This week, get riparian with your local activism by taking part in a public workshop discussing how to improve use and recreation of Salt Lake County rivers and streams. Then, if you just so happen to be a resident of Utah’s new 4th Congressional District, you’ll want to attend a meet-the-candidate night for Mia Love, a contender for the 2012 congressional race. Later, take part in a University of Utah forum to hear Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank talk the politics of policing.
Salt Lake City Riparian Corridor Improvement Projects
Thursday, March 29
The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities is looking for river rats in the county to give input on creek-crossing signs and ideas for improving streams and rivers such as Red Butte and Emigration creeks and the Jordan River. Day-Riverside Library, 1575 W. 1000 North, 801-483-6900, March 29, 6-8 p.m., SLCH2O.com
Mia Love Meet & Greet
Friday, March 30
The race to see who may earn the right to challenge Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, as representative of Utah’s new 4th Congressional District is heating up. One GOP contender to watch is Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love, a small-government policywonk. Love is already garnering national attention not only for her conservative chops, but also because she would, if elected, become the first black Republican congresswoman in our nation’s history. Murray Boys & Girls Club, 244 E. Vine Street (5065 South), Murray, 801-657-5534, March 30, 6:30-8 p.m., Love4Utah.com
The Police as Public Servants
Wednesday, April 4
Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank has been at the center of more than one political firestorm. Whether speaking out in Washington, D.C., against efforts to make police officers into immigration enforcement or evicting the Occupy SLC camp from Pioneer Park, Burbank has seen his share of controversy and is ready to explain his philosophy on policing as public service at this open-to-the-public forum. Hinckley Caucus Room, Orson Spencer Hall, 260 S. Central Campus Drive, University of Utah, 801-581-8501, April 4, 8-9 a.m., Hinckley.Utah.edu