Mold Remediation in West Valley City, UT

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — Tony Valdez says the West Valley City community has come to know and love his mother Maria over the 30 years their family has lived there.

“My mom has always been very caring, very nurturing, very welcoming,” said Valdez. “Throughout the years, all my friends, families, anybody that would come in the home immediately, my mom would have such an enormous heart and hospitality, welcome them, serving them a plate of food, cooking for them.”

Recently, she had a bad seizure due to her epilepsy and fell and cracked her head open.

“The doctors did urge that she needs to see a specialist, a neurologist,” Valdez said. “Going to a simple clinic, they don't have specialized doctors enough for the condition.”

Maria, going through the process of becoming a legal U.S. citizen for years, does not have health insurance.

“It's just a battle for my mom not sleeping and dealing with the side effects and then the stresses of the whole economical issue and the whole legalization process is just, I can't imagine what goes through her head,” said Valdez.

The so-called “Utah Model of Care” Governor Spencer Cox and healthcare officials announced Tuesday aims to make things more affordable by expanding office hours and telehealth services, using more non-clinical staff, and emphasizing preventative care. However, they expect this plan to go into effect over more than a decade. Until then, people like Maria’s family are doing whatever they can to find help now.

“My best friend who made the GoFundMe page, he just loves my mom,” said Valdez. “And a lot of people started to reach out to me that day, and they just, they want to help her. They want to help her get the treatment that she needs.”

Valdez said he wishes they didn’t have to turn to the community for help, but it’s the only option for his mother to get better.

“We're just kind of dealing with this unfortunate event and being in that process and not having the insurance,” he said. “It's a scary process we’re in.”

Recent Northern Utah Stories

Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Under President Taylor Randall's leadership, the University of Utah strives to become a top 10 public university with a focus on societal impact. U West Valley—a partnership between the U and the West Valley community—is key to realizing this vision.

A Vision for the Community

U West Valley represents a fundamental shift in how we approach health care and education. Our goal is to make the University of Utah more accessible, responsive, and valuable to the communities we serve, particularly in West Valley.

This vision encompasses:

Through ongoing collaboration with residents, community leaders, and campus and health care experts, we will build a medical campus that addresses West Valley's unique needs and enhances quality of life.

Why West Valley?

As Utah’s second-largest city, West Valley is home to a culturally rich and diverse population. It has strong neighborhoods, thriving schools, and a growing business community.

Despite these strengths, residents face significant barriers to accessing health care. For example:

Building a medical campus in West Valley is more than meeting the growing demand for care. It’s about improving community health. The project will also create nearly 2,000 jobs and boost the local economy.

Community Collaboration

Our approach is deeply rooted in collaboration with the people of West Valley. Since 2021, in partnership with University Neighborhood Partners, we have held more than 150 community meetings and engaged nearly 300 residents and leaders.

With the support of the Westside Community United committee, West Valley Steering Committee, and the West Valley mentorship program, we have gathered vital insights to ensure the hospital and health center reflect West Valley's identity and values.

Key community priorities include:

Community input ensures the University of Utah West Valley Hospital and Health Center will be a place for health care, expanded learning and career development, and community growth.

Overcoming Fiscal Challenges

Like many major hospital projects across the country, the West Valley medical complex has faced its share of fiscal constraints. Cost assessments have required us to pause and reevaluate the project.

However, we have recently made significant strides, thanks to $400 million in additional bonding authority from the Utah State Legislature. The bonding and ongoing fundraising efforts allow us to move forward with renewed energy.

West Valley remains the university’s number one fundraising priority, and we are making great progress toward our $200 million fundraising goal. Meetings with donors have been promising and we are close to announcing a lead donor for the project.

Project Progress

The project is progressing with a clear understanding of the cost, timeline, and phased approach. The confirmed site—located at 3750 South and 5600 West—will be developed in two phases:

Beyond Buildings: Expanding Health and Educational Access

U West Valley is not just about new buildings; it’s about creating opportunities for learning, employment, and boosting the local economy. Through our partnership with Proxima Careers, more than 150 students are on education pathways that will lead to jobs in health care.

