MON- FEB. 13
Eddy Zheng's last chance to plead his case at today's hearing; community members who want to attend, email achaddha [at] gmail.com. (1pm, 630 Sansome @ Washington, S.F. Courtroom 937).

Think you're the next Iron Chef? Oakland's looking for a chef for OACC's cook-off. Theme? RICE. Deadline to enter contest is this week; contest/fundraiser March 1. (Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St. #290, Oakland, 510.637.0459).

WED - FEB. 15
Get your fill of Chinese opera this month with special programs, exhibits and workshops in S.F.'s public library. Today's workshop/demonstration of the art of Kunqu Opera is lead by Sabrina Hou of Peony Performing Arts. Photo exhibit of Chinese opera in NYC and S.F. by Nancy Hom and Bob Hsiang runs until April 20. (1pm, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room, S.F. Public Library, 100 Larkin, 415.557.4400. FREE).

Come find out more about the struggles, communities and arts & culture of Pacific Islanders at a special event today, including discussion of the first-ever community research project that reveals an alarmingly high drop-out, incarceration and depression rate amongs Pacific Islanders in Oakland. Youth from Asian & Pacific Islander Youth Promoting Leadership and Advocacy's (AYPAL) PIKA program perform guerrilla theater skits. (3-5pm, 1515 Webster St., Oakland, 510.834.9455 ext. 211. FREE).

THURS - FEB. 16
You know your weekend starts today (or you'd like it to). No fear, this Thursday presents to you a plethora of choices, starting with a panel of experts to enlighten us about the world of speed dating, Asian American-style. (7-9:30pm, Japanese Cultural & Community Center 1840 Sutter Street, S.F. $5-20. RSVP at Third Thursdays).

Bring your words of wisdom to Locus Art's Open Mic or just come listen to Rupert Estanislao, poet extraordinaire. (8pm, SPACE180, 180 Capp Street, 3rd Fl., S. F. FREE).

And get down with the 24th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (from now on and forever onward referred to as SFIAAFF). Launch party tonight. (9pm-midnight, 111 Minna St., S.F. $5 or free for Center for Asian American Media members, 21+).

FRI/SAT - FEB. 17-18
One-man playwright/actor Francis Tanglao-Aguas continues "The Sarimanok Travels" at the Asian American Theater Company this weekend; show runs through Feb. 25. (8pm, Noh Space, 2840 Mariposa St., S.F. $1-15).

SUN - FEB. 19
The Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) responds to the representation of the Prophet Muhammad in a community forum. (2-4pm, Muslim Community Association, 3003 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara).

email community events to momo [at] hyphenmagazine.com.