5-Year Anniversary Issue: Signposts
Five underreported stories that marked our times. Plus: Five local artists to watch; and Five restaurateurs who have broken the mold.

News: Frankenfoods
Local activists target genetically engineered foods.

Understanding Gun Violence: Join Together Online, a project of the Boston University of Public Health, provides community resources for those trying to make sense out school shootings.

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

Closing Time: Revisit 'retro' one last time before millennial angst takes hold .

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

Debi Does 'Dick': Comic Debi Durst delves into the new Nixon spoof 'Dick.'

Wed Menace: Comic author Suzanne Finnamore on 'Runaway Bride,' divorce rituals, and why weddings are not romantic.

Good View: Cuban music flourishes in Wim Wenders' new film,'Buena Vista Social Club.'

Guitar Man: Guitarist Peter White straddles the pop and jazz worlds.

Audiofile: Review of a new CD by The End.

SF Club Guide: Disco divas, hip-hop connoisseurs and salsa suaves to flannel-clad pinball players, jazz luminaries and more from the City by the Bay.

Mixed Bag: Bodega, Saturday Night offers uneven comedy.

Cover Tunes: Two new books focus on the hip-hop nation, Mexican counterculture.

Please don't forget to write! The Sonoma County Independent welcomes letters commenting on our coverage or other topics of local interest. Please keep all letters at 300 words or less (we reserve the right to edit them for length and style) and sign them (unsigned letters will not be published). A local phone number must be included for verification. Postal: Sonoma County Independent Letters, 540 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Fax: 707/527-1288. Email: [email protected]. Emailers, please include name, city of residence and phone number. Letters printed will list email address unless otherwise specified. Letters to the editor are not currently published in the online version of this paper.