City Weekly June 13, 2024

Feeling Sheepish

Relocation efforts and nurseries are helping to restore Utah’s bighorn sheep.

By Brandi Christoffersen

By Brandi Christoffersen

CITY WEEKLY STORE

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SLC FORECAST

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Traffic Trouble

After moving to Salt Lake City from Washington in 1974 to coach basketball at Westminster College, I was in heaven driving here compared to D.C. Since then, the Salt Lake Valley has doubled in population and it now reminds me of the D.C. area, where people commuted in from Baltimore, Maryland, northern Virginia and Richmond, Virginia.

Driving there is a nightmare, and in Utah we have a similar situation with the increase in population and commuting from Ogden and Spanish Fork—and else-

where—to Salt Lake for work. Driving is difficult due to this increase and UDOT is still operating like they’re in 1974. I have driven in almost every major city in the U.S.A. and I have never experienced the frustration of the left-hand turn system in Salt Lake.

A few examples: 9th South and Van Winkle Expressway; 45th South and Van Winkle Expressway; State Street and 45th South. If you want to turn left, the signal lasts for four or five cars, maybe. Thus, people are conditioned to run the red light and accidents occur. Look in the street at the intersections—there is always debris strewn about due to accidents.

With the exit off the interstate at 45th South, traffic is very congested. Living in Murray and heading north or south on State, turning left on 45th is a suicide mission. The signal is set so maybe three or four cars can turn before it goes to yellow.

Traffic going south or north is three lanes and people are driving 45 to 55 miles per hour and if there are cars turning left—going to the freeway exit heading west—you cannot see very well while

you’re contending with three lanes of traffic to make the left turn.

It’s my contention that drivers are conditioned to run red lights because most of the green left-hand turns are way too short. UDOT needs to reevaluate and save lives. I drove in Florida this past winter, with as much or more traffic than Salt Lake City, and 8 to 10 cars can turn left. Traffic flows better and there is not the pressure to run a red light, knowing you are going to get through the intersection. When is UDOT going to use some common sense and change with the driving problems of an increasing population?

BARRY HECKER

Murray

Hands-On Learning

Fox 13 News recently celebrated an auto shop restoring old cars inside Bingham High School, while KSL News wrote about a group of students who built a home. These stories are terrific. But why aren’t programs like this the norm?

For the last half century, schools emphasized college as the next step after

high school. Many schools even went so far as to eliminate programs like auto shop and woodworking. Schools pushed college, calling it the “golden ticket” to a better future. Unsurprisingly, today’s students feel disillusioned by the education process.

An April Gallup survey suggests that fewer than half of Gen Z middle school and high school students feel motivated to go to school. I would contend that more students nowadays want on-the-job training.

As a school principal, I saw this trend firsthand. There were so many hardworking and talented students who could do things with their hands. They simply weren’t interested in sitting for six or seven hours a day in a classroom. They needed to be more active.

The conventional school system isn’t built for students like these. For these students, there are lucrative options outside of college.

Let’s stop pushing college on students. Not everyone needs it and not everyone wants it.

JON ENGLAND Libertas Institute

THE WATER COOLER

What’s your favorite TV show to watch for an instant mood boost?

Sabina Lowe

My favorite show to watch for an instant mood boost is Parks and Recreation. The mindless humor always makes me laugh and forget about any troubles going on in my life.

Scott Renshaw

More than 30 years on, it’s probably still The Simpsons. I’m not sure comedy writing has ever transcended its peak years, and those jokes still make me laugh.

Benjamin Wood

I love Community (#SixSeasonsAndAMovie!) but for dropping in on any random episode, I think Brooklyn NineNine has the most consistent quality of any comedy ever put on television.

Eleni Saltas

Friends hits the spot every time

Wes Long

Mystery Science Theater, Frasier or Arrested Development—the good seasons, not their revivals.

Bryan Bale

One of my new favorites is After Midnight hosted by Taylor Tomlinson. It airs on CBS after The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. I usually watch it the next day on YouTube.

OPINION

BY CHRISTOPHER SMART

Abominable Names

OK Wilson, you’re not going to believe this, but the proposed name for Utah’s new NHL hockey franchise has been whittled down to six possibilities. One of them is “Utah Yeti.” For real.

Yeah, yeah, sure, we know—the band spotted one in the High Uintas when they were on a spiritual religious retreat with Steve Urquhart’s “Shroomiversity,” that uses psilocybin as a sacrament. But we digress.

Here are the rest of the finalist names from the “fan voting” contest: Utah Blizzard; Utah Hockey Club; Utah Mammoth; Utah Outlaws and Utah Venom. OK, it’s true that more than 10,000 years ago, mammoths roamed around Utah. But really? They’re as synonymous with Utah lore as jackalopes. Outlaws? Venom? Huh?

Here are some of the names submitted by readers of Smart Bomb: Swarming Crickets; Stormin’ Mormons; Utah Missionaries; Skating Apostles; Ice Quorum; Salt Lake Salamanders; and Flying Saints. You gotta admit it Wilson, our readers’ picks are way better.

It just goes to reinforce the old saw about too many cooks in the kitchen. Just look what happened when the NFL’s Washington Redskins changed its name to Commanders. It’s the Abilene Paradox—groupthink that yields a conclusion no one person would have selected. Yeti Shmeti.

The Ugly Beauty Contest

The best political sideshow this season is the beauty pageant that could crown the next GOP nominee for vice president, one heartbeat away from the leader of the free world

with cardiovascular disease. Here are the finalists:

Florida Rep. Byron Donalds. Pros—he says that Jim Crow was good for Black families and could help Trump attract more White Nationalists. Cons—most voters spit up when they hear the words, “Jim Crow.”

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance. Pros—he’s a white dude from Appalachia and has that hillbilly thing goin’. Cons—he went to Harvard and he’s suspicious. Can’t trust him.

New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. Pros—She’s smart, cunning and takes no prisoners. Cons—she’s too smart and too cunning. Can’t have a woman like that around.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Pros—he’s little with little hands and a little voice; he’ll make Trump look good. Cons—Trump already owns Florida. Little Marco is still a waste of space.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. Pros—he’s an empty suit who won’t stop saying he loves Trump. It’s embarrassing but Trump likes it. Cons—he tries to kiss Trump all the time.

Former presidential hopeful Nikki Haley. Pros—none. Cons—she may try to poison him.

Gov. Cox and Mr. Hyde—The Case of the MAGA Serum

Here comes the tough talkin’, gun slingin’ Spencer Cox. What’re you gonna do about it? Wait, what happened to our nice, little, farm-boy governor? You remember—the one who said we should all be nice to each other on account of we’re all patriotic Americans. Well, no more Mr. Nice Guy. Wonder if it has anything to do with the upcoming Republican primary election.

Once upon a time, Cox urged legislators to be kind to LGBTQ folks because they’re human, too. Then he signed a bathroom bill to police the toilets for trans people. Gov. Wunderkind once said homeless people should not go hungry or freeze to death. Now, he contends that it’s time for those laggards to take responsibility for themselves.

There was a time when Gov. Smiley wanted young peo-

ple to ready themselves as next-generation leaders. Then he applauded riot police for kicking the stuffing out of non-violent protesters at the University of Utah. Well Wilson, maybe the Republican State Convention can provide clues. The MAGAtes have taken over the Utah GOP and booed Cox—their party leader—as he took the stage at the recent convention. “Maybe you hate that I don’t hate enough,” he told the crowd. The Guv might have added, ‘But I’m working on it.’ Looks like he drank the serum, after all.

Postscript—That’s a wrap for another fun-filled week here at Smart Bomb, where we keep track of the news all summer so you don’t have to. Everybody needs a break from the news, too bad most Americans are on permanent news break. What’re you gonna do, Wilson?

Here are a sample of headlines from the week that was: Phil Lyman called a Bears Ears land swap “gang rape”; Mike Lee wants to stop noncitizen immigrants from voting—but has no evidence they are; Biologist who discovers blonde moth with tiny genitals names new species after Donald Trump; Weber State to axe Black, Latino and other cultural centers to comply with new diversity law; Florida couple arrested for selling tickets to heaven; GOP overwhelmingly supports a Trump conspiracy theory, yet again; Republicans pitch tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy in 2025; Zoo separated 5 parrots after the birds were caught encouraging each other to swear at visitors; Caitlin Clark snubbed by Olympics; Arizona psychic hit by car says he never saw it coming; Bill Maher shocks audience with Trump prison-rape joke. No Wilson, we’re not going to repeat the joke here—but you can find it if you dare read the news. Yikes! CW

Private Eye is off this week. Christopher Smart’s weekly “Smart Bomb” column can be found at cityweekly.net. Send feedback to comments@cityweekly.net

HIT: Not Easy Being Green

No matter how environmentally conscious you are, there’s always a cost. Take electric vehicles—while better for air quality, their manufacture and use still creates a large carbon footprint. In Utah, the environmental challenge is not only air pollution, but also water conservation. So it’s no wonder that State Engineer Teresa Wilhelmsen was all excited about a new technology that promised to make mining—specifically lithium mining—water neutral. An Australian company wants to drill on the Green River, but Wilhelmsen is re-evaluating her approval after protests that the extraction isn’t what it’s billed to be. “A March 2023 study found that the method can actually use more water than evaporative techniques,” The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Yeah, that’s not what anyone wants in a drought-stricken state, where water could be sucked from the Colorado River or where local groundwater might be contaminated. Lithium is vital for batteries and other electronic components. The question is, at what cost?

MISS: Digging Deeper

Over the Moon

Just over the Salt Lake City border in West Valley, the Mobile Moon Coop operates a half-acre urban farm known as the Moonstead. The space at 2551 Hempstead Street was dreamed up by Rikki Longino, who learned from other cooperatives while touring across the country on a bike.

In 2017, Longino returned to Salt Lake City and founded Mobile Moon as “a femme and queer-led botanical collective that aids communities and ecosystems through education, empowerment and botanical stewardship,” she said. “We really wanted to emphasize the importance of plants, growing plants, making them into botanical remedies, products, food and just bringing the earth into our lifestyle.”

