A new page on a new calendar is always a time of optimism. The pages are blank and I wonder what I will have written on them by the time the year has run its course. But right now, I’d like to slow down and appreciate the year we just enjoyed.

In mid-December, actor and artistic producer Dave Pierini and executive producer Jerry Montoya sat on an empty stage at the original B Street location to talk about their long history with the professional theater company and their vision for the future. Here is an excerpt from their conversation.

In providing more than shelter, we are cognizant that we are not just helping animals, but also helping people who love animals. That requires us to be as compassionate, caring and patient with people as we are with animals.

Noel Kammermann, executive director of Loaves & Fishes, offers his insight into services for the region’s homeless population.

Nonprofits have a tremendous impact on our state and our community. They represent more than $34 billion in assets and $1.5 billion in annual revenue. The nonprofit sector needs to be recognized as a major economic participant to our region.

Alona Jennings, founder of Operation Innovate in Sacramento offers her insight into the psychology of innovation.

People are genetically engineering their own cells in their kitchens, injecting modified viruses into their bodies and surgically implanting homemade sensors under their skin. The “do-it-yourself” mentality has entered the realm of medicine. And, surprisingly, the FBI supports it.

Dushyant Pathak, associate vice chancellor of research and executive director of Venture Catalyst at UC Davis offers Comstock’s his insight into tech transfer.

Lloyd Levine, a former state legislator, and the current director of media and public relations for the Sacramento Electric Vehicle Association offers us his insight into electric vehicle adoption.

Chris Waugh’s entire corporate career has been about finding a better way to do things. Two years ago, he brought expertise in innovative thinking and problem-solving to local health powerhouse Sutter Health, joining the company as its first chief innovation officer. We sat down with him to discuss his views on bringing out-of-the-box thinking to a company over a century old.