Happenings
June 28-July 4
Fri., June 29, 2007
For more events this week, see Community Listings.
THURSDAY, JUNE 28
DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES PRESIDENTIAL FORUM Carver Library hosts a discussion preceding the live telecast of PBS's All-American Presidential Forums. Featuring the Democratic presidential candidates and hosted by Tavis Smiley, All-American's panel exclusively features journalists of color – the first such panel ever to air on prime-time TV. 7-10pm. Carver Library, 1161 Angelina, 974-1010. Free. www.pbs.org.
FREE VIN ETCHING The last of the Austin Police Department's workshops in which you can have your vehicle identification number etched on your windshield. 5-8pm. St. James Baptist Church, 3417 E. MLK. 974-5017.
LONG CENTER TOUR Get a behind-the-scenes look at the performing-arts center, followed by a discussion on funding and other challenges faced by public spaces. 11:30am-1pm. $35 ($25, Chamber of Commerce members). www.austinchamber.com.
NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY HIP-HOP HEALTH FAIR Join the TXState Hip Hop Congress and the Wright House Wellness Center for a day of music, graffiti art, and activities. Special guests include Deneen Robinson and hip-hop group Quickwidit. (All testing is free and confidential for ages 18 and up; ages 17 and younger need parental consent.) 9am-5pm. ACC Eastview, 3401 Webberville, 223-5173. Free.
FRIDAY, JUNE 29
ALTERNATIVE RADIO has Jules Boykoff speaking on his book, Beyond Bullets: The Suppression of Dissent in the U.S. 2pm, KOOP Radio 91.7FM.
COMMUNITY FORUM: 2006-'07 IMMIGRANT ASSESSMENT Go over the results of the new assessment, and ask questions about steps forward. 8:30am-12:30pm. Ragsdale Center at St. Edward's, 3001 S. Congress, 414-2198. Free. www.caction.org.
SCRUBS FOR SICKO As part of a nationwide grassroots coalition of health-care providers, the Austin chapter of the National Nurses Organizing Committee introduces Michael Moore's new exposé on U.S. health care, Sicko, and discusses solutions – including pending House Resolution 676, which would guarantee universal health care – after the opening-night screening. (See Special Screenings, p.80, for more.) 7pm. Arbor Cinema @ Great Hills. www.guaranteedhealthcare.org/sicko.
SATURDAY, JUNE 30
AUSTIN LISTENING PUBLIC FORUM Last chance to go on record for the external audit of Austin's various police operations. (Can't make it to today's meeting? See austinlistening.mgtofamerica. com, e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] in Spanish, or call 391-0800 or 877/822-7922.) 9am-6pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 974-2220. Free. www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2007/austin_listening_forum.htm.
ODE TO RENATO ESPINOZA Celebrating the life and accomplishments of Austinite-via-Chile human-rights activist Espinoza, who passed away in May, this benefit will help fund a memorial bench at the Long Center and features performances from Susanna Sharpe and Espinoza's band, Toqui Amaro. 7pm. Las Manitas, 211 Congress, 472-6270.
GREEN IS THE NEW RED, WHITE, & BLUE Going eco-friendly doesn't mean going without all your favorite Fourth of July traditions. The Sustainable Shoppers Ball sponsors Austin's green Fourth, with sustainable shopping among more than 50 vendors, games, roundtable discussions, solar-powered music, and more. The Chrontourage will be giving away free stuff and signing people up for the Citywide Kill-a-Watt Challenge. 9am-3pm. Central Market North, 4001 N. Lamar, 206-1000. Free. www.sustain-a-ball.org.
SUNDAY, JULY 1
ATHEIST COMMUNITY OF AUSTIN LECTURE SERIES Members of the Court Appointed Special Advocates program speak. 12:15pm. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 371-2911. www.atheist-community.org.
TUESDAY, JULY 3
SIERRA CLUB POTLUCK PICNIC Bring a tasty dish to this annual Fourth of July celebration in Zilker Park's Rock Garden. The club will provide reusable plates, utensils, and so forth. (No alcohol, please.) 6:30-10pm. Zilker Park. Free. www.texas.sierraclub.org/austin.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
FOURTH OF JULY The following events are just a hint of what's happening in town this Wednesday. For complete listings, including out-of-town events, please see our Community Listings.
ALLENDALE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE This 47-year tradition is purportedly Austin's oldest Fourth of July parade. There will an appearance from the Hot Potato Queens and prizes for best costume, plus lots of fun afterward over at Gullett Elementary School, 6310 Treadwell, where donated toys will be accepted for Blue Santa. 9am. Bullard & White Rock, one block north of 2222, off Shoal Creek Boulevard, 925-7813. Free.
ASO/HEB CONCERT & FIREWORKS Join the Austin Symphony Orchestra for its 31st year of mixing fireworks and music. Around 100,000 people are anticipated, so grab a free shuttle, which will run 4-11pm from Waterloo Park (15th & Trinity) to the Town Lake footbridge. 8:30-10pm. Zilker Park. Free. www.austinsymphony.org.
FOURTH OF JULY FAMILY PICNIC features games, races, and lots of playing in the water, plus free food and commemorative T-shirts. 10am-2pm. YMCA East Communities Branch, 5315 Ed Bluestein, 933-9622. Free. www.austinymca.org.
ONGOING
AISD SEEKS INPUT ON PROPOSED YOUNG MEN'S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY The Austin Independent School District is considering developing an academy for boys in sixth through 12th grades, similar to the new Ann Richards School for Young Women. Visit www.austinisd.org/schools/ymla for more.
AUSTIN ACCESS AWARDS Nominate your favorite business or public place that best accommodates people with disabilities. Winners will be recognized with a City Council proclamation and award on July 26. Deadline: July 6. 974-2292. www.cityofaustin.org/ada/access_nomform.htm.
POLITICAL ASYLUM PROJECT OF AUSTIN seeks volunteers who speak both English and Spanish to help during Temporary Protected Status Clinics. Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays through July 31. PAPA, 314 E. Highland Mall Blvd. #501, 478-0546 x214. www.main.org/papa.
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