Civics 101

Thursday 18

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: A VISUAL HISTORY OF PROTEST AND DEMONSTRATION IN AUSTIN The Austin History Center's latest exhibit spotlights local efforts to create social change over the decades, including the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation movements. Residents are invited to upload personal photos of recent marches and rallies for inclusion. Through Oct. 28 Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 512/974-7480. Free. www.austinhistorycenter.org.

WALKER LUKENS' ELECTION CONFESSION Four nights of candidate confessionals with musician Walker Lukens. Mon., Oct. 15, features Chari Kelly at noon, and Julie Oliver at 6pm. Tue., Oct. 16, features Joi Chevalier at noon, and Sheryl Cole at 6pm. Wed., Oct. 17, features Judge Gisela Triana at noon, and Vikki Goodwin at 6pm. Thursday guests TBA. Mon.-Thu., Oct. 15-18; noon & 6pm Native Hostel - CLOSED. nativehostels.com.

EL BUEN SAMARITANO MOBILE FOOD PANTRY A mobile food pantry providing emergency food assistance to families with financial limitations. Fresh produce, cooking help, and nutrition education available. No appointment is necessary. First and third Thursdays, 9am-noon. Del Valle Community Center, 3518 FM 973, Del Valle. www.elbuen.org/wellness/food-pantry.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING See agenda for details. 10am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

CERTIFICATION 101 FOR MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES Small business owners interested in local government contracts should attend this workshop by the city's Small & Minority Business Resources Department. 11am-Noon. Small & Minority Business Resources, 4201 Ed Bluestein Blvd.. Free.

LAURA FOR MAYOR EARLY VOTE RALLY Mayoral candidate Laura Morrison is hosting a campaign fundraiser at Threadgill's World Headquarters less than two months before the venue closes its doors for good. 5:30-7:30pm. Threadgill's World HQ. www.lauraformayor.com.

POCKET PARK SCOOTER TOUR WITH LIME Explore East Austin's pocket parks by scooter, guided by a city of Austin forester. Participants must be 16 years or older. 5:30-7:30pm. Lott Park, 1180 Curve. Free.

BORN ENSLAVED: THE WPA RECORDINGS An ACC History Symposium on research into the WPA Slave Narratives to examine what these stories and recordings teach us about slavery and the Jim Crow South. 7-9pm. ACC Eastview Campus, 3401 Webberville Rd, 512/223-2134. Free. [email protected], www.austincc.edu.

Friday 19

NATIONAL HEALTH EQUITY HACKATHON This inaugural three-day event will focus on creating data-driven solutions for the underserved health care population to work toward eliminating health disparities. Attendees will self-select to a team with local and nationally acclaimed mentors and database experts. Fri.-Sun., Oct. 19-21 Capital Factory, 701 Brazos, 16th floor, 281/345-8022. $20. [email protected].

VOTER DRIVE The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hustling to get the vote out. Grab a copy of their free voter's guide now through election day, or find a copy in our Oct. 26 issue! Through Tue., Nov. 6 Online. www.lwvaustin.org.

EQUITY ACTION TEAM MEETING The Equity Action Team's monthly meeting. 11:30am. Street-Jones Building, 1000 E. 11th.

BUSINESS STRUCTURE: FORMING AND MAINTAINING A BUSINESS ENTITY Learn how to file paperwork to form your own LLC without lawyer fees. 11:30am-2:30pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. $15. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

Saturday 20

AUSTIN HEART & STROKE WALK Raise money for the American Heart Association with a group of fellow volunteers. Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside, 866/430-9255. www.heart.org/HEARTORG.

VOLUNTEER TO CLEAN LADY BIRD LAKE Help keep the lake (also know as the Colorado River) looking good. Volunteer for this weekend' lake cleanup along the shoreline and on the water – yes, kayaks and standup paddleboards are provided at some sites. Registration required. 9-11am. Multiple sites on the lake. Free.

CURBSIDE COMPOSTING INFORMATION TABLE Neighbors who use the city's curbside composting service and live in the Buckingham Ridge area are invited to learn more about using their green carts and grab free composting materials while supplies last. 10-11:30am. 7209 Bill Hughes Rd.. www.austintexas.gov.

