Comstock's Talks: Recent Episodes
Comstock's magazine
Comstock's Talks is a product of Comstock's magazine, the premier business publication for California's Capital Region. Our podcast features local leaders from varying perspectives brought together to offer unique insight into local issues and provide tangible action items for listeners who want to have an impact on their community.
Get to know our 2026 Women in Leadership during a reception at Scott's Seafood on the River in Sacramento.
To read about the honorees, visit comstocksmag.com.
It's even better in print. Subscribe to the magazine today!
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Comstock's contributor Steven Yoder discusses his January cover story on how tariffs are affecting local businesses and why they aren't necessarily the biggest factor shaping the economy in 2026.
For more on this topic, you can read our web-only story on how tariffs are affecting manufacturers in the region.
It's even better in print. Subscribe to the magazine today!
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
How do you choose your career? When is it a good idea to start a business? How do you maintain momentum? Comstock's Young Professionals Charanjeet “Charlie” Kaur Tiwana-Purewal and Freddie Silveria offer insight.
Get to know all of Comstock's 2025 Young Professionals (and start thinking about who you want to nominate next year!)
It's even better in print. Subscribe to the magazine today!
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Editor Judy Farah, Managing Editor Dakota Morlan and contributor Steve Martarano discuss April's cover story on the A's, the gray wolf's California comeback and whether or not dire wolves are a good idea.
Improve your business outcomes and career trajectory by keeping up with Comstock’s. Subscribe to the magazine today.
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
How do you lead diverse teams with differing opinions? Where do you find the confidence to make big career moves? Are women leaders expected to be nicer than men? Comstock's Women in Leadership honorees Cassandra Jennings and Yvonne Pire join us for a special episode recorded in the wine cellar at Mulvaney's B+L in Midtown Sacramento.
Get to know all of our 2025 Women in Leadership (and start thinking about who you want to nominate next year!)
Improve your business outcomes and career trajectory by keeping up with Comstock’s. Subscribe to the magazine today.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Predicting the future is hard, but we still like to try. Comstock's contributor Steven Yoder breaks down his cover story "New Year, New Administration. What Can We Expect?" in which economists offer their insight on the next few years in the Capital Region. Which areas will see the most growth? Is it time to make the big moves or to play it safe? Find out in our latest episode.
Read more from Steven Yoder here.
Improve your business outcomes and career trajectory by keeping up with Comstock’s. Subscribe to the magazine today.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Journalist James Stout delves into his latest feature for Comstock's "What's Holding Up Valley Rail?" where he investigated delays in railway expansion throughout the Central Valley. We discuss the hurdles that are baked into the system, changing attitudes towards public transit and whether hopping on a train might be more commonplace in future America.
James Stout's work focuses on conflict, migration and anti-fascism. He has written for National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, Esquire and more, and he produces his own podcast, "It Could Happen Here."
Improve your business outcomes and career trajectory by keeping up with Comstock’s. Subscribe to the magazine here.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Host and Assistant Editor Dakota Morlan is joined by Editor Judy Farah and Senior VP and Director of Business Development Clayton Blakley as we celebrate 35 years of Comstock's magazine, remember how we got here and muse about where we're headed.
Read the digital edition of our anniversary issue here.
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Sacramento's performing arts powerhouse and Comstock's 2024 Young Professionals honoree Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya shares how he's found success in an elusive field, his vision for the Sac arts scene and why he (sometimes) works for free.
Get to know Comstock's 2024 Young Professionals here.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Inventive minds have always looked to the skies for inspiration, but new imaging tools have unlocked a more intricate study of bird flight. In this episode, UC Davis faculty members Christina Harvey, an aerospace engineering expert, and Michelle Hawkins, director of the California Raptor Center, discuss a Defense Department-funded research project to inform future drone technologies.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read the featured story “Fly Like an Eagle” here.
In this special episode, we get to know some of our 2024 Women in Leadership while exploring the Jacquelyn, a new bar, restaurant and private club venue in Sacramento.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read more about Comstock's Women in Leadership here.