Meanwhile, uranium mining is making a comeback in yet another effort to bolster nuclear energy as a clean alternative. Without getting into that debate, the question is whether mining on the sensitive Colorado Plateau makes sense. Environmentalists note that higher-grade uranium can be imported from Australia and Canada. The native tribes in the area also have some well-founded skepticism. Utah saw a uranium boom after Charlie Steen, an unemployed oil geologist, discovered uranium on the Plateau. Called “the Uranium King,” he set off a frenzy of get-rich-quick schemes that made millions for some and sent others to the poorhouse. The point is that the Plateau still holds the promise of uranium riches. It also holds the threat of both environmental and health problems associated with mining.

HIT: Primary Colors

Now is the time to get familiar with your ballot. Problem is—you may not see it. Utah is a partially closed primary state. It’s also a one-party red state. The Republican primary voter rolls closed in January, so if you’re considering registering, don’t. The Utah GOP is typically worried about strategic voting from the opposition, which would taint the results. Recent elections saw an effort to get voters to cross over and push moderate candidates to a win.

Ask Becky Edwards and Evan McMullin how that worked for them. Still, if you’re unaffiliated, you can request a Democratic ballot—for what good it might do. “Closed primaries preserve a party’s freedom of association by better ensuring that only members of the party influence that party’s nominees,” the organization Fair Vote says, “but critics claim that closed primaries can exacerbate the radicalization that often occurs at the primary stage, when candidates must cater to their party’s ‘base’ rather than the political center.” Utah

Mobile Moon started out as a collective that gathered ideas, poems, essays and art into small, independently published zines. In time they purchased a 1980s school bus, which currently resides on the farm, and after a couple years spent bouncing around and driving the bus from place to place— and converting it into their little safe haven—Mobile Moon was eventually able to purchase a piece of property that inadvertently allowed the co-op to become more mobile, since, as Longino says, “Having a firm ground to land allows us to spring out further.”

Jennifer Beaudoin, a member of the co-op, said the group hosts open farm days on Fridays, where projects are selected and tasks are divided up, all with an eye toward working the land and taking in the lessons it can teach. Many residents—especially femme and queer folks—do not have the space to do their own farming or gardening, which is why organizers see the co-op and Moonstead as invaluable places where Utahns can explore regenerative farming and herbal medicine, while hosting events and cultivating a safe space for the queer community.

“Open farm days are very important to the community since a lot of folks living in the city and in apartments might not have access to land,” Beaudoin said. “We want to be able to share a space in our community to connect to the land.”

Since food is a pillar of the co-op, volunteers are offered a free lunch made from vegetables grown on the farm. The co-op secured an Arts, Culture and Events (ACE) grant for their upcoming Summer Solstice event at the Wasatch Community Gardens’ Campus (800 S 500 East) on June 22nd, so food will also be available for this free event (which is open to the public).

The Summer Solstice includes a panel of SLC activists who will discuss Emergent Strategy, a philosophy developed from Adrienne Maree Brown, “on how to cultivate an atmosphere of trust and political alignment in our city through art, culture, and education” Yasi Shaker, the events coordinator, explained.

Check out their Instagram @mobilemooncoop for more information on upcoming events. CW

Plein and Simple

A roundup of Utah’s annual plein air art festivals and competitions

BY BRANDI CHRISTOFFERSEN comments@cityweekly.net

In early 1860s France, four young art students discovered they shared an infatuation for painting landscapes and contemporary life. Together they would visit the local countryside, pull out their paint tubes and box easels and paint in the open air, or “en plein air.” Their desire to beautifully express light and its transitory qualities soon became known as Impressionism, and sparked an adoration for painting outdoors.

Today, artists working in the plein air tradition gather together to share their passion for painting at events called “Paint Outs.” These outdoor art galas are popular with not only established artists and patrons, but also amateur enthusiasts and aspiring newcomers.

Luckily for art-lovers around the area, many galleries, communities and towns host plein air art festivals in the summer and fall. Included at many of these celebrations are competitions where participants create artwork in a designated amount of time and at a specific location. For Utah locals, here are some of the most beloved plein air art gatherings.

Wasatch Plein Air Paradise – Midway, June 22 - July 6. This event, hosted by the Midway Art Association (MAA), is a favorite amongst professional artists and experienced art collectors. The festival highlights a Main Plein Air Competition as well as local Paint Outs, and a live auction on July 4 at 11 a.m . It also features a 90-min-

ute “Quick Draw & Auction,” which is a favorite of attendees as they watch artists complete a masterwork in mere minutes.

According to Jerry Watterworth, President of the MAA, “The Midway Art Association is pleased to host the 17th annual Wasatch Plein Air Paradise in beautiful Heber Valley. … With artists from throughout Utah and surrounding states, we offer a range of competitions for all skill levels, from professional artists to amateurs. … All are welcome for this wonderful community event.” midwayartassociation.org

Spring City Arts 2024 Plein Air Competition - Spring City, Aug. 24 – 31. One of Utah’s longest-running plein air events, this competition is celebrating its 18th year. “We usually get around 100 painters competing in the event, and it really is a lot of fun.”

Said Chris Anderson, Mayor of Spring City. Artists have their canvases stamped and then they set off to paint their creations, inspired by the landscapes around Sanpete County. This year, all events are expected to take place at Spring City Square, the block where the Spring City Hall, Activity Center, Bowery and playground are located.

A reception, open to the public, will be held at the Spring City Gallery at 7 p.m. on the evening of Friday, Aug. 30, with a preview of the competition paintings and announcement of the winners. The main event happens on Saturday, August 31st, when all finished artwork is displayed at an open exhibit. The Saturday event also includes a “quick draw” competition, with those pieces being auctioned off at 4 p.m. Participants and attendees will also have the opportunity to visit with local Spring City artists. springcityarts.org

Plein Air Utah 2024 Rendezvous and Retreat - Heber City, Sept. 18 – 21. This fourday event is renowned by local artists as an immersive, entertaining experience. Morning and afternoon plein air painting sessions with demos and coaching are held each day at various locations. Plein Air Painters of Utah lead the instructions and their pieces are available to view 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday - Friday. On Saturday, artists can set up to

paint on the town square and network with the public. Attendees can also visit the Midway Town Hall to view and buy paintings. Utah artist Beckie Rock said, “Plein Air Utah is a unique experience four days of instruction from Utah’s best Plein Air Instructors, with the opportunity to sell your work on Saturday. No other workshop can compare to the networking you will create with so many incredible artists.” pleinairutah.com

Escalante Canyons Art Festival – Escalante, Sept. 20 – 29. This festival is hosted in Utah’s canyon country between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, along Scenic Byway 12. The gala highlights plein air studio competitions, art exhibits, on-site sales, workshops, demonstrations, live music, guided walks and an arts and crafts fair. Sept. 20 will teach lessons on landscape design and Sept. 21 features a group painting excursion. Then on Sept. 26, artist Melody Greenlief will

teach landscape watercoloring. Greenlief explained, “I will paint a landscape watercolor painting from start to finish and varnish it while discussing techniques and materials, including how to mount watercolor paper, varnishing watercolor paintings and supplies. I will be happy to answer any questions that attendees may have.” escalantecanyonsartfestival.org

All of these events allow the aspiring painter, experienced dealer and art enthusiast to enjoy Utah’s magnificent landscapes and surroundings. However, whichever festival you decide to experience, you will want to be as comfortable as possible. Wear casual clothing and good walking shoes. Be sure to bring a water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Artists will also want to bring an umbrella as well as some stakes to hold their easels. CW

Jennifer Ackerman: What an Owl Knows

For more than 25 years, Jennifer Ackerman has created lively, accessible books about scientific subjects including heredity and the common cold. But she seems to have found her sweet spot in addressing the world of birds, beginning with her 2016 best-seller The Genius of Birds, and continuing with Birds by the Shore and The Bird Way.

In her 2023 book What an Owl Knows, Ackerman turns her focus to owls, often mythologized as wise and mysterious. She addresses the complexity of the ways that owls communicate with one another, their mating and chick-rearing, and the extent to which their behavior is based on instinct versus learned information. Along the way, she profiles owl biologists, conservationists and amateur owl enthusiasts, including a Dutch musician who has trained her ear to understanding the “language” of owl vocalizations. It’s a fascinating study that attempts to make these enigmatic creatures more knowable—and help encourage others to help support the health of owl populations.

Jennifer Ackerman brings her presentation on What an Owl Knows sponsored by The King’s English Bookshop to the Salt Lake City Main Library’s Tessman Auditorium (210 E. 400 South) on Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m. As part of the event, partner organization Hawkwatch International will bring three of their owls. The event is free to the public, but registration is required; you may also purchase a copy of the book at that time to be signed at the event. Visit kingsenglish.com or Eventbrite.com for more information and to register. (Scott Renshaw)

CITY WEEKLY

DRIVER WANTED

Juneteenth Events

Now that Utah has finally recognized Juneteenth as an official holiday, there’s really no excuse not to join in the celebratory mood of the occasion, recognizing the date when news of the abolition of slavery reached enslaved people in Texas. Wherever you are in the state, there’s a way for you to experience the festivities.

The state’s biggest celebration is the 35th annual Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival, sponsored by the Project Success Coalition, and taking place at the Ogden City Amphitheater (343 E. 25th St.) on June 14 – 16, noon – 9 p.m. daily. June 14 features a ceremonial flag-raising and concert featuring national rap recording artist Pastor Troy. On June 15, the festival showcases local and regional artists plus headliner J. Holiday, a youth activity/creativity village, and the Mr. and Miss Juneteenth presentation; while June 16 includes the always-entertaining Barber Battle and Braids Battle, Father’s Day car shows and music including the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir. Events are free and open to the public; visit Juneteenthutah.org for full schedule of events and additional information.

Meanwhile, on June 19th proper, Salt Lake City’s own event takes place at The Gateway (400 W. 200 South) from 11 a.m. 8 p.m. The free event is scheduled to combine history, cultural experiences and family-friendly fun including roller skating, a kids’ corner and live entertainment. You can also check out the Black Owned Business Expo, a pop-up Black art gallery and Black history on-site museum. Visit atthegateway.com for additional event information. (SR)

THIS SATURDAY!!!

theESSENTIALS

Complete listings online at cityweekly.net

SAW: The Musical – The Unauthorized Parody of “Saw”

Okay, I can hear you thinking: “Saw? The horror movie with all the complicated torture apparatus? Somehow, someone turned that into a musical, and a hella gay one at that?” Yes, it is indeed based on the original hit Saw that came out of the 2004 Sundance Film Festival—and yes, it is as unapologetically queer as it is unapologetically gory.

