Comstocks Mag AUG19

WELCOME TO MAIN STREET | TEACHING THE TEACHERS | FILLING A FITNESS NICHE
BUSINESS INSIGHT FOR THE CAPITAL REGION AUGUST ‘19 VOL. 31 | NO. 8
Bring it
How Major League Soccer and other big projects
can help bring The Railyards back to life
by Graham Womack
SACRAMENTO MAYOR
DARRELL STEINBERG
You know construction.
We know banking.
At American River Bank, we believe listening is the shortest path to
a groundbreaking idea. We take the time to understand what makes your
business and project unique. Not just by the numbers but also by the needs
and values of your people. A little insight goes a long way in providing the
solutions that �t your business best.
What makes your company special?

If your bank doesn’t know, it should.
Bradshaw Plaza Capitol Mall Gold River Point West Roseville

9750 Business Park Drive, 520 Capitol Mall, 11220 Gold Express Drive, 1545 River Park Drive, 2510 Douglas Blvd,
Suite 100 Suite 200 Suite 401 Suite 107 Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95827 Sacramento, CA 95814 Gold River, CA 95670 Sacramento, CA 95815 Roseville, CA 95661
916.368.3400 916.441.5150 916.967.2265 916.565.6100 916.786.7905
AmericanRiverBank.com
Valdez Painting is proud to be part of
many of the Capital Region’s largest
landmark projects, including Kaiser
Permanente’s new 210,000 square foot
Riverside Medical Office Building to
serve the needs of the rapidly growing
Roseville community (built by Rudolph
& Sletten), and the Kaiser DOCO Medical
Office Building serving the heart of
the city (built by Whiting-Turner). VPI
appreciates our ongoing partnership
with the region’s top general contractors
and industry leaders.
K AISER DOCO
K AISER ROSEVILLE
2400 Alhambra Blvd

Sacramento CA 95817
916.454.2243
www.ValdezPainting.net
WASTEWATER
IS NOT ON YOUR MIND
BUT IT’S ON OURS.

Regional San is in the process of building the nearly $2 billion EchoWater Project—one of the largest public
works projects in the Sacramento region’s history. This monumental upgrade will take our wastewater
treatment to a whole new level.
• Improving water quality for the Sacramento River and Delta
• Advancing our wastewater treatment technology and sustainability
• Increasing opportunities for resource recovery and water recycling
• Supporting the economic vitality of the Sacramento region
• Creating new construction-related jobs
• Ensuring safe and reliable wastewater treatment for generations to come
learn more about this important project at

EchoWaterProject.com
Low-interest financing for the EchoWater Project has been provided in part by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund through an agreement
with the State Water Resources Control Board. This document does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the State Water Resources
Control Board, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
“I’m so pleased that the Murieta Equestrian
Center is enjoyed by so many, year after year.
This is why the facility is here: to be enjoyed.”
Carol Anderson Ward | Owner

Murieta Equestrian Center
“We knew this project came with the challenge

of working within a very busy Equestrian Center.
During construction, there were numerous large
horse shows, so our schedule had to factor in
the safety and experience of the horses, riders,
and spectators as well as the project completion
date. I’m looking forward to seeing the new
facility put to use and enjoyed by management
and those attending the shows.”
Chris Eatough | CEO

Sequoia Pacific Builders, Inc.
MURIETA EQUESTRIAN CENTER OFFICES AND CAFÉ

7200 Lone Pine Drive
Rancho Murieta, CA 95683
(916) 985-7334
murietaequestriancenter.com
Anixter
GLOBAL REACH, LOCAL ADVANTAGE
A “
nixter partners with leading local contractors help ensure that what
companies worldwide to build, clients can expect in Silicon Valley gets
Sacramento-area
connect, power, and protect executed globally.”
valuable assets and critical infrastructures.
Through their unmatched global
businesses are
Founded in 1957, they are a leading global
distribution network, supply chain, and quickly learning
distributor of network and security solutions,
technical expertise, Anixter helps lower the how vital superior
electrical and electrical solutions, and utility
cost, risk, and complexity of their clients’
power solutions. Over the years, Anixter
diverse set of projects. “We represent
connectivity
has developed into a services organization
thousands of manufacturers and sell those infrastructure is to
providing first class services, solutions, and
products to contractors as well as the thriving in a digital
technical expertise to its partners.
end-user partners such as building owners,
From enterprise networks to industrial MRO facility departments, developers, and IT
economy. That’s
supply to video surveillance applications teams,” says Lowndes. where we come in.
to electric power distribution, Anixter — JUSTIN WEBB
Of Anixter’s fourteen California locations,
”
Regional Vice President
offers full-line products and expertise
Sacramento is largest, and they’ve just
that helps sustain and grow businesses
consolidated 100 tech jobs at their new
and communities. The company has been
Roseville-based Anixter Sales Center. A
involved in a number of iconic projects in
global sales team works from this office Check out the latest
the revitalized downtown Sacramento core, developments in infrastructure
supporting industry-leading companies
standards by visiting
including the Golden 1 Center and The
based in the US. www.Anixter.com/utg
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
“With our global resources, we’ve been here
“With a presence in 53 countries, we
to support, invest, and develop alongside
understand the global, regional, and
the Sacramento region as partners that call
local goals of our partners,” says Daniel
this place “home”,” concludes Lowndes.
Lowndes, District Manager. “We follow
“We help regional businesses make strategic
our partners into any market, uphold their
decisions relating to technology and
technology standards, and transact in 2995 Foothills Blvd Ste 200
infrastructure as they plan for the future.”
Roseville, CA 95747
the local currency. Our relationships with 916.372.6630
www.Anixter.com
DPR
DPRConstruction
DPR Construction moves to Midtown
Midtown
DPR Construction moves toMidtown
Construction moves to Midtown
DPR
DPRConstruction
Constructionhas hasbeen beenbuilding
buildinggreat greatthings
things in in Sacramento
Sacramento
DPR Construction has been building great things in Sacramento
since
sincethe
DPR thecompany’s
company’sfounding
Construction has been
founding inin1990.
1990.After
building great
After many
things
many years in
in Sacramento
years in
since the company’s founding in 1990. After many years in
Natomas,
Natomas, DPR
DPR is excited
is excited totobebe inin a a
since the company’s founding in 1990. After many yearsnew
new location
location at
at 1801
1801 JJ in
Natomas, DPR is excited to be in a new location at 1801 J
Street
Street ininMidtown.
Natomas, Midtown. DPR is excited to be in a new location at 1801 J
Street in Midtown.
DPR Street in Midtown.
DPRpurchased
purchasedthe theexisting
existingproperty,
property,originally
originally constructed
constructed in
DPR purchased the existing property, originally constructed in
1940,
1940, DPRcompletely
purchased
completely renovating
the existing
renovating the interior
interiorand
theproperty, exterior
originally
and exterior of
of the
constructed
the in
1940, completely renovating the interior and exterior of the
building1940,
building along
alongcompletely
with renovating
witharchitectural
architectural the interior
partner
partner and exterior of the
SmithGroup.
SmithGroup.
building along with architectural partner SmithGroup.
building
Takingcare along
careofofemployees with architectural
employeesisisaavalue valueatatDPRpartner
DPRand SmithGroup.
and waswas aa mainmain goal
Taking
Taking care of employees is a value at DPR and was a main goal
ofof the
the Taking care ofThe
renovation.
renovation. employees
The aseeking
buildingisisseeking
building value at DPR and
WELL™
WELL™ was a main goal
certification,
certification,
of the renovation. The building is seeking WELL™ certification,
which focuses on the impact the built
which focuses on the impact the built environment hascertification,
of the renovation. The building is environment
seeking WELL™ has on
on
which focuses on the impact the built environment has on
human
human which
health focuses
health and on the impact
andwell-being.
well-being. Thethe
The built
office
office environment
features
features amenities
amenities has on
human health and well-being. The office features amenities
such as
human an employee
health and fitness center,
well-being.
such as an employee fitness center, wellness room, outdoor Thewellness
office room,
features outdoor
amenities
such as an employee fitness center, wellness room, outdoor
terrace,such
terrace, and askitchen
and an employee
kitchen fitness center,
withnutritious
with nutritious wellness room, outdoor
foodoptions.
food options.
terrace, and kitchen
terrace, and
with nutritious
kitchen with
food food
nutritious
options. options.goal of the
Creatinga asustainable
Creating sustainablebuilding buildingwas wasanother
anotherprimaryprimary goal of the
Creating a sustainable
Creating a sustainablebuilding was another
building was anotherprimary goal goal
primary of theof the
project. The building will be Net-Positive
project. The building will be Net-Positive Energy and is Energy and is targeting
targeting
project.
LEED The
® Platinum
project. building
The will be
Certification.
building Net-Positive
will be Net-Positive Energy and
Energy is
and targeting
is targeting
LEED®® Platinum Certification.
LEED LEED Platinum
® Certification.
Platinum Certification.
The
The renovationincluded
renovation includedaa6,000 6,000sq. sq.ft. ft.addition
addition using using massmass
The renovation
timber constructionincluded with a 6,000 sq.
cross-laminated ft.
The renovation included a 6,000 sq. ft. addition using mass addition
timber using
(CLT) mass
panels
timber construction with cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels
timber construction
(seetimber
photo constructionwith cross-laminated
to the right). with
This cross-laminated
is Sacramento’s timber (CLT)
timber
first panels
CLT(CLT) panels
structure
(see photo to the right). This is Sacramento’s first CLT structure
(see
andphoto
the to
first the
shear right).
wall This is
application Sacramento’s
of CLT
(see photo to the right). This is Sacramento’s first CLT structurein first
the CLT
State structure
of
and the first shear wall application of CLT in the State of
and theand
California.first
the shear
Thefirst wall application
shear
beauty ofwall woodof
theapplication CLTofinCLT
structure the State
isintruly of of
theremarkable.
State
California. The beauty of the wood structure is truly remarkable.
California. The beauty of the wood structure
California. The beauty of the wood structure is truly remarkable. is truly remarkable.
DPR is excited to be a part of the Midtown community and
DPR is excited to be a part of the Midtown community and
DPR isDPR
would excited to be to
likeistoexcited
thank aour
part aofpart
betrade the ofMidtown
partners and community
the Midtown community
consultants and
who and have 1801 J Street, Suite 200
would like to thank our trade partners and consultants who have 1801 J Street, Suite 200
would
made like
wouldthistoambitious
thank
like ourproject
to thank trade partners
our trade
possible. and
partners consultants
Schedule a tour who
and consultants to see havehave
who 1801 J Street,
1801
Sacramento, CASuite
J Street,
95811200
Suite 200
made this ambitious project possible. Schedule a tour to see Sacramento, CA 95811
made made this features
this ambitious
the innovative ambitious ofproject
project possible.
our possible.
unique Schedule
home! Schedulea tour a tour
to see to see Sacramento,
Sacramento,
916.568.3434 CACA 95811
95811
| www.dpr.com
the innovative features of our unique home! 916.568.3434
916.568.3434
| www.dpr.com
| www.dpr.com
the innovative
the innovative features features
of ourofunique our unique home! home! 916.568.3434 | www.dpr.com
Volume 31 Number 8
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

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THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alastair Bland, Judy Farah, Jennifer Fergesen,
INDUSTRY Vanessa Labi, Jessica Laskey, Suzanne Lucas,

Ryan Lundquist, Russell Nichols,
Graham Womack, Steven Yoder
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Charles Vincent McDonald, Melissa Robinson
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8 comstocksmag.com | August 201 9

August 2019
CO-CHAIR
MEG ARNOLD
starting in september’s issue

Principal, GSD Consulting
CO-CHAIR
CHRISTI BLACK-DAVIS
the new and improved

Executive Vice President, Edelman
MIKE AMMANN
President and CEO, San Joaquin Partnership
JAMES BECKWITH
CAPITAL REGION
CEO, Five Star Bank
STEPHEN BENDER
CEO, Bender Insurance Solutions
CAROL BURGER
CARES “3.0”
President, Burger Rehabilitation
ROBERT BURRIS
President and CEO, Solano EDC
TIM CARMICHAEL
State Agency Relations Manager, Sempra Energy
MAC CLEMMENS
CEO, Digital Deployment
CAPITAL REGION CARES COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT CAPITAL REGION CARES COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
JOHN FINEGAN
Founder, Beck Ag
Sacramento Zoo
STEVE FLEMING
President and CEO, River City Bank River Oak Center
For Children
A bright future begins now. Proven programs, sound delivery,
JIM HARTLEY healthy communities.
Principal Technologist, Jacobs
OLEG KAGANOVICH
Founder and CEO, Wyndow
TOM KANDRIS
CEO/Managing Director, PK1 Inc.
DENTON KELLEY
Managing Principal, LDK Capital LLC
BRIAN KING
Chancellor, Los Rios Community College District
JEFF KOEWLER
S F
The Zoo will also create an African Savannah multispecies
Partner,ince 1927, the Sacramento Zoo has been the pride of
Delfino Madden O’Malley Coyle & Koewler LLP ounded in 1966, River Oak Center for Children has survey. Very few nonprofit organizations not affiliated
- Caregiver
generations. The Zoo celebrates its 91st year with exciting, exhibit with species cohabitating as they would in the wild. Other more than 50 years’ experience serving children, with large hospital systems have been given such
progressive changes for the animals and guests. “In 2017, we advances include a new layout to maximize space for the animals. youth and families experiencing behavioral recognition.
health challenges throughout Sacramento County. “We’re excited to River Oak strives to continue to provide its quality, evidence-
MARTHA LOFGREN
released a 20-year master plan that completely reimagines the “Exhibits will also feature more transparency,” says Candelaria.
continue our legacy of delivering full-spectrum mental and behavioral based services. “We want to hedge against volatility due to economic
Zoo’s 14 acres to make it a world-class facility, and reemphasizes “The public has always been curious about the care and feeding of
Partner, Brewer Lofgren LLP
our commitment to animal conservation and public education,” the animals, so we’ll provide viewing options to immerse guests in
health services to children and youth coping with challenges that ups and downs by building our Family Endowment, from which
risk their physical health, academic success, and social and personal 100 percent of proceeds goes directly to essential programs and
says Tonja Candaleria, Public Relations Coordinator. what happens behind the scenes.”
relationships,” says Laurie Clothier, CEO. opportunities not covered by other revenue streams,” explains
Formerly the Director of Arizona’s Reid Park Zoo, Jason Jacobs The Zoo is committed to worldwide conservation. “We want
LEO M FARLAND
C
steps in as the Zoo’s new Director and CEO. He’ll oversee the vast these animals to have a future in the wild, and support organizations
Treatment is offered in home, school, or community settings Clothier.
to include the natural network of child, youth and family supports. River Oak looks to the business community to help build their
President and CEO, Greater Sacramento and
renovation that begins with the creation of the new Biodiversity working on conservation around the world,” explains Candelaria. Home visitation, parenting workshops, school readiness and crisis Family Endowment. Please help them help children and youth in need.
Supporting the Sacramento Zoo helps more than just the Zoo’s
Center. Replacing the 49-year-old reptile house, the Biodiversity
Northern Nevada Volunteers of America
Center will provide open multispecies exhibits that highlight a animals, it makes a global impact.
intervention programs all help build strong families with a focus on
preventing child abuse and neglect.
Support during their important developmental years can change lives
and enable them to succeed as adults.
variety of ecosystems and showcase the biodiversity that exists River Oak serves more than 1,100 children and youth at any given
TIM MURPHY
around the world. time with its innovative and evidence-based programs. “Positive
outcomes depend on a family’s ability to stay engaged with treatment
“As a member of the Sacramento Zoo’s board of trustees, I’m
CEO, Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange
truly excited for the construction to begin on the new Biodiversity despite short-term setbacks,” says Clothier. “River Oak counts on the
profile generously sponsored by
community to help fund family emergency recovery, a child’s everyday

Center (pictured), which will begin the dramatic transformation profile generously sponsored by
needs, scholarships and opportunities for growth, which all ultimately
of the Zoo,” says Adham Sbeih, CEO of Socotra Capital. “Socotra
CURT ROCCA
Capital is proud to have donated to this project, which was initiated
help with treatment goals.”
First accredited in 2003 with the Joint Commission, a patient-
Managing Partner, DCA Partners
with a lead gift of $1 million from the Ingoglia Family and Friends in
care monitoring agency for hospitals and healthcare organizations,
honor of my business partner John’s father, brother, and nephew.” River Oak has successfully completed their recent Joint Commission
LOUIS STEWART
Chief Innovation Officer, City of Sacramento
SACZOO.ORG RIVEROAK.ORG
VERNA SULPIZIO
Director, Strategic Partnerships, Visit Sacramento
Special Multi-Media Packages Available

DARRELL TEAT
Principal, Darrell Teat Consulting
SANJAY VARSHNEY
Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Private Bank
JOSHUA WOOD
CEO, Region Business
Do you have a favorite nonprofit?
Opinions expressed in this publication do not Call your account executive at Comstock’s for more
necessarily reflect the individual opinions of the
members of the editorial board. information: 916-364-1000
August 2019 | comstocksmag.com 9

LEBRATING
CE
45
CORPORATE ANNIVERSARY
YE ARS
Airco Mechanical
45 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE BY DESIGN WYATT JONES
A “
irco Mechanical, Inc. is celebrating Jones says of the company’s
45 years of delivering excellence approximately 200 employees, “We’re very
by design. Founded in 1974 by proud of our team both in the office and
Our employees
James C. Jones as a full-service engineering in the field, from the many team members are the heart of
and construction company focused on who have been with us for 15, 20 and
our business.
design-build projects, Airco today is guided even 30-plus years to our next generation
by his son Wyatt Jones, president. of employees who are well-educated By providing for
One of Jones’ goals is to expand Airco’s
and talented young professionals. This them the very best
younger generation has been very
service department. “Our construction
beneficial in keeping us up with today’s
we can, they’re
team continues to be robust and successful,
so now we’re putting some new focus on
newest technologies and lean processes.” dedicated to
service and preventative maintenance for Airco’s team works as a cohesive unit, providing the very
the equipment and systems we install,” benefiting each other as well as clients.
he says. “That’s part of providing the most “This is very collaborative work,” confirms
best results for
complete solutions for clients.” Jones. “In the construction business, you clients.
have to work together. There are countless
Based on feedback from team members — WYATT JONES
”
moving parts, and they all have to come PRESIDENT
and the incredible longevity of many
together at the right time, and our people
of them, Airco is a great place to work.
excel at that.”
Jones attributes that to a comfortable
company culture of trust, integrity and
also opportunities. An Airco intern can,
for example, work up to a position in
management based on merit, with no glass 8210 Demetre Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95828
ceiling for anyone.
916.381.4523
www.aircomech.com
CONTENTS n
FEATURES August 2019
36 60
WORKFORCE
36 Teaching the Teachers
ON THE COVER
PHOTO: TERENCE DUFFY
With the teacher shortage at crisis levels, education leaders
WELCOME TO MAIN STREET | TEACHING THE TEACHERS | FILLING A FITNESS NICHE
are trying something new — intensive coaching while training

on the job. BUSINESS INSIGHT FOR THE CAPITAL REGION AUGUST ‘19 VOL. 31 | NO. 8
by Steven Yoder
WATER
54 Are We Doomed
by Climate Change?
Fast-thinking innovation is needed to prevent “wetter wets,
drier dries, hotter hots” from threatening the state’s crops,
Bring it
How Major League Soccer and other big projects
can help bring The Railyards back to life
SACRAMENTO MAYOR
DARRELL STEINBERG
species and economy.

