Voted Off the Island

Dream studio for filmmakers dissolves amidst Vallejo debate

Carissa Carpenter had her eye on Mare Island for the location of a state-of-the-art movie and television studio plus production company. Headed by Carpenter and studio president Howard Kazanjian, renowned producer of blockbuster films such as “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi,” the studio aimed to be an alternative to Hollywood’s heavily booked and expensive movie sound stages.

Oct 31, 2011 Carol Crenshaw

Curve Appeal

Plus-sized bridal boutique caters to brides of all sizes

Mandi Miculinich is on the hunt — the hunt for the perfect wedding dress. The Manteca resident has been to nearly half a dozen shops and has come as far as Sacramento to scout the gown worthy of a walk down the aisle.

The tricky part is that Miculinich is a size 22.

Mandi Miculinich is on the hunt — the hunt for the perfect wedding dress. The Manteca resident has been to nearly half a dozen shops and has come as far as Sacramento to scout the gown worthy of a walk down the aisle.

The tricky part is that Miculinich is a size 22.

Aug 31, 2011 Christine Calvin

Paper Pushers

On-the-walls art at Bradbury & Bradbury

Thoughts of living room wallpaper oft conjure memories of Grandma’s bathroom or a great-aunt’s old bungalow. At Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers in Benicia, the papermakers think that’s just fine.

Jul 7, 2011 Christine Calvin

A Greener Park

The history of Depot Park

During World War II, the U.S. Army put Depot Park on the map as a central location to collect and distribute war supplies to troops on the West Coast and across the Pacific. The military moved out in 1995, but government, nonprofits and businesses of all sizes have continued to leverage the site as a hub for green activities and technological innovations.

Jul 31, 2010 JT Long
Deon Taylor founded Deon Taylor Enterprises in 2004.

Movie Mogul

Film maker sets up shop in Sacramento

Building a $50 million company from the ground up in six years doesn’t take a rocket scientist, but it does take one hell of an entrepreneur. Deon Taylor, the 36-year-old mettle behind Deon Taylor Enterprises, is that kind of guy.

Jun 16, 2010 Christine Calvin