For any number of reasons, they did not finish and graduate from high school.
But a relatively new program in West Valley City is giving a group of young people a chance to further their education.
The PROG Development Center works with various community organizations to provide support for achieving high school graduation, access to higher education, career training and preparing for the workplace. Its focus is specifically on West Valley City.
“It was a city that was identified to, statistically speaking, kind of need more resources and so we’re here to provide more education and workforce-readiness skills,” Diana Martinez said, community outreach liaison for PROG Development Center.
Currently, there are up to 15 students participating in four different programs within PROG Development, ranging in ages from 16 to 24. They come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences that steered some of them away from the traditional path of attending and graduating from high school. Besides guiding them through at least a high school education, PROG Development and its staff
By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com
of four partners with educational and other institutions to offer training in technology as an entryway to a career. The University of Utah is one of those partners through its UI/UX certificate program. UI stands for user interface design and UX is short for user experience design, particularly as it applies to building a website. Several PROG Development students are in the program at any given time in hopes of taking the skills learned there to further their professional and personal growth.
Community and other organizations and grants have also helped PROG Development secure funds to provide several $10,000 scholarships for some of its students.
But to get to that step, PROG Development wants to ensure that the young people it guides and mentors at least complete their high school education. “We are exploring the possibility of having a day GED class for students that were unable to graduate,” Martinez said.
PROG Development Center was started by a seemingly unlikely source, a company called Progressive Leasing, which connects
Continued page 14
Students in the PROG Development Center in West Valley City show their certificates of completion of a University of Utah website design program. It is one of the offerings at the center to help students who did not complete high school or took a lengthy route to do so gain workforce skills, particularly in the technology field. (Photo courtesy PROG Development Center)
What to know about visiting the E.R.
By Dr. Alex Drake
At CommonSpirit Health, our vision is a healthier future for all – inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity. This extends to all the care we provide our patients, whether it be in our doctor’s offices, our clinics, or our hospitals.
We want your visit to our care sites to be as comfortable as possible, and we know that visiting the Emergency Department (ER) is difficult for any patient and their loved ones. I would like to share some information about what to expect in the ER, so that you can be as prepared as possible.
Our emergency caregivers are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to serve our community. We accept all patients – regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. A typical visit to the ER can take two-to-three hours, but please know that in the ER we must evaluate and treat our patients based on severity of their condition. This might mean longer wait times in the lobby or even after being placed in an exam room. However, this also means that if you’re having a life-threatening emergency, you will have the undivided attention of our doctors and nurses.
If you have mild-to-moderate symptoms – such as fever below 103 degrees without a rash, flu-like symptoms without shortness of breath, or sprains and strains – you may wish to consider calling your primary care provider or visiting an urgent care center, as these options may be faster and are often less expensive.
Symptoms or health issues that require immediate medical attention may include the following:
• Chest pain
• Sudden weakness or trouble talking
• Difficulty breathing
• Spinal injuries
• Severe head injury
• Major broken bones
• Major burns
• Sudden change in vision
• Heavy bleeding
• Large open wounds
You should never drive yourself to an ER if you are having severe chest pain, severe bleeding, if you feel like you might faint, or if your vision is impaired. When in doubt, please call 911 — what matters most is that you get to the emergency room quickly and safely. If you arrive by
ambulance, you will be triaged and we will determine the level of care required.
All emergency physicians at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are board certified in Emergency Medicine and have trained for many years to help you in your emergency. The doctors also have specially trained midlevel providers who can also help. Your provider may order tests like X-rays, CT Scans, Ultrasounds, bloodwork, urinalysis, an electrocardiogram (EKG), or others, depending on your health problem.
After receiving test results, the doctor will discuss the findings and diagnosis with you. If needed, they will advise admission to the hospital. If your condition does not need admission, they will give you written instructions about treatment to be followed at home. This may include prescriptions, tips for home care, and any referrals needed for following up with either a primary care or specialized doctor.
While we hope for the health and safety of those in our community, know that we are here if you need us. Our excellent doctors and nurses at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are ready to provide high-quality, compassionate, and timely care.
As CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
The right ER. Right around the corner.
When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site. Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.
711).
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By Dr. Alex Drake Emergency Physician
CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital
Jordan Valley West
New ‘penny-on-five-dollars-spent’ sales tax expected to help fix potholes faster
Salt Lake County’s move, designed to add jail beds, will also assist roads in being repaired more quickly.
By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com
There’s plenty of intrigue, handwringing and finger-pointing related to a controversial new sales tax imposed earlier this year on a 7-2 split vote by the Salt Lake County Council. And guess what: this story has virtually nothing to do with any of that.
Instead, the focus here is on the financial windfall Taylorsville will enjoy from the new tax. Or, more specifically, how the funding infusion should help fill that pothole you dodge every day, a bit quicker.
“Road maintenance funding is always a big issue for us every budget cycle,” Taylorsville City Administrator John Taylor said. “So, we have supported this Salt Lake County tax proposal. Transportation funding is always needed in Taylorsville. This new money is required to be spent on road projects. It will allow us to move up our timeline on curb and gutter, road resurfacing and other transportation projects.”
Before we get to the new sales tax specifics, we need to step back in time to provide a little context.
• March 2018 – The Utah Legislature authorizes counties to enact sales taxes, but only for “public transit capital expenses and service delivery.”
• March 2024 – State lawmakers amend their measure, providing flexibility to Salt Lake County on how new sales tax funding can be spent.
• November 2024 – Voters narrowly to reject a $507 million bond intended to more thor-
oughly address Salt Lake County’s jail crisis.
• February 2025 – Reportedly under pressure from state lawmakers to improve their jail situation, seven of nine Salt Lake County Council members vote to establish their new sales tax.
As Salt Lake County consumers, we’ll be hard-pressed to notice the tax. Beginning July 1, the County will collect 0.2% on purchases –or 1 cent for every $5 spent.
However, even that modest amount is projected to generate $76 million in new revenues, annually.
Two Republican council members voted against the new tax. Taylorsville’s representative, Aimee Winder Newton, was one of three Salt Lake County Council Republicans who reluctantly joined Democrats to approve it.
“This tax gives the county the ability to make 248 jail beds available to improve public safety, which is our number one priority,” Winder Newton explained. “We also know transportation dollars are scarce for our cities. With traffic congestion throughout the valley, and needed road repair, these dollars will help residents get the most bang for their buck. It’s much cheaper to do slurry seals and fix potholes than to neglect roads and have to completely rebuild them later.”
There are plenty of Utah media outlets further explaining exactly how this funding will be divvyed up and spent. In broad strokes, for our purposes: a quarter of it will be spent by Salt Lake County, adding jail beds and justice programs, while another quarter of the revenue will be shared among cities in the county for transportation needs.
That’s where Taylorsville enters the picture – over on the sideline, far away from any controversy.
