Civics 101

Thursday 7

OAK HILL PARKWAY FEEDBACK Offer feedback on the plan. Written comments sent via mail, fax, or online will be accepted until June 18. Comments accepted through Mon., June 18 www.oakhillparkway.com.

PROPOSED CEMETERY RULES OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENT PARD has released a new draft of the cemetery rules, which have been reviewed by the department and the city's Law Department. Public feedback is requested and can be submitted by mail or email by Sun., June 24. Comments accepted through Sun., June 24 D’Anne Williams, PARD, 919 W. 28½ St., Austin, TX 78705. danne.williams@austintexas.gov.

EL BUEN SAMARITANO MOBILE FOOD PANTRY A mobile food pantry providing emergency food assistance to families with financial limitations. Fresh produce, cooking help, and nutrition education available. No appointment is necessary. First and third Thursdays, 9am-noon. Del Valle Community Center, 3518 FM 973, Del Valle. www.elbuen.org/wellness/food-pantry.

MEET AISD'S NEW POLICE CHIEF Austin ISD hosts a breakfast meet and greet with new Chief of Police Ashley Gonzalez, who previously served as the deputy chief in Norwalk, Conn. 10:15am. AISD Carruth Administration Center, 1111 W. Sixth, 512/414-2414. www.austin.isd.tenet.edu.

SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM Central Health Enterprise and the Central Texas Food Bank will provide Travis County low-income families a healthy, free lunch every weekday for 11 weeks, beginning June 4. A weekend take-home food bag will be available on Fridays. June 4-Aug. 24. Mon.-Fri., 11am-1pm Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis. www.centralhealth.net.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES APPLICATION WORKSHOP A workshop for non-corporate artists or art organizations on how to complete the application. Noon. Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

WHAT NOW? AN AJC LUNCH MEETUP Paper bag your lunch and sit down with Austin Justice Coalition to learn how you can help make change and meet great people. Noon-1pm. Impact Hub Austin, 5540 N. Lamar Blvd.. Free. www.austinjustice.org.

RICH DEPALMA CAMPAIGN KICKOFF Join District 8 Council candidate Rich DePalma at his campaign kickoff. 5:30-7:30pm. Serranos Cocina y Cantina; 5030 Hwy. 290 W.. www.richdepalma.com.

FY 2018 FINAL REPORT WORKSHOP Instructions for all FY 2018 Cultural Funding recipients on how to complete the report. Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops or tablets. 6pm. Cepeda Branch Library, 651 N. Pleasant Valley, 512/974-7372. www.austintexas.gov.

TRASHED Jeremy Irons investigates the trash to earth ratio in this documentary. The screening will be followed by a discussion. 6:30pm. Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-3625. Free. https://library.austintexas.gov/terrazas-branch.

Friday 8

Saturday 9

RIGHT USE OF POWER: A WEEKEND TRAINING WITH DR. PEG SYVERSON Two days to learn more about what organizers call a "dynamic way to explore issues of ethics and power, both personal and professional." Sat.-Sun, June 9-10, 10am-6pm Austin Zen Center, 3014 Washington Square, 512/452-5777. $350 for nonmembers. admin@austinzencenter.org, www.austinzencenter.org.

FREE COMPOSTING CLASS Learn how to keep food waste out of the landfill. Residents paying the Clean Community fee qualify for a $75 rebate on a home composting system. Attend a class, then apply! Sat., June 9, 9:30-10:30am; 11am-noon Sunset Valley Farmers' Market, 3200 Jones. www.austintexas.gov/composting.

VOLUNTEER TO CLEAN LADY BIRD LAKE Volunteer to clean up Ladybird Lake both on shore and on water. 9-11am. Multiple sites around Ladybird Lake. keith@keepaustinbeautiful.org, www.keepaustinbeautiful.org.

