Res Publica
Citizens' calendar, Dec. 16-22
Fri., Dec. 17, 2010
Thursday16
GREEN HOLIDAY PARTY Hobnob with local enviro orgs. 5:30-9:30pm. Fiesta Gardens, 2100 Jesse E. Segovia, 480-8318. $30 ($20, members). www.texasgreennetwork.org
HEALTH CARE REFORM & YOU Experts translate governmental jargon into answers about your coverage and the new law. 6:30-9pm. Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart, 250-1043. Free. www.shalomaustin.org
Friday17
DEADLINE: REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION INPUT Public comment on roadway expansions, bikeways, and other transit projects affected by proposed changes to regional transportation plans ends at 5pm. See www.surveymonkey.com/s/plantipoct2010. www.campotexas.org/programs_plan.php
DRIVE ELECTRIC TOUR Take a test drive of Nissan's new electric car – the Leaf – and learn more about the technology behind this step in automotive evolution. Fri-Sun., Dec. 17-19. The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, 795-4230. www.thedomainaustin.com
PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CAMPUS OPENING Tour the shooting range, "burn building," outdoor training areas, SWAT obstacle course, driving track, and more at this open house. 10am. Public Safety Training Campus, 4800 Shaw. Free.
Saturday18
CITY EMPLOYEES ARE ARTISTS, TOO The people who run our city do more than just shuffle paper – they draw on it, too. Check out artwork made by city employees – including City Manager Marc Ott – at this exhibit hosted by VSA Texas. 2-4pm. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River.
FUKUOKA'S NATURAL FARMING METHODS Learn about these innovative permaculture techniques in a presentation from Ethan Rainwater. 2:30-4:30pm. Habitat Suites Hotel, 500 E. Highland Mall Blvd. $5 suggested donation. www.designbuildlive.org
WILLOWBROOK REACH WORKDAY This neighborhood greenbelt is in the first stages of restoration and needs your help mulching and removing invasive plants. Come dressed to work; bring shovels and rakes if you got 'em. 9am-1pm. Sycamore & Half Penny. For details, e-mail [email protected]. www.flwr.blogspot.com
Sunday19
RECYCLING SCREENING & CONVERSATION A discussion with folks from Ecology Action follows a short film on the life cycle of an average – but riveting – grocery bag. 7pm. MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop, 407-6925. Free. http://monkeywrenchbooks.org
Monday20
ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES REBATE Monday is the first day you can purchase qualifying appliances for the state's Appliance Mail-In Rebate Program – but before you apply for the rebate, you must first install the new and recycle the old. Rebates are granted on a first-postmarked, first-served basis, so the time to start is, er, now. www.texaspowerfulsmart.org
DEADLINE: AUSTIN ENERGY LOANS/REBATES Monday is the last day to cash in on AE's zero-interest loans and rebates for home energy efficiency improvements. www.austinenergy.com
Tuesday21
GRASSROOTS ACTION IN THE CLIMATE MOVEMENT Learn about the growing number of upstart orgs fighting the good fight against big oil and big coal. 7pm. MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop, 407-6925. Free. www.monkeywrenchbooks.org
Ongoing
AUSTIN DOWNTOWN PLAN Recommendations on improvements related to historic preservation, density, transportation, and other Downtown issues are currently making their way through city boards and commissions before they go to council for a vote; check them out for yourself at www.cityofaustin.org/downtown.
FREE SPAY/NEUTER SERVICES Emancipet is partnering with the city to provide free rabies shots, collars/tags, microchipping, and spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats from local ZIP codes ending in 01, 02, 21, 23, 24, 41, 44, 45, 53, and 58. Emancipet clinic, 7201 Levander Loop. For details/appointments: 587-7729. www.emancipet.org
HOLIDAY HOUNDS & CATS Town Lake Animal Center has dropped its adoption fee to $35 this month, so there's no reason not to bring a new companion home for the holidays. Through Dec. 31. TLAC, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez. www.getapetnow.com
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