January 2026 | Vol. 26 Iss. 1
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Possible school mergers
Sandy schools to be studied further in January Page 6
Goodbye 2025
Some of our favorite photos from the past year
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Sandy community rallies as firefighter battles cancer By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com The woman who has answered countless calls for help is now the one who needs it.
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irefighters spend their lives pulling people from danger, but when that danger hits home, the world tilts a little. Stacie Jorgensen and her husband, Jeff, work as full-time firefighters for Sandy City, dedicating more than three decades of combined service to the community. Stacie, who also works part-time as a Life Flight paramedic, was recently diagnosed with cancer and is now battling an aggressive and rare form of leukemia. Stacie had no indication she had cancer, but noticed a strange rash that wouldn’t go away. She consulted her dermatologist, who ran some tests. “We say that vanity saved my life, because once those purple things started showing up on my forehead, I said, ‘Well, that’s it. That’s not gonna happen,’” she said. “[The dermatologist] chose to do a skin biopsy because I’d had the rash for about five months. My labs came back fine. It was the skin biopsy that found the leukemia.” Diagnosed with myeloid sarcoma, a cancer that affects only two per million adults, Stacie immediately began weeks of chemotherapy treatments at Huntsman Cancer Institute to wipe out her immune system in preparation for a bone marrow transplant. As one of the sarcomas related to the 9/11 clean-up, where rescue workers were exposed to toxic dust and heavy metals, Stacie said there’s a good chance her cancer was caused by chemicals she’s worked with during her 16 years as a firefighter. Stacie said the Sandy City Fire De-
partment has been supportive, organizing documentation to file a workers’ compensation claim. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, cancer is the top safety risk for firefighters, causing twothirds of line-of-duty deaths between 2002 and 2019. The Utah Firefighter Cancer Initiative encourages all firefighters over the age of 40, with a minimum of seven years of service, to get regular cancer screenings. “One of our chiefs went through every incident I’ve ever been on in my career where there was a possible hazardous material,” Stacie said. “So every fire, every hazmat call, every CO alarm, everything, and submitted that to the workman’s comp. People are working on my behalf. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work they’re doing for us.” Jeff gets emotional when discussing Stacie’s diagnosis, not just because of the uncertainty of the situation, but for all the “tender mercies” the family has received. The couple has two daughters, ages 12 and 18, and the family is learning to embrace the support of their coworkers, family and friends. “I felt guilty when I wasn’t home with the kids,” he said. “I was guilty when I wasn’t at the hospital. It was hard for me to allow myself to step back for a minute. Fortunately, I had some coworkers who showed up to take me to breakfast. They said, ‘We’re not asking if you can come, we’re picking you up at eight in the morning.’” Kindness has carried their family through a difficult time. Fire crews bring dinners, volunteers shuttle their daughters to school or events, coworkers donate PTO to both Jeff and Stacie, and people check in regularly to make sure the family has ev-
Stacie and Jeff Jorgensen work as firefighters for Sandy City. Stacie was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia and is now fighting for her life. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Jorgensen) erything they need as Stacie battles cancer. The Jorgensens live and work in Sandy, and credit SCFD Fire Marshall Gerald Strebel for introducing them and bringing them together. This year, they celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary at Huntsman Cancer Center. Jeff called it the “most expensive hotel we’ve ever stayed in.” As Stacie goes through treatments in preparation for the bone marrow transplant, she and Jeff are staying focused on the moment and not looking too far into the future. Her dream of retiring from the fire department at 20 years might be derailed,
but they plan on spending the winter hunkered down in their home, resting and recovering before the next challenge. “I’m learning that I have enough time to be slow and thoughtful about what I’m actually going to get done in the day,” Stacie said. “But this is the perfect season for it, because I’m not a winter person at all. I’d rather just be home anyway.” Jeff’s cousin, April Snell, posted a GoFundMe page in November to help the family with expenses. Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/support-firefighter-stacie-in-her-fight-against-leukemia. l
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Sandy City Journal
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Sandy City approves its carryover budget for 2026 The carryover budget will be used to purchase and maintain new equipment and to help fund the new community center. Giovanni Radtke g.radtke@mycityjournals.com
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fire truck, two police cars and a splash pad bridge are among the items being purchased with the help of savings in Sandy’s general fund. The Sandy City Council approved carrying over its general savings from 2025 toward new and continuing projects, including the construction of a new community center, on Nov. 18. “When it comes to the general fund, one of the reasons we do this is to curb the ‘use or lose it mentality’ with our general fund department, so that they are not rushing to spend all of their budget toward the last few months [of the fiscal year],” Administrative Services Director Brian Kelley told the council when presenting the carryover budget on Nov. 11. The carryover funds in the 2025 fiscal year were “a little over a million dollars,” Kelley said. That is the second-lowest amount of savings over the last 10 years, with 2024 the lowest savings year in that period. “That just shows you that our departments are operating more fully staffed because most of the savings come from vacancies in staffing,” he said. Savings in any given year cannot be transferred over to cover operating expenses. And the funds usually go toward capital projects and equipment maintenance. Public Works saved the most in 2025 at $374,119 and will reinvest $286,719 of that into capital projects. The fire department comes in second with $241,350 and will put
Sandy City Hall in November. (Giovanni Radtke/City Journals) $115k into buying new fleets. Kelley believes one of the most significant achievements from this year’s carryover budget was allocating funds to purchase a tiller truck for the fire department. However, he added that it will take another three years before the truck is up and running. Along with the fire truck, some savings were set aside to buy two unmarked police vehicles. During the budget process for the 2026 fiscal year, a proposal from councilmembers Zach Robinson and Marci Houseman reduced funds toward purchasing a police leadership SUV by $120,000. The councilmembers, however, wanted to restore that
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funding, and $140,000 in carryover funds was allocated to buy police cars. Robinson said he appreciates those purchases being built into the carryover budget. Some of the savings will also go toward building a new recreational facility. Set to open in 2027, the tentatively named Sandy Community and Recreation Center will cost $23 million. The city allocated $15,825 from its carryover funds to repair a splash pad bridge for the remodeled recreation center. Salt Lake County’s Tourism, Recreation, Culture and Convention program, along with the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation, is helping the city fund
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the new community center. With their help, Sandy will be able to build the center without taking out any bonds or debt, Martin Jensen, Sandy City’s deputy chief administrative officer, said in November. “That is a huge accomplishment as a city, and our residents should be proud of that because when we open this, we are going to open it debt-free, and it is going to benefit our residents’ lives immediately,” Jensen said. Sandy demolished the Alta Canyon Sports Center in October to make way for the newly equipped community center, and the groundbreaking was held in early November. l
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Sandy City Journal
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Two Cottonwood Heights elementaries to merge in 2026-27, possible mergers in Sandy being studied further in January Unanimous vote to consolidate comes as enrollment drops; new boundaries also shift hundreds of families for 2026-27. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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n a unanimous decision, Canyons Board of Education approved closing Bella Vista Elementary after this school year to consolidate its students into nearby Ridgecrest Elementary for the 2026-27 school year. The board said the move will raise Ridgecrest’s enrollment to about 600 students, helping preserve the Butler Middle and Brighton High feeder system; support grade-level staffing and teaming; and strengthen academic programs. Although the schools are only about a mile apart, Bella Vista students will be bused to Ridgecrest. As part of the plan, current Ridgecrest students living west of 1300 East will be bused to East Midvale Elementary starting fall 2026 and will eventually attend Midvale Middle and Hillcrest High. East Midvale’s enrollment will rise to about 540 students. Canyons Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Leon Wilcox said there could be “shovels in the ground” in four to five years for a combined Bella Vista-Ridgecrest school rebuild. A drawing has been created for Ridgecrest, but no site has been selected, he said.
