Who’s in town
Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council, examines the Obama administration’s early diplomatic gestures toward Iran. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
Lectures
Ed Lee: San Francisco’s mayor discusses the many issues facing The City today. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Sci-fi and design: “What Design and Science Fiction Can Learn From Each Other” is the theme of a conversation featuring leading design thinkers. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Literary events
Anne Lamott and Sam Lamott: The locally based author and her son — co-authors of “Some Assembly Required” — talk about their book. [8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Monte Schulz: The novelist talks about “The Big Town.” [7 p.m., Modern Times Bookstore, 2919 24th St., S.F.]
Chana Wilson: The psychotherapist and former broadcast journalist discusses “Riding Fury Home: A Memoir.” [7:30 p.m., Books Inc., 2275 Market St., S.F.]
Pat Thomas: The music producer and scholar talks about “Listen, Whitey! Sights and Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
Travel writing: Gogobot.com hosts its first “Travel Salon,” a panel discussion featuring four writers on the front lines of the digital travel revolution. [6 to 8 p.m., Monarch, 101 Sixth St., S.F.; www.gogobottravelsalon.eventbrite.com]
At the colleges
LaToya Ruby Frazier: The East Coast-based artist, who produces sociopolitical work that examines the nation’s industrial period, gives a talk. [7 p.m., California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth St., S.F.]
At the public library
‘April in Paris’: Novelists Cara Black (“Murder at the Lanterne Rouge”) and Ellen Sussman (“French Lessons”) discuss their latest books and all things Paris. [6:30 p.m., Latino/Hispanic Room, Main Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Insect Discovery Lab: The session, for ages 3 to 5, offers the chance to encounter and learn about some rare insects. [11 a.m., North Beach Branch, 2000 Mason St, S.F.]
Local activities
Solo theater: “Tuesdays Too,” a show of solo theater, features Claudia Kraehe as “Laura Grundlich, Office Manager.” Lynn Ruth Miller (“Farewell to the Tooth Fairy”) also performs. [7:30 p.m., Stage Werx, 446 Valencia St., S.F.]
Comedy show: Comedian Jill Bourque hosts “Jillarious Tuesdays,” a weekly stand-up show featuring local comics. Bob Sarlatte is tonight’s headliner. [7:30 p.m., Tommy T’s Showroom, 1000 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Female cartoonists: The Cartoon Art Museum hosts a meeting of the U.S./San Francisco chapter of Laydeez do Comics, a London-based project celebrating female cartoonists. Artist-author Trina Robbins speaks. [7 p.m., 655 Mission St., S.F.]
Midday music: Cellist Mary Artmann and pianist Miles Graber perform sonatas by Bach and Mendelssohn. Noontime Concerts presents the program. [12:30 p.m., Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St., S.F.]
Kasa Indian Eatery: Chef Anamika Khanna’s menu features kati rolls, a classic Indian street food consisting of flaky, buttery roti (handmade bread) wrapped around a chosen main dish. [4001 18th St., S.F., (415) 621-6940]
