Salt Lake County Mayoral candidate and current West Valley Mayor, Mike Winder posted his cell phone number in a recent billboard campaign reading "I listen". After repeated attempts leaving voice mails with Winder to comment on the West Valley Crooked Sidewalks story—which is about claims that West Valley isn't small business friendly— I was about to give up. I … [Read more...]
Why Community Supported Agriculture is Great for Utah Farmers
Community Supported Agriculture or CSAs have caught on big among Salt Lake City localvores. “It is absolutely worth the cost!” Joanna Mull is talking about the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program of which she is an enthusiastic participant. Joanna is trying the CSA program for the first time this year and is signed up with 3 Squares Produce. When she picks up her … [Read more...]
Sandhill Farm: Pete Rasmussen’s Clove of Garlic
Farmer Pete is the bane of vampires and the hero of chefs. Ask an old-time farmer in Ogden Valley how he decided what crop to grow. Chances are he’s not going to say that the beauty of alfalfa captured him in a moment of deep spiritual recognition. But that’s how farmer Pete Rasmussen tuned in to the living organism Allium sativum, or garlic. “I had a connection to the plant … [Read more...]
West Valley Auto Plaza
For over 10 years he hasn’t been ‘jerking people around’. No one wants to feel like a sucker. Bring up the topic of lawyers or politicians and a conversation inevitably turns to stories of professional chicanery. Also targeted by consumers is the portrayal of the quintessential back-slapping glad-hander ...the used car salesman. West Valley Auto Plaza owner Nick Markosian, … [Read more...]
Lowriders in West Valley
Lowrider Stands for Community. The immaculate finish, artful paint jobs, hand-sewn upholstery and hydraulic pumps in the trunk that rock the riders....When you think of lowrider cars, Utah suburbs, fundraisers and family barbecues probably aren’t the first things to come to mind. But Mel Garcia, founder and president of the Firme Image Carclub, wants everyone to … [Read more...]
The Guadalupe Learning Center
“Fighting poverty and providing hope through education” summarizes the Guadalupe Learning Center’s mission. For over forty years the Center has provided a haven for Salt Lake immigrants needing to negotiate a new life in a foreign land. Located at 340 South and 1040 West, it is in the heart of the neighborhood it serves. On any Tuesday night, floor manager Traci Grant … [Read more...]
A Stronger Voice–Latinos in Utah Politics
Latinos have long been a minority voice in Utah politics, but a few newcomers are blazing the trail for Latinos in Utah politics. Josie Valdez is running for the Utah State Senate District 8 Seat. She is just one of nine Democrat Latinos running for office in November. They are all part of a larger political action committee and a force to be reckoned with. “We are done … [Read more...]
Banding Together
Chances are good you’ve seen a local band perform, sometimes amateurs, sometimes pros, but you can bet that every musician puts a lot of energy into each show. Most local bands, however, can’t stay afloat and it’s not surprising why, but here are three local bands that work it: Aviatrix – Alexis (vocals), Brian (guitar), Luis (bass), Adam (drums). Aviatrix has been on SLC … [Read more...]
Ray’s Barbershop: Classics Never Get Old
Words to describe the service Ray Francom and his professional staff offer men at their new downtown SLC location just blocks from City Creek. Pampering sounds too girly, but the personal touch men receive is more than just a generic haircut. Ray’s Barber Shop is a comfortable place for men to come and relax while getting an indulgent shave, cut or shoe shine. Ray expertly … [Read more...]
The Children’s Theatre Grows Up
Last June, the Children’s Theatre purchased the old Avalon Theater on 3605 South and State. Director James Parker has been doing extensive renovations to the historic property. James explains how his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, started the theater in 1986 and operated in the early days, renting out Abravanel Hall, The Capitol Theatre, and Kingsbury Hall. The Children’s … [Read more...]