MURDER, MAYHEM, AND MISADVENTURE TRANSIT ADVENTURE A guided 45-minute tour to meet the spooky citizens of Oakwood Cemetery. Enjoy a free local day pass from Capital Metro as part of the Smart Trips program. 11am-1pm. Houndstooth Coffee, 2823 E. MLK #101, 512/243-8902. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

AUSTIN ENERGY PRESENTS: COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS A fam-friendly resource fair with local vendors. Learn about available social services, job opportunities (bring your résumé), and how to lower your utility bill through the city's Customer Assistance Program all while enjoying free food, health screenings, and kids' activities. 11:30am-4pm. William B. Travis High School, 1211 E. Oltorf, 512/972-7929. www.austinenergy.com/go/communityconnections.

STATE OF BLACK AUSTIN '18 An Austin Justice Coalition forum addressing Austin's issues of gentrification and community displacement. Noon-3pm. David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 2211 E. MLK, 512/472-9748. Free. www.austinjustice.org.

DISTRICT 4: CITY BOND OPEN HOUSE Residents are invited to stop in to learn more about the 2018 bonds on the upcoming ballot. Noon-2pm. Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg, 512/974-2000. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/2018bond.

19TH ANNUAL MARCH TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY Follow five death row exonerees for a march and rally to voice opposition to the death penalty. 2pm. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/305-8400. Free. www.marchforabolition.org.

SI SE PUEDE An all-ages party with sounds by El Dusty, Superfónicos, DJ Chorizo Funk, and more. For your soundbites, see local candidates Reedy Spigner, Mariana Salazar, and Bobby Levinski. Still want more? Austin's League of Women Voters, the DSA Queer Coalition, Jolt Texas, and such will be there too. 7pm-1am. Empire Control Room & Garage, 606 E. Seventh, 512/651-4690. $10. www.empireatx.com.

Sunday 21

BACKYARD COMPOSTING CLASS Think green with this free composting workshop presented as part of the Fermentation Festival. 11:15am-Noon. Seaholm EcoDistrict Lawn, 710 W. Cesar Chavez. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-resource-recovery.

DRINKS AND DESSERTS WITH DANIELLE Join Danielle Skidmore, District 9 City Council candidate, for a sweet get-together commemorating the start of early voting. 5-8pm. Nightcap, 1401 W. Sixth, 512/628-0144. $50 suggested donation. www.danielleforall.com.

Monday 22

EARLY VOTING Cast your ballot for the 2018 midterm elections early! Sites throughout the City and County will open polling places for early voting. Need help deciding who to vote for and learning the issues? Check out austinchronicle.com/elections for our ongoing coverage. Mon., Oct. 22 - Fri., Nov. 2; 7am-7pm Anywhere you see "Vote Here". www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

WE VOTE TOO TEXAS EDITION From #MeToo to #WeVoteToo: Cast your vote on the first day of early voting as part of this movement for "everyone who has survived sexual assault, everyone who loves someone who has survived sexual assault, and everyone who believes sexual assault survivors deserve to be heard." Wear teal, snap a selfie, and use #WeVoteToo on the socials. 7am-7pm. Your polling place. www.fb.com/wevotetoo2018.

BALLOT PARTY WITH CM JIMMY FLANNIGAN Get informed about the races on your ballot before you head to the polls this election season. 6:30-8:30pm. Spicewood Springs Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd., 512/974-3800. Free. www.jimmyflannigan.com.

DISTRICT 5: CITY BOND OPEN HOUSE Residents are invited to stop in to learn more about the 2018 bonds on the upcoming ballot. 6:30-8:30pm. Menchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Menchaca Rd., 512/974-2000. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/2018bond.

MONDAYS ARE A DRAG! BENEFIT SHOW Join the Travis County Democratic Party for an evening of eye-poppin', boot-scootin' drag! 7:30pm. $35+.

Tuesday 23

PEOPLE FOR BIKES COMMUNITY SURVEY Share your biking-in-the-city experiences with Austin leaders for a chance to win neat prizes while helping to improve local condition. Through Nov. 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

SBA RESOURCES Learn about the U.S. Small Business Administration's resources and programs to help small businesses grow and compete in the marketplace. Noon-1:30pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

MOBILITY BOND OPEN HOUSE: JOHNNY MORRIS ROAD Give your feedback on the proposed plans for Johnny Morris Road between Loyola Lane and FM 969 as part of the 2016 Mobility Bond. 6-8pm. Pecan Mobile Home Park Main Office, 5701 Johnny Morris Rd.. www.austintexas.gov.

