This week in California business news: AI could be deciding prices at McDonalds — and some customers are paying more and the beloved closed chain Souplantation is planning its return.
Additionally, deadly e-bike crashes across the state have shaped three new California safety laws.
But before getting to the biggest business stories in the Golden State, here are some of the best consumer deals of the week:
Check out this week's top headlines for California business news on Patch:
After Fire, Lamorinda Restaurant Plans Reopening
Owners expect to reopen in a few weeks and direct customers to their Danville location.
Zephyr's Bar & Grill, Beloved Livermore Restaurant, To Close After 22 Years
Zephyr Grill & Bar will serve its final customers at the end of this month, almost a year after reopening following a fire.
Danville Could Make Downtown Restaurant Parklets Permanent
New rules would allow restaurants to keep using parking spaces for outdoor dining, with new design and safety requirements.
Leslie's Pool Supplies Chain To Close 26 CA Stores Amid Bankruptcy
The California-born retail giant is closing 26 California stores as part of a nationwide restructuring plan.
Major Hotel Project For Wildomar Runs Into More Delays
The developer needs additional time to obtain financing for the project at 22720 Wildomar Trail, according to city documents.
TurboTax Plans 3-Story Flagship Store On Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade
The tax software giant will open two floors in January before expanding into a third floor and rooftop later in 2027.
City National Bank Returns To Pacific Palisades After Wildfire Closure
City National Bank has reopened its Palisades Village branch.
LA Lawmakers, Unions Rally For Federal Film Tax Credit
"When a production leaves this country, the stars still work. The crew is who gets left behind," one lawmaker said.
LA County Eyes Ban On Massive Data Centers Over Water, Energy Concerns
The proposal would prohibit large-scale data centers in every zone of unincorporated Los Angeles County.
Google Launches Gemini AI Workplace Agent That Can Write Code And Run Tasks, Company Says
Gemini can write and run code, create images and media and integrate with Google products like Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Sheets.
San Francisco, Oakland Approve 45-Day Moratoriums On Data Centers
The two cities paused development for 45 days to study their effects and take community feedback into account.
Jeanie Buss Siblings File Opposition To Her Efforts To Block Laker Sale
If the Buss Family Trust sells its remaining shares, Jeanie Buss would be ineligible to serve on the board of governors.
Pensions Could Get Bump With New Law In Sonoma County
New law lets supervisors target pension increases after inflation eroded retirees' purchasing power for years.
American Canyon Land Plan Faces Lawsuit Over Boundaries
A proposed Highway 29 alternative moves forward as developers challenge the city's plans to expand.
Burbank Airport Holds Ribbon-Cutting For New Terminal
The brand-new terminal at the Burbank Airport is getting ready to welcome passengers.
Santa Monica's Economic Slump Worse Than Peer Cities, RAND Study Finds
Taxable sales plunged nearly 33 percent over a decade, while researchers found crime and homelessness heavily concentrated downtown.
Riverside County Job Fair Draws Nearly 2,000 Willing Workers Amid Sluggish Labor Market
The annual event drew a line of eager applicants before doors even opened, and provided a direct pipeline between workers and employers.
Postal Service To Host Job Fairs In Menifee, Murrieta On Oct. 16
Postal employees will be on site to answer questions about job openings, the agency said
LA County Investigates FAIR Plan Over Wildfire Claim Delays, Denials
The county's investigation focuses on potential violations of California's Unfair Competition Law.
Loma Linda University Health Unveils New Pediatric Specialty Clinics
The new clinic will house more than 21 pediatric specialties and 149 exam rooms.
LAPD Union To Spend Millions Fighting LA Fire Department Tax Measure
The union representing police officers plans to fight against a proposed sales tax increase to support the LAFD.
Delta Uncorks New Route From Wine Country
Delta's new Salt Lake City flights carry travelers and wine while expanding Sonoma County's reach.
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