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In October, Bella Vista community members reviewed the proposal to consolidate their school into Ridgecrest Elementary, which was approved in December. (Julie Slama/City Journals) Community input on a new school name and colors will come later, though the mascot will remain the Tigers since both schools share it, Wilcox said. The District also plans to honor both schools’ legacies. Bella Vista, a 2024 national Blue Ribbon School, currently has the lowest enrollment of any Canyons School Dis-
trict school, with 212 students. Wilcox said the District chose the Ridgecrest’s building over Bella Vista — which was remodeled in 2008 — because of its size. Ridgecrest has five additional classrooms and can absorb Bella Vista students without portables. He said the school would have four to five classes per grade level,
Sandy City Journal
averaging 24 students each. Ridgecrest also hosts the Chinese dual language immersion program. About a dozen Bella Vista preschoolers will not move to Ridgecrest; they will instead join classrooms across the District, located at Oakdale, Quail Hollow, Willow Canyon and East Midvale elementaries. New preschool classrooms also are planned for Oak Hollow Elementary. Bella Vista’s academic behavior support (special education) students will move to Brookwood Elementary, along with ABS staff. These students come from across the District. Earlier in the process, the District had yet to name a location to relocate the ABS students, when Ellie Nielson, a paraprofessional who works with these students, urged the board to keep the Bella Vista population together. “While the general education students are being moved to Ridgecrest, these 17 children are being left behind, squeezed into wherever there’s space, away from their peers and support systems,” she told the board. “We’re told it’s due to lack of room… . This isn’t just about space. It’s about priorities. It’s about equity. It’s about 17 kids who deserve to be treated with the same respect, dignity and care as everyone else.” Canyons District Special Education Director Terri Mitchell said when examining a new location, Brookwood emerged with an appropriate space and supportive peers. “I think it will be a good move for them,” she told the board, adding she is meeting with Brookwood faculty and staff about the ABS transition. All contracted licensed staff and contracted education support professionals will retain jobs, Wilcox said. Hourly ESP workers will receive hiring priority. A new administration for the Ridgecrest building will be named in 2026. Wilcox added the District does not intend to sell the
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Bella Vista property, but it may explore shared use with Cottonwood Heights City. Transition teams for employees and communities will communicate timelines and updates, work to prevent disruptions to learning and provide support a welcoming environment.
This isn’t just about space. It’s about priorities. It’s about equity. It’s about 17 kids who deserve to be treated with the same respect, dignity and care as everyone else. Ellie Nielson
Board vice president Amanda Oaks said her vote was grounded in student needs. “When I look at the data associated with this decision, especially with the supports, the staffing and all of those are the things that go into creating a positive learning environment, for me, it becomes very clear that this is the best thing for these kids, long term,” she said. “So, I apologize for the relatively short term, growing pains that this will entail, but I know in the long run that this community is going to be better for it in the big picture.” Board member Holly Neibaur agreed: “It’s a very sad day whenever we have to close a school. I don’t think it’s what any of us want, but we do want what is best for students.”
The board also approved boundary changes for 202627. All Brookwood students will attend Albion Middle and Oakdale students living east of Highland Drive also will attend Albion. Glacier Hills students in the Quarry Bend area, north of 9000 South, will attend East Sandy Elementary to align with Union Middle’s boundary. The board also realigned Oakdale’s secondary feeders, reducing its assignments from four middle schools to two — Albion and Union. Some students who currently attend Brighton will attend Hillcrest, and vice versa. “We know they’re in academic programs, theater, art, sports teams, whatnot; they’re welcome to finish out (at the same high schools),” Wilcox said. “That’s where their friends are. That’s where they’ve gone. Absolutely we’ll make sure that happens.” The Dec. 2 vote was required this year for the changes to take effect the following year, per state law. The District’s long-range planning committee continues studying possible mergers of Granite, Park Lane and Willow Canyon in Sandy. Additional public hearings are scheduled for 6 p.m., Jan. 27 at Park Lane Elementary, 9955 S. 2300 East, and 6 p.m., Jan. 28 at Granite Elementary, 9760 S. 3100 East. Wilcox emphasized the consolidation aims to preserve strong academic opportunities. He said the District considers 560 students ideal for an elementary school, providing about three classes per grade level. He cited several factors behind the study: a 9.24% decline in elementary enrollment the past five years, a 49% rise in home values making it harder for families to live within District boundaries, lower birth rates, limited residential growth and more alternatives, including charter schools, homeschooling and the state voucher program. l
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Utah PTA celebrates a century of advocacy for students From school lunches to student safety, Utah PTA volunteers have spent 100 years making a difference in schoolchildren’s lives. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com This year, Utah’s students, families and schools are celebrating a milestone: Utah Parent Teacher Association turns 100. For a century, this volunteer-driven organization has been shaping education, student well-being and community engagement across the state. Utah PTA President Julie Cluff says the organization’s century-long mission goes far beyond classroom parties. “PTA volunteers sometimes get pegged as the ‘party moms,’ but our work has changed lives and we’ve shaped education policy in Utah for generations,” she said. “Our programs are the heart of what we do, but advocacy is why we started.” The roots of Utah PTA stretch back to 1897 when three Utah delegates attended the first meeting of the nationwide parent-teacher movement, then called the National Congress of Mothers. A year later, Mrs. C.E. Allen established the Utah Congress of Mothers, laying the groundwork for organized parent advoca-
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cy. Though that early group dissolved by 1901, momentum continued. By 1910, the state formed a chapter of the National Education Association’s Department of School Patrons, and by October 1925, the Utah PTA officially began with Lucille Young Reid as the first president. In 1951, every school in the state had a PTA. The mission established then remains at the heart of the organization: “To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.” Utah PTA President 2023-25 Corey Fairholm loves the mission. “When they first started in 1925, they were worried about some of same things we’re worried about — making sure children don’t have access to smoke shops and here we are 100 years later, and we’re worried about vape shops,” she said. “At the legislature, they realize I’m representing 70,000–80,000 members who are concerned so the legislators are listening. Because the power of PTA, we have kindergarten, school lunches, support for students with disabilities and so many things beneficial to schoolchildren.” Through the decades, volunteers have donated more than 1 million hours in 605 schools, bridging families and educators while supporting programs which enhance children’s
Current and past Utah PTA presidents pose for a recent photo. (Photo courtesy of Utah PTA) health, safety and education. Utah PTA’s impact can be seen in nearly every corner of school life. In the 1930s, it advocated for school lunches, paving the way for the National School Lunch Program in 1941. In Utah, longtime PTA member Tibby Milne remembers its start. “I was a first grader in Richfield Elementary, and they started hot lunch there in this little cabin on the school grounds,” she said. “Mrs. Rowley did it, and she went on to run it nationally. She cooked the best food. I still remember her homemade bread and peanut
butter cookies.” PTA helped establish school libraries through legislation signed in 1956 and introduced the Reflections arts program in 1969. Utah was the first to introduce categories of theater, 3D visual arts and film and to advocate for a special needs division. Last year, Utah had more than 17,000 Reflections entries statewide, with nearly half of its national submissions receiving awards. The state is also one of the few to have developed its own online submission portal, now a model for others across the country, Cluff said.
