July 2026 | Vol. 12 Iss. 7
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South Salt Lake
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Irvin Jones returns
Road fee
Residents included after business backlash
Councilmember is back for District 5
Page 5
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South Salt Lake proposes 33% funding increase for public safety amid rising costs By Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
Mayor Cherie Wood has introduced departments, Wood said. “Like each of us, South Salt Lake is a tentative $121-million budget that feeling the squeeze from rising prices on includes a property tax increase dedthe essentials like fuel and food and we too icated to emergency services. are closely re-evaluating our revenue and
S
outh Salt Lake is proposing a property tax increase to help fund its Public Safety Service Special Fund. On May 13, in a video presentation due to an excused absence, Mayor Cherie Wood officially proposed the property tax increase to the city council, which later voted to accept her tentative budget. Formal adoption, if the budget is approved, will happen in the coming months. Even after cutting more than $11 million from the city’s General Fund across various departments, the city still faces a deficit in adequately funding its police and fire
expenses,” Wood said. “At the same time, demand for city services remains high and construction costs continue to increase. While the city is focusing on prudent spending and cuts, we remain committed to funding critical services that are important to our residents and to the future of South Salt Lake safety, infrastructure and affordability.” As Wood met with department heads earlier this year to prepare the budget it became apparent with higher costs for fuel, materials and services, along with increased
continued page 9 Residents are looking at an increase to fund public safety departments. (File photo City Journals)
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Saturday, July 4, 2026 Annual Chalk Art Contest (Pre-Register) 6 a.m.–2 p.m. Murray Armory, 246 Myrtle Ave Annual Plein Air Painting Contest 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Murray Armory, 246 Myrtle Ave Sunrise Service, 7 a.m. Murray Amphitheater, 495 5300 S Rotary Club Community Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Murray Park Pavilion #5 Entry Fee Required Races 5k Race, 8 a.m. Children’s Race (Ages 4-9), 9 a.m. Both Races Near Constitution Circle Parade, 8:30 a.m. Fashion Place To Murray Park Daytime Entertainment Heber Matute, 11:00 a.m. Flashback Brothers, 12:30 p.m. Murray Park Gazebo Evening Entertainment Hartley Road, 8:30 p.m. Firework Display, 10:00 p.m. Murray Park Softball Field For full list of activites and updates visit the qr code
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For more information, call 801-264-2614 or visit https://www.murray.utah.gov/213/Cultural-Arts Sponsored by Murray City Cultural Arts, Murray Parks & Recreation, and Murray City Library. Murray Arts in the Park is supported with funding assistance by the residents of Salt Lake County, Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts and Museums, NowPlayingUtah.com, Utah Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts.
Page 2 | July 2026
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July 2026 | Page 3
COMMON GROUND
The Pot Calling the Kettle a Rainbow
Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together. As normal for June in Utah, there was little rainfall, but that didn’t stop tears of the far left from crying throughout the month. What were they upset about this time? Gov. Cox decided June (2026) should be Fidelity Month. Did the left feel betrayed by one of their biggest supporters when he didn’t recognize their month-long orgy? His declaration reads: Whereas, a recent opinion poll of Americans showed that support for traditional values has significantly declined; Whereas, a majority of Americans no longer esteem values like faith, family, patriotism or community involvement; Whereas, fidelity means dedication to faith, family and country; Whereas, it is imperative that we recommit ourselves to the pursuit of fidelity; Whereas, John Adams, a founding father of the United States, said, ‘‘Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.’’; Whereas, the survival of the United States depends on the shared bonds of faith, family and patriotism; and Whereas, it is fitting to observe one month each year to rededicate the United States to its core values; Now, therefore, I, Spencer J. Cox,
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John J. Walker Common Ground
governor of the great state of Utah, do hereby declare June, 2026 as Fidelity Month in Utah. If you imagined Gov. Cox activated his taxpayer-funded propaganda machine and waged war against the LGBTQ+ community by shoving his new declaration down everyone’s throat, it would be exactly that, your imagination. No politician has made such a lackluster declaration since Clinton used his air quotes. The Governor simply posted the declaration to his website. But that didn’t stop people from feeling butthurt about the proclamation. As if the Governor’s track record had been forgotten: 2021: The Governor declares the month of June, LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Utah. 2022: The Governor declares the month of June, LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Utah. 2023: The Governor declares the month of June, Pride Month in Utah. 2024: The Governor declares June the month of “Bridge Building”. 2025: No declaration by the Governor, but 42 miles south of the State Capitol Charlie Kirk, a right-wing political activist, was assassinated on Sept. 10. Note: the accused assassin may have been aligned with the LGBTQ community.
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2026: The Governor declares the month of June, Fidelity Month. Now, let’s look at the track record of the LGBTQ+ community for the same time period. 2021: They mock the LDS culture and religious community by creating an all-out effort to change Pioneer Day into Pie and Beer Day. 2022: They continue to mock LDS culture and community by creating an all-out effort to change Pioneer Day into Pie and Beer Day. 2023: They continue their mocking of the celebration of Pioneer Day. 2024: Continue mocking the celebration of Pioneer Day. 2025: Continue mocking the celebration of Pioneer Day. 2026: Continue their mocking celebration of Pioneer Day. It’s probably the most consistent aspect of their culture, in a world where they add new colors to their flag and their acronym gets so large they just add a + sign. To get respect, you might have to give a little. Common Ground: The current political environment has tricked us, leaving us with two polar options. Either we have to gay bash or we have to run through the street dressed like Richard Simmons, waving a rainbow flag. However, it seems like there’s a lot of ground in the middle. That ground might be the area most of us occupy. I think most Utahns can agree the
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LGBTQ+ community should be recognized; they should be allowed to celebrate their community. But can we make it less about their sexuality and focus more on their suffrage, rights, and successes? Those things we can all celebrate. As a mutual sign of respect, can’t all members of the state come together to celebrate and balance religious aspects with the suffrage, rights and successes within the communities? Those celebrations leave room for the journey of the pioneers in the mid-1800s and the similarities to that of the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-to late 1900s. Both suffered persecution. Both fought the federal government’s overreach as to who they can marry. Should Utah celebrate Pride Month? Of course. Should the Governor have declared the month Pride Month? Maybe. He doesn’t own the month; he can declare it anything he wants and we can celebrate each day as we please. Equally important are values like faith, family, patriotism or community involvement. Are they currently at risk? Of course. Let’s celebrate those values. So thank you, Gov.Cox, for supporting these key values and declaring June Fidelity Month. Let’s celebrate it and next year let’s get even louder about our celebration, maybe a drone show over the Capitol or a UFC fight in the rotunda. Thank you, Governor, for supporting Pride Month for five years. We hope you have not given up on it, and our families and community.
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South Salt Lake includes residents in road fee after business backlash
Following pushback from local business owners and the Chamber of Commerce, the South Salt Lake City Council voted to lower its overall transportation fee budget and add a monthly flat fee for residents. By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
A
fter strong negative feedback from local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce, South Salt Lake is making major changes to the transportation utility fee it implemented earlier this year to fund road maintenance, repairs and street construction. On May 27, the South Salt Lake City Council voted to overhaul the newly created Transportation Utility Fee, shifting a portion of the financial cost for roads onto residents following intense blowback from commercial property owners. The new fee, which was officially approved by the council on July 23, 2025, first appeared on utility bills for local businesses on March 1, 2026. The fee bypassed property values entirely. Instead, city planners scaled the assessment using building square footage and property usage types, relying on metrics like estimated daily trips and vehicle weight. Initially, the city only charged businesses because councilmembers believed commercial properties generated the heaviest daily traffic, vehicle weight and overall impact on city roads. However, this structure forced commercial property owners to bear the full financial burden of the city’s road maintenance, hitting many local operations with unexpected annual increases of thousands of dollars. The new fee triggered immediate pushback. In early May, the South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce issued an official statement of opposition. “The message from our business
community has been clear: this fee represents a significant and immediate financial burden,” the Chamber stated, noting that local businesses were already navigating rising costs, staffing challenges and economic uncertainty. “We believe that if a transportation utility fee is determined to be necessary, the burden should be shared equitably among all road users, including residents and businesses alike.” At a May 13 public hearing regarding the fee, 23 business owners, a property manager, four residents, and Utah Taxpayers Association representative Billy Hesterman all spoke out against what they considered lopsided rates. The initial commercial rates were “very inequitable towards your business community,” said business owner Ted SergeantTakis, adding, “this TUF is absolutely anti-business.” Other speakers questioned the fairness of the city’s data model, pointing out that residential home deliveries are a massive driver of heavy truck traffic. “The majority of the Amazon deliveries are done for residents. It’s not done for the businesses. UPS, FedEx, all those different ones,” one business owner told the council. Initially, the city only charged businesses because councilmembers believed commercial propIn response to this feedback, erties generated the heaviest daily traffic, vehicle weight and overall impact on city roads. (City Community and Economic Development Journals stock photo) Director Jonathan Weidenhamer and EFG Consulting representative Cody Deeter presented an adjusted compromise to the council on May 27, which councilmembers voted to accept. This compromise lowered the overall TUF annual budget from $6.6 million to $4.3 million, a move that dropped total funding by 35% but will result in deferred maintenance costs. It also distributed the cost by implementing a flat rate of $1.71 per month per residential dwelling. Monthly rates for local businesses will now be calculated per Join our dynamic network of businesses 1,000 square feet of space: office spaces are and individuals working together to set at $6.80, retail and commercial properties are billed at $13.30, and industrial zones are deliver growth and economic opportunity. priced at $15.89. l
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SSLCHAMBER.COM July 2026 | Page 5
It’s a soup-er patriotic showcase at SLCO facilities Eight canned-food sculptures celebrating America’s 250th birthday grace Salt Lake County facilities. By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
T
owering rockets, patriotic birthday cakes and even a replica of the Liberty Bell made entirely from canned food are now on display across Salt Lake County as part of a countywide effort to fight hunger while celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The eight sculptures, created through the national CANstruction program, were unveiled May 15 and will remain on display through the end of July at public facilities throughout the valley. The installations were created in partnership with Salt Lake County, Utah Food Bank, AIA Utah and CANstruction Salt Lake City. Together, the displays contain more than 25,000 cans of food, all of which will ultimately be donated to Utah Food Bank after the exhibition concludes. County leaders say the larger initiative aims to generate the equivalent of 250,000 meals for Utah families experiencing food insecurity. Among the most eye-catching installations is a massive Artemis II-themed moon
The USS CANstellation at the Draper Senior Center. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
landing scene featuring a rocket ship and lunar display. The sculpture was designed by teams from Layton Construction, Architectural Nexus and Dunn Associates. “Houston, we have a food insecurity problem,” wrote Landon Sherwood, director of business development for Layton Construction, in a social media post
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The Liberty Bell greets visitors at the Holladay Lions Recreation Center. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
