This week, learn how the larger-than-life escapades of the characters from Edward Abbey’s Monkeywrench Gang helped inspire real-life activists of the environmental movement at a free documentary screening. Activism isn’t just about defiance but also self reliance, and this weekend you can learn the secrets of growing tomatoes in your garden this summer. Later, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission will be discussing everything from updating the West Salt Lake Master Plan to a request to operate an emergency homeless-youth shelter.
Wrenched: The Legacy of the Monkey Wrench Gang
Thursday, March 6
Edward Abbey helped give life to a growing resistance to the idea of progress in the West being measured in paved concrete and oilrigs in the ground by creating characters hell-bent on undoing this progress even if it meant activism-by-dynamite. This documentary looks at how art inspired life, with Abbey’s fiction inspiring the direct-action tactics of a new generation of eco-activists. This free screening is followed by a Q & A with director M.L. Lincoln after the film.
Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. 300 South, March 6, 7 p.m., Facebook.com/WrenchedTheMovie
Tomato Propagation
Saturday, March 8
Come learn how to extend the life of your garden this summer and keep your kitchen stocked with home-grown tomatoes. Participants of this Red Butte workshop will get to take home a flat of tomato and pepper seeds. Registration is required and the price is $42 for members and $50 for the general public.
Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way, 801-581-8454, March 8, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., RedButteGarden.org
Salt Lake City Planning Commission
Wednesday, March 12
Help plan your city at this meeting that will cover a number of topics including a call for a comprehensive update of the West Salt Lake Master Plan covering the area between I-80 and SR201 and I-15 and I-215—that includes the Glendale and Poplar Grove neighborhoods. Commissioners will also hear a request for special permission to operate an emergency shelter for homeless youth at roughly 888 S. 400 West.
Salt Lake City & County Building, 451 S. State, Room 326, 801-535-7700, March 12, 5:30 p.m., SLCGov.com/Planning
Twitter: @EricSPeterson
