Neighborhood City Meet Ups

West Valley Councilmembers to meet with neighbors at Neighborhood Meetups

 

I had a very enjoyable Saturday morning visiting with residents at Hillsdale park.  This was the first of four scheduled meetings where residents can come in a relaxed atmosphere and converse with their elected representatives about what's going on in their neighborhood.  It is good to gain a solid perspective from many residents as we continue to take strides in economic and neighborhood development as well as work to bring about changes and improvements within our police department.  In the photo I am seen discussing the effectiveness and yet limitations of the graffiti wipes.

 Everyone is invited to attend and visit with City Council Members and City Staff.

In an effort to stay connected with residents and to share information about various City services, the West Valley City Council and the West Valley City Public Relations & Neighborhood Services Office will be hitting the road and setting up shop in four community parks this summer. The first stop was at Hillsdale Park in City Council District 1.

From 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., residents can meet with City staff, chat with elected officials and enjoy light refreshments and kids activities. Additionally, information about more than 20 City programs and services will be available for residents, and those interested in participating on City boards and committees can learn more and pick up application forms.

Neighborhood Meetups will take place each month through August as the staff visits each of the four City Council Districts:

• District 2: June 8, Fairbourne Station Promenade, 2905 W. Lehman Ave. (3590 S.)
• District 3: July 13, Centennial Park (near the west pavilion), 5415 W. 3100 S.
• District 4: August 10, West View Park, 4100 S. 6000 W.

 

The West Valley Journal did a feature story on the meetups here:

http://www.mywestvalleyjournal.com/pages/full_story/14531/City-leaders-to-meet-residents-where-they-live/

2012 WestFest

The tents and rides are being put up as the final preparations are being made for the summer city celebration known as West Fest. The committee has put together another line up of fun events for everyone.   WestFest 2012 will be held June 21-24, 2012 at Centennial Park, located at 5415 West 3100 South. Below is the scheduled events and attractions:


·      Carnival rides and games provided by Royal West (through Sunday, June 24th)
·      Talent Showcase competition for amateurs (ages10 and older)
·      Family5K Fun Run (Saturday, June 23, 7:30 a.m.)
·      Crafters,Artisans and Hobbyists Marketplace
·      International cuisine
·      Dutch Oven Cooking contest (Saturday, June 23, 3-7 p.m.)
·      Multi-cultural Entertainment
·      WestFest Parade (Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m.)
·      Fireworks Spectacular (Saturday, June 23, 10 p.m.)
·      Special performance by Sam Payne (Saturday, June 23, 9 p.m.)
·      Over2,000 square feet of West Valley City booths with information on West Valley City events and services

For a complete schedule of events and more information, please visit the WestFest website at www.westfest.org.

Homecoming

Friday night was Homecoming night at Hunter High School's football game vs the Cyprus Pirates. This was an important game for both schools and many people turned out to support both area high schools. The stands were packed shoulder to shoulder with people as the game began and I was surrounded by family from various generations of high school past. I represent the family cut off point, as I had grandparents, parents, and numerous cousins that are all proud Cyprus graduates, yet I was the first one to break that tradition, being that I was in the first full graduating class of Hunter High. Since then I have family excel in Hunter athletics, academics, and student government and thus have started many new traditions. Ultimately in this game the Wolverines proved to be too much for the Pirates to handle, and the younger generation was able to console the older. I make mention of all this today, because it was an enjoyable time for everyone and a good example of the community coming together to exhibit some civic pride. Next week is a sequel of sorts as Hunter will travel to Granger in another West Valley City area homecoming bowl game. I am sure that this game will also be accompanied by a similar feel of friendly community rivalry, unity, and pride.

Labor Day Picnic

Today, Emily and I enjoyed spending much of the afternoon out at Copper Park in Magna at the annual Labor Day picnic. The park was packed with participants that came to see the vast display of unique autos at the car show and indulge in some of the various game and food options. It was especially nice to so many people from West Valley City at the park and I spent a lot of time talking with them about all of the good things that are shaping up in West Valley. I also answered a few common questions like, "When is the construction of 3500 South going to be completed?" Overall I received some good feedback from West Valley residents and enjoyed getting to know them and their neighborhoods better. With this being Labor Day I am especially pleased at how West Valley City Economic Development is taking great strides to attract and retain quality businesses and employment centers. With a number of redevelopment options currently on the table, I expect West Valley City to be at the forefront of economic recovery with good jobs and business opportunities.

Pioneer Day

This was a very eventful and memorable Pioneer Day for West Valley City and for myself. In the morning I joined with the Mayor and Councilmembers on the 'Catch the Vision' West Valley Float in the Days of '47 Parade in Salt Lake City to commemorate the pioneers reaching the Salt Lake Valley. The float featured a wagon train as well as a trax train to highlight the City's progress over the generations. It was especially meaningful to me as it made me reflect on my Rushton ancestors whom were among the last to leave Nauvoo because they were directed by Brigham Young to "See that all of the sick and the poor got across the river." Later Edward Rushton was amongst the first settlers to cross over the Jordan River and establish a homestead in what is now West Valley City. The parade was enjoyable and it was exciting when we came across the various pockets of West Valley City residents along the route cheering and proud of the float and of their community. Many people should be thanked for the excellent manner that our City was represented in this parade, but none more than the versatile Kevin Conde who wears many hats for the City and excels at making events go off without a hitch.

Later that evening Emily and I attended the Days of '47 Rodeo. This is the inaugural year for the Rodeo at its new home, the E Center. I was pleased at the attendance and the great response received from the Rodeo participants as they expressed their approval of the the venue, area, and City partnerships. In attendance at the Rodeo that evening was Thomas Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He seemed to really enjoy the antics of Whiplash the Rodeo Monkey. Whiplash later presented President Monson with an autographed photo of himself. I was curious as to how a cowboy monkey signs autographs, but overall the show was great. I was thrilled at every instance as it seemed as though the City was well represented and did a stellar job a participating in our State Holiday.

WestFest Unveiling

This past weekend was the annual WestFest celebration. In addition to the crafts, food, and carnival Saturday mornings festivities was kicked off by a family 5k run followed by a parade. After nearly a month of cool and wet weather, the skies were clear, blue, and sunny for the fun. I waited at the finish line for Emily to complete the race and was proud to see her finish a full five minutes ahead of her self-projected time. Afterward I pulled together a makeshift pioneer outfit and climbed aboard the brand new West Valley City parade float that celebrates the wagon train heritage to our Trax train future. It is difficult for me to imagine what life was like for my Rushton and Moesser ancestors that decided to make this part of the valley their home years and years ago. The float will also be showcase at the upcoming annual 24th of July parade in Salt Lake City. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the ten o'clock night sky.