Graham Womack is a freelance writer based in Sacramento. His work has appeared in a variety of publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee and Sacramento News & Review. Follow him on Twitter @grahamdude.
By this person
![Dr. Lenora Lee is an infectious disease specialist at Kaiser Permanente. (Photo by Terence Duffy, mural artist unknown)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0721_feat_leadership_lee_terenceduffy.jpg?1625846821)
On the Rise: Dr. Lenora Lee
Meet 12 young professionals who are shaping their industries and the Capital Region
Dr. Lenora Lee, an infectious disease specialist at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and Roseville for the past seven years, has made the most of working through the coronavirus pandemic.
![On June 16, the Kings, in tandem with the City of Sacramento and California Northstate University, announced it had reached a deal for CNU to build a medical school and teaching hospital at the site of the Sleep Train Arena. (Rendering courtesy of the Sacramento Kings)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0621_blog_statuscheck_logo_0.jpg?1624469444)
Status Check: A New Use for the Former Home of the Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings’ former arena site in Natomas is slated for new life.
![(Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0521_blog_statuscheck_logo.jpg?1621635799)
Status Check: Building a Rural Broadband Empire
Cal.net acquires fifth rural internet provider in recent years
“It’s a really exciting time to be in the business,” says Cal.net Chief Operating Officer Ken Garnett.
![The groundbreaking ceremony commences for the Sky River casino March 9. (Photos by Rahul Lal)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0419_blog_statuscheck_logo.jpg?1619390787)
Status Check: Finally Game Time?
Sky River Casino breaks ground in Elk Grove and clears legal hurdle ahead of possible fall 2022 opening
The casino is expected to open in the fall of 2022 on Wilton Rancheria tribal trust land at the site of an uncompleted mall.
![The Al Fresco program provides outdoor dining in the DOCO plaza and has brought more customers to the area. (Photos by Debbie Cunningham)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0421_dept_taste_debbiecunningham_embed2.jpg?1618855171)
Survival Strategy
Downtown Sacramento restaurants plan for a future, although unknowns remain
More than a few downtown eateries have become casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those that remain are embracing long-term survival strategies.
![Pat Kashani, owner of Tropics Ale House in Sacramento, is planning to open an All-American-themed sports bar and restaurant called The ClubHouse on K Street. (Photos by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0321_blog_economy_covid1.jpg?1616434650)
After a Year of COVID
In the year since the pandemic shutdowns began, many businesses have stayed open, and owners are optimistic
A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many entrepreneurs feel reasons for hope, both for their companies and the world at large.
![From left: Jose Gomez, Francisco Barajas and Brian Montagnese are competing in “American Ninja Warrior.” They train at The Studio Martial Arts & Fitness in Roseville, which is owned by Amitis Pourarian (seated). (Photo courtesy of The Studio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0321_blog_statuscheck_1500x795.jpg?1616438948)
Status Check: The Road Back to ‘American Ninja Warrior’
Three Roseville ninjas return to competition after last year’s was postponed
Jose Gomez, Francisco Barajas and Brian Montagnese will travel to Tacoma, Washington, to compete on “American Ninja Warrior” for a chance at an ultimate $1 million prize.
![Republic FC plays Las Vegas Lights FC in a match in 2019. (Photos by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0321_blog_statuscheck4_logo.jpg?1614723212)
Status Check: Still Moving Ahead at The Railyards
Work is continuing on multiple projects, despite the lead investor in the MLS bid pulling out
A new Kaiser Permanente hospital and a Sacramento County courthouse continue at The Railyards, the largest urban infill development project west of the Mississippi River.
![Peter Hoey, co-owner of Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse, says his business has managed to survive through a collaborative effort among his team. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0221_blog_statuscheck1_logo.jpg?1614276168)
Status Check: Finding New Roots
Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse in Sacramento wins national award amid challenging times
Co-owner Peter Hoey is optimistic for the future, saying, “It’s not pre-pandemic numbers, but we’re in a good spot as far as restaurant sales.”
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0221_feat_education_shutterstock_lead.jpg?1613158648)
Studying for the Next Chapter
A variety of degree and certificate programs are available for older and returning students
In the Capital Region, educational paths are plentiful for those
looking to make a transition.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: A New Mission (The Next Chapter)
PODCAST: Roger Valine helped transform VSP from a small local company to an international operation by 2006 when he decided to retire. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers.
