Inevitably, there are times when we are void of inspiration. “What does it all mean?” we ask. “Where is it all headed?” Or ... “Is what I am doing really making a difference?” These are good questions to ask, and, sometimes, the answers are clear. Other times—not so much. Which is why the story of William Ow is so inspiring. Ow, a longtime local, is at the helm of the former Wrigley Building on the Westside of Santa Cruz. He’s the subject of this week’s cover story, which illuminates how far one man’s vision—or any clear vision, for that matter—can reach with the right amount of focus and determination. Perhaps Ow’s tale will inspire you with your own entrepreneurial ideas in the weeks to come. Read on ...

“Popping off.” Like, what are you doing this afternoon? Gettin' poppin. Oh, are you at work? Poppin' off? Are you hanging out with your friends tonight, you could be a little pop-tart. Popping off. Get it? Poppin'!
Amy Hill
Santa Cruz | Airbrush Technician 

In our last week of Scorpio, sign of Discipleship, the hidden, sacred and the Ageless Wisdom teachings, we begin inner preparations for the upcoming season when dark turns into the light. This time of preparation is referred to as Advent (advenire, Latin), when we sense “something new is about to arrive.” 

According to the Constitution, we do. But the way the Congress has been acting under this administration, you almost wonder if we do.
Caroline McIntyre
Watsonville | Retired 

Readers: please read my website and FB page. As I write this column (a week ahead) I do not know the outcome of the elections or even if they occurred. I will have more updated information on my website (nightlightnews.com). 

Plus Letters To The Editor 

So ... what are you doing on Tuesday, Nov. 6? Something vital and important, we hope. It’s Election Day, after all, so in case you need another reminder that your voice, your vote, your vigilance matters, study this week’s issue intently. In our biggest Election Guide to date, News Editor Elizabeth Limbach and other GT scribes shed light on the local issues on this year’s ballot.

I would say uniting us because even though you have the team rivalries you still have more people that sit together in stadiums and pubs and watch games together drinking, talking and having a good time. It gives a lot of people a common ground to get together and do something. 
Van Williams 
Santa Cruz | Bike Assembler 

Uh, oh. That’s what many astrologers are saying when viewing the Nov. 6 election day astrology chart. How could this occur we ask? It must be some cosmic joke that allows us to possibly revisit the contested events of the 2000 election. 

It’s already been a busy week for Santa Cruz. Last weekend found the cast and crew of the highly anticipated movie (filmed locally) Chasing Mavericks in town for a private screening. That same night, über liberal Bill Maher hit the Civic in a sold-out show. (Big Bird was in attendance, too.) So, what lies ahead? There is the election, of course, so this week, be sure to turn to our News section and ponder the essence of Prop. 32, which revolves around campaign finance reform. But does it, really?

Unique radical self expression. Everybody’s cool, it's not a cool-contest. It doesn’t matter if you're plain Jane or totally crazy studs in the head, you're all good.
Vnes Of
Santa Cruz Concierge