“They estimate Taylorsville will receive $648,000 annually through this tax,” Taylor said. “Our current annual road improvement
budget is about $2.5 to $3 million. So, this new funding will grow that budget by about 20 to 25%. And, again, that’s all we can spend the money on – road projects.”
As you’d expect, Salt Lake City receives the largest portion of the $19 million annually, at an estimated $4.6 million. Utah’s second largest city, West Valley City, will receive just under $2 million each year. West Jordan, Sandy, South Jordan and Murray are all expected to receive more than $1 million annually.
“Just like our residents, we hate tax increases,” Taylor said. “But this one will be well spent. Our road maintenance has fallen behind in recent years because of inflation. Electric vehicle sales also cut into our road repair budget, because it’s funded entirely through the state gas tax. When gas sales go down, our road repair budget shrinks.”
Taylorsville officials report their top road resurfacing priorities entering the 2025 orange cone season include: 2700 West, from 4100 South to 4700 South; 4100 South, from Redwood Road to 2200 West; and 6200 South, from Bangerter Highway to 2700 West.
“We try to resurface all of our Taylorsville roads every seven to 10 years,” Taylor said. “This new tax will allow us to accelerate those timelines while also making other repairs more quickly.”
Many Salt Lake County residents may be upset their vote against a half-billion-dollar bond last fall was followed three months later by a tax increase they weren’t allowed to vote against. But the upside is expected to be 248 additional jail beds – and, hopefully, fewer potholes to dodge during your next drive through Taylorsville. l
The West Valley Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout West Valley City.
In addition to road surface repairs, windfall from a new county tax will help fund future curb and gutter work in Taylorsville. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)
West Valley City woman gets boost to launch kids clothing website
A West Valley City woman’s entrepreneurial dream has earned her some cash to help carry it out.
By Darrell Kirby d.kirby@mycityjournals.com
AWest Valley City woman’s entrepreneurial dream has earned her some cash to help carry it out.
Anna Robbins-Ek recently won $500 as one of five winners of the inaugural Get Started: Business Idea Competition held by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity’s Startup State Initiative.
The money will help Robbins-Ek, who runs two nonprofit day care centers, The Mom Pod Co in Taylorsville and Salt Lake City, start an online used-clothing exchange that enables parents and others to buy and sell previously owned apparel for children of all ages.
“One of the things we always go through with kids is clothes,” she said. “So I started Kiddie Klosets.”
The typical way for parents to keep their fast-growing children clothed had been, and still is to a large degree, to receive hand-me-downs from family and friends or sift through thrift stores. Like many other shopping options, Kiddie Klosets takes that process online. “Parents can take a picture of their clothes and we upload them onto our website and you can trade and swap clothes wherever you are,” Robbins-Ek explained. Parents can also browse the website and purchase clothes from the sellers, who would then ship the items to the buyers.
Another plan under development with Kiddie Klosets are swap stations where people can sign up for their homes to be swap stations where folks can drop off unneeded children’s clothes and those hosting the swap stations can do the work of putting the items for sale on the website.
“Because it is all online, I can go all across the U.S…and hopefully get moms from all over swapping their kids’ clothes and also saving the environment and making things more affordable.”
Robbins-Ek said the competition judged the budding entrepreneurs’ business propositions on viability, income, growth projections and prospects for achieving goals and milestones. Kiddie Klosets’ source of revenue will be from subscriptions that are priced based on the volume of clothes subscribers want to sell.
She acknowledges the $500 award isn’t huge, but will definitely help- in this case, it will allow her to complete the building of a website that will essentially be the storefront of Kiddie Klosets. “They (the competition organizers) wanted it to be something that when we got the money, it would actually propel the business forward.”
“With Kiddie Klosets, I’ve just been waiting to have the extra funds to be able to launch the website because that’s going to change the business,” Robbins-Ek said. “Now I can turn my dream into an actual reality.”
The full website, kiddieklosets.com, should be up and running in April. l
(Courtesy Anna-Robbins-Ek)
(Courtesy Anna-Robbins-Ek)
Isotope innovation created at West Valley City company
West Valley research facility Nusano is leading the way in isotope technology.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Though it’s been more than 80 years since the Manhattan Project that led to the creation of the first atomic bombs that ended World War II, the science of isotopes still remains explorable in many ways. Leading that exploration is a company based in West Valley City called Nusano, a privately-held physics enterprise working to supply stability and innovation to the radioisotope marketplace.
Chris Lowe, company CEO, said the origin of Nusano was “to address the underlying problems that have plagued national research labs and countries’ programs for decades–the limitations of isotope production and the basic separation properties of the physics involved with isotopes.”
To give you a little science background, isotopes are a species of atoms of a chemical element with the same atomic number but differing atomic mass or mass numbers. There are almost 3,500 types of isotopes known for all elements. They have nearly identical chemical behavior but very different physical properties.
“Our scientific founder is Dr. Glenn Rosenthal, a researcher at UCLA, who made the first sketch of a machine that could help accomplish this separation, and ultimately that led to the formation of Nusano,” Lowe said. That sketch was drawn on a cocktail napkin during a conversation, not the first time napkin drawings have led to scientific
discoveries.
Lowe said over the eight years of research that followed, the ion source has accumulated more than 23,000 hours of experience with the separation process, which will allow Nusano to develop a number of technologies that are now online or coming online over the next few months.
So what does this mean to the general public?
Isotopes “don’t really care what they’re used for,” Lowe said with a smile. “They are the foundation of some very breakthrough treatments in the cancer field, specifically radioligand therapy that can help diagnose, monitor and treat various cancers. There are
Rendering of the front of Nusano’s headquarters in West Valley City. (Photo courtesy Nusano)
a couple of hundred drugs currently under clinical research for cancer, and our role is to be able to enable those researchers to have 40 to 50 different isotopes to choose from, rather than just two or three as has been the case. What started as a challenge for us nearly a decade ago has turned into a tremendous opportunity to impact mankind in a variety of ways over the coming years.”
The technology is mindboggling. Scott Larrivee, head of marketing and communications for Nusano, said the ion source powers laser beams that, once accelerated, “hit the target and a radioisotope is emitted that can be transformed into more stable forms. Every chemical element has one or more radioactive isotopes.”
I asked Lowe why isotopes have remained a bit of a mystery for decades.
“There are two answers to that question,” he said. “First, it’s important to realize that we don’t change the laws of physics or chemistry. We just execute them at a level of efficiency that previously had not been conceived as possible. The limitations on being able to make them in a sustainable fashion also limited our research on them. And as that changed, our research has naturally matured. Until we found a sustainable supply chain for isotopes, researchers had moved on to something else. Nusano is contributing to the renaissance
for using certain isotopes in certain industries.”
Nusano is located in a 170,000 square foot headquarters on Lake Park Boulevard. It currently employs about 160 people and plans to ramp up to nearly 250 by the end of the year. Lowe said locating in West Valley City made sense for a number of reasons, including a stable workforce (lots of local universities with students who’ve studied science or nuclear engineering), close proximity to Salt Lake International Airport which he calls “the best that I’ve ever come across in terms of dealing with challenges like inclement weather or other possible delays,” and partners in West Valley City and along the Wasatch Front that have embraced the company.
