West Valley Journal | July 2021

July 2021 | Vol. 7 Iss. 07

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GROUND BROKEN FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL IN WEST VALLEY CITY

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

A

dusty field in West Valley City will eventually become a place of remembrance of and for Utahns who have served in America’s military, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s security and freedom.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Memorial Day to mark the impending start of construction of the first phase of the Guardians of Freedom Memorial on a plot of city-owned land just south of the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

“This will be a year-round memorial,” said Mayor Ron Bigelow, an Air Force veteran who has led the planning and fundraising effort for the memorial. “We’re not here to glorify or demonize war. We’re here to honor those who served, whether they were drafted, whether they joined.”

The first phase of construction will result in an honor wall with the names of the approximately 3,000 known war dead from Utah. That will be surrounded by a flag plaza, benches, landscaping, and a parking lot. Future phases will include a building where veterans can videorecord recollections of their military experiences and for the public to search the names and available information of servicemen and women from the Beehive State.

Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, whose 4th Congressional District takes in part of West Valley City, told those assembled for the groundbreaking that the Guardians of Freedom Memorial has his full support in part because he has relatives who have served in the armed forces going back to World Continued page 12

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Town Center at Valley Fair hopes to be a public gathering hotspot

Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.

Local government and military officials break ground for the Guardians of Freedom veterans memorial in West Valley City. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

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July 2021 | Page 3

Town Center at Valley Fair hopes to be a public gathering hotspot

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

T

he latest addition to the decade-long renovation and reimaging of Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City is now open.

Town Center debuted in June between the westside of the enclosed mall and the open-air stores that were added as part of the remake of the shopping complex that was largely completed around 2011.

City and mall officials hope Town Center will be a gathering spot for events and live entertainment for adults and kids to attract them to Valley Fair not only as a shopping destination but as a place with a vibe, especially during warm summer evenings.

It is a plaza-like space covered by artificial turf surrounded by tables, benches, string lights, a stage, and an improved sound system for concerts. It replaces a smaller open area of planter boxes, concrete and brick.

“It was time to make it a bit more welcoming and turn it into a gathering place for unity and better programming and events,” said Casey Bulkley, general manager of Valley Fair for retail property management company Vestar. “We wanted to create an environment where there could be some fun events.” He said that’s especially important at a time when people want to get out and socialize again after a year of COVID-19-related restrictions on crowds.

The idea of Town Square came together not as part of some long-range plan, but the result of brainstorming last fall on how to draw people back to Valley Fair when the pandemic subsided. “Ownership said let’s see if we can figure out a way to be ready for when people come back, but be ready in a new way. They felt it was time to put some investment in that property that is for the community,” Bulkley said.

Surrounding food establishments are enjoying the early results of Town Square

Journals T H E

after months of slow traffic. “We definitely are a little bit busier,” said Sarah Lewis, ownership partner of Cafe Zupas two days after the opening of the public square. “I’m optimistic that it will get better and better and bring more people to try us out.”

Across the way at Cupbop Korean barbecue, shift leader Sebastian Kirchner-Jiron also noticed an early uptick in business.

“I’m positive that even though they have food trucks out, we’re still going to have a lot more business” as more events are held at Town Center over the summer.

Town Square today is by no means a finished product. The acceptance and use of the space could lead to expansion and more amenities in the future. “It’s a work in progress,” Bulkley said.

Valley Fair has unveiled a new logo.

The colorful symbol adorning entrances and signs around the property is another step to refresh the look and feel of the 50-year-old mall. “The (previous) logo had been around a long time,” Bulkley said.

Customers are returning to Valley Fair and vacant stores are being filled as the economy rebounds. The most noticeable empty space—formerly occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond—has attracted a number of interested businesses, according to Bulkley. And at the south end of Valley Fair, the under-construction Panda Express could be serving up its Chinese cuisine by late summer. Before that, Waffle Love, perhaps best known for its food trucks at various public events, is expected to open in the spot formerly occupied by Rumbi Island Grill.

“It’s like the faucet has been turned back on,” Bulkley said. l

Valley Fair has introduced a new logo. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

It’s hoped that the new Town Center will be a gathering place for live performances and other public and social events at Valley Fair Mall. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

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Roundtable Talk with Representative Weight L I ST E N. TH E N A S K Q U E S T I O N S. Committee meeting. Presentation from an agency on goals and accomplishments.

Invitation to visit the agency to learn more. My job is to listen and take notes. This is part of Legislative oversight of our state government, and we legislators meet amazing staff and learn about the expertise in our state offices.

I follow the analysis points in the report, and then my job is to ask questions. I want to be clear about the work and its purpose. I want to assure good tax dollar investment. I want transparency and accountability to Utahns for government actions.

One area for questions is the Inland Port project, and I have growing concerns as some key issues continue unanswered. Port properties lie mostly within Salt Lake City, but the Port construction, facilities, and operations will directly impact West Valley City people and neighborhoods.

Most questions are simple, basic, and common to developments, especially when they

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Who, exactly, will the Port facilities employ?

As a state-funded entity, how will the Port employment plan integrate workforce needs with state training and education systems? What job qualities, opportunities, safety, and pay are projected and assured? What studies are being done to illustrate impacts on air quality for the “downwinder” residents of West Valley City? What do traffic analyses and projections show about emission levels, monitoring systems, and response mechanisms? We hear descriptions of a “green port.” What are specific plans and requirements for electric vehicles and Utah research?

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West Valley City Journal

Jim

MY PROMISE TO YOU

Vote Vesock

I will always remember, I work for you.

If you send me an email, I will reply.

If you call me, I will call you back.

If you invite me to your neighborhood event, I will do my best to be there.

You will see me at West Valley City events.

You will see me at West Valley Grand Openings.

I will be present at all West Valley City Study Meetings.

I will be present at all West Valley City Council Meetings.

I will always do research and listen to you before I vote.

I won’t be just a rubber stamp for the West Valley City Manager.

HAVING A COMMUNITY EVENT

For West Valley City

Council At Large

“I will always be there for you.”

WHAT I STAND FOR

Keeping Taxes Low

West Valley City needs to set an all-inclusive budget. Once the budget is approved, West Valley City needs to stick to it. The budget should not be re-opened except for an emergency. The West Valley City Manager has had a blank check for way too long. This STOPS with me when I’m elected. I will not vote to use the general fund (AKA rainy day fund) for things that should have been in the budget.

Safety and Security

Ask Jim to be part of it!

Invite Jim to your HOA meeting, neighborhood watch meeting or other neighborhood events. Jim is willing to come out, take questions and listen to your neighborhood concerns. Jim says, “I will always listen and I want to be your voice.”

Call or text Jim: 801-573-9062 or Email Jim: votevesock@gmail.com

GET INVOLVED Donate to My Campaign

Volunteer

Every dollar will help.

Go to any America First Credit Union and donate to: Vote Vesock Account number 9119082

Come be part of my team.

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Volunteer today.

Call me: 801-573-9062 or Email me: votevesock@gmail.com

Post a VOTE VESOCK yard sign

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Infrastructure As West Valley City continues to grow and age, this is putting a major strain on our infrastructure. I will be a vote for managed improvements.

Parks, Recreation and Culture West Valley City has great parks, recreational and cultural facilities. I will be a vote for funding to keep these the jewels of our city.

The citizens and property owners of West Valley City deserve a voice.

When elected, I will always listen to you and be that voice.

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July 2021 | Page 7

Granite to offer new online learning option for students

By Hannah LaFond | h.lafond@mycityjournals.com

G

ranite School District will be launching a centralized online learning option for their students in fall 2021. Stephanie Wood, the associate director for Granite Online Learning, advised that there are many important factors when considering online learning.

Although Granite School District has offered online classes for years, those have typically only been supplemental. They’re

an excellent way for high school students to dual enroll in college classes or free up their schedule for more electives. However, during the pandemic, they had to adjust to teaching more students and courses online.

“We all learned a lot during the pandemic year of what students need and want and ways they can be successful,” Wood said.

“So, we felt like it was important to build a

Starting in fall 2021, Granite School District will be launching a centralized online learning option for their students. (Photo by Thomas Park/Unsplash)

program to help support students who need an online learning experience.”

With that in mind, the district set to work creating Granite Online Live. The program will be available to students in grades K-12, and it allows them to complete all of their required coursework online.

They’ve created a synchronous program, meaning that students will have live instructions online every day. The district has already hired new staff to work exclusively on the online program. That way, teachers won’t have to balance online and in-person students as many did during the previous school year.

Anyone interested in registering can meet with their principal or counselors to talk about the program. Wood said they’re holding off on registration until late July and early August because circumstances may change for families between now and the start of the school year.

Wood said she’s excited for every student to have online or in-person school options depending on what works best for them and their family. She also said there are a lot of factors parents and students should consider in the decision.

Online learning presents unique challenges that will work better for some students than others. Wood said it’s important for students to stay organized and on task without

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the in-class structure. It’s also essential for students to be comfortable navigating the technology necessary for their online classes.