![Steve Ramirez retired as the global chairman for Ronald McDonald House Charities in December 2020. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0221_blog_nextchapter_ramirez.jpg?1612985820)
Feeling the Need to Still Help
The Next Chapter: Steve Ramirez, former board chair for Ronald McDonald House Charities, considers his options
For more than three decades, the Ronald McDonald House Charities
and the McDonald’s Corporation helped to define Ramirez, who
became a franchisee in Galt in 1988.
![Roger Valine joined VSP in 1973 and worked his way up from being a management trainee to become the driving force as the CEO of the Rancho Cordova company. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0221_feat_next-chapter_roger_wes-davis_lead.jpg?1612985167)
A New Mission
The Next Chapter: Former VSP CEO Roger Valine talks about his family, the community and business
Roger Valine joined VSP in 1973 and worked his way up from being
a management trainee to become the driving force as the CEO of
the Rancho Cordova company.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: The Next Chapter Series
PODCAST: Listen to a six-part series about Capital Region professionals who found new pursuits after successful careers.
![The UC Davis Aggie Square project is planned for 25 acres near the UC Davis Medical Center on Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento. (Rendering courtesy of ZGF)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0121_blog_statuscheck1_logo.jpg?1611088039)
Status Check: Suing the Square
Aggie Square facing two CEQA lawsuits
The latest iteration of the controversy surrounding Aggie Square
involves two lawsuits filed in mid-December over the project
against the University of California Board of Regents under the
California Environmental Quality Act.
![The Davis Innovation and Sustainability Campus would be built near this market on Mace Boulevard in Davis. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1220_blog_statuscheck_logo.jpg?1608319208)
Status Check: Innovation on Hold
Proponents for Davis Innovation and Sustainability Campus press on despite election defeat
Davis voters narrowly rejected Measure B this past November, declining to change land-use designations to pave the way for the Davis Innovation and Sustainability Campus.
![Roseville voters passed Measure B, a permanent half-cent sales tax increase in November 2018. (Roseville Civic Center photo courtesy of City of Roseville)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1120_blog_statuscheck_lead.jpg?1606254527)
Status Check: A Measure of Relief
Sales tax increase Measure B, passed in 2018, provides vital funds for Roseville
Every little bit matters in Roseville, which prides itself as a full-service city.
![Local hoteliers hope the impending completion of the new SAFE Credit Union Sacramento Convention Center will boost occupancy rates. (Photos by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1020_blog_economy_downtown1.jpg?1603224631)
Struggling to Maintain
Months into COVID-19, Sacramento’s downtown businesses persevere
Comstock’s has been following four businesses in Sacramento since March to see how they’re faring amid the pandemic. Here’s how they stand now.
![Amy Seiwert has returned to working on her ballet company, Amy Seiwert Imagery, full-time following her departure from the Sacramento Ballet. (Photo courtesy of Amy Seiwert Imagery)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1020_blog_statuscheck_ballet.jpg?1603215975)
Status Check: Getting to the Other Side
Amy Seiwert back in Cincinnati after two-year run as Sacramento Ballet artistic director
Amy Seiwert’s term as the artistic director of the Sacramento Ballet ended in July, but she is continuing to create with dance companies in California and the Midwest.
![Kevin Fat (right) was promoted to CEO of the Fat Family Restaurant Group earlier this year when his uncle, Jerry Fat (left), began to step away from day-to-day operations. Frank Fat’s, the company’s flagship restaurant, opened in 1939. (Photo by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1020_feat_leadership_wesdavis_lead.jpg?1601674840)
Minding the Family Business
Why family-run companies can be better poised to navigate hard economic times
While large companies often have shareholders and untold numbers of employees to satisfy, family businesses can maneuver more deftly and swiftly, powering through as best they can.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: Cooking Up a Neighborhood
PODCAST: West Sacramento’s Washington District has transformed in the past decade, due to efforts by the City of West Sacramento, developers and food entrepreneurs.