He said the domestic nature of Nusano’s business is also a plus, where historically, 90 to 95% of material used in isotope research has come from Russia. The Nusano technology “will allow us to be the first ever 100% domestic supply chain to manufacture these isotopes. Some of the raw materials will actually be mined in Utah, and that makes us really excited as well.”
As Nusano grows, there will be a strong and positive effect on the city’s industrial sector. Ten other companies have either signed leases or have started construction on their own facilities near
Nusano, part of the ecosystem Lowe sees growing in West Valley City.
“I truly do believe that when we look back on this 10 to 20 years from now, you know, the world will actually look to this area and say, this was the area that helped to stabilize and kind of jump start the renaissance of isotope applications,” he said. “The ripple effect of businesses cannot be understated in any industry that’s creative and innovative.” l
Nusano honored for efforts in isotope research
Nusano received two honors earlier this year. The inaugural Best of BioHive Awards for “Researcher of the Year” was awarded to the company during a ceremony on Feb. 20 at The Depot in Salt Lake City. The award recognized the technological breakthroughs of Nusano’s radioisotope production platform.
In a release, Nusano CEO Chris Lowe said, “We are honored to receive this award and look forward to creating and supporting continued investment in Utah’s vibrant business community. The Nusano team is transforming radioisotope production to improve cancer care and enable innovation in industries ranging from aerospace to alternative energy.”
In March, The Healthcare Technology Report named Nusano Chief Business Officer Jzaneen Lalani to its Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare Technology for 2024. Lalani oversees the company’s human resources, legal, government affairs, and special projects functions, including the construction of the company’s radioisotope production facility in West Valley City.
“Jzaneen is a trusted leader and guiding voice in our company,” said Lowe in a release. “Her intelligence, insights and people skills make Nusano better every day and inspire our teams to reach new heights. Jzaneen is at the center of our efforts to improve human health, pioneer alternative energy solutions, and enable multiple industries. She is deeply deserving of this award.” l
Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano. (Photo courtesy Nusano)
‘A Chorus Line’ opens April 11 at the West Valley Performing Arts Center
The West Valley Performing Arts Center is offering one of the most popular musicals of all time starting on April 11.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
One of Broadway’s most popular musicals of all time is coming to the West Valley Performing Arts Center. “A Chorus Line” opens on April 11 and plays each Thursday through Saturday until May 3. The center is located at 3333 Decker Lake Drive in West Valley City.
With music by Marvin Hanlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban, “A Chorus Line” depicts the trauma and tension of a real Broadway ensemble audition–the nerves, the excitement and the bittersweet ambitions of performers along The Great White Way.
“West Valley Arts is so excited to bring to life “A Chorus Line” and celebrate the 50th anniversary of this timeless piece,” Managing Director Vanessa Olson said. “This raw and emotional story captures the dreams, struggles and triumphs of those who dare to step onto the stage and pour their souls into their art. With its
intimate connection to the performance community, “A Chorus Line” embodies the passion and grit that drive artists forward—a beautiful reminder of the bonds that art creates, even when challenged. Not to mention the dancing is incredible! We hope you join us for this impactful story told by top-notch talent and directed by one of our most innovative and creative teams yet!”
Among the most memorable musical numbers are “What I Did for Love,” “One,” “I Can Do That,” “At the Ballet,” “The Music and the Mirror,” and “I Hope I Get It.” The cast includes Bailee Johnson as Cassie, Joe Spear as Zach, Madison Valgardson as Larry, Heather White as Sheila, Rosalie Wasser as Val, Celeste Palermo as Diana and Ally Choe as Connie. Ben Roeling and Izzy Arrieta are co-directors and choreographers, with John Sweeney as artistic producer, Conlon Bonner as co-producer, Anne Puzey as music director, Jeff Olsen as executive producer and Olson as managing director.
This production is rated 16+ for moderate and severe language, suggestive sexual content, adult situations and themes and acknowledgement of sex and sexual orientations.
WVPAC productions begin at 7:30
p.m. each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, with 3 p.m. matinees on Saturdays. Tickets are $35, with senior, military and student discounts available. And on April 16 at 7:30 p.m., the theatre offers “West Side Wednesday,” with tickets for west side residents 50% off. They can be purchased at the door and patrons
must show proof of address at the box office. There’s also an American Sign Language-Interpreted performance on Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m.
Box office hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Phone number is 801-965-5140 or you can email them at boxoffice@wvcarts.org. l
Carlos Moreno stands with his family after being sworn in on the county council. (Photo courtesy Carlos Moreno)
Carlos Moreno: From political asylum to Salt Lake County Council
Carlos Moreno, a former political asylee from Venezuela, has become one of the first Latino members of the Salt Lake County Council to represent the communities of District 2.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
CarlosA. Moreno took the oath of office in January 2025, making history as one of the first Latino members elected to the Salt Lake County Council. Representing District 2—which includes West Valley City, Kearns, West Jordan, South Jordan and Herriman— Moreno brings a unique perspective shaped by his experience as a political asylee from Venezuela.
Moreno’s path to public service began in Venezuela, where he completed law school with a specialization in Venezuelan labor law. As political tensions in the country grew, he became an activist, founding an organization called Venezuelan Students Abroad to denounce human rights violations.
"The entire country was divided between socialists and those who opposed the changes we were experiencing," Moreno said. "The regime became increasingly repressive and dangerous. They began killing college students."
His activism brought international attention, leading him to speak at the Organization of American States, the European Parliament, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. Congress. However, his efforts also made him a target.
"One day, I woke up to more than a thousand messages on my phone," Moreno recalled. "People were warning me that the president of the Venezuelan Parliament had charged me with treason and conspiracy on national TV the night before. Overnight, I became an enemy of the state—without a country, without a future and almost homeless."
Moreno was granted political asylum in the United States, an experience he describes as life changing. "That day was one of the most beautiful days of my life. I felt as if 50 pounds had been lifted off my shoulders. Freedom is magical, it is why we are alive."
He credits his father’s words as motivation to dedicate his life to public service: "Carlos, you are in the land of the brave, the land of freedom. If you do the right thing, you will find peace, opportunity and freedom. God bless America."
Moreno and his wife own an insurance brokerage agency, working with hundreds of clients on business and personal insurance needs. His experience as a business owner informs his approach to policy.
"As smart business owners, we value simplicity in government processes, especially when it comes to granting licenses," he said. "When you're a small business owner, your focus is on opening your business and making it successful. That’s why we need to
design the most efficient ways to expedite the licensing process."
Moreno plans to create an advisory board in collaboration with local chambers of commerce. "Small businesses are the heart of our economy and we need to find ways to support them."
Having witnessed the collapse of democratic institutions in Venezuela, Moreno emphasizes the importance of civic engagement.
