Res Publica

Thursday31

COMMUNITY INPUT MEETING: CITY FUNDS Help prioritize placement of federal funds for affordable housing, community development, and public services. 6-8pm. Trinity Center, 304 E. Seventh, 610-3515. www.speakupaustin.org.

SAVE TEXAS PARKS RALLY Bring your fishing rod, mountain bike, or favorite outdoor equipment to the Capitol to show your love of the land and speak out against devastating budget cuts to state parks. 2:30pm. Texas Capitol, 1100 Congress.

ST. JOHNS/CORONADO HILLS WORKSHOP See the draft future land-use map for your neighborhood and learn about the world of zoning. 6:30-8:30pm. Virginia Brown Rec Center, 7500 Blessing. www.cityofaustin.org/planning/neighborhood/sj_ch.htm.

Friday01

FEMINIST ACTION PROJECT CONFERENCE broaches topics ranging from sex work to airport security. Fri.-Sat., April 1-2. UT School of Social Work Building, 232-1907. $20. www.feministactionproject.blogspot.com.

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ONLINE JOUR­NALISM gathers media experts from around the world. AT&T Education Center, 1900 University Ave. $60 ($30, students, faculty). Fri.-Sat., April 1-2. online.journalism.utexas.edu.

Saturday02

DIY CODE COMPLIANCE City code compliance officials answer your questions and explain their services. 8am-2pm. Home Depot: 1200 Barbara Jordan Blvd., 432-3000; 3600 S. I-35, 693-9811. www.cityofaustin.org/code/compliance.

CENTRAL TEXAS LAWN MOWER PROGRAM Trade in your gas-powered mower for a discounted electric model. (Supplies are limited, so call ahead to reserve yours: 389-2250.) 8:30am-2pm. Home Depot, 3600 S. I-35. www.cmpbs.org/electriclawnmower.

HAZARDOUS WASTE RECYCLING EVENT accepts batteries, paint, antifreeze, and oil (in sealed containers). 8-10:30am. Trinity United Methodist Church, 600 E. 50th, 343-0803. www.swtmfsa.org.

Sunday03

DRINK BEER, SAVE TEXAS PARTY Support House Bill 660 and give craft beers a fighting chance (for more, see austinchronicle.com/legeland). 1-8pm. Uncle Billy's, 6550 Comanche Trail, 266-0111. $20 ($15, in advance). www.texasbeerfreedom.org/2011/03/drink-beer-save-texas-party.

HOW TOP SECRET AMERICA MISFIRES A talk from FBI whistle-blower Coleen Rowley. 5604 Manor Rd. $10 suggested donation. www.codepinkaustin.com.

Monday04

PUBLIC MEETING: URBAN RAIL kicks off a series of meetings regarding the proposed Central Austin urban rail system. See "Urban Rail Public Meetings" for details and schedule. 2-5pm. Austin Convention Center, Meeting Room 3, 500 E. Cesar Chavez, 404-4000. www.austinurbanrail.com.

Wednesday06

COMMUNITY INPUT: CITY FUNDS (See Thurs­day, 3/31.) 6-8pm. Virginia Brown Rec Center, 7500 Blessing, 974-7865. Free. www.speakupaustin.org.

GO GREEN CONFERENCE Learn how your business can go green while saving money. Lucia Athens, the city's chief sustainabilty officer, delivers the keynote. 8:30am-5pm. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez, 974-1929. $150. www.austin.gogreenconference.net.

SAVE OUR STATE RALLY Kicks off with a march to the Capitol from Waterloo Park (500 E. 12th), and continues with a rally and lobbying day encouraging legislators to prioritize education, health care, public safety, the environment, and jobs. 9am-5pm. State Capitol, 1100 Congress. www.april62011.org.

TEXAS FREIGHT: BEYOND 2014 The Center for Transportation Research hosts a symposium on local and state transportation issues. 11:30am-5pm. Pickle Research Campus, 10100 Burnet Rd., 232-3100. Free. www.utexas.edu/research/ctr/symposium.

Thursday07

CONCORDIA SPEAKER SERIES LUNCHEON Local experts discuss the state of Texas education and the impact legislation might have on its future. 11:30am. Concordia University, Bldg. A, 1400 Concordia University Dr., 313-5302. Free. www.concordia.edu/speakerseries.

TEXAS POLITICS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT A talk by Texas Tribune President/Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith, hosted by People Fund. 11:30am-1pm. Alamo South, 1120 S. Lamar. $20 ($15, advance). www.peoplefund.org.

Ongoing

TREE OF THE YEAR Doesn't your favorite tree deserve a fancy plaque from the city? 505-3726. Nominations due June 30. www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear/downloads/app.pdf.