that first summer to do homemade obstacle courses and ride to

The bicyclists are perhaps most noticeable when they cross busy streets, with an average of 20 riders forming a convoy as motorists wait patiently—most of the time. “My son almost got hit on (5400 South) the other day,” Porter said. “We try really hard to coach the kids, but sometimes traffic still doesn’t see us.” To reduce potential hazards, the group looks for routes that keep them on bike and walking trails as much as possible. “The bike trail’s safer and less traffic,” she said. “Because we do it together, we feel even more safe.” Scerinda Johnson said those summer rides over the years have had a lasting impact stretching to today. “Four of the kids who grew up in bike club are now marathoners and….. have participated in long competitive bike rides like Salt to Saint and LoToJa.” The first is a 400-mile relay race along U.S. 89 from Salt Lake City to St. George. The latter is a nearly 200-mile route from Logan through eastern Idaho to Jackson, Wyoming. “Getting kids involved in an active lifestyle early will bless their whole life,” Johnson added. The last local ride of the summer was in August. With the start of school, participating parents, some of whom are teachers, and kids are directing their time and attention to other activities the new academic year brings. But next summer, watch for West Valley City’s own biker gang in a neighborhood near you.l

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*Promotional offer includes 25% off plus an additional 10% off for qualified veterans and/or seniors. Cannot be combined with other offers. See representative for full warranty details. AR 366920925, AZ ROC 344027, CA 1035795, CT HIC.0671520, DC 4.20223E+11, FL CBC056678, IA C127230, ID RCE-51604, LA 559544, MA 213292, MD MHIC111225, HIC164488, MI 262300331, 262300330, 262300329, 262300328, 262300318, 262300173, MN IR810524, MT 2661922, ND 47304, NE 50145-24, 50145-23, NJ 13VH13285000, NM 408693, NV 86990, OR 218294, PA PA179643, RI GC-41354, TN 10981, UT 10783658-5501, VA 2705169445, VT 174.0000871, WA LEAFFLH-763PG, WI No. 537-DCFRR WV WV056912. Promotion exp: 8/31/2026. *Promotional offer includes 25% off plus an additional 10% off for qualified veterans and/or seniors. Cannot be combined with other offers. See representative for full warranty details. AR 366920925, AZ ROC *Promotional offer includes 25% off plusDC an4.20223E+11, additional 10% for qualifiedIAveterans seniors. Cannot be combined withMD other offers. SeeHIC164488, representative for full warranty details. 262300329, AR 366920925, AZ ROC 344027, CA 1035795, CT HIC.0671520, FLoff CBC056678, C127230,and/or ID RCE-51604, LA 559544, MA 213292, MHIC111225, MI 262300331, 262300330, 262300328, 344027, CA 1035795, CTMN HIC.0671520, CBC056678, IA C127230, ID RCE-51604, LA 559544, MA 213292, MHIC111225, HIC164488, MI 262300331, 262300330, 262300329, 262300328, 262300318, 262300173, IR810524, DC MT 4.20223E+11, 2661922, ND FL 47304, NE 50145-24, 50145-23, NJ 13VH13285000, NM 408693, NVMD 86990, OR 218294, PA PA179643, RI GC-41354, TN 10981, UT 10783658-5501, VA 262300318, 262300173, MN IR810524, MT 2661922, ND 47304, NE 50145-24, 50145-23, Promotion NJ 13VH13285000, NM 408693, NV 86990, OR 218294, PA PA179643, RI GC-41354, TN 10981, UT 10783658-5501, VA 2705169445, VT 174.0000871, WA LEAFFLH-763PG, WI No. 537-DCFRR WV WV056912. exp: 8/31/2026. 2705169445, VT 174.0000871, WA LEAFFLH-763PG, WI No. 537-DCFRR WV WV056912. Promotion exp: 8/31/2026.

SHERIFF ROSIE RIVERA ★ ON NOVEMBER 3RD! ★

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September 2026 | Page 7

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Page 8 | September 2026

West Valley City Journal

Students prepare for start of Utah’s new bell-to-bell cellphone ban

With students gearing up to head back to school, Utah’s new bell-to-bell ban will officially take effect prohibiting cellphone usage during school hours. By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com

arlier this year, during Utah’s 2026 General Legislative Session, the state’s proposed bell-to-bell cell phone ban was officially signed into law. The bell-to-bell ban, known legislatively as SB 69, expands on a previous bill, SB 178, that went into effect in 2025. SB 178 set the precedent for restricting cell phone access in Utah schools during classroom hours. However, up until this year, students could still use technology freely in between classes, during lunchtime or other applicable downtimes throughout the day. The expanded SB 69 has since tightened restrictions, meaning students will no longer be able to access their phones at any point during school hours including downtimes. The debate surrounding how to handle cell phone usage in school has persisted for a considerable amount of time. However, in 2026, smartphones are far more sophisticated than they were 10, or even five years ago. This had complicated an existing issue substantially. As a response, several states in the union have started to crack down legislatively, in an attempt to help keep distractions minimal and students engaged. As of 2026, roughly 22 states plus Washington, D.C. have adopted some form of a complete bell-to-bell cell phone ban. In May 2023, Florida was the first state to adopt a formal bell-to-bell cellphone ban. In June 2026, Harvard Kennedy School, which closely monitors legislation regarding school cell phone usage nationwide, presented promising early data that suggests the bell-to-bell bans are ultimately yielding net positive outcomes. Paul Peterson, a professor of Public Policy at Harvard and an expert in education policy, stated that the support for such legislation has been extremely popular amongst principals and educators. “[Bell-to-Bell bans are] a very widespread practice, and one that’s endorsed by school principals: 70% of school principals, and 81% of those who are responsible for middle and high schools, think that cellphone bans should be enacted because they have a positive impact on the climate of the school,” Peterson stated. “There is widespread consensus that this is something that should be done, given the decline in student performance in our educational system over the last 15 years or so.” Naturally, because Florida is the state with the longest standing bell-to-bell ban in effect, researchers have been eager to examine what changes, if any, are being reported. Because complete bell-to-bell bans are still in their infancy, the long-term effects cannot yet be known. Nevertheless, Peterson maintains

