Space Invaders

Who the hell invited Oakland's Phenomenauts to play the Warped Tour? Nobody. But that didn't stop them from hijacking the big-time punk festival.

• By Rob Harvilla

Black and White in Contra Costa

The surprising rise of Federal Glover in East Contra Costa County highlights the start of a new era for black political representation.

• By Chris Thompson

What Mo Learned at Law School

When the University of California's Boalt Hall Law School reneged on its promise to hold fees flat, Mo Kashmiri used his legal training.

• By Kara Platoni
• Tags: News, Education

Kickin' It

Who pays for the repairs when the cops kick in your door? Who pays attention to minor candidates? Who pays partial domestic-partner benefits?

• By Will Harper

Letters for the week of August 13-19, 2003

Jenna Nanetti didn't deserve it. Jerry Brown did nothing for it. Gina Arnold overdid it once again (but, hey, will she marry me?).

Groan Man

The $7 Hamburger -- only at Oakland Metro.

• By Stefanie Kalem

This Week's Day-by-Day Picks

Billboard

• By Stefanie Kalem and Kelly Vance

Rides Deluxe

Tire-kickers beware -- the cars at Blackhawk are works of art.

• By Kelly Vance

Cigar Music

Valle Son plays deep Cuban

• By Stefanie Kalem, Natasha Nargis, and Anneli Rufus

Where the Fugawi?

Up the creek without a clue? Here's help

• By A.J. Hayes and Kelly Vance

Jr. Card Room

Gotta know when to hold 'em

• By Ann Murphy and Kelly Vance

Flower Power

An idea grows in Oakland

• By Stefanie Kalem, Justine Nicole, and Kelly Vance

What It Takes

Fugard play asks tough questions

• By Stefanie Kalem, Frako Loden, and Kelly Vance

For Love of the Game

Kevin Costner doesn't make friends. He makes movies, dang it.

• By Robert Wilonsky

About a Girl

Girl and woman teach each other about life -- grow up, already.

• By Robert Wilonsky
• Tags: Movie Review, Uptown Girls

The Sun Sets

Open Range grazes on the Western's leftovers.

• By Robert Wilonsky
• Tags: Movie Review, Open Range

Postino's New Guard

Lafayette's top restaurant holds together flavorfully under its new chef and management.

• By Jonathan Kauffman
• Tags: Restaurant Review, Postino

The Whole Hog

A food critic's visit to barbecue country.

• By Jonathan Kauffman

Drive-By Family Guys

Alabama's Drive-By Truckers have sacrificed all in their quest to be the next Skynyrd.

• By Rob Harvilla

Slap Happy

Much like his Hawaiian waves, flip-flop folkie Jack Johnson finds a near-perfect groove.

• By Jimmy Magahern

Singer, SWF. Loves Bones, Unicorns

Noe Venable might be that crazy woman on the street corner.

• By Rob Harvilla

Critic's Choice for the week of August 13-19, 2003

A one-man band of absurdity, old-time music before it was cool, acoustic guitar topped with sardonic wit, and a street musician in an SF nightclub, among other acts.

• By Eric K. Arnold, Rob Harvilla, Larry Kelp, Jason Victor Serinus, and Jesse "Chuy" Varela

Variable Unit

Handbook for the Apocalypse

• By Brolin Winning

The 88

Kind of Light

• By Neal Weiss

Roy Hargrove Presents the RH Factor

HardGroove

• By Eric K. Arnold

Super Furry Animals

Phantom Power

• By Michael Alan Goldberg

The Snake Trio

Light the Candle

• By Jesse "Chuy" Varela