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May 2020 | Vol. 6 Iss. 05

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WEST VALLEY CITY POLICE FORENSICS TEAM ENERGIZED BY NEW CRIME LAB By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

hen the West Valley City Police Department moved last fall from its old headquarters to a newly built facility a stone’s throw away, it was a major upgrade for the agency in many ways. Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of the relocation was the police department’s forensics unit. Older equipment and tight quarters made the processing and storage of evidence gathered from crime scenes limited at best in the windowless basement of the outdated structure. That sometimes increased the time and lowered the quality of investigations and created a sense of isolation. “We used to joke about the old ‘Twilight Zone’ and that we were going to come out one day and not know the whole world was gone,” said Amanda Bennett, forensics director for the police department. There are no likely planetary surprises at the forensics lab on the first floor of the new $25 million police building. The space is bright, climate-controlled, and is bordered on its west side by staff offices with windows. Bennett says one of the most appreciated additions to the new lab is a ballistics water tank for firearms testing. Spanning the length of several bathtubs, but deeper, the tank allows guns to be fired into the water at various angles to help determine the trajectory of bullets at a crime scene and any residues left when the weapons are discharged. That previously had to be done at a Salt Lake City police facility. “Just the logistics of packing up evidence, transporting it to another agency, checking it in there, test firing it, and bringing it back was time consuming and not very efficient,”

Firearms Examiner Robyn Ostby is happy to have a ballistics water tank on-site at the West Valley City Police Department. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

she said. The previous building had no private area to load or unThe new building has a garage where vehicles involved load evidence and equipment from police vehicles. It usually in crimes can be examined for evidence, something that was had to be done in public view in a parking lot. The new lab has done off-site in the past. “This allows us a controlled space to a gated, screened area for that procedure. bring those vehicles in to that’s close to our home base which “The old building was definitely not intended originally has all of our chemicals,” Bennett said. Continued page 8

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West Valley City parks are not immune from COVID-19 closures By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

top by a playground at a West Valley City park in April and you would likely find its equipment unused and the area devoid of chattering kids. Such was life, or lack of it, at city parks at least through last month as West Valley City officials closed playgrounds and nearby pavilions, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts to promote social distancing and reduce the possible spread of COVID-19. The action was in conjunction with the Stay Safe, Stay Home directive issued by Gov. Gary Herbert at least until May 1. Parks were still open to walking, jogging, bike riding, kite flying, and other activities where people maintained a wide berth from each other and kept to small groups of friends or family members. Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Day says people are mostly heeding the English and Spanish closure notices posted at each of West Valley City’s 28 parks and the skate park and pump track at Centennial Park. “For the most part, people are being pretty good about it. I think people understand the significance of the seriousness” of the highly contagious coronavirus. Day says public parks by their very nature are hard to lock up, so reliance on people’s best judgment and cooperation is key to keeping the parks open to at least low-risk activities and small gatherings. Despite the closures, there are no heavy-handed enforcement actions against violators. Instead, parks and recreation and other city employees and police are reminding offenders that the play and sports areas are off limits for the time being. Another victim of the pandemic is the Family Fitness Center. The normally bustling exercise, sports and activity hub is closed indefinitely, forcing hundreds of daily visitors young and old to find other ways to satisfy

Journals

West Valley City parks closed their playground areas in April to control possible exposure to COVID-19. Pictured here is Sugar Plum Park in the city’s northwestern corner. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

their indoor recreation needs. On the other hand, West Valley City recently reopened its two golf courses, Stonebridge and The Ridge. Day cited community pressure for the decision with golfers pointing to surrounding municipalities like Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County that were again allowing people to tee off on their links. “We have some very strict modifications to protect

the staff and players,” Day added. West Valley City joins cities across the U.S. that have partially or fully closed parks. Most states have limited or totally blocked access to state parks, and many national parks, including all five in Utah, had locked their gates in April. Day praised West Valley residents for generally coping with the limited local rec-

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reation options. “It’s been a challenge but, by far, the majority of our community understands the seriousness of it and they understand why we’re doing what we’re doing.” “The safety of the community and safety of our staff is first and foremost on our minds,” she added. l

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May 2020 | Page 5

A season for the record books By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

t was a season that was and wasn’t all at the same time. On April 14, the Utah High School Activities Association released this statement; “In accordance with Gov. Gary Herbert and state superintendent Syd Dickson’s announcement that Utah schools will be closed to in-person learning for the remainder of the school year, the UHSAA has cancelled all remaining spring activities, including sports and state championships.” Spring sports teams were participating in their second full week of competition in March when a two-week suspension was announced leaving hope the season would resume, but after nearly three weeks of no games or practices the UHSAA made its final decision. Before the suspension some teams had made trips to warm climates like St. George, Las Vegas and Arizona to get early season games. Others had only played one or two contests. “This pandemic has hit everyone in different ways especially for us involved in spring sports,” Kearns head girls softball coach Will Sosi said. The Cougars played two games before the soft moratorium was enacted in March. They came away with one win over Davis and lost to Mountain Ridge. The UHSAA suspended spring sports March 16, a suspension that was extended to last at least until May 1. The ultimate postponement meant boys and girls lacrosse will not award their first official state championships until next season. It also cancelled baseball, boys soccer, softball, track and field, boys tennis and girls golf. “Our girls were starting to work together. I was excited to see that because team chemistry is so important. We had a video the night of the announcement. My seniors were all positive about the announcement, but I could tell they wanted to cry. They held back because they did not want me to see them cry,” Sosi said. The UHSAA board statement went on to say, “We recognize the overwhelming disappointment this decision is for students and athletes, especially seniors. The Boards highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of the students, schools and communities at this challenging time.” Understandably there has been a backlash of disappointment. Several supporters have gone to social media to garner support of overturning the decision. “It is just discouraging,” a parent of West Jordan baseball team member Teresa Athlerley said. “The boys work so hard to get to this point and now it is for nothing.” Cyprus High School boys baseball coach Bob Fratto found out his retirement was official at the time of the announcement. He had

