Abigail Shull

This week kicks off with discussions about Smart Growth and overhauling transit, and ends in grand fashion with Oakland's first ciclovia and San Francisco's 40th Anniversary LGBTQ Pride Parade. Here are the highlights:

"In the last three years, Sunday Streets events in San Francisco have proven to be incredibly successful – growing from two events in 2007 to nine events planned for 2010, due to the popularity among residents, business owners and local government.

"As the largest city in Northern California, San José is making great strides to become a world-class city — including creating an iconic “Central Park” of San José. Running north from downtown San José, Guadalupe River Park, 50 years in the making, will be a 250-acre urban park running 2.6 miles along the Guadalupe riverbank in the heart of the city. With Ken Kay of Ken Kay Associates, the landscape architect for the project’s next phase of development, and Erika Justis of 1stACT Silicon Valley."

"For over 40 years, Dorothy Erskine worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support housing for the poor, rational urban and regional planning, preservation of farmland and the creation of parks and open space. A new biography explores Erskine’s life and career, including her motivations, inspirations and achievements as one of the Bay Area’s foremost civic and environmental activists in an era when few women held similar roles. With author Janet B. Thiessen. Co-sponsored by Friends of Dorothy Erskine and Greenbelt Alliance."

"The European Union has become the largest, wealthiest trading bloc in the world — nearly as large as the U.S. and China combined — all while providing an exceptional quality of life to its citizens and maintaining a per capita carbon footprint half that of the United States. How do they do it? Join author Steven Hill as he gives us the answers from his new book Europe’s Promise: Why the European Way is the Best Hope in an Insecure Age."

"It's back! The SF Bicycle Coalition Ice Cream Ride returns. Bring a lock, cash for ice cream and your appetite!"

"Join Different Spokes San Francisco monthly club ride. There are three options (27m/47m/57m) so you can go at your own pace and distance. The rides split and regroup in Tiburon."

"Got the gift of gab? Volunteer to phone bank with the SFBC! No cold calling, just simple reminders to friendly lapsed SFBC members that their membership is expired. Come share in the fun. The more the merrier!"

"Get on your bike and celebrate Gas-Free Fridays! In San Francisco, half of all driving trips are under two miles in length -- a distance easily traveled by bicycle. So, grab your bike and a friend or co-worker and pedal by one of the SF Bicycle Coalition's Service Stations to fuel up on free coffee and snacks.

"Get on your bike and celebrate Gas-Free Fridays! In San Francisco, half of all driving trips are under two miles in length -- a distance easily traveled by bicycle. So, grab your bike and a friend or co-worker and pedal by one of the SF Bicycle Coalition's Service Stations to fuel up on free coffee and snacks.