Guest commentary: Economic market update — AI, Iran, inflation and K-shaped consumption
Latest news, Op/Eds, OpinionBy Eric Kelley 2026 has already been a year replete with spicy news items, including the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and the initiation of military strikes against Iran. Additionally, the Supreme Court struck down the initial tariff regime. AI SHAKES MARKET Mid-month, a smaller research firm, Citrini, issued a thought piece on the possible economic Read More →
Guest commentary: Employ caution with labor law — Tips to prevent misclassification
Latest news, Op/Eds, OpinionBy Elke Kane Central Coast courts are increasingly facing labor law claims, with filings rising in recent years. Remote work and changes to employee classification have changed the rules for many people. At Trusted Legal, we’ve found that most misclassification stems from using outdated assessments and evolving job responsibilities, not intentional violations. However, those oversights Read More →
Guest commentary: You need to name an executor of your estate — now what?
Latest news, Op/Eds, OpinionBy Brooks J. Hollister The conversation of getting your future affairs in order can be an uncomfortable one, but it is a necessary one, nonetheless. As Father Time remains undefeated, it is important to be prudent in contacting an estate planning attorney to assist you in creating your will and trust. In doing so, one Read More →
Guest commentary: Preparing for the next wave of franchise M&As
Latest news, Op/Eds, OpinionBy Luke Rhyner After two years of subdued activity, the franchise M&A market is entering an opportune window for prepared operators. Valuations have recalibrated, operators have rebuilt liquidity, and buyer demand in the 10- to100-unit segment is showing renewed momentum. Recent, well-publicized transactions demonstrate that deal flow is returning, including the consortium of private investors that Read More →
Guest commentary: Business and baseball go hand-in-glove
Latest news, Op/Eds, OpinionBy Ritch K. Eich I kinda grew up with a baseball and a glove in my hands. I was naturally left-handed, but I used a right-hander’s baseball glove until I played first base in youth baseball. I was about 10 years old when I got my first real first baseman’s mitt designed for southpaws. As Read More →
Guest commentary: Protect your top business assets — Your employees
Latest news, Op/Eds, OpinionBy Covered California Running a business is the culmination of a dream and the execution of a vision. While managing your own business comes with immense opportunity, it also comes with a slew of challenges. From finding the right talent and managing payroll, to ordering inventory and handling marketing, you’re busy — and every decision Read More →
Guest commentary: A case study in smart growth on the Central Coast
Latest news, Op/Eds, OpinionBy Jocelyn Brennan Drive down West Grand Avenue in Grover Beach today, and it is hard to remember that this corridor once sat quiet and overlooked. For decades, the “West End” of Grover Beach was an area locals passed through on their way to Pismo or the dunes. Few lingered, and fewer still imagined that Read More →
