San Mateo Harvest Festival returns with a more "normal" feel

The Harvest Festival has returned to San Mateo. KTVU's James Torrez talks with festival organizers about the event.

US mandates COVID-19 vaccines or tests for big companies by Jan. 4, 2022

U.S. regulators say Americans who work at companies with 100 or more employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4 or get tested weekly.

San Jose City Council unanimously approves ban on selling flavored tobacco products

San Jose City Council unanimously approved a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products. The vote came at Tuesday's city council meeting and sets up a secondary vote sometime within the next month. 

Business owners concerned San Jose may ban flavored tobacco sales

San Jose could be the next city to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products. On Tuesday, city leaders are set to vote on the strict new ordinance. The ban could affect hundreds of retailers.

San Francisco's rules to protect small businesses stifle El Farolito's growth plans

The Golden Gate Restaurant Association says San Francisco's rules on business chains need to be more flexible and are citing the El Farolito case as a prime example as to why.

Black-owned Soul on a Roll food truck a success story for the formerly incarcerated

"Once you get a felony behind your last name, all opportunities go out the window," said one of the three co-owners of an Oakland food truck that is ready to roll. Their new small business is helping them defy the odds.

Entrepreneurs are thriving as California's economic recovery continues

This last week, there was a mixed bag of job news in California well worth reporting as we continue to struggle out of the economic abyss created by the pandemic.

Californians, businesses eagerly await updated mask guidelines from state

The CDC revised its recommendations Thursday, saying fully vaccinated people could resume most indoor and outdoor activities without a mask. But with no update from state officials, Californians are confused on what to do, especially business owners.

Owners of three Bay Area restaurants charged with tax evasion, labor law violations

Three people have been arraigned in connection to tax evasion and labor law violations at Japanese restaurants in San Jose, Concord and Daly City that they owned and operated.

San Jose Flea Market vendors fearful about their future

The San Jose Planning Commission is set to vote on new plans for an urban village around the Berryessa BART station. It could impact the historic San Jose Flea Market. Long-time vendors are concerned about their livelihoods.

Mother's Day at SF Flower Mart feels normal says vendors, shoppers

Sunday morning brought in a rush of last minute shoppers at San Francisco's Flower Mart for Mother's Day flowers. The flow of the day brought shoppers and vendors a sense of normalcy.

Biden temporarily targets PPP loans to smallest and minority-owned businesses

The Biden administration is readying changes to the PPP aimed at targeting assistance to businesses that employ 20 or fewer workers and those that are minority-owned.

Bay Area welcomes first weekend of outdoor dining

Much like the bands on the street, the news of lifting the regional Stay-at-home order was music to the ears of residents all over California, as the state headed into its first full weekend free of the order.

As small businesses shutter, your gift cards are time-sensitive

Gift cards you received over the holidays may only have value for a limited time, as so many retailers face bankruptcy and economic uncertainty.

Indoor dining poses challenges for businesses and workers alike

Restaurant workers say they don’t feel safe with the shift to indoor dining, and feel trapped because they probably can’t collect unemployment if they quit.

Federal agencies offer relief to wildfire survivors.
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Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency talked to Mornings on 2 about what wildfire survivors need to know when applying for help. Find more information at disasterassistance.gov and disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

San Francisco nonprofit helps home-based child daycare operators

Childcare advocates say there can be no economic recovery without adequate child care, because parents won't be able to enter the workforce without a place for their children.

San Francisco man leads bike rides while also supporting small businesses

Now, there are three rides a week, and some have had more than 100 riders show up.  Anyone can participate, and the meet-ups are posted on Instagram.