Res Publica

Thursday18

JUSTICE RALLY Join the fight to end the death penalty. Special guests include Cory Session, brother of the recently posthumously pardoned Timothy Cole, and Regina Kelly, whose story inspired the movie American Violet. 5pm. South steps, state Capitol, 1100 Congress.

Friday19

YWCA HALLMARK SPEAKERS SERIES Learn about the effects of war on returning female veterans and their families. 9am-1pm. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina, 472-4809. $60 ($25, students). www.ywcaaustin.org.

Saturday20

MILLION MUSICIANS MARCH FOR PEACE Peace­makers and noisemakers come together for this annual rally and march. Parade begins around 2pm from the Capitol (11th & Congress) to City Hall. Noon-4pm. www.instrumentsforpeace.org.

TRAVIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION Delegate selection for the State Democratic Convention in June, plus a Clean Energy rally and appearances from Sen. Kirk Watson, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, and others. 10am-5pm. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

Sunday21

WHAT'S UP WITH OUR AIR? Austin League of Women Voters hosts this discussion on the stricter ozone standards proposed by the EPA and the potential impact on Central Texas. 2-4pm. Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd.

AMERICANS UNITED FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE The fledgling Austin chapter gathers to keep God out of government. 5pm. Genuine Joe Coffeehouse, 2001 W. Anderson, 280-6950. Free. www.au.org.

Monday22

PUBLIC FORUM: 2035 TRANSPORTATION PLAN The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organ­ization wants feedback on its 25-year transportation plan; see the plan and comment online at www.campotexas.org, or give your input in person at one of several upcoming public meetings, beginning with this one. 4-7pm. Baca Activity and Senior Center, 301 W. Bagdad Avenue, Round Rock.

PUBLIC HEARING: MORE TRANSPARENCY AT AUSTIN ENERGY? The Electric Utility Com­mis­sion is considering changes to AE's Competitive Matters Resolution, which governs information the utility considers confidential. Do you think AE should be more open with the public? Read up on the issues at www.austinenergy.com – and speak up. 6pm. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd.

METRORAIL RED LINE Capital Metro's long-awaited rail line opens today with a week of free rides. www.capmetro.org. (See "The Train! The Train!" for full schedule and info.)

Tuesday23

PUBLIC FORUM: 2035 TRANSPORTATION PLAN (See Monday.) 4-7pm. Carver Library, 1161 Angelina.

Wednesday24

SPRING INTO HOPE Learn more about HopeHouse and how to support their efforts to provide job training and microcredit loans to entrepreneurial women experiencing poverty. Complimentary food and drinks at this mixer. 7pm. Mercury Hall, 615 Cardinal, 351-9938. Free. RSVP at www.springintohope.eventbrite.com.

Thursday25

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: AISD Trustees want your feedback on the preliminary budget proposal for the 2010-11 school year. 6:30pm (light refreshments at 6pm). Reagan High School, 7104 Berkman. www.austinisd.org.

PUBLIC FORUM: 2035 TRANSPORTATION PLAN (See Tuesday.) 4-7pm. San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos.

Ongoing

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MASCOT With mascot candidates narrowed down to a final four, Austin Com­munity College wants help choosing which one will finally take the reins from the pink bunny now serving as the school's interim pep booster. March 22-April 20. Vote online at www.austincc.edu/mascot.

CLIMATE PROTECTION PETITION Encourage city officials to continue onward and upward with their Austin Climate Protection Program efforts by signing the Recommit to Climate Protection petition launched by local environmentalist Chris Searles at www.tinyurl.com/austinclimateprotection.

HELP GET GOOGLE Do you want Google to build a bigger, faster Internet ... right here in Austin? Let the folks at Google know, because they plan to go where they're most wanted. Visit www.biggigaustin.org to learn more and help roll out the welcome mat.

JOSEPH AND SUSANNA DICKINSON HANNIG MUSEUM Fresh from a 10-year-long restoration effort, the home of Alamo survivor Susan­na Dickinson is ready to play host to tourists and Texas history buffs curious about the many artifacts on public display for the first time. Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm. 411 E. Fifth, 472-1903. Free. www.susannadickinsonmuseum.org.