My Dinner With Fidel ANN LOUISE BARDACH, Ann Louise Bardach is the author of the forthcoming "Cuba Confidential: Love and Vengeance in Miami and Havana" and the editor of "Cuba: A Traveler's Literary Companion."
The Cuban Conundrum LOUIS A. PEREZ JR., Louis A. Perez Jr. is the author of numerous books on Cuba, including "On Becoming Cuban: Identity, Nationality and Culture," and teaches at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Los Angeles Times Bestsellers
What He Saw at the Revolution MARC COOPER, Marc Cooper is the author of "Pinochet and Me: A Chilean Anti-Memoir."
First Fiction MARK ROZZO
The Danger of Evil MICHAEL HARRIS, Michael Harris is a regular contributor to Book Review.
Discoveries SUSAN SALTER REYNOLDS
Los Angeles Times Bestsellers
L.a. Confidential EUGEN WEBER, Eugen Weber is a contributing writer to Book Review.
Still Center Patricia Zontelli
Beloved Community WENDY SMITH, Wendy Smith is the author of "Real-Life Drama: The Group Theatre and America, 1931-1940."
When We Were Young DAN WAKEFIELD, Dan Wakefield is the author of the memoir "New York in the 50s," which was the basis of a documentary film of the same name.
When Havana Danced With Hope STEVE WASSERMAN, Steve Wasserman is Book Editor of The Times. He has visited Cuba numerous times.
Poet, Writer, Orator, Statesman, Martyr TOM MILLER, Tom Miller is the author of "Trading With the Enemy: A Yankee Travels Through Castro's Cuba" and editor of "Travelers' Tales: Cuba." He is a fellow of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
The Snake and His Wife JONATHAN LEVI, Jonathan Levi is a contributing writer to Book Review.
Fidelismo sin Fidel FRANCES STONOR SAUNDERS, Frances Stonor Saunders is the author of "The Cultural Cold War: The CIA and the World of Arts and Letters" and is the arts editor of the New Statesman.
The Mysteries of Latin LESLEY CHAMBERLAIN, Lesley Chamberlain is the author of "The Secret Artist: A Close Reading of Sigmund Freud."
A Studio of Her Own JONATHAN KIRSCH, Jonathan Kirsch is a contributing writer to the Book Review and the author, most recently, of "The Woman Who Laughed at God: The Untold History of the Jewish People."

OPINION

Focus on Israel, Not 'Jew-Hatred'
Fair Deals for Mentally Ill
Wait, It Gets Even Worse John Balzar
Keys to Lost Dreams
Dreary, Dollar-Driven Race
Vouchers Won't Solve Public School Problems
Lawman Should Not Be Sullied by Son's Actions
Alarcon's Blow Against Secession FRANK del OLMO
Left and Right: There Is Nothin' Like a Dame GALE HOLLAND, Gale Holland writes regularly on the media for Opinion.
Tollway Agencies' Bid to Skirt Rules Is Shameful
Irvine Co. Should Solve Traffic Woes It Created
Anger and Grief Over Killing of an Innocent
Taking Stock of CEOs' Options
Many Roles, Too Short a Life
Towers of Strength
Grounding the Air Force for Its Response on 9/11
Local Autism Centers Have Spanish Resources
The U.S. in Contempt of Court ALISA NEWMAN, Alisa Newman is an attorney working for the United Nations in East Timor.
Helping to Shut Illegal Clinics
Perilous Nuclear Tunnel Vision MICHAEL LEVI and THERESA HITCHENS
A New Mission for Rights Groups GREGORY RODRIGUEZ, Gregory Rodriguez, a contributing editor to Opinion, is a senior fellow at the New America Foundation.
The Windbags of War ANA MARIE COX, Ana Marie Cox is the Washington columnist for In These Times.
Future Imperfect AMY WILENTZ, Amy Wilentz is the author, most recently, of "Martyrs' Crossing: A Novel."
Dory Fleet Must Face Realities
Connect the Dots for a Disturbing Picture TODD GITLIN, Todd Gitlin is a professor of journalism and sociology at Columbia University and the author, most recently, of "Media Unlimited: How the Torrent of Images and Sounds Overwhelms Our Lives."
Regulations on Slate Mailers Put a Muzzle on Free Speech JAMES V. LACY, James V. Lacy served as counsel to slate mail publishers in the successful challenge to Proposition 208. He is a Dana Point resident and chairman of the city Planning Commission.
At Issue Is Separation of Cottonwood and Cypress
Israel's Economic Gloom JO-ANN MORT, Jo-Ann Mort is co-author of the forthcoming "Our Hearts Invented a Dream: Can Kibbutzim Survive the New Israel?" and national secretary of Americans for Peace Now.
Worthless Mailers Are Moneymakers SHIRLEY GRINDLE, Shirley Grindle is a longtime community activist
Don't Trust Castro--Verify DENNIS HAYS, Dennis Hays is a former ambassador to Suriname and former head of the Cuban affairs desk at the State Department.
The Electronic Pillory CAROL MUSKE-DUKES, Carol Muske-Dukes is a poet and professor of English at the University of Southern California. Her forthcoming book is "Married to the Icepick Killer: a Poet in Hollywood."