Producer Cooper Jordan and his sister Zoe Ann Jordan (who wrote the script) looked at the premise—involving a killer psychotically determined to make people appreciate their lives—and turned it into a campy off-Broadway allegory about the relationship between these two men trapped together in a bathroom. In an April 2024 interview with Assignment X, Zoe Ann Jordan said, “[Horror is] maybe the genre where queer people have felt more represented than anywhere else, because of the Hays Code, and because of how queers were treated in the early days of cinema, when they were only able to be depicted as villains and as monsters. That sort of transformed itself into the representation now that they feel drawn to, because that has been the representation that they’ve had for so many years, and it’s a way that they’ve reclaimed it, is that there are all these queer subtexts and themes in horror films.”

The touring production of SAW: The Musical – The Unauthorized Parody of Saw runs June 14 – 23 at the Midvale Performing Arts Center Studio 5400 (2525 Taylorsville Blvd., Taylorsville), with tickets beginning at $30. Visit arttix.org to purchase tickets and for additional event information. (SR)

After becoming “locally extinct” in some areas, Utah’s mountain bighorn sheep are on the rebound thanks to protective nurseries and relocation efforts.

Feeling Sheepish

Relocation efforts and nurseries are helping to restore Utah’s bighorn sheep.

BY BRANDI CHRISTOFFERSEN comments@cityweekly.net

The bright, morning sun slowly rises over the Moab sky as an adorable baby lamb opens her large oval eyes. With long legs, a lightweight coat and cloven hooves, she is perfectly adapted for the dry, arid climate in which she resides. Additionally, she is equipped with an advanced digestive system that allows her to rapidly eat large portions of fibrous food before quickly retreating to the safety of the high, rocky cliffs.

Once she is perched well above any would-be predators, she can relax and finish digesting her scrumptious meal of grass and shrubs. This unique adaptation also provides her the ability to absorb the moisture from her diet—thus enabling her, if needed, to go days without water.

All of these biological features help the lamb to survive the harsh, unforgiving environment of southeastern Utah, according to Teresa Griffin, a wildlife program manager with the Division of Wildlife Resources.

“Bighorn sheep are uniquely adapted to inhabit some of the most rugged areas on earth,” she said. Unfortunately, even with these natural advantages, the young lamb will still find it difficult to forage for food and shelter, as she attempts to evade mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, coyotes and eagles. Because only 25% of desert bighorn sheep make it through their first year of life, the odds are not in the small creature’s favor.

However, if she is able to reach maturity, she could live to be 14 years old and give birth to as many as eight lambs of her own. And with the birth of her offspring, she will have the relatively tranquil calm of being free from daily competitions and fighting, surrounded by other gentle ewes and lambs. This is unlike the males of her species, for the ram (as he is referred to) spends his days competing in bachelor flocks, constantly striving for dominance and the right to mate with the females.

Despite the numerous perils and battles of their daily lives, desert bighorn sheep have maintained a relatively healthy, robust existence since they first stepped into the southwestern United States nearly 12,000 years ago. In fact, for centuries, both indigenous people and western explorers marveled at the magnificence of these breathtaking creatures and recorded bighorn sheep numbers to be somewhere in the millions. Even the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition documented catching the attention of two bighorns in April of 1805.

Unable to successfully shoot the creatures, William Clark lamented: “Those animals ran and skipped about with great ease on this declivity and appeared to prefer it to the level bottom or plain.”

Clark’s frustration at the close, but fleeting encounter was appeased after Sacagawea explained that they would see many more bighorn on their journey. For, as she reportedly said, “Those animals are very common to be found in the Rocky Mountains.”

Regrettably, however, the bighorn sheep’s population has greatly diminished in the past 200 years, so much so that the species has become at risk of extinction. Indeed, by the end of the 19th century, the bighorn’s population had dropped to a mere 2,000 head across the region.

This meteoric fall has been linked directly to multiple man-made issues. The first of these was unregulated hunting, which resulted in the killing of the animal not only for food, but as a prized trophy and to sell on the wild game market.

Another significant factor that decreased the bighorn’s population was the introduction of livestock to the area’s ecosystem.

By 1820, an estimated 3 million domestic sheep grazed freely throughout the southwestern U.S, devouring everything in their wake. But as domesticated cattle and sheep herds ravaged the overgrazed land, a severe shortage of food adversely affected the bighorn sheep.

An additional catastrophe that occurred during this time was the unintentional transmission of diseases spread from domestic herds to the wild bighorn population. Regrettably, the most deadly of these was pneumonia, which is often dormant in domestic sheep, but very contagious. The disease wreaked absolute havoc on the helpless bighorn herds, causing complications ranging from respiratory failure to lung abscesses.

The mortality rate among the many wild flocks fluctuated anywhere from 50% to 80%. Additionally, the disease caused years of low birth rates and the general health depletion of the entire population.

The Desert Bighorn Council, which is composed of wildlife professionals from seven western states, in-

cluding Utah, researched and summarized why the bighorn sheep’s decline was particularly devastating during that period of time.

“Following enormous population declines in the late 1800s and early 1900s, bighorn populations did not recover, in contrast to other wildlife species such as mule deer and elk,” they wrote. “Bighorns have demonstrated much less tolerance than other native North American ungulates to poor range conditions, interspecific competition, overhunting, and stress caused by loss of habitat. Furthermore, they have shown a much greater susceptibility to diseases.”

Nice Seeing Ewe

As the species continued to struggle, the bighorn population steadily decreased into the 20th century. This inevitably caused each generation to grow weaker and weaker.

Finally in 1998, after years of petitioning by environmental groups, the desert bighorn sheep was listed as endangered on the federal register. Around that time, re-populating efforts were actively initiated across the southwestern United States.

In Utah, like the rest of the region, the bighorn’s numbers continued to be depleted throughout the 1900s. The situation became so dire that by the midcentury they were declared “locally extinct” in many places around the state, including Antelope Island and Zion National Park.

Then in 1978, in an attempt to save the population, the National Park Service partnered with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to restore 14 sheep into Zion National Park’s wilderness.

After a somewhat dismal start, the sheep herds began to thrive and eventually reached a population close to 800.

This allowed for some of the animals to be relocated to other parts of Utah—thus further bolstering the population’s health, and helping to reduce herd density and improving genetic diversity.

One of the most successful of these relocations occurred in 2017, when DWR and Zion National Park captured and GPS-collared multiple bighorn sheep. Each of the ewes and rams were tested to ensure they were free of pneumonia and other dreaded diseases before they were transported. Upon a clean bill of health, an experienced and skilled helicopter crew transferred the flock to San Juan County.

After some very positive initial results, Zion National Park decided to elevate and augment the relocation program. In 2019, they expanded the project to include the implementation of aerial population counts, the tracking of migrant herds and the addition of field researchers to investigate lamb success rates through the utilization of GPS collars.

Much of the relocation program’s success can be linked to its partnership with the Zion Forever Project. The 2017 relocation to San Juan County was largely funded by the highly popular Adopt-a-Bighorn promotion. More than 4,000 participants “adopted” a sheep, which pushed the program over its projected revenue goal.

Through the Zion Forever Project, park visitors and guests are encouraged to contribute to the program and assist with its relocation efforts. Additionally, promotions like these help the group fulfill their mission to provide the park with critical resources. All of this is accomplished by the immense generosity of the grassroots community, with its network of sponsors, donors and everyday Utahns.

“Protecting the health of these iconic animals is a priority and our responsibility as stewards of Zion,” Zion Forever Project director Mark Preiss said.

Furthermore, several other relocation and establishment programs have been progressing across the state. Some of these have occurred under tense situations, due to unexpected circumstances. One of the largest took place in 2019, when an emergency intervention was required.

A contagious respiratory disease invaded Antelope Island and began killing the area’s bighorn population. Tragically, in order to reestablish a healthy herd, the remaining bighorns had to be euthanized. By doing this, however, it opened the door for a new, healthy sheep flock to be introduced onto the islet.

“Antelope Island has already proven itself as an invaluable resource for bighorn sheep in Utah, due to its ideal rugged habitat and relative isolation,” former DWR biologist Jace Taylor said. “Even though the previous Antelope Island bighorn herd was lost, there are currently more than 600 bighorns in Utah that are descended from the 29 bighorns brought to Antelope Island in 1997. We hope this new bighorn herd will be even more successful and help provide a bright future for bighorn sheep across all of Utah.”

Hoofin’ It

DWR officials worked with several organizations to fulfill the intervention and relocation objective. These groups included Utah State Parks, Utah Wild Sheep Foundation (UWSF), Wildlife Services, private nonprofits and the hunting gear company KUIU.

In January of 2020, 25 bighorn sheep were captured in Montana and relocated to Antelope Island.

Additionally, to ensure the prevention of future outbreaks, park officials constructed a wildlife fence on the southern end of the islet.

The fence will prevent the sheep from coming into contact with any animals that may be carrying deadly pathogens. Furthermore, DWR is slowly adding more sheep to the herd and has a final projection of 125 bighorns to permanently occupy the state park.

“Antelope Island is thrilled to once again be a home for bighorn sheep,” said Jeremy Shaw, Antelope Island State Park’s former manager. “We are excited that visitors will again have the opportunity to see these animals in the wild when they visit our park.”

Most recently, a new project was launched in early 2024 that saw the creation of a sheltered nursery for bighorn sheep. The 1,000-acre property is located near Promontory Point in Box Elder County and is surrounded completely by a high fence. The DWR partnered with the Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and the UWSF to develop the unique refuge.

“This will be remembered as one of the most significant events in preserving desert bighorn sheep in Utah,” said Troy Justensen, president of Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife.

Rusty Robinson, a DWR species coordinator, said that due to its natural habitat and low predator den-

sity, the nursery is the consummate setting for bighorn sheep to thrive.

“There have been some disease issues with our bighorn sheep populations in the past, and this new fenced area will provide a source herd of disease-free bighorns that we can use to augment existing desert bighorn populations around the state,” Robinson said. “We can also use animals from this nursery herd to reintroduce native bighorns to currently unoccupied areas of Utah, as well. We are hopeful that this nursery herd will allow us to have long-term viability of desert bighorn sheep in Utah.”

The DWR tentatively plans to release additional desert bighorn sheep into the nursery later this year to further bolster the population.

Currently, there are around 3,000 desert bighorn sheep in Utah and the hope is that the nursery herd will grow and may be used to expand other populations around the state.