by Graham Womack
by Alastair Bland
44
FITNESS
60 Filling a Niche DEVELOPMENT
Boutique gyms are helping satisfy the growing demand for Full Steam Ahead
unique workouts with activities such rock-wall climbing and Backed by the expected arrival of a Major
mixed martial arts. League Soccer team, development is stirring
by Judy Farah at the long-dormant Railyards in downtown
Sacramento.
by Graham Womack

n CONTENTS
August 2019 DEPARTMENTS
22 26 88
15 Letter From the Editor 28 Discourse

Republic FC cofounder Warren Smith set the stage Los Rios Community College District Chancellor
for Major League Soccer in Sacramento Brian King on new opportunities — and new funding
by Tom Couzens Interview by Sena Christian
16 RSVP 32 Taste
Visit Sacramento State of the Hospitality Industry How four women are turning the Legado Whiskey
Luncheon | Shriners Hospital for Children Garden passion project into an international brand
Tour for Love | The Foundation for UCP of by Jennifer Fergesen
Sacramento and Northern California Humanitarian
of the Year | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & 82 Sustainibility
Woman of the Year Sacramento Photo highlights from the Merge Fashion Show
20 Worth Noting
88 In the Making
Buzzword of the Month: talent brand | Readers
Jessica Filip weaves custom wall hangings, many for
sound off on social | ICYMI: Last month’s hottest
clients who commission her work
web exclusives
22 Evil HR Lady
90 Seed Round
Meet the founder of AppA11y, our August Startup of
How companies should respond to requests for
the Month
reference checks about previous employees
by Suzanne Lucas
24 On the Market
The threat of another big fire has made it more SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
expensive to own a home in rural areas 67 Construction & Development
by Ryan Lundquist The construction industry has developed techniques
26 Main Street
such as vertical integration and different project
delivery methods to keep costs down
Foggy Mountain Music owner Mary Ellen Sorci is
still strumming along after 45 years in Grass Valley
by Tom Couzens

Mark III Opens new MEP Manufacturing Facility
LEADING THE EVOLUTION OF CONSTRUCTION
N “
PICTURED ABOVE [L-R]: JOE SNYDER; PREFABRICATION MANAGER | DAN CARLTON; PRESIDENT
etflix, Amazon, Airbnb and Uber state-of-the-art MEP Manufacturing Facility

all transformed their industries in Sacramento. This facility is the first of its
in extraordinary ways. They were kind in the region and has the capacity to
We are sitting just
unwilling to tolerate the status quo. This perform fabrication for five trades under 100 miles from the
level of innovation is being achieved across one roof: HVAC, electrical, plumbing,
Silicon Valley, yet
a variety of diverse industries, however, process piping and metal stud framing.
construction has not experienced significant
This multimillion-dollar investment will
we are still building
disruption since the Industrial Revolution.
enable Mark III to reach a new level of construction
“Driving change and developing a new complex manufacturing and prefabrication.
projects like
delivery method takes both radical vision Designed utilizing 5S methodology to
and profound commitment,” says Dan support lean manufacturing processes, they did during
Carlton, president of Mark III Construction. there are more than 60 functional work cells the Industrial
“Each individual in the construction within the facility. Each work cell has been
industry is faced with the decision to step strategically designed to eliminate waste
Revolution.
— DAN CARLTON
”
up or sit down, and we are not willing to sit and allow for efficient changes as trade-
PRESIDENT
on the sidelines.” work volumes shift from day to day and
project to project.
Mark III has created an environment
that streamlines workflow and increases Equally impressive is the economic impact,
production, allowing owners to build more with the facility creating more than 50 jobs
with less. Through the standardization of and more than $9 million in total output
design and shift to manufacturing, Mark III to the region’s economy. Looking ahead,
has been able to execute a delivery method Mark III has secured 3.7 acres for future
which treats buildings as products rather growth and expansion. As Carlton says, “We
than projects. are passionate about making a difference
in the region and leading the charge to
The latest stride in their mission to lead
revolutionize the industry and break the 5101 Florin Perkins Rd.
the evolution of construction comes with Sacramento, CA 95826
mold of the traditional construction process.” 916.381.8080
the opening of a new 24,000-square-foot
LIC #941726
mark-three.com
14 comstocksmag.com | June 2019
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR n
WARREN SMITH SET THE STAGE

FOR MLS IN SACRAMENTO
PHOTO: TERENCE DUFFY
I
t was July 18, 2013, a typical warm summer evening for previous best — en route to winning the USL championship.
the first Sacramento Soccer Day, the brainchild of entre- Smith’s dream is about to come true — without him. It’s
preneur Warren Smith and veteran sports executive Joe all but certain Republic FC will become an MLS team and
Wagoner to help spur interest in their startup minor-league play in a new stadium in The Railyards, likely in 2022. “I’m
soccer team. Even if few people remember the outcome of really happy for Sacramento,” Smith says.
the “friendly” between Norwich City Football Club of the The road to MLS wasn’t easy. It became obvious MLS
English Premier League and Mexico’s Dorados de Sinaloa, wouldn’t award a franchise to Sacramento without a deep-
the 14,000 who filled Raley Field will never forget what hap- pocket investor. Kevin Nagle, cofounder of EnvisionRx, a
pened during halftime. health care and pharmacy benefit management company,
The group, Sacramento Professional Soccer, announced bought controlling interest in the team, which eventually
the name — Sacramento Republic Football Club, aka Re- led Smith to step down as president in May 2018. He agreed
public FC — and colors for the new United Soccer League to stay on for another year as a senior adviser while also tak-
team that was scheduled to debut the following spring. The ing a position as a senior adviser for Oklahoma City Energy
response of the fans was beyond enthusiastic. FC, another USL team. But even Nagle wasn’t enough for
I ran into Smith during the event and expressed skep- MLS; bringing aboard Ron Burkle, a billionaire business-
ticism that professional soccer could be successful in man, movie producer and owner of the National Hockey
Sacramento — after all, the Knights, Geckos, Scorpions and League’s Pittsburgh Penguins, as lead investor seems to
Senators had all come and gone — but Smith responded have finally put Sacramento over the top.
with his typical optimism. “This is just the start,” Smith Smith is back in the game. He’s joined with Landon
told me (full disclosure: I was sports editor at The Sacra- Donovan, the most decorated male player in U.S. soccer his-
mento Bee then). “We’re bringing MLS to Sacramento.” tory, to bring a USL franchise to San Diego, where he says he
I wasn’t the only skeptic, especially about Smith’s Major plans to move this fall. The team will begin playing at the
League Soccer vision, but he had a proven track record. He University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium in either 2020 or
had played a key role — along with owner Art Savage and 2021, Smith says.
Bob Hemond, a longtime baseball executive — in bringing Smith isn’t just about sports. He says one of the things
professional baseball back to Sacramento and getting Raley for which he’s most proud is his role as a board member for
Field built in West Sacramento as the home of the River Cats, the Powerhouse Science Center, the former PG&E facility on
a Triple-A team that led the country in attendance for many the Sacramento River along Interstate 5 that’s being revi-
seasons. talized and incorporated into Robert T. Matsui Waterfront
“Feeling good about helping the region grow,” Smith says Park. “We deserve world-class facilities,” Smith says.
now. “They were two elements (River Cats and Republic FC) And that’s what Sacramento will have when the
that would add fabric to the community.” 20,000-plus-seat stadium is built in The Railyards. I slowly
Republic FC debuted in Sacramento on April 26, 2014, at warmed up to soccer as Republic FC gained a loyal follow-
Hughes Stadium at Sacramento City College. Several weeks ing — I’ve attended about a dozen games — and I am eager
before that match, Smith declared at a public event the to join what should be a boisterous crowd for opening night.
match would sell out. “I came back (to the office),” Smith re-
calls, “and they said, ‘How the hell are we going to do that?’”
But they did, with 20,231 filling Hughes, cheering wildly de-
spite a 2-1 loss to the Harrisburg City Islanders.
But Hughes didn’t have space for a full-size pitch, so in
June 2014, the team moved to a soccer-specific stadium at Cal
Expo, and the team set league attendance records — drawing Tom Couzens
158,107 for the regular season, about 45,000 more than the Executive Editor

n RSVP
VISIT SACRAMENTO
STATE OF THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY LUNCHEON
Visit Sacramento hosted its State of the Hospitality Industry Luncheon on June 27 at the Memorial Auditorium in downtown Sacramento.
The event celebrated the city’s tourism industry and highlighted future opportunities, including growing the festival business in the region.
Photography: Tia Gemmell
1 Simon de Vere White, co-owner, Irish Hospitality Group,

de Vere’s Irish Pub; and Randall Selland, owner, Selland
Family Restaurants 2 Robin Carter, interim vice provost for
faculty affairs, Sacramento State; and Jenni Murphy, dean,
Sacramento State College of Continuing Education 3 Matt
Thome, account manager, membership services, Sacramento
Kings; Kimberly Diaz, regional philanthropy officer, American
Red Cross; and Karl Crudup, director, special event sales,
Sacramento Kings 4 Bobbin Mulvaney, co-owner, Mulvaney’s
B&L; and Jodie Moreno, community events and projects
coordinator, City of Elk Grove 5 Clay Nutting, owner, Canon;
and Mary Daffin, owner, Mary Daffin Event Productions
16 comstocksmag.com | August 2019

more images at comstocksmag.com
SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

GARDEN TOUR FOR LOVE
Shriners Hospital for Children hosted its Garden Tour for Love fundraiser June 9 at the home of Sharon Ecker Haleva and Jerry Haleva
in Fair Oaks. More than 100 guests attended the event, which included live music, a garden tour and ceremonial dove release.
Photography: Tia Gemmel
1 Melissa Wood, associate director of development,

Shriners Hospital for Children; Jerry Haleva, president,
Sergeant Major Associates; Sharon Ecker Haleva, owner,
Sharona Garden Design; and Alan Anderson, director of
development, Shriners Hospital for Children 2 Mark Drobny,
president, Drobny Law Offices; with wife Amy Drobny 3
Pete Schroeder, musician and past president, Rotary Club
of Fair Oaks 4 Natachia Taylor, owner, Natachia Taylor
Realty; Danielle Petkus, owner, Forum Design, Inc. 5 Clay
Spears, firm administrator, Nicholson & Olson CPA, with wife
Barbara Spears, real estate entrepreneur; Barbara Sorrento
with husband, Greg Sorrento, owner, Sorrento Design

n RSVP
THE FOUNDATION FOR UCP OF SACRAMENTO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
The Foundation for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California honored Kevin Nagle, chairman and CEO of Sacramento Republic Football
Club, as its Humanitarian of the Year at its annual fundraiser May 19 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. An event record amount of
$477,000 was raised. Photography: Monica Toohey-Krause
1 Modie Katz, CEO and founder, SRS Innovations; and Brian

Stafford, managing director, Alliance of Chief Executives 2
Cameron DeJean, sales representative, Gallo Sales Company;
and Kelly Bertenthal, senior manager, Autism Speaks 3 Lisa
Parker, investor, Sacramento Kings and Sacramento Republic
FC; and Phil Oates, chairman, Buzz Oates 4 Doug Bergman,
president and CEO, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California;
Kevin Nagle, chairman and CEO, Sacramento Republic FC 5
Brian D. Wyatt, attorney, Law Office of Brian D. Wyatt; and
Jennifer Wyatt, chief administrative officer, UC Davis Health

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR SACRAMENTO
The Greater Sacramento Area Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society held its 2019 Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale Gala
on June 8 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. This annual black-tie event included the announcement of the Man & Woman of the Year
winners and the Boy & Girl of the Year honorees. Photography: Charles Vincent McDonald, Roger Neria and Melissa Robinson
1 Gerry Villamil, managing director and president,

Promethean Analytics; Lisa Villamil, Woman of the Year 2019;
and children Katalina and Justino 2 Robert Poole and Amy
Labowitch 3 Dr. Firas Nassif, Man of the Year 2019, owner,
Dental Designs, with wife Mimi Nassif, CEO, Luxury Estates;
and children Sophia, Michael and Anthony 4 Mary Ann
Dean; Allison Steele, marketing assistant, Anpac Bio; and
Bob Dean, senior vice president, Colliers International 5 Taro
Arai, chief dreaming officer, Mikuni; and wife Machiko Arai

n WORTH NOTING
buzzwords
READERS SOUND OFF thefuncompany
IN THE COMMENTS
Talent Brand
\ ˈta-lənt ˈbrand \
An employer’s public-facing identity that
reflects what it’s like to work at the company
BY Vanessa Labi
ILLUSTRATION: Marissa Lewis
Growing More than Grapes thefuncompany Another day at the office... #talentbrand
Mary Smith: So pleased to hear about your ex-

pansion and hard work with your family bringing
wonderful services to the community. I love your
bakery goods and look forward to do some tast-
N ot unlike online daters, it’s common for job seekers to check out a potential employer’s
Instagram page to suss out a company’s culture. Although companies may try to ap-
pear glossy and appealing on that platform, it can still be informative to gauge the com-
ings in the future. Well done. pany’s values, perks and just how genuine the smiles on employees’ faces may be.
Beyond the social media facade, companies know that to attract top talent, they bet-
PHOTOS BY FRED GREAVES (TOP) RYAN ANGEL MEZA (MIDDLE) FRED GREAVES (BOTTOM)
ter provide benefits that go beyond the basics. That’s because their talent brand — an
employer’s public-facing identity that reflects what it’s like to work at the company — can
work to attract strong candidates and, just as important, keep them.
THE BUZZ
Digital Deployment’s CEO Mac Clemmens (Clemmens also is on Comstock’s editorial ad-
visory board) considers a company’s talent brand “culture as a competitive advantage.”
His Sacramento-based web-design firm has recruited top talent from the Bay Area
Flying High (Google, AncestryDNA) who wanted to relocate to Sacramento to “do their family thing”
Roger Baccigaluppi: As a frequent airport user, but still work for compelling companies.
as well as one who talks with a lot of people Clemmens advises against misinterpreting “talent brand” to be an easy fix, like hiring
arriving here, I would say that more parking (in a a “head of engagement to keep everyone from being pissed off.” Warning against a well-
structure) is very high priority as is a more user intentioned but ultimately shallow approach, he says, “It takes more than an affinity group
friendly car rental system. One you can walk to save it. It can be a Band-Aid if the company doesn’t care and there’s not a fundamental
to (perhaps in new parking structure) rather commitment to the human capital.”
than being bussed which is definitely NOT user
friendly. On site airport hotel would also be high THE WORD
priority. So what are best practices for a company who just wants to appear cool, noble and sup-
portive, and wants to go steady for a long time? Well, be cool, noble and supportive, ide-
ally. But even more, establish a company ethos by focusing on a centralized leadership
from the top down. Clemmens advocates for integrating solid principles into the culture,
like trust and transparency, and considering what truly motivates people.
For example, health-centric values can go beyond lifestyle offerings (fancy gym pro-
grams, healthy snacks) by establishing a mentally healthy work environment via boundary
setting. Clemmens says he protects employees by having “no tolerance for abuse (from
the customer) or other things that make the work environment toxic.”
That type of culture reflects a deeper value of the team members as opposed to being
Reviving a Legacy narrowly focused on the customer the company serves. Supporting employees’ happiness
and mental health (unlimited vacation, for example) and encouraging employee growth
David Weldy: Feels very cool to support local (education) are forward-thinking ways to invest in people and can breed trust, loyalty and
business. Proud of you both (and your families) genuine enthusiasm for the workplace.
for what you are doing. Clemmens credits focusing on people’s autonomy and well-being as paramount to
sustainable success for the company and the people who work there. “The usage of the
Have something to say? Email us. term ‘talent brand’ accepts the strategy of putting people first as a means to sustainable
editorial@comstocksmag.com. long-term value, as opposed to quarter to quarter.”

ON THE WEB ONLY
get social
Read the full Comstock's magazine In July, we produced a
stories at short video highlighting the work of Steve Rex
comstocksmag.com at Rex Cycles. The video circulated widely on
Facebook and was picked up by a local Reddit
community.
Fit For A Spin
Joseph Vito Accettura: A class act and pillar of

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEKIARY CARTER/GIG CAR SHARE (TOP); PHOTO BY NICOLETTE LOVELL (BOTTOM)
the cycling community! Thanks Steve!

Lisa Brown: Awesome, Steve! Your bikes are
GIG City beautiful.
by Eric Johnson
The nation’s only fleet of “floating” electric car-share vehicles is the newest evidence of a transportation
revolution taking off in Sacramento. GIG is one piece of a combined effort by the city, SMUD and many
other players to make the region the leader of the new-mobility revolution.
Road to Success
@CalBarTrustee @comstocksmag asks

what is your favorite food truck? Ours is
@cousinsmainelob, We follow it around our
area, but love the fact we can always find it
at @CityofRoseville's Downtown Tuesday
Nights on Vernon Street.
Getting to Know: Daniel Stephan

by Vanessa Labi
Every month, Comstock's will profile a mover and shaker in the Capital Region. In this first installment,
we sit down with Daniel Stephan of Niche Bread & Company to find out how he kneads self-care into 122
success. @comstocksmag Now online: California's
historic approach to fighting wildfires was to let
them burn out. But with torrential and deadly
infernos, the state has shifted to an ambitious
strategy of prevention. Is it up to the task?

n EVIL HR LADY
DILEMMA OF THE MONTH
HOW TO RESPOND TO REQUESTS

FOR REFERENCE
CHECKS
by Suzanne Lucas
ILLUSTRATION: JOHN CHASE
M
y company has a policy of only confirming
job title and dates of employment when
people call for reference checks. I know
managers are giving out more information. How can I
train managers to send all reference requests to human
resources?
A
FIRST, SOME QUESTIONS. When you hire reality of job hunting, which is everyone
people, do you check references? Do you needs references that can speak to their
want to speak with their managers? Do performance. Many managers like their
you ask questions about performance? former employees (I know I do) and are
Most companies want to do refer- happy to give references. They want to
ence and background checks but then see their former employees succeed and
balk at giving out the same information know they need the reference to do so.
as they require before they hire some- And, on the flip side, they don’t want
one. In fact, a friend lost out on a job their horrible employees to move up the
because his former manager wouldn’t corporate ladder, so they are desperate
give a reference, saying it was against to blab.
company policy and she could only con- But your policy isn’t entirely irratio-
firm job title, salary (more on that later) nal. Many lawyers advise against giving
and dates of employment. The recruiter references because you don’t want to
explained that if he’d truly been a good expose the company to any liability. If I
employee, she would have broken com- say, “John was a horrible employee!” and
pany policy and given him a reference. then John doesn’t get the job, John might
Managers are caught in this game sue. No company wants to be sued. But
between their company policy, which no company wants to hire a terrible em-
requires them to be tight-lipped, and the ployee, either.

