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![Kevin Johnson gets face time with constituents at a town hall meeting at George Sim Community Center. Kevin Johnson gets face time with constituents at a town hall meeting at George Sim Community Center.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/b414753-a8.jpg?1577874530)
Mayor, May I?
Kevin Johnson's shot at a strong-mayor initiative
From the moment Kevin Johnson began his 2008 campaign to unseat Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo, he promised that, if elected, he would shake things up at City Hall. Now, slightly more than a year into his tenure, nobody can deny he has kept that promise.
Lost Decade or Found Opportunity?
Looking forward to a new era
The headlines tell the story: “Worst recession in 70 years,” “Unemployment hits new high,” “More companies close” or “State going broke.” None of us are sorry to bid farewell to this year or even this decade.
![Rick Bishop's firm was listed among the fastest-growing companies in America Rick Bishop's firm was listed among the fastest-growing companies in America](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_en33347---a3.jpg?1577874530)
Settle Up
Elk Grove company finds success
Rick Bishop is a resolution rebel, and a successful one at that.
![Bruce Coolidge, programming director for Capital Athletic Club in downtown Sacramento, wears a Garmin Forerunner 305. Bruce Coolidge, programming director for Capital Athletic Club in downtown Sacramento, wears a Garmin Forerunner 305.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_a5.jpg?1577874531)
The Going Rate
Exercise gizmos in the 21st century
Bruce Coolidge, programming director for Capital Athletic Club in downtown Sacramento, wears a Garmin Forerunner 305.
![Christee Owens, co-owner and president of Icing on the Cupcake, has sent cease-and-desist letters regarding branding issues. Christee Owens, co-owner and president of Icing on the Cupcake, has sent cease-and-desist letters regarding branding issues.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_a6.jpg?1577874531)
Brand of Others
When it's time to protect your company
Don’t mess with Icing on the Cupcake. The two-year-old specialty bakery in Rocklin has trademarked its name and isn’t shy about protecting it. Go open your own boutique bakery and sell cupcakes if you want, but steer clear of that brand name if you don’t want to hear from a lawyer.
![(istockphoto.com) (istockphoto.com)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/istock_a7.jpg?1577874531)
Flat: The New Up
The long walk to a new economic horizon
There’s an old joke that no two economists can agree on the economy, but as the nation, California and the Capital Region continue to weather the worst downturn since the Great Depression, economists are showing remarkable solidarity: They think we’re in a mess.
![Brenda and Frank Marrero launched the Efrain Anthony Marrero Foundation after their son passed away. Brenda and Frank Marrero launched the Efrain Anthony Marrero Foundation after their son passed away.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/salmr_a9.jpg?1577874531)
Stronger Than Steroids
One family's battle with performance-enhancing drugs
Efrain Marrero’s friends and family described him as caring and gentle. Never a troublemaker or much of a risk taker, it came as a shock to the community when the 19-year-old college athlete was found dead in his family’s home.
![Lodi pianist Ester Roche began performing with the Stockton Symphony as a child. Lodi pianist Ester Roche began performing with the Stockton Symphony as a child.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_en31996---2009-12-12-at-15-22-54.jpg?1577874530)
Youth Song of Stockton
Stockton Symphony's sellout concerts — and program cuts
Financial donations to the 83-year-old Stockton Symphony are down sharply, yet shows are selling out.
![Lynne Powlesland adopted her cat, Frosty, from Agee Memorial
Wildlife Fund Inc. Lynne Powlesland adopted her cat, Frosty, from Agee Memorial
Wildlife Fund Inc.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_en32604---a12.jpg?1577874530)
Saving Grace
An animal sanctuary's fresh look on life
When a mangy white cat wandered out of the oak woodland and into the lap of Lynne Powlesland, the Folsom resident knew immediately that she had made a new friend.