ANTI-DISPLACEMENT TASK FORCE DRAFT RECOMMENDATION FORUM

Austin’s Anti-Displacement Task Force, which addresses affordable housing and cultural asset preservation, seeks community input on its draft recommendations before submitting them to City Council.

El Grupo de Trabajo contra el Desplazamiento de Austin busca la opinión pública sobre sus recomendaciones para abordar la gentrificación.

6pm. Widén Elementary School, 5605 Nuckols Crossing Rd., 512/414-2556. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov.

PIZZA, POSTCARDS, AND PHONE BANKING Indivisible Austin hosts a weekly phone-banking, post-card writing pizza party to help build Texas' blue wave on Election Day. For all or our coverage leading up to the Nov. 6 midterms, visiting our Elections landing page. Tuesdays thru Nov. 6; 6:30-8:30pm ADAPT of Texas, 1100 S. IH-35 Frontage Rd, 512/632-2708. Free. [email protected], www.indivisibleaustin.com.

Wednesday 24

AUSTIN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ALLIANCE CONFLICT TO CONVERSATION TO CALM SERIES BREAKFAST: MANAGING CONFLICT STEP BY STEP Lead by several seasoned panelists, this workshop is the final session in a four-part series aimed at providing tools and insights to manage conflict in business and life. 8:30-10am. BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar, 512/441-2123. www.ibuyaustin.com.

VOTE WITH BETO!

Beto O'Rourke and his crew will be rallying near several polling places. Say hello then cast your ballot at one of three locations. Please remember campaign shirts and materials are not allowed at polling stations.

5510 S IH 35 Frontage Rd., 9:15am

Kealing School Park, 10:30am

523 East Highland Mall Blvd., 11:45am

9am-Noon. Various locations.

VOLUNTEER OR PICK UP YARD SIGNS FOR PROP A Keep Austin Affordable invites you to a night of action to spread the word on the importance of passing the $250 million Affordable Housing Bond (a.k.a. Prop A), this election season. Pizza and drinks provided. 5-9pm. Habitat for Humanity, 500 W. Ben White Blvd..

2018 AUSTIN GREEN AWARDS Recognizing accomplishments in eco-friendly sustainable design and innovative use of land, building design, and more. 6pm. The Sunset Room, 310 E. Third. [email protected], www.atxgreenawards.org.

Thursday 25

CONSTRUCTING A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH TO AUSTIN URBAN DESIGN The Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects partners with Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Urban Studies & Planning to present a more holistic urban design for "complete communities" in Austin. 1-3pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. Free. www.aiaaustin.org.

VOTER BAR HOP: WESTSIDE A self-guided bar crawl to celebrate your voting self! Vote in the afternoon at the county's Granger Building, then swing by Parlor & Yard, Rustic Tap, and Dirty Bill's for drink specials! End the night at Stereotype with Genevieve Padalecki and Alpha Rev. 4-7pm. Granger Building, 314 W. 11th, 512/975-0009. Free. [email protected], www.austinchronicle.com/elections.

DISTRICT 3: CITY BOND OPEN HOUSE Residents are invited to stop in to learn more about the 2018 bonds on the upcoming ballot. 6-8pm. Montopolis Recreation Center, 1200 Montopolis, 512/974-2000. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/2018bond.

MEET THE FINAL FIRE CHIEF CANDIDATES The six finalists for the Fire Chief position participate in a moderated discussion. Attend in person or watch live on ATXN. Free parking at Palmer Events Center; Spanish and ASL interpreters provided. 6-8pm. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd.. www.austintexas.gov.

GENERATION PRICED OUT: A DISCUSSION WITH RANDY SHAW Randy Shaw, the director of the San Francisco's Tenderloin Housing Clinic, discusses his new book, which looks at rising property values and displacement in the urban U.S. 7:30-9pm. Goldsmith Hall 3.120, 310 Inner Campus. Free.

Ongoing

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SUMMER SWIM LESSONS Swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, provided by the city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Division. $57, residents; $66, nonresidents. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

LEGALLINE Call 512/472-8303 for free legal advice concerning family law, criminal matters, traffic problems, consumer issues, landlord/tenant issues, and employment law. Attorneys who are bilingual (English/Spanish) are also available. First Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm 512/472-8303. Free. [email protected], austinlrs.org.

