Cover: Crack the Holiday Nut
Our annual guide to the North Bay's best seasonal fare.

News: Crackdown
Local activists protest Windsor cops role in INS raids.

The Scoop: Handicapping American democracy.

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.

Turning 30: The Inn of the Beginning celebrates a milestone.

Rarified Rock: New rarities collections from John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Stereolab and the John Coltrane Quartet.

The Family Jewel: With help from her mother, Jewel transforms sentiment into sanctimony on sweet new album, Spirit.

Musical Magritte: Robyn Hitchcock's music is more beautiful than ever on new 'Storefront' album.

'Siege' Mentality: Talking Pix and a pair of action novelists break The Siege.

Name Game: Woody Allen's latest, Celebrity, is not a pretty sight.

Wine Time: Libations for the holiday table.

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

Tragedy with a Twist: With Medea, the Musical, Actors' Theatre chalks up another hit.