STATE OF THE DISTRICT WITH COUNCIL MEMBER ORA HOUSTON A quarterly district town hall held by CM Houston. 1-3pm. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina, 512/978-2101. www.austintexas.gov/department/district-1.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE RIGHT NOT TO BE OFFENDED Common Ground for Texans asks, "Is there such a thing as a right not to be offended?" How does this affect freedom of speech and how should hateful speech be handled in society? 2-4pm. Old Quarry Branch Library, 7051 Village Center Dr., 512/974-8860. Free. www.cg4tx.org.

Sunday 10

SISTERS IN CRIME HEART OF TEXAS CHAPTER: TRAVIS COUNTY SEARCH & RESCUE Elizabeth Bryant, K9 unit leader at Travis County Search and Rescue discusses her work at this month's meeting. 2:15pm. Cafe Express. www.cafe-express.com.

A CONVERSATION WITH FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON Former President Bill Clinton stops in Austin to discuss the release of his book The President is Missing. 7:30pm. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman, 512/477-6060. $49-500. www.texasperformingarts.org.

Monday 11

CERTIFIED ARBORIST PREP COURSE A prep course for the ISA Certified Arborist Exam. Spanning four days and 16 topics taught by local Certified Arborists. Mondays, May 7 and 14; June 4 and 11; 8:45am-5pm. Center for Environmental Research, 2210 FM 973 S., 512/972-1950. $150-250. www.austintexas.gov.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY CAR SEAT CHECK EVENT Learn how to properly install a car seat. Register online or call the EMS Safety Hotline. 9am. CommUnityCare, 15 Waller, 512/972-7233. EMSPubEd@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov.

AARC COMMUNITY FOCUS GROUP #3 The last of three focus groups intended to discuss the desired qualities of the next AARC manager. 10am-Noon. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron, 512/974-1700. www.austintexas.gov/aarc.

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING See agenda for details. 5:30pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2241. www.austintexas.gov/boa.

CIRCLE C AREA DEMOCRATS MEETING Guest speakers Gilberto Hinojosa and Glen Maxey will discuss the Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections. 6-8pm. Trudy's Four Star, 13059 Four Star. www.circlecareademocrats.org.

2019 BUDGET TALKS WITH MAYOR PRO TEM KATHIE TOVO CM Tovo will speak to District 9 residents about upcoming budget options at the Austin City Hall Atrium. Translations and interpretation services available upon request. 6:30-8pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 311. www.austintexas.gov/budget.

TEXAS INMATE FAMILIES ASSOCIATION MEETING Have a loved one in jail? TIFA can help by offering strength to families through support, education, and advocacy. 7-8:30pm. AGE of Central Texas, 3710 Cedar #2, 512/451-4611. Free. tifa@tifa.org, www.tifa.org.

THE GENTLEMAN BANK ROBBER A member of the George Jackson Brigade in the Seventies, Rita Bo Brown was a polite lesbian criminal. The screening will be followed by a discussion and an opportunity to write letters to political prisoners. 7:30pm. MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop, 512/407-6925. Donation based. www.monkeywrenchbooks.org.

Tuesday 12

MLS2ATX ASKS FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT Pro soccer stadium and Precourt Sports Ventures supporters are seeking letters from community members urging City Council to vote in support of allowing PSV "to build a privately funded stadium and soccer park at McKalla Place and bring Austin’s first major league professional sports team" to town. If you support, sign online. Support accepted thru June 28 www.mls2atx.com/letterofsupport.

NACCS PROTEST RALLY AGAINST THE TX SBOE A protest to urge the Texas State Board of Education to use Mexican American Studies for the new course instead of “Ethnic Studies: An Overview of Americans of Mexican Descent.” Read more about the name debate here. 8:30-9:30am. William B. Travis Building, 1701 N. Congress, 512/936-7000.

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION See agenda for details. 9am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

TEST BEFORE YOU INVEST: THE LEAN START-UP METHOD An information session on finding the most appropriate process for creating and developing your business. 9am-Noon. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. $15. www.smallbizaustin.org.