YWCA GREATER AUSTIN WARMLINE Call 512/548-9922 for support amidst the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mondays-Thursdays, 9am-8pm; Fridays, 9-5pm; Saturdays, noon-4pm Citywide. ywcaaustin.org.

DRIVE-THROUGH VACCINE CLINIC VOLUNTEERS If you're interested in volunteering at Travis County's drive-through vaccine clinic at COTA, sign up here. Clinic open: Fridays-Sundays Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker. centraltxvaccs.org.

AUSTIN TRANSIT PARTNERSHIP ADVISORY COMMITTEES APPLICATIONS Applications are now open to join the following committees: Engineering, Architecture, and Construction; Finance and Risk; and Planning, Sustainability, Equity, and DBE Advisory. The governing body of the agency created to build out Project Connect, ATP will oversee funding, designing, and implementing the $7.1 billion mass transit overhaul. Ongoing Online. atptx.org.

AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER CAMP LOTTERY REGISTRATION Applicants can register for a random lottery drawing for limited in-person camps. In-person camp costs $120 per week with $20 due upon acceptance of lottery spot. April 19-May 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

WINTER STORM REVIEW TASK FORCE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT Share your experiences and recommendations related to Winter Storm Uri, which will then be incorporated into a final report for City Council. Provide feedback online via the SpeakUp Austin website, or to speak remotely at the task force meetings, call (512/974-6339) or email no later than noon the day prior to the meetings on May 14 & 28 and June 11 & 23. Ongoing Remote. [email protected], www.speakupaustin.org/winter-storm-uri-community-feedback.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS NORTH PUBLIC HEARING Review the draft environmental assessment and the recommended alternative for improvements to I-35 from SH 45 N. to Hwy. 290 E. Through June 10 Online. capexnorth.mobility35openhouse.com.

AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY Share your feedback on ARR reaching its zero waste goals to help guide departmental efforts to measure Austin’s zero waste progress. Deadline: June 1 Online. www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-resource-recovery.

PALM DISTRICT PLANNING SURVEY Austin’s Palm District is located on the eastern edge of Downtown between I-35 and Trinity St., running from Rainey St. to 15th St. The city's Housing and Planning Department seeks public input on the future of the area as it develops the final Palm District Small Area Plan. Explore the area, take a survey, and ask questions on the city’s project website. Ongoing Online. [email protected], www.speakupaustin.org/palmdistrict.

SHOAL CREEK AUDIO WALKING TOUR SURVEY The Shoal Creek Conservancy is seeking public input to determine which stories to include in its free, self-guided tour along Shoal Creek. Deadline: June 7 Online. [email protected], www.shoalcreekconservancy.org.

TCSO VICTIM SERVICES VOLUNTEERS The Travis County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit needs volunteers to offer immediate assistance to victims of various criminal and crisis circumstances. Those interested must complete a training program from July 31-Aug. 28 (Mondays, virtual, 6-9pm; Thursdays, virtual, 6-9pm; Saturdays, in-person, 9am-5pm). Ongoing Online. www.tcsheriff.org.

2021-22 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT The Budget Office’s website includes explanatory videos in English and Spanish about the city’s FY 2021-22 budgeting process, as well as a short survey for residents to share their thoughts on spending priorities. The mayor and City Council are scheduled to adopt Austin’s FY 2021-22 budget and tax rate between Aug. 11-13. Ongoing Online. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/budget.

DRIVE-UP HIV/STI TESTING No appointment necessary for free and confidential tests for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Through July 23. Fridays, 9am-noon Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center, 2800 Webberville Rd.. Free. www.austintexas.gov/health.

APA! POURS FOR PETS Austin Pets Alive! puts the "fun" in "fundraiser" this month: For $40, you can purr-chase a passport to use participating locations throughout July, and at each stop, pick up a coffee, beer, glass of wine, or even a refreshing agua fresca. The nonprofit animal shelter is partnering with Austin favorites like Irene’s, Hank’s, Cosmic Coffee, Yard Bar, and more, and proceeds go to pets in need. July 1-31 Citywide. $40 donation. austinpetsalive.org.

SUMMER LUNCH FOR TEENS AND KIDS Central Health is providing children ages 18 and under with free weekly meal packs that include breakfast and lunch for the entire week. Through Aug. 12. Thursdays, noon-2pm Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis Dr.. Free. fb.com/southeasthealthandwellnesscenter.

