West Valley City Hall is largely empty today in observance of the Martin Luther King Holiday. America-The Diversity Place has chosen to highlight the dedication of Rosa Parks Drive in West Valley as the feature story commemorating the holiday. The road leading to the Utah Cultural Celebration Center has received widespread attention for this action, an action that highlights the spirit of Unity, Pride, and Progress of Utah's second most populous city.
The UCCC is a very fluent and important area of West Valley City and the greater Salt Lake Valley and it is important to be continually adding to that campus. Adding not only in programs and events, not only adding in monuments and exhibits, but most importantly adding to that place in a deeper meaning and spirit. In honoring the legacy of Rosa Parks we add important meaning and spirit to our community. That meaning and spirit will be different things to different people, but the underlying Unity-Pride-and Progress of honoring those that have sought to make our country great, will hopefully be a reminder and an inspiration to those that travel it to find new ways of bringing families, neighborhoods, and nations together.
To get a look at today's America Diversity Place story you can go to:
http://americadiversityplace.com/Utah/TheDiversityPlace.aspx
Monday, January 21, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Granite School District--New Grading System
This is not a an item from West Valley City Hall, but an important community item that I thought that I'd pass along.
Granite School District will soon be implementing a new grading system that was developed by the state of Utah.
To find out what this means and how it will affect students the district is sponsoring three open house meetings to discuss the changes. They will be held as follows:
Hunter High -January 17, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Taylorsville High- January 23, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Skyline High- January 24, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Granite School District will soon be implementing a new grading system that was developed by the state of Utah.
To find out what this means and how it will affect students the district is sponsoring three open house meetings to discuss the changes. They will be held as follows:
Hunter High -January 17, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Taylorsville High- January 23, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Skyline High- January 24, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Monday, December 10, 2012
NLC Congress of Cities Report
Below is a copy of the report I submitted to the West Valley City Council regarding recent participation in the National League of Cities:
Summary
conference highlights
Councilmember
Rushton
Council Report
Council Report
December
4, 2012
Congress
of cities nlc Conference
Summary
November
28-December I was able to attended and represented West Valley City at the
National League of Cities Congress of Cities in Boston Massachusetts. This year’s conference was actually offered four concurrent conferences to provide more
in-depth exploration of the most pressing challenges facing cities. This
general conference focus appeared to be more centered around tracking and
influencing federal policy and reliance on technology. The conference at the Boston Convention Center
began Wednesday and ended at the World Trade Center Seaport Saturday evening.
It featured a large number workshops and roundtable discussions. The seminars I attended this week included “Coping with Community Transformations and
Population shifts” and “Making your City more Business Friendly” among others.
I also participated in the First Tier Suburbs Committee where I was re-appointed
to serve as Vice Chair for the coming year. I also was invited to participate
in the CED policy committee where recommendations were made to influence
legislative agenda on a wide variety of related items including CDBG. Additionally, I gathered materials on numerous
best practice solutions, grant information, and vendor products in order to
share them with executive staff for informational
purposes.
conference highlights
some of the
highlights with local interest:
1.
Participated
in Leadership Training Institute Award Luncheon.
2.
Participated
in the Developing Downtown Density workshop where I was able to compare
Fairbourne project with similar projects and how to best turn downtown
districts into a denser economic engine.
3.
Learned
insights into League restructuring and new Executive Leadership positions and
Presidency.
4.
Other
delegates from Utah cities gathered for a caucus dinner with representatives
from the Utah League of Cities and Towns.
5.
Able to meet with representative from
Boston Mayor’s office regarding their Employee Residency requirements.
6.
