This year’s most-read articles shed light on star surgeons, new beginnings, old Sacramento houses, life-saving technology and other stories that brought us (and hopefully you) some much-needed joy. 

Before delving into our most popular stories for this year, I’d like to indulge in a little first-person reflection. This is the fifth annual top stories roundup I’ve compiled for Comstock’s, which means I’m coming up on half a decade with the Capital Region’s best magazine. I joined Comstock’s as assistant editor in 2020, a few months after I finished my creative writing degree — and a few weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down our office and so much of the rest of the world.

I grew into a writer and editor with Comstock’s, and the Comstock’s I grew with reported primarily on the economic effects of the pandemic, most negative. But as I built this list, I realized that our interests and those of our readers are evolving. More than ever, it seems, we’re looking for stories that invite joy.

It’s the right time for it. Though many feel uncertain about their financial future, indicators such as employment rates, moderate inflation and consumer spending demonstrate that 2024 was the country’s economic best since 2019. And though downtowns have not fully rebounded and crime rates are still relatively high, the Capital Region is investing in the nighttime economy, with new music venues, late-night restaurants and outdoor concerts bringing needed light to the darkness.

This year, you read and shared stories about that burgeoning nightlife, as well as opportunities to explore our region beyond its cities. You also enjoyed profiles on rising stars and established leaders, from local celebrity chefs to star surgeons and education innovators. Above all, it seems, you were looking for positive stories that allowed you to look forward to the future. At Comstock’s, we’re proud to be able to tell these stories — truthfully, thoroughly and well. Here’s to more hope in 2025.

- Jennifer Fergesen, Digital Editor

But wait, there’s more! Here are some stories you may have missed during the holidays: Beast + Bounty to Close as of Jan. 1

Comstock’s exclusive: One of the Capital Region’s more forward-looking, fashionable restaurants, Midtown Sacramento’s Beast + Bounty, will permanently close its doors as of January 1.

To a Sandwich of Pure Imagination

If Willy Wonka opened a sandwich shop, his menu might look a lot like the one at Timmy’s Brown Bag in Placerville, the dreamchild of a father-and-son duo.

The Power and Potential of Seaweed

Researchers are exploring the untapped potential of seaweed for uses in cosmetics and carbon reduction, and even as a substitute for plastic. 

Odds and Ends

Time is running out to submit your nomination for our 11th annual salute to women in leadership! We’re looking for top-tier executives who make a demonstrated difference in their industries, companies, communities and the next generation of the workforce. 

And don’t forget to subscribe to the magazine to stay up to date on the region’s business trends, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for daily stories and extras.

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