So, you need to teach managers how
to give references instead of instructing
them to send all reference requests to
HR, which will only confirm dates of ser-
vice and title. They are going to provide
references anyway, so let’s teach them
how to do it.
Just the facts: Some people love to
talk and share opinions, but that’s where
ILLUSTRATION: ELEMENTS FROM SHUTTERSTOCK
you run into trouble. Tell your manag-

ers to stick to the facts. If it wasn’t writ-
ten in a performance review, then you
don’t want to say it — especially when it
comes to negative things. So, it’s OK to
say, “John made a higher number of er-
rors than other employees,” if that’s a
documented thing. But it’s not OK to say, “Thanks for asking! I terminated John and better references than just saying,
“John was a terrible employee.” after he failed to meet the conditions of “Don’t say anything!” And your former
It’s OK to say, “John was promoted a performance improvement plan.” And employees will thank you for it. n
after being here for only six months!” then hang up. You’re done. You should
It’s not OK to say, “John was the best em- never go into the gossipy details. Suzanne Lucas spent 10 years in corporate
ployee ever!” One is a documented fact. Dealing with salary issues: Salary human resources, where she hired, fired,
The other is an opinion. If the statement used to be a standard question asked of managed the numbers and double-
won’t hold up in court, don’t say it. job candidates, and it was usual to con- checked with the lawyers. On Twitter
Remember the law: Remind your firm it from previous employers. Now? @RealEvilHRLady. Send questions to
managers they can’t hold any protected Forget it. It’s illegal to ask the candidate, evilhrlady@comstocksmag.com.
activities against their former employ- and it’s only legal to ask a former em-
ees. For instance, you might think atten- ployer if the candidate has already re-
dance is a slam dunk thing to reference. ceived an offer. (And, in San Francisco,
After all, the number of absences any one
employee had is easily documented and
would hold up in court. But were those
absences covered by the Family and
Managers are caught in this game between
Medical Leave Act or military service?
Were they part of a reasonable accom-
their company policy, which requires them to
modation under the Americans with
Disabilities Act? If so, you can’t hold that be tight-lipped, and the reality of job hunting,
against the employee and mentioning
it — “John was on intermittent FMLA, which is everyone needs references that can
so he was gone a lot” — shouldn’t be al-
lowed. speak to their performance.
Additionally, saying “John filed three
sexual harassment complaints” may be
accurate, but telling a potential em- you need the candidate’s written autho-
ployer that could be seen as retaliation. rization before their previous company
Leave that out. will release the information.) It’s also
Don’t answer every question: Just something you don’t need to know. You
because a recruiter asks about your for- should offer a salary based on the mar- What is your company policy for
mer employee doesn’t mean you have ket rate for the job. What the person handling requests for references?
to answer. You can say, “I’m super busy, earned previously is irrelevant. TWEET US @COMSTOCKSMAG
but I’ll let you know that I would rehire Training your managers in these ar-
John into this or a similar position.” Or, eas will likely result in more compliance

n ON THE MARKET
INSURANCE WOES
The Camp Fire has made it more expensive to own a home in rural areas
BY Ryan Lundquist
ILLUSTRATION: MARISSA LEWIS; ELEMENTS FROM SHUTTERSTOCK
SOMEONE IN NEVADA CITY RECENTLY back and consider the devastation of 85 2017, we saw residents relocate here, but
asked me if she should sell her house deaths and more than 14,000 homes de- there wasn’t a mass exodus as some ex-
because of rising fire insurance costs. stroyed. It’s hard to even fathom that type pected. The same thing has seemed to
What might have sounded like a random of mass destruction. play out with the Camp Fire. Some peo-
question five years ago is now a huge is- After a large natural disaster only ple have come to Sacramento to buy or
sue for many local buyers and owners to a couple hours away from us, our knee- rent, but there hasn’t been a massive mi-
think about. jerk reaction is to think the Sacramento gration.
It hasn’t even been a year since the market would be flooded with fire refu- The market most affected by the
Camp Fire tore through Paradise and sur- gees, but that just hasn’t been the case. Camp Fire was Chico, because it’s only
rounding communities in Butte County After the devastating Tubbs Fire in parts about 15 miles from Paradise. An ap-
on Nov. 8, 2018, and it’s unreal to look of Napa, Sonoma and Lake counties in praiser colleague, Park Noble of Cali-

The rising cost of fire insurance diminishes purchasing power among buyers
and can stifle demand too. For some, the rising cost will be a deal breaker
and make the market unaffordable, and those homeowners on a fixed income
are being forced to find a way to pay for the huge increases.
fornia Appraisals in Chico, told me in Amador County, knows this firsthand THREE TIPS FOR HOME BUYERS
about this dynamic. On the day before because his insurance provider sent Local insurance agent: If you are pur-
the Camp Fire, he says, there were 252 him a letter saying it would cancel the chasing a home in a rural area where fire
homes listed for sale in the Chico area, fire insurance portion of his coverage. insurance could be a high cost, be sure
and in less than one month it dropped to Turner says he’s now paying about $1,000 to talk with a local insurance agent early
91 as desperate buyers relocated. Homes more per year through the California in the buying process so you know what
in November and December of last year FAIR Plan. you are getting into.
— after the fire — sold anywhere from This is a big issue because the rising More than supply and demand: Real es-
5 percent to 25 percent (or more) above cost of fire insurance diminishes pur- tate isn’t just about supply and demand.
the list price, which is astounding rap- chasing power among buyers and can New laws, taxes, regulations and chang-
id price growth in such a short period stifle demand too. For some, the rising ing business dynamics can affect prices
of time. cost will be a deal breaker and make the and affordability in a market.
The most striking effect from the market unaffordable, and those home- It’s unpredictable: If youre planning to
Camp Fire is rising fire insurance costs owners on a fixed income are being buy in a more rural market in California,
for residents of outlying portions of some forced to find a way to pay for the huge it’s important that you are OK with living
of the 10 counties in the Capital Region increases. More affluent buyers can sim- in the tension of this new dynamic.
where wildfire risk is high. Some tradi- ply bite the bullet and pay the higher Now let’s hold on with fingers crossed
tional insurance companies are declin- cost as a trade-off for living in a more ru- hoping these next few months won’t bring
ing to offer services in these locations. ral area. more catastrophic fires. We sure could use
Real estate broker Eric Carlson of So should that owner in Nevada City a break in California. n
Lyon Real Estate in Cameron Park says sell?
some clients are getting insurance We are living in uncharted times and Ryan Lundquist is a certified real estate
quotes at $8,000, $14,000 or even $20,000 we don’t know how the insurance mar- appraiser at Lundquist Appraisal Com-
for just one year. And he says some ket is going to unfold in coming years in pany. Read more at sacramentoapprais-
buyers are hesitant about purchasing response to more destructive wildfires alblog.com. On Twitter @SacAppraiser.
because they don’t want to pay an ad- in California. This uncertainty adds a
ditional $300-$400 per month for insur- question mark about rural real estate
ance. It might not seem like a big deal in the Capital Region. We have to keep
whether a buyer has insurance or not, watching insurance costs, pushback
but most lenders require it before escrow from buyers, owner sentiment, price
can close, which makes fire insurance a changes and whether listings are selling
prerequisite when buying a house. or not. Rising insurance cost is definite-
Many local buyers and owners have ly something that can constrain prices
had to go to the California FAIR Plan for over time because it makes it much more
fire insurance coverage. This type of in- expensive to own property. Have you had difficulty
surance is expensive and it’s basically a As we presumably have more mas- finding fire insurance?
last-resort policy available in Califor- sive fires in future years, this is some-
nia that is often used when someone thing we are going to have to monitor
TWEET US
has not been able to obtain insurance closely to see how residents, governmen-
@COMSTOCKSMAG
through a traditional provider. Tom tal agencies and insurance carriers
Turner, a homeowner outside of Jackson respond.

n MAIN STREET
SOUNDS OF SUCCESS
Music store in Grass Valley still strumming along after nearly 45 years
BY Tom Couzens
FOGGY MOUNTAIN MUSIC

Owner: Mary Ellen Sorci
Where: 104 West Main St., Grass
Valley, Nevada County
(530) 273-6675
Website: foggymtnmusic.com/main
Founded: 1975
Business: Music store; sells and
rents instruments, offers lessons and
does repairs
WHY A MUSIC STORE?

Mary Ellen Sorci, who opened Foggy
Mountain in 1975, was raised on mu-
sic. Sorci says her mother, Marilyn Doty
Sorci, was a child prodigy violinist who
had her first performance when she
was 5 years old, and she later taught
violin at Foggy Mountain. Sorci’s dad,
Joseph Sorci, played woodwinds in San
Francisco during the big-band era and
toured with Tommy Dorsey and Alex
Storgal, among others. Sorci moved to
Grass Valley after her mother retired
and relocated there from the Bay Area.
“We thought it would be a great place to
start a business,” she says. “She had run
a business before, so she taught me how
to run a business. … And it took on a life
Mary Ellen Sorci, owner of Foggy Mountain of its own.” Her 2,200-square-foot build-
Music in Grass Valley, shows how to play
the bouzouki. ing, built in 1860, previously housed
Tahoe Cafe “for way over 30 years,” she
PHOTO BY TOM COUZENS
says. “It was a labor of love to bring it

NEVADA COUNTY AT A GLANCE
back to the original.” Her business is
nestled between Nevada Club, a self-
proclaimed dive bar with pool tables Population: 98,764
and a dartboard, and Foothill Flowers,
Median Age: 49.8
a family-owned florist that has been in
business since 1966. And just a block Median Income: $60,610
down West Main Street is the Holbrooke,
Size: 978 square miles
a gold-rush era hotel that opened in 1862
and is being renovated. County Seat: Nevada City
ABOUT THAT NAME? Biggest Cities: Truckee (16,108),

When Sorci moved to Grass Valley, Grass Valley (12,860), Nevada City
THE 10-COUNTY
“Bluegrass was a very popular style of CAPITAL REGION (3,068)
music,” she says. Her inspiration for the
name, she says, was “Foggy Mountain
SOURCE: MYNEVADACOUNTY.COM, FACTFINDER.CENSUS.GOV
Breakdown,” written by Earl Scruggs
and first recorded in 1949 by Flatt &
Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys,
featuring Scruggs playing a five-string MOST FAMOUS CUSTOMER?
banjo. The song was used as background While Sorci’s clients mostly come from
"We thought (Grass
music in the 1967 hit movie “Bonnie
and Clyde,” especially in the car chase
the surrounding region, she’s had
some famous customers over the years.
Valley) would be a great
scenes. Sorci recalls that the California “We’ve had quite a few,” she says. “Gene place to start a business.
Bluegrass Association held its first fes- Parsons from the Byrds, Leon Russell,
tival in 1975, and the annual four-day Doc & Merle Watson, and the guys from (My mother) had run a
event is on Father’s Day weekend at the The Band.” Sorci says many of the musi-
Nevada County Fairgrounds. She also cians who have performed at the nearby
business before, so she
says the clouds in Grass Valley, at 2,500
feet elevation, “remind me of fog.”
Center for the Arts come into her store to
browse or purchase, “because we have
taught me how to run a
something for everyone.” business. ... And it Took on
HOW'S BUSINESS?
“We’re busy, always have a lot of clien- MOST UNUSUAL INSTRUMENT? a life of its own."
tele,” Sorci says. “Our clients are very “We are so diverse,” Sorci says, “beau-
diverse, lots of different kinds of musi- tiful harps and mandolins, and we do ~ Mary Ellen Sorci, owner, Foggy
cians.” She says her store differs from a lot of ukuleles. It’s a great instrument Mountain Music
many of the big-box stores that sell in- for first-time players.” Perhaps the most
struments because it not only sells and unusual instrument is the bouzouki, a
rents instruments — she carries more mainstay of modern Greek music. It has
than 200, including guitars, drums, a flat front and either three or four pairs
keyboards, banjos, ukuleles, horns and of strings. It’s played with a plectrum,
harps — it offers lessons and instrument and its sound is reminiscent of a man-
repairs and appraisals. On a Monday af- dolin, but pitched lower. n
ternoon in July, Sorci answered phone
calls and greeted customers, including Tom Couzens is executive editor of
MAIN STREET profiles businesses
two who came in to purchase strings, Comstock's. On Twitter @tomcouzens. in our 10-county Capital Region.
while she replaced strings on another If you know of an interesting
customer’s ukulele. “We sell a lot of one, please send an email to
strings,” Sorci says. “Some people prefer tcouzens@comstocksmag.com
to have us replace them.”

n DISCOURSE
Pathway to the Future

Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brian King
on new opportunities — and new funding
INTERVIEW BY Sena Christian PHOTO: Ryan Angel Meza
A
s chancellor of the Los Rios Community
College District, Brian King oversees the
second-largest community college district in
California; its four colleges have 75,000 students,
smaller only than Los Angeles’ district. This is
King’s seventh year with Los Rios, which serves
the greater Sacramento area. Comstock’s recently
spoke with King (who is also a member of our ed-
itorial advisory board) about challenges faced by
community college students and how Los Rios can
help train the workforce of the future.

A lot of community college students the courses they need to get a certificate guided pathways, when there’s greater
juggle work and school. What can be or degree. Every semester they spend has a clarity about what courses are needed,
done to expand California’s financial significant opportunity cost. Particularly there are opportunities for us to plan for
aid system to better meet their needs? younger students want a way to get their the economic downturn to make the best
information online … and some students use of whatever resources we have.
One surprising reality is that the way the need and benefit from a high-touch ap- (We have also) developed what are
financial aid system works, the net cost proach, so guided pathways is directing known as associate degrees for trans-
for a low-income independent student is students to the services that make sense fer, in collaboration with the California
higher at community colleges than it is for them, whether it’s meeting with a State University system. A student who
at (California State University schools) counselor or having a clear pathway on- completes an ADT can transfer directly
like Sacramento State or a (University of line that they can navigate. The role of to Sacramento State or another CSU with
California school) like UC Davis. Even academic advising and counseling is very junior status in their program. The com-
though our fees are low — and many of important, but with more than 75,000 stu- pletion rate for transfer students with an
our students don’t pay fees — we need to dents each semester, the reality is we have ADT has been very encouraging. Sacra-
do a better job reducing financial barri- to have a variety of ways for students to mento State wants all the associate degree
ers for community college students. One get the information they need. for transfer (students) we can send them
effort is our Los Rios Promise Program, because (they) finish in less time. About
which is raising private dollars to help How do your enrollment numbers 75 percent of ADT students complete
reduce some of those financial barriers, compare to a decade ago? their B.A. within two years of transfer,
but we absolutely need to do more at the an increase of almost 20 percent from the
state level in making Cal Grants and other When the recession hit in 2008, communi- traditional degrees, which is an astound-
forms of financial aid more available to ty college enrollment exploded; students ing success. And more of our students are
our students. come to us during tough economic times earning ADTs. … The number of total Los
The Los Rios Promise is an umbrella for skill training. ... In a good economy Rios students who received an associate
for our fundraising efforts to ... provide like right now, our enrollment has been degree for transfer has increased by 265
scholarships for students so they can pay stable but not growing. … We know when percent, from 501 students in 2013-14 to
for living expenses and books. Commu- the (next) recession comes, the demand 1,828 students receiving an ADT in 2017-
nity college students have relatively low for enrollment goes up and the resources 18. The five top ADT majors in terms of
access to Cal Grant, so we are advocating from the state go down, so it is not an easy 2017-18 awards were in business admin-
to expand Cal Grant. We’re hoping to find dynamic to manage. But in developing istration, psycholog y, administration
a solution at the state level in the budget
but recognize that is a challenge, so we’re
really excited about the support we have
from local businesses. Wells Fargo, Safe
Credit Union (Sutter Health and VSP Glob- (We have also) developed what
al) have already made a commitment.
are known as associate degrees
Community colleges can be expensive
because many students are slow to for transfer, in collaboration with
complete their units for their associ-
ate degree or to transfer to a four-year the California State University system.
college. What can be done to ensure
students achieve these goals in a more A student who completes an ADT can
timely manner?
The major emphasis for us is improving

transfer directly to Sacramento State
pathways for students — what are known
as guided pathways — at our four colleges,
or another CSU with junior status in
and working very closely with our K-12
partners so it creates a seamless tran-
their program.
sition from high school to college, and
making it easier for students to identify

n DISCOURSE
of justice, communication studies and students from all over the world; we have the opportunity to provide more online
sociology, which aligns with enrollment a significant immigrant population at our courses and fully online degrees. Our goal
trends in these majors. colleges. ... If you walk on our campuses, is to announce in early 2020 a specific on-
the faces of our students are the faces of line degree, which we anticipate will be
How have community college student modern California. the first of many. It’s a great opportunity
demographics changed in recent years? to utilize the inventory of classes at all
More than 15 percent of Los Rios stu- four colleges.
The demographics have changed in reflec- dents are taking only online classes.
tion of our community and our state. Our How has the growth of online education How is Los Rios working to develop the
students are very diverse in terms of race positively affected your students, and workforce of the future?
and ethnicity. Two of our four colleges are what more needs to be done to ensure
now Hispanic-Serving Institutions — Cos- online education meets their academic One of the most important things our
umnes River College and Sacramento City needs? community colleges do is partner with
College — and American River College business to make sure we do have the
is very close to Hispanic-Serving status The demand for online courses continues training and workforce that is needed. Our
(defined in federal law as colleges where to grow, and we are engaged in thoughtful career technical education programs have
Hispanic students constitute at least 25 planning for what our online future for advisory committees with business par-
percent of total enrollment). The Latinx students should be. … One area of em- ticipation, so we’re regularly having that
(the gender-neutral term for Latino) pop- phasis in the coming months will be to conversation about what are the needs and
ulation is the most rapidly growing part identify degrees that students can earn how can we meet them. Health care is an-
of our student population. We also have online. There are tremendous oppor- other example. We meet regularly with all
a large number of first-generation col- tunities with online for students whose the major health-care systems to discuss
lege students — that continues to grow. lives make it difficult for them to attend a what their needs are. The world of work is
We’re really the gateway for immigrant class on the ground, so we’re excited about changing so dramatically that some of the

