Santa Cruz Celebrates Community, History, and Civic Responsibility

Editor's Note reflects on local values, upcoming events, and the power of reclaiming lost histories

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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This week's Editor's Note from the Good Times Santa Cruz explores themes of community, civic engagement, and the importance of celebrating local history and culture in the Santa Cruz area. The note touches on upcoming events, new businesses, and the role of the university in supporting small businesses impacted by construction. It also highlights an event focused on honoring Chinese American legacies and building the 'Beloved Community' through nonviolent social change.

Why it matters

Santa Cruz is known for its vibrant community spirit, commitment to social and environmental causes, and rich cultural heritage. This Editor's Note underscores how these values continue to shape the region, from supporting local businesses to reclaiming marginalized histories. By highlighting these themes, the piece reinforces Santa Cruz's identity as a place that prioritizes civic responsibility, community connection, and honoring diverse local narratives.

The details

The Editor's Note covers a range of topics relevant to the Santa Cruz community. It discusses the mixed feelings around Valentine's Day, upcoming concerts by Warren Haynes and Sublime, a new gourmet Italian restaurant, and the opening of a new Burning Man-inspired club. On the news front, it mentions an investigative book about the cannabis industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the launch of a new community-focused website to support businesses impacted by construction. The piece also spotlights an event organized by the Resource Center for Nonviolence that will honor local Chinese American legacies and the principles of nonviolent social change.

  • The event 'Enter the Year of the Fire Horse: Honoring Local Chinese American Legacies' will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 3-5pm.
  • Warren Haynes is performing a solo tour, with a show in Santa Cruz on February 14, 2026.
  • Sublime, in the new formation of the Long Beach Dub Allstars, is performing in Santa Cruz on February 14, 2026.

The players

Brad Kava

The editor of Good Times Santa Cruz, the publication that produced this Editor's Note.

Richard Stockton

A writer who contributed a cover story about love for Valentine's Day to Good Times Santa Cruz.

Warren Haynes

A peripatetic performer who has played with the Allman Brothers, members of the Grateful Dead, and his own band Gov't Mule, and is now doing a solo tour.

Bradley Nowell

The late lead singer of the band Sublime, who passed away. The band is now performing in a new formation as the Long Beach Dub Allstars.

Gordon H. Chang

A Stanford Professor who will be featured at the 'Enter the Year of the Fire Horse: Honoring Local Chinese American Legacies' event.

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What they’re saying

“In Santa Cruz, you can't unroll a yoga mat without hitting a relationship professional.”

— Richard Stockton (Good Times Santa Cruz)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This Editor's Note highlights Santa Cruz's vibrant community spirit, commitment to social and environmental causes, and rich cultural heritage. By spotlighting upcoming events, new businesses, and efforts to reclaim marginalized histories, the piece reinforces Santa Cruz's identity as a place that prioritizes civic responsibility, community connection, and honoring diverse local narratives.