City Watch

The first symptoms may be unexpected—severe nausea, prolonged vomiting, diarrhea. These don’t seem like symptoms that would be caused by inhalation. But the gastrointestinal issues are followed by shortness of breath and asthma-like wheezing. Symptoms may come on suddenly or worsen for weeks before a person goes to the hospital for help. Some don’t go to the hospital and die at home. So far, 83 lung illnesses in Utah have been reported as related to vaping with one resulting in death.

“They’re calling it the snapchat of smoking. All the kids are doing it, and even older millennials don’t know what’s going on. I’m talking of course, about vaping.” That’s not a direct quote from a local news broadcast, but with all the frighteningly vague stories popping up on television, it may as well be. Utah, like the rest of the country, has become embroiled in a vaping crisis over the past year. Misinformation abounds, engendering a dangerous level of confusion surrounding the surge in vaping-related illnesses and lung injuries. Now, legislators, officials and health care professionals are caught playing catch-up in an attempt to regulate a perplexing product and control a situation that has gotten out of hand before it was even recognized.

The vaping crisis consists of two distinct issues. The first—which has been the primary subject of panicky news coverage—is the surge in acute lung disease, which is associated with use of illicit THC vape products. The other concerns widespread nicotine-based vape product use, particularly among teens. The two problems, however, do intersect in several ways, including sharing a lack of data-driven information and regulatory oversight.

Dr. Sean Callahan, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah and a pulmonologist at the U of U hospital who works in the ICU, provided us with concrete information about vaping-related illness. On the probable causes and health outcomes associated with vaping illicit THC products, he stressed the importance of battling misinformation.

“Something changed in 2019 with the rise in acute lung disease related to vaping,” Dr. Callahan says. “There’s a misconception that people are inhaling a bunch of oil. That’s not what’s happening. Something people are inhaling is causing an inflammatory response in their lungs. We’re not certain what substances are to blame, but I suspect there are several. Vitamin E acetate is a likely culprit, but even if we remove that from the supply there are so many different ingredients being heated to different temperatures by different devices that it’s hard to identify what’s causing all cases.”

Most cases can be directly linked to the use of illicit THC products, which does not include THC products purchased legally in states neighboring Utah like Colorado and Nevada. Still, between 10 and 20 percent of cases are unaccounted for as patients deny having used THC products. Dr. Callahan said treatment for vaping-related illness typically consists of vaping cessation and the use of steroids to control inflammation. Some cases are relatively easy to treat, while others have been deadly. Long-term effects are largely unknown.

“We’re almost certainly going to see long-term pulmonary issues like asthma and COPD in some people who vape, but it hasn’t been around long enough, and it hasn’t been studied enough,” Dr. Callahan says. “In the U.K. vaping has been used effectively to facilitate smoking cessation, and I’m not opposed to that. The idea was marketed similarly in the U.S., but we don’t have the regulatory support to do that here.” The high rate of vaping among teens in Utah, often fueled by a lack of information, is particularly concerning. “A lot of teens we see in the clinic don’t think there’s nicotine in what they’re vaping, but there is,” Dr. Callahan says. Many users think they’re just inhaling harmless flavored water vapor when they’re using an insidiously habit-forming product, and flavored vape cartridges are undoubtedly targeting minors in ways that would make Joe Camel blush.

Callahan says research shows people who use standard nicotine vaping products are more likely to try smoking cigarettes and THC-containing vape products. That trend was at the heart of efforts by Utah officials to implement an emergency restriction that would remove all flavored vape products from grocery and convenience stores. District Judge Keith Kelly struck down the measure, saying the Utah Department of Health’s (UDOH) assertion that the trend of nicotine users moving on to vaping THC doesn’t constitute imminent peril, which is required to implement emergency restrictions. UDOH responded by following the state’s normal 120-day process for making new regulations and published draft rules on January 1 that would reinstate the ban on flavored vape products outside of specialty tobacco shops. As of the present time those rules are still being debated with attorneys representing vape retailers arguing the new rules would hurt 90 percent of the state’s 1,700 tobacco retailers, 1,300 of which are classified as small businesses.

Meanwhile more than 125 cases of vaping-related lung illness have been identified in Utah. By the end of 2019 vaping rates in Utah were higher among high school seniors than any other age group surveyed by UDOH.

