Business & Tech
Beloved Restaurant Closing | Trump's Special 'Hollywood Ambassadors' | Driverless Big Rigs
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: A new study has quantified just how much more expensive it is to buy then rent a home in the Bay Area, Hollywood hasn't heard much from President Donald Trump's "special ambassadors" to the film industry and the state now has a bigger economy than Japan — and the fourth-largest in the entire world.
Additionally, California has plenty of driverless taxis, but now state regulators want to start testing tractor trailers with no drivers.
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
- Walmart is kicking off Walmart+ Week on Monday, offering seven days of deals for members of its Amazon Prime-competing service. Subscribers can get one free express delivery to their homes, enjoy 50¢ off per gallon of gas and get sale prices on everything from home appliances to toys. More information is available on Walmart's website.
- Burger King's newest drink is a sugar-fiend's daydream — a strawberry or blue raspberry slushy topped with Nerds candy. The drink is available across California now and will be available throughout May for free — though without the candy topping — with 1 $1 purchase through the Burger King App.
Check out this week's top headlines for California business news on Patch:
- Hollywood Hears 'Crickets' From Trump's 'Special Ambassadors:' Report
- Towing Company That Auctioned Navy Lieutenant's Car While He Was Deployed At Sea Settles
- Renting Is Nearly 200% Cheaper Than Buying In This CA Metro
- Elon Musk's X Sues Minnesota Over AI Deepfake Social Media Law
- NorCal City Offers $200K To First-Time Homebuyers
- Special Interests Poured More Than Half A Billion Into California Lobbying Last Year
- Gas Prices Drop Significantly For CA Drivers
- ICE Detains Day Laborers Outside Home Depot
- California Now Has 4th Largest Economy In World
- Talent Agent Stole $1.8 Million From 160 Actors: District Attorney
- Less Than 18% Of Californians Can Afford A SoCal Home: Survey
- Mark Zuckerberg's Schools For Low-Income Families To Close Permanently
- Charter Jet Service Offers Adds Flights Between Napa, SoCal For $189
The Bottom Line
- The Port of Los Angeles — one of the nation's busiest — anticipates a 35% decline in imports over the next two weeks thanks to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Port Executive Director Gene Seroka reported that shipments from China have significantly decreased. The decline is expected to have a ripple effect on the Southern California economy.
- California has driverless cars on the road, but the state is the only one in the union that explicitly bans autonomous tractor trailers. Now, the DMV is proposing new regulations that would allow companies to begin testing driverless big rigs on public roads.
More Restaurant News
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Facing financial pressure, California-based Jack in the Box is also considering selling its other restaurant brand: Del Taco.
This marks the first Tri-Valley store featuring weekly rotating cookie menus.
New Korean-Style Chicken Franchise In Coachella Valley Opens To Rave Reviews
If it's your first time trying bb.q Chicken, prepared to be hooked.
Newport Beach Steakhouse Announces Closure After 20 Years: Report
Seafood-steakhouse chain Eddie V's in Newport Beach will close its doors on June 15, The Orange County Register reported.
Temecula Winery Dubbed A 'Feels Like Europe' Destination
Want to feel like you're in Europe without breaking the bank or spending over 10 hours on a plane? Temecula may be your best SoCal option.
More Retail News
CVS Pharmacy In San Francisco Closing In Mid-May
CVS Health said it'll be closing the CVS Pharmacy on May 15.
SF's Union Square Getting New Food And Fashion Pop-Up Stores
"After taking time to focus on my health and family, I'm excited to share our beloved al pastor menu with the community once again."
Natural Foot Spa is proposing a range of therapeutic services, including cupping, deep tissue massage, foot massage, and full-body massage.
San Francisco's Fort Mason Market Moves To Monthly Event After Seeing Success
Fort Mason officials say more than 10,000 people showed up for that inaugural night.
Watch: Landmark Old English Village In Long Beach To Be Destroyed
Say 'Cheerio' to Mary's Gate Village also known as the Old English Village by the Queen Mary as demolition begins.
'Prestigious' Butcher Shop Opening In Manhattan Beach This Summer
The new Manhattan Beach location at 1121 Artesia Blvd. will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
More Business News
As Tesla's Sales And Profit Tumble, Investors Ask Elon Musk To Ditch DOGE And Return To Automaker
Musk's activities with DOGE could dampen demand for Tesla vehicles by a permanent 15% to 20%.
Since Trump's swearing-in, combined market value for the companies has plunged by $3.8 trillion, or 22%, as of April 20.
A Kaiser Strike By Mental Health Workers Drags On — Setting A US Record — As Talks Resume
Almost half a year into the dispute, 8 striking Kaiser mental health workers wrapped up a hunger strike as negotiations are to resume.
Homeowners Sue, Accuse Insurance Companies Of Collusion After LA Fires
The plaintiffs say these companies conspired to cancel existing policies and stopped issuing new ones in high-risk wildfire areas.
Berkeley Group Makes Last-Ditch Appeal To Stop Demolition Of Historic Theater
The United Artists Theater in Berkeley opened to great fanfare in 1932, owned by the movie studio created by film star Charlie Chaplin.
California May Need To Revolt Against Utility Companies
In 2021, California’s big three utilities either could not account for or diverted $240 million, $700 million and $1.5 billion in money.
If you're looking for a new place to call home, Consumer Affairs just compiled a list of some of the best communities to relocate to in CA.
'Crime Tourists' Caught Red-Handed Stealing $10K From Victim Pumping Gas: DOJ
Federal investigators watched the crew target their victim at an ATM and follow the unsuspecting woman, according to prosecutors.
Compton Woman Suspected Of Fraud In LA Wildfires Scheme
Deanniah Hogan, 32, is suspected of filing a false claim on Jan. 26 in connection with the Palisades Fire, according to prosecutors.
Ex-Workers Try To Stop ChatGPT Maker's Conversion From Non-Profit
"OpenAI may one day build technology that could get us all killed."
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