Activist series

Thursday, Aug. 21, this installment of the monthly "So How'd You Become an Activist?" series features feminist author and poet Jennifer Stone with Art and Revolution cofounder and local antiwar activist David Solnit. 7 p.m., Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar, Berk. $5 donation. (415) 927-1645.

Bay Area today

Thursday, Aug. 21, members of the discussion panel for "Living, Loving, Leaving Town: Reassessing in 2003" look at how Bay Area residents are reassessing their lives in light of the slumping economy, war in the Middle East, and other difficult issues facing current residents, especially those thinking of leaving the area. This event is part of the Commonwealth Club of Northern California's Inforum series. Reception 6 p.m., program 6:30 p.m., Commonwealth Club of Northern California, 595 Market, second floor, S.F. $18, $10 for members. (415) 597-6705 or (415) 597-6706.

Energy bill vote

Thursday, Aug. 21, Women's Energy Matters and the Community First Coalition urge public power ratepayers to attend this meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission where members will vote on the future of energy efficiency in California. Commissioner Susan Kennedy has proposed giving back $250 million (statewide) to utility corporations even though the money comes from a utility bill surcharge for saving energy. 10 a.m., California Public Utilities Commission Auditorium, 505 Van Ness, S.F. Free. (510) 915-6215.

Gulf War documentary

Thursday, Aug. 21, attend a screening of the award-winning documentary Hidden Wars of Desert Storm and learn about the U.S. government's underlying agenda in the Persian Gulf as well as our military's use of radioactive ammunitions. Sponsored by the Network Against Disinformation, the Social Justice Committee, and the New College Media Studies Program, this event also features guest speaker freelance journalist Alison Weir. 7 p.m., New College Theater, 777 Valencia, S.F. Donations accepted, no one turned away for lack of funds. (510) 528-5403.

Poor People's March delegation

Thursday, Aug. 21, meet the California delegation of poor and working-class leaders who will attend the Poor People's March for Economic Human Rights in Washington, D.C., to honor the 35th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s proposed Poor People's Campaign. The California delegates will arrive with other grassroots leaders from across the country on the 40th anniversary of King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Noon, St. Mary's Center, 635 22nd St., Oakl. Free. (510) 451-7379, ext. 224.

African AIDS walk fundraiser

Friday, Aug. 22, help Timothy and Myrna Bullock, founders of Spiritwalkers, a peace and social justice ministry, raise funds for a two-year walking trek through sub-Saharan Africa in order to transform the misconceptions there surrounding HIV/AIDS. Tonight the Bullocks present the documentary "Rise Up and Call Their Names," part six in the PBS series This Far by Faith: African-American Spiritual Journeys. The film depicts 60 people on a 12-month journey from the United States to the Caribbean and on to Africa. 7 p.m., Rising Hope Church, 3005 Van Buren, Alameda. Donations, no one turned away for lack of funds. (510) 594-1340.

S.F. Liberation Radio defense benefit

Friday, Aug. 22, San Francisco Liberation Radio and the New College of California present Dave Emory, antifascist researcher and radio personality, for "The Underground Reich and the Connection to Sept. 11." Emory's research has focused on the U.S. military and intelligence community and their historical involvement with international fascism. The event will also be broadcast live on S.F. Liberation Radio 93.7 FM. 7 p.m., New College Theater, 777 Valencia, S.F. $10 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. (415) 225-4438.

Antiwar documentary

Saturday, Aug. 23, Tuesday, Aug. 26, and Thursday, Aug. 28, acclaimed antiwar collaborative documentary We Interrupt This Empire returns to the Bay Area for three more screenings, presented by the San Francisco Video Activist Network. The documentary features a diverse collection of the direct actions that shut down much of San Francisco's Financial District, critiques of corporate media war coverage, infringements on civil liberties, plus an audio backdrop with broadcasts from IndyMedia's Enemy Combatant Radio and San Francisco Police Department tactical communications picked up by police scanners. Sat/23, 7 p.m., AK Press Warehouse, 674A 23rd St., Oakl. $5. Tues/26, 9:15 p.m., Parkway Theater, 1934 Park, Oakl. $5. Aug. 28, 6, 8, and 9:45 p.m., Roxie Cinema, 3117 16th St., S.F. $8. (510) 208-1708.

Anti-hate crime benefit

Saturday, Aug. 23, Community United Against Violence, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Proyecto ContraSIDA por Vida sponsor a benefit for hate crime victims Mariah and Yvette (last names withheld). The event features live music by Meliza Banales, Nafis, Transcendence Gospel Choir, and others. 6-8 p.m., San Francisco LGBT Center, Ceremonial Room, 1800 Market, S.F. $5-$10 donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. (415) 865-5555.

Volunteer for Gonzalez

Saturday, Aug. 23, help Green Party mayoral candidate Matt Gonzalez's campaign at a volunteer mobilization. Gonzalez, current president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, joined the race to offer another progressive alternative to downtown darling Gavin Newsom. 10 a.m., Horseshoe Café, 568 Haight, S.F. (415) 869-1485.

Women's rights day

Sunday, Aug. 24, Radical Women presents "Revolutionary Resistance: Young Women Activists Speak Out" as the theme for its Women's Rights Day celebration. Featured speakers address repression, sexism, homophobia, environmental racism, their work as young women leaders, and their connection to the struggle for justice and liberation. Celebrate the young women's militant spirit as well as visions and solutions for a better world. Barbecue lunch 1 p.m., event 2 p.m., New Valencia Hall, 1908 Mission, S.F. $6.50 donation (lunch), $2 donation (event). (415) 864-1278.

'Cuba – What Next?'

Monday, Aug. 25, opposing sides examine U.S. trade and travel restrictions with Cuba at "Cuba – What Next?," a panel discussion featuring former foreign diplomats, international trade experts, and Cuban activists. The discussion is moderated by former San Francisco Chronicle foreign affairs columnist Lewis Dollinsky. Reception 11:15 a.m., program noon-1:30 p.m., Commonwealth Club of Northern California, second floor, 595 Market, S.F. $12, free for members and students. (415) 597-6700 or (800) 847-7730.

Protest cruise ship pollution

Monday, Aug. 25, get a free protective face mask, courtesy of Blue Water Network, and protest cruise ship air pollution as three of these toxic boats sit in the Port of San Francisco. City and port officials have begun to address this issue; join protesters calling for cruise industry regulation. 8:30-10 a.m., Pier 35, Embarcadero at Bay, S.F. Free. (415) 544-0790, ext. 14.