Attached Federal Policy Slides
Progress as Promised--Animal Services
I have been very interested and and closely watched the progress coming from within the new partnerships and hard work of our West valley City Animal shelter. It has not quite been a year since the goals were stated as part of a proclaimation:
http://coreyrushton.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html
Last week the City Council was presented with an update and reviewed the operating statistics of the animal shelter. Below is a portion of a city issued press release describing some of the details and successes:
West
Valley City – During a presentation to the West Valley City Council on Tuesday,
December 4, Best Friends Animal Society – Utah Executive Director Anna Gonce
made an announcement that drew applause from the Mayor and City Council – since
partnering with Best Friends in June, the animal shelter is on track to meet its
goal of becoming a no-kill shelter much faster than anyone had anticipated. The
shelter’s original goal of an 80 percent save rate by 2014 has already been
surpassed with the shelter currently at 82 percent. A 90 percent save rate
would merit the shelter a no-kill status (shelters typically euthanize 10
percent of animals who are extremely aggressive, sick or badly injured.)
“I
am delighted that West Valley City has worked so closely with the Best Friends
team in Northern Utah to help save more lives,” says Best Friends Animal
Society CEO and Co-Founder Gregory Castle. “Our partnership is one of a very
few progressive programs, leading the way in public/private collaboration and
creating benefits for both citizens and animals in the community.”
West
Valley City’s continued partnership with Best Friends Animal Society involves a
variety of programs intended to increase save rates. Adoption promotions,
spay/neuter assistance, feral cat TNR (trap, neuter, release) programs and
continued community engagement initiatives focusing on spaying and neutering,
microchipping and licensing, adoption and responsible ownership are expected to
further increase save rates.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Rosa Parks Drive
Today I was honored to join with SLC NAACP President Jeanetta Williams to celebrate the opening of Rosa Parks Drive in West Valley City. It is Historically fitting to be able to stand on Rosa Parks Drive and witness people of all cultures and backgrounds ride TRAX together, Play Sports together at Redwood Fitness Center, or en route to the Utah Cultural Celebration Center to grow in tolerance and understanding. Below is the WVC release on the event with video of the to come shortly via WVC Channel 17 :West Valley City Celebrates Renaming of 3100 South to Rosa Parks Drive
West Valley City – During a brief ceremony on Thursday, November 15, the West Valley City Council and Utah NAACP representatives officially unveiled Rosa Parks Drive, the portion of 3100 South running from Decker Lake Drive (2210 West) to Cultural Center Drive (1400 West), paying tribute to one of the most influential civil rights icons in history. The unveiling comes exactly seven years to the day after the West Valley City Council committed to naming a street in honor of Parks.
“I was honored to pay tribute to Rosa Parks in 2005 at her Capitol Rotunda viewing in Washington,”said Mayor Pro Tem Corey Rushton. “It is exciting to see our local tribute to Ms. Parks come to fruition with the newly renamed Rosa Parks Drive leading to the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. It perfectly complements the vision of the Center – celebrating the diversity of our community.”
“I had the pleasure of meeting Rosa Parks who is an icon to our civil rights movement and I am privileged to pay tribute to her with the unveiling of Rosa Parks Drive in West Valley City,” said NAACP Salt Lake Branch President Jeanetta Williams.“Today is a momentous occasion.”
Friday, November 9, 2012
Holiday Events at the Cultural Celebration Center
Below is a list of holiday programs that are offered free of charge at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center located at 1355 West 3100 South in West Valley City. I especially am fond of the Trees of Diversity exhibit:
###
Nov 15: Trees of Diversity Exhibit
For nine years now the Utah Cultural Celebration Center has ended the year with a
magical, holiday tree exhibit that overflows from the art gallery and throughout the
entire facility. The
Trees of Diversity exhibit showcases not only decorated trees, but
also gingerbread houses, wreaths, nativities and “window shopping” style holiday
scenes.
Bring the family on November 15 for the official opening reception and have photos
taken with Santa. Enjoy more than 25 trees decorated by different ethnic arts groups
from throughout the valley. Refreshments and music will also be provided.
Exhibit
runs Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or by arrangement.
