When developer Craig Mecham wanted the Granite Block on 2100 South and Highland Drive torn down, Salt Lake City gave him demolition permits to tear down the historic buildings despite objections from several lease-holders, including Blue Boutique. Mecham seemed in a rush, forcing long-term renters out, appearing to hurrying to complete the demolition in order to begin the next phase of construction. Now, a big, messy pit sits full of rubble and danger zones for local residents. Sugarhouse leaders are crying foul, asking the city to repeal a $100,000 bond to landscape the eyesore.

Mecham agreed to have the crater filled in and landscaped if new construction permits had not been issued by April 30. Well, it's two weeks later folks and the place still looks like a backhoe operator had a hey-day and left the mess behind. It seems Mecham is too worried about the economy to take care of his property. When the Salt Lake Tribune and other reporters asked about the situation, they were told they didn't deserve a response.

I wonder if the residents in the area or the business owners who have lost nearly 50% of their business do deserve a response? What do you think about the mess? Read the Sugarhouse neighborhood profile for more information on this eclectic area.

David Archuletta made it to the top three finalists in the American Idol competition. His hometown, Murray City will be hosting a homecoming celebration Friday afternoon at 3:30 pm on Murray High School's football field at 5445 South State Street. Mayor Dan Snarr will honor Archuletta and the Murray High School Junior will sing for the crowd.

American Idol will film the rally and will play it during next weeks finale. Later that night, he will sing the National Anthem at the Jazz-Lakers game at 7 p.m. David is in the top three with fellow contestants David Cook and Syesha Mercado. Will David Archuletta be the next American Idol?

Photo © Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Utah Jazz

The Jazz finished off the first round of playoffs Friday, taking Houston out for the second year in a row. Less than 48 hours later, they headed off to play the Lakers.

First round scores:

• Win @ Houston 93-82
• Win @ Houston 90-84
• Loss vs Houston 92-94
• Win vs Houston 86-82
• Loss @ Houston 69-95
• Win vs Houston 113-91

Second round scores:

• Loss @ LA Lakers 98-109

Upcoming second round games:

• Wed 5/7 @ LA Lakers
• Fri 5/9 vs LA Lakers
• Sun 5/11 vs LA Lakers

If needed:

• Wed 5/14 @ LA Lakers
• Fri 5/16 vs LA Lakers
• Mon 5/19 @ LA Lakers

Utah Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have really picked it up in the playoffs. After taking out Fresno in the first round they faced Victoria. Victoria gave the Grizzlies a good challenge in several games, but the Grizzlies proved to be too ferocious winning the series 4-1.

Second round scores:

• Win @ Victoria 6-0
• Loss @ Victoria 1-6
• Win vs Victoria 7-5
• Win vs Victoria 2-0
• Win vs Victoria 8-3

Upcoming National Conference Finals:

• Mon 5/12 @ Las Vegas
• Tues 5/13 @ Las Vegas
• Thur 5/15 vs Las Vegas
• Fri 5/16 vs Las Vegas

If needed:

• Sun 5/18 vs Las Vegas
• Tues 5/20 @ Las Vegas
• Wed 5/21 @ Las Vegas

Salt Lake Bees

The Bees have started the season with a stellar record of 25-5. The month of April ended with a outstanding record of 23-2. With all the excitement going on you should get out to the ball park and enjoy one of the great promotions.

• Wienerschnizel $1 Hot Dogs night.
• Thirsty Thursday, get drinks for $2.50.
• 2 for 1 College Night, with college ID.
• Harmons Family Night, $3 dollars for each family member (get voucher at Harmon's).
• Cheez-It 2 for 1 Ticket Tuesday, $10 seats only and proof of purchase All-You-Can-Eat Night.

Watch for other giveaways or firework's nights.

Scores:

• vs Fresno Win 8-7, win 8-0, win 9-8, win 8-1
• @ Memphis Loss 1-4, win 9-7, win 10-5, win 9-0
• @ Nashville Loss 3-4, loss 2-10, loss 1-5, win 5-1

Upcoming Games:

• vs Albuquerque 5/6, 5/7, 5/8, 5/9
• vs Round Rock 5/10, 5/11, 5/12, 5/13
• @ Sacramento 5/15, 5/16, 5/17, 5/18

I discovered the fantastic and authentic El Taconazo the other day and was wowed by the excellent food and unique menu. There's a wider meat selection than there is in other Mexican restaurants and the dishes are full of flavor and heat. We enjoyed a nice lunch break in this fun restaurant with a wonderful waitress who was glad to show us around the menu.

Although we were too full to try out the dessert, a nearby patron had nothing but dessert and we could see why. The flan is beautifully done and they offer a sweet churro sundae. At the register, there's a selection of candy you won't find in the local 7-11, which was an interesting experience for our kids.

Tips for a great visit:

• The larger, more expensive entrees are huge and enough to share for two.
• Be adventerous when ordering, the menu has several nice surprises and we weren't disappointed with anything we tried.
• Watch the glass in the parking lot when driving.

Utah's American Idol, David Archuletta is in the Top 5 on the top-rated Fox 13 network show. Last night during the Neil Diamond episode, Archuletta sang 'Sweet Caroline' and 'America.' Judges weren't as impressed with the 'Sweet Caroline' rendition as they were with David's take on 'America.'

