Res Publica

For more details and events, see Community Listings.

Thursday10

AUSTIN URBAN RAIL PRESENTATION Transportation Director Robert Spillar updates City Council this morning on current planning and studies for the city's rail transit system to serve Central Austin (not to be confused with Capital Metro's commuter rail). 10:30am. City Hall, City Council Chambers, 301 W. Second. www.cityofaustin.org/transportation.

HERITAGE HILLS/WINDSOR HILLS LAND-USE WORKSHOP 6:30pm. Dobie Middle School, 1200 E. Rundberg. www.cityofaustin.org/zoning/heritage_hills.htm.

URBAN GEOGRAPHY LESSON Geographer Eliot Tretter on the battle between the local business community and environmental organizations and its effect on Downtown renewal. 7pm. MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop.

Friday11

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY CARD HAPPY HOUR Write a letter or postcard, or sign a petition supporting human rights around the world. 6-9pm. Ruta Maya, 3601 S. Con­gress, 707-9637. Free. www.austinamnesty.org.

CAMPAIGN TRAINING Annie's List and Emily's List host this training session for women interested in running for office or helping on campaigns. 8:30am-5pm. Hilton Air­port, 9515 New Hotel Dr. RSVP: [email protected].

PEOPLE UNITED features policy analyst Antonia Juhasz, author of The Tyranny of Oil. 1pm. KOOP Radio 91.7FM. www.koop.org.

Saturday12

CLIFF BROWN FUNDRAISER Help raise money for the 147th District Court Democratic candidate. 5:30pm. Mitchie's Gallery, 7801 N. Lamar Ste. B-148, 323-6901. $30. www.cliffbrownforjudge.com.

FRONT STEPS HOLIDAY CHEER DRIVE E-mail to see what the people at Front Steps could use to help those in need this holiday season, and drop it off today. 6-8pm. Austin Resource Cen­ter for the Homeless, 500 E. Seventh. [email protected], www.frontsteps.org.

OPEN ARCHITECTURE EAST Take a self-guided tour of 18 East Austin architecture studios; proceeds benefit UpLift Austin's environmental education programs for at-risk youth. 1-5pm. $5. For tickets and details, see www.aiaaustin.org.

SAVE OUR SPRINGS ALLIANCE HOLIDAY PAR­TY Enjoy local food and music, and bid on local stuff in the silent auction to benefit SOS. 7pm. Mercury Hall, 615 Cardinal. $10. www.sosalliance.org.

TOYS FOR TOTS BENEFIT SHOW with ZZ Top cover band Cheap Sunglasses. 9pm-1am. Carousel Lounge, 1110 E. 52nd. Toy donations welcome. www.cheapsunglassesband.com.

WALLER CREEK CLEANUP for the stretch of Waller Creek near Palm Park; Moonshine Grill will feed volunteers afterward. 9am. Palm Park, 601 E. Third. 426-1041. [email protected].

Sunday13

BENEFIT FOR AUSTIN CHILDREN'S SHELTER featuring live music from Speak, Stereo Is a Lie, and Frantic Clam. 4-10pm. Antone's, 213 W. Fifth. $10.

COMMUNITY CHANUKAH PARTY Bring food or clothing gift certificates for Angelheart Children's Center, and enjoy games, treats, music, and a candle-lighting ceremony. 2pm. Free. Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church, 3315 El Salido, Cedar Park, 512/735-8076. www.shalomaustin.org/chanukah.

Monday14

URBAN RAIL OPEN HOUSE Learn about the city's progress on Austin's urban rail transit system. 10am-2pm. City Hall atrium, 301 W. Second. www.cityofaustin.org/transportation.

Tuesday15

AUSTIN GREEN HOLIDAY SOCIAL Party with a slew of local enviro organizations. 6-10pm. Barr Mansion, 10463 Sprinkle Rd. $30 ($22, advance). www.texasgreennetwork.org/meetings.html.

JUDICIAL CANDIDATE FORUM with candidates for the Travis County civil court races, 353rd District Court, and Precinct 1 justice of the peace. 5:30pm. Southwest Key Community Center, 6002 Jain. Free. www.swkey.org/events2.html.

ST. JOHN/CORONADO HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING 6:30pm. Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center, 7500 Blessing, 974-7865. Free. www.cityofaustin.org/zoning/sj_ch.htm.

H.O.P.E. FOR THE HOLIDAYS Celebrate the season with the Travis County Democratic Party, and donate gifts for kids in need. See www.austinhopefortheholidays.com for requested items. 6-8pm. Jovita's, 1617 S. First. www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

Thursday17

NORTHEAST METRO PARK OPEN HOUSE Learn about the second phase of construction on this Pflugerville park. 6:30pm. Travis County Commissioners Courtroom, Granger Building, 314 W. 11th.

Ongoing

BROWN SANTA needs volunteers this holiday season. To participate, call 24-SANTA. Or donate nonperishable food, books, unwrapped toys (new or gently used), and cash at the warehouse, by mail to Brown Santa, PO Box 207, Austin, TX 78767, or online: www.brownsanta.org. Brown Santa Warehouse, 15400 Long Vista #101.

H1N1 FLU CLINICS Anyone under 24 years old who is under- or uninsured is eligible for a swine flu shot. Pregnant women, caregivers for infants, and people with certain chronic disorders are also eligible, and exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis; call 972-5520 with questions or to make an appointment. www.cityofaustin.org/health.