This week, you can close out the week of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday by attending a unique panel discussion, where some of Utah’s historic minority pioneers in the legal profession talk about how far Utah has come. On the weekend, you can support pet adoptions at the Cocktail Pet-together & Book Shindog. Then on Monday, it’s game day on the Hill as the 2012 Legislature convenes for its first day.
Celebrating Utah Firsts
Thursday, Jan. 19
The University of Utah is hosting a panel discussion with some of Utah’s first minority trailblazers in the legal profession, including Pacific Islander Judge Vernice Trease and Native American attorney Sheldon Spotted Elk. The forum is free and open to the public and a great reminder that Utah is becoming an ever-more-diverse place, but still has a long way to go.
Hinckley Institute of Politics, 260 S. Central Campus Drive, University of Utah, 801-581-4250, Jan. 20, 12:15 p.m., Diversity.Utah.edu
Cocktail Pet-together & Book Shindog
Sunday, Jan. 22
Andrew Grant, creator of the popular Rover book series, will be on hand to help nonprofit Friends of Animals Utah kick off 2012. The nonprofit has helped rescue and find homes for over 10,000 pets since it was founded in 1990, and hopes for more success finding homes for needy pets this year. Come join this free house party with author and dog photographer Grant; just remember to RSVP to reserve a spot.
Love Your Pet, 651 Park Ave., Park City, 435-901-2123, Jan. 22, 3-6 p.m., FOAUtah.org
First Day of 2012 Legislature
Monday, Jan. 23
The sausage grinder is already getting loaded with possible bills to be formed into the laws that will govern all Utahns. If you don’t like what your representatives are trying to feed you, then you’d better come inspect the kitchen. You can listen to floor debates and hearings online at the Legislature’s Website, and you can easily speak with your representative in person on the Hill. For more info, check out City Weekly’s citizen-lobbying guide at http://citywk.ly/xr3yyX
Utah Capitol, 350 N. State, Jan. 23, 10 a.m., Le.Utah.gov
