Though it's in the Busy Week section, somehow I failed to alert everyone I know about the awesome event going on tonight: Planned Parenthood's Block Party!

Reasons this is awesome:
1) Anti-Planned Parenthood protesters have picketed the women's health clinic for setting up their headquarters in NE Portland, alleging that their location means Planned Parenthood wants to abort black children. A street party is an excellent way to show they have strong support in the neighborhood. And, uh, that those protesters are crazy.

2) Advocacy groups should throw fun, public parties more often. Exclusive, shmancy cocktail fundraisers are 100 percent necessary, but just as necessary, in my opinion, are out-and-proud events that attract a crowd interested in fun as well as politics. Tonight's block party is $20, making it a pretty accessible little fundraiser.

3) Tonight is a really good time to go support Planned Parenthood because the Obama administration has just flipped on an important abortion-rights issue, prohibiting state-run insurance pools for women who have pre-existing medical conditions.

4) It's sunny.