![Jess Milbourn opened Devil May Care Ice Cream & Frozen Treats in 2016 in the Washington District. (Photos by Debbie Cunningham)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0920_dept_taste_debbiecunningham_embed2.jpg?1601329948)
Cooking Up a Neighborhood
Food options abound in the up-and-coming Washington District in West Sacramento
West Sacramento’s Washington District has transformed in the past decade, due to efforts by the City of West Sacramento, developers and food entrepreneurs.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: Cooking Up a Neighborhood
PODCAST: Food options abound in the up-and-coming Washington District in West Sacramento.
![Louis Stewart is leaving his position as chief innovation officer at the City of Sacramento. (Photo by Fred Greaves)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0920_blog_statuscheck_fredgreaves_headshot_lead.jpg?1599610928)
Status Check: Sacramento CIO Is Moving On
Social unrest spurs Sacramento Chief Innovation Officer Louis Stewart to depart city to build diversity pipeline at major tech firm
Louis Stewart has been the face of technological innovation efforts in Sacramento city government since 2017, leading initiatives such as the Sacramento Urban Technology Lab.
![(Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0820_blog_statuscheck_lead.jpg?1597078906)
Status Check: Sacramento County Airport System
Sacramento County Airport System uses $49.9 million in CARES Act funding to offset traffic decline from COVID-19
The pandemic has upended normal operations for the four airports, but stakeholders see reasons for optimism.
![Track 7 The Other Side wasn’t permitted for right-of-way seating and has since moved tables into parking spots, where permits aren’t needed. (Photos by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0720_blog_reopenada1_1.jpg?1595525140)
Uneasy Navigation in a COVID-19 World
The pandemic is creating sidewalk accessibility and other challenges for some people with disabilities
Sacramento’s Farm to Fork Al Fresco program has helped restaurants at a historically tough time, but it’s also created some disability access issues.
![The recently-completed ONYX Midtown Apartments at 1818 X Street. (Photos by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0720_blog_statuscheck1_lead.jpg?1593465582)
Status Check: Residential Boom on Broadway
The conversion of former Tower Records, Books and Video site is one of several current housing projects in Sacramento’s Broadway corridor
For decades, Tower Records, Tower Books and Tower Videos defined the southeastern corner of 16th Street and Broadway in Sacramento. In their place could come a 53-unit apartment building — part of the next wave of development for Broadway.
![Tropics Ale House on J Street in Midtown Sacramento reopened in late May for dine-in service. (Photos by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0620_blog_downtownbiz1.jpg?1592587074)
The New Normal
Sacramento businesses face challenges adapting to COVID-19 landscape
Despite the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus still soaring around California and throughout the country, state and local governments have begun loosening restrictions on businesses. Here’s how businesses are adjusting.
![Kaiser Permanente (its Downtown Commons Medical Offices in downtown Sacramento shown here) reported a first-quarter loss of $1.1 billion. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0620_blog_statuscheck_lead.jpg?1592335705)
Status Check: Health Care Hanging On
Local leaders say they’re undaunted by intense fiscal impacts from COVID-19
COVID-19 has presented significant challenges for health care. At least for the moment, though, local providers have been hanging tough and looking toward economic recovery.
![(Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_115212217.jpg?1591304359)
Navigating the New Flexibility
Brett Sargent, founder and CEO of True North Consulting, offers advice on Paycheck Protection Program loans
On June 5, President Donald Trump signed an extension as part of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, allowing business owners 24 weeks, instead of eight, to use loans. Brett Sargent explains the options.
![CalPERS has averaged an annual rate of return on its investments of 9.1 percent over the past decade and 8.1 percent over the past 30 years. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0520_blog_statuscheck.jpg?1590092435)
Status Check: Cloudy Days for Pensions?
COVID-19 might lead to even fewer defined-benefit pensions in the private sector
It’s still early to fully gauge what effects the coronavirus economic shutdown will have on the pension landscape, but the preliminary outlook for certain parts of the industry, particularly with defined-benefit plans, isn’t encouraging.
![Two-factor authentication is an important part of maintaining cybersecurity while employees work remotely. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_788301778.jpg?1589399042)
Putting Security at the Forefront
Brian Maletsky of Capital Network Solutions talks about cybersecurity challenges faced by businesses with employees working remotely
As companies have transitioned en masse to remote operations due to the coronavirus, Brian Maletsky has had a front-row seat to some of their cybersecurity missteps. He spoke to Comstock’s about some of the unique security challenges businesses are facing during the pandemic.
