South Salt Lake Journal | March 2024

STUDENTS CREATE ‘A

THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS

By Jesse M. Gonzalez | j.gonzalez@mycityjournals.com

Salt Lake Community College’s George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Art Gallery hosted the Beloved Community Photography Project and exhibit open house on Feb. 13 for its ninth year in celebration of Black History month. The project is seen through the eyes of local sixth graders and middle school students to convey their personal meaning of a “beloved community.”

The term, “Beloved Community,” was originally coined by theologian and philosopher Josiah Royce and made popular by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was a member of Royce’s Fellowship of Reconciliation. It means to live in harmony, and as King said in a 1957 speech, Birth of a New Nation, “The aftermath of nonviolence in the creation of the beloved community.”

“Basically, the students are given a camera and they’re just basically told to go out and take pictures of their community, what they love about their community, and I think it’s great—it always impresses me,” said Paulette Nemelka, a sixth-grade teacher at Whittier Elementary which neighbors SLCC’s south city campus.

Cameras for the students are supplied by Salt Lake Community College specifically for the project. For a week, students are able to take as many pictures as they’d like, and then each student will decide on one picture from a selection that the college chooses. The two schools currently involved in the project and exhibit are Whittier Ele-

Continued page 5

Sixth graders and middle school students have their photographic works displayed at the Eccles Art Gallery in South Salt Lake City. (Jesse M.

High-quality, innovative health care with a heavy dose of compassion

With a focus on health care excellence, community service and faith – the doctors, nurses and care teams at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley and Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley West are committed to compassionate and high-quality care for their neighbors.

It has been nearly a year since CommonSpirit Health took over five Wasatch Front hospitals that now bear the name Holy Cross, a reference to the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who brought Catholic, faith-based health care to the people of Utah nearly 150 years ago. Today, the hospitals are reinvigorating the Sisters’ vision while caring for all with open arms.

“Our care is focused on neighbors helping neighbors, whether they be in West Jordan, West Valley City, or our surrounding communities,” said Christine McSweeney, CEO of Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley and Interim CEO at its sister hospital in West Valley City. “Our care providers live in these communities, and we are committed to playing an active role in improving the health of those around us – inside and outside of our hospital walls.”

Besides innovative health care in services that include orthopedics, bariatric programs, a cancer center, heart care, stroke accreditation and a Trauma III ER, the hospital’s teams are actively involved in helping to make the communities better, from leading food drives at local schools to partnering with the American Heart Association to educate our communities on heart health.

Through its Hello Humankindness program, CommonSpirit is actively promoting the health benefits

of kindness and recognizing employees who go above and beyond the call of their jobs to help those in need.

“We believe that simple acts of kindness have a profound impact on the lives of our patients and communities, in addition to the medical expertise that our doctors and nurses provide,” McSweeney said.

The community-focused work also involves close partnerships with local first responders, including fire departments and EMS agencies, who understand the advanced medical care that CommonSpirit provides at its Holy Cross hospitals when patients need an ambulance.

“They know we have some of the most advanced stroke care in our communities and some of the most advanced heart care,” McSweeney added.

CommonSpirit’s mission includes advancing social justice for all, and last fall, it bestowed eight grants from its Health Equity & Advancement Fund to local nonprofits that are working every day to improve lives in ways that include health screenings for Spanishspeaking neighbors and mental health treatment for children and families.

With a long legacy of service and healing, CommonSpirit is just getting started in extending health care excellence for all Utahns at the Holy Cross hospitals.

“Our vision is a healthier future for all – inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity,” McSweeney said.

Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.

SPONSORED

Christine McSweeney, CEO

South Salt Lake Civilian Review Board seeks applicants to help build rapport between public and the police

By Jesse M. Gonzalez | j.gonzalez@mycityjournals.com

Applications for advisory board members are underway for the South Salt Lake Civilian Review Board (CRB). Finalized in 2022 to create more transparency and rapport between the community and the SSL police department, the South Salt Lake Civilian Review stills holds the same values today. The CRB is only established in two other cities in Salt Lake County (Salt Lake City and West Valley City).

Public trust in law enforcement has dwindled in recent years due to the tragic and nationwide felt murder of George Floyd as well as the civil unrest and protests that followed, among other caveats and episodes of police brutality. That is why the CRB has stepped up to act.

“Supporting these efforts is the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement,” said Joy Glad, chair member of the CRB who is working with outreach coordinator Joseph Dane to promote the CRB and to implement the public’s input. NACOLE is a nonprofit organization that has been supporting independent civilian oversight of policing for the last 25 years via training, resources and support to local communities.

The CRB consists of seven voting members, two non-voting members, and one advisor, who is obliged by ordinance to have prior law enforcement experience though not currently employed by the city. “The CRB voting and non-voting members are not allowed, by ordinance, to have been or to be current law enforcement. The board ensures a diverse representation that reflects the community it serves,” Glad said.

Through civilian oversight, trust between the police department and the community they are sworn to protect is a primary goal for the CRB. “By facilitating a review process that is free from bias and grounded in real-life police practices, the CRB provides independent oversight and analysis of cases related to police use of force and vehicle pursuit,” Glad said.

Since its establishment, the CRB has “Reviewed over 250 cases associated with police use of force or vehicle pursuit in both 2022 and 2023…as mandated by regula -

tions, the CRB submits quarterly and annual reports on all the cases reviewed to the City Council, ensuring transparency,” Glad said. Public access to these reports can be found on the city’s website.

The Civilian Review Board did release their 2023 end of the year report in February to enhance and maintain transparency, which did yield some positive results, such as “the absence of any formal requests for change in the [police] department,” Glad said.

As for the CRB’s search for new members, applicants need only one qualification: “Applicants must either be residents of South Salt Lake or representatives of businesses located within the city’s boundaries,” Glad said.

“Board members are compensated for their time at each monthly meeting at a current rate of $70. It’s not the money that persuades community members to join this cause; it’s the ability to do something positive and hold institutions accountable and knowing you are part of the solution,” Dane said.

Who is the ideal candidate? “The CRB is looking for team members that are dedicated to learning and growth. We encourage diversity in our workforce and value a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Working in an environment of transparency, we prioritize open communication and collaboration,” Glad said.

“Overall, the CRB’s monthly meetings follow a structured format that combines open and closed sessions. This allows for both public input and internal deliberations, facilitating a fair and inclusive decision-making process. This ensures that they are able to fully explore the details of each case and consider all relevant factors before making decisions,” Glad said.

From addressing training needs to proposing changes to policies, the Civilian Review Board is on a path of continuous progression to enhance its interaction with the community and the police department, with its two main focal points being the recruitment of new members and creating more community involvement so it can track and

measure the public’s trust.

“It’s been the same board members since it started in 2021, and the board needs a stable set of revolving members when tenure is met,” Dane said. “There is only good news and good things coming from the CRB, thanks to Joy and the other advisory board members.” l

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Blue skies over South Salt Lake City Hall. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

mentary and Glendale Middle School.

The project was started by Richard Scott, the dean of arts, communication & media, and Josh Elstein, the project manager of the center for arts and media. “Mr. Josh Elstein approached me and we were the first school to do it nine years ago,” Nemelka said. “We’ve been doing it ever since. We even did it during the COVID year.”

An important figure of the event was Marian Howe-Taylor, a special projects manager for the college with a historical connection with the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

“My parents were—my grandparents and extended family—very involved in civil rights…my parents marched with him [Martin Luther King], my father in particular,” said Howe-Taylor, who was given the Outstanding Achievement Award for social justice at YWCA Utah’s LeaderLuncheon, an annual fundraising event.

Part of Howe-Taylor’s job is to visit classrooms and share her stories of growing up in Boston and her family’s involvement in civil rights as well as the historical march with King. Howe-Taylor also wanted to help students understand and artistically capture what a “beloved community” means to them.

“The history is: my mother’s cousin Dr. Virgil Wood worked closely with King, and he was one of the trainers for nonviolent civil action in Boston,” Howe-Tay-

It’s important for students, especially at such a ripe age to take in that kind of information and be able to understand it and figure out a way to express their concepts of a beloved community and try to bring awareness and make change.

lor said. “My father was trained by Virgil and others, and participated in the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge…and in 1963, I thought we were at the march, but we watched it on television. So I just have this memory of hearing King’s voice and hearing the messages of nonviolence, you know, how to be compassionate, how to withstand hatred.

“My father and others—which I still can’t believe how they did this—were trained to withstand being hosed, having police dogs, you know, bite you; having somebody come up behind you at a lunch counter and put their cigarette out on your head, you know, just horrific stuff.”

Howe-Taylor sighed and took a breath, looking down at the chair in which she sat.

“When I asked my father just before he died in 2020, ‘Why did you go? Why’d you go to the Edmund Pettus Bridge?’

The night before the march…there were

Whitney Hyans

people killed. And my father said, ‘I was willing to give my life if it meant that you and your siblings would have a better one.’ And that’s still something I wrestle with because I don’t know if I could do that,” Taylor-Howe said. “My father was Theodore Howe.”

Students, parents, teachers and faculty members looked at the photographs hung on the walls of the gallery, including the artists’ statements that showcased their experiences and notions of their “beloved” community, a concept that Martin Luther King, Jr. protested for.

“I was just reading some of them, and I was so impressed with what some of the kids—they go really deep, how they tied a community to what they love,” said Nemelka, whose elementary school garnered 80 sixth graders to participate in the photography project.

Sixth-grader Micah, who took a photo

of a guide sign on the border of Yellowstone National Park on a family vacation, a seemingly important place for him, angled to also capture the trees and a half murky and half sunlit sky, has a similar hobby outside of school. “I have a video camera at home. I also have a tripod. I do some small things with movies,” said Micah, though he would like to be a “board game designer” when he is older.

“It’s important for students, especially at such a ripe age to take in that kind of information and be able to understand it and figure out a way to express their concepts of a beloved community and try to bring awareness and make change,” said Whitney Hyans, a professor at Salt Lake Community College who teaches photography.

The students will get to return their photos back to their affiliated schools once the exhibit ends and hang them up so the younger grades can “see what they can look forward to in sixth grade and see the great artists with the camera,” Nemelka said. “We love it! My kids always look forward to it.”

“We’re gonna keep it going and hopefully draw more schools and get more schools involved,” Hyans said. “We got some talented, talented photographers, and their artist statements too are really touching and amazing.”

“I think it’s needed,” Howe-Taylor said. “The conversation about social change and nonviolent civil action. I think all of that is relevant.” l

Continued from front page

Marian Howe-Taylor shares a smile as the concept of a “beloved community” reaches a younger generation. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

Paulette Nemelka stands proudly next to some of her sixth-grade students’ photos. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

Professor Whitney Hyans, who teaches photography at SLCC, is happy to see another year of The Beloved Community Photography Project and hopes that there will be many more. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/ City Journals)

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Going into the 4A state tournament, if you followed Cottonwood swimming you kind of knew that seniors Natty Alonso and Adessa Talbot would be in the running for medals—you just weren’t sure where and how many.

On Feb. 18 after two full days of swimming, both found themselves on the podium twice at BYU’s Natatorium.

Alonso, who is Cottonwood’s senior and team captain, had the Colts’ lone individual silver medal at the 100 backstroke final, where she finished the race in 58.57, one second behind an athlete from Timpanogos.

Alonso would grab her second individual medal of the day in the 50 freestyle, reaching the wall in a time of 24.70 seconds for the bronze.

Talbot is committed to Western Colorado, but the Cottonwood senior also won some hardware on Saturday. She crossed the line in the 200 individual medley in 2:14.84, a time that was good enough for a bronze medal at the 4A state tournament.

Talbot would grab her second individual medal of the day in the 100 butter-

fly, touching the wall in 59.22 seconds, a bronze medal-winning time.

In addition to the two medals that both Alonso and Talbot were able to win on Saturday, the Cottonwood girls won a team medal as well when they captured silver in the 200 medley relay at BYU, the school that head coach Ron Lockwood swam for.

On the boys side of the state championships bracket, Cottonwood had one swimmer stand out.

Bode Anders completed the 200 individual medley in seventh place, finishing the eight laps at BYU in a time of 2 minutes and 5 seconds.

Anders also competed in the 100 butterfly finals, but was disqualified for an unspecified reason. At the time of the finish, he was in sixth place.

“We’re awfully proud of the results we’re getting from the swimmers in what coach Lockwood thought might be a bit of an ‘down year’ here,” said Cottonwood Athletic Director Greg Southwick after Alonso and Talbot each came home with a haul of two golds, a silver and a bronze medal at the Region 10 Championships.

For both Alonso and Talbot and the majority of Cottonwood’s team that swims for the Wasatch Front Fish Market club team, the focus will now turn toward the Utah State Senior Championships in April where Talbot will look to repeat her

success from last year when she had three season-bests. Alonso also notched two season-bests at last year’s state championships at the club level. l

Comcast helps private school implement updated technology for security and connectivity

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

When high school students and faculty at American Heritage School went back to class last September, they were given a personal MacBook Air to use throughout their high school experience. With more people logging onto the internet, the need for connectivity soared. The school looked for a solution that would increase bandwidth.

Levi Crockett, the school’s education technology director, reached out to Comcast for solutions. Daniel Jasinski was the Comcast sales associate who helped work on the two main problems facing the school: the ability to manage their network and the need for visibility of the network.

“We brought in some specialty teams within Comcast business for a managed Wi-Fi solution, like the ability to have visibility and setting up managed firewalls,” Jasinski said. “They definitely valued the kind of innovative approach that Comcast business had. We’re honored to provide the necessary communication equipment and services that will fuel their school’s growth and educational initiatives.”

Internet safety was a big concern for American Heritage. Along with protection

against cyberattacks, ensuring students were safe online was imperative. With Comcast’s help, the school’s IT team will be able to set protocols in place to monitor websites students visit and to create safeguards and firewalls to increase online safety.

“That’s something that’s top of mind for them. As a private school in American Fork, they have some pretty significant concerns,” Jasinski said. “We’re actually taking that off their plate so they can focus on the important things, such as educating the kids. Let Comcast business be the security experts when it comes to your Wi-Fi.”

Not only will Comcast provide all the hardware and access points necessary to increase internet speed for the school, but it will help build a sustainable network to take the school into the future. It took several months to resolve the issue at American Heritage School, but moving forward, the school is in better shape for technology and growth.

Jasinski said many organizations and businesses should take a look at their current internet system to see if it has the appropriate bandwidth and be willing to

upgrade to avoid a potential crash. If the internet seems slow or if there’s an expansion into cloud computing, talking with Comcast could be the fastest way to increase speed and capability while keeping the network operational.

“There’s a general trend among businesses in Utah that are striving for business growth and initiatives and they need the technology to support those initiatives that will expand their network and their operational execution.”

The updated infrastructure for American Heritage will be completed in June, in time for the next school year. Crockett said working with Comcast was the best choice

they could have made.

“The expertise, professionalism and organization demonstrated in our interview and onboarding processes has been seamless,” he said. “Comcast has left no stone unturned. The lesson we learned that could benefit other organizations is that you can really tell the quality of an organization by how efficiently and exactly they implement well-thought-out procedures and operations.”

To learn how Comcast Business Solutions can support your business needs, contact Jasinski at daniel_jasinski@comcast. com, 801-946-7415 or business.comcast. com/contact. l

American Heritage School looked to Comcast to increase connectivity, internet safety and manageability for its high school students and staff. (Stock photo)

OBESITY: This study is for adults over 18 and older who have type 2 diabetes, are obese, are overweight, and are at a high risk of heart or blood vessel disease. You must have a BMI greater than 25kg. This study can last one year or two years, depending on which group you get selected for. There are 20 clinic visits and 7 phone calls. To see if you qualify, call 801-542-8190.

HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA: This study is for adults 18 and older who have hypercholesterolemia, and is 60 weeks long. There are two groups you could get put into for this study. There are 8 visits and one phone call. You must have a history of major ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) which is a build-up of cholesterol plaque in the arteries. If you have no history of a major ASCVD but are intermediate to high risk for the development of a first major event, you may also be eligible to participate. Compensation may be provided if you qualify.

HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA: Statin-naive or statin-stable subjects - Do you have high TG levels (higher than 3-00)? If you are between the ages of 18 and 79, and are currently on a statin or non-statin lipid-altering therapy of more than 200mg/day. You must be stable for more than 28 days prior to the first TG baseline qualifying measurement visit. You should remain stable thereafter for the duration of the study. This study is 28 weeks long and there are 8 visits and 2 phone calls. You must have a BMI no greater than 50, compensation may be provided if you qualify.

COVID BOOSTER: This study is for adults 50 and older who have been previously vaccinated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. You must be medically stable; you must agree to not participate in any other SARS-CoV-2 prevention or treatment trials for the study. You must have previously received 3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with the last dose having been given 90 days or longer. This study is 7.5 months long. There are 4 visits and one phone call. Call us today to see if you qualify, compensation may be provided.

Why A Locally Owned, Family Operated Mortuary Really Matters

Larkin Mortuary is the most respected funeral home in the Salt Lake Valley. Its pioneer founder, George William Larkin, arrived in Utah in 1863, having emigrated from Cambridge, England. He started the Larkin tradition of arranging funerals in 1885 and today, with seven generations of history serving Utah families, Larkin Mortuary remains locally family owned and managed.

Our quality reputation is everything to our business and we have established ourselves in the local community as a quali ed and trusted resource. We are not a national franchise and are not controlled by any outside in uences. Larkin can meet any need by providing all varieties of funeral and graveside services, cremation facilities, cemeteries, indoor and outdoor mausoleums, cremation niche and scattering gardens, personalized life memorials and legacy keepsakes.

One of the most important aspects of being locally owned and operated is our rsthand knowledge of the communities we serve. With 139 years of excellence and innovation in providing quality memorial products and compassionate service, Larkin Mortuary provides a full spectrum of end of life services.

Being a quali ed resource to you is our core mission. Larkin’s vertically integrated services provide a premier oral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, and beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. This full range of services o ers individuals and families the exibility to design a custom memorial tribute for their loved one. Multilingual sta honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures. Larkin can also assist with legal transactions and documentation for timely and e cient transfers to other countries.

We are community minded and donate either monetarily or with our time to many worthwhile causes in the local area. Being community-minded is who we are. It de nes our character and provides a solid foundation with the people we serve.

Memorial preplanning services are o ered by quali ed and compassionate Larkin counselors who will help determine nal wishes. Advanced funeral arrangements can provide peace of mind knowing that end of life plans are complete and will be carried out exactly as speci ed. Preplanning reduces the details and decisions loved ones must confront during a time of grief.

The family and sta at Larkin Mortuary understand that arranging a funeral or memorial service is a deeply personal experience. Realizing the sacred nature of the profession, Larkin is honored to serve the community by providing genuine care at this sensitive time of life.

Our memorial services are available in any of our beautiful buildings amongst our four locations along the Wasatch Front or in a building of your choice.

For more information, please visit www.larkinmortuary.com or call (801) 363-5781 for an appointment with an experienced funeral director.

Colts capture second region title in a row

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

The Lady Colts basketball team captured the Region 10 title.

Junior Avea van der Beek averaged just a shade under 10 points per game for Cottonwood and is one of the Colts’ main forces inside as the team’s second leading scorer.

With sophomore Carley Caton who averages the same number of points and rebounds as van der Beek and is the Colts’ leading scorer by half of a percentage point, Cottonwood had two formidable presences in the interior when both were available.

The Colts earned the No. 4 seed in 4A receiving a bye to the second round of the state tournament where they fell in a heartbreaker to Desert Hills 49-48.

Cottonwood rolled to an 11-game winning streak to end the season. But the key to their success didn’t come as easy as some might think.

There were some fits and starts that the Colts had to go through to find their identity during the preseason, according to head coach Teresa Soracco, but they’ve pulled through those hard times.

According to Athletic Director Greg Southwick, who also serves as one of the team’s assistant coaches, the main reason that Cottonwood is winning is due to an experienced backcourt led by Ciel Budge

and Alivia Hutton.

“Our two guards are leading the way, especially Ciel and then Alivia is playing great defensively,” said Southwick of the Colts’ two starting seniors.

For a Cottonwood team that had five players averaging between eight to 10 points per game when you include junior Ashlyn Tripp, it’s uncanny balance to have on any team.

One good reason to keep an eye on this Colts team, according to Southwick?

“We’ve won 11 games in a row,” he said.

In the absence of van der Beek the last two games of the season, the Colts have seen other players step up and carry the load. Hutton poured in 13 points at Stansbury Feb. 13 and then had 14 at Park City on Feb. 16.

Ciel Budge did similarly for Cottonwood, scoring 13 at Stansbury and 11 at Park City. [Caton also filled in admirably at Park City, scoring 14 points for her teammate.] Kya Budge also chipped in five points for Cottonwood, tying a season-high.

The Lady Colts have also played stingy defense since December, having only allowed one of those 11 past opponents to score more than 50 points in a game. l

Serving Families Since 1885

LARKIN MORTUARY HONORS FAMILY PIONEER HERITAGE

Larkin Mortuary is one of the most respected funeral homes in the Salt Lake Valley. Its pioneer founder, George William Larkin, arrived in Utah in 1863, having emigrated from Cambridge, England. He started the Larkin tradition of arranging funerals in 1885. Today, with seven generations of history serving Utah families, four mortuaries, cremation facilities and two cemeteries, Larkin Mortuary remains locally family owned and managed.

Larkin’s vertically integrated services also provide a premier floral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, along with beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. Multilingual staff honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures.

Head coach Tes Soracco, seen here in 2022, led the Colts to its second region title in a row. (File photo City Journals)

Granite Credit Union invests in students

Granite Credit Union awarded four scholarships to students in Salt Lake County during its annual member meeting in February. The winners were selected by the GCU board of directors after reviewing dozens of applications.

High school seniors Eleanore Croft (Highland High School), Jaelyn Forsyth (Murray High School), Ethan Luker (Cottonwood High School) and Thomas Marchant

(Anthem Preparatory School) each received $3,500 to help cover costs as they move on to college.

