![John Purcell is the president and CEO of Unfold. (Photo courtesy of John Purcell)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1220_blog_sotm_courtesyofjohnpurcell.jpg?1606765927)
Startup of the Month: Unfold
Breeding seeds for vertical farms
The future of vertical farming begins on the genetic level. That’s the philosophy of Unfold, a Sacramento-based startup focused on innovating fruit and vegetable seeds to better serve indoor growing facilities.
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1120_dept_evilhr_shutterstock.png?1605550376)
Dilemma of the Month: Easy Ways to Thank Employees in a Hard Year
There are many ways to show employees how much you care about
them, even if you can’t shower them with gifts and bonuses.
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1120_feat_workplace_stock_lead.png?1605470779)
Where’s the Party?
Companies have to get more creative to replace familiar holiday events of yore
Employers have been scaling back their annual holiday parties for
years. What will they look like in 2020?
![Stan Van Vleck has placed nearly 1,800 acres of the Van Vleck Ranch in Rancho Murieta under conservation easements, ensuring the land and its ecosystems are preserved in perpetuity. (Photo by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1120_feat_environ_terenceduffy_lead.jpg?1605045235)
Protecting Open Land
California Rangeland Trust project places fiscal value on the environmental benefits of ranches
Ranchers and those in the conservation industry know there’s an inherent value to working lands, such as cattle ranches. But how do they monetize that value?
![Doug Wright (left), president, and Heather Svahn, vice president, oversee the day-to-day operations of Mountain Hardware and Sports in Truckee. The company has been fully owned by employees since 2013. (Photos by Katey Hamill)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1120_feat_mergers_kateyhamill_lead.jpg?1604688983)
Transfer of Power
Some owners who want to sell decide the best buyer is their staff
Research indicates that employee ownership can improve profit margins and company culture, but it may not be the right choice for every seller.
![Julie Hirota is the CEO of Saint John’s Program for Real Change. (Photo by Ryan Angel Meza)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1220_dept_discourse_ryanangelmeza.jpg?1604688055)
Crossing the Finish Line
Saint John’s Program for Real Change CEO Julie Hirota on helping women and children
Comstock’s spoke to Hirota about leading the organization, which has helped more than 30,000 women and children during its 35-year history.
![Andrew Gardner is the chief operating officer of Humanly. (Photo by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1120_blog_sotm_terenceduffy.jpg?1604619839)
Startup of the Month: Humanly
AI-powered hiring platform helps big companies find best candidates
With the help of artificial intelligence, this Sacramento-based startup wants to make the hiring process run smoother for companies flooded with applications.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Evil HR Lady on Comstock’s Talks: Why Attendance Policies Are So Important
PODCAST: How can employers design an attendance policy that works for both themselves and their workers?
![Nailah Pope-Harden, with her son Naeem, has been leading the Morrison Creek Revitalization Project in Sacramento’s Glen Elder neighborhood since 2016. (Photo by Ryan Angel Meza)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1120_feat_environjustice_ryanangelmeza_lead.jpg?1604342290)
Laying the Groundwork
A widespread effort to achieve environmental justice in Sacramento is gaining momentum
Proponents say environmental justice efforts will only be successful if they are inclusive and equitable.
![(Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_478732975.jpg?1604087564)
Education Can Fuel Economic Growth
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the role colleges, universities and other educational programs can play in the economic recovery.