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Streetcar Split
Federal funding comes through for Sacramento transportation project, but opponents remain skeptical
Sacramento’s streetcar project gained steam Feb. 2 when supporters received promising news about federal funding, but opponents still question the streetcar’s potential benefits to downtown’s economic development.
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A Fresh Approach to Florin Road
Acuity with Verna Sulpizio
After managing the development of property and business improvement districts across California, in January Verna Sulpizio became the new executive director of the Florin Road Partnership, a PBID that spans Florin Road from Chandler Drive to Tamoshanter Way.
![Design by Lily Therens (elements courtesy of Shutterstock) Design by Lily Therens (elements courtesy of Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0214_blog_architecture_designlt_ss.png?1577874530)
From the Ground, Up
3 upcoming development projects we have our eye on
As Sacramento’s skyline is re-shaped by new construction, fresh architecture and design will begin to change perceptions of the city for longtime residents, new arrivals and visitors.
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On the Horizon
What upcoming development projects are you keeping an eye on?
There are many ambitious projects springing up throughout the Capital Region. What are you looking forward to seeing realized? And if we missed your favorite, let us know in the comments!
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Dr. You
An online crowdsourcing service is helping hundreds solve medical mysteries -- but is it right for you?
Sometimes quantity is better than quality. That’s the thinking behind CrowdMed, a website that allows an online community of medical professionals, patients, and laypeople to solve cases for patients with undiagnosed medical conditions.
![(Design by Zuza Hicks; Elements from Shutterstock) (Design by Zuza Hicks; Elements from Shutterstock)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0215_ft_ag_lead_zh.png?1577874530)
The New World of Ag
Investment in agtech is growing, but will the Central Valley cash in?
Through certain entrepreneurial eyes, agricultural technology looks a lot more relevant than the latest iPhone app or social networking tool. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, by 2050 the world will need 70 percent more food to feed an additional 2.3 billion people.. And the Central Valley is poised to cash in — if we play our cards right.
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Home on the Range
Amid housing boom, Placer County eyes a plan to preserve farmland
County officials appear close to approving a sweeping plan to preserve Placer’s agricultural character. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, a conservation plan would protect a large area of farms and open space in the western portion of Placer County, and keep them free of development for at least 50 years —possibly longer.
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Status Check: Stevia First
It’s full speed ahead for this sweet startup
In 2013 we reported on Capital Region startup Stevia First and its CEO Robert Brooke’s goal of making his company the first domestic distributor of stevia. Stevia First made significant progress last year, most notably by entering into a partnership with China-based stevia distributor Qualipride International Ltd.
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We Need to Leave Prop. 13 Alone
Raising property taxes will mean death for small business
California’s business climate is well-known for being unfriendly. CEO Magazine has rated California as the worst state in which to do business for more than eight years running. Undoing Proposition 13’s provisions, as is currently being proposed, will make a big problem even worse by increasing taxes on the very businesses that create jobs and contribute to our economy.
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Ted Talks
Senator Ted Gaines on Tesla, California's business climate and the future of taxes
A long-time small-business owner before entering politics, California Senator Ted Gaines has become a key figure in some of the most important political crusades facing the Sacramento region in recent years, including the battle to save the Kings and efforts to keep electric carmaker Tesla in the Golden State.