Williams-Sonoma pays over $3 million for false 'Made in USA' marketing claims following a Justice Dept. and FTC order.

California Assemblymember Buffy Wicks has proposed AB 2808 to challenge Ticketmaster's dominance in the ticketing market, promoting competition and consumer rights.

The SF Chamber of Commerce has leased a new space for coworking, a coffee shop, and events, supported by Mayor Breed’s flexible zoning to revitalize downtown San Francisco.

Travis Credit Union partners with FHLBank San Francisco offering grants to assist first-time homebuyers in California with down payments, aiming to promote homeownership in 12 counties.

Express files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, plans to close two Bay Area stores among 95 nationwide, and may sell its business to a consortium led by WHP Global. Mark Still is appointed CFO as the company seeks to restructure.

Emporium San Francisco Centre shows signs of revival with three new leases, despite tenant details remaining undisclosed. The mall's rebranding and downtown's potential recovery hint at economic rejuvenation.

PBF Energy's Martinez Refinery is set for a major maintenance project starting next week, with an investment over $70 million, expected to last several weeks and employ over 600 local workers.

Google fired 28 employees who protested against an Israeli defense contract, citing policy breaches and workplace disruption. The controversy has sparked debate over the company's ethics and employee rights.

Abbott Laboratories is set to close its manufacturing plant in Fairfield, impacting about 200 workers, with layoffs beginning May 18. This aligns with the discontinuation of ZonePerfect bars and broader cost-cutting measures.

Instagram is rolling out a feature to automatically blur nudity in direct messages to protect teens from sextortion. The feature will be default for underage users.

Here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Castro area businesses. In this edition, two new businesses have recently opened in the Castro and two more are on the way including an acai shop, a clothing store, a small grocery store, and a massage business.

The Port of Oakland reports a surge in cargo volume, with a 32.1% increase in imports and a 24.2% rise in exports in February, indicating strong consumer spending and demand in Northern California and Asia.

A San Ramon man, Rashad Shambray-Jones, received a 40-month prison sentence for illegal gun and ammo possession after pleading guilty and violating a second chance program.