Who’s in town

Chinmaya Gharekhan, India’s ambassador to the United Nations, discusses his hopes for the implementation of a “diplomatic surge,” with the aim of creating a strong, neutral and secure Afghanistan. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]

Lectures

William Potter: The nonproliferation-studies professor and Council on Foreign Relations member gives a talk titled “Implications for Nuclear Disarmament and Nonproliferation.” [Noon, World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]

Energy talk: “In the Balance: Energy, Economy, and Environment” is the theme of a panel discussion on California’s energy future. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

Deanna Paoli Gumina: The psychologist, historian and writer discusses the social, economic and cultural evolution of San Francisco’s Italian community. [7:30 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]

Literary events

Joseph O’Neill: The novelist and nonfiction writer (“Netherland,” “Blood Dark Track”) discusses his work. [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]

Bill Bryson: The journalist, travel writer and memoirist appears in conversation. [8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

Jeff Sharlet: The journalist and author talks about “C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy.” [7 p.m., Green Arcade, 1680 Market St., S.F.]

Jessica Francis Kane: The debut novelist reads from “The Report.” [7 p.m., Green Apple Books, 506 Clement St., S.F.]

Two poets: Denise Newman (“The New Make Believe”) and Aaron Belz (“Lovely, Raspberry”) read from their poetry collections. [7 p.m., BookShop West Portal, 80 West Portal Ave., S.F.]

At the colleges

Art reception: California College of the Arts hosts a reception for its “First-Year Illustration Student Collective Exhibition.” [5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 1111 Eighth St., S.F.]

At the public library

Travel talk: Frommer’s travel author Diane Schwam discusses the best places to stay, dine and listen to jazz in New Orleans. [6:30 p.m., Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]

Youth book: Author Tony DiTerlizzi talks about “The Search for WondLa.” [7 p.m., Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park]

Local activities

Tragic love story: The San Francisco Opera presents Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” a production by Harold Prince. Soprano Svetla Vassileva sings the title role. [8 p.m., War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

Dunking for dollars: Local notables get wet during the 2010 Celebrity Pool Toss, a benefit for the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation. [6 to 10 p.m., poolside, Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy St., S.F.; www.tndc.org]

New Orleans music: The Fat Tuesday Band, a group specializing in funky New Orleans music, performs at Biscuits and Blues. [8 and 10 p.m., 401 Mason St., S.F.]

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