"Fighting socialism for 25 years of your life is like earning a Ph.D. in Freedom Studies," he said. "We lost our country in less than two decades because our people were too lazy to get involved and be civically engaged at the beginning of Hugo Chávez’s regime."
Moreno encourages citizens to participate in politics. "America needs new leaders, especially young ones with a clear vision of today’s world."
As the first Latino and naturalized U.S. citizen elected to Salt Lake County office, Moreno sees his role as one of listening and acting on behalf of his constituents.
"As an immigrant, you develop special attributes such as patience, humility, resilience and perseverance," he said. "As public servants, we are here to listen and serve, not to give our constituents lectures or classes on anything. Our duty is to find solutions for everyone."
District 2 is among the most diverse areas in the county. "From Herriman to Magna, every city has its own identity, needs and goals. That’s why I spend time with my constituents; to listen, learn and act."
Public safety is one of Moreno’s key priorities. He is working closely with law enforcement to bridge the gap between communities and police agencies.
"I have a deep respect for our police offi-
cers and law enforcement agencies," he said. "I am meeting with police chiefs and law enforcement agencies to put myself at their service while also serving as a liaison to our constituents."
Moreno is planning to establish a West Side Safety Advisory Committee to address public safety concerns. "I want my constituents to know about the wonderful work law enforcement does every day for our communities. Even as a candidate, I was actively working with some police departments on investigations in my district."
Moreno has made fiscal responsibility a priority, advocating for a more efficient county government.
"We need to rein in taxes and spending while ensuring county services remain effective," he said. "That’s why I am leading efforts to streamline services, eliminate duplication and consolidate programs where necessary."
His plan includes increased budget oversight and performance-based funding. "Each department must justify its funding based on results, not just maintaining budgets. We’re focusing on outcomes to ensure that taxpayers’ money is being spent wisely."
He is also working to establish regular efficiency audits. "This will help us identify waste and inefficiency so that we can make the most of every dollar spent."
Outside of politics, Moreno is a devoted husband and father of three boys. "I have been married to my beautiful wife for 15 years, and our sons train in Taekwondo. We also have an English bulldog named Bruno."
Reflecting on his journey, Moreno remains grateful for the opportunities he has found in the United States.
"America is not a dream; America is a miracle," he said.l
Carlos Moreno holds a picture of himself standing with his father while he is sworn in to the county council. (Photo courtesy Carlos Moreno)
Carlos Moreno speaks at the Hispanic Heritage Congressional Awards held at the State Capitol. (Photo courtesy Carlos Moreno)
Carlos Moreno stands with his family after being sworn in on the county council. (Photo courtesy Carlos Moreno)
Former Granger High principal’s firm belief in power of education leads him to Granite School District assistant superintendent
“There are very few other jobs in the world that can impact so many people’s lives for the better.”
By Zachary Smith z.smith@mycityjournals.com
I
n 2013, Neil Armstrong Academy opened in the West Valley City Highbury area. Unlike other K-6 schools, or any other school in West Valley at the time, for that matter, it was a STEM school. Neil Armstrong made city-wide headlines for being the first school in the valley to implement a STEM-focused curriculum designed to teach skills required for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at an early age. The overwhelming success of Neil Armstrong’s STEM curriculum prompted several other schools in West Valley to integrate STEM learning.
The STEM initiative in West Valley City began with Dr. Tyler Howe, the first principal at Neil Armstrong Academy. Because of his incredible success at Armstrong, Howe received the Granite School District Principal of the Year award in 2015. He went on to become principal at West Lake STEM Junior High shortly after it adopted the STEM curriculum, and
he later worked as principal at Granger High School. As of Feb. 4, Howe was appointed as Granite School District’s assistant superintendent.
Dr. Howe didn’t always intend to be an educator. In fact, he originally wanted to pursue a career path in business. In college, he switched his major to Elementary Education when he realized he had a passion for working with students in a classroom environment.
“It’s a privileged position,” Howe said in an interview with The City Journals. “There are very few other jobs in the world that can impact so many people’s lives for the better. It’s been a wonderful experience to get to work with kids for so many years.”
Howe is a firm believer in the benefits and impact of hands-on learning, which drives his involvement with the push for STEM education. He recounted several STEM projects that he participated in alongside students at Neil Armstrong Academy, such as teaching ballistics and trajectory by building catapults, and the Bungee Barbie competition, in which students attempted to figure out how to drop a Barbie doll from the roof of the school without making a collision with the ground.
“STEM is really the way a lot of us want to discover things,” Howe said. “It’s not always ‘does the teacher have the right answer?’ All of these fields are a lot more ‘I wonder if this could work, let’s try it. Now it did, or maybe it didn’t, so let’s try it another way.’ There’s a fun process in that.”
In March 2020, tragedy struck as a category 7 earthquake hit the West Valley City area, causing the ceiling at West Lake STEM to collapse. Fortunately, no students were in the building when this occurred. However, the destruction meant that the school needed to be torn down and rebuilt from the ground up. The school was relocated to Westbrook Elementary, where Howe managed the changes and helped students and teachers adjust to an unusual scenario.
Having worked as a principal at an elementary school, a middle school and a high school, Howe has had the opportunity to work with students of all grade levels. He recalled a Granger graduation ceremony in which he handed out diplomas to students whom he remembered working with as second graders. “Knowing what they were like in elementary school, then in junior high school, then seeing them walk that stage was one of my greatest ac -
complishments,” Howe said.
In his new decision-making role with Granite School District’s executive leadership team as assistant superintendent, Howe can continue working to positively impact education in West Valley City and throughout the district. As of March, he is in the process of selecting and interviewing a new team to work with.
When asked what advice he would give to anyone looking to pursue a path in education, his response was simple: “It’s worth it. Being an educator may be one of the hardest jobs in the entire world, but it is so worth it.” l
Dr. Tyler Howe (left) with graduating National Honors Society students. (Photo courtesy Tyler Howe)
EDUCATION SECTION
SheTech Day sparks creativity and curiosity into next-gen tech leaders
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Ninth-grader Julia Ashby, of Riverview Junior High in Murray, wanted to explore AI and ChatGPT while Hadley Miller, a Draper Park Middle School student, was looking into college chemical engineering programs. Callyn Mortensen, a ninth grader at Sunset Ridge Middle School in West Jordan, was discovering more about coding and freshman Chelsea Baker, from Brighton High in Cottonwood Heights, was investigating various technology-related careers at the event.
These students were among the 3,000 girls from ninth to 12th grade who attended SheTech Explorer Day, an event designed to introduce girls to the world of technology in a fun, engaging atmosphere. During the event, they had the opportunity to meet STEM role models and discover a wide array of opportunities in the field.
Throughout the morning, girls from high schools across the state participated in more than 40 workshops focused on topics such as programming, engineering, aerospace, robotics, product invention, entrepreneurship, biomedicine, digital marketing, web design and gaming.
In addition, they had the chance to experience the interactive TechZone, where local STEM companies and educational institutions provided opportunities to learn about internships, programs and industry experiences.
