Daily Business Report: Jan. 9, 2025
Can California keep ICE away from schools?
Lawmakers want to try as crackdown looms
By Carolyn Jones | CalMatters
California lawmakers are proposing steps to protect K-12 students and families from mass deportations — although the real value of those proposals may be symbolic.
A pair of bills in the Legislature — AB 49 and SB 48 — aim to keep federal agents from detaining undocumented students or their families on or near school property without a warrant. The bills are a response to President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to deport undocumented immigrants, a move which could have major consequences for schools in California, which funds its schools based on attendance and where 12% of students have at least one undocumented parent.
Both bills would make it harder and more time-consuming for agents to enter schools or day care centers. But they can only delay, not stop, arrests.
“In no way can these bills override federal law,” said Kevin Johnson, a law professor at UC Davis. “But the bills respond to a great concern in the community that it’s not safe to take your children to school. … I can’t emphasize enough how important this is, how vulnerable undocumented immigrants feel right now.”
AB 49, proposed by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, a Democrat from Torrance, would require immigration agents to obtain written permission from the superintendent before coming onto school property. It also bars agents from being in rooms where children are present. SB 48, introduced by Sen. Lena Gonzalez, a Democrat from Long Beach, would prohibit local police from cooperating with federal agents — such as assisting in arrests or providing information about families’ immigration status — within one mile of a school. It also bars schools from sharing student and family information with federal authorities.
School districts have also doubled down on their efforts to protect students and families. Los Angeles Unified has partnered with legal aid organizations to assist families and instructed schools not to ask students about their immigration status. San Francisco Unified has similar policies.
Top Photo: Parents and their kids on the first day of classes at Loma Vista Elementary School in Salinas on Aug. 8, 2023. State legislators want to limit deportation actions at schools. (Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters)
As California tribes sue their gambling
rivals, cities could be the losers
By Ryan Sabalow | CalMatters
On their first opportunity since a new law took effect Jan. 1, seven casino-owning Native American tribes filed suit in Sacramento County Thursday against dozens of California card rooms, opening a new front in one of last year’s most expensive political battles. Now, millions of dollars of tax revenues that pay for city services such as police and road repairs could be in jeopardy.
The tribes’ suit alleges that the gambling halls scattered across California are illegally offering card games such as black jack and pai gow poker that cut into the tribes’ gambling revenues.
“Defendants brazenly profit from illegal gambling,” the tribes said in the opening line of their lawsuit.
In a statement, a card room industry representative said the cardrooms are “in full compliance with the law.”
“This attempt by tribal casinos to shut down lawful competition by tax-paying California businesses will fail,” the statement said.
The suit would not have been possible if Gov. Gavin Newsom hadn’t signed Senate Bill 549 in September. Tribes say California voters years ago gave them the exclusive rights to host the disputed table games, which they use to benefit historically disenfranchised tribal communities.
But because the tribes are sovereign governments, they lacked legal standing to sue the state’s 80 or so privately-owned gambling halls.
The bill gave tribes a three-month window to sue card rooms starting Jan. 1. They filed the lawsuit on the first day California courts opened for business in the new year.
Under the bill, tribes cannot receive any money or attorneys’ fees from the lawsuit. Instead, judges will only decide whether card rooms can continue to offer the disputed games.
The stakes are high since some cities receive nearly half of their budgets from taxes on cardrooms, meaning a tribal victory in court could jeopardize money for police, firefighters and other local services.
For example, nearly two thirds of the budget for the small city of Hawaiian Gardens and almost half for the city of Commerce, both in Los Angeles County, come from local card rooms.
California’s casino-owning tribes sued their rival card rooms including Commerce Casino, pictured here. The tribes allege card rooms are illegally offering card games including black jack and pai gow poker.
Viasat completes sale of Energy Services Systems Integration
Carlsbad-based Viasat, Inc. , a global leader in satellite communications, announced in December that it has completed the divestiture of its Energy Services System Integration (SI) business to U.S.-based private investment firm MAG Capital Partners. No further transaction details were announced.
SI, which was included in Viasat’s acquisition of RigNet in 2021, provides engineering design, procurement services, shop assembly, factory acceptance testing, and “day 2” support for telecom systems installed on critical infrastructure projects. Approximately 80 employees currently engaged in the SI business will transfer to the new company, Nessco. The agreement includes the sale of the company’s SI facility in Aberdeen, Scotland. No locations are expected to close as a result of the sale. Imperial Capital, LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Viasat in connection with the sale of the SI business.
