Russell Nichols is a freelance writer who focuses on technology, culture and mental health. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Governing Magazine and Government Technology.
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Character Building
Local development melds history with modern luxury
Three years ago a wrecking ball known as the subprime mortgage meltdown slammed into Sacramento’s real estate market, kicking up a dust cloud over the city’s urban development plans. But rather than dwell on the financial obscurity of the future, David Miry and Steve Lebastchi kept their eyes on the past.
Hobby for Profit
Side businesses take shape in the downturn
If you want to talk sides, Mike Brown is your man. As the owner of midtown’s Capitol Dawg, Brown knows his various hot dogs draw in the crowds, but it’s the side dishes that complete the meal.
When the Walls Come Down
Clear Capital finds success in Tahoe's playground
When Kevin Marshall co-founded a real estate valuation firm in 2001, his first order of business was to bust down the walls.
Proper Precautions
Preparing for and responding to unpredictable disasters
The last sound anyone wants to hear is a firetruck siren. But last fall, that unsettling sound rang in the middle of the night as a three-alarm fire leaped from an apartment building in midtown Sacramento to the roof of J Street Recorders, home of the multiplatinum blues metal band Tesla.
Arrested Development
One developers building of tomorrow — and quest for tenants today
“Why don’t we start at the top and work our way down?” The voice of Greg Kelly echoes as he stands in the empty lobby of his brand-new office building. He’s ready to begin the tour.
Fighting Leukemia
One girl's battle to stay healthy
Scott Steele rushed his daughter to the hospital one night because her ear infection wouldn’t heal.
Personal Training
Learning how to live independently
Somebody stole Derek Finstad’s backpack.
He left it in the locker room at a gym in Yuba City, where he
works. But when he went to retrieve it, the backpack — with his
keys, checkbook and other materials — was gone. Finstad wasn’t
happy.
Take Care
Proper planning makes all the difference for caregivers
When his mother fell for the second time, Steve Smith was ready to put the plan in motion.
For Richer, for Poorer
Couples make it work between the boardroom and the bedroom
Markus Bokisch has grown into the kind of man who doesn’t mind having his wife in his business. But it didn’t happen overnight.
Custom Passion
How one man built a life constructing classics
The year was 1943, the world was at war and Dick Bertolucci cruised the streets of Sacramento in his first car — a black ’33 Chevy Roadster. He was 13 and didn’t have a license.
Members Only
The economy defines the role of nonprofit boards
Amid the country’s worst economy in decades, Michael Genovese was offered more work, and he refused.
Milking Profits
Can the state's dairy industry make happy cows profitable?
Wearing coveralls and galoshes caked in manure and mud, a father and son attach suction devices to the teats of ailing cows.