What happened on July 21, 2002

CALIFORNIA | LOCAL

Resort Was an Oasis for Blacks Until Racism Drove Them Out CECILIA RASMUSSEN, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Grant Beglarian, 74; Composer, Dean of Performing Arts at USC DIANE HAITHMAN, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Bernie Zilbergeld, 63; Psychologist Wrote About Male Sexuality From Times Staff and Wire Reports

Gang Truces All but Forgotten as Homicides Soar MICHAEL KRIKORIAN, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Mother Arrested in Death of Her Infant Allegedly Left Alone in Car HECTOR BECERRA, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Idea for the Road: There's No Such Thing as a Free Way in L.A. Steve Lopez

Dwight Steele, 88; Labor Lawyer Turned Environmental Activist From Times Staff and Wire Reports

Secessionists Battered by Setbacks PATRICK McGREEVY and SHARON BERNSTEIN, TIMES STAFF WRITERS

Once Again, Tragedy Reminds Us of How Things Ought to Be Dana Parsons

Clifford Possum, 70; Australian Aboriginal Woodcarver, Painter From Times Staff and Wire Reports

Warning Children: a Tough Balancing Act STEPHANIE CHAVEZ and MILTON CARRERO GALARZA, TIMES STAFF WRITER

A Message of Abstinence JOSE CARDENAS, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Frank 'Spec' Shea, 81; Yankee Rookie Won 2 Games of '47 Series From Times Staff and Wire Reports

Greuel Takes Her Pothole Repair Effort to the Streets WENDY THERMOS, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Santa Ana's Investment in Shade JENNIFER MENA, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Tight Market Slams Door on Renters JESSICA BLANCHARD, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Child-Care Program a Welcome Addition to Ojai Curriculum JENIFER RAGLAND, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Elderly Woman Killed in Collision With Train From Times Staff Reports

Cyclist Fatally Injured in Collision With Car From Times Staff Reports

Fire Risk Increased by Fuel, Terrain MITCHELL LANDSBERG, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Conservancy Taking Habitat Under Its Wing DARYL KELLEY, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Navy Sets Its Sights on Tiny Bird's Island Home TONY PERRY, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Distrust of Big Government, Big Business Has Deep Roots MARK Z. BARABAK, TIMES STAFF WRITER

'Level-Headed' Guys Brave Shark Threat, Currents for City of Hope MILTON CARRERO GALARZA, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Tips Led to Fast Arrest in Girl's Killing JACK LEONARD and CHRISTINE HANLEY, TIMES STAFF WRITERS