David is in the final with contestants Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado, David Cook and Brooke White. He's never been in the bottom three and judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson seem to think he'll be head to head with rocker David Cook.

Discuss tonight's results in the forum.

Photo © Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Utah Jazz

Starting the playoffs without homecourt advantage, the Utah Jazz went into Houston hoping to take at least one in order to get the home advantage back. They did more than that, winning both of their first games taking the 2-0 lead to Utah, where they have a 37-4 home record.

If the Jazz can keep Houston from victory, they will be facing the winner of the LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets series. Utah seems confident and are playing great team ball at the right time. Lets just hope they can keep the ball rolling.

First Round Playoff scores:

• Win @ Houston 93-82
• Win @ Houston 90-84

Upcoming First Round games:

• Thursday, 4/24 vs Houston
• Saturday, 4/26 vs Houston

If needed:

• Tuesday, 4/29 @ Houston
• Friday, 5/02 vs Houston
• Sunday, 5/04 @ Houston

Utah Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are making their way through their own playoff run. After losing two games at home they finally got the third and then headed to Fresno to end the series with a 4-2 win, sending the Grizzlies into the second round, facing the Victoria Kings.

First Round playoff scores:

• Win @ Fresno 6-1
• Win @ fresno 4-3
• Loss vs Fresno 0-3
• Loss Vs Fresno 1-6
• Win vs Fresno 1-0
• Win 2 Fresno 4-2

Upcoming Second Round games:

• Friday, 4/25 @ Victoria
• Sunday, 4/27 @ Victoria
• Thursday, 5/01 vs Victoria
• Saturday, 5/03 vs Victoria

If needed:

• Sunday, 5/04 vs Victoria
• Tuesday, 5/06 @ Victoria
• Wednesday, 5/07 @ Victoria

Salt Lake Bees

The Salt Lake Bees are still zipping through the competition. They are on a nine game winning streak, with a record of 17-1 with the only loss coming at their home opener. Two games have been postponed already, one due to snow at home and one to rain in Portland.

Last weeks scores:

• Win vs Las Vegas 3-2
• Win vs Las Vegas 3-2
• Win @ Portland 8-3
• Win @ Portland 5-0
• Win @ Portland 9-4

Upcoming games:

• 4/24, 4/25, 4/26, 4/27 vs Fresno
• 4/28, 4/29, 4/30, 5/01 @ Memphis
• 5/02, 5/03, 5/04, 5/05 @ Nashville

In honor of National Poetry Month, The King's English Bookstore is holding their 1st Annual Open Mic Competition on Friday, April 25th at 6 p.m. Utah Poet Laureate Katherine Coles Igor from the Ruckus, Joel Long from City Arts and Jesse Parent from Salt City Slam will judge the competition. The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to King's English. To sign up for the competition, please be at the King's English at 5 p.m.

Tres Hombres Mexican Grill and Cantina is being plagued by construction on 3300 South but the restaurant is worth the effort. Right now the wait time for a table is down due to construction, so now is a good time to visit. There are no left turns from the east side lane being allowed on 3300 South, so to access Tres Hombres you must be traveling west on 3300 South to get into the parking lot. Another option is to park at the State Inspection shop on the East side of 3300 after closing hours and walk over to Tres Hombres.

Tips for a good visit:

• Order a margarita. Tres Hombres has one of the most extensive tequila selections in Salt Lake City. If margarita's aren't your style, go for a mixed fruity drink served with or without alcohol.
• If you want to keep your eye on the score of a ballgame, ask to be seated near the bar in sight of one of the two televisions. For a more intimate setting, ask to be seated in the back along the sides.
• Order a serving of veggies instead of the usual rice and beans. It's healthier for you and the rice can be dry.

The George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is celebrating their 15 year anniversary today with free activities for kids, live animals, birthday cakes and balloons from 10 am - 6 pm. The park is located at 1544 East Park Boulevard in Ogden, Ut. Simply take the 355 or 357 East exit and head east on 12th Street for five miles. Today, enjoy a 15% discount on admission and purchases from the Raptor Gift Shop.

Check out the new geology exhibit upstairs next to the robotic T. Rex and Triceratops diorama. Go on a dino hunt through the vast eight acre park and take your photo next to your favorite dinosaur.

The 5th Annual Salt Lake City Marathon is expected to disrupt traffic Saturday, April 19th as runners and cyclists attempt to complete the 26.2 mile race. Road closures will be in effect for 6 hours, giving participants an average of 16 minutes to complete each mile. See the Salt Lake City Marathon course map to determine your best driving route.

The race will begin at the Olympic Legacy Bridge at the University of Utah and will continue along Foothill Drive, around Sugar House park and along 2300 East to 6200 South. Runners will go down Van Winkle to 500 South and head straight to Liberty Park. Once they've run through the park they will finish at Gateway in the Olympic Legacy Plaza.

UTA Bus services and TRAX schedules are affected by the race.

With more than 10,000 runners and over 25,000 spectators expected to attend the event, the marathon is sure to tie up traffic all day. Consider spending your day outside of your car, at one of the nine 'Celebration Stations' or along the race route cheering on your favorite runner, cyclist or wheelchair participant!