Vanessa Labi is a writer who specializes in arts and culture. She earned her English degree from UCLA. She shares cultural commentary, essays and recommendations in her newsletter, The Vessel. See her work at Vanessa-Labi.com. On Instagram @Vanessa.Labi.
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Cultural Capital
Who benefits from arts and culture in the Capital Region, and who owns it?
Some members of the arts sector experience instability due to a lack of ownership in the creative movements they build. A year out from pandemic reopenings, city and state programs are supporting artists in unprecedented ways — but the relief is temporary.
![Located next to WAL Public Market on the R Street Corridor, Plant Power Sacramento is the chain’s first Northern California location. (Photos by Debbie Cunningham)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/plant_power_f.png?1679674243)
Vegan Convenience
Plant-based fast food restaurants in the Capital Region target all palates
Just as meat alternatives have expanded, so have the eating patterns of people interested in plant-based food. A diverse set of diners are embracing plant-based restaurants, thanks to the proliferation of less restrictive plant-based diets.
![(Photo by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/marisasharkey.png?1678925878)
Women in Leadership: Marisa Sharkey
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
Before starting her shoe company Birdies, Marisa Sharkey
described herself as risk averse. Eight years in, her bold moves
have paid off.
![(Photo by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/mag_layouts_-8_0.jpg?1672274395)
Our Top Stories of 2022
From exclusive interviews with local business leaders to a roundup of regional Mexican dishes, here are our most-read stories of the year.
![Tycho is known for hybridizing its electronic components with live instrumentation. The original “Dive” tour back in 2012 was its first tour with a live band. (Photo taken in fall 2022 by Andrew Rosas, courtesy of Another Planet Entertainment)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/lede_concerthall.png?1670617687)
Comstock’s Concert Hall: Tycho Performs ‘Dive Live’ for Harlow’s 40th Anniversary
The electronic band with Sacramento roots plays three homecoming shows at the storied club
In a full-circle homecoming this weekend, Tycho will play a three-night series of “Dive Live,” the only West Coast performance of the set.
![Makers Mart co-founder Trisha Rhomberg (center) has been running the artisan market since 2010. This year she and co-producers Beth Pellegrini (right) and Nicole Grant Kriege (left) will put on the largest fair yet. (Photo by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/makers_mart_comstocks-26.jpg?1670516554)
Getting to Know: Makers Mart
The production team behind a long-running holiday fair hits its stride with city funding and community support
The team behind Makers Mart, Sacramento’s annual holiday bazaar, has dealt with a litany of challenging logistics over the last decade. But the show always goes on in high style.
![The life-sized Joan Didion statue unveiled at the Golden Land Celebration will live in the Sacramento Room of the Sacramento Central Library. (Photo by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/didion_statue_unveiling.png?1669223800)
A Towering Figure
Sacramento Historical Society honors author Joan Didion with The Golden Land celebration, statue unveiling and declaration of her own day
The Nov. 10 tribute to one of America’s most notable and beloved
authors, who died December 23, 2021, was arguably overdue.
![Angie Franklin, founder of Sacramento-based Afro Yoga, has developed a global community devoted to making yoga and wellness entrepreneurship more accessible. (Photo by Fred Greaves)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/zoom_yoga_2022_10_08_fg_r5a2047.png?1668206606)
Self Care A La Carte
The pandemic spurred the Capital Region’s wellness economy to become more widespread and accessible
Wellness is not just a state of being; it’s a perpetual pursuit,
a form of prevention and an entire economy. Many businesses
in the Capital Region are providing ways for people to foster
their own relationship to wellness through progressive services,
treatments and practices.
![Event attendees convene at Brooks Truitt Bark Park at the last leg of the Tricks for Treats Halloween crawl.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/trick_of_treat_for_pups_-21.jpg?1667248544)
200 Costumed Dogs March Through Midtown
A Sacramento dog parade promotes pet businesses and nonprofits — an important part of the local economy
On Saturday, Sacramento’s furry four-legged friends took over for a couple of hours, trotting through the neighborhood costumed and in pursuit of snacks at the second annual Tricks for Treats.