Page 6 | May 2020

Bands, cheerleaders, fans and players won’t be cheering for high school sports this spring. The remaining season was cancelled because of the pandemic. (Greg James/City Journals)

Above: Kearns High School softball team played two games, winning one, before their season was suspended and later cancelled. (Photo courtesy of Will Sosi) Above right: Water polo, along with 42 sanctioned Utah high school sports, will not crown champions this spring. (Greg James/City Journals)

planned on stepping down at the end of this season. He did not know it would come so soon. “What a horrible way for him to go into retirement,” said Shane Anderson, assistant coach for Cyprus High baseball. “He had 32 years of hard work and dedication and it all ended on a tweet. I also have a senior on the team so this one hurts double. Wish there was a way they could have figured out how to play.” The Kearns softball team did their best to enjoy their time as a team despite the lack of games. The team mom, Sina Sosa, spot-

lighted every girl throughout the layoff. She assembled photos, interesting facts and family information about every team member including the coaches. She also organized TikTok videos from each of the players. “It was fun to watch them and even participate in one,” Sosi said. “We even had some of the shyest girls on the team participate. We had fun, that was something we could do even from a distance.” Other schools participated in team building activities during the layoffs, others watched team film or concentrated on school work.

“My teams overall reaction was disappointment and discouragement,” Hunter boys soccer coach Brett Solberg said. “We had been looking forward to this season since this group was freshmen. We (Hunter) were placed on a two-week quarantine (a student was diagnosed with the virus) and things changed so quickly. I have been really encouraging school work and individual studies for the kids.” High school seniors will never have a chance to compete at this level again, but for underclassmen there will be next year. “It is about their safety,” Sosi said. l

West Valley City Journal

How will COVID-19 impact K-12 education? By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

any educators say students’ academic retention will plunge greater than that of the typical summer slide from the prolonged COVID-19-induced school closure — and preliminary research is supporting that. NWEA, a not-for-profit organization that supports students and educators worldwide with assessments and research services, studied what summer learning loss can tell educators about the potential impact of school closures has on student academic achievement. In their April 2020 findings, NWEA researchers concluded, “students will return in fall 2020 with roughly 70% of the learning gains in reading relative to a typical school year. However, in mathematics, students are likely to show much smaller learning gains, returning with less than 50% of the learning gains and in some grades, nearly a full year behind what we would observe in normal conditions.” While many school districts plan to give assessments to students in the fall to determine the actual amount of reviewing and reteaching that may be necessary, Mathnasium of Cottonwood Heights owner Mila Gleason said the impact may be even greater with students who already are struggling. “Some of these students may not have a structure in place or a support system and are needed to help with their family situations,” she said. “We may see an increased divide.” That may be from helping care for younger siblings to working to help sustain the family, leaving little time for homework. Students may also not have the additional income needed to attend college in the future or the ability or time to seek out counselors to help figure out college financial aid packages, researchers said. Hillcrest High Principal Greg Leavitt said it’s been a challenge. “This is something we didn’t plan for in this massive way, to have school shut down for more than a day or two,” he said. “It’s a different kind of challenge, foreign to all us, and there’s no way we can deliver the product we normally do. Our teachers are teaching 30 minutes versus 70 minutes in normal classrooms. Some students are doing well and keeping up the rigor. Others we’re trying to keep motivated and learning; it’s a different world right now.” Park Lane Elementary Principal Justin Jeffery said his staff is following up with students who haven’t checked in on a Zoom meeting or haven’t grabbed a packet, with emails, phone calls and even with a certified letter. “We all know this is not the same as instruction in our classrooms, but what our teachers don’t want are huge learning loss-

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es,” he said. “We haven’t been in this situation before, but the silver lining is that we all will be better with teaching with technology and offering blended learning. Many of us haven’t pushed to learn everything until now, when we’re forced to, and so we’re becoming much more tech-savvy. I’ve never done social media so I’m finally coming into the 21st century.” Utah’s schools may have an advantage over other states, Utah Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning Darin Nielsen said. “We’ve worked to provide technology to our schools throughout our state,” he said. “We’ve infused money to increase the number of devices and training in distance learning. We have a real emphasis on blending learning.” West Kearns Elementary dual immersion third-grade teacher Daisy Reyes said the soft closure caught her off guard, but her new norm is teaching online from her living room. “I’ve been continuing to read the story we were reading in class, being consistent, so students can look forward to this time every day,” she said. “It’s ideal to be there in person, but the benefit of technology is that we’re still able to make some face-to-face connections through the screen and we are all learning how to use technology more.” Indian Hills science teacher Rachel Afualo said that she had to step up her learning when it came to Canvas. “This has helped me become more open-minded to digital learning and gain more resources as a teacher,” she said. “I can create labs online and use them in the future, when a student is absent. And we can look at the way we’re teaching and discover more ways to interact with students and find more opportunities and platforms to connect with them. It’s a different territory and I’m learning to be more flexible working with it.” Granite School District Director of Technology Chris Larsen said that his school tech specialists and media center specialists have been reaching out to help teachers and parents, helping them learn digital platforms so they can connect with students. “Our teachers know how to teach, and in a matter of days, have taken their curriculum to provide it to students face to face through technology so students can continue to learn,” he said. “We are all making this the best situation for families and kids.” Larsen said that more than 20,000 Chromebooks have been checked out to Granite School District families. Murray School District’s secondary schools already are on a 1:1 device ratio, but the District also checked out Chromebooks for younger students. Canyons District also checked out Chromebooks to families who indicated a need and worked with providers to provide

