Falling Home Prices | CA's Michelin Restaurant Mecca | Worst City For New Biz: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: Police say a pair of scammers have been caught after costing Nordstrom $300,000 in fraudulent returns, Hollywood's iconic Arby's sign reemerged in the desert and one California community was named the worst small city in which to start a business.

Additionally, a new study found that those who leave California for less expensive states typically save around $700 a month on housing.

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

• Starbucks has made changes to its longstanding Rewards program, most notably with "Free mod Mondays." The promotion allows customers a complimentary beverage modification on one Monday each month. More info.
• Is mom a fried chicken fan? Raising Cane's is offering a special promotion on Mother's Day and the day after the holiday, where rewards members who buy one Box Combo can get a second one for free. More info.

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

• People Who Leave CA Save $672 Per Month On Housing
• This CA Town Of 3,000 Has 5 Michelin Restaurants
• 2 Arrested In Designer Returns Scam That Cost CA Nordstrom $300K: Police
• Home Prices Dropped In Dozens Of Big U.S. Cities, And Across CA This Year
• Iconic Hollywood Arby's Sign Reappears In The SoCal Desert
• Crime Numbers At Coachella, Stagecoach Music Fests Pale In Comparison To Economic Gains
• $400M Listing For CA Mega Mansion Aims To Be Country's Most Expensive Home Ever Sold
• CA Community Named Worst Small City To Start A Business; Residents Shrug It Off
• CA Billionaire Tax Has Enough Signatures To Qualify For The Ballot, Backers Say
• This SoCal Fast Food Brand Is Now Selling Chicken Tenders
• Man Files 1,800 Lawsuits Against SoCal Businesses For ADA Violations: Report

More Restaurant News

New Steakhouse Coming To San Diego's East County

The restaurant will feature a New York-style steakhouse concept with a focus on prime cuts, classic design and elevated service.

Downtown Disney To Close Longstanding Restaurant After 23 Years, Officials Say

The smoothie bar that has operated out of Downtown Disney for 23 years will soon close to make way for a new SoCal bubble tea shop.

Little Saint's Farm-To-Community Hub Launches Saturday

The Healdsburg restaurant expands beyond plant-based dining into CSA, wine memberships, and, on top of cottages, a national TV project.

More Retail News

New Specialty Grocery Store To Open Doors In Mission Viejo

A new locally-owned specialty market is opening its doors in Mission Viejo.

LA Mattress Store Offers After Hours Sound Baths, A Wellness And Business Mixer

A sound bath practitioner has taken the meditative experience to an unusual location, after hours at an Atwater Village mattress store.

Swingers Resort Owner Buys Historic Berkeley Theater: Report

The theater closed during the pandemic.

From Bank Vault To Lamorinda Creekside Destination

Plans to turn a former bank building into creekside dining, nightlife, and community gathering spaces reshapes Orinda Village core.

Large Gym Chain To Close Long Beach Facility

LA Fitness has announced that one of its locations in the Long Beach area is closing soon.

More Business News

Medicare Fraudster Sentenced In $14M LA County Hospice Scheme

The scammers conned Medicare out of millions, according to federal prosecutors.

San Francisco International Airport To Allow Visitors Past Security, Goodbyes At The Gate

Applications for a Gate Explorer pass can be made on the same day of an airport visit and up to 30 days in advance, SFO said in a release.

Home prices dropped in dozens of big U.S. Cities This Year. Here's Where.

Median sale prices dipped in the first three months of 2026 in 39 out of the largest 129 cities across the U.S., with many in California.

A Landlocked East Bay Yacht Club Drops Anchor Forever: The After Hours

For nearly three decades, the joke was part of the charm: a yacht club with no harbor, no marina and no water in sight.

Elon Musk And OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Head To Court In High-Stakes Showdown Over AI

The trial centers on the birth of ChatGPT maker OpenAI as a nonprofit primarily funded by Musk before becoming a $852B capitalist venture.

Pacific Palisades Architect Unveils Easy-To-Build, Fire-Resistant Home

Ardie Tavangarian and his company, Arya Group Inc, are known for specializing in unique high-end modern residential estates.

Fire Destroys Commerce Warehouse Storing Cotton Materials, LA County Firefighters Say

The fire was reported at around 10:10 a.m. in the 6400 block of Corvette Street, Los Angeles County Fire Department crews told CBS LA.

Air Regulators Fine Valero Benicia Refinery $3.25 Million For Multiple Air Quality Violations

"This penalty holds Valero accountable for air quality violations and makes clear that noncompliance has consequences,"said Dr. Philip Fine.

1 In 4 CA Homes For Sale In Major Cities Only Last A Week, New Data Shows

The data shows a higher demand for housing in northern and southern coastal cities.

Major CA Airline On Brink Of Closure As Taxpayer Bailout Falters: Report

The airline has been attempting to get a $500 million infusion of cash from the federal government, according to a report.

Disney, San Diego Port Strike Landmark Deal With 1M Passenger Pledge

The deal marks the first time in more than 20 years that a cruise line has offered a minimum annual guarantee at the Port of San Diego.

Deadly Crash Damages Historic Elephant Car Wash Sign In Rancho Mirage

The crash cause remains under investigation. The Elephant Car Wash has served the Coachella Valley since 1966.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport Reaches Settlement With SFO In Naming Dispute

Officials in both cities announced Tuesday that a settlement has been reached and both parties will drop their respective lawsuit

Legendary SoCal Radio Station To End FM Broadcast

The FM station will stop broadcasting with its current format this week.

Bay Area Tech Workers Feeling The Strain Amid Mounting Layoffs Across The Industry

Employment experts said the result is an intensely competitive job market, even as broader unemployment rates remain relatively low.

Popular Chocolate Recalled Over Salmonella Risk

The San Leandro-based company voluntarily recalled the product on Monday.

$4M In Stolen Cargo Seized, Suspect Arrested By LASD

Authorities seized some $4 million in stolen cargo during a recent investigation in Los Angeles County.

Scammers May Target LA28 Olympics Tickets Purchasers, Officials Warn

State officials are warning would-be Olympics ticket buyers to watch out for scams.

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