Wood also made it clear online learning is not the right choice for every student. “We anticipate that most of our students will want to return to school where they have their teacher and their friends and all of the wonderful things that happen in our buildings,” she said.

Many students struggled with online classes during the pandemic and will be excited to return to normalcy. However, some students thrived in the online environment and found many benefits to staying home.

“It provides them some comfort of feeling like they’re in a place where they feel safe,” Wood said. “Those are all things that are sometimes hard for students when they’re in a large building with lots of students to navigate hallways and lockers. Doing an online option, they don’t have to do those things. They’re focused on their learning, and their relationship with their teacher, and building their knowledge and relationship with their peers.”

Granite Online Live will be an option for any students in the Granite School District. Wood said they are excited to provide this online alternative so every student can thrive in the learning environment best suited to them. l

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July 2021 | Page 9

Summer school in session—crossing guard urges keeping kids safe by driving aware and following laws

By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjouirnals.com

C

rossing guard Gene Panek says he is sad, but not surprised, when drivers carelessly whiz by his stop. Parked on a residential road just west of Fox Hills Elementary School in Taylorsville, Panek is substituting for the regular guard. He’s been a crossing guard for six years.

“Ok, see that van?” Panek asks, pointing out a car that pulled through his corner.

“That driver has kids in the car, so I think maybe she’s going to the school, probably for the summer meal program. She didn’t stop at the stop sign, she knows school is open and she was looking down at her phone as she turned,” Panek said.

These are the kinds of things Panek sees all the time, and he’s concerned that they will end in an accident where a child is hurt.

This summer, more than 9,000 students will be participating in summer programs at nearly every school site in Granite District. With that in mind, GSD urges drivers to please drive safely around school areas.

That includes stopping at crosswalks, slowing down for flashing lights and generally being aware.

“The traditional school year may have ended, but our schools are used through the summer for many things. Kids walk to and from school for breakfast and lunch, and summer school started June 7,” said Ben Horsley, communications director for GSD. Horsley said that nearly all of the district’s 90 sites have some sort of summer programming, so chances are good there are kids in your neighborhood walking to and from school or a bus stop each day.

“Failure to drive responsibly around schools puts our students at risk. Vehicles must slow down in active school zones, follow the directions of crossing guards and be generally aware.

“Please be on alert during morning and afternoon commutes. Pay attention to school buses that have their stop signs out or lights flashing. Please follow the directions of crossing guards and obey speed limits in school zones,” Horsley said.

Panek said speeding and distractions from phones are big concerns. “On 6200 South cars just don’t slow down. They think the rules are for everyone else, not for them. There are some people who are conscientious. But others won’t stop even if I have a cone out or I’m in the middle of the crosswalk with my stop sign. I guess they’re oblivious,” Panek said.

“I wish people would pay attention,” he continued. “I’ve seen people looking down, looking at their phones. They’re not looking ahead at all, or maybe they’ll glance up.

They think on a [residential] road like this there’s no one. But it only takes a second to cause an accident.”

School districts always have some programming during the summer, and several schools participate in meal programs (see www.graniteschools.org for a full list). But Horsley said the numbers of students involved are up this summer.

“It varies from site to site, but we have roughly 9,000 students district wide involved in some sort of summer programming. It’s almost twice as many as usual.

“Pay attention to flashing school signs and obey the speed limit because students use schools during the summer,” reminds Ben Horsley of Granite School District. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)

Page 10 | July 2021

Substitute crossing guard Gene Panek is stationed just west of Fox Hills Elementary in Taylorsville, where he helps kids cross safely for summer programs. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)

“Many are in intense programs to make up class credit due to instruction missed during the pandemic. Some are participating in summer band or orchestra classes. And many are doing meal programs,” Horsley said.

Panek has a few reminders for drivers to help keep kids in their communities safe.

“Always stop completely at stop signs.

Pay attention to flashing school zone lights,

cones and speed limits. Put your phone away and look up. Stop 15 feet before a crosswalk.

Wait until the crossing guard is completely out of the crosswalk before driving through, even when turning right.”

Panek’s reminders and Horsley’s advice hit close to home: Horsley answered questions for the Journal after dropping off his child for a summer reading program. l

Schools in your neighborhood are likely in session this summer, so please drive safely. (Heather Lawrence/ City Journals)

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Continued from front page War I. “It touches your heart to see what people have done, the sacrifice and commitment, the unbelievable dream and love for a nation, that people will give their lives.”

Bigelow hopes phase one can be completed by Veterans Day in November. He says several contractors have offered to donate their services to build the memorial when they can work it in among the flurry of other construction projects in the area. Cost of the first step of the memorial is about $1.3 million.

Several cities in Salt Lake County were asked to consider hosting the Guardians of Freedom, but stepped aside for various reasons, leaving West Valley City as the chosen site.

But Bigelow said it will be a memorial for the entire state.

Public and private funds have been contributed to get the project started. Several million more dollars will need to be raised to finish the entire memorial in what the mayor estimates will be two to three years. l

An architectural rendering shows the first phase of the Guardians of Freedom Memorial. (Courtesy West Valley City)

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July 2021 | Page 13

Speed skater could win medal at summer Olympics

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimmillion people are living er’s 6.2 or another dementia.

Alzheimer’s is a brainwith disease that causes 6.2 million people are living with a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are Alzheimer’s diseaseEvery in the United 10 warning signs and symptoms. individual may experience Alzheimer’s disease in the United one States. or more ofOver these signs in a different degree.

If you notice any 34,000 people in Utah of them in yourself or a34,000 loved one,people please see in a doctor.

States.

Over Utah

alone. This disease kills more people

10 SIGNS OF This disease kills more people alone. each year than breast cancer and ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

eachloss year 1. Memory that than disruptsbreast cancer and prostate cancer combined, and is the daily life prostate cancer combined, and is the 2. Challenges in planning or 4th leading cause of death in Utah. problem solving 4th leading cause of death in Utah.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, More than 104,000 people in Utah More than 104,000 people in Utah work or at leisure 6.2for millionsomeone people are living with Alzheimer’s provide living 4. Confusion withunpaid time or care disease in the United States.

Over provide unpaid carepeople for insomeone living34,000 place Utah alone. This disease kills withunderstanding Alzheimer’s disease.

The impact is 5. Trouble more people each year than breast cancer with Alzheimer’s disease.

The impact is visual images and special and prostate cancer combined, and is the widespread and can be devastating to 4th leading cause of death in Utah. relationships widespread and can be devastating to 6. New problems with words families.

More than 104,000 people in Utah proin speaking or writing families. vide unpaid care for someone living with 7. Misplacing things and Alzheimer’s disease. The impact is widelosing ability to Forthemore information, aboutto families. spreadto and learn can be devastating For more information, to learn about retrace steps Together we can work to findor a cure support groups or other resources, 8. Decreased or poor and ultimately have our first survivor! support groups or other resources, or judgment Join the fight and lend your to to get from helpwork immediately contact thevoice 9. Withdrawal or this critical cause by attending the to get help immediately contact the social activities Walk to End Alzheimer’s this fall. There Alzheimer’s Association’s free 24/7 are eight Walks throughout the state 10. Changes in mood Association’s Alzheimer’s free 24/7 of Utah: and personality Helpline at:

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Eddy Alvarez, a former speed skater and SLCC baseball player was a member of the U.S. qualifying team for the Tokyo Olympics this summer. (Photo courtesy of USA baseball)

A

n Olympic speed skating medalist, major league baseball player and a member of the United States Olympic qualifying baseball team. Eddy Alvarez is on top of the world.

As a member of the U.S. Olympic baseball team, Alvarez played in all four qualifier games and hit .273, had two doubles and a triple. He helped USA baseball secure a spot in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Alvarez won a silver medal in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics as a member of the 5000 meter relay team. He was the first Cuban-American to be part of an Olympic team.

Only five athletes have won medals in the winter and summer games, including only two Americans, Eddy Eagan (boxing and bobsled) and Lauryn Williams (sprinter and bobsled).

If Alvarez is named and part of the Olympic baseball team he has the opportunity to be the third.

As a member of the Miami Marlins organization, Alvarez made his major league debut last season. He is currently playing with the Marlins AAA organization in Jacksonville, Flordia.

“The skating community has always been very supportive of my dreams,” Alvarez said last season after his initial major league game. “They did everything in their power to help me proceed.”

His first love was baseball. As a toddler his father would take him to the ballpark and he was mesmerized with the game.

He started rollerblading at five years old and speed skating at seven. At 11 he won a national level speed skating champion-

ship. In high school he played baseball well enough to earn several scholarship offers. He turned them down to pursue a skating career.

After years of chronic knee pain he decided to take a break from speed skating and joined the Salt Lake Community College baseball team as a walk-on. He batted .303 and was named all-conference. His knee pain continued and later had knee surgery before returning to speed skating as part of the 2014 Olympic team.

After the Olympics in 2014 he signed with the Chicago White Sox and spent six years in the minor leagues. He finally played a game in the majors in 2020. He got his first major league hit against the Mets.

“The ball from my first hit will go right next to my medal,” Alvarez said.