The “Earn and Learn” Health Sciences program provides traditional and nontraditional learners with the opportunity to begin or advance their careers in health care.

In collaboration with the Sorenson Impact Institute, we are exploring economic impact strategies focused on investment, ownership, and financial inclusion for West Valley residents.

These initiatives—along with expanded health services at U of U Health’s Redwood Health Center, Population Health Center near Rose Park, South Main Clinic, and West High School Clinic—are breaking barriers to health care access.

Annual events like Healthy Start West Valley and Imagine U Day further connect students and residents to academic programs and essential health services.

A New Chapter for West Valley

We are on the brink of an exciting new chapter for West Valley. With groundbreaking for the new medical campus on the horizon, we are thrilled about the future and positive changes that lie ahead.

Through deep collaboration and shared vision, U West Valley can transform health care, education, and economic opportunity in this vibrant community.

Gina Hawley is chief operating officer for University of Utah Health Hospitals & Clinics. Hawley is responsible for operations and execution of key strategies across the health system. Previously, she was the vice president of Professional and Support Services at Oregon Health and Science University, where she oversaw allied health, clinical, and support services departments. She received an MHA from the University of Minnesota and a DrPH in Health Management and Leadership from Johns Hopkins University.

Digital Content Producer

WEST VALLEY, Utah — Saturday is national Good Neighbor Day and West Valley City is celebrating by bringing its community together to better connect.

Randy Whitehead, city chair of My Hometown West Valley City talked about the city’s plans with Dave and Dujanovic on Friday.

Whitehead said the city is working to make the day happen through an initiative called My Hometown.

“My Hometown is this partnership between West Valley City volunteers, businesses and Faith communities,” Whitehead said. “They come together, and they work to lift individuals and to build communities.”

According to the West Valley City website, My Hometown started in January 2020 to unite efforts in the city. Whitehead said the initiative offers free classes at community resource centers, holds block parties once a month and brings people together through service projects.

“All of these people come together. Like 100, sometimes even up to 200, to do service projects and clean up neighborhoods and streets and churches,” Whitehead said. “They paint fences, they do landscaping, whatever it is. And there’s just a cool energy. That’s a lot of fun.”

Whitehead said West Valley City will help any block that wants to hold a block party by providing food.

“[The city is] supporting this because they believe in community so much,” Whitehead said. “They’re actually putting their money where their mouth is. It’s amazing.”

Holding a block party

Whitehead said the community can reach out the West Valley City’s Community Engagement Specialist, Karen Toone. Anyone interested in holding a block party can reach Toone at (801)963-3480 or visit the West Valley City website.

According to Whitehead, West Valley City is trying to be known as the friendliest, kindest, most helpful and inclusive city in Utah.

“We as humans are built to be connected with each other,” Whitehead said. “And the more we reach out to each other and help each other, the happier we are. The more fulfilled we are as individuals, and we feel peace in our lives because we’ve contributed, and we’ve helped for the betterment of the community.”

Kennedy Camarena is a digital content producer for KSL NewsRadio.

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard on weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon., and even Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Share

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah will soon be down one more drive-in theater, leaving just three remaining in the state.

West Valley City has approved redevelopment for the Redwood Road Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet on Sept. 17. It’s unclear how much longer it will stay open as a drive-in.

The only ones that remain open are Echo Drive-in in Roosevelt, Erda Drive-in in Tooele, and Basin Drive-in in Mount Pleasant.

Molly Anderson and her husband own Basin Drive-In. Her husband is a fourth-generation drive-in owner.

She said seeing another drive-in close is a bit of a culture shock.

“[There are] some great memories for a lot of people growing up going to drive-ins,” Anderson said. “I remember when I was a kid my mom and dad would pop the big brown bag of popcorn and put it in the big brown grocery bag, and we’d all load up in the station wagon in our pajamas, and we’d go to the drive-in over in Orem.”

Redeveloping Utah drive-ins

The Redwood Road Drive-In is the second theater to be approved for redevelopment in many years. Riverdale’s beloved Motor Vu Drive-In Theatre & Swap Meet closed in 2022.

