Business | Explaining Southern California's economy

Trump's labor pick is no fan of California's overtime, rest break rules

Trump tapped Andrew Puzder, who runs the parent company for Carl's Jr. Despite the burger chain's long history in California, Puzder said they would grow elsewhere. Ben Bergman
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Recent Business & Economy coverage

State Lawmakers Pass Bill To Reclassify Many CA Workers

David Wagner |

California lawmakers have sent a bill to the governor’s desk that could bring about big changes for many jobs throughout the state.

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California's High Poverty Rates Continue To Lead The Nation

David Wagner |

By some measures, California is the wealthiest state in the country. But new data shows that California still has a higher poverty rate than any other state.

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Why Older Uber Drivers Earn Less Than Younger Ones

David Wagner |

Older workers may be able to find new opportunities in the gig economy. But research shows that on certain platforms, they’re making less than younger workers.

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SoCal Grocery Workers Begin Voting On New Contract

David Wagner |

Grocery employers and workers’ unions have announced a deal to raise wages for tens of thousands of employees across Southern California.

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Workers Turn To Gig Economy As An ‘Alternative Safety Net’

David Wagner |

It’s not just a new kind of work. It can also be a cushion for those who can’t rely on their main job to make ends meet.

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Grocery Chains, Workers To Resume Contract Talks

David Wagner |

The two sides remain far apart on a deal to increase pay for workers at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions.

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Displaced By Fire Or Earthquake? State Orders Phone Companies To Help You

Sharon McNary |

If a disaster forces you from your home, access to reliable phone service can help you get back on your feet. State utility regulators have voted to require phone companies to provide some essential basic services for survivors.

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More Business & Economy

Recycling Centers Are Getting Harder To Find In LA

David Wagner |

The sharp decline in recycling centers means many customers have to travel farther to earn what can be a crucial source of income.

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How An LA Charity Is Rescuing More Food For The Hungry

Sharon McNary |

One local non-profit is now able to rescue more fruits and vegetables from the garbage heap with a solution as simple as four trucks, drivers and a massive walk-in cooler at a warehouse in Bell.

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Harbor Commission Vote Speeds Plans To Automate Port Of L.A.

Emily Elena Dugdale |

Dockworkers came out in force to tell port commissioners that automation will threaten thousands of solid blue-collar jobs.

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Riverside County Permits First Cook To Sell Homemade Meals

David Wagner |

Last year, California passed a new law allowing home cooks to sell meals out of their own kitchens. But so far, only Riverside County is handing out permits.

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Gas Tax Rises Another Six Cents Across California

Gabriel Cortes |

The gas tax increased six cents Monday, making L.A. county's average price for a gallon of gasoline $3.76 — a dollar more than the national average.

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CA Rents Are More Expensive Than Just About Anywhere Else

David Wagner |

Californians have to earn nearly $35 an hour in order to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment and still have enough left over for other expenses.

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LA Will Ban Landlords From Rejecting Housing Vouchers

David Wagner |

Nearly half of Section 8 participants in L.A. end up losing their housing vouchers because they can’t find any landlords who will take them.

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Immigrant Entrepreneurs Invigorate California's Economy

David Wagner |

Immigrants tend to take more risks than people born in California when it comes to starting a business. Here’s why that’s a good thing for the state’s economy.

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Organizers aim to put rent control on the ballot in Pasadena

David Wagner |

Efforts to collect enough signatures to place a city rent control measure on the ballot last year failed. Tenant organizers think things will be different in 2020.

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