Students were selected for the scholarship based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities and community service. GCU has been awarding scholarships for several years as a way to invest in education in the county. l

ON THE MOVE

SSL ‘ON THE MOVE’ HIGHLIGHTS

What’s New: ADU’s, SODO, and Chinatown p. 7 City

Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm

801-483-6000

220 East Morris Ave SSL, UT 84115

Animal Service 801-483-6024

Building Permits 801-483-6063

Business Licensing 801-483-6063

Code Enforcement 801-464-6757

Fire Administration 801-483-6043

Justice Court 801-483-6072

Police Admin 801-412-3606

Promise 801-483-6057

Public Works 801-483-6045

Recreation 801-412-3217

Utility Billing 801-483-6074

Emergencies 911

Police/Fire Dispatch 801-840-4000

As South Salt Lake grows and hits new milestones, we’re committed to meeting the community’s needs and keeping residents first. Looking ahead to our 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, we’re investing in the upcoming needs to ensure our residents continue to benefit from quality services and amenities for years to come. One of my main priorities is infrastructure upgrades. By prioritizing our aging infrastructure, we minimize disruptions and ensure the public safety of our community members. Several big projects were set in motion or accomplished last year, with 2024 on track to be just as busy. Let’s take a moment to update you on these essential infrastructure projects in South Salt Lake.

In the ful llment of our budget objectives, let’s recognize that these projects take time and can be inconvenient. We appreciate your patience as we work on these construction projects, knowing they can be challenging to manage, especially with working crews on your street or in your neighborhood. Concerns or questions related to a project? SSL Neighborhoods Connect, connect@sslc. gov, 801-464-6757 is where you can go for answers.

Underground Projects: Water, Sewer, Stormwater

Thanks to the approved FY23-24 budget and the establishment of a Public Infrastructure District (PID) that was funded by private developers in Downtown SSL, significant investments were made in our utility infrastructure. Crucial projects like installing new pipes that service our water, sewer, and stormwater systems for residents. After decades of neglect on systems operating with pipes and culverts that are 50-plus years old, new tax revenue has allowed us to address these dire upgrade projects that will last for future generations. Key projects started in the last year include the installation of new sewer lines and drinking water pipes, replacing vintage fire hydrants, fixing water main breaks, and securing property for a

Over 50 trees and hundreds of pollinator plants were added this year at Fitts Park. A beautiful new Goshute Garden at West Fitts along Mill Creek was also added.

future culinary well site to quench our growing water demand.

Visible Projects: Streets, Street Lights, Sidewalks, Parks & Trails

At long last, 20 years in the making! In 2023, two bridges, at 900 West and over the Jordan River were completed. Parley’s Trail now connects West Valley, SSL, and SLC’s east bench to the Jordan River Trail.

Our commitment to enhancing quality of life in SSL is also taking place through various projects transforming the community landscape. From the reconstruction of 500 West to the repaving of Morris, Leslie and Sunset Aves, the City is investing in better streets for safer and smoother journeys. Good news for our dog owners, the creation of a new dog park near City Hall and planned improvements at Lions Dog Park provide places where you can take your pups off leash safely. With a priority to preserve and enhance our natural environment, we planted over 50 trees and 500 pollinator plants at Fitts Park, and with the completion of Parley’s Trail 900 West Bridge which links South Salt Lake to the Jordan River Trail, the City is making strides in connectivity and promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

While you have most likely encountered some of these projects during construction, many are completed without impacting residents. We thank you for your patience and know that much of what your City is investing in includes accessibility, safety, and connectivity that ultimately benefit us all. I hope you’ll stay informed as budget season approaches and we continue to work towards making South Salt Lake an even better place to live, work, play, and move.

FY23-24 SSL Infrastructure Summary At-a-Glance

• 6,000 feet of new sewer lines in the Central Park and Downtown SSL neighborhoods

• 1,610 feet of drinking water main from 4” to 10” pipe along 200 East

• 18 water main breaks fixed and/or completely replaced

• 962 streetlight upgrades to LED bulbs

• UDOT adding accessible sidewalks and ramps along State Street

• Parley’s Trail 900 West Bridge connecting SSL to the Jordan River Trail

Wood

City News

Public Meetings

For more info: www.sslc.gov

City Council

Wed, Mar 13, 7 p.m.

Wed, Mar 27, 7 p.m.

Planning Commission

Thu, Mar 7, 7 p.m.

Thu, Mar 21, 7 p.m.

City Council Members

Find out more about who your City Council representative is by visiting sslc.gov.

LeAnne Huff, District 1 lhuff@sslc.gov

Corey Thomas, District 2 cthomas@sslc.gov

Sharla Bynum, District 3 sbynum@sslc.gov

Nick Mitchell, District 4 nmitchell@sslc.gov

Paul Sanchez, District 5 psanchez@sslc.gov

Natalie Pinkney, At-Large npinkney@sslc.gov

Clarissa Williams, At-Large cwilliams@sslc.gov

Apple and Google Pay for Xpress Bill Pay

SSL residents can pay their utility bill online through Xpress Bill Pay. For convenience, you can download a mobile app to manage and pay your utility bills each month, as well as set up autopay for peace of mind. Xpress Bill Pay recently added two new payment options for customer convenience: Apple Pay and Google Pay solutions. Have questions regarding your utility bill? Visit sslc.gov or contact the Finance Department at (801) 483-6000.

Your Tax Dollars at Work

South Salt Lake leaders are committed to public safety. City staff work hard to ensure the safety of our residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. Last fiscal year, the Police Department responded to 43,666 total calls for service, and the Fire Department responded to 7,554 service calls (6,295 medical and 1,259 fire). While this is a significant call volume for a City our size, it is also a testament to the committed professionals we have keeping us safe!

DID YOU KNOW? Due to non-resident workers and commuters who travel through our city, the daytime transient population of South Salt Lake swells to more than 3 times our evening residential population. The bulk of daily police and fire calls are responses to the non-resident daytime population. Because national crime statistic models compare total police calls to the evening population of a city when determining its crime rate, it creates misleading reports on the crime levels within our residential population.

Think of it as the Golden Rule for conversations. The Dignity Index came about as a way for people to start thinking about how we treat others: with contempt or with dignity. Civil disagreements are part of a thriving democracy, it’s what we do when we disagree that can bring us together or drive us apart. As we enter another presidential election cycle, keep dignity top of mind.

more and take the Dignity Pledge at www.dignityindex.us.

Public Safety

Honoring SSLPD Officer Jordon Branz: A Quick Response Saved a Life

In February South Salt Lake Police held their annual awards banquet. I had the privilege of honoring Officer Jordon Branz for his remarkable dedication to duty and commitment to serving our community.

Officer Branz exemplifies the values of our organization through his quick thinking and decisive action in a recent emergency situation. Officer Branz responded to a call for assistance where he found an unconscious and nonbreathing female. Without hesitation, Officer Branz immediately began performing CPR, demonstrating his proficiency in life-saving techniques. His swift response and unwavering determination played a crucial role in sustaining the individual until medical units arrived on the scene. Thanks to his heroic efforts, the individual received the prompt medical attention she needed, ultimately leading to a positive outcome.

Officer Branz’s actions reflect not only his exceptional training and skills but also his deep sense of compassion and commitment to protecting and serving our community. His selfless dedication to the well-being of others is truly commendable and serves as an inspiration to us all.

In addition to recognizing Officer Branz, I would also extend my appreciation to all our offi cers and professional support staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide valuable services to our community. Each member of our team plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our neighborhoods, and we are immensely grateful for their unwavering dedication and professionalism.