California gives landmark boost to paid family leave benefits
California has increased paid family leave and disability benefits to historic levels in the state, with eligible workers earning less than $63,000 per year now able to receive up to 90% of their regular wages while on leave. Workers earning above that threshold will receive 70% of their wages. Both represent an important increase, and this major benefit enhancement begins with new claims filed on or after January 1, 2025.
“Expanded paid family leave benefits are about making it easier for Californians to care for themselves, bond with a new child, and care for their families without worrying about how they’ll pay the bills,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “ This is another example of California leading the way in supporting workers, creating a more affordable California, and building more opportunity for all.”
New funding announced for six affordable housing projects
Six affordable housing projects have been recommended to receive a total of $24 million in city funding under Mayor Todd Gloria’s Bridge to Home initiative, which helps get shovels in the ground more quickly by providing gap-financing assistance. The six projects would create 592 new affordable homes – plus six manager’s units – in three different City Council districts. Of the 592 homes, 125 would be set aside as permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.
The six projects:
- 40th & Alpha Apartmentsby Community HousingWorks, which proposes 91 affordable homes plus one manager’s unit in Southcrest. Sixteen of the homes would come with supportive services. Award recommendation: $4.5 million.
- 73rd Street Apartmentsby Eden Housing, which proposes 119 affordable homes plus one manager’s unit in College Area. Thirty of the homes would come with supportive services. Award recommendation: $3 million.
- The Goodwin on Glacierby Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation, which proposes 130 affordable homes for seniors plus one manager’s unit in Grantville. Award recommendation: $4 million.
- Market Street Apartmentsby Affirmed Housing Group, which proposes 137 affordable homes for seniors plus one manager’s unit in Chollas View. Award recommendation: $5 million.
- Serra Mesa Apartmentsby Community HousingWorks, which proposes 59 affordable homes for seniors plus one manager’s unit in Serra Mesa. All 59 of the homes would come with supportive services. Award recommendation: $3.5 million.
- Swift Avenue Apartmentsby Community HousingWorks, which proposes 56 affordable homes plus one manager’s unit in City Heights. Twenty of the homes would come with supportive services. Award recommendation: $4 million.
Monsters inside cells could help explain treatment
failure and improve drug development
An infection transmitted by vampire bugs, a disease that attacks the heart, and glowing green microscopic parasites. These eerie elements are all part of a project led by San Diego State University associate professor Laura-Isobel McCall which tests a new theory on why treatments fail to cure a range of diseases.
Getting sick can be scary and what’s even more frightening is when treatments don’t work. A key culprit behind treatment failure is antimicrobial resistance, a huge issue in health care today which occurs when microbes have built up an immunity to the drugs used to treat them.
Neural stem cell transplantation shows
promise for treating chronic spinal cord injury
A Phase I clinical trial led by researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine has demonstrated the long-term safety and feasibility of neural stem cell transplantation for treating chronic spinal cord injuries. These devastating injuries often result in partial or full paralysis and are currently incurable. The study, which followed four patients with chronic spinal cord injuries for five years, found that two patients showed durable evidence of neurological improvement after treatment with neural stem cell implantation, including increased motor and sensory scores, and improved electromyography (EMG) activity. Some patients also showed improvement in pain scores.
Landmark report shows mixed progress
in California Indian education
American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) students in California have made significant progress in some areas but still face persistent challenges that demand immediate attention. That’s the top-level finding of a groundbreaking study released Friday by the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) at Cal State San Marcos.
The “State of American Indian and Alaska Native Education in California 2024” report, funded by CSUSM, shows that while AIAN high school graduation rates improved substantially from 70.54% in 2017-18 to 78.76% in 2021-2022, other critical metrics indicate ongoing disparities that require systematic change.
Alaska Airlines to start new service to Tokyo and Seoul in 2025
Alaska Airlines said it will start new service to Tokyo and Seoul next year as part of a plan to boost international flights over the next several years. Alaska announced the new routes as it raised its fourth-quarter outlook and publicized a plan to boost profit by $1 billion over three years. It said greater efficiency from combining with Hawaiian Airlines will save the company at least $500 million by 2027. Alaska also plans to introduce a new premium co-branded credit card; similar deals have been lucrative for other carriers.
