Civics 101

Thursday15

NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN OPEN HOUSE Residents of St. John and Coronado Hills neighborhoods are invited to the final open house to mark the near completion of the neighborhood plan process. 6:30-8:30pm, Virginia Brown Rec Center, Room B, 7500 Blessing Ave. www.cityofaustin.org.

GRITO DE INDEPENDENCIA The evening's activites kick off with a short film, followed by festive music, dance, and other events. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St.

Saturday17

THE MARCH OF TYRANNY A peaceful, nonviolent protest against the practice of big corporate wealth bankrolling politicians of all stripes. 3-6pm. Waterloo Park, 12th Street & Red River. www.usdayofrage.org.

HISPANIC HERITAGE CELE­BRATION Join the Austin Public Library in saluting Latino culture at one of a series of free library events through Oct. 15. 10am-noon. Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd. www.austintexas.gov/library.

GREATER AUSTIN SMOKE-OUT The Austin Variety Show hosts this live taping and Red Cross fundraiser for fire victims. Doors open at 8:30pm. Highland Mall, 6001 Airport Blvd. Advance tickets $15 at www.austinvarietyshow.com, $17 at the door.

Monday19

ELECTRIC RATE HIKE HEARING Tell the Electric Utility Commis­sion your thoughts on Austin Energy's proposed rate increase. Sign up to speak or send comments to ratereview@austinenergy.com. 6pm. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd.

'SECURE COMMUNITIES' FOR­UM RSVP to learn how this immigration enforcement program is affecting deportations in Travis County. 7-9pm. AFL-CIO Hall, 1106 Lavaca. For info or to RSVP, call 476-2472 or email Esther Reyes at esther@austinirc.org.

Wednesday21

GROUND TRANSPORTATION MEETING Can taxis, pedicabs, and other alternative transportation modes coexist in a car-dependent city like ours? Find out at today's public meeting to discuss the latest study on this increasingly hot topic. 10am-noon. City Hall, Rm 1029.

Thursday22

WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT ANNIVERSARY Celebrate nine years with its guest, El Paso state Sen. José Rodríguez. 6:30-9pm. Mexican American Cultural Cen­ter, 600 River St. For more info, email candace@workersdefense.org.

FREE WEBCONFERENCE FOR CAREGIVERS The National Private Duty Association and its Texas chapter host a free interactive webconference on legal issues affecting seniors. 7pm. Sign up at www.privatedutyhomecare.org.