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Ask about special cash back options at home closing! free internet access as a temporary solution to the crisis. This may lead to innovation in education, something many educators applaud, like Summit Academy seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher Natalie Sluga. “A lot of positive can come from this,” she said. “We can tap into creativity, we can use more platforms, more apps, more ways and ideas in education.” The combination of asynchronous online learning tools (such as reading material through Google Classroom) with synchronous face-to-face video instruction could turn into the new norm, educators said. Butler Elementary Principal Jeff Nalwalker said that now there is different sense of urgency in learning to teach online. “We are making sure our community understands what teachers are doing and doing admirably,” he said. “We had teachers who were timid to try new things, jumping out of their comfort zone to learn new technology. There’s no way to duplicate the experience of our professional instructors in

person, but this is giving us an opportunity to look at blending learning opportunities in elementary school. We could see asynchronous delivery and then doing it together in a synchronous model that would allow more in-depth discussions and new opportunities for learning.” Nalwalker also said that he would like to look into checking out Chromebooks to students to use during their elementary years. “Students will have greater access and can empower their own learning. It can become a habit that is integrated into daily routines,” he said. Families also may play a greater part of students’ education, Altara Elementary Principal Nicole Svee Magann said. “Families have slowed down and family dinner has returned for the majority,” she said. “There’s more time they are connecting together, playing games and interacting with one another. Parents are stepping into teaching roles and are appreciating what teachers do more and are working together to ensure students are learning.” l

With students no longer in classrooms, educators now question what the impact of COVID-19 online education will be in the new academic year. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

May 2020 | Page 7

Continued from front page

To the families we serve, The Larkin Mortuaries and Cemeteries are proud and honored to be assisting families and friends with their loss for the past 135 years. Given the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for you to know that we as funeral directors are taking precautions to limit exposure to the coronavirus. As we have always done, we are still operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week making certain that those entrusted to our care and the families we serve are receiving uninterrupted service and attention. In the last days and weeks, the Larkin management have been in regular contact with numerous state and federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, National Funeral Directors Association and the Salt Lake County Health Department. Our continuing goal is ensuring the health and safety of the public and that the information we receive is as current and accurate as possible. These are just some of the changes we are implementing: • We are sanitizing our facilities several times daily • We are asking staff to stay home when possible • We are encouraging arrangements by phone and email • We are limiting the gathering size of our arrangement conferences, services and gravesides to meet the state and federal mandates That said, people will still be passing away and families will want to say goodbye. We still have a myriad of options. Your funeral director will explain ways that you can memorialize your loved one in a meaningful way.

to be a forensics laboratory or evidence storage. It was more like a maintenance area that was converted into a forensics lab.” Another welcome addition to the modern lab is a larger fuming chamber to process evidence for fingerprints. It basically uses Super Glue and water to create vapors which adhere to fingerprints to make them visible. The new chamber can accommodate bigger items such as tires, car parts, bicycles and larger weapons that would not fit in the old unit. Some of the new equipment in the modern building is tied into the ventilation system where constant air flow “removes any fumes, chemicals and not-so-good smells,” Bennett said. Those odors were merely trapped by internal filters in the old space without totally eliminating them. “It feels cleaner. It feels like we can breathe easier.” Bennett said a few pieces of equipment made the move from the former headquarters, mostly because they were relatively new. One is a drying chamber, essentially a large cabinet where evidence that is wet is kept. “We have to dry out all our evidence before we book it in or it grows mold, and mold destroys the DNA,” Bennett said. DNA is tested at the state crime lab in Taylorsville since West Valley is not equipped for that. Plenty of discussions took place in recent decades about erecting a new police department building or finding a better one, but nothing happened. When it was apparent a few years ago the project would actually move forward, Bennett says it became espe-

cially real to her when she was asked what she would like to have in a new crime lab. “It really was not only exciting, but a little bit overwhelming.” The rush of ideas she had became more crystallized by visiting the then under-construction state crime lab nearby. “They were really good about letting me come in during construction to see the things that they really liked, that they didn’t like.” That helped in planning the layout of her future lab. “I was fortunate that I got to be involved in that process,” she added, while acknowledging that not everything on her wish list made the cut. Some 63,000 items are stored in the new lab, with 1,400 new items and pieces of evidence checked in each month while about 1,000 leave the building during the same period. The lab is fully secured with cameras and electronic keys that track who enters various rooms so that items don’t disappear or are not handled without authorization. According to the most recent numbers from the Bureau of Justice Statistics in the U.S. Department of Justice, there are more than 400 publicly funded federal, state, and municipal crime labs across the country. They employ over 14,000 full-time personnel. Bennett is a 16-year veteran of the West Valley lab, including the past 10 as director. She says she and her four forensics investigators, all civilian employees, have been professionally re-energized by the new digs. “It was pretty chaotic at first, but once we got settled in and worked out some of the quirks of the new space, it’s been great.” l

If you are experiencing a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, we encourage you to not attend funeral services. Reach out to the Larkin location handling services and we will be willing to share your sympathies with the family of the deceased and they may also offer some other options to let the bereaved know that you support and care for them during this difficult time. Notes of sympathy may also be left on our website for the family to see. Every obituary on our website allows for online condolences. Sincerely, The Staff of Larkin Mortuaries and Cemeteries

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West Valley City Police Forensics Director Amanda Bennett says new lab has improved crime investigations. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

West Valley City Journal

How to Secure Super-Low Downpayment Home Loans When You Buy a West Valley Home

West Jordan - A new report has just been released which identifies a foolproof 3-point plan which any homebuyer can use to secure the best financing rates when they buy a home. When you’re looking to buy a home, the first thing most homebuyers do is start the process of House hunting. However, experience proves that this is one of the last steps you should be taking if you want to get the most home for the least amount of money. In fact, shopping for the best financing should start long before you start shopping for a home. The experience of thousands of area homebuyers has been summarized in a new report

entitled “Best Financing: A 3-Point Plan”. This report outlines 3 critical steps you must take to obtain the absolute best financing rates when you buy a home. It tells you where you should go, what questions you should ask, and how to manage the process to your personal advantage. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-844-873-1717 and enter 2203. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how to obtain the best financing rates when you buy your next home.

