Our Top Stories of 2023
From an in-depth interview with one of the region’s most influential multimillionaires to a lingering look at the region’s first Maltese food business, here are our most-read stories of the year.
Fondly Remembering the Good Ol’ Days
It was the age of the milkman, the gas attendant and free paper bags. Comstock’s president and publisher reminisces about a simpler time before all the automation.
What Does Real Prison Reform Look Like?
Comstock’s president and publisher argues the benefits of inmate education programs.
The Wage of Innocence?
Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on minimum wage and the value of work.
Successful Entrepreneurs Are Innovative Risk-Takers
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the risks involved in becoming a successful small-business entrepreneur — such as starting a magazine with just $2.50 in your pocket.
The Will to Do Something Is as Important as the Way to Do It
As children, we were given this advice to help us achieve our goals: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” I still fully subscribe to that. Along with my unflagging faith that I’m never alone in my efforts, I’ve believed that wanting something badly enough and being willing to pay the price in time and effort, could make it attainable (God willing).
Sacramento Rising: It’s Our Time
As Walt Kelly’s cartoon possum Pogo said on posters for the first Earth Day in 1970, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Comstock’s president and publisher considers how the motto applies to California.
How to Win the ‘War for Talent’
Doesn’t anybody want to work anymore? It’s not just a rhetorical question. More than 50 percent of those surveyed by Pew Research said they believed they would get ahead in their careers by working harder. I was heartened to see that, because my personal mantra for success has always been that working harder is the first and best way to solve most problems.
Comstock’s Magazine Wins First Place for General Excellence in the California Journalism Awards
Plus first place feature story in the open contest, both first and second place for environmental reporting, and more
Comstock’s 2022 stories, designs, photographs and illustrations won 12 California Journalism Awards, including seven in first place.
Could ChatGPT Replace Comstock’s Writers?
AI is a unique innovation that seems to be taking off like a rocket with plans to replace many otherwise human-developed work; but in the end, it could spell disaster to lots of today’s industries if we lose sight of the fact that it needs to work for us, not the other way around.