Look, we all make mistakes. Some mistakes are larger than others, and every once in a while they come in the form of, say, a bite-sized human on the cover of what is otherwise a legitimate business publication.

The year was 1990, and downtown Sacramento was “poised on the brink of one of the nation’s most ambitious development opportunities,” a “landmark project” with the potential to “change and expand our vision of Sacramento and initiate a new era of urban lifestyle.”

We first introduced readers to Brice Harris in our “New Faces in High Places” section in Dec. of ‘96, when he became chancellor for the Los Rios Community College District. What a ride it’s been.

Welcome to the premiere issue of Sacramento’s newest publication, Comstock’s.

Like many transplants to Sacramento, before moving to the area I had little awareness of the plethora of quality-of-life amenities the region has to offer. As I complete my first decade as a resident, it has dawned on me that this has been the longest stop thus far in my professional career.

Does a community’s brand matter? 

Consider this. A local medical practice recently tried to recruit a dermatologist. After an extensive search, they offered the job to a young, out-of-state doctor — who couldn’t convince his wife to move to Sacramento. “I’m not moving there,” she told him. “It’s boring.” The search started over.

When it comes to overall economic health and vitality, the Central Valley is behind. Way behind. And that should concern us all because there are fundamental factors holding us back.

As Sacramento gears up to expend precious capital on a new sports and entertainment complex that will bring jobs, outside investment and prestige to the region, I can’t help but ask about other key ingredients needed to guarantee Sacramento a successful future.