Business & Tech
Resort Bans Kids | Utility Rate Hike Coming | Robbery Backfires: CA Business News
Catch up with the latest CA consumer and business news, plus under-the-radar stories and the week's best sales and freebies.
CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: 8 million homeowners are set to be hit with a new fee, pay raises aren't keeping up with inflation in several California cities, and a ban on kids at one Golden State resort may be illegal.
Additionally, UCLA says President Donald Trump's economic policies could be a recipe for recession.
But before getting to the biggest business stories in the Golden State, here are some of the best consumer deals of the week:
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Freebies, Deals And Steals
Not normally known for freebies, PG&E is providing 3,000 free trees to customers across its service area this spring. It's part of an effort to make residents aware of the safe distance trees must be from power lines.
In celebration of March Madness, Wendy's is offering its Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and Double Stack for just $1 each with any purchase made through the app. The promotion runs until April 13.
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Olive Garden is bringing back a deal that hasn't been around for five years. The Italian chain will offer its Buy One, Take One menu between March 24 and May 4: Customers who order an entree at the restaurant get to take home another dish for free. Prices start at $15. More information here.
Check out this week's top headlines for California business news on Patch:
- Getaway Gone Wrong: Burglars Fleeing SoCal Restaurant Get Stuck
- Recipe For Recession: Trump Policies Could Lead To Economic Downturn, UCLA Finds
- Kids Are Banned At This CA Resort — But That Might Be Illegal
- 8 Million CA Homeowners To Be Hit With New Fee
- A Filmmaker Promised Netflix A TV Series — He Bought 5 Rolls-Royces Instead: DOJ
- University Of California Announces Systemwide Hiring Freeze As Funding Cuts Loom
- CA Forever 21 Stores To Close Down Amid Bankruptcy Filing
- 6 CA Cities Among Top 10 U.S. Cities With Highest Credit Card Debt
- 5 Arrested In String Of NorCal Retail Thefts
- Teslas Spray-Painted With Swastikas At CA Dealership
- 'Sham' CA Health Insurers Must Return $800K To Consumers
- How Did 2 'Crime Tourists' Get Ahold Of Notorious Ex-LAPD officer Christopher Dorner's Gun?
- Pay Raises In These CA Cities Failed To Keep Up With Inflation: Ranking
- Grocery Store Roof Collapses On 2 People In NorCal
- Dollar General To Close Dozens Of Stores: What To Know In CA
The Bottom Line
- PG&E has asked state regulators to allow it to once again increase residential utility rates so it can give its shareholders more profit. Last year, it increased electricity rates on five times and lowered bills once, equating to an average annual bill increase of $440.
- California continues to make major progress in building out the state's electric vehicle charging infrastructure. A new report from Axios found that between August and February, the number of public chargers in the state increased over 17% — adding more than 26,000 EV chargers in six month.
- California's largest insurer, State Farm, will be allowed to increase home insurance rates by 22% after approval by state regulators. The company said it made the request in response to the wildfires that tore through Los Angeles County in January.
More Restaurant News
Chick-fil-A Tests 2 New Treats In One CA Market
The fast food chain is testing new menu items at certain locations in San Diego, Salt Lake City, Chicago and Tampa.
OC Chinese Restaurant Closes After 4 Decades In Business
The restaurant opened in 1985 as a family business and is set to reopen after renovations are complete.
Fire Damages Iconic LA Restaurant
The one-time celebrity mainstay featured in "Chinatown," "Training Day" and "L.A. Confidential" has fared poorly since it became a monument.
Better Buzz, Ono Hawaiian BBQ Move Forward In Temecula Town Center
Chain link fencing now blocks off the old Claim Jumper Restaurant & Saloon, a sign of progress for two new restaurants under construction.
More Retail News
'Paris' Comes To South OC With Springtime Boutique Event
Residents can enjoy shopping unique, handcrafted items at the Springtime in Paris Boutique on Saturday, April 5.
LSPACE opened its newest brick-and-mortar storefront at Westfield UTC.
New Maternity Clinic Coming To Bay Area
The holistic care includes a doula, and a nurse midwife.
Plato's Closet Reopens Pleasanton Location
The second-hand clothing shop is reopening after closing in October, and is offering a number of prizes in its first few days.
It's Baby Goat Season At Harley Farms
The award-winning San Mateo County cheese maker offers farm tours, along with a farm shop selling cheeses, jams, soaps, and more.
SoCal Police Vow Crackdown On Illegal Cannabis, Nicotine Vapes
Police in the South Bay are vowing to crack down on illegal cannabis and nicotine products.
More Business News
Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer shares her thoughts on LA's spirit and heartache, the mistakes, threats, and lessons of the pandemic.
Google To Buy Cybersecurity Firm For $32 Billion
The deal is the biggest in the company's history.
CA Brewer Says Tariffs Already Impacting Beer Business
The brewer says he feels like a pawn in a game of chess over tariffs.
Danville Businesses Wanted For Teen Hiring Fairs
Local businesses wanting teen employees can register for two job fairs at MVHS and SRVHS in April.
Bay Area Landlord Charged With Harassment And Fraud
Alameda's laws provide civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each separate violation – or $2,500 per day per violation, whichever is more.
A dedicated crew — composed of three individuals with disabilities and one job coach — will maintain the airport year-round, seven days a week.
Violent Attacks On Tesla Dealerships Spike Amid Elon Musk's DOGE
"Tesla is an easy target. They're rolling down our streets. They have dealerships in our neighborhoods."
CVS Store Rammed With Car In Attempted ATM Theft: Police
Police are seeking three to five masked suspects who drove a stolen car through the front doors of the business.
PG&E Customers To Receive $125 Bill Credit In April
Residential and small business customers will receive the California Climate Credit.
DA Announces $1.28M Settlement With Astound Broadband
Inspections at Astound facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco, Yolo and Placer counties revealed the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste.
El Cajon-based Savage Pet recalled products following reports of two cats contracting bird flu after eating the raw chicken pet food.
Pink Slips Issued To Santa Clara County Head Start Program
"Obviously, this region is extremely expensive to live in — and this is a critical program for the people who need it most."
About 20 Staffers Laid Off At San Diego TV Station: Report
Scripps owns 61 stations in 41 markets.
Median Home Prices Drop in Statewide — But LA County Bucks The Trend
Statewide, median home price dropped from January to February.
Men with guns held up a cigarette truck that was making a delivery at a NorCal gas station.
Scripps Health To Build New Medical Center Campus In San Diego County
The Scripps San Marcos Medical Center campus will include an ambulatory care facility and acute care hospital.
Barbie Manufacturer To Lay Off Dozens at CA Headquarters
Toy companies have been preparing for the potential impact of President Trump's tariffs on imports from countries where products are made.
Temecula Chamber Honors Citizens, Businesses At 59th Gala Celebration
Mark Macarro of Pechanga Resort Casino was given a lifetime achievement award at the 59th Annual Awards Ceremony.
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