Much like the Redwood theater, Riverdale City leaders also got pushback when they approved redevelopment. A petition to keep the theater open in 2022 got thousands of signatures.

But now, City Administrator Steve Brooks says they don’t hear much about the closure.

“People are sad, you know, because that was kind of a landmark in the city, but it is what it is,” Brooks said. “I think they’ve accepted that, and it’s been really quiet.”

Current status of one of the remaining three

As for Basin Drive-In, Anderson said they don’t have any plans to sell their land or close shortly, which could pave the way for many more first dates and proposals.

“Kids that we know and love, that was their first date, and they ended up getting married,” Anderson said. “They let us know, ‘this was our first date.’ And then we had a couple of kids that have asked if they could do proposals at the drive-in and so it’s just been a lot of fun.”

Anderson said the theater will likely be open for a few more weeks before it closes for the season. They’re screening Twisters this weekend.

Related: West Valley Performing Arts Center’s ticket sales increase after nearly facing closure

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Share

Share

BY JESSICA LOWELL

Executive Producer

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — It’s the end of an era, the Drive-in and Swap meet at Redwood Road has been approved for redevelopment.

West Valley City approved redevelopment for the Redwood Road Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet Tuesday night. It’s unclear how much longer it will stay open as a drive-in.

The Redwood Road Swap Meet vendors

Change will not be easy for the hundreds of vendors at the Swap Meet. They say this is about the community and their financial future.

Cristian Gutierrez Carbajal is a vendor and one of the organizers who was trying to save the swap meet. He’s a small business owner who credits the swap meet with giving him the chance to open a brick and mortar shop.

“The amount that you have to pay is just a ridiculous amount for small businesses,” Guiterrez Carbajal said. “So the swap meet’s the perfect place to just start off.”

Gutierrez Carbajal spoke with KSL NewsRadio at the Swap Meet Wednesday afternoon, after the council voted the night before to redevelop the land. That ruling opens the door for the owners of land the swap meet operates on to sell to a housing developer.

“We wanted an opportunity to be a buyer for us to present a business plan development plan with West Valley City Council so that the swap meet could stay and we could develop West Valley City into something for the future,” he said.

The vendors also got the backing from Utah Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla. She signed a letter, along with a couple of other senators, asking West Valley to consider the Latino community and the swap meet in their plans. She says she wanted the council to consider all the small businesses that had developed from the Swap Meet and the rich, unique history of the area.

Related: Community rallies around Redwood Drive-In Theater

The city council meeting

West Valley City Council and Mayor weren’t available for comment Wednesday. But Tuesday night at the council meeting, some members expressed that they felt like their hands were tied.

“We can’t force them to continue the swap meet,” Councilmember Lars Nordfelt said. “A lot of you have asked us to save the swap meet, but it’s not within our opportunity to do that. If we voted no, that doesn’t save the swap meet.”

He said it’s the landowner who decides whether or not to save the swap meet. Something that Riverdale City Administrator Steve Brooks agrees with. Riverdale’s beloved Motor Vu Drive-In Theatre & Swap Meet closed in 2022, and was leveled in May.

“It’s not like a city can come in and just say no,” Brooks said. “We’re not going to let you do that. This is land that is held between one or more individuals and if they meet our standards as a city we can’t stop those things.”

The future of the swap meet

Cristian Carbajal Gutierrez, along with several other vendors from the Redwood Road Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet, stand in front of a reader board used by the drive-in. (Jessica Lowell)

The vendors at the swap meet want everyone to know that they will still be out there for the next 6 months to a year. Gutierrez Carbajal said that timeline isn’t entirely clear. He said they’re looking for land elsewhere so they can continue with the swap meet.

“In my perspective the people are the spot,” Gutierrez Carbajal said. “No matter where we go, as long as we stay together. I believe we will be able to build it back up and build it back to what it was”

As for the future of the land in West Valley City, a statement from developer EdgeHomes says they’re working closely with West Valley City to develop a community that meets the needs of the residents that live there. They said they plan on single and multi-family homes. EdgeHomes also said they are “committed to finding innovative solutions for housing affordability.”

Related: West Valley Performing Arts Center’s ticket sales increase after nearly facing closure

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Share