“Eddy is a good athlete,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said after his debut last season. “I expect him to be successful. He is well versed and has lots of experience.”

Team USA clinched a berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games June 5 with a 4-2 victory over Venezuela.

The six team Olympic baseball tournament is scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 27. The U.S. joins Israel, Japan, Korea and Mexico. The final team will be determined in a qualifying tournament June 22-26 (after press deadline).

The USA has qualified for all but one Olympic tournament since baseball was introduced as an Olympic sport in 1992. They won a gold medal once in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. They also won a gold in 1988 when baseball was a demonstration sport. l

West Valley City Journal

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West Valley City Journal

City Journals Economic Overview

Economic recovery brings inflation concerns

By Robert Spendlove | Zions Bank Senior Economist

T

he Utah economy continues to improve.

Job growth is accelerating, unemployment is dropping, and wages are increasing.

However, the emerging trend of inflation is causing some struggles in the economic recovery.

Inflation essentially describes the principle that prices rise over time.

It’s actually good to have inflation; it encourages investment and overall growth.

However, if inflation

grows too much it erodes the value of cash and can cause asset bubbles, which then can crash. An example of this is lumber prices, which nearly tripled in price from July 2020 to May 2021, but have dropped nearly 50% in the last few weeks.

Inflation has been increasing nationally and locally for the past few months. The national Consumer Price Index rose in May by 5% from a year before. This is the highest inflation since the summer of 2008. Prices regionally were also up significantly in May, increasing 4.7% over the past year.

A primary cause of this recent inflation is the economic reopening. A year ago, as the

pandemic spread and as the economy shut down, demand for many goods and services evaporated. This caused prices for things like gasoline, hotel rooms, and airfare to collapse.

With many people now returning to work and going on trips, demand has surged for these products. Gasoline prices alone are up 56.2% in the last 12 months, and the price of used cars and trucks has surged 29.7% over the same period. Airfares are up 24.1% in the last year and increased 12.2% in the last month.

The big question now is how long this high inflation will last. Is this a temporary surge or is it the beginning of a prolonged period of price pressures? No one knows for

sure and this is a topic of intense debate. The Federal Reserve, which sets interest rates, has said they are concerned about unexpected high inflation but they want to wait and see what the future brings over the next several months before pulling back on monetary policy that encourages growth.

Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A.

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Wvc Journal .com

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July 2021 | Page 17

Westside Cougars win girls tackle football championship

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

2021 EVENING S ERIES Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South Ticket Info: 801-264-2614 or www.murray.utah.gov July 9-10, 12, 15-17 ................................... Shrek The Musical July 23 ....................... Beehive Statesmen Barbershop Chorus Aug 6-7, 9, 12-14 ......................................... Disney's Newsies Aug 11..... Jenny Oaks Baker, Violin & Cello Workshop Concert Aug 21 .................................................. Clayton Smalley Band Aug 27-28 ...................................... "A Celtic Summer's Night"

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This program has received funding support from residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts and Museums, and Museums & National Endowment for the Arts.

Page 18 | July 2021

The Kearns Cougars girls tackle football team completed an undefeated season with a championship game victory, 28-7 over Herriman. (Photo courtesy of Crys Sacco)

I

n two years’ time the Kearns area girls tackle football team has gone from winless, to undefeated state champions.

“I feel these girls accomplished everything they wanted,” Cougars head coach Crys Sacco said.

With a few minor changes for last season’s runner up, the team seemed more focused on its goal and its experience helped them over the edge. They changed their name this season to the Kearns Cougars to reflect the school its team members represented.

“We had girls from Kearns, Granger and Hunter,” Sacco said. “The championship trophy is going in the Kearns trophy case.”

Kearns won the championship 28-7 over the Herriman Sting. The Sting scored in the final quarter to tighten the game, but not before the Cougars had taken charge.

“The game was back and forth until we wore them down,” Sacco said. “As the game went along we started to dominate them. We played them early in the season and they are a tough team.”

The Cougars team played in its first season three years ago. They did not score one touchdown. Last year they improved and made it to the championship game, losing to Valkyrie 12-0.

“This year we said, we are going to do it,” Sacco said. “Our seniors have gotten ex-

perience. Some of them have started playing rugby and I think that has really helped them become better players.”

Essence Charles started at quarterback, she comes from a family that loves football.

“That is a football family and she has played boys football. She (Charles) makes everything look flawless. She is a true leader.

I know she learned a lot as a leader on this team,” Sacco said.

The Cougars made it look easy. They won all six of their regular season games.

That included a 14-7 victory over Sam Gordon and the Herriman Mustangs. Gordon is one of the inaugural members of the league and a leader on and off the field.

In the playoff semifinals the Cougars avenged last season’s championship loss by defeating Utah Valley Valkyrie 21-0.

The Utah Girls Tackle Football League is a place where many girls experience contact sports for the first time.

“We had girls playing rugby too this spring. Jasmine (Roth) came from Idaho and this was her first year. We wanted to give her a chance and it has changed her life.

She might try out for the Falcons (women’s team) next season,” Sacco said. “Naliyah Rueckert is a player we couldn’t have done it without. She played in the ProBowl last season with us.”

Sacco and HeaNisi Kinikini were the

head coaches. Nephi Toafe was the team’s offensive coordinator and Renica Lese Rueckert ran the defense.

“We had such good support, dinners the night before games; it was fun,” Sacco said.

The Cougars team includes: Alyssa Burnside, Angie Chapman, Essence Charles, Brianna Fowler, Ashley Hawkins, Hiva Kinikini, Lili Kinikini, Rian Kornik-Neebling, Kiona Lole, Samahra Lopez, Lionala Mayorga, Riley Moreno Hillman, Paris Ott, Jasmine Roth, Naliyah Rueckert, Karma Soaia, Leneja Toafe, Raven Toki-Mauigoa, Nakaiya Wiley, Monalani Siliga, and Tusisoloa Siaia.

The League played its first game on April 7, 2015. Since then it has grown. This season it fielded 32 teams over four divisions and included 650 girls. The high school division had 14 teams. They recently lost their court case against the UHSAA for girls-only football teams as a sanctioned sport.

“Girls and women are now breaking barriers in football, as referees, coaches and players. The Utah Girls Tackle Football League is thriving and participation is exploding,” the league said in a statement.

The UGTFL offers football for girls in the spring and is currently a club sport in Utah. The league is the first of its kind in the country. l

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July 2021 | Page 19

A crash course on Salt Lake Valley’s water supply

W

ater is one of those things that people take for granted. We don’t really talk about it much until it becomes an issue. So now that Utah and the rest of the southwest are experiencing historic levels of drought, some Salt Lake valley residents might be realizing how little they know about the topic. So here’s a crash course lesson on the valley’s water supply.

Who manages the valley’s water supply?

The answer to this question depends on where you live.

If you live on the west side of the valley, then most of your water comes from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. They collect water from Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs, as well as a collection of reservoirs in the Uinta Mountains. Twenty percent of its water also comes from groundwater, pumped from wells scattered around the valley.

The District then sells this water wholesale to cities including Draper, Herriman, Bluffdale, Riverton, South Jordan, South Salt Lake, Taylorsville, Midvale and West Jordan.

It also counts among its customers a few intermediary districts such as the Granger Hunter Improvement District, the Kearns Improvement District and the Magna Water Improvement District. While these smaller districts purchase as much as 90% of their water from Jordan Valley, they also supplement that with their own water supply from wells in the area.

The other big player when it comes to providing water to the Salt Lake Valley is the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake & Sandy.

As its name suggests, this district provides water to Salt Lake City and Sandy City, the first and sixth most populous cities in the state. But wait, there’s more!

Salt Lake City’s Public Utilities department is responsible for more than just its own residents. They also provide drinking water for Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Holladay and parts of South Salt Lake and Murray.

More than 60% of all that water comes from the streams of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon. That water is filtered by facilities owned by either the Metropolitan Water District or SLC. For example, the treatment facility at the mouth of Big Cottonwood is owned

by SLC, while the treatment facility for Little Cottonwood is owned by Metropolitan Water District.

Additionally, some cities own and operate their own water infrastructure to supplement what they purchase from their respective districts. Sandy City, for example, collects and treats water from the Bell Canyon Reservoir. Many cities also rely on various canals throughout the valley as a source of secondary water.

How much does our water cost?

It can be quite expensive to collect, treat, transport and deliver water to the over 1 million people who live, work or play in the Salt

Page 20 | July 2021

By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

(Justin Adams/City Journals)

Lake Valley.

The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District operates on an operations budget of about $79 million per year, while the Metropolitan Water District has a budget of about $48 million.

Where does that money come from? The largest revenue source ($48 million) for the Jordan Valley is from its wholesale contracts with its various member agencies. An additional $7 million comes from retail customers, usually homeowners in unincorporated areas that purchase water from the district directly.

The second-largest source of revenue for the district is property taxes, which comes in at about $20 million per year. As a special district with taxing authority, water districts are able to levy a property tax on residents within the district boundaries. The property tax rate for the Jordan Valley is .0004%. The MWDSLS is below .0003%.

