Business & Tech

Nation's First $30 Minimum Wage | CA Wineries Burn Vineyards | Meta's 'Pervert Glasses': 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.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the Orion AR glasses in 2024.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the Orion AR glasses in 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: The state attorney general says Paramount's threat to leave the state amounts of "blackmail," Meta is facing scrutiny over its products derisively dubbed "pervert glasses," and the nation's first $30 minimum wage is under consideration in one California county.

Additionally, the FAA says its recruited 2,000 gamers to work as air traffic controllers.

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.

Freebies, Deals And Steals

  • Moviegoers can catch a surprise film for cheap on Monday. Regal and Cinemark are both offering $5 mystery movie tickets on Aug. 17 for unreleased films whose titles won't be revealed until the screening begins.
  • Chipotle Rewards members can play the chain's Chipotle IQ trivia game Tuesday through Thursday for a chance to score BOGO entres, free queso and other food rewards. No purchase is required to play. Chipotle says it's giving away more than $1 million in free food and rewards. More info.

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

More Restaurant News

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

New Mediterranean Restaurant Opening In Coronado

The new restaurant features an indoor lounge and bar, a skylit dining room, and an outdoor patio shaded by eucalyptus trees.

Costa Mesa Restaurant Quietly Closes Up Shop

After eight years in Costa Mesa, Playa Mesa has closed its doors for good.

Chicas Tacos Heads To The Beach With New Hermosa Location

The popular LA taco spot celebrated its Hermosa Beach grand opening Saturday with tacos, music and beachside fun.

On the Border Closing Another Location In San Diego County

After two decades in the community, the longtime restaurant has announced when it will close its doors.

Shake Shack Opening Second Coachella Valley Location

The new store is in addition to an existing location in Palm Desert.

Campus Burger, Known For $1.99 Burgers, Is Coming To Hayward

The burger joint confirmed online that it would be opening a new location in Hayward.

1 Vineyard, 4 Winemakers Reveal Next Mondavi Move: To Kalon To The Fourth Power

Patch Q&A explores how a new Robert Mondavi Winery tasting concept plans to translate four wine brands into one celebrated vineyard.

Iconic OC Pizza Shop Debuts New Gelato Concept

Award-winning pizzeria Truly Pizza just debuted its second concept: Truly Gelato.

After 20 Years, A Popular Oakland Soul Food Restaurant Is Closing: Reports

"Closing this chapter isn't easy, but I'm proud of what we built together," the restaurant's founder said, according to a KTVU report.

Levain Bakery To Set Up Shop In Newport Beach: Report

The New York City-based cookie seller specializes in thick cookies that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

More Real Estate News

Long Beach's $1B Makeover Is Underway. Here's What's Coming Before The Olympics

More than $215 million is earmarked for Olympic Legacy projects as Long Beach prepares to become a major hub for the 2028 Games.

Massive DTLA Development To Bring 1,500 Apartments, New Protections For Little Tokyo

The master plan for the site proposes a total of 10 buildings, ranging in height from two to 30 stories.

Village Of 200 Tiny Homes Opens In LA's Bid To Tackle Homelessness

The new village is part of a city effort to create more than 500 tiny homes while reducing reliance on motels for interim housing.

Planners Weigh 'Permit-Ready' ADU Proposals In East Bay

Lafayette planners will consider a school permit, hillside home, and pre-approved ADU designs Monday night citywide.

Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade Is About To Look Very Different

Construction has begun on the first of up to 16 large digital billboards planned for downtown Santa Monica.

More Business News

Lakers Sold To Bob Iger, Kushner In Record $12.5B Deal

The Lakers are set to be sold for the second time in less than a year.

Stolen Goods, Including $150K Toothpaste Haul, Recovered In Organized Theft Crackdown: LASD

A series of investigations targeted retail theft, cargo theft and residential burglary crews across Los Angeles County.

Automatic Tariff Refunds Coming To These CA Residents

Shipping companies are now issuing automatic refunds for imported goods following the Supreme Court's decision to invalidate the tariffs.

After 26 Seasons, Russian River Adventures May Take Final Paddle

Russian River outfitter invites paddlers and their dogs back for one final trip before retirement arrives.

FedEx Laying Off More Than 100 Workers In Inland Empire As Shipping Giant Closes Hubs

The local job cuts reflect broader changes across the company.

Popular Bay Area Radio Host Blasts Media Company In Scathing Post After Being Laid Off

"They don't own my voice, my character, or the unbreakable relationship I’ve built with you," the host said in a post on Monday.

East Bay Data Center Plans Take Residents By Surprise

Developer plans data center supporting nearby research campus as Oakland residents debate jobs and environmental concerns.

SMART Weighs Geyserville Station On Cloverdale Extension

A SMART meeting Monday outlined a proposed Geyserville station that would bring passenger rail back to the community after nearly 70 years.

Port Of Los Angeles Approves Expanded Clean Ship, Truck Incentives

The plan includes a $20 million investment in charging and fueling infrastructure for zero-emission trucks.

Desert Cities Pushing Back Against Data Centers: Coachella To Ban Any Construction

Council gave its first reading of a new ordinance to forever ban the construction of data centers within its borders.

Beaumont Planning Commission Delays Consideration Of Digital Billboards

Last year, the city council directed staff to explore if digital billboards should come to Beaumont.

Banning Mayor Says Opportunity Zones Could Shape The Next 10 Years Of Investment

The city recommended five eligible census tracts in priority order, officials said.

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