![Gov. Gavin Newsom at a press conference in the state capitol following the first COVID-19 death in California. (Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/workers_comp_photo_1.jpg?1588021164)
Governor’s Quandary: Who Should Get California Workers’ Comp Benefits For COVID-19?
Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing intense lobbying from both business and labor as he weighs an executive order that would make it easier for essential workers such as nurses and grocery clerks to get workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19.
![During a global crisis with so much at stake, the importance of crisis communications has never been more clear. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_649274362.jpg?1587757760)
Managing a Crisis
Companies should be proactive when it comes to managing their stories
People are paying close attention to social media and mainstream media, because of interest in the pandemic and because so many are at home. That is why it is vital to immediately assess the threat and pursue means to counter it by confirming facts and sharing your story.
![If an employee is engaged to wait, their time is not their own — even if they are standing around doing nothing. (Shutterstock illustration)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_dept_evilhr_shutterstock.png?1585771704)
Dilemma of the Month: Workers Must Get Paid for Scheduled Time
If employees are scheduled to begin working at 6 a.m., but no one from management shows up until 7 a.m. to unlock the doors, can the workers be penalized and docked an hour of pay?
![Some choose solopreneurship because of the flexibility it provides versus the traditional corporate career path. (Illustration by Marissa Lewis; elements from Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_dept_buzzwords_marissalewis.png?1585767887)
Buzzwords: Solopreneur
An independent business owner who runs all aspects of the business on their own, without employees
Some choose solopreneurship because of the flexibility it provides versus the traditional corporate career path. Others become an expert in their field while working as an employee, then venture out independently to provide their services.
![George Usi founded Rancho Cordova-based Omnistruct in 2019, selling cybersecurity compliance programs to businesses. (Photo by Ryan Angel Meza)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0420_dept_discourse_ryanangelmeza_lead.jpg?1585682651)
Protecting Our Privacy
Cybersecurity advocate George Usi on how businesses can prepare for an eventual compromise
George Usi founded Rancho Cordova-based Omnistruct in 2019, selling cybersecurity compliance programs to businesses. We spoke with Usi about his mission to educate businesses so they can manage their risk when a cybersecurity breach occurs.
![The coronavirus is challenging every leader in every sector of the world. (Photo: Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_leadership_shutterstock.jpg?1585163724)
The Coronavirus Challenge
The pandemic is exposing cracks in our systems, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen systems
Before the outbreak and spread of the new coronavirus, disruptive technologies, global competition and instant 24/7 connectivity made forecasting difficult. Today, the sheer magnitude and instability triggered by COVID-19 has made the road ahead far less clear. Or has it?
![Virginia Varela is president and CEO of Golden Pacific Bank in Sacramento. (Photo by Rachel Valley)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_feat_leadership_varela_rachelvalley_lead.jpg?1585077182)
Follow Her Lead: Virginia Varela
As the country celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we profile 19 leaders in the Capital Region
As president and CEO of Golden Pacific Bank in Sacramento, Virginia Varela is among just 4 percent of women who hold the top C-suite title in the field of banking.
![Alice Sauro is executive director of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. (Photo by Rachel Valley)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_feat_leadership_sauro_rachelvalley_lead.jpg?1585076617)
Follow Her Lead: Alice Sauro
As the country celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we profile 19 leaders in the Capital Region
Alice Sauro became executive director of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera in 2015, during what she calls the Philharmonic & Opera’s “dark season.”
![Wendy Saunders is executive director of the Capitol Area Development Authority. (Photo by Rachel Valley)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_feat_leadership_saunders_rachelvalley_lead.jpg?1585073509)
Follow Her Lead: Wendy Saunders
As the country celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we profile 19 leaders in the Capital Region
Wendy Saunders is executive director of the Capitol Area Development Authority, whose mission is to make housing in the area around the Capitol more affordable and manage and develop residential and commercial properties.
![There are several job protection and wage replacement programs in place to help part-time and full-time employees, both at the federal and state levels. (Shutterstock photo)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0320_blog_employmentlaw_shutterstock_lead.jpg?1585082075)
Help for Displaced Workers
What employers and employees need to know about job protection and wage replacement during the COVID-19 pandemic
In the COVID-19 pandemic, business as usual has been upended and employers and employees are facing uncharted territory. Comstock’s spoke with Roseville-based employment law attorney Drew Lewis about what job protection and wage replacement programs are available in the Capital Region.