Health officials are stuck playing regulatory catch-up, but pro-business factions in Utah have historically wielded strong political influence against what they deem “overreach.” We’ll soon find out if Utah legislators have the moral courage to stand up for the health of their Utah residents, particularly minors. I wouldn’t hold my breath.

While lacrosse is his preferred sport, the SandBar SLC’s founder, Cory Merrell was seeking a business idea that incorporated a sport or activity with a strong social element. Sand volleyball checked all the boxes. The first of its kind in Utah, the SandBar SLC is over 24,000 sq. ft. with five indoor regulation-sized courts. It took over 1,000 tons of sand to fill the space.

Volleyball Lingo

Carry: Players should only have momentary contact with the ball. If the palm is facing upwards and fist is open, it is considered a carry or a “lift.”

Drink: An attacking player softly taps the ball over the net to an area not being guarded.Z

Attack/Spike: An attack strategy is to send or spike the ball over the net in a way that is not returnable.

Side Out: When a team gains the ability to serve after they score or after the opposing team made a mistake.

Floater: A serve that does not spin; difficult to predict its movement.

After completing his MBA at the U of U, Merrell made his start by setting up sand volleyball leagues and tournaments at SLC’s Liberty Park. He explained, “As all available court slots quickly filled up to capacity, the need to expand and provide a year-round option became clear.” Merrell gathered the money, then selected the future home of Sandbar SLC, in North Salt Lake.

Opening in early 2018 with five indoor/four outdoor courts, SandBar is open six days a week—80 or more games are played in a typical day. Merrell plans to expand by adding air domes or bubbles to existing outdoor courts. The SandBar has a schedule of leagues that run as 8-week sessions (2v2 men/women and coed, 4v4 coed only), ranging from open to recreational. And they serve food and beer too! 680 S. Redwood Road, North Salt Lake, 801-631-4160, sandbarslc.com.

2020 is more than just a presidential election year; it’s the year of the census. Simply put, the census is an attempt to calculate the headcount of every human—citizen or not—in the United States, and federally funded it is collected every ten years. There are very valid reasons why folks wish to avoid being counted or even answer their door when a census worker comes a-knockin, but undercounted areas suffer because of it. Addressing those concerns, it’s important to understand the benefit of this census and gain the resources that come with it.

2010/2020: 10 years ago and now

Minimum Wage:  $7.25 (2010, 2020)

Top 10 Hits: “Tik Tok” Kesha (2010), “Adore You” Harry Styles (2020)

President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law (2010)

Trump was acquitted by the Senate on these two counts of impeachment (2020)

 

The results of the census and money that will then be rationed to that community are huge, like in the trillions of dollars huge. And this is because almost every political and civic decision made is based upon those numbers. 

Much like voting, if you don’t get counted, you don’t count. All federal funds and programs, such as our schools, hospital, roads, the amount of money allocated to these programs are based upon those living there. The census is also a “one and done” because once conducted, that will be the determining number pulled for the next decade.

Who are the hardest to reach? Naturally the children, those in rural communities, immigrants and people of color. Declaring the census as one of her top political priorities, Stacey Abrams, who is a lawyer and former Georgia House Representative shares four points in hopes of educating and empowering those who really need to participate. These points are:

1. This year, 80% of the census will be conducted online. This may make it more difficult for rural communities because an estimated 20-40% of those do not have internet access.
2. The fear of citizenship question. The system can be weaponized by discounting non-citizens and artificially inflate the representation of the white non-Hispanic population, which isn’t who we are. She advises to avoid the fear of ICE, answer the census online, and to report a social security number is not a requirement. If you answer the census and someone comes knocking, you can hide under the bed knowing they aren’t from the census bureau.
3. They’ll be able to find you, no matter. Abrams points out that if you have a cell phone or a light bill, they already know how to track you down. The census isn’t giving the federal government any information they don’t already have.
4. Be counted, get your money. The results of this census is what will determine how much money will be allocated, from congressional leaders to every level of political power, the numbers from the census is where the juice flows to. 