The day wrapped up with a collaborative small group exercise in which the girls worked together to brainstorm, innovate and pitch solutions in a TechChallenge, all while being guided by industry mentors.
Students learned about the event through fliers posted at schools, emails from counselors or by hearing from teachers in various classes ranging from interior design to computer science to manufacturing technology.
Hailey Derr, a ninth grader at Cottonwood High in Murray, wanted to explore
biomedical engineering careers, so she visited her career center and discovered the event was a good opportunity. She’s already planning to take medical terminology and medical math next year.
Reagan Fairchild, a ninth grader from Sunset Ridge, was learning “how they keep patients safe during surgery and other cool things in the medical field” as she explored the TechZone.
Sydney Birk from Draper Park Middle School had just finished astronaut training.
“I was clicking a button to spawn an object and grab it or flick it to a target; if I hit the target, it gave a score,” she said. “It was fun. I want to be an astronaut and this is better than online simulations.”
Rylee Blackwell from Hidden Valley Middle School in Bluffdale was trying out Alexa glasses.
“I like how you can hear music and nobody else can,” she said. “I was in my own little world while there’s so many people here. It was relaxing.”
Retired electrical engineer Shari Mann demonstrated how to use the Alexa glasses with built-in microphones, offering a hands-free experience.
“I'm really passionate about inspiring girls to go into engineering,” she said. “I like how excited the girls are to try on the Alexa glasses and not just learn how they work, but understand it.”
Mann’s father encouraged her to pursue engineering back when there were “just a handful of females studying engineering” at the University of Texas in the late 1980s. She has since programmed microchips and holds patents in the field.
“I always say, engineers invent the world, and we need all different kinds of people represented in inventing this world; it’s a great career and it’s been fun,” Mann said.
Sydney Birk from Draper Park Middle School took part of virtual reality astronaut training during SheTech Explorer Day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
During SheTech Explorer Day, ninth-graders Julia Ashby, Lexie Nelson and Aubrey Clayton of Riverview Junior High in Murray experimented with InstaSnow. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
From seed to sale: Entrada’s botany program offers hands-on learning
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Every year, just around Mother’s Day, Entrada High School hosts a plant sale, offering a wide variety of plants “dirt cheap.”
Patrons can find packs of Roma, cheery, and large tomatoes, as well as sweet and hot peppers, often selling for just a few dollars. There are also herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and others, along with geraniums and coleus.
These plants, and others sold at the event, provide valuable hands-on training for adult students working toward their high school diploma or GED, while also earning science and elective credits. The proceeds from the sale are reinvested into the program, buying supplies for the next year.
The botany-greenhouse program has been running this way since teacher Anita Leimbach and community education facilitator Cheri Prince took it over in 2014 after the previous instructor retired. While Prince now helps coordinate the sale, David Dau joined as the new instructor four years ago.
“These students learn how to be responsible,” Leimbach said. “One student could screw up hundreds of plants in 20 minutes if they don’t listen to directions. The sale from last year gives us the money to buy the soil and the pots for this year. So, they're all trading on last year's good students.”
In early March, the class was transplanting coleus into larger pots. Three teenage boys worked side by side.
Senior Sajjad Alsarifee, who hopes to grow a lawn in his yard, explained transplanting is important. His friend, junior Mohamed Hameed, said it helps the roots spread out.
Junior Khalid Khudair explained: “The roots are too smashed in together; when they germinate, you have to make sure they have space to live in. Being compact isn’t good.”
The boys came to Entrada for different reasons, none of which involved becoming botanists.
“I came because I wanted to get my credits finished faster and I can test out of classes,” Hameed said. “I’m getting science credit and it’s hands-on, which makes it more fun than some other classes. I like that we give back to the community when they buy the plants. It provides students more opportunities.”
Khudair, who had missed 1.5 months of class while on a vacation, was catching up on credits, while Alsarifee admitted he had skipped class his sophomore year.
“I always had something better
to do, like walk around,” he said. “I’ve made up a lot of credits here.”
Leimbach said her students come from a variety of backgrounds, including those who speak English as a second language, as well as students who are homeless or autistic.
“This is a rewarding class for many of our students. We’ve had students who excel in this who don't academically because it's hands-on; that's the difference. Everybody can do it, and some of these are smart kids. It just does my heart good to see these kids who have struggled to do so well. It’s the beauty of this program. They see progress and get to see projects completed. They come and see the plants remembering they may have transplanted them or made cuttings and now they’re in bloom,” she said, adding, “Some of them never even knew where a tomato came from.”
Typically, about 15 students attend the class twice a week for two hours. The course lasts about a month and counts toward the 24 credits Entrada students need for graduation. Currently, most of the 800 Entrada students are between the ages of 17 and 20.
“We have at least one botany class every session. Dave often will do it in the summer. Then come January, we offer two classes till May, which is more than we’ve had in the past. They always fill up,” she said.
Junior Jade Shafer-Pedersen has taken the class five times.
“I love this class,” she said. “It just gives me an outlet for creativity and it’s a personal connection between me and the plants. It just gives me a sense of peace in my school day, it's a nice safe space. I’m proud of these little guys for growing. I've learned so much from this class. I've only really grown house plants before and now, I’ll probably play with plants for the rest of my life. Anita and Dave are good teachers. They let us do our thing and then help us when we need it.”
When Shafer-Pedersen came to Entrada, she had “zero credits.”
“I never went to high school before. When the whole COVID virus happened, everyone went home from school, and I never went back. I never stepped foot in high school,” she said. “I never thought I would come back until I tried Entrada. I love it here. It’s so different.”
After finishing transplanting, Shafer-Pedersen and the others asked if they should remove the growth from the geraniums, deposit old soil and move the bags of new soil into the greenhouse.
“That's another thing I like,” Leimbach said. “They say, ‘Should I do this? They know what needs to be done and take that initiative. They care about the plants and the program.”
The program has blossomed over the years. It’s no longer just rows of plants in the greenhouse. In a portable classroom under lights, 4,000 plants are growing. By the time the sale comes around, there will be 2,400 tomatoes,
3,400 squash and cucumbers, and 2,000 peppers, in addition to geraniums, coleus, and house plants.
“When Dave was hired, he brought it to another level. He built the grow stations, and they germinate better there than the greenhouse because we could keep them a steady temperature. Then we bring them all over to the greenhouse. He’s also done hydroponics in the winter in the classroom, so the students are learning about that. Every year we learn to make it easier, so students can have a lot of success, and we get better results. He’s taken it to a more scientific level where I come from a gardener perspective,” she said.
Dau not only helps with the 10,000plus plants at Entrada, he has set up a 3,000-plant sale at nearby Jordan Valley, a school for students that have severe multiple disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, communication impairments, genetic disorders and syndromes, deaf–blindness and, for students who are extremely medically fragile.
He also runs a business from home, selling about 1,500 plants.
