Who’s in town
Author Lorrie Moore discusses her life, her writing and her new novel “A Gate at the Stairs” in conversation with author Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket). [8 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]
Lectures
Erik Dryburgh: The estate-planning expert discusses how to craft an estate plan that protects your family’s future while ensuring that the causes you care about are remembered. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Ed Stone: The scientist for the Voyager program discusses the spacecraft’s journey to interstellar space. [7:30 p.m., California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, S.F.]
Literary events
T.R. Reid: The reporter and commentator discusses “The Healing of America.” [Noon, Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Left Coast Writers: “Trauma and Drama” is the theme of the group’s September reading. [5:30 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Plaza, S.F.]
At the colleges
Duo Datteri-Lencioni: The Italy-based pair perform music by Liszt, Puccini and Ravel. [1 p.m., SFSU, Knuth Hall, Creative Arts building, 1600 Holloway Ave., S.F.]
At the public library
Earthquake preparedness: Matt Springer, assistant professor of medicine at UCSF, gives a presentation about how to lessen earthquake damage at home and at work. [7 p.m., Sunset Branch, 1305 18th Ave., S.F.]
Monthly Monday movie: “Picnic” (1955), directed by Joshua Logan and starring William Holden and Kim Novac, screens. [6:30 p.m., Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission St., S.F.]
Local activities
Monday mirth: Kung Pao Kosher Comedy presents “Comedy Returns to El Rio.” Six comedians perform, with Diane Amos headlining. [7:30 p.m., El Rio, 3158 Mission St., S.F.]
Theater celebration: The 2009 San Francisco Fringe Festival, a showcase for independent theater, continues. Today’s bill includes “Inside Private Lives,” “Recess,” “Tater Stew” and other fare. [7 to 11 p.m.; several sites; www.sffringe.org]
Ferlinghetti show: The Italian Cultural Institute presents “Lawrence Ferlinghetti: Drawings From Life,” an exhibit of works on paper featuring drawings of live models by the poet-artist. [9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 425 Washington St., S.F.]
Dining out
Kasa Indian Eatery: Chef Anamika Khanna’s menu features kati rolls wrapped around marinated onions, chutney, and one main dish. Or, diners can choose thali, a traditional combination plate. Today’s recommended items are chicken tikka masala, char-broiled and marinated free-range chicken in a creamy tomato sauce and gobi aloo, a vegetarian dish containing cauliflower and potatoes. [4001 18th St., S.F.; (415) 621-6940]
