Res Publica

Thursday09

SCIENCE UNDER THE STARS Jesse Lasky of UT's Integrative Biology Department discusses biodiversity and conservation of Southeast Asia's tropical forests. 7:30pm. Brackenridge Field Lab, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd. Free. sites.google.com/site/scienceunderthestarsaustin.

SLOW MONEY SALON Learn how to slow down and save the planet. 7pm. Whip In, 1950 S. I-35, 442-5337. Free. www.slowmoneyaustin.org.

Friday10

9500 LIBERTY ACLU Austin hosts a screening of this documentary; find out what happens when a community takes immigration enforcement into its own hands. 7pm. Resistencia Bookstore, 1801-A S. First.

IMAGINE AUSTIN DEADLINE Friday is the last day to take the Austin Comprehensive Plan survey, available in English and Spanish at www.imagineaustin.net.

MICHAEL POLLAN talks about his Food Rules: An Eater's Manual and discusses the latest in healthy living. 8pm. Bass Concert Hall, UT campus, 471-1444. $26-$42. www.texasperformingarts.org/season/pollan.

SAVE OUR SPRINGS HOLIDAY PARTY Show SOS some love at this seasonal shindig and silent auction. 6pm-12mid. Mercury Hall, 615 Cardinal, 477-2320. $10 suggested donation. www.sosalliance.org.

Saturday11

AUSTIN DOG ALLIANCE OPEN HOUSE Have your presents wrapped in exchange for a donation supporting ADA's classes and adoption program. 1-5pm (2pm, kids' story time). Austin Dog Alliance Training Center, 12129 RR 620 #401. Free. www.austindogalliance.org.

CONVERSATION WITH MEXICAN-AMERICAN TRAILBLAZERS Six luminaries discuss their experiences in the arts, media, public service, and more (in conjunction with the Mexican-American Firsts exhibit). 1pm. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 974-7498. Free. www.cityofaustin.org/library/ahc/trailblazers.htm.

PLANT RESTORATION AT WTP4 SITE Help return native plants to the Water Treatment Plant No. 4 construction site. 9am-3pm. RM 2222 & RM 620. www.cityofaustin.org/water/wtp4.

'TIS THE SEASON LADY BIRD LAKE CLEANUP Sign up at www.keepaustinbeautiful.org to help ensure the health of one of Austin's most beloved waterways. 9am. Lady Bird Lake, 391-0622.

TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY MEETING Discuss roadway expansions, bikeways, sidewalks, and other transit projects affected by proposed changes to various regional transportation plans. 5:30-7pm. Terrazas Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez, 974-9715. (You can also submit comments online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/plantipoct2010.) www.campotexas.org/programs_plan.php.

Sunday12

GREEN PARTY MEET-UP A get-together to get a grip on the upcoming legislative session. 6pm. Dominican Joe, 515 S. Congress. www.txgreens.org.

Monday13

TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC HEARING (See Saturday.) 6pm. Joe C. Thompson Center, UT campus, Dean Keeton & Red River. www.campotexas.org/programs_plan.php.

Tuesday14

BARTHOLOMEW DISTRICT PARK MEETING Discuss changes to the pool and grounds. 6pm. University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola. www.cityofaustin.org/parks/bartholomewpoolimprovement.htm.

MEET & GREET: CHIEF ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER Meet the last of five finalists. 6pm. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. www.palmereventscenter.com.

CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY PUBLIC HEARING on the Housing Authority's annual plan. 11am. HACA Central Office, 1124 S. I-35. www.hacanet.org.

Wednesday15

21ST CENTURY FORUM The Greater Austin His­panic Chamber of Commerce and Austin Energy host a discussion on sustainable business practices. 8-11am. Nuevo León, 1501 E. Sixth, 462-4318. $5. www.gahcc.org.

Thursday16

GREEN HOLIDAY PARTY Hobnob with local enviro orgs. 5:30-9:30pm. Fiesta Gardens, 2100 Jesse E. Segovia, 480-8318. $30 ($20, members). www.texasgreennetwork.org.

HEALTH CARE REFORM & YOU Local experts translate governmental jargon into answers pertaining to your coverage and the new law. 6:30-9pm. Dell Jew­ish Community Center, 7300 Hart, 735-8000. Free. www.shalomaustin.org.