If you happen to think that politicians’ contributions to the pollution debate are more about hot air than clean air, then swing on by a special Idea Silo, where average citizens will brainstorm solutions to Utah’s red-air days. This week, the State Board of Education will be talking about a host of program updates and will also be discussing education bills on the Hill. For another perspective on Utah’s air, check out an artists’ roundtable discussion comparing the gritty air common in both Salt Lake City and Beijing.
Idea Silo: Developing Weapons of Mass Solutions
Thursday, Feb. 6
The nonprofit Revolution United is hosting a brainstorming session and organizing rally for average citizens who want to do something now about Utah’s air instead of waiting with fingers crossed for state leaders to act. This free event will present facts on air pollution and develop grassroots project teams to tackle the problem, stat.
Salt Lake City Arts Hub, 663 W. 100 South, 6-8 p.m., http://citywk.ly/MYdsT8
Utah State Board of Education
Friday, Feb. 7
The state board will be hosting an all-day meeting covering issues related to Utah’s most precious (non-fossil-fuel) resource: children. Discussions will consider the statewide online education program and a graduation & grading task-force report, among other items. The board will also receive an update on the Legislature’s education bills and funding plans. The event runs all day, but public comment will start around 10:40 a.m.
Utah State Office of Education, 250 E. 500 South, 801-538-7517, all day, Schools.Utah.gov/Board
Beijing-SLC Connect
Monday, Feb. 10
If there’s one thing common to a conservative “red” state like Utah and a socialist “red” country like China, it might be the red-air days. That’s why a unique art project is comparing the abysmal air in Beijing and Salt Lake City as a way of raising awareness of the problem and how different cultures respond to the crisis. Come check out the art and hear from the artists themselves about their unique project and the not-so-unique public-health problem. Gittins Gallery, University of Utah, 375 S. 1300 East, 801-581-6888, 4:30 p.m., Beijing-SLC.Web.Utah.edu
Twitter: @EricSPeterson
