![The World Health Organization defines burnout as “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed” and characterized by three dimensions: feelings of exhaustion, a cynical and negative attitude, and “reduced professional efficacy.” (Illustration by Melinda Arendt)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_feat_workplace_melindaarendt.png?1585940904)
Battling Burnout
There are many reasons workers suffer from chronic workplace stress — and ways to overcome it
Too much stress costs employers $300 billion a year, according to The American Institute of Stress, as burnout can lead to employee turnover, lack of motivation and dips in productivity.
![Silvia Anderson and her husband, Johnathon Anderson, opened Nature’s Lab school in 2018 on their half-acre property in Carmichael. (Photo by Fred Greaves)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_feat_childcare_fredgreaves_lead.jpg?1585938941)
Child Care Crisis
The region’s shortage is at critical levels, and part of the problem is not enough space. Capital Region leaders are looking for ways to get more facilities up and running.
As of 2017, Sacramento County had enough licensed child care slots to accommodate little more than a quarter of children with working parents. State and local officials are spearheading efforts to change that.
![The #MeToo movement sent shock waves through the nation in late 2017, forcing a reckoning over the extent to which sexual harassment and discrimination had pervaded the workplace and society at large. (Photo by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_feat_employmentlaw_terenceduffy_2.jpg?1585773421)
Making #MeToo Matter
A number of significant changes to employment law were slated to take effect this year, but the impact is hard to measure
The #MeToo movement sent shock waves through the nation in late 2017, forcing a reckoning over the extent to which sexual harassment and discrimination had pervaded the workplace and society at large. Now, more than two years later, it’s changing the law.
![Jennifer Siebel Newsom is using her clout as California’s first partner and a celebrated documentary filmmaker to raise awareness about the gender pay gap. (Illustration by Mariah Quintanilla)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_feat_wagegap_mariahquintanilla.png?1584758810)
Mending the Gap
In California, efforts to close the gender wage gap persist, despite the signing of The Equal Pay Act of 1963
Fifty-seven years after the Equal Pay Act was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, women still earn substantially less than men. Legislation in California is attempting to level the playing field.
![The Center for American Progress reports 51 percent of Americans lack access to quality child care, creating child care deserts. (Illustration by Melinda Arendt)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_feat_childcare_melindaarendt.png?1583857738)
The Cost of Caring
For mothers affected by the soaring cost of child care, companies that offer help have an edge
Tonja Candelaria would probably be living in the Pacific Northwest, working at her dream job of public relations for a zoo, if she hadn’t chosen to have children.
![Downtown Grass Valley has more than 200 shops — and a movie theater with three screens. (Photo by Kial James)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0120_feat_development_kialjames_grassvalleysunset_lead.jpg?1579721539)
Small Downtowns Blend History With Unique Experiences
The Capital Region offers a mix of destinations within an hour’s drive of Sacramento
For anyone in the Sacramento area looking to get away for a day or weekend, the Capital Region has plenty of hidden gems — the many downtowns in rural enclaves that are easy to drive to and explore by foot.
![Christian Salisbury of Christian Allen Luthiery works at his 900-square-foot shop on the grounds of the spiritual community Ananda Village just outside Nevada City.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0120_feat_entrepreneurship_wesdavis_lead.jpg?1579295561)
Young Entrepreneurs Are Staking Claims in the Countryside
Since the Industrial Revolution, the myth of the American Dream has centered around cities. As the story goes, the most promising rural youth leave their hinterland homes to seek their fortunes in the metropolis, perhaps never to return.
Part of this month’s Rural Living series
![Daffodil Hill, a popular Amador County tourist attraction, closed in 2019 partly because it had become too popular. (Photo by Devin Powers via Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0120_feat_tourism_shutterstock_lead.jpg?1578941155)
Are Tourist Draws Like Apple Hill and Daffodil Hill Too Popular?
Overtourism at some of the Capital Region’s most popular seasonal destinations is not unfamiliar. But is there such a thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to tourism?
Part of this month’s Rural Living series.
![For Danielle Walters, who works remotely for a biotech company, the view from her 48-acre property south of Jackson outweighs any difficulties about living in a rural area.
For Danielle Walters, who works remotely for a biotech company, the view from her 48-acre property south of Jackson outweighs any difficulties about living in a rural area.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0120_feat_realestate_terenceduffy_lead.jpg?1578330866)
Rural Transplants Find Simpler Life — and Unique Challenges
Many dream of life in the country, but wildfires and economic barriers are making the transition harder than ever
For many, an understanding of rural living is less about population numbers and topography and more about a sense of being.
Part of this month’s Rural Living series.
![Louis Stewart, City of Sacramento’s chief innovation officer, serves on an 11-member working group for Aggie Square, a project that will transform 25 acres near UC Davis Medical Center into a hub of state-of-the-art research facilities, incubator space, academic programs, housing and retail.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1219_feat_technology_fredgreaves.jpg?1577874530)
The City Is the Lab
Urban Technology Lab is trying to put Sacramento on the innovation map
The Urban Technology Lab aimed to offer businesses and academic institutions a space to develop their ideas, products and services with the goal of making Sacramento more tech savvy. Is the program making good on that promise?
Part of this month’s Innovation issue