Res Publica

Thursday21

BICYCLE MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEAR­ING City Council discusses a proposed Austin Metro­pol­itan Area Transportation Plan amendment that would replace the current Bicycle Master Plan with a new and improved version – and they're hoping for your feedback. (For more, see "Bicycle Master Plan Gets a Tune-Up.") 6pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.cityofaustin.org/bicycle.

GROUP RIDE TO CITY COUNCIL starts at one of three locations (see www.austinyellowbike.org for a list of meet-up spots) before converging on City Hall to attend the council hearing on the Bicycle Master Plan update (see above). 5:30pm.

IMAGES FROM TEXAS DEATH ROW features images from photographer John Holbrook, sponsored by Texas Friends and Allies Against the Death Penalty. Through May 22. State Capitol Rotunda, 11th & Congress. www.holbrookphoto.com.

ST. JOHN/CORONADO HILLS NEIGH­BOR­HOOD PLAN WORKSHOP 6:30-8:30pm. Vir­gin­ia Brown Rec. Center, Conference Rm. B, 7500 Blessing Ave. www.cityofaustin.org/zoning/sj_ch.htm.

---

Friday22

ROBYN O'BRIEN The author of The Unhealthy Truth talks about the chemicals in our food and how to keep your family safe. 11:30am, Lance Armstrong Foundation, 2201 E. Sixth; 6pm, BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar, 472-5050. www.bookpeople.com.

YOUTHWORKS SPRING ART SHOW features works of students and professionals alike, with raffle tickets on sale to benefit American YouthWorks programs educating high school dropouts and undereducated youth. 4-8pm. YouthWorks warehouse, 216 E. Fourth, 236-6100. Free (donations appreciated). www.americanyouthworks.org.

---

Saturday23

ENERGY STAR SALES-TAX HOLIDAY promises tax-free shopping all weekend for major appliances with the Energy Star stamp of approval. Sat.-Mon., May 23-25. www.window.state.tx.us.

RAINWATER FOR GARDENING & DRINK­ING Learn how to make a rainwater purification system on the cheap. 10:30am-noon. Sunset Valley City Hall, 3205 Jones Rd., Sunset Valley, 423-1050. $20 ($15, advance). www.docjody.com.

ROBYN O'BRIEN In case you missed her yesterday, the author of The Unhealthy Truth will also be speaking today at the Downtown Farmers' Market. 9am-1pm. Fourth & Guadalupe.

---

Sunday24

PUBLIC-AFFAIRS FORUM – a talk from Texas Monthly founder Mike Levy. 11:30am. Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover. www.austinuu.org.

---

Wednesday27

TCDP COUNTY EXECUTIVE-COMMITTEE MEETING 6pm. AFL-CIO Hall, 1106 Lavaca, 477-7500. Free. www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

AN EVENING WITH ROY BLOUNT JR. The award-winning writer of more than 20 books (most recently, 2008's Alphabet Juice) talks about the settlement with Google regarding the Authors Guild and its effects on publishing, among other things. 7-9pm. St. Edward's University, Maloney Room, 3001 S. Congress, 448-8400. $50. www.stedwards.edu.

---

Thursday28

CLEAN-ENERGY JOBS DAY An all-day tour of local green businesses, sponsored by MoveOn.org. Call or e-mail for directions to all the stops on the tour. 4pm. Meridian Solar, 4109 Todd, 750-5894. Free. [email protected].

---

Ongoing

BIKE MONTH continues throughout May. For a schedule of bike maintenance and commuting workshops, group rides, festivals, and more, see www.austincycling.org/bikemonth.

KEEP AUSTIN BEAUTIFUL AWARDS Know someone who deserves to be recognized for beautifying our city? Submit nominations for this year's KAB awards at www.keepaustinbeautiful.org. Deadline: June 15. 391-0622.

UNITED WAY GIVE $5 CAMPAIGN It takes a little bit of money from a lot of people to keep an organization like United Way going. Help them help those in need. www.liveunitedcentraltexas.org/give5.