“Once we set the expectations for the class, everyone realizes the relevancy. They learn how to set up the greenhouse, how to plant with healthy soil, how to water correctly, how to work as a team. Anita helps them understand the importance of the plants and the process; I’m the mad scientist,” said Dau,
Junior Jade Shafer-Pedersen said working in Entrada’s greenhouse gives her an outlet for creativity and connection with the plants. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Entrada students Mohamed Hameed, Khalid Khudair and Sajjad Alsarifee water the plants after transplanting them. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
who has taken Utah State University’s master gardening class three times as “there’s always something new to learn.”
The former school principal said students get dirty in the self-sustaining program.
“They’re learning how to propagate plants, transplant them into pots, grow lettuce and kale in hydroponics using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, they’re learning that a controlled atmosphere and soil temperature has helped growth, so they’re learning the science behind it,” he said. “They’re understanding plants and what they need.”
He explained students gain confidence by realizing they can grow plants without killing them, that asking logical questions will get them answers, and that giving plants attention is key to their success.
“Growing plants is part art and part science. For many, this is outside their comfort zone so they’re learning to work in teams as they learn new skills and vocabulary, to take direction and work with others, to be resilient and to appreciate a job well done,” he said.
Working with some of his immigrant students has led Entrada to grow plants native to their homelands.
“Some of them are really excited they can grow plants in their apartments that are important to the foods of their culture,” Dau said.
This has also expanded the variety of produce grown. The program typically grows 36 varieties of tomatoes, six varieties of hot and sweet peppers, six annual herbs, six perennial herbs, and four types of basil.
Through the plant sale, Dau said the community doesn’t just come for “cheap plants.”
“It’s building a community for students. We aren’t a traditional high school where you rally around a sports game or a performing arts performance. We’re providing goodwill for the community and they’re providing support for our students.”
Continued from front page
Jenny Curtis, Jordan School District’s work-based learning assistant, said the opportunity is incredible for girls.
“It’s cool, just to see all of these industries here, providing support and information and bringing all of these wonderful, mostly ladies, in tech,” she said. “It’s an amazing opportunity for girls to see what's happening in the field.”
Eileen Kasteler, Brighton High’s workbased learning facilitator, has brought students to the event for years and appreciates the event’s accessibility.
“It’s astonishing that a professional event of this caliber is free to girls year after
Making Lucas smile
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Antelope Canyon Elementary third-grader Lucas Ellis has been dealing with leukemia since 2023, with treatments, hospitalizations and medications, but one of the hardest things about the experience for the happy and social kid has been missing school.
“He has always been a very social kid— he thrives in having those interactions with his friends,” his mom, Marcela Ellis said. “When he first was diagnosed, we did a lot of online classes, which were helpful, but we could see that his emotional well-being wasn't being taken care of as well as we wanted it to be.”
When Lucas’ illness relapsed in January, his teacher Megan Dotson stepped into action to create ways for Lucas to remain connected to her, his classmates and the classroom.
She made T-shirts with Lucas’ signature smile and blue glasses which all her students and those in Lucas’ two siblings’ classes, as well as staff members and parents wear each Friday (which Dotson calls Lucas Friday.)
Through a foundation called Monkey in My Chair, Dotson arranged for a lovable stuffed monkey to sit in Lucas’ seat when he is not able to come to class. Students tote the monkey with them to the library, lunch and PE class, and send Lucas pictures of his adventures to help him feel included.
“We love getting the pictures of George the Monkey playing in the parachutes, or going to recess or at lunch—he loves it,” Ellis said. “What he considers the fun, the ‘not school stuff,’ he doesn't get to be part of that, so getting the pictures of the monkey and the letters describing all those things— he loves it.”
Dotson said the monkey sitting in his chair has helped students not forget about Lucas.
“Putting him in our room, it honestly feels whole again,” she said.
Students also stay in communication with Lucas by sending notes to him through a class mailbox. Dotson said she always emphasizes kindness and inclusion in her class-
year,” she said. “I like how the student ambassadors greet new girls, making it personal and welcoming.”
Gretel Diederich, a junior at Alta High in Sandy, completed her first year on the SheTech student board.
“I like the program and wanted to keep it going, so I thought the best way was to be an ambassador and support it,” she said. “I like exploring the booths and love talking to all the people to learn about all the programs I don’t know about. I also really love the girls. I made friends two years ago, and I still talk to them when I see them here. It says a lot about the SheTech community and the people.”
room but the last few months have given her students opportunities to put those values into practice.
“I've watched the empathy in each of these little kids grow by a million and a half,” Dotson said. “They just talk about it all the time, how excited they are for Lucas Friday, or how they're going to grab an extra this or whatever at home to put in his mailbox, or things like that. And just watching them care for someone else has been really, really cool, and then come up with ideas of how we're going to, or what we're going to say, or what they'd like to do to show him love. I encourage that a lot in this room, but I have watched it grow tremendously in the last little bit.”
Dotson comes to Lucas’ home to work with him regularly. She also visits him when he is in the hospital. Lucas said all the support from his teacher and classmates feels “awesome.”
Ellis said the support has been incredible.
“It makes him feel like people are there,
She was joined by her sister, freshman Leslie, who appreciated the event's schedule of workshops, and Alta High junior Audrey Semler, who was enjoying engaging with industry experts and participants.
“I love the energy here; everyone is having fun and it’s easy to talk to everyone,” she said. “I learned about different organizations for internships and college programs and scholarships.”
even if he can't see them and if he can't hang out with them, people are there for him,” she said. “It's made a huge impact on his well-being emotionally. We noticed that when he is in a good mood or in a good emotional state, he recovers from the chemo or the procedures a lot quicker than when he's sad or feeling a little bit depressed.”
She said it was such a relief when Dotson took the initiative to arrange the zoom calls and the plan for keeping Lucas up with his classwork.
“That was a huge burden that she lifted,” she said. “As a family, we were worrying about all these other things that we had to do—his medication, finding a donor—all of it—and to not have to worry about that was just incredible.”
At the end of February, Lucas received a school-wide superhero’s farewell as he left school to prepare for a bone marrow transplant, which will keep him out of school for at least a year.
Kaitlin White, a freshman from Brighton, was eager to explore the booths at the TechZone, where girls could try several interactive activities as well as sample a new Coca-Cola flavor to checking out a Cybertruck. They could even test angular momentum.
“I find STEM stuff interesting, and I want to learn what I can do in the future in a tech career,” she said. “I also want to be a sci fi author so this definitely helps with that.”
Near the area where robotic cars were being driven, Riverview Junior High ninthgrade students Lexie Nelson and Aubrey Clayton were experimenting with InstaSnow.
“There's so many more careers than I thought there would be here; it’s awesome,” Clayton said. Nelson added: “It’s all fun; I love the women empowerment.”
Megan Dotson leads her student Lucas Ellis through a hero’s farewell given by his classmates as he leaves school to prepare for a bone marrow transplant. (Kraig Williams/JSD)
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Although April weather can be unpredictable, it’s time to pack up the snow boots and head outside. After months of snuggling under blankets and staying home during cold nights, April gives us a glimpse of warmth and a promise of sunnier skies. Participate in some of these early spring activities that invite color, interaction and community back into life.