Nurse practitioner and founder of Destination Aesthetics Shawna Chrisman is on a mission to dispel the myths surrounding aesthetic treatments. In this episode, we discuss unusual patients, "the natural look," emerging technologies, how much is too much, looking younger in the workplace and why medical aesthetics aren't just for women anymore.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read the featured story “The Evolution of Aesthetics” here.
Jennifer T. Smilowitz, assistant professor of the cooperative extension in the Department of Nutrition at UC Davis, is a breast milk expert and devotee. In this episode we talk about the science, potential medical applications, cultural context, barriers to breastfeeding and why there is no true substitute for human breast milk.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read the featured story "Beyond the Bottle" here.
To subscribe to Comstock's magazine, visit comstocksmag.com.
Father and daughter Jim Mayfield and Hannah de Bie of Sub Sea Systems discuss marine tourism, VR integration, Saudi Arabia's entertainment megaproject Qiddiya, the importance of ocean exploration and working with family.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read about Sub Sea and other unique family businesses here.
To subscribe to Comstock's magazine, visit comstocksmag.com.
San Joaquin County Historical Museum's executive director and fifth generation Stocktonian Phillip Merlo speaks on the rich history, abundant opportunities and dogged optimism of the port city.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read the featured story "Manufacturing a New Vision for Stockton" here.
To subscribe to Comstock's magazine, visit comstocksmag.com.
Fathom co-founder Eric Howard discusses generative AI tools, artistic value and how creatives can adapt to a changing industry. To read the article, visit comstocksmag.com.
Hosted by Dakota Morlan
Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Comstock's Young Professionals Lauren Oto and Nathan Langley talk about mentors, working with AI and what it was like to be a "Rock Star" in this issue's spread.
Host: Dakota Morlan
Producers: Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Boutique marketing agencies in the Capital Region consider the medium to be just as important as the message itself. They recognize the demand for video on platforms like TikTok and YouTube as reflective of our need for human connection and a growing demand for more “unfiltered” content.
Writer and reader: Robin Douglas
Host: Vanessa Labi
Producer: Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/medium-message
Are you frequently labeled “a lot,” “difficult” or “loud” at work? Do managers often not know what to do with you? Do you accidentally alienate coworkers with your “a-lotness”? Do people look you in the eye and call you exhausting? Why not try: working from home?
Writer and reader: Melody White
Host: Vanessa Labi
Producer: Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/working-home-extrovert
In a year of rising costs, farmers still have quality as an advantage. Still, farmers market vendors and shoppers are struggling to stretch their dollars.
Writer and reader: Kate Gonzales
Host: Vanessa Labi
Producer: Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/inflation-hits-market-basket
In a year of rising costs, farmers still have quality as an advantage. Still, farmers market vendors and shoppers are struggling to stretch their dollars.
Writer and reader: Kate Gonzales
Host: Vanessa Labi
Producer: Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/inflation-hits-market-basket
Comstock's invited some of our Young Professionals honorees for happy hour at Canon Restaurant to talk mentorship and nonlinear career paths.
Host: Vanessa Labi
Producer: Danna Sweidan, Johnny Flores and Vanessa Labi
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read Latoya Jackson-Lainez's profile here and Amber Celmer's profile here:
Capital Region music festivals attract tens of thousands of fans from nearby areas and from all around the country, shaping its identity and boosting the local economy.
Writer and reader: Steve Martarano
Host: Vanessa Labi
Producer: Vanessa Labi and Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links)
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Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links)
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The pop-up model allows independent chefs to experiment with new concepts and creative menus without investing in overhead.
