Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Publisher

Back Writer

Winnie Comstock-Carlson is the president and publisher of Comstock’s magazine. She launched the publication in 1989 and is still going strong.

(Photo: Eleakis & Elder Photography)

(Photo: Eleakis & Elder Photography)

By this person

How to Win the ‘War for Talent’

Doesn’t anybody want to work anymore? It’s not just a rhetorical question. More than 50 percent of those surveyed by Pew Research said they believed they would get ahead in their careers by working harder. I was heartened to see that, because my personal mantra for success has always been that working harder is the first and best way to solve most problems.

Jun 1, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Could ChatGPT Replace Comstock’s Writers?

AI is a unique innovation that seems to be taking off like a rocket with plans to replace many otherwise human-developed work; but in the end, it could spell disaster to lots of today’s industries if we lose sight of the fact that it needs to work for us, not the other way around.

May 1, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Trade Schools Offer a Career Path to Our Youth

For some, learning a trade they can rely on is more satisfying than earning an academic degree. Career Technical Education programs in community colleges are one path for students to learn those skills.

Apr 3, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Who Will Save (Not Stop) the Rain?

California has always been celebrated for Innovation, yet we can’t budge our elected leaders to truly innovate much of anything, states Comstock’s president and publisher. In this month’s letter, she considers the complicated issue that is our state’s water dilemma.

Feb 1, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Making Decency the Theme for 2023

There is so much going on around us, and we need to be more aware of it and how it impacts our future, writes Comstock’s President and Publisher in her January letter. Let’s bring decency back into the conversation in 2023.

Jan 3, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Our Economy Rides on the Electric Grid

Reliable delivery of electricity has always been the foundation of economic development. That means we will need to generate more of it and beef up the grid system to deliver it. To that end, what solutions do we currently have?

Oct 3, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Inflation Is Just One Price for the Global Economy

Disruptions come with a price, whether it be a disappointed customer, a lost market share, or high costs — inflation — when supply and demand are out of balance. Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on how inflation is impacting our communities.

Aug 1, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Young People Are Our Future Community Leaders

Younger generations are rising to leadership positions as older people edge out of the workforce. To introduce the 2022 Young Professionals issue, Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on what makes these generations unique, and perhaps more importantly, what they have in common.

Jul 1, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Voltage for a New Electric Economy

The shift to electric transportation is coming. Comstock’s president and publisher considers the benefits and challenges the transition may present the Capital Region.

May 2, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Getting It Done — With a Special Nod to Moms

To introduce the 2022 Women in Leadership issue, Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on her own ambitions as a young woman in business, and looks ahead to women’s growing impact on the Capital Region’s business landscape.

Mar 1, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Challenges Will Always Be With Us. So Should Solutions

Comstock’s president and publisher encourages readers to meet challenges similar to the way our region’s farmers have — with optimism, strategic thinking and support from others.

Feb 1, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Looking for Potential in 2022

Setbacks aren’t the exception, they’re the rule. Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on the challenges faced not only during the pandemic, but throughout a lifetime, and considers how they’ve strengthened her outlook. 

Jan 3, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Education Can Fuel Economic Growth

Comstock’s president and publisher considers the role colleges, universities and other educational programs can play in the economic recovery. 

Nov 2, 2020 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Getting a Leg Up in the New Economy

Comstock’s founder and publisher shares her thoughts on new innovations that may ease the post-pandemic economic recovery. 

Jul 1, 2020 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Investing in Inmate Education Can Reduce Repeat Crime

One in four Californians is unable to perform basic reading skills, but illiteracy is even higher among the prison population. State prison systems across the country are investing in education programs to give inmates a better chance at rehabilitation.

Feb 3, 2020 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

PG&E’s Shut-Offs Add to the Challenges of Rural Living

There are many benefits to living in rural areas. But doing so comes with its own challenges. PG&E’s answer to the challenges of wildfires: Shut off power — a move that has hit rural areas the hardest.

Jan 2, 2020 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Shopping Is Still Important to Sacramento’s Economy

Comstock’s publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson on downtown Sacramento’s attempts to reinvent itself and how retail shopping was — and still is — one key element in its rejuvenation. 

