Cover Story: Bars and Clubs
For Metro's 16th annual Bars & Clubs issue, we delved into 223 of the valley's best hangouts--from bright lights to dark dives. This issue is dedicated to the fine art of merrymaking while under the influence of alcohol, caffeine, laughter, libido or good conversation.

News: Environmental Extortion
How a group of developers may hold a beautiful stretch of Central Coast beach hostage--and make big cash.

Metropolis News Extras

• Campbell: Police search for Campbell man involved in stabbing.
  
• Cupertino: Manhunt for alleged bank robbers leads to school closures.
  
• Saratoga: Sheriff's deputies slip into a new Camaro to keep up with speeders.

Public Eye: High-tech mucky-muck Singh mulls Milpitas mayorship. Merc reinvents 'exclusive.' KNTV gets tough on staff.

Notes From the Underbelly: Santa Clara Valley... Please.

Work: It's Our Party.

Outlaw Sister: Lucinda Williams gets the fame she's long deserved with release of scary, sexy 'Essence' album.

Les Bon Temps Rule: The party gets on at Shoreline with New Orleans by the Bay.

All Shook Down: When society decrees death, the spectacle of vengeance leads to public sadism.

'El Party' Power: Plena Libre revives the best of Puerto Rican musical traditions.

Outside No More: Staind 'Breaks the Cycle' at eight-annual BFD concert.

Aural Fixation: Santa Cruz band holds down finishing role at Streetlights CD party.

Spider Woman Forever: A timeless sensuality enfolds Brazilian star Sonia Braga.

Couples Therapy: Acting pairs air their dirty laundry in 'Anniversary Party.'

Shed a McTeer: 'Songcatcher' can't contain McTeer's powerful, flawed performance.

Pain in Spain: The so-so 'Sexy Beast' poses as the ultimate in cool.

Cafe Adriatic: Hearty meat-and-potatoes entrees meet seafood and perfect pasta in Willow Glen.