Young Professionals: Ashley Zavala
Meet the rising stars who are leading the Capital Region from the heart
Ashley Zavala, the Capitol correspondent for KCRA-TV, is well known around the corridors of the state Capitol. You can even say she’s feared. The Capital Weekly dubbed her the “Oh, s**t” reporter because that’s what some lawmakers say when they see her coming.
Sacramento Chess Championship Hits All-Time High in Participation
The classic game is thriving locally post pandemic
In general, players know to watch out for the younger players, who can be child prodigies who rapidly increase their ratings. “They say when his feet don’t touch the floor, you’re in trouble,” local player Paul Taylor said.
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ROSEVILLE PARKS, RECREATION & LIBRARIES
GROWING TOGETHER: SHAPING A VIBRANT COMMUNITY'S FUTURE
In the heart of Placer County, Roseville stands out as a city that truly values connection, recreation and lifelong learning — and much of the credit goes to its Parks, Recreation & Libraries (PRL) Department.
Pokéinvesting: Gotta Buy ‘Em All
A surge in demand for a children’s trading card game has frustrated players and collectors
Pokémon has earned an estimated $147 billion in revenue, making it the highest-grossing media franchise of all time. There’s money to be made in Pokémon cards even on the local level across the Capital Region, but profits aren’t guaranteed.
Why Are Big-Name Bands Playing at These Mountain Town Venues?
Venues in Nevada City and Grass Valley attract name acts, and the scene could be growing
Quietly, a robust live music scene has emerged in the foothills, with several venues able to draw in well-known acts. And if the changes in Grass Valley are emblematic of another thing, it’s that this sector is growing.
Google’s $125 Million Deal With California For Local News Is Already Shrinking
CalMatters: A controversial $125 million deal California struck with Google last year to prop up the state’s struggling journalism industry is already on track to shrink — before any of the money has been delivered to news outlets.
Stockton Mom Breathes New Life Into Literary Landmark
Mr. Otto's Bookstore is one of the last remaining children's bookstores in the San Joaquin Valley
Mr. Otto’s Bookstore is Stockton is one of the last independent children’s bookstores in San Joaquin County. Its new owner, Alex Long, wants the store to be a resource to children, parents and writers throughout the region.
Inside California’s Retro Video Game Modding Scene
Modchips and fan games can cross legal lines—but for some, it's a passion worth the risk
Selling modified video games and consoles is illegal but typically unenforced. The fear of a lawsuit from a big tech company is enough to scare away established retailers. A few side-hustlers in the Capital Region take that chance and operate in a gray market.
Beyond Fusion: Minh Phan’s Radical Hospitality Reimagines the Food Narrative
Marking 50 years since the Fall of Saigon, Phan’s performance at UC Davis transforms food into a sensory ritual of grief, healing and transcultural remembrance
At the UC Davis Manetti Shrem Museum, spring rolls, Meyer lemons and sculptural altars become vessels for stories of migration, loss and radical care.
Can You Franchise the News? Media Entrepreneurs Say Yes
Franchise and license models like Edible and Coffee News offer turnkey options for would-be publishers
From McDonald’s to Ace Hardware, franchises permeate all sorts of industries, and media is no exception. The franchise model offers an onramp into the industry for entrepreneurs with the money but without the experience.