Res Publica

Thursday12

CLEANTX FORUM presents a discussion on natural gas and clean energy, asking whether they are "Friends or Foes?" 5:30-8:30pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second. $25 ($15, in advance). www.cleantx.org.

PUBLIC MEETING: TEXAS TRANSPORTATION PLAN Give feedback on the Texas Department of Transportation's long-range, statewide transportation plan. 4-7pm. TxDOT Austin District Office, Bldg. 7, 7901 N. I-35. www.txdot.gov/public_involvement/transportation_plan .

WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT PARTY Help celebrate City Council's recent passage of an ordinance guaranteeing rest breaks for workers. 7-8pm. 5604 Manor Rd., 391-2305. www.workersdefense.org.

Friday13

GREEN PARTY OF TEXAS TOUR David Cobb of Move to Amend, an organization pushing to limit the power of corporations, and gubernatorial candidate Deb Shafto roll through town spreading the good word of accountability and environmentalism. 7pm. Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave, 472-6932. $10 suggested donation. www.txgreens.org.

Saturday14

LADY BIRD LAKE CLEANUP Register online and meet at one of many starting locations to help the Keep Austin Beautiful folks pick up trash in and around one of Austin's natural treasures. 9-11am. 391-0617. Free. www.keepaustinbeautiful.org.

Sunday15

BLACK AUGUST WORKSHOP & DISCUSSION Attorneys K.C. Carter and Kaleema Al-Nur discuss social issues affecting neighborhoods across the country. 11am. Orun Center of Cultural Arts, 1401-B Cedar, 731-4584. Donations appreciated. www.projectabundantlife.org.

Tuesday17

SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS presents a talk from Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Kelly Snook about pocket-park planning along corridors such as Airport Boulevard, Anderson Road, Burnet Road, and Lamar Boulevard. 6:30-8pm. Village Christian Apartments activity room, 7925 Rockwood. www.snaustin.org.

AMERICA SPEAKING OUT Republican U.S. Rep. John Carter wants your help building a "new set of policy solutions" for Washington. 7pm. St. Barnabas Church, 1150 McNeil Rd., Round Rock. www.americaspeakingout.com.

Wednesday18

HERITAGE HILLS/WINDSOR HILLS PLANNING MEETING 6:30-8:45pm. Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg. www.cityofaustin.org/planning/neighborhood/heritage_hills.htm.

PRAISING ARIZONA. WILL TEXAS FOLLOW SUIT? The Hot Talk speaker series takes a look at Arizona's controversial immigration law. 7:30pm. Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart, 735-8012. www.shalomaustin.org/hottalk.

Thursday19

RINGLING BROS. BOYCOTT Join Action for Animals Austin an hour before the performance to protest alleged animal abuse at the circus. 6:30pm. Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River, 236-9518. www.actionforanimalsaustin.org.

Ongoing

PINT FOR PINT BLOOD DRIVE Save some lives in exchange for some Blue Bell Ice Cream. Through Aug. 14. Blood Center of Central Texas (multiple locations, including 4300 N. Lamar), 206-1266. www.inyourhands.org.

PUBLIC ACCESS TV The city wants your thoughts on upcoming changes to public access television. See www.speakupaustin.org/publicaccess for details.

IMAGINE AUSTIN Yeah, you: Imagine it – and hurry it up, because there will be no more imagining it once the comprehensive plan's public comment period ends Aug. 26. See www.cityofaustin.org/compplan for no fewer than six ways to get involved in the comp plan process. Imagine that!

3C CHALLENGE: COMMIT, CALCULATE, CON­SERVE Reduce your water usage by 10% with some help from Austin Water's new online calculator: www.cityofaustin.org/watercon.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VOLUNTEER CALL Help battle the summer volunteer shortage – if you're 18 or older, visit www.austinhabitat.org to sign up for a Saturday shift. Groups of five or more should e-mail [email protected].