Confidential Bulletin

The CRA and 20 other organizations are challenging key aspects of the state's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, citing constitutional concerns, unclear compliance requirements, and potentially billions of dollars in costs. With a preliminary five-year program budget ranging from $9.4 billion to $17.2 billion, the stakes are enormous for many sectors of the California economy, including California's restaurant community. 

In this week's News You Need to Know, Courtney breaks down what the legal challenge means for restaurants and why the CRA continues to push for clear, fair, and workable regulations.

TODAY’S NYNTK EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS: https://www.calrest.org/directv 

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

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With the Governor’s September 30 bill-signing deadline approaching, CRA continues to advocate for all restaurants in a final batch of consequential legislation. This week, Courtney shares two big advocacy wins: the defeat of AB 2564, legislation that would have eroded your control over your pricing and discount campaigns and a major law change to protect restaurants by establishing guardrails around the timing of electronic payments to alcohol wholesalers. Plus, a look at what other pending legislation remains as the Governor nears the final deadline for legislative action. 

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The CRA continues to push back on costly restaurant proposals moving through the City of Los Angeles. In this week’s News You Need to Know, Courtney breaks down proposed scheduling restrictions and employee training mandates, what happened at the latest City Council hearing, and why restaurant engagement remains critical as the details take shape. 

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

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What would eliminating sales tax on restaurant meals mean for California’s restaurants, consumers, and communities?

John Pimentel joins Confidential Bulletin to discuss the proposed California Food Tax Fairness Act, a ballot measure seeking to eliminate sales tax on all food, including restaurant meals.

We discuss why he introduced the measure, the case for treating restaurant meals and groceries more equally under California’s tax system, the potential impact on restaurants and consumers, concerns about lost tax revenue, and the significant hurdles ahead as the initiative moves toward the ballot.

Hear directly from Pimentel about the proposal and what California restaurant operators should know.

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The clock is ticking in Sacramento. As the California Legislature faces its midnight deadline, the CRA advocacy team works through the final hours to protect and strengthen California’s restaurant community. 

In this edition of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney shares the latest on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the growing coalition calling for changes to the program. She also provides updates on key legislation affecting restaurants, including alcohol to-go, restaurant reservations, building permits, and CIPA lawsuits. 

Stay informed on issues that could impact your restaurant and what comes next as CRA continues its advocacy into the fall and next legislative session. 

TODAY’S NYNTK EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS: https://www.calrest.org/directv 

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program is moving forward and the newly released costs are staggering. With an estimated $2 billion in fees in the first year and $78 billion in compliance costs over five years, CRA is helping lead a multi-industry effort urging lawmakers to pause implementation and address serious concerns before businesses and consumers are left footing the bill. 

The legislative session ends August 31, so now is the time to make your voice heard. Use CRA’s VoterVoice Action Alert to send a pre-written message directly to your lawmakers and join our call for action. 

TAKE ACTION: https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/CRA/Campaigns/139222/Respond  

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Confidential Bulletin takes you to California's Central Valley for a conversation with two respected restaurant leaders whose decades of service have helped shape both their communities and the California Restaurant Association.

Host Kathie Griley sits down with Bob Farrar and Tom Ferdinani to discuss the evolution of the CRA's Fresno Chapter, the importance of advocacy, and why collaboration over competition has been one of the industry's greatest strengths. They share stories about navigating legislative change, building meaningful industry relationships, and resources that have helped restaurants thrive through decades of challenges.

The conversation highlights what makes the Central Valley restaurant community unique, from its deep agricultural roots to its commitment to serving local communities. Bob reflects on his recent induction into the Best of the Valley Restaurant Awards Hall of Fame, while both guests offer practical advice for the next generation of restaurateurs.

Whether you're a longtime operator or just starting out, this episode reminds us that the strongest restaurants are built on great hospitality, strong community connections, and a united voice.

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For more than 35 years, Selwyn Yosslowitz has seen how collaboration strengthens California's restaurant industry. In this episode of the Confidential Bulletin, he shares why he joined the California Restaurant Association, how the Los Angeles Chapter helped him navigate legal and operational challenges, and why building relationships with fellow operators has been one of the most valuable investments in his business. From advocacy and the CRA Legal Center to restaurant roundtables and local leadership, Selwyn explains why getting involved can make a meaningful difference for both your business and the industry.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has changed how legal protections from association-led lawsuits apply to California restaurants. In this special edition of News You Need to Know, Courtney explains what the ruling means, why CRA's courtroom advocacy is more important than ever, and how membership helps protect your business during legal challenges. Watch now to understand what has changed and why it matters.

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

Thank you to the CRA San Diego Chapter for sharing some of their amazing footage for us to use!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your response to the CRA's Action Alert made an impact. Thanks to strong industry advocacy and your support, SB 690 has passed a major legislative milestone. In this episode of CRA News You Need to Know, Courtney explains the significance of the Assembly committee vote, how SB 690 curbs abusive CIPA lawsuits over standard website practices, and why continued engagement matters. 

DISCLAIMER: Stock media used in this video are sourced from Canva and other royalty-free sites. Audio: Indie Times_Positive Dvir Zilverstone

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.