Civics 101

Thursday13

GAIL COLLINS SPEAKS The New York Times columnist discusses women's struggles for equality, based on her book When Everything Changed. 7-9pm. 5604 Manor Rd. $15 suggested donation. www.5604manor.org.

Saturday15

AISD COMMUNITY MEETING The first of several public meetings on AISD's facilities plan, this one focusing on North-Central elementary and middle schools. 10am-noon. Dobie Middle School, 1200 E. Rundberg.

Sunday16

NATIONAL PLUG-IN DAY ELECTRIC CAR SHOW with free rides from Electric Cab of Austin and GRIDbot charging station demos. Noon-4pm, Mexi­can American Cultural Center, 600 River St.

AIDS WALK AUSTIN Walk the talk for AIDS Services of Austin, with Olympic champ Greg Loug­an­is. Opening ceremony, 1:30pm; walk, 2pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.aidswalkaustin.org.

MURAL DEDICATION The newest jewel in Deep Eddy Pool's historic crown receives special recognition. 5:30pm. 401 Deep Eddy Dr. Free.

Monday17

RATE INCREASE HEARING Air your beef (or whatever) about Austin Energy's proposed electric rate increase, or send comments to [email protected]. 6pm. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd.

TREE PROJECT Environmental and Parks and Recreation boards meet at Barton Springs Pool to weigh a proposed tree treatment plan. 5:30pm. Zilker Park, beginning at south gate.

HOUSING INITIATIVE Time to talk about Austin's Permanent Supportive Housing initiative. Registration, 5:30pm; event, 6-8:30pm. Family Life Center, First United Methodist Church, 1300 Lavaca. For more info call 974-3100 or email [email protected].

Tuesday18

GOP DEBATE WATCH Burnt Orange Report hosts this televised event. 6-9pm. Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto. RSVP on Facebook.

Thursday20

SILENT SPRING REVISITED Travis Audubon hosts author David Brinkley, who'll discuss his current project, Silent Spring Revolution, on the history of the American conservation movement. 7pm. Westminster Presby­terian Church, 3208 Exposition.