Chunga’s: Westside flavor that has stood the test of time
If you’re looking for good-quality Mexican food on the Westside, Chunga’s is definitely a place you should check out. Located at 180 S 900 W in the Poplar Grove area, Chunga’s has been serving the community since 2008 and continues to deliver delicious, high-quality Mexican food with bold flavors. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Salt Lake City mayor ‘encouraged’ by lawmakers’ approach to homeless funding this year
Compared to a year ago — when Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed concerns that Utah lawmakers’ appetite to “control” the state’s capital city had grown to a new “punitive” level — this year’s session was starkly different.
“I can say without a doubt, this is one of the most productive legislative sessions that we’ve had as far as our relationship goes with state legislators,” Mendenhall told reporters during a news conference at City Hall on Wednesday focused on unpacking the session’s impact on Salt Lake City.
She and Angela Price, the city’s legislative affairs director, said this year’s session was largely underscored by bills that didn’t pass.
Restoration plans announced for the Jordan River
“At the Larry H. Miller Company, we believe the Jordan River should not be the back door of development. It should be the front porch of the community,” said CEO Steve Starks during a gathering at the river on February 26, 2026.
During the event, Larry H. Miller Real Estate announced plans to restore and activate a half‑mile stretch of the Jordan River—positioning it as the foundational feature of the 100+ acre Power District on Salt Lake City’s west side. The company also introduced Field Operations—the internationally acclaimed landscape architecture firm behind New York City’s High Line, Seattle's Waterfront Park, San Francisco’s Presidio Tunnel Tops, and Brooklyn’s Domino Park—as the lead landscape architect and designer for the riverfront restoration.
Caucus night is coming. Here’s what Westside voters should know.
On the evening of Tuesday, March 17, neighbors across Salt Lake City’s Westside will head to schools, libraries, and community buildings for one of Utah’s most unique political traditions: caucus night.
In neighborhoods like Rose Park, Glendale, Poplar Grove, and Fairpark, the meetings are often small — sometimes just a few dozen people gathered in a classroom or cafeteria. But what happens there can shape which candidates appear on Utah ballots later in the year.
Utah uses what’s known as a caucus-and-convention system to nominate candidates for office. Instead of relying only on a primary election, the process begins with neighborhood meetings where residents elect delegates to represent their precinct. Those delegates later attend county and state conventions, where they vote on which candidates move forward in the election process.
Reading out of “decadence”: How Amigos y Libros builds community through Spanish literature
In Salt Lake City, a small group of readers gather regularly to discuss novels written thousands of miles away. Their books come from Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Chile, and beyond. And the books all share a common trait — they’re written in Spanish. In this special book club, some members grew up speaking Spanish; others learned it later in life. Some arrive having finished every page, others come simply to listen. But everyone is welcome.
Community Spotlight: February 2026
In this edition of The West View community spotlight, learn about efforts to preserve long-standing artwork on the Westside while also expanding newer artwork installations. This community spotlight also looks at a new health clinic on the Westside and a recent conference held by the Utah Afterschool Network.
Familiar face takes on new chair role at Glendale Community Council as neighborhood faces continued change
After spending the last several years helping in various capacities on the Glendale Community Council, Jennifer Madrigal has stepped into the role of council chair.
Taverna Pizza: A true slice of New York on the edge of the Westside
If you’re looking for a true pizza experience, you have to check out Taverna Pizza. Tucked away on the edge of the Westside at 427 N 300 W, this hidden gem won’t stay hidden for long. Taverna is bringing a vibe to Salt Lake City that feels refreshingly new — a classic New York–style slice shop blended seamlessly with the comfort of a neighborhood bar.
Op-Ed: The Great (Downfall of) Salt Lake
As pioneers settled in the Midwest of North America in 1847, their right to freely practice their religion was finally realized. Fireplaces built into each family-centered home filled living spaces with warmth. By the 1880s, coal and wood were the primary fuels used to stay snug. What filled the skies on cold winter nights seemed not to matter.
Salt Lake County would later grow to 1.21 million residents by 2024. The risks of living here are significant: proximity to the Wasatch Fault line and potential impacts from a long-overdue supervolcanic eruption in Yellowstone. Yet, rated the sixth most kid-friendly metro area in America, families of all backgrounds continue to find comfort in staying put.
There is just one issue: pollution is becoming impossible to ignore. The seasons feel as though they are slowly disappearing, blending into the bipolar weather patterns locals have come to normalize. Dust pollution, combined with industrial and vehicular emissions, creates inversions that consistently rank Salt Lake City among the worst in the nation for toxic air. What are officials doing to ensure their constituents can live — and breathe?
Blaming broken promises for Great Salt Lake, lawmaker threatens to block homeless campus
Signs of solidarity: Anti-ICE messages appear at Westside businesses
If you’ve walked down the streets of the Westside recently — visiting a local business or shop — you may have noticed red and yellow signs on windows and doors reading “No ICE Allowed” or “ICE Out of Utah.” At first look, they may seem like simple statements. But each sign represents an act of solidarity, community organizing, and resistance — all rooted in the real fear that many immigrant families are facing every single day.
Community Spotlight: January 2026
2026 started off with a lot of news, including several high-profile stories taking place on the Westside. From a shooting outside a funeral service to anti-ICE demonstrations outside a warehouse rumored to become an ICE detention facility, January brought quite a bit of attention to the Westside. At the same time, smaller businesses continue to expand and the city continues to work on improving West-East transportation.
Several of these things are featured in this month’s Community Spotlight.
Westside representatives offer insights, answer questions, and address concerns surrounding legislative session
The 2026 legislative session has officially begun — the Utah Senate and Utah House gaveled in at the State Capitol on January 20th — and lawmakers hit the ground running. Many spent months preparing ahead of time, finalizing bills, educating themselves on issues, and meeting with their constituents.
Ahead of the session, state lawmakers who represent the Westside came together for a Q&A session with locals. The event, hosted by Westside Coalition and catered by All Chay, took place at the State Fairpark earlier this month.
Westsiders prepare for upcoming legislative session with help from HEAL Utah
Salt Lake City’s Westside residents are watching a new partnership grow between the Westside Coalition (WSC) and the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah (HEAL). At their November board meeting, the WSC confirmed HEAL as an advisor to help educate and train community members on how to effectively participate in the upcoming legislative session.
Buzzed Coffee House: From Westside roots to downtown brews
If you’re in downtown Salt Lake City and searching for exceptional coffee, Buzzed Coffee House is a spot you need to check out. Located at 265 State Street, Suite 113, Buzzed Coffee House has brought its Westside roots into the heart of downtown while staying true to its community-centered mission.
Jordan River bridge reconstruction underway in Rose Park
Motorists traveling through Salt Lake City’s Rose Park neighborhood will face a new detour for the next several months as the 600/700 North bridge over the Jordan River is rebuilt.
The bridge closed Monday, January 5, for demolition and a complete reconstruction and is expected to remain closed through June 2026.