![Construction is one industry that has continued through shelter-in-place orders, as government officials deemed it an essential business. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_752076598.jpg?1589395545)
Building On
Wendy Cohen of Kitchell talks about the construction firm’s projects underway in Sacramento
Construction is one industry that has continued through shelter-in-place orders. Comstock’s spoke with Wendy Cohen, vice president of operations for the construction firm Kitchell, to learn how the industry has been impacted by the coronavirus and the role it can play in the recovery.
![Many political leaders have begun to explore plans to reopen parts of the economy. (Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0520_blog_qa_shutterstock.png?1588883330)
Bringing Downtown Back
Michael Ault of Downtown Sacramento Partnership talks about businesses reopening
Gov. Gavin Newsom said that “some retail, manufacturing, and logistics businesses” would be allowed to reopen beginning May 8. Comstock’s spoke with Downtown Sacramento Partnership Executive Director Michael Ault about what a limited reopening might look like in the Sacramento region.
![The plaza outside Golden 1 Center at Downtown Commons is much quieter since the Kings games were postponed due to the coronavirus. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_blog_downtownbiz_lead.jpg?1588102800)
Holding Pattern
Variety of local businesses shuttered by COVID-19 await reopening
Comstock’s has been following four businesses that have been helping to drive the resurgence of Sacramento’s central city in recent years. Here’s how they’re faring a month into the shutdown.
![Health care and life sciences provide 146,227 jobs in the six-county Sacramento region. (Photo by Mike Graff)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_feat_healthcare_mikegraff_lead.jpg?1587581809)
The Might of Medicine
With around 150,000 jobs, a robust provider marketplace and a slew of projects underway, health care helps define the greater Sacramento region
Though service gaps and challenges remain, health care could eventually become the Sacramento region’s calling card.
![Looking east on Interstate 80 near Pena Adobe Regional Park in Vacaville. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_blog_statuscheck.jpg?1587501364)
Status Check: I-80 Lane Widening Project Presses On
Solano Transportation Authority moves forward on plans to widen 10 miles of roadway
The mayors of Fairfield and Vacaville and the Solano Transportation Authority are seeking $123 million in funding from the California Transportation Commission toward a project to widen 10 miles of Interstate 80. But with commute times down due to the coronavirus, it might be a tougher sell.
![Roseville City Councilman Scott Alvord at the site of one of the future commercial developments, looking at a rendering on his cellphone. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_blog_retail_roseville_lead.jpg?1586804050)
Retail Projects in the Works for West Roseville
Residents in fast-developing part of south Placer County have been underserved
As west Roseville’s residential communities have rapidly developed in recent years, spreading farther toward the western border of Placer County, there have been few commercial amenities while developers have waited for a critical mass of population that could support new shopping centers.
![Health care and life sciences account for around 150,000 jobs in the Sacramento region. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_blog_economics_shutterstock.jpg?1585935652)
Health Care Jobs Spur Economic Optimism
Local economist says Capital Region’s strengths in health care sector help insulate it from effects of COVID-19
Health care and life sciences account for around 150,000 jobs in the Sacramento region, making the sector the largest private employer. Experts suggest that the public sector and health care may expand locally, even as the coronavirus pandemic contracts the global economy.
![Alan Puccinelli is leading Operations Shields Up, an effort to use 3D printing and injection molding to create face shields for medical professionals. (Photo courtesy of Alan Puccinelli)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_tech_lead.jpg?1585081825)
A Shield Against COVID-19
Operation Shields Up aims to create at least 12,000 face shields for first responders treating COVID-19
Alan Puccinelli, an Auburn resident and founder and CEO of 3D printing company Repkord, is working to create face shields for medical professionals treating COVID-19.
![The Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce has launched a Rapid Response tool for businesses and workers. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_166600271.jpg?1584664996)
Sacramento Metro Chamber Launches Rapid Response Tool for Businesses
Online hub provides resources for businesses affected by the coronavirus
In response to the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic and the rapidly evolving set of challenges it presents for businesses and workers, in addition to public health, the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce has launched a Rapid Response tool on its website.
