Katy Karns is a Jill of many trades. Her passion for photography started when she moved to Europe after high school. When she moved back to the states, she continued to grow her skills by taking any job she could get. Narrowing down what photography style and genre came years later. Portraits and food photography has been where she’s found the most joy.
By this person
![Afternoon tea at Smic’s Sip & Quip in downtown Sacramento might be accompanied with tea-infused cocktails along with the traditional cuppa. (Photos by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/final_tea_article-2.png?1715304024)
Is Tea the New Happy Hour?
These Capital Region tea rooms bring a California twist to an English tradition
Afternoon tea evokes something people have always sought — “a feeling of rarely experienced elegance and class,” Mueller says.
![Stacy Paragary, president of the Paragary Group, inside the lobby of the 105-room Fort Sutter Hotel that she owns and built with her late husband, restaurateur Randy Paragary.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/stacy-2landscape.png?1715792439)
The Rise of the Boutique Hotel
Sacramento sees a shift toward smaller, intimate hotels with unique amenities
An array of high-end hotels have opened downtown in recent years. And more could be in the works as the city’s downtown core continues to transform since the 2016 opening of Golden 1 Center and renovations of the city’s convention center.
![For nearly 30 years, the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society’s SPIRIT program has matched volunteer doctors with patients in need. Their staff includes, from left to right, Tiara Arredondo; Adriana Aguilar; Aileen Wetzel, executive director; Ana Orejel; and Lindsay Coate, vice president of strategic operations. (Photos by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/health_final_-1.png?1713801547)
The SPIRIT to Heal
Doctors volunteer their free time to treat more than 55,000 patients
Now nearing its 30th year, SPIRIT has provided free care to over 55,000 patients in need of cataract surgery, hernia repair and numerous other non-emergency conditions that can still be painful or prevent them from working.
![Skyrocketing inflation and $5,200 rent in the East Bay prompted first-time homebuyers Amber Arnold and Cameron Dean to look for a home in the Capital Region. Realizing prices weren’t changing anytime soon, they settled on a new home in Placer County. (Photos by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/home_owners_final_-1.png?1707517329)
Is the Housing Market Stuck?
High interest rates and low inventory are disrupting the housing market, but there are options for frustrated homebuyers
First-time homebuyers are feeling priced out of the market and fear they may have to rent for the foreseeable future. Homeowners who want to sell are wary of parting with their 3 percent interest rate. As a result, low inventory coupled with high interest rates has made for a very tight housing market.
![Chris Glassman, a principal at LeadershipOne, says the “tough love” approach no longer works in the workplace. Employees will be glad to move elsewhere where they feel more valued. (Photos by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/managment_chris_final_-1.png?1697230249)
The Evolution of Leadership Styles
Several factors, including lockdown and generational differences, influence managers
The pandemic, the rise of Gen Z and new cultural norms have all contributed to a shift in the values we expect from modern leaders. Understanding these trends — and the strategies required to keep up — is crucial for any leader who wants to retain employees, inspire their best work and even continue their own career.
![Dr. David K. Roberts, medical director of the Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute, says the Capital Region’s health systems are attracting higher-tier health care professionals than ever before. (Photos by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/mr_roberts-1.png?1695748092)
The Beat Goes On
Sacramento-area medical centers get high marks for their heart care
Advancements in heart care tools and technology have made surgery less invasive, reducing pain, hospital stays and overall recovery time. These innovations have not only improved patient outcomes, but have also led to greater recognition of hospitals in the region as high-quality heart care centers.
![Torn Saetern, co-owner of Watmaugh Strawberry Farm, is one of several Iu Mien Americans working to adapt their families’ farming businesses to a modern market.
(Photo by Sen Saetern)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/final_dscf2409_edit.jpg?1692032847)
Strawberry Fields Forever?
California’s Iu Mien strawberry farms face a succession crisis
Dust kicks up in a cloud and the sound of gravel crunches as cars and trucks pull into what’s become a summer staple in the Capital Region — fresh strawberry roadside stands. The ramshackle wooden stands, with bright red hand-painted strawberry signs and makeshift awnings to shield workers from extreme summer heat, are typically open seven days a week in peak season.
