West Valley City
Cyprus High School lifts the anchor
on a new campus
By Zachary Smith | z.smith@mycityjournals.com
the 2025-26 school year in this new building.
Cyprus High School kicked off a new chapter of its legacy. On Oct. 6, the school celebrated the completion of its allnew campus with a festive ribbon cutting ceremony. This event was both a heartfelt farewell to the school’s past and a welcome into its future. The event brought current students and alumni together to reminisce and share excitement for the new campus.
The original Cyprus High School was built in 1918 on 8623 W. 3000 South in Magna. While this building was a serviceable home for many generations, it showed its age as the student body expanded and several decades passed. Numerous renovations over the years attempted to address the rising structural issues and lack of accommodation for students and faculty, including a rebuilding in 1983 caused by soil problems. In 2020, the school was rocked by a magnitude-5.7 earthquake, causing roughly $1 million in damage and confirming the need for an upgrade.
Construction on the new building began in November 2021, situated at 8575 W. Cordero Drive. This was made possible by a $238-million bond approved by the Granite District school board in 2017, which allocated money to the construction of multiple new schools. This year, over 2,600 students began
The new Cyprus High School was built with the current and future generations of students in mind, and its various improvements and features reflect that. According to Granite District’s official website, it will have “an emphasis on collaborative spaces, flexible learning environments, enhanced security, and the ability to adapt to educational needs for decades to come.”
The increase in space is set to support athletics in a way that wasn’t possible before. Whereas the school’s home sports events were previously held off campus due to the old building being unable to accommodate multischool events, the new facility offers plenty of room for all teams.
Granite School District board member Kristina Nguyen, who spoke at the ceremony, talked about the school’s new science labs, CTE opportunities and more.
“Our teachers at Cyprus work so hard to provide the best education for our students,” Nguyen said. “While there are still some finishing touches to do, they now have the space and ability to do this.”
Despite the old building’s flaws, Cyprus High School has always been a cornerstone of the Magna community that has grown around it. Melissa Smith graduated from Cyprus High School in 1993. Over three decades later, she teaches social studies to new generations of Pirates. “It’s nice that we now have a new building where all
the students and teachers can be in the same facility,” she said. “We feel more like a community now. Plus, the view of the Salt Lake valley is quite amazing.”
The old campus is set to be demolished. Future plans for the repurposing or decom-
missioning of the site are unknown at this time. Students and teachers are still adjusting to the new campus, and there is still work to be done in construction. But by the time the school is finished, it will finally be a place the Cyprus Pirates can call a home. l
Student government and Granite School District board members after cutting the ribbon. (Photo courtesy of Jen Bodell)
Ho Ho or Humdrum? Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays
Our favorite big box stores and online ads have been reminding us for weeks that the holidays are just around the corner. Happy time, right? Surprisingly the holidays can be a time of increased stress and can trigger mental health challenges for many. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holidays, with more than one-third indicating they experience higher stress levels during the holidays compared with other seasons. Added holiday stress can cause physical ailments, anxiety, depression, and in some cases substance misuse.
So what’s the holiday stress culprit? Well actually there are several:
Money. The holidays create budget pressures – gifts, travel, events.
Social. Family gatherings can produce awkward moments, especially when there are unresolved conflicts or pressure to follow tradition.
Busyness. Schedules can become overloaded with shopping, cooking special meals and attending holiday festivities. Sometimes with all the extra activity and disrupted routines, the holidays can be exhausting.
Loneliness. The holidays can create a heightened sense of loneliness for those who are separated from loved one or grieving a loss.
According to Dr. Jared Lambert, a CommonSpirit family medicine physician in West Jordan, there are several things we can do to manage holiday stress and even find joy in a season that is meant to be joyful.
First – Set realistic expectations. You may not cook the perfect turkey. The gift that you spent hours searching for may not elicit the magical reaction from the recipient. You may not be able to attend all the holiday events you’re invited to. That’s OK.
Second – Make time for yourself. Carve out a few moments each day during the holidays to read, get outside, meditate, and remember that the basics of self-care
– sleep, exercise, and healthy eating – still matter at this time of year.
Third – Set a budget. Having a financial plan going into the holidays helps with avoiding excessive spending. There’s nothing quite so deflating as January credit card bills that exceed what we can afford.
Fourth – Find joy in small things. Make time to talk to a friend or family member who makes you feel good. Savor that favorite side dish at Thanksgiving Dinner, listen to a favorite holiday song – and look for reasons to be grateful each day.
Fifth – Take a time out from Social Media: By limiting time on social media feeds you can reduce feelings of inadequacy by avoiding depictions of others’ perfectly curated holidays.
“The holidays can be a beautiful time, but they can also bring to the surface a lot of underlying stressors,” Dr. Lambert says. “It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about how you’re truly feeling and to allow for imperfections. Prioritize your well-being over societal pressures to create a ‘perfect’ holiday.”
If you find yourself severely struggling, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, call a helpline, or visit a mental health professional.
For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org
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.
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West Valley City LDS stake celebrates 40 years
Present and past members celebrated with
a barbecue.
By Darrell Kirby d.kirby@mycityjournals.com
Alot has changed in West Valley City over the past 40 years, but one constant has been the Salt Lake Hunter Copperhill Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The stake in August celebrated four decades of existence with a barbecue that brought together hundreds of past and present members of the stake bounded by 5600 West and 7200 West and just north of 4100 South to 4700 South.
The stake was officially created on May 12, 1985 by then-Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles at that time.
The anniversary recognition and gathering was coordinated in part by David Madsen, currently a high councilor in the stake, one of 12 men who assist and serve at the direction of the stake presidency.
“Stanley Kimball was called as the first stake president,” Madsen said, noting there was no known relation to Spencer W. Kimball, who was church president at that time. Despite the passage of many years, Madsen said he was able to track down Stanley Kimball, who had moved out of the Hunter Copperhill Stake a number of years ago and is currently a volunteer worker at the church’s Los Angeles Temple. Kimball couldn’t make it to the reunion, but plenty of other people did.
About 1,000 past and present stake members, their families and neighbors attended the reunion. “We have some people
that have been in the neighborhood 47, 50 years,” Madsen estimated. “It’s been special that we’ve rekindled relationships with neighbors and people that came back,” he said.
Current stake president Cody Hopkins felt impressed a year ago to celebrate the stake’s 40 years. “Of course, in the church we get a committee together…and we decided we wanted to have several things as part of this celebration,” Madsen said. That ended up being a reunion with a barbecue with the theme “Forty Years of Miracles.” “We also wanted to compile a history” of the stake, he added. “That kind of directed us to ask people in this community to submit a story, submit an experience, submit a miracle that happened in their lives during this time.”
Those are being assembled in a book to be published digitally and in print. “We are close to a hundred stories that people have
submitted,” Madsen said. The publication will also include timelines and maps showing boundary changes in the wards of the stake over the years as new housing and other developments came along.
“It’s been an effort to document this history and also celebrate the history” of the stake, he added.
Forty years of existence has produced some significant numbers from the stake:
• An estimated 420 missionaries have gone out to serve around the world.
• It has had six presidents.
• 82 bishops have served in its 10 wards.
Ground was broken for the stake center at 6710 W. 4145 South on Sept. 29, 1985. It was dedicated in January 1987.
