Susan E. Baer, PhD, a professor in the School of Public Administration and Urban Studies at San Diego State University has been asked by Family Health Centers of San Diego to design a survey instrument that attempts to measure the support for the city’s clean needle exchange program. Baer is attempting to gather input from various groups and individuals in the North Park community prior to designing this survey in order to receive a broad array of perspectives and opinions on the above topics. If you are a North Park resident and are willing to provide input on any of the topics discussed you can contact Baer at (619) 594-4934. The identity of all respondents will be kept anonymous. Contact her no later than Nov. 1.

Councilmember Toni Atkins and the North Park Library Task Force will host a community forum to explore programming needs for the planned 25,000 square foot District Three flagship library to be located in North Park. The forum will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 30th St. and Howard Ave. Consideration will be given to how much space should be devoted to services such as computer labs, children’s reading areas, community meeting space, books, videos and music. The public is encouraged to attend the planning forum. For more information, call Stephen at (619) 236-6633.

The Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund was established by the Imperial Court de San Diego in conjunction with the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center. Named in honor of San Diego City Councilmember Toni Atkins, the Fund assists low income and under insured lesbian and bisexual women in need of medical treatment, referrals, support, education, advocacy and guidance through the healthcare system. Women are eligible for funds if: (1) They have a healthcare need, (2) They do not have healthcare insurance that will cover the need, and/or (3) Their household income cannot support the health care expenditure. Funds are available to eligible women for any necessary health care appointment, procedure, or examination (including lab tests and medications). Questions or application requests may be directed to AJ Davis-DeFeo at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212. Applications are available at The Center (3909 Centre Street), The Center’s Health Services facility (2313 El Cajon Blvd.), and Bienestar (3020 North Park Way).

Current Affairs Bookstore, located at 2536 University Avenue, North Park, San Diego is please to present a book signing/discussion with renowned composer/lyricist Jerry Herman for his new book; The Lyrics on Monday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Author of two of the biggest successes in musical theater history: Hello, Dolly! and Mame, Jerry Herman is one of Broadway’s most celebrated composers and lyricists. His new book offers all of the lyrics to Herman’s well-loved songs along with rare production photographs from all of his shows. At the appearance, a piano will be on hand and Herman will play his tunes as he discusses how they came to be. For more information, call (619) 795-9899.

On Saturday Nov. 15 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Family Matters and Walden Family Services will present a community seminar at The Center entitled “Considering Parenting” for those community members considering having or adopting children, or becoming a foster parent. For more information, call (619) 497-2279, ext. 102.

Ekra is a weekly workshop for personal, spiritual growth through Jewish practice, utilizing meditation, journaling and discussion. It is led by Rabbi Alexis Roberts and is free and open to all over the age of 13. Ekra meets Wednesday afternoons from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Congregation Dor Hadash, San Diego’s Reconstructionist congregation, at 4858 Ronson Court in Kearny Mesa. In the coming month, Ekra will meet on Nov. 5, 12, 19, and 26. For more information, call (858) 268-3674.

The San Diego chapter of PFLAG is please to have Mick Rabin as their speaker at this month’s group meeting to be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church 4190 Front Street, Hillcrest, on Monday Oct. 27 at 7:00 p.m. Rabin is actively involved in the issues regarding the national Boy Scouts of America policy not to allow gay men or boys into the organization and feels strongly that acceptance and diversity is something that will make the Boy Scouts a stronger organization. He became an activist in the GLBT cause when a high school friend came out to him years ago. Since then he has become involved in trying to promote safe environments for ALL children. Rabin will speak following group sessions and the cookie social. All are welcome! For more information, call (619) 579-7640.

In an effort to reduce crime and make our neighborhoods safer, Third District City Councilmember Toni Atkins and Police Chief William Lansdowne will host a workshop on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, to assist residents in bringing Neighborhood Watch to their communities. The training will take place at the Normal Heights Community Center, 4649 Hawley Boulevard, one block south of Adams Avenue. Doors will open at 8:45am, and refreshments will be served.

The Neighborhood Watch workshop is free and open to the public. To assist with the planning for the workshop, residents are asked to RSVP to Atkins’ office, at (619) 236-6633, by Nov. 6. However, no one will be turned away on the morning of the workshop.

On Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10:00 a.m., the Desert Pride Center will offer a three-hour workshop, “Are You Gay But Not Happy?” This workshop examines the spectrum of depression in gay men, gives participants a quick way to assess the extent of their depression and provides them with skills to begin to manage depression.

The presenter of this workshop is Paul Zak, who works with individuals, couples, and groups, focusing on personal growth, couples and relationship issues, and midlife/aging concerns. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCS 17633) and a Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS 3582), and can be reached at (760) 898-4581.

Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights’ (APIHR) purpose is to advance the human rights of Pan Asian/Pacific Islander (API) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, queer and questioning (LGBTIQ) people. APIHR offers the API/LGBTIQ community a range of programs and services. Through their Youth Leadership Institute, APIHR offers exciting opportunities for youth in the fields of public policy and program administration. All of these opportunities are available to interested high school, undergraduate and graduate students who identify as API and queer. The APIHR Youth Program Intern assists staff in daily implementation of youth program outreach, APIHR’s needs assessment surveys, peer education and hang outs, and works with the APIHR youth board.

Qualified candidates will be able to devote a minimum of four to six months, and a minimum of 15 hours per week, subject to staff needs and intern availability. Youth program interns must have a working knowledge of event production. Experience with program development, a working knowledge of community outreach, coordination, implementation and evaluation a plus. To apply, send a cover letter that expresses your interest area and qualifications, a current resume, a writing sample (5 pages maximum), and two names of individuals who are willing to serve as references.

Applicants should send materials by Oct. 31 to: APIHR Internship Program, 6115 Selma Ave., Suite 207, Los Angeles, CA 90028. For more information, call (323) 860-0876 or e-mail intern@apihr.org.