Cover: In the Key of Z
The avant-garde Z Festival of New Performance brings the hits of tomorrow to today's stages in Santa Cruz.

News: Virtual Santa Cruz
When it comes to local retailers competing with the big boys, the reality of the virtual marketplace relies on an old rule: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Nüz: Running for office and unhappy with your press coverage? The 'Watsonville Register Pajaronian' will sell you happy-faced news for your voters.

Bruce Bratton: District elections; the downtown plaza; this week's movies.

Work: Shopping (or not) doesn't change the world.

Forever Hip: Tim Bluhm and Greg Loiacono of Mother Hips keep up appearances with a duo acoustic show at Kuumbwa.

Granger Factor: John Larry Granger urges the Santa Cruz Symphony on to new heights in first concert of season.

Sights & Sounds: So many bands, so many days--the Big Bang Festival definitely didn't go out with a whimper.

Venice by the Bay: A dinner at Capitola's Il Pirata evokes wonderful culinary memories of Italy.

A La Carte: The Crow's Nest celebrates 30 years by the ocean with 30-percent discounts on Monday nights in October.

Ladies' Man: Richard Gere lands in all kinds of female trouble in Robert Altman's 'Dr. T & the Women.'

Weekly World Web: Surfer/artist Tim Ward displays his talents online.