Agencies Struggle to Raze Invasive Cane JANET WILSON, TIMES STAFF WRITER

William Gorog, 76; Helped Create High-Tech Information Systems From the Washington Post

Man on Sex Crime Probation Arrested HOLLY J. WOLCOTT and JESSICA BLANCHARD, TIMES STAFF WRITERS

A Battle Rages on the Home Front MARTHA GROVES, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Teens Get a Second Chance at Literacy DUKE HELFAND, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Age of Kitsch and Clutter Fading Fast in Anaheim KIMI YOSHINO, TIMES STAFF WRITER

WORLD

Prisoner of Jihad JEFFREY GETTLEMAN, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Shanghai Denies Reports of a Deal With Disney From Times Wire Reports

Sudan, Rebels Agree to a Deal From Times Wire Services

Kenyans to Be Paid for Military-Related Losses From Times Wire Reports

Police Round Up More Suspected Terrorists From Times Wire Reports

Pope's Health Fuels Debate RICHARD BOUDREAUX, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Giant Hailstones Kill 16 in Central Region From Times Wire Reports

Israel May Ease W. Bank Situation From Associated Press

Train Derails in Sicily, Killing Six Passengers From Times Wire Reports

Spain Leaves Disputed Islet Empty Again MICHAEL SLACKMAN, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Culinary Tradition Poses a Health Risk in Hong Kong ALEXANDRIA SAGE, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Lives Forever Scarred After Suicide Bombings TRACY WILKINSON, TIMES STAFF WRITER

24 Die After Fiery Performance in Peruvian Disco Triggers a Blaze HECTOR TOBAR and NATALIA TARNAWIECKI, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

WWII Papers Reveal a Rift Between Allies From Associated Press

MAGAZINE

Hidden Gems SUSAN COMPO

A Rhinestone Cowgirl Riding High at the Fashion Rodeo JANET KINOSIAN

Sweet Success DAVID LANSING

Secession's Seductive Undertow NITA LELYVELD

Puppet Confidential GINNY CHIEN

The Skyscraper's the Limit LESLEE KOMAIKO

A Terrorist's Second Thoughts ERIC PAPE

On Faith Alone BOB EMMERS

TRAVEL

A Hop Above Santa Barbara, Camp Cushy CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS, TIMES STAFF WRITER

In an Era of Turbulence, Airline Satisfaction Rising JANE ENGLE, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Family Trip Insurance Takes to the Road Jane Engle

Smoother Sailing for Cruise Passengers' Bags Jane Engle

America West Clarifies Policy on Remarks Times Staff and Wires; Compiled by Jane Engle

New York, Hawaii More Popular This Summer Jane Engle

California Corner: Festivals, Feasts & Fairs Laurie K. Schenden

San Francisco Square Reopens With New Look Jane Engle

Fare Warning: Better to Be Safe Than Sorry and Sick KATHLEEN DOHENY

Unique Adventures at Hand for Those Who Travel by Foot (or Bus or Train) SUSAN SPANO, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Kilauea Volcano Putting on a Show on the Big Island Michele Kayal, Jane Engle

All Your Needs Attended to on Train, Ship While Seeing Europe SHIRLEY SLATER and HARRY BASCH

Exceptions to the Pricey Hawaiian Holiday ARTHUR FROMMER

On Iona, Scotland's Lore and Legends Come Alive ROSEMARY McCLURE, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Travel Insurance Protects Far From Home EILEEN OGINTZ

St. Albans' Sacred Place in History JOHN LEE

Elvis' and Hamlet's Stamping Grounds ELLEN MELINKOFF

Enjoying Alaska at a Glacial Pace MICHAEL PARRISH

A Natural History Lesson in Morro Bay JOHN McKINNEY

Finding Swiss Bliss in Zermatt SUSAN SPANO, TIMES STAFF WRITER

SPORTS

Out of the Blue, Another Legal Hassle ROSS NEWHAN