Rogue AI Banking 'Nightmare' | Robots In Grocery Aisles | Mass Sexual Harassment: CA Business News

This week in California business news: Major banks are facing an artificial intelligence "nightmare" as agents access customer accounts, federal authorities say over 100 women and girls were groped and harassed at a popular restaurant chain, and cryptocurrency scammers aren't just going after older people.

Additionally, KFC has ditched Pepsi in favor of Coke. What does that mean for its sister brand Taco Bell and its iconic Pepsi-made Baja Blast?

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

• Subway Sub Club members can buy one Footlong and get a second Footlong free from Tuesday through Nov. 8 when ordering through the Subway app or website. More info.
• Denny's Rewards members can get a free stack of pancakes with the purchase of any beverage through Oct. 31. More info.

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

• Crypto Scammers Are Increasingly Targeting Gen Z, CA Attorney General Warns
• Major Banks Face AI 'Nightmare' As Agents Access Customer Accounts: Report
• 100+ Teens, Women Groped And Harassed At Popular CA Restaurant Chain, Feds Say
• An AI Robot Is Roaming The Aisles At Locations Of Major CA Grocery Chain
• KFC Is Ditching Pepsi For Coca-Cola. What About Sister Chain Taco Bell's Baja Blast?
• Tesla-SpaceX Merger Talk Has Elon Musk 'Tap-Dancing Through A Minefield'
• Nonprofit Founder Denies Using SoCal Homelessness Funds For Nightclub, Bingo Hall
• East Coast State Poised To Steal Spotlight From Hollywood As Top Filming Locale: Report
• CA Launches New AI Tool To Help People Find State Jobs
• CA Ski Resort For Sale After Plans For Exclusive Mountain Club Fall Apart: Report

More Restaurant News

Century-Old LA Diner Sets Reopening Date After Bitter Dispute: Report

The century-old diner will reopen under new ownership after a 20-month closure.

Iconic Porto's Bakery & Cafe Confirms It Is Coming To The Inland Empire

The expansion into the Inland Empire marks a major milestone for the family-owned business, which traces its roots to Cuba.

Mr. Stroopwafel Reopens Its Doors In Petaluma

The shop welcomes customers back today with warm stroopwafels and special hours for reopening day.

Beloved Berkeley Bakery Closes, Cites Low Sales Amid Political Backlash

The restaurant has served its last pastry.

Santa Monica Brew Works Plans 'Surf Shack' Restaurant On Pier

The City Council backed the restaurant and live music venue at former Rusty's Surf Ranch site, with up to $750,000 for improvements.

Cole's, One Of LA's Oldest Restaurants, Plans To Reopen After Closure: Report

The restaurant, which claims to have invented the French dip sandwich more than a century ago, could reopen as soon as November.

More Retail News

Tecovas Grand Opening Announced For Old Town Temecula

The Western wear retailer brings handcrafted boots, custom hats and leather goods to Old Town, with live music, giveaways and more.

Fleastyle, 'The Original Hat Bar,' Celebrates Grand Opening In Laguna Beach

Community members and officials gathered to celebrate the opening of a new boutique in Laguna Beach.

HomeGoods To Open New San Diego, Bakersfield Stores

The national brand is opening stores in several states, including two in California.

Discount Clothing Stores Open 9 New Stores Across California Amid Nationwide Expansion

The discount retailers are adding locations in California as their parent company completes a nationwide expansion of 115 stores this year.

More Sports & Entertainment News

On-Location Filming Drops 4.8% In LA County Despite Tax Credit Gains

"Production remains far below where LA needs it to be, and crews and businesses across the region are feeling it," an official said.

Disneyland Almost Axed Annual Pass Program, Former CEO Says: Report

Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek discussed the controversial move in his new book, "Behind the Castle Walls," The OC Register reported.

CA Ski Resorts Reveal What's New For Upcoming Winter Season

Here's what to know about the forecast, opening dates and major upgrades at California's ski resorts.

Small Businesses In LA County Get Shot At Official 2028 Olympic Merchandise Deals

The program will let selected LA County small businesses create and sell officially licensed LA28 merchandise during the games.

More Real Estate News

Bay Area Family Scammed Out Of Thousands By Fake Landlord: Report

The family thought they were getting a three-bedroom home. Then, reality sank in.

Manhattan Beach Eyes Taller Buildings At 2 Prime Downtown Sites

Proposed zoning changes could allow taller buildings at two city-owned sites, with new rules for rooftop structures and parking.

Oceanfront Laguna Beach Home Sells For $82.6M, One Of Highest In OC: Report

The blufftop Laguna Beach estate is partially suspended above the shoreline with oceanfront views, The Orange County Register reported.

More Transportation News

One Of LA's Busiest Streets Is Getting A Massive 12-Mile Overhaul: What To Know

A sweeping redesign of the street is underway, with major changes ahead for drivers and commuters along the 12-mile corridor.

Four Minutes Fuel This NorCal Town's Train Station Debate

Two proposed station sites offer different advantages: parking and room for housing near the historic depot or a shorter walk the plaza.

150 Amazon Robotaxis Could Soon Be Moving Into A Santa Monica Parking Garage

The city could earn $500,000 a year under a proposed deal to store autonomous vehicles beneath the Main Library and at other parking sites.

Metro Backs Plan To Relocate Commerce Metrolink Station To Pico Rivera

A study found a Pico Rivera station could draw hundreds of daily riders, compared with just 33 at the current Commerce stop.

More Business News

Shellfish Farms Cleared To Reopen After Sewage Spill In Marin's Tomales Bay

Shellfish businesses can resume harvesting after water-quality testing cleared the way for reopening.

First 'Gas Station Heroin' Death Reported In San Francisco

Other fatal overdoses involving Kratom have been reported across the country.

Buoying NorCal Coastal Economy, Cuisine With $2.7M Ice House Refit

Officials secured federal and state money to replace aging equipment vital to keeping NorCal catches, coastal economy, and tradition alive.

Fire Survivors Press CA Insurance Commissioner Candidates Over Toxic Home Testing

Fire survivors are pressing the candidates to commit to forcing insurers to test and remediate smoke-contaminated homes.

Thieves Steal $1M In Pokemon Cards From FedEx Truck

At least two pallets full of trading cards amounting to nearly $1 million were stolen from a delivery truck in Orange County, police said.

Amazon To Hire 34K Workers In CA For Holiday Season

More than 34,000 positions will be available across California.

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