Becoming an activist

Thursday, Jan. 13, attend a talk given by Holly Near, a highly regarded folk singer and peace and human rights activist, and Adrienne Torf, a musician who has collaborated with June Jordan, as part of the Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Committee's monthly "So How'd You Become an Activist?" series. 7 p.m., Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar, Berk. $5 donation, $3 students. (415) 927-1645.

Discuss PG&E hikes

Thursday, Jan. 13, meet with the Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood Council, the Utility Reform Network director Dwight Cocke, a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. representative, city attorney Dennis Herrera, a representative from assemblymember Mark Leno's office, and Bay Guardian editor and publisher Bruce B. Brugmann to discuss the power giant's proposal to increase residential gas and electrical rates by 11 percent while extending a 10 percent reduction to corporate users. Attendees will make plans to address the Public Utilities Commission. 7-9 p.m., Park Branch Library, 1833 Page, S.F. (415) 752-8520.

DOPE benefit

Thursday, Jan. 13, help the Drug Overdose Prevention and Education project celebrate its third anniversary at a party and benefit featuring a screening of "Worth Saving," a short video about DOPE, along with an art auction and DJs. 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Amnesia, 853 Valencia, S.F. $5-$10 sliding scale. (415) 775-7163.

Labor secretary speaks

Thursday, Jan. 13, Arnold Levine, deputy undersecretary for the International Labor Affairs division of the U.S. Department of Labor, comes to town to talk about NAFTA and fair labor practices. Don't miss a chance to grill him on how government policies contribute to a loss of jobs in the United States and pollution in Mexico. Check-in 5:30 p.m., program 6 p.m., World Affairs Council, second-floor conference room, 312 Sutter, S.F. $15, $7 cosponsors, $5 students, free for members. (415) 493-4600, www.itsyourworld.org.

Protest Newsom's cuts

Thursday, Jan. 13, put pressure on the city to seek new sources of revenue by imposing fees on PG&E and the rich instead of cutting health and social services, such as the Tenderloin Drop-in Center, HIV and AIDS programs, and the Tom Waddell Health Center for transgendered people. Members of the San Francisco Day Labor Program, St. Peter's Housing Committee, and La Raza Centro Legal and leaders from various impacted communities hold a protest and plan to enter the Mayor's Office and demand change. Meet 9:30 a.m., enter Mayor's Office 10 a.m., City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl., S.F. (415) 553-3404.

Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Friday, Jan. 14-Saturday, Jan. 15, gather to celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday at a protest and party. A protest organized by the People's Nonviolent Response Coalition features its third annual marathon reading of King's antiwar speech delivered at the Riverside Church in New York City. The War Resisters League West hosts a group reading-party with a musical performance by Sandfly. PNVRC reading noon-sundown, Oakland Federal Building, 1301 Clay, Oakl. (510) 839-5877; War Resisters League West party 7:30-10 p.m., Kitchen, 225 Potrero, S.F. $5-$15 donation. wrlwest@riseup.net, www.wrlwest.org.

MLK Day at Yerba Buena Gardens

Saturday, Jan. 15, the Northern California Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance Committee hosts a day for families to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with music, performances, and speeches in Yerba Buena Gardens and screenings about King's life at the Metreon. Those who attend the 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. programs can enjoy discounts at Metreon shops and free or discounted admission to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Where the Wild Things Are, and the Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Yerba Buena Gardens, near Third St. and Mission, S.F.; Metreon, near Fourth St. and Mission, S.F. Free. (510) 268-3777, www.norcalmlk.org.

Amnesty International film festival

Saturday, Jan. 15-Sunday, Jan. 16, attend the Amnesty International Mini Film Festival, which features screenings of The Letter, a documentary about how citizens of Lewiston, Maine, a predominantly white working-class town, responded to the arrival of 1,100 Somali refugees; The Execution of Wanda Jean, a portrayal of the first black woman ever put on death row; Repatriation, which documents the lives of captured North Korean spies who, after release, eventually become integrated into a new country and community; and rare films by the Cockettes. For screening times go to www.atasite.org. Artists' Television Access, 992 Valencia, S.F. $5 a screening. (415) 824-3890.

Freedom march

Monday, Jan. 17, march in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and legacy. For this year's Freedom March and Rally Celebration, the Northern California Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance Committee has booked Rep. Barbara Lee and American Idol finalist LaToya London as part of the day's festivities along with speakers, poets, and choirs. March 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., meet at corner of Fourth St. and Townsend, S.F.; rally 12:30-3:30 p.m., Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove, S.F. Free. (510) 268-3777, www.norcalmlk.org.

MLK Day in Oakland

Monday, Jan. 17, Embracing the Dream organizes a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday with workshops covering such topics as how to seal juvenile records, tenants' rights, home ownership, and more. The event ends with a performance by soul singer Sunny Hawkins. 7:30 p.m., Love Center Church, 10440 International Blvd., Oakl. Free. www.embracingthedream.org.

Save social security

Tuesday, Jan. 18, the Gray Panthers organizes a march in protest of President George W. Bush's proposed cuts to social security benefits. Join them in protesting massive funding of the war in Iraq while millions of American workers, especially those who rely on social security the most, lose benefits once promised to them. 11:30 a.m., Pacific Stock Exchange, 115 Sansome, S.F. (415) 215-7575 or (510) 548-9696, mlyon01@comcast.net or graypantersberk@aol.com.

Tsunami relief

Ongoing, the U.S. government's offer of $350 million in aid to victims of the tsunamis in Southeast Asia and Africa is woefully inadequate (especially considering $270 billion has been spent on the war in Iraq), and former presidents George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton are appearing together in a TV commercial asking Americans to donate money to relief efforts. If you're not sure where to send your money, Global Exchange recommends donating to Oxfam and Save the Children, two organizations with a proven track record in effective disaster relief. For information on how to donate, go to www.oxfamamerica.org/whatyoucando/donate or www.savethechildren.org.