PERSON IN TOWN
Jonathan Gruber, an adviser to President Barack Obama and an MIT economist, gives a talk on health care reform. In his new book, Gruber uses comics to make current and proposed policies accessible. [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]
LECTURES
Geography of work: Speakers discuss how economic competitiveness is influenced by urban density. [12:30 p.m., SPUR, 654 Mission St., S.F.]
Alison Bing: The travel writer discusses the history, culture and cuisine of Venice, and how the city continues to reinvent itself and shape global culture with avant-garde ideas. [6:30 p.m., Italian Cultural Institute, 814 Montgomery St., S.F.]
Football stars: Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and other former players take part in a “San Francisco 49ers Legends Live!” roundtable celebrating the 30th anniversary of the team’s first Super Bowl win. [7:30 p.m., Masonic Center, 1111 California St., S.F.]
World issues forum: The Young Professionals International Forum of the World Affairs Council meets to explore international current affairs through informal discussion groups. [6:30 p.m., WAC, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
LITERARY
Adam Johnson: The novelist celebrates the publication of “The Orphan Master’s Son.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
COLLEGES
Lunchtime concert: Mental Notes perform a show of R&B, soul, rock, pop, blues and country music in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. [Noon, UCSF Mission Center, 1855 Folsom St., S.F.]
Assistive technology: David L. Jaffe gives an overview of the course “Perspectives in Assistive Technology.” Topics include rehabilitation goals and perceptions of disability. [4:15 p.m., Stanford University, Building 530, Room 127, 452 Escondido Mall, Stanford]
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Landmark gay film: The program, featuring speakers and outtakes, looks at “Word Is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives,” the landmark 1977 film about being gay in the United States. [6 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Creative Crafts: Session, for ages 8 to 18, offers the chance to try different craft projects such as beading, braiding and weaving. Materials are provided. [3:30 to 5 p.m., North Beach Branch, 2000 Mason St., S.F.]
CITY
Classical music: The Eusebius Duo — violinist Monika Gruber and pianist Hillary Nordwell — perform a program of sonatas by Ravel and Franck. [12:30 p.m., Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St., S.F.]
Stand-up comedy: San Francisco comedian Alex Koll performs. Koll mixes basic observational humor with off-the-wall material in his shows. [8 p.m., Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery St., S.F.]
Solo theater: “Tuesdays Too” evening spotlights solo writer-performers. Nancy Margulies (“The Deaf Poet’s Society”) takes the stage today. [7:30 p.m., Stage Werx, 446 Valencia St., S.F.]
Marine life: Every Tuesday this month is Locals Day at Aquarium of the Bay. Admission is 50 percent off for Bay Area residents. The facility houses more than 20,000 marine animals. [10 a.m. to 6 p.m., The Embarcadero at Beach Street, S.F.]
Help wanted: Golden Gate National Parks Volunteer Program seeks volunteers to help repair, maintain and enhance trails, and to protect natural habitats in the Presidio of San Francisco. [10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; details at www.parksconservancy.org]
DINING OUT
Ristobar: Chef Michele Belotti, who comes from Bergamo in Italy’s Lombardy region, serves rustic Italian fare and artisanal pizza. Special menu items include cotechino Modena, a sausage; casoncelli, a stuffed pasta; and gnocchi with truffles. The burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes, too, is highlighted, as is the ossobuco with veal shank. Recommended pizza: the Vesta. [2300 Chestnut St., S.F.; (415) 923-6464]
