business - CalMatters

Monita Porter, deputy director of Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, stands in downtown Fresno on March 15, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

California Divide

Can Fresno bridge its economic divide? California’s millions boost Black businesses, ag tech

by Nicole Foy May 23, 2023May 22, 2023

Fresno is one of the most economically distressed and unequal regions in California. Fresno DRIVE, a public-private effort, is starting to boost minority businesses, agricultural technology, and other initiatives.

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York City on April 14, 2023. Photo by Brendan McDermid, Reuters

California investors care about environmental, social risks. It has little to do with politics

by Guest Commentary April 27, 2023April 26, 2023

Supporters of the lowrider community at a press conference at the state Capitol in support of legislation that would prevent local governments from imposing cruising bans. Lowrider enthusiasts claim these ordinances are unjustly aimed at them and communities of color. Feb. 6, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

California business and labor at odds

by Sameea Kamal February 7, 2023February 7, 2023

A Reparations Task Force Meeting at San Diego State on Jan. 28, 2023. Photo by Ariana Drehsler, CalMatters

California Divide

California reparations task force zeroes in on who’d be eligible for compensation

by Wendy Fry January 30, 2023January 30, 2023

California finally invested in the economic success of its street vendors

by Guest Commentary November 15, 2022November 14, 2022

An Albertsons grocery store in Rancho Cucamonga on Oct. 14, 2022. Photo by Aude Guerrucci, Reuters

How Albertsons, Kroger merger could hurt California’s economy

by Guest Commentary November 14, 2022November 10, 2022

Garden with artificial grass turf in backyard. Photo via iStock

Advanced recycling is booming except in California. A new plastics law is to blame

by Guest Commentary November 3, 2022November 4, 2022

Rodrigo Hernandez, 50, finishes up a car after washing it outside of the CLEAN Carwash Worker Center, in Los Angeles on July 21, 2022. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

California Divide

Wage Theft: Car wash workers in $2.3 million case await pay 3 years later

by Alejandro Lazo and Lil Kalish August 25, 2022May 2, 2023

Fast food workers from across California rallied at the state Capitol in Sacramento, urging lawmakers to pass AB 257. Aug. 16, 2022, Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

California Divide

California’s fast food bill could link chains to wage theft and other workplace violations

by Jeanne Kuang August 17, 2022August 17, 2022

A closed sign on the window of a beach sports store during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Encinitas on April 9, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Small business grants overshadow loan program in COVID-19 response

by Grace Gedye July 21, 2022July 21, 2022