Though it was through the actions of humans that desert bighorn sheep were extirpated from much of their homeland, it is also through human intervention that recovery has been so successful.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the time and support of local volunteers, who give their expertise and knowledge to advocate and promote the projects. Likewise, Robinson noted that numerous philanthropic groups and individuals contribute generously to the bighorn causes.

“We are so grateful to our many partners who are passionate about wildlife and assist with these conservation efforts to ensure the continuation of these remarkable species in Utah,” he said.

It may seem unnecessary to point out, but the extinction of the bighorn sheep—or any native animal species—would have negative repercussions on mankind’s current and future generations. That’s why conservation experts say that remaining diligent to the preservation of the desert bighorn sheep should be of particular importance.

As Brendan Burns, KUIU’s Chief Hunting Officer and Conservation Director, said, “This project shows the power of what’s possible when the hunting community works together toward a common conservation goal to drive real results.”

Disease screening and GPS-enabled collars have helped to protect and manage the state’s bighorn sheep population.

A Division of Wildlife Resources crew works to relocate a group of bighorn sheep.

Continued from page 17

Washington Square Dispatch

Salt Lake City Council lowers quorum requirements for Planning and Historic Landmarks Commissions; and approves plan for affordable senior housing.

BY JOSI HINDS comments@cityweekly.net

Salt Lake City Council members received a handful of scathing comments from city residents on Tuesday surrounding Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s self-recommended salary increase of $44,000. The Council also adopted an ordinance amending the minimum number of commissioners needed to hold meetings for the Historic Landmark and Planning Commissions and approved a study for an affordable senior housing development.

Budget Hearing

The Council held its second public hearing on the 2024/25 fiscal year budget. During the public hearing, several speakers spoke in opposition to a 26% salary increase that Mendenhall proposed for herself in her recommended budget.

“I’m completely opposed to this because in the real world that we all live in, we get pay increases according to our performance and her poor performance has been abysmal at best,” Julia McGonigle said during the hearing.

If adopted, Mendenhall’s recommendation would increase her annual salary from roughly $168,000 to $212,000, a difference of $44,000. The proposal would also increase Council Members’ salary from $42,000 to $53,000.

“The Mayor’s salary is adjusted based on a review of the City Mayor’s salary compared to other city mayors and city managers—depending on the form of government—in Utah as well as Department Directors,” Salt Lake City’s budget analysts explained via email.

As reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, Mendenhall’s base pay ranks 27th for local officials in Utah. This information was pulled from Transparent Utah’s most recent data from 2022.

Also in her recommended budget, Mendenhall proposed allocating $100,000 to a citywide park restroom planning study and Fairmont Park restroom conceptual design. The study would update planning for the city’s parks while using a restroom at Fairmont Park to test the viability of guidelines developed under the study.

Several speakers spoke on the need to fund resources for Salt Lake City’s homeless population.

“I know you guys have been discussing bathrooms for our unsheltered population and for the whole general public, I just wanted to say that I’m strongly

in support of this initiative,” said Wendy Garvin, a longtime advocate for the unsheltered. “It will bring dignity back to both the people who are living on the street and just those who enjoy our public parks.”

Mendenhall also recommended $1 million in funding to help the Volunteers of America build a detox facility on Redwood Road and to allocate funds for a new Community Outreach Case Manager in the Justice Court. This role would “investigate, organize, and assist with the needs of the homeless population,” according to the budget’s website.

The City Council is required to adopt a budget by the end of the month.

Quorum Requirements

The Council held a public hearing on an ordinance to adjust the minimum number of required members for the Historic Landmark and Planning Commissions to five. After the public hearing ended, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the change.

“The proposed amendments were intended to eliminate the minimum required number of commissioners for both [commissions] … so that if there is a sudden exit of commissioners, both land use authorities would be able to conduct city business,” read a city transmittal for the proposal.

Previously, the Historic Landmark Commission required a minimum of seven members while the Planning Commission required nine members be present to conduct business.

This change follows a series of resignations from the Planning Commission made in late 2023. The departures of University of Utah Professor Andra Ghent and Glendale Community Council Chair Turner Bitton briefly left the commission unable to conduct city business with only eight members.

Cindy Cromer was the only constituent to speak at the public hearing. She was critical of the commissions’ functioning.

“I see a self-imposed hardship when the city fails

to screen applicants for the commission relative to the demands of the appointments,” Cromer said.

In her letter of resignation, Ghent cited her fellow commissioners’ lack of knowledge of urban economics and real estate as a point of contention, saying it often wasted meeting time and led to poor decisions.

The ordinance also removes language limiting the amount of time an Appeals Hearing Officer can serve. Previously, an Appeals Hearing Officer could not serve more than two consecutive five-year terms.

“If the Mayor and City Council find that an Appeals Hearing Officer is familiar with city statutes and making sound decisions, there should be an avenue to keep them appointed,” the staff materials noted.

Affordable Senior Housing

The Council voted unanimously to accept the conclusions of an informal public benefit analysis for a proposed development called the Fairmont Heights Project. This development would provide more than 100 units of affordable housing for seniors. According to a staff report on the project, roughly half of the units will be affordable to those making 50% or less of the city’s area median income.

The project would be located at 2257 S. 1100 East. To help fund this project, the administration plans to use $5.6 million in dormant funds from the Community Development Block Grant program.

According to the project’s staff report, the administration concluded that “the numerous community benefits provided by the Project justify the use of the City’s resources.” These benefits include the use of federal funds for rental assistance for seniors, the promotion of healthy aging through affordable housing and the geographic distribution of housing close to public amenities.

Following the City Council’s adoption of the analysis findings, the administration can now move forward with negotiating a ground lease agreement for the project. CW

DINE

Getting Lei’d

Dive into Hawaii’s barbecue culture with a few local favorites.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

My dining experiences over the past few weeks have continued to leave me craving barbecue, and this week I set my sights on our Hawaiian barbecue contributors. Seemingly overnight, Utah has become a hotbed of kalua pork, chicken katsu and Spam musubi, which got me thinking about how Hawaiian methods compare and contrast with those of mainland pitmasters. After reviewing a few of my old favorites—and trying out some new spots as well—I’m confident that the best Hawaiian barbecue joints in Utah are on the following list.

The Salty Pineapple (13262 S. 5600 West, Herriman, 801-890-0628, thesaltypineapple.com): Maybe it was because Salty Pineapple was my first foray into the sun-kissed flavors and effortless cool of Hawaiian barbecue, but this place will always have a soft spot in my heart. Owner Daysha Filipe started the restaurant off as a food truck, which built plenty of buzz around its kalua pork served with a generous pineapple wedge. After a few televised appearances on shows like Food Network’s Big Food Truck Tip, The Salty Pineapple opened its brick-and-mortar location while continuing to support their mobile operation.

Objectively speaking, Salty Pineapple delivers on pretty much every expectation you’d have of a Hawaiian barbecue joint. The kalua pork is plentiful, and its slowroasted flavor comes through with every

bite. Whether you’re enjoying this as part of a one-, two- or three-meat platter, or on the delightful kalua pork sandwich, this stuff is a proper distillation of Hawaiian barbecue. You could come to Salty Pineapple, only get the kalua pork, and still go home satisfied.

Of course, the katsu chicken at Salty Pineapple is dynamite—perfectly crispy on the outside and supplemented with plenty of acidic zing from the restaurant’s signature katsu sauce. The teriyaki beef is always sliced thin and kept tender, and Pop’s Sweet Garlic Chicken further enhances the restaurant’s fried chicken game. Just like it sounds, it imparts a subtly sweet flavor to a plate of boneless fried chicken. The tofu options on the menu are great as a plant-based option, their burgers are on point, and finishing off your meal with a slice of homemade guava cake is practically a necessity.

Mo’ Bettahs (Multiple locations, mobettahs.com): This wildly successful fast-casual chain is the veteran of our Hawaiian barbecue scene. The first Mo’ Bettahs opened in Bountiful just over 15 years ago, and it’s enjoyed a partnership with the Savory Restaurant Fund, which has helped take Mo’ Bettahs to national status with more than 50 locations across the country.

Of course, that level of success wouldn’t have been possible if founders and Oahu natives Kimo and Kalani Mack didn’t know how to bring the flavor. Since Mo’ Bettahs first opened, the beach vibes, welcoming energy and gigantic portions made this place a hotspot among Bountiful diners. If you’ve tried Hawaiian barbecue in Utah, you owe a big thank you to Mo’ Bettahs.

While the whole menu at Mo’ Bettahs slaps, I can’t quit their kalua pig and teriyaki steak. Regardless of which location you visit, this pulled pork tastes like

you’ve shucked it right off a spit-roasted pig on the beach. Slow-roasted pork gets a marvelous sweetness after it’s spent a good time in the heat, and that’s always what you get at Mo’ Bettahs. The thinsliced steak is doused in teriyaki sauce, and piling it up high on a mound of fluffy rice will always be a pleasure.

If chicken is more your thing, the katsu chicken here is a textbook example of how this particular variety of fried chicken should crunch. Of course, their lightly seasoned pūlehu chicken is perfect for those after a lighter protein with their meal.

Lolo Hawaiian BBQ (Multiple locations, lolohawaiianbbq.com): Where Mo’ Bettahs sticks to a few tried and true favorites, Lolo Hawaiian BBQ has become known for its variety and its cozy relationship with traditional Asian flavor combos. Sure, Lolo still has the holy trinity of teriyaki beef, kalua pork and chicken katsu—along with plenty of macaroni salad—but there are a few items on its menu that set it apart.

Lolo is one of the few Hawaiian joints that offer kalbi short ribs, which comes sliced into a nice, bone-in slab of meat doused in Korean-inspired sauce. It’s a fun item to pick up and eat with your hands, though it’s tender enough to slice up on your plate. I’m also a fan of their island fire chicken, which adds a smoky, cayenne-infused kick to the traditional barbecue chicken you’d find at a Hawaiian luau.

Though all of these restaurants offer the classic appetizer of Spam musubi, Lolo has created its own riff on this Hawaiian favorite. By swapping the Spam with either a slice of barbecue chicken or marinated beef, you get a more varied musubi experience. Lolo is also one of the few Hawaiian places that offer fish filets; their island white fish is a crispy, flavorful way to bring the ocean to your table. CW

1048 E 2100 S Sugar House

2 Row Brewing

6856 S. 300 West, Midvale

2RowBrewing.com

On Tap: “Dos Filas” Mexican Lager

Avenues Proper

376 8th Ave, SLC avenuesproper.com

On Tap: Midnight Especial- Dark Mexican Lager

Bewilder Brewing

445 S. 400 West, SLC BewilderBrewing.com

On Tap:  Cerveza De Mayo for Bewilder.