REPOWERING DOWNTOWN PUBLIC MEETING Austin Energy is restructing to meeting Austin's growin needs. Transmission lines will be updated, two downtown substations will be improved, and more. Learn about these changes and more at this meeting. 4-6:30pm. Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St., 512/974-3772. www.austinenergy.com/go/repowering..

TEXAS TRIBUNE SUMMER SALON: MEET TEXAS' DREAMERS For young Texans to explore the topic of national immigration reform, and hear what it means to be a Texas "Dreamer" firsthand. 5:30-7:30pm. Irene's, 506 West Ave., 512/298-0853. www.texastribune.org.

RE-ELECT MAYOR ADLER FUNDRAISER A fundraising event for Mayor Adler's re-election campaign. Your first beer is on him. 6-8pm. Hops & Grain Brewery, 507 Calles, 512/537-9756. $25 suggested donation. www.mayoradler.com.

Wednesday 13

BIZOPEN: COMMERICAL PROPERTY A general overview of Austin's development process, covering development assessment, land use and zoning, building permits, and more. 10-11am. One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., 512/974-3251. www.smallbizaustin.org.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING See agenda for details. 2pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

PINTS WITH PIO: SOUTH AUSTIN FUNDRAISER A fundraiser to help re-elect sitting District 3 CM Pio Renteria. 5:30-7:30pm. St. Elmo Brewing Co., 440 E. St. Elmo, 737/300-1965. www.d3forpio.com.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION: THE FEMALE PERSPECTIVE A discussion on diversity and women's inclusion in the workplace presented by expert panelists from Dell, Google Fiber, and more. 6-7:30pm. JW Marriott Austin, 110 E. Second. $35. www.herdacity379573193.wordpress.com.

LGBTQ NEEDS ASSESSMENT REVEAL AND RECEPTION Be among the first to learn about IMPACT! Texas, a statewide LGBTQ community needs assessment compiled by Texas Pride Impact Fund. Community leaders Liz Elsen, Kathryn Gonzalez, Priscilla Hale, Loretta Holland, and Chuck Smith will discuss the finding. An open bar reception follows. 6-8pm. Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St., 512/974-3772. Free. www.maccaustin.org.

Thursday 14

RALLY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOND DOLLARS Join Austin Housing Coalition to cheer on City Council's vote to put affordable housing bond dollars on the November 2018 ballot. 9-9:30am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austinhousingcoalition.org.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING See agenda for details. 10am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL VOTE ON FREEDOM CITY POLICY Join Grassroots Leadership, Texas Advocates for Justice, and more to urge City Council to approve the Freedom City policy (Items 73 and 74) and move toward making Austin an inclusive and safe city for all. 5:30-8pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

ARTIST ACCESS PROGRAM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETING A public engagement meeting by PARD to gather community feedback on the Artist Access Program. 6-8pm. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron, 512/974-4001. laura.esparza@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/parks.

FAMILIES BELONG TOGETHER MARCH AND RALLY A march from City Hall to the Capitol in opposition of separating parents from their children along the U.S. border. 6-9pm. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.familiesbelong.org.

Ongoing

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SUMMER SWIM LESSONS Swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, provided by the city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Division. $57, residents; $66, nonresidents. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

LEGALLINE Call 512/472-8303 for free legal advice concerning family law, criminal matters, traffic problems, consumer issues, landlord/tenant issues, and employment law. Attorneys who are bilingual (English/Spanish) are also available. First Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm 512/472-8303. Free. referrals@austinlrs.org, austinlrs.org.

YWCA GREATER AUSTIN WARMLINE Call 512/548-9922 for support amidst the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mondays-Thursdays, 9am-8pm; Fridays, 9-5pm; Saturdays, noon-4pm Citywide. ywcaaustin.org.

DRIVE-THROUGH VACCINE CLINIC VOLUNTEERS If you're interested in volunteering at Travis County's drive-through vaccine clinic at COTA, sign up here. Clinic open: Fridays-Sundays Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker. centraltxvaccs.org.