Writer and reader: Vanessa Labi
Host: Vanessa Labi
Producer: Vanessa Labi
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/pop-ups-are-popping
As national and international tourism decreased during the pandemic, regional visitation saw a boost. We profile three small picturesque towns that got a big increase in visitors. Writer and reader: Scott Thomas Anderson
Host: Vanessa Labi
Producer: Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links)
Read the story here: (link)
Comstock’s magazine invited three of our 2022 Women in Leadership honorees to join us for a discussion on the ways women are shaping the future of the Capital Region. Listen in on our conversation with Preet Ahluwalia, the investment officer who graced our cover this year; Amber Hoiska, VP of Pac Shield Roof Services; and Lora Anguay, chief zero carbon officer of SMUD.
Host: Vanessa Labi, Jennifer Fergesen
Producer: Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/women-leadership
Young restaurateurs in the Capital Region are rewriting the definition of authenticity.
Writer and reader: Jennifer Fergesen
Host: Vanessa Labi
Producer: Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/new-fusion-food
After a once-in-a-century pandemic, what happens next? The Capital Region's economic experts weigh in. Written and read by Jeff Wilser
Hosted by Jennifer Fergesen
Produced by Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/its-complicated
As remote work continues to be normalized within the technology industry, techies are migrating to the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California.
Written and read by Dakota Morlan
Hosted by Jennifer Fergesen
Produced by Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/final-frontiers
A dedication to the past allows some family restaurants in the Capital Region to survive through the decades, including El Novillero, Genova Bakery and Club Pheasant.
Written and read by Judy Farah
Hosted by Jennifer Fergesen
Produced by Danna Sweidan
Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/three-capital-region-restaurants-keep-it-family
Social media can grow a business’s audience — but only if it’s done right.
Written by Jeff Wilser
Produced by Robin Epley
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/are-you-ready-tiktok-challenge
Movies, sitcoms, commercials and more are still filming in the Capital Region, thanks to the work of local film commissioners.
Written by Rachel Leibrock
Produced by Robin Epley
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/film-production-capital-region-thrives-despite-year-uncertainty
Capital Region golf courses saw a boom last year as the game emerged as the perfect socially distanced activity. Will new players stick around?
Written by Bob Burns
Produced by Robin Epley
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/capital-region-golf-courses-are-teed-success
Technology tends to be associated with things like computers, algorithms and machines, but the world of technology and innovation has long embraced a concern for other humans. And it’s not just a matter of altruism or having a heart: Empathy is innovation’s secret sauce.
Written by Jeff Wilser
Produced by Robin Epley
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/power-empathy
Stakeholders in the Sierra Nevada are confronting the lasting legacy of the gold rush.
Written, hosted and produced by Sena Christian.
Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin.
“The Days of ‘49” is by Logan English and Billy Faier, courtesy of Smithsonian Folkway Recordings.
“The Gold Rush is Over” is by Smokey Hormel, courtesy of Free Music Archive. (Licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License.)
“Spring Song” is by Shelly Covert, courtesy of Shelly Covert.
Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/blend-success
Wineries in the Capital Region have added an array of amenities to keep oenophiles closer to home.
Written by Daniel Barnes
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/blend-success
Q: A new hire started today. He says he scheduled a trip before applying for the new job. He says he has all his reservations and has paid, so he will be taking the trip. He will finish the onboarding process and then go on the trip. What can I do?
Written by Suzanne Lucas.
Produced by Shoka.
Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin.
This Evil HR Lady column ran in the April 2021 issue of Comstock’s magazine. Read it here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-should-new-hire-be-allowed-take-trip
2020 will go down in history as a time when women made remarkable advances on the political scene.
Written by Laurie Lauletta-Boshart
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/rise-and-shine
Q: I’ve been working in a key position at my company for 20 years. When a management position opened for which I am highly qualified, I applied and, frankly, expected to land the promotion. My company instead promoted a male colleague who has similar experience but has only been with the company for 10 years. Do I have any recourse?
Written by Suzanne Lucas.
Produced by Shoka.
Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin.
This Evil HR Lady column ran in the March 2021 issue of Comstock’s magazine. Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-were-you-passed-over-promotion
Comstock’s magazine invited three of our 2021 Women in Leadership honorees to join us for a discussion on the ways women are shaping the future of the Capital Region. Listen in on our conversation with Betty Yee, California state controller; Cassie Gilson, president and managing partner of Axiom Advisors; and Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou, advanced sommelier and co-owner of Allora restaurant and WM Catering and Events in Sacramento.
