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 …
Also in this week’s issue, be sure to dive into our News story, which updates you on the current state of the county’s rail line. Things shifted recently when the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCRTC) purchased the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line from Union Pacific, which had owned the line since 1996. So, what’s at stake now that the line is once again under local control? Also in News, take note of how one UC Santa Cruz instructor has been trying to mold young minds on better ways so that they can make a difference within their community—especially when it comes to homelessness.
Meanwhile, our entertainment pages are full this week, too. In A&E, take note of a local performance art piece that revolves around the idea of turf wars. There’s also a preview of Shakespeare Santa Cruz’s production of “Honk!”. Something else to keep on your radar: Cabrillo College jazz icon Ray Brown, who celebrates Stan Kenton’s centennial in a rare concert. And James Bond fans should read film critic Lisa Jensen’s review of the new 007 film Skyfall.
Something else to consider: The launch party of the Huichol Foundation, designed to support indigenous culture. It takes place at MAH (6:30-10:30 p.m.) Sunday, Nov. 18. See huicholfoundation.org for more details.
Enjoy this week’s issue.
Greg Archer | Editor-in-Chief
Letters to the Editor
Learning More About Eating Disorders
Regarding your article on eating disorders and The Lotus Collaborative (GT 11/8), it was refreshing to be reminded, once again, of how brutal such a thing as anorexia can be. Thank you for reminding us that this disease does, indeed, have a significant and very high premature mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. I appreciated learning about The Lotus Collaborative, too. If, as the article states, “13 million Americans binge eat, and another 10 million women (and 1 million men) struggle with anorexia or bulimia, according to the National Eating Disorder Association,” then this country is in desperate need of a shift.
This is a topic that should be addressed more often, and talked about. Thank you for bringing it to light.
Jessica Anderson
Soquel
Outraged by PG&E
In regards to your news coverage of PG&E, I am dismayed and outraged. First, PG&E poisons us humans with SmartMeters, trying to do us in with “Oh we are a corporation, guinea pigs.” Now, they are trying to kill the ocean family. They knew that when building Diablo Canyon reactor, that it was on a faultline, so why are they scratching their heads? Do they have a safety back-up plan?
Design another alternative energy source—I can think of several. OK, if they have to do this stupid experiment, can’t they do it when our whales are not migrating? You don’t need a psychic or scientist to predict what’s inevitable on the West Coast. We live in the ring of fire! Shut down the reactor and then slowly incorporate safer energy—our human species is definitely responsible or irresponsible, as in this case, for global warming.
Mary Falk
Santa Cruz
Online Comments
On ‘Good Egg’
This article is so well written, and Raquel, well she’s always been so well spoken and really brilliant. Brilliant in a different, refreshing sort of way. I am uncharacteristically impressed!
—Guest
Clarification
In the music section of the Nov. 8 issue, we incorrectly stated that Jason Williams is the “former frontman” for Ribsy’s Nickel. He is, in fact, still the frontman for that band. We regret the error.
