San Diego Reader

Thursday | 1

WHAT IS POLITICAL POPULISM?

The Civilized Conversation Club converges at Filter to discuss “Which is the real populism: Occupy Wall Street, the Tea Party, or both?” You are welcome to share your opinion or just listen to the conversation.

WHEN: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Filter, 4096 30th Street, North Park. 858-231-6209; civilizedconversation.wordpress.com

Friday | 2

AN EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE

Academy Award–winning author-screenwriter Michael Blake (Dances with Wolves) shares Boy in the Rain, a reminiscence of his late brother, artist David Webb, via film and verse. Webb’s work will be on display. Also, hosted reception and book-signing.

WHEN: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Swift Gallery at NTC, 2820 Roosevelt Road, Point Loma. 858-205-7558; swiftsd.blogspot.com/2011/11/dark-and-stormy-night-gets-darker-loss.html

Saturday | 3

TRASHY CHIC

Carlsbad author Cathy Lubenski signs her first book, “a humorous murder mystery” about a reporter who’s worried about getting laid off. Lubenski, a former employee of the Union-Tribune, drew from her experience.

WHEN: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Mysterious Galaxy Books, 7051 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Kearny Mesa. 858-268-4747; mystgalaxy.com

Sunday | 4

SONO PARK HOLIDAY FEST AND CHILIPALOOZA

The San Diego Ceramic Connection and the McKinley Elementary School Foundation host this chili competition — featuring restaurants Alchemy, Sea Rocket Bistro, Station Tavern, and more — for “chili bragging rights.” Donate $15 for a sample and a handcrafted ceramic bowl. Also, food trucks, beer and wine, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and live music.

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: San Diego

Ceramic Connections, 3216 Thorn Street, North Park. 619-281-2529; sonoparkholidayfest.blogspot.com

Monday | 5

AUTISM AND ANIMALS

Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs hosts “An Evening with Temple Grandin,” a fundraiser featuring the renowned animal activist, New York Times best-selling author, and “arguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world” (portrayed by Claire Danes in the Emmy-award-winning HBO film).

WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. 800-245-9757; tenderlovingcanines.org

Tuesday | 6

OPERATIC CONVERSATION!

The San Diego Opera’s Community Conversation Series hosts this evening with composer Jake Heggie and San Diego Opera’s artistic director Ian Campbell. Learn about Moby-Dick, Heggie’s career, and the state of modern opera in America.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Neurosciences Institute, 10640, John Jay Hopkins Drive, La Jolla. 619-533-7000; sdopera.com/operas/communityconversations

Wednesday | 7

GO CLUB

Do you know how to play the oldest board game in the world? Instructor Ted Terpstra hosts an introductory class for those interested in learning the national game of Japan, “Go.” Each class will include instruction and a time for individual game play in the peaceful surroundings of the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.

WHEN: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Japanese Friendship Garden, Pan American Road, Balboa Park. 619-232-2721; niwa.org