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Buzzwords: Ideation
Why is the buzz all about the ideation phase?
Ideation is the process of generating new ideas through open-minded brainstorming. Ideation is exciting, it’s creative, and it’s a great teambuilding activity.
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Infographic: Where is the Money
Rural tourism in the Capital Region
In 2014-15, hotel occupancy, tourism spending and travel-generated jobs all reached five-year highs. But in such a mercurial industry — underscored in recent years by drought and wildfires — regional leaders and business owners have had to get creative to keep dollars coming in.
![(Shutterstock) (Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_300101888.jpg?1577874531)
Drought-Weary Eyes Watch California’s Normal Winter Unfold
California is having a pretty normal winter, give or take a degree here and a bit of snow there. Since the entire state is abnormally dry or in drought, it’s been a while since that happened. The trouble is, normal might not last.
![(Shutterstock) (Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0216_blog_tourism_ss.jpg?1577874530)
Pit Stops
5 rural tourist attractions even locals won’t want to miss
Tourism is one of the biggest and most crucial drivers of Northern California’s economy, and it isn’t just the Bay Area and Napa Valley that call to visitors.
![Design by Sara Bogovich; elements from Shutterstock Design by Sara Bogovich; elements from Shutterstock](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0216_dept_evilhr_elementsss_sb.png?1577874530)
Dilemma of the Month: Professional Work on Your Personal Cell
Where to set boundaries and how to maintain them
I work at a marketing company and often work long hours. Sometimes issues come up outside of the office, and I frequently find myself using my cellphone (and personal computer) for work. Am I required to do this and if not, how can I respectfully set limitations?
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From Derelict to Designer
Revitalization efforts are gaining steam throughout the region
“What makes these revitalization projects so exciting is the creative new ways we are bringing these historic buildings back to life; it makes it great to get up each day,” says Bay Miry, vice president of development for D&S Development and a well-known Sacramento developer whose project at 700 K Street is just one example of a number of regenesis efforts springing up in the Capital Region.
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An Artistic Farewell to the Jade Apartments
The Art Hotel showcases local work in historic location
The Jade apartments are empty. The demolition crews are ready. But before the low-rent apartment building is razed to make way for a downtown Hyatt Place hotel, this 95-year-old will have one last chance to shake off a little rust. The Art Hotel is coming.
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Status Check: Crüze Control
Food truck master makes plans for brick-and-mortar restaurant
Last July, we reported on Chef Keith Breedlove — the quirky food truck owner driving authentic brand development in a congested mobile scene with his one-of-a-kind Culinerdy Crüzer (“Crüze Control” by Andy Galloway). Now, Breedlove and his wife and partner Amy have since decided to open an 1,800-square-foot brick-and-mortar restaurant by August 2016.
![(Shutterstock) (Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0216_dept_publetter_ss.png?1577874530)
While Looking Forward, Keep an Eye on the Past
The Crystal Ice and Cold Storage building has been a part of midtown since a railroad spur line ran down the middle of R Street, servicing warehouses and distributors along the street that, at the time, was the center of Sacramento’s light industrial core. The plant sat unused since the mid-90s. Square and windowless, it was no architectural marvel. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Developer Mike Heller saw the inner personality of that bunker of a building.
![Photo courtesy of City of Sacramento Photo courtesy of City of Sacramento](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/sac_3871.jpg?1577874531)
The Parking Upgrade in Progress
How the city plans to accommodate vehicles after Golden 1 Center opens
When the new Golden 1 Center opens its doors in October of this year, several thousand people will flood into downtown Sacramento. They’ll bring their friends, their Kings jerseys, their money and perhaps most worryingly for those who work along busy streets in the area — their cars.