
Governor, Legislative Leaders Agree on Funding Boost for Higher Education
California’s public universities will get an infusion of cash to increase enrollment, smooth students’ progress toward graduation and repair aging buildings under a state budget agreement reached Friday by Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders.

Startup of the Month: Kili Medical Drain Carrier
A mesh apron device designed for surgical patients
She’s a four-time breast cancer survivor who has been through nine surgeries. But for Cinde Dolphin, the post-surgery process has always been a pain, specifically the drain bulbs.

Back and Forward: John C. Webre
Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture president on civic architecture
Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture President John C. Webre offers his insight into civic architecture.

Dilemma of the Month: Bias in Human Resources
You need to conduct an investigation, and it might be better to outsource something this sensitive
I am the CFO for a 90-plus person firm and the head of human resources reports to me. Several employees have told me they feel uncomfortable going to the HR manager with complaints or concerns, because she’s really good friends with some of the people here and they’re afraid she’ll be biased. What do you think?

Family Fundamentals
One young mother set her family up for success at the Tubman House
As 18-year-old Margaret Gomez was about to complete her final GED exam, she started having contractions. She rushed from the room before finishing, though would go on to reschedule and pass. In May 2006, Gomez spoke at graduation to her 50-person class. Her 2-year-old daughter, Julyza, and weeks-old son, Junior, were in the crowd.

What’s In the News?
This month, for the second year in a row, I’ll mentor Sacramento State students in the State Hornet Digital Academy, designed to supplement journalism coursework and prepare students for the always-changing media landscape. Based on last year’s experience, these students are eager, dedicated and brimming with ideas. But I worry about what kind of industry they’ll be fighting their way into when they graduate.

Gimme (Temporary) Shelter
Short-term home rental policies evolve in the Sacramento region
A little over two years ago, as Sacramento City Council put the finishing touches on one of the region’s first ordinances allowing short-term residential rentals via online platforms such as Airbnb, Councilman Eric Guerra offered some support.

Grass Valley Gets First Brewery Since Prohibition
Gold Rush town planning for two new breweries to launch this year
At the end of a long day, Nevada City resident Dustin Harper likes to unwind with a cold, robustly flavored craft beer. Harper considers himself a beer aficionado and enjoys sampling brews across Northern California. This spring, he will have a new option to do so just minutes away from home. By the end of this summer, he may even have two.

Woodland Gears Up for Central Transit Hub
City evaluating a $4.9 million transit center near downtown
Looking to boost Woodland’s downtown, streamline bus routes and combine transportation options, the community is evaluating a proposed $4.9 million transit center. The first step is figuring out just where to build the facility.

Banning the Box
A new state law aiming to help those with a criminal record rejoin society is changing how companies hire
Giving ex-offenders a better chance at reintegration is behind the California Fair Chance Act, which took effect in January. With exceptions for a few types of jobs, the new law forbids businesses with five or more employees from asking applicants about criminal history until late in the hiring process — which could mean big changes in how many employers hire.