![Davis School for Independent Study students learn a science lesson during a class held in an outdoor courtyard on campus.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/fg_comst_independent_study_2021_10_06_r5a8885_1.png?1638202456)
Considering the Alternative
Capital Region schools navigate increased instruction options during uncertain times
Though it’s not been without growing pains, the past year and a
half has brought together parents, teachers and legislators to
expand educational options.
![(Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_2006825312.png?1636995966)
Powering Through the Pandemic
Local governments pull out all the stops to keep their economies rolling
Some solutions Capital Region governments have come up with
will stay around post-pandemic, which could further improve the
business climate.
![(Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_445780201.png?1636996916)
How Elk Grove Is Growing Local Startups
In August 2018, Elk Grove launched its Startup Elk Grove
Incentive Program to create local anchor companies that
employ residents.
![The California Family Fitness location in downtown Sacramento remains closed and boarded up. (Photo by Graham Womack)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/boarded-up_california_family_fitness.jpg?1634248219)
The Next Act
Part 6 of our ongoing series on downtown Sacramento businesses dealing with COVID-19
Sacramento businesses continue to adapt and recalculate as COVID-19 evolves.
![A health care worker administers the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at UC Davis Health. (Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/courtesy_ucdavisvaccine_01-1.jpeg?1632949570)
California Vaccine Mandate: Most Health Care Workers Are Complying, Hospitals Say
As the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate kicks in Sept. 30, several large hospital systems say 90 percent or more of their employees are vaccinated. But they don’t have to provide data to the state unless asked.
![Richard Corsi, dean of the College of Engineering at UC Davis, greets freshmen and their families as they move into the Tercero Dorms in fall 2021. (Photo by Nikita Mistry/UC Davis, CC BY 2.0)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/51505473393_90cfb29d84_k.jpg?1632768015)
Capital Region Schools Coping With COVID-19
Here is a rundown of COVID-19 mitigation efforts at some public
school districts, colleges and universities in the Capital
Region.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0921_dept_discourse_wesdavis.jpg?1631038288)
How the City Faced a Pandemic While Continuing to Grow
During her tenure as Sacramento councilwoman and mayor pro tempore, Angelique Ashby has played a role in some major developments for the city.
![Kayden Christiansen and his mother Heather Christiansen stand for a portrait at their home in Simi Valley on August 24, 2021. Kayden who is in 5th grade was in quarantine for 10 days. (Photo by Shae Hammond for CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/082421_schoolquarantine_sh_sized_26-1.jpeg?1630351955)
Quarantined: A New Law Is Disrupting California School Reopenings
As classes resume, a new state law governing independent study is worsening staff shortages, threatening school budgets and forcing quarantined students to relive last year’s school shutdowns.
![Nevada City is the seat of Nevada County, one of six California counties now treating more COVID-19 patients than ever. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_336750533.jpg?1629744364)
COVID-19 Hospitalizations Break Records in Six California Counties
A CalMatters analysis shows more Californians are hospitalized with COVID-19 in six rural counties than any other time since the pandemic began. The main reason? Low vaccination rates.
![Managing partners, Sarah-Kabat Marcy and Michael Marcy with and Chef Michelle Estigoy, center, pose outside their restaurant Cultura Comida y Bebida in Carmel-By-The-Sea, on August 6, 2021. (Photo by Carlos Rene Castro for CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_2652-scaled.jpg?1628709256)
Yoga Classes, Therapy and 401(k)s
California businesses are beefing up benefits to attract workers
California businesses are responding to a labor shortage with social media pleas, hiring incentives, bonuses and new benefits. So far, workers, particularly in the service industry, are seeing wages rise.