A hot air balloon sculpture made of canned food graces the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
promoting the event. Sherwood said the team’s design was inspired by both the America250 theme and NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is expected to become the first crewed lunar mission since 1972. The installation used approximately 5,900 cans, making it the largest sculpture in this year’s event. “But the best part?” Sherwood added. “Every can used in the competition gets donated to a local food bank for families in need.” Other sculptures include a USS Constitution battleship, a patriotic hot air balloon, a city skyline and multiple oversized birthday cake displays designed around red, white and blue themes. The installations are spread throughout county facilities, including the Salt Lake County Government Center North Building, Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, JL Sorenson Recreation Center and Viridian Event Center in West Jordan. According to organizers, CANstruction events are held in roughly 100 cities annually and combine architectural design competitions with charitable food drives. Teams are typically composed of architects, engineers, contractors, fabricators and other design professionals who have only eight hours to assemble their structures. Awards are given in categories such as structural ingenuity, best original design and people’s choice. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said the sculptures represent both creativity and community service. “These 25,000 cans are a symbol of what Salt Lake County does best: coming together to take care of one another,” Wilson said in a statement released by the county. “Come see the sculptures, cast your vote, and donate if
you can.” Salt Lake County Council Chair Aimee Winder Newton emphasized the public nature of the exhibit, encouraging residents to visit all eight locations during the summer. “It was fun to watch these food sculptures take shape, and we hope residents visit all eight locations around the county,” Winder Newton said. “Who knew that canned food could provide such great nutritional and artistic enrichment.” Donation bins have been placed near each sculpture, allowing visitors to contribute canned goods while touring the displays. Residents may also donate online through Salt Lake County’s America250 fundraising campaign. The displays are part of broader America250 celebrations taking place throughout Utah ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. The statewide initiative includes community events, historical commemorations and service projects intended to encourage civic participation and volunteerism. Salt Lake County’s canned-food sculpture initiative is part of the broader America250 celebration, a nationwide effort commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Utah’s America250 campaign emphasizes the themes of education, unity and service, encouraging residents to celebrate what brings commu nities together. Salt Lake County’s partnership with Utah Food Bank and CANstruction aligns with that mission by combining public art with charitable giving, transforming thousands of cans of food into sculptures that will ultimately help families facing food insecurity. Locations of all canned-food sculptures can be found at www.saltlakecounty.gov. l
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Visitors to the Spring Garden Fair brave the rain to learn about water-wise practices and participate in all-ages activities. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
Afternoon attendees assemble native wildflower seed mixes for planting in the fall. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
Conservation Garden Park welcomes the wet weather at Spring Garden Fair The event highlighted water-wise resources and programs. By Anna Nielsen a.nielsen@mycityjournals.com
M
adeline Sueltz, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (JVWCD), was anxiously checking the forecast the evening before the Conservation Garden Park’s Spring Garden Fair on May 30 and making panicked plans for inclement weather. What if the canopies blew away? She had spent months putting everything together for the event and now worried for its attendance, only to be pleasantly surprised the next morning by the turnout. Six hundred and fifty-four people (and some dogs in raincoats) showed up that Saturday, even in the rain. Built in 2000, the Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan is owned and operated by the JVWCD. For the last 26 years ago, the Garden has served to show the public how to be water-wise, “because most of our water, our culinary, treated water, is used on our outdoor landscapes, and we’re asking people to use less water by having landscapes that use less water,” said Kelly Good, director of Community Engagement at JVWCD. “In that time period, there was a lot of pushback. A lot of ‘well, I don’t want my yard to just be full of gravel and cactus,’ so we developed the garden to demonstrate that a water-wise landscape can be beautiful and shady. You can recreate in it and still save water. We see
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the garden as our biggest tool in helping the community save their water, because it gives them an actual visual idea of what we’re asking them to do. Families partook in the variety of activities offered that day, as well as (literally) soaking in the carefully crafted garden itself. One woman, who had happened across a sign that morning directing her toward the free event, was grateful she came, calling the day “Christmas for gardeners.” Elsewhere, a girl tugged on her mom’s sleeve and grinned up at her, “Hey mom, thanks for bringing me today, I had a lot of fun!” The Fair featured the chance to talk with experts about yard design, the specialist’s favorite plants and irrigation. There were creation stations for nature crafts ranging from cyanotype printmaking, to assembling seed packets full of native wildflowers, to making pinecone birdfeeders. Inside the Education Center, there were workshops where parents, children and a few pets learned how to arrange a wildflower bouquet and do it all in a water-wise way. Tours left from the garden, taking visitors to see one of the water treatment plants, where they treat tens of millions of gallons of water a day. The JVWCD serves SSL and about 775,000 residents of Salt Lake County. “Pretty much, we service the entire west and south of the county,” Good said. Good also shared that “working for Jordan Valley Water is really rewarding because we provide an essential service to our community. We get to interact with a lot of the community in Salt Lake County. To live in a desert, and to have
a firsthand role in helping people conserve water, is probably my favorite part about working here.” Sunny skies opened up as the afternoon went on. Guests that day went home carrying yard signs about lessening water usage, a branded tote bag full of their nature crafts and pamphlets from over a dozen nonprofit community partners, and the band Rat Cat’s rendition of “Fishing in the Dark” stuck in their heads for the rest of the weekend. Sueltz was thrilled by the outcome and said her favorite part of the fair was “getting to see all of our different community partners come together across different areas, and seeing what you can do with the collective impact when you partner with other organizations. The partners were all so excited. The garden is such a nice setting to be able to have an event, so I think they look forward to it every year.” The Conservation Garden Park is free and open six days a week. There are weekly events, like the yoga, qigong and tai chi classes, design workshops for “creating your ideal yard,” tours, forest bathing, sound baths, art classes and story time. These and many other events can be found on the Conservation Garden Park’s online community calendar. Sueltz said, “It’s amazing that we get to offer this for free. I know that there are a lot of families who can’t afford to go visit gardens, and so the fact that we put on, you know, Halloween events and classes and things that maybe people wouldn’t have access to where they live, I think, is really awesome.” Good shared the importance she sees
Yard sign promotes “Saving Water, Loving Life! Life is better with water.” with QR code directing its readers to learn more. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
in the garden’s programming. “Events are a place to learn more than they might otherwise learn by just passively walking through the garden. We try to hold events that deepen people’s understanding on water-wise landscaping, where they realize ‘Oh, this is all water-wise plants. I can do this too. What are the resources?’ And so we see value in hosting classes like that to just kind of spread awareness,” Good said. “We have family-friendly events, some that are geared a little bit more toward adults, some geared specifically to homeowners, but the idea is that we will have something for everyone, and we really invite everyone to come out and take advantage of that.” l
July 2026 | Page 7
South Salt Lake secures funding to revitalize historic water tower plaza, Jordan River trail
Water tower plans aim to restore the landmark, have green space underneath, enhance the area with public art, and create a special events venue. By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
T
he South Salt Lake City Council has helped clear the way for a major community facelift, voting to accept hundreds of thousands of dollars in Salt Lake County funding to design and renovate the city’s landmark Water Tower Plaza. The upcoming outdoor community gathering space is being developed adjacent to the city’s new Public Works Campus on Oakland Avenue. The project celebrates the iconic 162-foot historic water tower, which was built in 1949 and is affectionately known as “Horton” after Horace Ebenezer Horton, founder of the company that built it. The community plaza surrounding the base of the water tower has been designed to serve as a permanent outdoor gathering place for residents, city employees and visitors, and it will host public events. Plans aim to restore and light the tower as a landmark, build a plaza and green space underneath, enhance the area with public art, and create a special events venue that promotes the city’s brand, matching the image of events like Mural Fest and Craftoberfest. The project is being completed in coordination with the development of the city’s new public works campus and is slated for completion in late 2027. “We are in the position to accept funding to pay for our
The famous water tower will be repainted, and the area revitalized. (File photo City Journals)
water tower plaza through the Salt Lake County Tourism Recreation Culture Convention funding source,” Director of Neighborhoods Sharen Hauri told the city council at a May 27 council meeting. The grant operates on a reimbursement model linked to the total cost of the plaza’s construction, requiring the city to provide a 66% matching contribution to secure the county’s 33% match. The city’s matching funds will come from its public works bond and parks impact fees as needed, Hauri said. “Our expected budget is approximately $2.5 million,
and our expected grant would be $825,000 if that’s around a version of where our budget comes in,” Hauri told the council. Since the plaza is part of the larger public works campus and is structured as a design-build initiative, exact numbers are still fluid, she said. “We don’t have an exact number at the moment, but we will get reimbursed based on what we spend,” Hauri said. Immediately following the plaza approval, the council also green-lit a separate cooperative agreement, called the Jordan River Oxbow Restoration Cooperative, with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands. This second grant completely funded the removal of invasive vegetation and the restoration of native plants along the Jordan River Trail through the end of the fiscal year. The goal is to improve safety, recreation, conservation, capital improvement, the boat launch, invasive species removal, habitat and vegetation within the Jordan River Recreation Zone, which is defined as the area 250 yards on each side of the river between State Route 201 and 5400 South. “This is the location where about a year ago Salt Lake County removed a lot of trash and olives from that site which was great because they were creating habitat for people and for unsafe activities but also were sucking up a lot of water,” Hauri said. “It’s a good water conservation principle to get rid of your tamarisk and your Russian olive. So [the] benefits were safety and visibility, camp cleanup and then increasing the use and stewardship of this area.” The river restoration project costs $45,000, requires zero matching funds from the city, and was expected to be completed by June 30. l
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Through dozens of rooms and 89 exhibits, Museum of Illusions visitors will be challenged how to perceive the world around them. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
An interactive, uniquely Utah soda shop challenges perception at the Museum of Illusions. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Salt Lake’s most mind-bending attraction celebrates one year From spinning tunnels to an upside-down soda shop, this museum turns reality into an illusion. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
F
rom the moment visitors step into the Museum of Illusions, they are greeted by a cowboy whose eyes appear to follow every move. The “Following Eyes” exhibit sets the tone for a mind-bending adventure filled with holograms, puzzles, a spinning tunnel and an upside-down dirty soda shop inspired by Utah culture. Located at The Gateway, the Museum of Illusions has become one of downtown Salt Lake City’s most distinctive attractions and will celebrate its first anniversary in July. The museum features more than 80 exhibits blending science, psychology and entertainment to challenge how visitors perceive the world around them. Founded in 2015 by Roko Živković and Tomislav Pamuković in Zagreb, Croatia, the Museum of Illusions has expanded to nearly 70 cities across 29 countries, including New York, Las Vegas, Dubai and Sydney.
