Cover: Pulse of a Poet
Maya Angelou talks about courage and learning to listen to the powerful voice within.

News: The House Broken
As the regional economy booms and the population swells, Santa Cruz's open-space policies and poor planning threaten to squeeze students and low-income workers out of the housing market.

Talking Pictures: A trio of young first-time theatergoers see the remastered edition of "Star Wars.'

Second Fiddle: Renowned guitarist John Renbourn sings the praises of his co-star, vocalist Archie Fisher.

Notes From the Underground: The demise of Baseline Records leaves locals facing an increasingly indie-free musical environment.

Ciao Down: In the heart of the redwoods, an overly exuberant Italian eatery provides an garlic-infused pit stop for its San Lorenzo Valley patrons.

Please don't forget to write! Metro Santa Cruz welcomes letters. Like any great work of art, they should be originals -- not copies of letters sent elsewhere. Include address and daytime phone (for verification purposes only). Letters may be edited for length and clarity or to correct factual inaccuracies known to us. Postal: Metro Santa Cruz Letters, 111 Union St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Fax: 408/457-5828. Email: [email protected]. Emailers, please include name, city of residence and phone number. Letters printed will list email address unless otherwise specified. Letters to the editor are not currently published in the online version of this paper.