HEBER, Utah (ABC4) — In January, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit against Wasatch County regarding the construction of the Heber Valley Temple.

On April 30, a 4th District Court judge granted the motion.

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The controversy surrounding the construction of the Heber Valley Temple is not necessarily surrounding the nature of the religious structure, but rather its size, light and location. The debate has centered largely around light pollution as the area is known for its dark night skies. Other concerns include traffic in the area and the loss of the view of the mountains.

In November 2023, the Wasatch County City Council voted to approve the construction of the temple, although petitioners who own homes near the proposed site argued the building would negatively impact their views, privacy, and quiet enjoyment.

In January, the Church said it should be involved in the lawsuit filed against Wasatch County as the Church owns the property, applied for the development, and wants to build the temple.

After hearing oral arguments in April, a judge granted the Church’s motion to intervene, meaning it will be allowed to join the Heber Valley Temple lawsuit. It also denied a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Wasatch County.

The court ruled that the Church “has met its burden in showing the [Wasatch County] is unable to diligently represent its interest,” adding that during the oral argument, Wasatch County’s attorney “asserted the County Council’s commitment to defending this case is not unwavering and new County Council members might feel differently.”

Following the decision, the court said the Church had three weeks to respond to the order.

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A Los Angeles Police Department detective has been charged with hit-and-run exactly one year after she allegedly rear-ended another vehicle on the 5 Freeway while off-duty.

Prosecutors allege that the detective, Stephanie Carrillo, 47, crashed an unmarked LAPD vehicle into a civilian’s vehicle on May 3, 2023, damaging its rear. Both parties initially pulled over, but Carrillo allegedly got back in her vehicle and fled the crash scene, according to a statement from the L.A. County district attorney’s office.

Later that day, Carrillo filed a report at a California Highway Patrol station in Orange County stating that she had been in a hit-and-run, according to the statement.

“Irresponsible and unlawful behavior by law enforcement as allegedly exhibited by Officer Carrillo not only violates public trust but goes against the oath taken by law enforcement to keep the public safe,” said Dist. Atty. George Gascón. The CHP’s East Los Angeles station investigated the incident.

The LAPD said in a statement Friday that Carrillo has worked for the department for 24 years.

“The Los Angeles Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division initiated an administrative investigation into this allegation, and Carrillo was relieved of her police powers pending the resolution of the administrative investigation,” the statement said. “With the oversight of the Inspector General, the department will ensure administrative accountability in this matter.”

Carrillo’s arraignment on a single charge of misdemeanor hit-and-run is scheduled for May 22 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in L.A. She faces up to six months in jail, if convicted. It was not immediately clear from court records Friday evening if Carrillo had retained a lawyer.