Calendar Picks and Clicks: Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2011

SAT | OCT 29

AMY WALDMAN
A jury’s blind selection of an American Muslim architect to create a Ground Zero memorial causes an uproar among politicians, journalists, activists and others in “The Submission,” the debut novel by Waldman, a former New York Times reporter and bureau chief. Waldman, whose fiction has appeared in The Atlantic and the Boston Review, discusses and sign copies of her critically acclaimed book. Sat. 5 p.m. Free. Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 659-3110. booksoup.com.

SUN | OCT 30

SOCAL JEWISH WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Actress Mayim Bialik (“The Big Bang Theory”) delivers the opening keynote during this daylong event, dedicated to strengthening the power of multigenerational Jewish women in Southern California. Workshops include “The Jewish Mandate for Social Action,” featuring a discussion on tikkun olam moderated by Rabbi Denise Eger, “Speaking Up: A Discussion of Issues Facing Women in Israel Today,” “Protecting Women’s Rights: Practices, Politics and Policies” and “The ABCs of Health Care: Access, Benefits and Costs.” Wrapping up the conference, a panel discussion on “Jewish Women Founders,” moderated by Jewish Journal Executive Editor Susan Freudenheim, features Jewish World Watch co-founder Janice Kamenir-Reznik, IKAR Executive Director Melissa Balaban and Reboot co-founder Rachel Levin. Continental breakfast and lunch provided. Presented by the National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles, Hadassah Southern California and Na’Amat USA/Western Area. Sun. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $36 (general), $18 (students). NCJW/LA Council House, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (855) 592-7218. jwcsc.org.

LISA LOEB
Bring the entire family for a live concert with the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter. Loeb performs songs from her forthcoming kids’ book and accompanying album, “Lisa Loeb’s Silly Sing-Along: The Disappointing Pancake and Other Zany Songs.” Suitable for all ages. Sun. 2-3 p.m. Free (RSVP required). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

THU | NOV 3

ACROSS THE SPECTRUM
Vista Del Mar hosts its third annual Autism Conference for Professionals and Families. Featured speakers include Eustacia Cutler, Temple Grandin’s mother, discussing “Autism in the Family: Who Is Your Child and Who Are You?”; Descanso Medical Center for Development and Learning Co-Director Ricki Robinson on “Living a Full and Meaningful Life”; and Sue Rubin, a facilitated communication consultant, presenting “Challenges and How to Address Them.” Attendees participate in one of three breakout sessions: “Maximizing the Potential of Limited Communicators,” “Options for Independent Living” or “Meditation to Medication ­— Strategies for Relieving Anxiety.” The Vista Inspire Program Miracle Theatre Kids perform, and an “Ask the Artists” panel discussion follows. Lunch provided. Thu. 8 a.m. (registration), 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (conference). $100 (professionals), $85 (general), $50 (students and seniors). Vista Del Mar, 3200 Motor Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 836-1223, ext. 225. vistadelmar.org/conference.

“JEWISH CULTURE WITHOUT JEWS?”
UCLA theater professor Shelley Salamensky explores the Disney-like phenomenon of non-Jews re-enacting the Jewish way of life in areas where Jewish communities once thrived, including East Central Europe, Eurasia and Spain. These re-enactments say little about the Jewish history in these places, but they provide insight into the conflicts and desires of the host cultures, Salamensky argues. Co-sponsored by the UCLA Center for Jewish Studies and the UCLA International Institute. Thu. Noon. Free. UCLA campus, 10383 Bunche Hall, Los Angeles. (310) 825-4811. international.ucla.edu.

FRI | NOV 4

YAEL NAIM
The French Israeli singer-songwriter, best known for her hit single “New Soul,” performs pop-folk tunes from her latest album, “She Was a Boy,” with her collaborator, percussionist David Donatien, during two live shows at Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles’ Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz. Fri., Sat. 7:30 p.m. $35 (adults), $25 (students). Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 286-0553. theatreraymondkabbaz.com.

“ESTHER’S MOUSTACHE”
Playwright and director Laurel Ollstein’s darkly comic tale follows comic strip artist Maddie Sternberg as she sets out to prove that her life is great — one year after her father’s suicide. When Maddie falls for a hot messenger and her grandmother shows up uninvited, her comic strip character can’t take it anymore and starts giving her relationship advice. Fri. Through Dec. 17. 8 p.m. $15 (tonight’s preview performance) $20 (all other performances). Studio Stage Theatre, 520 N. Western, Los Angeles. (323) 960-7792. esthersmoustache.com.