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A sign of the times at a Verizon Wireless store in West Valley City as it and many other businesses battle through health and safety issues and a battered economy brought on by COVID-19. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

ChamberWest works to navigate local businesses through turbulent times By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

n normal times, ChamberWest is busy offering a full slate of activities and resources for area businesses to grow and prosper. Today, the chamber of commerce serving West Valley City, Kearns, Taylorsville and West Jordan is trying to help many of its member businesses simply stay open. COVID-19 has brought the nation’s economy to a standstill. Local businesses are feeling the same effects. Many regular and prospective customers are homebound to avoid the potentially deadly virus or unwilling to spend money because of unstable job situations. ChamberWest President and CEO Barbara Riddle says the chamber is frequently being called upon for survival techniques and encouragement. “We’re trying to be as positive as we can, we’re trying to be a resource, we’re trying to get information out to help our businesses so they can survive, especially the small businesses.” Many of ChamberWest’s more than 300 member businesses are smaller enterprises. Riddle says the fear experienced by businesses is due in part to a lack of reliable information or plain misinformation. A weekly chamber newsletter emailed to members is now being sent every day or two with the latest news on resources and ways to navi-

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gate an economic downturn that some predict could be closer in magnitude to The Great Depression than the Great Recession that hit in 2008. Riddle says small retail businesses and restaurants in the chamber’s service area have suffered the most because of a decline in walk-in traffic, and they’re calling the chamber for guidance. That includes advice on how to get SBA loans and other financial assistance provided by the $2 trillion CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump to avert an economic free fall. How long local businesses will struggle is anyone’s guess based on the uncharted territory of a pandemic-induced economic downturn not seen in our lifetimes. “People just want to get to some sense of normalcy that they can get back to business,” Riddle said. She says there are glimmers of hope that the struggles will be relatively short-lived since the current crisis is not the result of any systemic economic issues like the subprime mortgage crisis that many economists link to the recession of a decade ago. “Businesses are hungry for a path forward,” she said. l

May 2020 | Page 9

May the Healing Begin, a letter from our publisher

Dear Readers,

I probably failed to mention something very important last month, there is a better and probably easier way to help support the journals. Since the Journals are funded by advertising dollars, you can help us by doing business with our advertisers and letting them know you have seen their ads in the Journals and that you appreciate them doing business with the Journals. It is their advertising dollars that have kept the Journals printing over the last 29 years. Like most local businesses the Journals will be hurt from the pandemic, with the actions taken to shut down business many of our advertisers were forced to close their doors. With closed doors there was no reason for them to advertise. This quickly reduced the amount of advertising we had in the Journals. We have been hurt, but we will survive and the Journals will continue to print and hit your mailbox during the first week of the month.

Last month for the first time as being a publisher I used some of our space in the newspaper to write a letter to the readers. I would rather save our newspaper for the news or advertisers, as opposed to my ramblings. However, I felt compelled to follow up with another letter this month. Last month I informed readers that they could donate to the Journals by using our new website (donate.thecityjournals.com) or by sending us a check. We have had a steady outpouring of generosity since then. We collected donations ranging from $5 to $100. We are so thankful for each of these donations. We are committed to making sure that these funds are used to improve the reader experience with the newspaper. Over the next few months I will update all those who have donated on how the funds were used. One of the downsides of the newspaper business is that we don’t always get to hear from our readers. Over this last month we have heard loud and clear from many of you. Until next month, And with each email, note, letter, and donation we are filled with joy and a sense of val- Bryan Scott idation for the work that we do. Publisher, City Journals

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West Valley City Journal

West Valley City approves new sustainability zone By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

he West Valley City Council unanimously approved the creation of the residential sustainability zone. The zone is meant to encourage homes that “generate its own power, is highly energy efficient, conserves water and is long lasting,” according to city documents. Mayor Ron Bigelow said during a February council meeting the “concept is how can we build a better city” including some options “that provide energy sustainability and (other) similar things in our ordinances.” City officials explained the new zone is not a requirement, but an option where developers would follow the standards in the zone in exchange for smaller lot sizes. Those standards for developers include items like water heaters with a specific energy rating, energy efficiency, landscaping that would reduce water usage, plumbing fixtures required to meet WaterSense standards, electric vehicle chargers in the garage and the quality of a Tesla solar roof or something similar. “We’re not imposing this on anybody or designating parts of the city for this zone,” said Councilman Steve Buhler during a February council meeting. “We’re looking at this as an opportunity for people who are very conscientious about these things.” Buhler felt the standards being required “are kind of the way things are leaning in the future and we want to be out in front of that.” Developer Ken Milne with Arcadia Builders told the City Council they felt the move was “very progressive” for the city and the county and that they’d like to be one of the first developers to utilize the zone. “We’re kind of excited,” Milne said.

Danny Gutierrez told the council this could be an example for the entire state, but was concerned some of the standards would be too difficult to achieve—such as the Tesla solar roof quality requirement. Tesla solar roofs are tiles, essentially built to look like typical asphalt shingles of a roof. The tiles are more expensive than solar panels—which are built on top of an existing roof. The decision, Community and Economic Development Director Steve Pastorik said, was primarily based on aesthetic. Gutierrez said he feels tile roofs, a newer development, aren’t proven, especially in Utah weather. Building a community with Tesla solar roofing prices can’t be done at an effective price, he said. “The solar panel accomplishes the exact same thing,” Gutierrez said. Councilman Lars Nordfelt was open to allowing solar panels as an option, not wanting the ordinance to be too narrow. But other councilmembers felt they should hold higher standards. Councilwoman Karen Lang noted they already made concessions in other areas for the zone. Buhler said the ordinance may need changes, but it was important to “start somewhere.” One resident, Chris Bell, complimented the city for the steps it’s been taking toward sustainability like electric vehicle chargers and passing a resolution for net zero emissions. This “will help our residents, will help build up our city to be an example for the rest of the state for what we can do to provide for the future, our children’s future, our grandchildren’s future,” Bell said. l

The Drive to Give Back

“It’s nice to be wanted and needed” That’s the way Red Cross volunteer Dwayne Woolley responded when asked why he volunteers with the Red Cross. Dwayne serves as a blood delivery driver acting as courier transporting blood be it fixed sites, blood drives or to hospitals. His typical weekly run is Salt Lake/Orem but he can also be dispatched to neighboring states such as a 6 hour day drip to and from Burley Idaho. How important is his role and role of donated blood in general? Every two seconds someone needs blood and yet Dwayne points out a troubling statistic that only 3% of the eligible population give blood. “Hard to believe, right?” adds Dwayne.