Hosted and produced by Sena Christian and Shoka.
Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin.
"Blur And Coalesce" by Podington Bear is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License.
Q: When is it too late to change careers? I’m 40 and hate my job. But with almost 20 years invested in my field, I really don’t want to start over with an entry-level position in a new area. How possible is it to switch careers without taking a massive pay cut?
Written by Suzanne Lucas
Produced by Shoka
Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-switching-careers-doesnt-mean-starting-over
After 15 years as a Major League Baseball player for five teams, Greg Vaughn now focuses on Vaughn’s Valley Foundation. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers.
Written by Tom Couzens
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/still-swinging-away
Roger Valine helped transform VSP from a small local company to an international operation by 2006 when he decided to retire. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers.
Written by Graham Womack
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/new-mission
Michele McCormick sold her public relations company and became a model, actor and photographer who specializes in travel and nature photography. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers.
Written by Shoka
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/camera-ready
In December 2019, a few months before the fastest drop in global stock markets in financial history, Mark Otero launched Alice Capital, a hedge fund designed to bypass emotion.
This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers.
Written by Jennifer Fergesen
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/game-skill
After losing his bid for reelection as Stockton mayor, Michael Tubbs is weighing his options.
Written by Marcus Crowder
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/career-detour
Pam Marrone, who retired as CEO of Marrone Bio Innovations in 2020, didn’t take a break; she still works 10-12 hour days. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers.
Written by Jennifer Junghans
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/agriculture-and-beyond
Carl Landau had spent 37 years in publishing and event organizing when he decided to launch Pickleball Media last year. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers.
Written by Sena Christian
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/somebody-again
Q: I had a midlevel manager recently leave for another position, and I’m about to post the job. I know that several of the people who worked for her want that position, but I think the company might be better served by going for an outside hire. How should I proceed so I don’t anger my current employees and risk losing them too?
Written by Suzanne Lucas.
Produced by Shoka.
Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin.
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-be-fair-when-considering-outside-candidates
Cohousing communities are neighborhoods where physical spaces, outdoors and indoors, give residents a place to interact outside of their private homes. These communities are growing in popularity across the Capital Region.
Written by Rachel Leibrock
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/neighborly-design
Q: Early next year, our company will begin using new software for most everything we do. It’s already so late in the process, so what can we do quickly to ensure that our employees are adequately trained and don’t feel like they are on their own?
Written by Suzanne Lucas.
Produced by Shoka.
Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin.
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-new-systems-require-proper-training-and-patience
In September, UC Davis was awarded the first federal funding given to a university to research cultivated meat, positioning the Capital Region to serve as a hub of the advancing technology. Efforts to advance the emerging food market using science and technology have ignited worldwide to address the global challenge of food access and proper nutrition for a growing population and the unsustainable environmental and ethical practices of industrial animal agriculture as it barrels toward the planet’s capacity on land and at sea.
Written by Jennifer Junghans
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/promise-new-proteins
Q: This has been a terrible year. Unfortunately, as a business, we’re just scraping by — and that’s despite the Paycheck Protection Program loan from the Small Business Administration. There’s no money for a lavish holiday party, year-end bonuses or even anything more than a $5 gift. What can we do to show our employees how much we appreciate their hard work at year-end?
This Evil HR Lady column ran in the November 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine.
Written by Suzanne Lucas.
Produced by Shoka.
Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin.
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-easy-ways-thank-employees-hard-year
Ranchers and those in the conservation industry know there’s an inherent value to working lands, such as cattle ranches. But how does one monetize that value?
Written by Jennifer Junghans
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Read more here:
https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/protecting-open-land
Q: I have a problem with employees calling in to say they are not coming into work once they’ve reached 40 hours. We have a lot of overtime available, so it’s easy to have worked 40 hours by Thursday. People then call to say they are not coming in on Friday and don’t want to use their paid time off to cover the time, since they’re already getting paid for 40 hours (plus more, because of California overtime laws). It’s really causing problems with scheduling. What can I do?