It is hoped that “Forty Years of Miracles” can be published in November or soon after. l
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An estimated 1,000 people attended a celebration in August marking the 40th anniversary of the Hunter Copperhill Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Valley City. (Darrell Kirby/ City Journals)
Martin Hill, first counselor in the Salt Lake Hunter Copperhill Stake in West Valley City, breaks ground for the construction of its new stake center in September 1985. Stake president Stanley Kimball stands next to him. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
Construction begins on University of Utah hospital in West Valley City
By Darrell Kirby d.kirby@mycityjournals.com
After several years of talk and planning, construction of the University of Utah Health’s new hospital in West Valley City is finally underway.
The U West Valley Steering Committee met in September to get an update on the progress of the major hospital on 22 acres at 3750 S. 5600 West.
As of September, the site was being prepared for the foundation of what will be called the University of Utah Eccles Health Campus and Eccles Hospital.
The 800,000-square-foot hospital will offer numerous specialties, including heart care, orthopedics, pediatrics, and women’s health and provide training for students in various medical disciplines.
It will be the first major hospital to serve residents on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley, which university and city officials say has been underserved when it comes to health care services.
Site work is currently being done to prepare for building the medical center in three phases. By December, concrete footings should be in place. Then the steel frame for
the structure will start to be erected. “All the steel has been procured for the building even though we’re still designing the inside…which is incredible,” said Ischa Jensen, associate executive director of planning at University of Utah Health. “We’re starting with completing the outpatient building first” where patients are seen by their medical providers and get exams, she added. “The second piece will likely be where the surgeries occur, procedural spaces, and the emergency department.” The final construction phase will be the areas housing inpatient beds, according to Jensen.
It’s hoped that each part of the complex can be done and opened within 12 to 18 months of each other. “It’s important not only for us to stage that timing…from a construction perspective, but also from a staff training perspective,” Jensen said, noting that 1,200 new employees will be brought on over that span to staff the hospital as it opens in phases. Projected completion of the campus is in late 2028 or 2029.
Officials in March announced a $75-million donation from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation to help fund the construction of the medical campus. Total cost of the project right now is around $855 million. Okland Construction is the general contractor. l
VA 2705169445, WA LEAFFNW822JZ, WV WV056912.
Construction of the University of Utah’s new hospital starts in West Valley City. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
City Council approves resolution supporting Bolder Way Forward initiative
West Valley becomes second city in the county to join the collaboration that aims to offer more support for women and girls.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
WestValley City became the second city in the valley to approve a formal resolution supporting the Bolder Way Forward initiative, a movement started by the Utah Women & Leadership Project at Utah State University. It aims to implement positive change, create opportunities and offer support for women and girls.
Deborah Lin, local outreach and curriculum manager for UWLP, presented the initiative to the West Valley City Council in August with the resolution passing in September.
“It’s a wonderful way to show support for girls and women in your city,” she told the council.
Statistics from the Utah Women & Leadership Project show that 1 in 3 Utah women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, only 12% of Utah families can afford infant care and Utah has one of the highest gender wage gaps in the country.
BWF, launched by Professor Susan Madsen, is designed to be a vehicle of change for Utah women and is represented by a wheel with 18 spokes, a rim and a hub. The center of the wheel is the goal to help more women and girls thrive. The rim includes five impact teams to address sexism, identity (such as gender, race and neurodiversity), culture (including art, music and women’s history) and male allyship.
The 18 spokes correspond to five key focal points that highlight where change needs to occur. The five key points are education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being and the workplace. Spokes include higher education, political representation, sexual abuse and domestic violence, lifelong health, childcare, the gender pay gap and leadership development.
Aiming to accelerate the change, BWF—which started in 2023—has crafted goals for 2026 and 2030 rather than waiting decades to see change. “We are in year three of a seven-year movement,” Lin said.
West Valley City resident Emily Rushton is a part of the Salt Lake County Coalition of the initiative. She said the movement is rooted in research and knowledge.
“I think any city that chooses to put their head in the sand and not review it and take it into consideration and how it affects citizens is not comprehendible to me,” she told the council. “I’m proud to be part of this.”
The resolution of support was approved by the council in a 5-2 vote, with Councilmembers Will Whetstone and Scott Harmon dissenting.
Whetstone said he absolutely supports women having opportunities in the workplace, leadership, education and the home. “I have four daughters, I want them to have the freedom to choose their path without judgment.”
His two concerns, however, was the initiative lacking clear actionable steps and the risk it sends a message “that certain choices outside of the home are valued more than work done inside the home.”
“I do believe that true equality means honoring all women contributions whether in public or private life on this initiative,” he said prior to the vote.
Councilmember Cindy Wood appreciated Whetstone’s comments and said being a woman who worked both out of the home and in the home as a mother, she supported this.
“I think that there’s a balance we need to meet and I think this Bolder Way Forward is something to help women, young women, old women, feel a little more important about their role in society and so I do support this,” she said. “There’s nothing that’s perfect for anyone, I believe it’s something that can benefit a lot of women in our community.”
North Salt Lake was the first city to collaborate with A Bolder Way Forward while Midvale was the first Salt Lake County municipality to pass a resolution. l
The West Valley City Council formally supported A Bolder Way Forward in September. (File photo City Journals)
2025 GENERAL ELECTION VOTER GUIDE
WEST VALLEY VOTING INFORMATION SALT LAKE COUNTY VOTING INFORMATION
In West Valley, nine candidates are campaigning for a seat on the city council. You’ll learn more about each of them as you continue to flip through this Voters’ Guide.
• Karen Lang and June Hesleph are running for Mayor
• Scott Harmon and Danny George Jr. are running for District 2
• Cindy Wood and Amitonu Amosathe District 4 council seat.
• Heidi Roggenbuck, Lars Nordfelt and Ryan Mahoney are running for an At-Large position.
In West Valley, voters are encouraged to seek information and pay attention to important calendar dates (like mail-in deadlines) and voting locations.
This QR code is intended to lead voters to West Valley’s election page. Voters can learn even more about their local candidates and election information.
“My email is included for anyone who may have more specific questions regarding the election,” said West Valley City Recorder Nichole Camac.
For voters planning to vote-by-mail, ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day (postmarks don’t count). In other words—mail early.
This is a change from previous election cycles when residents were able to postmark their ballots on the day of the general election. Per the recently passed HB 300, voters do need to make sure their ballots are physically “in-hand” at the Salt Lake County office (downtown Salt Lake) building on Election Day, Nov. 4.
For voters who would like to drop off their ballot instead of mailing it in: West Valley’s ballot drop box is located at their City Hall, 3600 Constitution Blvd.
Hey Voters! Please review the following voting information directly from Salt Lake County before submitting your ballot.
Nov. 4 is the General Election - Vote Centers and drop boxes will close promptly at 8:00 p.m.
Important Dates
Oct. 14 - Ballots mailed (21 days before the election as per Utah’s legislation). Nov. 18 - Board of Canvassers Meeting where each city will certify results after presented to the City Recorders.
Vote Box locations:
Residents can vote by mail or in-person at various drop box locations throughout Salt Lake County:
County - Salt Lake County Government Center (2001 State St.)
Cottonwood Heights - City Hall (2277 Bengal Blvd.)
Draper - City Hall (1020 Pioneer Rd.)
Holladay - City Hall (4280 S. 2300 E.)
Herriman - City Hall (5355 Main St.)
Midvale - City Hall (7505 Holden St.)
Millcreek - Common (1354 E. Chambers Ave.)
