Business & Tech
SF's Dorm Room Craze | Social Security Woes | Goodbye Palm Trees?: 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: the Trump administration's targeting of Social Security is already having an impact on beneficiaries, Los Angeles' love affair with the palm tree may need to come to an end, and 180 different breweries worldwide are uniting behind wildfire relief.
Additionally, people in San Francisco are lining up to rent 100-square-foot dorm rooms.
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
This one is just for the lucky 10 million people who live in Los Angeles County: Ahead of the busy summer season, Santa Monica hotels are offering special discounts for locals. Those looking to book a "staycation" at the beach city can get up to 25% off hotel stays through April 17.
Make sure to mark your calendar: Gourmet ice cream purveyor Salt & Straw will give away free waffle cones with the purchase of any scoop on Earth Day, April 22. Check out more information here, including a rundown of some of the chain's special seasonal flavors.
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Monday is the last day Amazon Prime members can take advantage of $5 off orders of $20 or more on Grubhub.
Macy's is offering a 7-piece Clinique gift with the purchase of $37 worth of Clinique products while supplies last. The gift includes a makeup bag, eyeliner, lipstick, mascara, and a choice of moisture surge and eye cream or clinical repair wrinkle correcting cream and serum.
Jack In The Box is serious about Taco Tuesday. The chain offers two free tacos with any purchase made through the mobile app on Tuesdays.
Check out this week's top headlines for California business news on Patch:
- Trump Research Cuts Hit CA, Limiting Studies On Aids, Domestic Violence And More
- Why People In San Francisco Are Eager To Rent 100-Square-Foot Dorms For $1,000
- Trump's Targeting Of Social Security Causes Major Headaches: What You Can Do
- CEO’s Fraudulent App Pitch Funded Rolls-Royce, Malibu Mansion, Yacht Repairs
- Newsom Touts Career Master Plan As His Governorship Begins To Wind Down
- Man Arrested, Accused Of Stealing Thousands Of Lego Sets: Sheriff
- Honda, Sony Premiere New Electric Vehicle
- Sales Tax Jumps to 10.5% In Several CA Cities
- 180 Breweries Worldwide, 180 Different Beers, One Message: 'We Love LA'
- New Tariffs: These 10 Products May Get Pricier In CA
- It May Be Time For Los Angeles To Ditch The Palm Tree — Here's Why
The Bottom Line
- If you ask Gov. Gavin Newsom, California is the "tentpole of the U.S. economy." That's why he wants to skip over the pains of President Donald Trump's tariffs and negotiate trade deals directly with other countries.
- Speaking of tariffs: The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle one third of all U.S. trade. And officials at the ports are bracing for a decline in cargo volume, which could have a ripple effect on Southern California’s economy, where one in nine jobs is connected to port operations.
More Restaurant News
Truffle Pig Winery Prepares To Open In 2025 At Former Avensole Winery
Meet Truffle Pig. Temecula Valley Wine Country's newest winery will open in Spring 2025, and there's much more to the story than the name.
1 CA Eatery Named Among Nation's 'Restaurants Of The Year'
See which CA restaurant was tabbed by food and dining writers from across the USA Today network as one of the best to try out in 2025.
McDonald's first adult happy meal collaboration with scannable in-game experiences comes out this week with the Minecraft movie.
Well-Loved Restaurant To Close In OC
Cibo Italiano will have its last day of operation on Saturday, April 5, according to restaurant owners.
6 CA Restaurants, 5 Chefs Nominated For 2025 James Beard Awards
Six Golden State restaurants received the prestigious nod in a variety of categories, including Outstanding Restaurateur.
New Chick-Fil-A Opens Doors In Orange County
The fast food eatery is operated by a local resident.
Hooters Restaurant Chain Files Bankruptcy: What It Means In CA
The complicated bankruptcy filing is designed to keep many locales open.
Two cheesemakers won Best of Show, while a third was honored for best cow's milk hard cheese.
Meyhouse Turkish Restaurant Opening At City Center
The upscale Turkish restaurant currently has locations in Palo Alto and Sunnyvale.
More Retail News
RivCo's Newest Goodwill Store Opens In April: What To Know
The newest series of Goodwill stores is planned in Riverside County, opening in early April, 2025.
The Shops At Mission Viejo Announces Expansion: What To Know
The Shops at Mission Viejo is adding an outdoor shopping and dining "village" slated for completion in 2026.
Bay Area Businesses Worried They'll Have To Pass On Costs From Trump Tariffs
With President Trump announcing sweeping tariffs on imports, businesses that rely on goods from out of the country are worried.
More Business News
Sound Stage Occupancy In LA Drops Again In 2024: Film LA Study
Occupancy at Los Angeles' production facilities continued to drop in 2024, according to a new study.
Why Kim Kardashian's Skims HQ Building Sold For $105M
The Hollywood building that houses Kim Kardashian's company was recently sold for $105 million.
Temecula Valley's Top Hospitality, Tourism Professionals Awarded
Inspired by the Greek word “Xenia,” which is defined as hospitality or generosity shown to Temecula travelers.
Record Number Of California Residents Are Trading In Teslas
New data shows that the number of Tesla owners trading in their EVs jumped nearly 250% this month, year over year.
CA, Western States Fall Short in Wastewater Recycling Efforts: UCLA
A new report shows that despite severe drought conditions, California is one of the Colorado River states that lags in recycling water.
College students seeking paid gigs through the fall and going into the first half of 2026 are encouraged to apply for internships.
Padel, A Fast-Growing Sport, Has Become A New Obsession For Silicon Valley
These days, Luis Schilling and his team are looking for an investor who can turn his startup into a powerhouse.
Family Of Woman Found Dead Inside Vehicle At SD Tow Yard Sues City
Monica Liliana Cameroni de Adams' parked van was struck by an intoxicated driver on Nov. 5, 2023.
SoCal Plumbing Contractor Sentenced For Fraud
The contractor was ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution in a workers' compensation fraud case brought by local prosecutors.
Hoag Hospital Awarded Iconic 'Ziggurat' Building In OC
The facility was originally going to be awarded to Pintar Investment Co. and Hilco Development Service, the OC Business Journal reported.
RealPage Sues Berkeley City Officials Over Rental Algorithm Ban
Berkeley's decision followed moves by cities around the country, including San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose and Philadelphia.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.