This Evil HR Lady column ran in the October 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine.
Written by: Suzanne Lucas
Read by: Shoka
Produced by: Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-why-startups-need-hr-help-they-launch
Q: I’m launching my own company this year, with about 12 employees, and I’m thinking about the importance of human resources services. Should I hire someone for that position, or can I use an outside service or an online site? And what are the most important things I should do before I launch?
This Evil HR Lady column ran in the July 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine.
Written by: Suzanne Lucas
Read by: Shoka
Produced by: Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-why-startups-need-hr-help-they-launch
Family businesses are the heart and soul of Little Saigon in south Sacramento. These businesses and their customers are banding together to keep everyone afloat during the pandemic.
Written and read by Lien Hoang
Produced by Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/lineage-success
West Sacramento’s Washington District has transformed in the past decade, due to efforts by the City of West Sacramento, developers and food entrepreneurs.
This story originally appeared in the September 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine. Read it here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/back-business-not-usual
Written by Graham Womack
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Companies can expect to see COVID-19-related employment lawsuits from nearly any corner, including wage and hour issues and disability discrimination. These four strategies can help mitigate risk.
This story originally appeared in the August 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine. Read it here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/back-business-not-usual
Written by Jennifer Duggan
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Q: I’m a small-business owner with fewer than a dozen full-time employees. I cannot afford to have a full-time human relations person, but I know I need guidance, including for onboarding new hires. What can I do?
This Evil HR Lady column ran in the February 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine.
Written by: Suzanne Lucas
Read by: Shoka
Produced by: Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/qa/dilemma-month-why-onboarding-critical-new-hires
We’re considering making the temporary measures for people to work from home caused by the coronavirus lockdown more formal to keep our business going. What are our obligations as employers? Do we have to pay for the internet? How do we make sure our time cards are correct? How do we keep people engaged?
This Evil HR Lady column ran in the June 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine.
Written by: Suzanne Lucas
Read by: Shoka
Produced by: Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/qa/dilemma-month-how-working-remotely-can-be-effective-your-company
There are more than 3,000 influencers in Sacramento, who make their living by building an audience, establishing a brand and creating compelling content online. We asked a few of the most prominent how they learned to turn their lives into art -- and commodify it.
Written by Vanessa Labi
Read and produced by Robin Epley
Q: An employee who has been here only three months just quit. In his exit interview, he said there wasn’t enough work to do within his department, and he was bored, so he looked to move on. I asked why he hadn’t applied for any number of open positions we have. He said he didn’t because his manager said he couldn’t change jobs when he’d been here less than a year. This is true. Is this a policy we should keep?
This Evil HR Lady column ran in the January 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine.
Written by: Suzanne Lucas
Read by: Shoka
Produced by: Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-why-new-employee-looking-transfer
We are planning to make a job offer to a very strong candidate. Of course, salary is negotiable, but what about other things that a candidate wants to negotiate?
This Evil HR Lady column ran in the December 2019 issue of Comstock's magazine.
Written by: Suzanne Lucas
Read by: Shoka
Produced by: Robin Epley
Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/qa/dilemma-month-are-perks-and-benefits-negotiable-salary
I just found out a coworker is making more than I am, even though I have been here longer. How can I bring this up to my manager without giving away how I found out? Can I use this as leverage for a raise?
Written by Suzanne Lucas
Read by Shoka
This column appeared in the November 2019 edition of Comstock's magazine.
Comstock’s Talks features audio versions of some of our top stories, including our popular Evil HR Lady series by Suzanne Lucas, print features on topics such as the effects of COVID-19 on the arts industry and the fight over water rights in the Central Valley, and other news that will help you stay up to date on the state of business in the region.
