Free Park Admission | Bar/Market 'Bardega' Opening | Low Income At $100K | ICE Economy: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: Economists say the Golden State could feel the impacts of ongoing ICE raids due to its outsized dependency on immigrant labor. Also, state officials have crunched the numbers — and those making $100,000 annually are now considered low income in five counties.

Additionally, a SoCal restaurant owner is fed up as vehicles keep careening off a road and 25 feet down an embankment onto his property.

Freebies, Deals And Steals

Before getting to the biggest business stories in the Golden State, here are some of the best consumer deals of the week:

• Bath & Body Works' semiannual sale kicks off Monday, but rewards members can gain early access to the deals on Sunday. The company hasn't yet announced pricing, but it typically offers steep discounts on a selection of soaps, lotions, candles and more as part of its twice-yearly sales. More info and locations here.
• To commemorate Juneteenth, the National Park Service is offering free admission to its parks across the country. Californians who have the day off can choose from a long list of natural wonders — the state has more national parks than any other.

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

• How CA ICE Raids Could Affect The State's Economy
• SoCal's 1st Outdoor Drinking 'Entertainment Zone' Now Open For Weekend Cocktails
• See Why Cars Keep Flying Off The Road And Crashing Onto This Restaurant's Parking Lot
• CA Worker Fired For Skipping Office Christmas Party, $20M Lawsuit Claims
• CA Car Buyers Face A 600% Higher Fee Under A Bill The Senate Just Passed
• State Considers $100K Low-Income In These 5 CA Counties
• Grocery Strike Looms As SoCal's Biggest Supermarket Unions OK Work Stoppage

The Bottom Line

• Southern California Edison’s fire modeling drastically underpredicted the size of January’s Eaton Fire, thanks, in part to the model's ability to simulate only up to eight hours of burning. Experts say the issue highlights the need for improved risk assessment tools, especially as numerous lawsuits seek to lay blame for the fire on SCE's equipment.
• A group of attorneys at a major San Francisco law firm resigned after their firm agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono services tied to a Trump administration executive order. The departures reflect growing internal pushback within the legal industry over firms taking on work connected to the president.

More Restaurant News

Beloved Palm Desert Deli To Close Permanently: Report

The popular deli is known for its baked goods, happy hour "nosh", bagel chips and massive menu.

These Restaurants Are The Most Fascinating In CA, Food Site Says

Food Love, whose content includes recipes, food news, and opinion pieces, ranked the selections.

Iconic Frozen Cocktail Brand And Bar Chain Opening First CA Location

"People have been begging us to come to California for years, and San Diego was the perfect place for us to bring the party."

New Bar-Market Concept To Open In Laguna Hills: Report

The new concept, dubbed Bardega by its two Orange County-based owners, will open this fall in Laguna Hills.

This Is The Most Expensive Restaurant In CA

The restaurant is a famed three-star Michelin restaurant and a well-known haunt for the likes of California's governor.

Michelin Chefs Opening Restaurant In Menlo Park

The successful chefs behind Maum and Bao Bei will open a new eatery where upscale meets casual dining.

More Retail News

LA's Newest Pedestrian Plaza Bans Cars From Busy Downtown Area

Cars are no longer welcome in this part of downtown Los Angeles.

REI Plans To Open New CA Stores

The specialty retailer is expanding its footprint across the nation this year and next by opening stores near outdoor landmarks.

Costco To Build First-Ever Standalone Gas Station In OC

Costco has plans to open up its first fuel-only location in 2026.

New Hardware Store To Open Doors In Rancho Santa Margarita

A new hardware store is opening its doors at a former Rite Aid in Rancho Santa Margarita, The Orange County Register reported.

Another 83 California Rite Aid Stores Set To Close

In total, 179 Rite Aid stores in California are planned for permanent closure, leaving just 68 stores remaining in the Golden State.

More Business News

Studios Say AI Tool Is Churning Out ‘Plagiarized’ Darth Vader, Simpsons Images

Two Hollywood heavyweights are teaming up to fight an AI startup they say is ripping off their most iconic characters.

Michaels To Close One Of Its Two California Distribution Centers, Laying Off Hundreds Of Workers

The notice, filed on June 6, shows that Michaels will be shuttering its center in Northern California.

Hiring Freeze Planned Across Riverside County Government

Departments exempted from the planned freeze are Public Social Services and Animal Services.

Push Underway To Restore Weekday Service To Burlingame Caltrain Station Amid Growth

Advocates say reintroducing this vital transportation hub will benefit both the local economy and environment.

Major Auto Parts Supplier Files For Bankruptcy

The company says it has struggled under the weight of the Trump administration's tariffs.

Oakland Yoga Studio Part Of Rise In Inclusive, Nonbinary-Owned Businesses

From gender-neutral fashion to nonbinary salons and yoga studios, what was once overlooked is fast becoming a market with momentum.

CA Solar Owners Could See Tax Credits Slashed Under Trump's Spending Bill

"I think the industry is going to go through some very hard times," said Severin Borenstein, faculty director at UC Berkeley's Haas Energy.

These Are The Best And Worst CA Cities For Staycations: Study

Only one city in the Golden State ranked among the top 10 best cities in the country for staycations, according to a study from WalletHub.

High School Students Build Tiny Homes To Help Solve Marin County's Housing Crisis

The completed units will soon be placed in Novato, where they'll provide permanent housing for two low-income families.

Marin Settles Lawsuit Over Fraudulent Magazine Billing Scheme

The lawsuit is connected to a Southern California magazine company and the fine was six figures.

San Diego County Fair To Feature 6 Festival Days This Summer

The festival lineup includes annual favorites as well as a new K-Pop Festival.

Phase Out Of Gas Water Heaters, HVAC Systems, Gets Rejected In Southern California

After a five-hour hearing, the SCAQMD board in a 7-5 vote rejected smog-fighting measures that would have phased out the systems.

Long Beach's Colorful Ocean Playground Returns For The Summer

The "Wibit" aquatic playground opens Friday and will be available through Sept. 1, city officials announced this week.