jobs that will need to be filled are in areas We had wonderful news from (Gov. Gavin
that we don’t even have a name for today, Newsom’s) budget that state bond funding
so being very nimble in identifying what will be released — almost $100 million for
the workforce needs are and responding our four colleges. In the coming months,
to them has never been more important.
We are having discussions about the
that will help us start construction on
other major projects that have been in
Los Rios’ Recent
California Mobility Center, with a focus on development. That’s a good day when Announcement:
advanced manufacturing, so that’s a great you hear $100 million of needed capital
example of how SMUD, Sacramento State, funds are coming our way. (The funds • Sutter Health, Safe Credit Union, Wells
UC Davis and we are having conversations are for) a new science building at Folsom Fargo and VSP Global will contribute
about what will those jobs of the future Lake College, an expansion of American a total of $752,500 to the Los Rios
look like. The California Mobility Center River College’s Natomas Center, and an Promise Program, resulting in 1,234
will focus on things like autonomous ve- expansion of Cosumnes River College’s scholarships to help cover the costs of
hicles and electric forms of transportation Elk Grove Center. In addition, the funds textbooks and living expenses for low-
… so there will be new manufacturing pro- will support a new career technical ed- income students.
cesses and a great role for Los Rios colleges ucation building at American River Col- • These funds “build on the state’s
to be involved in advanced manufacturing lege. (These are) wonderful projects for newly announced two-year California
training. our students and the Capital Region. n College Promise Program, which
guarantees free tuition for all first-
I see the construction work going on Sena Christian is managing editor of time, full-time California community
at Sacramento City College. Are there Comstock’s. On Twitter @SenaCChristian college students,” according to a
any other big construction projects or or senachristian.com. press release from Los Rios’ Office of
facility upgrades planned at any of the Communications.
campuses?
The Railyards and its shops were once the largest industrial site west of the
Mississippi and a center of innovation in the Railroad industry. It is with this
history that the Railyards draws its vision for The Foundry as a future center
for innovation in the Sacramento region.
Coming Soon...
Visit us at www.Railyards.com SacramentoRailyards @theSacRailyards

n TASTE
RIDING THEIR RYE

How four women are turning the Legado Whiskey passion project
into an international brand
BY Jennifer Fergesen PHOTOS: Debbie Cunningham
P
lenty of couples pick up hobbies to
bond outside of work: birdwatch-
ing, say, or training for a marathon.
Sacramento residents Yvette Rincon and
Charmaine Magale — a city planner and
a chiropractor — decided in 2016 to learn
about whiskey production in their free
time.
The result ended up more front and
center than most side hustles: In Septem-
ber 2018, Rincon, Magale and co-owners
Christy Decelle and Hola Motuapuaka
launched Legado Whiskey, Sacramento’s
first spirits company owned by women.
Though Legado Whiskey is a dark
American rye, the company is as unaged
as moonshine. The owners have yet to
open a distillery, instead adding their
own twists to whiskey imported from a
distillery in Indiana. The owners have
nevertheless leveraged their story —
homegrown, women-owned — to reach
consumers around the Capital Region, a
key strategy in the crowded craft bever-
age market.
Legado Whiskey’s origin as a passion
project is central to the company’s brand
storytelling, starting with its name. Le-
gado is Spanish for “legacy,” which Rin-
con defines as an existential quest: “Leg-
acy is what you decide to leave behind,”
she says. “We want to inspire others to
create their own legacy, to do whatever
they feel passionate about.” Rincon and
Magale felt passionate about whiskey,
she says, so creating a whiskey-based
From left: Hola Motuapuaka, Christy De- legacy felt like a natural next step.
celle, Charmaine Magale and Yvette Rincon The couple joined with Decelle, an
of Legado Whiskey, Sacramento’s first spir-
entrepreneurial friend who owns three
its company owned by women.
Beach Hut Deli locations, and the three

women completed an apprenticeship at
a whiskey distillery in Northern Cali-
fornia. Decelle introduced them to their
final and most seasoned partner, Mo-
tuapuaka, co-owner of Myla’Cor Wine
& Spirits, based in Sacramento. “As
soon as I heard their vision, I immedi-
ately said I’m all in,” says Motuapuaka,
who launched Myla’Cor in 2012, an ex-
perience she describes as “kind of like
having a blindfold on and swinging at a
piñata with a stick.”
In contrast, the Legado launch was
“really precise,” Motuapuaka says. She
made sure the brand had a social media
presence long before they poured their
first bottle, so that their followers would
spread the news of their events. She
focused their messaging on the women-
owned angle. She rattles off some sample
messages: “It’s whiskey with a woman’s equipment for the auditors to inspect. Revival bartender Ronnie Kaldani
perspective, their experience, their The process can take up to a year and a pours a drink with Legado Whiskey.
tastes, their palate. Strong enough for half. “And that whole time,” says Baugh-
men, but made by women.” man, “you’re just paying rent and not
While the owners initially hoped to doing anything.” Gold River and its Ran-
add to this cred by starting the first dis- cho Cordova neighbor, J.J. Pfister, are the
tillery in the city of Sacramento, regula- only operating distilleries in Sacramento
tory hurdles and high costs waylaid their County, while a few more dot the outer
plans. “They don’t really know what to (and lower-rent) reaches of the metro
do with us,” Magale says. “We’re practi- area — Amador & Dry Diggings Distill-
cally defined as an oil refinery that’s go- ery in El Dorado Hills and California
ing to blow the block up.” Distilled Spirits in Auburn. “Rancho was
Sounds hyperbolic, but it’s true. The an easy city to deal with,” says Baugh-
California Fire Code regulates refineries man, explaining his choice of location.
and distilleries under the same terms, Recently, state legislators have slight-
because they both produce combustible ly eased regulations for craft distillers.
liquids. To qualify for a building permit,
the Legado owners would have to install
expensive safety appliances like spill-
catch systems and automatic drop-down “we want to inspire others to create their own legacy,
doors in addition to distilling equip-
ment. It’s the high price of these safety to do whatever they feel passionate about.”
features, compounded with rising rents
in Sacramento, that have prevented dis- ~ Yvette Rincon, co-owner, Legado Whiskey
tilleries from opening closer to the urban
core, says Greg Baughman, who owns
Gold River Distillery in Rancho Cordova. In 2018, former Gov. Jerry Brown signed
Those costs involve some bureau- legislation nicknamed The Craft Distill-
cratic Catch-22s: A distiller can’t start ers Opportunity Act, which bumps max-
selling spirits until it holds a federal imum production for craft distilleries to
permit, state permit, formula approv- 150,000 gallons per year and scratches
al and label approval, but it can’t apply rules that barred distilleries without
for permits until it has a location and tasting rooms from selling their bottles

n TASTE
From left: Yvette Rincon, Charmaine Magale,

Christy Decelle and Hola Motuapuaka toast
with a drink of Legado Whiskey at Revival at
The Sawyer in Sacramento.
onsite. Though the new law has no effect have run demos in Hong Kong, Taiwan are keeping their day jobs while build-
on rents or the permit process, Magale is and the Philippines, and their whiskey ing the Legado brand.
hopeful. will be for sale at the World Expo 2020 in “This is still a passion project,” says
“Gov. Brown said he was hoping to Dubai this October, she says. Magale, who feels equally passionate
open things up for craft distilleries, so it Even as they gain a following in far- about her chiropractic office and has no
may get easier over time,” she says. Gov. away markets, the owners of Legado plans to step away from it. “We want to
Gavin Newsom has not made any public have not lost their hometown loyalty. send a message to other people that you
statements regarding distilleries, but he Since their launch, they have run tast- can find the time to do what you want.”n
may have a soft spot for the spirits indus- ing events at locations such as the Mix
try; his multimillion-dollar fortune grew Downtown and de Vere’s Irish Pub and Jennifer Fergesen is a freelance writer who
out of a wine and spirits shop he opened gained coveted shelf space at a dozen covers food and the stories behind it. Born
in San Francisco in 1992. bars and restaurants in the Sacramento in New Jersey, she has written for publica-
For now, Legado sources rye whiskey area. “Our goal is to become a staple in tions around the world, including in Ice-
at barrel proof — a fiery 60 percent alco- our hometown,” Motuapuaka says. land and the United Kingdom. Read more
hol by volume — and finishes it at Loch The Legado owners also intend to fol- at jcfrgsn.journoportfolio.com.
& Union, a distillery in Napa Valley that low through on their goal to distill their
makes its own malt whiskey and bottles whiskey in Sacramento using locally
outside brands. Loch & Union adds water grown ingredients. They’re learning as
to the whiskey to bring it to a palatable much as they can from local distillers,
strength and pours it into Legado’s sig- including Baughman, who gave the Le-
nature sleek bottles, which come from a gado team a tour of his distillery in June.
glass manufacturer in Fairfield. Though Baughman is wary of the diffi-
Legado is available in about 40 lo- culties that might face a distillery in the
cations, including Raley’s, Select Wine city of Sacramento, he didn’t discourage
and Spirits and Taylor’s Market, and the owners from taking that route. “I rec- Have you turned a passion
Motuapuaka is pushing to enter mar- ommended that they go with whatever is project into a business?
kets in Nevada and the Bay Area, as well comfortable for them,” he says. TWEET US @COMSTOCKSMAG
in Asia and the Middle East. The owners In the meantime, the four owners

n WORKFORCE
teaching
the teachers
With the teacher shortage at crisis levels, education
leaders are trying something new — intensive
coaching while training on the job
BY Steven Yoder PHOTO: Fred Greaves

Ryan Wallace, a math teacher at Marysville High School,
recently completed the Sacramento County Office of Edu-
cation’s intern program.

n WORKFORCE
R
yan Wallace was a few seconds from seeing a dream Research shows attrition highest among teachers who are
slip away. In September 2016, he was a 30-year-old in their first three years. The consequences of all that churn
manager of a pest control company in Sacramento. are huge — each teacher transition costs California taxpay-
One day that month, he walked into the Midtown ers from $9,000 to $20,000. And higher turnover can drive
Sacramento office of the California Commission on down student test scores, a 2013 national study found.
Teacher Credentialing to ask how he might become a teacher. To fill the gap, county education offices and college
It was his third attempt at getting into the profession. schools of education are trying something new: paid in-
Wallace grew up wanting to work in the classroom but got ternships and residencies, in which teachers work under
sidetracked in college, instead choosing a health exercise the guidance of a coach or mentor teacher while they take
science degree and becoming a personal trainer. He and education-theory classes, for which they pay tuition. As in
his wife had moved to Lincoln the traditional route, they pay
from Oklahoma in 2008 after for those classes, but they also
graduating college, but when get paid a salary or stipend for
the recession hit, his work as a their work in the classroom,
personal trainer dried up. “As soon as she said there are making them attractive to
He visited the Placer Coun- working professionals like Wal-
ty Office of Education in 2008 other options, I was like, ‘This is lace who have families to sup-
and 2010 to ask what it would port and a passion for teaching.
take to become a teacher, but it.’ I said to myself, ‘I’m all in.’” The number of those gradu-
his timing was awful — most ating through both routes is
districts were in the middle ~ Ryan Wallace, math teacher, growing. And for residencies,
of layoffs. A friend helped him Marysville High School the early indicators on teacher
land a job in pest control, and turnover are promising, with
two years later he was promot- more residents staying in the
ed to manager and earning field long term.
$75,000 a year.
But his desire to teach wouldn’t go away. So that after- THE RISE OF SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPS
noon at the CTC office, he showed the receptionist his tran- If the classroom were a cockpit, an intern would be the pilot
scripts. She told him he’d need to enroll full time in a uni- in training who does months of coursework, passes a bat-
versity for at least a year of coursework and do six months tery of tests and then needs to grab the yoke — with lots of
of unpaid student teaching. She handed him a list of schools help from a coach. Interns get a hefty dose of educational
where he could earn a teaching credential. theory. SCOE internships are open to graduates of accredit-
He and his wife had three kids to support, so an unpaid ed colleges, both those just out of school and those switch-
teaching stint was impossible. He was turning to leave when ing from another career. So great is the teacher shortfall
he and the receptionist were interrupted by an education that SCOE doesn’t turn away applicants with a college de-
coordinator from the Sacramento County Office of Educa- gree, and the program can take in as many as 65 applicants
tion, who was there on other business. “I couldn’t help but per year.
overhear — there are other options for getting your cre- The program starts with five months (160 hours) of eve-
dential,” she told him, handing over a card for someone in ning coursework and tests: a state basic educational skills
SCOE’s new teacher intern program. test and a test for competency in specific subjects that
“As soon as she said there are other options, I was like, covers an applicant’s area of focus, such as math, biology
‘This is it,’” says Wallace. “I said to myself, ‘I’m all in.’” or physics. The testing knocks out some participants; state
Enthusiasm for the classroom is a scarce resource in data show that on average seven of 10 first-time takers pass
California. The need for more teachers is dire, especially in them. (In a few cases, applicants can skip the basic skills
math, science and special education. In a fall 2017 survey of test, if they have a qualifying score on an SAT or Advanced
districts representing a quarter of the state’s enrollment, 80 Placement test, for example.)
percent reported shortages, with 90 percent of those report- After passing the courses and tests, interns apply for
ing the numbers getting worse, the Palo Alto-based Learn- full-time teaching jobs at school districts, including those
ing Policy Institute found. Turnover is high, with almost 9 outside Sacramento County. Under state rules, interns can
percent of teachers leaving the field or the state each year. be hired only when someone with at least a preliminary

teaching credential isn’t available. (Preliminary credentials fers from two schools. He picked Marysville High School
are valid for the first five years; teachers must complete a and was hired as a math teacher under an intern credential.
set of requirements within five years to upgrade to a clear SCOE paired him with Richard Garmire, an intern coach
credential.) More than seven of 10 of those who do the five based in Yuba City who advanced from being a teacher to
months of coursework land jobs, according to SCOE. Among a district superintendent during his 37-year career, filling
the three in 10 not hired are participants who never apply nearly every key position along the way.
for a job because they drop out of the program — often be- Classroom management is among the biggest hurdles
cause of family obligations — or don’t pass the required for new teachers: Trouble dealing with student behavior is
tests, says program director Linda Liebert. one of the top reasons new teachers become dissatisfied
Those hired get a “district intern credential” and do and quit, according to a survey by the National Center for
two years of full-time teaching under the guidance of a Education Statistics. Because he had a coach, Wallace was
SCOE-contracted coach, a retired teacher or school admin- able to bounce ideas off of Garmire about tough classroom
istrator paid $1,600 for a school year per intern they work situations. Garmire was never judgmental or intimidating;
with. While teaching, interns complete two state-mandat- “‘That worked, keep doing it. Maybe try this next time,’ he’d
ed performance assessments that involve compiling de- say.”
tailed portfolios of their classroom teaching, meet regu- During one fourth-period class with Garmire observing,
larly with their coach, attend program workshops on the Wallace was giving a test when he noticed a student in the
weekend and meet a few other requirements. If they get back, glancing at his phone. Wallace approached and quiet-
through all that, SCOE recommends them for the coveted ly asked for it without drawing attention. On the phone, he
preliminary teaching credential that makes them a full- saw that another student had texted a photo of their com-
f ledged teacher. “I would never want to sugarcoat and say pleted test page.
it’s for everyone, because it’s very rigorous,” says Liebert. Wallace didn’t want to shame the kids involved; the core
Wallace, who was accepted into SCOE’s program and of his philosophy is “relational teaching,” creating respect-
did his coursework in the spring of 2017, had teaching of- ful connections with students, a teaching philosophy that

n WORKFORCE
his preservice classes helped him develop, he says. Garmire For those who can handle the demanding schedule —
watches him greet every student by name when they come full-time teaching and classes or workshops on nights or
into class and thank them for hard work. Garmire says Wal- weekends — the economics of an internship can be attrac-
lace’s classroom is full during lunch hour — he eats with stu- tive. SCOE’s tuition is $16,500 for the 2 1/2 years, but interns
dents, answers questions, finds out about them. And before draw a salary if they are hired. (If they’re not hired, they pay
tests, Wallace tells students how much academic integrity only the initial $1,500 for the five months of coursework.) At
matters. Marysville, Wallace says he came on at a regular starting
Wallace walked to the front of the class and held up the teacher’s pay of $50,000 with full benefits, though he says
phone: “This is what I was talking about. Academic integri- some districts SCOE works with offer less than that for in-
ty. Taking responsibility for your own work.” He asked that terns. Tuition for university-based residency and internship
whomever had sent the picture see him after class, and the programs typically is higher, but those students also are el-
student did. Both students got zeros and had to work hard igible for federal financial aid, which SCOE’s interns aren’t.
to make up for the poor grade. Garmire says Wallace man- The number of teachers coming to the profession
aged to call out the behavior without shaming the kids. There through a program like SCOE’s is growing. Statewide, the
were no more cheating episodes in his classes. Word has got- number of people getting into teaching via a county office
ten around; students in other periods put away their phones of education or school district internship doubled in the last
before tests, and Garmire says “you can hear a pin drop” in five years, to a total of 885 in the 2017-18 school year. Over-
testing periods. all, fully a quarter of the state’s teachers now enter on some
For Liebert, just-in-time coaching is the active ingredient kind of intern credential.
in SCOE’s program. Coaches meet with interns regularly but
are also available on the fly 24/7, she says. Garmire says he al- THE PROMISE OF TEACHER RESIDENCIES
most quit during his semester of student teaching back in the Back in the cockpit, the teacher resident is cousin to the stu-
early 1980s under the traditional model because he had no dent pilot who watches a master pilot f ly and takes over at
support. “It’s someone in your corner,” he says of coaching. points along the way — all the while taking courses and

passing tests back on the ground. Instead of taking courses
up front, residents apprentice alongside a mentor teacher
while they take courses and pass the necessary tests on
nights or weekends. Residents receive either a salary or a
“I would never want to
stipend, depending on the program and the school district.
The two approaches break from the traditional training
sugarcoat and say it’s for
model in similar ways. Both internships and residencies re- everyone because it’s very
quire more time in the classroom than the traditional route.
For example, data show that in most residencies student rigorous.”
teachers spend at least 900 hours in the classroom, compared
with 400-600 hours in traditional education programs. And ~ Linda Liebert, intern program director,
both pull in older professionals with their evening and week- Sacramento County Office of Education
end class schedules and offers of salaries and stipends.
While the intern model has been a necessary response
to a crisis, the residency approach has shown the most evi-
dence that it can attract and keep teachers. Two rigorous na- All of that has gotten the attention of state leaders. In
tional studies of residencies found that higher proportions the 2018-19 budget, they set aside $75 million for universi-
of residents than nonresidents are still in the profession at ties, school districts and county education offices to part-
five years. And having a mentor matters: A 2015 federal study ner on residencies, the largest investment by any state,
found that 86 percent of teachers who had a mentor were according to one national residency expert. (SCOE itself
still teaching after five years, compared with 71 percent who doesn’t offer a residency program.)
didn’t. Another 2014 federal survey found having a mentor Locally, the University of the Pacific and Sacramento
was the most valuable form of assistance a new teacher can State teamed with local districts to win grants. Starting
receive. this fall, UOP is working with Stockton Unified School Dis-
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n WORKFORCE
assistant professor and special education programs coor-