While residents around the valley have likely seen their rates increase over the years due to inflation, they’re still paying much lower rates than many people around the country, according to Linda Townes, public information manager for Jordan Valley. That’s because Utah’s mountainous landscape allows gravity to move our water for us, rather than paying for pump stations which use a huge amount of costly electricity.

Who is running these districts?

Between such large budgets and the task of managing a resource as crucial as water, it bodes asking who’s in charge of these districts.

Special districts are typically run by a

The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District maintains a Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan, as an example to residents of how yards can be re-landscaped to be more water efficient without sacrificing aesthetics. (Wikimedia)

board of trustees. The Jordan Valley operates under a board of nine members. While the Metro District has a seven-member board.

Members of the board aren’t elected. Instead they are appointed by various legislative bodies from within the district’s boundaries.

Appointees can be elected officials themselves (such as South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey or Herriman City Councilmember Sherrie Ohrn who serve on the Jordan Valley board) or

they can be city employees or even private residents—whatever the nominating body thinks will best represent their interests.

As a governmental body, districts are required to hold regular public meetings. They also publish their budgets and other reports each year to keep residents informed.

Are we in danger of running out of water?

Between the state’s historic drought and rapid population growth, some residents may

West Valley City Journal

wonder if we’re running out of water in the Salt Lake valley.

In short, the answer is no, residents of the Salt Lake valley don’t need to worry about rationing water anytime soon.

When it comes to growth, Townes said that water consumption hasn’t increased at the same rate as the population, suggesting that the District’s water conservancy efforts and efficiency standards have been effective.

“The good thing we’ve seen with growth is that we really expected our water use to skyrocket with the population growth and it hasn’t,” she said. “It’s stayed pretty steady, which means conservation is working. It’s happening. We are seeing a change.”

There are also still untapped sources of water which could come into play down the road. According to Townes, the Jordan Valley expected to begin developing the Bear River in 2015. However, a combination of other new sources and increased water efficiency made that unnecessary. Now, they may not have to dam the Bear River until 2060.

“It’s a pretty cool river and one of the last ones that’s not damned. We don’t want to develop it. It’d be great if we didn’t have to, but it’s our job to make sure there’s enough water for people,” Townes said.

The Metro District is also in good shape when it comes to water supply. Speaking to the Sandy City Council last month, general manager Mike DeVries said there’s no need to worry.

“Despite poor precipitation and snow pack conditions, because of storage and Metro’s various water supplies, we’re in a healthy state when it comes to supply for our member cities. We’re not anticipating any sort of shortages for our metro at this point,” he said.

It’s also important to know that most of the state’s water systems are self-contained.

For example, the systems that supply water throughout Salt Lake County aren’t connected to systems for other nearby counties. So if there are water shortages in other parts of the state, it wouldn’t be possible for them to dip into the supplies of the Jordan Valley or Metropolitan Districts, even if they were willing to share.

How can we conserve more water?

Whether from continued growth or continued droughts, water conservation will be increasingly important for residents of the Salt Lake valley. From the water districts themselves, to municipal governments to residents’ households, there’s a lot that can be done.

At the district level, the Jordan Valley has set a good example by relandscaping all of their facilities to be water efficient by replacing turf with vegetation that’s more at home in Utah’s desert climate.

The District also provides a number of programs, rebates and incentives for residents to improve their water efficiency. Those can be found at www.utahwatersavers.com.

City governments are also getting in on the conservation effort by requiring new de-

Nearby reservoirs like Jordanelle and Deer Creek play a critical role in the Salt Lake Valley’s water supply chain. (Wikimedia)

velopments to meet certain water efficiency standards. Many cities have also taken proactive measures during our current drought. Cottonwood Heights, for example, announced that its popular splash pad at Mountain View Park would remain closed throughout the summer.

Herriman City paused a requirement for developers to install landscaping on new projects, allowing them to delay the addition of extra vegetation until after the summer months.

Residents, meanwhile, have many options

for conserving water. They can do small things like take shorter showers or turn off the faucet while they brush their teeth. They can take advantage of the previously mentioned programs and get a more water-efficient toilet or relandscape their yards. But the most effective and easy thing they can do, according to Townes, is simply water their lawns less. If everyone adjusted to watering their lawns just one less day per week, it would have a huge impact on the region’s water supply outlook. l

Psych 101: Narcissistic abuse centers on control and manipulation

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournal.com

“

Narcissism next!” requested a reader after reviewing the previous article covering gaslighting. OK—let’s do it!

(This is where I feel obliged to share a warning. The following article discusses topics of abuse and may be triggering to some.)

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), narcissism is categorized as a Personality Disorder.

Narcissistic personality disorder has been primarily recognized through behavioral patterns steeped in a need for admiration and a lack of empathy. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder tend to have a grandiose sense of self-importance, believing they are special and unique. In turn, they frequently have a lack of empathy and tend to be envious of others or believe others are envious of them. They may also be preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty and ideal love.

Conversations around recognizing narcissistic traits and managing relationships with narcissistic individuals have gained more popular attention in the last few years.

Now, there are two types of narcissism widely recognized. Overt or grandiose narcissism is primarily described above. Individuals may be arrogant and preoccupied with suc-

Wvc Journal .com

cess, wealth, attractiveness and power. However, there’s a less explicit type of narcissism.

Covert or vulnerable narcissism may be identified through self-absorbed and/or passive-aggressive behaviors. Individuals with covert narcissistic traits may be highly sensitive and have a history of impersonal and difficult relationships.

Narcissistic abuse has been recognized as a type of interpersonal abuse (and/or domestic abuse) and is beginning to be formally recognized in various governmental and legal documents and policies. On the surface, it may be difficult to differentiate narcissistic abuse from typified interpersonal abuse.

This tends to make narcissistic abuse more complicated and harder to prove. Some of the key reported differences include increase frequency and explicit intentionality. “The idea is that they totally know what they are doing,” reported an anonymous survivor.

Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder tend to exhibit numerous abusive behaviors. They may make attempts at isolation in order to maintain control and attention in the relationship, driving away friends and family relations of the other person. They tend to control finances, monitoring money closely, and only allowing limited access to

certain funds.

In abusive relationships, including those involving individuals with narcissistic personality disorder, there’s frequently a cycle of abuse involved. Psychologists have deemed the phases of abuse as idealization, devaluation and discarding. In idealization, otherwise known as “lovebombing,” the individual may shower the other with praise and gifts. This builds a sense of safety and trust.

In devaluation, the individual may use what was disclosed during the idealization phase as ammo to instill emotional responses and a sense of worthlessness. Then, the individual discards the other before starting the cycle over again.

Additionally, abusive relationships commonly involve manipulation tactics such as being overly critical and controlling, manufacturing situations to elicit emotional distress, engaging in hot and cold behavior, stonewalling, triangulating, blaming, shaming, deflecting and projecting.

Narcissistic abuse can occur in any relationship. While some of the focus above is on abuse in romantic relationships, it’s important to remember narcissistic abuse can be prevalent in friendships, familial relationships and working relationships. Those with

narcissistic personality disorder tend to be interpersonally exploitative as they take advantage of others to achieve their own ends. For example, friendships may only be maintained on a superficial level.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing abuse, some steps of recovery to enact right now may include: validating the survivors experience, identifying abusive traits, breaking habits of empathizing with the abuser, validating one’s own reality, creating or relying on a solid support network, grieving the good parts of the relationship, resolving trauma, improving self-love, and learning to recognize red flags and set boundaries.

In Utah, resources for domestic violence and interpersonal abuse include: the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, Utah Community Action, Utah Association of Family Support Centers, YWCA Utah’s Domestic Violence Shelter Programs and the Statewide Domestic Violence Info-line LINKline.

Research from Shahida Arabi, Sandra Brown, Thomas Crawford, Ramani Durvasula, Harold Koenigsberg, Kristian Markon, Kati Morton, Rebecca Shiner, Jennifer Tackett, and David Watson. l

July 2021 | Page 21

Council approves CDBG funding for needed programs

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

W

hile it may be an annual occurrence, the weight of its importance still holds value for those it helps.

The West Valley City Council approved its annual Community Development Block Grant budget in early June. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with it slated for city neighborhood and infrastructure projects, administration and public services.

Some of those public services include the Family Support Center Crisis Nursery, South Valley Sanctuary and the Salt Lake Community Action Program with its Redwood food pantry.

Josie White, grants administrator with South Valley Sanctuary—a domestic violence service provider—told the council in its meeting that they provided services to 246 West Valley City residents. That included providing shelter to 86 residents with an average stay of 31 days.

“Funding from West Valley City helps us provide services for residents at no cost to them,” she said, noting that each night of shelter costs $65 meaning that the cost of shelter for those residents was almost $174,000. The sanctuary received the full funding of $20,000 it requested.

Nathan Breinholt, food and resource center manager for Utah Community Action, told the council in the same meeting their program served over 13,000 West Valley City residents from July 2020 to March 2021, almost 10% of the city’s population.

