![A sign requiring customers to wear a mask is posted outside of Modern China Cafe in Walnut Creek on Aug. 16, 2020. (Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/081620_ccmask_aw_sized_04.jpg?1605641169)
California Clamps Down: Governor Announces New Restrictions to Curb Surging Coronavirus
In throwing an “emergency brake,” Gov. Gavin Newsom orders an even broader mask mandate and further restricts access to businesses, restaurants and other operations for the vast majority of Californians.
![The SAFE Credit Union Convention and Performing Arts Center is scheduled to host events in 2021. (Photo courtesy of SAFE Credit Union/Image Outfitters Photography)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1120_blog_qa_visitsacramento1.jpg?1604088092)
Encouraging Signs
Visit Sacramento’s Kari Miskit on how the organization is helping the tourism and hospitality industry stay afloat
In a world where travel is suddenly not only difficult but also potentially dangerous, a group dedicated to increasing tourism in the Capital Region has to be creative.
![Local hoteliers hope the impending completion of the new SAFE Credit Union Sacramento Convention Center will boost occupancy rates. (Photos by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1020_blog_economy_downtown1.jpg?1603224631)
Struggling to Maintain
Months into COVID-19, Sacramento’s downtown businesses persevere
Comstock’s has been following four businesses in Sacramento since March to see how they’re faring amid the pandemic. Here’s how they stand now.
![Unseen Heroes, a Sacramento-based events planning firm, opened NeighborGood Market in central Elk Grove in September. (Photos courtesy of Unseen Heroes)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1020_blog_statuscheck_unseenheroes1_logo.jpg?1602697600)
Status Check: Unseen Heroes’ Pandemic Pivot
Sacramento-based events planning firm sees business dry up and rebounds with new endeavor
The Sacramento events planning firm pivoted to open the NeighborGood Market in central Elk Grove, a certified farmers market, in September.
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_1304813767.jpg?1602869463)
Workforce Woes
Women have been hit harder by the coronavirus pandemic
In September, women made up 80 percent of the people who dropped out of the workforce. We asked the first female president and CEO of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce about the reasons behind the discrepancy.
![Sarah Rivas, who just turned 27, in her childhood room where she teaches high school history from her parents’ Elk Grove home on Oct. 13, 2020. Rivas worries she won't be able to afford an apartment in Sunnyvale. (Photos by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/101320_sarahrivas_aw_sized_05.jpg?1602788734)
For Many Californians, the Pandemic Marks the End of ‘Barely Making It’
The pandemic is accelerating the demise of the middle class, leaving many unable to sustain financial independence. In Silicon Valley and elsewhere, middle-class workers have found themselves unable to make rent.
![Vehicles arrive at the Bradley Ranch Winery’s 20-acre concert site in Elk Grove on the first day of a three-day Labor Day weekend drive-in music festival. (Photos by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1020_blog_photoessay_drivein1.jpg?1602094881)
Photos: Drive-In Events Fill the Void
Capital Region businesses and nonprofits shift movie screenings, concerts and other happenings outdoors during the pandemic
Pop-up drive-ins appeared during the coronavirus summer of 2020, prompting many families in the Capital Region to turn their vehicles into personal entertainment bubbles.
![Diana Dich, whose family owns Happy Takeout in Sacramento, says some delivery service drivers keep the food for themselves. (Photo courtesy of Diana Dich)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/119138873_349137386453109_3514011378471496110_n.jpg?1600105967)
A Double-Edged Service
Third-party delivery services help — and hinder — restaurants during COVID-19
The commission delivery companies take per order, a range between 20-40 percent, has many wondering if these services are taking advantage of an unfortunate situation.
![Daniel Wolcott, president of Adventist Health Lodi Memorial hospital and president and CEO of Dameron Hospital, oversees the latter’s transition to possibly being taken over by Roseville-based Adventist Health. (Photos by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0920_feat_healthcare_wesdavis_embed.jpg?1599843819)
Hospitals on Life Support
As the Capital Region moves into the seventh month of the coronavirus crisis, it’s not just sick patients at risk
Smaller, independent hospitals are at risk of closing due to financial strain exacerbated by the pandemic.
![Liam Graf, a Whitney High School graduate, has decided to stay home in Rocklin and attend Sierra College this year after UC Riverside announced classes would be mostly online and being notified in August that a program in Germany was being delayed. (Photo illustration by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0920_feat_education_terenceduffy_lead.jpg?1599068758)
Virtual Variations
With the coronavirus pandemic forcing most college classes online, recent high school graduates are finding their choices have changed
Students are weighing all the options, including attending community college, learning online or postponing college altogether.