PODCAST EPISODE: Journalist James Stout delves into his latest feature for Comstock’s “What’s Holding Up Valley Rail?” where he investigated delays in railway expansion throughout the Central Valley. We discuss the hurdles that are baked into the system, changing attitudes towards public transit and whether hopping on a train might be more commonplace in future America. 

Founded in 1897 by William Francis Gormley, W.F. Gormley & Sons is anchored by traditional values of dignity and compassion. But they’re not stuffy. The business caters to all religions and beliefs, evolving to meet the needs of a clientele who increasingly request eco-friendly “green burials” and newer technologies like water cremation.

For eight weeks in the summer of 2023, Laurie Watkins took leave from work to be her mother’s live-in caregiver. She had joined what is often referred to as the sandwich generation — those who are caring for both their children and their aging parents. 

As executive director of the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Phillip Merlo understands the importance of cultural narratives. 

When Thompson attended college at Notre Dame of Maryland University, she chose to pursue her interest in psychology, hoping to “help people with their problems.” But, as fate would have it, she ended up doing that through policy rather than therapy.

If you can’t get enough of the holiday season and want to surround yourself with sparkling, glittering decorations while sipping on a craft cocktail adorned with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary, a pop-up bar is just for you.

The Mayfield siblings grew up in the charmed nautical world of their father’s imagination. At the Sub Sea Systems workshop in Diamond Springs, power tools whir as two generations work side by side to build custom submersibles that resemble something out of a Jules Verne novel. 

Will generative AI replace journalists? Many of those in the business think so, if preventative measures are not taken. Others say it’s a tool for brainstorming and increased productivity.

For Nathan Langley, entrepreneurship has meant integrating his drive to save lives with his passion for innovation and sales, and the synthesis has helped him succeed. “Everybody is different, and their experiences are different, but I would find it much more difficult to have overcome some of the challenges that we’ve faced over the years if it wasn’t something I believed in,” he says. 

Using AI, criminals can be craftier, more convincing, and nearly impossible to detect — even for the otherwise tech-savvy.

Unlike “The Big One” earthquake that is overdue along the San Andreas Fault, experts don’t have an ominous name for a flood of biblical proportions that is likely to inundate the Central Valley within the next 500 years.

The most recent election for West Sacramento City Council has marked a move toward equity — particularly when it comes to female representation. For the first time in history, West Sacramento has an all-female city council and mayor, who are also all women of color. 

First responders and law enforcement in the semi-rural county are working with limited resources to respond to the multi-layered drug problem. 

New legislation may change how businesses, big and small, draft job postings and how they report pay data to the state — and their employees. 

ACES Waste Services’ roots are in San Francisco, where the co-owners’ ancestor started a waste collection company called the Scavengers Protective Association. Today, the Amador County-based company gives back to the community.

Before most people had fully realized the gravity of COVID-19, Kevin McAllister, executive director of Meals on Wheels, was already stocking up on supplies for the program. His preparedness paid off.

Amber Hoiska is breaking the glass ceiling of the male-dominated roofing industry, and she wants more women to seize the opportunities with her.

As director of the California Department of Cannabis Control, Nicole Elliot leads 400 employees through what is essentially a testing ground for future legislation. She describes her regulatory work in the new industry as “a massive social experiment.” 

Amador County food trucks are expanding the meaning of fast food by combining seasonality, convenience and relationships with wineries.

PODCAST: As remote work continues to be normalized within the technology industry, techies are migrating to the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California.

As remote work continues to be normalized within the technology industry, techies are migrating to the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. Several local tech entrepreneurs share their successes and hurdles. 

Amador County businesses are bouncing back, but anxieties linger.