Kevin McKenna is the former features editor for Comstock’s magazine.
By this person
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Old Roots, New Branches
Bariani Olive Oil — the elixir of the gods
Sebastian Bariani is in heaven, standing in his family’s olive grove in the Dunnigan Hills. The winter day is mild, a blue sky caps the rolling green terrain. He reaches down and gently bends the branch of a Manzanillo olive tree to demonstrate how the trees will soon be pruned, explaining that the blossoms for the next crop can come only from new growth.
![The CalPERS Headquarters expansion, by Pickard Chilton Architects, raised the bar for Sacramento's architecture The CalPERS Headquarters expansion, by Pickard Chilton Architects, raised the bar for Sacramento's architecture](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0214_ft_architecture_lead_raulortega.jpg?1577874530)
Building a Better City
With the new arena as an architectural catalyst, will Sacramento finally go bold?
Architects who have lived and worked in Sacramento have a lot to say about the aesthetics of the new city on the horizon. The Kings’ arena is a bold start, they agree, but they say that a strong vision must continue in projects on the drawing boards if the city is going to realize its full potential.
![Design by Lily Therens (elements courtesy of Shutterstock) Design by Lily Therens (elements courtesy of Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0214_blog_architecture_designlt_ss.png?1577874530)
From the Ground, Up
3 upcoming development projects we have our eye on
As Sacramento’s skyline is re-shaped by new construction, fresh architecture and design will begin to change perceptions of the city for longtime residents, new arrivals and visitors.
![(Shutterstock) (Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0215_sb_finance_lead_ss.jpg?1577874530)
The New Team in Town
River Cats become Giants' Triple-A affiliate
The Sacramento River Cats, for 15 years regarded as one of baseball’s most successful minor league organizations, announced in September it would be making a big switch. Beginning this season, the team will no longer be the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics but will instead become the top-dog minor league team for the San Francisco Giants.
![Among the technologies that help the Kings lead the pack are a camera-equipped drone and an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. Among the technologies that help the Kings lead the pack are a camera-equipped drone and an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0115_ft_tech_lead_jc.jpg?1577874530)
Create the Future. Now.
The Sacramento Kings' Ryan Montoya scouts the globe for the best in tech
Ryan Montoya’s task is clear, straightforward and possibly, well, impossible: Turn the Sacramento Kings into the most technologically adept sports franchise in the world.
![(Shutterstock) (Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0115_sb_tech_ss.png?1577874530)
Crown of Innovation
The Sacramento Kings make geek chic
The technology website GeekWire calls the Sacramento Kings the “NBA’s most geeky franchise.” They mean it as a compliment. Here are some of the ways the Kings are maintaining their edge.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1214.ft_.development.kj_.jpg?1577874530)
Greetings from Greater Silicon Valley
San Joaquin’s rebranding efforts have the county going tech
What images does Silicon Valley conjure? Google, Apple, Facebook, and on and on? Mainstays of the world’s hub of technology and innovation? Did a glimpse of Stockton appear in that mix? If the San Joaquin Partnership’s campaign to rebrand the area as Greater Silicon Valley works out, it soon will.
![(Shutterstock) (Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1214_ft_branding_sb_ss.png?1577874530)
Points of Progress
Development booms as part of San Joaquin rebranding strategy
Here’s a look at key developments in the northern San Joaquin Valley, which has dubbed itself “Greater Silicon Valley.”
![Powerhouse 16, opening soon in midtown, includes 50 market-rate apartment units.
(photo: Chase Hearn) Powerhouse 16, opening soon in midtown, includes 50 market-rate apartment units.
(photo: Chase Hearn)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1114_ft_realestate_lead_chasehearn.jpg?1577874530)
Opening Doors — Lots of Them
Multifamily construction plays catch-up with surging demand.
From the unmarred concrete sidewalk along Riverine Way, above Richards Boulevard in the city’s River District, you can take a slow 360-turn and view the past, present and future of housing development in Sacramento. You’ll likely be standing alone, since the street is only one bone of an incomplete skeleton that will eventually support the mixed-use urban infill taking shape around it.
![(shutterstock) (shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1014_transportation_sb_ssvectomart.jpg?1577874530)
Rolling on the River
What’s up with West Sac
West Sacramento’s transportation infrastructure will be a key part of the rapidly growing city. Here’s a look at what’s happening, with a few projects already underway or recently announced.
![(Photo courtesy of the city of Sacramento) (Photo courtesy of the city of Sacramento)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/peoplecopy.jpg?1577874531)
Railway Station Revamp
Updates to Sacramento Valley Station include bike rentals and rooftop patio
At 88 years old, the Sacramento Valley Station at 4th and I streets is bound for new glory, as the second phase of the $34-million rejuvenation project gets underway at the city’s downtown transportation hub.
![Fans and players rally in downtown Sacramento after the Sacramento Republic FC won its championship game against the Harrisburg City Islanders on Sept. 27 Fans and players rally in downtown Sacramento after the Sacramento Republic FC won its championship game against the Harrisburg City Islanders on Sept. 27](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/sacrepublicfc.rally_.jpeg?1577874531)
Star Power to Ignite Sac Soccer
Owners hope new investment lineup will boost city's chances of going MLS
The Sacramento Republic FC has bolstered its quest to become a Major League Soccer franchise. On Monday the team announced an impressive addition of more than a dozen new business leaders who will invest in the group, including Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter and local business owner Urijah Faber.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/kings.webcam.jpg?1577874531)
Rubble Reel
Live webcam monitors mall demolition
The demolition now underway at the east end of Downtown Plaza, the site of the new Kings Arena, is a sidewalk superintendent’s dream.