“I’m glad UCA has been able to serve that need in your community,” he said.

The program operates two food pantries

City Council recently approved community development funding it gets from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (File photo City Journals)

in West Valley City and Midvale. Demand has increased over the past year, he said, requiring them to increase the amount of food they provide from three to five days to seven to 10 days.

Their request for $10,000 was fully funded with all of it going towards salaries, benefits and operating costs of the pantry, Breinholt said.

But not every requesting entity received funding this year. A change from the large

amount city officials could give last year when HUD removed the normally 15% cap on funding provided to public services. Last year saw over $267,000 awarded compared to the $160,000 this year.

Layne Morris, West Valley City’s community preservation director, told the council they funded every applicant last year, but was not the case this year. He expected more applications last year, but was surprised at the fewer applicants.

“Now that could be (because) they faced daunting federal regulations that we’re (required to) foist on some of those one-time applicants,” Morris said. “(Maybe) they decided they didn’t want to go through that again, but we very much had a reduced applicant pool this year.”

One entity, Journey of Hope which aims to empower previously harmed women, girls and LGBTQ youth, did not receive its requested $12,000. Founder Shannon Cox said part of their work is extracting the vulnerable population from dangerous situations such as abusive homes or human traffickers.

“We’d like for you to consider the service we provide to some of the most vulnerable in you community is worth funding,” she told the council.

The city utilizes its CDBG committee of seven members consisting of both staff members and residents to hear agencies present their projects, review applications and discuss funding requests. The committee then makes recommendations to the City Council based on votes according to each agency’s score, impact to residents, best use of funds and staying in line with the city’s five-year plan and HUD’s direction.

Councilman Lars Nordfelt was appreciative to all who applied.

“Thanks to all those who applied and provided those services for those who really need it,” he said. “I wish we could do more, but you’re doing the really hard and it should be recognized.” l

Rental assistance still available in Salt Lake County

By Bridget Raymundo | b.raymundo@mycityjournals.com

D

own the streets of downtown, homeless people can be found around nearly every corner. The less fortunate are not often at the forefront of thoughts, however, with the effects of the pandemic still in motion, many residents still struggle with affording basic living costs. The economy is on a slow path to recovery from the shutdowns in efforts to maintain social distancing. Many people have lost their main sources of income and numerous [small] businesses have closed.

Rental assistance and stimulus checks have been issued to help. The question is whether they are improving circumstances or not.

In January Millcreek government took initiative to release awareness campaigns about financial aid. At that point, the pandemic had been reigning chaos into personal lives for nearly a full year.

Curious as to the effects of the stimulus checks issued by the US federal government?

Page 22 | July 2021

As expected, at the shadow glimpse of an approaching financial crisis and the increased unemployment rate, anyone who could afford to save, did. The rest was spent on necessities such as food, water, rent, electricity and other household bills. Entertainment and dining were mostly closed, thereby reducing needed cash flow. Handing out government funds is tricky in and of itself; claims arose stating some stimulus checks were not received, unnecessary in some cases, and a cause for further economic inflation.

The Salt Lake County Regional Development Department issued a press release on June 17 about rental assistance. It reported more than 12,000 county residents have received $17 million in rental assistance since March 2021.

Data shows women are more likely to apply for aid than men since 60% of applicants are female. The Director of Salt Lake

County Housing & Community Development, Michael Gallegos, states there are still funds available to applicants even as the CDC’s Eviction Moratorium approaches its end scheduled for June 30.

“The demand for rental assistance funds this spring has exceeded our expectations,” Gallegos said in the press release. “While we’re ahead of where we thought we would be, there are still plenty of funds available, and we encourage residents to continue to apply.”

According to the press release, race demographics from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program match or exceed County demographics, showing that rental assistance funds are getting into traditionally underserved populations.

“We know there are geographic areas of higher need, and diverse populations that may require support to apply,” said Salt

Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “We are addressing those needs as they’re identified by the community and data. We are also utilizing organizations in our outreach grant program to assist disproportionately impacted individuals in tapping into this critical resource to avoid eviction.”

So far, 52% of rental assistance provided in Salt Lake County were applied for by landlords on behalf of their tenants. While 62% of all rental assistance funds in Utah are being paid out to Salt Lake County residents.

Further data on the effects of rental assistance can be found here: slco.org/slcomunidata To apply for rental assistance, please visit rentrelief.utah.gov/ . l

West Valley City Journal

Government 101: The budget process

Y

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

ou (or your landlord) pays property tax every year, whether on residential or commercial property. There are several taxing entities that collect from what you pay, from the mosquito abatement, to the local school district.

The city only collects a small portion of that tax.

Residential properties pay only 45% of their property tax value, while commercial pays 100% of the value.

In Utah, a city’s yearly property tax income is a fixed number. This means that unless the city changes its tax rate, the city will only receive the dollar amount that it received the previous year. If a city receives $20 million in 2019, it will receive $20 million in 2020, even if property values increase. This requires a city to consistently communicate with its residents its financial needs.

“The county auditor takes the previous year's revenue we received, adds any new growth, and they divide that by the assessed property tax value. If the assessed value goes up the tax rate goes down,” Midvale Assistant City Manager Kyle Maurer said. “When the assessed value goes down, the tax rate goes up. This provides a steady income for the city.”

Budget information is public and available on every city website. The budget contains the cost for everything a city pays for, from road salt for plow trucks, employee salary, computers, website maintenance, first responder salary and ambulances, and much more.

The budget is prepared by the city’s finance department, and, depending on the form of government, either the mayor or the city manager.

Each department asks for what they need, but the mayor/city manager makes the final decision on who gets what.

Some cities involve the city council in the budget process, asking for council priorities in budget retreats or workshops in council meetings. Some cities prepare the budget and ask for council opinion when they present the tentative budget. The tentative budget is posted to the city website and presented to the council in May, which gives council and the public a chance to comment and suggest alternatives.

A budget must be finalized and accepted by the city council by June 30 before the new fiscal year begins. (A city’s year runs from July 1 to June 30, known as a fiscal, i.e., financial, year.)

“If the council does not adopt a final

This is a sample property tax bill with all the taxing entities. Midvale City only collects a small portion of the tax residents pay. (image/SLCo Assessor)

budget by June 30, then the tentative budget would become the budget,” West Jordan communications officer Tauni Barker said.

“If they had not adopted a tentative budget, then it would default to the mayor’s proposed budget.”

If the mayor does not approve of the budget that council passes, they can veto.

Sandy’s Mayor Bradburn vetoed a line item in 2020.

If a city decided to change its property tax percentage, a Truth in Taxation meeting is required. Salt Lake County decides the date of the Truth in Taxation so no two taxation meetings fall on the same date. The Truth in Taxation is a public meeting, all residents are invited to read the proposed budget and give comments before a final decision is made by the council. l

What is the Mosquito Abatement District?

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

H

ave you noticed a line on your property tax bill that says Mosquito Abatement?

What is that? Why do they get your tax money?

There are three mosquito abatement districts in Salt Lake County. Each of them serves their area, performing similar functions: Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement, Magna Mosquito Abatement, South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement.

“Mosquitos are definitely a nuisance,” Brian Hougaard, manager for South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District, said. “They have the potential to carry diseases.”

A mosquito abatement focuses heavily on mosquitos that carry West Nile Virus, a disease that can cause severe inflammation to the brain and spinal cord.

“We have 52 different trap sites, using three different types of traps. We use these traps not only to monitor the number of mosquitos in the area...we also use those to catch [and] test for West Nile virus,” Hougaard said.

Each district employs full-time, yearround experts, but then hires seasonal workers for the summer. The staff spends their time checking traps, testing mosquitoes for potential viruses and responding to resident

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Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge

Are you a business leader?

Mosquito abatement: The Salt Lake Valley is split into three districts. Each district helps contain the mosquito population within its borders to prevent spread of disease. (Pixabay)

calls.

Residents can call for an inspection.

They will inspect horse troughs, residential ponds, tree holes and catch basins.

If there are mosquito larvae, the district can put in mosquito fish, an aggressive eater of mosquitos, or briquettes that prevent larvae from hatching into adults. l

At no cost, the ElevateHERTM Challenge is easy to accept and will benefit your company.

Join businesses across Utah in our mission to elevate the stature of women’s leadership. Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge and stand with other businesses as we pledge to elevate women in senior leadership positions, in boardrooms, on management teams and on politcal ballots.

LEARN MORE: www.WLIUT.com/challenge

July 2021 | Page 23

Utah Food Bank to distribute 200,000 meals this summer

By Bill Hardesty | b.hardesty@mycityjournals.com

W

hat fits in a 10-inch by 8-inch by 7-inch box?

If you said 14 meals for a Utah child, you would be right.

As part of their Summer Food Service program, the Utah Food Bank provides meal boxes to individuals 18 and younger each week throughout Utah. The boxes are free and are design for one person for seven days— seven breakfasts and seven dinners. If a family has four children, they get four boxes.

