Cover: Spirits In The Knot
Woodcut artist Carol Summers shows that seeing isn't always believing.

News: Lockdown Drag Out
Family members of prisoners at Salinas Valley State Prison think the protracted state of emergency there poses more of a threat to prison security than the violent event that triggered it.

Bruce Bratton: A petition against progressives.

Mission of Mercy: The closing Cabrillo Music Festival program takes an emotional toll.

Smash and Learn: After embarking on a mission to prove its critics wrong, Smash Mouth succeeded.

Notes From the Underground: Herbert and company deliver a punishing Vets Hall show.

Tyrolean Fling: A Ben Lomond landmark reinvents itself-- but not too much-- and the hills are still alive with the aromas of wurst and beer.

Sushi Central: Two brand-new eateries make Japanese food the catch of the day on the Mall.

Shock City: 'Detroit Rock City,' a contrived tribute to '70s rockers Kiss, goes for the gross every time.

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: 831/457-5828. Email:

JavaScript must be enabled to display this email address.