Bohemian Brewery

94 E. Fort Union Blvd, Midvale BohemianBrewery.com

On Tap: California Steam Lager

Bonneville Brewery 1641 N. Main, Tooele BonnevilleBrewery.com

On Tap: Peaches and Cream Ale

Chappell Brewing

2285 S Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115 chappell.beer

On Tap: Crispy Boi - cerveza-ish Cream Ale

Craft by Proper

1053 E. 2100 So., SLC properbrewingco.com

On Tap: Gungan Sith Lord - Dark Lager

Desert Edge Brewery

273 Trolley Square, SLC DesertEdgeBrewery.com

On Tap:  Ay Curuba! Curuba Sour

Epic Brewing Co.

825 S. State, SLC EpicBrewing.com

On Tap: HOPEulent IPA (A portion of proceeds are donated to Project Rainbow)

Fisher Brewing Co.

320 W. 800 South, SLC FisherBeer.com

On Tap: A rotation of up to 17 Fresh Beers!

Grid City Beer Works

333 W. 2100 South, SLC GridCityBeerWorks.com

On Tap: Cask Nitro CO2

Helper Beer

159 N Main Street, Helper, UT  helperbeer.com

Hopkins Brewing Co. 1048 E. 2100 South, SLC HopkinsBrewingCompany.com

On Tap: Cole’s Helles Kitchen Kiitos Brewing

608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

On Tap: Tropical Haze IPA - HBC 1019 Hops with Heavy Notes of Peach

Level Crossing Brewing Co.

2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake

LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Helles and Kolsch!

Live Music every Sunday, 5 to 8pm

Level Crossing Brewing Co.,

POST

550 South 300 West, Suite 100, SLC

LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Down The Road West Coast IPA

Live Music every Saturday, 3 to 6pm

Moab Brewing 686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com

On Tap:  Bulliet Bourbon barrelaged Brown

Mountain West Cider

425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com

On Tap: Mango Pride Cider and Ruby’s Gay

Offset Bier Co 1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City offsetbier.com/ On Tap: DOPO IPA

Ogden Beer Company

358 Park Blvd, Ogden OgdenBeerCompany.com

On Tap: Mastero of None Italian Pilsner

Park City Brewery 1764 Uinta Way C1 ParkCityBrewing.com

On Tap: El Jeffe Hefeweizen

Policy Kings Brewery 223 N. 100 West, Cedar City PolicyKingsBrewery.com

Prodigy Brewing 25 W Center St. Logan

Prodigy-brewing.com

On Tap: Golden Hour Belgian Sour

Proper Brewing/Proper Burger 857 So. Main & 865 So. Main properbrewingco.com

Proper Brewing: SLC Pils - Pilsner

Proper Burger: Salted Caramel

Porter - Porter Brewed with Caramel and Salt

Proper Brewing Moab 1393 US-191, Moab properbrewingco.com

On Tap: YRJB - Juicy IPA

Red Rock Brewing 254 So. 200 West RedRockBrewing.com

On Tap: Gypsy Scratch

Red Rock Fashion Place 6227 So. State Redrockbrewing.com

On Tap: Munich Dunkel

A

Red Rock Kimball Junction 1640 Redstone Center Redrockbrewing.com

On Tap: Bamberg Rauch Bier

RoHa Brewing Project 30 Kensington Ave, SLC RoHaBrewing.com

On Tap: Steamy Boi California Common (A collaboration with Heber Valley Brewing)

Roosters Brewing Multiple Locations

RoostersBrewingCo.com

On Tap: Pineapple Sour Seltzer

SaltFire Brewing 2199 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake SaltFireBrewing.com

On Tap: Pride Beer - Rainbow Cult Kettle Sour with Blackberries

Salt Flats Brewing 2020 Industrial Circle, SLC SaltFlatsBeer.com

On Tap: Luau Rider - Coconut Chocolate Milk Stout

Scion Cider Bar 916 Jefferson St W, SLC Scionciderbar.com

On Tap: Highpoint Alpenglow 6% ABV

Second Summit Cider 4010 So. Main, Millcreek secondsummitcider.com On Tap: Watermelon Basil

Shades Brewing 154 W. Utopia Ave, South Salt Lake ShadesBrewing.beer On Tap: Spring Fever Grapefruit Radler

Shades On State 366 S. State Street SLC Shadesonstate.com On Tap: Hellion Blonde Ale, Salud Mexican Lager

Silver Reef

4391 S. Enterprise Drive, St. George StGeorgeBev.com

Squatters Pub Brewery / Salt Lake Brewing Co. 147 W. Broadway, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/ squatters

On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Farmer’s Daughter Cherry Rhubarb Ale

Squatters and Wasatch Brewery 1763 So 300 West SLC UT 84115 Utahbeers.com

On Tap: Holy Haze IPA 5% Love Local new release April 26

Strap Tank Brewery, Lehi 3661 Outlet Pkwy, Lehi, UT StrapTankBrewery.com

On Tap:  Stay Gold (English Summer Ale), The Conjurer (Belgian Wit).

Strap Tank Brewery, Springville 596 S 1750 W, Springville, UT StrapTankBrewery.com

On Tap: My Beer My Choice (Dry Hopped American Sour w/pink boots blend), Cream Ale

TF Brewing

936 S. 300 West, SLC TFBrewing.com

On Tap: Chamomile Wit Bier

Talisman Brewing Co. 1258 Gibson Ave, Ogden TalismanBrewingCo.com

On Tap: The Griffen- Citrus Wheat Ale in collaboration with the 419th at Hill AFB

Top of Main Brewing

250 Main, Park City, Utah topofmainbrewpub.com

On Tap: Top of Main The Original Schirf Beer Helles Lager

Uinta Brewing 1722 S. Fremont Drive, SLC UintaBrewing.com

On Tap: Was Angeles Craft Beer

UTOG 2331 Grant Ave, Ogden UTOGBrewing.com On Tap: Golden Grant 5% ABV.

Vernal Brewing

55 S. 500 East, Vernal VernalBrewing.com

Wasatch Brew Pub 2110 S. Highland Drive, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/ wasatch

On Tap:  Top of Main Brewery Utah Beer – An American Light Lager Zion Brewery

95 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale ZionBrewery.com

Zolupez

205 W. 29th Street #2, Ogden Zolupez.com

BEER NERD

Citrus Simplicity

Citrus

beers to make you squeal

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

Epic - Small Batch Series (Bloodier Orange Wheat): A fairly clear, darkmedium orange (who’da thunk?), it pours with much applause in the carbonation and a proudly sudsy white head that’s loose and bubbly, and quickly dissipates to almost no surface evidence. The blood oranges doing their rightful job here—brilliantly fruity, underwritten with sweet caramel maltiness and a hint of spice. There is a subtle floral quality in between the orange and caramel. Delightful.

A great orange taste emerges right up front for an immediate payoff, then eases off into the toasty wheat and leaves a familiar 7.0 percent alcohol aftertaste. And all the while, the flavors transition very smoothly. It evokes a carbonated orange iced-tea, with a little splash of gin, definitely leaving you looking forward to that next sip. The carbonation is still fairly active even after sitting; there is a slight tickle of bubbles and a crisp, refreshing snap to its light body. A bit of the orange tang jumps right into the earthy hops bitterness, which remains rather complacent through the finish. That zesty aftertaste does cling a bit to the back of the throat for a bit, though.

Verdict: I really enjoyed this. I’m always on the lookout for non-sour fruit “visions,” and I think this is one of my favorites. If you added a touch of gin, this could easily become a summer winner as well. I can see myself sipping this with a bowl of peaches and cream while sitting on the deck in the evening. Since it’s seasonal, I may have to pick up a couple just to enjoy during the late summer and into autumn.

- Zombie Wars: This version of this Triple IPA was double dry-hopped with Citra and Cryo-Citra hops, the latter of which are produced by separating the lupulin resin from the hop flower using cryogenic processing. The result is a product with twice the potency, and reduced astringency and vegetative flavors.

This had a nice Sunny Delight hue to it, with a decent amount of brightness and a uniform cloudiness to it. Enough head topped it off as the residual lacing was in the form of thin bending rings. Tangerine, weed, grain and creamy sweetness were in the expressive nose as they were transferred almost exactly in the taste.

I first noticed that there was very little-to none of that onions/scallion spice you can get from Citra hops, but there are some earthy citrus and dry lime in the mix this was equally dry and spicy on the palate. An underlying, outdoorsy dankness tied everything together, as the mouthfeel was quite smooth for everything that was going on. A nice body and enough carbonation kept this from feeling too layered, as the flavors didn’t last long, but had me wanting to take another sip.

The 9.5 percent booze was on par with other beers that I’ve had from Beer Zombies—and yes, I could feel myself warming up a bit before I finished this off. Enough slickness was here to make this go down quickly, but the heaviness of the flavors was almost contradictory to that sensation.

Verdict: A bit more sweetness would have been great, but the full, grainy body and range of flavors proved more than enough to keep my attention. This was different but fun at the same time—once again, a quality brew from Beer Zombies which left me wanting more.

The Beer Zombies stuff is exclusive to their SLC pub at The Gateway. Bloodier Orange Wheat has a younger sibling called “Blood Orange Wheat” that will be popping up in grocery stores anytime now. The version I just reviewed is 7.0 percent alcohol, and is only available at Epic’s pub and bottle shop. As always, cheers! CW

+ PIZZA = <3 SUN-THU: 11am - 10pm • FRI-SAT: 11am - 11pm

Beer Zombies

the BACK BURNER

BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer

Crafts and Drafts at Kiitos Brewing

If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the pleasures of perusing locally-made arts and crafts while enjoying a nice, sudsy beer, then you’ll want to check out Kiitos Brewing (608 W. 700 South) this weekend. The Crafts and Drafts Market is a partnership between Squeetch Market and Kiitos Brewing that promises a wellstocked market filled with local goods, art, crafts and jewelry that will pair nicely with any of the Kiitos craft beers on tap. Food vendors will be on hand as well for those who want a bit of eats with their beer-fueled shopping. This 21+ event will take place at Kiitos Brewing on June 15 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and admission is free.

