French cinema: “Jean Renoir in the Thirties,” a film series saluting the French director, presents “La Chienne” (1931), a mix of comedy and social commentary. [6:30 p.m., SFMOMA, 151 Third St.]
Who’s in town
Best-selling author Thrity Umrigar discusses her new novel, “If Today Be Sweet.” [7 p.m., Books Inc., 3515 California St.]
City activities
East side/West side: The Asian American Theater Company presents “Cowboy vs. Samurai,” Michael Golamco’s Wyoming-set romantic comedy about culture and identity. [8 p.m., Thick House, 1695 18th St.]
Japanese music: Essence, a shakuhachi-taiko-guitar ensemble, performs. The free outdoor concert is part of the Yerba Gardens Festival. [12:30 p.m., Yerba Buena Gardens, Third and Mission streets]
Literary events
826 Quarterly release party: Young authors from the 826 Valencia writing center read from their work. [7 p.m., Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave.]
Cecilia Tan: The world’s only publisher specializing in erotic science fiction and fantasy talks about her work. [7 p.m., Borderlands Books, 866 Valencia St.]
Lectures
Sea-level rise: Leslie Lacko of the S.F. Bay Conservation and Development Commission discusses the potential impact of the sea-level rise on the local shoreline. [Noon, S.F. Department of the Environment, 11 Grove St.]
Podcast workshop: Session focuses on the ins and outs of creating podcasts and setting up Internet radio. [7:30 p.m., Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia St.]
At the public library
‘Women in Love’: Film program presents “I Love You Alice B. Toklas” (1968), starring Peter Sellers. [Noon, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St.]
Juggling act: Juggler Dana Smith and Lacey the Wonder Dog perform for ages 5 to 12. [2 p.m., Chinatown Branch, 1135 Powell St.; RSVP: (415) 355-2889]