When does the census take place? April 1, 2020, and we’re not joking. You can also learn more about the process and how-to-do your part here: 2020census.gov

Beleaguered, powder-hungry skiers have been battling traffic up and down the Cottonwood Canyons this winter. Skier volume and vehicle traffic have been steadily increasing with each passing season, and the problems are particularly acute when heavy snowfall—which attracts skiers and snowboarders like moths to a light—necessitates avalanche mitigation work on the canyon roads as it did during the historic avalanche cycle following a storm system earlier this month. Clearly a populous city abutting a mountain range with world-class skiing presents unique transportation requirements, and the Central Wasatch Commission (CWC) is committed to tackling the gridlock with sustainable, effective transportation solutions. Right now, they’re looking for public input to help guide their planning.

The CWC’s goal of a comprehensive Mountain Transit System arose from the conclusions of Mountain Accord, in which federal, state and local jurisdictions along with private entities collaborated to come up with management solutions for the Central Wasatch Mountains the reflected the interests of conservation groups, businesses including all four Cottonwood Canyon Ski Resorts and private citizens. The four primary goals were to protect the environment and natural resources, ensure high quality recreational experiences, strengthen the regional economy and enhance regional transportation. An effective transit solution is key to achieving all these goals, which is why the CWC is pushing to outline the development of transportation initiatives by the end of 2020, including identifying potential funding sources.

For skiers and snowboarders who frequent the Cottonwood Canyons, the impact will be felt with measures that incentivize public transit use and dis-incentivize single-occupancy vehicle access. That likely means more busses and other public transit options in addition to more paid parking like you’ll already find at Solitude Resort. Deliverables CWC hopes will achieve those aims are outlined below, and full details are available here.

• High-capacity transit in the Little Cottonwood Canyon/Big Cottonwood Canyon/Park City corridor.
• Transit incentives and automobile disincentives including parking/pricing strategies.
• Year-round local bus service in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
• Fast transit service from the airport to the Park City area via I-80.
• Improved transit service on US 40 and I-80 between Quinn’s Junction and Kimball Junction. Improved transit connections in Summit County.
• High capacity transit connections in the eastern Salt Lake Valley.
• Safety and access improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The public comment period for this phase of the planning is open until Sunday, March 1. There should be no shortage of suggestions, as everyone seems to have their own priorities and the alleged perfect fix for Wasatch transportation woes, so make sure your voice is heard as well by submitting your comment here, or emailing CWC staff at comments@cwc.utah.gov. The work that goes into the Central Wasatch Commission Mountain Transportation System this year will likely define what the future of what access to the Cottonwood Canyons looks like, so be involved in the process and stay up to date by visiting the CWC website regularly.

The debate surrounding Welcoming Schools in Park City has reemerged after a State Board of Education committee recommended a new draft of the state rule regarding anti-bullying campaigns in Utah public schools that initially ignited debate. The new draft includes language that safeguards protected classes of people who may be bullied based on race, gender identity or sexual orientation. A previous draft of the rule eschewed specific mentions of and protections for federally protected classes of people.

For those unfamiliar with the Welcoming Schools program, it is a professional development curriculum for teachers at Trailside Elementary School implemented to meet a state requirement to include an anti-bullying campaign. Welcoming Schools focuses specifically on combatting bullying to build schools that are safe and inclusive for LGBTQ students and all people of gender identities. An anonymous group of parents and an attorney representing them from the anti-LGBTQ hate group Pacific Justice Institute, inaccurately and deceptively called the program an “LGBTQ indoctrination program and sex education program” as part of a cease-and-desist letter sent to try to derail the program. The action, which was dubiously presented as free-speech advocacy, led to furor and heated discourse throughout the community.

The revised rule is aimed to increase clarity within its language that will properly help schools gather data on bullying and discrimination. Most were happy to see requirements for the inclusion of anti-bullying protections for people protected by Title IX and the Civil Rights Act as a part of required training. Still, some balked at the potential infringement of free speech rights, including Utah Board of Education member Jennie Earl. Earl put forward an amendment addressing “the rights of a school employee, parent, or student to exercise the right of free speech.” The amendment was modified and ultimately accepted by the committee.

Some in attendance asserted the amendment serves to protect bullies rather bullied students, which I believe is a fair representation of its intent. It should be noted as always, that the First Amendment protects people from persecution and arrest by the government. It does not shield one from community criticism or backlash, nor does it inoculate those who say bigoted things in schools from consequence.