Summer Menu at JINYA Ramen Bar

I’m still reeling a bit from the delicious mabo men that JINYA Ramen Bar (jinyaramenbar.com) recently retired, so I’m hoping that their summer menu items will scratch that particular itch in the next few months. JINYA’s summer menu will include an ebi-katsu bun, which is a steamed bun stuffed with shrimp, cucumber, iceberg lettuce and pickled cabbage. Those cool and crunchy veggies make me think this dish will be more refreshing than anything else. They’ve also added spicy maze-men, which is a broth-less noodle dish tossed with a bonito sauce and egg yolk before getting topped with pork chashu and kimchi. Gonna need that one in my life, pronto.

Enjoy 180 Years of Pabst Blue Ribbon with 180 Beers

Pabst Blue Ribbon beer recently celebrated 180 years in business, and to commemorate this milestone, they’ve released a legendary 180-pack of their signature Milwaukee brew. You read that right: a towering box filled with 180 cans of PBR should be standing vigilant in the beer aisles of local grocery and liquor stores over the next month or so. Based on our state legislature’s pearl-clutching over all things alcoholic, I wasn’t sure if this beer monolith would be available locally. However, I’ve got word that this 180-pack will be available wherever PBR is sold; it shouldn’t be too hard to miss. Just make sure you’ve got a pickup truck if you’re planning on taking one of these home with you.

Quote of the Week: “In victory, you deserve beer. In defeat, you need it.” –Napoleon Bonaparte

THE BEEHIVE

The Best of Times

Reflecting on the movies of 1984, and how nostalgia is born.

BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw

As the calendar turned to 2024, I began mentally cracking my knuckles. It was time to celebrate the movie year of 1984 as it turns 40—and by most objective measures, it was a pretty big one. Ghostbusters, The Karate Kid and The Terminator launched franchises that are still going strong today; successful sequels including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Star Trek III: The Search for Spock suggested the long life those franchises would continue to have. Splash and Beverly Hills Cop turned Tom Hanks and Eddie Murphy, respectively, into box-office stars. From Purple Rain to Gremlins, from Sixteen Candles to A Nightmare on Elm Street, there were popular favorites in every genre. And that’s saying nothing of commercial duds like The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, Repo Man and This is Spinal Tap which eventually became cult classics. It also so happens that in March 1984, I started working at a local movie theater as a teenager. I saw everything that it was possible to see, even things that wouldn’t ordinarily have been “my thing”— like eventual Oscar-winner Ama

deus—and developed a more expansive palate for what I could appreciate. So there was every reason for me to ponder crafting an essay with one of those provocative titles like, “Was 1984 the Best Movie Year Ever?”

Then, just as I was getting started, the Washington Post published a poll that asked people a variety of questions about when they felt certain things in America were at their best. Some of those things were social, like “when were families happiest;” others were pop-cultural, like when was the best music, television, sports and, yes, movies. Regardless of the demographics of respondents, they generally believed that the societal peaks were when they were approximately 10 years old, and the pop-culture peaks when they were approximately 13-14 years old. It didn’t matter whether you were 30 or 70: Life was best when you were a kid, and art was best when you were a teenager.

Intuitively, many of us probably already understood this phenomenon to be true. Yet it was still fascinating to see it codified in a way that clarified not just that nostalgia is a hell of a drug, but that the majority of Americans get hooked on it so young. Movies might have been a bit of an outlier in my own case— I was 17 in 1984—but it was still about an emotional impression, far more than a developed aesthetic sensibility. Movies overall didn’t necessarily peak in 1984. I was just ready to fall in love with them then.

It’s also interesting to contemplate how 1984 hit a sweet spot not just for my ability to see movies in theaters, but for my ability to see movies anywhere. The VHS revolution suddenly made it possible

to catch up with older movies as they appeared in a home-viewing format for the first time—and also part of the reason those aforementioned box-office flops-turnedcult hits could have a second life. I could watch Beverly Hills Cop, but also go back to see the earlier Eddie Murphy performances in 48 HRS. and Trading Places that I’d been too young to see in theaters. Video stores were amazing resources for budding cinephiles, so I was never a snob about theaters being the only way to see a movie, even as I was able to recognize the amazing collective experience of an audience cheering for The Karate Kid or laughing at Beverly Hills Cop—and I wanted to watch in a theater if I could, because I knew it might be six months before that homeviewing option.

As this movie summer has begun with several under-performing theatrical releases, anxious thinkpieces have pondered whether theatrical movie-going is in its death throes, with suspects including non-stop franchises and shortened theatrical windows before theatrical films hit streaming services. I’m not pretending I have the answer, because if I did, I could be making a hell of a lot more money than I do now.

But I worry that the real problem is a movie industry that isn’t even trying anymore to create the next generation of movie-lovers, while constantly repackaging the stuff from my own youth. It doesn’t matter to me if anyone else thinks movies were best in 1984. All I want is for today’s teens to think movies were best in 2024. You don’t even get the chance to have nostalgia for something that never was. CW

Emo the Merrier

SLC’s Anime Girlfriend adds layers to your perception of the “emo” genre.

BY EMILEE ATKINSON eatkinson@cityweekly.net @emileelovesvinyl

Finding your identity as a band can be a long process, but worth it in the end when you know what direction to pursue, and find those people with whom you mesh well. SLC group Anime Girlfriend found each other in 2022, and have been working on their music as well as themselves as a band ever since.

“The first song we ever played together was ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ by Wheatus in my kitchen,” said bassist/vocalist Hannah Shipley Williams. “It was really awkward, but we stuck it out and that’s how we became a band.” Who hasn’t bonded over the classic 2000 release?

This is where the group initially thought they wanted to go musically—a more punk/alt route—until they started playing together, and realized that genre wasn’t what they were after. Every so often, they will bust out some Sum 41 or “Sex Bobomb” from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World just to mix it up.

Anime Girlfriend describes themselves as “Mountain West Emo,” and this is where they’re not only comfortable, but where they really shine. There’s a lot to love about emo music—despite misconceptions that it may just be for emotional teenagers, or is all about sadness. While “emo” may be short for “emotional,” the emotions in the music run the gamut. That’s why the group loves the genre.

“I think, at least for me, there’s a sense of vulnerability to emo [as a genre]. It’s in the name, emo. But it’s the type of music

where you can still rock out, but also cry a little,” said vocalist/guitarist Ada Carter.

“I know for me, rock music and anything that’s not your typical pop is, like, that was the space that I found to be myself when I was a teenager,” lead guitarist Rosie Moore added. “It feels totally fullcircle to be playing this kind of music. And we hope that we can provide a space for people to be themselves in our music.”

Anime Girlfriend’s 2023 EP AGF is a musical timeline of how they are progressing and changing as a group. It serves as a great introduction for who they are, but also leaves room for listeners to see what they might do next. Writing the EP was fairly linear, according to the group—what was written first is at the beginning, and what was written last is at the end.

“It flowed really well when we put it that way. So it was kind of a coincidence, but then I feel like by the end of the EP, we were starting to come into ourselves a little more,” Shipley Williams said. “‘God(Dess)’, that was the last one we wrote before we put it out. And I think that song, we really came into ourselves as musicians there, but it’s a softer song.”

AGF is soft, whimsical and atmospheric, lovingly combining sounds from several genres in addition to the emo vibes. You’ll hear elements of rock, indie and shoegaze all blended together to create Anime Girlfriend’s easy-to-listen-to sound. It’s an EP that longtime listeners of emo will enjoy, and also makes a good jumping off point for those who want to get into the genre but don’t know where to start.

Going forward, Anime Girlfriend’s sound is going to change a bit as the band settles into their groove and they move on from original drummer Kt Bacon leaving the group. Anime Girlfriend wants to find a new drummer soon, but will continue as a three-piece for now.

“We feel like our EP was a little bit more dark and moody and I think that’s definitely still in us, that angst is definitely still there, but I do think it’s going to be a little

MUSIC

bit brighter-sounding,” said Moore. “We’re looking towards refining our sound a little bit more, and getting more solidified into a genre. The more we write, the better sense we have of who we are as musicians.”

AGF came together relatively quickly, but going forward Anime Girlfriend wants to take their time with new releases to really hone their sound. “I think our next releases will be a little bit different, [so] we’ll take our time a little bit more with figuring things out. But I think it was just important for us to just complete these first songs and just get them out into the world, just so we can move on to the next creative steps,” Moore said.

Going forward with their new sound, Anime Girlfriend wants everyone to know that they’re here to have fun, and hopes listeners are able to pull meaning from their music. “Our lyrics aren’t just words that we’re throwing out there. Each song really has a story and a meaning, and I hope that people can connect with that and listen to the lyrics and connect with them,” Moore said.