Reader: Shoka, associate editor
Producer: Robin Epley
Music: Red Wing by A.A. Aalto (CC BY-NC 3.0)
Last year had been a strong year for the performing arts in the region, and 2020 was building on that success, which has led to hope from some local arts leaders that this progress will continue despite the unprecedented shutdown. Read more at https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/out-spotlight.
If employees are scheduled to begin working at 6 a.m., but no one from management shows up until 7 a.m. to unlock the doors, can the workers be penalized and docked an hour of pay?
Jennifer Siebel Newsom is passionate about several issues, but perhaps none more than the gender wage gap. And she’s using her clout as California’s first partner and a celebrated documentary filmmaker — whose work and advocacy primarily focus on cultural issues and empowering women — to raise awareness.
Only a handful of breweries in the Capital Region focus on these classic styles, yet some area brewers believe the balance is starting to shift back from ales to lagers. As the Sacramento craft beer scene continues to mature, will local drinkers abandon their ales and learn to love the lager?
The Capital Region offers a mix of destinations within an hour's drive of Sacramento. We profile four of them. (Read by Robin Epley; original story by Graham Womack)
A growing movement of farmers is focused on agricultural practices that can mitigate or adapt to an uncertain future brought by climate change.
The way we're getting around is rapidly evolving, and more change is coming. Original story by Eric Johnson, narration by Robin Epley.
Our October 2019 cover story. Comstock's had unprecedented access to John, Dilyn and Andrew Radakovitz, the family behind Dimple Records during the final weeks of the business. Listen as Comstock's unfurls the history of Dimple, its connection to Record Store Day, why the owners chose to close and what comes next. Story by Matthew Keys; Editing by Sena Christian and Tom Couzens; Audio version narrated by Bethany Crouch.
In this miniseries of Action Items, Comstock's tackles the implication of Senate Bill 826, which requires publicly traded for-profit companies headquartered in California to ensure gender diversity on the boards as well as how to go about positioning yourself for a board of directors seat. Here, we talk to Barbara O'Connor, a nationally recognized expert in the fields of political communication and telecommunications policy and applications. She recently completed a six year term on the national board of directors of AARP in Washington DC and continues to serve on the boards of Capitol Public Radio and The California Conservation Corps.
Produced by Flores Podcast Consulting
In this miniseries of Action Items, Comstock's tackles the implication of Senate Bill 826, which requires publicly traded for-profit companies headquartered in California to ensure gender diversity on the boards as well as how to go about positioning yourself for a board of directors seat. Here, we talk to Diane Miller, a corporate governance expert and President & CEO of Wilcox, Miller & Nelson. She has served as a director on the boards of the California Chamber of Commerce, University of Pacific, AARP Foundation, as well as Umpqua Bank and Humbolt Bancorp. Currently she serves on the advisory board for LeaderXXchange
Produced by Flores Podcast Consulting
In this miniseries of Action Items, Comstock's tackles the implication of Senate Bill 826, which requires publicly traded for-profit companies headquartered in California to ensure gender diversity on the boards as well as how to go about positioning yourself for a board of directors seat. Here, we talk to Kim Box, a former vice president of HP and current CEO of Gatekeeper Innovation. She is a Past Board Chair on the American Red Cross Board, Gold Country Chapter and currently serves as a director on the board for American River Bank well as on the board for McGrath Rentcorp.
Produced by Flores Podcast Consulting
In this miniseries of Action Items, Comstock's tackles the implication of Senate Bill 826, which requires publicly traded for-profit companies headquartered in California to ensure gender diversity on the boards as well as how to go about positioning yourself for a board of directors seat. Here, we talk to Erica Dias, senior vice president and director of marketing and community engagement for American River Bank. She is also the Sacramento chair for the 2020 Women on Boards national campaign.
