What impact are tariffs having on the Capital Region economy?

FEATURED STORY: Grapes wither in an Elk Grove vineyard condemned to be ripped out due to dwindling sales. California’s wine industry has been hit hard by tariffs, while some have fared differently.

The last time tariffs were this high was in the 1930s, imposed after the stock market crash of 1929 in an effort to bolster American businesses against foreign imports. In practice, however, a volley of retaliatory tariffs accelerated the economic tailspin and plunged the world deeper into the Great Depression.

This time around, the economy and business landscape look very different — and we’re only beginning to gauge the effects.

In two recent stories, Comstock’s spoke with regional businesses to take the temperature. Some industries have cooled, while others are heating up.

Among the winners is Sparkz, which manufactures battery cathodes at its Metro Air Park factory and has benefited from the diminishing presence of Chinese competitors. On the losing end, a coalition of some 700 small businesses — including Cephalofair Games in Pacific Grove — is taking its grievances all the way to the Supreme Court.

And the losers have a lot to say.

– Dakota Morlan, managing editor

In case you missed it: Comstock’s Most-Read Stories of 2025

This year, Comstock’s readers revealed an interest in the kind of hyperlocal news only regional media can provide, from profiles of rising leaders to behind-the-scenes explorations of the developments and investments that impact the cities where we live and work.

Essay: My No-Resolution Resolution

“For the past 20 years, my resolutions have been mainly the same. Lose weight, get in better shape, travel more and spend more time with friends and family. This year, and I guess I actually started this a few years ago, I made this a way of life instead of a yearly goal,” writes Editor Judy Farah.

Take a Look Inside Sacramento’s Grooviest House

Inside an unpretentious ranch-style house in South Land Park lies a hidden utopia of Mod design. Boldly colored statement chairs placed in front of the tasteful charcoal-grey exterior are the only clue to the astonishing display of vintage treasures found within.

Let’s Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing | Opinion

President and Publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson poses a question for the new year: What is our region’s “main thing,” and how do we best honor it?

Have You Nominated Her Yet?

Comstock’s is now accepting nominations for our 12th annual salute to women in leadership. We’re looking for top-tier executives who make a demonstrated difference in their industries, companies, communities and the next generation of the workforce. Here’s the nomination form.

Recommendations From Our Staff

Judy: The latest series of storms did more than flood some neighborhoods and increase our rain totals. They also took down the beloved eagle tree above Lake Natoma. A large pine tree that leaned over the bluffs has been the home of a pair of eagles for the past nine years. During that time, they built massive nests each year and produced 20 eaglets! The nest is on the trail by my home, and my neighborhood is sad for these eagles who gave us so much joy. Luckily, Mama hadn’t laid her eggs for this year yet, so we hope they rebuild in another tree nearby. I wrote about them for Comstock’s in April 2024.

Jennifer: I was a short-video skeptic when TikTok first rose to the forefront and still find it mostly annoying, but there are some creators making great use of the format. I’m enjoying Food I Can’t Read, where the host visits ethnic grocery stores around London and tries food he doesn’t recognize. It’s 180 degrees from my own approach to exploring foods unfamiliar to me (usually involving obsessive research before even visiting the business), but it’s a fun watch and sometimes shows me things I’d like to try.

Odds and Ends

To kick off the new year, we’re diving into tariffs, job-hugging and other forces shaping the 2026 economy. Access the January issue right now on your computer, phone or tablet.

But wait — it’s even better in print! Subscribe today.

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