Murray - Post Office (5025 State St.)
Sandy - City Hall (1000 Centennial Pkwy.)
Sandy - Senior Center (9310 S 1300 E)
South Jordan - City Hall (1600 W Towne Center Dr.)
South Salt Lake - Granite Library (331 S. 500 E.)
Riverton - City Hall (12830 S Redwood Rd.)
Taylorsville - City Hall (2600 W Taylorsville Blvd.)
Wet Jordan - City Hall (8000 S Redwood Rd.)
West Jordan - Ron Wood Park (6000 W New Bingham Hwy.)
West Valley - City Hall (3600 S Constitution Blvd.)
Register to Vote:
Voter Registration website
Residents can register to vote online up to 11 calendar days before the election (before 5pm). Registration must be submitted and received before Tuesday, Oct. 28 to receive a ballot in the mail. A valid form of ID, accurate address information, and date of birth is required to register.
Residents can register either: online by visiting the State of Utah’s website (see adjacent QR code); through mail by filling out the Formulario de Inscripcion por Correspondencia Para Votantes (Voter Mail-In Registration Form) found on the County’s website; or in-person at the 2001 S. State St. office. Same-Day registration options will also be available at vote centers. Learn more about voting information through Salt Lake County’s website at: saltlakecounty.gov/clerk/elections. Or by directly emailing: vote@saltlakecounty.gov.
WEST VALLEY MAYOR
QUESTIONS
Sourced directly from our readers
One main reason/goal for why you are running for this election:
Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?
Thinking about fiscal responsibility - what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?
What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met?
What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?
What are your highest priorities in regards to community safety, education and resources?
KAREN LANG
FB: @Karen Lang for West Valley City
I am running for re-election because I love this city and enjoy meeting and working with the residents. We have the most polite and respectful residents in the valley. They are hard-working, kind and friendly. We are fortunate to have many businesses that have serviced the residents of West Valley for over 30 years. I am excited about the new businesses coming to the city as well.
Yes, I believe West Valley City has been a responsible steward of property tax revenue. These dollars are allocated to essential services that directly impact our residents, including public safety, infrastructure, parks and community programs. Property tax funding ensures our police and fire departments are properly equipped. Our My Hometown West Valley City program is a great example of the city working in partnership with businesses and volunteers to get more outside funding into our programs. The thousands of volunteer hours alone have add thousands of dollars of value to this program.
First and foremost is funding to insure the safety of our residents. Police and fire departments need to be funded to the level of making sure they have updated equipment needed and enough personnel to protect our residents. It is important for tax dollars and state funding to help keep our roads and sidewalks maintained for the safety our residents. In addition, property taxes help pay for maintenance of our public parks, recreational programs and community initiatives that strengthen our neighborhoods and improve our quality of life.
I currently serve on the audit committee for West Valley City, where I’ve been impressed with the high level of transparency and accountability maintained by our finance department. They have gone the extra mile to adjust reports so they are easier for residents to read and understand, ensuring the public has clear access to how their tax dollars are being used.
I believe public safety and trust must always come first. West Valley City works hard to build strong relationships with all of our residents, regardless of where they come from. Local government is not an arm of federal immigration enforcement - we are here to provide essentail services, keep neighborhoods safe, and ensure families feel comfortable calling police, reporting crimes, and accessing city resources.
Community safety, education and resources are at the heart of a strong city, and they remain some of my highest priorities. For safety, my focus is on ensuring our police, fire and emergency responders have the training, tools and support they need to keep every neighborhood secure while also building trust with the community through transparency and accountability. When it comes to education and resources, I am especially pleased with our partnership with the University of Utah and the new hospital coming to West Valley City. This project will not only add 2,000 jobs to our community, but it will also create opportunities for our students to pursue careers in the medical field and open doors for supporting businesses. It represents exactly the kind of investment that strengthens families and provides long-term stability for our city.
JuneHesleph@comcast.net
City Journals note: As of our press date, June Hesleph had not responded to our editorial staff’s inquiries. The following information can be found on her website:
“The reason I am running for the Mayor of West Valley City is because, I feel strong and have concerns about the Homelessness, our Property Taxes, Affordable Housing and our Seniors as well as the perception of West Valley City.
I know more can be done to help those trying to get into a home by looking at other cities and how they are dealing with the issue, using different innovative ways to help those in need.
West Valley City is an Ethnically Diverse City, but it concerns me that others perceive it as having a less desirable reputation.
I will continue to be a public servant to the citizens of West Valley City, I will listen to what people have to say and do my very best to make changes keeping in mind that we always will have statutes and laws that we have to adhere to, but that does not mean we citizens of West Valley City cannot make changes for the better of our community.
I am a mother of two boys and raised in Utah, me and my family serve at our church, I am an usher there, my children and spouse are part of the choir, I have been employed by the state of Utah for 24 years serving the public and dealing with difficult situations that the public faces.
I have enjoyed having the opportunity to assist Utah residents. I am not a career politician, I am a regular person that lives in West Valley City and wants to see it thrive.”
QUESTIONS
Sourced directly from our readers
One main reason/goal for why you are running for this election:
WEST VALLEY DISTRICT 2
SCOTT HARMON
HarmonRealEstate@gmail.com
Driven by a lifelong interest in civic engagement, I decided to run for office to actively contribute to the city’s decision-making process. I just want to be able to share my neighborhood’s and my district’s voice on the council. I’ve got values that I care about as far as supporting our police and fire and also being fiscally conservative when we get beyond those items in our budget.
DANNY GEORGE JR.
Fellinako1@yahoo.com
City Journals note: As of our press date, Danny George Jr. had not responded to our editorial staff’s inquiries. The following information can be found on his website:
Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?
What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?
In West Valley City, property tax revenue is a critical and stable funding source for essential services such as police and fire protection. Recognizing the impact of tax increases on residents, I am committed to responsible fiscal management. This includes eliminating unnecessary programs and encouraging private enterprise to handle services better suited to their expertise, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
The city’s budget is transparently published on our website, and the council welcomes public input to reflect diverse community priorities. While opinions on spending vary, we strive to balance operational needs with residents’ desire for minimal tax burdens, maintaining high-quality services for all.
West Valley City should and I believe will cooperate with all state and federal agencies to uphold the laws of the land and ensure safety.
Motivation for Running: Driven by a lifelong interest in civic engagement, I decided to run for office to actively contribute to the city’s decision-making process.
I just want to be able to share my neighbrhood’s and my district’s voice on the council. I’ve got values thtat I care about as far as suppporting our police and fire and also being fiscaly conservative when we get beyond those items in our budget.
“Danny is a proud West Valley resident, a small business owner, a devoted single father, and a dedicated son. For years, he’s worked hard to support his family and his community—and now he’s ready to take that commitment to the next level.
As the owner of a local business, Danny understands the challenges our working families and small business owners face every day. He’s not a career politician—he’s one of us. When he’s not running his business, he’s raising his young daughter and caring for his elderly mother, both with the same values he brings to everything he does: honesty, responsibility and compassion.
Danny is running because he believes West Valley deserves better—safer streets, more opportunities for young people, stronger support for families and local businesses, and a government that listens and acts. He knows this community because he’s lived it. Danny’s campaign is about real people and real solutions. He’s ready to roll up his sleeves and work hard for the future West Valley deserves.”
Background:
Residency: Nearly lifelong resident of West Valley City
Political Experience: Running for a second term
Professsional Experience: Program Manager at Utah Housing Corp.; Real Estate Broker
Platform and Priorities: Community Representation: Committed to amplifying the voices of his neighborhood and district on the city council.
Public Safety: Strong supporter of police and fire services.
Fiscal Responsibility: Advocates for fiscal conservatism in city budgeting beyond essential services.
City Code Enforcement: Responds to resident concerns by prioritizing diligent follow-up and enforcement of city codes and ordiancnes.
QUESTIONS
Sourced directly from our readers
One main reason/goal for why you are running for this election:
Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?
WEST VALLEY DISTRICT 4
As the city continues to grow, we have an opportunity to welcome diversity, embrace change and promote the good things about our city. I’m excited to be a part of creating a positive image and communicating the city’s potential to our residents. I am proud to live in West Valley, and I want all residents to be proud of where they live.
Yes, I believe the revenue generated from property tax for West Valley is being used effectively. Property tax is the most important revenue source for West Valley City and the city considers its options before implementing an increase. Property tax revenue is a primary funding source for local governments. The funds collected pay for the day-to-day operations and capital projects of the city. The city council and mayor have direct input on how the funds are used.
West Valley is Utah’s “minority majority” city and we need to provide representation to all.
Referring to West Valley City’s last budget FY2025-26, 32% of the General Fund represents the property taxes within the total budget of $169.8M with the General Fund at $120.3M. I agree with 53% of General Fund expenses going toward public safety. The area of improvement that needs to be thoroughly audited is the budget of school districts and how patterns of continual increases need to be addressed openly and scrutinized for a clearer understanding prior to casting votes for property tax increase.
Thinking about fiscal responsibility - what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?
The budget for West Valley should reflect the current and future goals of the city. My goal is to effectively use our revenue to fund needed expenditures. In my personal budgeting, I ask is this expense a need or a want? I carry that same analysis in reviewing budget expenses for the city. As the city continues to grow and expenses increase, we need use our revenue effectively in funding future growth and development while maintaining the city’s infrastructure.
Many residents reported concern for government oversight and transparency. What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met?
What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?
As a member of the city council, I am representing the residents of District 4. Open conversations between the city and its residents is crucial to a successful city. At the present time, residents have the opportunity to attend every city council study meeting and public meeting. Each city council meeting has a public comment period for residents to address the mayor and city council directly. If, at any time, residents of West Valley City feel that transparency standards aren’t being met, I would encourage them to use available resources to hold the city accountable.
ICE is a federal law enforcement agency, and ICE related activities should be handled on a federal level.
Our local West Valley budget should reflect that residents’ needs as a priority while maintaining a balanced, transparent framework. The proper method in balancing these values is through public engagement and transparency. Balancing these values requires a strategic approach that weighs trade-offs, incorporates public input, and adapts to realities like economic fluctuations.
We need to set up an Independent Oversight Commission with citizen representation. Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) needs to be enforced and lastly, we should provide Whistleblower Protections and an Anonymous Reporting Hotline.
The current stance for West Valley City, per public statement from city council and with Police Chief Jacobs has affirmed that ICE is free to conduct their work within the city as federal law permits, but our municipal city resources and officers would not be co-opted for federal immigration enforcement purposes.
What are your highest priorities in regards to community safety, education and resources?
I want all residents to feel safe in our city. We have an excellent police department who also want our residents to feel safe. As we develop and redevelop areas of the city, it is important to have adequate street lighting, neighborhood watch programs and open communication between residents, law enforcement and city officials. It’s important that we educate our residents on the resources available to them. These resources should be provided in a manner to reach across the different ethnic groups in the city. I would like to build a connection and a culture of care where residents feel a shared responsibility with the well-being and safety within our city. One example of involving residents with developing a community safe policy relates to the increased usage of electric bicycles and electric scooters. I would like to involve residents in developing a community safety policy so that residents feel safe while using walking trails and sidewalks.
Safety: Strengthening Public Safety Services. We are currently below the national average of 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents. By increasing the number of police staff, we can improve our response time for priority calls. We also need to prioritize traffic and pedestrian safety. In 2024, data shows 2,500 crashes in West Valley, largely driven by population density and major corridors like 5600 West and 3500 South. Lastly, our schools need to be properly secured and ready for any uncertainty that may harm our children.
Education: The city can support education through community programs and infrastructure. West Valley’s diverse, working-class population benefits from vocational training and ESL programs, which boost economic mobility. Partner with the district on grant applications and use community development funds for youth programs tied to education outcomes. Granite School District receives 60% of property taxes, their annual budget needs to be audited for efficiency.
Resources: Infrastructure Maintenance and Resilience. It’s important to have reliable roads, utilities and....
One main reason/goal for why you are running for this election:
Do you believe current property tax revenue is being used effectively? How so?
WEST VALLEY AT-LARGE
Lars.Nordfelt@gmail.com
I’m running for city council because I care about getting things done and I believe we need some energy and a fresh perspective on the city council.
I strongly endorse increasing the property tax credits of the “Circuit Breaker” Tax Abatement for seniors, in the hopes of keeping them in their homes since they are one of the largest growing populations of homeless people. I am open to considering any programs to assist our seniors, including a Youth to Senior in-home support program, food pantry delivery service and another senior center.
Thinking about fiscal responsibility - what values should your local budget reflect? How do you plan to balance those values?
What systems would you support to hold local officials accountable when transparency standards aren’t met?
I’ve heard from several constituents about their concerns, and the biggest one is infrastructure. I strongly believe that we should have sidewalks, curbs and gutters throughout the city, as well as adequately paved streets and parking, along with appropriate enforcement.
I’m focused on improving public safety, particularly regarding property crimes, street racing and our growing gang problem. Considering the police department takes up the largest portion of the city’s budget, I would like to see a great deal more accountability and transparency from WVCPD. I support increasing youth prevention programs, teen intervention programs, and community policing to create a connection between the police officers serving a specific community and the residents in those areas.
What is your stance on local government cooperation with ICE?
Many issues were raised by constituents as to whether WVCPD should cooperate with ICE raids, which I do not support.
What are your highest priorities in regards to community safety, education and resources?
As the state’s unsheltered population continues to grow at an alarming pace, I believe the city should get ahead of our local problem with more funding and programs. A city this size should have more than a temporary shelter on Redwood Road, and I would like to see the city partnering again with Switchpoint to serve these critical needs.
How do you plan to serve community needs?
I have already served the public through my positions with the State and Salt Lake County, which consisted of eight years in child welfare and 15 years in criminal justice. I resigned last year to start my own business, Utah Probation Services, where I continue to help individuals get back on track, in turn creating safer neighborhoods.
I love my hometown and I want to serve on the city council so people for generations can say the same thing about West Valley City.
Property tax is an important revenue source that I consider carefully and it is important to me that it is spent wisely. I believe this moeny is spent wisely for necessary services that our city provides, especiallly for police and fire departments. I chair the city audit committee and we do everything in our power to protect our city funds from correuption.
We should collect only enough funds to provide necessary services so residents, busine
MAHONEY
RyanMahoney4Utah. GoDaddySites.com
City Journals Note: As of our press date, Ryan Mahoney had not responded to our editorial staff’s inquiries. The following information can be found on his website:
Transparency is very important to me. The council works for the residents and they should know about the work we do. Our meetings are open and accessible online. Please reach out to me if you believe we are not transparent enough.
“I’m a lifelong Utahn and proud resident of West Valley City. I’m running for city council because I believe in protecting what makes our city strong: safe neighborhoods, thriving families, and smart growth that honors our values. As an automotive fleet repair manager, elected county delegate and precinct chairman, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with elected leaders and local business owners at multiple levels. These connections have positioned me to serve effectively and advocate for our community. I successfully led a petition on behalf of local businesses opposing a high-density development that was negatively impacting the area—an effort that reached Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s office and helped bring much-needed relief. I am currently raising a formal request for a Safety and Visibility Audit with the Salt Lake City Transportation Department to help improve safety along the 300 West bike lane corridor.”
It is the role of the federal government to enforce immigration laws and they do so in our city. Our city police department works to serve and protect our residents.
Safety, especially for our most vulnerable, is my top priority. As a 30-year teacher, educaiton is super important to me, but the school district and charter schools have responsibility for that.... Maintaining quality parks and open space is a high prioirty for me.
I plan to continue in the direction we have been going, making our city a place where residents, businesses and visitors can thrive now and for decades to come.
West Valley PD allocates two dedicated school resource officers to Granger High
Granite police will have two officers at Hunter High.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
West Valley City Council approved a resolution in October that will assign two sworn officers to work full time at Granger High School.
It will be the first time in 12 years since the West Valley City Police Department had a presence in city schools. Granite School District is the only district in the state with a police department.
The school district will pay $45,000 per officer while the agreement is for five years, with the option for West Valley City to back out after the first year. West Valley’s pay scale for its officers differs based on experience up to 10 steps, but according to the city budget, officers on the day shift for the first step make almost $70,000 a year.
West Valley City Police Chief Colleen Jacobs told the council in a September study meeting West Valley was the only jurisdiction that did not have a police officer in the schools. It was more common for the school district to share responsibilities with local departments.
When councilmembers suggested a potential strain on resources, Jacobs said the benefits will counterbalance the cost.
“We believe the youth engagement, interaction and intelligence as part of this agreement will offset the cost that we’re not being reimbursed for the officers,” she said.
Coverage of extracurricular activities at the school will be paid as overtime through the district. During the summer, the two officers will assume regular detective schedules, Jacobs said.
Hunter High will have two dedicated GSD police officers. l
KID recognized as Kearns Hometown Hero
Kearns Improvement District was selected as this year’s Kearns Hometown Hero for its service, dedication and contributions to the Kearns community.
Established in 1957, KID provides water and sewer services to thousands of homes and businesses in Kearns, West Jordan, West Valley and Taylorsville. The organization also supports local initiatives, events and community activities. Presented by the Kearns Community Council, the award celebrates and honors KID’s decades of service.
“Our promise has always been clear: that our customers, our employees and our community know we care,” Greg Anderson said, KID general manager/CEO. “Being recognized as the Kearns Hometown Hero is a true honor and a reflection of the dedication of our entire team to uphold that promise every day.” l
West Valley City police will now allocate two officers to Granger High during the school year. (File photo City Journals)
Kearns Improvement District General Manager Greg Anderson accepts the Kearns Hometown Hero award on behalf of KID. (Photo courtesy KID)
Olympic organizers help build snack kits for local schools
Former Olympian joined in saying he is “always happy to give back.”
By Tom Haraldsen Salt Lake Business Journal
The 2034 Olympic Winter Games may be several years away, but Utah’s organizing committee is actively involved in a number of community events and initiatives right now.
On Sept. 25, members of the committee joined with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, athletes and local volunteers to work with Utah first lady Abby Cox and her Show Up initiative to assemble snack kits for the Granite Education Foundation. More than 5,000 of the kits were produced at the event held at the Little America Hotel.
Each kit, assembled and placed in plastic lunch pouches, included juice bags, snacks such as granola bars, notebooks and pens that the Granite School District will distribute to students. These snack kits are a staple in many Utah schools, where studies show one in seven Utah children experience food insecurity.
Cox said that giving back “is what Utah does best — serving others. This is our way to show the world that in Utah, we
come together. … We show up when we are needed.”
One former Olympian who showed up was Bill Schuffenhauer, who won a silver medal in bobsledding at the 2002 Winter Games in Utah. He has spoken many times about his youth, where he grew up “on the streets” and was in and out of many foster homes. He called service projects like the snack kits “the right thing to do. I had a lot of support from the community that helped me reach my goals as an athlete, and I’m always happy to give back.”
The foundation coordinates assembly of the snack packs and student weekend kits, which it says are given to students facing food insecurity on weekends or school breaks. They are also used at times in schools to help manage student hunger or behavior in the classrooms. Principals, social workers and other school staff distribute these kits as needs are identified or before students leave for the weekend, in addition to using them as a resource during the school day.
The Salt Lake Organizing Committee recently launched Podium34, a philanthropic campaign with a goal of raising $300 million between now and the start of the 2034 Games to support a number of programs and communities within the state. l
insurances?
Utah first lady Abby Cox and Salt Lake Organizing Committee Chairman Fraser Bullock joined with other leaders and volunteers to build snack kits for the Granite Education Foundation on Sept. 25.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
By Zachary Smith z.smith@mycityjournals.com
football team helps pack
Sione Tongi makes it a goal to organize at least one community service project for his team to participate in every month. The team’s volunteer work makes them a positive influence on West Valley City both on and off the field.
On Sept. 13, the team went to the USANA Foundation to volunteer for the Kids Eat program, which aims to ensure no child goes hungry in Utah. The program provides at-risk youth with take-home food packs. It currently serves over 6,000 kids throughout
the Wasatch area.
Students on the football team helped pack weekend bags full of nutritious meals to be shipped out to underprivileged youth. Coach Tongi posted a video to his Instagram account detailing the process and how every student worked hard to contribute.
“We are so impressed with the Hunter High School football team’s heart for service,” said USANA Foundation Communications Manager Keri Lusk. “Volunteers are the heartbeat of our program, and we love seeing West Valley students getting out to serve their peers.”
According to Tongi, service is a way of building stronger bonds within the team. “We want our athletes to understand the power of teamwork extends beyond the game,” he said. “It’s about lifting others up.”
To help kids in need, Utah residents can donate to USANA Kids Eat from their official website. One-time donations and monthly donations both contribute to the cause of ending child hunger in our communities. Every backpack has an impact, and Hunter High football is one of many examples of West Valley City residents coming together to give a helping hand to those in need. l
World Cup speedskating event coming to the Utah Olympic Oval
Top speedskaters from around the world will compete in the ISU Long Track World Cup race No. 1 at the Olympic Oval in Kearns Nov. 14-16.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
The
2026 Olympic Winter Games may be a few months away, but some of the world’s best long track speedskaters will gather in Utah this month for the ISU World Cup No. 1 competition at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns.
The Oval is home of the U.S. Speedskating program, where both long and short track teams have been in training to prepare for international competition prior to the Games. The U.S. team is expected to have a large number of contenders for Olympic medals when the Games start Feb. 5 in Milano, Italy.
Among the top U.S. competitors in Kearns during the Nov. 14-16 competition are world record holders Brittany Bowe and Jordan Stolz.
Stolz began his climb toward becoming the top male long tracker in the world with three gold medals in the 2023 World Championships, three more in 2024, and two silvers and a bronze in 2025. He has also won the overall World Cup title.
Also other top women competing in Kearns will be American Erin Jackson, defending Olympic champ in 500 meters she won in 2022 in Beijing; Kimi Goetz, who has won multiple medals in world competitions over the past five years; and Mia Manganello, a multi-metal winner in long distance and team racing events. Among the other men skaters are Ethan Ceparan, Casey Dawson, Austin Kleba, Emery Lehman, Conor McDermott-Mostowy and Cooper McLeod, all of whom had great seasons last year and could contend for medals on the Kearns ice.
The Olympic Oval, billed as “The Fastest Ice On Earth,” host site for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and future host for the 2034 Olympics, will welcome a number of speedskating competitions over the next few months.
The 2025 Beehive Burn for long track international will precede the World Cup
Bowe still holds the world record in the 1000 meters which she set on Oval ice in 2019. She has the American record in the 1500 meters set in Calgary, Alberta in 2015. She has two Olympic medals and is considered among the most successful speedskaters in U.S. history.
event on Nov. 7. The U.S. Junior Short Track Championships will be held Dec. 19-21, as well as the UOO Winter Challenge for racers ages 5 and up on Dec. 20 and 21. The U.S. Junior Long Track and AmCup Champion-
ships will be held Jan. 16-18, 2026, on the Kearns ice. The ISU Junior World Short Track Championships are coming to Salt Lake City, likely at the Delta Center, from Jan. 2-Feb. 1, 2026. l
Top ranked-world speedskaters Mia Manganello, left, and world record holder Brittany Bowe, right, will be among the best American skaters at the World Cup competition. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Defending World Cup champ Jordan Stolz will be among the world’s best speedskaters at the first World Cup event at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns Nov. 14-16. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Veterans
A publication covering veterans around the Salt Lake valley in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day
Veterans find community at Warrior Revival
When clinical psychologist Katie Fry, Ph.D., recognized that the military veterans she counsels needed more community support and opportunities to socialize, she decided to do something about it. Two years ago, she founded Warrior Revival, a Utah-based nonprofit that supports veterans and their families’ transition to civilian life through recreation opportunities, mentorship and retreats. Among the many social activities offered by the organization is a monthly book club that meets in Draper.
“When we first started, we thought we’d have one activity per month,” Fry explained. “It has just taken off. We now have 10 to 12 activities per month. Everything is free and it’s all run by volunteers.”
She noted that veterans who return to civilian life face unique challenges when they leave the military. “I see it through my patients,” she said. “There’s a loss of community and sense of meaning and connection. We want veterans to feel safe and supported.”
To that end, Fry started Warrior Revival as a way to bring veterans and civilians together. “We try to partner with organizations in the community,” she said. “The goal is to give back and break down barriers.”
Currently, over 500 veterans from throughout Utah have participated in Warrior Revival events and activities. “We’ll have between five and 20 meet up for coffee hours and the book club,” she said. Over 100 signed up for the Hook & Honor Warrior Fishing Classic that was held at Strawberry Bay Marina last September.
Other activities the organization has sponsored include scuba diving opportunities, hiking and biking trips, a whitewater rafting retreat and off-roading excursions. All of these events are made possible thanks to corporate sponsorship and foundation support. “We really rely on fundraising,” Fry said. “We rely on the
community to help us.”
In addition to the larger events, Warrior Revival members also gather for coffee hours and a monthly book club. The book club meets after business hours at Houzd Mortgage, 11550 S. 700 East, in Draper. Brandy Tilo, a realtor who served in the Navy, initiated the book club last year. “It kind of morphed into Warrior Revival,” she said. “We just got more and more veterans but anyone can come.”
Tilo explained that while some of the books they have read specifically address how to transition from the military, other books contain life lessons with more general appeal. “We read ‘The Let Them Theory’ by Mel Robbins and books by David Goggins,” she said.
“It’s funny how we end up,” she added. “There is a lot of crying and a lot of laughter. It’s become almost a self-help therapy session.”
The meetings, which start at 6 p.m., usually begin with a little socializing before the club members share their thoughts and perspectives on the book. They then collaboratively select a book for the next month.
“I never thought I’d get so much out of a book club,” Tilo said. “I look forward to that last Tuesday of the month.”
The Warrior Revival book club is made up of both men and women of all ages. “It’s a very mixed bag. Not all are military but I think that’s even better, we get different perspectives,” she said.
“We average about seven to eight people in the club,” Tilo said. “It’s our safe space so we don’t want it to get too big. But we certainly have room for more. It really is a good time.”
Fry emphasized that Warrior Revival serves all veterans. Recently, the organization hosted a virtual get-together and a lunch meeting just for women. “We are working on adding space for women to come together,” she said.
“We truly welcome everyone to join our community,” she said. “We welcome those who want to give back to our service members — those veterans and their families who have selflessly given so much to us.”
To learn more about Warrior Revival, visit warrior-revival.org.
Members of Warrior Revival were photographed at a recent skydiving event in Tooele made possible through a partnership with the J. Parker Christensen Memorial Fund. (Photo courtesy of Katie Fry/Warrior Revival)
Hikers at a Warrior Revival retreat in Bruin Point, Utah paused for a selfie. (Photo courtesy of Katie Fry/ Warrior Revival)
More than just loud noises:
How Camp Williams serves our community, nation and helped win two world wars
By Elisa Eames
On July 25, a fun adventure turned into a harrowing ordeal for a man who was hiking near Idaho’s Leatherman Peak. While negotiating the rough landscape, he fell and sustained severe injuries, including compound fractures in both legs, stranding him at an extremely high altitude. Knowing that Utah Army National Guard teams receive specialized high-altitude training at Camp Williams, the state of Idaho asked Utah for help that evening.
“Due to the extreme altitude, low moonlight and rugged terrain, local search and rescue personnel were struggling to reach the stranded hiker,” the 97th Aviation Troop Command said in a statement. The 97th Aviation Troop Command is the brigade headquarters, or the unit overseeing the command and administration of a brigade, for Utah National Guard Aviation Battalions, including the 2-211th General Services Aviation Battalion, which supplied rescue volunteers.
In an HH-60M Blackhawk helicopter equipped with just the kind of rare machinery the situation demanded, a West Jordan-based medical team of volunteers from the 2-211th General Services Aviation Battalion began its hurried flight to Idaho. Following a stop in Idaho Falls to refuel, the team was able to locate the hiker in near pitch-black conditions after reaching his last known position.
“[They] conducted an extremely difficult and technical hoist operation, lowering their on-board medic onto the steep terrain to begin immediate care of the hiker,” the 97th Aviation Troop Com-
mand said.
When the medic was able to stabilize the man, the helicopter used a hoist cable to bring him on board while hovering in mid-air. The operation took place at approximately 10,500 feet above the average sea level. The hiker continued to receive lifesaving medical care as the Blackhawk sped to meet a waiting civilian emergency transport helicopter, which transferred him to a medical center.
“This is a mission that the Citizen-Soldiers of the Utah Army National Guard are uniquely qualified for and stand ready to conduct at a moment’s notice,” the 97th Aviation Troop Command said.
Many locals don’t realize that the training that makes rescues like this possible happens in our own backyard. “All units within 97th Aviation Troop Command train at Camp Williams routinely as a primary training site for members of the Utah National Guard,” Tamara L. West said. West is the public affairs officer for the Utah National Guard, which was organized in 1894.