Dwayne’s service to the Red Cross goes all way back to 1968 when his uncle instilled a lifelong practice of “giving back” by encouraging his nephew to donate blood. For the next 50 years he did just that until a cancer prognosis meant that he could no longer donate blood but what he could donate - especially as a retiree - was time. Dwayne found that there were plenty of volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross first as a Blood Donor Ambassador to meet and greet donors at blood drives, ensuring that they had a great experience, and then as a driver. Rich Woodruff, Regional Communications Director for the Red Cross said right now in the Greater Salt Lake area there is a critical need and strong recruitment push for drivers. The organization provides both the training and vehicle for all potential drivers. The schedule can be flexible in terms of both scheduling and time commitments. Woodruff says “the need for blood is constant but so is the need for volunteers and right now especially drivers, so please consider giving back just as Dwayne Woolley has. It’s not just giving the gift of time but for a patient in need access to the gift of life” he adds. Volunteers need a valid driver’s license with at least three years of driving experience and a safe driving record. They must also be able to lift boxes weighing up to 45 pounds for hospital deliveries. The Red Cross is looking for 20 new drivers to sign up for at least one 4-hour shift each month to ensure they can deliver its lifesaving blood products. To sign up to become a volunteer driver or to learn more visit www.redcross. org/deliver email (Julie.Schwartz@redcross.org) or call (385-258-5310).

Part of the requirements for homes in the residential sustainability zone will be using solar tiles instead of solar panels. (Pixabay)

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Hunter robotics competed in one of final high school activities of year By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

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Wolverine Robotics team from Hunter High recently competed March 6-7 at the Utah FIRST robotics competition at the Maverik Center, with its robot finishing 37th out of 54 teams in the qualifying rounds. This year, all remaining regional and world tournaments were canceled in response to stopping the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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I called my sister recently to chat, but I really needed to acknowledge her and the role she has adapted during the pandemic. She has a key position in the high school where she works and is one of those primary figures coordinating each day’s new “routine” activities as well as addressing whatever unpredictable situations arise. Since the beginning of our Safe-At-Home response to the pandemic, we all have a new appreciation of what teachers, staff, and administrators manage and accomplish. They oversee the operations of class time, movement, and meeting education expectations. But they and the thousands of kids usually in Utah schools every day make up micro communities where everyone has a purposeful role, and where social issues, classroom topics, “workplace” scenarios, and personal interactions create an interwoven network. Just as in our larger communities beyond schools, the people of different ages, personalities, and backgrounds in our public schools experience daily activities of civic membership. Additionally, in our public schools, they have a support structure in which to learn, understand, and acknowledge each

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ElizabethWeight@le.utah.gov

other and their civic responsibilities. In our school communities, problem-solving steps and skills develop – of course, for resolving math questions, but also for application in work, home, and personal relationships. From the interactive steps around reading and writing in a school setting, more knowledge is built and ideas shared and views debated. Learning about history, science, and literature is expanded in the reflections among students and teachers, but often including administrators and staff, because they’re all part of the school “citizenship.” As people dispersed for safety during the pandemic, the school network and individual roles within it have remained the most dynamic structure across our state. The quality of each person’s participation in each school community has contributed to the strength and spirit of courage and resilience in our neighborhoods. Thank you, students, teachers, staff, administrators, and school volunteers for illustrating civic duty, initiative, and leadership. Thanks especially to my sister, Deborah Hoehne, Principle Secretary at Layton High School and inspirational Utah citizen.

Elizabeth Weight, Utah Representative

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West Valley City Journal

Heather (back) and Christian and Rebekah (front) focus on their school work. (Kathryn Jones/City Journals)

Cooped up and hanging tough By Kathryn Elizabeth Jones | k.jones@mycityjournals.com

inding it difficult to keep your students engaged in learning at home? With COVID-19 making the rounds, many students are feeling the pressure. Not only do they have school work to do every day, but they also have to do it away from their friends. Socializing is limited to texting, online hangouts, phone conversations and email. “I am talking to one of my friends through their school email,” Rebekah Miller, a student at Fox Hills Elementary said. “We usually talk about the game we are doing together.” When Rebekah has a question about schoolwork, she goes onto Google Classroom, but she says that she misses the time she used to spend with her friends at school. “It’s kind of boring to stay home all of the time, but I have liked learning a lot of new games with my family.” Rebekah’s brother, Christian, is a freshman at Hunter High School and was quarantined for two weeks. “When I first heard, I thought, ‘No school, hooray!’ but as the days went by, I started to get bored and didn’t want to be with my family anymore.” Christian said he is struggling not being with his friends, and although there haven’t been any moments yet where he’s thought, ‘I can’t do this anymore’ he does say that COVID-19 is “pretty scary.” He doesn’t think he would get very sick if he got the virus, but other people may die, and that worries him. He lives with his grandparents and is concerned that they might get it. As for Telsie Graziano, mother of both a son and daughter in grades sixth and seventh, she says she’s OK with the home-based program the schools have going. “I used to homeschool,” she said, “but at that time I wasn’t working like I am now. My schedule is so difficult, so it’s hard to have a set schedule for my kids.” Graziano is happy that her kids can do