Anime Girlfriend’s next song “Pretty Boy” is set to come sometime in July, so be sure to keep tabs on them to hear the next step in the band’s evolution. “It’s the song of the summer,” said Shipley Williams. CW

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS THE BEST HIP HOP IN SLC

SHARK SUNDAYS

POOL TOURNEY HOSTED BY TANNER

MONDAYS

REGGAE MONDAY WITH DJ NAPO

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS KARAOKE

ACRAZE @ Sky SLC 6/13

Acraze-y DJ you don’t want to miss is Charlie Duncker—also known as ACRAZE. The Staten Island-based artist went from performing as an opener at local clubs to heading sold-out shows within a year, showing that Duncker has talent, luck and hustle. His House edit of the 2006 R&B song “Do It To It” by Cherish became a hit in 2021; the single has over 12 billion global streams, and is frequently sampled by DJs across festivals and nightclubs. Three years later, it’s still the perfect House song for summer. However, ACRAZE isn’t just a onehit wonder. Check out his set with songs like “Believe,” featuring the sensational House music artists Goodboys; his newest hit “Runny Nose,” featuring producers Pickle and NKY; “Take Me Away,” sampling another well-known ’00s song, “Pocketful of Sunshine,” by Natasha Bedingfield; and “Heard It Like This,’’ featuring hip-hop duo Joey Valence and Brae. Welcome the heat of a June night in Utah and see ACRAZE at Sky SLC on Thursday, June 13 hosted by LNE Presents. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $20 at tixr.com (Arica Roberts)

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 NATE ROBINSON TRIO

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 LEE RAFUGEE

Music

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 J-RAD COOLEY BAND

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

REGGAE THURSDAY DAVID CULTURE

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 TRIGGERS & SLIPS

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 MOJOHAND

MUSIC PICK S

The Richie Furay Trio @ Egyptian Theater on 6/14-15

In the ongoing history of popular music, one criterion applied to measure an artist’s stature is their role in the creation of important or influential groups. Guitarist/songwriter Richie Furay checks that box not once, but twice: He co-founded both Buffalo Springfield and Poco, both pioneering groups in establishing and popularizing the hybrid musical form known as “country rock.” Furay got his professional start as a member of the house band at New York City’s legendary Cafe Au Go Go; from there, he moved to the West Coast and launched Buffalo Springfield. Today, the membership of that group reads like a rock who’s who: Furay, Stephen Stills and Neil Young were founding members. After that band split, Furay and Jim Messina teamed up with other like-minded musicians to form country rockers Poco. With that group, Furay wrote many classics including “Kind Woman,” “Pickin’ Up the Pieces” and “Good Feelin’ to Know.” After leaving Poco in 1974, Furay scored a Top 40 single with “Fallin’ in Love,” a hit for the Southern Hillman Furay Band. A string of solo releases, but Furay then retired from music to become pastor of a church in Denver; in the years since, Furay has balanced both music and spirituality. Buffalo Springfield was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, and a career-spanning documentary, Through It All: The Life and Influence of Richie Furay is nearing completion. The Richie Furay Trio will appear two nights—Thursday, June 14 and Friday, June 15—at the Egyptian Theatre. Tickets start at $35 at parkcityshows.com. (Bill Kopp)

MUSIC PICK S

MC Chris @ Quarters/DLC 6/15

My first experience with MC Chris was on Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and after that when Sealab 2021 was on the air. Since I was a Star Wars fan, hearing his song “Fette’s Vette” back in 2001 proved that Christopher Brendan Ward IV was more than a new jack at emceeing. “The way I look at it is that I love rap and I grew up on it,” Chris told HipHopDX.com. “It kind of saved me during my adolescence. Like, it was something that made me so happy, and all I really want to do now is do right by it.” Chris specializes in a genre of hip-hop music dubbed Nerdcore. The term was coined by MC Frontalot in 2000, and could have pigeonholed most of the current mainstays in the game. However, the breadth of the music doesn’t seem to have a ceiling on those who were raised on The Goonies, G.I. Joe and Public Enemy And … I will point you to MC Chris’ 2006 Dungeon Master of Ceremonies as definitive proof that you should not skip the skits. If you have been going to his gigs since DJ John, then you know great shows, awesome crowds … and that it’s always a great time. If you have never been, what are you waiting for? Crunk Witch opens. Catch these artists on the “I Thought The Last Tour Was The Last Tour” tour at The DLC on Saturday, June 15. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are $16, and can be found at quartersslc.com. (Mark Dago)

Iron & Wine @ The Union Event Center 6/18

Sam Beam—who operates under the stage name of Iron & Wine—is well familiar with what it means to incorporate atmosphere and ambiance. Over the course of a 20-year career, he’s created a spectral sound characterized by ethereal arrangements and mesmerizing melodies, making every album alluring, intriguing, subtle and yet seductive. A former Miami school teacher, he’s expanded his efforts to include various casts of collaborators, although he still retains an enigmatic presence that bonds subtlety to substance. It’s an elusive approach, to be sure—perhaps best described as music of a nu-folk variety, all tender melodies gleaned from a decidedly progressive stance—yet those melodies are unfailingly lovely, literate, sensual and seductive. Those who have yet to be fully exposed to Beam’s work would be well-advised to check out the recent soundtrack Who Can See Forever, a collection of standout songs from Iron & Wine’s extensive catalog, before quickly moving on to Beam’s latest opus, the recently-released Light Verse A conceptual piece, it features a calm and caressing cinematic sweep combining elegy and illumination. Also plan to witness Iron & Wine in concert in order to fully appreciate the mesmerizing mystique that Beam and company prove so consistently capable of creating. Iron & Wine with special guest Amythyst Kiah brings the Light Verse 2024 Tour to the Union Event Center at 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 18. Tickets cost $42.50 plus fees, GA only, at ticketmaster.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

Glass Generation, Still Fighting God, Vaseline (The Band), Cataract @ The Beehive 6/19

Summer is for a lot of things—one of the most important being going to concerts and rocking your face off. If you don’t know where to go to do that this week, look no further: This show will especially appeal to those who love to headbang to emo/alternative/punk rock vibes. Glass Generation brings their version of West Coast emo to SLC for an exciting show, with local favorites on the same bill. Glass Generation’s most recent EP Never Better is a high-energy, allout fun time that’s perfect for any summer playlist. Joining Glass Generation is SLC’s own Still Fighting God. They are, “a band of emotionally powerful people, SFG began in a dimly lit bar, at a table strewn with half eaten pretzels and empty glasses in SLC, Utah,” according to their BandCamp page. “SFG’s goal is to make music we like, defeat the forces of evil, and find the holy grail,” the bio continues. SFG is just as fun as they make themselves sound in their bio. Their debut EP Purgatory Inc. is a body of work that any punk fan can get behind, featuring callbacks to the classics while also feeling fresh, lively and new. Vaseline (The Band) recently debuted their first single as well, titled, “Logan didn’t buy me oatmeal cookies. (Hate song),” and it’s one you need to hear for yourself. Last but not least on the bill is Cataract, another SLC group who know how to bring the noise. Come rock out on Wednesday, June 19 at The Beehive (7 p.m). Tickets for the all-ages show are $10 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

MC Chris

Iron & Wine

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

The term “maze” has various meanings. Most commonly, it signifies a puzzling cluster of choices that lead nowhere and bode frustration. But there are more positive meanings of the word. In ancient myths, a maze was where heroes underwent ritual tests. There, they might summon ingenuity to win access to a hidden treasure. In modern psychology labs, the maze is a structure used to stimulate learning in rats. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the maze you are now in is metaphorically akin to the second two meanings, not the first.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

There is an abundance of good news, Taurus. In the coming weeks, your conversations could awaken realizations that will augment your wealth—both the financial and emotional kind. So be eager to commune with vigorous souls who inspire your power to attract resources and goodies. Furthermore, you could generate enriching benefits for yourself by engaging with unfamiliar influences that are outside your web of expectations. Don’t be too sure you already know everything you need. Helpful surprises could arrive if you’re extra open-minded.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Though 2024 isn’t even half over, you have already earned the title “Least Boring Zodiac Sign of the Year.” Or maybe a more positive way to frame it would be to award you the title “Most Scintillating, Interesting and Stimulating Zodiac Sign of the Year.” Please keep doing what you have been doing, Gemini. Entertain us with your unruly escapades and gossip-worthy breakthroughs. Encourage us to question our dull certainties and dare us to be more fun. If we seem nervous to be in your stirring presence, disarm our worries with your humor.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Your subconscious mind is full of marvelous capacities and magic potencies. But it also contains old habits of feeling and thinking that influence you to respond to life in ways that are out of sync with what’s actually happening. These habits may sabotage or undermine your conscious intentions. Now here’s the good news: In the next nine months, there’s a lot you can do to dissolve the outmoded imprints. You will have more power than ever before to perform this wizardry. So get started! How? Ask your subconscious mind to send you intuitions about how to proceed.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

The fairy tale “Jack and the Beanstalk” will serve as a prime metaphor for you in the coming weeks. Ruminate on its themes as being applicable to your life. I’ll refresh you with the main points of the story. Young Jack and his mother need money, so she decides to take drastic measures. She bids him to sell the family cow at the marketplace a few miles away. But on the way into town, Jack meets a man who coaxes him to sell the cow in exchange for magic beans—not money. When Jack returns home, his mother is angry at his foolishness. In disgust, she flings the beans out the window into the dirt. Later, though, the beans live up to their promise. They grow into a giant beanstalk that Jack climbs to reach the lair of a giant who lives in the clouds. There, Jack retrieves three of his family’s lost treasures, which had been stolen by the giant long ago.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Before the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the third century BCE, Chinese people had built many local walls designed to keep out invaders. Qin Shi Huang initiated a great public works project to connect all of these fragments into what’s now known as the Great Wall of China. He also erected a vast system of roads and a city-sized mausoleum filled with the Terracotta Army: sculptures of 8,000 soldiers with their chariots and horses. Qin Shi Huang was a big thinker who was also highly organized! In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to glide into your very own Qin Shi Huang phase. What long-lasting structures do you want to build in the next 11 months?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Psychologist Carl Jung believed we could accomplish profound self-transformation by working hard on our psyches’ unripe and wounded aspects. That might entail honest self-examination, objective observation of how we affect others, and a willingness to recognize and forgive our mistakes. Jung also recommended another way to heal our neuroses: through the power of numinous experiences. By “numinous,” he meant mystical, sublime or awe-inspiring. Jung said that such visitations could radically diminish our painful habits of mind and feeling. They might arrive through grace, thanks to life’s surprising interventions. They may also be coaxed to appear through meditation, dreamwork, communing with myth and fairy tales and spiritual practices. I foresee a wealth of numinous events in your life during the coming months, Libra. May they bring you a steady stream of healing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

In a moment, I will list events I foresee as being possible for you during the next 11 months. They are cosmic tendencies but not cosmic mandates. Whether or not they actually occur will depend on how you wield your willpower—which, by the way, could be freer and more muscular than it has been in a long time. Now here are the potential developments: 1. An offer to create one of the most symbiotic unions or robust collaborations ever; 2. Great chances for you to capitalize on the success of others; 3. Alterations in the family configuration; 4. Major shifts in loyalty and affinity; 5. A raise in rank; 6. Revelations of secrets you can use to your advantage.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Have you been metaphysically itchy and psychologically ticklish? Are you unsure whether those tingling sensations you’re feeling are worrisome symptoms or signs of healing and awakening? I believe they are signs of healing and awakening. They suggest you are doing the metaphorical equivalent of what a snake does when it sheds its skin. Expect imminent redemption, Sagittarius! Reframe the discomfort as a herald of relief and release.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

It’s time for Super Mom to make an appearance. Some circumstances in your life could benefit from healing tweaks best initiated by her. And when I say “Super Mom,” I’m not necessarily referring to your actual mother. I’m envisioning a wise older woman who sees you as you really are and who can assist you in living your destiny according to your own inner necessity, no one else’s. If you have no Super Mom in your world, see if you can locate one, even hire one. I also recommend creating an inner Super Mom in your imagination. You need and deserve sympathetic input from the archetype of the sage crone.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

I suspect that later in 2024, I will authorize you to commune with boisterous adventures and tricky risks. But right now, I advise you to flirt with modest adventures and sensible risks. Can you contain your burning, churning yearnings for a while? Are you willing to coax your crazy, wild heart into enjoying some mild pleasures? By early autumn, I’m guessing you will have done the necessary preparations to successfully roam through the experimental frontiers. Until then, you are most likely to corral X-factors on your behalf if you pace yourself and bide your time.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

“Oh God, if there is a God, save my soul, if I have a soul.” That prayer was the handiwork of Piscean philosopher Joseph Ernest Renan. If his ironic minimalism is the only spiritual aspiration you can manage right now, so be it. But I hope you will strive for a more intimate, expansive and personal connection with the Divine Intelligence. The coming weeks will be an extra favorable time for you to speak and listen to mysterious powers beyond your rational comprehension. Please take advantage! Go in quest of the sweet, deep lowdown directly from the Sublime Source!

urban LIVING

Get the Lead Out

Two weeks ago, the city of Atlanta, Georgia, had no water for several days. People are still being told to boil their water in some neighborhoods. More than 1.2 million customers are served with culinary water from the Chattahoochee River, but their water pipes are nearly 100 years old, corroded and decayed.

