Cover: Synchronicity
Bill May just wants to compete like any other synchronized swimmer. But in the international arena, boys must 'keep out.' On the cover: Bill May and duet partner Kristina Lum.

News: Power Plague
Since the 1996 deregulation of California's energy utility industry, only 1 percent of PG&E's 4.5 million customers has made the switch. What gives?

Metropolis News Extras

• Santa Clara: Santa Clara University will close its Institute for Paralegal Studies.
  
• Gilroy: School Internet connections are filtered, but not the county library.
  
• Los Gatos: Mysterious problems at the Lexington Reservoir Dam.
  
• Berryessa: A grand jury monitors Berryessa Union School District board meetings.

Mariachi Merger: Americano embraces Mexican music, teaches others to do the same.

Celebrity Skin Graft: Courtney Love plays the fame game on Hole's new album.

Cogito, Ergo 'Sumo': Australia's alterna-rock champs, the Superjesus, wrestle sonic havoc on new Sumo album.

Medicine Man: Dr. Cosmo cures with reggae beat.

When in Rom: Gadjo Dilo delves into Gypsy life.

Ante Antics: Matt Damon bluffs his way through Rounders.

Botanical Bistro: Still sporting miles of style, Bistro Elan is a cool oasis for a late-summer dinner--especially an alfresco meal on the patio.

Spin Daughter: Politics perverts gender in An American Daughter.