Res publica

For more details and events, see Community Listings.

Friday07

I AM THIS LAND: DEADLINE Human rights organization Break­through sponsors this video and Twit­ter contest promoting "a more positive and open-minded America." The grand prize is $2,500 and an internship at Spin magazine. Friday is the deadline.

Saturday08

BUS RIDERS UNION MEETING Help assert the public's power over Austin transit. 11am. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe. Free. www.busatx.org.

VAMOS A PLATICAR: PRESERVING OUR MEXICAN HISTORY A panel of historians, archivists, and other professionals discusses the importance of preserving the Mexican-American history of Central Texas. 1-3pm. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe. Free.

UNCORKING CUBA: 'ONE HUNDRED BOTTLES' Austin-based Cuban photographer/writer Eduardo Aparicio interviews translator Achy Obejas. 7pm. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River. Free. www.aatia.net/blog/sigs/litsig.

Sunday09

PUBLIC AFFAIRS FORUM Dick Lavine, senior fiscal analyst for the Center for Public Policy Priorities, discusses the 2011 legislative session and how to avoid the seemingly inevitable disasters. 11:30am. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover, 452-6168. Free. www.austinuu.org.

BARTON SPRINGS BLESSING Lotus Li brings her powerful and harmonic voice to the springs to ensure balance within its ecosystem. Hey, if you talk to your plants, Lotus can sing to the springs. 3pm. Barton Springs Pool, 2101 Barton Springs Rd., 476-9044. www.lotusvoice.org.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN COMMUNITY RADIO? Austin Airwaves' Jim Ellinger provides a report back from the AMARC 10 international community radio conference in La Plata, Argentina. 7pm. MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop.

Tuesday11

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PRESENTATION Lamar is not the most pedestrian-friendly boulevard in Austin. Learn the safest paths around neighborhood schools including McCallum High; Brent­wood, Gullett, and Highland Park elementaries; and Lucy Read Pre-kindergarten. 6-7:30pm. Lamar Middle School, 6201 Wynona.

BARTHOLEMEW DISTRICT PARK POOL DESIGN MEETING Meet the architectural design team and have a say in the future of your community pool. 6-8pm. University Hills Library, 4721 Loyola. www.cityofaustin.org/parks/bartholomewpoolimprovement.htm.

Wednesday12

LUNCH & LEARN Learn about Austin's Formula One at this event hosted by the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce. 11:30am-1pm. Capital Plaza Shopping Center, 5407 N. I-35 #407.

Thursday13

KOOP RADIO SWEET 16 BENEFIT CONCERT Kelly Willis, Slaid Cleaves, and Sara Hickman sing and strum their hearts out so that you'll take your wallet out to help keep KOOP radio on the airwaves. Silent auction items also vie for your expendable income. 7pm. Antone's, 213 W. Fifth, 320-8424. $20 ($60, VIP). www.koop.org.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE FORUM Students interested in a rigorous academic program for their high school experience can learn more here. 7pm, Anderson High School theatre, 8403 Mesa, 414-7951. [email protected].

Ongoing

CITIZENS' SHERIFF ACADEMY Learn what it's like to be a Travis County sheriff's deputy. Tuesdays, 6:45-10pm, beginning Feb. 15. 854-4989. Free.

MEXICAN-AMERICAN TRAILBLAZERS EXHIBIT features photos and bios of 32 local Mexican-Americans who paved the way for future generations. Through Jan. 16. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 974-7480. Free.

MEXICAN PEOPLE IN INDEPENDENCE & REVO­LUTION Celebrating Mexico from independence (1810) to revolution (1910). Benson Latin American Collection, UT campus, Sid Richardson Hall, Rm. 1.108. Free.

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PLAN Recommendations on improvements related to historic preservation, density, transportation, and other Downtown issues are available on the city's website. Public meetings on the plan begin later in January.

WHAT SHOULD AUSTIN SAVE? What do you think ought to be preserved as Austin's landscape and skyline morph into the future? The National Trust for Historical Preservation filmed people all over town answering this question. See what they had to say and answer for yourself at the Austin Unscripted website. www.preservationnation.org/resources/training/npc/austin-unscripted.