Geopolitical videography

Wednesday, July 16, learn how to make your own socially and politically responsible documentary at a workshop featuring clips from several films including "A Place Called Chiapas," "We're Not Stopping Traffic, We Are Traffic," and "Out of the Poison Tree." This seminar covers how to anticipate potentially dangerous situations, the required bare-bones gear, and other basics the beginner documentary maker will need. 7-10 p.m., Bay Area Video Coalition, 2727 Mariposa, second floor, S.F. $30. (415) 558-2126.

Palestinian-Israeli peace

Wednesday, July 16, coeditors of Palestinian-Israeli magazine Between the Lines visit from the occupied territories for the benefit event "A Radical Roadmap for Peace Between Palestinians and Israelis." 7 p.m., San Francisco Women's Building, 3543 18th St., S.F. $10-$20 sliding scale. (415) 431-1918.

Save the arts!

Wednesday, July 16, rally at City Hall to save the California Arts Council, the state agency charged with supporting the arts. The CAC – as well as other state-funded arts organizations – is threatened with elimination. So lend your voice to this rally sponsored by the California Cultural Alliance and let your legislators know that government support of the arts is still important. 1:30 p.m., City Hall, Polk Street steps, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, S.F. (415) 647-7258.

High-speed rail

Thursday, July 17, Maria Contreras-Sweet, secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, is the keynote speaker at "Fast Tracks in the Golden State," which features panelists from transportation agencies, environmental groups, and public policy institutes discussing the feasibility of the proposed high-speed rail system linking San Francisco to Los Angeles. Registration 4 p.m., project summary presentation 4:30 p.m., expert panel 5 p.m., Commonwealth Club of California, 595 Market, second floor, S.F. Free. (415) 597-6712 or (415) 597-6719.

Hunger and war

Thursday, July 17, the forum "From Sanctions to Starvation and Aid: the Politics of War and Hunger" focuses on the U.S. bombing of Iraq and subsequent agricultural reconstruction and myths about food scarcity. Panelists include representatives from the Food First Institute, Food Not Bombs, the African People's Socialist Party, and the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. 7 p.m., San Francisco Women's Building, 3543 18th St., S.F. Donations accepted. (510) 625-1106.

Glen Park neighborhood community plan

Thursday, July 17, and Saturday, July 19, the San Francisco Planning Department hosts several public workshops aimed at developing a community plan for the Glen Park neighborhood. The workshops' goal is to involve residents and business owners in developing a long-term plan for the future of this southern district. Thurs/17, kickoff event 7-9 p.m.; Fri/19, evaluation of alternatives 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Glen Park Elementary School, 151 Lippard, S.F. Free. (415) 558-6395.

Vietnam documentary

Thursday, July 17, the Network Against Disinformation presents the documentary "The Friendship Village," by Canadian filmmaker Michelle Mason. Mason's film depicts the efforts of an international group of veterans dedicated to building a village in Vietnam for children suffering from Agent Orange-related disabilities. Following the screening is a question-and-answer session with Reese Erlich, award-winning coauthor of Target Iraq: What the News Media Didn't Tell You. 7 p.m., New College Cultural Center, 766 Valencia, S.F. Free. (415) 437-3425.

Activist influences

Friday, July 18, this month's installment in the "So How'd You Become an Activist?" series features radical attorney Tony Serra and Mary Ann Tenuto, director of the Chiapas Support Group. The two activists discuss their influences and experiences in progressive movements. 7 p.m., Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar, Berk. $5 donation. (415) 927-1645.

Rainforest Action Network event

Friday, July 18, join Dr. Bruce Hayse (who has been labeled the world's most dangerous environmentalist) for a presentation, sponsored by the Rainforest Action Network, revealing the catastrophic ecological threats facing west and central Africa. The areas in question are enduring severe political strife and poverty amid uncontrolled resource extraction. 7:30 p.m., Rasselas Jazz, 1534 Fillmore, S.F. Donations accepted (only 21 and over admitted). (415) 346-8696.

Urban sustainability film

Saturday, July 19, Planet Drum Foundation and Artists' Television Access present a screening of the documentary Les Diggers de San Francisco, which captures the birth of the '60s cultural revolution and the foundation of modern-day volunteerism. 8 p.m., Artists' Television Access, 992 Valencia, S.F. $5. (415) 285-6556.

Whistle-blower benefit concert

Sunday, July 20, attend a benefit concert in preparation for the April 2004 release of Israeli nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai Vanunu, who has been imprisoned in Israel for more than 16 years. The concert features Sally Light, a lyric soprano, and other classical musicians. 3 p.m., Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar, Berk. $10-$20 donation. (510) 548-3048.

Fame, wealth, and politics

Tuesday, July 22, actor turned activist Ed Asner speaks at "After Plutocracy, Then What? The California Clean Money's Campaign to Take Back Our Lost Democratic Values." Asner supports the California Clean Money Campaign, a campaign-finance reform organization whose goal is to raise awareness of the ways campaign contributions influence public policy. Reception 5:15 p.m., program 6-7:15 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market, second floor, S.F. $15, $9 for members. (415) 597-6712 or (415) 597-6719.

Small-claims court help

Tuesday, July 22, learn the ins and outs of small-claims court at the workshop "How to Collect a Small Claims Court Judgment," offered by the Small Claims Advisory Clinic and the New College of California School of Law. The event begins with a one-hour presentation by a practicing collections attorney, followed by a question-and-answer session. 10 a.m., Civic Center Courthouse, 400 McAllister, room location will be posted at entrance, S.F. (415) 241-1314.