Message from SSLPD Chief Danielle Croyle

Meet New SSL Animal Services Manager, Ben Henrie

Please help us in welcoming Ben Henrie as our new Animal Services Manager. Ben brings a wealth of leadership experience stemming from 9 years in Code Enforcement for Park City and Bluffdale. Ben is known for his exceptional skills in communication, leadership and creating nurturing environments. Back that up with military service, and a love of dogs and you get a great combination for leading the pack, both human and animal. In his new role, Ben says, “I believe building a safe and cohesive team structure will better serve our staff, our community, and our animals.” We are excited to welcome Ben as he works toward creating a better community for pets and their owners through education, compassion, and advocacy.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Creating an Emergency Plan

As the City of South Salt Lake’s Emergency Management Coordinator, my primary objective is to adopt a proactive approach in mitigating, preparing for, and responding to emergencies within our city or those that could potentially impact our residents. With anything of this magnitude, I cannot do this alone and firmly believe in the strength of a community working together. I am reaching out to you to reinforce our city’s readiness for any potential disasters and hope you will participate.

Step one is to create a plan. It’s essential to think through an emergency plan for all of those who reside under your roof, including yourself, your family, your pets, and others in your home. While it may seem like a substantial undertaking, over the next year, I will break down this process into manageable steps. I’ll be providing

dates for upcoming informative trainings and volunteer activities to enhance our collective preparedness. Our Emergency Management page at sslc.gov > sslc.gov/413/EmergencyManagement, provides a 5-step Personal Emergency Plan. I encourage you to download this plan and make it a goal to tackle a task each month, beginning with Know your Risks. If you have questions or ideas please reach out as I’m eager and excited to collaborate with you, engage in meaningful discussions, and listen to your insights. Together, we will build a resilient and well-prepared community.

Yasmin Abbyad

Emergency Management Coordinator, South Salt Lake yabbyad@sslc.gov, 801-464-6713

More info at sslc.gov

SSL Community Centers

2530 S 500 East 801-412-3217

2797

3280 S

The Co-Op Computer

Lab Now Open

A priority of the South Salt Lake Community Center (The Co-Op) is to provide individuals a space to utilize and seek out opportunities that will help them succeed. This includes providing a space to learn new skills, navigate employment resources, and learn about community resources.

Thanks to a grant from Mountain West Small Business Finance the Promise SSL Co-Op was able to purchase desktop computers for residents to utilize. With this needed addition, individuals can access resources to search for work opportunities, seek out educational resources, apply for wraparound services, develop business skills, and other opportunities that will help them work towards their goals.

Salt Lake County Senior Center EVENTS FOR MARCH 2024

Live Entertainment:

Time Steppers - Weds, March 6 at 10:30 am

BD Howes - Fri, March 15 at 10:30 am (St. Patrick’s Special Meal)

Deci’ Bells - Friday, March 22 at 10:30 am

SSL Choir Performance - Thurs, March 28 at 11:30 am

Peanut Auction: Thursday, March 7th at 10:30 am

Senior Ball (Under the Sea): Fri, March 8 from 3-5 pm

Mini Book Club w/Jill: Weds, March 13 at 10:30 am

Vital Aging: Mental Health Conditions

Weds, March 20 at 10:30 am

Join us as we learn more about these conditions and ways we can identify signs and symptoms.

Elderly Financial Fraud/Scams

Presentation at The Co-op

Thurs, March 28 at 10:30 am

Spring Special Buffet Meal & Live Entertainment by Heart & Soul

Weds, April 3 at 10:30 am

Please sign up for lunch at the front desk by March 26.

Senior Fitness Classes

TAI CHI for Arthritis: Mon & Weds, Apr 1 - May 22nd at 10:30 am

STEPPING ON: Building Confidence, Reducing Falls

Thurs, April 18 - May 30 at 12:30 pm

Mat Yoga, Wednesdays at 2:30 pm

Chair Yoga, Fridays at 1:00 pm

SSL Community Center • 2531 S 400 East 385-468-3340 • Hours: 8:30 am – 4 pm

VOLUNTEER TODAY!

Find current volunteer opportunities by creating an account at givepulse.com

Follow The City of South Salt Lake and subgroups, like Promise SSL that you are interested in.

South Salt Lake uses GivePulse as our volunteer management platform to more effectively manage volunteer events, communicate with participants, and measure our collective impact. GivePulse provides a place for volunteers to find and register for causes and activities. Promise SSL relies on support from the community and encourages you to get involved by sharing your time, talent, or skills. By investing in our youth and families, we are investing in the future of our community. We hope you’ll join us in whatever ways you can. Together we can keep our Promises to the community.

Community Happenings

To learn more and register for Community Art Classes, visit SSLArts.org or call 801-483-6018. Create an account at sslc.gov and opt-in to receive our monthly SSL Arts Council E-Newsletter.

ART55+ Creative Arts for Seniors

Instructor Laura Sharp Wilson

Every Wednesday 10:00-11:30 AM

SSL Community Center 2531 S 400 East FREE!

Art Classes for March

Exploring Collage II with Sue Martin

Tues, Mar 5 - 26, 1 pm to 3 pm

Exploring Acrylic Painting Styles with Robin Luker

Thurs, Feb 29 - Mar 21, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Mindful Photo with Danielle Waters

Mon, Mar 18, 6:30 am to 8:30 pm

Zentangle Club

Mar 25, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

NEW! Fiddle Jam

Mon, March 11, 6:30 to 8:30 pm

14 Artists Joining MURAL FEST in May

As a part of the South Salt Lake Arts Council, the 7th Annual Mural Fest is one you should look forward to. Mark your calendars for the Artist Meet & Greet event in Downtown South Salt Lake, on Saturday, May 4, when we celebrate the completion of all our 2024 murals with this lineup of amazing 14 artists from around Utah and beyond. To keep up, visit themuralfest.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @themuralfest.

Alixandra Jade @alixandrajade Edmonton, Canada

Beau, Dakar @beau.graff Senegal, West Africa

Bunnie Reiss @bunnieluvrocks Landers, California

Chanate @chanate_art Santa Catarin, Mexico

Chuck Berrett @chuckberrett Millcreek, Utah

DAAS @daas Austin, Texas

Davia King @daviaking Van Nuys, California

Egypt Arizona @graffitiegypt Tempe, Arizona

Ernesto Maranje @ernestomaranje Sunrise, Florida

Jenna Morello @jennamorello Brooklyn, New York

Jessica Wiarda @jesswiarda SLC, Utah

Jetpack Johnson @jetpackjohnson_ SLC, Utah

Key Detail @keydetail New York, New York

Trevor Dahl @trevordahhhl SLC, Utah

Enhancing SSL’s Urban Forest: Nominate Your Favorite Tree

This year, South Salt Lake is embarking on big plans involving trees and the city’s urban forest. To keep everyone informed, we’ve created a new page dedicated to all things urban forestry. Scan the QR code to find out about the upcoming Urban Forestry Plan, tree giveaways and planting events, and the first-ever South Salt Lake Tree Week scheduled for May 6-11th.

To celebrate all of the exciting tree things happening in 2024, we’re excited to announce the launch of our inaugural Tree of the Year Award to shine a light on our city’s most impressive and interesting trees. Do you know a special tree that deserves recognition? Sugar Maple? Rocky Mountain Juniper? Maybe it’s a towering landmark, a tree with a special history, or a unique species of tree that stands out. If so, nominate it now for the Tree of the Year Award by visiting our new Urban Forestry page at sslc.gov (scan the QR code) and filling out the nomination form. The winning tree will be announced during the South Salt Lake Tree Week in May!

TEE-BALL TEE-BALL

WHO: WHEN: WHERE:

COST:

Boys & Girls, 4-6 years old

Tues & Thur evenings, 6-7 PM

Central Park Field

$25/first kid, $20/second, $15 third

FLAG FOOTBALL FLAG FOOTBALL

WHO: WHEN:

WHERE:

COST:

Boys & Girls, 7-12 years old

Mon & Wed evenings

Central Park Field

$25/first kid, $20/second, $15 third

Registration deadline is March 29.

Scan the QR code for details and to register, or visit SSLC.gov.