WVCJournal .com

The bell-to-bell ban will officially go into effect at the beginning of the 2026-27 academic school year. (Adobe Stock Photo)

that early data appears promising, although with some important distinctions. The first year of Florida’s enforced bell-tobell ban rendered somewhat complex outcomes. For instance, while overall learning capabilities for students across the board seemed to improve, school suspensions also increased. In the immediate aftermath, as students adjusted to their new normal, suspensions did increase as a result of students pushing back on policy. With that said, by the second year the spike in suspensions had gradually decreased. Eventually, the number of suspensions returned to its pre-policy baseline. Conversely, student learning continued, and has continued to improve, with each passing year. Shifting back to Utah, many students are beginning to wonder how the ban will play out practically as we rapidly approach back to school season. The answer to that question? It will depend on how each school chooses to enforce the ban. While SB 69 mandates that all of Utah’s publicly run schools will have to abide by the bell-to-bell ban, there is no universal guideline for how it needs to be enforced. For some schools, enforcement of the ban may simply look like requiring students to leave their phones in their backpack, locker or other storage space. On the other hand, it’s very likely that certain schools will decide to use Yondr pouches, or other similar technology. For those unfamiliar, a Yondr pouch is a small fabric sleeve that uses a patented locking system with a magnetic unlocking mechanism. Yondr pouches allow for the student to maintain physical access to their device, without having the ability to actually use it. Exact procedures can vary based on location, but in effect, a student puts their device into the pouch at the beginning of the school day. Once class has dismissed for the day, students can go and unlock their Yondr pouch at various stationed unlocking banks. Many teachers also have access to an unlocking mechanism within their classroom, in case of emergency.

Following SB 178’s initial cell phone ban in 2025, several schools within Utah chose to utilize Yondr pouches. One such school was Granger High School, and thus far the results have been promising according to Luke Allen, the Associate Director of Communications for Granite School District. Allen and the District reported that student fights at Granger have decreased by 50% following their cell phone ban. He also

mentioned that academic failure rates have dramatically improved. “The first year of that policy at Granger High School, if you compare the student failure rate to the four years leading up to that, [Granger] had their lowest rates of those five years,” Allen said. “So, they had their lowest failure rates in five years, the first year they had that policy.” Despite Yondr’s effective nature, there is still one large roadblock preventing many schools from actually utilizing the technology—cost concerns. Yondr pouches are still considered a somewhat costly option, especially for many schools in Utah that already feel stretched thin in light of ongoing funding and budget cuts. Sen. Lincoln Fillmore (RSouth Jordan), SB 69’s sponsor, addressed concerns at the time, explaining that schools in Utah would not be required to use Yondr pouches, rather, they exist as one potential option that schools can employ to enforce the bell-to-bell ban. For many students, how exactly the bellto-bell ban will be enforced in their specific institution is relatively up in the air, nevertheless, all students should be prepared for the bell-to-bell ban upon their return from the summer holidays. While early data suggests bell-to-bell bans have been highly beneficial, only time will tell when it comes to determining the long-term effectiveness of the ban. l

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September 2026 | Page 9

Community leaders urge action to combat hate crimes in Utah The Valley Fair stabbing sparks conversation on Islamophobia. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

fter a rise in anti-Muslim attacks nationwide and the recent stabbing of Syed Sohail Uddin at Valley Fair Mall, Utah leaders gathered to discuss how to confront hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities. In July, a town hall was held at the Utah Islamic Center (984 W. 9000 South), bringing together religious leaders, law enforcement officers, community members and elected officials to discuss how hate crimes affect Utah and what can be done. “If Islam could be summarized in one word, it would be ‘justice’,” said Imam Shuaib, a spiritual leader in the Utah Muslim community. “We would like to see concrete steps taken to assure the safety of our community and all communities, all minorities.” Edward Ahmed Mitchell, civil rights attorney and the national deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, stated that anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence are increasing because people with platforms and power are deliberately stoking fear. His office received more than 8,500 complaints last year from people in the Muslim community who were targeted, harassed or attacked. He said the number is higher than it’s ever been, even higher than the hate crimes that followed 9/11. “Hate speech very often can easily lead to hate crimes,” Mitchell said. Uddin, who was stabbed more than 15 times while working at the mall in July, faces a long recovery. He joined

Syed Sohail Uddin was stabbed at Valley Fair Mall for being Muslim. He talks with members of a town hall about his experience. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)

the town hall from his home, where he addressed attendees and said he has no hatred in his heart for his attacker. “I sincerely pray that Allah will bless his soul, guide him to the right path, and fill his heart with kindness and compassion. My only wish is that no one else suffers this.” Sister Hibba, a longtime member of the Utah Islamic Center, said everyone in the nation has a role to play when it comes to addressing hate crimes. She called on elected leaders to do more than offer blank statements after tragedy or provide brief appearances during election season. “We need leaders who are willing to come and listen to understand our lived experiences and to include us in conversations about public safety, education and civic life,” she

said. “Addressing Islamophobia cannot be reactive; it must be proactive.” Representatives from the Governor’s Office, the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office and West Jordan City were on hand, as well as FBI officials and Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. Gill explained that there are three victims in every hate crime: the person who is targeted and attacked, the community that person belongs to and the overall community in which the crime happens. He said the person who allegedly stabbed Uddin confessed that he wanted his actions to be a catalyst for more violence. Gill urged people to report hate crimes, even those that seem minor. “Call your police and document this. Hate crimes are vehemently underreported. We become tolerant,” Gill said. “One of the best things we can do as elected and community leaders is to join the chorus and say, ‘This is not acceptable.’...We get to exercise that power and we get to build that community to call it out. That is the best gift that we can give to each other.” Attendees were encouraged to intervene when witnessing a hate crime, either by standing up for the victim or by getting law enforcement involved. People were challenged to speak up when they hear friends or family members making derogatory comments about any race or religion. “Muslims belong here,” Hibba said. “We are your neighbors, your colleagues, your classmates, your friends, and your fellow Utahns. We deserve to practice Islam without fear, to raise our families in safety and to know that our leaders are committed not only to responding in tragedy but to preventing tragedy. This should be a moment where we choose action over silence.” l

Central Body Shop

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We are locally owned and operated. We advo cate for those in an accident who are dealing with insurance companies. We want to make sure our clients get reimbursed properly and fairly when dealing with a repair or a total loss situation.

