Res Publica

Thursday30

JOHN LIPSCOMBE CAMPAIGN KICKOFF This isn't an endorsement – merely an assumption that the aspiring county court judge knows how to party. 6-8:30pm. Threadgill's World HQ, 301 W. Riverside. $25 suggested donation. www.johnforjudge.com.

PUBLIC INPUT: SOLID WASTE Give feedback on the city's strategies for climate protection and zero waste goals in the Integrated Solid Waste Man­age­ment Master Plan. (See "A Plan to Plan for a Zero-Waste City" for more.) 6:30pm. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd., Rm. 130. www.austinrecycles.com.

---

Friday31

BOOTS VS. BADGES CHALLENGE The Austin Police Department and the Auxiliary to Austin Firefighters Association have each been battling it out to recruit more blood donors than the other. Donate and vote for your favorite heroes, or come out during the competition. Call or go online to schedule an appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome. 8am-4pm. Norris Conference Centers, 2525 W. Anderson, 206-1266. www.inyourhands.org.

FEED THE BLOGGER Celebrate the birthday of Thorne Dreyer, co-editor of the Rag Blog. In lieu of presents, bring funds for the Austin-based progressive Internet magazine. 6-9pm. Maria's Taco Xpress, 2529 S. Lamar, 444-0261. Donations appreciated. www.theragblog.blogspot.com.

---

Saturday01

SOLAR FIRST SATURDAY brings everyone from homeowners to solar contractors up to speed with the latest solar legislation and tech tricks of the trade. 9am-noon. Habitat Suites, 500 E. Highland Mall Blvd. $50. www.imaginesolar.com.

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION & YOU Dem­ocrat Laura Ewing and Republican Pat Hardy discuss the merits of running for an SBOE seat, an unpaid position that everyone loves to complain about. See if you have what it takes. 11:45am-1:15pm. Yarborough Library, 2200 Hancock.

WE CARE CALL-A-THON The AISD Office of Dropout Prevention and Reduction needs a few good volunteers to make calls to students (and parents of students) who have dropped out. Call to volunteer for the call-a-thon or for a shift during the two-week call effort. 10am-1pm. Car­ruth Administration Center, 1111 W. Sixth, 414-0324.

---

Monday03

MUSIC FOR GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP Si Kahn, executive director of Grassroots Lead­er­­ship, sings songs of community and freedom to benefit his campaign to end immigrant family detention. 8-9:30pm. MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop, 971-0487. $7-10 suggested donation.

---

Tuesday04

CHICAS VERDES A monthly get-together for lady greenies. 11:45am. Leaf, 419 W. Second.

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

YELLOW BIKE BENEFIT CONCERT Building a new headquarters for the Yellow Bike Project doesn't come cheap, but it's easy on the ears: James & the Douchebags, the Diving Captain, and Black Cock perform. 8pm. Emo's, 603 Red River. $5. www.austinyellowbike.org.

---

Wednesday05

KUT TOWN HALL MEETING Discuss the recent changes at the KUT radio station. 7pm. Threadgill's World HQ, 301 W. Riverside, 472-9304.

ST. JOHN/CORONADO HILLS NEIGHBOR­HOOD MEETING 6:30pm. Pickle Elementary School cafeteria, 1101 Wheatley. www.cityofaustin.org/zoning/sj_ch.htm.

TEXAS NORML convenes a monthly meeting to discuss the latest developments in marijuana-law reform. 8pm. Hickory Street Bar & Grille, 800 Congress, 477-8968. Free. www.texasnorml.org.

---

Thursday06

DANIEL BRADFORD CAMPAIGN KICKOFF Find out why Bradford is running for justice of the peace against a 34-year incumbent. 5-7pm. Long­branch Inn, 1133 E. 11th. www.bradfordforjustice.com.

LIVING NEWSPAPER SUMMER YOUTH THEATRE Performers adopt the style of Living News­paper plays – developed during the Depression by the Federal Theatre Project – to dramatize contemporary issues surrounding immigration. Aug. 6-8; Thursday-Friday, 10am & 2pm; Saturday, 4pm. Bul­lock History Museum, 1800 Congress, 936-8746. Free w/ exhibit admission. www.thestoryoftexas.com.

ANIMAL TRUSTEES OF AUSTIN needs donations to help fund treatments for puppies infected with the deadly parvovirus. Call 371-1965 or e-mail kevin@animaltrustees.org for details on how to help. www.animaltrustees.org.