Lindsay Oxford writes about music, vegan food and pop culture weirdness. She was previously departments editor for Comstock’s magazine and an arts editor at Sacramento News & Review. Other bylines include the Mendocino Beacon, Underscore Music Magazine, and We Are The Mutants. Find her at lindsayoxford.com.
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![Davis School for Independent Study students learn a science lesson during a class held in an outdoor courtyard on campus.](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/fg_comst_independent_study_2021_10_06_r5a8885_1.png?1638202456)
Considering the Alternative
Capital Region schools navigate increased instruction options during uncertain times
Though it’s not been without growing pains, the past year and a
half has brought together parents, teachers and legislators to
expand educational options.
![The Colour of Music Festival highlights Black classical musicians and composers. (Photos courtesy of Colour of Music)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/colour_of_music_festival_octet_2_2.png?1636402515)
Art Exposed: Lee Pringle
The founder and artistic director of the Colour of Music Festival highlights the achievements of Black classical musicians and composers
Less than 2 percent of professional classical musicians identify
as Black. Lee Pringle wants to change that.
![Multimedia artist Sarah Marie Hawkins uses a variety of methods to tell not just her story, but the stories of many women. (Photos courtesy of Sarah Marie Hawkins)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/9fcf1a4b-bacc-4f13-b70c-e16f365e2079_1.png?1635295159)
Art Exposed: Sarah Marie Hawkins
Multimedia artist Sarah Marie Hawkins uses a variety of methods
to tell not just her story, but the stories of many women.
![Fred Alverson is the owner of Alverson’s Fabric and Furniture in Stockton and the eldest son of founder Andrew Alverson. (Photos by Robin Douglas)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/8z2a5666_2.png?1634320327)
Alverson’s Has It Covered
Family business close-up
Fred Alverson of Alverson’s Fabric and Furniture in Stockton says
upholstery was his calling — though he didn’t always know it.
![Rick Niello Jr. has been president of the auto company since 1995, with several members of the next generation of Niellos serving roles throughout the organization. (Photos by Hector Amezcua)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1021_feat_leadership_nielo_hectoramezcua_lead.jpg?1633378663)
Cruising Through Change
Family business close-up
Started by Louis Niello in San Francisco as a shop specializing
in repairs and maintenance of Packard automobiles in 1921, The
Niello Company is celebrating four generations of family
ownership.
![Dan Herrera is a professor and photographer. (Photo by Dani Padgett Watson, courtesy of Dan Herrera)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/1021_blog_artexposed_logo.jpg?1632932138)
Art Exposed: Dan Herrera
Photographer and college professor Dan Herrera appreciates
the art of using older or alternative methods in his work; some
of his techniques date back 200 years or more.
![Kizzie Anderson, graduate of Saint John’s Program for Real Change, cuts the ribbon to officially open Saint John’s Square, joined by (from left) Michael Wagener, board chair of HomeAid Sacramento; Eric Guerra, councilman of City of Sacramento District 6; Ken Wenham, president/CEO of Roebblen Contracting, Inc. and Julie Hirota, CEO of Saint John’s Program for Real Change. (Photos by Lindsay Oxford)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_0286_1.jpg?1627488207)
Opening the Door to New Beginnings
The newly opened Saint John’s Square, a project associated with Saint John’s Program for Real Change, provides housing to 55 women and children.
![City Kitchen Sacramento is one of many meal prep businesses that saw a spike in business during the pandemic as more people ate at home. (Photo courtesy of Erica Cervantez)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0721_dept_taste_courtesyofericacervantez_lead.jpg?1627409049)
Meal Prep Entrepreneurs Saw Big Growth — and Challenges — During the Pandemic
While nearly every other niche of the food industry lost its footing in the pandemic, one had the potential to thrive: meal delivery services.
![Jon Blunck, co-owner of Pressed Record Cafe, previously owned a coffee business called Special Xtra in San Francisco. (Photos by Lindsay Oxford)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_8749_1.jpg?1621289805)
Bringing Together an ‘Experience’
Pressed Record Cafe — a combination record store, coffee shop and supper club — finds its home in Sacramento
Pressed Record Cafe co-owners Dean Bardouka, Jon Blunck and James Williams have boldly chosen to specialize in three of Sacramento’s most populated business spaces.