Alaska also announced a plan to spend $1 billion buying back its own stock, which makes investors’ existing shares more valuable.
The airline said that it will begin flying between Seattle and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport in May, and add service between Seattle and Seoul in October.
Northrop Grumman to deliver U.S. Navy’s E-130J nuclear
command, control and communications aircraft
Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected as the prime contractor to deliver nuclear command, control and communications aircraft for the U.S. Navy’s Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) mission. The Northrop Grumman-led industry team will deliver the E-130J to relieve the U.S. Navy’s current E-6B Mercury fleet of the TACAMO mission.Northrop Grumman has invested in digital engineering and manufacturing capabilities that will assist in rapidly designing, building, testing and sustaining the E-130J. The company has been a key industry partner with the U.S. Navy as a prime aeronautics manufacturer for decades by serving as the prime contractor on the U.S. Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and the MQ-4C Triton as well as providing support for the E-6B Mercury TACAMO fleet.
The effort will incorporate Northrop Grumman’s technology leadership in advanced manufacturing, agile design, digital engineering and weapon system integration expertise to take advantage of Day One readiness across the Northrop Grumman-led industry team.
Can I get a $500 refund for my Samsung TV that stopped working?
By Christopher Elliott, founder of Elliott Advocacy
Martin Griffin’s new Samsung TV stopped working. He wants to get his money back, but Samsung has other ideas. Who is right?
Question
I purchased a 50-inch Samsung TV. Six months later, the display panel failed. When I called Samsung, they said they couldn’t do anything since the TV is out of warranty.
I then wrote to the executive contacts you list on your site, and Samsung repaired my TV. I have the receipt for the repair.
The display panel failed again last week, and Samsung offered to repair it. Unfortunately, parts are unavailable.
Samsung is now telling me I have to buy a new TV. I have talked to Samsung on the phone and have spoken with managers in multiple departments. I also exchanged text messages with them earlier this week.
I would like Samsung to replace my TV as I feel it is a lemon. I’d like to get back the $500 I spent on the TV. Can you help me? — Martin Griffin, Wauwatosa, Wis.
Answer
Your TV should last more than a few months — and no, the solution is not to buy another TV. (And if you do, it probably won’t be a Samsung TV.)
Samsung said your TV was out of warranty, but that’s not the entire story. There’s an express warranty (the one in your contract) and an implied warranty. (Related: My damaged Samsung dryer is making a “loud, clunky sound.” What should I do?)
True, you were outside your warranty period for your TV. But there’s an implied warranty that your TV won’t break down after only a few months. I explain the difference in my complete guide to getting a repair, replacement or refund
There are other rules and regulations you can cite to argue for a full refund.
- State lemon laws. True, some states have lemon laws that specifically address faulty vehicles. But these laws generally don’t cover electronics like TVs. You’ll need to check your state’s specific lemon law to see if it applies to your situation. (Related:I want a refund for my Samsung electric stove. Why can’t I get one?)
- Small claims court. If you believe you’re entitled to a refund and the retailer or manufacturer refuses, you can file a claim in small claims court. This option can be time-consuming and may involve legal fees. (Related:What’s with this blacklisted Samsung phone? And where’s my refund?)
- Negotiation. That’s a powerful weapon. As you’ve already seen, contacting customer service and escalating the issue to managers can sometimes lead to a resolution. Be persistent and clearly explain your situation.
If all else fails, you can contact a reputable consumer advocate. Of course, my team is always happy to help you.
While a refund for an unrepairable TV isn’t guaranteed, understanding implied warranties and exploring all available options can increase your chances of a successful outcome. Remember that laws and regulations vary by location, so researching your local consumer protection laws is crucial.
Let me commend you on using our executive contacts for Samsung. Reaching out to a customer service manager the first time your TV broke down really helped. If you hadn’t done that, you would have been out of luck.
Even though your TV was not under warranty, you might have reminded Samsung of its mission — to create “superior products and services that contribute to a better global society.” Your product was not superior, nor did it contribute to a better global society. Hold Samsung to its promises.
Strictly speaking, you didn’t have much of a case (at least, according to the warranty). But warranties are written by lawyers to protect the company, not you.
I contacted Samsung on your behalf. The company agreed to refund you $240, which is the depreciated value of your TV set after one year. You accepted the offer.
Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can’t. He’s the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can’t solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.