VISIT THE JORDAN RIVER PARKWAY
Whether you walk, jog or cycle, the Jordan River Parkway offers 45 miles of trail systems that run along the Jordan River. From the Great Salt Lake to Utah Lake, and all the communities in between, the trail is perfect for exercising, bird watching and learning about the natural world. For maps and information, visit JordanRiverCommission.gov.
THANKSGIVING POINT TULIP FESTIVAL
Described by author E.M. Forster as “A tray of jewels”, tulips are on colorful display during this annual event in Lehi. The festival features nearly 1 million flowers, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and poppies at Ashton Gardens in Thanksgiving Point. It is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., through May 17. Visit ThanksgivingPoint.org for details.
PLAN A WEEKEND TRIP
It’s shoulder season at Utah’s national and state parks. Tourism doesn’t usually start until May, so April is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway. Hike to Delicate Arch in Moab, check out the dinosaurs in Vernal or hit a golf course in St. George. Pack snacks,
8 ways to make the most of early spring
make a road trip playlist and enjoy the sunshine. Go to VisitUtah.com to plan your trip.
START YOUR GARDEN
The growing season has begun. Prepare garden beds for spring by loosening compact soil, adding compost and mulch, and cleaning and sharpening garden tools. On a warm weekend, you can also plant seeds like radish, spinach, beet, potato, carrots, and parsley. Western Gardens (4050 W. 4100 South) has experts who can answer your questions. Visit WesternGardens.com for more information.
CELEBRATE EARTH WEEK (APRIL 16-22)
Tuesday, April 22 is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day and an opportunity to join millions of people worldwide who spend the day cleaning and restoring Mother Earth. Look for events in your area or plan a cleanup event in your neighborhood or local park. Get Earth Day ideas at Almanac.com.
TRY A NEW OUTDOOR HOBBY
April’s weather invites you to go outside. Learning something new is a fun way to welcome spring, especially when it provides outdoor opportunities. Take a lesson in nature photography or Dutch oven cooking.
Learn to mountain bike on nearby trails. Try your hand at kite flying, archery or fly tying. Be creative and discover something new.
HOST A SPRING-THEMED BRUNCH
Clean off the patio and invite friends for a seasonal meal with fresh spring vegetables and fun cocktails. Lemon pasta, asparagus risotto and berry desserts are perfect for the season. Create a mimosa bar with fruit juices and prosecco or sparkling water. Tasteof-
Home.com has dozens of fun recipes.
STAR PARTY ON ANTELOPE ISLAND
Join the Ogden Astronomical Society on Saturday, April 19 at 6 p.m. for an evening of star gazing. Meet at White Rocky Bay where telescopes will be set up to look at the sun (through safe filters), planets, star clusters and galaxies. The event is free but park fees apply. For additional info, contact tackley@utah.gov.
consumers with stores that offer lease-to-own options for products such as furniture, appliances, jewelry, electronics, mobile devices and more.
“It is an effort to kind of give back to the community,” Martinez said of the Draper-based company. “They thought it would be best to give back in their own backyard, which is West Valley.”
Indeed, a section of PROG Development’s website states “Through the convergence of technology, education and community-based organizations alongside the dedicated involvement of government partners, we are posed to elevate the lives of youth, turning their dreams into realities.”
For more information, visit https://progfoundation.org/prog-development-center. l
Mountain biking in local canyons is a fun way to get outside in the spring. April weather invites people to participate in outdoor activities, learn something new and celebrate warmer weather. (Canva Stock)
The Cyprus softball team was not on a vacation when they traveled to sunny St. George for a weekend tournament. It was all business to prepare for the season.
By Greg James g.james@mycityjournals.com
Cyprus High School’s softball team took a trip to St. George, Utah. The trip was meant to gear up for the season, but it also created a crucial opportunity to build team chemistry and bonds that can carry them through the season.
“We use it to bring the team together,” Pirates head coach Rick Quinn said. “The parents come down to support us, but all the girls and coaches stay together. It gives a chance to move players around. We played multiple games a day. We got to see players in all kinds of different situations.”
The team stays together, separate from family and friends. They use the time to get to know each other and learn to communicate openly as a team. Their coach compares it to a college travel ball experience.
“Our team goes down together as one team, not varsity and JV. It is not fair to take all those girls down there and not get them into games. We saw all 21 girls on our team get a chance to play,” Quinn said.
Pirates trip focuses on building chemistry
A large majority of the players participate on local travel softball teams during the summer, but for those that don’t, the trip has become a time they can experience what that is like.
The trip is all about the team and softball.
The Pirates won three of the five games in St. George. Their losses came to Riverton by a score of 13-3 and Cedar 4-3.
“We are a deeper team than I thought. I had questions on some girls, could they hold up to the varsity level. A couple of girls proved that they are ready to hold up. We also found some spots that we need to work on,” Quinn said.
Senior Bree Garcia has taken her place as a leader on the team. Her 1.85 ERA and 29 strikeouts has put her in the top tier of pitchers in the state. She has committed to continue her softball career at Snow College when she graduates later this spring.
“She (Garcia) has been a four-year starter and pitched for three years. She has picked up where she left off last year. Our team really rides with her,” Quinn said.
Seniors Calle Sharp and Addie Winn will also carry a load this season as the team’s backbone. Sharp has signed to play at Trinidad College and was second team allstate last season. Winn is planning to continue her career at SLCC.
“We expect Calle and Addie to give us a lot of good things. Winn is one of the best
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defensive catchers in the state,” Quinn said. Quinn also mentioned sophomore Frankee Kelsch and freshman Abbie Hurtado as players he expects to make an impact this season.
“Abbie (Hurtado) led the team in hitting on the trip. As a freshman that is very good. She also has a chance to work by the side of Bree (Garcia). It is a big thing for her to be able to grow,” Quinn said.
Coaches in Region 4 picked Cyprus to finish third this year.
“Our region is going to be a three-horse race between us, West Jordan and Taylorsville. I think we are underestimated a little bit and we can surprise some teams,” Quinn said. “I think this team has as much heart and desire as any team I have ever been around.”
Quinn is entering his second season as the head coach at Cyprus. l
Sophomore Jaida Pope traveled to St. George as part of Cyprus’ softball team, a trip that coaches think will help the team become more unified this season. (Greg James/City Journals)
Martinez’s mission: Build up Hunter baseball player by player
Hunter’s baseball head coach Richie Martinez aims to have supportive environment for individual player growth.
By Greg James g.james@mycityjournals.com
Hunter High School’s baseball program has entered into a new stratosphere with a new coach and new attitude.
“I bring years of coaching experience and passion for the game to our program,” Wolverines head coach Richie Martinez said in a press release. “I really want this season to be about our players and community support.”
