Whether you're going nuts over your afternoon commute, pleased as punch about Cap Metro's Long-Range Transit Plan, tonight's your chance to let 'em know—after you've downed a few rounds of liquid courage, if need be. The monthly edition of Keep Austin Blue's Social Hour is happening over at Mother Egan's Irish Pub, and tonight's agenda is all about transportation. Participating public transit aficionados include Matt Curtis (Director Community Involvement, Capital Metro), Todd Hemingson (VP......

Austin Pets Alive!, a local organization working to hinder pet overpopulation, is hosting a fundraiser tonight. Their Pet Friend of the Year, Tom Spencer from KLRU, will be feted, and State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez and City Councilmember Lee Leffingwell will make appearances. The money raised tonight will benefit a group that promotes spaying/neutering services to the Austin community. Austin resolved to become a "no kill" city in the 90s, but in 2005, over half......

On Thursday, City Council will hear a presentation from city staff regarding land banks, land trusts and funding options under the Homestead Preservation Act (HB 525), which was passed in the State Legislature after being filed by East Side state rep Eddie Rodriguez. The details are "complicated," but from what we understand, homeowners in the designated district (Town Lake to Manor Road, and I-35 to Airport Boulevard) would be able to donate or sell......