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most of their home studies on their own – unless it’s math – which she admits she doesn’t understand and has to get her husband to help with. “They can email the teacher as well,” she said. “I am juggling like crazy, and it’s difficult to keep the kid’s emotions connected to [the] school and my own emotions connected to work. We just don’t want to do anything. I was holding it together mostly, but I did have a breakdown [one day]. Then the kids had an excuse to have their moment.” Fortunately, for this family, each morning is their opportunity, their time to “recharge.” Before Graziano heads off to work – she still juggles three jobs, her cleaning, delivery clients and counseling service – her family connects with God. Other connections throughout the days have included enjoying nature, going on “a lot of walks” and spending time playing games. “We’ve gotten our creative juices going as a family,” Graziano said. “I have even taught my kids how to make bread.” Grandma has gotten involved, she said, text messaging the kids about “little projects she is involved with in her life.” Graziano also connects with her family on Zoom, an online meeting place for video conferencing. Still, all they can do as a family now is to move ahead and do the best they can, she said. “It is hard to be cooped up, but we’ve definitely had more time together.” In the Miller household, it’s taken a set schedule to get everyone working as they should. Along with Rebekah and Christian is Heather, a senior who is currently living in the same household and attending Hunter High. Heather recently met with her cousins, grandparents and aunt, to get on the same page with this at-home schooling. They had a meeting to discuss ideas like setting a schedule for school, personal time and family time. “We had to do something,” said grandfather Douglas Jones. l

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Collectors still collect even during a pandemic By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

ollecting sports memorabilia can become a passion for young and old alike. “When I was a kid we collected cards to put them in our bike spokes,” West Valley resident Lynda Elmer said. “Later, I had a job as a retail buyer and I purchased cards for stores. That is when it really started for me. Now I probably have more than 10,000 cards.” Picking a card in her collection as her favorite was a difficult decision. “I am not sure, that is a hard question. I have a 56 Mickey Mantle and a couple of uncut sheets of cards that I really like. I have all of my best cards locked away in my safety deposit box,” she said. Elmer has passed her love of the hobby onto her children and grandchildren. “They are going to be surprised when they find my closet filled with nothing but baseball cards,” she said. Sports collectibles have evolved from a hobby to a business for several local dealers. Brian Dong recently opened Finders Keepers Cards and Collectibles in West Valley City. His new store brings in all types of collectors from all over the area. “My parents took me to a card shop when I was young,” Dong said. “I got into the hobby. I began by collecting NBA and

Finders Keepers, a local card shop, has an in-store bid board for its patrons to buy and sell cards. (Photo courtesy of Brian Dong)

‘Return of the Jedi’ cards. It has always been mets, balls, programs and tickets. Many of fun stuff.” these items can be autographed or game used Collectibles come in a wide range of and can become very valuable. items including photos, cards, jerseys, hel“We recently had some old Jazz schedules

that you used to pick up at the gas station years back. I see ‘Star Wars’ toys and jerseys. Nowadays collectors are very player based. The card companies also release special inserts or

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West Valley City Journal

parallels. They have changed the collecting landscape,” Dong said. As expected, Utah Jazz player cards in this market command a lot of attention. Dong said Raiders, Steelers and Broncos are the most popular NFL teams. Baseball trails in popularity, but still has a faithful following. “The cost really varies and depending on how much you want to invest the cards are out there,” he said. Beckett magazine was the best resource to assess the value of your cards, but recently ebay has surpassed it. According to a recent search, Michael Jordan cards hold five of the top seven searched cards on the site. A 2003 limited logo Michael Jordan patch card had 48 bids selling for over $86,000. Finders Keepers has an in-store ebay style bid board. Local collectors can display

items for sale and patrons can bid on them or they have a buy it now option. “It is like an ebay in the store. We have had jerseys, framed photos, autographs and all kinds of stuff go up on the board,” Dong said. “I sold a Sting autograph and right now I have a few Donovan Mitchell cards and a Larry Bird auto that can be very valuable.” Before digging through the attic to find those valuable baseball cards it is best to do your homework. “I went to collectible shows and became a dealer. It can be a lot of hard work to make any money. I suggest anyone to come down and let us look at your cards. We buy, sell and trade if the price is right,” Dong said. “Open a pack of cards and see what is inside; that is how I got started. It is like Christmas every day.” l

Gratitude. A letter to our colleagues

It’s times like these that show what you’re made of. At St. Mark’s Hospital, and across our HCA Healthcare network, what we’re made of is incredible people. Passionate people who care without reservation or limits. Courageous people who show up ready to face new challenges daily. People who protect vigilantly, give selflessly and support one another tirelessly. People who bring calm to chaos. People like you. We feel so fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most kind and compassionate humans on earth. Today, you’re being challenged like never before, yet you remain focused and positive, always working toward a healthier tomorrow. Your resilience is what keeps us all going. It’s what makes us. For each and every one of our colleagues, we are forever grateful. Thank you.

West Valley resident Lynda Elmers displays an uncut sheet of basketball cards. She has collected for nearly 20 years and claims to have over 10,000 cards. (Photo courtesy of Lynda Elmer)

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May 2020 | Page 15

Salt Lake County allots $100K to city for mobile homes damaged by earthquake By Travis Barton | travis.b@mycityjournals.com

Here when you need us. We are Excited to welcome Dr. David Ryan to our family medicine team.

David Ryan, DO Family Medicine

Dr. Ryan and his wife have seven children. His interests include gardening, hiking, biking and fishing.

As part of an existing program partnership already in place with Salt Lake County, the County gave West Valley City an additional $100,000 solely for the restoration of 44 homes damaged by the March 18 earthquake. The homes, located in Kopper View and Western Estates mobile home parks, were knocked off their foundations by the 5.7-magnitude earthquake. “Glad they did this in order to take care of those problems,” said Mayor Ron Bigelow. (City Journals)

Maverik Center damage requires almost $100K in repairs By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

Dr. Ryan is a board certified physician who specializes in family medicine and caring for all people. Dr. Ryan graduated from Des Moines University with a Bachelor of Science in 1995 and as a Doctor of Osteopathy in 2001. Dr. Ryan joined Exodus Healthcare Network in 2019, and has special clinical interests in treating metabolic syndrome, hypertension and osteopathic manipulation.