Produced by Flores Podcast Consulting
For our grand finale, we decided to do things a little different and give you an inside look at the season from the creators themselves. In this episode, Action Items executive producer and Comstock’s editor in chief Allison Joy, managing editor Sena Christian and Action Items technical producer Johnny Flores join host Tre Borden to discuss what we learned over the season, check in with past guests to see where they are at now and discuss areas for improvement for season two.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
What if things like “butterflies in your stomach” are more than just cutesy cliches? Scientists are discovering that our guts are more complex and influential than we had fathomed. Our stomachs don’t merely send messages to our brain regarding digestion or if we’re hungry. The signals can have a fundamental impact on how we feel throughout our bodies. The gut is now being called the body’s “second brain,” and understanding its secrets can help us boost our mood, sharpen our memory and even live longer. (OK, it can also keep us regular.)
Written by Jeff Wilser; read by Katie Tortorice
On this episode of Action Items, Sacramento State President Dr. Robert Nelsen and Dr. Ting Sun, executive director of the Natomas Charter School and member of the California State Board of Education, join host Tre Borden to discuss K-12 public education, and college and workforce preparedness.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
In the throes of the recession, many trade workers moved on to other industries. The Sacramento Area Council of Governments reported that between 2013 and 2021, the region needs to build about 105,000 housing units to meet demand. Dividing that number by the nine years means almost 12,000 units per year. This year, the greater Sacramento region is on track to hit about 6,000. Also looming over the industry is the idea of a prevailing wage.
Written by Russell Nichols and read by Allen Young
On this episode of Action Items, Dr. Jessica Kriegel, an organizational development consultant at Oracle and author of the book “Unfairly Labeled: How Your Workplace Can Benefit From Ditching Generational Stereotypes,” and Angélica Quirarte, a government innovations strategist for the California Government Operations Agency, and join host Tre Borden to discuss how the State — and private organizations — can address an aging workforce and prepare for a younger generation of workers.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
Since the first Punjabis emigrated from India to California at the turn of the 20th century, this population has carved out a prominent role in the economy, culture and identity of Yuba City, despite decades of laws that prevented immigration, citizenship and land ownership for Indian Americans. The Yuba-Sutter area boasts one of the largest Sikh populations in the U.S., estimated to be over 15,000. Back in Punjab, Yuba City is a desired destination where Punjabis of all religions know they can find friends and family thousands of miles away from their homeland. This city, rooted in agriculture, is an unassuming place where the American Dream, elusive to so many, is alive and well.
Written and read by Sena Christian
With a new federal administration has come a promised immigration clampdown. In the Capital Region, the effects of the new policies may be felt most acutely by farmers. But some restaurateurs, builders and labor contractors also say the immigration squeeze will shrink their already-tight labor pool. The departure of long-established but undocumented Mexicans from California is a signal that the flow of unauthorized immigration is shifting direction, perhaps dramatically. And that will have implications for Sacramento businesses.
Written by Steven Yoder; read by Allen Young
The politics of the small Wilton Rancheria tribe — the only federally-recognized native American tribe in Sacramento County — are inextricably intertwined with the City of Elk Grove’s, thanks in large part to their plans to build a $500 million casino and resort on 36 acres in the southernmost area of the city, at the junction of Grant Line Road and Highway 99. Proponents say the project would catalyze development activity on roughly 900 acres of land surrounding the project. But while the project has support from city officials, some residents and special interest groups continue their attempts to stall it.
Written and read by Robin Epley
We're revisiting our pilot episode: Justin Knighten, vice president at Lucas Public Affairs and Bernadette Austin, associate director of the Center for Regional Change, join host Tre Borden to discuss the importance of mentorship. We talk about leadership transitions, diversity and inclusion, and hitting up potential mentors at the gym.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
If you imagine a humming city as a living body, the conventional alleyway might be the large intestine. It’s a lonely grey loading zone, a collection point for garbage, and a covert space for drug use and violence. But as U.S. cities grow denser, urban passageways that were once ignored and crumbling are enjoying a renaissance. Alleyway activation is a designer buzzword for modernizing utilitarian corridors into well-lit public spaces. City planners say Sacramento is home to 350 alleys or 37 total miles of back-street pavement and the City is attempting to encourage downtown development by streamlining the rules around construction, a move that would affect alleyway upgrades.
