Action Items 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…
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
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) Read the story here: (link) Teaser sentence Writer and reader: (name) Host: (name) Producer: (name) Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: (link)
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 Read by: Shoka Produced 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 Read by: Shoka Produced 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 Read by: Shoka Produced 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 Read by: Shoka Produced 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
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