Around town
Who’s in town: Senator Barbara Boxer reads from her new novel, “Blind Trust,” a story about political survival and the battle for integrity in the corridors of power. [7 p.m., Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Lectures
Matt Flannery and Keith Taylor: Flannery, co-founder of Kiva, and Taylor, co-founder of the Modest Needs Foundation, talk about online giving. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
Jewish theater: Donny Inbar, director for arts and culture at the Israel Center, gives a talk titled “The Theatrical Synagogue on the Secular Stage.” [7 p.m., Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F.]
Literary events
John Higham: The author and avid traveler talks about “360 Degrees Longitude.” [7:30 p.m., Books Inc., 301 Castro St., Mountain View]
Digital Artifact: The online multimedia publication celebrates issue three with a party and “resource-sharing rodeo.” [7 p.m., Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Outdoor science talk: Laura Carstensen, director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, talks about how science can improve quality of life at all ages. [7 p.m., on the lawn outside Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, Stanford]
Local activities
Cajun music: Fiddle virtuoso and composer Tom Rigney performs with his ensemble, Flambeau. [12:30 p.m., Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission Street between Third and Fourth streets, S.F.]
Salsa and socializing: Museum of the African Diaspora hosts “Summer in the City: Meet MoAD,” a chance to mingle and enjoy Cuban music and dancing. Rumbache, a salsa band, performs. [6 to 8 p.m., 685 Mission St., S.F.]
Dining out
La Provence: Chef-owner Lionel LaFite’s special of the day is risotto aiguo boulido. Beretta risotto is combined with organic mushrooms and tossed with grana padano Parmesan. Also at the restaurant today: “Jazz on Thursdays.” Jeff Labes, who has played with Van Morrison and Bonnie Raitt, provides the music. [1001 Guerrero St., S.F.; (415) 643-4333]
