Boot Camp for Startups
Hacker Lab sheds light on new business ideas with Startup Hustle
When Adrian Cummings arrived for his first Startup Hustle session, he had the prototype for an idea — a complete light kit for bicycles — but no customer research, business plan or marketing concept.
Land of Opportunity
Punjabi immigrants found prosperity, and a new home, in the quiet town of Yuba City
Punjabis first emigrated from India to California at the turn of the 20th century, and soon carved out a prominent role in the economy, culture and identity of Yuba City. They overcame discriminatory laws that prevented immigration, citizenship and land ownership — and have flourished. Most Punjabis in the Yuba City area practice Sikhism, a religion with values that resemble those in the U.S. Constitution. An estimated 15,000 Sikhs now live in the Yuba-Sutter area.
American Dreams
Punjabis in California overcame decades of discriminatory laws to build a new home for themselves in Yuba City — and the community flourishes today
As the legend goes, Didar Singh Bains arrived in his new home of Yuba City in 1958 at age 18 with only $8 in his pocket, which was enough for him. A young immigrant from India with humble origins, he says he believed that in the U.S. “money could grow on trees.” In the course of his lifetime, that youthful optimism has proven true — at least figuratively.
Policy Talk
Wonk Wednesday event at New Helvetia Brewery pairs beer with in-depth policy discussions
It began when an online discussion about the Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento that devolved into what typically happens on these forums — personal blows, attacks and a palpable sense of us vs. them. No surprise there, but instead of engaging in the same behavior manifesting from behind the safety of screens, a local business owner offered another setting for such a conversation: At his brewery, over beer — and he’s buying.
Davis Needs to Give Wet Labs The Green Light
In the 27 years I have lived in Davis, there has only been one sizeable business park with wet lab space for life sciences and ag biotechnology companies, which is University Research Park at the corner of Drew Avenue and Richards Boulevard. Each and every time another proposed development for wet lab space comes up to the Davis City Council or to voters, it fails to get a green light.
From the U.S. Marine Corps to The Waffle Experience
Why quitting wasn’t an option for owners of expanding restaurant chain despite roadblocks
The Waffle Experience isn’t just another waffle house with packaged waffle batter and the usual breakfast fare. Instead, Donoho has taken his training in classical cuisines and worked to change the perception of how customers view the traditional belgian-style waffle.
Catching a Wave
FourthWave Cofounder Cheryl Beninga on Sacramento as an emerging tech hub
FourthWave, a nonprofit accelerator program for women-led tech companies, expanded from its Los Angeles pilot to Sacramento in March and is already working with its first seven entrepreneurs. We sat down with Cheryl Beninga, who is the managing director of Beninga Advisors and who cofounded FourthWave Sacramento with Tracy Saville, CEO of Sofia Al., to talk about women in technology and the regional tech scene.
Startup of the Month: Hoop Maps
Looking to play pickup basketball games? This app will assist you.
If you’re a basketball player, you’re not one to just sit around and spectate. You want to prove you got skills too. Problem is, finding people to hoop with is no walk in the park.
West Sacramento Maps Out Homeless Population
Appledore app first step in better serving people experiencing homelessness
The City of West Sacramento has started using mapping software to locate homeless camps as a way to monitor the local homeless population and direct them to public assistance.
Startup of the Month: Free Form Factory
Rancho Cordova-based advanced manufacturing company aims to make waves with durable, all-electric watercraft
In 2014, Darling launched Free Form Factory, making after-market decks and hulls out of durable polymer material. Two years later, the company relocated from Rochester, New York to Rancho Cordova. Free Form Factory has unveiled a stand-up watercraft prototype that is 100-percent recyclable and electric-powered.