Cover: The Goldies
The readers deliver their choices for the area's finest in all categories, while we issue some Awards of Excellence of our own.

News: Wilson Property
Developing a piece of property can be tough, but cleaning one up can be downright impossible--just ask the Wilsons about North Pacific.

Nüz: State develops Sudden Oak Death management plan; Santa Cruz City Council says no to FTAA.

Bruce Bratton: The Rural Bonny Doon Association fights for environmental preservation; this week's movies; the continuing fluoride debate.

Work: Semiotic Whatever.

Chambers Music: Aussie import Kasey Chambers is alternative country music's newest darling--Australian accent and all.

Poet of El Paso: Ray Gonzalez's poems and essays explore the volatile territory of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Bittersweet Sweets: The desserts are destinations in themselves at Bittersweet, but the entrees are just as good.

Word of Mouth: Taqueria Vallarta's new downtown location shows why the Santa Cruz minichain is such a delicious success.

Web Exclusive: Richard Von Busack's wrap-up of the 73rd Academy Awards.

Von Busack Predicts: A look into the crystal ball reveals truths about this Sunday's Oscars that may be too horrifying to contemplate.

Stalingrad, Mon Amour: 'Enemy at the Gates' uses the apocalyptic battlefield as a background for a gunslingers' duel.

Weekly World Web: 'We regret that your manuscript does not meet our needs at this time.'