News - Join CL at the next Political Party

Having done their deeds during this year’s legislative session, state lawmakers are set for a hot and heavy campaign season ... and we’re baaack. In partnership with Dad’s Garage and Hands on Atlanta, Creative Loafing will host its next Political Party, a live talk show, on Wed., April 12. Leading politicians will field questions about upcoming the elections from our host, CL Senior Editor John Sugg, and from the audience. Guests include Rep. Tyrone Brooks, D-Atlanta; Sen. Curt Thompson, D-Norcross; and Sen. Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock.

Political Party is held at Dad’s Garage, 280 Elizabeth St. Free. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8. Visit creativeloafing.typepad.com/atlantapoliticalparty for more info. To submit questions, suggest show topics, or recommend guests, e-mail politicalpartyatl@cln.com.

· ARUN GANDHI AT GSU The grandson of Mahatama Gandhi and an international advocate for nonviolence shares lessons as he speaks Thurs., April 6, at 3 p.m. Georgia State University, Speakers Auditorium, 44 Courtland St. 404-651-3578. www.gsu.edu/happenings_calendar.html.

· SOUTH ATLANTA NEIGHBORS South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development serves residents and businesses in Ormewood Park, Boulevard Heights and Benteen Park. Residents are encouraged to attend meetings and voice concerns. Thurs., April 6. First Thursday of every month, 7:30 p.m., Ormewood Park Presbyterian Church, 1071 Delaware Ave. 404-627-2216. www.sandatlanta.org.

· SUSTAINABLE ATLANTA ROUNDTABLE The Roundtable is a monthly program promoting green efforts in Georgia. The Fri., April 7, meeting addresses “Benefits and Risks of TADs: How are they making the Beltline work?” Learn about the pros and cons of revenue-generating tax-allocation districts, the economic engine driving the Beltline’s redevelopment. Registration fees vary depending on membership and event. First Friday of every month, 7:30-9 a.m. All Saints Episcopal Church, 634 W. Peachtree St. 404-881-4663. www.southface.org.

· COBB COUNTY DEMS Join the Cobb County Democratic Committee for its monthly breakfast Sat., April 8, featuring Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox, who also is running for governor. $10. Second Saturday of every month, 9-10:30 a.m. Hyatt Regency Suites, 2999 Windy Hill Road, Marietta. 770-420-7133. www.cobbdemocrats.org.

· WALK FOR WOMEN’S LIVES Join Georgians for Choice in the group’s annual Walk for Women’s Lives, supporting reproductive health, choice and freedoms, Sun., April 9. Speakers include Sen. Sam Zamarripa, D-Atlanta, and Reps. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta and Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta. 2-5 p.m., Georgia State Capitol, 100 Washington St. 404-532-0022. www.walkforwomengeorgia.org.

· SOUTH FULTON DEMS Join Democrats from College Park, East Point, Hapeville and Union City as they work to elect leaders who share their concerns about job security, quality schools, responsible development and safe neighborhoods. Mon., April 10. Second Monday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Piccadilly Cafeteria, 101 Shannon Mall, Union City. 770-969-1348. www.southfultondems.com.

· NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING UNIT Neighborhood Planning Units are citizen-run councils that advise the mayor and Atlanta City Council. Each NPU meets on a monthly basis to solicit community concerns. Membership is open to anyone 18 years or older or any place of business within the NPU. Dates and times vary. To find out which NPU you belong to and when it meets, visit www.atlantaga.gov. 404-330-6899.

· NPU-V Encompassing Adair Park, Mechanicsville, Pittsburgh, Peoplestown and Summerhill, this NPU is currently focused on Beltline redevelopment and how it complements or conflicts with existing community planning; code enforcement for derelict buildings; and how mortgage fraud is inflating property values. Mon., April 10, 7-9 p.m. Rich McDevitt Youth Center, 30 Haygood Ave. 404-668-4868.

· JOHN LEWIS SPEAKS U.S. Rep. John Lewis, representing the congressional district encompassing the city of Atlanta, has spent a lifetime in civil rights activism. His Tues., April 11, speech will address current civil rights issues. Free. 7:30 p.m. Oglethorpe University, Lupton Auditorium, 4484 Peachtree Road. 404-364-8447. www.oglethorpe.edu.

· ASHCROFT AT EMORY Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft will speak Tues., April 11, on the relationship between religion and government, the Microsoft antitrust and Enron cases, and the tension between individual liberties and national security. The 45-minute talk will be followed by a Q&A. Free, but priority goes to Emory students and faculty. 8 p.m. Emory University, Woodruff Physical Education Center, 600 Asbury Circle. 678-595-9822. www.events.emory.edu.

· ATLANTA DNA Join your downtown neighbors Tues., April 11, for conversation about the Museum of Design Atlanta’s “Shaping the Atlanta Scene” exhibit on urban design projects such as the Beltline and Atlantic Station. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Museum of Design Atlanta, 285 Peachtree Center Ave. (Location varies monthly.) 404-979-6455. www.atlantadna.org.

· DEKALB COMMISSIONERS Come in person or watch the live broadcast on Channel 23, which is replayed throughout the week. The next meeting is Tues., April 11. Second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 9 a.m. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. 404-371-2886. www.co.dekalb.ga.us.

· AMNESTY ATLANTA Amnesty International Atlanta meets Tues., April 18. Learn how you can take action for human rights. All ages, interests and commitment levels are welcome. 7:30 p.m. Manuel’s Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave. 706-340-5723. www.amnestyusa.org.

· “AIR LOAF” ON 1690 AM

· Hear state and local politicos, newsmakers, and CL editors and writers discuss the hottest topics on “Air Loaf” at WWAA-AM (1690) Air Atlanta, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. Listeners can call in at 404-633-1690.

· Want to publicize a political or civic event? E-mail publicagenda@creativeloafing.com.