![Lori Richardson has worked at Sacramento-based production company Emtrain for six years after spending many years living and working at Bay Area-based Pixar.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/bts_lori_1022-4.jpg?1666900654)
Getting to Know: Lori Richardson
A film industry veteran branches into the compliance training genre — using Sacramento talent
The compliance content genre has a reputation for being outdated, but the video series Lori Richardson produces for the e-learning company Emtrain look like they could be part of a Netflix drama.
![Celeste Perez started the artistic moniker Digital Mami in September 2019 when she discovered her passion for digital art. (Photos courtesy of Celeste Perez)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled-1_0.png?1664235013)
Art Exposed: Celeste Perez
Multimedia artist Digital Mami paints the town pink
To Celeste Perez, who goes by Digital Mami, urban scenes are
canvases waiting to be glossed up by saturated color and saucy
sayings.
![Visitors tour the studio space of artist and educator Gioia Fonda as part of the two-weekend Sac Open Studios event.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/open_studios_alt-57_1.jpg?1663359510)
Where the Magic Happens
Artists invite the public into their workspaces at Sac Open Studios
The 17th annual event gives art lovers an opportunity to tour
hundreds of artists’ spaces and connect with them in their
element.
![Mayra Vega poses in front of Morgan's Mill coffeeshop in Downtown Woodland.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/woodland_comstocks-32.jpg?1663114282)
Getting to Know: Mayra Vega
Woodland's mayor serves with an inclusive perspective and inclination for tech
As a full time director of communications in the health care field, Woodland Mayor Mayra Vega cares about including the underrepresented and boosting the city’s tech jobs.
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What can we learn from other cities about affordable housing?
The quest to increase affordable housing, a startup empowering neurodivergent people, the power of the emotionally intelligent leader, Evil HR Lady & more
By: Vanessa Labi
![Cuchna writes 6,000-7,000 words for each "Dissect" episode, usually at Sacramento coffeeshops. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_design-28.png?1661798659)
Getting to Know: Cole Cuchna
Podcast host makes a career out of analyzing the biggest albums in hip-hop
With “Dissect,” Cole Cuchna goes deep into his favorite
music albums, cultivating curiosity in others. Now nine
seasons in, he’s found success with a Spotify partnership
and a talk at TEDxBerkeley.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/newsletter_collage-23.png?1661972378)
Local celebs and hidden gems in Sacramento’s backyard
A local podcaster goes big time, Sacramento’s first Uzbek food truck, Old Tower Records site to transform & more
By: Vanessa Labi
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What should the Capital Region do with its rotting eyesores?
Warehouse conversions, a final farewell to ARCO Arena, a glimpse into the daily life of Rocklin’s “serial investor” & more
By: Vanessa Labi
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When the golden goose flies the coop
Why some local companies are leaving for other states; how to care for our trees during drought; a climbing gym with hops & more
By: Vanessa Labi
For most, moving away from the Golden State isn’t an easy choice. “It’s just a spectacular place,” says co-owner of Puroast Coffee, Kerry Sachs. But he made the difficult decision to uproot his 30-year-old, Woodland-based coffee company last year to move operations to North Carolina.
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Going to extremes
The extreme determination of endurance athletes, our podcast goes to happy hour, 50 years of Davis and Sacramento food co-ops, Evil HR Lady & more
By: Vanessa Labi
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The seeds of conflict
Yolo’s sunflower farmers face domestic and international challenges, a Hacker Lab exclusive, the street food scene heats up & more
By: Vanessa Labi
![Boutique owner Briana Thomas started her vintage business over a decade ago in Brooklyn, selling her wares at markets and online. Now her shop, Rosen, is located in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood. (Photo by Susan Yee)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/comstock_rosen_bysamuelrose_0010.png?1658347998)
A Shifting Style Landscape
Designers, retailers and entrepreneurs bring niche fashion to the Capital Region
In 2020, many forecasters predicted a stalling of style, but like
many mindsets that shifted during COVID-19, fashion too was just
repositioning itself.
