LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Rediscovering the Meaning of ‘ Onward ’
PHOTO BY TERENCE DUFFY
You can ’ t reopen an envelope or a can of soup . But you can reopen a state and an entire country . As we learned in May , the number of new COVID-19 cases has finally flattened , which has led governors throughout the United States to drop or seriously modify emergency restrictions that had the dual ( and warring ) impact of saving lives and , in some cases , severely harming business . And now , each day we read about postponed events being rescheduled , venues being reopened , and the job , real estate and stock markets reinvigorating themselves . In California , Gov . Gavin Newsom has announced a full reopening June 15 .
As this issue of Comstock ’ s magazine looks at the likely resurrection of such vitally essential industries as health care and real estate , we pause to enjoy a collective sigh of relief . Our cover story on the strength of the Capital Region ’ s golf industry to survive and flourish over the past year offers a comprehensive glimpse into that most American of pastimes , one which we appropriated from the Scots and made our own . We also take a look at jobs in the regional health care sector , discover who ’ s being hired and learn about those who walked away from the daily dangers of disease and uncertainty . We examine how the pandemic caused those working in commercial real estate — architects , contractors , engineers and others — to drastically alter the way they do business , and what has been learned through that process .
A field that thrived during this crisis is the news media . In times of turmoil , people turn to television , podcasts , radio , newspapers , social media and , of course , magazines like ours , which focus on leadership , to offer perspective . The facts were rarely reassuring until recently — but , at our best , we Americans are resilient and rational . It ’ s almost as though our national mantra is : We can face anything if we ’ re trusted with the truth .
Riding out this tidal wave of tragedy and hope has proved challenging for all of us , but it has also motivated many companies , nonprofits and individuals to step up and meet the challenge . As a businessperson , I ’ ve been quite proud of the way the private sector has upped its game as circumstances kept upping the ante . We have found ways to innovate and evolve to meet the changing needs of customers and the everchanging public health restrictions placed upon us . It ’ s been a whirlwind , really .
We certainly know that reopening our economy isn ’ t a done deal . I received an email from Thomas E . Jones , executive director of the Aerospace Museum of California , in McClellan , that perhaps best illustrates the caution and optimism guiding our region ’ s leaders .
Tom writes that he and his board are “ hopeful for a full reopening with no restrictions this year . In 2020 , we were open as an outside airpark for much of ( the ) year and served thousands of guests through the pandemic in a safely distanced , masked , engaging outdoor space . In addition , we remodeled the spaces and freshened the entire museum . It looks great ! Due to current ( Sacramento ) County health restrictions , and several other factors ,” he continues , “ we are closely evaluating each requested in-person group event as the opportunity arises . Some have been approved . In addition , we have lots of kids registered across our 10 weeks of summer camp plus several tours and field trips are scheduled over the coming months . The public is hungry for engaging content and we ' re providing it in every way possible !”
This sense of adaptability , which has both safety and optimism as equal components , is what this region has always been about , and why I love its truly indomitable spirit . The overarching point is that if you ever become mired in quicksand , it simply won ’ t help you to spend time wondering how you got trapped there . All that really matters is finding a way to get out of it .
The wonderful author Janet Fitch , who ’ s visited our region on book tours and for speaking engagements numerous times , wrote in “ White Oleander ,” one of her most celebrated and popular novels , “ The phoenix must burn to emerge .” Can we interpret this to mean that this horrifying pandemic presented us with the opportunity to arise from the ashes of uncertainty , fear and much worse , as stronger and more committed to excellence in our work and lives ?
I ’ m always extremely grateful for the support we ’ ve received from our readers , our advertising clients , our sponsors and our talented team of writers , designers , photographers and illustrators , and each and every individual who has a hand in being part of creating our magazine monthly . Next month , in July , we start our 33rd year of publishing . I couldn ’ t be happier that we ’ re still at it and loving it , even in spite of all the challenges we so often face . Together , we ’ ve rediscovered the meaning of the battle cry , “ Onward !” Now , please sit back and enjoy this issue . We feel privileged to bring it to you .
What do you think ? Let me know at winnie @ comstocksmag . com .
Winnie Comstock-Carlson President and Publisher
June 2021 | comstocksmag . com 17