Rob Lapsley was named president of the California Business Roundtable in 2011, a nonpartisan organization consisting of the senior executives of the state’s major companies. Previously, he served as VP and state political director for CalChamber; president of RCL Consultants and VP for Arnel Development, one of the largest private real estate companies in Southern California. Lapsley served in the U.S. State Department during the Iraq War and as chief of staff to former Secretary of State Bill Jones, serving as undersecretary of state from 1995 to 2001. Lapsley served in the California Assembly from 1987-2002 and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Shoka is the former associate editor for Comstock’s magazine and a journalist, copy editor and photojournalist who specializes in covering arts, culture, animal rights and sustainability.

Stacey Shelnut-Hendrick is director of education at the Crocker Art Museum, a department that serves more than 60,000 people annually through programs like Art Ark, a museum on wheels; programs for babies and toddlers; studio art classes; and Block by Block. Stacey was named 2017 Museum Educator of the Year by the National Art Education Association. 

Blair Anthony Robertson is a freelance writer who previously worked at The Sacramento Bee in multiple roles over 18 years, including feature writer, restaurant critic and craft beer columnist. He also worked at the Detroit Free Press and at the Charlotte Observer. These days, he is a dog lover, fitness enthusiast, avid cook and devoted vegan.

Tom Couzens is the former executive editor of Comstock’s. Inspired by The Washington Post’s coverage of Watergate, he joined the newspaper staff at his high school, where one of his duties was writing editorials. A graduate of the University of Maryland’s College of Journalism, he has worked for five newspapers, including The Sacramento Bee. Before joining Comstock’s, his first non-daily journalism job, his most recent position was News Editor for The Bee. On Twitter @tomcouzens.

James Raia, a freelance writer in Sacramento, writes about sports and lifestyle topics. He publishes the website theweeklydriver.com and its corresponding automotive podcast.

Luis Gael Jimenez is an award-winning writer and photojournalist living in Sacramento. Jimenez recently won first place for a profile story from the California News Publishers Association for an essay he wrote about reconnecting with his homeless father after three years of silence.

Bethany Crouch is a speaker, columnist, poet, philanthropist, moderator and on-air host. For 20 years, Bethany worked as a TV news broadcaster, reporter and producer for NBC, CBS, FOX and CW affiliates. Currently, she guest hosts on News 93.1 KFBK and serves as media liaison for various businesses and charities.

Nicolette Lovell was born and raised in Northern California. Most often, she can be found exploring cities for hidden gems, grubbing down at her favorite restaurants, or running into the wilderness with her family. Storytelling is her passion. She is a cause-driven, travel photographer available for travel worldwide.

Marissa Lewis is the art director for Comstock’s magazine. She earned her degree in graphic design from University of the Pacific in 2016. In addition to being a designer, Marissa enjoys reading comics, playing video games, and watching the latest movies and TV shows. Currently, she lives in Sacramento with her husband. On Instagram at @artful_mari