
Artists are an Essential Part of Sacramento
Artists need access to affordable housing, public art funds and political support to survive
For creative people across the U.S., the Ghost Ship tragedy demonstrates the tough choices many face as they try to remain in their community while the cost of living climbs.

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.

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.

Keep Your Eye on These Food Policy Bills
Since 2012, there has been a significant spike in the number of food policy legislation and ordinances passed at the state and local levels.

Now Hiring
A dwindling immigrant workforce will have significant impacts on industry vitality and wages — the question is to what extent
The departure of long-established but undocumented Mexicans from California is a signal — along with other government data from the southwest border — that the flow of unauthorized immigration is shifting direction, perhaps dramatically.

Back and Forward: Rick Kempf on Workforce Challenges
Rick Kempf, regional vice president of LF Staffing Services, Inc., provides his perspective on challenges facing the U.S. workforce.

Back and Forward: Susan Jensen on Tribal Gaming in California
Susan Jensen, executive director of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, offers her insight into the challenges facing tribal casino operations.

Digital Detective
A State Bar opinion on electronic discovery underlines a new reality — lack of technology competence isn’t just a competitive risk, but an ethical one
From texts to photos to emails, every modern law case involves some sort of e-discovery — so why are lawyers still failing to do it?

Sustainable Futures
Amador County program fosters environmental stewardship while putting the focus back on students
Under sunny skies at Argonaut High School in Jackson, representatives from the Amador County Public Schools system and OpTerra Energy Services recently celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Amador GOLD program. The public-private partnership combines school infrastructure improvement and energy-efficiency projects with STEM education for students.