The School Board may approve the new rule in March and implement it as early as May following a public comment period. There is no good-faith or intellectually honest argument against building safer and more inclusive schools to be made. If these issues are important to you, stay up to date with the Utah Board of Education and submit your comments when appropriate.

See all our community coverage here.

How are Utah schools faring in the constantly changing world of modern education? This new world includes school violence, more pupils than most other states (we still have the largest households in the country), multicultural classrooms and very little money.

Meet Lucas Tucker, PE teacher at Glendale Middle School.

Lucas Tucker, 2019 After-school Teacher of the Year, has big dreams for the difference he hopes to make. Like many Utah teachers, he has to think creatively to make those dreams come true. “There are many reasons why students do not wish to go home after school,” he explains. When he first started teaching at Glendale six years ago, he caught the vision for what a strong and diverse after-school program can do.

Over 88 percent of Glendale’s students qualify for the reduced lunch program, indicating a home poverty level which can make the enrollment fees associated with tryouts for after-school sports programs such as soccer, basketball and volleyball prohibitively expensive.

Glendale serves 767 students in grades 6-8; the student-teacher ratio is 19:1, 28 percent of students are at least proficient in math and 22 percent in reading. The racial makeup is Hispanic (60%), Pacific Islander (13.7%), White (11.5%). 21.6% of all Glendale residents qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps) and the average household income is 4K less than that of SLC.Tucker worked with the community after-school program led by Erica Andino and administrators to set up fundraising to pay fees for students who may otherwise miss out. While Utah’s budget constraints continue, grant money from the McBride Foundation and private-donors have allowed him to get needed equipment and resources to fuel these efforts.

Tucker says, “The parental support at Glendale has been incredible.” As an example, “Parents of our students and team members volunteer to sell concessions to raise money during games.” In addition, Tucker started a before-school archery program because not all kids want to compete or wish to play in a team sport. He hopes to offer a track and field program in the future, bringing another option for students, and one that doesn’t require a helmet.

Tucker explains, “Along with promoting healthy lifestyles, our hope is to bring a sense of ownership and connection with the students to the school.” As an alternative to sports, Glendale offers after-school clubs such as ukulele, Girls Who Code, MESA, chess and theatre, “to provide as many opportunities for students to participate in these activities as possible.”

Have you called your Senator lately?

Leave these two Utah Senators a message and let them know what is on your mind:

Mitt Romney 202-224-5251

Mike Lee 202-224-5444

We don’t ask for much these days. In the political process, you may feel powerless. You may feel discouraged. We get it. And we’re not saying you have to march on Capitol Hill or volunteer to drive folks to the ballots. Consider these six ways to get involved (below). And while things may still go to crap, at least you didn’t opt-out of your democratic rights in the process.

1. Vote.
2. Encourage others to vote.
3. Send your city leaders, Utah Reps and Senators a message.
4. Attend your city council meetings.
5. Initiate or support a bill.
6. Join your Chamber of Commerce.

Let your local leaders know what’s on your mind, the cards are on the table, from the impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate to local issues like the inland port (those issues in particular for SLC are local land use control, taxing authority and protecting the environment), homelessness and air pollution to name a few.

Without getting too Schoolhouse Rock with this, laws are often in flux, with proposed bills being presented to the legislature, our job is to put on our investigator hats. Usually, the Press can keep you on top of what’s most pressing, however, it’s important to understand who’s pushing for what and the motivations behind their actions. For example, in a recent Tribune article, “A Utah lawmaker wants state judges to be elected, not appointed,” Senator Dan McCay, R-Riverton, proposed an amendment of the Utah Constitution that would take away the Utah Governor’s ability to appoint state judges. Why is this being proposed and who else is driving this bill? Good question, Sherlock.

And it doesn’t take a science sleuth to see and feel how our air pollution is affecting each and every one of us (cough-cough). We are very pleased that February 1, 2020, marks the beginning of the state’s “Clear the Air Challenge.” The TravelWise tracker is a great online tool to improve your commute by coordinating carpools, UTA and bike routes.

To scroll through the list of our community coverage, go here.

The transit crisis in Park City has grown into an all-encompassing boogeyman in the minds of many residents and visitors to town. The congestion locking down both entryways into town during peak times is contributing to not only to dreaded powder day delays, but also to the growing workforce shortage that threatens to upend a resort town economy. Many people are reaching a breaking point, especially as the organizations tasked with alleviating the issue—namely Park City, Summit County and Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) are mired in their own sort of gridlock when it comes to getting on the same page.