Hunter finished last season with only four wins and needed a fresh start. Martinez takes over for Quinn Downard who had been the head coach for eight seasons.
“I have dedicated myself to nurturing young athletes both on and off the field. I want to build character and passion for baseball. I aim to develop not just skilled players but exemplary individuals,” Martinez said.
The Wolverine roster includes six seniors: Issac Chavez, Kyler Borland, Tyler Critchlow, Jermain Hurtado, Alan Garcia and Tanner Kehr.
Only three games into the season Hurtado leads the team with a .750 batting average. Chavez has contributed the team’s only extra base hit, a double. Borland leads the team in pitching with 5 strikeouts and a 8.15 ERA (only three games at press deadline.)
The Wolverines lost their first three games to Morgan, Grantsville and Cedar Valley. They hope to bounce back when they face Region 4 opponents. Their first test comes against West Jordan March 2528.
Hunter finished ranked 29th in the 5A RPI rankings last season and did not qualify for the state playoffs. They last participated in the state playoffs in 2019 when they lost to Pleasant Grove in the first round.
“I want to focus on the players individually and create a supportive environment where each player can thrive. I am looking forward to the season,” Martinez said.
The Wolverines are part of the UHSAA’s Region 4 in the 5A division. They will compete against West Jordan, Taylorsville, Granger, Kearns, Murray and Cyprus. The Deseret News coaches poll picked Hunter to finish seventh. l
Tyler Critchlow and Jermain Hurtado are part of the backbone of Hunter’s new baseball philosophy. (Greg James/ City Journals)
NEW AREA
APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 3: Papa Roach & Rise Against, 7 p.m., Maverik Center
April 4: Community First Fridays–Grow the Flow, noon-7 p.m., Utah Cultural Celebration Center
April 4 and 5: Tahoe Knight Monsters vs. Utah Grizzlies, 7:10 p.m, Maverik Center
April 10 and 11: Cirque Du Soleil, 7 p.m. Maverik Center
April 11: A Chorus Line, 7:30 p.m., West Valley Performing Arts Center
April 12: A Chorus Line, 3 and 7:30 p.m., West Valley Performing Arts Center
April 12: North East Granger Day of Service, time TBD
April 12: Cirque Du Soleil, 3 and 7 p.m., Maverik Center
April 13: Cirque Du Soleil, 1 p.m., Maverik Center
April 17 and 18: A Chorus Line, 7:30 p.m., West Valley Performing Arts Center
April 18: Tony Hinchcliffe, 7 p.m., Maverik Center
April 19: A Chorus Line, 3 and 7:30 p.m., West Valley Per forming Arts Center
April 19: Central Granger Day of Service, time TBD
April 24 and 25: A Chorus Line, 7:30 p.m., West Valley Performing Arts Center
April 25: Rocky Mountain Rodeo Challenge, 7:30 p.m., Maverik Center
April 25: West Granger Day of Service, time TBD
April 26: A Chorus Line, 3 and 7:30 p.m., West Valley Performing Arts Center
April 26: Rocky Mountain Rodeo Challenge, 7:30 p.m., Maverik Center
Early May:
May 2: Community First Friday–Muslim, noon to 7 p.m., Utah Cultural Celebration Center
May 3: WVC Spring Fest, noon to 10 p.m., Utah Cultural Celebration Center
May 3: Forrest Frank, 7 p.m., Maverik Center
Demolition underway for Redwood Drive-In
Demolition of the Redwood Drive-In Theater in West Valley City took place in March as the theater was torn down to make way for new housing. The 26-acre venue, which opened in 1948, ceased operations in December, with its last weekend being a swap meet. Movies shown on its four screens ended in the fall. In September, the West Valley City Council voted to rezone the property to allow for the construction of 244 townhomes, 40 condominiums and 16 single-family homes by Edge Homes. Here, one of the screens still stood for the time being while the rest of the grounds were being cleared of structures, asphalt and even trees. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
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• Nothing Bundt Cakes – West
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Russia is our ally. Canadians are the enemy. Tariffs will make us richer but we’re cutting staff at national parks. Measles is back. Gaza is the new Riviera. The economy is crashing and it’s tax season when I pay thousands of dollars to the government so it can purchase Tesla Cybertrucks to send to Jupiter.
The newspeak and doublethink we endure each day can be a bit overwhelming, but I’ve found a way to get through the endless cycle of breaking news: denial.
Denial is a beautiful, hazy way to spend your day. Instead of crying through a CNBC report, denial allows you to drift on a cloud of puff pastry surrounded by cherry trifle and savory scones.
This specific form of denial is “The Great British Bake Off” and it saved me during March when I was knee-deep in tissues, cough syrup and tariff wars. There’s only so much idiocy one can endure while healing from pneumonia.
Unlike American reality shows that foster cruelty and conflict, GBBO features a dozen creative bakers who just want to make
Let them eat cake
the best Victoria sponge cake or sticky toffee pudding. The contestants are kind, positive and willing to offer a helping hand.
I love British television because everyone looks real. There are no plastic surgery junkies or steroid-addicted chefs, just regular people doing something they love. When the judges, Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith, make a criticism, it’s done with a British accent so it doesn’t sound so awful.
When Prue tuts and says, “This bake is a disaster,” she could easily be tucking a blanket around your shoulders and handing you a steaming cup of Earl Grey.
Instead of watching Elon Musk wield a chainsaw, I tune into GBBO which is filmed on the grounds of an English manor. Bunnies and squirrels scamper through grassy meadows like a Disney movie. There’s even a fanbase dedicated to identifying the different bird songs heard during the show.
The pastel-colored set, with its matching counters, ovens and fridges, distracts me from personnel cuts at federal agencies including
the CDC and FAA. GBBO hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding wander through the competition, amusing bakers with their British humor and offering pep talks to stressed cooks.
Each episode has a specific theme. There’s bread week or pastry week or biscuit week, and each chef creates a signature bake, completes a technical challenge and makes a jaw-dropping showstopper. It’s a heartwarming alternative to the 24/7 chaos of the Trump administration.
Who knew there were so many British bakery items? But I have to admit, there are things they make I would never eat, including black pudding and chorizo buns topped with mustard custard. Nope.
Instead of worrying about the breakdown of our country’s system of checks and balances, I worry about whether my favorite
baker can create a pie crust that doesn’t have a soggy bottom. The judges hate soggy bottoms. I’ve also learned to worry about fallen focaccia, overcooked tarts and croissant dough that’s not properly laminated. Even the mistakes feel cozy.
I’m impressed at how quickly chefs can whip up a batch of pistachio macarons, ginger tarts or spanakopita (a spinach and feta pie my husband would NEVER eat) with minimal tears or tantrums. It’s a reminder things can get done without fits of temper, vengeance or manipulation.
Denial is not a permanent solution but it’s a tool when messages from Big Brother and the Ministry of Truth get to be a bit much. Just turn on the TV and float away in a delicate orange buttercream or raspberry whipped cream. It’s some sweet positivity in a decidedly bitter time.