Community & Economic Development

WHAT’S NEW

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) ORDINANCE

In the past month, Community Development has been working with the SSL City Council on a new ordinance to amend the SSL City Municipal Code Title 17 regarding Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs). The ordinance, which has progressed through both the Planning Commission and City Council, has undergone revisions to incorporate public feedback and concerns. The primary goal behind allowing ADUs in the city is to promote affordable housing, offer residents opportunities to generate extra income to support homeownership costs, and provide flexibility to families navigating multi-generational living arrangements. Some key things to consider:

• The ADU cannot be used as a Short-Term Rental (like Airbnb).

• Homes within the single-family land use zone are allowed to have one Internal and one External ADU per property.

• To qualify for an ADU, your lot must be at least 6,000 sq ft with 50 feet of frontage.

• Applicants will incur impact fees as well as any applicable connection fees.

• Owner occupancy is required. The property owner must live in either the Primary Dwelling or the ADU.

• Before issuing any building permits, an ADU Predevelopment application must be submitted to the Planning Department.

An ADU handbook containing a summary of the ordinance and the ADU Predevelopment application is now available on the SSL Community Development webpage at sslc.gov.

S o D o DEVELOPMENTS

The SoDo project is situated in the burgeoning Downtown SSL district and aims to exemplify transit-oriented development and lays the groundwork for shaping the future character of this neighborhood. Spanning a 7.54-acre site, the proposed project is anchored at the intersection of 300 West and Utopia Avenue to the west and north, with TRAX lines on UTA property bordering its southern and eastern edges. The current project plan envisions the construction of eight-story structures across two phases, featuring a mix of residential and retail spaces and associated structured parking.

Get ready for a fun evening at the South Salt Lake Chamber’s Annual Chamber Banquet on April 11, 2024, at PDQ! This year’s theme is “City Lights” and promises an exciting glimpse into the Chamber’s future with new programs, strategic updates, and events. Be there as we honor exceptional members demonstrating community spirit and

a night of celebration, networking, and awards. Individual tickets and sponsor tables can be purchased at sslchamber.com.

CHINATOWN - PHASES 2 & 3

Chinatown is currently in the stages of completing Phase 2 and Phase 3 of its project, marking a significant milestone by acquiring the parcel where Southern X-Posure Showclub was located, at 3410 S State Street. Chinatown is poised to introduce an expanded parking facility, a diverse selection of restaurants, and additional retail spaces.

Trails, parks expansions highlighted in County Mayor Wilson's address

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

"Itfeels so good," Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said, kicking off her 2024 State of the County address on Jan 23. Speaking to county officials, mayors and city council members at the South Jordan Recreation Center, Wilson touted the county's resilient economic rebound from COVID-19 and its benchmark-setting quality of life investments.

Recalling the Height of the Pandemic

Wilson recounted the uncertainty she felt both "personally and as your county mayor" during the height of the pandemic in 2020. "I knew our county had a future," Wilson said, "but at our lowest moments that future seemed very uncertain." The mayor said the anxiety was fueled by isolation and conspicuously empty offices and streets.

"Thankfully, largely due to the resolve of this community, Salt Lake County has bounced back," Wilson continued. She spotlighted its position as home to "one of the most robust economies in the country." Further, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 2.6%, the mayor enthused that "our future is bright."

Bond Rating Signals Fiscal Discipline

In addition to the job market, Wilson pointed to Salt Lake County's AAA bond rating as evidence of sound fiscal health and discipline. She explained the significance: "It actually allows us to keep taxes down while delivering service to our residents and that is so important." With fewer than 50 counties across the over 3,000 nationwide able to claim AAA grades from all major ratings agencies, she argued the rating signals the quality and reliability of Salt Lake County's long-term finances.

Recreational Access: From Courts to Trails

A central point in Wilson's address was the county's focus on quality of life investments beyond economic factors. She positively highlighted Salt Lake County recreational

amenities, programming and partnerships. Specifically, the mayor drew attention to existing and expanding county trails, parks, and recreation centers that have developed under her administration.

As one major milestone, the mayor highlighted that this summer kids ages 5 to 18 will gain free access to all county recreation centers. Wilson shared that when she had proposed the idea, approval first had to come from the Salt Lake County Council who control the county's purse strings.

One major highlight Wilson said is the upcoming $9 million expansion of the South Jordan Recreation Center. She shared that construction will begin mid-year on additions including seven new lap lanes for the pool, spectator bleachers and a timing system. Wilson projects finishing construction within about one year. She argued that by alleviating congestion, the upgrades will better accommodate community swim clubs, teams and seniors looking to exercise through swimming laps. The mayor praised the expansion as an evolution that will cement the South Jordan facility's status as a go-to aquatic and recreational hub for Salt Lake County's south side.

Bingham Creek Regional Park Leads Expansions

In addition to programming, Wilson touted park infrastructure expansions during her tenure. She said Salt Lake County had just opened the initial phase of Bingham Creek Regional Park. According to Wilson, it is now the county's largest park spanning 45 acres. Although once home to a gravel pit, the first section already includes playing fields, playgrounds, biking trails, a pavilion and more. She also teased that "several additional exciting projects" are coming, cementing Bingham Creek's status as the county's premier destination park.

Trail Networks Expand Access

Wilson also trumpeted the county's efforts on trails, celebrating the August opening of the "game changing" Butterfield Canyon trail system. Made possible by key partnerships with Rio Tinto and the Bureau of Land Management, she said the first phase introduced 15 miles of trails in previously hard-to-reach southwest Salt Lake County.

Beyond Butterfield Canyon, the mayor said her administration remains "dedicated to enhancing accessible, equitable, sustainable and high-quality trails and open space for all our county residents." She boasted that the county continues to link cities through an urban trail network that community members love to walk, bike and run.

Homelessness and Housing Affordability Pose Challenges

Shifting focus to issues facing Salt Lake County, Wilson acknowledged "real challenges" like inflation, college affordability and the public safety impact of police department restructuring. However, she spent the most time discussing two intractable problems: homelessness and housing affordability.

Salt Lake County has partnered with Sandy City to open a new supportive housing facility for 165 formerly homeless people with medical vulnerabilities. Wilson stated this facility moves residents from homeless resource centers into supportive housing with health-related services. The mayor highlighted this project as an example of the county joining forces with cities to expand capacity for housing insecure populations.

Besides shelter space, Wilson called for addressing root causes like housing supply. To that end, she said the county has expanded its Housing Trust Fund by $25 million. According to Wilson, that infusion has facilitated over 1,500 units across 17 affordable housing proj-

ects approved in under a year.

Confidence in Overcoming Challenges

While acknowledging various challenges facing the county, Wilson conveyed confidence

in Salt Lake County's capability to adapt and overcome crises based on its track record. She cited the county's ability to pivot and respond during recent years of difficulties like extreme weather events and budget constraints.

To illustrate the county's aspirations, Wilson shared the inspirational story of a local high school basketball player named Jada who persevered through financial limitations to make her school's team. According to the mayor, Jada's determined pursuit of her goals symbolizes what the administration hopes to facilitate for youth through county programs and resources. l

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson gives her State of the County address. (Shaun Delliskave/ City Journals)

Salt Lake County had just opened the initial phase of Bingham Creek Regional Park. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation)

WOMeN’S SECTION

A publication covering local influential women in honor of International Women’s Day

Utah-educated doctor chosen to lead National Institutes of Health

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

For the first time, a University of Utah medical school graduate sits at the helm of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in November 2023. She is the second woman to serve as NIH Director since its inception in 1887 and the first surgeon in that role.

