Who’s in town
Dustin Thomason, a Los Angeles-based TV writer and novelist, talks about his new book “12.21.” [6 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, S.F.]
Lectures
Geoffrey Nunberg: The professor and linguist discusses the rise of the word “a-hole” and how it reflects contemporary American values regarding civility, relationships and class. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Anti-poverty efforts: Speakers discuss the challenges facing religious and cultural institutions that help underserved communities fight poverty, and why promoting self-sufficiency is essential. [12:30 p.m., SPUR, 654 Mission St., S.F.]
John Santos: The musician continues his lecture series exploring Puerto Rican music. Musica jibara, and the comeback of this rural music, is today’s topic. [7 p.m., Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., S.F.]
Literary events
Two novelists: Aimee Phan (“The Re-education of Cherry Troung”) and Pauls Toutonghi (“Evel Knievel Days”) discuss their novels. [7 p.m., Books Inc., 74 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto]
Literary city: The Litquake event features actresses Anne Buelteman and Tina Marie Murray reading literature that celebrates San Francisco. Featured authors include Mark Twain. [12:30 p.m., Union Square, 333 Post St., S.F.]
Book group: The Central SF Classic Lit Book Club discusses “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. [6:30 p.m., Books Inc., 2275 Market St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Film screening: “The Great Famine,” a documentary about the U.S. effort to ease starvation in the new Soviet Russia in 1921, screens. [7 p.m., Building 200 (History Corner), Room 002 (basement), 450 Serra Mall, Stanford University, Stanford]
At the public library
Radar Reading: Series features emerging and underground writers. August’s lineup includes Kevin Killian, Zander Keig and host Michelle Tea. [6 p.m., Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Travel-photography workshop: Photojournalist Frederic Larson discusses the techniques he uses to capture stunning images around the world. [6 p.m., Richmond Branch, 351 Ninth Ave., S.F.]
Local activities
Musical theater: SF Playhouse presents a new production of the Lerner and Loewe musical “My Fair Lady.” The stripped-down version of the show emphasizes Eliza’s emotional journey. [7 p.m., SF Playhouse, 533 Sutter St., S.F.]
Whiskers a go-go: Build-a-Beard’s San Francisco Beard Ball features live and DJ music and celebrates creative facial hair. Proceeds benefit Brush Fire Painting. [7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Madrone Art Bar, 500 Divisadero St., S.F.]
Art show: Peninsula Chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art presents “I Love California,” a member exhibit. [7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Milton Marks Conference Center, Hiram Johnson State Office Building, 455 Golden Gate Ave., S.F.]
Outdoor concert: The roots, rock and R&B band Moonalice performs in Union Square. [6 to 8 p.m., 333 Post St., S.F.]
Dining out
Pläj: Scandinavian and California cuisines come together in this new Hayes Valley restaurant. The Swedish meatballs have become a favorite dish. Also try the “Taste of Herring.” [333 Fulton St., S.F.; (415) 294-8925]
