
Status Check: Fire Nonstarter
California experiences a tamer 2019 wildfire season, but work remains
Ten of the 20 most destructive wildfires in state history have occurred since 2015. These megafires fueled by hot, dry winds and climate change seemingly blanket every late summer with gray, smoky skies and a gnawing worry among Californians that the next one might take out their home.

Why Bad Customer Service Is Probably Here to Stay
Bad customer service is increasingly good for companies who use it
Recent data showed Americans spend an average of 13 hours disputing a purchase or resolving a problem with customer service. Some of the companies with the most-hated customer service are also the most profitable.

A Slice of Excitement
Zack Frasher brings his award-winning craft to a new Lincoln brewery
The new Slice Beer Company in Lincoln features a big name in the local beverage scene.

Embracing Entrepreneurship
An interview with Laura Good of StartupSac
Laura Good spoke with Comstock’s about her organization’s efforts to accelerate entrepreneurship in our region.

The Transportation Revolution
How we get around is rapidly evolving, and more change is coming
Several public and private sector partnerships are helping to position the Capital Region as a leader in the new mobility revolution.
Part of this month’s Innovation issue

Access to Water Features Can Boost City Dwellers’ Mental Health
Research shows being close to so-called “blue space” like river trails, a lake or even urban fountains can have certain psychological benefits similar to those associated with green nature.

Recycling: Turning Trash Into Energy
FastOx gasification could be the solution to our recycling crisis
Every year, the United States generates around 260 million tons of trash. And no one knows what to do with it. No one, that is, except serial entrepreneur Mike Hart, the CEO of Davis-based Sierra Energy.
Part of this month’s Innovation issue

Main Street: Family of Gems
Kevin Schimke Jewelers, a fixture on Stockton’s Miracle Mile for 40 years, will continue for at least another generation
Kevin Schimke Jewelers is one of 171 businesses in Stockton’s Miracle Mile Improvement District.

How Climate Change Is Making Christmas Tree Shopping Harder
Droughts in 2012 and 2014 and spring floods in 2019 have taken a toll on plantings, particularly young saplings.
If you’re shopping for a live Christmas tree this year, you may have to search harder than in the past. Over the last five years Christmas tree shortages have been reported in many parts of the U.S.

New I Street Bridge Is Innovative — and Can Become a Tourist Draw
The neighboring cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento have the opportunity to create an iconic and innovative bridge crossing the Sacramento River.