The NIH is located in Bethesda, Maryland and is comprised of 27 institutes and centers. The organization has a budget of more than $47 billion and serves as the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world.

President Biden stated: “Dr. Bertagnolli has spent her career pioneering scientific discovery and pushing the boundaries of what is possible to improve cancer prevention and treatment for patients and ensuring that patients in every community have access to quality care. Dr. Bertagnolli is a world-class physician-scientist whose vision and leadership will ensure NIH continues to be an engine of innovation to improve the health of the American people.”

Bertagnolli first earned an engineering degree from Princeton University, then she attended and graduated from the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine in 1985. She was interested in immunology but discovered a different passion. “I signed up for surgery as my very first clinical rotation, just because I wanted to get it out of the way. I still vividly remember my first day in an operating room because I immediately knew that’s where I belonged,” she told the ASCO Post.

In more recent years, she served as chair of the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s External Advisory Board. Bertagnolli was previously a professor of surgery at Har-

vard Medical School and chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She has been president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and leader of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology.

Prior to her current role at the NIH, Dr. Bertagnolli was the first female director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a role she took in October 2022. NCI is a component of NIH. One month into her time at the NCI, a routine mammogram led to Bertagnolli being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Since then, she has called herself a cancer survivor.

“Fortunately, my prognosis is excellent. And this is due to NIH-funded research over the last several decades. And the many women who participated in clinical trials before me,” she said.

Her upbringing on a ranch in rural Wyoming as the daughter of first-generation immigrants has shaped her professional approach by providing an understanding of the medical challenges rural communities experience. An NIH press release said, “Equity is a core value that drives all her efforts, which includes ensuring NIH research is equitable and accessible to all people from all walks of life regardless of income or zip code.”

Huntsman Cancer Institute CEO Mary Beckerle, who has known Bertagnolli almost since her Utah med school days, compares her to the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who also grew up on a ranch: A “bundle of wit, resilience, and can-do spirit,” Beckerle said in Science magazine, December 2023 edition.

Beyond being a cancer surgeon for more than 35 years, her research has

DR. MONICA BERTAGNOLLI is a 1985 graduate of the University of Utah medical school. She served on an advisory board for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which is made up of 27 institutes and centers for biomedical research.

focused on the genetic mutations that lead to gastrointestinal cancer and how inflammation stimulates cancer growth. In her current role, she hopes to leverage commonalities such as how inflammation causes cancer but is also a component of Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, Long COVID and other diseases.

In 2023, she was named one of the 100 Influential Women in Oncology by Onco Daily.

Bertagnolli said in a December 2022 NCI statement, “Having been an oncologist my entire career, it was always—and still is—all about the patients and survivors. It’s one thing to know about cancer as a physician, but it is another to experience it firsthand as a patient as well. To anyone with cancer today: I am truly in this together with you.” l

Photo credit: Chia-Chi Charlie Chang/NIH

‘Look Good, Feel Good’ conference focuses on inclusion for Pacific Islander women

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

The inaugural “Look Good, Feel Good” conference, held in February at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, was organized to empower Pacific Islander women in Utah. In partnership with the Creative Pacific Foundation, the Women’s Executive Alliance held the event to celebrate women of the PI community through education and connection.

La Wolfgramm serves as president of the WEA, the women in business arm of the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce, that just celebrated its first anniversary. As the owner of Pasifika Kitchen, Wolfgramm wanted to bring women together and provide a fun environment where they could learn about holistic empowerment, covering physical and mental health, hair and fashion.

“We started WEA because we felt that there was nothing out there for PI women,” she said. “I wanted our PI women to see that there’s someone that looks like them, that talks like them and walks like them. It’s a comfort thing to know they can come in, and if they want to, they can start a business.”

The “Look Good, Feel Good” event marked the first time Utah PI experts in food, health, entertainment and fashion joined together in one place to offer support and information.

Guest speakers included Aveda beauty and hair expert Ben Powell, “Project Runway” designer Afa Ah Loo, mental health expert Celia Moleni (owner of Manaaki Mental Health) and wellness expert Alex Millions, RN, (owner of ModeRN Hydraesthetics). The conference ended with a keynote address from Sui Lang L. Panoke, senior vice president of culture at Zions Bank.

In addition to workshops, the event featured a DJ, a 360-degree photo booth, catered food and mocktails.

Analei Samasei’a serves on the WEA board of directors. She wants PI women to understand that they belong in these spaces and that what they contribute to the community has value.

“A lot of our women are caretakers. They stay home with their families, they take care of their aunties or uncles or mothers or fathers. That’s what we inherently do in our culture,” Samasei’a said. “So they’re not always available to go to these types of events, nor do they have accessibility. But now, we have all these experts here in the room. They were all mingling together and asking questions.”

Partnering with Creative Pacific allowed WEA to host the “Look Good, Feel Good” conference with a focus on inclusion while

strengthening bonds between PI women. Creative Pacific is a nonprofit that celebrates cultural diversity.

For information about WEA and the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce visit

Upichamber.org. To learn about Creative Pacific, visit CreativePacific.org.

“We had a mental health expert who walked us through some exercises to connect back to ourselves and understand the sensations we were feeling and how

our thoughts determine actions. It was like a good therapy session,” Samasei’a said. “And so it unified everybody in that room. We’ve all shared this experience together, and now we can talk about it to our friends.”

l

“PROJECT RUNWAY” designer Afa Ah Loo talks to Pacific Islander women about fashion at the “Look Good, Feel Good” conference.

City Journals

MORE THAN 70 WOMEN attended the first “Look Good, Feel Good” conference for Pacific Islander women at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy. The event celebrated women of the PI community.

City Journals

LA WOLFGRAMM is president of the Women’s Executive Alliance, the women in business branch of the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce.

City Journals

Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin leaves behind a legacy of student-centered

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

For more than 30 years Deneece Huftalin has been a student-focused leader at Salt Lake Community College serving in various capacities within administration. What began in September 2014, when she became president of SLCC, will come to a conclusion in June of this year as Huftalin officially retires. She will have been the longest serving female president within the Utah System of Higher Education.

With the most diverse student body in the state, Huftalin said she always aimed to keep true the SLCC mission “[to] engage and support students in educational pathways leading to successful transfer and meaningful employment.”

To “support students” is something that she spent her career being focused on.

A Salt Lake City native, and a University of Utah graduate, Huftalin spent some time outside of Utah on various higher education campuses including Northwestern University, Stanford University and University of California, Los Angeles. But it was a job at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois that helped open her eyes to the community college system.

“I worked in orientation, but they considered their student affairs people faculty, which was a really cool model,” Huftalin said. “I was able to teach a little and serve on the college senate, but also have kind of a staff role.”

That position at Harper, although brief, left an impression. As Huftalin found herself back in Utah, returning so her husband could take a job opportunity, she found herself looking for work again on another college campus.

“There’s something [magical] about campuses,” Huftalin said. “People are thinking, discovering, laughing, having fun and testing waters, and it’s a good place to be.”

As Salt Lake Community College was booming with growth and expansion in the early 1990s, Huftalin realized that her time at Harper’s gave her a bit of competitive edge when it came time to apply for positions at SLCC. She began her tenure as the director of academic and career advising in 1992.

“I always feel fortunate that Harper College gave me a little bit of knowledge and a kind of step into a community college role,” Huftalin said.

That first role led to her eventual “dream job” in the mid-1990s, as the dean

leadership

of students. Being involved with students was always where she saw herself.

“I just love being with students,” said Huftalin said.

Over the years, colleagues took notice of that student-centered persona. Alison McFarlane, who became the Vice President of Institutional Advancement in 2012, worked closely with Huftalin, who was the Vice President of Student Services at that time.

