![John Clark and his wife, Jacqueline White, were able to buy a home that needed repairs in East Sacramento on their second bid. They paid $20,000 over the asking price, but were able to negotiate on the repairs. (Photo by Fred Greaves)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0222_feat_housing.png?1643757985)
Home-Bidding Wars
There’s little sign the Capital Region’s spike in home prices will end anytime soon — what does it mean for business?
While the housing boom has led to issues like
limited affordable housing, some see the sizzling
market as a sign of the region’s dynamism. We evaluate how we got
here and what’s on the horizon.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_0.png?1592245979)
Comstock’s Talks: It’s Complicated
PODCAST: After a once-in-a-century pandemic, what happens next? The Capital Region’s economic experts weigh in.
![According to the Business Leaders Outlook Survey, nine out of 10 business owners believe that their businesses will grow in 2022. (Shutterstock image)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_1436818253.png?1643400244)
A Bright Outlook
Business leaders say they expect growth in 2022
We interviewed a local banking expert about how optimistic
national trends are being reflected in the Capital Region.
![Anthony Roost, who co-owns Vine+Grain wine and beer craft bar in Sacramento's Downtown Commons with his wife, Alyssa, had to reduce the restaurant's hours when they couldn't find qualified help to hire. (Photos by Wes Davis)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/final-_1.png?1643246898)
It’s Complicated
Business experts express optimism and concern over the Capital Region’s 2022 economic outlook
After a once-in-a-century pandemic, what happens next? The
Capital Region’s economic experts weigh in.
![COVID-19 hit just as downtown Sacramento, after decades of decay and failed efforts at revival, was beginning to click. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_1889675734.png?1643046943)
Can Downtown Sacramento Recover From COVID-19?
Downtown Sacramento has been hard hit by COVID-19, stalling its recovery from years of decay. Can it snap back?
![The omicron variant of COVID-19 has hit California’s teacher workforce so hard that many schools are weighing closure and in some cases forced to dip into emergency days. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_1798363267.png?1642620328)
As Omicron Surge Worsens Teacher Shortage, More California Schools Closed by COVID
The omicron variant of COVID-19 has hit California’s teacher workforce so hard that many schools are weighing closure and in some cases forced to dip into emergency days.
![Natalie Linares, a barista at With Love Market & Cafe, helps Abraham Rivas-Valle with a transaction in Los Angeles, on August 4, 2021. (Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0842021_cafe_pu_sized_09-1.jpeg?1642185556)
Here’s What’s Changed as California’s New COVID Workplace Rules Go Into Effect
Updated COVID workplace rules went into effect Jan. 14. Several of the changes increase protections for vaccinated workers.
![(Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_1933177034.png?1641415394)
Here’s What’s Ahead for California Businesses in 2022
Legislators may work on paid leave policies, employee data protections, farmworker elections, and more. There are ballot measure proposals that could impact businesses, and business groups will raise the issue of California’s unemployment insurance fund debt.
![(Illustration by Sara Bogovich)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1221_feat_finance_lead.png?1638581295)
Show Me the Money
Automation and ag-tech help fuel Capital Region’s funding boost
As the pandemic shifts the landscape of investing in
the Capital Region, so too are the dynamics between tech startups
and investors.
![Holiday travelers wear face masks at the Los Angeles International Airport in December 2020. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_1880639881.png?1638226808)
Another COVID Holiday
Is California in a better place this year?
The answer is no in many parts of California: Eighteen counties, mostly rural ones, have more hospitalized COVID-19 patients today than a year ago. But urban counties are faring better.