Santa Cruz Celebrates Work Ethic, Music, and Community Milestones

Editor reflects on local achievements, Grammy wins, arts recognition, and community progress.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:39am

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This week's cover story in Good Times celebrates Julia Hartz, who worked her way up from a teenage barista to become CEO and co-founder of Eventbrite. The editor highlights the importance of hard work and ambition, as well as the community's focus on lifestyle over career. Other local figures making news include former County Supervisor John Leopold winning a Grammy, and twins Remy and Pascal Le Boeuf being recognized for their musical talents. The editor also discusses a sold-out tribute concert to Americana songwriter Todd Snider and the community's commitment to the arts.

Why it matters

This story showcases the diverse talents and achievements of Santa Cruz residents, from business leaders to musicians, and highlights the community's values around work ethic, the arts, and supporting one another. It reflects the unique culture of Santa Cruz, where lifestyle often takes precedence over traditional career paths, but where hard work and creative pursuits are still highly valued.

The details

The editor's note discusses several key events and achievements in Santa Cruz this week. It highlights Julia Hartz's journey from teenage barista to successful tech entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of hard work and ambition. The editor also celebrates the Grammy wins of former County Supervisor John Leopold and local musicians Remy and Pascal Le Boeuf. Additionally, the editor discusses a sold-out tribute concert to Americana songwriter Todd Snider, which brought together some of the best local musicians for a benefit event.

  • This week's cover story celebrates events and achievements in Santa Cruz.
  • John Leopold won a Grammy over the weekend for producing the best regional roots album.
  • Remy Le Boeuf won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition, The Snow.
  • The sold-out tribute to Americana songwriter Todd Snider took place on Saturday at Kuumbwa Jazz Center.
  • The new Capitola Avenue Overcrossing will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration on Feb. 26.

The players

Julia Hartz

The CEO and co-founder of Eventbrite, who worked her way up from a teenage barista.

John Leopold

A former County Supervisor who won a Grammy for producing the best regional roots album.

Remy Le Boeuf

A local musician who won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition, The Snow.

Pascal Le Boeuf

The twin brother of Remy Le Boeuf, who won a Grammy last year.

Joanne Reiter

The mother of Remy and Pascal Le Boeuf, who was on the board of the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival.

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What they’re saying

“An amazing experience. Haven't slept so it's still hard to capture it.”

— John Leopold, Former County Supervisor

“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”

— John F. Kennedy

What’s next

The community is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration for the new Capitola Avenue Overcrossing on Feb. 26, from 4-5pm, at 911 Capitola Road.

The takeaway

This story highlights the diverse talents and achievements of Santa Cruz residents, from business leaders to musicians, and the community's strong values around work ethic, the arts, and supporting one another. It reflects the unique culture of Santa Cruz, where lifestyle often takes precedence over traditional career paths, but where hard work and creative pursuits are still highly valued.