dinator.
ACE will let working adults offset the costs of going back
“(California) is really, I think, to school by integrating program requirements into their
a leader among states in the current jobs. Participating districts will let them do their
in-class observation and student teaching, under the guid-
strong support that it requires ance of a mentor teacher, in the classroom where they al-
ready work. Courses will be offered in the evening and both
districts to provide to intern online and in person.
Sacramento State also will offer a residency program
teachers that they’re hiring.” starting in September. Its College of Education is partner-
ing with the Yolo County Office of Education to turn out
~ Tara Kini, director of state policy, special-education teachers and with the Sacramento City
Learning Policy Institute Unified School District to graduate math and science
teachers.
Studies on the effects of residencies on student out-
comes are mixed. In a 2017 survey of principals from 73
trict to launch a two-year Accelerated Credential for Edu- participating schools by the National Center for Teach-
cators residency program that will produce special-educa- er Residencies, nearly all respondents were enthusiastic.
tion teachers. The program targets those already working Upward of 90 percent said residents outperformed typical
in special-education classrooms in roles like teacher as- new teachers, that residencies improved achievement and
sistant who have earned at least 60 hours of college cred- student learning, and that they would recommend hiring a
it. And it’s open to students from other districts willing resident to another principal. But a few studies that looked
to work with the ACE program, says Christina Rusk, UOP at student test scores have been less decisive, with teacher
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residents not improving student achievement more than sees promise in successfully keeping its interns in teaching.
traditionally trained teachers. (The California Teachers The program, launched in September 2014 using both state
Association, the labor union that represents teachers, and county funds, has graduated 107 students in its three
didn’t respond to requests for comment on teacher intern- classes. Liebert knows of no one in the first two groups who
ships and residencies.) has left teaching, and the third class just graduated.
Events this spring would seem to make Wallace one
A STAR IS BORN of those in for the long haul. When he started teaching in
The promising data from residency studies don’t necessar- the 2017-18 school year, he had a bad case of imposter syn-
ily apply to internships. National data show residents stay drome: “I thought the kids could see right through me be-
in the field at higher rates than do interns, says Tara Kini, cause I came in with a positive attitude. But on the inside I
director of state policy at the Learning Policy Institute. was like, ‘Yeah, right.’”
Still, those outcomes may not ref lect results in Califor- No longer. In May, he was named New Educator of the
nia. In the last several years, the state has strengthened Year for the Marysville Joint Unified School Distrtict. And
its coursework, coaching and supervision requirements his enthusiasm has rubbed off on his coach. Garmire was
for intern programs, making them more stringent than in so inspired watching Wallace and his other interns that
other states. “(California) is really, I think, a leader among he decided to substitute teach. “I learned so much that I
states in the strong support that it requires districts to pro- wanted to take it back to the classroom, and I’ve had an
vide to intern teachers that they’re hiring,” says Kini. absolute blast,” he says. n
There are no statewide data on how long interns stay in
the profession. Michele Perrault of the California Commis- Steven Yoder writes about business, real estate and crim-
sion on Teacher Credentialing, the state agency that issues inal justice. His work has appeared in The Fiscal Times,
teacher credentials, says the commission doesn’t track turn- Salon, The American Prospect and elsewhere. On Twitter
over for specific teacher training pathways. But so far SCOE @syodertweet and at www.stevenyoder.net.
ideas engineered | visions realized
proposed
MLS stadium
Preserving History | Building Legacy
Historic Railyards
Shops Buildings
SACRAMENTO | LOS ANGELES | PHOENIX | SAN FRANCISCO | SILICON VALLEY

n DEVELOPMENT
FULL STEAM
AHEAD
Backed by the expected arrival of a Major League Soccer team,
development is stirring at the long-dormant Railyards
in downtown Sacramento
BY Graham Womack
PHOTO: HECTOR AMEZCUA

The Railyards, 244 acres of mostly undeveloped land north of the Sacramento Valley
Station, features eight brick buildings from the 1860s. It’s also expected to be home to a
Major League Soccer stadium, Kaiser Permanente medical center, Sacramento Superior
Court building and up to 10,000 housing units.

n DEVELOPMENT
T
here’s a word that comes to mind for Sacramento
Mayor Darrell Steinberg regarding the largest infill
project in his city, The Railyards. “The one word I
would use to describe the state of where we’re at is
‘breakthrough,’” Steinberg says.
Anyone who has lived or worked in or near downtown 3 includes The Railyards. “But it’s as close as you can get
Sacramento more than a few years knows the maddening- without saying that.”
ly elusive promise The Railyards has long offered. Once a The announcement — during a public event, if history
base of operations for Union Pacific Railroad, the 244 acres is a guide — will trigger construction of a $250 million-plus
have sat largely undisturbed for decades, separating the stadium on 14 acres in the northeast corner of The Railyards
western end of downtown from the Richards Boulevard that already has cleared its design, entitlements and plan-
area bounded by the American River. ning documents and would open in time for the 2022 MLS
Recently, however, several projects have been proposed season.
or approved there, including a Kaiser Permanente medi- It’s all part of broader efforts by Larry Kelley and his son
cal center, a new Sacramento courthouse and two hous- Denton, who purchased the once-forlorn property through
ing projects. Perhaps the most tantalizing proposal could their company Downtown Railyard Venture after the Great
be the catalyst to kick-start a development that eventually Recession knocked out a previous owner. The Kelley fam-
will nearly double the size of downtown Sacramento. ily, who has developed other major projects in the great-
As this issue of Comstock’s was going to press, city er Sacramento region such as 4,000-acre Stanford Ranch
leaders and Sacramento Republic FC officials were eager- in Rocklin and 3,500-acre McClellan Park, and other key
ly awaiting the announcement of a Major League Soccer Railyards stakeholders are banking that a soccer stadium
expansion franchise that seemed perfunctory. Earlier this can help spur new opportunity at the largest infill site west
year, MLS announced it would expand by three teams to of the Mississippi River.
30 teams and enter exclusive negotiations with Sacramen-
to and St. Louis. A vote by the league’s board of governors ANOTHER DOWNTOWN SPORTS VENUE
was expected during the all-star break in Orlando, Florida, This isn’t the first time a sports facility has been discussed
in late July, with an official announcement expected this for The Railyards. At one time, the site was touted for a new
month. building for the Sacramento Kings, who desperately wanted
“Nobody’s willing to (say) that it’s in the bag,” says to leave aging Sleep Train Arena in Natomas and move to an
Sacramento City Councilman Jeff Harris, whose District urban setting. But that was before Stan Thomas defaulted

Sacramento Republic FC fans gather in The Railyards to show their
passion for the team — and the idea it will become a Major League Soccer
expansion franchise. photo: terence duffy
on the property in 2010. “The Kings arena thing happened ing through an effort that led to the opening of Golden 1
close to the end of the time when Thomas was foreclosed Center in 2016.
upon,” Sacramento Assistant City Manager Fran Halbakken Some critics decried the city’s obligations tied to its gen-
says. “But there was a whole plan for all these things that eral fund if parking revenues fall short, and some also wor-
were going to happen that weren’t the Kings arena.” ried the arena’s construction and related redevelopment
Not long after those plans stalled, focus shifted to an- would displace low-income residents downtown, with one
other part of the central city in need of a facelift. Despite its group unsuccessfully suing the city, requesting that tens of
charm and storied history, Sacramento west of 16th Street millions of dollars be set aside for affordable housing.
suffered due to a mid-20th century push by planners to clear Though there are rumblings about sharply increased
out tens of thousands of residential units and replace them rents and the reduction of free parking in the central city, the
primarily with office towers and parking garages, turning arena has led to many other projects in and around the re-
the area into a commuter desert on evenings and weekends. branded Downtown Commons (DOCO) area, including the
City officials wanted to bring vibrancy back to downtown. Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, the renovated Century movie theater,
The catalyst for that change: a new arena for the Kings. numerous restaurants and the continued revitalization of K
After the Maloof family, previous owners of the Kings, Street. “(Golden 1 Center) has been an incredible economic
reached a deal to sell the team to a group that planned spark for the surrounding urban core,” says Kings Chief Op-
to move it to Seattle, former Mayor Kevin Johnson led a erating Officer Matina Kolokotronis in a written statement
successful, though divisive, fight to keep the team. This provided by a team spokesperson.
included directly lobbying the NBA, recruiting deep- The arena has become so much more than basketball
pocketed Golden State Warriors minority owner Vivek Ra- too, hosting top entertainment acts such as Paul McCartney,
nadivé to buy a controlling interest in the team, and push- Lady Gaga, Elton John, Maroon 5 and Andrea Bocelli, and it

n DEVELOPMENT
“For us, the interesting thing

is the stadium is only a piece of
that development. (Sacramento
Republic FC has) also purchased
the acres surrounding it so
they will create kind of an
entertainment hub, which
I think really is similar to
what’s being done in our district
here with the Golden 1 Center.”
~ Michael Ault, executive director,
Downtown Sacramento Partnership
was ranked eighth in the United States in concert ticket sales “What was interesting to me was that there was little to
for the first quarter of 2019 by Pollstar. “I think we’re moving no opposition,” Steinberg says of the soccer stadium. “I think
toward what could be a very different urban center than we the people saw that cost benefit in the same way.”
have been,” says Downtown Sacramento Partnership Execu-
tive Director Michael Ault. “It wasn’t long ago we were saying ‘WE WANT IT TO BE ACTIVE ALL THE TIME’
‘Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.’” Republic FC worked with architectural design firm HNTB to
That approach in downtown is providing a blueprint for make the 20,000-plus seat stadium unique to Sacramento,
Republic FC, which is looking to develop a space as much for including references to the city’s tree cover — the top deck
events and activities as for the 17 regular-season home MLS will be known as The Canopy — and the site’s history.
games each season. “We’ve seen it work very well at the Gold- “You see a lot of the brick that’s carried through,” says
en 1 Center,” Ault says. Ben Gumpert, president and COO of Republic FC. “You see
It wasn’t a hard decision for the city to pursue a soccer a lot of, sort of the brawn of, the (original) railyards archi-
stadium at The Railyards, particularly since Sacramento is tecture and the great history that railyards have played in
contributing no public funds to the project. The term sheet, this city.”
including the city’s commitment to provide $33 million in Plans for the 31 acres owned by the team go far beyond
fee waivers, tax rebates, advertising rights and infrastruc- the 14 acres for the stadium, Ault points out. “For us, the
ture financing, was unanimously approved April 9 by the city interesting thing is the stadium is only a piece of that de-
council. That’s in stark contrast to Sacramento contributing velopment,” he says. “They’ve also purchased the acres
$32 million in land and $223 million cash toward the Golden surrounding it so they will create kind of an entertainment
1 Center’s $477 million construction cost, according to a 2017 hub, which I think really is similar to what’s being done in
city auditor’s report. our district here with the Golden 1 Center.”

The proposed stadium for a Major League Soccer team, in the
northeast corner of The Railyards, would seat at least 20,000, and it
could be ready for the 2022 season.
rendering: hntb, courtesy of sacramento republic fc
The project is moving forward in large part because bil- “The Giver” are among his 17 credits on IMDb). More import-
lionaire Ron Burkle joined Republic FC’s MLS bid in January ant to Sacramento, perhaps, is his success as co-owner of the
as lead investor and majority team owner. Like Ranadivé for Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League, which
the Kings, Burkle’s deep pockets have made all the difference has won three Stanley Cups in his 20 years with the team.
for Republic FC, after MLS officials told the team it was un- Nagle, who also has a minority stake in the Kings, had a
derfunded. Team cofounder Warren Smith brought Republic connection to Burkle from when Burkle almost bought the
FC to Sacramento in 2014 as a minor-league team in the Unit- Kings before bowing out due to a conflict of interest, open-
ed Soccer League. Needing more funding to impress MLS, ing the way for Ranadivé to step forward. Burkle had no such
Smith brought in investor Kevin Nagle as team chairman conflict with Republic FC.
and CEO. But even Nagle’s pockets weren’t deep enough to “It sort of became natural that when you looked for some-
impress MLS in 2018, when the league awarded a franchise body who understood sports, understands the value of sports,
to Cincinnati instead. understands the value of a sports team beyond just what it
Landing Burkle, who didn’t respond to an interview re- stands for, Ron became a perfect person to (consider),” Nagle
quest for this story and rarely talks publicly, was a major coup says. “We were really delighted to have him come onboard
for Republic FC, which must cover roughly 90 percent of the because it’s so meaningful and he’s so well-connected across
stadium’s expected $250 million-plus construction cost and the country. It’s been a great enhancement to us.”
also pay a $200 million expansion fee to MLS. Burkle, worth Nagle and Burkle have developed a rapport. “I’ve come to
an estimated $1.5 billion, according to Forbes magazine, know Ron better and better,” Nagle says. “He’s a great guy. He’s
founded and is managing partner of The Yucaipa Compa- fun to talk to, and he’s interesting.”
nies, a private equity and venture capital firm, and has been Other names in the ownership group could soon emerge.
a successful Hollywood producer (“Three Days to Kill” and Nagle says former professional baseball player Derrek Lee

n DEVELOPMENT
is involved, leading an investor group of baseball players. size of the downtown area.” Adds Gumpert: “We want it to
Lee, who was born in Sacramento and played at El Camino be active all the time.”
Fundamental High School before being drafted by the San Nagle and Gumpert also point out the stadium will give
Diego Padres in the first round of the 1993 Major League the Sacramento region another outdoor concert venue. This
Draft, played for six teams in his 14 seasons. is no small consideration because, aside from Raley Field in
Nagle and Republic FC officials still are in the early West Sacramento, the nearest proper outdoor venue, Toyota
stages of developing the 17 acres adjacent to the stadium. Amphitheatre, is in Wheatland, a 40-minute drive from down-
Nagle envisions a mixed-use development, including en- town.
tertainment, hotels, restaurants and nightlife activities. And Halbakken is hopeful about the use of the Central
“It kind of closes the loop from where you are at Golden Shops, eight brick buildings from the 1860s that were listed by
1,” Nagle says. “As you move down to the Railyards, you’re the city council as a historic district in 2016. While there’s still
now capturing an area ... that’s really going to double the work to be done on figuring out if and how all of these build-
The Man Backing the MLS Bid

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RON BURKLE, WHO JOINED SACRAMENTO
REPUBLIC FC AS LEAD INVESTOR IN ITS BID TO JOIN MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
• He’s a man of few words. A reclusive investor with a net • This isn’t his first Sacramento rodeo. During the mad
worth of $1.5 billion as of June per Forbes, the Southern scramble to keep the Kings in Sacramento after the Maloof
California-based Burkle prefers to hang back, certainly in family announced plans to sell the team to a group that would
public. Investment partner Matt Alvarez has the more public move it to Seattle, local leaders, including former Mayor
role, taking meetings with local leaders and project manag- Kevin Johnson, tried desperately to recruit wealthy investors
ers while Republic FC has finalized its bid to become an MLS to form a new ownership group. Burkle was an early candidate
expansion franchise. to lead this group before bowing out, with the public reason
cited that he owned an agency that represents NBA players.
• He’s no absentee investor. Far from it, in fact. Burkle became Eventually, Vivek Ranadivé led a group that purchased the
majority owner and principal investor for Republic FC in team.
January and already has made his presence known. “Make no
mistake, Ron knows everything that’s going on, and he weighs • He’s perhaps the biggest signal MLS is coming to Sacra-
in as he needs,” Ben Gumpert, team president and chief oper- mento. As his friend Lloyd Greif told The Sacramento Bee,
ating officer, says. “Trust me, I know Ron; he wouldn’t be doing this if there was
any risk that Republic wasn’t going to be an MLS team.” It’s
• His teams win championships. Burkle partnered with hockey to Sacramento and The Railyards’ benefit, of course, with
legend Mario Lemieux to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins of the Mayor Darrell Steinberg saying, “We now have the opportu-
National Hockey League out of bankruptcy in 1999, as Burkle nity to build out The Railyards much faster than we otherwise
noted in a rare interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. His would.”
time as a part owner has been highly successful, with the
team drafting franchise cornerstone Sidney Crosby in 2005 ~ Graham Womack
and winning the Stanley Cup three times since 2008.