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CENTRAL BODY SHOP opened its original Who is your ideal customer? location in 1981 and opened its West Valley lo cation in 1996. Serving the greater Salt Lake area, the shop has clients from Tooele, Ogden, Park City and Provo, as well as other states such as Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. The company just celebrated its 45th anniversary. Destiny Crowther who has been with the com pany for 29 years said her team proudly treats every repair as if the car they are fixing it for them selves or a family member, always doing a safe and proper repair. We want to make sure every repair we do is safe for as long as that car is on the road, no matter who owns it. Safety is our #1 priority!

What services do you offer?

Follow Central Body Shop IG: @centralbodyshop.ut FB: @centralbodyshop

Page 10 | September 2026

We are a collision repair facility that repairs vehicles after an accident. We specialize in restor ing a vehicle to its preloss condition by following OEM repair procedures. Whether it’s a major re pair or a small fix, we can help get you back on the road quickly.

Our ideal client is someone who was involved in a car accident or a fleet manager who handles several vehicles for the company they work for.

How do potential clients choose between you and a competitor?

Clients choose Central Body Shop because we’re more than a repair shop — we’re a local ly owned, womenled team that treats people like neighbors, not numbers. Clients consistent ly praise our detailed estimates and the way we break down the repair process in a way that feels clear and empowering. We know an accident can disrupt a person’s life, we strive to be more than a repair facility — we aim to be a trusted friend and advocate. To us, this is an opportunity to sup port someone through a stressful time. Many of our clients become friends, and we’re proud to be a steady, supportive ally during a difficult mo ment and we value the trust they place in us. That connection with our community is what drives our work every day.

What is your favorite service your company offers?

I love our financing option and I also love our instant AI estimate feature. It helps people get a quick estimate so they can quickly figure out if they want to file a claim or pay out of pocket for repairs. It’s super easy.

What is your best advice for someone considering doing business with you?

We invite them to come in and meet us. Let us show you around our shop and introduce our team to you. Once you are here, you will see and feel the difference in our shop compared to oth ers. We work with all insurance companies, and we will advocate for a safe and proper repair on every repair with every insurance company. We work for you, not the insurance company.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about your business? We are proud of the team we have built. I be lieve our team members are the best in the state. We have been in business for 45 years; the owner of our company, Richard Ellison, has raised us all to be honest, fair, ethical and professionals in our careers. We strive to uphold Rick’s integrity in ev erything we do, whether a repair, a business deal or just being a good member of the community.

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West Valley City Journal

Cada fin de semana un pedazo de Latinoamérica florece en Utah By Marisol Camacho m.camacho@mycityjournals.com

n un país acostumbrado a las grandes cadenas comerciales, majestuosos Mall y las compras cada vez más dominadas por las plataformas digitales, caminar por La Pulga Central, en Salt Lake City, puede sentirse como atravesar una pequeña puerta hacia otro lugar. Cada sábado y domingo, en terrenos de tierra suelta y estacionamientos improvisados, decenas de familias hispanas instalan carpas, mesas plegables y toldos de lona para recrear algo que en Estados Unidos es casi una rareza, el mercado de pulgas al estilo latinoamericano. En La Pulga Central encuentras puestos llenos de ropa nueva y usada, zapatos, herramientas, juguetes, accesorios, artículos para el hogar, productos religiosos y comida, además la posibilidad de caminar, mirar, preguntar, comparar y negociar precios. Para muchos inmigrantes, el valor del mercado no está solamente en encontrar algo barato, está en la sensación, en escuchar español entre los puestos. En ver una mesa llena de mercancía que recuerda al comercio callejero de su país. La legislación de Utah reconoce formalmente la actividad de los swap meets y mercados de pulgas, definiéndolos como eventos donde distintas personas ofrecen bienes para la venta o intercambio. Sin embargo, se exigen licencias de negocio, registros de artículos usados y la prohibición de vender ciertos bienes restringidos como armas de fuego sin licencia federales, alcohol ilegal y otros productos regulados. Para quienes caminan por sus pasillos, el mercado es mucho más que un lugar de compras; es una terapia contra la añoranza. “Cuando entro aquí y escucho la música de fondo, el murmullo de la gente negociando en español y el olor a la

Lo que hace particular a La Pulga Central es su formato abierto y su sello de mercado latino. (Marisol Camacho/City Journals)

comida hecha al momento, me olvido por un rato de que estoy en Estados Unidos”, comenta la barranquillera María Elizabeth Colina, una de las compradoras frecuentes que acude los domingos a buscar ropa y artículos caseros. “Me transporto directo a mi pueblo natal, donde la gente se saluda con calidez, Uno viene por una cosa y termina encontrando recuerdos de su país. Eso es lo bonito de estos mercados.” Por su parte, Ricardo González, quien asistió en busca de herramientas para su taller mecánico, destaca la autenticidad que diferencia a este espacio de cualquier tienda tradicional de la región: “En un mall comercial todo es frío e impersonal. Aquí uno habla con el dueño del puesto, pregunta por la familia, busca el descuento y se lleva algo con historia. Este

