Res Publica

Thursday07

MEET THE CANDIDATE San Antonio state Rep. Joaquin Castro is running as a Democrat for the realigned congressional district that includes Austin and San Antonio. Size up the candidate, 5:30-7pm. Juan in a Million, 2300 Cesar Chavez.

Friday08

GIVE BLOOD The Travis County Sheriff's Office hosts a blood drive for the Blood Center of Central Texas. 6am-2pm. Travis County Sheriff's Office Training Academy, 3614 Bill Price Rd.

TEXAS CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN: LAST DAY for Texas Parks & Wildlife's online survey at www.tpwd.state.tx.us; help develop a plan to encourage the preservation of Texas' natural heritage.

ACCESS AWARDS DEADLINE The Commit­tee for People With Disabilities requests nominations for businesses that strive to be accessible to everyone. Submit your recommendation today: www.cityofaustin.org/ada/access_nomform.htm.

Saturday09

ARTIVIST FILM FESTIVAL makes its way to Austin with a slew of films devoted to social activism, on topics including Agent Orange's legacy in Vietnam, "train surfing" in South Africa, and endangered rain forests in Indonesia. 4-10pm. Spiderhouse Cafe, 2908 Fruth. www.festival.artivist.com.

KNOW YOUR HEALTH CARE RIGHTS Find out how federal reforms actually affect you; hosted by the Texas Consumer Health Assistance Program. 2pm. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe. www.texashealthoptions.com/cp2/cpmchap.html.

BOWL-A-THON FOR PETS The Humane Society of Williamson County holds its annual Bowl-a-Thon. 1pm. Mel's Lone Star Lanes, 1010 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown, 512/930-2200. www.hswc.net/bowl.

Sunday10

BOOTS VS. BADGES The fourth annual blood drive competition between the Austin Fire Department and Austin Police Department runs today through July 16. Vote for your favorite department when you donate blood at one of five donor centers. Visit www.inyourhands.org and enter sponsor code "bootsvsbadges" to find the nearest center to you.

OPERATION SMALL AXE Journalist J.R. Valrey and El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (grandson of Malcolm X) take on the media, police brutality, and the criminal justice system after a screening of this documentary by Adimu Madyun. 7pm. Resistencia Bookstore, 1801-A S. First, 416-8885. www.salmonrojo.tumblr.com.

Tuesday12

MOPAC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Learn about the new sound walls proposed along portions of MoPac. Everything from design and location to height and color will be discussed. 6-8pm. O. Henry Middle School, 2610 W. 10th, 832-7218. www.mopacexpress.com.

PUBLIC HEARING: COUNTY REDISTRICTING See maps showing proposed new boundaries for constable, justice of the peace, and com­mis­sioners court precincts; and new voting precincts under consideration. 9am. Travis County Commissioners Court, 314 W. 11th. Or if you can't attend, weigh in at 854-9754, email [email protected], or check out www.co.travis.tx.us. Through July 15.

Thursday14

CAMPAIGN KICKOFF Travis County District Attor­ney Rosemary Lehmberg kicks off her re-election campaign with co-hosts Gary Cobb and Mindy Montford. 6-8pm. Threadgill's, 301 W. Riverside.

MOPAC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (See Tuesday.) 6-8pm. Bryker Woods Elementary, 3309 Kerbey Ln., 832-7218. www.mopacexpress.com.

Ongoing

AUSTIN WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME Nominate your favorite kickass lady. Call: City of Austin Com­mis­sion for Women, 374-9723. Deadline: July 15. www.cityofaustin.org/help/halloffame.htm.

Save Texas Schools The first statewide conference is July 15-16 at First United Methodist Family Life Center, 1300 Lavaca: panel discussions with pro-ed state legislators, workshops, and strategic planning. Advance registration required; $30 per person (free to any laid-off school employee). Details/registration at www.savetxschools.org.

CITYWORKS ACADEMY Want to know what really makes this city's clock tick? Sign up for 11 weeks of this municipal insiders' boot camp. Weekly classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 13. 974-2969. Apply by Aug. 8. www.cityofaustin.org/cityworks.

ONLINE BUDGET FORUM Visit www.speakupaustin.org, and tell the city how to hammer together a 2012 budget.