Salt Lake City, county, sue feds to stop ICE detention center from coming online
Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Monday in an attempt to keep a massive warehouse on the city’s west side from transforming into a detention center that could hold up to 10,000 people.
County and city leaders raised concerns Monday ranging from overtaxed city water and sewer systems to the potential spread of measles, air pollution, and a ramped-up police presence needed at the more than 830,000-square-foot building near the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Westside youth council campaigning to end vape usage among young people
A group of youth on the Westside are coming together to help end a common trend among young people: illegal and dangerous vaping.
“Love Your Block” mini-grants open for applications
Applications are now open for Salt Lake City’s Love Your Block mini-grants, offering up to $3,000 in funding for community-driven neighborhood improvement projects. Residents, local businesses, and community organizations in Salt Lake City’s Westside neighborhoods — including Glendale, Poplar Grove, Fairpark, Rose Park, Westpointe, Jordan Meadows, and Guadalupe — as well as the Ballpark neighborhood are encouraged to apply between May 1 and May 31.
Donut House: A sweet Westside staple in Rose Park
If you’re a fan of donuts, or just have a sweet tooth in general, Donut House is a spot you need to check out. Located at 950 W 1000 N in the Rose Park area of Salt Lake City, this hidden gem is serving up fresh, delicious donuts that bring both flavor and nostalgia to the Westside. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., making it the perfect stop for a morning or afternoon treat.
Reconstruction continues at historic Fisher Mansion and Carriage House
For years, the Fisher Mansion has stood behind boarded windows and fencing, raising questions for Westside residents and users of the Jordan River Trail about what is happening on site currently and what the future of the property may hold for the surrounding community.
As multiple city departments continue to care for and plan around this historic site, Westview Media connected with city staff and conducted a site visit to better understand the current condition of the property, the work being done to protect it, and how future planning could shape the mansion’s role in the community.
Parents, community members voice anger, frustration at county’s decision to close public daycare centers
“Your privilege is showing. We can all feel it!” Leslie Patino shouted as she left a public comment portion of the Salt Lake County Council meeting on Tuesday, November 4th. A daycare teacher at Northwest Recreation Center and resident of West Valley, Patino was one of dozens of parents, staff, elected officials, and concerned community members who packed the council chambers that day.
The large turnout was in response to the council’s 5-4 Republican party-line decision the week before to abruptly close four county-run daycares in Kearns, Magna, Salt Lake’s Fairpark neighborhood, and Millcreek by December 31, 2025. Roughly 250 to 300 families will be directly impacted by the closure.
From the editor… Summer 2025
Managing Editor Andy Cupp discusses the importance of supporting local businesses on the Westside, and thanks Mestizo Coffeehouse for their years of serving the community.
Culture Coffee holds 1st night market: “Grab A Cup & Catch A Vibe”
Cafes that seek to build community offer much more than just a good cup of coffee. They create a space where people come to connect, share, and create. These places don’t only serve coffee, but they serve their communities by making everyone feel at home. And that's exactly what's been brewing at Culture Coffee.
On August 1st, Culture brought the community together with coffee, art, and good vibes at their first-ever local night market.
Mental health services are here, but Westside residents still face barriers
In some parts of Salt Lake City, finding a therapist is as easy as searching online; on the Westside, it’s a different story. A tangle of challenges — from confusing messaging to financial strain — can limit the level of access to mental health services.
The issues regarding access to mental health care for Westside residents are multifaceted. Barriers like cost and limited insurance coverage to fewer nearby providers can hinder availability.
The Other Side Donuts to celebrate one-year anniversary on June 28th
On June 28, The Other Side Donuts (760 S. Redwood Road) will celebrate its one-year anniversary from 9 am to 8 pm. The Salt Lake City business is a social enterprise of The Other Side Village.
Construction begins on the 600/700 North Corridor after 5 years of planning
Construction to upgrade 600/700 North from 800 West to Redwood Road has begun. During the first phase, construction will focus on the south side of the road from 1200 West to Redwood Road. There will be four phases of construction over the next few years.
Utah Naloxone hits milestone in reported opioid overdoses
Many have heard or read about the opioid overdose crisis in Utah, but few realize that in 2014, the state ranked 4th in the nation for overdose-related deaths. Thanks to those who raised awareness and worked tirelessly to bring change, we can celebrate that as of 2021, Utah has dropped to 42nd in overdose death rates.
Salt Lake City working towards improving infrastructure through the Capital Improvement Program
Several infrastructure-related projects could be coming to the Westside within the next year, thanks to the Capital Improvement Program.
Joaquina Mexican Snacks: Small but mighty addition to Poplar Grove’s food scene
Nestled in the heart of Poplar Grove at 484 S 900 West, Joaquina Mexican Snacks is a small but mighty addition to the neighborhood’s food scene. Open for only four months, this cozy spot is already making a big impact with its delicious offerings and welcoming atmosphere.
NeighborWorks Salt Lake appoints Bryce Garner to be CEO
Salt Lake’s community-based nonprofit NeighborWorks is welcoming a new Chief Executive Officer. Bryce Garner has been appointed to be the next CEO of the organization effective March 24, 2025.
Salt Lake City seeking community member input for West-East Connections Study
For those of us who live on the Westside, we’re incredibly familiar with the challenges we face when trying to head east – to Downtown, the University of Utah, hospitals and other health care, shopping on 300 W, and more. Between I-15 and the railroad tracks, it can often feel like we’re cut off from the rest of the city we call home.
Now, Salt Lake City is launching a new study to analyze the problem and come up with solutions to help bridge the West-East divide. These solutions will include various kinds of transportation methods, including automobiles, public transit, biking, walking, and more.
Trash pick-up collection days changing February 3
On February 3, residential trash pick-up collection days are changing throughout Salt Lake City, including for the Westside, which moves from Friday to Wednesday.
Amid Westside development, El Asadero restaurant fights to preserve its legacy and future
Booming development on North Temple has created struggles for local business owners like Margarito Parra and wife Imelda Morales.
Salt Lake City launches incentive program for potential e-bike owners
Salt Lake City is launching a new voucher incentive program to help residents purchase a new e-bike. The city hopes this will help air quality to improve in the area.
Fairpark’s Culture Coffee offers a unique blend of coffee and community
Local chef Miles Ellis recommends Fairpark’s Culture Coffee for the food, drinks, and community — and the music and arcade games aren’t bad, either.