Res Publica

Thursday28

CITY COUNCIL ventures far from the dais this week to bring its regular meeting to the people of South Austin. 10am. Crockett High School, 5601 Manchaca Rd. www.cityofaustin.org.

'FOOD STAMPED' The Texas Food Policy Round­table hosts a screening of this documentary about one couple's attempts to follow a healthy diet while on food stamps; a roundtable discussion follows. 6pm. First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity, 476-2625. Free. www.txfoodpolicy.org.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FORUM Share your thoughts on regional public transportation needs at this forum hosted by the Capital Area Regional Transit Coordination Committee. 6-8pm. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main, Round Rock. www.capitalareartcc.org.

WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY People all around the country honor those who have lost their lives in work-related accidents. Austin events begin with a ceremony and continue with visits to state legislators. 11:30am-1:30pm. State Capitol, 1100 Congress. RSVP: katie@workersdefense.org.

Friday29

ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM: COUNCIL CANDI­DATES Local enviro groups will grill City Council candidates live on Channel 16. 5-7pm. ChannelAustin, cable Channel 16. www.channelaustin.org.

FAMILY FARMS & LOCAL FOODS EDUCATION DAY The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance invites you to learn about local food production and relevant legislation. Noon-5pm. State Capitol, 1100 Congress. www.farmandranchfreedom.org.

LAST DAY: URBAN RAIL FEEDBACK Time is running out: Submit feedback on the environmental study for the city's proposed urban rail line connecting Downtown, UT, the Mueller development, and the airport. See www.austinurbanrail.com or send mail to Austin Trans­port­a­tion Depart­ment, PO Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767. www.austinurbanrail.com.

Saturday30

DEL VALLE ISD SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM 2-4pm. Elroy Community Library, 13512 FM 812, Del Valle. delvallepta@gmail.com.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY More info in "Naked City," above. 10am-2pm. Drop-off at: Cornerstone Church, 1101 Reinli; Household Haz­ardous Waste Facility, 2514 Business Center Dr. www.dea.gov.

HOUSING FAIR The Austin Tenants' Council and other local organizations explain tenants' rights and give home-buying advice. 10am-1pm. 1640-B E. Second, 474-7006. Free. www.housing-rights.org.

TEXAS ARBORETUM DEDICATION Learn about plans for the Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum and join in the ribbon-cutting, tree-planting fun. 10:30am-4pm. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. $3-8. www.wildflower.org.

Sunday01

PUBLIC AFFAIRS FORUM with Peggy Kelsey of the Afghan Women's Project. 11:30am. First Unitar­ian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover Ave., 452-6168.

COMMUNITY GARDEN TOUR The Coalition of Austin Community Gardens and the Sustain­able Food Center organize this self-guided tour of local community gardens. 10am-4pm. 236-0074. Free. Details at www.communitygardensaustin.org.

Monday02

EARLY VOTING BEGINS See "The Action's in Place 3," for more on the candidates, Chronicle endorsements, voting info, and austinchronicle.com/elections for ongoing coverage. May 2-10. Election day: May 14. austinchronicle.com/election.

Tuesday03

ENVIRONMENTAL TRADE FAIR/CONFERENCE Meet 4,600 other Earth-lovers at this Texas Commission on Environmental Quality-organized schmooze-fest. Tue.-Wed., May 3-4. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez, 404-4000. $210 ($105, one-day pass). www.tceq.state.tx.us.

PUBLIC FORUM: PRIVATE BOARDING HOMES Help the city develop standards for the operation of private boarding homes in Austin. 7-8pm. Carver Library, 1161 Angelina, 972-6115. carole.barasch@ci.austin.tx.us.

TOBY RYAN BENEFIT CONCERT for the City Council candidate. 8pm. Venue 222, 222 E. Sixth. $12. www.tobyforaustin.com.

Wednesday04

TEXAS NORML MONTHLY MEETING Discuss the latest developments in marijuana-law reform. 8pm. Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. Sixth, 494-9336. www.texasnorml.org.