“Deneece is the most student-focused leader I could have possibly imaged,” McFarlane said. “You always hear about Deneece being the voice for students.”

Cassidy Behling has been the Administrative Assistant to the President for the last 10 years, and has watched as Huftalin, who often gets pulled in so many different directions, has been able to focus on what truly matters in higher education.

“Her care and concern for her students is always her guiding force,” Behling said.

Huftalin admitted that she worries

about current and future students and how heavy the world is on them, especially when it comes to mental health.

“It takes a lot to break through and come and be courageous and learn and try something new,” Huftalin said.

Despite never seeing herself in the role of president of SLCC, Huftalin said that being in leadership roles has allowed her to model behavior that she has witnessed over the years. Throughout her career, she was able to be a part of women-led communities, allowing for the formation of friendships and connections.

“Younger women are experiencing things differently than I ever have,” Huftalin said. “But I do think there’s some continuity of support…and having lived longer and navigated different things, I can give advice and support or encouragement.”

While in office, Huftalin realized several goals such as, but not limited to, the addition of the Westpointe Workforce Training and Education Center in Salt Lake City and

the Juniper Building in Herriman which has increased geographical access to classes and the Open Education Resources (OER) initiative that allows students access to public domain textbooks for general education courses.

According to McFarlane, who retired in October 2023, one of the many ways that Huftalin has been able to accomplish these goals is because she is a “connector” of people and ideas, fostering collaboration within the college and the surrounding communities.

“When she sees opportunities, she’s very [eager] to give them to other people,” McFarlane said.

Those connections have led to great relationships with students, faculty and staff, and Huftalin said she will miss those the most after retirement.

“…Those relationships are hard to step away from,” Huftalin said. “Because they’ve just meant so much.” l

DENEECE HUFTALIN has been president of Salt Lake Community College since 2014 and when she retires in June, she will have been the longest serving female president within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).

Photo courtesy of Salt Lake Community College

Cottonwood boys basketball goes undefeated in Region 10 to win that title

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Both of Cottonwood’s basketball teams won Region 10 titles but the boys were the only team to have stayed undefeated through all 12 games.

In their first year in Class 4A, the Cottonwood boys team might not have had Chris Cox for about six months while he was playing for a highly acclaimed prep team in Arizona.

According to Cottonwood Athletic Director Greg Southwick, the lack of Cox might have even had an effect on the team’s eventual playoff seeding or how other 4A coaches perceive the Colts.

In turn, the Colts received a No. 6 seed in the 4A state tournament and will receive a first-round bye. They began play Feb. 23, on their home floor against No. 11 Bear River in a 65-49 victory and were scheduled to play Logan in the quarterfinals at press time..

“Not having Chris at the St. George [holiday] tournament hurt our RPI, I think—but we’ve won all our games since then,” said Southwick of the low seed the Colts got for state.

Since that point, however, Cottonwood has been on a roll.

The Colts have been stomping all over their opposition en route to a 14-game win streak that literally started heating up in a

big way as soon as Cox had been cleared to play by the UHSAA.

Cottonwood’s first three games in Region 10 play were all nailbiters—but after that the Colts hit their stride.

Since Dec. 19, 2023, the Colts have only had one win that wasn’t double digits and that one was the crosstown rivalry game against Hillcrest [a 59-51 win].

So, for Cottonwood, another Region 10 title has been won—that was accomplished the week of Feb. 8.

Now the next question is: what kind of damage could this Colts team cause come state tournament time?

”I think the boys are one of the top three teams in 4A,” said Southwick, matter-of-factly.

With Cox back in the fold—he’s already leading Cottonwood in scoring despite having played just nine total games for the black and the gold—spirits are high for a Colts team that fell a tad short of the goals they set last year.

They all know this and this Colts team still has several key pieces from last year’s squad including Cox on it.

But, with transfers John Rosevear and Luke Park in from Brighton—where they featured more as role players—both newcomers to the Cottonwood program

have accepted larger roles on the Colts and thrived.

Rosevear, who was the Colts’ leading scorer prior to Cox’s arrival back at Cottonwood, averages just a shade under 17 points per game while Park is scoring the basketball at about nine points an outing—but also averages seven assists to lead the team.

Add Peter Oguama who is hitting his stride at the right time, scoring the basketball for the first time in double figures at 12 points per game, a huge leap for the 6-foot-4 senior at that, and you’ve got a very dangerous four guys who can carry Cottonwood at any point in time.

Then there are another three guys in Ryan Nielson, Bo Smith and Mason Tolley who average between five and seven points an outing and another seven guys beyond those mentioned who can come in and play minutes if needed.

It’s a far cry from last year’s team that could really only go eight guys deep, according to Southwick who believes we haven’t seen even one-third of what this team is capable of.

“I think what makes these guys so dangerous is that we really haven’t seen how good they can be.” l

John Rosevear chipped in 16 points per game during the regular season. (City Journals)

Peter Oguama has been a steady performer for the Colts. (City Journals)

As I’ve gotten older (but never wiser), I expected the hot flashes, mood swings and irritability. What I didn’t expect was that my age would turn my hair into a mortal enemy. Each morning, I stare in the mirror and prepare for what feels like a battle to the death.

If the indignity of having my face turn a heat-blasting shade of scarlet at any given moment wasn’t enough, I suddenly developed cowlicks along my hairline, giving my head the appearance of constant swirling, like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” My hair suddenly changed directions and refused to be bullied into lying flat.

In fairness, my hair and I have been through some stuff. We endured the spongy, pink curlers mom twisted onto my head every Saturday night. We survived my feathery Farrah Fawcett era, the spiral perms, the lemon bleaching in the summer, the sky-high bangs of the ’80s and a decade of nothing but ponytails when my daughters were little.

Maybe my hair never forgave me because now there is no amount of styling products or heated irons that make my hair manageable. It usually looks like newlywed hawks nested on my head to raise their young.

After another morning struggling to arrange my hair in some semblance of

Letting my hair down

control, I threw my hair straightener down the hall and burst into tears. My husband walked out of his office and asked what was wrong. I pointed at my head and kept bawling.

“I don’t care if your hair looks like a tornado emoji,” he said. “You’re always beautiful to me.”

“I don’t want to be beautiful to you,” I sobbed. “I want to be beautiful to complete strangers.”

He doesn’t get it. Men can be bald or gray or have a comb-over or just a Van Dyke beard and they’ll still be considered handsome, even distinguished. But if a woman can’t style her hair using a tube sock, a bottle of mousse and a barrette, the TikTok police jump out of nowhere and create harsh videos for public shaming.

But it’s not just the random cowlicks that give my scalp the appearance of a tropical storm weather map, it’s the breakage and the sensitive scalp and the way my

hair just refuses to comply. My hair breaks so often, it looks like my stylist started to give me a bowl cut and then got bored after trimming the first layer.

I’ve invested in expensive shampoos and luxury leave-in conditioners with no effect. My hair just twirls insolently from my head. I purchased soft brushes and vitamin supplements and I paid someone good money to rub my scalp for 45 minutes. The pampering hasn’t paid off.

There’s no such thing as “styling” my hair. I have to distract it, wrestle it into place, staple it down and spray it with a light coat of cement. It doesn’t matter.

Within minutes it’s spinning around my face like it drank too many mimosas for breakfast.

Maybe the lack of compliance is the reason many older women end up cutting their hair into cute pixie styles, easy crops or elegant bobs. But my face is too round for a short haircut. I end up looking like a basketball wearing a toupee.

I hope at some point my hair and I can become friends again. Between my mood swings and hot flashes, I don’t have the patience to be irritated at one more thing.