Recommended For You
![(illustration by Zuza Hicks) (illustration by Zuza Hicks)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_F_clean_techs_new_frontier.jpg?1577874530)
Clean-Tech’s New Frontier
The green rush is over. Now what?
For much of the past decade, venture capitalists showered dollars upon clean-technology startups with promising-sounding ideas in areas like solar, electric cars and biofuels.
That era appears to have ended.
Open For Business
Banning big-box was a bad idea anyway
I don’t think anyone can dispute the fact that local consumer demand is what drives the success of big-box stores. And, overall, I believe that success has brought more positives than negatives.
![Arcade Belts, a 3-year-old startup based in Squaw Valley, is supplying all-weather belts to retailers in six countries. Arcade Belts, a 3-year-old startup based in Squaw Valley, is supplying all-weather belts to retailers in six countries.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_FR_arcade-belts.jpg?1577874530)
Arcade Winnings
An all-weather accessory company advances to the next round
A slope-loving trio needed durable, weatherproof belts that would fit comfortably, last a long time and look good. So the self-proclaimed ski bums decided to make their own. Olympic Valley-based Arcade Belts launched three years ago from a living room and specializes in belts made specifically for winter-sport enthusiasts.
![Cole and Sara Ogando, co-owners, Preserve Public House Cole and Sara Ogando, co-owners, Preserve Public House](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_Taste_I.jpg?1577874530)
Winters’ Preservation
Age-old recipes make for new-era growth
Tucked in a quiet corner of western Yolo County, Winters embraces the soul of small-town living. Centered around a historic downtown complete with white gazebo and an oversized main street clock, this tiny farm town (population 6,624) is on the cusp of a burgeoning new food scene.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_acuity_joshua_wood.jpg?1577874530)
Region Builder
Acuity with Joshua Wood
Joshua Wood, 31, is the executive director of Region Builders, a commercial-building trade association and coalition. Region Builders is comprised of 13 industry and professional associations representing architects, engineers, contractors, developers and allied firms from the Sacramento area.
![U.S. Representative Ami Bera U.S. Representative Ami Bera](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_D_discourse.jpg?1577874530)
Paging Dr. Bera
Seeking remedies in the halls of Congress
U.S. Rep. Ami Bera has spent most of his career as one of the Capital Region’s leading voices on health care, first as a doctor and later as Sacramento County’s chief medical officer and a dean of admissions for the UC Davis medical school.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_F_Law_1.jpg?1577874530)
Are Attorneys the Rx For Obamacare?
Changes in healthcare shift law agencies into high gear
Hospitals, law firms and state agencies involved in implementing the Affordable Care Act have seen a sizable bump in workload — and in some cases, staff sizes — as they prepare for the major overhaul mandated by the 2010 law and to adjust to other industry changes.
![Article Consignment Boutique Article Consignment Boutique](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_F_security.jpg?1577874530)
Are You Watching?
Smart companies take advantage of new security options
The scene was right out of a TV cop drama. Shots rang out. A crowd ducked for cover. The bad guys sped off in a getaway car. The incident in a Sacramento shopping mall last year was real life. But just like on television, the case was wrapped up in three hours, with the bad guys in jail and the car impounded.
Encryptionite
A simple step can hinder thieves
Last year, 2.5 million Californians were victims of security breaches that revealed their personal information to unauthorized people, according to the state Attorney General.
More dramatic than the number of people victimized is the conclusion that 1.4 million of those people would have been protected if merchants and businesses had taken the simple step to encrypt the data, inserting a digital key that locks access to information as it is transmitted.
![Marina Hall recently emancipated from California’s foster care system. Through a nonprofit financial literacy program, she is on a path to fiscal health. Marina Hall recently emancipated from California’s foster care system. Through a nonprofit financial literacy program, she is on a path to fiscal health.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_F_making_cents.jpg?1577874530)
Making Cents
Preparing foster youth for their financial future.
For many foster youth, establishing stability within in the foster care system is exceedingly difficult. But it’s after emancipation that the realities of financial independence become even more challenging.
![Lorrie Wilson and Ruth Miller are the new co-chairs heading the United Way’s Women in Philanthropy program. Lorrie Wilson and Ruth Miller are the new co-chairs heading the United Way’s Women in Philanthropy program.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_F_expanding-a-vision.jpg?1577874530)
Expanding a Vision
New leadership means fresh ideas for Women in Philanthropy
Banning together 12 years ago, a group of local women sought out to help foster youth establish healthy lives after emancipation.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1013_RF_yolo_I.jpg?1577874530)
#YOLO
The 7 best bike rides in Yolo County
Lovely scenery along gently rolling foothills has always made Yolo County an ideal place for cyclists, but who knew everyone took it so seriously?
Head above water
Jobs, water and general plan keep Woodland’s plate full
Paul Navazio stepped into his role as Woodland city manager at a busy time for Yolo County.