Who’s in town
Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut performs with his trio. [8 p.m., Yoshi’s, 1330 Fillmore St., S.F.]
Lectures
California Choices: The governance-reform project presents a panel examining the state’s prospects for a sustainable future. [9 a.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.; RSVP: (415) 957-0202, ext. 10]
Paul Theroux: The travel writer and novelist gives a lecture titled “Madly Singing in the Mountains: Traveling in the Natural World.” [8 p.m., Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View]
Literary events
Eric Puchner: The fiction writer talks about “Model Home,” his debut novel. [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
Elaine Beale: The novelist talks about “Another Life Altogether.” [6 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Plaza, S.F.]
At the public library
‘Elegant Needlework’: Exhibit features embroidery from Shanghai. [9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Main Library, Chinese Center, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
‘Preschool Storytime’: Program is designed for ages 3 to 5. [10 a.m., Western Addition Branch, 1550 Scott St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Film program: LunaFest presents short films made by women. Donations benefit the Breast Cancer Fund. [Noon, UCSF, Health Sciences West Building, Room 301, 513 Parnassus Ave., S.F.]
Local activities
Irish American celebration: Folksinger and peace activist from Northern Ireland Tommy Sands performs at the 2010 Crossroads Irish-American Festival, which begins today. [8 p.m., Plough & Stars, 116 Clement St., S.F.]
Comedy CD recording: Local comedian Kevin Camia performs a stand-up show, to be recorded live for a CD. [8 p.m., Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery St., S.F.]
Ballet concert
San Francisco Ballet presents “Program 4.” The bill includes the company’s premiere of Michel Fokine’s “Petrouchka” (1911), set to music by Stravinsky. [8 p.m., War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Dining out
Sweet Jo’s: Chef-owner Joanna Karlinsky serves New American and “kosherish” cuisine, and dishes include breakfast items, sandwiches, burritos and pizzas. Recommended today are the Niman Ranch beef patty melt on ciabatta; the Hannah pizza (marinara, mozzarella, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta, eggplant, caramelized onions and roasted red peppers); and homemade ice cream. [Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F., (415) 345-0090]