AUSTIN TRANSIT PARTNERSHIP ADVISORY COMMITTEES APPLICATIONS Applications are now open to join the following committees: Engineering, Architecture, and Construction; Finance and Risk; and Planning, Sustainability, Equity, and DBE Advisory. The governing body of the agency created to build out Project Connect, ATP will oversee funding, designing, and implementing the $7.1 billion mass transit overhaul. Ongoing Online. atptx.org.

AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER CAMP LOTTERY REGISTRATION Applicants can register for a random lottery drawing for limited in-person camps. In-person camp costs $120 per week with $20 due upon acceptance of lottery spot. April 19-May 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

WINTER STORM REVIEW TASK FORCE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT Share your experiences and recommendations related to Winter Storm Uri, which will then be incorporated into a final report for City Council. Provide feedback online via the SpeakUp Austin website, or to speak remotely at the task force meetings, call (512/974-6339) or email no later than noon the day prior to the meetings on May 14 & 28 and June 11 & 23. Ongoing Remote. WinterStormTaskForce@austintexas.gov, www.speakupaustin.org.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS NORTH PUBLIC HEARING Review the draft environmental assessment and the recommended alternative for improvements to I-35 from SH 45 N. to Hwy. 290 E. Through June 10 Online. capexnorth.mobility35openhouse.com.

AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY Share your feedback on ARR reaching its zero waste goals to help guide departmental efforts to measure Austin’s zero waste progress. Deadline: June 1 Online. www.austintexas.gov.

PALM DISTRICT PLANNING SURVEY Austin’s Palm District is located on the eastern edge of Downtown between I-35 and Trinity St., running from Rainey St. to 15th St. The city's Housing and Planning Department seeks public input on the future of the area as it develops the final Palm District Small Area Plan. Explore the area, take a survey, and ask questions on the city’s project website. Ongoing Online. palmdistrictplanning@austintexas.gov, www.speakupaustin.org/palmdistrict.

SHOAL CREEK AUDIO WALKING TOUR SURVEY The Shoal Creek Conservancy is seeking public input to determine which stories to include in its free, self-guided tour along Shoal Creek. Deadline: June 7 Online. info@shoalcreekconservancy.org, www.shoalcreekconservancy.org.

TCSO VICTIM SERVICES VOLUNTEERS The Travis County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit needs volunteers to offer immediate assistance to victims of various criminal and crisis circumstances. Those interested must complete a training program from July 31-Aug. 28 (Mondays, virtual, 6-9pm; Thursdays, virtual, 6-9pm; Saturdays, in-person, 9am-5pm). Ongoing Online. www.tcsheriff.org.

2021-22 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT The Budget Office’s website includes explanatory videos in English and Spanish about the city’s FY 2021-22 budgeting process, as well as a short survey for residents to share their thoughts on spending priorities. The mayor and City Council are scheduled to adopt Austin’s FY 2021-22 budget and tax rate between Aug. 11-13. Ongoing Online. budgetqa@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/budget.

DRIVE-UP HIV/STI TESTING No appointment necessary for free and confidential tests for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Through July 23. Fridays, 9am-noon Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center, 2800 Webberville Rd.. Free. www.austintexas.gov/health.

APA! POURS FOR PETS Austin Pets Alive! puts the "fun" in "fundraiser" this month: For $40, you can purr-chase a passport to use participating locations throughout July, and at each stop, pick up a coffee, beer, glass of wine, or even a refreshing agua fresca. The nonprofit animal shelter is partnering with Austin favorites like Irene’s, Hank’s, Cosmic Coffee, Yard Bar, and more, and proceeds go to pets in need. July 1-31 Citywide. $40 donation. austinpetsalive.org.

SUMMER LUNCH FOR TEENS AND KIDS Central Health is providing children ages 18 and under with free weekly meal packs that include breakfast and lunch for the entire week. Through Aug. 12. Thursdays, noon-2pm Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis Dr.. Free. fb.com/southeasthealthandwellnesscenter.