Each box includes a sample menu. For example, breakfast one is a cereal bowl and regular applesauce. For dinner two, the menu is cheddar cheese cup, sunflower kernels, MJM Pizza Crackers, flavored applesauce and vegetable juice. Other items on the menu are Pop-Tarts, barbecue chicken salad, breakfast bar, Jack Link’s Original Chicken Tender Bites, and beef sticks. The kids are given 14 small cartons of milk with their box.

These boxes are distributed in eight Utah counties, including Salt Lake County.

SALT LAKE COUNTY

In Salt Lake County, the Utah Food Bank provides hot meals at various locations Monday through Friday. The meals are prepared in the Utah Food Bank kitchen and delivered in electric hot boxes, which keep the food warm for up to four hours.

The Utah Food Bank can provide these 200,000 meals because they are partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This partnership extends the Kids Café program throughout the summer. The 200,000 meals are served at 40 sites across the state.

Some programs are open sites meaning first come, first served. Other sites are enrolled programs that have specific requirements.

There are 16 sites across the valley, including Boys & Girls Clubs, community centers and libraries. Libraries are included because the Utah Food Bank found that many children spend their days at the library but never had food.

A complete list and details like times, locations, and dates is available at www.utahfoodbank.org/SummerMeals/.

UTAH FOOD BANK

“Most people, when they come home, they wonder what they are having for dinner.

I drive home wondering if every child in Utah has a dinner,” Ginette Bott, president and CEO of Utah Food Bank, said.

The Utah Food Bank partners with 205 agencies across the state. In 2020, they distributed 62.5 million pounds of food at no cost to the receivers or the agencies. Utah Food Bank is the largest food distributor in the state.

Since 1904, the Utah Food Bank has tried to learn more efficient ways to obtain products and meet the needs of the people of Utah.

With the increase in the refugee population, the Utah Food Bank has learned how to meet

Page 24 | July 2021

“Most people, when they come home, they wonder what they are having for dinner. I drive home wondering if every child in Utah has a dinner.”

– Ginette Bott their dietary needs.

Utah Food Bank does not consider itself a transportation company nor a human need company.

“We just quietly go about feeding kids,” Bott said.

Bott mentioned that sometimes they are Contents of a meal box given to kids by the Utah Food Bank this summer. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals) criticized for giving out ramen noodles. Her response is she would rather have a child’s belly full of noodles than having them cry because they are hungry.

Bott pointed out that the Utah Food Bank always needs food, time and money.

She also said if a person ever needs help, call 211 or go to the Utah Food Bank website.

GROCERY RESCUE PROGRAM

The Grocery Rescuer program is a partnership with 270 grocery retailers. Retailers provide food that is nearing the expiration date but is still healthy and wholesome to eat.

Refrigerated trucks provided by the Utah Food Bank and partner agencies operate six days a week throughout the state, picking up the food donations. The food goes directly to food pantries to be distributed within 24 hours.

The donations primarily are daily consumables, including fresh produce, dairy and meat. Without this program, such items would end up in the landfill. In 2020, 16 million pounds of food was distributed to help end hunger.

Walt May, a program director, offered a way anyone can help with this program. May suggested that they will give you the freshest meat or cheese when you go to the deli at the grocery store. This allows the retailer to freeze the older meat and cheese and donate it to the program.

“Buying sliced deli meat or cheese helps feed people of Utah,” May said. l The Utah Food Bank does much more than collect food. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)

West Valley City Journal

Coronavirus increases demand for Family Support Center services in Taylorsville

By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

R

esidents of LifeStart Village, a single-parent housing complex in Midvale, operated by the Family Support Center (FSC) of Taylorsville (1760 West 4805 South), are getting a new chest freezer, courtesy of a recent financial donation from the PacifiCorp Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Rocky Mountain Power.

The $1,000 donation for the freezer, in fact, is the smaller of two donations the electrical utility made this spring to the FSC. PacifiCorp Foundation also provided the organization with an additional $3,000 to fund clinical services, primarily at its Taylorsville location.

“That $3,000 donation will fund 25 clinical sessions, each 60 to 90 minutes, for uninsured families and individuals who need our services,” said FSC Development Director Bobbi Jo Lord. “We serve families that have suffered many types of traumatic experiences: domestic violence, PTSD, homelessness and others. Rocky Mountain Power and PacifiCorp have made important financial donations to us for years. They are amazing.”

Since 2013, in fact, the utility has donated $38,050 to the Taylorsville Family Support Center. Lord reports that the company has donated more but “that’s as far back as my database goes.”

Overall, this spring, the PacifiCorp Foundation funded 209 safety and wellness grants like these—totaling more than $525,000—across the six states it serves.

“We celebrate these heroic organizations that have continued to reinvent and reimagine ways they can help our communities’ most vulnerable,” said Lucky Morse, director of commercial accounts and community relations for Rocky Mountain Power. “Although we see brighter days ahead, Rocky Mountain Power remains deeply committed to supporting the work of these organizations, helping to fortify our communities, so they are strong and resilient.”

Serving Taylorsville and surrounding area residents for nearly 45 years, the Family Support Center employs 32 people, 90% of them full time.

“One of our most popular and critical programs are our three crisis nurseries, in Midvale, Sugar House and West Valley City,” Lord said. “From July 2019 through June 2020 (the most recent statistics), we had 816 different children stay with us 4,463 times.

Our crisis nurseries provided 19,562 hours of care over that year.”

FSC officials are also proud to note, their crisis nurseries remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit with social distancing restrictions.

“Each of our support programs was affected a bit differently by the pandemic,” Lord said. “Our LifeStart Village was the hardest hit, because many residents suffered

Wvc Journal .com

Above: Children in crisis can find about any toy they like at Taylorsville’s Family Support Center.

(Carl Fauver/City Journals) Right: The Family Support Center in Taylorsville operates crisis nurseries in three locations. (Family Support Center)

a decrease in income or lost their jobs entirely. We also lost a lot of our volunteers because of the virus. It was a very high-stress time—all-hands-on deck.”

As the Family Support Center’s cadre of volunteers began sheltering at home—like nearly everyone else, during to worst coronavirus months—funding for the organization became even more critical.

“During the first couple of months of the pandemic, my team conducted a “Keeping Home Safe” fundraising campaign,” Lord said. “From April through June last year, we raised $100,000 to help keep our services going. Some of the money came through bigger grants; but most of it came in smaller donations; a lot of it from first time donors. I think the pandemic helped raise public awareness of the Family Support Center.”

The FSC did hire one additional therapist during the pandemic. They are also working now to hire two new case managers.

“The aftermath [of COVID-19] is going to be just as challenging as the first couple of months of the pandemic,” Lord said. “We are still seeing an increase in suicides. Recent studies show, domestic violence grew during the pandemic also.”

Utah Domestic Violence Coalition of-

ficials report, our state saw a 25% to 50% increase of incidents during the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims one in four women and about one in 10 men have experienced sexual or physical violence or stalking from an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Federal funding through the Cares Act and the Paycheck Protection Program also helped to keep the Family Support Center afloat during COVID-19’s darkest days.

The FSC also turns to Taylorsville elected officials each year, for a slice of the city’s Community Development Block Grant pie.

“We apply for CDBG funding every year from Taylorsville, and normally receive between $8,000 and $13,000 annually,” Lord said.

“We are very close with the mayor.

Taylorsville is great to work with.

We also receive donations for various activities from the Taylorsville Exchange Club.”

With better public awareness than before the pandemic—and with volunteers beginning to return to the fold—Family Support Center officials are optimistic the months and

years to follow will be a little less stressful than the past 16 months.

To learn more about the many services the Family Support Center provides, visit familysupportcenter.org or call 801-9559110. l

July 2021 | Page 25

Variety of candidates seek city council seats, mayor’s office in West Valley City

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

I

t’s election campaign season in West Valley City.

A combined 12 candidates are seeking three seats on the city council and the chance to replace two-term mayor Ron Bigelow, who is not seeking re-election.

Each will be on the ballot for the primary election Aug. 10 for the chance to advance to the general election Nov. 2. The following are some of the stances of each candidate as compiled from direct responses to the West Valley City Journal, campaign websites and social media. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

MAYOR

With Mayor Bigelow deciding not to run for a third term, four people have filed for the West Valley City’s top office. They include three current city council members: Steve Buhler, Karen Lang and Tom Huynh.

STEVE BUHLER

Steve Buhler joined the city council in 2010, the longest currently serving member on the council. He is a nearly 30-year resident of West Valley City.

• “I have served three terms on the city council, the last four years as mayor pro tem (elected by the council) and, with Mayor Bigelow stepping down, stepping up to take on this leadership role is the right thing to do.”

• “We are in a good place as far as city government, programs and staffing go.

What we need in city government is continued vision and management, not a revolution. My service as mayor will be a seamless continuation of my service on the council: finding ways to incrementally improve city facilities and services to the benefit of our residents.”

• “There are so many things including the changes and improvements we have made to the police and fire depart-

Steve Buhler

Page 26 | July 2021

ments which have led to better public safety and decreased response times for fire and ambulance calls. One thing I am most proud of is the variety of highquality new housing we have encouraged to develop in our city including 55-plus housing, the new Residential Estates zoning and the new Sustainability Residential zoning which is just starting to be planned and built.

