Sacramento's performing arts powerhouse and Comstock's 2024 Young Professionals honoree Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya shares how he's found success in an elusive field, his vision for the Sac arts scene and why he (sometimes) works for free. Get to know Comstock's 2024 Young Professionals here. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Da…

Inventive minds have always looked to the skies for inspiration, but new imaging tools have unlocked a more intricate study of bird flight. In this episode, UC Davis faculty members Christina Harvey, an aerospace engineering expert, and Michelle Hawkins, director of the California Raptor Center, discuss a Defense Department-funded research project …

In this special episode, we get to know some of our 2024 Women in Leadership while exploring the Jacquelyn, a new bar, restaurant and private club venue in Sacramento. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read more about Comstock's Women in Leadership here.…

Nurse practitioner and founder of Destination Aesthetics Shawna Chrisman is on a mission to dispel the myths surrounding aesthetic treatments. In this episode, we discuss unusual patients, "the natural look," emerging technologies, how much is too much, looking younger in the workplace and why medical aesthetics aren't just for women anymore. Hoste…

Jennifer T. Smilowitz, assistant professor of the cooperative extension in the Department of Nutrition at UC Davis, is a breast milk expert and devotee. In this episode we talk about the science, potential medical applications, cultural context, barriers to breastfeeding and why there is no true substitute for human breast milk. Hosted by Dakota Mo…

Father and daughter Jim Mayfield and Hannah de Bie of Sub Sea Systems discuss marine tourism, VR integration, Saudi Arabia's entertainment megaproject Qiddiya, the importance of ocean exploration and working with family. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read about Sub Sea an…

San Joaquin County Historical Museum's executive director and fifth generation Stocktonian Phillip Merlo speaks on the rich history, abundant opportunities and dogged optimism of the port city. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the featured story "Manufacturing a New Vis…

Fathom co-founder Eric Howard discusses generative AI tools, artistic value and how creatives can adapt to a changing industry. To read the article, visit comstocksmag.com. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)

Comstock's Young Professionals Lauren Oto and Nathan Langley talk about mentors, working with AI and what it was like to be a "Rock Star" in this issue's spread. Host: Dakota Morlan Producers: Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)

Boutique marketing agencies in the Capital Region consider the medium to be just as important as the message itself. They recognize the demand for video on platforms like TikTok and YouTube as reflective of our need for human connection and a growing demand for more “unfiltered” content. Writer and reader: Robin Douglas Host: Vanessa Labi Producer:…

Are you frequently labeled “a lot,” “difficult” or “loud” at work? Do managers often not know what to do with you? Do you accidentally alienate coworkers with your “a-lotness”? Do people look you in the eye and call you exhausting? Why not try: working from home? Writer and reader: Melody White Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time…

In a year of rising costs, farmers still have quality as an advantage. Still, farmers market vendors and shoppers are struggling to stretch their dollars. Writer and reader: Kate Gonzales Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/inflation…

Comstock's invited some of our Young Professionals honorees for happy hour at Canon Restaurant to talk mentorship and nonlinear career paths. Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan, Johnny Flores and Vanessa Labi Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read Latoya Jackson-Lainez's profile here and Amber Celmer's profile here:…

Capital Region music festivals attract tens of thousands of fans from nearby areas and from all around the country, shaping its identity and boosting the local economy. Writer and reader: Steve Martarano Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Vanessa Labi and Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: (link) Teaser…

The pop-up model allows independent chefs to experiment with new concepts and creative menus without investing in overhead. Writer and reader: Vanessa Labi Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Vanessa Labi Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/pop-ups-are-popping…

As national and international tourism decreased during the pandemic, regional visitation saw a boost. We profile three small picturesque towns that got a big increase in visitors. Writer and reader: Scott Thomas Anderson Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: (link)…

Comstock’s magazine invited three of our 2022 Women in Leadership honorees to join us for a discussion on the ways women are shaping the future of the Capital Region. Listen in on our conversation with Preet Ahluwalia, the investment officer who graced our cover this year; Amber Hoiska, VP of Pac Shield Roof Services; and Lora Anguay, chief zero ca…

Young restaurateurs in the Capital Region are rewriting the definition of authenticity. Writer and reader: Jennifer Fergesen Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/new-fusion-food

After a once-in-a-century pandemic, what happens next? The Capital Region's economic experts weigh in. Written and read by Jeff Wilser Hosted by Jennifer Fergesen Produced by Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/its-complicated

As remote work continues to be normalized within the technology industry, techies are migrating to the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. Written and read by Dakota Morlan Hosted by Jennifer Fergesen Produced by Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/final-frontiers…

A dedication to the past allows some family restaurants in the Capital Region to survive through the decades, including El Novillero, Genova Bakery and Club Pheasant. Written and read by Judy Farah Hosted by Jennifer Fergesen Produced by Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/thre…

Social media can grow a business’s audience — but only if it’s done right. Written by Jeff Wilser Produced by Robin Epley Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/are-you-ready-tiktok-challenge

Movies, sitcoms, commercials and more are still filming in the Capital Region, thanks to the work of local film commissioners. Written by Rachel Leibrock Produced by Robin Epley Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/film-production-capital-region-thrives-despite-year-uncertainty…

Capital Region golf courses saw a boom last year as the game emerged as the perfect socially distanced activity. Will new players stick around? Written by Bob Burns Produced by Robin Epley Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/capital-region-golf-courses-are-teed-success

