Events listings are compiled by Paula Connelly. Submit items for the listings at listings@sfbg.com.
WEDNESDAY 3
Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus, SF; (415) 362-8193. 7pm, free. Attend this reading and book signing with local author Tony DuShane about his experience growing up as a Jehova’s Witness, a novel which he anticipates will get him shunned from his family still involved in the church.
Susan Stamberg Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California, SF; (415) 292-1233. 8pm, free with pre-registration. Listen to NPR Special Correspondent Susan Stamberg speak on everything from Jewish mothers to the little-known story of the Jews of Shanghai.
Understanding the Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis, 4th floor auditorium, 2340 Jackson, SF; (415) 563-5815. 7:30pm, free. Attend this lecture where Gary Grossman, Ph.D. will discuss the psychological impact of marriage on lesbian and gay couples, in addition to the role of homophobia, prejudice, and unconscious anxieties in arguments supporting traditional marriage.
BAY AREA
Practical Applications of Mythology Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda, Berk.; (510) 526-3805. 7:30pm, free. Hear Dr. Carolyn West discuss the role myths play in the human psyche and in art, music, poetry, and ritual.
THURSDAY 4
Alfonso Gatto Italian Cultural Institute, Suite 200, 425 Washington, SF; (415) 788-7142 ext.18. 6:30pm, free. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of painter, poet, essayist, critic, editor, and film actor Alfonso Gatto. Jack Hirschman and actress Antonella Soldaini will read a selection of Gatto’s poems from the anthology Magma, the first major English translation of poems by Gatto.
My Refuge House Project 1, 251 Rhode Island, SF; (415) 938-7173. 6pm, free. Attend this fundraising event for My Refuge House, an organization devoted to the rehabilitation of people freed from sex trafficking.
FRIDAY 5
"Challenges and Possibilities in South Asia" California Institute of Integral Studies, 4th floor, room 425, 1453 Mission, SF; (415) 575-6254. 6:30pm, free. Hear Meenakshi Ganguly, from the Human Rights Watch, discuss the possibilities for advocacy in South Asia when examining the human rights violations that occur there and the possibilities for justice.
"Foursquared" Project 1, 251 Rhode Island, SF; (415) 938-7173. 7pm, free. Enjoy the work of local artists at this opening for this collaborative exhibit "Foursquared," featuring a mural created using differing mediums by artists Chorboogie, Jet Martinez, David Choong Lee and Apex.
Girldrive: Criss-crossing America, Redefining Feminism Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia, SF; (415) 282-9246. 7pm, free. Hear Nona Willis Arnowitz and Emma Bee Bernstein discuss their cross country road trip where they chronicled the struggles, concerns, successes, and insights of young women grappling to define and fight for gender equality.
Monster Drawing Rally Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa, SF; (415) 863-2141. 6pm, $10-$20 donation. Observe over 130 artists in the act of creation and get the opportunity to purchase each work of art for $60, minutes after its completion, at this fundraiser to support Southern Exposure’s exhibitions and artists in education programs.
SATURDAY 6
Babylon Salon Cantina SF, 580 Sutter, SF; (415) 398-0195. 7:30pm, free. Attend this reading and performance series featuring authors Peter Orner, Toni Mirosevich, Kemble Scott, and more reading and discussing their recent works.
"Beyond Breast Cancer" Golden Gate Club, 135 Fisher Loop, Presidio, SF; 1-888-315-5988. 8am, $20. Hear cancer experts and survivors controversial mammography guidelines, the latest treatments, side-effect management, and more at this conference for breast cancer survivors, their families and friends, and medical professionals.
Crystal Fair Fort Mason Conference Center, Building A, 99 Marina, SF; (415) 383-7837. Sat. 10am-6pm,Sun. 10am-4pm; $6. Enjoy this exhibition and sale of crystals, minerals, beads, jewelry, and other accessories of the healing arts.
"Embracing the Cycles of Womanhood" Women’s Building, 3543 18th St., SF; (415) 469-5425. 2pm, $10-$25 sliding scale. Join in a body, mind, and spirit celebration of being a woman at this Women’s Day celebration featuring information about menstrual cycle hormones, salsa dancing, first period stories, and how to go with the flow of your period.
Miraloma Cooperative Nursery School St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Event Center, 111 Gough, SF; (415) 585-6789. 6pm, $15. Help raise funds for this parent-run cooperative with an auction of items like getaways, tickets, and activities.
BAY AREA
March Madness Craft Sale Knit One One, 3360 Adeline, Berk.; (510) 420-8706. 10am, free. Find nifty, unusual gorgeous goodies from crafters including Bead Origami, Leon Leaf, Panoply, Eristotle, Kimono Momo, Papa Vert, and more.
SUNDAY 7
Heeb Magazine at the Oscars Elixir, 3200 16th St., SF; (415) 552-1633. 5pm, free. Celebrate the year in Jewish and Israeli cinema, including Inglourious Basterds, A Serious Man, and Ajami, at this Oscar- watching party sponsored by Heeb magazine featuring drink specials and a live broadcast of the Oscars.
BAY AREA
How to Defeat Your Own Clone Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College, Oak.; (510) 653-9965. 3pm, free. Hear Kyle Kurpinski and Terry D. Johnson, two bioengineering experts, discuss their new funny and informative book on how to survive and thrive in an age of weird science.
MONDAY 8
Howard Zinn Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness, SF; (415) 392-4400. 8pm, $20. Join Alan Jones to celebrate the life and work of Howard Zinn, historian, activist, social critic, and award-winning author of A People’s History of the United States.