![Carissa Ramirez transitioned from preschool teaching to a better-paid job working with HVAC systems through the mechanical electrical technology program at Sacramento City College. (Photos by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/comstocks_workforce_article_-2.png?1690818943)
Bridging the Job Gap
Community-led training programs help people find jobs and escape poverty
Carissa Ramirez was less than six months out of college when she realized she would never reach her goals of owning a home, starting a family and attaining financial stability if she continued a career in her chosen field.
![Chef Billy Ngo of Kru hosts weekly omakase sessions for a maximum of five people. (Photo by Katie Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/kru-17.png?1676402564)
Trust the Sushi Chef
Local chefs bring high-end omakase tradition to the Capital Region
From Japanese, omakase translates roughly to “I leave it up to you.” It is a covenant in which the diner cedes all decision-making power to the chef.
![Business economists are predicting the U.S. will experience slowing sales growth, declining profit margins, rising prices. But locally, business leaders are reporting good news. (Photo by Katy Karns, illustration design by Ruvi Palafox)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/01_0123_cover_jan_hires.png?1672788872)
Recession? What Recession?
Business leaders and economists think the Capital Region will do just fine through at least the first half of this year
Business economists are reporting several warning signs about the national economy. But on a local level, things are looking up. We consider all the factors that will help the Capital Region be able to ride out a recession.
![(Photo by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/mag_layouts_-8_0.jpg?1672274395)
Our Top Stories of 2022
From exclusive interviews with local business leaders to a roundup of regional Mexican dishes, here are our most-read stories of the year.
![The life-sized Joan Didion statue unveiled at the Golden Land Celebration will live in the Sacramento Room of the Sacramento Central Library. (Photo by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/didion_statue_unveiling.png?1669223800)
A Towering Figure
Sacramento Historical Society honors author Joan Didion with The Golden Land celebration, statue unveiling and declaration of her own day
The Nov. 10 tribute to one of America’s most notable and beloved
authors, who died December 23, 2021, was arguably overdue.
![Agave hearts, leaves removed, are carted away to be pressed for agave nectar, which will be distilled to make agave spirits. (Photo by Katy Karns)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/agave-12.png?1668034646)
Could Agave Spirits Be a Sustainable Gold Rush for California?
Hardy plants could solve water crisis for farmers and give distilleries a big opportunity
Northern California’s agave pioneers are helping to evolve the crop from a novelty to a force of stability within California’s changing bread basket.
![Bill Hubbard, partner; Brock Littlejohn, partner, CFO; Jeremy Grosser, partner; Larry DeVore, partner; David Moore, partner; Jason Blum, partner and president; Greg Anderson, partner, board member](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/rex_moore_event-71.jpg?1667344558)
Rex Moore
100th Anniversary
To celebrate 100 years in business, electrical contractor and engineering firm Rex Moore hosted nearly 700 employees, alumni, vendors, customers and associates at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Sacramento for a party featuring food, wine, a live band and a historical journey from 1922 to today.
![Event attendees convene at Brooks Truitt Bark Park at the last leg of the Tricks for Treats Halloween crawl.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/trick_of_treat_for_pups_-21.jpg?1667248544)
200 Costumed Dogs March Through Midtown
A Sacramento dog parade promotes pet businesses and nonprofits — an important part of the local economy
On Saturday, Sacramento’s furry four-legged friends took over for a couple of hours, trotting through the neighborhood costumed and in pursuit of snacks at the second annual Tricks for Treats.
![Lori Richardson has worked at Sacramento-based production company Emtrain for six years after spending many years living and working at Bay Area-based Pixar.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/bts_lori_1022-4.jpg?1666900654)
Getting to Know: Lori Richardson
A film industry veteran branches into the compliance training genre — using Sacramento talent
The compliance content genre has a reputation for being outdated, but the video series Lori Richardson produces for the e-learning company Emtrain look like they could be part of a Netflix drama.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/untitled_design-13.png?1659712848)
Comstock’s Talks: Young Professionals Roundtable
We hit Canon’s happy hour for a real conversation with our Young Professionals honorees.