Technology tends to be associated with things like computers, algorithms and machines, but the world of technology and innovation has long embraced a concern for other humans. And it’s not just a matter of altruism or having a heart: Empathy is innovation’s secret sauce. Written by Jeff Wilser Produced by Robin Epley Read the story here: https://ww…

Stakeholders in the Sierra Nevada are confronting the lasting legacy of the gold rush. Written, hosted and produced by Sena Christian. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. “The Days of ‘49” is by Logan English and Billy Faier, courtesy of Smithsonian Folkway Recordings. “The Gold Rush is Over” is by Smokey Hormel, courtesy of Free Music Archive. (…

Wineries in the Capital Region have added an array of amenities to keep oenophiles closer to home. Written by Daniel Barnes Read and produced by Robin Epley Read here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/blend-success

Q: A new hire started today. He says he scheduled a trip before applying for the new job. He says he has all his reservations and has paid, so he will be taking the trip. He will finish the onboarding process and then go on the trip. What can I do? Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. This Evil HR Lady …

2020 will go down in history as a time when women made remarkable advances on the political scene. Written by Laurie Lauletta-Boshart Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/rise-and-shine

Q: I’ve been working in a key position at my company for 20 years. When a management position opened for which I am highly qualified, I applied and, frankly, expected to land the promotion. My company instead promoted a male colleague who has similar experience but has only been with the company for 10 years. Do I have any recourse?​ Written by Suz…

Comstock’s magazine invited three of our 2021 Women in Leadership honorees to join us for a discussion on the ways women are shaping the future of the Capital Region. Listen in on our conversation with Betty Yee, California state controller; Cassie Gilson, president and managing partner of Axiom Advisors; and Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou, advanced somme…

Q: When is it too late to change careers? I’m 40 and hate my job. But with almost 20 years invested in my field, I really don’t want to start over with an entry-level position in a new area. How possible is it to switch careers without taking a massive pay cut?​ Written by Suzanne Lucas Produced by Shoka Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin Read mo…

After 15 years as a Major League Baseball player for five teams, Greg Vaughn now focuses on Vaughn’s Valley Foundation. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Tom Couzens Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more…

Roger Valine helped transform VSP from a small local company to an international operation by 2006 when he decided to retire. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Graham Womack Read and produced by Robin Epley R…

Michele McCormick sold her public relations company and became a model, actor and photographer who specializes in travel and nature photography. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Shoka Read and produced by Ro…

In December 2019, a few months before the fastest drop in global stock markets in financial history, Mark Otero launched Alice Capital, a hedge fund designed to bypass emotion. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written …

After losing his bid for reelection as Stockton mayor, Michael Tubbs is weighing his options. Written by Marcus Crowder Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/career-detour

Pam Marrone, who retired as CEO of Marrone Bio Innovations in 2020, didn’t take a break; she still works 10-12 hour days. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Jennifer Junghans Read and produced by Robin Epley R…

Carl Landau had spent 37 years in publishing and event organizing when he decided to launch Pickleball Media last year. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Sena Christian Read and produced by Robin Epley Read m…

Q: I had a midlevel manager recently leave for another position, and I’m about to post the job. I know that several of the people who worked for her want that position, but I think the company might be better served by going for an outside hire. How should I proceed so I don’t anger my current employees and risk losing them too? Written by Suzanne …

Cohousing communities are neighborhoods where physical spaces, outdoors and indoors, give residents a place to interact outside of their private homes. These communities are growing in popularity across the Capital Region. Written by Rachel Leibrock Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/neighborly-d…

Q: Early next year, our company will begin using new software for most everything we do. It’s already so late in the process, so what can we do quickly to ensure that our employees are adequately trained and don’t feel like they are on their own?​ Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. Read more here: htt…

In September, UC Davis was awarded the first federal funding given to a university to research cultivated meat, positioning the Capital Region to serve as a hub of the advancing technology. Efforts to advance the emerging food market using science and technology have ignited worldwide to address the global challenge of food access and proper nutrit…

Q: This has been a terrible year. Unfortunately, as a business, we’re just scraping by — and that’s despite the Paycheck Protection Program loan from the Small Business Administration. There’s no money for a lavish holiday party, year-end bonuses or even anything more than a $5 gift. What can we do to show our employees how much we appreciate their…

Ranchers and those in the conservation industry know there’s an inherent value to working lands, such as cattle ranches. But how does one monetize that value? Written by Jennifer Junghans Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/protecting-open-land

Q: I have a problem with employees calling in to say they are not coming into work once they’ve reached 40 hours. We have a lot of overtime available, so it’s easy to have worked 40 hours by Thursday. People then call to say they are not coming in on Friday and don’t want to use their paid time off to cover the time, since they’re already getting p…

Q: I’m launching my own company this year, with about 12 employees, and I’m thinking about the importance of human resources services. Should I hire someone for that position, or can I use an outside service or an online site? And what are the most important things I should do before I launch? This Evil HR Lady column ran in the July 2020 issue of …

Family businesses are the heart and soul of Little Saigon in south Sacramento. These businesses and their customers are banding together to keep everyone afloat during the pandemic. Written and read by Lien Hoang Produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/lineage-success…

West Sacramento’s Washington District has transformed in the past decade, due to efforts by the City of West Sacramento, developers and food entrepreneurs. This story originally appeared in the September 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine. Read it here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/back-business-not-usual Written by Graham Womack Read and pr…

Companies can expect to see COVID-19-related employment lawsuits from nearly any corner, including wage and hour issues and disability discrimination. These four strategies can help mitigate risk. This story originally appeared in the August 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine. Read it here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/back-business-not-usua…