For the past 40 years, Park City’s transit district has helmed the area’s public transit projects, but as the year-round population has boomed throughout Snyderville Basin and the rest of Summit County, the County has rapidly expanded its role as seen with public transit routes serving areas including Kamas, Trailside and Summit Park. The County has more than doubled its annual transit spending over the past six years, and understandably they would like a larger seat at the table before putting down real money, which County manager Tom Fisher says they’re ready to do.

Despite pipe dreams of a monorail—MONORAIL!— or an all-encompassing aerial transit system of gondolas, rapid transit bus lines with minimal stops between crucial nodes have been deemed the future. The rapid transit bus system is estimated to cost $75 million—much of which would be allocated to purchasing land for bus lanes and transit nodes—which goes well beyond the maximum of $25 million in federal grants that could be used to mitigate the costs.

Even if the funding challenges were resolved, aligning the interests of the instrumental parties has proven challenging. UDOT received fierce local opposition after proposing widening the corridor on S.R. 248. Bus lanes in the shoulder meant to bypass traffic on S.R. 224 have proven ineffective when it snows as UDOT plows don’t prioritize clearing those lanes at times when they would be most useful. County officials suggest the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA)—which controls the land of the proposed Mayflower Mountain Resort near the Jordanelle—and Wasatch County should also participate as part of a wider regional effort.

In the case of the proposed rapid bus transit system, City Hall envisions placing the Park City node in the to-be-developed Bonanza Park arts and culture district on Bonanza Drive. County officials think the node should take commuters all the way to Main Street, whereas City officials feel a proposed aerial transit system would ideally whisk people to resorts, shops and restaurants. County and City councils are set to meet on February 5 to better define the roles each will play in the future project. Ideally, they find a way to bury petty impulses about who’s the boss and play nice in a way that benefits people from each of their constituencies.

The always thorny topic of rising housing costs in the area is also inextricably tied to transit and will continue to affect discussions. An expanded transit system would require a substantial increase in employees including drivers and maintenance workers. Mirroring the larger employment shortage in the area, some city councilors feel those positions would be difficult to fill. Park City Councilor Becca Gerber has posed concerns about a “workforce rebellion”—in whatever form that may take—that could exacerbate the dearth of workers and lead to a further decline in the level of service a resort-based economy depends on to thrive. Without a way for workers to live or commute to Park City, it’s growing increasingly difficult to see a way out of the predicament.

See all our community coverage here.

Following the closure of the downtown Salt Lake Community Shelter in November of 2019, a new 300-men Homeless Resource Center opened at 1000 West in South Salt Lake. And since many are claiming the new center’s capacity is hundreds less than the previous one and continually full, it leaves the homeless with no place to go.

At the new Men’s Resource Center in South Salt Lake, volunteers are invited to help with meal prep and service. Sign up at .

In early January, a group of city activists set up a demonstration camp at Washington Square Park in downtown SLC, demanding more beds, free public transit and better treatment from law enforcement for the city’s homeless. Washington Square Park just happens to be the home of the Salt Lake City and County Building, and during this protest, the county issued a “Homeless Camp Cleanup” posting signs giving a 24-hour notice for all to clear out on Sunday, January 5, 2020, by 9 a.m. As the story was covered by abc4utah TV news, SL County Health official Nick Rupp brought up Utah code violations at the encampment, stating that the clean up was necessary for human safety, and noting that human waste and syringes were found there. On Saturday, January 4th at 9 p.m. police began to clear the park to enforce its curfew, and in a clash 16 were arrested.

Cleared out and cleaned up, on Monday, January 6, 2020, and on the steps of the Salt Lake City and County Building, the inauguration ceremony for the new Salt Lake City Mayor, Erin Mendenhall, and city council members took place. A few weeks following, Mayor Mendenhall announced the opening of a new and temporary (until April 15th) homeless shelter in Sugar House at 2234 S. Highland Drive providing another 145 beds and in close proximity to public transportation. What is the long term plan? With new shelter locations and homeless solutions in hot debate (like Simpson Ave.), nimbyism is alive as ever. And while we may say, not in my neighborhood, officials seem to be saying, not while getting sworn into public office either.

To read more about life around our city, go here.