Who’s in town

Seyed Mousavian, formerly of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and author of “The Iranian Nuclear Crisis,” speaks. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

Lectures

Tony Haymet: The Scripps Institution of Oceanography director describes how the business world has partnered with oceanographers to address major sea-related questions. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

Tim O’Reilly: The founder of O’Reilly Media Inc. talks about emerging technology trends and how he believes they will influence social evolution. Long Now presents the talk. [7:30 p.m., Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.]

Kip Cranna: The San Francisco Opera’s director of musical administration provides an insider’s view of the opera company and presents a preview of coming attractions. [1 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]

Literary events

Jane Hodges: The business and personal-finance writer discusses “Rent vs. Own: A Real Estate Reality Check for Navigating Booms, Busts, and Bad Advice.” [6 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, S.F.]

Rayme Waters: The debut novelist discusses “The Angel’s Share.” [7 p.m., Books Inc., 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto]

‘Litquake Out Loud’: Slam and spoken-word poets Denise Jolly, Lisa Evans, Joshua Merchant, sam sax and Cameron Awkward-Rich read from their work. [12:30 p.m., Union Square, 333 Post St., S.F.]

Book group: The San Francisco Travel Book Club discusses “The Lunatic Express, by Carl Hoffman.” [6 p.m., Books Inc., 2251 Chestnut St., S.F.]

At the colleges

Nursing program: USF School of Nursing hosts an information meeting for students seeking to transfer from a junior college or four-year university. [4 p.m., Lone Mountain campus, 2800 Turk Blvd., S.F.; go to Room 203, then to Room 216]

At the public library

Book group: The Sunset Book Group discusses “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” by Isabel Wilkerson. [7 p.m., Sunset Branch, 1305 18th Ave., S.F.]

Local activities

Fringe benefits: The 2012 San Francisco Fringe Festival, a celebration of independent and risk-taking theater, begins. Today’s shows include “The Good, The Bad and The Stupid” featuring Pi: The Physical Comedy Troupe at 10:30 p.m. at Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy St., S.F. [7 p.m. onward, several S.F. sites; www.sffringe.org]

Symphony opener: The San Francisco Symphony opens its 101st season, joined by guest conductor Semyon Bychkov and violinist Pinchas Zukerman. Featured composers include Bruch. [8 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

Argentine tango: Trio Garufa appears in an event including live music, a beginner dance workshop, a dance performance and food and wine. [8 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]

Blood drive: The American Red Cross holds a blood drive. Call (800) 733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org (sponsor code: FORTMASON) for an appointment. [10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Building A, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F.]

Dining out

Zero Zero: Named after a flour from Naples, the restaurant serves pizzas, pasta, salads and starter dishes. Chef-pizzaiolo Bruce Hill’s pizzas include varieties named after San Francisco streets. [826 Folsom St., S.F.; (415) 348-8800]

‘The Good2012 San Francisco Fringe FestivalartsGood Day