Toxic cruise ships

Wednesday, July 9, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' Finance Committee is considering a lease agreement with Lend Lease developers for a new cruise ship terminal at Pier 30/32, which would result in more air pollution per day than that emitted from the Hunters Point power plant. Attend the public meeting to voice your opposition to toxic tourism. If you can't make the meeting, call, e-mail, or fax your opinion to committee members Sups. Jake McGoldrick, Aaron Peskin, and Gerardo Sandoval. 12:30 p.m., City Hall, room 263, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl., S.F. (415) 544-0790, ext. 14.

No cars on Haight?

Thursday, July 10, the Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council discusses whether cars should be banned on Haight Street at a community meeting. Guest speakers from organizations such as Walk San Francisco, Haight Ashbury Merchants Association, the San Francisco Planning Department and Department of Parking and Traffic, and Muni are on hand to offer their views. 7-9 p.m., Park Branch Library, 1833 Page, S.F. Free. (415) 752-8520.

Political discussion and art

Thursday, July 10, UC Berkeley professor Michael Watts, director of the Institute of International Studies, and Kevin Danaher, director of Global Exchange, lead a talk on the relationship between oil and violence as well as how recent international events have impacted Global Exchange's campaign for peace. The discussion coincides with the political art exhibition "Doctrine," running through Aug. 2. 7 p.m. (gallery hours Wed.-Sat., noon-7 p.m., and by appointment), Lola Gallery, 2517 Mission, second floor, S.F. $3 donation. (415) 401-6800.

Public opinion polls

Thursday, July 10, the Commonwealth Club presents an Inforum panel discussion titled "Public Opinion Polls: Information or Influence?," with media experts from the Los Angeles Times, ABC Channel 7, and UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies. The panel addresses how the use and misuse of public opinion polls influence people's awareness of current events, as well as the accuracy of data these polls use. Program 6:30 p.m., reception 7:45 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market, S.F. $18, $10 members. (415) 597-6705 or (415) 597-6706.

'Salt of the Earth'

Thursday, July 10, International ANSWER Coalition and Artists' Television Access present the classic blacklisted film Salt of the Earth. The film, celebrating its 50th anniversary, documents the tribulations of striking zinc miners in 1953 New Mexico. 8 p.m., Artists' Television Access, 992 Valencia, S.F. $5 donation. (415) 824-3890.

Late nights for kids

Friday, July 11, whether parents like it or not, kids want to stay out late, but the problem is the lack of supervised late-night spots for youths. To raise awareness about this issue, Park Sessions presents "Can't Hold Us Down!," a night of music, dancing, DJs, and food for all ages. 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Glen Park Recreation Center, Bosworth and O'Shaugnessy Blvd., S.F. Free. (510) 501-7607.

School of the Americas documentary

Friday, July 11, learn about the U.S. military's involvement with Latin American political unrest and regime change at a screening of the documentary Hidden in Plain Sight. The School of the Americas has long been known as a training ground for third world insurgents, and the film, containing interviews with Noam Chomsky, Michael Parenti, and other well-known activists, sheds light on the U.S. military's behind-the-scenes role down south. Medea Benjamin and Michael Parenti provide an introduction. 8 p.m., Castro Theatre, 429 Castro, S.F. $15, $12 in advance at www.hiddeninplainsight.org. (415) 621-6120.

Palestinian refugee camp benefit

Saturday, July 12, Ibdaa Palestinian Youth Troupe and Loco Bloco present "Uprising!," a fundraiser for the children of the Dheisheh refugee camp in Palestine. Cosponsored by the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Vanguard Public Foundation, and the Middle East Children's Alliance, the event features the young men and women of Ibdaa, between the ages of 15 and 18, performing dance pieces depicting the history, struggle, and hopes of Palestinian refugees. Loco Bloco is a high-energy youth dance group, rooted in the Mission District. 8 p.m., Brava Theater, 2781 24th St., S.F. $10-$50 sliding scale, $5 for those under 18. (415) 861-7444.

Women's Freedom Fair

Saturday, July 12, check out the first annual Women's Freedom Fair, with representatives from 30 companies and organizations present to bring awareness about the continuing struggle for women's rights. There will be workshops, demonstrations, activities, and live music by female musicians. Sponsors include Girls Inc., Women's Initiative for Self Employment, See Jane Run Sports, About-Face, Baring Witness, S.F. WAR, and the Women of Color Action Network. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Park, Allston Way at MLK Jr. Way, Berk. Free. (510) 434-0623, www.womensfreedomfair.org.

Nigeria's future

Monday, July 14, the United Nations Association of San Francisco, International Diplomacy Council, and the UC Berkeley Center for African Studies present a discussion titled "Nigeria: Rule of Law and Challenges for the Future," featuring Nimi Walson-Jack, executive director of the Centre for Responsive Politics and Secretary General of Civitas in Nigeria. Walson-Jack offers an insider's view into the future of democracy in Nigeria and repercussions following the country's recent elections and constitutional changes. 6 p.m., World Affairs Council of Northern California, 312 Sutter, second floor, S.F. $12, $7 World Affairs Council members, free for students. (415) 293-4600.

Bad nonprofits?

Tuesday, July 15, activists ponder the effects of the nonprofit explosion and what it means for those involved in social justice movements at "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?," a discussion presented by the Center for Political Education. The event features moderator Phil Hutchings, cofounder of the Institute for Multiracial Justice and a member of Just Cause Oakland. 7-9 p.m. American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee office, 522 Valencia, S.F. $5 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. (415) 431-1918.

Occupation Watch Center

Wednesday, July 16, Global Exchange cofounder Medea Benjamin reports back from Iraq, where she was involved in establishing an International Occupation Watch Center in Baghdad. Benjamin also gives updates from the recent United for Peace and Justice Conference in Chicago and the Jakarta International Peace Conference. Proceeds benefit the Iraq Occupation Watch Center. 7:30 p.m., New College Cultural Center, 766 Valencia, S.F. $10 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. (415) 575-5555.