Nov 1, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

A Split-Roll Property Tax Measure Is Bad for Business

Next year, voters will be asked to amend Prop. 13 through a ballot measure that will upset more than 40 years of that steadiness and a “no surprises” business environment. It’s a tax hit businesses can’t afford, especially in an economy with flat consumer spending and trade tariffs.

Sep 3, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Former Base is Booming: How it All Began

Late in October 1997, Comstock’s hosted a roundtable discussion on the future of McClellan Air Force Base, which was slated to be closed July 13, 2001. At that time, the entire business community was struggling with what to do about the upcoming base closure and its anticipated negative economic impact. There were many conversations, of course, but few ideas.

Jul 16, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

The Comstock Name Has a Long and Storied History

The July issue of our magazine has a very recognizable name across its masthead. Launching and publishing a magazine is not an easy quest, so I smile as I think that 30 years have passed. This month’s issue is the 360th edition of Comstock’s

Jun 26, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Convention Center is Key to the Next-Gen Economy

In January, portions of the Sacramento Convention Center came tumbling down, the first phase of a remodel and expansion after two years of planning for a larger and more efficient facility. The Panattoni Building at 15th and K streets that houses the administration offices surrendered to the wrecking ball to make room for what will be a new entrance to a bigger and better convention center.

May 10, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

All Aboard for a MegaRegional Economy

Ever since the Golden Spike was driven into the ground, 150 years ago this month, trains have played a critical role in Sacramento’s growth and identity.

Apr 8, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

In Need of a Place to Belong

“There’s no place like home” is a familiar phrase, evoking images of a warm hearth and family. For most of us, home is a place of refuge, where we feel safe and can rest and recharge from a long day. It’s something I’ve thought on extensively while producing this month’s issue on housing.

Jan 17, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Let’s Get Moving!

Growing up, we take our bodies for granted. Many of us expect that we’ll always be able to move with ease, or challenge our bodies with minimal punishment. But as age sets in or circumstances change, our bodies are quick to remind us — things won’t always work like they used to.

Sep 20, 2018 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Be Your Own Champion

In leadership, critique itself matters less than what you do with it.

Mar 1, 2018 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

The Arena Is a Gold Spike for Downtown

A new page on a new calendar is always a time of optimism. The pages are blank and I wonder what I will have written on them by the time the year has run its course. But right now, I’d like to slow down and appreciate the year we just enjoyed.

Jan 8, 2018 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

The Capital Region’s Small Wineries Offer Something Napa Cannot

 

“Farm to Fork” is not just an advertising slogan: It reflects a big part of the region’s identity, and that reputation is growing. Wine has become one of California’s most recognizable crops and production has grown tremendously over the last two decades. California is home to 4,700 wineries and produces more wine than any other U.S. state.​

Sep 6, 2017 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

A Space for Serenity

The first land to create the parkway was purchased in 1949. In 1961, Sacramento County adopted the Master Plan for the parkway as we know it now. Building out that plan took decades as it covers 4,800 acres with a modern bike trail, nine major parks, picnic areas and a nature center.

Jun 2, 2017 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Infrastructure Issues Demand Attention

Infrastructure — roads, bridges and dams — is the backbone of any economy.  Business can’t function without it. The Association of Civil Engineers estimates that nationally, defective or failing infrastructure will cost the average family $3,400 a year over the next decade.

Mar 27, 2017 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Driving the Economy By Taking Our Hands Off the Wheel

If you are like me, you hate being stuck in traffic. But most of us don’t have a hired driver and public transportation isn’t always convenient.

Carmakers are working on what they think is a better idea — let the car do the driving.  Autonomous vehicles sound very Jetson-like. But as futuristic as it sounds, many vehicles already on our streets rely on computers. 

Jan 30, 2017 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Tis the Season To Renovate

Clearly, Sacramento is home to a lot of artistic talent and our holiday traditions are brighter because of it. And we’ve been fortunate to have venues to host these performances. These aged facilities have served Sacramento well for a long time — perhaps too long.

Dec 8, 2016 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Untying The Traffic Knot

The effort to keep the Sacramento Kings in town showed what a community can do when everyone rallies around a cause. Now that the Golden 1 Center is opening and fans are coming downtown to enjoy the Kings, it’s bringing many people together again — perhaps too closely.  

Sep 26, 2016 Winnie Comstock-Carlson