continued from front page demand for “core” services that to cover costs there would need to be a property tax increase, she said. “Before proposing a property tax increase, the city explored all available options to keep the adjustment as low as possible while maintaining essential services,” she said. “South Salt Lake reduced spending by $11 million and explored other revenue options to keep the increase as low as possible.” While building the budget, Wood and her staff have reached out to city councilmembers and the public to determine what is important to them and address all the different needs in the community, she said. Their findings
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The museum provides a hands-on experience that challenges the mind, said Pien Koopman, Museum of Illusions public relations manager for the United States. “Today’s audiences are actively seeking meaningful, shared experiences — something that sparks curiosity, creativity and a little wonder,” she said. “We see families, couples on dates, tourists exploring the city, corporate groups and school field trips all coming through our doors.” Popular attractions include the Vortex Tunnel, where a spinning cylinder creates the illusion of losing balance while visitors walk across a stable bridge, and Ames Room, which makes guests appear to grow or shrink depending on where they stand. Nearby holograms, optical illusions and mirrored rooms contribute to the sensory experience. The museum also includes a game room filled with hands-on puzzles and logic challenges that encourage problem-solving or teamwork. “There’s something for everybody,” said Molly Belyea, of Bread & Butter PR agency. “Whether you’re going on a date night, going with friends or bringing your family, it’s a fun way to connect with your group and experience something immersive.”
The museum’s Utah-exclusive exhibits make the Salt Lake City location memorable. In addition to the Following Eyes cowboy inspired by Utah’s western heritage, visitors can explore a Victorian-style building illusion modeled after Salt Lake City architecture and the upside-down dirty soda shop exhibit, which has become favorite photo opportunities. “The dirty soda shop is fun and definitely unique to Utah; all the locations have unique elements that make it fun,” Belyea said. Beyond the illusions, the museum also emphasizes education. Each exhibit includes explanations about the illusion, helping visitors understand how the brain interprets images. “One thing I love about the museum is that after you look at each illusion, there is a description of the science and psychology behind why you saw what you saw,” Belyea said. Salt Lake’s Guest Services Manager Kacie Olney said a lot of people come in to question what they believe is real. “The best part is when they wonder, solve and puzzle,” she said. “Many are shocked by illusions and others are inspired.” Koopman is proud of the support the museum has received from the Salt Lake City community.
“Salt Lake City has welcomed us with open arms and seeing how guests of all ages, from young kids discovering optical illusions for the first time to adults who can’t believe what their eyes are telling them, connect with the experience is something that never gets old,” she said. The museum’s one-year anniversary celebration exhibits will be announced soon on the website, moisaltlakecity.com, where tickets can be purchased online. Guests choose a timed-entry ticket for a specific day or they can purchase a flexible ticket usable anytime. Educators receive free admission with proper identification. Family and group tickets are also available. “We want every visitor to leave with a sense of wonder and something they learned without even realizing it. Every illusion in the museum is rooted in real science, principles of math, physics, psychology and biology that explain how the brain processes what we see. Guests don’t just walk away with great photos; they leave understanding something new about how their own mind works,” Koopman said. “At its core, Museum of Illusions is about celebrating the wonder of the human mind, and that’s something we hope stays with every visitor long after they leave.”l
showed public safety remains a priority, along with city infrastructure and providing highquality youth and family support programs. “Even with the reductions that were made to the current proposed budget, it still requires a 33% property tax increase to the public safety service special fund,” she said. For a home in South Salt Lake with an average valuation of $470,000, this 33% hike to the public safety portion would amount to an estimated $7.07 per month, or roughly $85 more per year. For a business valued at $470,000, the monthly impact would be $12.86. The increase only applies to South Salt Lake’s share of the property tax bill, not the entire bill, which includes school districts and county taxes. Unlike the city’s General Fund, which covers municipal costs like parks and road
repairs, the Public Safety Service Special Fund is a restricted fund that can only be spent on emergency services and public safety operations. Currently, revenue flowing into the fund from existing property tax rates has not kept pace with the actual cost of running emergency services, creating a shortfall. The city was forced to pull money from its General Fund to cover the gap. The proposed tax increase will allow public safety to cover its own operating costs, including salary and benefit increases, without straining other city operations, Wood said. The departments affected by the increase include police, fire, emergency management, homeless strategies and code enforcement. In addition to the property tax hike, the tentative budget proposes a 47-cent monthly
increase for garbage collection, a $2 per unit increase for sewer services based on a 1,000gallon winter water average, and a transportation utility fee of $1.71 per month. “This is the first time we are seeing the tentative budget,” Council Chair Sharla Bynum said at that May 13 meeting. “There will be lots of discussion, lots of opportunities to work on this in a collaborative way.” If the proposed property tax increase moves forward, a formal Truth in Taxation public hearing, required by state law, will be scheduled for August so residents can voice their opinions. If formally adopted by the council after the hearing, and subsequently approved by the state, the new, higher rate will show up on the property tax bills mailed out this fall. l
July 2026 | Page 9
Jumping back into the fire: District 5 Councilmember Irvin Jones returns Deep Roots and Local Business The retired small business owner Though originally from Salt Lake City, hopes to get residents involved in the Jones’s connection to South Salt Lake spans city and also to get the city involved decades. He first purchased property in the in the “often ignored” southwest area. area in 1989 and later moved back permaBy Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
I
rvin Harding Jones, Jr. is back on the South Salt Lake City Council and already hard at work. Appointed to fill a midterm vacancy in District 5, Jones is diving straight into the city’s biggest challenges, from infrastructure fees to public safety. For this retired local business owner, stepping up to serve his community is familiar territory. “Yes, I jumped into the fire,” Jones said with a laugh, describing his return to City Hall. Jones previously represented South Salt Lake on the council from 2010 to 2015. Just like this year, his first term began via an appointment to fill a vacancy, followed by a successful election to a full four-year term. When the District 5 seat opened up again, Jones felt a duty to step back into public life rather than stay comfortably retired. “Well, I thought we needed some help, and I thought I’d jump back in,” he said. “You know, you don’t have a right to complain if you’re not willing to help out yourself.”
nently with his wife, Leslie. For decades, Jones was a fixture of the local economy as the owner of Antique Auto Glass, a business that grew out of a childhood passion. “I’ve been working on old cars since I was 13,” he said. “And that’s how I actually acquired the businesses. I was buying the glass from the old guy. And he said, ‘You’ve been buying it one car at a time. Why don’t you just buy the whole company?’ So in 2002, I bought it from him.” Jones retired about a year ago, though he still fields requests from nostalgic classic car clients. “It’s kind of a unique career that the old guys keep calling me up and ask me to keep doing glass forming,” he said, though he maintains a firm boundary. “Yeah, it’s pretty much, ‘Sorry, I’m done. I’m over.’” Civic engagement runs deep in the Jones household. Before Irvin rejoined the council, Leslie Jones served on the South Salt Lake Planning Commission and was named the city’s 2025 Citizen of the Year for coordinating community highlights like Mural Fest, Craftoberfest and the annual Fourth of July parade.
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District 5 Councilmember Irvin Jones stepped into a midterm vacancy in early 2026 to bring decades of local civic and business experience to the South Salt Lake City Council. (Courtesy Irvin Jones)
The Challenges of District 5
District 5 is a diverse area characterized by historic neighborhoods, dense multifamily housing and revitalized commercial corridors. Balancing older single-family homes with a surge of new town homes and apartments makes managing density and affordable housing central to Jones’s role. The district’s unique mix of businesses, longtime homeowners and transient renters can sometimes leave the southwestern corner of the city feeling isolated from other areas that have major hubs like the Columbus Center or Fitts Park, he said. “I think the problem is that we’re often ignored, that we’re in the southwest part of the area,” Jones said. He hopes to bridge this gap for area residents by “[trying] to get them involved in the city and also trying to get the city involved in the southwest area.” Despite these challenges, Jones remains fiercely defensive of the city’s reputation, particularly regarding external perceptions of crime. “The biggest challenge in my view still hasn’t changed, and that’s the image of South Salt Lake,” he said. “We’re still viewed as a second-class city when the city is just full of good people and we’re doing great things. And yet, we’re still being taken advantage of.” Regional crime reporting often mischaracterizes the area by focusing on incidents involving nonresidents traveling through major thoroughfares like State Street or 21st South, he said.