![East Sacramento shop Timeless Thrills taps its community of artists to design clothing inspired by iconic Sacramento locations. Garments are designed as a tribute to old '90s-era favorites like the old ARCO Arena and the kids' miniature golf course Paradise Island.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/timeless_thrills_merch_retro_kings_logo.jpg?1656699892)
Sacramento Wears Hometown Pride on Its Sleeve
Local designers sell the essence of Sacramento
One of the hottest style statements you can make in Sacramento is — get this — a shirt that says “Sacramento.”
![Currently in his third year as an associate attorney at Stoel Rives, Corey Day leads commercial litigation matters for clients in a wide range of industries, and in recent years is helping to grow the firm’s alcohol sector practice.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/day_web.png?1657202108)
On the Fast Track: Corey Day
Meet 13 young professionals who are on the fast track, bringing new ideas and innovations to the Capital Region
Attorney Corey Day has used his expertise in California alcohol
law to guide bars and restaurants through the many restrictions
and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
![As Visit Sacramento's content director, Brandon Darnell helps to shape the brand, edits the Visitors Guide, hosts the podcast and more.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/comstock_visit_sacramento-07.jpg?1656005374)
Getting to Know: Brandon Darnell
A content director tells the stories of Sacramento
The former journalist shapes the brand for Visit
Sacramento’s web content, audio-visual output, podcast, Visitors
Guide and more.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/cnpa_hero_image.png?1654217872)
Comstock’s Content Honored in California Journalism Awards
The awards included first place for writing, arts and entertainment, design and more
Comstock’s stories, designs, photographs and illustrations won 20 California Journalism Awards — a record for the magazine — from the California News Publishers Association. Here’s a list of all our awards and winning content.
![A Ukrainian man named Bogdan stands in front of the home he and his wife bought recently in Kyiv. He told Tyulyu that it was bombed before they could move in. (Photos by Alina Tyulyu)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/destroyed_home_0.jpg?1654037229)
Art Exposed: Alina Tyulyu
A lifestyle photographer becomes a war documentarian when she returns to Ukraine as a volunteer
The Sacramento-based photographer is traveling around her
native country of Ukraine to aid refugees during the
Russia-Ukraine war, documenting their experiences along the
way.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/popupspodcast_blue_border.png?1653338267)
Comstock’s Talks: Pop-Ups Are Popping Off
PODCAST: The pop-up model allows independent chefs to experiment with new concepts and creative menus without investing in overhead.
![Restaurant owner Brandon Dinh holds up a meatless banh mi for Chay Corner, a vegan Vietnamese food business that started as a pop-up in Davis.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/comstockpopups-57.png?1652990945)
Pop-Ups Are Popping Off
Sparked during the Great Recession, the pop-up restaurant trend continues to evolve
The pop-up model allows independent chefs to experiment with
new concepts and creative menus without investing in
overhead.
![At the end of the year, Dr. Robyn Magalit Rodriguez will leave her post as professor of Asian American Studies at UC Davis to go all in on the school she founded for ethnic studies. (Photos by Glenn Aquino, courtesy of Dr. Robyn Magalit Rodriguez)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/rod.png?1650648041)
Getting to Know: Dr. Robyn Magalit Rodriguez
A celebrated Asian American studies professor leaves the ivory tower for entrepreneurship
Encountering barriers in academia has prompted Dr. Robyn Magalit
Rodriguez to launch into entrepreneurship. She is leaving her
post as a full professor at UC Davis to create her own school,
farm and learning center.
