Secret Menu Loophole | 'Tech Oligarchy' Blasted | 45-Foot Naked Woman: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: Gov. Gavin Newsom's wife is sounding off against the "tech oligarchy running our country," 80 people were arrested at one SoCal mall during an organized retail theft sting, and In-N-Out is closing a secret-menu loophole by raising prices.

Plus, officials in one California city say a 45-foot statue of a naked woman — which breathes — could be a key to revitalizing their downtown.

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

Dairy Queen is turning 85 and to celebrate, it's offering Blizzards for $0.85 through April 6. Learn how to take advantage of the offer here.

Universal Studios Hollywood this week launched a deal that's good for almost the entire year: Theme park visitors who buy one ticket get a second ticket for free and can use it between now and Dec. 17. Check out the full details at Universal's website.

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

• 45-Foot-Tall Naked Woman Sculpture Could Help Revitalize One CA City's Downtown
• If Electric Cars Cut Gasoline Sales And Tax Revenue, How Will California Replace Them?
• Snoop Dog To Deliver USC Business School Commencement Speech
• Tesla Sales Fall By 49% In Europe
• CA Law Firm Pushes Back Against Trump's 'Despicable' Attacks
• 80 Arrested In Retail Theft Sting At SoCal Outlet Mall
• San Francisco Seeks $2B Bailout From The State
• In-N-Out Will Close Secret-Menu Loophole By Raising Prices
• CA Loses World-Class Heart Surgeon Amid Trump's Attacks On Canada
• SoCal Woman Who Filed $850K In Phony Unemployment Claims Gets 5 Years In Prison
• Gov. Gavin Newsom's Wife Calls Out 'Tech Oligarchy Running Our Country'

The Bottom Line

• A major player in California's legal cannabis market has announced plans to enter receivership due to mounting financial losses and legal challenges. Despite generating over $100 million in annual revenue from its 16 dispensaries and large cultivation campus, the company's woes highlight ongoing struggles within the legal industry in the face of regulations and competition from the illicit market.
• Ride-hailing drivers in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego staged demonstrations last week as part of a call to resolve wage-theft claims affecting some 250,000 drivers who get work through the Uber and Lyft apps. The drivers claim they were misclassified as independent contractors prior to the passage of Proposition 22, which led to significant financial losses.
• After a group of Silicon Valley billionaires' plan to build a brand-new city in Northern California failed to take off, the group is floating a new idea for its 65,000 acres in Solano County: using it to build boats.

More Restaurant News

Berkeley Restaurant Week's Last Day Is Monday

This annual event features chocolate-infused dishes and supports local food programs.

Chick-Fil-A To Open Soon In Antioch

To celebrate moo-ving into town, the first Chick-fil-A in Antioch has a special offer for guests on opening day

Michi Tacos Owners Celebrated At Lake Elsinore City Council Meeting

Restaurateurs Karol, German Herrera's Michi Tacos named Lake Elsinore’s Economic Development Department's "Business in Action" Spotlight.

Popular East Bay Seafood Restaurant Closing After Nearly 30 Years

To preserve her legacy, Walnut Creek Yacht Club owners decided it was best to sail the ship into port and "tie her safely to the dock."

Fire Breaks Out At Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers

Firefighters arrived to find the kitchen on fire at the Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers on Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

Lilo Restaurant Opens Soon In Carlsbad Village, A Chef's Experience

Lilo, a Carlsbad restaurant featuring intimate international coastal-cuisine, plans a mid-April opening. Reservations are now available.

CA Fast-Food Sector Sees Major Job Losses, Revised Data Shows

Before a recent revision, federal unemployment data for the year showed no gain or loss in the California fast-food industry.

46-Year-Old Danville Pub Named Among Best East Bay Sports Bars

A recent report dubbed Primo's Pizzeria & Pub the best "family-friendly sports bar option around." Have you been there?

Panera Opens Hollywood Location, 2nd In Central Los Angeles

Panera Bread's new location in Hollywood is one of just two in Central Los Angeles.

Duke's Malibu Closes After Mudslide, Will Reopen For Summer

The PCH institution survived the Palisades Fire, but was badly damaged during subsequent mudslides.

More Retail News

Palm Springs Porsche Center Receives National Recognition In 2025

The recognition is awarded annually to 25 of the German car manufacturer’s 203 United States Porsche centers.

3 New Businesses Coming To Dublin

From a nail and head salon to a Jiu-Jitsu studio, there are a few new storefronts that will be opening their doors soon.

Kohl's Closes 10 CA Stores

The closures are part of a series of cost-cutting moves by the company in a challenging economic climate for brick and mortar retailers.

Vallarta Supermarkets Grand Opening Celebration Planned In Hemet

The Wednesday opening will feature gifts for the first attendees and donations for the community.

More Business News

Cal State Campuses Want To Consolidate Services

Three Cal-State universities in the Bay Area have sought approval to consolidate services.

East Bay Innovation Awards Announces Finalists

Veev and Endiatx have been recognized for groundbreaking contributions in manufacturing and technology.

Over 1,200 Seasonal Workers Needed For San Diego County Fair

"Each year, our goal is to build a team that helps San Diego to start the summer in the most fun and exciting way possible."

Wells Fargo Donates $1M To California United Ways

$250,000 of the total will support United Way Bay Area’s SparkPoint centers.

These Are The Hottest Rental Markets in California, New Analysis Says

Some of the most competitive apartment rental markets nationwide are in California as more families are priced out of single family homes.

Morgan Lewis To Relocate San Francisco Office To Transamerica Pyramid

The global law firm has secured 123,000 square feet in the newly remastered landmark.

San Fernando Valley To Get Sidewalk Repairs, Job Training In $2.3M Pilot Program

The pilot program will repair sidewalks across parts of the San Fernando Valley while teaching crews to do the work.

Southwest RivCo Entrepreneurs Could Win $1500 In Quick Pitch Session

The Southwest Region Quick Pitch Competition is open to Temecula, Wildomar, Murrieta, Menifee, and Lake Elsinore residents.

23andMe Files For Bankruptcy And Will Try To Find A Buyer

23andMe, a formerly high-flying genetic testing company, announced Sunday that it was declaring bankruptcy and that it would seek a buyer.

Billions Cut From Health Programs: What To Know In CA

The funding supports ongoing public health efforts in California around disease response and vaccinations, according to officials.