Today’s picks for civic nerds.

The dapper Glenn Herlihy, cofounder of the Beacon Food Forest, will speak at Bloom! this Thursday. Perhaps he'll even share a raspberry or two. Photo via Bloom Seattle's Facebook page

For Thursday:

What do Women Want?

In a nod to Roe v. Wade’s 40th anniversary, our city’s chapter of the League of Women Voters presents a discussion of women’s reproductive issues today, namely the proposed state Reproductive Parity Act and changes to the federal Affordable Care Act.

Tiffany Hankins of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington and Shannon Rush of Medical Students for Reproductive Justice will speak.

Feburary Forum: Reproductive Rights, Thu Feb 7, 7:30pm, Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave, free.

TED Goes Green

Head downtown this Thursday for a night of eight-minute TED-style talks about innovations in sustainability. The rock-star lineup of eight local innovators includes Glenn Herlihy, cofounder of the Beacon Food Forest, and Jody Hall of Cupcake Royale.

Bloom! Seattle, Thu Feb 7, 6–9pm, 1927 Events, 1927 Third Ave, $9–$15.

For Wednesday:

Connect the Dots

Join Mayor Mike McGinn and city council members to learn about the different studies underway to link the First Hill and South Lake Union streetcars and improve transit mobility overall.

Center City Connector Transit Study Open House, Wed Feb 6, 5:30–7:30, Bertha Knight Landes Room, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave, free.

Planning the New 520 Bridge

As state and city leaders debate how to fund the west side of the SR-520 bridge project, and what the Seattle side of the bridge should look like, the Washington State Department of Transportation is hosting an open house to share the latest developments and plans for SR 520 bridge construction.

SR 520 Bridge Open House, Wed Feb 6, 4:30–7:30pm, St. Demetrios Church, 2100 Boyer Ave E, free.

And for Today:

Elastic Opinions on Plastics

The Burke Museum and Seattle Theatre Group present their own version of TED Talks: “Short Takes,” six-minute presentations by experts on plastics. Learn about 3D printing, plastics in the ocean, keeping food fresh without plastic, and so on.

Short Takes on Plastics, Tue Feb 5, 7pm, Neptune Theatre, 1303 NE 45th St, $4–$5.

Yes We Can, Port Edition

Watch all 29 applicants tell the Port Commission why they think they're the best man or woman for the vacant spot on the commission. Contenders range from seasoned port employees to a cell phone salesmen and a marine ecologist.

Applicant Presentations to Port Commission, Tue Feb 5, Port of Seattle Headquarters, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way, free.

Want to see your nerdy event featured on the PubliCalendar?

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