City Cast Salt Lake

Latest Episodes:

Essential Oils Diplomacy, Sexy Calendars, and Savory Donuts Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

We’re taking a break from election coverage to talk about two scandals that boggled our brains this week. One involves essential oils and the other a sexy calendar — we couldn’t make this up if we tried. Executive producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to break down the stories, plus share their picks of the week.

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Tecovas at City Creek Mall
State of Utah
Rowland Hall

At the end of the episode, we have a short conversation with Mick Gee, head of school for Rowland Hall, about the Salt Lake City-based school’s approach to education for preschool through 12th grade students. Learn more at an admission tour.

Analysis: Mayoral Candidate Erin Mendenhall on Homelessness Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Homelessness is one of Salt Lake’s most urgent issues, and the topic has dominated the Salt Lake City mayoral race. Earlier this year, City Cast Salt Lake was quick to get candidates on the record about the issue. In the final part of our three-interview series, host Ali Vallarta talks with current SLC mayor Erin Mendenhall about her record on this issue, and how she views the city’s role in problem solving. Later, Ali and lead producer Emily Means offer analysis and deeper context.

Yesterday, former mayor Rocky Anderson gave his take on homelessness, and on Tuesday, candidate Michael Valentine shared his perspective.

Should SLC abandon shelters for permanent supportive housing?

What’s in Salt Lake City’s new housing plan?

How new incentives can help SLC’s housing crisis.

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Tecovas at City Creek Mall
State of Utah
Rowland Hall

Analysis: Mayoral Candidate Rocky Anderson on Homelessness Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

The topic of homelessness has dominated the Salt Lake City mayoral race, and earlier this year, City Cast Salt Lake was quick to get candidates on the record about the issue. In the second of three interviews, host Ali Vallarta talks with former SLC mayor and current mayoral candidate Rocky Anderson about his record on this issue, stretching all the way back to the 2002 Olympics. Later, Ali and lead producer Emily Means offer analysis and deeper context.

Yesterday, candidate Michael Valentine gave his take on homelessness, and finally, current Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall shares her perspective on Thursday’s episode.

Should SLC abandon shelters for permanent supportive housing?

What’s in Salt Lake City’s new housing plan?

How new incentives can help SLC’s housing crisis.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Tecovas at City Creek Mall
State of Utah
Rowland Hall

Analysis: Mayoral Candidate Michael Valentine on Homelessness Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

The topic of homelessness has dominated the Salt Lake City mayoral race, and earlier this year, City Cast Salt Lake was quick to get candidates on the record about the issue. With Election Day about two weeks out, host Ali Vallarta and lead producer Emily Means are revisiting and analyzing our conversations with each of the candidates, starting with Michael Valentine.

Find out more about Salt Lake City’s temporary shelter community.

Learn about Denver’s sanctioned camping program.

Could the SLC mayor declare a state of emergency around homelessness?

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Tecovas at City Creek Mall
State of Utah
Rowland Hall

Will the Ski Bus Suck Less This Winter? Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

This past winter, ski bus service up Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons really sucked. With opening day at the resorts fast approaching, what can winter recreators expect this season? Russ Fox, director of planning at the Utah Transit Authority, joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about improvements, so you’re (hopefully) not left waiting at a bus stop in a blizzard.

UTA’s guide on riding the ski bus this season.

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Tecovas at City Creek Mall
State of Utah
Rowland Hall

Do Political Endorsements Matter? Green Loop Update, and a New Coffee Shop Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

Election Day is a couple weeks away, and candidates are making their last-ditch efforts to convince you to vote for them. But can their endorsers convince you? Lead producer Emily Means joins host Ali Vallarta to ponder how much political endorsements really matter in an election. Plus, they share municipal news about community funding for arts and culture programming and a permanent Green Loop as well as their picks of the week.

Learn more about ranked choice voting.

Apply for an ACE grant funding through Dec. 1.

Provide feedback on the Green Loop draft design through Nov. 30.

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Why Salt Lakers Should Visit Boise Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

Looking for a weekend getaway from Salt Lake? Try heading north to Boise, Idaho. We know what you’re thinking: “Boise? Really?” But lead producer Emily Means just visited for the first time — for her mini honeymoon, of all occasions — and absolutely loved it. She joins City Cast Boise host Emma Arnold to debrief on food recommendations, tractors, and more. Plus, should Salt Lake be a little more like Boise?

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Your Guide to November in Salt Lake Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

November can seem like just a runway month to the holiday season. But producer Ivana Martinez and host Ali Vallarta are here to convince you to make the most of this month. They share their best bets for November, from nailing your Friendsgiving to local ideas for homebodies.

Here are some of the events and places discussed:

Sugar House Craft & Create

Día de Muertos Cumbia Party at Alibi

Wild Turkeys

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Ranked Choice Voting, Explained Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

So you’ve received your ballot for Salt Lake City’s municipal elections, and it just might be your first time using ranked choice voting. Now what? Salt Lake City Elections Management Coordinator Olivia Hoge joins host Ali Vallarta to break down the do’s and don’ts when it comes to ranked choice ballots, so you can successfully cast your vote this election season.

Dates, deadlines, and more helpful information for the General Election.

Get more information about Salt Lake City’s ranked choice voting system.

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Could the Jazz Leave Downtown SLC? Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

Besides the Utah Jazz’s defeat in their first home game of the season, things seem to be looking up for Jazz fans. The team is wearing purple, they’re playing at the Delta Center again — good signs all around. Except for a rumor that has us on edge: Could the Jazz someday leave Salt Lake City for the ‘burbs? Host Ali Vallarta has been looking for answers and shares her speculations and findings with lead producer Emily Means.

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