![Wendy al-Mukdad and her 12-year-old son, Yazan, pose for a portrait at their home in San Bruno, on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Dai Sugano, Bay Area News Group)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/sjm-l-momjobs-06xx-2-scaled.jpeg?1625682691)
Mothers Struggle to Return to Work As California Reopens
Moms who lost their jobs during the pandemic are still shouldering most of the child care.
![Second-generation partner at Rosebud’s Cafe on Jackson’s Main Street Tyx Pulskamp waits tables inside the restaurant for one of the first times since the onset of the pandemic. His restaurateur family has erred on the side of caution throughout the many changes in COVID-19 guidance and continue to wear masks inside regardless of vaccination status. (Photos by Dakota Morlan)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0721_blog_amadorcounty_lead_1.jpg?1625251306)
What Life Looks Like in One of the Capital Region’s Least-Vaccinated Counties
Amador County businesses are bouncing back, but anxieties linger.
![Siri Nelson, CEO of Marshall Medical Center, says her organization added about 40 new hires in January and February, most in the area of respiratory therapy, staff and triage nursing, and screening staff. (Photos by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/feat_healthcare_terence-duffy_lead.jpg?1624647068)
Is the Capital Region’s Health Care Industry on the Critical List?
The region’s health care facilities are beginning what may be a lengthy convalescence when it comes to jobs.
![(Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/feat_construction_shutterstock_lead_0.jpg?1623458643)
How to Build Out of a Pandemic
The commercial construction industry quickly adapted during the pandemic and continues to adjust its practices.
![Alfonso and Lorena Martinez, owners of The Colour Bar, adapted to the pandemic by investing in their website, and now web sales are just as important as in-person salon services. (Photos by Fred Greaves)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/feat_finance_fred-greaves_lead.jpg?1622761882)
What Worked in 2020?
Business owners and financial experts weigh in
Capital Region business owners say they’ve learned how to keep their personal and business finances on track during an economic crisis.
![Restaurant patrons sit in a parklet along Valencia Street in San Francisco on July 25, 2020. Since last July, Valencia Street has been shut down to traffic on the weekend to allow for additional outdoor activity. San Francisco is one of several cities across California that is considering expanding the outdoor dining program started during the pandemic. (Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/072520_valenciastreet_aw_sized_15.jpeg?1622830366)
California Extends Outdoor Dining, To-Go Drinks Through Dec. 31
Even as the state prepares to lift coronavirus restrictions on June 15, some changes such as outdoor dining and to-go drinks will likely remain in many California cities. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced pandemic extensions through Dec. 31.
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_1279416235.jpg?1622564074)
Rediscovering the Meaning of ‘Onward’
Comstock’s president and publisher considers California’s forthcoming reopening.
![Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining in Sacramento is owned by Tokiko Sawada, who says business hasn’t really been negatively impacted by the recent increase in anti-Asian violence, “But I feel like people are more supportive, knowing that we are Asian business.” (Photo by Kenjo Raif, courtesy of Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0521_blog_mmp_asianamericanbus.binchoyaki1_logo.jpg?1622138003)
No Room for Hate
How the pandemic coupled with anti-Asian hate is affecting businesses in the Capital Region
As the pandemic forced businesses across the Capital Region and the country to shut down, there has been an uptick in reports of anti-Asian racism and violence.
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_design_1_0.png?1619805778)
The COVID-19 Fog Is Beginning to Lift for Business
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the effects of COVID-19 vaccinations on the business environment of the Capital Region.
![The Al Fresco program provides outdoor dining in the DOCO plaza and has brought more customers to the area. (Photos by Debbie Cunningham)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0421_dept_taste_debbiecunningham_embed2.jpg?1618855171)
Survival Strategy
Downtown Sacramento restaurants plan for a future, although unknowns remain
More than a few downtown eateries have become casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those that remain are embracing long-term survival strategies.