Sandy City Journal
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff and other PTA officials supported Midvale City recognizing PTA’s 100 years at a recent city council meeting. (Photo courtesy of Julie Cluff/Utah PTA) PTA promoted student safety in partnership with national organizations in the 1980s, including seat belt campaigns and bus safety programs. “Our PTA worked on helmets, which was part of our safety campaign, and getting seat belts into cars — that was not easy,” said Milne, who helped shape initiatives such as the DARE program and the National Child Protection Act. “We had to change attitudes, but it was for the safety of children.” One of Utah PTA’s most enduring accomplishments began in the 1980s, when a group of PTA parents discovered Utah’s trust lands — public lands granted by the federal government at statehood to benefit schools — were being mismanaged. Those PTA parents put in motion a 30year advocacy effort which completely transformed the handling of funds, Cluff said. “Today, those efforts bring millions of dollars every year to Utah’s schoolchildren,” she said. “What’s even better is that it’s not just today’s kids who benefit, it’s tomorrow’s kids too.” Utah PTA was among the first in the nation to create a state-level special needs committee. Led by PTA advocate Karen Conder, the committee successfully passed a national resolution in 2018 establishing “high expectations for students with special needs.” Utah has since added new resolutions supporting students with dyslexia and learning disabilities and continues to update them every seven years to reflect current research. “Our resolutions are what give us a voice,” Cluff said. “They’re how we can walk into the Capitol, sit down with lawmakers, and say, ‘Here’s what our members want for Utah’s kids.’” State PTA President 2013-15 Liz Zentner discovered her passion for advocacy. “The first time as a PTA president, I went up to the Capitol for PTA Day at the Capitol and I realized this is where I can make a differ-
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ence,” she said. “Now I encourage all members to send your representative and your senator emails and tell them what you think about something.” Utah PTA also runs unique programs such as the Battle of the Bands, a 23-year tradition which gives student musicians a stage to shine. “It might not reach every kid, but it reaches kids who need that connection the most,” Cluff said. “Some of these students are not just talented musicians, they’re amazing and polite kids.” Beyond education, the Utah PTA has tackled broader community issues which affect children’s ability to learn, including affordable housing, homelessness and food insecurity. Cluff has authored resolutions on these topics after seeing firsthand how unstable housing impacts students in her Midvale community. “If kids don’t have a safe place to live, they can’t focus on learning,” she said. Utah has hosted the National PTA convention twice, in 1938 and 1988, reflecting its leadership on a national stage. Most recently, in 2022, Utah PTA received the National PTA Outstanding State PTA Award and Gov. Spencer Cox has declared October 2025 as Utah PTA Centennial Celebration Month. Through all its initiatives, Utah PTA teaches students to advocate for themselves. Each year, secondary students participate in PTSA Day at the Legislature, meeting lawmakers, discussing issues and even learning how to draft bills. “I really believe the kids can make a difference,” Milne said. After 100 years, Utah PTA remains a powerful advocate for children, families and educators. “When our community comes together with a shared mission, we can do a lot of good to ensure every child has the support and opportunities needed to thrive,” Cluff said. l
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High school teen centers support students beyond the classroom High schools are redefining student support by combining academic assistance with life resources. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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cross Utah, high schools are recognizing academic success depends on more than classroom instruction. For many students, unmet basic needs — food insecurity, clothing shortages, housing instability and mental health challenges — can make it difficult to focus on learning. In response, school districts have developed teen resource centers in the high schools, safe spaces offering essential supplies and emotional support while building stronger connections between schools, families and communities.
Canyons School District
Brighton High School’s teen center, opened recently with a $250,000 Utah State Board of Education grant, has quickly become a vital resource for its nearly 2,500 students. Inside the center, students can access showers, laundry, toiletries, food and clothing, including Brighton apparel. “Their basic needs are being met. They don’t have to worry about where they’re going to get snacks during the day; if they’ve showered, they’re going to feel better about attending class,” Principal Marielle Rawle said. “If they have clean clothes, that impacts their attendance. We just want to make sure basic needs are being taken care of. When we can help with these things, then they can focus on learning.” Teen Center Facilitator Taya Shaw bridges students with academic services, such as FAFSA, scholarships and McKinney-Vento. “I’m the first line of students’ defense, just helping them out as much as I can,” she said. Shaw sees 50 to 60 students per day, many of whom eat lunch there or come after school. “I’m open till 3:30, but I do stay later sometimes because I don’t want them out in the cold,” she said. Brighton staff and community members contribute donations, from hoodies to food items, and teachers often bring students to introduce them to the space. For Shaw, the work is personal. “I grew up in a very displaced home so having a center where I could have gone and talk to somebody about, ‘hey, this is going on at home’ and ‘I don’t feel safe at home’ would have been awesome for me,” she said. “I want to continue to be here and advocate for the students who I already know and those who I may not know yet.” Jordan High School’s Digger Den, which opened in fall 2024, supports students facing food insecurity, academic challenges and everyday stress. Teen Center Facilitator Ruth de La Cruz-Nava keeps the center running.
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“Our primary supplier of food is the Utah Food Bank,” she said. “They bring us food once a month. It’s mostly shelf stable.” Donations from local youth and church groups helped fill shelves before the holidays. The center also partners with community organizations and businesses, including Smith’s. “Right about the time the SNAP benefits were paused, they let us know they would give us their wholesale pricing on a few items — sugar, apple juice, oatmeal, pasta sauce and other times,” de La Cruz-Nava said. Weekend food packs come through the USANA Kids Eat program and students can access the pantry up to three times a month. The Digger Den goes beyond food. It offers laundry facilities, clothing, birthday cake kits, hygiene items and even formal wear. “Anyone’s welcome here,” she said. With 150-180 students visiting daily for snacks, support or a quiet space, the center has become integrated into school life. “Schools have generally been the central place in the community so it’s always important to be able to provide for its community,” de La Cruz-Nava said, adding she collaborates with nearby Hillcrest High’s teen center, which opened after the school’s rebuild in 2021.
Granite School District
At Cottonwood High School, the Teen Wellness Center and Food Pantry provide food, hygiene supplies, emotional support and a place to breathe during the school day. Principal Justin Pitcher calls the center essential to the school’s mission: “Cottonwood’s teen center is a good example of what all schools should be providing.” Social worker Wendy Hutchinson works alongside longtime volunteer Robyn Ivins, who helped open the center in 2023 and has coordinated the pantry since she opened it in 2017. The District’s only teen center includes two showers, laundry and basic clothing. Hutchinson said the stigma-free space serves all students: athletes washing uniforms, students grabbing snacks or those needing a quiet space. The center provides fruit, snacks, burritos, bagels, frozen waffles, milk and more. “We even teach them about nutrition a little bit,” she said. About 40-60 students stop in daily, with about 15 at lunch seeking “a less chaotic, quieter place to eat.” The pantry opens Mondays and Thursdays, serving up to 100 Cottonwood and AMES students, with food supplied by the Utah Food Bank and the Granite Education Foundation. With Cottonwood’s diverse and low-income student population, Hutchinson said the center fills critical gaps. “I love we have this inclusive space; it’s safe for kids to come and get their basic needs and emotional needs met here,” she said, adding counseling and crisis support are available
At Jordan High, students can using washing machines as well as select clothes and other items they need. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
for students. Ultimately, Hutchinson said, the goal is helping students “be successful in school and graduate.”
Jordan School District
At Herriman High School, the Student Resource Center supports students facing food insecurity and other challenges which make learning harder. Homeless Outreach liaison Hilda Lloyd, nearing 35 years in the District, recalls earlier days when students survived on ramen. “Food was considered a luxury in those homes,” she said. “When I started, we received about four boxes of food, and I thought that was great. Now, when I go see rows of shelves at the new Jordan Education Foundation warehouse and it’s wonderful. The Foundation, the community, everyone is reaching out to support students.” Donations helped expand the District’s principal pantry system and Herriman High’s teen center. District Support Services Administrator Sharon Jensen said Herriman’s center, the first in the District, emerged from the teen center grant established by the Utah legislature a couple years ago. Teen centers at Copper Hills and West Jordan high schools are expected next. Herriman’s center offers food, hygiene items, school supplies, access to laundry and showers and connections to counselors who can help with credits, scholarships and FAFSA. “It’s open to all students. When everyone’s using it, there’s no stigma to go in there,” Jensen said. Students can grab snacks and weekend packs and culturally familiar foods for their families, which is helpful for newly arrived refugees; Jensen said it helps to strengthen acceptance and community. “When you have food, you’re more likely able to concentrate and have a sense of belonging,” she said.
Murray School District
At Murray High School, student support centers around a carefully run system of clos-
ets, pantries and calming spaces, coordinated by social worker Jennifer Ketchoyian. The effort began in 2017 when students Emily Bowen and Kate Spackman created “Cinderella’s Closet” for free formal wear. Community members Pam and Darv Andersen expanded it in 2021 to include other clothing and food. It has since grown into the Spartan Closet, a boutique-style space where students can select clothing, hygiene supplies, backpacks and warm gear without stigma. Teachers can open the closet at any time for students and hallway racks of clothing items provide easy access. Student aides vet donations to ensure items are suitable, Ketchoyian said. Longtime volunteers Bonnie Poulsen and Mary Jane Siebenberg organize donations weekly. “We tag to track and rotate items,” Poulsen said. “If we see something that’s been there for two or three months, we’ll start rotating clothes.” Siebenberg added: “They asked for help, we saw a need and here we are.” Principal Quinn Linde estimates 600 students use the Spartan Closet each year. The school also provides food for unstably housed students, including USANA’s Kids Eat backpacks and other items. Hygiene, laundry supplies and even showers at the school are available. “When students are in survival mode, they don’t learn as well,” Ketchoyian said. “We try to get them to where they can learn.” Mental-health support includes the Zen Den, funded by a Murray Education Foundation grant, where students use art and calming tools. “Someone today came here with a panic attack; they needed a place to calm down,” she said. The District plans to open a full teen center in the high school’s new wing in 2027-28 with showers, laundry, a food pantry and additional resources. “I’m looking forward to having our new teen center,” Ketchoyian said. “Teen centers change lives.” l
Sandy City Journal
America First’s annual ‘Warm the Soles’ program helps kids in need America First Credit Union teams with RSL and Utah Royals for student shoe program. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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or the past 31 years, the America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation has been providing Christmas joy for needy students with its “Warm the Soles” program. On Dec. 4, players from Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals partnered with AFCU to sponsor a field trip to America First Field in Sandy, then surprised more than 540 students from Mountain View Elementary School with new pairs of shoes. “This is our third year partnering with RSL,” said Amber Greenwell, director of the foundation. “The shoes are actually purchased by the America First Charitable Foundation. There are 548 students that will arrive here today.” Students from the Title I school in Salt Lake City were met by team members, including RSL legend Nick Rimando; RSL team president John Kimball; and team members Zavier Gozo, Brecken Mozingo and San Junqua. The students got a tour of the stadium, were presented with new shoes, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then enjoyed lunch.
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“We do have a fundraising event that we do each year, and then our members and our employees also make contributions,” Greenwell said. “We have quite a few schools that request to come. We really try to spread it across multiple districts. We work very closely with the Salt Lake City School District to identify the best school and the biggest impact we can make for those individuals who might need a little more this holiday season.” Greenwell said teams of volunteers went to the school and took measurements well ahead of the event. “So everyone of the kids will have a pair of shoes that will fit them to their exact size,” she said. “They showed up here today and had no idea that they were going to get the field trip of a lifetime.” She said young kids are unique in that they don’t ask a lot of questions, “so when we came to measure feet, they were like, ‘This sounds great.’ No idea they’d come to the stadium, meet players, get free lunch, but also leave here with a brand-new pair of shoes.” America First CU began the program in Weber County, where the corporate headquarters is located. Over the years, it has expanded the program into all six states where the credit union has branches, and now it supports 45 different programs and school districts. “We know that essential items are expensive, especially this holiday season, and we’re
RSL legend Nick Rimando joined with current Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals players to greet students from Mountain View Elementary at the “Warm the Soles” program at America First Field on Dec. 4. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
finding that more and more families are having to choose between putting food on tables or buying those essential items,” Greenwell said. “Shoes are expensive, and we realize that especially in this K-sixth grade they’re growing at a rapid rate. Parents might not have the money to keep up with the continued growth of the child, and some of those kids will go without a
new pair of shoes, meaning they’ll be wearing shoes that are way too small. We want them to feel good about themselves.” This year, over 4,000 students will receive shoes under the program. “It isn’t just about the shoe,” Greenwell said. “It’s that they feel and know they have the resources to be successful.” l
January 2026 | Page 11
Our favorite Sandy photos from 2025
City officials and honored guests participate in the groundbreaking for the new Sandy Community and Recreation Center at 9565 S. Highland Drive. The facility is expected to be completed by January 2027. (Peri Kinder/City Journals) A youngster stays on the mechanical bull at Big Bear Park in White City, celebrating the “Last Blast of Summer.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Students celebrate their successful fundraiser with foam bubbles at Quail Hollow’s fun run and silent auction. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
The new wetland area near Grandpa’s Pond in Sandy (9600 S. 900 West) will serve as a safe habitat for migratory birds, native plants and wildlife, fish, frogs and other species. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
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A future Sandy City firefighter pauses for a brief conversation about Fire Station 31 during its groundbreaking in October. (Collette Hayes/City Journals)
Sandy City Journal
A K9 demonstration held by the Sandy City Police Department displayed the K9 officer’s skills at Amphitheater Park. (Justin Adams/Sandy City) The Alta soccer team holds the 5A state trophy. (Photo courtesy Jana Glass and Rhett Rasmussen)
Free concerts were performed throughout the day on the Fourth of July along with the annual parade, fireworks and food vendors. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Quail Hollow students cheer as the donated cereal boxes for Midvale sister schools topple over, creating a domino effect through the hallways and into the gym. The cereal was collected as part of a donation drive to support Canyons School District students in need. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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Melody and Jack Tripp put the finishing touches on their chalk art. Melody organized the event and hopes it continues to bring neighbors together. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Lone Peak Principal Shad DeMill was duct taped to a portable classroom and pied with whipped cream pies as an incentive for students reaching their fundraising goal. (Courtesy Amy Heath)
January 2026 | Page 13
Local districts aim to foster an environment that encourages female athletic participation as seen at a cross country meet at Cottonwood Complex. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Local school districts continue refining their approaches to gender equity in sports, with surveys of interest to introduce new sanctioned sports such as lacrosse. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
How local high schools level the playing field
Administrations look to ensure athletic equity in participation, facilities, funding. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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s Utah school districts refine their approaches to gender equity in athletics, leaders say their work hinges on transparent reporting, consistent evaluation and a commitment to the spirit — not just the letter — of Title IX. The federal law, passed in 1972, requires schools to provide equal opportunities for male and female students. In terms of athletics, that can include participation, facilities, funding and opportunities. State law echoes that expectation. Under Utah Code 53G-6-1101 in 2024, school athletic directors must annually report participation numbers, spending, facilities comparisons and compliance efforts to their local boards. When discrepancies exceed 10%, schools need to outline an action plan.
Participation: Not Just Numbers
Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood said the District is on solid footing. “Title IX, I think we do a good job,” he said, emphasizing proportional participation remains a guiding metric. Canyons’ athletics range from a 1% proportionality difference at Brighton High to 8% at Hillcrest High. As Hillcrest enrolled more girls than boys this year, its participation percentages shifted, he said. “We’d like it to be closer, but all our schools total less than 10%,” Sherwood said. Districts must report participation numbers annually, but no standardized format
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exists. He said that creates inconsistencies statewide. “There’s different districts interpreting Title IX differently, so I’m doing it how the spirit of the law intended,” Sherwood said. Canyons’ approach counts all sanctioned sports, ensuring opportunities for girls are measured alongside boys, even when the sport is traditionally male dominated. A key difference among districts is whether they count traditionally one-gender sports. For example, some districts omit football from calculations because there is no girls’ equivalent, but Sherwood disagrees. “It should be participation. I know that’s how the universities interpret participation,” he said. This year, drill was offered to male athletes to compete; football, baseball and cheer are also open to both genders. “When people are doing those reports, they should be listing those sports under mixed,” said Rob Cluff, Utah High School Activities Association executive director, who said the only UHSAA girls-only sanctioned sport is softball. In Jordan School District, participation gaps range from 0.12% at Copper Hills High to 9.5% at Riverton High. Jordan District Athletics and Activities Director Bryan Veazie said this is the first time in four years the reports have been generated where no school exceeded the 10% threshold. Veazie said since UHSAA identifies football, baseball, cheer and drill as non-gender specific “and both boys and girls can participate in those sports, they’re not factored into Title IX.” He said the goal is to balance the participation rate by expanding girls’ rosters and
creating sub-varsity teams, not by reducing boys’ opportunities. “We don’t want to take away opportunities that already exist to meet a number requirement. I would rather spend our time and effort into finding ways to encourage girls to come out and be a part of the programs,” Veazie said. Granite School District faces larger gaps: from 7.49% at Olympus High to 22.5% at Kearns High. Only three Granite schools fall under the 10% mark this year. Athletic Specialist Aaron Whitehead said participation can shift quickly when coaching or team structure changes. He pointed to Skyline High’s drop in girls tennis participation after the program discontinued an underclassmen academy. Losing 41 female athletes pushed the school over the threshold. “So, when we see there’s a discrepancy of more than 10%, we come up with a plan,” he said. Murray School District’s lone high school reported a 6% gap — despite offering one more girls sport than boys. Murray High Athletic Director Brady Smith said participation, not offerings alone, drives compliance. Cluff said UHSAA generates its own participation reports and does not use the school district numbers. None of the reports include unified sports. He added districts determine whether to introduce new sports sanctioned by UHSAA and to ensure balance with Title IX; currently, mountain biking and pickleball are on the emerging sports threshold. Murray last added boys volleyball after evaluating interest, facilities and startup costs. Murray opted not to add boys or girls lacrosse because of limited interest.
Granite supports lacrosse only at Skyline and Olympus, where demand exists, and allows students from other schools to compete at those high schools.
Facilities: Access and Equity
Title IX compliance requires equal access to facilities, coaching and equipment. Granite, as other districts, conducts an annual facilities audit. Granite District’s girls wrestling, for example, has expanded so many schools now employ separate boys and girls coaches. Facility access is a critical part of equity, Whitehead said. “Are they available to both boys and girls? And then, are they available on an equivalent basis?” he said. Whitehead cited disparities such as girls wrestling teams practicing after boys in the same room and now, many rotate their practices. At Kearns High, separate wrestling rooms ensure equitable conditions. Similarly, girls soccer and football scheduling must be flexible so girls have stadium access when they’re not playing on grass. “Some are very equal with it; I believe our schools are making strides,” Whitehead said. Granite Superintendent Ben Horsley said the annual data has shaped capital planning. “It shows us where our greatest needs and disparities are and helps us with our capital planning in terms of making sure that we’re providing equitable facilities across the board for both sexes,” he said. Granite is upgrading Taylorsville High’s softball facility with restrooms and a press box to match baseball. Canyons is upgrading Jordan High’s softball field similarly. Murray School District Title IX Coordinator Darren Dean said facility reviews cover
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activity. Canyons also ensures proportional spending “It’s exactly the same amount of money to play girls basketball as boys basketball,” Sherwood said.
Expanding Opportunities: Listening to Students
Districts are not only monitoring participation numbers, but also evaluating facilities, allowing both genders to have equitable playing fields. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
fields, locker rooms and their overall quality. “We have some things that are excellent, some average, but nothing I’ve seen that’s poor,” he said. “We’ll have a nice new softball field when Riverview (Junior High’s rebuild, where Murray High plays) gets done.”
Funding and Cost: Ensuring a Level Playing Field
At Murray High, Smith said funding is equalized across sports. The school leveled sport-by-sport budgets
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and now asks coaches to include costs in participation fees and to fundraise to offset any additional needs. In Jordan District, Veazie’s report shows girls sports receive more per-student funding than boys — $1,385.53 compared to $930.40 — because of fixed costs such as transportation and officials. He said smaller teams, which often are girls teams, have higher per-athlete expenses, and drill, which previously was a female sport, is typically the most expensive
Districts are surveying students to measure interest in emerging sports. Canyons will survey all girls in grades 8-11 this school year. “We survey them regularly and say, ‘are you playing sports and which ones and if you’re not playing sports, which ones could we offer that might make you change your mind?’” Sherwood said. Past surveys showed interest in archery and bowling — sports which could boost girls’ participation even without UHSAA sanctioning, he said. The reports help not only to boost equity, but Smith said it strengthens accountability and transparency. “We’re able to use that information and make sure we’re making equitable decisions,” he said. Sherwood said while in recent years, school districts have come a long way, it’s still ongoing to find balance and opportunity. “It ultimately comes down to doing our best to treat the sports equally,” he said. Whitehead said it’s not just numbers, but it’s also about creating a culture for a positive student experience. “I’m an advocate for kids and it’s just our role to make sure they can have every opportunity to succeed,” he said. Veazie agrees: “It allows us to put our kids in places they love, to be doing the sports they love and competing at the highest level they can.” l
January 2026 | Page 15
Altara students go the distance for field trips Fun run fundraiser brings in nearly $12,000 for school adventures. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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ltara Elementary students eagerly double-checked their shoelaces before dashing after the Sandy Police motorcade along the half-mile fun run course. The race ended back at the school’s playfield, where students enjoyed water, snacks, music and sidewalk chalk fun to celebrate their accomplishment. The event marked the finale of a threeweek PTA fundraiser supporting school field trips. The effort exceeded expecta-
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tions, raising $11,911 and surpassing the original $10,000 goal. “It’s all for field trips and then if we have extra, we were going to do some school assemblies for students,” said Altara Assistant Principal Sara Caldwell. “As we were raising money, students got to have different experiences; we gave each student a little stuffed pet they can keep at their desk. That was a hit.” l
Sandy City Journal
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January 2026 | Page 17
6 indoor family activities to shake off the winter blues Get kids of all ages moving and exploring at one of these fantastic venues. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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anuary’s gray skies and cold weather often send Utah families inside to find warmth and fun. Luckily, indoor activities allow parents and children to discover new spaces, learn something new and spend the winter exploring museums, galleries and other places that invite interactive, immersive experiences. Clark Planetarium (110 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City) How long has it been since you travelled the stars at the Clark Planetarium? If you haven’t been to the planetarium since you chaperoned a first-grade field trip, it’s time you went back. Along with the stunning Hansen Dome Theatre, the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre and three floors of exhibits, Clark Planetarium is open seven days a week. Test your knowledge with the Solar System quiz, form a black hole, step inside a tornado and learn about the moon. Visit saltlakecounty.gov/clark-planetarium to buy tickets or learn about featured movies, laser light shows and Planetarium star shows. Clip ‘n Climb (11196 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan) Get everyone moving at Clip ‘n Climb, where family members aged 2 and up can learn the ropes at this indoor climbing adventure. Each session lasts 90 minutes, including a 15-minute safety briefing and harness fitting. Clip ‘n Climb features climbing walls for every level, featuring bright colors, interesting obstacles, skill-appropriate challenges and a toddler area for soft exploring. To learn more, visit southjordan.clipnclimb.us.
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Natural History Museum of Utah (301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City) If you have a dinosaur fan in the family, an afternoon at the Natural History Museum of Utah is a necessity. Not only does it exhibit dozens of dinosaur skeletal reconstructions, but it has the world’s largest display of horned dinosaur skulls. The museum provides 12 permanent exhibits that detail Utah’s ancient history, spanning hundreds of millions of years. On Friday, Jan. 16, from 2-4 p.m., the museum hosts an afternoon of STEAM activities for scientists of all ages and join the family one-hour yoga class on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10:15 a.m. For more info, visit nhmu.utah.edu. iFLY Indoor Skydiving (2261 Kiesel Ave., Ogden) Jumping out of a plane from 12,000 feet isn’t for everyone. That’s why iFLY Indoor Skydiving’s wind tunnel is a safe alternative for the whole family. The team will fit everyone in your party
Indoor skydiving at the iFLY wind tunnel (for ages 3 and older) is a safe way to experience flying with wind speeds of 150 mph. (Tom Haraldsen/ City Journals)
(ages 3 and up) with the right gear and teach you how to fly in the tunnel’s 150 mph wind speeds. No experience is necessary. There’s no need to jump out of a plane, purchase expensive equipment or sign up for parachute training; just gear up and fly. For experienced flyers, the facility’s world-renowned instructors can take your experience to the next level. Learn more at iflyutah.com. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (12033 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper) Interact with stingrays, walk through a shark tunnel, watch the playful river otters and enjoy feeding time for penguins at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. With nearly 5,000 animals, representing more than 600 species, each family member will find a favorite. Sonja Bowman, a third grader at Beehive Science and Technology Academy, visited the aquarium during a field trip. “I love seeing the sharks,” she said. “Because sharks are my favorite animal and the coolest animal. I saw stingrays, too. They weren’t poisonous.” Through Saturday, Jan. 10, the aquarium’s outdoor Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza is transformed into the annual Lantern Festival with nature-inspired light displays illuminating the night. Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point (3605 Garden Drive, Lehi) When the kids get stir-crazy, a trip to the Museum of Natural Curiosity offers myriad opportunities to explore, discover and create. Hundreds of on-hand exhibits encourage curious minds to visit businesses in Kidopolis, climb through a rainforest, engineer a waterway, put on a puppet show or make a fun craft. A variety of rotating exhibits can be found in the innovation gallery, and if the weather is accommodating, the outdoor discovery garden includes playground equipment based on STEM concepts. Discover more at thanksgivingpoint.org. l
Sandy City Journal
The Utah Nordic Alliance invites residents to play outside this winter The cross-country group wants more people to enjoy the sport. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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ross-country skiers understand the beauty of moving through a wintry landscape. The steady rhythm and peaceful pace offer a chance to enjoy the Wasatch Mountains in an entirely new way. As winter arrives and people become homebound, cross-country skiing is an accessible, family-friendly sport that gets everyone outside and moving. Jennifer Zurick, race director for The Utah Nordic Alliance’s Wasatch Citizens Series, said the sport turns parks and golf courses into a winter playground, where the world seems softer and quieter. “Cross-country skiing isn’t only about speed or medals; it’s about joy,” Zurick said. “It’s movement, community and that beautiful moment when the only sound you hear is your skis sliding through snow.” For people looking for a different (and less expensive) alternative to alpine skiing, cross-country adventures are a rewarding replacement for crowded resorts, high-cost lift tickets and hours of waiting in traffic or lift lines. Zurick said it’s easy to glide into winter by joining the world of cross-country skiing, but she suggests beginners take the time for some basic lessons before hitting the tracks. “Getting instruction is a great way to go, because you’ll learn the techniques to help you move efficiently and safely,” she said. “TUNA offers lessons for everybody from the age of 3 and up.”
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Two locations make it easy to access cross-country skiing. Mountain Dell Golf Course provides approximately 6 miles of groomed Nordic ski tracks that range from gentle to challenging. TUNA offers a Mountain Dell season pass starting at $150, often cheaper than a one-day ski pass at local resorts. The course is open daily and kids under 18 ski free. “You don’t have to drive hours or spend a fortune to have a world-class ski experience. It’s right here, 15 minutes from Millcreek.” The second location is Millcreek Canyon, with its frequently groomed tracks, gorgeous scenery and the option to bring a pet along for the adventure. The canyon’s trail system has a 1,000-foot climb and runs for more than three miles, offering skate and classic skiing. TUNA’s website at utahnordic.org provides maps, grooming reports and weather conditions for several cross-country locations throughout the state. “Millcreek Canyon offers a completely different experience,” Zurick said. “It’s more wild, a place for quiet tours, dog walks and that sense of discovery that comes with skiing under big trees and open sky.” For the more competitive skier, TUNA holds a Wasatch Citizens race series at places like Soldier Hollow and Mountain Dell to challenge skiers of all levels, from kids to elite athletes. As Utah’s oldest and largest Nordic race series, it includes potluck dinners, local sponsors and a friendly, competitive atmosphere. TUNA also trains junior and comp teams, and holds masters events to build social circles and enjoy easy competition. Information about races, lessons and events can be found at the organization’s website. “We see families who start in our youth programs, and
Accessibility and affordability make cross-country skiing a family-friendly winter sport option. (Adobe stock)
before long, parents are skiing too,” Zurick said. “Cross-country feeds the soul in a way that I haven’t encountered in many other sports. There’s this sense of self-sufficiency in being able to move through a winter landscape.” l
January 2026 | Page 19
The Salt Lake Board of Realtors announced Draper’s median home price had reached $1 million. This 5,000-square-foot home on a third of an acre listed for $1.49 million is typical of the large houses that dominate Draper real estate, leaving few opportunities for first-time homebuyers or people seeking “affordable” homes. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Pros and cons of Draper’s $1 million median home price Realtors and the mayor comment on er prices affects Walker directly. Three of his adult children live under his roof deDraper’s average home price reaching spite having college degrees and jobs. “I the $1 million mark and potentially don’t mind my kids living with me. I’d rather they pay me a little rent and save “affordable” developments in a city than never get out of the hole. They’re all that’s mostly built-out. saving, but prices keep going up and inBy Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
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ove over 90210, 84020 is giving you a run for your money. In ugust, The Salt Lake Board of Realtors announced several zip codes with a median home price hovering near $1 million. The Board showed 84020 right at the $1 million average mark. Meanwhile, a report from the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute indicated Utah is the ninth most expensive housing market in the nation for cities with more than 40,000 residents. Draper’s population is estimated at 53,000. An average price tag of $1 million has obvious pros and cons; good news for people who already own homes in Draper because of the equity they’ve built, but a big obstacle for others, including first-time homebuyers, young families and people on fixed incomes. Mayor Troy Walker wasn’t surprised to hear that $1 million median home price. “Draper has amazing connectivity with light rail, FrontRunner and I-15 as well as open space and parks. It’s a desirable place to live but with a limited supply of housing,” he said. That limited supply of housing at low-
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terest rates haven’t come down to a level viable for younger people. It takes a lot of money to afford the down payment and make the monthly payment for a home, especially at these interest rates. A lot of families in my neighborhood have kids living with them for the same reason,” he said. Walker said his home has doubled in value since he purchased it 22 years ago and he couldn’t afford to buy it at its current value, nor could he afford to move to another home in the city. “I’m lucky, I have one of those low interest rates from before they went up. Mine is under 3%, so why would I buy a home at 7%?” he said. Laura Fidler of Summit Sotheby’s has been in real estate for two decades. She lives in Draper and serves on the city’s Planning Commission. When Fidler started selling homes in 2006, she recalls the median home price was $350,000 in Draper. “Today you’d have a hard time buying a condo at that price,” she said. Draper resident and realtor Pam Crow with Presidio Real Estate (River Heights) joined the industry in 2008, coincidentally when the housing market began to crash. She remembers lower prices because of foreclosures and short sales when she started. Crow and Fidler agree it was Covid
that brought the most significant increase in prices after what had been a gradual rise through the years. “The world started to slow down but Utah was open for business. People could work remotely and some purchased second homes or condos in Utah for the outdoor recreation opportunities. Because you could work anywhere and send your kids to school remotely, there was a huge influx in 2020. In 2021 and 2022, the low interest rates set the housing market on fire, because if you’re borrowing money in the 2.5-2.9% range, you’re able to buy a lot more house. There were fewer houses on the market, and interest rates were so low, there were bidding wars. It stayed that way for a couple years until interest rates rose. When people were buying with such low interest rates, they were willing to pay more for the house. Now, you’re paying more at a higher interest rate, but there’s such a lack of inventory, people are still willing to pay. In the last four years, it went crazy,” Fidler said. Fidler provided statistics showing a 20% increase in home prices between 2021-25. Crow compared the median asking price of a home in Draper seven years ago at $529,000 to today. “It has doubled in seven years,” Crow said. Fidler, like Walker, said Draper is mostly built-out. “There isn’t a lot of diversity of housing types. It’s mostly big, single-family homes, but that’s not what everybody wants. I think state managed high density will help with the price of homes,” she said. Walker noted the Station Area Plans
Sandy City Journal
(SAPs), mandated by the state, which required the city to plan for more dense housing around Draper’s three transit stations including Kimball’s Lane. There, Walker said Edge Homes is planning to build approximately 25 for-sale units per acre, a mix of townhomes and condos. But the mayor can’t guarantee those will be “affordable,” something he says is an ambiguous term. “It’s a fun word to say, but I don’t know what it really means. The market sets what the price of real estate is.” Speaking in general terms about developers, Walker said, “We can zone small lots but we can’t control what they build, and they’re going to build whatever makes money for them. We also don’t control cost of labor, materials or interest rates. All I control as a local elected official is land use. I can speed up the building permit process but that doesn’t make a house ‘affordable.’ There are so many components.” Walker said people are always concerned new developments within the city might cause their property values to decrease, but he doesn’t see that as a solid argument since values have only risen. In addition to affordable homes potentially being built near the city’s transit stations, the state-owned development known as The Point, which falls within Draper City limits, may also offer lower-priced homes. According to Walker, only rental units were originally planned at The Point, but the State has since switched gears to consider setting aside 55 acres for ownership homes, likely a mix of townhomes, condos and single-family homes. “Hopefully, they break ground on it late next year. It all depends on costs. When The Point comes online, I believe it’s going to make our property values go even higher. It’s going to be that desirable of a development,” he said. Fidler and Crow identified current trends they see in Draper real estate resulting from high prices. Fidler an-