Also our neighborhood revitalization programs for aging neighborhoods, starting with the Idea Houses and now the My Hometown program that has received extensive media coverage.”

TOM HUYNH

An immigrant from Vietnam, Huynh was the first minority to join the city council Arnold Jones Karen Lang when he took the District 1 seat serving the diverse northeastern part of the city in 2012.

• “Safety and security is the most imphysical (people working together), dent for four years. portant issue to residents of this city.

• “We should be holding regular town education (learning and/or adapting I am strongly committed to this cause, hall forums in our districts where the current and new processes). We will and if elected, I am going to adjust and residents can hear from and talk with all have to work together to make these improve it. I want to make sure we are our council members. When new housnecessary changes occur,” Jones stated safe and sound. I will work directly ing developments are being considon his campaign website. with the police department to make this ered, we should be reaching out to the Jones’ list of issues facing West Valley happen.” communities that will be affected and City includes homelessness, hunger, employnot just expecting everyone to show up ment and law enforcement.

ARNOLD JONES to city council to voice their concerns Arnold Jones is a small business ownon our schedule.” er who is making a second attempt at elect- KAREN LANG Karen Lang has lived in the city for al• “Clean air is something we face a shorted office. He ran unsuccessfully for the city age of in the Salt Lake Valley. As one council in 2017 in Salt Lake City. He moved most four decades. She has represented District 3 on the city council since 2012. She and of the largest cities in the state, we need to West Valley City in April 2020. to be an effective leader on this issue.

• “I will promise to work hard at listen- her husband are owners of Oakbridge Greenhouse.

West Valley City has been making posing to your needs and concerns. I will • “I am running for mayor because I enitive strides on this issue by installing promise to work to address these isjoy serving the people of West Valley. more energy efficient equipment at the sues and either build a better foundaOne key issue is density. We have litMaverik Center and other city-owned tion that is realistic and appropriate to tle land available for development.

We properties and by working to provide address these concerns and/or build on need to plan carefully for the best use for a cleaner fleet of vehicles. We canthe current agendas that have been imof vacant land and be mindful to plan not expect these positive changes to plemented and working. This all takes for redevelopment of older properties.” keep happening if we don’t elect peoresources. The resources are monetary, • “Key issues I would address as mayor ple that will actively prioritize cleaning are a responsible budget, managed land up our environment.” use, public safety, maintenance of city • “West Valley City has one of, if not the roads and city properties.” best, police forces in the state. We have • “I am proud of my time as a city coungone from having a police department cil member and my work towards that was plagued with issues and negabetter residential developments such tive press to one that wins national poas Newton Farms, our improvements lice competitions and has been nationto our fire stations, and new business ally accredited. We have expanded the growth.” use of social workers and have helped to reduce response times to 911 calls CITY COUNCIL - DISTRICT 2 by reducing the number of people that Three candidates, all political newcomwere habitual 911 callers by directing ers, are running for the seat covering the them to other non-emergency services southcentral/southeastern sector of the city: to get them the help that they need. We Chris Bell, Scott Harmon and Philip Waycan’t stop there. We need to continue man. to search out and identify what are the best practices for handling the myriad CHRIS BELL of situations that our officers face on a Bell has been a West Valley City residaily basis. We also need to make sure Tom Huyn

West Valley City Journal

Chris Bell

Scott Harmon

that our officers and detectives are being fairly compensated for the service that they are providing to us.”

SCOTT HARMON

Except for a few early years of his marriage, Scott Harmon has spent almost his entire life in West Valley City. He has worked in real estate and affordable housing for 24 years.

• “During my career in real estate and housing, I have become keenly aware of the development and housing needs of our area. Affordable housing, land development and growing smartly are important challenges we face. I will try to help the city find ways to preserve our great legacy and create a bright future for our kids. One of the upcoming challenges will be how we envision redevelopment activities over the next 20 years.”

• “The Harmon family has deep roots in West Valley City, and I care deeply about its future. We care about our community and want to be involved in the direction and progress of West Valley City.”

• “I am a fiscal conservative. My commitment is to get the most value for our tax dollars. I will make sure that the city is spending money on the things we truly need.”

PHILIP WAYMAN

Wayman has lived in West Valley City for 35 years. He ran for the council in 2017, but came up short. Wayman did not respond to an email inquiry from The Journal about his campaign by the deadline for this issue.

CITY COUNCIL - DISTRICT 4

Incumbent Jake Fitisemanu and challenger Darrell Curtis are vying to represent West Valley City’s southwestern section.

DARRELL CURTIS

Darrell Curtis, a 25-year West Valley resident, has run unsuccessfully for the city council before. In a document submitted with his latest candidate filing with the city recorder’s office, it states: • “He wants families to feel safe in the

Wvc Journal .com

Philip Wayman

community by taking steps to ensure security. He will increase the number of police officers and adjust salaries to attract and retain quality officers. He will work to increase the safety of the community by increasing the number of street lights.”

• “He reviewed the city’s budget and identified ways to improve efficiency by eliminating waste while improving production. He is never afraid to ask the hard questions to ensure that public funds are used effectively.”

• “There are many vacant commercial properties and he will reach out to the business community to attract more businesses to the city.”

• “As West Valley City’s negative reputation precedes it and its citizens, it will be one of Darrell’s initiatives to work on improving West Valley City’s reputation.”

JAKE FITISEMANU, JR.

Darrell Curtis

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE

Three candidates want the seat now held

by Lars Nordfelt: the incumbent himself, Jim Vesock and Max Weiss.

LARS NORDFELT

Jake Fitisemanu

Valley City events and at meetings of various city government panels, speaking out on a variety of issues affecting his adopted hometown.

He now wants to take his voice to the city council.

• “I believe West Valley City is the jewel of Utah. But even a jewel can use a bit of polishing. I believe, together, we can create the changes and address the issues that will make West Valley City shine even brighter than the jewel that it is already. I love West Valley City and am eager to serve its wonderful residents. That’s why I’m running for city council.”

• “(I’m) a strong advocate of public safety and (believe) West Valley City has the most well-trained police and fire departments in Utah.”

Lars Nordfelt is running for a third term on the city council in the community where he has spent most of his life growing up, attending school and now raising his own family.

• “The work of the city council is really a balancing act. The council must decide between tax rates and levels of city services, between preserving the rights of landowners and protecting the quality of life for everyone in the neighborhood. These, and other issues, are difficult challenges and I do not pretend to have all the answers today.”

• “I will approach the issue with an open MAX WEISS Max Weiss has called West Valley City mind and make sure I hear all of the home since 2018. This is his first attempt runconcerns before I form an opinion.”

• “I will compromise. Solutions to com- ning for public office.

• “ I see myself as a bipartisan politically plicated issues are rarely found at one speaking, always taking an interest in extreme. Often the best solution is one politics, democracy and our constituwhere neither party is completely sattion. I was elected to the student body isfied. I will work with all to seek the senate while in college and represented decision that will most benefit the city.” the Native American students on cam• “I will make the best decision for the pus. There needs to be full transparenlong-term future of the city. The city cy and accountability in politics.” is far more important than my political • I see both a racist, sexist, and ethical career, and I am not afraid to make the bridge between and in society today. right decision even if it will hurt me Hopefully not as strong in Utah as in politically.” other parts of our country. I would like JIM VESOCK to see them removed.” l Jim Vesock can often be seen at West

Jake Fitisemanu is seeking re-election to the seat he has held since 2018. The native New Zealander has resided in West Valley City for 15 years and is the first Samoan-American on the city council.

He posted the following on his Facebook page in June: • “I couldn’t be more proud to represent the vibrant, lively, growing community I live in and it’s a privilege to work with such great colleagues and partners to elevate the voices of my neighbors throughout this city.”

• “West Valley is Utah’s second biggest city—the most ethnically diverse— with all the big-city issues you would expect from a place where 140,000 people live...and we wouldn’t choose to raise our daughters anywhere else in this state.”

• “I’m running again because there is still work to do and because a city is more than a housing index, tax codes, crime rates, and growth projections...a city is first and foremost comprised of people, and the human capital and growth potential of our community is too phenomenal for me not to stand up and help create bridges to success Lars Nordfelt through civic engagement.”

Jim Vesock

Max Weiss

July 2021 | Page 27

Lancer track athlete comes from ‘out of nowhere’ to win

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

T

rack athletes at Granger High School accomplished several goals and learned a lot in a difficult season.

“This season was good,” Lancer head track coach Anthony Jefferies said. “My first season at Granger we had 23 kids and about seven years ago it grew to more than 120, but with Covid last year and some difficult times we have been down in numbers.”

The Lancers had about 30 athletes that participated in track this season.

“They were all hard working and came to practice every day. It can be hard at Granger, sometimes they come from single parent families and this year some of our kids had to stay home to help take care of their siblings while Mom and Dad worked.

The kids that put in the work got better,” Jefferies said.

Senior Andrew Fleischel decided to be on the team for the first time this year. He had to learn how to run a race, eat properly and still be fast.