![Bryan Widener is the owner and executive chef of Lo/Fi, a bodega-style cafe located in Southside Park.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/comstock_lofi_web-10.jpg?1648790570)
Neighborhood Favorite: Lo/Fi
A Southside Park cafe with a punk spirit serves seasonal comfort food
The neighborhood lunch spot serves comfort sandwiches, Sunday brunch, desserts and a bodega-style assortment of beer and wine.
![As a corporate consultant and the owner of her own company, Alycia Anderson crafts speeches and corporate policies that advocate accessibility and inclusion. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/comstock-04.jpg?1648589100)
Getting to Know: Alycia Anderson
A Roseville-based disability advocate encourages corporate America to rethink accessibility
Alycia Anderson pivoted from a successful career as a sales
executive to start her own company
championing diversity, equity and inclusion in the
workplace.
![(Photo by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/tudor_graphic.png?1647619939)
Women in Leadership: Eliza Tudor
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
As executive director of Nevada County Arts Council, Eliza
Tudor is committed to improving community well-being
through arts programs across creative, public, business
and nonprofit sectors.
![(Photo by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/luvisi_graphic.png?1647300870)
Women in Leadership: Melissa LuVisi
Our annual salute to extraordinary women breaking barriers and rising to the top
From art curation to marketing strategy, Melissa LuVisi is
invested in the power of creativity. Since joining tab32 as
CSO, she’s taken an interest in women’s influence in the
dental industry.
![As senior program director of Capitol Impact, Anna Fontus crafts policies that address inequality in California’s complex social systems. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_2371.jpg?1645558525)
Getting to Know: Anna Fontus
The Metro EDGE Young Professional of the Year is passionate about education and workforce opportunity
As senior program director of Capitol Impact, Anna Fontus
crafts policies that address inequality in California’s
complex social systems.
![Brandon Brown is CEO and co-founder of Grin, the content creator management platform that allows brands to collaborate directly with influencers. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_2084.jpg?1643064653)
Getting to Know: Brandon Brown
The Grin CEO believes consumers have fundamentally shifted focus from companies to people
Brandon Brown is CEO and co-founder of the fast-growing
Sacramento-based company Grin. His thought leadership on
influencer marketing is based on authenticity.
![Jonathan Joiner works with papercraft and old electronics to build 3D objects, which he animates to create stop-motion videos and gifs.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/leadimage_jonportrait_resized.png?1642550150)
Art Exposed: Jonathan Joiner
How a filmmaker and creative director mines the past for inspiration to create fantastical objects, stop-motion video and playful GIFs
Jonathan Joiner finds inspiration in retro-futuristic gadgets,
movies and “practical things.”
![Sarah Miller is a regular contributor to The New Yorker website and Hodinkee, with past pieces in The New York Times and The Awl. In 2021 she started her own newsletter on the publishing platform Substack. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_design-3.png?1640735551)
Getting to Know: Sarah Miller
A New Yorker satire writer and journalist calls Nevada City home
Freelance essayist Sarah Miller lends her idiosyncratic
style to The New Yorker website and many other
publications. The Nevada City-based writer was
commissioned by Substack to start her own
newsletter earlier this year.
![Faith J. McKinnie is a gallerist and curator who champions underrepresented and marginalized queer artists and artists of color. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/leadoption1.jpg?1638321253)
Getting to Know: Faith J. McKinnie
Gallerist Faith J. McKinnie is highlighting the work she wants to
see in her Midtown gallery that highlights contemporary art
by underrepresented artists.
![Lupe Nambo is a therapist who specializes in supporting BIPOC communities. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_8104.jpg?1634852398)
Getting to Know: Lupe Nambo
Licensed marriage and family therapist Lupe Nambo considers
it her mission to “decolonize therapy.”
![Rafael Galiano, left, and John Martin are the owners of Park Winters. (Photo by Chris Howard, courtesy of Park Winters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/chrishowardimagery-16.jpg?1633377807)
Creating an Oasis for Creatives
Family business close-up
Co-owners Rafael Galiano and John Martin describe Park Winters, a
10-acre estate that serves as a venue for weddings, parties,
flower picking and other activities, as “a countryside
escape.”