ARC OF THE CAPITAL AREA WILDFLOWER PROGRAM In collaboration with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The Arc offers classes for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities focusing on social-emotional growth, vocational studies, life skills, active recreation, and Texas nature. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-2pm Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse. $150-300 per month. arcaustin.org/wildflower.

ACA SPECIAL ENROLLMENT DEADLINE Sunday, Aug. 15, is the deadline to sign up for health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Enroll online, via phone, or find local certified help in your area at localhelp.healthcare.gov. Deadline: Sun., Aug. 15 800/318-2596. healthcare.gov.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS CENTRAL PROJECT FEEDBACK Review the Texas Department of Transportation’s $4.9 billion project by Sept. 24. TxDOT proposes to add two HOV lanes in each direction along I-35 from U.S. 290 E. to Hwy. 71/Ben White Blvd. Extended Deadline: Sept. 24 Online. my35capex.com.

CENTRAL HEALTH 2022 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT Submit your questions or comments on Central Health’s proposed FY 2022 budget and a member of Central Health’s staff will get in touch. Ongoing Online. participate.centralhealth.net/2022budget.

ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN COMMUNITY SURVEY As part of the engagement process for the first-ever Zilker Park Vision Plan – the guiding framework for the park’s restoration and future development – community members are invited to share their thoughts on the park’s programming. Deadline: Sept. 30 Online. austintexas.gov/zilkervision.

ACL ZILKER PARK ACCESS Beginning Sept. 20, the Parks and Recreation Department will close Zilker Park and select roads and street lanes in preparation for the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Oct. 1-3 & 8-10). View the city’s interactive map for more details and a schedule of park and road closures. Sept. 20-Oct. 17 Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.. austintexas.gov/page/pard-facilities-closures.

SOUTH PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS SURVEY The city is gathering comments from residents about how they currently use South Pleasant Valley Road between St. Elmo Road and Onion Creek Park and how they would like to use the road to help guide future changes to the corridor. Deadline: Oct. 10 Online. data.austintexas.gov/stories/s/South-Pleasant-Valley-Road/b375-n8jt/.

DRIVE SAFE 2 SAVE COMPETITION Safe 2 Save, in partnership with Austin Transportation’s Vision Zero program, is hosting a competition to find Austin’s “safest driver” to discourage distracted driving and phone use. The competition features weekly cash prizes of $500, with the top three winners receiving prizes at the end. Through Oct. 15 safe2save.org/greater-austin-safe-driving-competition/.

TRANSPORTATION CRITERIA MANUAL UPDATE The TCM defines the rules, requirements, and technical guidelines for building mobility infrastructure in Austin. The city’s Transportation Department has worked to update the manual over the past two years; the current draft of the revised TCM is available for public review now through Nov. 1. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. austintexas.gov/street-design.

AUSTIN STRATEGIC MOBILITY PLAN SURVEY Austin Transportation Department seeks community members’ feedback on three new policy changes to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the city’s first comprehensive, multimodal transportation plan. Ongoing Online. austintexas.gov/asmp.

TPWD COMMUNITY OUTDOOR OUTREACH PROGRAM GRANT TPWD’s CO-OP grants provide funding to tax-exempt organizations for programming that engages under-served populations in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education activities. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. tpwd.texas.gov.

FORD BUILD TO CONNECT This multiday outdoor event includes displays of Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning truck and Mustang Mach-E SUV models. Oct. 15-24. Mon.-Fri., noon-9pm; Sat.-Sun., 9am-8pm Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe, 512/381-1147. Free. fordautoshows.com/built-to-connect.

AUSTIN LGBT CHAMBER HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE Austin’s queer business chamber hosts its annual drive for new (and unwrapped) toys, clothing, and shoes for local children. Donations will go to children and families enrolled in LifeWorks programs and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County programs. See here for a list of drop-off locations and suggested donations. Through Dec. 10 Multiple locations. austinlgbtchamber.com/toydrive.

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY WORKER Over 600 spots need to be filled at polling locations for the March 1 primaries; this is a paid position through Travis County. traviscountydemocrats.org.

WIC MOBILE UNIT Resources and info about Austin Public Health’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program for qualifying pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Check online for current schedule Various locations. Free. austintexas.gov/wic.

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