In-N-Out Expansion | Harassing Credit Collection Comeuppance | Mass Layoffs: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: The chance to get Olympic 2028 tickets cin California drives a frenzy, mass layoffs are beginning at multiple California companies, and a retail giant has agreed to pay out $100 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of defrauding gig workers.

Additionally, a pair of longtime SoCal news anchors were among several on-air journalists impacted by layoffs at a major news station.

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

• It seems you can't go out anymore without spending at least $50, so it is refreshing when some events are free. The craft store Michaels is holding a series of free activities for children in March. There's a free easter-egg-making class on Sunday, March 15 and a Bunny frame-making class for kids on Sunday, March 29.
• Baseball season is back! Fans can win a chance at a trip to spring training in Florida by entering this sweepstakes presented by Harrah's Cherokee Casino in partnership with Major League Baseball. The last day to enter is March 5.

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

• 5M People Register For LA Olympics Tickets — But There's Still Time To Sign Up
• Mass Layoffs Begin At These Major Bay Area Companies
• CA Fast Food Giant To Close Hundreds Of Locations In 2026
• Capital One's Alleged Harassment Phone Calls Lead To $10.2M Judgment In Riverside Court
• Bay Area Daycare Owner Pleads Guilty In Toddler Drownings: Report
• Measles Confirmed In Person Who Went To Bay Area Restaurant

More Restaurant News

Explosions Under LA County Pizzeria Prompt Emergency Response

Several explosions occurred underneath an LA County pizza restaurant on Sunday afternoon.

Palm Desert Food And Wine Festival Returns In March, 2026

The event offers a diverse selection of food, premium wines, hands-on cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and much more in Mid-March.

New Patisserie Opens Doors At Montage Laguna Beach

The French-inspired dining concept will feature artisanal pastries, desserts and coffee in a coastal setting.

Beloved Restaurant Closes Shop In San Juan Capistrano

The restaurant, located at River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano, will close its doors permanently on March 1.

​​New Greek Restaurant To Open Doors In Newport Beach: Report

A new restaurant will open its doors where Pizzeria Mozza once operated, The Orange County Register reported.

Walnut Creek Opens Arms To Italian Restaurant No. 15

Walnut Creek is getting ready to welcome an 8,500-square-foot Italian-inspired restaurant with seating for more than 200.

Hip-Hop Eatery Marathon Burger Opening 1st Long Beach Location

The chain, founded by the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, is partnering with Snoop Dogg to open a Pine Avenue location on Sunday.

What Does Olympic Gold Taste Like? Find Out With A New Ice Cream Honoring Alysa Liu

Historic Fentons Creamery in Oakland created a limited-time ice cream flavor to celebrate Liu's historic win.

Second In-N-Out Burger Opens In Lake Elsinore

The long-planned fast-food eatery opened Thursday at 18490 Dexter Avenue.

Well-Loved Laguna Beach Eatery Hosts Estate Sale Ahead Of Closure

The '20s-inspired restaurant known for its inspiring ambiance will host a silent auction and estate sale prior to closing permanently.

New Acai Bowl, Coffee Spot Opens Up In Dana Point

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Alohana Acai Bowls & Coffee.

4 Newly-Opened Restaurants Spotlighted In Mission Viejo

A slew of new eateries have recently opened in Mission Viejo. What to know.

Pleasanton Restaurants Participating In Tri-Valley Restaurant Week

See the deals in Pleasanton and beyond, and learn how to enter to win a Grand Prize of free dining, wine tastings, and culinary experiences.

More Retail News

Shoplifting Suspects Arrested After Foot Chase In San Mateo: Police

Two men face charges including shoplifting, conspiracy, and drug possession after attempting to flee officers, police said.

SF Woman Arrested For Burglary After Shoplifting Merchandise From Lululemon: Police

Police said they also found a switchblade and drug paraphernalia on the woman.

LA's Oldest Toy Store Burglarized: 'I Don't Know How We'll Recover'

The burglar stole the business’s priciest Lego sets, according to KTLA.

Man Terrorized Trans Shopkeeper During String Of Sexual Assault And Hate-Crime Attacks: DA

The attacks began after the woman refused a man's sexual advances. He later found out she was trans while assaulting her, prosecutors claim.

$1.5 Million In Stolen Amazon Items, Other Products Seized By LA County Authorities

Authorities seized $1.5 million in stolen cargo this week, according to sheriff's officials.

Thieves Target South OC Store; 3 Arrested For Stealing $2.4K In Booze

Three people were arrested after deputies linked them to alcohol thefts at grocery stores in Orange County.

Livermore Man Accused Of Using Stolen Credit At Dozens Of Local Shops: Police

A 46-year-old Livermore man went on a shopping spree using a card he found, police said.

More Business News

CA's Largest Movie Theater Chain To Close Locations

The largest movie theater chain in California plans to close even more locations after shuttering 213 theaters over the past five years.

Ultimate Poker Win At Pechanga Resort Casino: Nearly $500K In Progressive Jackpot

A SoCal guest won the jackpot playing Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker on a Sunday morning at Pechanga Resort Casino. See how it went down.

Longtime SoCal News Anchors, Weatherman, And Reporters Laid Off Amid Major Merger

On Wednesday, two longstanding KTLA anchors and a morning weatherman were among those let go by the station.

OC Man Embezzled Thousands From Tech Company, Prosecutors Say

The employee of a Orange County-based lab and technical furniture company pleaded not guilty Thursday.

Hospitality Business, Corporate Building Under Construction In Banning

If you see buildings under construction driving into Banning, here's what is coming.

Why Layoffs Are Spreading In California’s Wine Country

Experts are still debating the reasons for a fall in wine profits. But in the wine industry reset, workers pay the price with their jobs.

Tourism OK, But Worry Over Impact: Sonoma County Seen Through Survey

Sonoma County residents responding to a survey mostly agree about the good, bad, and what's missing, but reflected geographic differences.

Corporate Giant Agrees To Pay $100M For Deceiving Gig Workers: FTC

Walmart was accused of misleading gig workers about how much they could earn on specific deliveries, authorities said.