Naked City

"Can You Hear Us Now?" Austinites will gather for a follow-up to last week's massive anti-war rally on Saturday, March 1, at 1pm, at Republic Square, Fourth and Guadalupe, part of a day of nationally coordinated protests. For more info: www.austinagainstwar.org. Meanwhile, at 2pm the same day, the Texas Review Society is sponsoring a Rally for America -- "Join us in patriotic support of President Bush, America, and our troops!" on the south steps of the Capitol. ("Wear red, white, and blue!" organizers urge.) Call 917-8260 for more info.

Hoping you won't have to buy drinking water from T. Boone Pickens? Come to the "Water Is a Right" rally at the Capitol, Monday, March 3, 11am, to lobby legislators on water issues. For more info: 477-1729.

The Austin ISD will hold two public forums this week on its proposed 2003-2004 budget, still under development by Supt. Forgione and an appointed budget task force -- Wednesday, March 5, at Akins High School, 10701 S. First, and Thursday, March 6, at Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman. Both events begin at 7pm in the school auditoriums. Citizen sign-up for one-minute communications begins at 6:30pm, and a Spanish-language interpreter will be available. Citizens can contact the task force directly by e-mail, budget@austin.isd.tenet.edu, or visit the budget-feedback Web site at www.austin.isd.tenet.edu/about/initiatives/budget2003/index.phtml.

Citizens concerned about the Holly Street Power Plant will be taking part in several activities this week. Today (Thursday), Citizens' Communication to the City Council; Saturday, March 1, 9:30am press conference at 2200 Haskell (next to the power plant), followed by leafleting the neighborhood; Monday, March 3, 5:30pm, protest at the plant entrance on Holly; Tuesday, March 4, 6:45pm press conference at Metz Elementary (Canterbury and Robert Martinez), followed by a hearing of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.