Camp Williams was established in 1914 as a training ground for the National Guard during World War I, though it was a fraction of its current 24,063 acres and hadn’t yet received its official name. In 1927, permanent and semi-permanent structures were built on the site, and a year later, the camp was named for Brigadier General William Grey Williams to recognize his role in founding the training location and for his service in the Spanish-American War.
The camp continued to grow, and
after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. Army took control of the complex, using it as a main training center for active-duty troops. Oversight of Camp Williams was returned to Utah in 1947, and since then, it has played an important role in training troops who would serve in Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Persian Gulf, the War on Terror and even during the state’s COVID-19 response.
Today, the camp provides extensive combat and rescue training for the Utah National Guard, serves active-duty and reserve soldiers and hosts youth and civic groups. It also supports civilian, federal and state entities, including local, state and federal law enforcement organizations. The 97th Aviation Troop Command even executes flyovers for Provo’s annual Stadium of Fire celebration.
“The Utah National Guard performs missions at the request and approval of our governor and trains [at Camp Williams] to support our state and civil authorities in a wide range of capabilities,” West said. “[It] regularly supports our state and communities with wildland fire support, technical rescue, debris removal and hazardous materials monitoring and assessment…”
“Herriman City values its longstanding partnership with Camp Williams and the Utah National Guard,” Herriman Communications Manager Jonathan LaFollette said. “We work closely on land use, public safety, wildfire risk mitigation and community coordination to ensure residents and the Guard can thrive side by side.”
In addition to a mine detection course, small arms firing ranges and a land navigation course, there are ranges
for artillery, mortars, grenades and demolition, offering training and certification for every weapon the Army has. “The Camp plays an important role in national defense and in supporting emergency response, training and coordination across Utah and neighboring states,” LaFollette said.
The camp also includes classrooms, warehouses, dining facilities, a fitness center, workshop spaces and administration and maintenance buildings.
The training sessions are often the cause of the startling booms that residents sometimes hear and feel.
“Camp Williams is a primary training area for the 65th Field Artillery Brigade… as well as the 640th Regiment Regional Training Institute,” West said. “Loud booms heard are practice and live artillery rounds being fired, usually from M109A6 Paladin howitzers and M119 howitzers as part of required training and certification. Artillery units work diligently to balance their training requirements with the impact their activities have on the populations surrounding training areas.”
To ensure units and individuals are always ready to serve, the camp receives soldiers from around the state and the nation for training in authentic and harsh conditions. “The Utah National Guard is comprised of citizen soldiers and airmen, neighbors and friends, and is proud to assist our communities, state and nation when called upon,” West said.
“We recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Guard members and appreciate the strength they bring to our region,” LaFollette said.
A fraction of its current size, Camp Williams was established during WWI in 1914. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
When the United States entered WWII in 1941, Camp Williams had grown significantly. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
‘Hunt. Fish. Feed.’ brings Utah’s military families and community together
The meal showed gratitude for Utah’s airmen.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Behind every military mission, family members and communities stand to support their loved ones in the U.S. armed forces. In September, Comcast partnered with Hill Air Force Base, The Boyer Group and Sportsman Channel for the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event that honored airmen and their families.
The “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” outreach program was created by Sportsman Channel 17 years ago to address hunger issues across the nation. Using donated game meat and fish, the events have served more than 42,000 meals to communities all over the country, led by noted game chef Paul Comes.
During the event at Hill Air Force Base, hundreds of airmen and their families were served a meal, including Master Sergeant Dale Clark.
“All the events and all these organizations help us in the military and make us feel like we’re supported,” Clark said. “I have airmen who are struggling financially or, whatever the case may be, but these helping agencies really contribute a lot to health and morale.”
The event brought families together to enjoy a meal, connect with friends and take a break from the hectic pace of daily life.
Jeffrey Brown, director of Sportsman Channel’s distribution and affiliate marketing, said they are taking the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” program to every Comcast region throughout the country, including one other military base.
“We just came off the anniversary of 9/11 and we appreciate the service that they’re doing. That goes without saying,” Brown said. “But to be out here and provide them a nice meal, it means so much to us. These are our brave warriors who are out there defending the red, white and blue every day.”
Supporting military families is central to Comcast’s mission. With thousands of employees who are actively serving or veterans, including founder and WWII Navy veteran Ralph Roberts, the company is committed to creating opportunities and providing support for those in uniform.
Comcast Mountain West Region’s Technical Operations Senior Manager Shawn Kessler joined the Marines in 1996 and was deployed to Iraq in 2003. He said events like “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” support military personnel and the challenges they face every day.
“It’s so cool being part of Comcast,” Kessler said. “What we do with veterans,
Daniel Arevalo, senior airman for the United States Air Force, 88th Maintenance Group, takes part in the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event at Hill Air Force Base, providing meals to servicemen and their families. (Photo provided by Comcast)
like the internal networks and how many veterans we hire, is impressive. People are coming home and having to find careers and transition. Comcast does such an amazing job supporting these folks, wheth-
er it’s from a job standpoint or from a mental standpoint, that’s how Comcast leans in to support these folks.”
According to the Department of Workforce Services, Utah is home to more than 116,000 veterans, with the majority being 65 and older. A 2023 Blue Star Families report showed that more than 25% of active-duty military personnel experience food insecurity and homelessness remains a serious issue.
“We understand how important it is for the military community to be connected, be part of a community and also have a continued sense of service,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “Comcast is committed to supporting veterans and the military community through employment, economic mobility, and by ensuring the military community has access to connectivity and the digital skills to thrive in today’s world.
“We also invest in partners that support the military community throughout its entire lifecycle, from entry throughout the journey of service and beyond, including the families.”
For more information about “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” visit TheSportsmanChannel. com. To learn about Comcast’s military customer programs, visit Corporate.Comcast.com. l
�500 OFF
CLOSING COSTS & A COZY MINKY
Utah terrain makes weather forecasting a daunting task for meteorologist
The National Weather Service has four sites in the Salt Lake Valley to help in forecasting for Utah and surrounding areas.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Few people have jobs where what they do and think can affect everyone around them, changing their schedules and altering travel plans. Darren Van Cleave is one of them.
As Meteorologist in Charge with the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, Van Cleave is among a team of scientists and specialists issuing forecasts for residents of the Beehive state and surrounding areas. The task is daunting due to the complex terrain in Utah.
He grew up in rural eastern Oregon near Pendleton, and as a young man was always curious about weather.
“I specifically wanted to know how much snow we might get at our house,” he said. “I watched a lot of TV weather forecasts, as well as reading our newspaper closely each day. It was how I learned about the National Weather Service and how taxpayer dollars were used to prepare and protect us from inclement weather. When it comes to public safety related to weather, the NWS is the authority.”
He came to the University of Utah to earn an undergraduate degree, then finished graduate school at Colorado State University. His first job was in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he met his future wife Rachael who worked in broadcast journalism. They subsequently moved to Sacramento, then to Missoula, Montana, where he served as science and education officer for the NWS office. Four years ago, they came back to Salt Lake
City, a place still near and dear to him from his collegiate days.
“I’m a huge Ute fan,” Van Cleave said. “We would often travel back to Salt Lake City to watch Utah football games, probably at least once every year. And the other thing that’s unique is we have four different sites for the weather service within about a 10 mile radius–local and regional teams that help oversee all offices in the West.”
In Van Cleave’s site near Salt Lake International Airport, there’s a weather forecast office, the river forecast center for anything that flows into the Great Salt Lake or contributory to the Colorado River, and flight forecasts. A lot of information geared for very different audiences.