mercado marca la diferencia porque conserva nuestra manera de vivir y apoyarnos entre paisanos, escuchas tu música, pruebas algo que sabe a casa. Eso no lo da ningún mall”. Sin embargo, el alma del lugar reside en sus detalles culturales y devocionales. En mesas dispuestas sobre la tierra destacan estatuillas de la Virgen de Guadalupe decorada con mantos verdes y dorados, imágenes de San Judas Tadeo y efigies populares como Jesús Malverde, ofreciendo un refugio espiritual a quienes buscan mantener viva su fe. Unos pasos más adelante, el aroma a barbacoa de borrego, pupusas recién hechas en comales ardientes y vasos con aguas frescas y fruta picada devuelven al visitante la sazón intacta de su infancia. Ana Sepúlveda de México, coincide en que el valor está en lo intangible. “En Estados Unidos todo es tan ordenado, tan de marca, tan igual en todos lados. Aquí no. Aquí cada puesto tiene su propia tradición, su propia gente. Me recuerda al mercado de mi infancia, con el mismo desorden bonito y la misma sencillez”. Esa sencillez es lo que distingue a estos mercados en un país donde el comercio suele estar mediado por grandes corporaciones. No hay letreros publicitarios ni pasillos idénticos, hay familias completas construyendo un ingreso bajo el mismo sol que calienta la tierra que pisan. Cada fin de semana, el terreno de grava y asfalto bajo el brillante cielo del valle se transforma en un bullicioso mosaico de puestos atendidos por familias hispanas. Las Pulgas ofrece una estampa viva que quiebra la rutina urbana norteamericana. Aquí no hay cajas de cobro automático ni códigos QR; hay manos estrechas, miradas francas y el arte entrañable del regateo. Recordando que la migración también construye paisajes propios, economías pequeñas, redes de apoyo y, sobre todo, un lugar donde las costumbres no se pierden. l

IT’S MORE THAN A FREE MEAL!

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uah.org | 801-328-2561

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As Utah’s official educational savings plan for the past 30 years, we help you invest for education so you can help your children and grandchildren follow their dreams. Contributing even a small amount now to a 529 education savings account can help make college or vocational school more affordable later. And now, 529 savings can be used for qualified education expenses that occur before, during and after college. my529 can help make the process of saving for higher education easy!

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4483 W. 3500 S. | West Valley City, UT | centralbodyshop.com Lifetime warranty | FREE estimates | We work with all insurance companies

WVCJournal .com

Investing is an important decision. The investments in your account may vary with market conditions and could lose value. Carefully read the Program Description in its entirety for more information and consider all investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. For a copy of the Program Description, call 800.418.2551 or visit my529.org.

September 2026 | Page 11

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Page 12 | September 2026

• Adoption • Estate Planning • Guardianship • Inheritance • Name Change • Probate • Trusts • Wills • Family Law

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West Valley City Journal

City Journals presents:

A publication covering local pets, their

humans and their care around the Salt Lake Valley

Give an old dog a new beginning By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com Puppies are cute but senior dogs have wisdom, manners and lots of love to share. While an older dog might not have the energy of a puppy or long years of fun and adventure left in them, for people willing to look past the slower walks and gray hairs, a senior dog can offer a life-changing experience at both ends of the leash. Guinnevere Shuster works as the Humane Society of Utah’s communication director. She said there are several misconceptions about adopting an older dog that can hold people back from a loving relationship, including the idea that the dog will pass away too soon. “When people are worried about that, I often bring up the fact that the time that you do have is really special, and you’re really making a difference for this animal,” she said. “You’re getting them out of the animal shelter into a home where they’re loved. Getting them out of the shelter and into a home is really rewarding.” Dogs are considered senior when they turn 7 and cats when they turn 10 or 11. Although aging differs between the size and breed of the animals, many pets live several more years. Shuster said one cat was 12 when she was adopted, but lived another five years.

She said most senior pets offer calm companionship and are deeply grateful for another chance to live with a loving family. While some of the animals had an established bond with their previous families, others might have led a rough life, but they usually have an easy time adjusting to a new home. “They’re really resilient, and they’re also very social creatures. So they are looking to make that connection with people,” Shuster said. “They want to be around you. They want to have their person. It might take them a little time to learn the ropes and get adjusted to everyone, but dogs and cats typically bond pretty quickly to who’s caring for them, especially to who’s feeding them.” Adopting a senior dog from the Humane Society comes with several benefits. All adoption fees are waived and they are spayed or neutered and microchipped. They receive all necessary vaccinations and are given medical and dental exams, including blood work and X-rays, if needed. If the animal has medical issues, or needs teeth pulled, those problems are taken care of before they are put up for adoption. Potential adopters receive full transparency when it comes to the animal’s physical condition. “When adopting an older dog, they know what they’re getting,” Shuster said.

BlackJack is a 10-year-old Norwegian elkhound/husky mix. He’s one of the senior dogs available for adoption at the Humane Society of Utah. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah) “They don’t have to worry about potty training or loose-leash walking or the dog chewing up any shoes. You know what you’re getting with a senior animal and that brings a great peace of mind and a lot less stress.” For those interested in adopting a senior dog or cat, the Humane Society of Utah has information about all its animals,

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including photos, at utahhumane.org. “One of the benefits is that when you get them home, you get that reward of giving an animal a home, an animal that’s often overlooked in the shelter environment and maybe not favored by most people,” Shuster said. “It’s really rewarding to know that you’re giving this animal a place to rest for their golden years.”

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September 2026 | Page 13

Meet the winners of our cutest pet social media contest First place is a three-way tie!

First place. “Peaches smashed between our mastiff/ pitbull mix and the couch.” (Photo submitted by Kelsee Tia Kinder)

First place. “Rosie is a 9-week-old shih tzu who alternates between nibbling at your toes and taking naps under the couch. Her emotional support human’s name is Liz.” (Photo submitted by Liz Ang)

First place. “Charlie puppy is a 4-year-old yorkipoo who does not like going to Lowe’s but when he does, he planks on a bucket of drywall mud to strengthen his front paws. His motto is ‘why only lift a leg when you can lift your entire body?’ His support humans are Liz and Stephane.” (Photo submitted by Liz Ang)

“Jake doesn’t play political games, he stands up for all West Valley voices, not just people who agree with him.”

Salt Lake City Walk September 5, 2026 Veterans Memorial Park West Jordan, UT Check In: 9:00 AM Event Start: 9:30 AM

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Page 14 | September 2026

West Valley City Journal

5 unique animal rescue organizations By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com It’s not just cats and dogs that need rescue and love. When you think of animal rescues, you probably picture shelters filled with cute kittens or adorable dogs. But animal rescue is much more than that. Several organizations in Utah are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating everything from ducks to turtles and finding homes for these unique pets. Here are a few of these groups that help nearly every type of creature.

