Palestine video event

Wednesday, July 2, the Global Women's Strike and the Justice in Palestine Coalition present the documentary "Palestine Is Still the Issue." Internationally renowned women's rights and antiracist activist Selma James also discusses the impacts of U.S. policies on women and children in the Middle East. 7 p.m., Al Fanous Café, 3170 16th St., S.F. Free (415) 626-4114.

Parent Advisory Council

Wednesday, July 2, attend a public meeting to discuss the Parent Advisory Council, which will report to the San Francisco Board of Education and is currently seeking members. Parents of a San Francisco Unified School District students interested in having a voice on public education matters can find out more about the council and the application process. 7 p.m., Coleman Advocates, 459 Vienna, S.F. (415) 239-0161.

Sept. 11 film

Wednesday, July 2, Guerrilla News Network's documentary "Aftermath – Unanswered Questions from 9-11" raises pertinent questions about the terrorist attacks that proved to be the "defining event" for the Bush administration. The documentary, narrated by hip-hop artist Paris, looks at airline preparedness, ties between the terrorists and U.S. military intelligence agencies, and other questions ignored by the mainstream media. After the film, a panel of academics, investigators, and activists discusses the film and answers questions from the audience. 7:30 p.m., UC Berkeley, 155 Dwinelle Hall, Oxford at University, Berk. $5. (866) 384-3060.

Schools Not Jails rally

Thursday, July 3, Schools Not Jails sponsors a rally protesting education budget cuts, college-fee hikes, and increases in the prison-industrial complex. Join educators, parents, and activists in sending a clear message to local politicians that education should not be first on the budget chopping block. 3 p.m., City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, S.F. (415) 709-9709.

Buddhist barbecue

Friday, July 4, enjoy guided meditation and a vegetarian lunch while learning more about the Kadampa Buddhist way of life. The Saraha Buddhist Center offers an open house for those interested in this Eastern religion. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Saraha Buddhist Center, 415 Delano, S.F. Free. (415) 585-9161.

Celebrate your independents

Friday, July 4, through Sunday, July 6, celebrate Independence Day weekend by honoring Bay Area independent booksellers. Enjoy a weekend free of sales tax at 10 participating indie bookstores: Booksmith, Borderlands, Browser, Builder's Booksource, A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books, Christopher's, Fields, Green Apple Books, Get Lost, and Modern Times. Various locations, S.F. (415) 387-2272.

Caravan to Cuba send-off

Saturday, July 5, wish members of this year's Caravan to Cuba a safe and productive journey at this celebratory dinner. A project of the San Francisco Bay Area Friendshipment, the caravan will publicly challenge U.S. foreign policy in regard to the Cuban blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies. 6:30 p.m., St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College, Berk. $5-$15, no one turned away for lack of funds. (510) 869-2577.

Petroleum, patriarchy, and puppetry

Saturday, July 5, Liberty Cabbage Theatre Revival presents Oiligarchy: A Tragic Comedy about Love, Loss, and Addiction. The show, by the New England-based performance collective, uses puppetry, poetry, and music to highlight issues around petroleum, patriarchy, and war and how these things are connected. The collective is touring California and Oregon in a biodiesel vehicle. 8 p.m., CELLSpace, 2955 18th St., S.F. Donations accepted. (415) 648-7562.

Resist the war tax

Sunday, July 6, if you pay your federal taxes, rest assured those dollars are paying for war. If that's not what you had planned for your money, attend this informational meeting of the Northern California War Tax Resistance and learn about alternative funds and community organizations for support. 4-6 p.m., Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar, Berk. Free. (510) 843-9877

Harry Bridges documentary

Monday, July 7, The documentary "From Piers to Plantations: A Union in Hawaii," by Ian Ruskin, looks at labor organizer Harry Bridges and the time he spent in Hawaii bringing together workers from more than 25 nations to form a union. Bridges's work took him to San Francisco, where he led dockworkers to some of the greatest gains made by unions in the 21st century. 7 p.m., New College of California, 777 Valencia, S.F. $10. (415) 437-3465 or (415) 437-3425.