Dec 1: Winter Market
The Utah Cultural Celebration Center is proud to announce the sixth annual Winter Market. The Market will showcase Utah’s finest handcrafted arts and ethnic products. Live music dance performances, and the
Trees of Diversity exhibit will
complement the festive environment. The free market features a variety of family friendly,
exciting arts experiences for the general public
Come in from the cold and experience the holiday spirit at the Utah Cultural
Celebration Center. Find the perfect gift for your loved-one at one of over 30 artist
booths. Enjoy special hand-made gifts and an elaborate Christmas environment
featuring cultural entertainment from around the world.
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Dec 3: The Blue Sage Band – A Cowboy Christmas
Forget the holly... the Cultural Center will deck the halls with sage and cedar this holiday season in preparation for a special cowboy themed concert featuring the
Blue Sage Band! This heartwarming concert will take you back to a simpler time as you hear the sound of banjo, fiddle and mandolin breathing new life into holiday favorites, old and new.
7:00 p.m.
Dec 10: Beehive Statesmen Christmas Concert
Established in 1949, the Beehive Statesmen present beloved memories of Christmas with barbershop harmony. The program will highlight the chorus and quartet renditions of the beautiful music that is traditional to Christmas. Tickets are not required as the performance is free and will have open seating for families with children welcome.
7:00 p.m.
Dec 17 Bonnie Harris Christmas Concert
Local singer and numerous award-winning Bonnie Harris will sing Christmas classics. The annual concert is a staple in the community, now celebrating its 16
year. Take a break from the Christmas rush and relax with Bonnie’s soothing alto
voice. This family friendly concert is the perfect way to remember the good times of Christmases past, and rekindle the glow of Christmas present.
7:00 p.m.
For more information about these events or exhibits at the Utah Cultural Celebration
Center visit culturalcelebration.org or call 801-965-5100.
###
Jordan River Trail
The following is an op-ed I authored with Sandy Councilmember and Jordan River Commission Vice-Chair Chris McCandless regarding the Jordan River Parkway:
Salt Lake County voters have the opportunity to leverage four decades of investments by
the county and local governments in high quality parks, recreation, and open space for
current and future generations by voting in favor of Proposition#1, Salt Lake County’s
proposed regional parks and trails bond. The approval of the Salt Lake County parks and
trails bond will allow long-awaited completion of the Jordan River Parkway Trail.
Community leaders recognized the potential of the Jordan River corridor in a planning
document published in 1971 called, A Jordan River Parkway - An Alternative. This report
outlined an ambitious vision for the river corridor including parks, natural open space
and a trail connecting Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. The idea caught the attention
of many in the community. In response, the State Legislature created the Provo-Jordan
River Parkway Authority and appropriated funds for the acquisition of property needed to
begin implementation of this vision. By the early 1990s, the first segments of the Jordan
River Parkway Trail were constructed, and today less than 3.5 miles of the lake-to-lake
trail remain incomplete.
The 45-mile Jordan River Parkway Trail is used regularly by commuters, children
traveling to school and by countless others for recreation, personal rejuvenation and a
break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trail is just one of the amenities found
in the river corridor. Others include a number of developed parks, playgrounds, golf
courses, natural open space preserves, educational centers, urban fisheries and wildlife
viewing areas.
Since that initial report in the 1970s, countless hours, enormous effort and significant
resources have been invested into the idea of a parkway along the Jordan River. In 2008,
a renewed vision for the river corridor was expressed in a document called, Blueprint
Jordan River. Led by Envision Utah, this process involved thousands of Wasatch Front
residents and resulted in a new plan for the river corridor, including enhanced recreation,
open-space preservation, community development, transportation connections, river
restoration, water quality improvements and environmental education. Participants
recognized that a restored and enhanced river corridor could attract new businesses and
investments to the Wasatch Front, and would improve the quality of life for those already
here.
