Around town
Lectures
Allison Stanger: The international affairs scholar tells the story of how contractors became an integral part of U.S. foreign policy and why a new approach may be essential. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
‘Sundance Confidential’: Program, presented by the San Francisco Film Society’s Film Arts Forum, explores one of independent filmdom’s top events: the Sundance Film Festival. [7:30 p.m., Mezzanine, 444 Jessie St., S.F.]
Literary events
Carol Sklenicka: The biographer talks about “Raymond Carver: A Writer’s Life.” [6 p.m., Book Passage, 1 Ferry Plaza, S.F.]
Book project fundraiser: Poet, novelist, pianist and jazz historian Don Alberts reads from his work, including a work-in-progress about 1960s San Francisco jazz. [7 p.m., Bird & Beckett Books and Records, 653 Chenery St., S.F.]
At the public library
‘First Monday Movies’: Monthly series presents “The Letter” (1940), directed by William Wyler and starring Bette Davis. [6:30 p.m., Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission St., S.F.]
‘Bubble Fun’: The Bubble Lady combines stories with bubble making in this program for children of all ages. [10:30 a.m., Visitacion Valley Branch, 45 Leland Ave., S.F.]
Who’s in town
Carolyn Porco, planetary scientist and director of the Space Science Institute’s Cassini Imaging Central Laboratory for Operations in Boulder, Colo., speaks at the California Academy of Sciences. Her lecture, focusing on the Cassini spacecraft and the planet Saturn, is sold out.
At the colleges
Faculty artist recital: Jodi Levitz (viola) performs. [8 p.m., San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak St., S.F.]
Local activities
Musical theater star: Singer Eden Espinosa, whose stage roles include Elphaba in “Wicked,” brings her new show, “From Eden With Love,” to The City. [8 p.m., Rrazz Room, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., S.F.]
Holiday concert: The Bay Brass, a cooperative made up of players from leading local performing organizations, presents “A Brass and Organ Christmas.” [8 p.m., Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., S.F.]
Gay comedy: Qcomedy Showcase, a monthly LGBT comedy night, is back. December’s lineup includes Mary Van Note, Morgan Ruzzo, and Uni and Her Ukulele. [8 p.m., Mama Calizo’s Voice Factory, 1519 Mission St., S.F.]
Dining out
Bocadillos: Chef Bob Petzold recommends a pair of dishes today. First is a mixed chicory salad with pomegranate and seasonal citrus. Also, look for Liberty Farms duck breast with five-spice huckleberry sauce. [710 Montgomery St., S.F., (415) 982-2622]
