It’s a powerful time of year, but do you feel empowered? Somebody keeps telling me that one way to feel good is to feel good. Maybe it’s that easy? In the meantime, it doesn’t hurt to help others feel better. Now that the holiday season is upon us, we are bombarded with messages about giving—to each other, and to the many local nonprofits in the county who make huge strides during the year to add some levity to the lives of those in need. To that end, I suggest learning more about Second Harvest Food Bank’s Set A Plate For Kate campaign this year.

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 ...

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.