Dr. Ryan is now accepting new patients. Call 801-250-9638 to schedule an appointment. Open 7 days a week, 7am – 10pm. ExodusHealthcare.com 3665 S. 8400 W., Suite 110 Magna, UT 84044 3336 S. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 201 West Valley City, Ut 84120

In Partnership with Physician Owners.

Page 16 | May 2020

Approximately $92,000 was approved by the West Valley City Council for repairs to the Maverik Center, with additional $10,000 authorized in case of further change orders. The damage, reportedly all cosmetic or aesthetic, came from the March 18 earthquake that hit Magna and West Valley City. Maverik Center General Manager Kevin Bruder told the council in an April 21 study meeting the damage was to concrete blocks and drywall and sheetrock. At 1 p.m. the day of the earthquake, an engineer was on site assessing the damage and Bruder said no structural damage was found. Bosna Construction will be performing the repairs. The Maverik Center, hosts Utah Grizzlies hockey games as well various entertainment functions. (City Journals)

West Valley City Journal

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May 2020 | Page 17

WVC extends emergency declaration to May 15, plan to build parade float proceeds By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

As of April 14, WestFest was still being planned, along with the parade. Though the City Council voted to extend the city’s emergency declaration to May 15. (File photo City Journals)

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est Valley City Council voted to extend its local emergency declaration to May 15 passing a resolution on April 14. City Manager Wayne Pyle declared a local emergency on March 15 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, three days before an earthquake rocked the valley, the epicenter located in Magna. Such a declaration cannot be in effect for more than 30 days without approval from the City Council. If the emergency subsides or no longer exists, then the declaration can be rescinded by resolution before May 15. The declaration can also be extended in the same manner. Whether or not the city should cancel events or move forward on expenditures during the pandemic continues to be discussed by the council and city officials. One such example arose in April regarding whether to build a parade float for WestFest (June 18-20) and the Days of ’47 Parade on July 24. In order for Modern Display to begin work on the float, the company needed a 50% down payment of $8,500. But Councilman Tom Huynh felt the expense was unnecessary considering the current situation. “I don’t want to spend any money for that right now,” he said during the April 7 study meeting, later adding everyone wants life to quickly return to normal, “but I think it’s coming back gradually.” As of April 14, WestFest was still planned for its June 18-20 event that would celebrate West Valley

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Public Works Director Russ Willardson told the council. The trucks—one used for a clean-up crew and the other for transportation—and workers—four full-time employees and four part-time employees for the summer—would be part of a program that actively looks to clean the city. Lang said she was OK with buying the trucks, but had reservations about hiring that many employees, desiring further discussion on the matter. Huynh also expressed initial hesitation about using funds for the program. But Pyle assured the council the money would come from the sanitation fund and it was already set aside for this program. l

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City’s 40th anniversary since its incorporation. City officials said they will follow the recommendations of county and state officials as the event nears. Councilman Steve Buhler said he didn’t want to see events taken off the calendar too soon and see how things roll moving forward. Buhler said he would like to see the float made, and if the parades are canceled, then store the float for next year. Though officials said they would need to find a location to store the float since they don’t have one right now. Mayor Ron Bigelow said he doesn’t expect a parade to be held this year, but supported continuing forward with the float. Councilwoman Karen Lang said if they commit $8,500, then they can expect to finish the full amount—$17,000. Huynh said he’s concerned, but accepted if the rest of the council wanted to move forward. No informal vote was taken during the meeting, but since there was no majority voiced to halt float production, the city proceeded as planned. Another example arose in the same meeting with plans that were eventually approved by the council to purchase two Ford F-550 trucks. Though not included with the resolution that would buy the trucks, the plans for those trucks included hiring eight new workers. “It’ll more than double our ability,”

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May 2020 | Page 19

Granger High students win big at 2020 Clean Air contest By Jess Nielsen Beach | j.beach@mycityjournals.com

n Feb. 8, it was announced that students at Granger High School had won for their submissions to the 2020 Utah High School Clean Air Poster Contest. The contest was started six years ago by Ed Stafford, professor of marketing at Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, and Roslynn McCann, a professor and Sustainable Communities extension specialist, both at Utah State. Originally, the contest was based in Cache County, with Granger High School added to the roster only this year. “There were 14 finalists from just that school,” Stafford said of Granger. Four Lancer students were honored as grand prize winners for their submissions: Juan Romero, Noely Morales, Alicia Ranquist, and Molica Chao. Normally, the program extends from Southern Idaho to Moab; this year, however, it was up to Stafford alone to give information and encourage schools to participate, as McCann was on maternity leave. “We give a presentation on air quality problems in Utah,” Stafford said. “We ask students about the sources of pollution and what strategies they can use to try and preserve air quality.” The program’s goal is to reach high schoolers who are preparing to drive so they can understand the implications of their new status as license holders. “We have collected data and found that students are more aware of air quality probRomero’s winning submission. (Courtesy Ed Stafford) lems in Utah because of the contest,” Stafford said. “They are more willing to engage in clean air actions as a result.” Many previous and current submissions have dealt with refraining from idling, biking to school, taking the bus and carpooling. “Part of the fun is to get students to be creative on how they will educate others through their posters,” Stafford said. High schoolers tend to lean toward pop culture parodies, including previous winning entries titled, “The Fault in Our Cars” and “Car Wars.” Although the posters can be silly or provoke a chuckle, not every student chooses to go with an entertaining idea. “Other types of posters are terrifying,” Stafford said. “One poster from a few years ago featured a three-eyed devil baby. It was trying to communicate how air pollution causes birth defects, and while the artwork was exquisite, it was also chilling.” The public service announcements are judged by a panel consisting of principals from participating high schools, business owners, past winners and the art director for the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art at Utah State. “The sponsor this year is the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA),” Stafford said. “They will display the winning posters from around the state, which will be part of an ex- Above: Alicia Ranquist’s winning poster. (Courtesy Ed Stafford) Right: Morales’ hand-drawn submission. (Courtesy Ed Stafford) hibit tentatively called ‘Air.’”