ARC OF THE CAPITAL AREA WILDFLOWER PROGRAM In collaboration with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The Arc offers classes for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities focusing on social-emotional growth, vocational studies, life skills, active recreation, and Texas nature. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-2pm Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse. $150-300 per month. arcaustin.org/wildflower.

ACA SPECIAL ENROLLMENT DEADLINE Sunday, Aug. 15, is the deadline to sign up for health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Enroll online, via phone, or find local certified help in your area at localhelp.healthcare.gov. Deadline: Sun., Aug. 15 800/318-2596. healthcare.gov.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS CENTRAL PROJECT FEEDBACK Review the Texas Department of Transportation’s $4.9 billion project by Sept. 24. TxDOT proposes to add two HOV lanes in each direction along I-35 from U.S. 290 E. to Hwy. 71/Ben White Blvd. Extended Deadline: Sept. 24 Online. my35capex.com.

CENTRAL HEALTH 2022 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT Submit your questions or comments on Central Health’s proposed FY 2022 budget and a member of Central Health’s staff will get in touch. Ongoing Online. participate.centralhealth.net/2022budget.

ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN COMMUNITY SURVEY As part of the engagement process for the first-ever Zilker Park Vision Plan – the guiding framework for the park’s restoration and future development – community members are invited to share their thoughts on the park’s programming. Deadline: Sept. 30 Online. austintexas.gov/zilkervision.

ACL ZILKER PARK ACCESS Beginning Sept. 20, the Parks and Recreation Department will close Zilker Park and select roads and street lanes in preparation for the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Oct. 1-3 & 8-10). View the city’s interactive map for more details and a schedule of park and road closures. Sept. 20-Oct. 17 Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.. austintexas.gov/page/pard-facilities-closures.

SOUTH PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS SURVEY The city is gathering comments from residents about how they currently use South Pleasant Valley Road between St. Elmo Road and Onion Creek Park and how they would like to use the road to help guide future changes to the corridor. Deadline: Oct. 10 Online. data.austintexas.gov.

DRIVE SAFE 2 SAVE COMPETITION Safe 2 Save, in partnership with Austin Transportation’s Vision Zero program, is hosting a competition to find Austin’s “safest driver” to discourage distracted driving and phone use. The competition features weekly cash prizes of $500, with the top three winners receiving prizes at the end. Through Oct. 15 safe2save.org.

TRANSPORTATION CRITERIA MANUAL UPDATE The TCM defines the rules, requirements, and technical guidelines for building mobility infrastructure in Austin. The city’s Transportation Department has worked to update the manual over the past two years; the current draft of the revised TCM is available for public review now through Nov. 1. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. austintexas.gov/street-design.

AUSTIN STRATEGIC MOBILITY PLAN SURVEY Austin Transportation Department seeks community members’ feedback on three new policy changes to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the city’s first comprehensive, multimodal transportation plan. Ongoing Online. austintexas.gov/asmp.

TPWD COMMUNITY OUTDOOR OUTREACH PROGRAM GRANT TPWD’s CO-OP grants provide funding to tax-exempt organizations for programming that engages under-served populations in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education activities. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. tpwd.texas.gov.

FORD BUILD TO CONNECT This multiday outdoor event includes displays of Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning truck and Mustang Mach-E SUV models. Oct. 15-24. Mon.-Fri., noon-9pm; Sat.-Sun., 9am-8pm Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe, 512/381-1147. Free. fordautoshows.com/built-to-connect.

AUSTIN LGBT CHAMBER HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE Austin’s queer business chamber hosts its annual drive for new (and unwrapped) toys, clothing, and shoes for local children. Donations will go to children and families enrolled in LifeWorks programs and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County programs. See here for a list of drop-off locations and suggested donations. Through Dec. 10 Multiple locations. austinlgbtchamber.com/toydrive.

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY WORKER Over 600 spots need to be filled at polling locations for the March 1 primaries; this is a paid position through Travis County. traviscountydemocrats.org.

WIC MOBILE UNIT Resources and info about Austin Public Health’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program for qualifying pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Check online for current schedule Various locations. Free. austintexas.gov/wic.

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