Naked City

Not so long ago, our neighbor to the north balked at joining the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and cracked jokes about cave bugs. But now, Williamson Co. has its own designated karst preserve system -- part of a long-term conservation for three endangered cave-dwelling invertebrates. Why? Roads. The preserve is a federally approved mitigation measure that allows the state to go forward with SH 45 and the county with its $400 million road package. A formal signing of the agreement takes place at 9:30am Saturday, Dec. 14 at the new preserve system in Southwest Regional Park, 3005 County Rd. 175 in Leander (that's just north of FM 1431 and off of Sam Bass Road). Federal and state big wheels will be on hand for the ceremony. -- A.S.

AISD will hold two public forums on the proposed changes in PE and fine arts classes (see p.18): Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Reagan High and Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Austin High, both at 6:30pm.

The Save Our Springs Alliance Holiday Party and Silent Auction is tonight (Thursday) at La Zona Rosa, 6:30-11:30pm. Tickets are $10 at the door and the party will feature music by Hot Club of Cowtown, Oceanic, and Bill Oliver. Call 477-2320 for more info.

The Trail of Lights Cap Metro shuttle service from Waterloo Park to Zilker Park and back again runs through Dec. 23, 6:30-9pm from Waterloo, last return from Zilker at 10:30pm. Parking is available in state garages. Adults $2; children 6-12 $1, 5 and under free. Go-line: 474-1200.

"Silencing Dissent: The 25x25 Art Book Project" -- 25 works on 25cm-by-25cm paper by 25 Austin-area artists on dissent in the current political climate -- goes on display this Friday at Monkeywrench Books. Copies of the book are on sale to benefit Monkeywrench and future projects. The opening will feature speakers, music, poetry, and an open mic. Friday, Dec. 13, 7pm, 110 E. North Loop (at Avenue F). Info: 407-6925.