Res Publica

For more details and events, see Community Listings.

Thursday12

5604 MANOR ANNIVERSARY Enjoy music and libations in celebration of this progressive hub's one-year anniversary. 5:30-10pm. 5604 Manor Rd. www.5604manor.org.

AMERICAN GATEWAYS GALA Support immigrant rights and celebrate the winners of the pro bono attorney and law firm awards. 6-10pm. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside, 478-0546 x208. Sold out. www.americangateways.org.

COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE Support Planned Par­enthood's services as women's health care sits in the crosshairs of budget cuts. 6pm. Palm Door, 401-A Sabine, 276-8061. Sold out. www.ppaustin.org.

FAIR TRADE SHORTS Short films get you in the mood for Saturday's Fair Trade Film Festival. 6:30-9:30pm. Domy Books, 913 E. Cesar Chavez. www.fairtradeaustin.org.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FORUM Share your thoughts on regional public transportation needs at this forum hosted by the Capital Area Region­al Transit Coordination Committee. 6-8pm. San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins Rd., San Marcos. www.capitalareartcc.org.

Friday13

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FORUM Local officials discuss the links between affordable housing and public health. Call or email to RSVP. 9-10:30am. Street-Jones Building, 1000 E. 11th, 974-3155. Free. meng.qi@ci.austin.tx.us

LECTURE SERIES: HERMAN CAIN This GOP presidential candidate talks to the Austin Economic Club about how the American dream is under attack. 8-10am. Austin Club, 110 E. Ninth, 225-5890. $35. www.austineconomicclub.com.

ALLGO QUEER PEOPLE OF COLOR SUMMIT Get your intellect on with 50 of Texas' smartest queer activists. Fri.-Sun., May 13-15. Greene Family Camp, 1192 Smith Ln., Bruceville, 512/472-2001. $120, two nights' lodging, food, and conference. www.allgo.org.

SCIENCE IN THE PUB Drink a pint with Texans for Stem Cell Research. 5pm. Cactus Cafe, Texas Union, UT campus, 475-6515. Free. www.scienceinthepub.com.

Saturday14

ELECTION DAY Check out Election Central (austinchronicle.com/elections) for complete coverage and polling location info, and see p.6 for our endorsements. 7am-7pm.

FAIR TRADE FILM FESTIVAL A day of screenings, panel discussions, and more to celebrate World Fair Trade Day. Noon-9pm. Alamo Drafthouse South, 1120 S. Lamar. $20 per session. www.fairtradeaustin.org.

YELLOW BIKE PROJECT TURNS 14 Join this bike-supporting, bike-building nonprofit for two-wheeled birthday shenanigans. 4pm-12mid. YBP Headquarters, 1216 Webberville Rd. Free. www.austinyellowbike.org.

ZILKER ELEMENTARY CAMPUS FACILITY WORKSHOP 9am-noon. Zilker Elementary School cafeteria, 1900 Bluebonnet.

Sunday15

PUBLIC AFFAIRS FORUM UT journalism professor Bob Jensen discusses being human and the effect of race and gender on our sense of self. 11:30am. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover, 452-6168. Free. www.austinuu.org.

Tuesday17

NORWOOD PARK COMMUNITY INPUT MEETING Help Austin Parks and Rec bring this neighborhood park back to life. 6pm. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River, 974-9460. Free. www.cityofaustin.org/parks/norwoodtract.htm.

Wednesday18

RETURN OF BARR MANSION The Texas Green Network and Design-Build-Live celebrate and discuss the return of the Barr Mansion's ballroom – back and more sustainable than ever – after last year's devastating fire. 5:30-8:30pm. Barr Mansion, 10463 Sprinkle, 926-6907. Free. rsvpaustin@texasgreennetwork.org.

REPRODUCTIVE EQUITY AWARDS Pro-choice political org Annie's List is honored at this Lilith Fund benefit for its work toward reproductive freedom in Texas. Purchase tickets at www.lilithfund.org. 6-9pm. Mercury Hall, 615 Cardinal, 877/355-1463. $35.

Ongoing

CITY BUDGET MEETINGS Departmental budget presentations continue throughout the week at Boards and Commissions meetings, offering opportunities for community input as the city prepares a budget for the 2012 fiscal year. See the schedule at www.cityofaustin.org/finance, or submit input online at www.speakupaustin.org. www.settlementhome.org.

SETTLEMENT HOME CALL FOR DONATIONS This home for children who have been abused and neglected needs clothing, furniture, sporting goods, collectibles, jewelry, and other items for its annual garage sales. Call 448-5302.