Get Ready For Holiday Prices To Spike | Soaring Housing Inventory Portends Price Drops | CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: Experts are already urging holiday gift shoppers to start planning for less inventory and higher prices and a plan to hike the minimum wage for some workers in one California city is facing opposition.

Additionally, California's housing inventory has jumped 37% — and that could be a sign that prices will soon fall.

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

• Thrill-seekers willing to pony up the cash for a 2026 season pass to Knott’s Berry Farm or Six Flags Magic Mountain are getting more for their money. Pass holders will also get unlimited access to over 40 Six Flags Entertainment Corp. amusement and water parks for the rest of 2025 and all of 2026. More info here.
• Through Aug. 11, Shake Shack is offering two of its hot dogs for $8 — a deal that works out to buy-one-get-one-free in some cases. That's because the promotion includes both the chain's classic and simple all-beef frank, as well as its fully loaded creations like the Fried Pickle Dog, which is topped with fried pickles, bacon and melted cheddar and American cheeses. More info here.

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

• Investors Own Most Of The Houses In These CA Counties
• CA Holiday Shoppers Should Plan For High Prices And Fewer Products
• CA's Housing Inventory Jumps 37% — Experts Warn of Price Declines Ahead
• 25K NorCal Grocery Store Workers Ready To Strike
• She Kept Challenging One Of California's Biggest Health Insurers. Then, It Tried To Cut Her Off
• Tesla To Battle CA Over Claims That It Falsely Advertised Self-Driving Tech
• Smash-And-Grab Crew Ransacks Santa Monica Luxury Store In Broad Daylight
• $30 Minimum Wage For LA’s Hotel, Airport Workers Faces Referendum Challenge

The Bottom Line

• On Friday, Tesla told its staff it planned to roll out its robotaxi service in San Francisco over the weekend. So that would explain any Bay Area sightings of driverless Teslas. The product, which is meant to compete with current driverless taxi leader Waymo, is set to expand to Marin, much of the East Bay and south to San Jose, Business Insider reported.
• Wine giant E. & J. Gallo, one of the nation’s producers, plans to permanently close its San Miguel winery, resulting in dozens of layoffs by early 2026. The move comes amid a broader contraction in California's wine industry, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

More Restaurant And Retail News

Bay Area Sears Store Will Be Last Left In Golden State After Last 2 SoCal Stores Close

When the stores close, Sears, which was once ubiquitous in California, will have just one store left in the Golden State.

Temecula's Closing Antique Mall Saved By The Bell: Latest Updates

Fourth Street Antiques Mall has found a way to stay open. Here's the latest update on the popular Old Town business.

3 New Restaurants Coming To Old Town Temecula, Another Closes Down

These three empty buildings are getting new life in Old Town Temecula. See what's coming soon, and what's currently under construction.

More Business News

Bay Area Insurance Executive Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud

Jasbir Thandi, a former Livermore insurance executive, admitted to falsifying documents that led to the collapse of two other firms.

CA Backyard Pools Recalled Over Drowning Deaths

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a notice Monday that the pools have been sold nationwide since 2022.

Ontario Airport Breaks Its Record For Most Travelers In June

The airport stated that this is the 52nd consecutive month in which they have seen year-over-year increases.

16 CA Suburbs Among 50 Wealthiest In America

From Los Altos to Calabasas, here are the richest suburbs, boasting homes with private wine cellars, solar-heated pools and more.

Metro’s A Line Is About To Go Even Farther: 4 New Train Stops Coming Soon

The longest light rail line in the entire world will get even longer when four new stops open this year.

Report Ranks San Jose As Most Expensive Large City In The Country

The report also says it's 81% more expensive to live in San Jose compared to the national average.

14 Businesses Vandalized In Bay Area, 1 Man Arrested: Police

Business owners reported damage to their windows that showed the suspect leaving the same marking at each location, police said.

A Pro Baseball Team Could Soon Be Swinging For The Fences In Long Beach

"This effort has a potential to invigorate local pride amongst our residents," Mayor Rex Richardson said.