Res Publica

Thursday16

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMITTEE HEARING Schools vie this afternoon for the one available new charter school slot. 1pm. Texas Education Agency, 1701 N. Congress.

TAX PROTEST Why are Austin homeowners paying 100% of their property taxes while commercial property owners are getting away with as little as 40%? See "No Fair Share? Property Tax Report Provokes a County Review" for the story, and then join in this protest to show you won't stand for it! Noon, Travis Central Appraisal District offices outside, 8314 Cross Park. www.changeaustin.org.

WALLER CREEK CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 6pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.cityofaustin.org/agenda/2009/downloads/waller_071609.pdf.

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Friday17

PEOPLE UNITED examines Under the Hood Cafe near Fort Hood and its relation to GI resistance against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 1pm. KOOP Radio 91.7FM. www.koop.org.

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Sunday19

INSIDE BOOKS PROJECT needs all the help it can get with sending books to Texas prisoners. Thursdays & Sundays, 8-11pm. Space 12, 3121 E. 12th, 647-4803. www.insidebooksproject.org.

GIVE BLOOD FOR SUNDAES Every Sunday in July, you get an Amy's Ice Creams sundae for donating blood. Blood Center of Central Texas, 4300 N. Lamar, 206-1266. www.inyourhands.org.

LAURA BUSH The former first lady is in town today to speak at the opening of the new library named in her honor. 2pm. Laura Bush Community Library, 9411 Bee Caves Rd. www.westbank.lib.tx.us/about/support/.

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Tuesday21

EAST AUSTIN SPEAKER SERIES Get a better sense of the past, present, and future of the Eastside from the area's grassroots leaders. Topics include activism, housing, jobs, and education. First and third Tuesdays, 6pm. East Austin Community Center, 6002 Jain, 462-2181. Free. www.swkey.org.

SMART IRRIGATION SEMINAR Learn how to irrigate your yard and save money on your water bill at the same time. What better way to celebrate Smart Irrigation Month? Noon. Austin Water Utility, 625 E. 10th, Rm. 105, 974-2199. Free.

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Wednesday22

PEACE MARCH SING-ALONG Lady Liberty, aka Mary Hath Spokane, brings her Great American Peace March to Austin and is asking for signed petitions to bring to the United Nations. Visit www.greatamericanpeacemarch.com for the petition, and bring your singing voices to let the world know you're on peace's side. 7pm. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe, 477-1566.

SBOE CANDIDATE TRAINING WORKSHOP Interested in running for a seat on the State Board of Education – or holding some other public office? Learn how to run a successful campaign at this half-day workshop. 1-5pm. St. Edward's University, Moody Hall 208, 3001 S. Congress, 322-0545. $45.

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Ongoing

MEXICAN AMERICAN TRAILBLAZERS The newest Austin History Center exhibit is seeking your nominations of Mexican-American Austinites who have set inspiring examples in the arts, journalism, politics, education, business, science, medicine, sports, and public service. www.cityofaustin.org/library/ahc/trailblazers.htm. Deadline: Sept. 30.

ARCH SUMMER DONATIONS The Austin Resource Center for the Homeless is in need of all manner of toiletries (deodorant, etc.), handheld fans, lip balm, sunscreen, and water bottles. Check www.frontsteps.org or call to ask about specific items. ARCH, 500 E. Seventh, 305-4174.

DONATIONS TO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS Catholic Charities of Central Texas is accepting donations for the families of the three construction workers killed last month while working on a West Campus high-rise (for the full story, see "Three More Casualties of Austin's Growth," News, June 19). Visit www.ccctx.org to print out your donation form. Catholic Charities, 1817 E. Sixth, 651-6100.