“You see so many successful (Major League Soccer)
franchises, especially new ones that have developed
amazing stadiums, developed them in downtown cores,
had amazing support, driven a lot of business around it
for the city, and raised the profile of their city.”
~ Ben Gumpert, president and COO, Republic FC
ings can be repurposed, MLS might help drive other enter- he says. “But it’s a major medical center, and with a major
tainment options to them. medical center comes a hospital, medical offices of all sorts,
“There’s always been talk about the Central Shops and and you know they tend to be magnets for other medical uses
what it could be, and there’s great visions,” Halbakken says. nearby.”
“There was vision under Thomas, and there’s vision under A number of other projects are also in the works in vari-
DRV, and it’s very complementary to the soccer stadium in ous parts of the Railyards. Denton Kelley says DRV is work-
terms of ... an entertainment place for people, a very lively ing on 300,000 square feet of creative office space as well as
place for people to go.” infrastructure and a parking garage. Another Kelley-related
effort, a six-story, 309-unit apartment project on 2.52 acres
PLANS INCLUDE MORE THAN SOCCER at the corner of 6th Street and Railyards Boulevard, received
The soccer stadium and the team’s surrounding development design approval from the city in May, and plans for it include
are just part of what is planned for The Railyards, which also roughly 20-25 percent affordable units. And, last month,
could become a hub for medicine, employment, housing and Roseville-based USA Properties filed an application for a
more. “There are not very many opportunities in the country four-story, 150-unit affordable-housing project on 2.35 acres
to be able to create an urban district out of whole cloth, and on the northwest corner of 7th and F streets, according to city
we have the opportunity here in Sacramento,” says Richard planners.
Rich, the city’s Railyards and Riverfront project manager. Denton Kelley says The Railyards are entitled for up to
Sacramento officials seem just as or more excited about 10,000 residential units, with 5,000-6,000 realistically at
Kaiser Permanente purchasing approximately 18 acres west full buildout. Ault welcomes the thought that The Railyards
of 7th Street in January to build a medical center. “The Rail- could bring more housing downtown. “We can’t build enough
yards itself, I would say, is kick-started by the Kaiser develop- housing down here, and when you look at successful down-
ment,” Rich says. A Kaiser official declined to be interviewed, town centers, getting people to call this home as opposed to
saying the project was in too early of stages to discuss, though just a place (where) people work is a priority,” Ault says. “The
Councilman Harris is encouraged by what he has seen. Railyards offers us that opportunity.”
“There’s been a lot of work on entitlements so far,” Harris Another big project is a state-funded, 17-story Sacramen-
says. “I would say that to get shovels in the ground, I’m antic- to Superior Court building at 6th and H streets that might be
ipating 2021. There’ve been many concept sketches. There’ve the first structure to rise in The Railyards, city officials say.
been many discussions with city planners about parking Plans also include the I Street Bridge replacement, estimat-
and locations of buildings and overall looks and the freeway, ed by the city to cost between $150 million and $250 million,
functions of the buildings, helipads, all kinds of stuff. It’s that will connect Railyards Boulevard to C Street in West
much farther along than you might imagine.” Sacramento’s Washington neighborhood. Last month, nine
The Kaiser project could be sprawling, Rich says. “They’re design options were narrowed to four, and two finalists are
working on their plan, so we don’t know the specifics of it,” expected later this year with a possible completion by 2022.

n DEVELOPMENT
The eight brick buildings that make up the Central Shops dominate in this drone photograph
of The Railyards looking south toward downtown Sacramento. photo: hector amezcua
A map of The Railyards

shows where the
proposed Major League
Soccer stadium would be
located in the 244-acre
development.
rendering courtesy of
downtown railyards
ventureds Venture
The Railyards could help unite the Old Sacramento wa- for, what, the last 150 years will begin to become less apparent
terfront and the River District too. “It’s a catalyst,” Steinberg and become the northern downtown,” the city’s Rich says.
says. “Its success begets success. And as we build out The
Railyards, it’s going to create more opportunity and incen- THE LONG — AND BUMPY? — ROAD AHEAD
tives to make the waterfront the destination that we all want No one expects The Railyards to be a bustling neighborhood
it to be.” anytime soon. “My best guess would be two decades, and
Eventually, the central city could extend as one contig- that’s like fully baked, everybody’s moved, all the businesses
uous unit to the American River. “As more projects go in, I are open and it’s a fully integrated part of the city,” Harris
think that division which has kind of separated The Railyards says.

“There’s always been talk about
the Central Shops and what it
could be, and there’s great visions.
There was vision under Thomas
and there’s vision under DRV, and
it’s very complementary to the
soccer stadium in terms of like an
entertainment place for people, a
very lively place for people to go.”
~ Fran Halbakken, assistant city manager, Sacramento
City planners and developers still have a lot of work to do, Then there’s the ongoing debate about how much eco-
with the soccer stadium likely an area of focus in the months nomic impact stadiums really have. While Republic FC is
ahead. Gumpert says the announcement of an MLS fran- helping limit the city’s financial risk by covering most of the
chise will trigger a flurry of work, including finalization of stadium’s cost, how much the stadium ultimately will help
construction documents and hiring subcontractors. “We can spur development at The Railyards remains to be seen.
have a shovel in the ground within three months after that,” Gerardo Prado, a principal for stadium designer HNTB,
says Gumpert, who envisions a 20-21 month construction cy- expressed pessimism about what the stadium can do for de-
cle with the stadium completed in 2021. velopment at The Railyards. “We do a lot of sports stadiums,
Though full buildout of The Railyards could take 20 years, and you see a lot of arenas, kind of this focus over the years
Steinberg says in 5-10 years “it will be visually different in a to revitalize downtown areas with sports facilities as anchors
way that will make people very happy.” for development,” Prado says. “There’s been places ... like
Much work already has been done, with substantial en- (the) New York Red Bulls’ stadium … that was kind of the vi-
vironmental remediation under Stan Thomas’ ownership sion for them to develop adjacent land and it’s taken forever.”
of The Railyards to rehabilitate it from its former status as a Gumpert is hopeful, though. “You see so many success-
superfund site. The city and DRV also have invested in infra- ful MLS franchises, especially new ones that have developed
structure, though some work remains on that front. “Major amazing stadiums, developed them in downtown cores, had
League Soccer will be a huge jumpstart for The Railyards,” amazing support, driven a lot of business around it for the
Harris says. “Of course, a precursor to that is getting sewers city, and raised the profile of their city,” Gumpert says. “And
in place so that we can build things and have them be func- still, even with that, I would stack up Sacramento as strong
tional.” as any of ’em, given the opportunity we have, the passion for
Economic questions also remain. Nationally, ana- soccer that’s already been shown.” n
lysts talk of a recession in the next 12-18 months. Locally,
there might be some question of how much entertainment- Graham Womack is a freelance writer based in Sacramento.
related development is too much downtown, or if there will His work has appeared in a variety of publications, including
be enough spendable dollars to go around. Halbakken isn’t the San Francisco Chronicle, The Sacramento Bee and Sacra-
worried, though, saying Sacramento’s long been under- mento News & Review. Follow him on Twitter @grahamdude.
served. “Between sporting, art, cultural assets, we’re just
underserved all across the board,” Halbakken says. “I don’t
know that we’re going to hit a level of investment where (res-
idents) say, ‘That’s enough.’”

n WATER

are we doomed by
climate
change?
photo: shutterstock
Fast-thinking innovation is needed to prevent

‘wetter wets, drier dries, hotter hots’ from threatening
the state’s crops, species and economy
BY Alastair Bland

n WATER
C
alifornia’s recent drought was the state’s worst in The state’s recent extreme weather events are just a pre-
centuries, scientists have said. It began in December view of what’s to come in the next few decades, warn local
2011, and lasted more than five years, killed or mor- scientists, who say global warming will drive an unnerving
tally injured more than 100 million trees, exacerbated climate roller coaster that will kill thousands of Californians,
the state’s groundwater deficit and pushed fish spe- destroy cropland, wipe out species, cause billions in damag-
cies toward extinction. es and force fast-thinking innovation among officials who
Then came torrential rains that made the early months manage California’s water supply.
of 2017 one of the wettest winters on record, producing tor-
rents that nearly destroyed Oroville Dam’s spillway system HOW TO SAVE MORE OF OUR WATER
and blanketing the Sierra Nevada with an unusually heavy Building more dams is not likely in the cards. One notable
snowpack. Quickly, the weather turned, and by July the state project, the proposed Sites Reservoir in Colusa County, is
was broiling through the hottest summer in California’s his- advancing in the planning stages and could eventually store
tory, and, by late fall, California had been scorched by two 500,000 acre-feet of diverted Sacramento River water. For the
unprecedented heatwaves and several devastating flurries of most part, though, dams will be looked upon as clunky fea-
wildfires, including the North Bay infernos. More recently, a tures of the 20th century.
storm in May 2019 produced re- Lawmakers and policy an-
cord daily rainfall in many lo- alysts are looking ahead, and
cations. One month later came they see a variety of possibilities
a record-torching heatwave.
Mediterranean climates,
“(Because rain might fall in for mitigating the impacts of
climate change. The City of Sac-
like California’s, typically fol-
low boom and bust cycles,
larger and fewer storms in ramento along with the Placer
and Sacramento county water
marked by a predictable shift a shorter amount of time), it agencies, which rely mostly on
between cold and wet and hot water from the American River,
and dry. But the changing cli- means we can’t store it all, and have a tentative plan to tap into
mate will amplify that pattern the Sacramento River during
with “wetter wets, drier dries we have to let some of it flow times of surplus flow. The proj-
and hotter hots,” warns Jeffrey ect, called RiverArc, would also
Mount, a senior fellow at the downstream toward the ocean. integrate groundwater into the
water policy center of the Pub-
lic Policy Institute of California
That means a net loss.” new pipelines but remains in
the planning stages as agencies
and a professor emeritus at UC seek funding.
~ Jeffrey Mount, senior fellow, water policy center of the
Davis. Statewide, the most popular
Public Policy Institute of California
Precipitation, he explains, idea for protecting water sup-
will fall in faster, more furious ply is making better use of un-
fits over a briefer window of derground storage. Geologists
time before the rapid onset of longer, brutally hot summers. believe the volume of aquifer capacity is several times that
Warmer average temperatures will mean less snowpack, a of all the state’s reservoirs combined, especially after years
key storage supply. “This will compress the window where of aggressive pumping in recent dry years. “The overdraft of
we get our rainfall,” Mount says. “We already have a short groundwater that we caused during the drought has actual-
winter.” Climate models, Mount says, indicate that average ly created an opportunity for storage,” says Heather Cooley,
annual rainfall may remain steady even in a much warmer director of research at the Pacific Institute, an Oakland think
future. However, because that rain might fall in larger and tank geared toward water policy.
fewer storms in a shorter amount of time, “It means we can’t California passed a groundbreaking law in 2014 aimed
store it all, and we have to let some of it flow downstream to- at stabilizing and recharging depleted aquifers, though the
ward the ocean.” Sustainable Groundwater Management Act might not pro-
“That means a net loss,” Mount says, explaining that duce significant results for 20 more years. But already, water
when water is needed most — the summer and early fall — agencies, environmental organizations and landowners are
much of the year’s precipitation will have already been re- taking action to put water underground. To do this, water
leased to the sea. must be slowed down, allowed to spread over a wide area of

porous earth and given the time it needs to sink downward. of climate change. “California’s salmon are very well adapt-
The storage space is free, but there are logistical barriers, ed to extreme events,” he says, but even the hardy Chinook
most of all finding the land. “It takes a lot of land to sink that salmon, the focus of a $1.4 billion fishing industry, has been
water,” says John Andrew, the director of the California De- pushed to the brink, and climate change is emerging as a ma-
partment of Water Resources’ climate change team. jor adversary to what was once a primary source of food and
Fortunately, land can be essentially borrowed from farm- natural wealth for many indigenous Californians.
ers, and the state is collaborating on various environmen- Moyle says maintaining river flows at or above current
tal nonprofits to modify levees — generally by cutting large levels will be critical to prevent salmon extinction. “Califor-
notches into them — so rivers, like the Sacramento, may nia has pretty much reached the limits to how much water it
flood in the winter months across thousands of acres of his- can divert if we care about having fish,” he says.
toric floodplains, like the Sutter and Yolo bypass areas, that Moyle says communities and industries must “do a better
were separated from the main river channel by levees in the job of water conservation.” He also says thousands of acres
20th century. During its time on a floodplain, water can per- of farmland must be removed from active production. “Irri-
colate into the ground. Later in the year, the same land can gating the present acreage requires more surface water than
be used for farming row crops and rice. is available, resulting in massive pumping of groundwater,
Floodplains also are considered one of the major miss- which is being depleted faster than it can be recharged,” he
ing habitat links essential for reviving California’s depleted says.
salmon runs, and the reason California Trout, Trout Unlim- Forcing farmers to fallow land is not a likely option, but
ited and the Golden Gate Salmon Association are pushing for Mount believes market forces will drive this change. As water
various floodplain projects. for farming becomes more costly, certain crops, especially
Biologist Peter Moyle, a professor emeritus at UC Davis, in regions where water must be purchased, may become un-
co-authored a 2017 report predicting that most of California’s profitable to grow. Mount says a recent PPIC analysis found
native salmon and trout would eventually vanish, due to that once the cost of water for irrigation reaches $400 to $500
habitat loss, insufficient spawning conditions and the effects per acre-foot, farming is no longer a profitable endeavor.
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n WATER
“California has pretty

much reached the limits
to how much water it can
divert if we care about
having fish.”
~ Peter Moyle, biology professor
Newly planted almond trees on a
emeritus, UC Davis San Joaquin Valley farm are watered
with a drip irrigation system seeking
efficiency in a time of drought.
When desperate to keep their trees alive, some farmers may Because they must be watered almost constantly —
pay as much as $2,000 per acre-foot, Mount says, but many even after producing plants are mature — grapes, nuts and
farmers in the Central Valley can’t afford a long-term rate other tree crops are partially responsible for a loss of f lex-
higher than $200 per acre-foot. The PPIC has also estimated ibility in how water is managed in California. But Richard
that the state’s new groundwater rules, by curbing unlimited Waycott, CEO of the Almond Board of California, says his
pumping, could result in the fallowing of half a million acres industry’s farmers are trying to produce food with a mini-
of irrigated farmland. mum of impacts. “The hope is to strike a balance between
urban needs, the environment and agriculture,” he says.
TOO MANY WATER-INTENSIVE CROPS Almond farmers have reduced the amount of water it
The farmers most likely to throw in the towel first are those in takes to grow each almond by 33 percent in the last 20 years,
the western San Joaquin Valley — in the lightly populated re- he says, and the industry aims to increase those savings to
gion along Interstate 5 — where growers depend on import- 50 percent by 2025. Moreover, almond farmers, who pro-
photo: shutterstock
ed water for which they must pay. That farmers are growing duced $5.6 billion in nuts in 2017, according to state crop
such water-intensive crops in such arid places is the result of records, have donated $100,000 to the UC Davis Center for
misguided 20th century engineering, says Jon Rosenfield, a Watershed Sciences for f loodplain restoration projects,
senior scientist with Baykeeper, an environmental watchdog Waycott says.
group in Oakland. Rosenfield says dams and other storage The authors of a paper published last year in the jour-
and conveyance infrastructure created an illusion of water nal Agronomy addressed the risks of investing in trees and
security and reliability. “We’ve tried to impose predictability grapevines in a time of rapid climate change. “Permanent
on a system that’s inherently very variable,” he says. crops are among the most profitable commodities in Cal-
This false promise of a steady water supply has led to the ifornia,” the authors, led by scientists from UC Merced
overplanting of water-intensive crops, especially nuts and and UC Davis, wrote. “They are most commonly grown for
other tree fruits that require water every year. “There’s no more than 25 years, which makes them more vulnerable to
way we should be growing so many tree crops in a climate impacts of climate change.”
that’s so unpredictable,” Rosenfield says. “But our current Andrew, of the Department of Water Resources, defends
policy encourages that kind of risk-taking.” almond farmers, explaining they have been pragmatic by
Over the past 20 years, the almond industry has grown, growing whatever is most profitable. “They invested in
and grown and grown. In 1995, almond orchards covered these orchards that make more money for the amount of
less than 500,000 acres in California. Today, they occupy water they apply,” he says. “Of course, the tradeoff is, with
almost 1.4 million acres, and the rate of growth is not slow- these annual crops, if you got into a drought, you could just
ing. This has drawn criticism from other users, who say the not plant them, but with almonds and grapes, you have to
almond industry has created a significant strain on shared keep the water coming.”
water supplies.

CLIMATE CHANGE resilient system for storing and dis- Alastair Bland is a freelance journalist
PREDICTIONS ARE DIRE tributing water while maintaining whose work appears in NPR’s food blog
California’s 2018 Climate Change healthy river ecosystems. The Natural The Salt, Smithsonian.com, Yale Envi-
Assessment report predicted a long Resources Agency, California Envi- ronment 360 and Comstock’s.
drought could cost the state $3 billion ronmental Protection Agency and De-
and that Californians will eventual- partment of Food and Agriculture are
ly be paying $200 million per year in expected to produce this portfolio by
increased energy bills, mainly for air the end of the year. n
conditioning, as temperatures rise. The
report also warned that stifling heat
waves could cause 11,000 heat-related
fatalities statewide each year by 2050.
That’s three times California’s current
annual death toll from motor vehicle
accidents.
And the Agronomy paper warned
that extreme weather events, includ-
ing heat waves, f loods and droughts,
and a shift toward warmer winters
and earlier springs, would affect Cal-
ifornia’s agricultural production,
worth about $50 billion.
Snowpack, which historically
has contained and slowly released 2019 Chairman’s Award Winners
through the summer months 80 per-
cent of California’s precipitation, Each year, InterWest recognizes broker performance excellence
could shrink by an average of 65 with our Thomas G. Williams Chairman’s Award. Tom Williams
percent. More rapid melting of snow provided the visionary leadership of the formation of InterWest
“causes reservoirs to fill up earlier, in 1992. We proudly congratulate our 2019 recipients.
increasing the odds of both winter
f looding and summer water deficits,”
warned the Agronomy paper authors.
They found that yields of wine
grapes, strawberries, walnuts, al-
monds and cherries, among other Brandon Muskopf Brett Faulknor Cain Medina Cameron Rappleye
important crops, are likely to decline,
and by mid-century “virtually no ar-
eas will remain suitable” in the Cen-
tral Valley for the production of pears,
apples and cherries. These and other
impacts, they added, will hit at a time Chip Arenchild Craig Houck Dave Dias Greg Clauser
when the growing human population
and shifting diets require a doubling
of crop yields by 2050.
In anticipation of climate-related
impacts to water supply, Gov. Gavin
Jim Bulotti John Hopkins Matt Bauer Renee Ramsey
Newsom issued an executive order
in April calling on state agencies to
create a Water Resilience Portfolio,
essentially a plan for building a more
Steve Carmassi Steve Williams Taryn Bacon Tony Grego
CA DOI License #0B01094 | www.iwins.com

n FITNESS

filling a
niche
Boutique gyms are helping satisfy the growing
demand for unique workouts with activities such
as rock-wall climbing and mixed martial arts
BY Judy Farah PHOTO: Fred Greaves
Jerad Friedline tackles the climbing wall at Sacramento

Pipeworks. While the club is best known for its massive
wall, it also has one of the area’s largest CrossFit gyms.