![Chris Bond is the owner of Spiders Garage in Sacramento. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_5078_0.jpg?1632161270)
Getting to Know: Chris Bond
Tucked into a Tahoe Park warehouse is Spiders Garage, a
wonderland of vintage clothing collected and sourced by owner
Chris Bond.
![Meredith Cancilla is the CEO and creative director of Quixotic Design Co. (Photos by Stacey Doyle, courtesy of Meredith Cancilla)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/thumbnail-6_1.jpeg?1629939647)
Getting to Know: Meredith Cancilla of Quixotic Design Co.
Meredith Cancilla has made it her business to build up
women-owned brands.
![(Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_1757132165.jpg?1628879617)
Meet Six of the Capital Region’s Top TikTok Influencers
It’s no surprise that the Capital Region, home to a flourishing
creative community of makers, entrepreneurs and artists, boasts
an impressive crop of TikTok creators.
![Melissa McGillicuddy and Shahera Hyatt are co-producers of the Moving Van Show. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_6773.jpg?1627283843)
Getting to Know: Shahera Hyatt and Melissa McGillicuddy
Melissa McGillicuddy and Shahera Hyatt are hosts and
comedians of the Moving Van Show, a comedy show based out of
a rented U-Haul.
![Janelle Meyers Ullrich is vice president of marketing at Adventist Health. (Photo by Terence Duffy, mural by Shaun Burner and Franceska Gamez)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0721_feat_leadership_meyersullrich_terenceduffy.jpg?1626123879)
On the Rise: Janelle Meyers Ullrich
Meet 12 young professionals who are shaping their industries and the Capital Region
Janelle Meyers Ullrich is the vice president of marketing at Adventist Health, a faith-based nonprofit health care provider with a corporate office in Roseville.
![Vanessa Maggio, vegan snack enthusiast, is the owner of Gxxd Box. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_6425.jpg?1624565832)
Getting to Know: Vanessa Maggio
The co-owner of All Good and Official Brand strikes out in the plant-based snack market
Vanessa Maggio, vegan snack enthusiast, is the owner of Gxxd
Box, an upcycled shipping container that will soon be
situated somewhere within Midtown Sacramento.
![Onit Coffee operates out of a truck based in Elk Grove. (Photos courtesy of Onit Coffee)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/9l7a9926-2.jpg?1622135583)
Getting to Know: Shadi Khattab
How the founder of Onit Coffee plans to expand from a truck to a franchise
Onit Coffee isn’t your standard coffee shop. For starters, it’s
not a “shop” in the brick-and-mortar sense (yet).
![Vicki Gonzalez is the new host of CapRadio’s “Insight” morning radio program. (Photo by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0421_blog_gettingtoknow1.jpg?1618940061)
Getting to Know: Vicki Gonzalez
New host of CapRadio's ‘Insight’ on having the ‘best gig’ in Sacramento
Vicki Gonzalez brings 15 years of news reporting experience and a
multicultural point of view to her new role as host of “Insight,”
CapRadio’s one-hour morning radio program covering the Sacramento
region’s issues and events.
![Elyse Tolles creates polymer clay-based jewelry for her line, Elysian Theory. (Photos by Andrew Calisterio)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0321_blog_gettingtokno1.jpg?1616696497)
Getting to Know: Elyse Tolles
Sacramento designer of polymer clay-based jewelry has gained national recognition in her craft
Elyse Tolles is a one-woman show — a designer of artful jewelry
and a former flutist.
![Lorie Symon is the president of Aerometals. (Photo by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0321_wil_symon_terenceduffy_lead.jpg?1615414680)
Women in Leadership: Lorie Symon
Our annual salute to extraordinary women who are shaping our future
Lorie Symon is the president of the El Dorado Hills-based aerospace manufacturer Aerometals, which specializes in prolonging the lives of older aircraft for companies like Boeing.