Res Publica

Thursday28

MOPAC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Learn about the new sound walls proposed along portions of MoPac. Everything from the walls' design and location to height and color will be discussed. This meeting will be of particular interest to residents in the Allandale neighborhood. 6-8pm. Gullett Elementary, 6310 Treadwell, 832-7218. www.mopacexpress.com.

Friday29

DEEP IN THE HEART RECEPTION The Mexican American Cultural Center and Texas Folklife host a public presentation with producer/journalist Elisabeth Perez-Luna, who will present selections of her arts reporting audio projects, including "Stories From Deep in the Heart," segments developed in workshops with Austin ISD high school teachers and students. 7-9pm. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River, 441-9255. www.cityofaustin.org/macc/events.htm.

BIRTHDAY BASH & RAG BLOG BLOWOUT Celebrate the birthday of Thorne Dreyer, editor of the Rag Blog. In lieu of presents, bring funds for the Austin-based progressive Internet magazine. Dreyer's b-day is actually Aug. 1, but no one seems to mind. 6-9pm. Maria's Taco Xpress, 2529 S. Lamar, 444-0261. www.theragblog.blogspot.com.

Saturday30

WALK IT OFF Here's a shoe-leather approach to getting fit. The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department's Walk Texas-Active Austin fitness program kicks off the next 10-week challenge with a brief orientation. 10:30-11:30am. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. Fifth. www.cityofaustin.org/health.

SPLASH PARTY! It's okay to make waves at this screening, part of the ongoing Splash Party Movie Nights series, with tonight's feature presentation, How To Train Your Dragon. Regular pool entrance fee includes the movie. Dusk. Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave., 472-8546. www.cityofaustin.org/parks/pools_special.htm.

Sunday31

SXSW MUSIC HISTORY Hey, what's that sound? Today's your last chance to see more than two decades of local music history played out in the "5X5Y: 25 Years of SXSW Music" exhibit. Noon-6pm. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 974-7480. Free. www.cityofaustin.org/library/ahc/5x5y.htm.

Tuesday02

MOPAC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Seize another opportunity to learn about the proposed MoPac sound walls. 6-8pm. Murchison Middle School, 3700 North Hills Dr., 832-7218. www.mopacexpress.com.

WATSON'S TOWN HALL MEETING Sen. Kirk Watson will host an interactive town hall meeting to discuss four "things you need to know about what just happened at your Texas Capitol." Were those four things good or bad? 7pm. RSVP and submit your questions to www.kirkwatson.com.

Wednesday03

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. PRESIDENT President Barack Obama hits the half-century mark, and local Dems want to celebrate with a fundraiser featuring special guest Battleground States Director Mitch Stewart. Austin elected officials host. 6-8pm. Lavaca Street Bar, 405 Lavaca. RSVP at www.my.barackobama.com/august3austinbirthday. General admission, $50.

Ongoing

ONLINE BUDGET FORUM Tell the city how to hammer out a 2012 budget: www.speakupaustin.org.

CAP METRO BUDGET ON THE GO Capital Metro's budget process is under way, and the agency is soliciting public input. Have any suggestions? Go to www.capmetro.org/insidemetro/ci-budget.asp or www.capmetro.icanmakeitbetter.com for details.

CITYWORKS ACADEMY Want to know what really makes the city's clock tick? Time is running short to find out. Sign up for this 11-week municipal insiders boot camp, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 13. 974-2969. Application deadline: Aug. 8. www.cityofaustin.org/cityworks.

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM REBATE BONUS To access Austin Energy's new (temporary) rebate increase, call for an estimate: 482-5346. www.austinenergy.com.