n FITNESS
W
hen you walk into Sacramento Pipeworks, in a vin- Devotees say these gyms also offer something the bigger
tage brick building on North 16th Street that was ones don’t, a place where people come together for a com-
once a metal factory, the first thing you see is a mas- mon interest. In our increasingly disconnected lives, people
sive, 40-foot climbing wall partners work together are connecting through exercise. Gretchen Eiferle is a teacher
to scale — one climbing and the other holding the who comes to Pipeworks for the machines, yoga and the wall.
safety rope, a technique called a belay. Alex Honnold, a Sac- “I love it here,” she says. “I love the camaraderie. It doesn’t feel
ramento native who in 2017 became the only person to climb corporate.”
Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan with no ropes or safety
equipment, trained here. A documentary about his climb, A BOOM IN BOUTIQUE GYMS
“Free Solo,” won an Academy Award. Thirty years ago, muscle gyms like Gold’s Gym were the norm
Pipeworks also has one of the Sacramento area’s larg- and the aerobics craze started by Jane Fonda and Richard
est and most popular CrossFit gyms and offers group class- Simmons was in full swing. Gyms then grew into clubs with
es such as yoga, pilates and cycling. KCRA meteorologist a focus on families, with racquetball, basketball, tennis and
Tamara Berg joined Pipeworks swimming pools — and even day
four years ago and does CrossFit care for the kids. Now, the trend has
classes five to six times a week, turned full circle, back to boutique
jumping on boxes, doing dead- “CrossFit has become a staple centers.
lifts and climbing ropes. “Cross- “People are looking at their life-
Fit has become a staple in my in my life. Some of my best style and saying things are so hec-
life,” Berg says. “Some of my best tic, I need to exercise,” says David
friends I’ve met at Pipeworks, friends I’ve met at Pipeworks, Hawkins, a biomedical engineer
and they hold me accountable for who studies fitness trends for UC
sticking to workouts.”
and they hold me accountable Davis. “So they’re reaching out to
Health and fitness is a $30
billion industry in the United
for sticking to workouts.” a variety of things.” He says the
American College of Sports Med-
States, according to the Interna- icine now offers certifications for
~ Tamara Berg, meteorologist, KCRA
tional Health, Racquet & Sports- group exercise instructors, not just
club Association, with more than personal trainers, to reflect the de-
60 million members at 38,000 mand for group fitness.
clubs, and one in four Americans belong to a gym. According Another example of the boom in boutique gyms is
to IHRSA, the industry is growing 3 to 4 percent a year — and Ultimate Fitness, opened in Midtown Sacramento in 2006 by
evolving. Americans on average spend $155 per month on mixed martial arts champion Urijah Faber. As the popularity
health and fitness, according to a survey conducted by sports of his sport soared, Faber relocated to a larger 23,000-square-
and nutrition company Myprotein, including $56 on health foot facility on Folsom Boulevard in 2017.
supplements such as protein shakes and weight-loss prod- His expanded, modern gym has an octagon cage and out-
ucts, $35 on workout clothing and accessories, $33 on gym door boxing ring where professional MMA fighters practice. It
memberships, $17 for healthy meal plans, and $14 on person- also offers kickboxing, wrestling and jiujitsu for men, women
al trainers. and children. One of the most popular classes is Pulse, a fast-
The past 10 years also have seen the rise of specialized paced combination of boxing, total body resistance exercises
gyms where people are willing to plunk down $20 and more and strength training. “This concept is a place that anybody
for a class. These boutique gyms, which usually have a spe- can be a part of,” Faber says. “It’s got a massive general-fitness
cialty one might not get elsewhere and tend to focus on group side that caters to everyone in Sacramento from all different
workouts, have grown 450 percent since 2010, according to ages. A lot of what we do is based on what the best athletes in
Piper Jaffray, a fitness investment firm, and make up 35 per- the world do … strength, conditioning and recovery.”
cent of the fitness market. They are trying to keep up with For cycling enthusiasts, options include Team Ride, a cen-
the growing demands for new, unique workouts, including ter opened by four sisters in 2012 that now has three locations
CrossFit, yoga, Pilates, cycling, boxing, barre and more. In in the Sacramento area offering a full-body workout with hand
response to this trend, Pipeworks, for example, added Cross- weights, and All City Riders, a downtown Sacramento facility
Fit five years ago to attract more customers, according to where riders spin through cities such as Paris, Berlin and Los
manager Vaughn Medford. Angeles projected on a big screen.

A beginning boxing class led by instructor Jeremy Fritag is one of the many
offerings at Ultimate Fitness. One of its most popular classes is Pulse, a
combination of boxing, total body resistance exercises and strength training.
CorePower Yoga, the largest chain of yoga studios in the strength and weight training, guided by a coach, and are
United States with centers in Fair Oaks and Roseville, has different each day.
several options including beginning level, sculpting and hot CalFit is constantly tracking trends to make sure it’s offer-
yoga. Kaia Fit, a national company with locations across the ing what members want, including cycling, yoga and Pilates
Sacramento region, offers group classes for women designed classes. “Our success has hinged upon being a community
by women, and Fitness Rangers focuses on group circuit class- provider of family fitness,” says Randy Karr, president of Cal-
es at its East Sacramento location. Fit. “We’ve always had a family focus. We always wanted to be
“People like to be pushed, be inspired,” Faber says. “They the community option.” Still, Karr acknowledges that some of
like to have camaraderie. For most people, if you find some- his members belong to both CalFit and a boutique gym.
thing you enjoy doing you almost forget you’re working out. Spare Time Sports Clubs, which opened its first facili-
That’s the key.” ty, Del Oro Racquet Club, 45 years ago, was the region’s first
family-oriented fitness chain. Its seven locations have tennis
ADJUSTING TO THE MARKET courts, swimming, cafes and spas. “If you want to play with
The older, established gyms have taken note of the increase your grandkids or carry groceries up two flights of stairs, or if
in boutique gyms. When Orangetheory Fitness entered you want to become a triathlete or marathon runner, there’s
the Sacramento market in 2014, California Family Fitness, functional fitness for you,” says Gavin Russo, Spare Time’s di-
which opened in 1999 and now has 20 clubs and 100,000 rector of marketing.
members throughout the region, reminded its clients that Then there’s Life Time, but don’t call it a gym. Its marketing
it offers similar classes. Orangetheory, launched in Boca department instead refers to its centers as “athletic resorts.”
Raton, Florida, in 2010, now has eight studios with plans The national chain has facilities in Folsom and Roseville, pa-
for more. Its one-hour classes are a combination of cardio, latial at 120,000 square feet with multiple gyms, a cafe and a

n FITNESS
sprawling outdoor aquatic park with water slides and beer and
wine. Its Kids Academy takes children 3 months to 12 years old
and offers karate, yoga, tumbling, dance and homework help.
“Life Time is our go-to with kids when we are bored,” says
“I think there’s a place for Ludmila Lakeev, a Roseville real estate agent. “My kids are 6
and 3; they enjoy splashing and playing with friends. We have
everyone in the market. many friends who go to Life Time as well. It’s slowly becoming
Every consumer is looking a community for us.”

Some gyms, such as Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness and
for something a little bit 24 Hour Fitness that offer few frills, are available 24 hours a
day. Mark Mastrov, founder of 24 Hour Fitness and a minority
different. I think consumers owner of the Sacramento Kings, pioneered the 24-hour con-
cept in 1983, when he was managing a gym. He saw that peo-
in different places in ple who didn’t work conventional hours — police, fire, medical
and factory workers — knocked on the door wanting 24-hour
their life are looking for access.
“I think there’s a place for everyone in the market,” says
different things.” Amy Williams, public relations director for Life Time. “Ev-
ery consumer is looking for something a little bit different. I
~ Amy Williams,
think consumers in different places in their life are looking
public relations director, Life Time for different things.”
EXTRAS — AND MORE

To keep members — and attract new ones — in a hypercom-
30 Years of Celebrating
our Region.
COMING UP
September: Folsom
october: AIA
YEARS
Anniversary

petitive industry, a new trend is to offer benefits not usually Technology is helping fuel the boutique boom too. Oran-
associated with gyms. Ultimate Fitness, for example, has getheory, for example, uses wristbands that monitor each us-
an upstairs lounge with tables and a kombucha bar where er’s heart rate and calories burned, displayed on a monitor in
members can work on their laptops. Life Time has a business its black-and-orange studios. “I love Orangetheory because I
workstations where members can grab a snack and work. can increase my workout intensity as my fitness level increas-
Capital Athletic Club in Sacramento has a conference room es,” says member Lori Grace, who takes both early morning
that seats 20 for member use plus several workstations. and night classes four to five times a week at the Fair Oaks lo-
“We notice that a lot of people come in and work out of the cation.
facility,” says Rick Leonard, Capital Athletic’s general manag- At 5 a.m. on a Monday, 36 men and women at the Fair Oaks
er and executive director. “They come in and do a workout, but Orangetheory studio might be bleary-eyed, but the coach soon
bring their computers and have lunch and work at the tables changes that, barking orders to get on the treadmills, rowers
upstairs. It’s an office away from the office.” and weights for the next 60 minutes. Over at California Family
Capital Athletic, the only downtown Sacramento club with Fitness in Orangevale, at 10 p.m. the same day, members are
an outdoor pool, has been serving the Capitol and business still working ellipticals, bikes and weights. Like Grace, peo-
crowd since 1985. Arnold Schwarzenegger worked out at the ple across the region are lacing up their sneakers and hitting
gym when he was governor. Members can have their workout gyms all hours of the day and night in an effort to get fit and
clothes cleaned by staff and ready for them the next day, and healthy — and stay that way. n
they can have their shoes shined while they work out.
The Well at Sacramento State, whose members include Judy Farah is a veteran journalist and writer who has worked in
students, faculty, staff and alumni, also has a unique offer- the New York, Los Angeles and Sacramento markets. Read more
ing — Netflix, Hulu and YouTube on its stationary bikes. The at www.judyfarah.com and on Twitter @newsbabe1530.
Well also has a no-device, meditative room for relaxation, and
Hawkins says UC Davis is considering an electronic detox cen-
ter where no devices are allowed so patrons can de-stress.
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APMC and NCMCA/UA Local 447

A SALUTE TO PARTNERSHIP
A “
s we celebrate the 125th Booth notes that labor and management
anniversary of Labor Day both face the increasing role of information
this year, the Sacramento technology, which promises greater Contractors and
region flourishes with its own history of efficiencies but can be difficult to the industry’s
partnerships between management and implement, and the graying of the industry’s
labor. Backed by those relationships, the workforce. “As an industry, we must
labor force are
area is thriving with growth and renewal. constantly remind younger generations that working together
United Association Local 447 has been
we’re a progressive and innovative career to make the
path that’s also richly rewarding,” he says.
in the Sacramento area since 1905, while industry stronger
Associated Plumbing and Mechanical The labor side expresses optimism. “We
Contractors (APMC) was founded in 1937 have a great relationship with management,
and to make the
and Northern California Mechanical collaborating well and finding mutually Sacramento region’s
Contractors Association (NorCal MCA) beneficial ways to advance the industry,” future brighter.
was founded in 1955. These organizations says Aaron Stockwell, business manager
have long worked for the benefit of their for UA Local 447. “With about five years of — RICK CHOWDRY
President, Intech Mechanical
”
members and worked together for the work in the Sacramento area on the books, & President APMC Board of Directors
benefit of the greater Sacramento region. a primary goal is supplying a skilled and
trained workforce to meet contractors’
“The working relationship between
needs. Nearly 270 apprentices will return to
management and labor has always been
our training program in August, compared
strong in the Sacramento region,” says Larry
to an average of 100 apprentices each year
Booth, owner of Frank M. Booth, Inc. and a
over the past decade, and that’s promising.”
contractor member of NorCal MCA. “Both
parties have been responsive to market Both sides express the desire to maintain and
conditions and the need to maintain a healthy expand their relationship and look forward
and productive labor resource. Currently, to building the Sacramento region together.
the market is quite strong, creating a labor
demand we haven’t experienced since before
the 2007-2009 depression.”
special supplement
CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

72 77
UNDER ONE ROOF FROM BLUEPRINT TO BUILD-OUT
More construction companies are creating internal divisions to handle Every project delivery method has its benefits and drawbacks; regional
every step of the building process builders weigh in on the ones they use

A POWERFUL
PARTNERSHIP
CHRIS GRIFFITH, SUPERINTENDENT | PLACER ELECTRIC; BRAD SJOBERG, SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER | PLACER ELECTRIC DICK NOGLEBERG,
PRESIDENT | PLACER ELECTRIC; TAMARA RAPOZO, DIVISION MANAGER | ROSENDIN; STEVE FREITAS, SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER | ROSENDIN;
PAUL MAZUROWSKI, GENERAL FOREMAN | ROSENDIN
The strong alliance between Placer Electric and Rosendin has proven successful again with
the completion of the SMUD Headquarters Rehabilitation Project.
WORKING
TOGETHER
The Johnson Group
HELPING CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES WIN THE WAR FOR TALENT
C “
hris Johnson, CEO of Rapid talent,” says Lee Conant, Vice President of
Brands, appeared on ABC’s hit Strategic Resources, davisREED Construction.
I recommend The
show “Shark Tank,” and built
Chris Johnson first started his career at URS/
the country’s fastest growing microwave Johnson Group
AECOM and then joined Aerotek, the largest
cookware company, with over 18 inventions.
recruiting firm in the country. Johnson without reservation
The innovation hasn’t stopped there. His
became the top producer, building Aerotek’s and I am confident
recruiting company, The Johnson Group
AEC division. He then founded TJG in 2006.
(TJG) is revolutionizing the recruiting that each future
TJG was recognized in 2007 as one of the
industry. Experts in finding talent in the
fastest growing Sacramento-area companies client will benefit
construction, architecture, engineering and
by the Sacramento Business Journal, and from the services
environmental fields, The Johnson Group
they have tripled their staff in the past
has developed Corporate Recruiter Solution provided by this fine
year. Cameron, also from Aerotek, joined
(CRS), which provides firms with top tier
Johnson in 2007, and has placed over 500 recruiting firm.
talent without having to pay expensive
professionals in the Construction industry. — LEE CONANT
”
recruiting fees. DavisREED Construction
“We have been inundated with requests,”
“We become a firm’s internal corporate
says Rod Greene, Director of Business
recruiter, instead of a transactional
Development. “There is a war for talent.
headhunter,” says James Cameron, Director
Adding the right talent can change the entire
of Recruiting. TJG becomes a firm’s corporate
trajectory of a firm’s success.”
recruiter, recruiting on all positions for a low
With over 15 years of recruiting experience
fixed monthly fee.
nationally in the AEC industry, The Johnson
“I really like The Johnson Group’s model, and 9381 E. Stockton Blvd. Suite 230
Group continues to find top talent while
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I am excited to partner with them to find great
saving its clients’ money. 916.479.8255
www.JohnsonGroupInc.com
DesCor Builders
AWARD-WINNING SAFETY CULTURE
THE PIQUE AT IRON POINT
D “
esCor Builders has just to commit to this, and agree to in-depth
accomplished the extraordinary analysis by Cal-OSHA. I work with all our
by earning the SHARP Award subs to assess their entire safety programs We are committed
from Cal-OSHA. The SHARP (Safety and and help them become compliant. For those
to people first, so
Health Achievement Recognition Program) without a safety director, we take that role
Award honors high-hazard employers for for them, helping them elevate their safety we make safety our
their excellence in safety practices. Currently, culture and training.”
No. 1 priority, and
DesCor is the only general contractor in
DesCor delivers its building strategy on a
Northern California approved and listed as
foundation of safety. “Safety is our established
receiving the SHARP
a SHARP participant. DesCor’s recognized
policy before we break ground on any project,” Award exemplifies
project is The Pique, a 327-unit apartment
says Jeff Deming, senior superintendent.
complex under construction in Folsom.
“Large corporate clients have had third- that commitment.
Founded in 2005, DesCor provides full- party consultants and safety management — BRAD DESJARDIN
”
service preconstruction, general contracting, companies review our program, and we PRESIDENT AND CEO
and construction management services always meet or exceed their requirements.

throughout Northern California.This licensed Pursuing the SHARP Award is putting our
general contractor provides sophisticated program to the test in the field.”
services at a competitive cost, and has
With the commitment of time, effort, and
a robust culture of safety. Backed by this
strong partnerships with subcontractors
philosophy, Robert Harding, regional safety
required to earn the SHARP Award, it’s clear
manager, initiated pursuit of the SHARP
that DesCor takes a true team approach
Award in April 2018.
and that safety is always a primary concern.
GENERAL CONTRACTING
“Many general contractors won’t pursue the “We really do care about people – our
SHARP Award because it takes a considerable team, those working on our projects, and CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
amount of effort and coordination,” notes our clients,” concludes Neal Cordeiro, vice
ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY
Harding. “All of our subcontractors have president and CFO.
3164 Gold Camp Drive, Suite 250 | Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 | 916.463.0191 | www.descorbuilders.com
WE BUILD HOMES IN A FACTORY…
THEN WE INSTALL THEM IN THE FIELD...
IT’S WHAT WE DO….
Photo by Chip Chipman
Visit us on Facebook.com/NCCRC
Meet our partners at FactoryOS.com and RADurban.com
Learn about carpenter’s apprenticeship at CTCNC.org
UNDER ONE ROOF

Construction companies explore an all-in-one business approach
to keep costs and scheduling competitive
by RUSSELL NICHOLS

special supplement
A
fter years of planning and restructur- mation, Alhady says. The company also
ing, Clark Pacific, the West Sacramento- partners with other consultants and key
based provider of prefabricated sys- trades in the areas of civil engineering,
tems, has completed a phase of trans- mechanical, electrical and others to deliv-
formation as a one-stop shop for general er on its one-stop-shop value. Creating its
design, engineering, architecture, field op- parking vertical was a three-year process
erations and manufacturing. that required assembling experts to focus
The shift reached a milestone in June on parking and leverage best practices,
when the company launched a new digi- resulting in what Alhady calls a “pride of
tal feature for its pre-engineered parking ownership.”
structures. Called PARC Configurator, this
tool allows designers and owners to test
and compare designs, adjust parameters
(floor height, building length and width,
etc.), receive feedback and get estimates in
real time. “IF YOU’RE A BIG-TIME GENERAL
“The Configurator, because it’s loaded
with our standards and defined by the mar-
ket, all of the engineering and estimating
CONTRACTOR AND YOU LOSE THE BID,
and things that take weeks to compile, we
can do in days,” says Aaron Alhady, gener-
YOU’RE DONE. WHEREAS FOR US, WE’VE
al manager of the company’s Design-Build,
Parking Division. GOT MULTIPLE BITES AT THE APPLE.”
In general, more construction compa-
nies are taking this approach: shifting away ~ Ken Harms, vice president of business development, Kitchell Capital Expenditure Managers
from independent contractors to create
internal divisions that handle every step of
the process. This is called vertical integra-
tion. Companies choosing to vertically inte- Market demand was also the driving
grate see this all-in-one business approach force for the evolution of Kitchell, the con-
as a solid strategy against the unstable na- tractor for the renovation of Sacramento’s
ture of the construction industry. They say Memorial Auditorium and the Communi-
it keeps costs and scheduling competitive ty Center Theater. Based in Phoenix, the
while standardizing the quality of service. 69-year-old company began in 1950 as a
“In today’s construction markets, costs general contracting company. Clients kept
are going up, labor is hard to find, so many requesting additional services, so the com-
projects are going on and quality’s continu- pany expanded. Over time, by listening to
ing to wane,” says Alhady, a construction its customers, Kitchell began offering en-
veteran who joined Clark Pacific in June. gineering and architectural services, then
“We’re headed in the exact opposite direc- construction services such as construction
tion.” manager at risk and design-build project
delivery methods, then facilities mainte-
MARKET CORRECTION nance and management services.
You can’t just push a button and magically “The benefit of our vertical integration
be vertically integrated. is that we can be of service to our custom-
It takes time to gather the right people ers from start to finish on most any project,”
with a high caliber of experience, knowl- says Ken Harms, vice president of business
edge and ability to work interdependently. development for Sacramento-based Kitch-
It was the industry’s demand for manufac- ell Capital Expenditure Managers, founded
tured products and specialized services in 1978 to provide program and construc-
that influenced Clark Pacific’s transfor- tion management services.