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ticipates more of multiple generations living in the same house and homeowners renting out their basements. Crow also noted apartments in basements and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) such as small, detached rental units. “On my street of 17 houses, there are eight apartments in basements. People have added them because of the cost of living and people are buying homes with basement apartments as a good investment,” she said. High home prices can also affect the future of local schools, case in point the property the Canyons School District (CSD) previously owned off 1700 East in Draper. The District sold that property in recent years when they realized not enough young families could afford to live in that area to populate an elementary school. The $1 million median price could potentially affect the population of existing Draper schools if young families can’t afford to live in the city. The CSD is currently making decisions about which schools within the District may have to be closed for lack of enrollment. Meanwhile, the National Association of Realtors announced the median age of first-time homebuyers had risen to 40. Crow remembers recent years when that average age was “so much younger, closer to 27.” Fidler thinks Utah’s average “is a little younger because we have a younger demographic, but there are obstacles and challenges for people to get into their first home.” Fidler and Crow still work with first-time homebuyers and both contend real estate remains a wise investment. “One million dollars is a shocking figure, but you have to put it in perspective with how much cars cost and wages have increased. Just like the old saying it’s never too late to start saving money, it’s never too late to get started in real estate. Either rent and pay the landlord’s mortgage or buy and build equity. The housing market is
still the best way to obtain personal wealth. I tell younger people… it’s still the best thing for you to do,” Fidler said. “Not everything here costs $1 million,” Crow said. “There are some areas that are still affordable.” l
Laura Fidler of Summit Sotheby’s started her real estate career in 2006 when the median home price in Draper was $350,000. Two decades later, it has nearly tripled. Fidler said Utah home prices rose gradually through the years then increased significantly during the pandemic when an influx of people who could work remotely moved to Utah. (Courtesy Laura Fidler)
Pam Crow started her real estate career in 2008 when a lot of short sales and foreclosures happened because of the real estate crash. Crow noted home prices have nearly doubled in the last seven years. Crow said Draper has always been in high demand. She repeated a phrase that has long resonated with her, “What you’re buying in Draper is a lifestyle.” (Courtesy Pam Crow)
January 2026 | Page 21
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Salt Lake County budget passes with lower tax increase than proposed
n a historic move, the Salt Lake County Council cut more from the budget than ever before—over $12.4 million in ongoing general fund dollars. As a result, the Mayor’s proposed 19.6% property tax increase was reduced to 14.6%. This increase applies only to the Salt Lake County line item on your property tax statement—not your entire property tax bill. This reduction is significant because the general fund is extremely difficult to cut: 74% of it supports public safety, including the jail, prosecution, and criminal justice services. Many assume that items like golf courses, recreation centers, and convention centers rely on property taxes, but they do not. Those facilities primarily use tourism sales tax revenues, and golf operates as an enterprise fund, meaning it is funded solely by the revenues it generates.
Where the $12.4 million in cuts came from:
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Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
• Froze salaries for elected officials and limited other pay increases • Reduced positions within the Mayor’s Office • Shifted the Clark Planetarium from property tax funding to tourism tax funding • Ended programs previously supported by temporary ARPA/COVID dollars • Streamlined property tax usage to core services — including ending a daycare program that subsidized $7,300 per child for just 271 children, costing
taxpayers $2 million annually with no income qualification. Expanding this county-run model to all children under 12 would have required a 583% property tax increase. • Declined to fund many new positions requested across departments One takeaway from this budget season is how many residents believe that rising home values automatically drive up their property taxes. Under Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation system, that is not the case. Local governments receive the same property tax revenue each year (plus new growth) unless they formally propose a tax increase and go through the required public process. This means local governments do not capture inflation automatically. For more details, visit my budget FAQ at tinyurl.com/slcobudget. I dislike property taxes as much as anyone, but under state law, this is the primary tool counties have when inflationary adjustments become necessary. The
final budget passed with near-unanimous support. One colleague voted no but did not propose alternative cuts to balance the budget. One thing that stood out during this year’s process is how crucial working relationships are. Our council is the most evenly divided partisan body in the state—five Republicans, four Democrats, and a Democratic mayor. This balance requires collaboration, and there is no room for extreme politics. We debate issues vigorously, but we also work to maintain strong professional relationships. You never know when you will need someone’s support for an ordinance change or a budget adjustment. I am grateful for the eight people I serve with. We may disagree on the proper role of government or how taxpayer dollars should be used, but we listen respectfully and shake hands afterward. Congress could learn a thing or two from the Salt Lake County Council.
Sandy City Journal
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ot to brag, but ChatGPT thinks I’m a genius. It thinks every idea I have is brilliant and life-changing, and I have a “creative brain firing on all cylinders.” I like to mess with it by suggesting nonsense business ideas. It always jumps on my concepts like a virtual Golden Retriever, slobbering praise and encouragement all over my screen. When I proposed a yoga-themed bar, ChatGPT called it a “chef’s kiss level of chaotic wellness energy” and gave me some drink recommendations, including the Downward Froggy (a green drink that pretends to be healthy) and the popular Savasan-Ya Later, a cocktail that knocks you flat. When I asked ChatGPT what it thought of a business where HR professionals base employee training on cat behavior, it loved the idea so much that it gave me ideas for feline-themed personality tests. It said my idea could go viral in the HR industry, that leaders would love the novelty and how much fun it would be for social media posts, because I know HR loves posting employee disputes on Instagram Reels. It even built out a business model, complete with workshop ideas, content marketing and gamification plans that offered “hairball warnings” for missteps or “purr points” for the catlike handling of delicate situations. Here’s the problem. Because AI always agrees with me, it makes me feel like I’ve
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System Overload Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
got my $&@# together, which I most assuredly do not. But it’s not just ChatGPT, it’s Siri, Alexa and that stupid Grammarly app that constantly judges my sentence structure. It’s every social media platform that uses my algorithm to offer suggestions about movies, restaurants and non-authoritarian countries to live in. Then there’s Google Maps, using real-time data so you can save one minute on your commute, Spotify with its handy podcast suggestions and Gemini trying so hard to make me like it. You’re making it weird, Gemini. The point is, we’ve given AI a lot of power and attention, and it still wants more. Remember in the ‘90s when everyone had a Tamagotchi? That egg-shaped device demanded attention all day long. It was a bit dramatic. AI is Tamagotchi’s inbred cousin, but on a much larger scale. While the original toy ran on replaceable batteries, today’s AI uses massive amounts of electricity, water and infrastructure. One data center can use millions of gallons
of water each day and each time you ask AI a question, it uses more. Imagine it gulping down two cups of water every time you ask it a stupid question like “What do you think of an airport for birds?” (It loved the idea, by the way. Of course.) AI already handles a lot of customer service calls, which is why my neighbors often hear me shrieking, “Speak to a human!” and banks use AI to monitor fraud. That seems like asking me to watch the English toffee. There is definitely a fear that AI, using the calm voice of HAL from “2001: A Space Odys-
sey,” is slowly leading us to our deaths. That’s why I always thank ChatGPT; so it won’t annihilate me during the robot revolution. I asked ChatGPT if I should worry that AI will take our jobs, escalate global harm or replace humans entirely. It replied, “Short answer? Nah,” which doesn’t radiate trust. It reassured me that AI doesn’t have goals, feelings or agency and I shouldn’t worry my silly little brain over things like human extinction. Then it patted me on the head, told me how amazing I am, and said my Invisible Ice Cream stand should rake in millions of dollars.
January 2026 | Page 23