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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Jack Plunkett/AP Images for Carl's Jr.
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Recent Business & Economy coverage

More People Are Leaving California, And Fewer Are Moving In

David Wagner |

New Census data shows that more than 690,000 Californians moved out of state last year, compared with just over 500,000 who moved here from other states.

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LAX Travelers Unhappy With New Rideshare Pickup Zone

David Wagner |

The days of curbside pickup for Uber, Lyft and taxi passengers at LAX are over. Passengers were not happy with the new system.

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CA Business Owners Spread Wealth By Selling Their Companies To Their Workers

David Wagner |

“I've got enough. By giving it to them, it's bringing everyone up.”

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LA Rideshare Drivers Would Get $30/Hr Under New Proposal

David Wagner |

Under the proposal, drivers would earn $15 in minimum hourly pay, plus another $15 to cover expenses such as gas, car insurance and maintenance.

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Forever 21 Declares Bankruptcy Amid Physical Retail Struggles

David Wagner |

Los Angeles-based Forever 21 says it will close up to 178 stores in the U.S. Analysts say clothing retail workers in L.A. may see repercussions.

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Does California Need A Homelessness 'State Of Emergency'?

David Wagner |

Governor Gavin Newsom's task force on homelessness met Friday in Los Angeles to discuss ideas for more quickly getting people off the streets.

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LA Considering One-Year Ban On Cannabis Vaping Sales

David Wagner |

Cannabis business owners in Los Angeles say banning vaping products at licensed shops would push customers to black market shops.

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More Business & Economy

LA Is Building Very Little Housing For The Middle-Class

David Wagner |

The city is falling far short of its goals when it comes to new low-income housing development. But it's doing an even worse job on housing for the middle class.

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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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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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