Latest Stories
Corner Makeovers
Some small markets in downtown and Midtown Sacramento are being revitalized with fresh businesses
When Lucky Rodrigues drove by the storefront at 703 19th St. in Sacramento, he knew he had his work cut out for him. The two-story Victorian, constructed in 1900, according to Sacramento County assessor records, boasts something noticeable to anyone who’s been around the central city grid: space in front for a small convenience market.
The Growth of Rice
A recent deal to export to China is expected to further expand the market for the popular grain
Half of the rice grown in California goes to the U.S. and Canada; the other half is exported to Japan and 30 other countries, including South Korea, Taiwan and Jordan. Now China, the largest consumer of rice in the world, joins that group.
No Time for a Break
Jaime Coffee’s side work as a PA announcer is breaking barriers
Real vacations are rare for Sacramento Republic FC public address announcer Jaime Coffee.
Juggling a full-time state job with side gigs in and outside Sacramento, the barrier-breaking Coffee works as a female announcer in a field dominated by men. Coffee’s crazy schedule comes at a cost: Vacations are usually of the working variety.
Chamber Challenge
El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce CEO on issues facing businesses in its rural communities
Comstock’s spoke with Laurel Brent-Bumb, CEO of the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, about efforts to make this largely rural region a desirable place to do business.
California Lawmakers Pass Assembly Bill 5. Now What Happens?
Doctors, real estate agents and hairdressers can keep their independent contractor status — but not truckers, commercial janitors, nail salon workers, physical therapists and “gig economy” workers.
College Confidential
There are proven ways to navigate the college admissions process without cheating the system
With tens of thousands of undergrads applying each year for limited spots, California’s college systems have approved admission criteria for assessing incoming freshmen. While the strength of a student’s academic record is one of its top considerations, the University of California system has established 14 factors — both academic and nonacademic — for undergraduate admissions.
Startup of the Month: PairAnything
A new age for wine
PairAnything, run by an eight-person team, won the $10,000 Food + Agriculture Sector Award at the 2019 Big Bang Business Competition at UC Davis.
Lobbying Blitz Stymies California’s Crackdown on For-Profit Schools
Just a few months ago, California’s Democratic-controlled legislature seemed poised to pass the nation’s toughest restrictions on for-profit colleges. School owners publicly fretted that they’d have to shut down.
Out in the Open
The good, bad and ugly of open-space offices
The idea of open-space offices has been with us since the start of the tech revolution. It seems we are under the mistaken belief that the early technology companies — such as Google, Wikipedia, eBay — were onto something when they tore down office walls, removed cubicles and allowed workers to float in a sea of open access. Teamwork became the goal.
In the Making: At Conscious Creamery, a Good Dessert
The walls of Conscious Creamery’s commercial kitchen in Sacramento’s Del Paso Heights neighborhood are lined with stainless steel freezers, constantly humming loud and keeping chef Andrea Seppinni’s plant-based gelato frozen.