“I didn’t even know who the kid was,” Jefferies said. “He has played basketball and tennis in the spring so he had never been on the team. He was a big surprise. He is a good kid. In the first couple of races he ran times that were top in the state. His times just kept dropping and dropping. He came out every

day and worked hard,” Jefferies said.

At the Region 2 championships Fleischel took third in the 100 meters, second in the 200 and won the 400.

“He came from out of nowhere. It is his senior year and I asked him how he wanted to go out,” Jefferies said. “Andrew has several things that could have held him back, but he has risen above. Andrew is a phenomenal kid.”

Fleischel’s times and improvement drew the attention of college track coaches, but his 4.0 grade point average earned him academic opportunities at BYU and Utah that he may pursue.

Junior Jacob Turcsanski took third in the region 400. He shaved nearly three seconds off his best time this season in that meet.

“He (Turcsanski) came out of nowhere too,” Jeffries said. “This year was a really fast year at the state meet. There were records broken all over the place.”

The team got better as the season progressed. The girls 4x100 relay had troubles at the beginning of the season, but improved.

Arleth Antonio, Julieta Cuelluar, Demetra Harpe, and Jalila Ouedraogo had their season best time in a fourth place finish at region.

“As a whole the team got better. We

have a young team with plenty of athletes that will come back next year. It was one of the funnest years to coach. We had to wait to begin early season training because of COVID. It just hit us hard,” Jefferies said.

Granger finished sixth in both boys and girls at the Region 2 finals. The boys team finished only eight points behind Hunter. l

is looking for champions in your community!

Community

Champions

are leaders who lift and inspire.

They work to build a better community.

Visit the City Journals website to nominate a community champion today!

www.thecityjournals.com Each month we’ll spotlight a Community Champion!

Page 28 | July 2021

Granger senior Andrew Fleischel ran track for the first year this year, he won region in the 400 meters. (Photo courtesy of Granger track)

West Valley City Journal

New stretch of Mountain View Corridor now open

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

T

wo years and $335 million later, the newest section of Mountain View Corridor through West Valley City is finished. Motorists took to the new four-mile stretch of divided highway between 4100 South and State Route 201 starting June 17.

“This newest extension of the Moun-

Wvc Journal .com

tain View Corridor that connects to State Route 201 is a much-needed transportation alternative for Utahns that will significantly increase mobility, reduce congestion and improve quality of life,” said Codee Raymond, project manager for the Utah Department of Transportation. Bike and pe-

destrian trails run alongside the corridor. When fully complete, Mountain View will span 35 miles from S.R. 73 in northern Utah County to Interstate 80 with the goal of one day turning the entire route into a regular freeway.

(Darrell Kirby/City Journals) l

July 2021 | Page 29

Drought and fireworks… a bad combination

Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Council | District 3

BUY ONE FAT BOY

get one free!

When Governor Cox asked all of us to pray for rain several weeks ago, my family and I talked about additional ways we could do our part. We made the decision to turn off the water while brushing our teeth, shorten our showers, and only water our lawn twice per week. We also made the decision not to do fireworks this year because of all the dry brush and potential impact on resources should something go awry.

Most of Utah is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. As Governor Cox explained recently, this is either the worst drought since 1956 or the worst drought ever. We have seen our reservoirs and lakes at record lows. In addition to the little precipitation over the last year to refill our lake and rivers, we also have more people than ever consuming water in this state. Luckily Utah has done a great job of planning for the future; but if we don’t cut back on water usage this year, we may find ourselves in a position where we will need to ration water in future years.

Little things make a big difference when it comes to water conservation.

There are things you can do like not letting the water run full blast while brushing your teeth or washing your pets near vegetation to get a secondary benefit. Utah’s slowtheflow.org has great advice for how to act during a drought. I found very help-

ful their tips on lawn management, namely: 1) water your lawn twice a week, 2) don’t water if it’s windy, 3) water in the evening or before 10 a.m., 4) prioritize your watering in the following order: trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, grass, and 5) raise your mower to leave your grass longer. You should also check out utahwatersavers.com, where you can find details on rebate programs for taking all sorts of water wise steps. While I can understand the desire to have the greenest lawn in the neighborhood, this year it’s cool to have yellow or brown lawn. You are showing your neighbors that you care about them and are conscientious water consumers during the drought.

Paired with being water wise is being fire smart this summer. This includes the small things, like discarding of cigarettes in the proper receptacle and not driving over or parking your car on dry vegetation.

It also includes the more mindful things, like only starting campfires in cement or metal firepits, never leaving them unattended, and fulling drowning them until cool to the touch. Utahfireinfo.gov has even more information to consider for your summer plans. Lastly, consider going to a planned city fireworks show for the holidays rather than having your own fireworks. It saves money, and it’s much safer SAVOR THE TASTE OF THE ISLAND

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Page 30 | July 2021

West Valley City Journal

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Life

Laughter AND

by

PERI KINDER

It’s been said that when we make plans, God laughs. Do you think that’s a silly giggle or a maniacal James Bond villain laugh?

The last few weeks brought a string of first-world irritations that felt like a game of Whac-a-Mole. I hit one problem and another one popped up. I pound that problem but end up hitting myself in the face with a rubber mallet. I can hear God LOLing from here.

Despite our daily devotion to it, our TV stopped working. We shook the remote and pushed buttons as hard as we could, but there was still no picture. Just a dark, mocking abyss.

We decided to run away from our responsibilities by driving to Idaho and checking-in at an Airbnb. (The room was nice, but the bed was shaped like a taco. I slept on the couch so I didn’t roll over in the night and suffocate my spouse.)

Every 50 years, my husband likes to visit Yellowstone, so we left our Airbnb and drove to the national park to snap pictures of the bison, tiptoe around the geysers and marvel at the wondrous number of people who had the same idea. #HelloCOVID After getting lost in Yellowstone and stopping for Mexican food so we didn’t starve to death, we crossed the Teton Pass just as the sun was setting. Deer lined the road, waiting for the right moment to lunge in front of our car. We’d see their eyes glow-

ing in the dark, then hit the brakes before driving on. It took us 245 years to get back to our Airbnb.

The drive back to Salt Lake the next day was pleasant, except when I had to give my husband the silent treatment because he wouldn’t take me to the Potato Museum (#PotatoIceCream). After we crossed back into Utah, the truck in front of us kicked up a rock that hit the car’s windshield, leaving an extensive and expensive crack across the glass.

Used to be, when you broke a windshield, you’d call the junkyard and they’d take a windshield out of a car in their backyard to replace the broken one. Today’s windshield has monitors, antenna and tracking devices, so it’s worth half-a-million dollars, according to the windshield repair shop.

Why hasn’t Elon Musk created self-healing windshield glass?

We made it back home, picked up the dog and gave everyone their Yellowstone golf balls and Idaho potholders. I looked forward to a nice hot shower but (joke’s on us) the hot water heater stopped working and was chuckling with God and the TV. They all had a good laugh together.

We forked out more cash so we could have hot water, collapsed into our non-taco bed and slept.

A few days later, my husband said, “We have a gas leak in the basement.” It took me a minute to understand what he was saying because he was so calm. My husband is notoriously terrible under stress.

“Why are we still in the house?” I asked.

“Where else would we be?” He responded.

“Not in a house that could explode if we make toast.”

We hustled everyone to the neighbor’s lawn until the gas company gave us the okay.

The water heater had been installed incorrectly but our house wasn’t going to blow up. Today, at least.

I rarely look at the dark side of life and by the end of the week I was chortling right along with God, the TV and the water heater. Sometimes, LOLing is the only thing you can do.

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July 2021 | Vol. 7 Iss. 07

FREE

GROUND BROKEN FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL IN WEST VALLEY CITY

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

A

dusty field in West Valley City will eventually become a place of remembrance of and for Utahns who have served in America’s military, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s security and freedom.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Memorial Day to mark the impending start of construction of the first phase of the Guardians of Freedom Memorial on a plot of city-owned land just south of the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

“This will be a year-round memorial,” said Mayor Ron Bigelow, an Air Force veteran who has led the planning and fundraising effort for the memorial. “We’re not here to glorify or demonize war. We’re here to honor those who served, whether they were drafted, whether they joined.”

The first phase of construction will result in an honor wall with the names of the approximately 3,000 known war dead from Utah. That will be surrounded by a flag plaza, benches, landscaping, and a parking lot. Future phases will include a building where veterans can videorecord recollections of their military experiences and for the public to search the names and available information of servicemen and women from the Beehive State.

Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, whose 4th Congressional District takes in part of West Valley City, told those assembled for the groundbreaking that the Guardians of Freedom Memorial has his full support in part because he has relatives who have served in the armed forces going back to World Continued page 12

Local Postal Customer ECRWSS

page 4

Town Center at Valley Fair hopes to be a public gathering hotspot

Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.

Local government and military officials break ground for the Guardians of Freedom veterans memorial in West Valley City. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

page 10

Summer school in session

page 20

A crash course on Salt Lake Valley’s water supply

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