Vacation Rental Peeping Tom | Dancing Waiter Robot Goes Rogue | Gas At $8 A Gallon: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: State officials are warning that some drivers have paid $8 a gallon for gas amid the war in Iran — and that might be illegal. Additionally, a major chain of used car dealerships has settled allegations that it dragged its feet on important DMV paperwork.

Additionally, a rogue dancing robot caused chaos at a California hot pot restaurant.

But before getting to the biggest business stories in the Golden State, here are some of the best consumer deals of the week:

Freebies, Deals And Steals

• National Burrito Day is on Thursday and restaurants large and small are offering up special deals to mark the occasion. Here's a roundup of some of the deals being offered by Chipotle, Qdoba and more.
• AMC Theatres is making trips to the movies a lot cheaper. The chain's ongoing deal lets visitors enjoy half-off movie tickets on Tuesday and Wednesdays — plus 50% off a small popcorn and drink combo to go along with it. More info here. More info.

Check out this week's top headlines for California business news on Patch:

• Rogue Dancing Robot Causes Chaos At CA Hot Pot Restaurant
• $8 Gas May Be Price Gouging At The Pump, CA Officials Warn
• CA Could Soon Start ‘Certifying’ Certain Groceries In Its War On Junk Food
• CA Burger Joint Responds To Viral Image Of Raw Beef Left Outside
• CarMax Hit With $1.1M In Penalties For Dragging Feet On Crucial DMV Paperwork: DA
• SoCal Duo Sold Drugs, Booze And Vapes To Kids On Social Media: DA
• 'Grandparent' Scammer Gets Prison For Laundering Hundreds Of Thousands From Victims: DOJ
• OC Company Illegally Towed And Sold Dozens Of Service Member Vehicles, Prosecutors Claim
• Short-Term Rental Owner Secretly Filmed Guests, Had 4,000+ Child Sexual Abuse Files: Police
• LA In Full Bloom: Olympics Organizers Debut Visual Identity Of LA28
• Conviction In Kim Kardashian Look-Alike Model Death Reached In Bay Area: Report

More Restaurant News

McDonald's Bringing Dueling KPop Demon Hunters-Themed Meals To CA

The themed menu items, collectibles and exclusive digital content will be available at participating locations.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Returns To The East Bay Next Month

The traveling cafe last rolled through the East Bay in January while celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Beloved Laguna Beach Restaurant Closes For Good As New Restaurant Moves In

A new independent restaurant based in San Clemente will take over the restaurant's building.

'Bold Flavors, Cozy Vibes': San Leandro's First Philz Coffee Now Open

The new site features a mural representing San Leandro's history and landmarks.

More Retail News

Beloved SF Bookstore Closing: 'Truly Been A Dream'

"I hold tremendous gratitude to everyone who has brought their work to our storefront over the past nine years," the store's owner said.

City Spotlights New Retail Business In Laguna Beach

Sea Love Laguna Beach offers a boutique atmosphere were patrons can enjoy personalized fragrances and home goods.

CA Fashion Giant Closes Dozens Of Stores

The retailer’s CEO said they believe the reduction of 151 locations and the launch of new sub-brands will drive a company turnaround.

More Business News

Shoplifter Knocked Out Convenience Store Clerk, Is On The Lam: LA County Sheriff

The shoplifter is on the run after knocking out a worker at a convenience store earlier this month, deputies said.

Ultimate Oscars Snub: Hollywood's Biggest Night Is Leaving Hollywood

The Academy Awards ceremony, long held in Hollywood, will soon be hosted at a new location.

Recall Of Trader Joe's Products Found In CA Stores Nears 47 Million Pounds Of Food

According to the FDA, the food was possibly contaminated with pieces of glass.

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival Contract Terminated In 2026: What To Know

An unpaid $76,000 bill led to the undoing of the four-decade-long festival, recently sold to a San Diego-based Events.com.

10-Mile Extension Of LA Metro Line Will Add 10 New Train Stations

See where Metro's latest train stations are set to be built following Thursday's plan approval.

NorCal Woman Embezzled Over $1 Million From Family-Run Business: DA

The woman was a bookkeeper from the small business, authorities said.

Ex-LAUSD Employee, Tech Vendor Charged In $22M Contracting Scheme

Prosecutors say it was one of the largest money laundering schemes in Los Angeles Unified School District history.

Long Beach City College Unveils Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center

LBCC's new performing arts center is a $102M facility named after the late Latin music icon Jenni Rivera, who's an alumnus of the school.

Displaced Tenants Press for Stronger Protections In Northern CA Town

Former residents shared emotional testimony and called on the City Council to enact immediate, strong tenant protections.