Winnie Comstock-Carlson is the president and publisher of Comstock’s magazine. She launched the publication in 1989 and is still going strong.
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Regaining Lost Land
FROM THE PUBLISHER: When I heard the news about the Sacramento Republic FC ownership change — with Wilton Rancheria, a federally recognized Miwok tribe in Sacramento County, becoming majority owner (while Kevin Nagle maintains his managing partner role) — I joined the entire Capital Region in celebrating what this would mean for Major League Soccer, as well as for the continuing (and delightful) growth of professional sports here.
The First Rule of Art Is to Enjoy It
FROM THE PUBLISHER: I’ve always loved art, in every form I can think of: music, dance, painting, sculpture, film, theater, literature, architecture and even conceptual. After all, art is about taste, memory, the senses — and just as often, can be about political preference, sexual orientation and religious affiliation. In short, art is highly personal.
We Oughta Be in Pictures!!
FROM THE PUBLISHER: Our region has long been one of Hollywood’s well-known secrets. Because of the area’s natural beauty and close to year-round clement weather (the two compelling reasons that made filmmakers leave New York in the early 1920s for a stronghold in Southern California), movies, TV shows and commercials have been shot here for years. What if we had our own film studio?
The Timeless Value of Associations
Comstock’s President and Publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson explores the perks of being part of a trade association — and why there are so many in Sacramento.
A Day in the Life of Comstock’s Publisher
Winnie Comstock-Carlson describes an average weekday as this magazine’s founder, president and publisher (for 35 years).
The Marvel of Milestones
Comstock’s President and Publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson reflects on 35 years since launching the iconic Capital Region magazine.
Some Important Bedfellows: Financial Literacy, Art, Reading and Writing
Comstock’s President and Publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson examines the shortcomings of California’s public school system.
We’re Hitting One Into the Ballpark!
Comstock’s President and Publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson shares her thoughts on the A’s move to Sacramento.
Musings on Happiness, Leadership and the Promises of Spring
Comstock’s President and Publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson muses on collective happiness and hopes for renewed vibrancy in spring.
From Steno Pads to C-Suites: We’ve Come a Long Way
In light of our Women in Leadership issue, Comstock’s President and Publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson reflects on how far we’ve come.
Is Education’s Future Safe — or Artificial?
Comstock’s president and publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson weighs in on the future of education with AI.
A Time for Inspiration
Why do we so often abandon our New Year’s resolutions? Comstock’s president and publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson wishes readers a Happy New Year while contemplating the comparative power of inspiration.
Fondly Remembering the Good Ol’ Days
It was the age of the milkman, the gas attendant and free paper bags. Comstock’s president and publisher reminisces about a simpler time before all the automation.
What Does Real Prison Reform Look Like?
Comstock’s president and publisher argues the benefits of inmate education programs.
The Wage of Innocence?
Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on minimum wage and the value of work.
Successful Entrepreneurs Are Innovative Risk-Takers
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the risks involved in becoming a successful small-business entrepreneur — such as starting a magazine with just $2.50 in your pocket.
The Will to Do Something Is as Important as the Way to Do It
As children, we were given this advice to help us achieve our goals: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” I still fully subscribe to that. Along with my unflagging faith that I’m never alone in my efforts, I’ve believed that wanting something badly enough and being willing to pay the price in time and effort, could make it attainable (God willing).
Sacramento Rising: It’s Our Time
As Walt Kelly’s cartoon possum Pogo said on posters for the first Earth Day in 1970, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Comstock’s president and publisher considers how the motto applies to California.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who Do You Trust?
(Spoiler alert: You can always trust Comstock’s)
The number of opinions we are exposed to daily has increased at a head-spinning rate in this digital age. Comstock’s President and Publisher considers the factors that are critical to building trust in our personal and business lives.
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?
Wildflowers and Wildfires Paint Different Scenes in the Sierra Nevada
A recent hike amid the Sierra Nevada mountains prompts Comstock’s president and publisher to consider what can be done in the wake of multiple wildfires and drought.
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.
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.
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.
Resilience Is the Secret to Long-Term Success
Comstock’s president and publisher talks about bouncing back from adversity, recovering from a setback and staying on course to reach a goal.
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.
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.
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.
More Hotels Are Needed to Complete the Revitalization of Downtown Sacramento
Comstock’s president and publisher advocates for developing hotels in downtown Sacramento to aid the city’s economic recovery.
Family-Owned Businesses Are an Important Part of Our Community
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the many shapes and sizes of family businesses in the Capital Region.
Constant Change Calls for Constant Planning
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the many plans that businesses have cycled through over the past year and a half.
Young Professionals Bring New Ideas for a Changing Economy
To open the annual Young Professionals issue, Comstock’s president and publisher considers Capital Region innovation.
Rediscovering the Meaning of ‘Onward’
Comstock’s president and publisher considers California’s forthcoming reopening.
The COVID-19 Fog Is Beginning to Lift for Business
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the effects of COVID-19 vaccinations on the business environment of the Capital Region.
We’ve Certainly Come a Long Way
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the ways women have been leaders throughout history.
Is the Business Exodus to Texas Real?
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the apparent exodus from California to states such as Texas.
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.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Made the Education Process More Challenging
Comstock’s president and publisher considers the difficulty of starting a new school year in the midst of the pandemic.
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.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Calls for Patience, Not Panic
Comstock’s founder and publisher reflects on the coronavirus pandemic and the people who are working to lessen the blow in the Capital Region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.