Cover Story: Luck Be a Lady:
Nina Marie Martínez's '¡Caramba!' spins a California novel in which saints and sinners win.

News: Safe and Sorry
For years, the county paid the head of hospital security more than it was supposed to. Yet insiders claim the security division is in disarray.

The Fly: This week's political bites.

Rise of the Bohemians: The city wants to create an arts district south of downtown, but will artists come?

Biter: Confessions of a rabid collector: 'eBay ate my soul.'

Techsploits: Forget the cast of 'Friends'—that Verizon 'Can You Hear Me Now?' Guy will be there for you.

Rev: Crude oil prices have soared past the $40 a barrel mark—the highest they've been in 14 years.

Ciné Skittles: 'Love Me If You Dare' wants to be this year's candy-colored French postcard.

Smoked Out: Either light up or leave them alone: 'Coffee and Cigarettes.'

Out of Africa: 'Lost Boys of Sudan' pities the poor immigrant.

Anime Ascent: Japanese style conquers the pop-culture world at FanimeCon in San Jose.

Slice of 'Life': Lili Taylor goes Iggy Pop on her forehead to make an impression in 'A Slipping Down Life.'

Santana Summer: Picnic, Popcorn and Picture Show season continues at outdoors at sundown at Santana Row.

Trampled Under Foot: 'Godzilla' raids again, in the reissue of the 1954 'Gojira.'

Vienna Calling: In 2002, Vienna Teng had a Stanford degree and a job at Cisco. She chucked it all to pursue a music career. Her gamble is finally paying off.

Aural Fixation: Campbell's Strata shines on SnoCore as it prepares to release its Wind-Up debut.

Chomps Elyseés: Thirteen years is a lucky number for French food at Cafe Marcella.

Club Life: Beavers Bar & Grill in San Jose.

Killer Show: City Lights explores the darker recesses of political action in Sondheim and Weidman's 'Assassins' musical.

One Man, One Car: Women, wheels and the Vietnam War fill the narrative in Teatro Visión's 'Drive My Coche.'