City Cast Salt Lake

Latest Episodes:

Your Guide to September in Salt Lake Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

September gets a bad rap. It’s kind of an awkward month that’s bookended by the end of summer and the start of fall. But producer Ivana Martinez and host Ali Vallarta argue it’s one of the best times of the year. They round out their best bets for you to try this month to make this September one to remember.

Here are some of the events and places we talked about in this episode:

We also mentioned the book “Golden Axe” by local poet Rio Cortez, and this episode about the best nearby hikes.

Vote for City Cast Salt Lake in City Weekly’s Best of Utah competition.

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What's the Salt Lake Accent? Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

From “oh my heck” to dropping our Ts, many Utahns have a special way of speaking. Lead producer Emily Means talks with theater professor and dialect coach Stacey Jenson about the origins of the Utah accent and what defines it.

This episode originally aired Aug. 29, 2022.

Take the Hey Salt Lake Utah phrases quiz.

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Housing, Ski Beaches, and Other Ways Park City is Changing Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

The affordable housing crisis isn’t unique to Salt Lake City. In Park City, there are more jobs than residents, which means lots of people commute into town each day. So how will the city government get workers housed and out of traffic? KPCW reporter Parker Malatesta joins host Ali Vallarta to break down what housing projects are in the pipeline as well as other developments that could majorly change the trajectory of the ski town.

Take the bus from Salt Lake City to Kimball Junction.

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Primary vs. Caucus, an Olympic Relic Returns, and a Backstreet Boy’s Blanky Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

Enjoy the primary election while it lasts, because the Utah GOP is forcing Republican voters to go to caucus night for next year’s presidential election. Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen joins host Ali Vallarta to break down the impacts of ditching primaries. Plus, Ali’s white whale — the Hoberman Arch — makes its triumphant return. And the new face of Utah-based Minky Couture is … a Backstreet Boy.

The Salt Lake Tribune’s voter guide for municipal primary elections in Brighton, Bluffdale, Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Murray, Sandy, West Jordan and West Valley City.

The full list of early voting locations, dates and hours in Salt Lake County.

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The Best Places To Cry in Public in Salt Lake Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

Sometimes the tears well up and you can’t control it! So, where are the best places in Salt Lake to comfortably cry in public? With help from City Cast listeners and Hey Salt Lake readers, newsletter editor Terina Ria and producer Ivana Martinez join host Ali Vallarta to compile a list and map of the best local spots to find comfort, or solace from strangers.

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What’s in SLC’s 5-Year Housing Plan? Aug 23, 2023

Show notes

Salt Lake City has a brand new, 5-year housing plan: Housing SLC. Host Ali Vallarta asks Ruedigar Matthes, a policy manager for Salt Lake City’s Community and Neighborhoods Department, what the plan entails and how the city will execute on a bold vision amidst our statewide housing crisis.

“Getting Paid to Pay Rent in SLC” by City Cast Salt Lake.

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Lessons in Gender Affirming Care From a Breast Reduction Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

The idea of gender affirming care has become increasingly politicized in Utah. But what does it actually mean? Al Fernandez recently underwent a breast reduction surgery that helped them feel more comfortable in their body. They join host Ali Vallarta to share tips for getting your insurance to cover this kind of procedure, and talk through the mythologies around gender affirming care.

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The Gondola Has UDOT’s Stamp of Approval. Now What? Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

The Utah Department of Transportation has officially greenlit the controversial proposal to build a 22-tower, 8-mile gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Host Ali Vallarta asks Salt Lake Tribune enterprise reporter Julie Jag what this means for the next 10 years of recreating in the canyon — and whether it’s still a pipe dream.

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SLC’s School Safety Measures, Sunscreen Drama, and Basketball Bars Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

Back to school season is raising difficult questions about back to school safety for legislators, educators, school board members, and students themselves. Plus, the sunscreen drama of TikTok has finally hit Utah. Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen joins host Ali Vallarta to round up city news, and share picks of the week.

Get tickets to this weekend’s Utah Beer Festival.

Browse the Utah Jazz regular season schedule.

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The Best Nearby Hikes for Every Occasion Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

There’s lots of talk about how close the mountains are to Salt Lake City, but how many of us are really taking advantage of nearby trailheads? Prolific hiker Brandon Miller hiked 54 trails in 54 days, and he tells host Ali Vallarta the best local hikes for any occasion — from dog-afraid to dog-friendly, or with a 7-year-old in tow. Plus, we offer a few overnight hike suggestions, for the backpacking-curious.

Here’s a list of the trails we mentioned in this episode: