Civics 101

Thursday 12

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES COFFEE WITH A COP Do you live or work in south central Austin? Grab a coffee and discuss safety concerns with your District Reps. 9-11am. Whataburger. www.austintexas.gov.

REELECT VIKKI GOODWIN CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF Help this state Rep. kick off her reelection campaign to fight gerrymandering, ensure sustainable funding for public education, and address the high uninsured rate among Texans. 6-8pm. County Line on the Hill, 6500 Bee Cave. www.vikkigoodwin.com.

BINGO, BEER, AND THE DEMOCRATIC DEBATES The South East Democratic Alliance host debate bing (with prizes) and watch party as the 10 qualifying candidates go head to head for three hours. The 10 you'll hear from: Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke, Former VP Joe Biden, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. 6:30pm. Independence Brewing Company, 3913 Todd #607, 512/707-0099. www.fb.com/traviscoSEDA.

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE WATCH PARTY WITH SEDA Play debate bingo with the South East Democratic Alliance. 6:30-10pm. Independence Brewing Company, 3913 Todd #607, 512/844-4416. Free. www.fb.com/traviscoseda.

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE WATCH PARTY The Travis County Dems invite you to join 'em for the Houston debates. One night only! 7pm. Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto, 512/474-1958. www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WATCH PARTY Watch the upcoming Presidential Debate with the Far Northwest Progressives of Travis County. 7-10pm. Charm BBQ Chicken, 12233 RR 620 N. www.farnorthwestprogressives.club.

Friday 13

BUILDING BRIDGES MONTHLY SERIES Led by the County Sheriff's department, this event will focus on the topic "Level Up with Adult Education." Guest speaker Kathy Dowdy, ACC executive director of Adult Education, will discuss the important role of adult education in our community. 9-10am. NAACP Branch in the Annex of the Simpson Methodist Church, 1709 E. 12th Street. Free. www.austincc.edu.

SOCIAL MEDIA BEST PRACTICES A business 101 on social media from what it is, how to use it, and best practices for your company. 9am-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. $35. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

MANOR ROAD CELEBRATION Join Austin Transportation and the Economic Development Department to celebrate the recently completed bikeway improvements on Manor Road. Free bicycle safety checks, lemonade, and tours available. 4-6pm. Manor Road. www.austintexas.gov.

THAT'S MY FACE: AN ANNE LEWIS SHORT Documentary producer Anne Lewis screens her short about Stephen F. Austin cleaner Annie Mae Carpenter, who filed a wrongful dismissal suit against the college that sparked the protest featured in "Strike and Uprising." Lewis' short will be followed by "American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs." 6:30pm. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina, 512/974-4926. www.austintexas.gov.

Saturday 14

TURTLE CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP Help keep your neighborhood clean with the Austin Code Department in partnership with Austin Police Department, Austin Resource Recovery and Keep Austin Beautiful. 8am-Noon. Odom Elementary School, 1010 Turtle Creek Blvd. www.austintexas.gov.

CULTURAL FUNDING FY20 PRE-CONTRACT ORIENTATION Learn the contractual requirements for all contractors as well as the steps for completing the pre-contract materials for Core and Cultural Heritage Festivals cultural funding recipients. Noon. Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

CURBSIDE COMPOSTING INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE Learn how the composting carts work, what can be composted, and best practices for food scrap collection. Noon-2pm. Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg, 512/339-0016. www.austintexas.gov.

CULTURAL FUNDING FY19 FINAL REPORT WORKSHOP All cultural funding recipients will learn how to complete the FY19 Final Report for Core, Capacity Building, Cultural Heritage Festivals, and Community Initiatives programs. 1pm. Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

Sunday 15

SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVIST MEDITATION A community-centered meditation for empathic change makers with Amira Glickman, Chanelle Glover, Alec Brownridge, Chris Isom, and Jacob Fischer. Email to reserve a spot. First & third Sundays, 10-11:45am. Casa de Luz, 1701 Toomey, 512/476-2535. $15 suggested donation. [email protected], www.sacredreststop.org.

LAKE TRAVIS CLEANUP Join the annual lake cleaning party to help remove five tons of trash from the lake and surrounding parks. All ages, rain or shine; afterparty takes place at the Oasis from 11:30am-1:30pm. 9am-1:30pm. Several sites (view website for locations). Free. [email protected], www.laketraviscleanup.org.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS DEMOCRATS MEET AND GREET Meet with some of the folks running in the 2020 primaries including Dan Wood for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and Travis County District Attorney incumbent Margaret Moore and her March challengers Erin Martinson and Jose Garza. 1:30-3pm. Camino Real Restaurant, Spicewood Springs & Hwy 183 N., 512/335-5817. Free. [email protected].

Tuesday 17

CULTURAL FUNDING OPEN OFFICE HOURS Learn about the city’s Cultural Funding programs. Current cultural contractors are welcome; groups and individuals interested in applying are encouraged to attend. No appointment necessary. 9am-1pm. Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

BARTON SPRINGS UNIVERSITY A full day of outdoor learning at Barton Springs Pool with hands-on activities, presentations, and a community fair with local experts on central Texas water science, public policy, history, and sustainable living. 9am-6:30pm. Barton Springs Pool, 2131 William Barton Dr., 512/974-6300. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

INTERVIEWS & HIRING EMPLOYEES CLASS Learn how to develop your own structured interviewing techniques and solid hiring practices. 1-4pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110. $35. www.austintexas.gov.

CULTURAL FUNDING FY20 BUDGET CLINIC Cultural funding recipients are encouraged to reserve a 30-minute spot to review any questions or concerns about upcoming pre-contract materials or FY19 Final Report. 5-8pm. Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

2020 PRIMARY AND PRESIDENTIAL SEASON KICK OFF Join the Lake Travis Progressives and hear from candidates who planning to run in 2020 at local, state, and national levels. There will an opportunity to chat, make plans for the fall, and hear updates from committees. 6-9pm. Sonesta Bee Cave, 12525 Bee Cave Pkwy. www.laketravisprogressives.org.

Wednesday 18

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY SEAT CHECK EVENT Safety technicians will teach families and caregivers how to properly install a car seat. Register online or call the EMS Safety Hotline. 9am. Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg, 512/339-0016. www.austintexas.gov.

BIZOPEN: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS WEBINAR Watch for an overview of the city's development process to help identify what's relevant to your business location and how to navigate the system. 9-10am. 512/974-7800. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

GREATER AUSTIN ASIAN CHAMBER MEMBER ORIENTATION & HR TALK Breakfast, networking, and more to learn about the membership benefits, opportunities, and more. Followed by a presentation on human resources. 9-10:30am. 8001 Centre Park Dr. Free for members, $10. [email protected], www.austinasianchamber.org.

BIZOPEN: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS An overview of the city's development process to help identify what's relevant to your business location and how to navigate the system. 10-11am. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

SBA-504/CDC LOAN PROGRAM Small business owners are invited to learn about loan options. Noon-1:30pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

THE STATE OF VOTING RIGHTS IN TEXAS Invest to Elect hosts a conversation with Texas Civil Rights Project and MOVETexas on Texas' voting rights and what we can all do to help. 6-7:30pm. The Riveter, 1145 W. Fifth. Free. www.theriveter.co.

Thursday 19

CREATIVES MEET BUSINESS EXPERIENCE CMBXP is back, offering artists, creatives, freelancers, and small-business owners an opportunity for professional development, networking, and community building. Bonus, Chron Web Editor James Renovitch leads a panel (Writing Tips to Get You the Right Kind of Attention) Thursday with our Associate News Editor Sarah Marloff. Thu.-Sat., Sept. 19 -21 Meet at Relay, 1023 Springdale Ste. 11-A, 512/363-7294. $249. [email protected], www.cmbxp.com.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING See agenda for details. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING Attend the regular meeting of Housing Authority of the City of Austin, a public agency whose business is to ensure safe, quality affordable housing opportunities exist for families of low income. Noon. HACA Central Office, 1124 S. I-35. www.austintexas.gov/haca.

AUSTIN TODAY & TOMORROW, AXIS FOR CHANGE: SINCLAIR BLACK UT urban design and architecture professor (and professional) discusses the ever-evolving transportation system and the decisions to be made. 5:30-6:30pm. UT campus, 110 Inner Campus Dr.. Free. www.lib.utexas.edu.

A GREEN NEW DEAL, AND BEYOND: FACING ECOLOGICAL CRISES A conversation on the Green New Deal. 6:30-8pm. Utopia Theatre, 1925 San Jacinto.

Ongoing

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. [email protected], 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. [email protected], www.speakupaustin.org/winter-storm-uri-community-feedback.

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/department/austin-resource-recovery.

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. [email protected], 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. [email protected], 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. [email protected], 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/stories/s/South-Pleasant-Valley-Road/b375-n8jt/.

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/greater-austin-safe-driving-competition/.

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.