The pageantry and politics of the Utah Legislative session come to a close on March 12, and if you didn't have the chance to observe and participate in this process, you can still hike up the hill to see how the dust settles. But if a trip to the mountains suits your tastes, the Alta Town Council is holding a public meeting about the 57 dog licenses it issues. Later, join local booksellers and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance for an event highlighting authors who spent, and spend, their time writing about the desert Southwest.
The Legislative Finish Line
Thursday, March 12
The annual 45-day lawmaking scrum called the legislative session will come to an official close. Barring a special session called by Gov. Gary Herbert, this will be the last time until the far-off, distant future (January 2016) that this many of Utah's elected leaders will all be chilling out in the same zone. Take the opportunity to let them know what you think about them, their bills and the jobs that they do—or don't do.
State Capitol, 350 N. State, floor time all day, Le.Utah.gov
Dog Days at Alta
Thursday, March 12
Due to watershed protections, dogs aren't allowed in Big or Little Cottonwood canyons. That is, unless they're one of the 57 lucky pups who reside in Alta and had their names drawn from a hat. (Really, that's how the police chief decides who gets a dog permit.) Anyway, Alta will be discussing whether or not to issue four additional dog permits—a civic discussion that might seem comical, but one that has very real consequences for the quality of that stuff that endlessly flows like magic from our faucets.
Alta Library/Community Center, 10361 E. Highway 210, Alta, March 12, 9 a.m., 801-363-5101
SUWA and Writers
Wednesday, March 18
If you dig books, the desert and Utah, and keep a monkey wrench handy in your glove box, don't miss the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance's Slickrock, Sagebrush & the Printed Word event. Local booksellers will discuss the writings of authors like Terry Tempest Williams, Wallace Stegner and Edward Abbey, and how these writers helped define the literary landscape of the Colorado Plateau.
Jeanne Wagner Jewish Community Center, 2 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, March 18, 6:30 p.m., RSVP at SUWA.org/authors.