Utah’s terrain provides Van Cleave and his coworkers with unique challenges.
“The intersection of weather with mountains is one of the problems I really enjoy facing,” he said. “From my home in Daybreak, for example, I look up at Lone Peak, or towards the Oquirrhs, and can see it snowing there but not here in my yard. Complex terrain, specifically the mountains, makes forecasting very tough. A big storm here could mean 2 inches of snow in one part of the valley and 24 inches somewhere else.”
That can be caused by what’s called a “rain shadow,” where a southwest flow into the valley can be affected by the Oquirrhs and cause great variances in who gets the precipitation and who doesn’t.
“The Great Basin to our west can modify weather heavily,” he said. “It can shred a storm. We don’t have the most variable weather in the country, but our terrain makes predictability more difficult.”
The NWS system breaks every part of the state into pixels equal to about 2-½ kilometers squared–about a mile and quarter. For example, it takes 15 of those pixels to cover all of the area
of Daybreak.
“The public can click on the map located at weather.gov/slc and see the forecast for that specific pixel,” he said. “It operates 24/7 all year and gives you exact forecasts for a trail you want to hike or a lake you want to fish. It can give you the probability of rain or snow on that site, wind and temperature conditions, and it’s completely climatized for the elevation. There’s a lot more science to weather forecasting than most people realize.”
One thing that Van Cleave believes is that climate change is real.
“We’ve altered the climate and created urban heat islands, which makes temperatures warmer in the summers,” he said. “That is just a statistical fact.”l
Photo: Don Polo Photography
Darren Van Cleave serves as Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City. (Photo courtesy Darren Van Cleave)
Turning Down the Political Temperature
The recent shooting of Charlie Kirk was a wake-up call for Americans who value free speech. What drives someone to fear opposing views so deeply that violence feels justified? If we want to cool our nation’s overheated politics, each of us can start with three changes.
1. Don’t call names or label the other side. Our country was founded on the belief that open debate makes us stronger. The Founders argued fiercely when crafting the Constitution—and that was healthy. But when disagreement turns into name-calling, the conversation collapses. History shows that dehumanizing language can fuel tragedy; in Rwanda, propaganda that labeled the Tutsis as “cockroaches” helped spark genocide. Calling people “evil” or “dangerous” never changes minds. Respectful discussion does. Express your beliefs firmly but without vilifying others. The moment you deny someone dignity, your argument loses power. One way to rebuild civility is to teach debate skills in middle school and
high school classrooms so the next generation learns how to disagree productively.
2. Listen more than you speak. None of us is right all the time. Listening with empathy to those who see things differently can preserve friendships and strengthen our communities. Try this: ask someone with an opposing political view to explain their perspective for 5-10 minutes. Repeat back what you heard, thank them, and resist the urge to argue. It’s hard—but it’s how understanding begins.
During my 12 years on the Salt Lake County Council, I’ve served on a body
that’s often split almost evenly between Republicans and Democrats. We debate passionately, sometimes disagree strongly, yet still shake hands afterward. We recognize that each member represents different constituents and experiences. Even when votes fall along party lines, mutual respect keeps us working together. I’m proud of that example of civil governance.
3. Recognize how you’re being manipulated. Social media algorithms are designed to provoke emotion, not inform. Once a platform detects your political leanings, it floods your feed with fear or anger-inducing content to keep you scrolling—and advertisers paying. Limit your time online. Keep in mind that each side is driven by this algorithm that fuels the flame of conviction. We question how the other side can be so out of touch, yet they simply don’t see what we see. Those on the other end of the political spectrum have never been shown the version of the story we know. Perhaps we are both right, but perhaps we are both wrong. It’s time to pause
before the contempt destroys our country.
Cable news isn’t much better. Filling 24 hours of airtime pushes networks to amplify outrage and tailor coverage to partisan audiences. Try this experiment: if you watch a story on Fox News, switch to MSNBC for the other perspective, or vice versa. The truth may lie somewhere in between.
As we navigate the future, it’s important that we put down our phones, turn off the TV, and talk to real people. Human connection improves mental health and builds relationships. When the political climate feels toxic, step away from social media and find a friend to visit with—no debating required.
Our democracy depends on citizens who can disagree without demeaning, listen without shouting, and stay informed without being manipulated. By resisting name calling, listening with empathy, and unplugging from outrage, we can help lower the temperature, strengthen our communities, and set an example for the next generation that is watching us closely.
Embracing the Darkness (With Mashed Potatoes)
It’s not a good sign when a season has its own mental disorder, but here we are, entering the dark, cold, abysmal days of post-Daylight Saving Time when Seasonal Affective Disorder destroys all joy. Darkness descends like a roiling thunderstorm in a fantasy novel, erasing all sunshine and leaving us cowering in the cellar.
My husband thinks I’m dramatic, but I tell him to stop calling me names, as I drape across the fainting couch, gently dabbing my tears with a silken handkerchief.
Anyway.
This year, Seasonal Affective Disorder has been changed to Seasonal Affective Despair as we watch the nation’s slow descent into malevolence and madness. Night falls immediately after lunch, pajamas are my goto wardrobe and my serotonin levels drop as quickly as my faith in humanity.
As we move toward winter, light deprivation should be considered a national crisis. Maybe we need a Vitamin D shot mandate or, at least, red light therapy lamps to replace all street lighting. Utah recently eliminated fluoride in the water; could we add a dash of Xanax?
I know there’s a fine line between hibernation and hiding, but maybe the bears have it right. Spend the summer and fall eating ev-
West Valley
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
erything in sight, yank fresh salmon right out of the river, compete for the World’s Fattest Bear and then sleep until the sun returns.
Therapists recommend regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep to improve mental health and reduce Seasonal Affective Despair symptoms, but nobody listens to their therapist; otherwise, we wouldn’t be in this national mess.
Someone on TikTok suggested organizing craft projects to get me through the dark months, but my closet is already full of discarded creations, including featherless pinecone turkeys and the unfinished baby blanket I was making for my first grandchild (who is now 21).
As I sorted through a tangle of thread from my last embroidery project and a cubic pound of glitter I bought when I thought making glitter angels with the grandkids was a good idea, I decided starting something
new wasn’t a good idea. Plus, I still have glue gun scars from my Halloween projects.
Maybe I can spend the next few months snuggled with a book by the fireplace (if we had a fireplace), enjoying a bowl of minestrone (just kidding, my husband hates soup) and trying to live with someone who hates soup.
I’ll be poppin’ melatonin gummies like, well, like gummies, and giving it my best to be optimistic in a season created when a god of the underworld kidnapped a young girl and held her hostage for six months. On a coincidentally bright note, pomegranates are back in stores.
At least Thanksgiving is coming up, when I can get my emotional support food: mashed potatoes.
As we move toward the end of the year, November offers an invitation to look back at the previous months to see…nope…never mind. Don’t do that if you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows. In fact, maybe throw your phone in the Great Salt Lake (if it still had water), disconnect from the internet, delete your social media pages and go off-grid until May.
Mentally prepare yourself to spend several months trapped in a home with kids, or grandkids, who won’t stop saying, “6-7” or muttering Italian Brainrot nonsense.
Maybe this year’s Seasonal Affective Despair will be the start of my superhero origin story. When the light finally returns, I’ll stumble into the sunshine, wearing wrinkled pajamas and gripping a glue gun, ready to battle the forces of evil.