![Lion Electric opened in McClellan Business Park in December, but may be temporarily closing in the wake of the coronavirus. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_statuscheck_lead.jpg?1584563829)
Status Check: McClellan Park
Electric school bus company that moved to the development in December may temporarily close due to coronavirus
The coronavirus has upended operations for businesses around the Sacramento region, including Lion, which was founded in 2008 and operates and repairs all-electric school buses.
![Bartender Jocelyn Cano serves customers (L-R) Robert Dyba, Crace Celi and Taylor Celli at Midtown Sacramento’s Tropics Ale House Sunday afternoon as Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg outlined guidelines for Sacramento’s bars and restaurants just a few blocks away. (Photos by Steve Martarano)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/march_15_2020coronavirus_impacts-2.jpg?1584390354)
Local Businesses Struggle as Coronavirus Changes Our Daily Lives
On a bleary Monday morning in Sacramento with the Dow Jones industrial average tanking, on its way to a 2,997 point drop and its worst day since 1987, Greater Sacramento Economic Council President and CEO Barry Broome offered advice for local business owners that he knows won’t be popular.
Sponsored
![John Coburn moved his company, GC Products, from Sparks, Nevada, to Lincoln in June 2018. Coburn (second from left) works in his warehouse with employees Michael Kelley, Patrick McTighe, Keith Coburn and Rocky Escobar.
(Photo by Mike Graff)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_placervalley_employment_mikegraff_lead.jpg?1583779447)
Making it Work
Employers are finding fewer hurdles and more employees in Lincoln, Rocklin and Roseville
Sacramento has long been considered a core for employment opportunities in the region, drawing commuters daily from the surrounding suburbs into the city. That was part of a mid-20th century philosophy of land-use planning that people would be willing to drive greater distances to work in exchange for large homes, good schools and safe communities for their families.
![Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg addresses the crowd at an Urban Land Institute program focusing on the homeless crisis held Feb. 6. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0220_blog_statuscheck_homelesness.jpg?1581376858)
Status Check: Getting Creative to Solve Homelessness
Urban Land Institute hosts panel event on alternative housing strategies in Sacramento
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg made a pitch to the crowd during his introductory remarks at an Urban Land Institute program addressing homelessness: “We need a Silicon Valley moment around efficient housing strategies in California.”
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: Small Downtowns
PODCAST: For anyone in the Sacramento area looking to get away for a day or weekend, the Capital Region has plenty of hidden gems.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: Small Downtowns Blend History With Unique Experiences
PODCAST: For anyone in the Sacramento area looking to get away for a day or weekend, the Capital Region has plenty of hidden gems — the many downtowns in rural enclaves that are easy to drive to and explore by foot.
![Downtown Grass Valley has more than 200 shops — and a movie theater with three screens. (Photo by Kial James)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0120_feat_development_kialjames_grassvalleysunset_lead.jpg?1579721539)
Small Downtowns Blend History With Unique Experiences
The Capital Region offers a mix of destinations within an hour’s drive of Sacramento
For anyone in the Sacramento area looking to get away for a day or weekend, the Capital Region has plenty of hidden gems — the many downtowns in rural enclaves that are easy to drive to and explore by foot.
![(Courtesy of City of Roseville)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0120_blog_statuscheck_cityofroseville_lead.jpg?1578526727)
Status Check: City of Roseville Buys Long-Empty Building
Former Kobra Properties building in downtown has been vacant for years
When Abe Alizadeh’s empire collapsed in 2008, eventually leading to a 56-month federal prison sentence for the developer for real estate fraud, the fate of a large unfinished building in downtown Roseville hung in the balance.
![Louis Stewart, City of Sacramento’s chief innovation officer, serves on an 11-member working group for Aggie Square, a project that will transform 25 acres near UC Davis Medical Center into a hub of state-of-the-art research facilities, incubator space, academic programs, housing and retail.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1219_feat_technology_fredgreaves.jpg?1577874530)
The City Is the Lab
Urban Technology Lab is trying to put Sacramento on the innovation map
The Urban Technology Lab aimed to offer businesses and academic institutions a space to develop their ideas, products and services with the goal of making Sacramento more tech savvy. Is the program making good on that promise?
Part of this month’s Innovation issue