The river and trail connect us all together as they cross through three different counties
and fifteen cities. Each of the individual parks, trail segments and fishing ponds along
the river contribute to the livability of our communities. However, maximizing the full
potential of the Jordan River corridor depends on the belief that the sum is greater than
its parts. We must work together to complete the trail, to set aside open space for wildlife
and parks, and to embrace the Jordan River in our community design. The benefits will
be better personal health, enhanced water and air quality and an unparalleled recreational
resource for us all. Finishing the Jordan River Parkway Trail is the next step towards
realizing the full potential of the Jordan River corridor.
The Jordan River Commission, with its membership of state, counties, and cities along
with business and non-profit partners, recognizes the opportunity that Salt Lake County
voters have to take advantage of the current low financing costs and construction rates to
complete this last segment of the Jordan River Trail through leveraging and maximizing
the past public investments. Please help ensure that Wasatch Front residents will have
high quality recreational, transportation, and environmental opportunities for generations to come.
Councilman Corey Rushton, Jordan River Commission Chairman
Councilman Chris McCandless, Jordan River Commission Vice Chair
Salt Lake County voters have the opportunity to leverage four decades of investments by
the county and local governments in high quality parks, recreation, and open space for
current and future generations by voting in favor of Proposition#1, Salt Lake County’s
proposed regional parks and trails bond. The approval of the Salt Lake County parks and
trails bond will allow long-awaited completion of the Jordan River Parkway Trail.
Community leaders recognized the potential of the Jordan River corridor in a planning
document published in 1971 called, A Jordan River Parkway - An Alternative. This report
outlined an ambitious vision for the river corridor including parks, natural open space
and a trail connecting Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. The idea caught the attention
of many in the community. In response, the State Legislature created the Provo-Jordan
River Parkway Authority and appropriated funds for the acquisition of property needed to
begin implementation of this vision. By the early 1990s, the first segments of the Jordan
River Parkway Trail were constructed, and today less than 3.5 miles of the lake-to-lake
trail remain incomplete.
The 45-mile Jordan River Parkway Trail is used regularly by commuters, children
traveling to school and by countless others for recreation, personal rejuvenation and a
break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trail is just one of the amenities found
in the river corridor. Others include a number of developed parks, playgrounds, golf
courses, natural open space preserves, educational centers, urban fisheries and wildlife
viewing areas.
Since that initial report in the 1970s, countless hours, enormous effort and significant
resources have been invested into the idea of a parkway along the Jordan River. In 2008,
a renewed vision for the river corridor was expressed in a document called, Blueprint
Jordan River. Led by Envision Utah, this process involved thousands of Wasatch Front
residents and resulted in a new plan for the river corridor, including enhanced recreation,
open-space preservation, community development, transportation connections, river
restoration, water quality improvements and environmental education. Participants
recognized that a restored and enhanced river corridor could attract new businesses and
investments to the Wasatch Front, and would improve the quality of life for those already
here.
The river and trail connect us all together as they cross through three different counties
and fifteen cities. Each of the individual parks, trail segments and fishing ponds along
the river contribute to the livability of our communities. However, maximizing the full
potential of the Jordan River corridor depends on the belief that the sum is greater than
its parts. We must work together to complete the trail, to set aside open space for wildlife
and parks, and to embrace the Jordan River in our community design. The benefits will
be better personal health, enhanced water and air quality and an unparalleled recreational
resource for us all. Finishing the Jordan River Parkway Trail is the next step towards
realizing the full potential of the Jordan River corridor.
The Jordan River Commission, with its membership of state, counties, and cities along
with business and non-profit partners, recognizes the opportunity that Salt Lake County
voters have to take advantage of the current low financing costs and construction rates to
complete this last segment of the Jordan River Trail through leveraging and maximizing
the past public investments. Please help ensure that Wasatch Front residents will have
high quality recreational, transportation, and environmental opportunities for generations to come.
Councilman Corey Rushton, Jordan River Commission Chairman
Councilman Chris McCandless, Jordan River Commission Vice Chair
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