Page 20 | May 2020

West Valley City Journal

Left: Ed Stafford congratulates Noely Morales on her winning poster. (Courtesy Ed Stafford) Right: Juan Romero stands with Ed Stafford after winning the Conservice award. (Courtesy Ed Stafford)

The posters are set to be featured at upcoming art festivals later this year, including Logan’s Block Festival and Moab’s Art Walk. Another potential opportunity for viewing these posters in person is in Salt Lake City. “We’re hoping to put Granger’s winning posters up as billboards in downtown Salt Lake,” Stafford said. “This is a new initiative for us. Our main goal is education outreach, and while we have posters in small businesses, shop windows, and billboards, I am always looking for bigger venues for more outreach.”

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Stafford hopes for the program to continue to grow. Businesses donate the prizes the students win, with many coming back to support the event year after year. “We’re very excited to have Granger involved this year,” Stafford said. “I hope to have more high schools from Salt Lake County participate in the future.” The 2020 posters, as well as past winners, are available to view on cleanaircontest.usu.edu. “People are free to download and share the images,” Stafford encouraged. “Let’s get the word out.” l

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May 2020 | Page 21

The Social Media Scandal - What I Learned During Quarantine

Joani Taylor

Hopefully by the time this reaches your mail we are beginning to dip our big toe back into life again. Like many others, being thrust into solitary confinement, left me with some spare time to spend on social media, and thanks to my friends I learned so much about how to handle this disaster. With the vast array of opinions, I found putting it all together difficult though, but I gave it shot anyway. It’s all as clear as mud now, here’s what I learned. Working from Home: If you are able to work from home you are lucky, unless you are required to work from home, then it’s horrible and you wished you could go to work, because working from home is too much work. Keeping a Healthy Diet: In effort not to get sick we should eat well, but we should not go out to get healthy fresh food when we run out and eat whatever pre-packaged food we have on hand instead. However, we should order out at our local restaurants to help keep them in business. Then it’s okay to go out to pick up the food. Your food might be prepared by someone sick that doesn’t know they are sick, but it’s okay if you pay by credit card and take the food out of the container. However, you should avoid going to the grocery store at all costs because you might get sick. Getting Sick: Wearing a mask is not helpful, but if you get sick you should wear a mask. But, don’t go to the hospital if you’re sick, because you might get sick if you do. You might be sick and not know you’re sick,

so you should wear a mask even while driving alone in the car alone. The Press: Every article starts with a panic headline designed to shock us. But when we read the article, we find it’s not so shocking after all and perhaps even a little boring, except when our friends post these articles to social media. Then we never read the article, we just start divisive arguments based on the shocking headline instead. Politics: We are all be untied as American’s; we are proud, and this is the time we shine. But, if there’s a government action that we don’t approve of, then we are not united if we disagree with our friend. We might even be called names, because name calling on social media is okay. Huh??? Love: We love our partners so much we could not live without them, they are our everything, unless we have to live with them non-stop. Then we feel we’d rather live without them. Home Schooling: Teachers are the saints and I can no longer remember why I even had kids. Grandparents: You can’t see your grandkids, but if you’re a grandparent and work in a grocery store or pharmacy, then you can see someone else’s grandkids. You can avoid getting the virus and still see your grandkids virtually by using a computer program called Zoom but, watch out, your computer might get a virus instead.

Earthquakes: In the event of an earthquake get outside, but otherwise don’t go outside it’s not safe. Also, keep in mind that on the annual practice day called ShakeOut, there might really be an earthquake, then it’s no longer a practice day and you can go outside. In all seriousness, I hope what every person takes away from this crisis, is to be prepared financially for an emergency. At Coupons4Utah.com we have spent the last 12 years helping families save a buck. Hopefully we will all remember to put that buck in the bank for next time. For those families living without a loved one because of this virus, my deepest sympathies to you and yours. Be safe out there.l

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As soon as COVID-19 hovered in the air we breathe, I went into full-on “Gone With the Wind” Scarlett O’Hara mode, ripping up bed sheets to make toilet paper and stockpiling moonshine for antiseptic. Of course, Scarlett was useless in an emergency. For the majority of the Civil War, she whined and married rich men. I’m also pretty useless in emergencies. When I knew the shelter-in-place edict was coming, I didn’t stockpile food, I scurried to the library to check out all the books. After hoarding four months of library books, I told everyone in the house (my husband, my daughter and her two children, ages 3 and 8) to check their 72-hour kits. They responded, “What 72-hour kits?” Not a good start. In the shed, I located an emergency essentials bag that looked like it had housed a family of weasels. Along with 10 years of dust, it contained an expired can of roasted almonds, a box of matches, a pair of underwear and a spatula. We were doomed. Tossing my hair like Scarlett, I tied on my shopping bonnet and sang out “fiddledee-dee” as I headed to the grocery store for provisions. By the time I got there, options were limited, unless I was keen on making a casserole with canned asparagus, creamed squid and buckwheat flour. I figured we’d just be creative with dinner. (Lesson learned: 3-year-old granddaughters don’t like creative dinners.) Our meals usually consist of some type of egg for breakfast, leftover Easter candy

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know I should avoid the Mexican drug cartel.) As warmer weather approaches, I miss shopping for new spring clothes. Looking back on how Scarlett made dresses out of her velvet draperies, I tried channeling her creative spirit again. It was tough to made clothes out of our window coverings since we only have wooden blinds. But I did my best. Pictures not available. We’re still in lock-down mode. I replenish our milk and produce once a week. We walk the dog a dozen times a day. We work and eat and read and play games and get on each other’s nerves and fight and make up and write hopeful messages on the sidewalk in colorful chalk. Like Scarlett, there are lots of things I’ll worry about tomorrow. But if we have books to read, food to eat and our family is safe, I’m very content in my little corner of the world.l

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