Urban Action 8/28

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This week's calls to action include the following events and activities. (All are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.)

Meet Ithaca's mayor

Monroe County Young Democrats will hold "Youth Rising to the Challenge of Public Leadership," a talk by Ithaca mayor Svante Myrick, at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, at Writers and Books, 740 University Avenue. Myrick, the youngest mayor in New York, is inspiring other young people to become involved in public service. Suggested levels of support for the appearance range from $15 to $100.

Protest against high-stakes testing

Educators, education activists, and parents will hold a protest during New York State Education Commissioner John King's visit to Rochester School of the Arts on Wednesday, August 28. Groups will protest what they say is excessive testing and plans for student data-sharing with outside non-school organizations. The protest will be held at 1 p.m., at 45 Prince Street.

Gates DOT public meeting

The Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 28, to present possible ways to address traffic problems in the area where Interstates 490 and 390 and Lyell Avenue converge in Gates. There is a draft design report and environmental assessment available for public review at the Gates Public Library, with highlights that include replacing the Lyell Avenue bridge, the Buffalo Road bridge, and the bridge over Trolley Boulevard, with major changes to I-390 and I-490 to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety. An open house begins at 6 p.m. at the Gates Town Hall annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, and the presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. Information: www.dot.ny.gov/390lyell.

Film series on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The Witness Palestine Film Series begins on Sunday, September 8, with the 2012 Academy Award-nominated film "Broken Cameras," and goes through Monday, September 23. Films in the series will be shown on Sunday and Monday evenings during September, and each program will be followed by a diverse panel of speakers with firsthand experience with the conflict. Most of the films will be shown at the Little Theatre on 240 East Avenue. For a complete list of the films, dates, times, and locations: www.witnesspalestineRochester.org. Tickets: $8.