PROPER PLANNING
Strategy is important when vertically
integrated firms bid for projects. On public-
sector projects, there may be a conflict of
interest to provide more than one service.
For example, if a company is providing
SitelogIQ
EFFICIENCY POWERED BY INTELLIGENCE
engineering services on a project, it
probably won’t be allowed to be the builder
as well.
“You could potentially conflict yourself
A
PICTURED ABOVE [L-R]: STAN BUTTS, PRESIDENT | GREGG PERRY, VICE PRESIDENT
out,” Harms says. “You have to understand
full-service facility planning, design and management company, the rules of the game for each opportunity.”
SitelogIQ is known for creating efficient work environments On the other hand, a construction com-
pany that has many divisions can multiply
and multi-unit living spaces. As the largest privately-owned
its chances to get involved.
energy efficiency contractor in the nation, SitelogIQ has served the greater
“If you’re a big-time general contractor
Sacramento area for more than 30 years. and you lose the bid, you’re done,” Harms
Over the last three decades, the company has rapidly grown and evolved. says. “Whereas for us, we’ve got multiple
bites at the apple.”
Indoor Environmental Solutions (IES) was established in 1988 and
There is also the risk of the divisions
incorporated in California in 1992, and later purchased in 2001 by brothers
working independently and not in the best
and long-time Sacramento residents Stan Butts and Charlie Butts Jr. Under interest of the overall business. The solu-
their leadership, the mechanical contracting company has experienced tion?
substantial growth. In 2017, IES joined SitelogIQ. “Overcommunicate,” Alhady says, add-
ing that Clark Pacific has a leadership group
“SitelogIQ was formed following the merger of nine industry-leading
that uses business and market analytics and
firms with decades of experience, ” says Stan Butts, president of SitelogIQ. develops standardized processes to keep all
“Collectively, we’ve worked on more than 11,000 customer sites totaling the moving parts in sync.
more than $5 billion in project value, and more than $1 billion in energy and At Rowe Fenestration, a material sup-
operational savings for clients.” plier based in Sacramento, there is a small
concern that a big construction firm might
The company has five offices in California and employs more than 600 poach its talent, but the company hasn’t
team members across the country. Deeply established in the K-12 and lost any of its 12 workers, says Bob Shar-
municipal markets, they have provided energy conservation, management, man, principal at Rowe. In fact, he adds,
and generation projects for more than 200 California School Districts; most
since most companies don’t fabricate their
own exterior envelope systems (e.g., glass
recently, completing a Proposition 39 energy services project for Twin Rivers
windows) unless it’s a really big project,
USD – a $2.1 million project that implemented HVAC system replacements, the company hasn’t really been affected by
controls, and lighting retrofits. vertically integrating firms. Because of the
comfort and flexibility of remote working,
“Our extensive portfolio extends across various facility types and throughout
Sharman doesn’t expect anyone to leave
the facility lifecycle with the goal of creating healthy, comfortable indoor
for a larger firm.
environments that promote productivity, increased output, and improved “Everyone has a home office,” Sharman
customer experiences,” says Butts. “With a strong history of success and an says. “They have the opportunity to take
immensely talented team, we are positioned for continued growth.” kids to school, go out to lunch. That’s a life-
style that’s hard to trade in for a corpora-
SitelogIQ, united with IES, specializes in Architecture, HVAC
tion. They’ve gotten offers, but, fortunately
Construction, Engineering, Energy, Lighting, Renewables and Service in for us, they turn them down.”
the Commercial, Industrial, K-12, Local, State and Federal Government,
Healthcare, Multifamily and Student Housing. NEW MODELS
This summer, DPR Construction is wrap-
ping up its replacement job for Yosem-
ite Hall (formerly Webster Hall), a four-
1512 Silica Avenue | Sacramento, CA 95658 | 877.938.7059 | www.sitelogiq.com

special supplement
story, 101,000-square-foot student-housing

project at UC Davis. Across the street from
Yosemite Hall, an Emerson Hall replace-
ment project, which is twice the size, is up
next.
Student housing projects are usual-
ly very dense, with a lot of rooms, spac-
es, walls, doors and ceilings. A lot of this
framing is typically done with wood, per-
formed on-site with a subcontractor. But
DPR Construction, based in Redwood City,
proposed a new model. Its Digital Building
Components division uses digital tools to
prefabricate building elements and handle
all engineering and design work. In win-
ning the job, Digital Building Components
created a building information model, a
3-D structure embedded with information
about the actual structure. For instance,
the model will have data such as the mate-
rials, thickness and finish for a wall.
This highly detailed building informa-
tion model is downloaded directly to the
fabrication machinery, which builds frames
WWW.MORROWSURVEYING.COM
in modules rather than individual studs and
pieces, says Nils Blomquist, DPR Construc-
tion’s business unit leader for Sacramento.
While the student housing project is a
form of vertical integration, DPR hires de- DESIGN • PRINT • INSTALL
sign firms for many of its design-build proj-
ects and subcontractors for much of the
construction trades. According to Blom-
quist, DPR doesn’t feel the need to fully in-
tegrate on all projects.
“We’re not so much focused on doing
vertical integration for its own sake,” Blom-
quist says. “But we’re looking for ways to
optimize delivery of projects so they’re
consistent, fast, cost-effective and safe.
That may lead to vertical integration, or it
may not.” n
GUARANTEED
Russell Nichols is a freelance writer who focus- LOWEST
PRICES
es on technology, culture and mental health.
His work has appeared in The Wall Street
Journal, The Boston Globe, Governing
Magazine and Government Technology. On
Twitter @russellnichols.
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special supplement
FROM BLUEPRINT
TO BUILD-OUT
Project delivery methods help construction happen
by JESSICA LASKEY
B
uild it, and they will come — but how should you contract to Meanwhile, integrated project delivery — in which owner, ar-
build it? chitect and contractor work in collaboration from the get-go — is
“You can have a great design, but if you don’t have a way not as commonly used as design-build or design-bid-build, but
to turn that vision into reality, the whole thing falls apart,” says because of its integrated structure, it is a cost-saving approach.
Chuck Hack of architecture and engineering firm Lionakis. “Proj- So how do construction companies choose? Often the client
ect delivery methods help a client bring a project to market.” selects the PDM based on how much control they want. Having
There are many different types of project delivery methods, separate service providers means more control but higher cost.
each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Tighter integration can mean reduced costs but potentially limited
Design-build is one of the most popular, in which an owner de- influence.
velops a concept, then contracts with a single company that both Here are how six regional construction firms select their
designs and constructs the project. PDMs.
Another is design-bid-build, in which an owner develops
a plan with an architect or engineer and then solicits bids from
contractors.

CHUCK HACK
PRINCIPAL OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Lionakis
2 PM Page 1 Which PDM do you use?

We do a lot of public and complex private work. The delivery method our
clients often select is design-bid-build, but we’re seeing an increase in
design-build.
Why choose design-bid-build?

When we have input, we recommend delivery methods that allow
communication and collaboration between the client, contractor and
architect early on.
What are the benefits?

DBB can be beneficial in quickly defining the scope of a project, creating
a design that addresses the client’s needs and ensuring the project is
delivered cost effectively.
What are the drawbacks?

Lack of contractor input up front can lead to design decisions that negatively
affect price, and the bidding process can make the project take longer.
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special supplement
DAN MURPHEY
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSTRUCTION
BlackPine Communities
Which PDM do you use?

Design-bid-build.

As a homebuilder, DBB is a tried-and-true format for delivering a timely
project and remaining on budget. It allows us to control our home designs,
purchasing costs and contractor selection while securing our brand.

Maintaining control of our design and brand is very important. Execution of
our construction methods is only part of the overall effort. Product design
and purchasing are just as — if not more — important to us as we contend
for position in our market.

Lack of continuity between design and execution. We overcome this
potential drawback utilizing our team’s collective and collaborative
experience within the industry.
PCBP Comstocks Aug 2019 half page ad-final.indd 1 August 2019 | comstocksmag.com 79
7/11/2019 12:35:54 PM
KELLEY COWAN
PROJECT EXECUTIVE
XL Construction

The majority of our contracts are for a guaranteed maximum price in the
form of construction manager at risk, design-build, integrated project
delivery or, with some public agencies, lease-leaseback.
Why choose design-build?

They allow us to partner with clients, architects, engineers and trade
contractors beginning in design and through construction.

Planning and coordinating the construction during the design phase allows
us to execute proactively rather than spend resources responding to issues
retroactively.

There is a misconception that “negotiated” delivery methods are more
expensive. However, when planning and coordination are done during
design, this significantly reduces change orders caused by unforeseen
conditions and lack of coordination.
RON BROWN
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Brown Construction

I prefer to use the design-build delivery contract method.

Design-build gives the contractor more control over the design methods
and, consequently, the budget.

The intent of the design-build contract is to allow the contractor to have a
contractual relationship with the design professionals on the project, and
thus it can help alleviate unnecessary cost increases on a project due to
over- or under-designed elements.

By agreeing to a design-build contract relationship, the owner is taking
on more overall risk of the project and becoming the ultimate responsible
party for errors and omissions.

special supplement
DAVID CRONIN
PRINCIPAL OWNER
Monley Cronin Construction

Our preferred method is design-bid-build.

The process of DBB provides our clients with the overall costs for the
project prior to commencement. We take great pride in delivering all
projects in a timely manner and on budget.

It’s of great importance for our clients to realize all costs associated with
their project prior to any work being performed. By utilizing DBB, we’re able
to analyze all costs associated with the project and adjust the design if we
foresee costs which would exceed the budget.

A lengthened design process; as bids are acquired, a redesign is often
implemented for budget purposes.
DAN WHEELER
VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
Turner Construction

We execute projects under multiple delivery methods, however, our
preference is design-build.

We believe it brings the highest and best value to our clients, their projects
and the end users.

Individuals and organizations must drop personal agendas and operate
with full transparency. Doing so allows all parties to focus on one singular
goal: project success. Allowing a team to operate (collaboratively) where
issues can be crushed rapidly, results in less waste, better value and a more
efficient delivery of the project. Our clients also benefit by the speed to
bringing these projects to market.

Owners must be comfortable giving up some of design control. Design-
build is a mindshift and requires owners, designers, contractors to partner,
collaborate and be vulnerable.

n SUSTAINABILITY

LPAS Architecture + Design won Best in
Show and Crowd Favorite for this design at
the Merge Fashion Show. Modeled by interior
designer Isabel Ramirez, this cocktail dress
made from interior design materials includes
a detachable skirt that transforms into a
peacock-like frill.
designing the future

Sacramento designers transform architectural
materials into future-forward fashion at the
International Interior Design Association Northern
California Chapter Merge Fashion Show
BY Jennifer Fergesen PHOTOS: Debbie Cunningham
O
utside the Hyatt Regency in down- interior design materials such as tiles,
town Sacramento, tower cranes rise carpeting and upholstery.
above the skyline, harbingers of the The 13 competing teams included
city’s burgeoning building boom. Inside, groups from local firms such as LPAS Ar-
the designers who are determining the chitecture + Design and branch offices of
new face of our city took to the runway international companies like Stantec, as
to envision our future through fashion. well as design and architecture students
On June 22, the ninth edition of the from around the region. Students are the
Merge Fashion Show, an annual fund- real star of the show at Merge; the event
raiser sponsored by the International includes an awards ceremony for three
Interior Design Association Northern IIDA scholarships, and student partici-
California Chapter, took place in the pants often end up interning or working
ballroom of the hotel. This year’s theme, at the firms they encounter at the fash-
Fit for the Future, sparked a kaleido- ion show. “It’s a great way to help solidify
scopic variety of designs, including a that they’re in the right career path and
shape-shifting cocktail dress and a dys- pursuing their passion,” says event chair
topia-ready suit of armor, all made with Michelle Moretti.

n SUSTAINABILITY
1 Ashley Fratis, an interior designer at Stantec, gets made up by a

student from Paul Mitchell the School before walking the runway
in the design that won her team a prize for Best Use of Materi-
als: a protective linoleum suit ready for the climate apocalypse.
“I couldn’t move a lot,” says Fratis, who has participated in the
event since she was a student at Sacramento State in 2013. 2 The
team from Boulder Associates architecture firm challenged them-
selves to incorporate organic shapes and greenery into its design,
coming up with a garment fit for a sylvan warrior. 3 Owen Hel-
stowski, son of Kristi Rolak, KBM-Hogue’s vice president and
general manager, models a streetwear design by team HGA/
KBM-Hogue, complete with a functional fanny pack. Event
chair Michelle Moretti was glad to see more men on the runway
this year; “Fashion isn’t just one set gender,” she says. At 15, Hel-
stowski was the youngest model in the show.

4 The models showcase their team’s designs for an encore prom-
enade. Lionakis model Casey Wong, winner of the Best Model At-
titude prize, unfurls a Pride flag as he passes the judges. 5 The
leaves on ATI Architects and Engineers’ gown, modeled by de-
signer Mariana Wisby, were hand-cut from strips of foam, and
real seaweed is on the trim of her train.

n SUSTAINABILITY
6 PBK designer Zoe Bick explains the architectural know-how

that went into this design modeled by PBK intern Henna Gabri-
el, which included a geometric shoulder plate made with slices
of hardwood flooring. 7 LPAS won Best in Show, with PBK Ar-
chitects and DLR Group taking the first and second runner-up
prizes, respectively.

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www.wideopenwalls.com
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n IN THE MAKING
PHOTOS BY FRED GREAVES, CAPTION BY SENA CHRISTIAN

SEE VIDEO OF JESSICA FILIP
AT COMSTOCKSMAG.COM
WALL WEAVINGS
Jessica Filip’s favorite weaving projects are copper-colored paint over rocks,” she says.
the large commissions that take several “So that was kind of the look I was going
weeks to complete, such as her 6-foot- for.” She uses a clothing rack as a loom, and
by-6-foot wall hanging displayed in South, a tool called a shuttle and passing stick to
a restaurant in Sacramento, or an 8-foot- create a temporary separation between the
by-12-foot piece for a client’s cabin in yarns to pass more yarn through (pictured
Montana. Her larger commissions range above). “With weaving, it’s all about going
from $1,600 to $4,000. “I love working on above and behind, and up and down, and
private commissions so much because you creating a grid,” she says. Once finished,
get to realize someone’s vision,” says the this piece will be for sale on Filip’s website;
Sacramento artist, who recently rebranded her work is also available through the
her business from The Northern Needle to West Elm Local program, which connects
Jessica Filip Studio to reflect an evolution the company with independent makers
to more serious, high-end pieces. Filip to sell their products in local stores. Filip
uses only handspun, hand-dyed yarn in completes at least one major commission
her creations. “I was very much thinking of a year in addition to these smaller pieces.
iron and earth when I started this, because “Sometimes it’s pre-sketched or pre-
of this gorgeous natural fiber,” she says of designed, and I have a very clear idea
her latest project (pictured left). For this of what I want,” she says of her artwork.
piece, she drew inspiration from the iron “And sometimes I just know the size and
deposits she saw in the fairy pools on the the color scheme, and I just kind of dive in
Isle of Skye during a recent trip to Scotland. and see what happens.”n
“It looks like somebody went in and poured

n SEED ROUND: MEET THE FOUNDER
NICK BARBATO
APPA11Y
Not long after Nick Barbato left his cubicle job in software development to start
his own gaming company, he noticed a massive gap in the industry: a lack of
games for people with visual impairments. His El Dorado Hills-based startup,
AppA11y, aims to level the playing field with a focus on accessibility.
“There was nothing out there blind people could use,” says Barbato, who
cofounded the company with Lee Hobbs. “We develop social games and
apps, where blind users can play against and communicate with friends and
family who may not be blind.”
Three years after launching in 2012, the company began using iOS,
Android and its own technologies to enable the games to be fully
accessible and give visually impaired users more context through
touch screen and audio feedback. AppA11y has released two main
apps: Dice World (which has six games) and Game World (which
has eight games). After bootstrapping everything, Barbato
wants to raise funds, primarily to hire more developers to meet
demand.
restore older VW Buses

If I could have any other job, I’d................................................................
(I have one now that I want to restore, but all my
............................................................................................................
time is spent in front of the computer)
.............................................................................................................
thick skin and grit
A startup can’t be successful without............................................................
“Can’t
The book that best represents my approach to business would be.......................
Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds”
................................................................................................................
by David Goggins
.............................................................................................................
ability to support family
My biggest fear about launching was the.........................................................
without corporate job security
...................................................................................................................
find a career
If I could give my younger self a word of advice, that would be...............................
you are passionate about
....................................................................................................................
DOES MAKING A FULLY ACCESSIBLE APP TAKE LONGER TO DEVELOP? “For what we
do, it doubles the work to make it completely accessible. There are 280
million people (around the world) with visual impairments. Some peo-
ple are colorblind, others need magnification. We have a lot of settings
in our apps to tweak the interface to fit a specific impairment.”
DO YOU TEST THE GAMES BEFORE YOU RELEASE THEM? “We have a beta test
group of about 100 visually impaired volunteers. We get feedback and
make changes. Sometimes I think I have a genius idea and send it out to
users, and it gets rejected completely. Then we get hate email and need
to reverse the changes. You’ve got to have thick skin.”
For more on AppA11y, read Russell Nichols’ Startup of the Month

column at comstocksmag.com.

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INDUSTRY Vanessa Labi, Jessica Laskey, Suzanne Lucas,

Published by Comstock Publishing Inc.

Comstock’s is published monthly by Comstock Publishing Inc, 2335

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8 comstocksmag.com | August 201 9

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August 2019 | comstocksmag.com 9

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etflix, Amazon, Airbnb and Uber state-of-the-art MEP Manufacturing Facility

WARREN SMITH SET THE STAGE

August 2019 | comstocksmag.com 15

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16 comstocksmag.com | August 2019

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August 2019 | comstocksmag.com 17

THE FOUNDATION FOR UCP OF SACRAMENTO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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18 comstocksmag.com | August 2019

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August 2019 | comstocksmag.com 19

READERS SOUND OFF thefuncompany

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August 2019 | comstocksmag.com 21

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August 2019 | comstocksmag.com 23

ILLUSTRATION: MARISSA LEWIS; ELEMENTS FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

24 comstocksmag.com | August 2019