As a first hand behind-the-scenes witness, I can tell you that our team worked miracles. Sgt. Nisha King from the Police Department was stellar in her ability to meet with all of the protest organizers - on both sides of the issue - and define the terms of the protest. In the spirit of compromise, a plan and route was selected that was acceptable to all parties. And the planning by our public safety departments was impressive. I watched as Deputy Chief Geyerman, Captain Wolken, Captain Post, Lt. Taylor, Lt. Huntsman and Sgt. King and others led an effort and recruited help from outside agencies to ensure a peaceful event. The planning was detailed and meticulous, and the execution was flawless. They were able to effect two arrests of people who committed crimes at Monday evening's protest event without incident. The crowd was peaceful on Wednesday and no arrests were needed.
There was a spirit of respect, communication and mutual understanding. Certainly not all participants felt that way and there were occasionally words exchanged, but overall it was a good experience, thanks in great measure to the work of our city team.
This social media post from Provo PD summed up the attitude at the end of the protest where those protesting for social justice and police reform, those from the armed citizen groups and our police officers stood shoulder to shoulder. It was quite a miraculous moment. And as one former Provo mayor told me via text yesterday evening, "such a thing could only happen in Provo."
CORONAVIRUS STATS
Nationally, the CDC reports 2,624,873 cases with 127,299 fatalities.Utah: 23,270 cases (up 554 from yesterday); 1,476 hospitalizations; 176 deaths (up 3 from yesterday)
Utah County: 4,249 cases (up 95 from yesterday); 220 hospitalizations; 22 deaths (no change from yesterday)
NEWS YOU CAN USE
- Elections are in, and due to Covid-19 precautions they are predicting that final numbers will not be available until towards the end of July, but the New York Times has created an interactive map of results as they come in.
- On its inaugural trip to Utah, the massive Boeing Dreamlifter aircraft delivered 500,000 face masks for Utahns — many of them headed for students going back to school this fall, as Governor Herbert announced today.
- Dixie State Utah is considering dropping “Dixie” from its name.
PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA
THE MAYOR'S DAY
Today, Mayor Kaufusi:
- Talked on the phone to residents
- Held several meetings with Police
- Participated in a phone call with state leaders
FUN STUFF
Provo City Mad Lib
Brought to you by Development Services, Community & Neighborhood Services, Engineering
One day in Provo, an annoying resident was wandering lazily down Center Street to get to City Hall carrying a creepy octopus. Once inside, a blue employee greeted them adversely.
“Hi, this is my Muscle Milk and I am looking for Parks & Recreation.” the resident said quickly.
“I would be happy to help,” the employee said. “First go left, then stop, then roundabout. After that, you’ll want to head Northeast, then turn second star to the left and go a little further. Then go Southwest and it will be right there!”
“Thanks!” The resident said easily and they ran down the hall.
The slimy resident ended up in the Public Works Department and decided to explain their heavy story. They went up to the 7th employee they found and said “Hi, my name is Cool Chris. How are you doing?”
The slimy resident ended up in the Public Works Department and decided to explain their heavy story. They went up to the 7th employee they found and said “Hi, my name is Cool Chris. How are you doing?”
The employee responded clearly, “Hi, my name is Wayne Parker and I am rough. How can I help you?”
“Well, let me tell you about my situation," the resident said. “I got up at the Dark Ages and ate a taco, then I flew to work. On my way, I saw a bright sign and got distracted. Then a transparent person on a green unicycle honked at me. That made me feel love. Also, I wanted to go to the Roof Top Concert Series but I couldn’t get tickets in time. So I made plans to eat at Black Sheep Cafe. I took my great uncle there and we ate a magnetic pineapple and it tasted like barn. I can’t wait to leave a 25 star review!”
“Eek,” said the employee, “That is a very beautiful story!”
“Yes it was,” said the resident. “Thank you for listening to my sunny story. I feel better
now.”
“I’m so flabbergasted to hear that! Have a snowy day!”
Then the citizen went home slowly. The moral of the story is that when you’re feeling joyful, Provo city is the place to go with all your people!
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Hope you had fun with the MadLibs in your office!
Have a great holiday weekend! And a special thanks to everyone working this weekend in preparation for Monday's Big Go Live for phase 2 of the Provo 350 Project. The project team rocks!
Wayne
