Cover: Stars & Bars
Our voters' guide to election '98 in Sonoma County.

A Governor for the People: Metro endorses Gray Davis.

The Guvs and God: Two Catholic boys are vying for California's top post, but they don't score equal points with the church.

Right and Fong: Public perception has run amok--but don't be fooled. Barbara Boxer is no flaming liberal, and Matt Fong is no moderate Republican.

The Fine Print: A voter's guide to the state's plethora of propositions.

Voters Cheat Sheet: The Independent's voting recommendations in a handy ballot box guide.

News: Power Play
Proposition 9 campaign produces some strange bedfellows.

The Scoop: Money, health and gargling gerbils.

Up to the Task?: See how your kids' school did in the state Standardized Testing and Reporting program.

Climbing Up on Capitol Hill: Check up on the your Congressional Representatives and U.S. Senators--where they stand, how they voted.

Road Rules: The Phoenix Theatre-bound alt-rock band Deftones gets candid about the trials and tribulations of life on the road.

Spins: A heavy metal reunion, a Gershwin tribute and a soul sensation.

For Whom the Music Twangs: Son Volt, Whiskeytown and Golden Smog pursue new takes on classic Americana

The Haunted: Talking Pix guest Opal Palmer Adisa finds the beat of love at Beloved.

Comedic Climax: Smut-fighting superhero rises to occasion in new film Orgazmo.

My So-Called Habit: Permanent Midnight is the slight story of a narcissistic heroin addict.

Wine Primer: An A-Z guide for fledgling oenologists.

Heard It Through the Grapevine: Get to the root of all things wine.

Bible Belt: Author Barbara Kingsolver's Poisonwood Bible reaps a grim harvest.

Cyber Celebs: Dead celebs get new lease on life in the digital age.