Business & Tech

Home Values Plummet | Disney Hack | Free Burgers | $8 Gas: 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.

6 CA metro areas see home values decline.
6 CA metro areas see home values decline. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: Home values are forecasted to fall in six metro areas across the state, a hacker who leaked Disney's secrets is set to plead guilty, and Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to create an unlikely alliance with President Donald Trump.

Additionally, one NorCal city was just named the best bang for your buck.

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.

  • A week of festivities is underway at Jack in the Box, which is celebrating the birthday of Jack Box (that's the name of that slightly creepy mascot, if you didn't know). Every day comes with an opportunity to get a different free item with any $5 purchase. On Monday, it's a free Jr. Jumbo Jack.
  • Amazon's Pet Day, which actually runs for two days, is this week. The online retailer is offering discounts on everything from pet food and treats, to toys and apparel and much, much more. Check out all the details on Amazon.

Freebies, Deals And Steals

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

The Bottom Line

  • In California, leaders from a range of economic sectors — from tourism to restaurants — have bemoaned the impacts of President Donald Trump's tariffs. Here's another example: In Los Angeles' Chinatown, historic businesses are struggling due to tariff hikes. Immigrant-run businesses, such as grocery stores and antique shops that rely heavily on Chinese goods, are finding it difficult to absorb the price hikes.
  • Facing legal challenges from a coalition of other states, California plans to roll back its ambitious clean-air rules for trucks. The move means the state's ban on the sale of non-electric big rigs in 2036 won't be able to happen unless the state gets the OK from the EPA — which observers say is highly unlikely at this point.

More Restaurant News

Beloved SF-Based Pastry Shop To Open In East Bay: Report

Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The popular pastry destination plans to open its first outpost outside of San Francisco. What to know.

Outdoor Brews And Bluegrass Series Coming This Summer To Redwood City

Redwood City’s outdoor music and craft beverage series returns this summer.

Long-Awaited East Bay Seafood Restaurant To Open Monday

General Manager Ramalah LaBang told Pleasanton Weekly the long-awaited restaurant will operate with limited hours starting Monday.

Oakland Nightclub Owner Says Break-Ins Have Cost Them Nearly $100,000

For the business owner, it's another break-in that will add to mounting costs to cover damages and product replacement.

Popular Greek Eatery Opens Doors In South Orange County

West Coast-based food chain Nick the Greek is bringing its Mediterranean street food to south Orange County.

New Coffee Shop, Other Big Changes At Dana Point Harbor Amid Project

As the project enters the start of its third phase of construction, four tenants have found new homes at Dana Wharf.

CA Chefs, Authors, Podcasters Nominated For James Beard Media Awards

The awards are considered the most prestigious in the food world.

A Robot Bartender Is Mixing Up Drinks In San Francisco

Powered by Amazon Bedrock's generative AI, the robot is part of an experimental showcase of autonomous service technology.

Temecula Valley Winegrowers Adds New Marketing, PR Director

Chaela Ciongoli most recently served as vice president of marketing at Kerr Cellars, where she helped shape brand marketing strategies.

More Retail News

New Daly City Credit Union Celebrates Grand Opening

The Daly City mayor and credit union CEO both attended the grand opening.

New Asian Market Opens In Dublin

Foodle Asian Market recently opened in Dublin, and many more Asian grocery stores are slated to open in the city soon.

City Officials Take A 'Business Walk' Through Lake Elsinore

“These walks are an essential tool for understanding the heartbeat of our local economy," a city spokesperson said.

More Business News

Having The Fourth-Largest Economy Doesn't Matter If Californians Can't Afford Essentials

"...we’re last in affordability, which is what matters most to everyone living here."

State Puts The Brakes On Enticing $2,000 Voucher Program After Major Snafu

The state offered to give up to $2,000 to Californians willing to buy an e-bike, but the program is now on an indefinite hold.

Bay Area County Begins Mapping Prejudice In Property Records

The goal is to identify and map racially restrictive covenants, and clauses inserted into local property records.

Trump Threatens SoCal Company With 100% Tariff

President Donald Trump threatened a major American company with a tariff after the CEO warned of higher prices as a result of the trade war.