Tackling the Issues Head-On
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3521 Caddy Hill Lane West Valley City, UT 84120
Page 10 | July 2026
There’s just all these things that the city is trying to do to improve people’s lives and things that we enjoy. Irvin Jones
On the legislative front, Jones is deeply immersed in debates surrounding a proposed property tax increase and a new transportation utility fee. Having wrestled with infrastructure shortfalls during his previous
tenure, he brings a historical perspective to the table, he said. “Oddly enough, we were still dealing with this in 2010,” he recalled. For things like the newly implemented transportation fee Jones advocates for equitable fee structures, noting that heavy commercial trucks cause the vast majority of road damage compared to passenger cars. He also urges local business owners to review their individual assessments proactively. “You can’t just come to the council meeting and express dissatisfaction,” he said. “What you need to do is go to the city and request an appeal and an individual assessment and try and get that fee reduced.” Jones believes his personal temperament is well-suited for these complex municipal discussions. “Hopefully, I’m just the personality of trying to remain reasonable and calm and, I guess, kind and civil,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Jones’s current term runs through the end of 2027. While he is open to running for reelection, he insists his decision will depend entirely on what is best for the neighborhood. “I would, but with the caveat of we’ll see who runs against me,” he said. “If it’s someone that I believe would do a good job and I have confidence in, then I wouldn’t run against them. But if I think that I can be of value, then I’ll run again.” When he isn’t at City Hall, Jones is focused on streamlining his personal life, spending time with his large blended family of 10 children and many grandchildren, and traveling with his wife Leslie in their new trailer. He joked that his primary retirement goal is clearing out old glass inventory so his children don’t inherit the burden. “I saw a sign on a telephone pole, and it said, ‘Grandpa finally died garage sale.’ So I want to avoid that kind of a thing,” he said with a laugh. Ultimately, Jones wants his constituents to get involved and take advantage of the abundance of resources, night classes, and after-school programs listed on the newly updated city website. “There’s just all these things that the city is trying to do to improve people’s lives and things that we enjoy,” he said. “The citizens could take advantage of those and enjoy all these things, if they would just get involved and take notice of what’s going on in the city more.” l
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ON THE MOVE
South Salt Lake Newsletter
SSLC.GOV SSL ‘ON THE MOVE’ HIGHLIGHTS Fireworks Safety.......................... P.2 Ice Cream Social.......................... P.3 America 250 ................................. P.4
Cherie Wood, Mayor 801-464-6757 mayor@sslc.gov
City Offices Monday - Friday • 8 am to 5 pm 801-483-6000 220 E Morris Ave, SSL, UT 84115 City offices and community centers will be closed on July 3 and 24 in observance of Independence Day and Pioneer Day.
Public Meetings
For more info: www.sslc.gov
CITY COUNCIL Wednesdays, July 8, 7 pm
PLANNING COMMISSION Thursdays, July 9 & 16, 7 pm
CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARD Monday, July 6, 6:30 pm
COMMUNITY CONNECT Wednesday, July 15, 9 am South Salt Lake has too much news for one newsletter. Sign up for monthly e-newsletters to get the full scoop on the topics that you care about most. Visit sslc.gov or scan the QR code.
JULY 2026
Our New City Budget: Investing in What Matters Most As your mayor, one of my primary responsibilities is helping shape a budget that reflects our community’s priorities while protecting the city’s long-term financial health. Through conversations with city leaders, staff and residents, I heard a common message: South Salt Lake must continue delivering the essential Mayor Cherie Wood services that make our city safe, clean, and welcoming while remaining transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on sustainability. This year’s budget takes a conservative approach to revenue projections, and we carefully examined city operations to reduce costs wherever possible. We reduced expenses by $11.7 million through a combination of budget cuts, deferring projects, and other cost-saving measures. Our goal was simple: maximize every taxpayer dollar while maintaining the services our community depends on. At the heart of this budget is a commitment to the priorities I hear most often from residents. Public safety remains our top priority. Residents want safe neighborhoods, effective homeless outreach services, and responsive police officers and firefighters. An increase to the Public Safety Special Service Fund will ensure we can continue funding those critical services through the appropriate funding source, without diverting resources away from other city programs. Residents often express their support for programs and services that strengthen families and create opportunities for young people. South Salt Lake has long been recognized for its
commitment to youth and family services, and we worked hard to preserve those investments while identifying inefficiencies and cost savings in other areas. The budget also includes a small increase to garbage and sewer utility fees to account for rising vendor costs, and a new Transportation Utility Fee that will help fund critical road maintenance projects. Together, these adjustments amount to approximately $10 per month for the average single-family household, ensuring we can continue delivering the reliable services and infrastructure that keep our city strong. Even as we navigate budget challenges, I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’re making. The new Water Tower Plaza is taking shape to provide a new gathering place for our community. Next year, we’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of Mural Fest and the milestone of 100 murals in 10 years—reflecting the creativity, diversity, and pride that make our city special. Good budgeting is ultimately about making choices. This year’s budget reflects our commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, while continuing to invest in the things that matter most. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership as we work together to keep South Salt Lake moving forward.
City News Firework Safety in South Salt Lake Fix Leaks, Save Water with Eye on Water As a SSL Water customer, you can track your water usage through EyeOnWater, an app you can access on a desktop or mobile device. You can also enable leak detection notifications so you get notified of possible leaks, saving water and money. Get started by scanning the code or going to the city website at sslc.gov. If you’re a Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District customer, you have access to the My Water app for tracking water usage. Visit their website for information at jvwcd.gov/customer/mywater.
Beautiful Yard Award Celebrates Vibrant, Waterwise Landscapes in South Salt Lake South Salt Lake awards the Beautiful Yard Award to recognize residents who go to great lengths to cultivate beautiful, water-efficient yards. For those who want to save water but may not have the time or resources to transform their whole yard, we’ve introduced the Phenomenal Park Strip Award to recognize beautiful, water-efficient park strips. Nominations are now open to recognize a friend, neighbor, or even yourself! Submit a nomination by visiting sslc.gov!
Know Your
CITY COUNCIL
• Find Your District • Contact Your Council Member • View Meeting Dates & Agendas • Watch Council Meetings Online
sslc.gov
At-Large Clarissa Williams At-Large Ray deWolfe District 1 Joy Glad District 2 Corey Thomas District 3 Sharla Bynum District 4 Nick Mitchell District 5 Irvin Jones
As firework season begins, we encourage all community members to review safety tips around these dangerous explosives. Personal fireworks are a leading cause of home fires, wildfires, and personal injury. The best way to stay safe from fireworks is to not use them, and attend a professional firework or drone show display instead. If you do use fireworks, be sure to use them only during approved times (July 2-5, July 2225) and in approved areas (see restriction map). Respect your neighbors, follow the laws, and visit sslc. gov or scan the QR code to learn more about firework restrictions in South Salt Lake.
Truth in Taxation Hearing The South Salt Lake City Council will hold a Truth in Taxation public hearing on August 11 at 7:30 pm to discuss a tax increase in the Fiscal Year 2027 City Budget. Find more information at sslc.gov.
West Temple One Way Traffic Traffic on West Temple will be one way for the next several months while construction crew install a new waterline. For the safety of yourself and others, please use extreme caution and always follow traffic control and direction signs when traveling on West Temple. For updates on this project, visit sslc.gov/construction.
City News
BANKING BASICS Learn how to choose the right financial institution and bank account for your needs. This workshop also covers how your money is protected and insured, plus practical tips for staying safe while using online banking. Monday, July 6 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm SSL Community Center 2530 S. 500 E. For more information contact
Miranda Uribe | muribe@sslc.gov
Summer Sport Camps
MOVIES In The PARK
Basketball Camp
Join us at Central Park for a free movie and games! August 7
Barbie
August 14
42
July 13-16 Grades 2-7 Register online by July 6
Baseball Camp August 3-6 Grades 2-7 Register online by July 27
Festivities begin at 7 p.m. Learn more and sign up online at sslc.gov.
2797 S. 200 E. South Salt Lake sslc.gov
Meet with the
MAYOR Get to know your city with Mayor Cherie Wood.
Ice Cream Social Mon. July 13 at 6 pm Fitts Park (3050 S 500 E) Enjoy some free ice cream by Udder Rivals as you visit with Mayor Wood and other city staff.
sslc.gov
City News
Join the annual 4th of July Parade and Community Celebration! 10 AM - 11 AM: Parade (see route map) 10:30 AM - 1 PM: Celebration at Fitts Park. Visit sslc.gov or scan this QR to learn more about all America 250 celebrations in South Salt Lake.
UTAH GLOBAL DIPLOMACY
America 250 Potluck Join us for food and festivities at this free, family-friendly event!
July 5th Fitts Park
South Salt Lake
6-8 PM
250 Acts of Kindness This year, as part of our city’s America 250 celebrations, we’re on a mission to collect 250 stories of kindness from our community, sharing them all on our website to inspire kindness in others. Thank you to everyone who has already shared kind words! If you haven’t submitted a story yet, you can visit our City of Kindness page at sslc.gov to submit your own acts of kindness and read what others have submitted. Visit sslc.gov or scan the QR code!
City Journals presents:
recreation A publication covering outdoor recreation around the Salt Lake Valley
Take a walk on the wild side By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com Forest bathing is an invitation to fast-paced world.” The Japanese practice was created intentionally commune with nature. in the 1980s by doctors who noticed their If you’ve ever sat on the front porch to patients were experiencing burnout. They watch a sunset, enjoyed a cup of tea in the developed a prescription involving nature backyard or walked through a park to look connection that research has shown to offer mental and physical benefits. at the trees, you’ve done forest bathing. Napper invites people to attend a Ian Napper is a mindful outdoor guide who leads forest bathing sessions, also forest bathing experience which he holds at known as shinrin-yoku. He said commu- places along the Wasatch Range, including nion with nature comes easily to most canyons, parks and Tracy Aviary. Each people and the mental health benefits are event is around 90 minutes and Napper encourages participants to restore their off the chart. “It literally means to bathe in the sense of wonder, awe and community. “I’m trying to help people reconnect nature of the forest,” he said. “It invites you to slow down, like really deeply slow to nature in a personal way,” he said. “As down. The more you slow down, the more humans, we’ve become very isolated, you notice and the more you notice, then partly because of technology, but we expethe more you slow down. It helps us return rience this and there’s a connection that to a more natural pace, which is one of happens and it reduces this loneliness.” As an Army veteran and yoga the many things we need in this hyper,
instructor, Napper understands the grounding benefits of engaging with the natural world. He said some of those benefits include reduced stress, lower blood pressure, better sleep, reduced fatigue, a sense of peace and a settled nervous system. He holds his forest bathing sessions in places with lots of big trees, preferably near running water and away from man-made noise, which can be jarring to the mind. He said listening to birds or the wind in the trees, allows the body to relax in a way we don’t usually experience. People will ask him, “Why should I pay you when I can walk in the mountains for free?” He explains it’s the difference between taking a yoga class online and immersing yourself in a live class led by a trained guide. “You get instruction. You learn things that you wouldn’t have known before, because you get guidance,” Napper
said. “I have a master’s in education with a focus on trauma, and so I bring a lot of that understanding into this. It’s one thing to talk about things that I notice, it’s another thing to guide you into a different way of being.” Napper said learning to calm the mind and pay attention in nature takes practice; it can also bring up anxiety or judgment around being still. But as the practice continues, participants find it easier to attain a level of calm, and they want to bring friends and family into the experience. Some people think having idle time to walk around in a forest is a frivolous luxury, but Napper said that’s not true, in fact it’s just the opposite. “It might feel luxurious to schedule some time to do nothing but you’re giving yourself permission to go out in nature and do nothing for a while. It’s not a luxury; it’s kind of a necessity.”
Ian Napper leads groups through forest bathing sessions in canyons and parks as a way to reduce stress and build connection. (Photos courtesy of Ian Napper)
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July 2026 | Page 15
Shifting gears: Utah enacts new e-bike rules By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com One new rule will see riders ages 8 micromobility,” Begay said. “Micromoto 15 needing to complete a state-ap- bility being battery powered vehicles, also known as scooters, e-bikes, e-moto, proved safety course. hoverboards and similar devices. We Whether climbing mountain trails, have seen the supply and demand grow commuting to work or cruising through exponentially.” According to Begay, improvements neighborhood streets, e-bikes are becoming an increasingly common part in battery technology, performance and of life in Utah. Their growing presence has affordability have transformed the market prompted lawmakers to adopt new regu- over the past decade. As demand increased, manufacturers lations aimed at balancing safety, access responded with a growing number of and the future of outdoor recreation. The law arrives at a time when the brands and product offerings. However, broader micromobility industry—which Begay noted that rapid growth has also includes e-bikes, electric scooters, e-mo- created new challenges. “This rapid development in the last torcycles and similar devices—has expedecade has largely been unregulated and rienced explosive growth nationwide. Jeremy Begay, an e-bike enthusiast it feels a bit like the Wild West,” he said. who works in the outdoor recreation “The list of issues we are facing ranges industry, said advances in technology from batteries being a fire hazard, trail and manufacturing have fueled much of access, the speed of these devices, and the race of manufacturers to create a that expansion. “There are several movements platform that is faster, better and cheaper nationwide in industry, retail and outdoor than its competitor,” Begay said. Utah’s new law seeks to address recreation when it comes to the world of some of those concerns by reinforcing the state’s existing three-class e-bike system while drawing a sharper line between electric bicycles and higher-powered electric motorcycles. Under the law, Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 20 miles per hour. Class 2 e-bikes may include a throttle and are limited to 20 miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour and require a speedometer. Devices exceeding those limits may be classified differently under state law and could be subject to additional requirements. The legislation also establishes new age-based restrictions. Children younger than 8 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes on public roads, sidewalks and trails. Riders younger than 14 must be supervised by a parent or guardian, while riders under 16 are prohibited from operating Class 3 e-bikes. Additionally, riders younger than 21 are now required to wear helmets while operating e-bikes or electric scooters on public roads. Beginning in 2027, Utah will also require riders ages 8 through 15 to complete a state-approved safety course or ride under direct adult supervision. For Begay, the new regulations represent a reasonable first step toward addressing safety concerns while preserving access to the benefits of micromobility. “The simple answer to this for me is Quick fact sheet on Utah’s new e-bike law. yes,” he said when asked whether the (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals) law strikes the right balance between
Page 16 | July 2026
E-bike enthusiast Jeremy Begay takes his bike for a spin. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals) safety and accessibility. “We need to start somewhere for the purpose of making people aware that micromobility devices are different, so that they can then educate themselves with how to interact with them.” Begay believes many consumers still lump all electric mobility products into a single category despite significant differences in performance and intended use. “The purist in me wants to see a difference in how e-moto and e-bike are treated,” he said. “Currently, people see these as one category.” Trail access remains one of the most debated issues within Utah’s outdoor recreation community. As electric bicycles become more common, land managers, municipalities and trail organizations continue to evaluate where different classes of e-bikes should be permitted. “This is still being debated, so there is a whole spectrum of opinions,” Begay said. He has observed changing attitudes among many outdoor recreation users. “I think people’s ideas about e-bikes are changing and more people are finding that these bikes allow for more people to ride,” he said. Begay noted that the popularity of e-bikes has expanded participation among older riders, individuals recovering from injuries and people who might otherwise be unable to enjoy cycling. “This new market of people who are riding are pushing access simply by riding,” he said. “Trails are becoming more crowded and municipalities are responding to trail demand by creating more trails and trails that are e-bike accessible.” State officials have cited increasing crash and injury reports involving younger riders as one reason for strengthening
regulations. Begay believes education remains one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. “Unfortunately, I have not seen changes in behavior with families yet,” he said. “With micromobility being somewhat new to the masses, there has not been enough education.” He said many consumers still view electric mobility devices as toys rather than transportation equipment capable of reaching significant speeds. “Most people categorize these devices as children’s toys or other light recreation devices,” Begay said. “This leads to people not enforcing rules of the road, helmet safety, product care and other best practices.” He hopes the new law will help raise awareness. “Hopefully, these laws will create more awareness to what people are purchasing,” he said. “Awareness and education lead to more responsible decisions.” Looking ahead, Begay believes Utah’s reputation as an outdoor recreation leader positions the state to influence future policy discussions nationwide. “Utah is known for its access to outdoor recreation,” he said. “Most of that comes from Utah being a model state in the way it approaches recreation.” While debate over trail access, safety standards and regulation is likely to continue, Begay remains optimistic about the future. “I think that Utah should be at the forefront of all of this because it would mean that everyone could benefit— riders, retailers and tourism,” he said. “I’m confident that we Utahns will find a place for micromobility devices to exist in all spaces.”
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Trading screen time for trail time: Why more families are heading outdoors this summer By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com What are children missing when childhood and adolescence are critical periods of brain development. During the screens occupy more of their free time? middle school years, the brain undergoes With school out and long summer a process of strengthening frequently used days stretching ahead, families are looking pathways while pruning away those that are for ways to keep kids active, engaged and neglected. “If your kid is doing music and school healthy. For many parents, summer presents an opportunity to swap screen time for and sports, then those are the things that are trail time, replacing hours spent on phones, going to be strengthened,” she said. “But if tablets and video games with hiking, biking, your kid is sitting on the couch and playing video games, then those are the things that fishing and outdoor adventure. The challenge, however, is that tech- are being strengthened.” That reality has prompted some families nology has become deeply woven into children’s daily lives. Author and parenting to rethink how they spend their summers. expert Arlene Pellicane highlights just how Instead of defaulting to screens, parents dramatically technology use has increased are intentionally creating opportunities for among young people. She notes that smart- outdoor adventure. Whether it’s hiking a local phone ownership among teens surged from trail, exploring one of our many national park, 41% in 2012 to 89% by 2018. During that paddling a lake, fishing, mountain biking or same period, the percentage of teens using simply walking the neighborhood, outdoor social media multiple times a day rose from recreation provides something screens cannot: direct engagement with the world. 34% to 70%. Research has long connected outdoor For many parents, those numbers raise an important question: What are children activity with improved physical health, better missing when screens occupy more of their sleep and stronger social skills. Pellicane free time? According to Pellicane, one of the emphasized that children benefit from faceearliest warning signs of excessive screen to-face interaction and experiences that use is a loss of interest in real-world activities. require movement, communication and “If your child used to love playing soccer, but problem-solving. “In the absence of elecnow it’s like, ‘I’d rather just stay home,’ and tronics, guess what? They’ll go out and play, you know they’re gaming instead, that’s a they’ll go build, they’ll do different things,” she said. red flag,” she said. Some families are taking that advice Outdoor recreation advocates say that observation reflects a larger trend. Activi- literally. Pellicane described implementing ties that once happened naturally such as what she calls a “digital Sabbath,” a recurpickup games at the park, bike rides with ring period when screens are set aside and friends, neighborhood exploration and family other activities take center stage. “It could be hikes, now compete with endless digital Sunday afternoon where everyone’s offline and you go to the park instead,” she said. “A entertainment. The consequences extend beyond rhythm of forcibly getting off is helpful.” For outdoor enthusiasts, that idea resophysical activity. Pellicane explained that nates. Recreation experts often point out that children do not need elaborate adventures to benefit from time outside. A picnic, an afternoon of kayaking, a game of Ultimate Frisbee, an evening bike ride or a visit to a local trail can help families reconnect without the distractions of phones and social media. Parents may also find comfort in knowing they are not alone. While social media can create pressure to stay constantly connected, Pellicane argues that meaningful relationships are built through real-life experiences. “I’d rather have one person in real life say, ‘You’re a good person, and I’m glad you’re in my life,’ than have all these followers,” she said. As summer unfolds, families have a unique opportunity to create memories that don’t require Wi-Fi or a charging cable. Whether it’s introducing a child to their first hiking trail, teaching them how to cast a fishing line, or simply spending The best part of hiking isn’t always the destimore evenings outdoors together, these nation, it’s everything you discover along the experiences can help build confidence, way. (Courtesy Holly Curby)
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Whether casting for the first time or continuing a longtime tradition, anglers find recreation, relaxation and connection on the water. (Courtesy Holly Curby)
Paddleboarding provides time outdoors, enjoyment of scenery and creates lasting memories together. (Courtesy Holly Curby)
strengthen relationships and encourage healthy habits that last well beyond the summer months. For more insights on helping children develop a healthy relationship with technology while making room for real-world experiences, listen to the full interview
with Arlene Pellicane on Holly’s Highlights Podcast, Season 2, Episode 29 available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and at www.HollyCurby.com. Her practical advice offers valuable guidance for parents seeking to raise healthy, connected kids and perhaps spend a little more time outdoors along the way.
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Political consulting firm opens in SSL with emphasis on civic engagement Apollo Political L.L.C. founder/partner Mason Hughes reflects on his work toward voter engagement and education. By Anna Nielsen a.nielsen@mycityjournals.com
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f there were one thing Apollo Political L.L.C. Founder/Partner Mason Hughes could say to all voters, it would be that many elections are won by mere margins. “I see at least one election every year in the state of Utah that’s decided by less than 100 votes. The work of a whole $60 or $70,000 campaign cycle sometimes comes down to whether five or 10 people in a certain neighborhood turn out to vote or not,” he said. Hughes has a background in nonprofit organizing and holds a degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. With these qualifications, and his entire savings account, he founded a political consulting firm at 21. In the last two years of Apollo Political L.L.C.’s operations, Hughes has learned even more just how important it is to encourage people go out and participate, “because the margins on these races are really thin, and the last thing you want is someone who a
University of Utah alum and Apollo Political L.L.C. founder/partner Mason Hughes. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
minority of the population supports to end up winning the election because too many voters missed the opportunity to vote, whether because they were busy, or didn’t feel like their vote mattered.” Hughes’ firm spends a lot of time doing voter outreach. “It’s about 60% running campaigns, 40% education. A lot of the work goes hand in hand. Hopefully, we can help people in South Salt Lake get a little more
civically engaged. We do a lot of outreach and education that we don’t really get paid for, we just do it because we care, and we love to.” He focuses on 2027 city elections, saying “we’d love to help people make informed decisions about who’s gonna be in charge of day to day stuff like garbage, water and traffic safety.” In line with his penchant for voter education, Hughes takes the time to define some political jargon, answering what is a PAC, or Political Action Committee? “PACs aren’t necessarily evil, even though voters may think that all PACs are big corporate-backed groups. You and your neighbors could form a PAC and fundraise for it, and then give that money to some candidates. I’ve worked with a lot of small PACs, a lot of those neighborhood packs that do grassroots fundraising, and use that money to educate and inform people about important issues in their community. They do sometimes support candidates, organize canvas launches, that kind of thing.” The founder goes on to share some resources for voter education: “If you really care about learning about which political organizations are active in our state, you can visit the disclosures.utah.gov website, because PACs are required to disclose who they are, how they’re organized, and who’s donating to them.” Another valuable resource is the Salt Lake County Clerk’s website, says Hughes, “which is really useful for finding out who’s running in your area, what district you’re in, and familiarizing yourself with the Salt Lake County clerk in case there’s ever an issue with your mail-in ballot. Say your ballot never arrived, or it arrived, but for some reason had the wrong name on it. These issues are rare, but they do happen.” Whether or not you voted in June’s primaries, Hughes wants you to know for upcoming elections that there are changes to the process in 2026. “In years past, you could mail your ballot on Election Day, and as long as it arrived with a postmark of Election Day, it would still be counted. This year, the state
legislature changed that, so that your ballot has to arrive to the County Clerk’s office by Election Day in order for it to be counted. We’ve started telling people to adjust their idea of when they need to mail their ballot to be about five days sooner. People, of course, always have the option to use a secure ballot drop box to deposit their ballot up until 8 p.m. on election night.” This year’s general election, aka midterms, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3 where every seat in the federal House of Representatives is up for election, along with 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats. For those who find voting daunting, or are disillusioned viewing the act as not worthwhile, Hughes encourages that “engaging on the local level is the best place to get started. From there, you know, you can start to look at things that are going on in the national, international level, but even if you just look at local politics on its own, that affects how often your garbage gets picked up. It affects if your kids are safe on their way walking to school. These things matter for your daily life, and if you’re not proactively getting involved by researching candidates and filling out your ballot, what you’re doing is letting other people make decisions about your life for you, and that’s not something that anybody wants.” He ends by offering some insight from the perspective of a campaign door-knocking volunteer. “I think people can be empowered by engaging with passionate volunteers. I know that we have the impulse to hang up when someone calls us, or close the door when someone knocks to tell us about a candidate they really believe in, but I think if you maybe resist that impulse, and talk with those people, that’s a really good way to ask questions and get information. Volunteers are so excited about these candidates and their policies and ideas. To hear them out can be a way to kind of reclaim your own power as a voter.” Hughes is excited for Apollo Political L.L.C. to be part of the South Salt Lake community, making it their permanent home as they open their doors near 2500 South and Main Street this July.l
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Cottonwood senior Savannah Staheli rediscovers her love of softball and excels After setting several school records, Staheli committed to Skagit Valley College in Washington to play basketball and softball. By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
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Savannah Staheli and coach Natalie Wonnacott hug after her signing. (Photo courtesy Jane Wonnacott)
or Savannah Staheli, a change of scenery made a great deal of difference after taking some time away from the sport of softball, according to Cottonwood head coach Natalie Wonnacott. “I know softball was her first love but she had taken some time off for a few years before she transferred to Cottonwood (for her senior year),” said Wonnacott. “But after this season she loved it again.” Staheli rediscovered that passion to the extent that she set several school records in wins (11) and in strikeouts (153) at Cottonwood, en route to her commitment to play and study at Skagit Valley College in Washington. In addition, Staheli’s 153 Ks in 86 innings were second-most in Region 4 among all pitchers, ranking her fifth in 5A and 13th in Utah.
This dominance did not happen overnight. Despite throwing seven strikeouts in a 23-4 win in the season opener against Summit Academy March 4, Staheli did not pitch as well against Murray, the school she previously attended, in two early Region 10 showdowns a week later. The Colts lost, 14-3 and 18-2. Unabated, Staheli kept working on her issues according to Wonnacott and stayed positive. Just one day later against Corner Canyon of Class 6A, Staheli pitched seven innings in Cottonwood’s 13-12 marathon win, throwing 11 strikeouts. It was a season-high total for the Cottonwood senior, one Staheli would equal or surpass another six times during the Colts’ regular season–yet another reason she won’t soon be forgotten. “I am so excited for her. She will be amazing,” Wonnacott said. “She is such a hard worker and an athlete that has the best attitude and is an amazing teammate.” What made this college commitment unique, however, was that Staheli would be playing not just one, but two sports at Skagit Valley. Before helping lead Cottonwood’s softball team to a 17-9 record and third-place
finish in Region 10 and a 4A state tournament berth, the senior also guided the Lady Colts basketball team coached by Teresa Soracco to a respectable record and second-place finish in that sport. Staheli was the second-leading scorer on the Lady Colts averaging eight points per game, led the team in free-throw percentage (56%) and was second-best in three-point shooting, at 29%. Her marksmanship from three ranked Staheli 11th-best in Class 4A, and it was fourth in Region 10. She scored a seasonhigh 20 points and shot 57% from three-point land in a 51-36 win against Roy Dec. 6, 2025, and hit double figures in points nine times for the Lady Colts. Cottonwood girls basketball finished with a 10-3 mark in Region 10, good for second place and earned a home game in the 4A state tournament with a 17-9 record overall. In Wonnacott’s eyes, Staheli has big things ahead of her at the next level—in both respective sports. “She is going to do great things for both of those teams, and I am so excited to see it,” the coach said. “I’m so proud of her and the hard work she has put in!” l
Seven Cottonwood softball, five baseball players named to All-Region team Colts were selected for these honors by Region 10 coaches, district officials. By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
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or Savannah Staheli, it has been one season she’ll look back at fondly when all is said and done. Though Staheli is now off to Skagit Valley College in Washington to play softball and basketball and study, it’s her exploits on the pitchers’ circle that have resulted in the Cottonwood senior receiving multiple postseason honors. Staheli was a beast on the circle this season, leading Cottonwood to its first state tournament berth in five years. Moreover, the Murray High School transfer had not played softball for several years according to Colts head coach Natalie Wonnacott. No matter; all Staheli did was earn 11 wins and throw 153 strikeouts, both school records. She also hit .386 and had a teamhigh .609 on-base percentage. In addition to having been named to the All-Region First Team, Staheli also received All-Region academic honors. Staheli was joined by Tialer Mounts on the All-Region First Team. Mounts, who
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is headed to Keene State College in New Hampshire to play softball, was a terror on the base paths, stealing 13. The Cottonwood senior also scored a team-high 30 runs and 23 RBI, hitting .339. A junior also made the All-Region 10 First Team for the Colts. Samanntha Rodriguez hit .412/.706 along with nine doubles and 12 hits which were all team-bests. On the All-Region Second Team were two familiar faces from other Cottonwood team sports. Piper Wilking stole 12 bases, hit 24 runs and also hit two home runs—good enough for her to finish the year second-best for Cottonwood. The junior also had a fielding percentage of .912 and was versatile enough to play several positions according to Wonnacott. Cottonwood’s Breeya Busey was also named to the All-Region Second Team. Like Wilking, the junior Busey played in a variety of spots for the Colts, including catcher and third base. She hit .395 with 23 RBI and had six doubles. Two more softball standouts received Honorable Mention: senior Lola Grover and junior Jane Wonnacott. Grover hit .294 and had 20 RBI, while Wonnacott had a .300 batting average, scoring 19 runs. “It is so great for our program. These girls have been working so hard and getting better and better. It is exciting for our program to see some success and growth from all the
hard work,” Wonnacott said. “I’m so proud of these girls and grateful for the opportunity to coach them.” In baseball, Cottonwood had five student-athletes named to All-Region 10 teams. Porter Stonebreaker was a multiple honoree, receiving honors athletically and academically. In addition to having been named All-Region in academics, the Cottonwood senior was given Second-Team honors. He hit .464, scored 18 runs and had 12 RBI. Fellow senior Kingston Griffen joined Stonebreaker on the All-Region Second Team. He hit two home runs, had five stolen bases and as a pitcher, had a 2.74 earned run average. Two other Colts were Honorable Mention selections: senior Zane Wayman and junior Noble Weaver. Wayman hit .354 and had 23 hits and 11 RBI, while Weaver hit .386, scored 21 runs and had 10 stolen bases, all team highs. Cottonwood had one player named to baseball’s All-Region First Team in Milo Crayk. The Cottonwood senior who is headed to Keene State College had a 2.40 ERA on the mound, along with a 4-3 record. He also threw 53 strikeouts. “Congratulations to Milo on his Signing Day and taking the next step to play at the next level,” said Cottonwood head coach Staheli was one of 12 softball and baseball Travis Steed. “So proud of all the hard work players named to All-Region team. (City and dedication he’s shown.” l Journals)
July 2026 | Page 19
SLCC unveils mural honoring ‘transformative’ PACE program
The Partnership for Accessing College Education scholarship program started in 2011 at West High and now supports students across six schools. By Anna Nielsen a.nielsen@mycityjournals.com
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lonso R. Reyna Rivarola has been director of The Partnership for Accessing College Education (PACE) program since 2023. He says the program “transforms lives by helping students think critically about tangible solutions for issues they care about in their community.” Students join as high school freshmen and meet with a mentor who helps them see themselves as college material. With over 700 students currently enrolled, the program celebrates its 15th year of providing a pathway for low-income high schoolers, many of them first-generation aspiring college students, to access higher education through a fullyfunded scholarship for six semesters at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) upon completion of the program. Rivarola and his team brought on artist and SLCC alumnus Pablo Cruz-Ayala, M.F.A., to co-create a mural alongside PACE students from six schools in honor of the anniversary. The Salt Lake County high schools were Cottonwood, East, Granger, Highland, Kearns and West. “PACE now operates in six Salt Lake County high schools, with plans for further expansion. This college-readiness program aims to boost high school graduation and college enrollment rates among low-income and first-generation students by offering comprehensive support. PACE equips students with critical study and time-management skills, career exploration guidance, and mentorship in overcoming challenges” per the description on SLCC’s website. The mural titled “Six Stories, One Future” features 109 student artists’ work and was unveiled during a ceremony June 4. Created over the course of a year, through 12 listening and painting sessions with the students, Cruz-Ayala invited the participants
The 6-foot by 10-foot panoramic mural “Six Stories, One Future” hangs inside SLCC’s Center For Arts And Media at the unveiling event on June 4. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
to answer “What kind of impact do you want to leave behind?” on bilingual worksheets, with the question posed in both Spanish and English. Students were prompted to respond in visual art and written language, imagining the story they would tell about their school, story, generation and community. Cruz-Ayala emphasizes the importance of the drawing component of the worksheets for students. “Art doesn’t ask you to translate what you’re feeling,” Cruz-Ayala said. A selection of those worksheets were displayed among the 15 artifacts exhibited alongside the mural, the number being chosen to match the number of years of PACE’s operation. On them, students had written things like “In the story I want to leave behind, I want to resemble a student. A student who experienced grief, hardship and is still successful. To let other students know they are not alone.” Other answers included “The impact I want to leave is being known for change and helping to include people” and “I want to make people realize they can always improve and be a better person for themselves.” The high-schoolers reflected on their values, things that brought them joy, what they aspired to, and what they had overcome. Answers depicted stories of immigrating to
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the U.S.; gratitude for family; love for music, dancing, cooking, self-expression; dreams of graduation; everyday pleasures like watching movies; favorite things like “makeup and clothes and Christmas;” and the importance of folklore, diversity, and their school and friends. Some of those answers from the worksheet were found on the mural’s surface in painted tiles featuring cartoon characters, scenes from nature, butterflies, bumble bees, graduation hats, dogs, planets, sunshine, mandalas, clouds, cookies and hearts. At the edges of the six panels making up the 6-foot by 10-foot panoramic mural, the tiles pour out of the central pinata shape, full of joy and hope and color. Cruz-Ayala’s own experience as an immigrant informs his art. “This mural was inspired by incorporating living communities into artwork, their love and compassion coming across thousands of years.” Another inspiration Cruz-Ayala drew from was his time within a work group of community activists, artists and educators at the Utah Museum of Fine Art (UMFA) as the institution expanded the Central and South American art exhibit. He was drawn to ancient thunder pots, a clay predecessor of the modern pinata that held water and were broken in a ritual to summon rain. “Thunder pots are a nourishing ritual, which is kind of what we sought from this mural project, asking gods of the future to protect and nourish students on their education journeys,” Cruz-Ayala said. The middle of the mural’s scene shows a golden sun, surrounded by six pointed, geometric butterflies to represent the six schools. The sun, butterflies and their radiating rings are found within the central shape: a six-pointed thunder pot. Each point of the pot is the heart of each school’s individual panel, surrounded by a landscape likened to Utah’s buttes, and covered in puffy, swirling clouds. Within that horizon, students wrote
hidden messages, words like “love,” and the simple greeting “hi.” Above the layered lines of the landscape, students’ colorful contributions (the aforementioned tiles) encircle the entire picture. Every detail is symbolic. The geometric butterflies act as a metaphor for the metamorphosis and growth through high school and throughout students’ time in PACE. Cruz-Ayala says, “I saw how much work goes into the back end of it, how much love and care is put into each student’s story of success and story of the future they want to live” and hopes this translates to viewers. He added, “This is a culmination of 15 years in the making that we are making history as we record it,” noting that this work was made with the next 15 years of the program in mind. The mural will remain on display with its artifacts through July 3 at SLCC’s South City Campus Center For Arts And Media before it will be moved to its permanent home in the PACE office at South City Campus. PACE scholars spoke at the event, thanking their mentors and expressing their gratitude for the opportunities provided by the PACE program. Zahra from Granger High School shared that PACE “taught me so much about how to be a leader, how to be somebody that someone looks forward. It’s taught me how to achieve my dreams as a first generation college student. I’m honored to be among so many special individuals who have helped me achieve what I could only dream of.” Camila from Kearns High School thanked parents and friends for coming to see their work and elaborate on the positive impact of PACE on the community by encouraging creativity. “Each piece of art on the mural is unique but it’s beautiful to see us come together.” l
The 6-foot by 10-foot panoramic mural “Six Stories, One Future” hangs inside SLCC’s Center For Arts And Media at the unveiling event on June 4. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
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Cottonwood welcomes back an alum to coach the Chaparrals drill team
Nolan Richter takes over the program from Jill Garcia. By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
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or Nolan Richter, this has been a long time in coming. An alumnus of Cottonwood High School, Richter actually was an assistant for the dance company for several years under then-head coach Angela Gagliardi-Campos. As teachers are wont to do, however, sometimes that road leads you to other places, other schools. And now, after several years gone away from Cottonwood High’s sprawling campus, Richter finds himself right back where he started. “I cannot wait to cultivate excellence here at (Cottonwood High) and lead this drill team (and dance company) with the support
of the community to great success,” said Richter, in part. The Chaparrals’ new head coach will be coming into both programs at a time when the Cottonwood drill team and dance programs are in a period of transition. That means there’s an added pressure to not only compete at the highest of levels but also to achieve greater things. That said, the Chaparrals showed marked improvement this past year. They started out the 2025-26 school year at the Mustang Classic in December finishing seventh out of the seven teams that entered that tournament in 4A, the class in which Cottonwood competes. A month later at the Excalibur Classic, Cottonwood was again seventh, but not far off the pace of their rivals Murray that came in sixth. One week after that at the Rocky Mountain Classic, the Chaps took sixth, their best
finish of the season. Cottonwood then had fifth-place finishes at the Region Championships across all disciplines. The Chaparrals finished ahead of Summit Academy but behind Jordan, Uintah, Juan Diego and their crosstown rivals, Murray. It is still an marked improvement from their previous meets, but unfortunately their showing at Region was not enough to qualify Cottonwood for the 4A Drill State Championship. Richter has done so at previous stops at the club level, leading teams to state titles at several dance studios before coaching the Westlake Jr. Drill Team. In entering a situation in which there is a steep hill to climb in order to get the Chaparrals back into the state championship picture in drill team, Cottonwood’s new coach who comes armed with degrees in Education and Sport Psychology said developing mental toughness will be key to taking that necessary
next step as a program. “I have loved helping my students grow into being the best versions of themselves by focusing on the elements of building mental toughness, resilience and confidence while intentionally advancing their technical skillset and performance quality,” Richter said. Under previous head coach Jill Garcia, the emphasis was also on a higher level of performance but also on keying the fundraising efforts necessary to ensure that everyone on the team had an opportunity to compete. For a program that has never won a state title in drill team, but is one that showed such marked improvement during coach Garcia’s time at Cottonwood, the new coach Richter’s aim is to harness the power and passion in those that are returning to the fold for 2026-27, so that he can get the most out of these Chaparrals. “I find great joy in teaching dance,” he said, “and I am constantly inspired by the growth and talent that this next generation possesses.” l
Cuff raises the bar before the final whistle After 25 years at the UHSAA, Rob Cuff leaves behind a legacy of growth, opportunity and teachable moments for thousands of Utah student-athletes. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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hen Rob Cuff stepped onto the floor in 2018, state trophy presentations were routine. He had presented thousands with the Utah High School Activities Association, but this one was different. Waiting for the trophy with outstretched hands was his daughter, Shaylee, who then was a senior on Skyridge’s volleyball team. “All the girls were there, but I actually got to give her the trophy,” Cuff said. “It was special.” After a career built on creating opportunities for student-athletes, the moment captured what mattered most, the students. That philosophy guided Cuff through 25 years at the UHSAA, 17 as executive director. When he retires July 31, he leaves a legacy of growth, expanded opportunities for student-athletes and the belief that high school athletics are an extension of the classroom. “Athletics offer those teachable moments of winning and losing, and how to bounce back and get up one more time than you fall, and being able to win with humility, dignity and class,” Cuff said. “All of those are lessons that go long after you’re done playing.” As a multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, baseball and track, Cuff learned from his father, who coached him, before
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becoming a teacher and basketball coach at Mountain View High School. He was named Rookie Teacher of the Year and led the Bruins to two state titles before joining the UHSAA as an assistant director. “I could have stayed coaching another few years, but I wanted my kids to have the benefit of a high school experience where I could just be their dad,” he said. When Cuff arrived at the UHSAA, there were 125 member schools with about 78,000 participants. Today it’s 160 schools with more than 115,000 participants in athletics and activities. The association added girls golf, boys and girls lacrosse, girls wrestling, boys volleyball, competitive cheer and esports during his tenure. Girls wrestling has become one of the UHSAA’s biggest success stories. “We had about 125 girls wrestling against boys and now, we’re up to about 1,500 girl wrestlers,” he said. Unified Sports, through a partnership with Special Olympics Utah, also expanded, offering several sports. “Unified is a great program. It’s not just in high schools, but it’s in elementaries and middle school,” he said. Cuff, who also officiated high school football for 12 years, is proud of the UHSAA’s sportsmanship initiative, Raise the Bar, that promotes character, leadership, respect and responsibility. Its most visible element, “Do Rowdy Right,” encourages students to cheer for their own team rather than against their opponents. Cuff said the COVID-19 pandemic was the most difficult challenge he faced. In spring 2020, Utah joined every state and
Executive Director Rob Cuff advocated for student-athletes during his 25 years at the UHSAA and saw significant growth in the number of athletes and schools participating. (Photo courtesy of Rob Cuff)
Retiring UHSAA Executive Director Rob Cluff presents Todd Hyer a plaque this past spring for his 40 years of dedication as a UHSAA referee. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
canceled spring sports. “It was the fear of the unknown. Nobody knew, so we stopped playing,” he said. Months later, Utah was the first state to resume high school football. Despite testing requirements, spectator restrictions and changing health guidelines, the UHSAA allowed every sport to compete during the 2020-21 school year. “We had every state championship that year; some states didn’t return high school sports until spring 2021,” he said. Cuff’s influence extended beyond Utah. He served on the National Federation of State High School Association’s Board of Directors for four years and became the NFHS president during 2021-22. In June, 1,000 participants nationwide
attended the NFHS Summer Conference, the second time Utah has hosted it. Cuff now wants to focus on family, with three grandchildren and two more on the way. His plans aren’t set except for sleeping in a little later than his current routine, which starts with six-mile walks beginning at 4 a.m. UHSAA’s future is entrusted to Ryan Bishop, who previously served as UHSAA assistant director from 2014 to 2017. Looking back, what stands out aren’t board meetings or policy decisions. “The biggest accomplishments I’ll remember most are when I was with the student-athletes, at student-leadership conferences, and seeing them compete and doing their best,” he said. “Not everybody can be a champion, but everybody can be a winner.” l
July 2026 | Page 21
A more perfect union of hearts and principles
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s our nation celebrates America 250, it’s worth asking what it really means to be a citizen of the United States. The Constitution is built on a simple but powerful idea: people should be free—free to speak, believe, assemble, act and worship. It protects our ability to make choices, even when others disagree. That freedom is not accidental. The framers also separated power— legislative, executive and judicial— because they understood something deeply human: we are imperfect. Unchecked power tends to be abused. So they built guardrails, not around perfect people, but around real ones. The Constitution itself was born from compromise. Large states and small states. Different economies. Competing interests. Deep disagreements. The founders didn’t eliminate those differences—they worked through them. Today, compromise is often dismissed as weakness. But peacemaking is not weakness—it is strength. We often talk about politics as two opposing sides, but that oversimplifies reality. Within each party are a wide range of ideas and perspectives. You will never find a leader—or a neighbor—you agree with 100% of the time. And that’s OK.
