PERSON IN TOWN
Award-winning author Mary Gaitskill presents “Don’t Cry,” her new collection of stories. [6 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Plaza, S.F.]
LECTURES
WorldAffairs 2010 Conference: “Innovative Leadership in the Face of Crises” is the theme. [Noon to 8 p.m., Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell St., S.F.; www.itsyourworld.org]
Sumbul Ali-Karamali: The author of “The Muslim Next Door” demystifies commonly used Islamic terms like “shari’ah” and “shari’ah law,” and explores the rules of Islam. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
LITERARY
Dave Eggers: The locally based writer discusses “Zeitoun,” with Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun joining him. Wajahat Ali hosts the talk. [8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Wafaa Bilal: The award-winning Iraqi artist talks about “Shoot an Iraqi: Art, Life and Resistance Under the Gun.” [7 p.m., City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave., S.F.]
COLLEGES
Chus Martinez: The chief curator at the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, and co-curator of this year’s São Paulo Biennial, gives a lecture.
[7 p.m., California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth St., S.F.]
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Candacy Taylor: The photographer, oral historian and former waitress talks about “Counter Culture,” her book about diner waitresses. [7 p.m., San Carlos Library, 610 Elm St., San Carlos]
‘Great Teen Book Swap’: Teens receive free books with the understanding that they will give the library a bookmark review by the end of the month. [3 p.m., Glen Park Branch, 2825 Diamond St., S.F.]
CITY
Opening night: The 28th annual San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival begins. A reception and a screening of “Today’s Special” are on the bill. [7 p.m., Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F.]
South African voices: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Grammy-winning vocal group and global ambassadors for postapartheid South Africa, performs in San Francisco. [7:30 p.m., Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F.]
Science social: The Academy of Sciences hosts its weekly “Nightlife” gathering. Look for scientific oddities with Paxton Gate, a taxidermy demonstration and DJ B. Smiley today. [6 to 10 p.m., Golden Gate Park, S.F.]
DINING OUT
RNM: Chef Justine Miner’s special of the day is Dungeness crab brandade. It is served with celeriac slaw and housemade flatbread. [598 Haight St., S.F.; (415) 551-7900]