The photos of urban geysers occurring around the city are astounding. Their water department says that there are normally 30 water main breaks each month.

The Environmental Protection Agency has new rules for lead and copper pipes, and is requiring water systems around the U.S. to document all water service pipe material within their districts. In 1991, the EPA published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water and continues to update the data and requirements for reporting. This is super important, because older pipes are often made of lead and/or copper, and extended exposure to those elements may cause health problems ranging from stomach distress to brain damage.

Salt Lake City’s Department of Public Utilities has sent out a notice to homeowners to take a survey about the pipes in their own homes, so as to find out what they are made of. SLCDPU is responsible for the water main to the water meter at your home while residents are responsible for the water line from the meter to their house.

Our government wants to know if you have replaced your service line and, if so, with what type of material. Lead has been prohibited in plumbing materials since 1986, but that doesn’t mean lead pipes aren’t still underground running water to your home.

We got a random request to fill out a survey about our pipes. But not being plumbers, we’re not sure what’s what, so we are being offered a complimentary water sample and home inspection from SLCDPU this week.

Would I have to immediately yank out all our pipes if they are lead or copper? I’m hoping not, but then again, I don’t want lead in my water! Anyone can fill out the survey as well as get a free home visit to figure out what’s going on with your pipes.

The team at SLCDPU wants folks to know that our water is safe and regularly tested for lead and other harmful contaminants in the distribution system. To take the survey, go to www. slcleadandcopper.com or call 844-5323752 for more information.

More than 60% of drinking water available on the Wasatch Front begins in our canyon streams. In the summer, the flow is supplemented with deep wells throughout the valleys and although we had another great snow year in the northern part of the state, we’re still experiencing drought conditions.

As of March 2024, about 31% of the state is still experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Plus, much of the water system matrix around the state is quite aged and lines in Logan and Odgen are under repair now, so who knows when the next break will be upon us in Utah. n

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. As of yet

6. Judge’s seat, in law

10. “Ray Donovan” actor Schreiber

14. Jumper cable terminal

15. As well

16. Give the creepy eye to

17. Remove all the dirt and grime from

19. Server operating system

20. Release

21. Three-part vacuum tube in old TVs

23. “___ Little Tenderness”

24. Becomes enraged

25. Double sextet

28. Borrower

29. 2001 high-tech debut

30. Apt answer for this clue

32. It had a hub at JFK

35. Keanu’s “Matrix” role

36. What you may need to do to understand the four sets of circled letters

37. Talking computer in “2001: A Space Odyssey”

38. Slippery tree

39. Inquisition target

40. Clock feature

41. Kicks out

43. Injection also used to treat migraines

44. Gangsters’ headwear, in old movies

46. Tiger sound

48. Cider fodder

49. England-Scandinavia separator

53. Golden State sch.

54. They’re unbiased and accepting, and not short-sighted

56. Wine bouquet

57. Expert pilots

58. Rice-___ (“The San Francisco Treat”)

59. Lawyer, for short 60. Put a stop to 61. “The Walking Dead” villain

DOWN

1. Rude response

2. “Falling Slowly” musical

3. Ticonderoga, e.g.

4. Took on grown-up errands, so to speak

5. Like a phoenix

6. Lightweight modeling wood

7. Out of the breeze, to a sailor

8. Hush-hush govt. group

9. In a satisfied way

10. Thelma’s cohort, in film

11. “Disregard what you just saw ...”

12. Avoid some syllables

13. Bewildered

18. Slyly shy

22. Change color again

24. Peasants of yore

25. Feast

26. European car manufacturer

27. Went by quickly

28. “One of ___ great mysteries ...”

30. Locale in a Clash title

31. “Everybody ___” (REM song)

33. Home of Baylor University

34. James Patterson detective Cross

36. Hobbits’ homeland

40. Available to rent

42. Tennis shot

43. Role for Keaton and Kilmer

44. Animals, collectively

45. Disney World acronym

46. “I Only ___ the Ones I Love” (Jeffrey Ross book)

47. Airport code for O’Hare

Last week’s answers

Complete the grid so that each row, column, diagonal and 3x3 square contain all of the numbers 1 to 9. No math is involved. The grid has numbers, but nothing

49. “Great British Bake-Off” co-host Fielding

50. Make out in Manchester

51. ___ Mode of “The Incredibles”

52. “O ___ Oscar”

55. “His Master’s Voice” company

NEWS of the WEIRD

Unclear on the Concept

Corey Harris, 44, attended his pre-trial hearing on driving with a suspended license remotely, over Zoom, on May 15, The New York Times reported. No problem with that, but as Harris checked into the meeting with the Washtenaw County District Court in Michigan, he told the judge, “I’m pulling into my doctor’s office, actually, so just give me one second, I’m parking right now.” Huh. Video showed Harris in the driver’s seat and turning the wheel as he located a parking spot. “So maybe I don’t understand something,” Judge J. Cedric Simpson said. “This is a driver with a license suspended?” Harris’ attorney, Natalie Pate, confirmed the charge. “And he was just driving?” Simpson asked. Seconds of silence went by, with Harris appearing to realize his mistake. “That is correct, your honor,” Pate said. “I don’t know why he would do that,” the judge answered, right before he revoked Harris’ bond and ordered him to turn himself in by 6 p.m. His next hearing was on June 5.

Enough Is Enough

n Lopburi, Thailand, also known as monkey town, has had it up to here with about 2,500 marauding macaques terrorizing the townsfolk, the Associated Press reported. As such, on May 24, the town launched the first phase of a plan to catch and remove the monkeys: cages baited with rambutan fruit, their favorite. The problem? The simians are smart: “If some of them go into the cage and are caught, the others outside won’t enter the cage ... because they’ve already learnt what’s happened to their friends,” said Patarapol Maneeorn from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Lopburi’s mayor said that while the monkeys bring in tourists, shops and malls have lost income and people’s homes have been damaged. Those that are caught will be sterilized and tattooed so they can be tracked. Then they’ll move to large holding pens, where they’ll await repatriation.

n In Snettisham, Norfolk, in the U.K., it’s feral chickens that are plaguing the town. The flock of 100 or so chickens dig up gardens and are so loud that residents have to use earplugs at night, United Press International reported. The Snettisham Parish Council said it is “seeking specialist advice from various sources,” but some residents object to the idea of moving the chickens away. “They are part of the fabric of the village,” said chicken supporter Rebecca Chilvers. The council invited residents to a meeting to air their opinions.

Fan-atic

Tara Berry of Topeka, Kansas, secured a Guinness World Record for the most tattoos of the same musician on her body, United Press International reported on May 23. Berry, who sports 18 tattoos of Madonna, said she got the first one in 2016. The inks span the singer’s career. Berry estimated she’s spent nearly $10,000 on them.

RIP

The Smoking Gun reported on May 24 that the world’s most arrested man, Henry Earl, 74, had passed away. Earl had racked up more than 1,500 total arrests during his lifetime and spent a cumulative 6,000 nights in jail. Since 2017, Earl had been living in a nursing home in Owenton, Kentucky, near where his first arrest took place in July 1970 (for carrying a concealed weapon). Most of his offenses were fueled by alcohol and didn’t include violent crimes. He was laid to rest in the Owenton cemetery.

Weird Warfare

The South Korean military announced on May 29 that it had found 260 balloons that had drifted across the demilitarized zone between it and North Korea, The New York Times reported. The balloons were carrying bags full of ... trash, such as cigarette butts, used shoes and compost. The bags were reportedly released according to timers attached to the balloons. “We issue a stern warning to North Korea to stop this anti-humanitarian and dirty operation,” South Korea warned. But North Korea pledged to send more to exercise its “freedom of expression.”

It’s Nice To Have a Hobby

For 10 years, residents of North Enid Avenue in Azusa, California, have been putting up with a pesky nuisance: a serial slingshot shooter. The New York Times reported that people would find broken windows on their cars or homes and little ball bearings strewn about. “Many times I came outside, and I would find little BBs by the front door,” said Monica Palomino. Finally, police have nabbed the vandal: 81-year-old Prince Raymond King, who also lived on the block. Azusa Police Cpl. Benjamin Cypher said several recent incidents had allowed them to narrow their search down to King’s address, where they found the slingshot and ball bearings. “We’re not aware of any kind of motive other than just malicious mischief,” Lt. Jake Bushey said. King was ordered to stay away from his neighborhood and return to court on June 17. He pleaded not guilty and then died days later.

Clothing Optional

A Virgin Australia flight headed for Melbourne had to return to Perth on May 27 after a man allegedly ran naked down the aisle shortly after takeoff, The Guardian reported. Police said the man also “knocked a crew member to the floor.” One passenger reported “a lot of yelling and screaming” near the cockpit as the man charged forward. The man was pinned to the floor by air marshals; he was then handcuffed and led to the rear of the plane. Federal police met the aircraft on its return to Perth and arrested him.

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com