![John Crus in front of the Tahoe Tree Company sign in Tahoe City, which is the 10-acre nursery that supports his landscape construction company, Green Envy. (Photos by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1-july_22_2022tahoe_tree_co.png?1664565356)
Tahoe City’s Green Envy and Tahoe Tree Company Help Keep Tahoe Landscaped
Serving the Lake Tahoe region for almost 20 years, John Crus’ clients inhabit some of the most beautiful properties in California
Crus’ nursery and landscaping construction company help
shape the region’s image and produce plants that
withstand the rough high-elevation climate of the area.
![Frank Sullivan of Pioneer Mining Supplies has been at the High Street store in Auburn for 14 years. He opened his first store there in 1981.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/4-june_25_2022pioneer_mining.png?1659996269)
Panning for Gold Has Changed, but Pioneer Mining Supplies in Auburn Remains Timeless
Three generations teach gold mining
Frank Sullivan’s mining legacy is as rich as Auburn’s, and is
reflected in his timeless shop, Pioneer Mining Supplies.
![Palmira Nava and her late husband, Reyes, purchased the Penny Candy Store in Live Oak in 2003.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1-may_17_2022penny_candy_store.png?1658778402)
Penny Candy Store in Live Oak Dispenses Sweet Dose of Nostalgia
Store faces major changes after COVID-19 death of co-owner
Following tragic circumstances, Penny Candy has reopened,
continuing its decades-long status as a treasured destination in
Live Oak. Now, it’s up for sale.
![Al the Wop's Place, also known as Al's Place, is located in the heart of Locke. The tradition of customers throwing money up to the ceiling with tacks, which is collected for charity, continues under its new ownership group. (Photos by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/3-april_12_2022als.png?1655139602)
Colorful Bar in Historic Locke Stays the Course After an Ownership Change
Al the Wop’s has been serving bikers, locals and tourists for 75 years
The Delta bar’s five new owners kept the biker bar’s decor, unique traditions, steakhouse-style food menu and controversial name.
![Freewheeler opened in 1975 in a 800 square feet
space. The current location is 2,600 square feet
and features 100 assembled bikes.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/6-march_07_2022freewheeler_bicycle_center-6.png?1652208252)
Freewheeler Helps Keep Bike-Friendly Davis Pedaling for Almost 50 Years
Three generations of one family run the bike shop
A family of avid cyclists operates a long-running bike business in bike-friendly Davis.
![Skaters circle Roller King’s 12,800-foot rink under the disco ball on Retro Night, Feb. 12. (Photos by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/2-february_12_2022roller_king-2.png?1649703931)
Rolling On
Keeping alive the timeless rhythms of roller skating
Roller skating is trendy on a national and local scale for its nostalgic and therapeutic appeal. Capital Region rinks are capitalizing on the pastime’s increasing popularity.
![Katie Thorne, who heads up the volunteer mounted unit, with the two horses she houses at her ranch in Rescue – Samson, 20, a mustang she leases to another team member, and Stanley, 15, a saddled pink Percheron show draft horse Thorne has used in rescues for 11 years.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1-january_13_2022ed_sar_women.png?1648138321)
Wilderness Warriors
Women leaders are an integral part of El Dorado County Sheriff’s volunteer Search and Rescue Unit
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit provides a wide range of emergency rescue services to those who are lost, stranded or injured.
![Mixed media artist Priscila Soares sits among her work at Mare Island Art Studio. She has been with the studio since it moved into its new space. (Photos by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/7-december_11_2021mais_1.png?1644279189)
Mare Island Art Studios a Top Bay Area Destination for Art Lovers
Creativity blooms at former naval shipyard
An eclectic studio situated on a Vallejo peninsula, Mare Island Art Studio provides public and private gallery space for 19 diverse artists.
![Virgil's Bait Shop owners Eric and Rick Butcher grew up going to the shop with their father. They bought the business in 2018. Pictured here, Eric (right) shares a beer with longtime friend, Brian Borrell. (Photos by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/5-november_18_2021virgil_s_bait_shop.png?1642024151)
Virgil’s Bait Shop in Suisun City Offers Fresh Bait, Cold Beer
Popular fisherman's hangout has been around nearly 80 years
Memorabilia, beer and longstanding friendships have made the shop a beloved stop for regulars.
![Tori and Dan Crawford of Amador County’s Upcountry Farms found their rhythm through trial and error and independent research. The couple's produce has a loyal fan base at the Amador Farmers Market. (Photos by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/lead_0.png?1639439994)
Back to Their Roots
Amador County’s Upcountry Farms finds success through trial and error
A young Amador County couple is making their mark with a small-but-mighty vegetable farm in Ione. Starting with little experience, they’ve grown into one of the region’s most popular small farms.