Talks
Ever thought you were being given the run-around by government bureaucrats? If you want to learn about the hows and whys of public access to information, you need to hear Joel Campbell, associate professor of journalism at BYU, speak about the Utah laws and practices that are helping or hindering you. He has been the Utah investigator for Center for Public Integrity since January 2015, reviewing hundreds of Utah laws and policies and interviewing dozens of sources about accountability and transparency. Find out about campaign finance, Utah's pension system and Utah's recently created ethics boards. Free. The Right to Know, Holladay City Hall, Big Cottonwood Room, 4580 S. 2300 East, Thursday, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m., LWVUtah.org
Good Causes
This is the fourth year the YMCA is hosting a benefit for kids, offering financial aid to all children, regardless of income or background. Focusing on the community aspect of sharing a meal, DishED—A Benefit for Kids Gala will consist of a silent auction/social hour, food from five of Utah's favorite restaurants, a live auction, a chance to win a grand prize, a youth performance and a fun-filled program. Individual tickets are $150, tables (up to 10) are $1,000, or attendees can give $1,500 for a sponsorship table seating up to 10 with company recognition at event. Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6-9 p.m., purchase tickets by phone 801-839-3384 or online at YMCAUtah.org/dished-2015
Local Politics
If it seems like Donald Trump has co-opted the political air, think again. Local races and importantly, the Salt Lake City mayor's race, are coming up in November. No three-hour Fox News debates here, but you can hear Ralph Becker and Jackie Biskupski go at it about public transportation, LGBT rights, healthcare and visions of growth for the city in the upcoming Mayoral Debate. Ken Verdoia hosts. KUED Channel 7, Thursday, Oct. 8, streamed live, 10 a.m.; Broadcast, 7 p.m.; KUED.org
"Athletic" Competition
Now here's an alternative to the American love of the gun. The United Clans Swordsman Association will be crossing swords with students from True Edge Academy of Provo—pretty much all day. This is the second year of this competition. "The Historical European Martial Arts are incredibly complex, but we really enjoy studying them; it is a little piece of history that really comes alive for me," says student Jordan Hinckley. The operative word here is "alive," since this can be a dangerous pastime. East side of Liberty Park, Oct.10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., TheUCSA.com, TrueEdgeAcademy.com