Antiwar protest

Wednesday, Dec. 17, join this weekly protest of the war with Iraq. With President George W. Bush announcing in the wake of Saddam Hussein's capture that the U.S. troops will "stay their course," now more than ever is an appropriate time to demand the troops come home. 7:30-8:30 a.m., meet at the southeast corner of Van Ness and Market, S.F.

Entering the dialogue on 9/11

Wednesday, Dec. 17, the Listening Project, sponsored by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, holds weekly events relating to the war on terrorism. This week's discussion, titled "Listening for Change," focuses on militarization. Questions asked of participants include "How can we create a safer world for future generations?" and "What do you think of our government's response to September 11?" 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Lytton Plaza, University at Emerson, Palo Alto. Free. (650) 857-0927.

Labor solidarity with Iraq

Wednesday, Dec. 17, learn about labor rights in Iraq and how we can help Iraqi and U.S. laborers at the same time at an event titled "Where Unions are Illegal: Report from Workers Delegation to Iraq." Clarence Thomas, executive member and former secretary-treasurer of International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 19, and David Bacon, labor journalist and photographer, report on Iraqi workers' continuing struggle to organize. Zev Kvitky, vice president of Service Employees International Union, Local 715 North, reports on the fight against globalization in Cancún. 7 p.m., Service Employees International Union, Local 715, Hall, 2301 Zanker, San Jose. Free. (408) 241-2868.

Parking in the park

Wednesday, Dec. 17, meet with Sup. Jake McGoldrick and neighborhood representatives from the Department of Parking and Traffic to discuss parking issues related to changes in Golden Gate Park. A holiday potluck dinner follows. 6:30-9:30 p.m., Richmond Recreation Center, 251 18th Ave., S.F. Free. (415) 554-7412.

Reports on media reform conference

Wednesday, Dec. 17, meet the next generation of racially diverse activists fighting for media justice. Malkia Cyril of Youth Media Council, Thenmozhi Sandararajan of Third World Majority, Crescent Diamond of Berkeley Community Media, and Martha Wallner of Media Alliance report back on the National Conference on Media Reform, which took place Nov. 7 through 9 in Madison, Wis. Sasha Constanza-Chock also reports on the We Seize! activist events held in Geneva earlier this month. 7-9 p.m., New College Cultural Center, 766 Valencia, S.F. Free. (415) 437-3425.

Wheels of Justice benefit and tour

Wednesday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 20, in the midst of a national campaign to raise awareness about the damages U.S. occupation and foreign policy in the Middle East inflict on local communities, the Wheels of Justice Bus Tour (www.justicewheels.org) is cruising the Bay Area this week. Attend "The Road to Hell Is Paved with Republicans," a benefit for Wheels of Justice put on by the Ronald Reagan Home for the Criminally Insane. There's a sing-along with "Shrub," the singing CIA agent, a George W. Bush joke-telling contest, and other forms of postmodern merrymaking. Then take it to the streets with the Wheels of Justice bus and counter Bush administration propaganda about the conflict with Iraq. "The Road to Hell is Paved with Republicans" 6:30-9:30 p.m., Friends Meeting House, 65 Ninth St., S.F. $10 (includes Middle Eastern dinner). (415) 385-5956, www.insanereagan.com. Wheels of Justice tour appearance Sat/20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Washington Square Park, S.F. (510) 548-0542.

End 75 years of pollution

Thursday, Dec. 17, join community groups, area youths, and residents of Bayview-Hunters Point in a protest calling for the immediate closure of the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power plant in Hunters Point. March to the office of Michael Kahn, chair of the Independent System Operator (the agency that regulates the electricity grid), to present demands that the Hunters Point plant be closed immediately. The protest is sponsored by the Community Energy Coalition, Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice, and Literacy for Environmental Justice. 3:30 p.m., PG&E corporate headquarters, 77 Beale, S.F. (415) 248-5010.

Open house at the Ecology Center

Thursday, Dec. 18, seize the opportunity to get all of your ecology and environmental questions answered at this open house and party. Music, food, games, and a raffle round out the fun. 6-8 p.m., Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo, Berk. Free. (510) 548-2220, ext. 233.

Counsel against the war

Sunday, Dec. 21, learn about becoming a spokescouncil for Direct Action Against the War at this meeting. Spokescouncils provide a larger planning structure for direct action groups that oppose the war in Iraq but that maintain their individual autonomy. 4 p.m., St. Boniface Church, 133 Golden Gate, S.F. Free. www.actagainstwar.org.