Who’s in town
Sharon Gless stars in “A Round-Heeled Woman,” a play by Jane Prowse based on Jane Juska’s book about encounters that resulted from a personals ad placed in the New York Review of Books. Preview performances begin today. Opening night is Jan. 16. [7 p.m., Z Space, 450 Florida St., S.F.]
Lectures
World-affairs forum: The World Affairs Council’s Young Professionals International Forum Steering Committee meets to discuss international current affairs. [6:30 p.m., WAC, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
‘Learning From Washington, D.C.’: Discussion focuses on Washington, D.C.’s urban planning tradition, future planning and transit-oriented development. [12:30 p.m., SPUR, 654 Mission St., S.F.]
Literary events
Jonah Lehrer: The science writer and blogger (“Frontal Cortex”) talks about “How We Decide.” [7 p.m., Schultz Cultural Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto]
Jason Myers: The locally based novelist talks about “The Mission.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Energy talk: Physics professor Robert Laughlin discusses developments that have changed solar energy from a science toy to a serious technology. [4:15 p.m., Hewlett Teaching Center, Room 201, Stanford University, Stanford]
At the public library
‘Preschool Storytime’: Session features stories and songs for preschoolers. [10 a.m., Western Addition Branch, 1550 Scott St., S.F.]
Art show: Illustrations by artist Katherine Tillotson from children’s books and puppet and stage constructions are on view in the exhibit “Curtains Up.” [9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Main Library, Children’s Center, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Local activities
Stage and screen star: Florence Henderson performs “All the Lives of Me… A Musical Journey,” a show of Broadway songs and stories about her life and career. [8 p.m., Rrazz Room, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., S.F.]
Film screening: The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival presents “The Insomniac City Cycles,” an experimental psychodrama by Israeli multimedia artist Ron Slavin. [7:30 p.m., Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., S.F.]
Aquatic flora: Victoria amazonica (Amazon water lily) is a highlight of the aquatic-plant gallery at the Conservatory of Flowers. The gallery also contains carnivorous plants and tropical orchids. [9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Golden Gate Park, S.F.]
Dining out
Destino: Chef James Schenk serves Central and South American cuisine, and several new dishes are recommended today. Look for pork belly with mofongo; salmon with yuca puree and sauteed chard; and roasted acorn squash with a saute of mushrooms and other ingredients. Ceviches, empanadas and desserts (flourless chocolate cake is recommended today) also are available. [1815 Market St., S.F., (415) 552-4451]