Written and read by Allen Young
On this episode of Action Items,Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor and cannabis entrepreneur Daniel Conway join host Tre Borden to discuss how cannabis can be incorporated into a vision for a new economy in the Capital Region.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
In 2016, business and government leaders in Nevada County had an “ah-ha” moment: A report, commissioned in part by the Nevada County Economic Resource Council showed stakeholders that the county’s local workforce needed easy access to tech-based skills. These findings prompted local residents who work in the technology industry to create the Connected Communities Academy — a motivated task force of CEOs, engineering directors, human resource professionals and solopreneurs who work together to bring a one-stop-shop technology skills training center to life in rural Nevada County.
Written by Trish Moratto; read by Katie Tortorice
California fig farmers, who grow nearly all the figs produced in the U.S., harvested about 30,000 tons of fruit worth $22 million in 2015, according to the latest crop report from the California Department of Food and Agriculture. But of all those figs, there were just a handful of genetically distinct varieties — mostly black mission, Kadota, Adriatic and brown Turkey. Meanwhile, almost uncountable heirloom varieties have fallen to the wayside or even disappeared. Harvey Correia, a Rio Vista resident, has one of the most diverse collections of the common fig in the world.
Written by Alastair Bland; read by Robin Epley
On this episode of Action Items, Greater Sacramento Economic Council CEO and President Barry Broome and Code for Hood cofounder Alona Jennings join host Tre Borden to discuss the need for Sacramento to disrupt its economy by strengthening career pathways that leverage its diversity.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
According to an October 2016 study from the National Association of Realtors, the number of single-women homebuyers has been on the rise, climbing from 11 percent in 1981 to 17 percent today, and is expected to continue to grow. Women also represent 62 percent of all certified realtors in residential real estate and are joining the professional ranks on the homebuilding side, founding companies and occupying seats in the executive suite and on industry boards.
Written by Laurie Lauletta-Boshart; read by Robin Epley
The open-source movement has taken on patient health. Liz Salmi, a local woman who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer nearly a decade ago, is at the vanguard of the movement.
Written by Sena Christian; read by Allen Young
Crest Saechao, director of DECODE and bootcamp curriculum at Hacker Lab, joins Rivkah Sass, executive director of Sacramento Public Library, to discuss the role of third spaces in addressing homelessness.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
Women are still underrepresented in educational leadership — Comstock's speaks to University of the Pacific president Pamela Eibeck, CSU Stanislaus president Ellen Junn and others, about how California's state institutions of higher education are leading the way in gender parity.
Written by Steven Yoder; read by Allen Young
Heather Fargo and Michael Rios discuss how public transportation can better serve all residents in the Capital Region.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
Even with advanced family planning methods more readily available, working moms still struggle to have it all.
Written by Amy Westervelt; read by Katie Tortorice
For families taking care of a special-needs child or adult, solid financial and legal planning gives a measure of control over an expensive future.
Written by Steven Yoder; read by Katie Tortorice
Celestine Syphax and Clay Nutting join host Tre Borden to discuss supporting the arts economy, and collaboration between established and grassroots artistic movements.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
Studies show certain foods preserve cognition into the twilight years ... but can brain foods make you smarter today?
Written by Jeff Wilser; read by Allen Young
After a rough few years, Sacramento Valley rice farmers are supplementing crop profits with environmental stewardship
Written by Sena Christian; read by Allen Young
Communications strategist Cassandra Pye and Josh Wood, CEO of Region Business join host Tre Borden to discuss the fragile mixing of politics with business.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
Is entrepreneur fandom hurting business creation?
Written by Allen Young; read by Robin Epley
Generation Z left the tech transition in the dust — how will that impact their role in our economy?
Written by Jeff Wilser, read by Allen Young
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Oak Park Neighborhood Association president Katie Valenzuela Garcia discuss neighborhood preservation as it relates to economic development.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes