Tesla Robotaxis | CA Home Prices Fall | March Steals And Deals | CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: home sales in the state are down 10% and prices fell too, border officials are noting an uptick in egg smuggling, and an effort is underway to ban natural gas as a home heating source in the Southland.

Additionally, Starbucks' latest corporate initiative involves both layoffs and the elimination of 13 drinks from its menu.

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

As the parent company of surf, skate and snow brands Billabong, Quicksilver, Roxy, Volcom, Spyder, RVCA and Honolua Surf is going out of business, shoppers can take advantage of some deep discounts — with many items eligible for 60% off on top of sale prices on the brands' websites.

Patch scored some name brand surf t-shirts for $8, kid’s flip-flops for $6, and a bikini for less than $17. The codes and specific discounts are advertised on each brands' site: quiksilver.com, billabong.com, volcom.com, roxy.com, spyder.com, rvca.com and honoluasurf.com.

Macy's is closing nine brick-and-mortar stores in California. Ahead of their shuttering by the end of the quarter, the retailer is expected to offer increasingly enticing prices to clear its inventory. During Patch's recent visit to the to-be-closed Downtown Los Angeles location, the store was offering discounts of around 50% off.

Bloomingdale's is offering a free seven-piece gift set with Lancome purchases of $42.50. The set includes a makeup bag, serum, eye cream, cleanser, moisturizer, mascara and eye-shadow pallet.

Here's a discount that won't be going away any time soon: McDonald's is offering a free medium fry every Friday through the end of the year with a $1 purchase. The offer is available through the McDonald's app.

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

• CA Home Sales Are Down 10% — Here's Why
• One CA City Was Just Named America's 'Undisputed' Food Capital
• Apple 'Bullish' On American Manufacturing, But It's New Factory Won't Be Located In CA
• Egg Smuggling Crackdown: Border Patrol Records 158% Spike Amid Ovum Inflation
• Starbucks Eliminates 13 Drinks From Its Menu, Plans To Shrink Staff
• Bing Crosby's CA Estate Listed For $40M — See Inside The 18,000-Square-Foot Home
• All-Electric Push Continues In SoCal: No More Gas Heat Or Water Heaters
• The Convoluted Financial History Between SoCal High-Speed Rail's Billionaire Backer And President Trump
• Forever 21 Closing CA Headquarters — And Its Stores Could Disappear, Too
• Egg Surcharges, Carton Caps, Disappearing Stock: How Retailers Are Handling The Egg Shortage

The Bottom Line

• Tesla has signaled its intention to compete directly with Uber and Lyft in California. The auto company plans to rely on employee drivers initially, but has long term goals of deploying fully autonomous robotaxis, similar to those already operated by Waymo in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• A year after California made history with the nation's-highest $20 minimum wage for fast food workers, a proposal is under consideration to raise restaurant employees salaries even more.
• California's largest insurance company is giving the state insurance commissioner a stark choice: approve a rate increase or run the risk of even more policies being dropped across the state.

More Restaurant News

Legendary Japanese Ramen Bar Plans 1st Orange County Location

"We heard the call from our loyal Orange County fans who drive to our other existing Southern California locations," a representative for the brand said.

Guy Fieri's Smokehouse: A Huge Stagecoach Country Music Festival Draw

This year, Guy Fieri will feature a lineup you won't believe for his cooking demonstrations during April's Country Music Festival.

Chef Imran Ali Mookhi Serves Up Iftar Throughout Ramadan

Michelin Bib Gourmand chef's 100% Halal Desi restaurants in Hawaiian Gardens, Fullerton and Laguna Hills help commemorate the holy month.

Orange County Restaurant Week Dining Guide: Date Night Deals & More

The annual Orange County Restaurant Week is back — here's everything you need to know.

Chick-Fil-A Readies New San Diego County Restaurant

The new location joins more than 20 other Chick-fil-A restaurants serving the San Diego region.

Seafood Restaurant Closes After 30 Years In Costa Mesa

The market has stood for decades as a go-to for residents on the hunt for fresh seafood.

Mendocino Farms Expands With New Bay Area Location

The chain offers a variety of sandwiches, like vegan banh mi, chicken pesto caprese, chicken parm, turkey avocado, and more.

Texas Roadhouse One Step Closer To New Southwest RivCo Location

The new restaurant will be located in the existing parking lot of a Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Temecula Sunset Market Returns In March

Whether you're looking to shop, hear live music or taste your way through a variety of vendors, this midweek market is worth exploring.

Ticka Tikka Indian Cuisine Debuts In Southwest RivCo To Rave Reviews

From the Chicken Tikka Taco to the Masala Fries, this new Riverside County eatery is pushing the boundaries of traditional Indian fare.

More Retail News

All 75 Joann Stores Closing In CA, Bankrupt Retailer Sold At Auction

Despite initial attempts to keep more than a dozen stores open in California, all are now set to close. What to know.

Bay Area Bowling Alley Closing After Six Decades

The beloved local bowling alley will close at the end of March, and the property has already been sold to a developer.

Boot Barn Burglar Admits Guilt To Break-Ins, Sentenced To Jail

All the burglaries occurred after the store had closed, and the same items were targeted — Levi jeans and Carhartt shirts, police said.

More Business News

Disney Responds To Concerns About Its Parks' High Ticket Prices

One-day park hopper admission at Disneyland costs $1,104 for a family of four on a recent Saturday.

CA Syrup Giant Launches Barista Training Program For Adults With Disabilities

The 100-year-old company — who you can thank for your iced mocha — prides itself on never having laid off employees.

Major Car Dealership Chain Settles $650K 'Pink Slip' Suit For California Consumers

According to the civil complaint, dealerships sometimes failed to comply with the 30-day window of notifying the DMV when vehicles were sold.

Trump Considering Big Changes For Postal Service: What To Know In CA

A privatized Postal Service or one in which mail delivery is politicized may not be held to the same requirements for universal service.

Why CA-Based Children's Retailer Says Its Suing Its Customers

The issue involves "Terms of Service" for the website.

Treatment Starts For Deadly Citrus Disease In Orange County

The CA Department of Food and Agriculture issued a proclamation that the agency will survey and treat areas impacted by the disease.

Man Behind Prolific NorCal Burglary Ring Arrested: Police

The suspects carried out over 40 burglaries, sealing vehicles and tools and crashing stolen trucks through roll-up doors to gain entry.

Copa Airlines To Offer Panama City-San Diego Flights This Summer

The airline will offer nonstop flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between San Diego and Panama City.

Nonprofit Fights Eviction Notice From Long Beach Animal Shelter

The LA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals claims the city posted an eviction notice to the charity's front door.

Status Of San Diego County Social Security Office In DoubtEven San Diego County's congressional delegation was confused about the office's status amid DODGE cuts.

Woman Who Fell Exiting Universal's Harry Potter Ride Awarded $7.25M

The jury found Universal Studios Hollywood responsible for a woman's crushed spine.

Thousands Of UC Workers On Multi-Day Strike

Nearly 60,000 University of California workers represented by a pair of unions are on strike Thursday for the second day in a row.

Nearly $1B Expected To Impact RivCo Economy During BNP Paribas Open

The prestigious two-week Masters 1000 professional tennis tournament kicks off March 2 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

House Budget Bill Could Slash Medicaid: How CA Reps Voted

A recent poll showed 77 percent of Americans and 84 percent of Medicaid recipients view Medicaid favorably.

Cal State Desert Campus Plans Major Expansion

"This is a regional hub where all aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in the Coachella Valley can find the support they need to launch and grow a diverse range of businesses," one school official said.

Construction Begins On Affordable Housing For Veterans In Silicon Valley

Of the 62 apartment units, 55 will be reserved for veteran households experiencing homelessness.

SoCal Man Who Sold Stan Lee Memorabilia To Plead Guilty To Tax Fraud

The man received more than $1.2 million in proceeds which he never reported to the IRS, officials announced.