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
Scholar Yuval Levin, in American Covenant, puts it this way: the Constitution answers a central question—how can we act together when we don’t think alike? His answer is not uniformity, but cooperation. The system works by requiring negotiation, bargaining and coalition-building. I see this firsthand in my role in county government. Our council includes members from both parties in nearly equal numbers. When we work together, outcomes improve. When we dig in and fight, progress stalls. The system works best when leaders work with each other—not against each other. Congress was designed with this same purpose in mind: to force opposing sides to negotiate and find common ground. The frustration many feel with today’s political climate is not because the Constitution has
failed, but because we are drifting away from how it was meant to function. Instead of persuasion, we often see performance. Cable news and social media reward outrage, not understanding. The more inflammatory the message, the more attention it gets. The more attention it gets, the more it spreads. And the more it spreads, the more it shapes our perception of reality. When we “like,” share and financially support politicians who attack, vilify or refuse to work with others, we are reinforcing the very behavior we say we dislike. We are, in effect, incentivizing division. Peacemaking, by contrast, is quieter. It requires listening, humility and a willingness to move forward together. It does not mean abandoning truth. It means recognizing that in a diverse society, progress often requires cooperation. Without compromise, we don’t get purity—we get paralysis. Yet today, there is enormous pressure to divide into “us versus them.” Instead of seeing neighbors, we see opponents. Instead of truth, we see spin. Instead of compromise, absolutism. Instead of charity, contempt. We can change that—but it starts with us. First, be principled, not tribal. Care more about what is right than who is right. Second, seek truth. Be thoughtful about
what you believe and share. If your news diet is dominated by one outlet—or your social media feed is filled with outrage—it will shape how you see the world. These platforms profit from strong emotional reactions. Don’t reward that model with your attention. Third, speak with civility. You can disagree without being disagreeable. Fourth, work with others—even those you don’t fully agree with. Relationships matter more than winning an argument. Fifth, participate. Vote, engage and serve. Too often, only the loudest and most extreme voices are heard. And finally, lead with charity. Remember that every person you disagree with is still worthy of respect. The Constitution can only do so much. It creates a framework, protects rights and structures power. But it cannot make people virtuous. That responsibility belongs to us. We live in a time of division—but also a time of opportunity. An opportunity to be better citizens. To use our agency wisely. To defend freedom with responsibility. To build unity without demanding uniformity. If we do that, we won’t just strengthen our nation—we will help create a more perfect union of hearts and principles.
South Salt Lake resident competes at National Spelling Bee
Ray Mishra is already practicing for next year’s event. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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hen Ray Mishra first took the stage at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, he wasn’t stressed, but as he moved into the quarterfinal rounds, he said it became “a little bit nerve-wracking.” In March, the 11-year-old won the 2026 Wasatch Front Regional Spelling Bee, sponsored by the City Journals community newspaper. That win qualified Ray to compete at the national event and he traveled with his parents to Washington, D.C. at the end of May. After six rounds, which included two spelling words, two definitions and a spelling test, Ray misspelled “klinotaxis” and finished tied for 55th. “It was a little bit of disappointment. I didn’t make it to the semifinals. It was the final round of quarterfinals,” he said. “I didn’t focus very much on New Latin, and ‘klinotaxis’ is a New Latin word.” For the first time, the Scripps National Spelling Bee was held at DAR Constitution Hall in downtown Washington, D.C. The event featured 247 spellers from across the world in the week-long competition, which included tours, workshops and the Bee Week Bash.
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“The Bee Week Bash was my favorite,” Ray said. “We got to go to the Smithsonian National Museum of History, but it was also a party that had some nice food, snacks, music, and if you ever got bored, you could just go and walk around the museum.” Ray, a South Salt Lake resident, stayed focused and grounded by studying words and reading “Words of Wisdom: Keys to Success in the Scripps National Spelling Bee” written by former Bee contestant Scott B. Remer. The book offered spelling strategies, competition tips and word lists organized by language root and origin. Not only is Ray a champion speller, but he also loves to hike, bike, study science and practice karate. Ray will attend sixth grade at Evergreen Junior High in Millcreek this fall. He hopes the school participates in the regional Bee so he can try to earn another spot in the national competition. Ray’s father, Santi Mishra, is proud of what his son accomplished. He said it was stressful watching him participate at the national level but he loved that Ray had the opportunity to compete. “It was a great achievement for him to be there. He was so close to the semifinals,” Mishra said. “He did really great. He’s already started preparing for next year, trying to learn new words and finding different sources.” Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from California, won the 2026 Scripps National
Ray Mishra, 11, spent a week in Washington, D.C. while competing at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. (Photo courtesy of Santi Mishra)
The 2026 Wasatch Front Regional Spelling Bee winner, Ray Mishra, made it through six rounds at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. (Photo courtesy of Santi Mishra)
Spelling Bee, following a spell-off, only the third in the Bee’s history. Shrey set a new spell-off record by spelling 32 words before winning the Bee and $50,000 with the word “bromocriptine.” Ray received a commemorative pin, a certificate, a $100 gift card, a prize package full of Bee souvenirs and subscriptions, and tickets to the Kennedy Space Center
Visitors Complex. “We were excited to watch Ray compete at the national Bee,” said City Journals Publisher Bryan Scott. “It’s essential that we celebrate academic accomplishments. It’s important to me that we give students like Ray a chance to shine on the national stage. We’re very proud of him and hope he competes at the regional Bee next spring.”l
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had my first glass of water at the age of 27. I was at my doctor’s office for a physical and he asked how much water I was drinking. The answer was zero, but I thought it was a trick question. I hedged my bet and said, “Um, two?” “Two what?” he asked. “Two waters?” “Give me a measurement.” “Tablespoons?” He sighed and told me I was dehydrated. Looking back, that makes sense because I hadn’t had a glass of water in more than a quarter-century. Growing up, we drank four things: Kool-Aid, orange juice, milk and soda. Even our ice cubes were made from Kool-Aid. I never remember going to the faucet to get a glass of water. We used the faucet to fill up water balloons. On the weekends, I’d ride my bike 40 miles, play two games of basketball, hike Mt. Timpanogos and play at the park until it was dark, and I never, ever stopped for a glass of water. If I got thirsty, I’d swing by 7-Eleven to grab a Fresca and a pack of candy cigarettes. We didn’t carry expensive, gallonsized, bedazzled Stanley cups where we could sip cucumber-infused, artisan well
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A tall drink of water Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
water through a biodegradable straw. We would have mercilessly mocked anyone who did. I did have a metal Thermos that came with my Holly Hobbie lunch box, but it always smelled like sour milk, even when it was filled with Hawaiian Punch. We didn’t drink water at school except after lunch recess, when we were allowed to have one gulp from the water fountain at the back of the room. But Raymond B. always put his mouth on the faucet and then no one else wanted to drink. Raymond was Patient Zero for all diseases in our class. If we were driving with Mom around town and got thirsty, she wouldn’t throw us a bottle of Dasani. She would hand us a stick of gum and say, “Chew this until you have enough spit to swallow.” I didn’t know drinking water was an option. Well, that’s not quite true. When we
played outside, we’d drink it straight from the hose like God intended. It was cold, refreshing and full of lead and arsenic, but it quenched my thirst. I never would have poured water into a cup and just sat around like a fancy person, sipping Perrier with my pinky in the air. No hoity-toity water for me, thank you. But then, single-use plastic bottles were created and water became an industry. Why drink water from the hose for free when you can purchase tap water in a bottle? We were told to drink eight glasses of water every day. Who has time for that? Social media influencers took drinking water to a whole new level. They are responsible for making reusable water bottles a lifestyle necessity, launching brands like Yeti, Hydro Flask and Stanley into the liquid stratosphere. Do you know how many water bottles are in my home? As of yesterday, there were 4,628, most of them branded from events, including the 17 my husband has from the Sundance Film Festival. We can blame data centers for taking our water (and I do), but maybe we should share culpability for the world’s dehydration by carrying 100 cubic meters of water with us wherever we go.
My eight-year-old self is sitting on a bench at Murray Park, puffing a candy cigarette and swigging Fresca. My 27-year-old self is learning how to drink water every day. My current self just knocked my Yeti mug over for the umpteenth time, spilling water all over the desk. Progress or product placement? Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She also hosts the Life & Laughter podcast. Peri can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com.
July 2026 | Page 23
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