Seniors Rally In San Bruno To Protest Trump Policies, Defend Social Safety Net

"I need Social Security. I need Medicare. I have an autistic grandchild who needs all the care she can get," Claudia Zeiler said.

LinkedIn And Google Face Lawsuit Over Health Data

The suit accuses the companies of receiving personal information through California's state health insurance exchange.

Sesame Place San Diego Reopening Water Attractions

The Chula Vista theme park features 18 rides and water attractions.

OC Attorney Who Scammed $8.7M To Fund 'Lavish' Lifestyle Sentenced

The Newport Beach attorney was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison after she admitted to swindling investors, report say.

Fast Food Workers Rally at LA City Hall, Call For New Policy

The protest was prompted by a study that found many workers fear their employer will retaliate against them with immigration threats.

Shoplifters Hit Murrieta Big Box Store, Shamed On Social Media: Cops

Murrieta officers arrived at this big-box retailer, where two people were caught on camera trying to leave with lifted goods.

Independent Spirit Awards Plans Move Away From Santa Monica Beach

The Independent Spirit Awards have long been held under a big tent on Santa Monica Beach. Next year, they're moving to a new venue.

Skechers Acquired By Global Investment Firm For $9.4 Billion

Skechers' headquarters will remain in Manhattan Beach, according to the company.

Experience A Temecula Summer: Live Music, Gourmet Fare, Fun In The Sun

Summer in Temecula Valley is about slowing down, enjoying music, savoring the flavors of dining and wine tasting, and being in the moment."

More Sick, Hospitalized After Salmonella Outbreak At San Diego County Restaurant

The cases involved people between 1 and 90 years old.

CA Dominates List Of U.S. Cities Where A 'Starter Home' Costs $1M

Seven-figure homes, once a luxury, now underscore how the post-pandemic housing boom pushed ownership out of reach for many.

Driverless Taxis' Beeping Causes Headaches For Santa Monica Residents

Several Santa Monica residents are pleading with Waymo to give them some peace and quiet.

Bay Area Arts Scene Hit By National Endowments For The Arts Grant Cancellations

The cancellations impact various art organizations, including the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, SF Jazz, and The Lab.

Dublin Seeks $50M Grant For Major Changes Near BART Station

The Amador Station project near the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station would bring 300 apartment units, infrastructure upgrades, and more.

New Affordable Homes Community Opens In Murrieta

Supervisor Chuck Washington was on hand to celebrate the grand opening of the Monamos Terrace Apartments.

Man Sentenced To Prison For Sporting Goods Theft Spree

A robbery crew stole over $16,000 in sporting goods from southern San Diego County stores.

California Lost 11,600 Net Jobs In March

California has lost nearly 200,000 private-sector jobs since January 2023.

NorCal Student Turns Pickleballs Into Puzzles

A Carlmont High School student has a clever way to prevent pickleballs from filling up landfills.

Riverside County Permit Fees Expected To Dramatically Rise

A May 20 public hearing is set to consider increases on Riverside County Department of Environmental Health-issued permits.

Bay Area CEO Wins ‘Women of Influence’ Award

The Silicon Valley Business Journal spotlights the region's most impactful leaders.

Where To Stay In West Hollywood During WeHo Pride 2025

West Hollywood offers dozens of lodging options near the heart of the festivities. Here's a look at 10 standout hotels.

NorCal Medical Office Burglar Connected To National Burglary Crew: PD

Police said the suspect is connected to a nationwide burglary crew.

Bay Area Startup Helps College Students Cut Down On Rent Costs By Doing Chores

"San Rafael is one of the most expensive places to live," Tagore said. "So, I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to live on my own."

New Nonstop Flights Available Between San Diego And Amsterdam

Three weekly flights aboard KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be available out of San Diego.

Livermore Downtown Street Fest Tickets On Sale

The Street Fest will feature local wine and beer tastings, over 120 vendors, live music, a kid's zone, and more.

Cops Finish Food Delivery After Driver's Arrest

The driver, who was accused of riding on a stolen motorcycle, told officers he was worried about the delivery not making it on time.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.