Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Publisher

Back Writer

Winnie Comstock-Carlson is the president and publisher of Comstock’s magazine. She launched the publication in 1989 and is still going strong.

(Photo: Eleakis & Elder Photography)

(Photo: Eleakis & Elder Photography)

By this person

A Time for Inspiration

Why do we so often abandon our New Year’s resolutions? Comstock’s president and publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson wishes readers a Happy New Year while contemplating the comparative power of inspiration.

Jan 2, 2024 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Fondly Remembering the Good Ol’ Days

It was the age of the milkman, the gas attendant and free paper bags. Comstock’s president and publisher reminisces about a simpler time before all the automation. 

Dec 1, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

The Wage of Innocence?

Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on minimum wage and the value of work. 

Oct 2, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Successful Entrepreneurs Are Innovative Risk-Takers

Comstock’s president and publisher considers the risks involved in becoming a successful small-business entrepreneur — such as starting a magazine with just $2.50 in your pocket.

Sep 1, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

The Will to Do Something Is as Important as the Way to Do It

As children, we were given this advice to help us achieve our goals: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” I still fully subscribe to that. Along with my unflagging faith that I’m never alone in my efforts, I’ve believed that wanting something badly enough and being willing to pay the price in time and effort, could make it attainable (God willing).

Aug 1, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Sacramento Rising: It’s Our Time

As Walt Kelly’s cartoon possum Pogo said on posters for the first Earth Day in 1970, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Comstock’s president and publisher considers how the motto applies to California. 

Jul 3, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

How to Win the ‘War for Talent’

Doesn’t anybody want to work anymore? It’s not just a rhetorical question. More than 50 percent of those surveyed by Pew Research said they believed they would get ahead in their careers by working harder. I was heartened to see that, because my personal mantra for success has always been that working harder is the first and best way to solve most problems.

Jun 1, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Could ChatGPT Replace Comstock’s Writers?

AI is a unique innovation that seems to be taking off like a rocket with plans to replace many otherwise human-developed work; but in the end, it could spell disaster to lots of today’s industries if we lose sight of the fact that it needs to work for us, not the other way around.

May 1, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Trade Schools Offer a Career Path to Our Youth

For some, learning a trade they can rely on is more satisfying than earning an academic degree. Career Technical Education programs in community colleges are one path for students to learn those skills.

Apr 3, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Who Will Save (Not Stop) the Rain?

California has always been celebrated for Innovation, yet we can’t budge our elected leaders to truly innovate much of anything, states Comstock’s president and publisher. In this month’s letter, she considers the complicated issue that is our state’s water dilemma.

Feb 1, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Making Decency the Theme for 2023

There is so much going on around us, and we need to be more aware of it and how it impacts our future, writes Comstock’s President and Publisher in her January letter. Let’s bring decency back into the conversation in 2023.

Jan 3, 2023 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Our Economy Rides on the Electric Grid

Reliable delivery of electricity has always been the foundation of economic development. That means we will need to generate more of it and beef up the grid system to deliver it. To that end, what solutions do we currently have?

Oct 3, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Inflation Is Just One Price for the Global Economy

Disruptions come with a price, whether it be a disappointed customer, a lost market share, or high costs — inflation — when supply and demand are out of balance. Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on how inflation is impacting our communities.

Aug 1, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Young People Are Our Future Community Leaders

Younger generations are rising to leadership positions as older people edge out of the workforce. To introduce the 2022 Young Professionals issue, Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on what makes these generations unique, and perhaps more importantly, what they have in common.

Jul 1, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Voltage for a New Electric Economy

The shift to electric transportation is coming. Comstock’s president and publisher considers the benefits and challenges the transition may present the Capital Region.

May 2, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Getting It Done — With a Special Nod to Moms

To introduce the 2022 Women in Leadership issue, Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on her own ambitions as a young woman in business, and looks ahead to women’s growing impact on the Capital Region’s business landscape.

Mar 1, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Challenges Will Always Be With Us. So Should Solutions

Comstock’s president and publisher encourages readers to meet challenges similar to the way our region’s farmers have — with optimism, strategic thinking and support from others.

Feb 1, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Looking for Potential in 2022

Setbacks aren’t the exception, they’re the rule. Comstock’s president and publisher reflects on the challenges faced not only during the pandemic, but throughout a lifetime, and considers how they’ve strengthened her outlook. 

Jan 3, 2022 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Education Can Fuel Economic Growth

Comstock’s president and publisher considers the role colleges, universities and other educational programs can play in the economic recovery. 

Nov 2, 2020 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Getting a Leg Up in the New Economy

Comstock’s founder and publisher shares her thoughts on new innovations that may ease the post-pandemic economic recovery. 

Jul 1, 2020 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Investing in Inmate Education Can Reduce Repeat Crime

One in four Californians is unable to perform basic reading skills, but illiteracy is even higher among the prison population. State prison systems across the country are investing in education programs to give inmates a better chance at rehabilitation.

Feb 3, 2020 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

PG&E’s Shut-Offs Add to the Challenges of Rural Living

There are many benefits to living in rural areas. But doing so comes with its own challenges. PG&E’s answer to the challenges of wildfires: Shut off power — a move that has hit rural areas the hardest.

Jan 2, 2020 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Shopping Is Still Important to Sacramento’s Economy

Comstock’s publisher Winnie Comstock-Carlson on downtown Sacramento’s attempts to reinvent itself and how retail shopping was — and still is — one key element in its rejuvenation. 

Nov 1, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

A Split-Roll Property Tax Measure Is Bad for Business

Next year, voters will be asked to amend Prop. 13 through a ballot measure that will upset more than 40 years of that steadiness and a “no surprises” business environment. It’s a tax hit businesses can’t afford, especially in an economy with flat consumer spending and trade tariffs.

Sep 3, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Former Base is Booming: How it All Began

Late in October 1997, Comstock’s hosted a roundtable discussion on the future of McClellan Air Force Base, which was slated to be closed July 13, 2001. At that time, the entire business community was struggling with what to do about the upcoming base closure and its anticipated negative economic impact. There were many conversations, of course, but few ideas.

Jul 16, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

The Comstock Name Has a Long and Storied History

The July issue of our magazine has a very recognizable name across its masthead. Launching and publishing a magazine is not an easy quest, so I smile as I think that 30 years have passed. This month’s issue is the 360th edition of Comstock’s

Jun 26, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Convention Center is Key to the Next-Gen Economy

In January, portions of the Sacramento Convention Center came tumbling down, the first phase of a remodel and expansion after two years of planning for a larger and more efficient facility. The Panattoni Building at 15th and K streets that houses the administration offices surrendered to the wrecking ball to make room for what will be a new entrance to a bigger and better convention center.

May 10, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

All Aboard for a MegaRegional Economy

Ever since the Golden Spike was driven into the ground, 150 years ago this month, trains have played a critical role in Sacramento’s growth and identity.

Apr 8, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

In Need of a Place to Belong

“There’s no place like home” is a familiar phrase, evoking images of a warm hearth and family. For most of us, home is a place of refuge, where we feel safe and can rest and recharge from a long day. It’s something I’ve thought on extensively while producing this month’s issue on housing.

Jan 17, 2019 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Let’s Get Moving!

Growing up, we take our bodies for granted. Many of us expect that we’ll always be able to move with ease, or challenge our bodies with minimal punishment. But as age sets in or circumstances change, our bodies are quick to remind us — things won’t always work like they used to.

Sep 20, 2018 Winnie Comstock-Carlson

Be Your Own Champion

In leadership, critique itself matters less than what you do with it.

Mar 1, 2018 Winnie Comstock-Carlson