Wasatch Exotics Rescue

Founded by Angela Pollack, Marybeth Spencer and Mitchell Christiansen, Wasatch Exotics Rescue provides a foster-based model in which every rescue is placed in an approved foster home. The fosters set up a proper habitat for the animals and give the rescues love and attention until they find their forever home. The group accepts pets such as ball pythons, iguanas, geckos, bearded dragons, turtles and more. To adopt an exotic pet, surrender an animal, become a foster or volunteer, visit wasatchexoticsrescue.org for more information.

Clementine Ranch

Although they are not currently accepting new animals, Clementine Ranch is a sanctuary for livestock. Started by Lindsey Armstrong and Rob Fenn, the ranch is intended to be a place of compassion, embracing a vegan lifestyle. The couple took over an existing animal sanctuary in Herriman that needed a lot of renovation to make it safe for humans and animals. The rescued or retired livestock include cows, sheep, goats, horses, emus and chickens who can live out their lives in peace and comfort. At clementineranch.org, information is available on how to support the organization to keep the animals fed and housed. Follow their adventures on social media @ theclementineranch.

Wasatch Wanderers Animal Rescue

This animal rescue is focused on the care of abandoned, neglected or unwanted animals. Since it was founded in 2021, the organization has rescued 1,400 animals in need. Wasatch Wanderers is dedicated to educating owners about the care of domestic fowl, which are often dumped in rivers, lakes

and streams once they outgrow their “cute” chick stage. Rescuers hope that by teaching people that domesticated ducks, geese and chickens cannot survive in the wild, it will stop the illegal dumping of these animals. Learn more about the organization, or donate to the cause at wasatchwanderers.org.

Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS)

CAWS is Utah’s oldest animal rescue group, providing foster care, adoption and education to save cats and dogs that are often overlooked or under-appreciated. This includes sick, elderly, injured or special needs animals looking for the perfect family. Most animals at CAWS are rescued from shelters across Utah and other states. Families looking to adopt are carefully screened to ensure they get the best pet for their home. For information about adoption, fostering, volunteering or donating, visit caws.org.

Canines With a Cause

This organization offers a double bonus: it pairs rescued shelter dogs with military veterans struggling with PTSD. Animals are evaluated at shelters to find potential candidates to become psychiatric service dogs, then partnered with a vet. The duo trains together, allowing the vets

When ducks are illegally dumped in ponds and streams, Wasatch Wanderers rescue and rehome them. It’s just one of the many organizations that help animals find loving homes. (Canva stock) to work with the dog to develop therapy skills and tasks. These can include interrupting distress, waking a vet up during nightmares, retrieving items and grounding. CWAC helps the pair develop a strong bond that supports both partners. Classes are offered to veterans at no cost. To learn more, visit canineswithacause.org.

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Artistic talent on display at the Salt Lake County Senior Art Show More than 140 entries were judged at this year’s event. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

andy artist Shu Yamamoto has been “cat-terizing” famous paintings for nearly 20 years. To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Yamamoto did a series of patriotic works including cats signing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and “Washingpaw Crosses the Delaware,” which he entered in the Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services Senior Art Show. The painting depicts General Washingpaw standing heroically in a boat, with his crew of diverse kittens, as they cross the Delaware River. It earned Yamamoto a third-place finish in the competition. “I’ve always admired my adopted country, the U.S.,” he said. “I became a citizen 10 years ago, and I wanted to celebrate with other Americans.” The fourth annual Senior Art Show brought together artists from across Salt Lake County, each contributing their canvas art, pottery, woodworking and fine craft entries. More than 140 pieces were entered in the competition that was held at the end of July. This year’s theme was “From the Heart: Reflections on 250 Years of America,” with the art pieces displayed at the Salt Lake County Government Center. “Art has been an integral part of our senior centers’ culture since day one,” said AAS Program Manager James Witucki. “At each of our 14 centers you’ll see people finding community through various art groups and classes, ranging

West Valley resident Alan Heaps holds one of the hexagonal trinket shelves he makes with scrap wood. He entered several pieces into the Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services Senior Art Show. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)

from pottery and woodcarving to painting and fiber arts. These classes help older adults connect, communicate and express themselves creatively through art. Our annual Senior Art Show celebrates not only their incredible talent, but also the amazing community they’ve built through art.” West Valley City resident Alan Heaps started woodworking

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two years ago, using scrap wood to make trinket shelves. “It’s a hobby, and I enjoy doing it,” he said. “It’s fun and keeps me going. My neighbor gives me all the wood. It’s the scrap wood from where he works. They throw it away. I’ve got two shelves at home that I put shot glasses on. You can put anything you want on them. They hang on the wall and I make different varieties.” Heaps’ friend Lorin Schetselaar entered his acrylic painting “Old School Drag Race.” He’s had a lifelong passion for creating art and drag racing. “I’m into old cars,” Schetselaar said. “So there are a couple old cars in the painting and they’re just getting the green light. There’s not much of a crowd, but some of them are at the concession stand, some people are in the tower. That just speaks to me.” Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services Division Director Paul Leggett had the opportunity to select two Director’s Choice awards. His multimedia winner was Kristy Fullmer of Draper for her lighthouse pottery mug. Leggett’s choice for canvas art went to Millcreek resident Ralph Morelli for his painting, “Pink.” “There are two things about it I love,” Leggett said. “One is the art itself and the other is the message that [Morelli] included with the art. There are cards that you can pick up with a picture of the art on it, and on the back he wrote, ‘My tribute to humanity. This is a gift given human to human. May my painting, ‘Pink,’ brighten your day. Peace and tranquility. Love, Ralph and Donna. Please pay it forward.’” Overall winners of the canvas art category were Leonard Davis (first), Dennis Greenwood (second) and Yamamato (third). The fine art category winners were Dennis Otteson (first), Terry Harris (second) and Jacqueline McCleery (third). l

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Everyday Utahns step up to help save the Great Salt Lake A retired teacher uses photography to inspire conservation while a recent Corner Canyon graduate proposes a way residents can save water, showing protecting the Great Salt Lake starts with everyday actions. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Linda Dalton Walker will have a solo photography exhibit, “Great Salt Lake: America’s Inland Sea and Her Birds,” this September at Red Butte Garden. (Photo courtesy Linda Dalton Walker)

he Great Salt Lake’s shrinking shoreline has become one of Utah’s most pressing environmental concerns, but for some residents, waiting for someone else to solve the problem isn’t an option. Retired Canyons School District teacher Linda Dalton Walker grew up swimming in the lake and has spent years documenting it through photography and painting. What began as a landscape painting trip in the 1980s became a lifelong mission after an encounter with a bird. “A great blue heron took off in front of me, and I was just enamored,” she said. “That was the beginning of my journey with Great Salt Lake.” Since retiring 11 years ago, Dalton Walker spends several days each week exploring and photographing the lake’s birdlife and changing shoreline. Her work has appeared in exhibitions highlighting the lake, including an upcoming solo photography exhibit, “Great Salt Lake: America’s Inland Sea and Her Birds,” opening Sept. 4 at Red Butte Garden. Dalton Walker said many Utahns know the lake is shrinking, but they have never experienced it firsthand. “So many people don’t go out to Great Salt Lake; they just see what’s on the news,” she said. “If they go, they’d know the water used to come up to the causeway and now, it’s all dirt.” Dalton Walker’s photographs focus on migratory birds that depend on the lake, including snowy plovers, eared grebes and phalaropes. With the declining water levels, she has watched habitat and feeding areas disappear. “One time in 2019, I spent all day long photographing this one area. There were American white pelicans, great blue herons,

bald eagles, kestrels, some dabbling ducks, all of them in one area. I have never experienced that since,” she said. “The birds don’t have a voice. People need to understand how many animals need the Great Salt Lake to survive.” Dalton Walker encourages residents to conserve water and support conservation efforts protecting the lake. Corner Canyon High School 2026 graduate Eric Larson advocates for changes with residential yards. He suggests replacing traditional Kentucky bluegrass with buffalo grass, a drought-tolerant alternative that requires less irrigation and maintenance. Larson said outdoor watering is a major use of municipal water, making residential landscapes important to water conservation. “The biggest thing is most people don’t know that they can help with the Great Salt Lake; they think there’s nothing the individual person can do,” he said. Larson estimates widespread adoption of water-efficient turf could save hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water annually while lowering maintenance costs for homeowners over time. He added businesses, schools, churches and government buildings also could replace their Kentucky bluegrass with buffalo grass or xeriscaping. “This won’t be a full solution, but it gets us very close and it will help us stall for more time,” he said.

Larson believes education is one of the most important tools for protecting the Great Salt Lake. “I think studying the Great Salt Lake belongs in schools,” he said. “People would be a lot more interested to learn about something they can not only affect, but also, effects them.” Larson, an avid snowboarder who was concerned about the lake’s decline and its effects on Utah’s winters, first researched the impact as a concurrent environmental science project. Now he plans to share his findings with legislators. Both Dalton Walker and Larson share the same message: individual actions matter. Dalton Walker plans to return to the lake nearly every week, camera in hand. “I can’t sit back and watch this happen without informing people,” Dalton Walker said. Larson adds: “People can be a lot more involved, especially when they learn if they change what’s going on with their own home, it will impact the Great Salt Lake. That’s powerful.” l Linda Dalton Walker’s 40-photograph exhibit, “Great Salt Lake: America’s Inland Sea and Her Birds,” will run Sept. 4-29 at Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City. She will give a free presentation at 1 p.m., Sept. 12, with a reception following.

Linda Dalton Walker, who regularly photographs the birds of the Great Salt Lake, has noticed the declining level of the lake. (Photo courtesy Linda Dalton Walker)

WVCJournal .com

September 2026 | Page 17

Guest Clinician REGINALD GOLDEN •

Music Director of the Howard Gospel Choir

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Founder and Artistic Director of the Reginald Golden Singers

Hilltop Gospel Choir Fifth Annual

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Music Director of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (the Thomas Dorsey Convention) Youth and Young Adult Department

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Worship Leader

Gospel Music Workshop •

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Guest Clinician Musical Director and/or Vocal Arranger for several stage GOLDEN plays, special events, andREGINALD as a workshop clinician • Music Director of the Howard Gospel

Has worked extensively in Choir the US and abroad in numerous countries spanning Asia, Europe and the Ameri-

cas

• Founder and Artistic Director of the Reginald Golden Singers • Music Director of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (the Thomas Dorsey Convention) Youth and Young Adult Department • Worship Leader • Musical Director and/or Vocal Arranger for several stage plays, special events, and as a workshop clinician • Has worked extensively in the US and abroad in numerous countries spanning Asia, Europe and the Americas

ctober 9, - Sunday, October 11, 2026 lltop United Methodist Church 5 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84094 ULL SCHEDULE ON WEBSITE

on sic Ministry an Musical Traditions, Spirituals, Gospel Music • Vocal Production ir Concert Friday, October 9 to • Deepening Music Ministry Sunday, October 11, 2026 • African American Musical TradiHILLTOP UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Registration Now Open! tions, Spirituals, Gospel Music 985 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84094

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West Valley City Journal

SEPTEMBER CONCERT SCHEDULE Sept. 2:

Air Supply, Sandy Amphitheater Sept. 2: The Red Clay Strays, Maverik Center Sept. 3: Theresa Caputo, Abravanel Hall Sept 4: Jack Johnson, Lake Street Drive, UFCU Amphitheatre Sept. 8: “ Undertale: The Determination Symphony,” Eccles Theatre Sept. 9: Bonnie Raitt, Red Butte Garden Sept. 12: The Tom Petty tribute, Sandy Amphitheater Sept. 13: “My Hero Academia in Concert,” Eccles Theater Sept. 14: Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, UFCU Amphitheatre Sept. 15: Weezer, Maverik Center Sept. 16: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Utah State Fairpark Sept. 17: Darius Rucker, Utah State Fairpark Sept. 17: The National Parks, Red Butte Garden

Sept. 18: Matchbox Twenty, Utah State Fairpark Sept. 18: Foster the People, America First Field Sept. 18 and 19: Mat Kearney, Sandy Amphitheater Sept. 20: The Record Company, Cracker, Red Butte Garden Sept. 21: Mötley Crüe, UFCU Amphitheatre Sept. 22: Five Finger Death Punch, UFCU Amphitheatre Sept. 22: The Revivalists, Red Butte Garden Sept.26: $uicide Boys, UFCU Amphitheatre Sept. 26: Zeppelin USA, Sandy Amphitheater Sept. 27: “Ghostbusters” in concert, Abravanel Hall Sept. 29: Wu-Tang Clan, UFCU Amphitheatre Sept. 30: Breaking Benjamin, UFCU Amphitheatre

LOCATIONS FOR CONCERT VENUES

Red Butte Garden 2188 Red Butte Canyon Road, Salt Lake City

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Sandy Amphitheater 1245 E. 9400 South, Sandy

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Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 5150 Upper Ridge Road, West Valley City

America First Field 9256 S. State St., Sandy

Maverik Center 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City

Utah State Fairpark 1000 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City

The Depot 13 N. 400 West, Salt Lake City

Library Square 200 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City

Zions Bank Stadium 14787 Academy Parkway, Herriman

Eccles Theatre 131 S. Main St., Salt Lake City

Rice-Eccles Stadium 451 S. 1400 East, Salt Lake City

Abravanel Hall 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City

Gallivan Center 50 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Hilltop Gospel Choir Fifth Annual Gospel Music Workshop Gospel Music Workshop with Guest Clinician Reginald Golden Sandy, Utah—September 2026— Registration is now open for the Fifth Annual Gospel Music Workshop hosted by Hilltop Gospel Choir, taking place October 9–11, 2026, at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy, Utah. This year’s featured clinician is REGINALD GOLDEN, acclaimed conductor of the internationally renowned Howard Gospel Choir and an experienced vocalist, educator, and workshop leader. Golden has led performances and masterclasses around the world and has collaborated with celebrated artists including Yolanda Adams, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Sounds of Blackness. He has also performed at the White House and served as a cultural ambassador through international gospel tours.

This workshop is an amazing and unique opportunity for community members of all backgrounds and musical ability to experience the profound beauty and joy of Gospel and African American sacred music. During the workshop, participants will develop and expand on their musical skills, but also find connection, healing, and peace through singing and shared purpose. Whether you are an experienced singer or participating in a choir for the first time, this workshop offers an inviting and uplifting environment where each person and voice is valued and celebrated.

What: Gospel Music Workshop hosted by Hilltop Gospel Choir When: Friday, October 9, 2026 6:30–9:30 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (lunch provided) Sunday, October 11, 2026 Worship Service | 10:30 a.m. Sunday October 11, 2026 Concert | 5:00 p.m. Where: Hilltop United Methodist Church 985 E. 10600 S. Sandy, UT 84094 Register: hilltopgospelchoir.org/ gospel-music-workshop/ More Information: info@hilltopgospelchoir.org 801.571.5777 SPONSORED CONTENT

WVCJournal .com

September 2026 | Page 19

Stonebridge opens new chapter for women living with severe mental illness New Salt Lake home aims to break cycle of mental illness and homelessness. By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

former youth hostel near downtown Salt Lake City has been transformed into Stonebridge, a 29-bed residential home intended to help women with severe and persistent mental illness avoid repeated cycles of homelessness, hospitalization and incarceration. Odyssey House of Utah operates the home at 143 W. 800 South. Salt Lake County, the state of Utah and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation funded the acquisition and renovation of the building. The partners formally opened Stonebridge during a July 23 ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by government, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders. According to Salt Lake County’s announcement, Stonebridge is “a new home for women recovering from severe mental illness.” The county identified supportive housing as an essential part of its Behavioral Health and Justice Action Plan, a package of 25 recommendations intended to improve the way local systems respond to people experiencing behavioral health crises. Stonebridge is designed to provide more than a bed. Residents have access to

Officials cut the ribbon on Stonebridge, a home for women recovering from severe mental illness. (Photo courtesy of Amy Winder Newton)

food, security and around-the-clock assistance with medical care, mental health treatment and case management. Services include medication support, clinical therapy and assistance from peers with personal experience in recovery. Women do not arrive directly from the street. Each resident is referred by an Assertive Community Treatment team and must be stabilized on medication before entering. Once admitted, residents receive 24-hour supervision and wraparound services.

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group homes in Salt Lake County, but Cohen said the existing programs address only a portion of the demand. Stonebridge is one of three new homes expected to open during 2026. Together, the three facilities are projected to house 90 people. The additional beds are intended to help people remain in the community rather than returning to emergency rooms, psychiatric hospitals or jails. “A high number of severely mentally ill are booked into the county jail each year, yet Medicaid does not cover their medication and health care — property taxpayers do,” Winder Newton said. “This group home program allows us to use state matching dollars and draw down additional federal Medicaid dollars to provide care for residents. Not only does it actually work to keep people off the streets and out of jail, but it’s a less expensive way to do so.” Stonebridge also contributes to Salt Lake County’s five-year goal of creating at least 1,000 deeply affordable housing units. County officials have said housing for people requiring intensive behavioral health support is among the most difficult and resource-intensive housing to provide. “These are 29 lives that are going to be enhanced,” Wilson said. “I think women who come here … are going to have a second chance at life.” l

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“This kind of sustained support helps people stay stable and out of the cycle of crisis,” the county’s press release stated. The project moved unusually quickly. Odyssey House President and CEO Adam Cohen said county behavioral health officials informed the organization earlier this year that government funding was available if it could identify a suitable property. A real estate search led Odyssey House to the former hostel, located near the 900 South TRAX station, a bus route and the 9-Line Trail. Its location gives residents access to transportation, employment and community services. “We are thrilled to see the opening of one of three group homes for severely mentally ill adults to reside and receive wraparound services,” Salt Lake County Councilmember Amy Winder Newton said. The partners spent approximately $2.8 million purchasing the property and another $500,000 renovating it, according to Cohen. Annual operating costs are expected to reach about $1.5 million. Stonebridge resembles a college residence hall, with a mixture of single and shared bedrooms. However, its clinical staffing and continuous supervision distinguish it from a conventional shelter or affordable apartment complex. Odyssey House already operates two

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Why government needs leaders who will work together I‘ve written before in this column about compromise and why I think it’s one of the most undervalued qualities we can ask of Salt Lake County elected leaders. It doesn’t win applause at a Councilmember council meeting, and it rarely makes for a District 3 good campaign sign. But when it works, it produces better government than either side would have landed on alone. The Salt Lake County Council’s decision last fall on county-run child care is a great example of this, and I want to walk through why. For years, Salt Lake County Parks and the Millcreek and Northwest Activity CenRecreation operated childcare centers out of ters, even though childcare has never been recreation facilities in Kearns, Magna, and a statutory responsibility of county government. An independent analysis last year found the county was spending roughly $2 million a year in General Fund dollars to subsidize care for about 270 children, somewhere between $6,000 and $10,000 per child annually. A whistleblower audit also turned up fraud at one of the centers. Most troubling to me, the study found the county never verified household income at enrollment. Only 17% of the children enrolled were receiving limit 1 per customer with coupon state childcare assistance through the Department of Workforce Services, meaning we had no real assurance that publicly subsidized spaces were going to the families who 4879 South Redwood Rd needed them most. Taylorsville, UT 84123 Everyone on the council agreed afford801-288-9898 able childcare matters. The real argument was hiddenpeakscoffee.com whether the county should keep operating

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childcare centers directly, at that level of subsidy, when so many working families in the county couldn’t access those services at all. That disagreement showed up in an initial vote that split the council down party lines, and it came with real anxiety for the families already enrolled. What happened next is the part I think is worth sharing. Rather than treating that first vote as the final word, Republican and Democratic council members continued listening to families, reviewing options and looking for common ground. We asked a better question than fund-it-or-cut-it: could we still make these spaces available for child care without the county trying to run the program itself and county property taxpayers subsidizing it? That work led to a unanimous vote to partner with nonprofit organizations whose core mission is serving low-income families, leasing them our existing childcare spaces at reduced rates in exchange for those organizations prioritizing income-qualified families. We paired it with expanded, affordable summer programming at recreation centers countywide. This past month, we got confirmation that it’s working as intended. Salt Lake Community Action Program will run an Early Head Start program at the Magna Recreation Center. YouthCity now leases space at the Northwest Recreation Center. Centro de la Familia de Utah will provide childcare at

the Millcreek Activity Center. All three organizations already administer income-based programs and are equipped to verify eligibility and prioritize the families with the greatest need, something county government was never set up to do well. Along the way, we extended the closure timeline, connected parents with state resources, and transferred the county’s surplus childcare equipment to our new nonprofit partners so they could get up and running faster. In today’s political climate, compromise is too often mistaken for weakness, or dismissed as splitting the difference until nobody’s happy. This decision argues the opposite. The council didn’t simply eliminate a program. We built a better one, one that reaches low-income families more reliably, makes more responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and puts childcare in the hands of organizations whose entire mission is childcare. That’s what I mean when I say government needs leaders willing to compromise. Not leaders who abandon their principles, but leaders who stay at the table with people they disagree with long enough to find something better than either side started with. Compromise didn’t weaken this outcome. It strengthened it. This wasn’t government doing less. It was government doing better, and I’d like to see us keep doing it that way.

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Page 22 | September 2026

West Valley City Journal

’ve always wanted a beautiful front porch where I could drink tea, read a book and listen to the neighbor’s fight. A porch was one of the first social media platforms. It just took a while to get the gossip; you had to sit patiently and wait for it to walk by. Now, our inability to be still keeps us from the simple joy of lounging on the porch to watch the flowers bloom, see the boy down the street learn to ride a bike, notice where the stray cat hides so you can leave it a treat, or watch your neighbor back into a light pole. At my childhood home, we didn’t have a fancy porch with swings and flowers; we had a concrete slab in front of our door, with two cement steps leading to the walkway. That was our porch and we sat on it all the time. If we were seated on the stoop, our friends knew we could play. There was no texting to see if we were home. There were no parents on a group chat arranging a play date. Kids just rode by on their bikes and invited us to go to the park. We’d gather friends along the way who were sitting on various porch steps until we had an entire gang. When I had a stomachache, Mom gave me a can of Coca-Cola. Apparently the medical treatment for an upset stomach in those days was carbonated, caffeinated sugar. Because drinking Coke in Utah at the time was borderline scandalous, I took my demon

WVCJournal .com

Leave the porch light on Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

beverage to the porch and sipped it while my friends watched, concerned about the state of my soul. Porches were the center of neighborhood communication. We’d leave treats on people’s welcome mats and Valentine’s cards on doorsteps. It’s where the paperboy threw the newspaper every morning and where the neighbor stood to accuse us of doorbell ditching, which also happened on a porch. How many first kisses happen on the front porch? People came to our porch every day. When the doorbell rang, we’d run to the front door, racing to open it first. We didn’t have Ring cameras. We had curiosity. It might be the Fuller Brush Man, a neighbor returning a casserole dish or Mom’s friend stopping by to gossip. The porch was where you sat in the rain, enjoyed the sunset, ate homemade cookies and watched a moth throw itself against the porch light. It was the place where nothing

happened, but also everything happened. A porch held no expectations but promoted childhood observations like: Is that mysterious car a kidnapper and does he have candy? Maybe we got rid of our front-porch communities because a porch required us to do something we’re increasingly uncomfortable with: nothing. We humble-brag about our busy schedules, eliminate downtime and use our phones to entertain us during the three minutes it takes to microwave a frozen dinner. Ironically, there’s an app called Front Porch Forum that’s supposed to connect people to their neighbors and communities. But you don’t have to download an app to build

connection. In fact, I challenge you to disengage from tech and go outside. If you have a porch or a stoop, sit down. Wait for the world to come to you. Talk to the woman walking her dog. Visit with the teenager slouching past your house. Watch the neighbor washing his car or the kid selling lemonade. If you’re lucky, listen to the neighbor’s fight. It’s really the perfect location. Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She also hosts the Life & Laughter podcast. Peri can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com.

September 2026 | Page 23

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