Comstock's Talks

On this episode of Action Items, Sacramento State President Dr. Robert Nelsen and Dr. Ting Sun, executive director of the Natomas Charter School and member of the California State Board of Education, join host Tre Borden to discuss K-12 public education, and college and workforce preparedness. Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes

In the throes of the recession, many trade workers moved on to other industries. The Sacramento Area Council of Governments reported that between 2013 and 2021, the region needs to build about 105,000 housing units to meet demand. Dividing that number by the nine years means almost 12,000 units per year. This year, the greater Sacramento region is on track to hit about 6,000. Also looming over the industry is the idea of a prevailing wage.

Written by Russell Nichols and read by Allen Young

On this episode of Action Items, Dr. Jessica Kriegel, an organizational development consultant at Oracle and author of the book "Unfairly Labeled: How Your Workplace Can Benefit From Ditching Generational Stereotypes," and Angélica Quirarte, a government innovations strategist for the California Government Operations Agency, and join host Tre Borden to discuss how the State — and private organizations — can address an aging workforce and prepare for a younger generation of workers. Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes

Since the first Punjabis emigrated from India to California at the turn of the 20th century, this population has carved out a prominent role in the economy, culture and identity of Yuba City, despite decades of laws that prevented immigration, citizenship and land ownership for Indian Americans. The Yuba-Sutter area boasts one of the largest Sikh populations in the U.S., estimated to be over 15,000. Back in Punjab, Yuba City is a desired destination where Punjabis of all religions know they can find friends and family thousands of miles away from their homeland. This city, rooted in agriculture, is an unassuming place where the American Dream, elusive to so many, is alive and well.

Written and read by Sena Christian

With a new federal administration has come a promised immigration clampdown. In the Capital Region, the effects of the new policies may be felt most acutely by farmers. But some restaurateurs, builders and labor contractors also say the immigration squeeze will shrink their already-tight labor pool. The departure of long-established but undocumented Mexicans from California is a signal that the flow of unauthorized immigration is shifting direction, perhaps dramatically. And that will have implications for Sacramento businesses.

Written by Steven Yoder; read by Allen Young

The politics of the small Wilton Rancheria tribe — the only federally-recognized native American tribe in Sacramento County — are inextricably intertwined with the City of Elk Grove's, thanks in large part to their plans to build a $500 million casino and resort on 36 acres in the southernmost area of the city, at the junction of Grant Line Road and Highway 99. Proponents say the project would catalyze development activity on roughly 900 acres of land surrounding the project. But while the project has support from city officials, some residents and special interest groups continue their attempts to stall it.

Written and read by Robin Epley

We're revisiting our pilot episode: Justin Knighten, vice president at Lucas Public Affairs and Bernadette Austin, associate director of the Center for Regional Change, join host Tre Borden to discuss the importance of mentorship. We talk about leadership transitions, diversity and inclusion, and hitting up potential mentors at the gym. Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes

If you imagine a humming city as a living body, the conventional alleyway might be the large intestine. It's a lonely grey loading zone, a collection point for garbage, and a covert space for drug use and violence. But as U.S. cities grow denser, urban passageways that were once ignored and crumbling are enjoying a renaissance. Alleyway activation is a designer buzzword for modernizing utilitarian corridors into well-lit public spaces. City planners say Sacramento is home to 350 alleys or 37 total miles of back-street pavement and the City is attempting to encourage downtown development by streamlining the rules around construction, a move that would affect alleyway upgrades.

Written and read by Allen Young

On this episode of Action Items,Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor and cannabis entrepreneur Daniel Conway join host Tre Borden to discuss how cannabis can be incorporated into a vision for a new economy in the Capital Region.

Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes

In 2016, business and government leaders in Nevada County had an "ah-ha" moment: A report, commissioned in part by the Nevada County Economic Resource Council showed stakeholders that the county's local workforce needed easy access to tech-based skills. These findings prompted local residents who work in the technology industry to create the Connected Communities Academy — a motivated task force of CEOs, engineering directors, human resource professionals and solopreneurs who work together to bring a one-stop-shop technology skills training center to life in rural Nevada County.

Written by Trish Moratto; read by Katie Tortorice